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Category: Tennis

Cincinnati Masters 1000 Embraces Standalone Identity, Undergoes Major Renovations

Cincinnati Masters 1000 Embraces Standalone Identity, Undergoes Major Renovations

By August 10, 2024 0

The Cincinnati Masters 1000, formerly known as the Western & Southern Open, has long been regarded as a significant US Open tune-up tournament. However, under new ownership and with extensive renovations underway, the event is evolving into a standalone mega-event.

Tournament director Bob Moran emphasizes that the focus is now on Cincinnati itself, rather than as a stepping stone to the US Open. This shift in marketing strategy aims to establish the tournament as a premier destination in its own right, comparable to the Indian Wells Masters 1000.

The tournament boasts an impressive player field, with all the top men and women competing. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the 2023 Australian Open and Channel Slam winners, respectively, lead the men’s field. Iga Swiatek, the WTA No. 1, seeks to avenge her loss to Coco Gauff in last year’s semifinal.

The tournament’s history is marked by its longevity and deep roots in Cincinnati. Despite the USTA’s initial plans to sell the event, a grassroots movement led by patrons and civic leaders secured a deal to keep the tournament in Cincinnati for the next 25 years.

Extensive renovations are underway, including new stadium and grandstand seats, upgraded outside courts, and improved infrastructure. Despite these upgrades, the tournament aims to retain its intimate atmosphere while addressing issues such as heat, shade, and aesthetics.

The Cincinnati Open has faced criticism for its lack of amenities and dining options in the past. However, the Mason area has grown and now offers a wider range of attractions and dining experiences.

Despite initial concerns about a potential move to Charleston, the Cincinnati Open has emerged stronger than ever. With its new ownership, renovations, and player support, the tournament is poised to become a standalone mega-event while continuing its role as a key US Open tune-up.

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Shnaider Stuns Gauff, Reaches Toronto Quarterfinals

Shnaider Stuns Gauff, Reaches Toronto Quarterfinals

By August 10, 2024 0

Diana Shnaider’s meteoric rise in the tennis world continues to astound, as the 20-year-old Russian left-hander has now claimed a Top 10 scalp in the form of Coco Gauff. In a stunning display of poise and precision, Shnaider toppled the No. 1 seed 6-4, 6-1 in the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto, marking her first quarterfinal appearance at a WTA 1000 event.

Shnaider, a former three-time junior doubles Grand Slam champion, has made rapid strides in her professional career since establishing a Top 100 ranking while playing college tennis at North Carolina State University. This year alone, she has captured three singles titles, including a 500-level triumph on grass in Berlin, and has ascended to the Top 50 and Top 40 in the rankings.

Her victory over Gauff, who had previously been undefeated against players younger than her, was a testament to Shnaider’s growing maturity and tactical acumen. Windy conditions played a significant role in Gauff’s downfall, as she committed a staggering 42 unforced errors, nearly double that of Shnaider.

Shnaider, known for her powerful groundstrokes, maintained a consistent and deep hitting strategy, forcing Gauff into numerous mistimed shots and serves. Gauff’s struggles were evident in her eight double faults and three breaks of serve, while Shnaider remained unyielding on her own serve, facing only one break point.

“I think she kind of knew to just stay steady because I was giving her a lot of errors,” Gauff acknowledged after the match. “She normally hits big when I see her play, but I think today I was just giving her too many errors, so it wasn’t necessary for her to do that.”

Shnaider’s victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with No. 6 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets. Samsonova, a finalist in Toronto last year, will pose a formidable challenge for Shnaider, but the Russian has proven time and again that she is capable of rising to the occasion.

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Djokovic and Serena: Olympic Gold and the Mark of Greatness

Djokovic and Serena: Olympic Gold and the Mark of Greatness

By August 10, 2024 0

Novak Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris was a cathartic moment in his illustrious career. The Serbian legend’s triumph evoked memories of Serena Williams’ own Olympic gold medal win in 2012, highlighting their shared greatness.

