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Category: Tennis

Holger Rune Rallies from Match Point Down to Reach Japan Open Semifinals

Holger Rune Rallies from Match Point Down to Reach Japan Open Semifinals

By September 29, 2024 0

Holger Rune, the sixth-seeded Dane, staged a remarkable comeback from a match point down to defeat Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the Japan Open quarterfinals on Sunday.

Rune’s victory was a testament to his resilience and fighting spirit. After Nishikori took the first set, Rune rallied to win the second and force a decider. In the third set, Nishikori held a match point at 5-4, but Rune refused to yield. He saved the match point and won four consecutive games to secure the victory.

“It was about getting that first serve, and if I could save that match point I knew that I could put on pressure,” said Rune, who will face either defending champion Ben Shelton or France’s Arthur Fils in the semifinals. “The momentum shifted a little bit. I lifted myself up, I was more positive.”

Nishikori, 34, has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but he has shown signs of a resurgence in Tokyo. He reached the US Open final a decade ago and was once ranked number four in the world.

“It was a great week for me — great three matches with tough opponents,” said Nishikori. “I would say this was the best week so far. I played very solid, I raised my level.”

Rune needed a medical time-out in the third set, but he refused to let it derail his momentum. “In one moment I thought it was not going to be,” he said. “But I just kept my belief and trusted my fighting spirit, that was really all I could do and I managed to get through.”

France’s Ugo Humbert also advanced to the semifinals after his British opponent Jack Draper retired early in the second set. Draper, who became the first British man to reach the US Open semifinals since Andy Murray in 2012, was looking to build on his success in Tokyo, but he was forced to withdraw due to an upper body injury.

Humbert, who is ranked 19th in the world, will face the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac in the semifinals. Machac beat American qualifier Alex Michelsen 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 in the day’s first quarterfinal.

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Vardhan, Chaudhari Top Seeds for Fenesta National Tennis Championship

Vardhan, Chaudhari Top Seeds for Fenesta National Tennis Championship

By September 29, 2024 0

Fenesta National Tennis Championship: Former Champions Vishnu Vardhan and Vaidehi Chaudhari Top Seeds

The Fenesta National Tennis Championship, a prestigious event in the Indian tennis calendar, is set to commence on Monday at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi. Former champions Vishnu Vardhan and Vaidehi Chaudhari have been seeded No.1 in the men’s and women’s events, respectively.

Vardhan, a seasoned campaigner, has won the national title twice before, in 2014 and 2016. He will face stiff competition from other former champions, including Manish Sureshkumar and V.M. Ranjeet. Dalwinder Singh, another former champ, is also vying for a berth in the main draw through the qualifying rounds.

In the women’s section, Riya Bhatia has been seeded second and will be eager to showcase her strong game, which has seen her triumph in both the hard court and grass court national titles in the past. Vaidehi Chaudhari, the top seed, will be looking to defend her title and extend her dominance in Indian women’s tennis.

The tournament will also feature an under-18 event, providing a glimpse of the future stars of Indian tennis. The qualifying rounds have already showcased the improved quality and fitness of the aspiring players.

The Fenesta National Tennis Championship offers a significant prize pool of ₹3,00,000 for the men’s and women’s champions, making it an attractive event for players who are accustomed to competing for meager prize money in the domestic circuit.

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Mastering Mental Toughness: The Key to Clutch Performance in Tennis

Mastering Mental Toughness: The Key to Clutch Performance in Tennis

By September 29, 2024 0

Mental Toughness in Tennis: Mastering the Art of Clutch Performance

In the realm of competitive tennis, the ability to perform under pressure is paramount. As Billie Jean King famously stated, “Pressure is a privilege.” However, harnessing the stress of a crucial match and rising to the occasion can be a daunting task for many players.

Controlling Emotions

The anxiety associated with closing out a tight match or relinquishing a comfortable lead can trigger mental turmoil. Players who succumb to these emotions often falter, sometimes in a rage-filled manner. Developing mental toughness requires controlling emotions and focusing on what can be controlled.

