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Category: Tennis

Naomi Osaka's Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

Naomi Osaka’s Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

By August 13, 2024 0

Naomi Osaka’s recent struggles continued in the Midwest, culminating in a disappointing exit from the Cincinnati Open qualifying tournament. The former world No. 1’s woes began even before she arrived in Mason, Ohio, when United Airlines lost her luggage, threatening her participation in the event.

Despite the setback, Osaka remained optimistic, expressing her eagerness to compete in Cincinnati and prepare for the upcoming US Open. However, her ranking of No. 95 meant she was not automatically eligible for the main draw and had to play qualifying.

In her first qualifying match, Osaka faced Anna Blinkova and emerged victorious in three sets. The win set up a clash with American Ashlyn Krueger, who ultimately proved too strong for the Japanese star. Osaka led 3-1 in the final set but faltered, losing the last five games to bow out of the tournament.

Osaka’s defeat in Cincinnati highlights her ongoing struggles since returning from maternity leave in 2024. She has repeatedly cited the US Open as her target for a resurgence, but her recent performances have been underwhelming.

Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by her victory over Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Her “US Open or bust” mentality could provide the motivation she needs to rediscover her best form in time for the season’s final Grand Slam.

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ATP Stars Unite to Keep One-Handed Backhand Alive

ATP Stars Unite to Keep One-Handed Backhand Alive

By August 13, 2024 0

The one-handed backhand, a once-ubiquitous stroke in tennis, has faced a decline in recent years. However, a group of ATP Tour stars, including Grigor Dimitrov, Lorenzo Musetti, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, are determined to keep the shot alive.

In a humorous tribute video, these players poked fun at the challenges of transitioning to a two-handed backhand. Dimitrov joked about the difficulties of using two hands for everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating lunch.

Despite the lighthearted tone, the video underscores the players’ commitment to preserving the one-handed backhand. Dimitrov, now 33, has long been a vocal advocate for the shot. Earlier this year, he declared himself the “biggest supporter” of the one-handed backhand.

In February, for the first time since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973, there were no players with a one-handed backhand ranked in the Top 10. However, Dimitrov and Tsitsipas have since rectified that situation.

Dimitrov believes that the one-handed backhand is a unique and beautiful shot that deserves to be preserved. He encourages other players to continue using the shot and pushing its boundaries.

“I think the beauty of the one hand is just there’s so much to it in order to hit the ball right with one hand,” Dimitrov said.

The one-handed backhand may be facing challenges, but it is far from dead. With players like Dimitrov, Musetti, and Tsitsipas leading the charge, the shot is sure to continue to grace the courts for years to come.

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Taylor Townsend's Candid Take on Tennis Travel Struggles

Taylor Townsend’s Candid Take on Tennis Travel Struggles

By August 12, 2024 0

Taylor Townsend’s remarkable run to the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto as a lucky loser has been overshadowed by her candid revelation of the arduous travel challenges faced by tennis players.

After losing to fellow American Navarro on Saturday, Townsend faced a daunting task: reaching Mason, Ohio’s Lindner Family Tennis Center in less than 24 hours for her first-round qualifying match at 5 p.m. on Sunday. The quick turnaround and exorbitant flight costs left her exasperated.

“I am so overwhelmed. This is the sh– that people don’t see,” Townsend posted on Instagram.

With flights costing $1,400 per person, Townsend and her team opted to rent a car and drive the nearly 500 miles between Toronto and Cincinnati. They embarked on their overnight journey at 9 p.m. Saturday, arriving at 5 a.m. after Townsend slept in the car.

Despite the grueling travel, Townsend’s determination remained unwavering. Seeded No. 12 in qualifying, she secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Chloe Paquet and will face Katie Volynets on Monday for a spot in the main draw.

“Powered through the day and got the W,” Townsend posted after the match.

Townsend’s resilience and honesty have resonated with fans and tennis experts alike. On Tennis Channel Live, Paul Annacone praised her effort, saying, “That’s a heck of an effort. Welcome to the world of tennis … that’s how we live.”

Townsend’s experience highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by tennis players, particularly those outside the top ranks. The high costs of travel and the relentless schedule can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being.

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Carlos Alcaraz Targets World Number One Ranking by Season's End

Carlos Alcaraz Targets World Number One Ranking by Season’s End

By August 12, 2024 0

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has set his sights on becoming the world’s top-ranked player by the end of the season. After capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Alcaraz is determined to continue his impressive run.

Currently ranked third in the world, Alcaraz is 450 points behind Italian Jannik Sinner in the ATP live race to the season finale in Turin. This separate year-to-date standings serves as a measuring stick for the year-end number one battle.

“Obviously being number one is a goal every time that I’m (behind) and the race is an important ranking for me. At the end of the year if you end the race number one, in the rankings it’s quite similar, so you’re going to end number one,” Alcaraz explained.