Djokovic’s victory was hard-fought, as he battled through a knee injury and faced a determined Alcaraz. However, the 37-year-old displayed his trademark resilience, refusing to let his younger opponent gain the upper hand. In the crucial moments, Djokovic’s experience and unwavering belief in himself shone through.

Like Serena, Djokovic has a knack for seizing the moment. In the Olympics, where there is no tomorrow, both athletes have demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver their best performances.

Serena’s dominance in 2012 was unparalleled, as she lost only eight games in her last four matches. Djokovic’s path to gold was more arduous, but he ultimately achieved his goal, completing his career Golden Slam.

Despite their different journeys, both Djokovic and Serena share a common trait: their ability to turn the tide of a match when it seems like they are on the verge of defeat. Against Tsitsipas and Alcaraz, Djokovic displayed this resilience, saving break points and winning tiebreakers to secure victory.

Serena was known for her ability to lose first sets but then dominate her opponents in the following sets. Djokovic’s wins at the Olympics may not have been as dramatic, but he showed a similar determination to win when it mattered most.

Djokovic’s victory in Paris was a testament to his greatness. When the moment of truth arrived, he knew he would not lose. This is the mark of a true GOAT, an athlete who can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.

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Taylor Townsend Breaks Through in Singles, Reaches WTA 1000 Quarterfinals

Taylor Townsend Breaks Through in Singles, Reaches WTA 1000 Quarterfinals

By August 10, 2024 0

Taylor Townsend, the American tennis star, has made a significant breakthrough in her singles career by reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Toronto. This is the first time she has advanced to the last eight in a WTA singles tournament.

Townsend’s impressive victory came against Jelena Ostapenko, the No. 11-ranked player in the world. Townsend dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just an hour. This victory marks Townsend’s third-biggest win of her career, after defeating Simona Halep and Jessica Pegula in previous tournaments.

Townsend’s success in singles is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has previously struggled in round-of-16 matches, going 0-12 before this tournament. However, she has now broken that pattern and is poised to make a deep run in Toronto.

In addition to her singles success, Townsend is also a highly accomplished doubles player. She has won seven WTA doubles titles, including the prestigious Wimbledon title this year with Katerina Siniakova. Townsend has also captured a WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati last year with Alycia Parks.

Townsend’s rise in the doubles rankings has been equally impressive. She cracked the doubles Top 10 for the first time last year and set a career-high ranking of No. 5 last June. She has won her last two doubles tournaments coming into Toronto, but was ousted in the second round in Canada with Sloane Stephens.

Townsend’s next challenge in the singles quarterfinals will be against another American, Emma Navarro. Navarro edged Marta Kostyuk in her third-round match, 7-5, 7-5. The two Americans will face off on Saturday for a spot in the semifinals.

Townsend’s success in both singles and doubles is a testament to her versatility and talent. She is a rising star in the tennis world and is poised for even greater achievements in the future.

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American Women Dominate Toronto Open, Reach Quarterfinals

American Women Dominate Toronto Open, Reach Quarterfinals

By August 10, 2024 0

The US Open may still be weeks away, but the American women are already making their mark on the WTA circuit. At the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto, four US players have stormed into the quarterfinals, led by defending champion Jessica Pegula.

Pegula, the No. 3 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from fellow American Ashlyn Krueger, winning 6-4, 6-2. Despite windy conditions and a combined 70 unforced errors, Pegula’s experience and resilience proved too much for the 20-year-old qualifier.

Joining Pegula in the last eight are Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, and Taylor Townsend. Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, retired her opponent Anna Kalinskaya in the second set. Navarro, seeded No. 11, upset eighth-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 7-5, 7-5.

Townsend, a last-minute replacement for Yulia Putintseva, made history by defeating former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-1. The left-hander, who won Wimbledon in doubles last month, had never reached a WTA quarterfinal in singles before this week.

With No. 1 seed Coco Gauff and former NCAA champion Peyton Stearns still to play, as many as six Americans could make up the eight quarterfinalists. This would be a testament to the depth and talent of the US women’s tennis.

