Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov Finds Sanctuary in Vienna, Eyes Turin Return

By Nilay October 24, 2024 0

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has found his sanctuary in Vienna, where he has consistently participated in the Erste Bank Open for the past seven years. The city’s charm, with its pristine air, aromatic coffee, and captivating architecture, provides Dimitrov with the ideal environment to recharge and perform at his best.

“Vienna is a fantastic city with a rich history,” Dimitrov said in an exclusive interview with TENNIS.com. “I enjoy exploring the streets and immersing myself in the local culture. The tournament organizers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a home-like atmosphere.”

Dimitrov’s quest for a fourth Erste Bank Open title began with a hard-fought victory over Zhang Zhizhen. He will next face Tomas Machac, Zhang’s doubles partner in Vienna. After a groin injury hampered his US Open campaign, Dimitrov has gradually regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Stockholm.

“It’s been a challenging year, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level,” Dimitrov said. “The competition is fierce, and everyone is playing well.”

Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining his physical and mental well-being. He starts his day with breathing exercises, movement, and a cup of coffee. He also values spending time with family and connecting with nature.

“Finding your own balance is crucial,” Dimitrov advised. “And one thing I highly recommend is putting away your phone in the morning. It helps clear your mind and focus on the present.”

Dimitrov’s dedication to self-care has paid dividends. He is currently ranked 10th in the ATP Race to Turin, putting him in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. His last appearance at the prestigious event was in 2017, where he claimed the biggest title of his career.

As the 2024 season approaches, Dimitrov is poised to make a strong case for ATP Comeback Player of the Year. His consistent performances and unwavering determination have kept him in the hunt for major titles and a return to the pinnacle of the sport.

Categories: Tennis

Off-Court Coaching in Tennis: A Debate on the Future of the Sport

By Nilay October 24, 2024 0

The International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) recent decision to officially implement off-court coaching in Grand Slams and all ATP and WTA events has sparked a heated debate among players. The rule change, effective from 2025, allows coaches to provide brief verbal or hand signal advice to players between points, with longer conversations permitted during breaks in play.

The ITF’s rationale for the change is to standardize coaching practices across tennis governing bodies and reduce the burden on chair umpires in policing the practice. However, several top ATP players have expressed their disapproval, arguing that it undermines the sport’s traditional “one-on-one” nature.

Denis Shapovalov, a former world No. 10, lamented the loss of tennis’s “beauty” as a solitary sport. Taylor Fritz, a US Open finalist, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the mental and strategic aspects of the game. John Millman criticized the rule for widening the gap between players with access to coaching teams and those without.

On the women’s side, former world No. 1 Jennifer Capriati suggested providing players with tablets displaying live match stats instead of coaching access. Proponents of the rule change, however, argue that it brings into the open the covert coaching that was already prevalent. They also point to the potential benefits of providing players with expert advice during crucial moments of a match.

Andrey Rublev’s victory in the Mutua Madrid Open final is often cited as an example of the effectiveness of off-court coaching. His team’s advice helped him anticipate his opponent’s serve and ultimately secure the title.

Despite the resistance from some players, the ITF maintains that the rule change has been met with overall support from players, coaches, and chair umpires. ITF Senior Executive Director of Integrity Stuart Miller believes it will enhance the sport by improving player development, reducing umpire subjectivity, and making tournaments more engaging.

Categories: Tennis

Berrettini Edges Tiafoe in Thrilling Vienna Encounter

By Nilay October 24, 2024 0

Matteo Berrettini’s resurgence continued at the Erste Bank Open as he overcame a spirited challenge from Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set encounter. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist, who had endured a recent slump, displayed resilience and determination to secure a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory.

Berrettini, seeded fifth in Vienna, started strongly, breaking Tiafoe’s serve in the opening set and serving it out to love. The second set proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Berrettini appeared poised to close out the match at 5-3, but Tiafoe fought back with a break and forced a tiebreaker. The American saved two match points in the tiebreaker and eventually prevailed 8-6.

Undeterred, Berrettini regrouped in the third set and broke Tiafoe’s serve early on. Tiafoe once again showed his fighting spirit, breaking back and threatening a comeback from 5-2 down. However, Berrettini held his nerve and sealed the victory on his fifth match point.