Concentrating on the Present

Dwelling on bad breaks or external factors can derail mental composure. Instead, players should prioritize performance and focus on executing each shot effectively. This proactive mindset fosters a positive frame of mind and enhances performance.

Staying Focused

In the heat of battle, negative thoughts can cloud judgment. To combat this, players should adopt a “shark-like” mentality, concentrating solely on tracking the ball, moving to the correct position, and executing the stroke. This keeps them present and focused on each point.

Slowing Down the Pace

When mental spirals occur, players tend to rush. This leads to impulsive shots and poor decision-making. To regain control, players should slow down the pace, take deep breaths, and adhere to their pre-serve and return routines. Changeovers provide valuable opportunities to reset and regain composure.

Positive Self-Talk

Expressing emotions during a close match is natural, but it’s crucial to prevent them from escalating into self-sabotage. Positive self-talk can help players maintain a positive outlook. Instead of dwelling on missed shots, they should focus on the next opportunity.

Simulating Pressure

Mental strength is a learned skill. While it’s challenging to replicate match anxiety in practice, creating scenarios that have hindered players in the past can provide valuable experience. By practicing under pressure, players can develop solutions and enhance their mental composure.

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Simona Halep Set for Comeback at WTA 125 Hong Kong Tournament

Simona Halep Set for Comeback at WTA 125 Hong Kong Tournament

By September 29, 2024 0

Former world No. 1 Simona Halep is poised to make her long-awaited return to competitive tennis at the WTA 125-level tournament in Hong Kong, commencing on Monday. The two-time Grand Slam champion has received a wild card to participate in her first event in four months, and only her third since being cleared to resume playing following a protracted challenge to a 2022 anti-doping rules violation.

Halep, who tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat after the 2022 US Open and was subsequently sanctioned for abnormalities in her biological passport, has played just two matches since her return to tennis was approved with immediate effect in March, after her four-year ban was reduced to nine months.

She suffered a first-round defeat to Paula Badosa in three sets at the Miami Open and retired due to a left knee injury against American McCartney Kessler at the WTA 125 in Paris in May, having won the opening set. The injury has kept her out of competitive action since then.

In her quest for her first victory since her return, Halep will face Australia’s Arina Rodionova in the first round. WTA 125 events are a tier below tour-level tournaments, comparable to ATP Challenger events. World No. 8 Emma Navarro, who lost in the second round of the China Open this week, has also received a wild card to the tournament.

World No. 56 Clara Burel of France is seeded No. 2 in a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic, former world No. 33 Clara Tauson, and Americans Kessler, Hailey Baptiste, Emina Bektas, and Alycia Parks.

Halep’s return to action is a significant moment for the tennis world. The Romanian star has been one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour in recent years, winning two Grand Slam titles (French Open 2018 and Wimbledon 2019) and reaching the world No. 1 ranking in 2017 and 2019. Her absence from the sport has been keenly felt, and her return is eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow players alike.

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Jannik Sinner: Defending His Throne in a Year of Transition

Jannik Sinner: Defending His Throne in a Year of Transition

By September 29, 2024 0

Jannik Sinner’s meteoric rise in tennis has propelled him to the forefront of the sport, and the next 12 months will be crucial in solidifying his status as a dominant force.

After a breakthrough 2023 season that saw him win Beijing and Vienna, reach the ATP Finals final, and lead Italy to the Davis Cup title, Sinner has a wealth of points to defend. However, his exceptional skills and unwavering determination suggest he is well-equipped to maintain his lofty position.

Sinner’s thunderous groundstrokes, pinpoint serve, and newfound comfort at the net make him a formidable opponent. At just 23 years old, he possesses the physical and mental attributes to sustain his success.

His ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain poise in the face of adversity is a testament to his maturity. Sinner’s upbringing, which involved leaving home at 14 to pursue his tennis dreams, has instilled in him a sense of independence and resilience.

