Michelsen Stuns Tsitsipas in Tokyo, Paul and Nishioka Advance

Michelsen Stuns Tsitsipas in Tokyo, Paul and Nishioka Advance

In Tokyo, qualifier Alex Michelsen stunned fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, marking his first Top 20 victory since May. Tsitsipas, who appeared unwell during the match, dropped all five break points against his serve.

Michelsen, playing his first event since the US Open, improved to 25-24 on the season. The 20-year-old has finished runner-up twice this season at the 250 level in Newport and Winston-Salem.

In other action, Tommy Paul brushed aside Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-2. The No. 5 seed did not face a break point, thanks to his 15 for 17 success rate on his second serve. Paul is looking to make up ground in the ATP Finals race, currently ranked No. 11.

Yoshihito Nishioka gave home fans a thrilling win, outlasting Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (5). Nishioka saved two match points on his serve at 5-6 in the decider.

Fellow lefty Jack Draper also emerged victorious, beating Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-2. The US Open semifinalist will face second-seeded Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.

Adrian Mannarino Reaches 300 Career Wins in Beijing

Adrian Mannarino Reaches 300 Career Wins in Beijing

Adrian Mannarino, the 36-year-old French tennis star, has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 300th tour-level victory. This triumph came in the opening round of the ATP 500 event in Beijing, where he overcame Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought three-set battle, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Mannarino’s victory marks a resurgence in his form after a challenging period earlier this year. In 2023, he enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning three ATP titles and breaking into the Top 20 for the first time. However, his 2024 campaign started with a string of disappointing results, causing him to drop out of the Top 40.

Despite the setbacks, Mannarino has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Last week, he reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Chengdu, China, and now he has started his Beijing campaign with a victory.

Mannarino’s 300th win places him among an elite group of French players in the Open Era. He is only the 12th Frenchman to achieve this milestone, joining the likes of Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils, and Yannick Noah.

In the next round in Beijing, Mannarino could potentially face his fellow Frenchman, Monfils, if Monfils can overcome Daniil Medvedev in his first-round match.

Mannarino’s resurgence is a testament to his resilience and determination. After a difficult period, he has shown that he still has the ability to compete at the highest level. With his 300th win under his belt, he will be looking to continue his momentum and add to his impressive career tally.

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury End Six-Year Doubles Partnership

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury End Six-Year Doubles Partnership

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury: A Tennis Partnership Ends

After six successful years, the dynamic doubles team of Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury has officially parted ways. The American-British duo announced their split on Wednesday, bringing an end to one of the most formidable partnerships on the ATP Tour.

Ram, a veteran American player, shared an emotional post on social media, reflecting on their journey together. “Six years is a long time in the life of a professional tennis player,” he wrote. “Joe and I had some amazing wins, some epic matches and moments, and some gut-wrenching losses.”

During their six-year partnership, Ram and Salisbury achieved remarkable success, capturing four Grand Slam titles. They won the Australian Open in 2020, followed by three consecutive US Open titles from 2021 to 2023. The pair also triumphed at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2022 and 2023, and ascended to the world No. 1 ranking in doubles in 2022.

However, the reasons behind their split remain undisclosed. The duo parted ways after the US Open, where they failed to advance past the quarterfinals. Salisbury later revealed that he had faced “horrific abuse” on social media following their defeat, prompting him to take a break.

Ram will return to action this week at the China Open, partnering with fellow American Austin Krajicek. The pair won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and helped the USA reach the Davis Cup Final 8.

The split of Ram and Salisbury marks the end of an era in doubles tennis. Their success and camaraderie on the court will be fondly remembered by fans and fellow players alike.

Leander Paes Calls for Collective Effort to Improve Indian Tennis

Leander Paes Calls for Collective Effort to Improve Indian Tennis

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has expressed concern over the current state of the sport in the country, calling for a collective effort to improve the depth and competitiveness of Indian players.

Paes, who holds the record for most Davis Cup appearances and match wins, believes that India needs to develop a more structured base for tennis development, starting from the grassroots level. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent, providing access to academies, and hosting more tournaments within India.

“We need to build a large base of youngsters and get back to having many tournaments in India so that they can get that experience,” Paes said. “I have so much respect for these athletes who have persevered day in and day out, spending their hard-earned money just to be able to travel and play tournaments.”

Paes also stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including players, administrators, corporates, and the tennis fraternity. He believes that a cumulative effort is necessary to drive growth and improvement in Indian tennis.

“It’s going to take a cumulative effort of the players, the administration, the corporates, and the entire tennis fraternity in India to come together and push for that growth,” he said.