Townsend, who broke into the Top 50 in doubles after her Wimbledon triumph, is now on the cusp of achieving the same feat in singles. A win against Navarro in the quarterfinals would guarantee her a place among the world’s top 50.

The American quartet’s success in Toronto is a positive sign for the US Open, which begins on August 29. With their confidence and momentum high, they will be among the favorites to challenge for the title in New York.

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Coco Gauff: Track and Field Star in the Making?

Coco Gauff: Track and Field Star in the Making?

By August 10, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the rising star of women’s tennis, has revealed that she could have pursued a career in track and field instead. Her mother, Candi, was a track and field athlete at Florida State University, and Coco’s natural talent in the sport was evident from a young age.

At the Paris Olympics, Gauff met with some of Team USA’s biggest track and field stars, including Noah Lyles, who suggested she would have excelled in the 400-meter hurdles. Gauff’s mother also believes she would have been successful in the 400-meter event.

Despite her talent in track and field, Gauff ultimately chose to focus on tennis. However, she still wonders what could have been. “I don’t know if I would have been as good as I was in tennis in track, but I strongly feel like if I would have trained I could have been an Olympian,” she said.

Gauff’s experience at the Olympics also inspired her. She was impressed by the resilience and determination of athletes like Tara Davis-Woodhall, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Sha’carri Richardson, and Gabby Thomas, who overcame challenges to achieve success.

“It does inspire me, and just also it puts perspective to my age,” Gauff said. “A lot of them are 24, between 24 to 27 range … I think I just learned to just trust in my training and trust in the journey, just with talking with them and learning about their stories.”

Gauff believes that her game will continue to improve as she matures. “I’m 20, so hopefully by, like, 24 I’m there,” she said.

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Tsitsipas Blasts Father-Coach After Montreal Loss

Tsitsipas Blasts Father-Coach After Montreal Loss

By August 9, 2024 0

Stefanos Tsitsipas’s frustrations boiled over after his second-round loss to Kei Nishikori at the ATP Montreal Masters, as he launched a scathing attack on his father-coach, Apostolos. The Greek star, who has plummeted to 11th in the ATP rankings, has endured a disappointing two-season stretch, winning only two titles.

Tsitsipas’s outburst stemmed from his belief that his father has not been an effective coach, particularly in handling match situations. “Masters 1000 matches are important, I need a coach who listens to me as a player,” he said. “My father has not been very smart in handling some situations, in trying to read what is happening on the court.”

This is not the first time Tsitsipas has expressed dissatisfaction with his father’s coaching. In late 2022, he brought on Mark Philippoussis as an assistant coach, but that partnership ended in May 2023, paving the way for Apostolos’s return.

Apostolos Tsitsipas has a reputation for being overly vocal during matches, often providing unsolicited advice between points. This behavior has drawn criticism in the past, and it appears to have reached a breaking point for his son.

“It has been a poor performance from my father and it’s not the first time,” Tsitsipas said. “I’m disappointed with him.”

Tsitsipas emphasized the importance of collaborative coaching, where the player’s perspective is valued. “The coach needs to listen. The player is the one holding the racquet,” he said. “I have power here to some degree but it should be a collaborative effort on both sides, for me to develop my tennis.”

It remains to be seen whether Tsitsipas will make a permanent change to his coaching setup. However, his public criticism of his father suggests that he is seeking a more supportive and effective partnership.

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Grigor Dimitrov Crashes Andrey Rublev's Interview, Bromance Takes Center Stage

Grigor Dimitrov Crashes Andrey Rublev’s Interview, Bromance Takes Center Stage

By August 9, 2024 0

Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev’s Bromance Takes Center Stage in Montreal

Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev, the ATP Tour’s beloved bromance, reunited in Montreal, much to the delight of fans. During Rublev’s post-match interview with Tennis Channel, Dimitrov made a surprise appearance, interrupting the conversation with a playful grin.

