Dominic Thiem's Farewell: A Legacy of Grand Slam Glory and Unforgettable Moments

Dominic Thiem’s Farewell: A Legacy of Grand Slam Glory and Unforgettable Moments

Dominic Thiem, the beloved Austrian tennis star, is bidding farewell to his illustrious career at the Vienna Open this week. As he prepares for his final tournament, let’s delve into the remarkable achievements that have defined his journey:

Thiem’s crowning glory came at the 2020 US Open, where he etched his name in history as the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. His triumph was particularly remarkable as he rallied from two sets down and faced match point in the fifth set before ultimately prevailing over Alexander Zverev.

Beyond his Grand Slam victory, Thiem has amassed an impressive 17 career titles, including a Masters 1000 at Indian Wells and five ATP 500s. He has also reached 12 other career finals, including three more Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and the Australian Open.

Thiem’s exceptional talent is evident in his 32 career wins over Top 10 players, including 20 victories over Top 5 opponents and five triumphs over world No. 1s. He is one of only two players, alongside Andy Murray, to have defeated each member of the “Big 3” (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic) at least five times.

His career earnings exceed $30 million, placing him among the elite in ATP history. Thiem’s success has not only brought him financial rewards but has also made him a national icon in Austria, where he is the second-highest-ranked player in history after Thomas Muster.

Unfortunately, Thiem’s career was derailed by a wrist injury in 2021, which sidelined him for nine months. Despite his return to the tour in 2022, he has not been able to regain his previous heights.

As Thiem prepares to take his final bow in Vienna, his legacy as one of the most accomplished and beloved tennis players of his generation will endure. His fighting spirit, exceptional talent, and unwavering determination have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Michael Kosta’s “Lucky Loser”: From Tennis Court to Comedy Stage

Michael Kosta, the renowned correspondent and host of The Daily Show, has embarked on a literary journey to chronicle his unconventional path from aspiring tennis pro to celebrated comedian. His upcoming memoir, “Lucky Loser,” slated for release in 2025, promises an intimate and humorous account of his remarkable transformation.

Kosta’s tennis career began at the University of Illinois, where he excelled under the guidance of coach Craig Tiley, now the tournament director of the Australian Open. Despite a promising collegiate career, his professional aspirations on the ITF circuit proved short-lived, with a peak ranking of No. 864.

Undeterred, Kosta transitioned to coaching at the University of Michigan, where he discovered his passion for comedy. He honed his comedic skills in local nightclubs before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his entertainment dreams.

While his tennis career may have been brief, its influence on Kosta’s life remains profound. He hosts the podcast “Tennis Anyone,” where he engages in lively discussions about the sport. He also makes regular appearances on Tennis Channel, interviewing players and hosting the show “Warm and Fuzzy,” where athletes share their personal stories.

Reflecting on his journey, Kosta emphasizes the unexpected nature of life’s path. “Pro tennis to pro comedy seems insane now that I think about it,” he says. “But what’s so fascinating about life is that when you chase down a goal, you might get there or end up somewhere totally unexpected, which can be even more fun and rewarding.”

Kosta’s memoir promises to be a captivating read, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected turns that shaped his extraordinary career.

Zverev Reaches 60 Wins, Extends Left-Handed Dominance

Zverev Reaches 60 Wins, Extends Left-Handed Dominance

Alexander Zverev’s impressive run continues as he notches his 60th win of the year and extends his winning streak against left-handers to 25 matches.

Zverev’s victory over Joel Schwaerzler in Vienna marked his second time reaching 60 wins in a season, a feat he previously achieved in 2018. He joins Jannik Sinner as the only players to have reached this milestone in 2023.

Equally remarkable is Zverev’s dominance against left-handed opponents. His last defeat to a lefty came over 600 days ago, against Marc-Andrea Huesler in February 2023. Since then, he has won 25 consecutive matches against left-handers, including victories over Denis Shapovalov, Yoshihito Nishioka, and Cameron Norrie.

Zverev’s success against left-handers stems from his aggressive baseline play and ability to neutralize their forehand. He uses his powerful serve and forehand to dictate the pace of the match and force his opponents into errors.