The match lasted three hours and two minutes, showcasing the intense battle between the two players. Berrettini’s victory marks his first back-to-back ATP match wins since July and sets up a quarterfinal clash with either Brandon Nakashima or Karen Khachanov.

Tiafoe, who reached the semifinals of the US Open earlier this year, has struggled for consistency since then. However, his performance in Vienna suggests that he is gradually regaining his form.

Categories: Tennis

Rafael Nadal Ends GOAT Debate, Announces Retirement After Davis Cup

By Nilay October 23, 2024 0

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, recently announced his retirement from professional tennis after the Davis Cup finals next month. In his final match against Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, Nadal lost 6-2 7-6(5), marking the end of their iconic rivalry.

In an interview with AS, Nadal addressed the ongoing GOAT debate among the Big Three, which includes himself, Djokovic, and Roger Federer. “The numbers say that Djokovic is the best ever,” Nadal stated. “He has managed to stay away from injuries the longest, and he deserves this title.”

Nadal acknowledged Djokovic’s dominance, but he also emphasized his own rivalry with Federer. “My greatest rival was Federer,” he said. “He was the first one I had to beat when I arrived on the ATP Tour. Our rivalry was more intense than the one they had.”

Despite his retirement, Nadal believes Djokovic can continue to compete at the highest level. “If he’s in good health, he can still be competitive and aim to win the biggest tournaments,” Nadal said. “But I think once Federer and I are gone, he may have a small breakdown and decide to leave.”

Nadal also reflected on his defeat to Djokovic in Saudi Arabia. “It was a battle,” he said. “I didn’t play well enough in the first set, but I found my rhythm in the second. Playing against Nole is always exciting because we have such a long history.”

Nadal expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career. “I’ve always felt the love from the fans,” he said. “It’s hard to describe the energy and satisfaction you feel when you have their support.”

As he prepares for his final months as a professional, Nadal remains focused on the Davis Cup. “I’m enjoying these last months,” he said. “I don’t want to put pressure on myself. I’ll need time to reflect on what I want to do in the future.”

Categories: Tennis

Dominic Thiem Retires from Tennis After Illustrious Career

By Nilay October 23, 2024 0

Dominic Thiem Retires from Tennis After Illustrious Career

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion and former world number three, bid farewell to professional tennis on Tuesday at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The Austrian’s final match ended in a 7-6 (6), 6-2 defeat to Luciano Darderi, but the occasion was marked by a heartfelt celebration of his remarkable career.

Thiem’s journey to the top of the tennis world began at a young age. Born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, he showed exceptional talent from an early age. He turned professional in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the semifinals of the French Open in 2016 and 2017.

In 2018, Thiem made his breakthrough by winning the Indian Wells Masters. He followed that up with a runner-up finish at the French Open, losing to Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five-set final. Thiem’s consistency and resilience earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.

The pinnacle of Thiem’s career came in 2020 when he triumphed at the US Open. In a tournament played without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets to claim his first Grand Slam title. The victory cemented his status as one of the best players in the world.

However, injuries began to take their toll on Thiem in recent years. He struggled to maintain his peak form and slipped down the rankings. Despite his setbacks, Thiem remained determined to return to the top. He underwent surgery on his wrist in 2022 and worked tirelessly to regain his fitness.

Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era in Austrian tennis. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in his country’s history. His achievements on the court and his unwavering spirit have inspired countless young athletes.

Categories: Tennis

Dominic Thiem Retires: A Legacy of Power, Precision, and Passion

By Nilay October 22, 2024 0

Dominic Thiem’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. The Austrian star, known for his powerful one-handed backhand and relentless work ethic, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

Thiem’s career highlights include a Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open, 17 tour-level singles titles, and a career-high world ranking of No. 3. He also had impressive performances against the Big Three, winning 16 of 35 matches against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Thiem’s signature shot was his one-handed backhand, a rare exception in an era dominated by two-handed backhands. His backhand was fueled by a full rotation of hips and shoulders, and he believed in it so strongly that he never backed off it.

His forehand was arguably even more lethal, with Thiem saying, “My strokes are safer when I hit full power.” The combination of his backhand and forehand made him a joy to watch, blending artistry, power, and focus.

