Tennis Star Alcaraz Impresses with Pickleball Skills in Manhattan

Tennis Star Alcaraz Impresses with Pickleball Skills in Manhattan

Carlos Alcaraz Shows Off Pickleball Skills in Manhattan

NEW YORK—Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz showcased his impressive pickleball abilities at an exclusive event in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday evening. Alongside fellow tennis stars Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Rybakina, and pickleball enthusiast Andre Agassi, Alcaraz delighted guests with a brief but entertaining pickleball exhibition.

Despite being dressed in formal attire, Alcaraz displayed remarkable natural talent on the court. Partnering with Milan Raine of the Miami Pickleball Club, he faced off against Fritz and Eric Oncins, another Miami pickleball pro. The rallies were fast-paced and competitive, with Alcaraz demonstrating his exceptional court coverage and shot-making skills.

Although Alcaraz had no prior warm-up, he quickly adapted to the game’s unique rules and strategies. He displayed a keen understanding of when to accelerate the pace and when to slow it down, keeping his opponents on their toes.

After a thrilling three-minute match, Alcaraz and Raine emerged victorious. Today Show hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones presented them with a trophy, jokingly referring to it as “another silver medal” for the Spanish Olympian.

The tennis stars’ brief appearance at the event left guests feeling energized and excited for the upcoming US Open. The exhibition provided a glimpse into the versatility and athleticism of these world-class athletes, showcasing their ability to excel in different sports.

Tsitsipas Struggles Continue, Kokkinakis Poised for US Open Upset

Tsitsipas Struggles Continue, Kokkinakis Poised for US Open Upset

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the world No. 11, has endured a challenging period, losing three of his last four matches and parting ways with his father as his coach. His struggles have been particularly evident at the US Open, where he has never advanced beyond the third round.

Tsitsipas’s weakness on the backhand wing, where he employs a one-handed shot, has been exploited by opponents. The US Open’s fast courts provide limited time for him to set up his backhand, making him vulnerable to aggressive players like Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Furthermore, Tsitsipas’s forehand, typically a potent weapon, has been misfiring. His inability to punish opponents with this shot has further weakened his game. Additionally, his return game has been subpar, leaving him susceptible to early breaks.

In contrast, Kokkinakis has enjoyed a resurgence since May, winning 11 of his last 18 matches. He has defeated notable players such as Alexei Popyrin, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Gael Monfils. Kokkinakis’s aggressive style, featuring powerful strokes and quick holds, poses a significant threat to Tsitsipas.

While Kokkinakis has faced physical issues this year, his absence from Cincinnati suggests he will be well-rested for the US Open. If healthy, he has the potential to push Tsitsipas to the limit and even secure an upset victory.

Alcaraz Quells Injury Concerns Ahead of US Open Title Defense

Alcaraz Quells Injury Concerns Ahead of US Open Title Defense

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, has allayed concerns about his fitness ahead of the 2024 tournament after a minor ankle injury forced him to cut short a practice session on Saturday.

Speaking at his Media Day press conference, Alcaraz explained that he stopped the practice as a precautionary measure. “I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case if everything is going to be worse,” he said. “But, you know, after a few hours later, I’m still feeling good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I will try to be practicing again 100% without thinking about it, but today I’ll take care about it.”

Alcaraz, who was practicing with fellow ATP pro Francisco Cerundolo, expressed more disappointment for Cerundolo than concern for himself. “I wasn’t worried at all for my US Open participation,” he said. “Obviously, I was angry because I don’t want to stop the practice, just to respect Cerundolo, as well.”

The 2022 champion was later seen on court for Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day and was in good spirits throughout his press conference. Alcaraz has won the last two major tournaments at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and won a silver medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite having played only one match since the Olympics, Alcaraz is confident in his preparation for the US Open. “Obviously, I would have loved to have more matches on my belt on hard court before the US Open,” he said. “But, I mean, it doesn’t affect me at all. If I look back a little bit, you know, for example, facing the Roland Garros, I hadn’t too much matches on clay, and it was a pretty good result. And then in Wimbledon, same thing, you know.”

“So, I don’t want to think that it’s going to be the same, you know, than the previous two Grand Slams, but I’m not worried about not having too many matches on hard court.”

Alcaraz will open his US Open campaign against Australian qualifier Li Tu on Tuesday.

Tennis Stars Go “De Minaur” on TikTok with Demure Swings

Tennis Stars Embrace the “De Minaur” TikTok Trend

At the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in New York, a group of elite tennis players participated in the latest TikTok trend, “de Minaur.” The trend involves players performing a demure, shy, and cool swing.