Sinner’s motivation is fueled by his blend of power and poise, reminiscent of tennis legend Pete Sampras. He shows no signs of burnout or world-weariness, indicating a long and successful career ahead.

In the coming months, Sinner will face a challenging schedule, including title defense efforts in Beijing and Shanghai. His performance in these tournaments will provide valuable insights into his ability to handle the pressure of being a hunted player.

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Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Sets Sights on Australian Open, Relinquishes National Title

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Sets Sights on Australian Open, Relinquishes National Title

By September 29, 2024 0

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, the 22-year-old tennis prodigy from Hyderabad, has set her sights on the Australian Open next year. Having relinquished her national championship throne, Shrivalli is determined to ascend to the higher echelons of the sport.

Shrivalli’s journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and impressive performances on the international circuit. Her explosive game has propelled her to a career-best ranking of No. 318, a testament to her hard work and dedication.

In March, Shrivalli reached the final of the $25,000 ITF event in Indore, showcasing her exceptional skills. She has since competed in tournaments across the globe, including the USA, Thailand, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Australia, with encouraging results.

Two consecutive quarterfinals in Perth, Australia, in $60,000 events have further boosted her ranking. Shrivalli’s ability to compete at the highest level is evident in her close match against Madddson Inglis in Perth, where she led 5-2 in the third set before ultimately falling short.

“I am growing as a person and a player with all the experience,” said Shrivalli. “I could have won the quarterfinal against Madddson Inglis in Perth, but it slipped away.”

Shrivalli’s preparation for the Australian Open includes competing in two ITF events in Mysuru and Bengaluru. She will then travel to Australia for a series of tournaments to gain valuable experience and improve her ranking.

“The aim is to take the ranking close to 200 so that I get into the Australian Open qualifying event,” said Shrivalli. “I enjoyed the conditions in Australia, though it was windy. The balls are heavy, as they play the same brand and quality as the Australian Open.”

As the top seed in the upcoming ITF events in Karnataka, Shrivalli is confident in her ability to perform well. She has been training in Delhi with coach Vishal Uppal, who has been instrumental in planning her tournaments and providing guidance.

Shrivalli’s free-flowing stroke play and powerful serve make her a delight to watch on the court. Her determination to succeed is evident in her willingness to relinquish her national championship title in pursuit of her ultimate goal: competing at the highest level of tennis.

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Carlos Alcaraz Reaches 200 Career Wins, Surpassing Tennis Legends

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches 200 Career Wins, Surpassing Tennis Legends

By September 29, 2024 0

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by securing his 200th tour-level victory. This triumph came in Beijing on Sunday night, where he defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2 at the ATP 500 event.

Alcaraz is the first player born in 2003 or later to reach this milestone, and only the third player born in 2000 or later to do so, following Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime. This achievement highlights his exceptional talent and consistency at a young age.

By reaching 200 career wins at 21 years, 4 months, and 24 days, Alcaraz is tracking ahead of two of the legendary “Big 3” players. Novak Djokovic had 180 career wins at that age, while Roger Federer had 160. However, Rafael Nadal had an impressive 247 career wins at the same age.

Despite being behind Nadal in terms of career wins at this age, Alcaraz has already surpassed all three players in Grand Slam titles. He has won four Grand Slams, while Nadal had three, Djokovic had one, and Federer had none at the same age.

Alcaraz’s victory in Beijing was his 45th win of the year, propelling him into his ninth quarterfinal of the season. He will next face former world No. 8 Karen Khachanov, who has a 7-0 career record against Alcaraz’s compatriot, Francisco Cerundolo.

Alcaraz has a 3-0 record against Khachanov, all on clay. This will be their first meeting on hard court, adding an intriguing element to their upcoming clash.

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The Secret to a Killer Serve: Mastering the Tennis Toss

The Secret to a Killer Serve: Mastering the Tennis Toss

By September 29, 2024 0

The Art of the Tennis Serve: Mastering the Toss for Success

The serve is the cornerstone of tennis, and the toss is its pivotal element. Unlike any other motion in daily life, the serve requires a unique coordination of throwing and hitting.