“So I’m really focused on that. I’m focused on going to every tournament, thinking about playing great tennis, doing a good result just to get better in the race. This year, ending the year as number one is one of my main goals right now.”

Alcaraz, who was the runner-up at last year’s Cincinnati Open, will begin his campaign against Gael Monfils or Alexei Popyrin. This tournament serves as an important tune-up event for the upcoming U.S. Open, which begins on August 26th.

“I’m excited to play here again. Obviously great memories from last year, reaching the final, losing a really tight and epic match (to Djokovic),” Alcaraz said.

Djokovic, the world number one, withdrew from Cincinnati after his Olympic triumph.

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Andrey Rublev Reveals Mental Health Struggles Behind On-Court Meltdowns

Andrey Rublev Reveals Mental Health Struggles Behind On-Court Meltdowns

By August 12, 2024 0

Andrey Rublev’s recent resurgence on the ATP Tour has been a welcome sight for tennis fans, but the Russian has revealed that his on-court struggles have been a manifestation of deep-seated mental health issues.

After claiming his second Top 5 win of the year over Jannik Sinner at the Omnium Banque National, Rublev opened up about his battles with burnout and depression, which have plagued him for years.

“Mentally I was out of order,” Rublev admitted. “I guess it was already a long moment of everything (building up) and I started to burn out, because I was struggling for many years with depression, with many things outside of the court.”

Rublev’s on-court behavior has often been erratic, with racquet-smashing meltdowns and a default in Dubai earlier this year. However, he believes that his struggles have reached a boiling point this season.

“It started to explode more and more on the court, because in life I was able to stay calm but inside the court I was burning everything.”

After skipping the Olympics to focus on his mental health, Rublev sought guidance from compatriot Marat Safin, who also struggled with emotional outbursts during his career.

“I was struggling, now (in the) last months I feel really good, and straightaway the tennis is better,” Rublev explained.

Rublev’s improved mental state has translated into positive results on the court. He has won eight of his last 10 matches, including a victory over world No. 1 Sinner and a comfortable win over Matteo Arnaldi to reach the final in Montreal.

The Russian is now the first player to reach more than one ATP Masters 1000 final this year and will face either Sebastian Korda or Alexei Popyrin in the championship match.

Rublev’s journey to recovery is a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, even elite athletes. His openness about his struggles is a testament to his courage and determination to overcome adversity.

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Pegula Poised to Defend National Bank Open Title in Toronto

Pegula Poised to Defend National Bank Open Title in Toronto

By August 12, 2024 0

Jessica Pegula, the reigning National Bank Open champion, is poised to defend her title on Monday, August 12, in Toronto. Despite the venue change from Montreal to Toronto, Pegula has maintained her impressive form, reaching the final without dropping a set. Her most recent victory was a dominant 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Diana Shnaider.

Pegula’s chances of adding to her trophy collection are bolstered by several factors. Firstly, her opponent, Amanda Anisimova, required a medical timeout during her semifinal win over Emma Navarro. While Anisimova ultimately prevailed, her physical condition remains a concern, especially considering her history of injuries. In contrast, Pegula has displayed remarkable stamina throughout the tournament.

Furthermore, Pegula holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. While Anisimova has improved her game since their previous encounters, Pegula’s ability to extend rallies and redirect pace poses a significant challenge for her opponent. Anisimova’s quick-strike tennis may be effective in short bursts, but Pegula’s superior rally tolerance will give her an edge in longer exchanges.

Additionally, this will be Anisimova’s first final since January 2022 and her biggest final to date. The pressure of the occasion could potentially affect her performance, while Pegula’s experience in high-stakes matches will serve her well.

Pegula’s flat strokes and aggressive baseline play make her a formidable opponent on hard courts. Her ability to control the pace and dictate the rallies will likely prove too much for Anisimova.

Based on these factors, Pegula is the clear favorite to win the National Bank Open for the second consecutive year. Her consistency, physical advantage, and experience give her a significant edge over Anisimova.

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Swiatek Tempers Expectations Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Swiatek Tempers Expectations Ahead of Cincinnati Open

By August 12, 2024 0

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, is approaching her first hard-court match since March with a cautious mindset. Despite being the favorite at most tournaments, Swiatek is tempering expectations ahead of the Cincinnati Open.

Swiatek last played on hard courts at the Miami Open, where she lost in the fourth round. She is aware of the faster conditions in Cincinnati due to the switch back to Regular Duty Wilson tennis balls. These balls are lighter and lose their heaviness more quickly than the Heavy Duty balls used last year.

Swiatek acknowledges the need to adjust to the new surface and balls. She plans to treat the tournament as a practice opportunity, focusing on implementing her training and making gradual progress.

Despite her recent success on clay, Swiatek is determined to rediscover her hard-court form. She believes the lower expectations in Cincinnati could provide her with the space to do so.