Alex de Minaur, the Australian tennis star, is credited with popularizing the trend. When asked about the meaning of “de Minaur,” Andrey Rublev explained that it refers to de Minaur’s last name and that the words “shy” and “cool” can have different meanings depending on the context.

Rublev and Denis Shapovalov demonstrated a one-swing attempt, with Rublev placing a hand on his hip. Casper Ruud offered a more condensed swing, while Nick Kyrgios emphasized the shyness aspect with a reserved swing and walk off frame.

Stefanos Tsitsipas fully embraced the trend, delivering a highly demure performance. However, it was de Minaur himself who showcased the most authentic interpretation. He turned his body, shadowed a slow-motion forehand, and made direct eye contact with the camera, exuding confidence and self-awareness.

The “de Minaur” trend has gained popularity on TikTok, with users creating their own versions of the demure swing. The trend highlights the playful and creative side of tennis players, showcasing their ability to connect with fans beyond the court.

Naomi Osaka Reveals Favorite Pokémon, Childhood Memories of US Open

Naomi Osaka Reveals Favorite Pokémon, Childhood Memories of US Open

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis player, has revealed her favorite Pokémon and shared her childhood memories of attending the US Open.

At a recent press conference, Osaka was asked which Pokémon type best represented her. After initially suggesting her fellow Pokémon fan Nick Kyrgios would have a better answer, she pondered the question and named Charizard and Yveltal as her favorites.

Osaka’s connection to the US Open runs deep. She grew up attending the tournament and has vivid memories of watching her idols, including the Williams sisters, Maria Sharapova, and Rafael Nadal.

“Whenever I step foot here, I don’t really think about the two tournaments I won,” Osaka said. “I just think about how I felt when I was a kid.”

Since returning from maternity leave in January, Osaka has been eager to compete in New York. She has been practicing at a high level and is confident in her ability to perform well on hard courts.

“I feel way better now,” Osaka said. “I’m able to practice at a really high level. I hope that I’m able to play matches at a really high level, too.”

Osaka will face No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the US Open. If she can channel her inner Sailor Moon vibes, she could make a deep run in the tournament.

Donna Vekic: From Olympic Silver to US Open Contender

Donna Vekic: From Olympic Silver to US Open Contender

Donna Vekic, the Croatian tennis star, has had a remarkable resurgence in her career, reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon and winning a silver medal at the Olympics. Despite her success, Vekic has a surprising aversion to New York City, citing the heavy traffic as her main gripe.

Vekic’s journey to the top has been marked by injuries and setbacks. However, she has overcome these challenges with determination and resilience. Her success has inspired young tennis players in Croatia, and she is passionate about working with children.

Off the court, Vekic has launched her own lifestyle brand, including a clothing line and a collection of candles and fragrances. Despite her success, she remains humble and down-to-earth.

Vekic’s Olympic medal holds a special place in her heart. She nearly skipped the Games due to an arm injury, but the support of her fans pushed her to compete. Her victory was a testament to her perseverance and the power of belief.

Looking ahead to the US Open, Vekic is cautiously optimistic about her chances. She feels that her recent successes have motivated her even more, but she is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

Vekic’s journey is a reminder that success is not always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and the ability to overcome adversity. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of achieving their goals.

Sabalenka Eyes US Open Glory After Skipping Olympics

Sabalenka Eyes US Open Glory After Skipping Olympics

Aryna Sabalenka’s strategic decision to skip the Paris Olympics has paid dividends as she enters the US Open as a formidable contender. While her rivals, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, endured emotional setbacks and inconsistent results during and after the Games, Sabalenka has remained focused and regained her form.

Sabalenka’s consistent performance on the hard courts of New York, with a 16-3 record in the last three editions, gives her an edge over her competitors. She has reached the semi-finals at least and is eager to make a breakthrough at Flushing Meadows.

Gauff, the defending champion, has struggled since her US Open triumph last year. Despite a promising start to the season, she has failed to maintain momentum and has not won a title since. Her recent losses in Toronto and Cincinnati have raised concerns about her ability to defend her crown.

Swiatek, the world No. 1, has also faced challenges in adapting her game to hard courts. While she won the US Open in 2022, she has not been as dominant on this surface as she has been on clay. However, she remains a formidable opponent and will be determined to prove her versatility.

Sabalenka’s recent victory in Cincinnati, where she did not drop a set, has boosted her confidence. She believes that her tough losses in previous years have motivated her to improve and is eager to make a statement at the US Open.

