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Category: Tennis

Formula 1 Star Carlos Sainz Meets Tennis Legends Djokovic and Sinner at Monte-Carlo Masters

Formula 1 Star Carlos Sainz Meets Tennis Legends Djokovic and Sinner at Monte-Carlo Masters

By April 11, 2024 0

Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz had an unforgettable day at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament on Wednesday, meeting two of the biggest names in the sport: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.

Sainz, a regular visitor to the ATP Masters 1000 event, was spotted chatting with Djokovic, the world No. 1, who joked about Sainz’s “terrible” backhand and “okay” forehand. Djokovic also inquired about Sainz’s signature celebration, singing a verse from Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” which went viral after race audio revealed his team’s concerns about a potential copyright strike. Sainz confirmed that the team was joking and that he was free to sing as he pleased.

Sainz also met with Sinner, the Australian Open champion and world No. 2, who is a Ferrari fan and Formula 1 ambassador. Sinner expressed his admiration for Sainz, who had cheered him on during his second-round victory.

“It’s obviously really nice to meet these kinds of people,” Sinner said. “I’m a Formula 1 fan, and a Ferrari fan even more so it’s nice to have him around here.”

Sainz’s packed itinerary included a meeting with Djokovic at 2:35 p.m. and with Sinner at 2:45 p.m. Other Formula 1 drivers, including George Russell and Lando Norris, were also spotted at the tournament.

Sainz’s presence at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters highlights the growing crossover between Formula 1 and other sports. Sinner expressed his desire to attend a Formula 1 race if his schedule permits, while Sainz enjoys watching different sports.

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Kasatkina's Vlog Features Azarenka, Wozniacki, and Badosa

Kasatkina’s Vlog Features Azarenka, Wozniacki, and Badosa

By April 11, 2024 0

Daria Kasatkina and her girlfriend Natalia Zabiiako have released the latest episode of their joint vlog, which features a candid interview with former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. The episode, which Kasatkina has declared the “best … so far!” delves into the world of clay-court tennis and reveals a humorous anecdote about Roger Federer.

Azarenka, who had previously invited herself onto the vlog, shared her insights on clay-court play and recounted a funny story from the Mutua Madrid Open in 2012, when the tournament experimented with blue clay. She also revisited her famous match against Kasatkina at the 2020 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where she comforted Kasatkina after she rolled her ankle in the first-set tiebreak.

“After this injury, you managed to recover and play so quickly! People don’t know this! These are the stories that need to be told!” Azarenka exclaimed. “You need to tell people such life stories. They can help children, for example, because they don’t know.”

The episode also features a visit from Caroline Wozniacki, who shared a video of their memorable ride from the airport to the tournament’s player hotel. Jennifer Brady, who recently underwent a second knee surgery, provided an update on her recovery while meeting Kasatkina for breakfast on crutches. Paula Badosa took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, showing a photo of herself and Kasatkina from their youth.

“In Facebook, I have you as my sister … from when we were 13 years old!” Badosa said.

The nearly 90-minute episode offers a glimpse into the lives of these tennis stars, providing insights into their on-court experiences and personal journeys.

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Bopanna and Ebden Bow Out of Monte Carlo Masters; Nagal's Match Suspended

Bopanna and Ebden Bow Out of Monte Carlo Masters; Nagal’s Match Suspended

By April 10, 2024 0

India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden suffered a disappointing exit from the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday, losing their round of 16 men’s doubles match to Mate Pavic of Croatia and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador. The Indo-Australian duo fell short in a closely contested encounter, going down 3-6, 6-7 (6-8).

Bopanna and Ebden faced an uphill battle from the outset, dropping the first set 3-6. Despite a valiant effort in the second set, they were unable to overcome the resilience of their opponents, who ultimately prevailed in a tense tie-breaker.

Meanwhile, Indian tennis ace Sumit Nagal’s second-round men’s singles match against Holger Rune of Denmark was suspended due to rain. Nagal, who had enjoyed an impressive run of form leading up to the tournament, was trailing 3-6, 1-2 when the heavens opened up.

Nagal’s journey to the second round was marked by a series of impressive victories. He first defeated eighth-seeded Flavio Cobolli in the qualifier, followed by a triumph over third-seeded Facundo Diaz Acosto to secure a spot in the main draw. In the first round, he stunned Italian Matteo Arnaldi in a thrilling three-set encounter.

Nagal’s performance at the Monte Carlo Masters has been a testament to his recent resurgence. He became the first Indian to win a main draw match at the prestigious tournament, and the first from the country to achieve this feat at one of the three Masters 1000 events held on clay.

With a career-high ranking of No. 93 in the ATP rankings, Nagal has established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the international tennis circuit. He joins the ranks of legendary Indian players Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan as the only Indians to participate in the main draw at Monaco.