Paes praised the recent performance of Rohan Bopanna, who won the 2024 Australian Open doubles title with Matt Ebden. He expressed optimism that Bopanna’s success could inspire a new generation of Indian tennis players.

“Rohan’s performance has been wonderful, to see another (Grand Slam) champion come through,” Paes said.

Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek Rally Support for Flood-Stricken Poland

Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek Rally Support for Flood-Stricken Poland

Hubert Hurkacz, Poland’s top-ranked male tennis player, is using his platform to raise awareness and support for his flood-stricken homeland. Following the devastating floods in the southwest region of Poland, Hurkacz has pledged to donate €100 for every ace he hits during the remainder of his season.

“For me, sport is not just a competition, but also a platform to drive impact,” Hurkacz wrote on social media. “Starting today and until the end of the season, I will be donating €100 for every ace I hit to support those affected by the devastating floods in Poland.”

Hurkacz’s initiative has already garnered significant attention, with the Polish star hitting 17 aces in his first-round match in Tokyo against American Marcos Giron. The three-set thriller ended in Hurkacz’s favor, adding €1,700 to his donation tally.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, another Polish tennis star, has also expressed her support for the flood victims. Known for her activism, Swiatek has shared her thoughts and provided a link to the Polish Red Cross Collection, a movement that has been providing aid since its founding in 1910.

“My thoughts are with all people affected by the flood, and the services and organizations that are providing help. You are not alone,” Swiatek wrote on Instagram.

Hurkacz’s #acesforaid campaign will continue throughout his season, while Swiatek’s support will extend through the WTA Finals in November. Their efforts highlight the power of sports to unite people and make a positive impact on society.

Tsitsipas and Rune Drum Up Excitement at Tokyo Player Party

Tsitsipas and Rune Drum Up Excitement at Tokyo Player Party

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune Drum Up Excitement at Tokyo Player Party

Ahead of their Tokyo campaigns, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune showcased their cultural immersion and musical prowess at the tournament’s player party. The duo joined forces on the “Taiko” drums, delivering an impressive performance that highlighted their friendship and on-court chemistry.

Rune, known for his infectious smile, exuded energy and rhythm, while Tsitsipas, fresh from Berlin, displayed laser-like focus in his contrasting white Ralph Lauren attire. Both players are eager to build momentum as the 2024 season nears its conclusion.

Their appearances at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships serve as a prelude to the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Subsequently, both plan to maximize the European indoor swing, with Tsitsipas committed to Antwerp and Rune to Stockholm.

After a promising semifinal showing in Cincinnati, Rune faced setbacks in the US Open and Hangzhou. However, he remains determined to turn things around in Tokyo, where he faces Alejandro Tabilo of Chile in the opening round.

Tsitsipas, on the other hand, avenged his Laver Cup defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis but is seeking to string together consecutive wins for the first time since the Paris Olympics. Seeded fourth, he will face Alex Michelsen in his ATP 500 opener.

Both players are eager to make a statement in Tokyo and set the stage for a strong finish to the season. Their performances will be closely watched as they aim to drum up momentum and secure valuable ranking points.

Zhang Shuai Ends 18-Month Singles Drought at China Open

Zhang Shuai Ends 18-Month Singles Drought at China Open

Zhang Shuai’s arduous singles drought, spanning over a year and a half, has finally come to an end. The 35-year-old Chinese star, who once held the world No. 22 ranking, had not tasted victory in a singles match since January 2023. However, on Wednesday, she broke that streak in emphatic fashion at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing.

Zhang’s opponent in the first round was American McCartney Kessler, who had recently won her maiden tour-level title in Cleveland. Despite Kessler serving for the opening set, Zhang rallied back to win 7-6(5), 7-6(1). The victory marked the end of the second-longest losing streak by a WTA player in the Open Era, behind only Madeleine Pegel’s 29-match skid in the early days of the tour.

Zhang’s losing streak had been punctuated by several heartbreaking defeats. In February 2023, she lost a three-set thriller to Anett Kontaveit in Abu Dhabi. In July, she retired from a controversial match against Amarissa Toth in Budapest after an officiating decision went against her. And at the US Open, she squandered a 6-0 first set lead against Ashlyn Krueger, eventually losing 0-6, 6-1, 7-5.

Against Kessler, Zhang showed resilience and determination. After failing to convert a match point in the second set, she regrouped and closed out the match with aplomb. “I think that this is the perfect timing,” Zhang said after the win. “My first win at a WTA tournament was 15 years ago at China Open, and then the next day I beat the No. 1 player [Dinara Safina in 2009]. Maybe God has a plan.”

Zhang’s victory is a testament to her perseverance and unwavering spirit. She has faced adversity throughout her career, including a 14-match losing streak in Grand Slam main draws. However, she has always bounced back, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with.