Determining the Minimum Toss Height

To establish the minimum toss height, extend your arm overhead as if making contact for a serve. This point represents the contact point. The toss should be high enough to allow the ball to fall into the contact point as your racquet swings.

Swing Length and Toss Height

The length of your serve swing influences the toss height. A shorter swing requires a shorter toss, while a longer swing necessitates a higher toss. The ball’s peak should be higher than the contact point, ensuring it falls into the contact zone at the optimal time.

Adjusting for Jumping Serves

Jumping serves alter the contact point and, consequently, the toss height. Even serving on tiptoes requires slight adjustments.

Timing is Key

The toss height is all about timing. Consistent practice is crucial to develop the timing necessary for a successful serve. Focus on hitting only tosses within the correct range, even if it means multiple attempts before serving.

Patience and Mindfulness

Mastering the serve toss requires patience and mindfulness. Be mindful of the toss height and only hit tosses that feel and look correct. This discipline is essential for a successful serve.

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Angel Lopez: From Outsider to Pillar of Tennis in His Community

Angel Lopez: From Outsider to Pillar of Tennis in His Community

By September 28, 2024 0

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Mexican-American Angel Lopez faced challenges as an outsider in both society and the tennis world. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and became a pillar of the sport in his community.

As a child, Lopez’s Mexican heritage was discouraged, but he found solace in tennis. However, he felt out of place in the country club atmosphere that dominated the sport. Inspired by the success of Mexican tennis legends Pancho Segura and Richard “Pancho” Gonzales, Lopez realized he could achieve greatness too.

In the 1970s, Lopez received support from the La Raza Tennis Association, which enabled him to travel to tournaments and train with Segura. Segura’s mentorship instilled in Lopez the belief that success in tennis transcended socioeconomic and racial barriers.

Lopez began coaching at a young age, passing up professional opportunities for financial stability. In 1979, he joined the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club, becoming its director of tennis in 1986. Throughout his career, he has worked with renowned players like Michael Chang and Brandon Nakashima.

Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Lopez is most proud of his impact on the lives of young Hispanic athletes. He has established scholarships, donated to his alma maters, and hosted junior tournaments. “Giving back to my community is really important to me,” he says. “I love coaching top Mexican juniors and seeing them succeed.”

Lopez’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. As a Mexican-American in a predominantly white sport, he faced adversity but ultimately found his place and made a lasting contribution to tennis.

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Tennis: The Healthiest Sport, Extending Life Expectancy by Nearly a Decade

Tennis: The Healthiest Sport, Extending Life Expectancy by Nearly a Decade

By September 28, 2024 0

Tennis, hailed as “The World’s Healthiest Sport,” has garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional health benefits. A comprehensive study conducted in Copenhagen over a 25-year period revealed that tennis players enjoy a remarkable 9.7-year increase in life expectancy compared to sedentary individuals. This compelling finding has become a primary motivator for people to embrace the sport.

A recent survey conducted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), YouGov, and Two Circles further corroborates the health-centric appeal of tennis. Among respondents from five major tennis-playing nations, 45% cited health benefits as their primary reason for playing. The social and camaraderie aspects of the sport also emerged as a significant attraction, with 40% of players highlighting its social benefits.

The study focused on players and potential players aged 18 and older, examining the role of tennis in their physical and mental well-being. Notably, beginners aged 35-44 were particularly drawn to the sport for its health benefits. Intermediate and advanced players also emphasized improved physical and mental well-being as their primary motivation.

Encouragingly, over 75% of casual players (playing less than 10 times annually) expressed a desire to increase their frequency of play. This finding underscores the growing awareness of the health benefits associated with tennis.

The ITF’s Global Tennis Report, conducted every Olympic year, provides valuable insights into participation trends and other statistics related to the sport. The full findings of the 2024 report will be unveiled at the organization’s annual general meeting in Hong Kong in October.

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