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Rafael Nadal's Barcelona Return Uncertain Amid Practice Sighting

Rafael Nadal’s Barcelona Return Uncertain Amid Practice Sighting

By April 10, 2024 0

Rafael Nadal’s return to the ATP Tour remains uncertain after he withdrew from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where he holds an impressive 11 titles. However, recent sightings of the Spaniard practicing in Barcelona have sparked speculation that he may make his comeback at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, a tournament that boasts a court named in his honor.

Nadal, who has triumphed at the Barcelona Open a record 12 times, entered the event using his protected ranking of No. 9. The tournament’s center court was renamed in his honor in 2017, a testament to his dominance on the clay surface.

Nadal’s last official match was a disappointing loss to Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International. Since then, he has been sidelined by a hip injury that ended his 2023 season after the Australian Open and an abdominal injury that has hampered him this year.

In a recent interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar, Nadal expressed his desire to return to action on home soil, either at Barcelona or the Madrid Open later this month. However, he acknowledged that his body’s limitations may prevent him from competing.

“These are very difficult moments for me, sporting wise,” Nadal said in a statement on social media. “Even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events.”

Nadal’s absence from Monte Carlo has raised concerns about his fitness and readiness for the upcoming clay-court season. The Barcelona Open, which begins on April 13, would provide him with an opportunity to test his body and gauge his progress.

If Nadal does decide to play in Barcelona, he will face a competitive field that includes world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who is seeking his third title at the tournament. Other potential contenders include Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal’s return to the tour would be a major boost for the ATP and tennis fans worldwide. The Spaniard is one of the greatest players in history, and his presence on the court always generates excitement and anticipation.

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Coco Gauff's March Madness Predictions Prove Her Sports Savvy

Coco Gauff’s March Madness Predictions Prove Her Sports Savvy

By April 10, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has proven her prowess not only on the tennis court but also in the realm of college basketball predictions. Gauff’s uncanny ability to forecast the victors of the NCAA tournament has earned her the admiration of sports fans and fellow athletes alike.

This year, Gauff correctly predicted the triumphs of both the University of Connecticut’s men’s team and the University of South Carolina’s women’s team. Her foresight was particularly impressive considering that she admitted to not following men’s college basketball closely. Gauff attributed her UConn pick to former President Barack Obama’s inclusion of the Huskies on his bracket.

Gauff’s success in predicting the tournament’s outcome highlights the growing popularity of women’s sports. Her doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, expressed her excitement about the recent surge in attention given to female athletes. Pegula noted the buzz surrounding Caitlin Clark, Danielle Collins, and Nelly Korda, emphasizing the positive impact it has on the visibility and recognition of women’s sports.

Even tennis star Ben Shelton, who missed the women’s final due to a scheduling conflict, expressed his admiration for the level of play displayed by the teams. Shelton’s comments underscore the growing respect and appreciation for women’s basketball.

Gauff’s success in predicting the NCAA tournament serves as a testament to her keen eye for talent and her understanding of the game. Her ability to identify potential winners, even in sports she does not actively follow, demonstrates her exceptional analytical skills.

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Sinner Dominates on Clay, Rublev Eliminated at Monte Carlo Masters

Sinner Dominates on Clay, Rublev Eliminated at Monte Carlo Masters

By April 10, 2024 0

Jannik Sinner, the second seed, made a seamless transition from hard courts to clay by defeating Sebastian Korda 6-1, 6-2 in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. Sinner, who has won three titles this year, including the Australian Open, dominated the match, winning 95% of points on his first serve and saving all three break points.

Defending champion Andrey Rublev, however, was eliminated by Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-4. Popyrin, who will face Alex de Minaur in the third round, broke Rublev’s serve three times.

Two-time champion Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas also advanced to the third round. Djokovic defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-2, while Tsitsipas routed Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-1, 6-0. Tsitsipas will face Alexander Zverev in the third round, while Djokovic will take on Lorenzo Musetti.

Other notable winners in the second round included Hubert Hurkacz, Ugo Humbert, Karen Khachanov, and Lorenzo Sonego.

Rafael Nadal, the record 11-time Monte Carlo champion, withdrew from the tournament before it began due to a lingering injury.

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China Crushes India 3-0 in Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Tie

China Crushes India 3-0 in Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Tie

By April 10, 2024 0

China’s dominance in women’s tennis was on full display as they swept aside India 3-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania group-1 league phase. The combination of China’s formidable players and the challenging clay surface proved insurmountable for the Indian team.

Ankita Raina, India’s top-ranked player, faced a daunting task against World No. 8 Qinwen Zheng. Zheng’s power and precision proved too much for Raina, who failed to win a single game in the 6-0, 6-0 defeat.

In the second singles match, Xinyu Wang overcame Sahaja Yamalapalli in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. Wang’s consistent groundstrokes and aggressive net play kept Yamalapalli on the back foot throughout the match.