Swiatek’s decision to skip the National Bank Open in Toronto was motivated by fatigue from the Paris Olympics. She won a bronze medal in singles after a disappointing semifinal loss.

After supporting her fellow athletes at the Games, Swiatek feels refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the season. She is not expecting a break and is focused on maintaining her technique and grinding on court.

Swiatek’s cautious approach and determination to improve suggest that she is not taking her status as the favorite for granted. She is willing to work hard and make adjustments to achieve her goals on hard courts.

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Carlos Alcaraz: No Olympic Tattoo, But Plenty of Motivation

Carlos Alcaraz: No Olympic Tattoo, But Plenty of Motivation

By August 12, 2024 0

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, has enjoyed a remarkable summer, capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, despite his recent success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on improvement.

In a recent press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he keeps his Olympic silver medal close to his Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies at home. While he is proud of his achievement, he admits that he would have preferred a gold medal.

“I didn’t get the gold, so I’m not considering a tattoo,” Alcaraz said with a laugh. “If I had won the gold medal, I would have gotten a tattoo.”

Despite his disappointment in Paris, Alcaraz is determined to learn from his experience and improve his game.

“I always want to be better, and I always think I can do better,” he said. “I think I had a great summer…obviously I wanted the gold medal. After the matches I win or lose, I like to find the bad things I did and try to be better in the next match and not make the same mistakes.”

Alcaraz also shared his experience playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Paris.

“It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court,” Alcaraz said. “Playing doubles together was great, something I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him, on court and off the court, as well.”

Alcaraz is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. He will open against either Gaël Monfils or Alexei Popyrin.

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Cincinnati Open Preview: Alcaraz, Swiatek Aim for Redemption

Cincinnati Open Preview: Alcaraz, Swiatek Aim for Redemption

By August 12, 2024 0

The Cincinnati Open, the final major tune-up before the US Open, is set to commence despite a challenging start to the North American hard-court swing. Rain disruptions and player withdrawals have plagued recent tournaments in Montreal and Toronto, but Cincinnati appears poised for a more favorable outcome.

With defending champion Novak Djokovic sidelined, the spotlight falls on Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who will be eager to rebound from disappointing Olympic performances. Alcaraz, who pushed Djokovic to the brink in last year’s Cincinnati final, will face a less formidable path this time around. Swiatek, despite a potential quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini, remains a heavy favorite.

Several top players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev, will be looking to end title droughts. Sinner, once dominant, has struggled with injuries and form, while Gauff has endured a disappointing summer. Sabalenka and Medvedev, both former major champions, have also been off their best.

The draws for the top seeds appear relatively favorable, with potential semifinals between Alcaraz and Sinner on the men’s side and Sabalenka and Swiatek on the women’s side. However, dark horses such as Paula Badosa, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz could pose threats.

Among the early-round matches to watch are Zhizhen Zhang vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Karen Khachanov vs. Francisco Cerundolo, and Frances Tiafoe vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

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Agassi and Davenport Celebrate Cincinnati Tennis Legacy, Unveil Scholarships

Agassi and Davenport Celebrate Cincinnati Tennis Legacy, Unveil Scholarships

By August 11, 2024 0

Andre Agassi and Lindsay Davenport graced the Cincinnati Music Hall on Saturday, reminiscing about their illustrious careers and unveiling scholarships in their honor as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of tennis in Cincinnati.

The gala dinner transported guests back to 1899, the inaugural year of the Cincinnati tournament. Actors portrayed the era, while tributes honored champions from the Open Era and beyond.

Agassi and Davenport captivated the audience with their candid conversation moderated by Jon Wertheim. Their Hall of Fame journeys intertwined, from their world No. 1 rankings to their Olympic gold medals in 1996. In 2004, they triumphed together at the Cincinnati Open.

“Cincinnati was a tournament you always watched on TV,” said Davenport, who broke the women’s title drought in 1988. “I loved the facility and the history. It felt special to bring women’s tennis here.”

Since then, the Cincinnati Open has evolved into a prestigious 1000-level event, hosting tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. A $260 million investment and a 25-year deal will transform the Lindner Family Tennis Center, making the tournament a two-week spectacle from 2025 onwards.

“The crowd turnout was always fantastic,” recalled Agassi, who overcame Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt in thrilling three-setters in 2004. “The intensity and competition were palpable. I loved the atmosphere and the surface.”

Agassi and Davenport’s post-retirement paths have mirrored their playing careers. Agassi will lead Team World at the Laver Cup, while Davenport captains the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team.

“I’m excited about the American players,” said Davenport. “This is their time to shine. We have a huge tournament here in the United States, and they appreciate the fan support.”

The evening culminated in the announcement of scholarships in Agassi and Davenport’s names. Four winners will receive $5,000 each annually to support after-school nutrition, math and literacy, and tennis instruction.

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