The German’s impressive form has propelled him to the top of the ATP rankings, where he currently sits at No. 4. He is a contender for the year-end No. 1 ranking, which would be his first Grand Slam title.

Zverev’s next match in Vienna could potentially be against another left-hander, Cameron Norrie, in the semifinals. If he continues his winning streak, he will face a tough challenge in the final against either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Serena Williams and Family Join Star-Studded Crowd at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour

Serena Williams and Family Join Star-Studded Crowd at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour continues to captivate audiences worldwide, attracting not only music enthusiasts but also renowned athletes. Among the celebrities spotted at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for one of Swift’s three shows was tennis legend Serena Williams.

Williams, who self-proclaimed herself as “a casual Swiftie,” shared a behind-the-scenes video on social media, showcasing her excitement for the concert. The video captured her getting ready, jumping, dancing, and singing along to Swift’s hit “You Belong with Me.”

Williams wasn’t the only tennis star to attend the Eras Tour. Iga Swiatek, the current world No. 1, attended a stop in June, while Roger Federer was present at the Zurich show in July.

Joining Williams at the Miami show were her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their 7-year-old daughter, Olympia. The family showed their support for Swift by wearing matching T-shirts. Ohanian’s shirt read “I Love Taylor (my daughter made me wear this),” while Olympia’s shirt featured a heart-shaped design.

Ohanian’s Instagram post about the concert garnered praise from fans, who commended him for being a supportive father. “You did your daughter proud,” one fan wrote. “She will remember this forever.”

Ohanian expressed his admiration for Swift’s performance, calling it “amazing” and “fantastic.” He also noted that Olympia’s first concert experience would be “VERY hard to top.”

The Eras Tour, which began in March 2023, has been a massive success, grossing over $1 billion and spawning a documentary film. It is set to conclude in Canada in December 2023, leaving a lasting impact on fans and celebrities alike.

Sloane Stephens Embraces Uniqueness, Rejects Pressure of Being No. 1

Sloane Stephens Embraces Uniqueness, Rejects Pressure of Being No. 1

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, recently shared her candid thoughts on her career and the pressures of being a top-ranked tennis player in an interview with fellow player Caroline Garcia on the Tennis Insider Club podcast.

Stephens, who has been open about the challenges she has faced throughout her career, spoke about the unrealistic expectations that are often placed on athletes. She emphasized that not everyone can be the best in the world and that it’s important to recognize and appreciate one’s own strengths and limitations.

“There’s nothing wrong with not being Novak [Djokovic],” Stephens said. “Everyone can’t be No. 1 in the world. I think Iga [Swiatek]’s great, she’s No. 1 in the world, but I do not want that job. There are certain people who thrive in that, but that’s what makes our sport so unique.”

Stephens, who emerged as a teen phenom in 2011, has had a successful career, reaching the third round of the US Open as a wild card that year and stunning Serena Williams to make her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2013 Australian Open. She overcame a prolonged foot injury to win her maiden major title over fellow American Madison Keys.

However, Stephens has struggled for consistency in recent years, citing injuries and burnout. Despite these challenges, the 31-year-old American remains motivated to continue her career, noting that the unpredictable nature of the tour could still yield her another big result.

“This is a good job to stay at!” Stephens joked. “Obviously, it is a lot of travel and it’s very hectic and it’s hard, and it’s stressful. There’s a lot of adversity happening every single week that nobody ever sees. But what job is going to pay you to put on your tennis dress and play a match on live TV?”

Stephens emphasized the importance of finding ways to make the demanding schedule of a professional tennis player more enjoyable. She shared that she has been making an effort to explore new places and experiences, which has helped her stay motivated and excited about her career.

“This year, I’ve wanted to go to new places and see new things, and do new stuff,” Stephens said. “So, this year, I said, ‘I want to make it Asia so I can see the Great Wall.’ And I feel like that’s helped me more, to have something to look forward to. If you were at a regular desk job for 12 years, you would think it’s terrible. For tennis players, yes, we’re so lucky and fortunate to be able to travel and do all these amazing things, but it’s literally the same tournaments, the same cities. You’ve got to make it fun and keep it exciting.”