The doubles pairing of Hanyu Guo and Xiyu Wang completed the whitewash with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Rutuja Bhosale and Prarthana Thombare. The Chinese duo’s superior teamwork and court coverage proved too much for the Indian pair.

India’s hopes now rest on their match against Taiwan on Thursday. A victory would keep their chances of advancing to the next round alive.

Meanwhile, Korea and New Zealand also registered 3-0 victories over Taiwan and Pacific Oceania, respectively. Korea’s dominance was particularly impressive, as they dropped only one game in their three matches.

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Simona Halep Returns to Tennis with Renewed Determination

Simona Halep Returns to Tennis with Renewed Determination

By April 10, 2024 0

Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion, made her long-awaited return to professional tennis at the Miami Open after a 1 1/2-year doping ban. Despite initial nerves, Halep was warmly welcomed by the tennis community and is now eager to rediscover her former glory.

Halep’s ban stemmed from a positive test for Roxadustat at the 2022 U.S. Open. Initially facing a four-year suspension, her penalty was reduced on appeal. The Romanian star admitted to feeling uncertain about her return, both on and off the court.

However, Halep’s fears were quickly allayed by the outpouring of support she received from tournament staff, security, and fellow players. She described the experience as “a great feeling, a great energy.”

Despite her extended absence, Halep remains optimistic about her future prospects. She is working with a new coach, Carlos Martinez, and is encouraged by her performance in her first match back, a three-set loss to former No. 2 Paula Badosa.

Halep acknowledges the challenges ahead, including a lack of match fitness and questions about her motivation. However, she is determined to prove that she can still compete at the highest level.

“I feel relief, I feel the freedom and… yeah, I am back in business,” Halep said.

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Ukraine Hosts Romania in Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier at Amelia Island

Ukraine Hosts Romania in Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier at Amelia Island

By April 10, 2024 0

The Billie Jean King Cup returns this weekend, with tickets to November’s Finals on the line. Seven nations will play qualifiers in front of local fans on April 12-13, while Ukraine, led by Elina Svitolina, will host Romania at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida.

Ukraine has been forced to find a temporary home for its tie due to the ongoing war in the country. The Svitolina Foundation, which manages the Ukrainian women’s national team, has partnered with the Bush Tennis Center in West Texas to secure the venue.

Svitolina and her teammates have not played a tie within their borders since 2021. The former world No. 3 is excited to be playing in Amelia Island, despite the circumstances.

“We wish we could play a home tie in Ukraine, but due to the war it was not possible,” said Svitolina. “We started our preparation as it’s not that far from Charleston. Which is good for us, because the trip is not that long.”

Romania will be led by Ana Bogdan and Jaqueline Cristian, as Simona Halep has withdrawn with a medical issue. The two singles matches will be contested Friday, with reverse encounters be played out Saturday. If Ukraine and Romania split those, a deciding doubles rubber will determine the advancing nation.

Svitolina is joined by Lesia Tsurenko, Yuliia Starodubtseva, Lyudmyla Kichenok, and Nadiia Kichenok for the showdown on green clay.

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Popyrin's Clay Love: Australian Stuns Rublev in Monte Carlo

Popyrin’s Clay Love: Australian Stuns Rublev in Monte Carlo

By April 10, 2024 0

Alexei Popyrin’s love for clay has reached new heights after his stunning victory over Andrey Rublev at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The unseeded Australian, who has now defeated six Top 10 players, credits his comfort on the surface for his success.

“Right now, I think it is my favorite surface!” exclaimed Popyrin after dethroning the defending champion. “It gives me more time on my groundstrokes, and my serve is just as effective as on hard courts. I’m able to do more with my groundstrokes and move comfortably on the surface.”

Popyrin’s affinity for clay stands in contrast to many of his countrymen, who have traditionally excelled on grass. However, Popyrin’s early move to Spain and his upbringing on the terre battue have shaped his game.

“I kind of grew up on it,” said Popyrin. “I’m enjoying every moment of it on the clay.”

Popyrin’s victory over Rublev was a testament to his consistent aggression and improved focus. He struck 25 winners and maintained a high level of play throughout the match.

“I’ve known I have the quality to compete with these top guys,” said Popyrin. “It’s just a matter of keeping the focus, the energy, and the level.”

Rublev, on the other hand, has struggled since his default in Dubai. He has lost his last six sets played and is desperate for answers.

Popyrin will next face another “Aussie on clay,” Alex de Minaur, who rallied from a set down to defeat Tallon Griekspoor. The pair have a close relationship as part of the Australian Davis Cup team.

“We have an awesome group of guys,” said Popyrin. “We’re such a tight-knit group that I honestly can’t pick just one.”

Popyrin’s success on clay is a testament to his adaptability and his belief in his abilities. As he continues his journey in Monte Carlo, he will look to build on his momentum and make a deep run in the tournament.

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