In the second round, Zhang will face No. 6 seed Emma Navarro, the US Open semifinalist. It will be a tough test, but Zhang will be confident after breaking her losing streak.

Angelique Kerber Retires After Olympic Quarterfinal Appearance

Angelique Kerber Retires After Olympic Quarterfinal Appearance

Angelique Kerber, the legendary German tennis player, bid farewell to her illustrious career at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Despite not being her preferred surface, Kerber showcased her unwavering class on clay, reaching the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual gold medalist Qinwen Zheng.

Kerber’s career was marked by three Grand Slam triumphs: the Australian Open and US Open in 2016, and Wimbledon in 2018. However, her success on red clay was limited, with her best result at the French Open being a quarter-final appearance. Nonetheless, her Olympic performance served as a testament to her adaptability and resilience.

Since her retirement, Kerber has embraced a new chapter in her life, focusing on family and friends. She welcomed her daughter, Liana, in February 2023 and returned to the court briefly to lead Germany to victory in the United Cup team competition.

Two months after hanging up her racket, Kerber made a special appearance at the Laver Cup 2024 in Berlin. As a spectator, she relished the opportunity to watch tennis from a different perspective. “It’s different, but special,” she said. “I think I’ll be able to enjoy it a little more now.”

Kerber’s legacy as one of Germany’s most successful tennis players remains intact. With three Grand Slams and 29 weeks at world number one, she has cemented her place in the annals of the sport.

While her playing days are behind her, Kerber remains connected to tennis. She has hinted at future projects and expressed her desire to see a similar event to the Laver Cup for women.

For now, Kerber is content to enjoy her personal life and explore new opportunities. “I’m trying to enjoy time with my family and friends right now,” she said. “Then we’ll see what happens.”

Marta Kostyuk: Tennis Star and Fashion Icon Embraces Transformation

Marta Kostyuk: Tennis Star and Fashion Icon Embraces Transformation

Marta Kostyuk, the rising Ukrainian tennis star, has embraced a transformative journey both on and off the court. After years of being coached by her mother, Kostyuk sought guidance from Sandra Zaniewska, a former coach of Petra Martic. This partnership has propelled Kostyuk to new heights, with her breaking into the WTA’s Top 20 and becoming a fashion icon.

Kostyuk’s fashion evolution has been as remarkable as her on-court success. Once known for her simple style, she now graces the pages of Vogue and Glamour, showcasing her unique sense of self-expression. She credits her stylist with helping her understand her body type and create a wardrobe that complements her personality.

Kostyuk’s collaboration with Wilson has also played a pivotal role in her on-court style. As the brand’s first 360 athlete, she has helped introduce their new tennis apparel collection, featuring custom-designed dresses that have garnered widespread attention. Her Roland Garros kit and Wimbledon look, inspired by her wedding dress, have become viral sensations.

Beyond her fashion choices, Kostyuk emphasizes the importance of open communication and honest feedback in her partnership with Zaniewska. This approach has fostered a deep connection and mutual trust, allowing them to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.

Kostyuk’s high energy and aggressive playing style have made her a fan favorite. However, she recognizes the need to channel her emotions positively to achieve long-term success. With Zaniewska’s guidance, she aims to harness her passion and determination to continue her upward trajectory.

Osaka Triumphs in China Open Debut with New Coach

Osaka Triumphs in China Open Debut with New Coach

Former world number one Naomi Osaka kicked off her China Open campaign with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Lucia Bronzetti of Italy on Wednesday. The match marked Osaka’s first competitive outing since teaming up with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, showcased her class against the 77th-ranked Bronzetti, wrapping up the first-round encounter in just 83 minutes. The Japanese star broke Bronzetti’s serve in the seventh game of the first set and maintained her momentum in the second set, breaking twice more to seal the victory.

Osaka’s partnership with Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams, has raised expectations for the 26-year-old. “I think I’m at a stage in my life that I don’t want to have regrets,” Osaka said after the match. “I’d rather pull the trigger on something and… I feel like I really need to learn as much as possible in this stage of my career.”

In other women’s action, former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin advanced with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Ana Bogdan of Romania. American Taylor Townsend and Katie Volynets also progressed to the second round, while McCartney Kessler fell to China’s Zhang Shuai in a tight match.

On the men’s side, second-seeded Hubert Hurkacz of Poland overcame Marcos Giron of the United States in three sets, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4. Matteo Berrettini of Italy also secured a straightforward 6-3, 6-4 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands.

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner and world number three Carlos Alcaraz, who shared all four Grand Slam titles this season, will begin their China Open campaigns on Thursday. However, second-ranked Alexander Zverev has withdrawn due to illness.

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