The absence of a two-time women’s singles champion in the last decade at the US Open creates an unpredictable atmosphere. Sabalenka’s consistency, recent form, and strategic preparation give her a slight advantage over her rivals. However, Gauff and Swiatek remain dangerous opponents, and the tournament promises to be a thrilling battle between three of the world’s top players.

Vaishnavi Adkar Storms into ITF Final, Indian Duo Falls Short in ATP Semis

Vaishnavi Adkar Storms into ITF Final, Indian Duo Falls Short in ATP Semis

Eighth-seeded Indian tennis star Vaishnavi Adkar showcased her dominance on Saturday, cruising past third-seeded Rina Saigo of Japan 6-0, 6-3 in the semifinals of the $15,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

Adkar’s impressive performance earned her a spot in the final, where she will face fourth-seeded Patcharin Cheapchandej of Thailand. The Indian player’s victory was a testament to her exceptional skills and determination.

Meanwhile, in the $867,750 ATP event in Winston-Salem, USA, Indian wild cards Dhakshineswar Suresh and Luca Pow narrowly missed out on a spot in the doubles final. The Indo-British pair fought valiantly but ultimately fell to fourth seeds Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow of the USA 6-4, 6-2 in the semifinals.

Despite the setback, Suresh and Pow earned valuable ATP points and prize money, amounting to 90 ATP points and $12,470. The tournament marked a significant breakthrough for Suresh, who also reached the final qualifying round in singles.

In other results from the $15,000 ITF men’s tournament in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thai duo Jirat Navasirisomboon and Pawit Sornlaksup defeated Markos Kalovelonis of Greece and Nitin Kumar Sinha of India 7-6(4), 7-6(5) in the semifinals.

Leylah Fernandez Rides Family Support into US Open

Leylah Fernandez Rides Family Support into US Open

Leylah Fernandez, the 21-year-old Canadian tennis star, is gearing up for the US Open with renewed confidence and the unwavering support of her family. After a solid run on North American hard-courts, Fernandez is determined to make a deep run at the year’s final major.

Fernandez’s recent performances have been marked by resilience and determination. In Cincinnati, she claimed her biggest win of the year over world No. 4 Elena Rybakina and pushed world No. 6 Jessica Pegula to the brink in a nail-biting quarterfinal. She also reached the doubles final with Yulia Putintseva, knocking out the top-seeded team along the way.

Beyond her on-court success, Fernandez has found solace and inspiration in the presence of her younger sister, Bianca Jolie. Bianca has been traveling to tournaments with the family and has even taken on coaching duties in a pinch.

“I’m just happy to have her here and to spend time with her!” Fernandez said. “I haven’t seen her as much as I would want to this year, so it’s good to spend time with her and to have her perspective, too.”

The sisters’ reunion has had a positive impact on Leylah’s tennis. They reached the doubles semifinals in Toronto and turned heads in Cincinnati when Bianca briefly coached Leylah during her first-round match.

“My sister is basically like a mini-dad!” Fernandez said. “It’s kind of funny to see how she uses the same words, same vocabulary as him.”

Fernandez’s focus now shifts to the US Open, where she reached the final in 2021. She is determined to treat the tournament like any other, despite having unfinished business at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“We’ve been working a lot on self-belief and self-confidence in the past few years,” she said. “I’m happy that I have the right team around me to remind me that there’s so much more that I can do.”

Fernandez will face Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday. With her family by her side and a renewed sense of purpose, she is poised to make a strong run at the title.

Coco Gauff Remains Composed Amidst US Open Title Defense

Coco Gauff Remains Composed Amidst US Open Title Defense

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has maintained her composure despite the heightened expectations surrounding her title defense. At her 2024 US Open Media Day press conference, Gauff acknowledged that her life has remained largely unchanged since her Grand Slam triumph.

Gauff attributes her ability to handle the pressure to her gradual rise in the sport. Having competed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since her teenage years, she has become accustomed to the attention. This year, however, she arrives in Flushing Meadows without the momentum of a recent Masters 1000 victory.

Despite her early exit in Cincinnati, Gauff believes it has provided her with an opportunity to focus on training. She has endured a busy summer, including her role as flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics. Gauff emphasizes the importance of training blocks for her success and is confident in her preparation for the US Open.

While Gauff has faced criticism online, she remains unfazed. She recognizes that such negativity stems from envy or hatred and chooses to focus on positivity. She draws inspiration from a recent TikTok comment that encouraged her to embrace her victories and not stress over the need for a “victory lap.”

Gauff’s mantra for her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva is to root for success, regardless of her opponent. She believes that this mindset will help her navigate the challenges of defending her title.

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