Thiem’s greatest triumph came at the 2020 US Open, held during the height of the pandemic with no spectators in attendance. He rallied from two sets to love down against Alexander Zverev to win in five sets, becoming the first man since 1949 to come back from that deficit in a US Open final.

Thiem’s work ethic was relentless, and he was known for his dedication to practice. He was born into tennis, with his parents being tennis instructors, and he began working with renowned coach Gunter Bresnik at the age of nine.

Bresnik encouraged Thiem to drop his two-handed backhand for a one-hander, and Thiem’s devotion to practice was evident in his relentless pursuit of perfection. He was known for running into forests with logs on his back and swimming in chilly winter rivers, although he denied these rumors.

Thiem’s competitive appetite was insatiable, and he played over 25 events annually for three years, a workload of 223 matches. However, this devotion may have taken its toll, as he suffered a wrist injury in 2021 that ended his year and dropped him out of the Top 100 in 2022.

Despite his physical struggles, Thiem’s legacy will be remembered for his breathtaking tennis, his unwavering commitment, and his infectious desire to win. He was a man who carried himself with tremendous intention, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.

Categories: Tennis

Soccer Legend Diego Forlan to Make Professional Tennis Debut at 45

By Nilay October 22, 2024 0

Diego Forlan, the legendary Uruguayan soccer star, is embarking on a new chapter in his athletic career at the age of 45. After retiring from professional soccer in 2019, Forlan has set his sights on tennis, and is set to make his professional debut at the Uruguay Open next month.

Forlan, who played for renowned clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, was one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. He won numerous top scoring awards, including the Pichichi Trophy twice and the European Golden Shoe twice. At the 2010 World Cup, he was named the best player and joint top scorer.

Despite his soccer success, Forlan has always harbored a passion for tennis. Six years after retiring from soccer, he began competing on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour. This year, he has amassed an impressive 73 percent win rate (8-3), reaching the quarterfinals at an MT1000-level event in Lima and the final at an M400 level in Asuncion.

“I like to challenge myself in life,” Forlan said in a press conference in June. “This is a different sport for me, and I really enjoy the challenge of competing against very good players from different countries.”

Forlan, who is right-footed in soccer but left-handed in tennis, has received a main draw wild card into the ATP Challenger event in Montevideo. He will partner with Argentina’s Federico Coria to make his debut in doubles.

The Uruguay Challenger will take place at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club from November 11-17. Former singles champions include Juan Martin del Potro, Diego Schwartzman, and Pablo Cuevas.

Forlan’s transition from soccer to tennis is a testament to his unwavering determination and love for sports. At 45, he is proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

Categories: Tennis

Pro Tennis Debuts in South Dakota with MarketBeat Open

By Nilay October 22, 2024 0

Pro tennis has made its grand debut in South Dakota with the inaugural MarketBeat Open, a Challenger event held in Sioux Falls. This historic tournament holds immense significance as it offers a coveted wild card entry into the Australian Open.

Mark Vellek, the tournament director, played a pivotal role in bringing pro tennis to his home state. A former college tennis player, Vellek returned to South Dakota and dedicated himself to developing tennis in the region. When the opportunity arose to host a pro tournament, he was the ideal candidate to lead the charge.

The MarketBeat Open is hosted at the state-of-the-art Huether Family Match Pointe club, boasting 10 indoor tennis courts and exceptional amenities. The Sioux Falls community is eager to witness elite tennis firsthand, reflecting their passion for sports.

The tournament features a strong field of players, including Wimbledon quarterfinalist Chris Eubanks, rising star Zachary Svajda, and US Open qualifier Mitchell Krueger. With an Australian Open main draw spot on the line, the competition promises to be intense.

Vellek emphasizes the significance of the tournament, stating, “The Road to Melbourne starts in Sioux Falls. A lot is at stake for these guys. Those types of things can change careers.”

The MarketBeat Open is a testament to the growing popularity of tennis in South Dakota. It provides an opportunity for local residents to experience the sport at the highest level and showcases the state’s commitment to sports excellence.

Categories: Tennis

Toray Pan Pacific Open Returns to Tokyo with Star-Studded Field

By Nilay October 22, 2024 0

The Toray Pan Pacific Open, a prestigious WTA 500 tournament, returns to Tokyo, Japan, from September 18-25, 2023. Played on hard courts, the tournament features a competitive field of 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams.