Jelena Ostapenko Launches Instagram Account to Sell Her Wardrobe

Jelena Ostapenko Launches Instagram Account to Sell Her Wardrobe

Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 Roland Garros champion, has launched a new Instagram account where she sells gently-worn items from her famous closet. The Latvian’s on-court stylings are already the stuff of legend as the face of the colorful Latvian brand DK One, and off the court, it’s no secret that she enjoys indulging in lavish experiences and luxury fashion houses.

But even the most extensive wardrobes need a refresh, and over the weekend, Ostapenko tested the waters by asking fans on her personal Instagram account if they’d be interested in another where she’d showcase and sell the clothes and accessories she no longer wears.

The response was a resounding yes (88% of the respondents, to be exact), and @j.o.clothes1997 was born.

It’s not the first time that Ostapenko has launched a social media channel to share her off-court hobbies and passions with fans. (Who can forget @jelena.ostapenko_baking, the channel launched during the COVID-19 pandemic’s stay-at-home order that showcases her prowess in the kitchen?) Her newest account, meanwhile, has built a modest following of more than 1,200 people in just three days online, including Nadiia Kichenok, the sister of Ostapenko’s primary doubles partner, Lydmyla and her fellow WTA pro.

And while the account is locked, meaning a user needs to request to follow it to see the posts, the Latvian television station TV3 noted that Ostapenko has already put up items from big-name brands like Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and more.

In addition to shirts and dresses, the reigning US Open doubles champion’s trove includes shoes, bags, belts and other accessories that fans can buy for tens, or even hundreds, of Euros by messaging her directly.

Ostapenko has played just one match since she and Kichenok lifted their first Grand Slam trophy together nearly two months ago—a second-round defeat to Marina Stakusic in Guadalajara in late September—but the duo were the first qualifiers for the doubles event at next month’s season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh.

As Ostapenko gets ready to visit Saudi Arabia for the first time, she might be hoping to have room in her suitcase for some sartorial souvenirs.

Dominic Thiem to Retire from Tennis at Vienna Open

Dominic Thiem to Retire from Tennis at Vienna Open

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, is set to retire from professional tennis at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, the city where his tennis journey began. The 31-year-old Austrian has decided to hang up his racquet after a successful career that included 17 tour-level titles and a career-high ranking of world No. 3.

Thiem’s decision to retire was influenced by a right wrist injury that has hampered his performance in recent years. He also expressed a desire to explore new passions and challenges outside of tennis. However, he emphasized that he will not completely leave the sport behind.

Thiem plans to develop the One Shot Cup events, a single-point format competition, into a regular series. He also aims to establish the Thiem Academy to nurture young tennis talent in Austria. Additionally, he is involved in environmental initiatives through Thiem Energy and Thiem View, a company that produces sustainable sunglasses.

Thiem’s peers and fellow competitors paid tribute to his impact on the sport. Denis Shapovalov described him as an “older brother” and a “cool guy to be around.” Thanasi Kokkinakis expressed regret that Thiem did not win more Grand Slams, stating that he was “that good.”

At the UTS Frankfurt event, Thiem received a warm send-off from his fellow players, who hoisted him in the air after his semifinal elimination. The moment was particularly meaningful for Thiem, who expressed his gratitude for the support.

Thiem’s final ATP match is scheduled for Tuesday against Luciano Darderi. On Sunday evening, Vienna organizers celebrated his career with an exhibition match against Alexander Zverev, a One Shot Cup competition, and tributes from Matteo Berrettini, Boris Becker, and others.

Thiem hopes to be remembered as a tennis player with an entertaining style, an inspiration for young athletes, and a contributor to environmental causes. His impact on the sport and beyond is likely to be felt for years to come.

Naomi Osaka's Season Ends with Injury, Withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup

Naomi Osaka’s Season Ends with Injury, Withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup

Naomi Osaka’s 2023 season has come to an abrupt end due to a series of injuries, including a ruptured abdominal muscle and a bulging disc in her back. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion announced her withdrawal from the Billie Jean King Cup finals, which were scheduled to be her final tournament of the year.

Osaka’s injury woes began at the China Open in Beijing, where she retired from her last-16 match against Coco Gauff. Subsequent MRI scans revealed the extent of her injuries, forcing her to withdraw from the Japan Open and the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

The Billie Jean King Cup finals, scheduled for November 13-20 in Malaga, Spain, would have marked Osaka’s return to the competition since 2020. She played a pivotal role in Japan’s victory over Kazakhstan in April, securing their qualification for the finals.