“My love Grigor is here also,” Rublev exclaimed, adding, “Now I cannot talk because you’re here!”

Dimitrov joined Rublev on screen, congratulating him on his victory. The pair’s affectionate display showcased their close bond, which has become a fan favorite on the tour.

Dimitrov, seeded seventh, had earlier defeated Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in straight sets. Rublev, seeded fifth, had also secured a victory in his opening match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

The bromance between Dimitrov and Rublev has been well-documented, with the duo often sharing heartfelt messages and gestures of support. In a recent birthday message to Rublev, Dimitrov praised his friend’s authenticity and vulnerability.

Rublev’s decision to skip the Paris Olympics in favor of hard-court practice appears to be paying off. After a string of disappointing results, he has regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Umag and quarterfinals in Washington D.C.

“We felt like mentally I was not ready to play,” Rublev explained. “We decided to give priority to my (singles) career. We took time off to try to recover a bit mentally.”

Rublev will face American qualifier Brandon Nakashima in the third round, a rematch of their Barcelona encounter where Nakashima upset the Russian.

The Dimitrov-Rublev bromance continues to captivate fans, adding a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the competitive world of tennis.

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Roger Federer Unveils the Intimate Bond Between Tennis Players and Their Racquets

Roger Federer Unveils the Intimate Bond Between Tennis Players and Their Racquets

By August 9, 2024 0

Roger Federer: The Intimate Bond Between a Tennis Player and Their Racquet

In the realm of tennis, the relationship between a player and their racquet transcends mere equipment. It’s a deeply personal connection, an extension of the self. This sentiment was eloquently expressed by Zendaya’s character in the 2024 film “Challengers,” describing a tennis match as a “relationship.”

Now, tennis legend Roger Federer has shed light on this intimate bond in an exclusive interview with Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman. Federer unveiled his groundbreaking RF Collection by Wilson, a line of innovative racquets and accessories inspired by his on-court brilliance and off-court style.

“It’s a very personal relationship,” Federer said of his signature Wilson racquets. “I’ve always called it an extension of your arm or hand, so it’s super personal.”

This relationship, however, is not without its complexities. While the racquet is a player’s trusted ally, it often bears the brunt of frustrations during intense matches.

“Every tennis player knows what I’m talking about,” Federer explained. “You take care of it, you re-grip it. When you go into a match, you make sure the strings are where you want them to be…”

“You try not to break it, you try not to hurt it, but sometimes you get so mad at it and you think it’s the racquet’s mistake—but the racquet knows it’s you.”

Despite these occasional outbursts, Federer and his racquet have forged an enduring bond. “Anyway, we’ve had a rocky relationship, but I think we’re good friends, so it’s all good!”

If Federer’s racquet could speak, it would undoubtedly express gratitude for being chosen as the instrument of his remarkable achievements. “I don’t know, I just hope it’d be happy that I picked it up!” Federer mused.

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Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati Open After Olympic Triumph

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati Open After Olympic Triumph

By August 9, 2024 0

Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion of the Cincinnati Open, has withdrawn from the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 tournament due to a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph in Tokyo. The Serbian star, who recently won his first Olympic gold medal in singles, will not be able to defend his title in Cincinnati, which begins next week.

Djokovic’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, as he has been a dominant force in Cincinnati in recent years. He has won three titles in his last five appearances, including last year’s victory over Milos Raonic. Djokovic also holds the record for most titles at the tournament, with three.

Tournament director Bob Moran expressed his understanding of Djokovic’s decision, saying, “We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati. His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon.”

Djokovic’s withdrawal means that Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will move into the draw. The top two seeds in the tournament, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, have yet to win this Masters 1000 event.

Djokovic’s absence from Cincinnati is likely to impact his preparation for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year. He will now head into the tournament without competing in a hard-court event since Wimbledon.

Despite his withdrawal from Cincinnati, Djokovic remains one of the favorites to win the US Open. He has won the tournament three times in the past, including in 2018 and 2020.

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