Among the notable players to watch is Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic gold medalist and Australian Open runner-up. Other top-ranked players include Daria Kasatkina (WTA No. 9), Beatriz Haddad Maia (WTA No. 10), and Diana Shnaider (WTA No. 16).

The tournament offers a total prize pool of $757,900, with the singles champion receiving $163,980. The doubles champions will split $50,000.

Tennis fans can catch the action live on Tennis Channel, TennisChannel.com, and the Tennis Channel app. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

* Sunday, September 18: 10 p.m. ET to 3:00 a.m. ET
* Monday, September 19: 4 a.m. ET to 7 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET to 3:00 a.m. ET
* Tuesday, September 20: 4 a.m. ET to 7 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET to 7:30 a.m. ET
* Wednesday, September 21: 10 p.m. ET to 7:30 a.m. ET
* Thursday, September 22: 11 p.m. ET to 3:30 a.m. ET
* Friday, September 23: 5 a.m. ET to 8 a.m. ET and 11 p.m. ET to 5 a.m. ET (Singles and doubles semifinals)
* Saturday, September 24: 11 p.m. ET to 2 a.m. ET (Singles and doubles finals)

T2 will also provide coverage of the tournament:

* Monday, September 19: 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET to 5 a.m. ET
* Tuesday, September 20: 6:30 a.m. ET to 8:30 a.m. ET
* Wednesday, September 21: 2 a.m. ET to 4 a.m. ET, 4:30 a.m. ET to 6:30 a.m. ET and 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET
* Thursday, September 22: 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET
* Friday, September 23: 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET
* Saturday, September 24: 4:30 a.m. ET to 8:30 a.m. ET
* Sunday, September 25: 4 a.m. ET to 6 a.m. ET

Categories: Tennis

Matteo Berrettini Rediscovers Joy in Tennis After Injury and Illness

By Nilay October 22, 2024 0

Matteo Berrettini, the former Wimbledon finalist, has rediscovered his passion for tennis after a challenging year marked by illness and injury. The Italian star, who began his 2023 season in March, endured a two-month setback due to an illness that threatened to derail his progress. However, Berrettini persevered through the emotional turmoil and has emerged with a renewed sense of joy and purpose.

“I found the energy again. I found the joy of doing what I like to do, what I’m doing right now,” Berrettini told TENNIS.com. “That’s the most important thing, finding the joy about what you’re doing.”

Berrettini’s resilience is particularly poignant in light of the recent retirement of Dominic Thiem, a fellow member of his generation who has struggled with injuries and a loss of motivation. Berrettini expressed his admiration for Thiem’s decision to step away from the sport at the age of 31.

“I respect a lot about his decision because he felt like he’s not in the place that he wanted to be,” said Berrettini. “He steps away with my respect, and I think, the respect from the rest of the players.”

Despite falling outside the Top 150 earlier this year, Berrettini has climbed back into the Top 40 and has won three clay-court titles in 2023. While he acknowledges that his strengths lie in his play on grass, where he has won four titles, Berrettini is proud of his journey and the progress he has made.

“I think 18-year-old me would be really proud of the journey that we’ve been through,” said Berrettini. “I got my first ATP point at 19, my first ATP win at 22. I was kind of late but my journey was really nice. A lot of good things happened along the way.”

Berrettini is currently competing in the Vienna Open, where he is making his third appearance. He reached the semifinals in his debut five years ago, where he was defeated by Thiem.

Categories: Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov Finds Sanctuary in Vienna, Eyes Turin Return

Off-Court Coaching in Tennis: A Debate on the Future of the Sport

Berrettini Edges Tiafoe in Thrilling Vienna Encounter

Rafael Nadal Ends GOAT Debate, Announces Retirement After Davis Cup

Dominic Thiem Retires from Tennis After Illustrious Career

Dominic Thiem Retires: A Legacy of Power, Precision, and Passion

Soccer Legend Diego Forlan to Make Professional Tennis Debut at 45

Pro Tennis Debuts in South Dakota with MarketBeat Open

Toray Pan Pacific Open Returns to Tokyo with Star-Studded Field

Matteo Berrettini Rediscovers Joy in Tennis After Injury and Illness

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