Osaka’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the Billie Jean King Cup, as she is one of the most recognizable and successful players in the world. Her absence will undoubtedly weaken Japan’s chances of success in the tournament.

Osaka’s struggles for consistency since returning to tennis in January after the birth of her daughter have been well-documented. Despite reaching two quarter-finals, she has failed to recapture the form that saw her dominate the sport in recent years.

The injuries sustained by Osaka are a reminder of the physical demands of professional tennis. The sport requires immense athleticism and resilience, and even the most elite players are susceptible to setbacks.

Osaka’s decision to prioritize her health and recovery is a wise one. By taking the necessary time to heal, she can ensure her long-term fitness and return to the court stronger than ever.

Sabalenka Reclaims WTA No. 1 Spot from Swiatek

Sabalenka Reclaims WTA No. 1 Spot from Swiatek

WTA Rankings Reshuffle: Sabalenka Reclaims No. 1 Spot

The WTA rankings have undergone a significant shakeup this week, with Aryna Sabalenka returning to the top spot after a brief reign by Iga Swiatek. The reshuffle stems from the WTA’s new rule requiring players to participate in six WTA 500 events annually, with zero-pointers applied for missed events.

Sabalenka has played four WTA 500 events this year, while Swiatek has played only two. As a result, Sabalenka has accumulated more ranking points and now holds a narrow lead over Swiatek.

The impact of the zero-pointers will continue to be felt in the coming weeks. Both Sabalenka and Swiatek will lose additional points next week after skipping the WTA 500 event in Tokyo. The following week, their 2023 WTA Finals points will drop off, further widening the gap between them.

The WTA 500 rule has been met with mixed reactions. Some players have expressed concerns that it could lead to burnout and injuries, while others believe it will create a more competitive and balanced field.

Regardless of the differing opinions, the rule has had a significant impact on the rankings. Sabalenka’s return to No. 1 is a testament to her consistency and determination. Swiatek, meanwhile, will be eager to regain her top spot and prove that she remains the dominant force in women’s tennis.

Youth and Experience Collide on the ATP Tour

Youth and Experience Collide on the ATP Tour

The ATP Tour is witnessing a fascinating juxtaposition of youth and experience, with veterans like Roberto Bautista Agut and rising stars like Gabriel Diallo showcasing their contrasting styles and aspirations.

Bautista Agut, a 36-year-old Spaniard, has endured a challenging year after breaking his foot. However, his resilience and determination have paid off with a title victory in Antwerp. “I had to fight so hard this year,” he said. “I went back to 120 in the world, but I was still going to practice with a smile on my face.”

On the other end of the spectrum, 23-year-old Canadian Diallo is on the cusp of breaking into the Top 100. His semifinal win in Almaty sent him into his first ATP final. “I’ve been playing some good tennis, and I’m very happy to see that the results are going my way,” he said.

While the youth movement led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has dominated the rankings, the old guard has refused to fade away. Bautista Agut, Grigor Dimitrov, Stan Wawrinka, and Marcos Giron have all made deep runs in tournaments recently.

The contrast between Bautista Agut and Diallo highlights the evolution of the men’s game. Diallo’s height and athleticism allow him to serve powerfully and approach the net more frequently. Bautista Agut, on the other hand, relies on patience, consistency, and a well-rounded game.

Diallo’s aggressive style has its advantages, but it also comes with risks. In the final against Karen Khachanov, he played his best tennis when going for broke. However, Bautista Agut’s more conservative approach ultimately proved more effective.

Diallo’s journey is a testament to the growing influence of college tennis. He played for the University of Kentucky and is now coached by his countryman Martin Laurendeau. His height, power, and mobility make him a promising prospect for the future.

As for Bautista Agut, his late-season success could be a boon for Spain in the Davis Cup. The last time Spain won the tournament in 2021, he and Rafael Nadal led the charge. With the Davis Cup Finals set to be held in Malaga, Spain, Bautista Agut’s experience and determination could prove invaluable.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart