Andrey Rublev Overcomes Illness and Injury to Triumph in Madrid

Andrey Rublev Overcomes Illness and Injury to Triumph in Madrid

Andrey Rublev’s triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite battling illness and injury, the Russian emerged victorious, capturing his second ATP Masters 1000 title.

Rublev’s journey to the title was far from easy. He entered the tournament on a four-match losing streak and soon began experiencing symptoms of illness. A persistent throat infection left him struggling to swallow, forcing him to subsist on baby food. A headache, fever, and insomnia further compounded his misery.

Adding to his physical ailments, Rublev’s left toe became severely swollen, making it difficult to wear shoes. The pain was so intense that he required anesthesia to numb the area.

Despite these setbacks, Rublev refused to give up. He fought through the discomfort and illness, determined to prove his worth. His unwavering spirit was evident in his performances on the court.

In the final, Rublev faced a formidable opponent in Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian had been in impressive form, but Rublev’s resilience and determination proved too much to overcome. After dropping the first set, Rublev rallied back to win the next two, securing the title with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory.

Rublev’s triumph was a testament to his mental and physical toughness. He overcame adversity and defied the odds to achieve a remarkable victory. His performance in Madrid was a reminder that even when faced with challenges, anything is possible with determination and perseverance.

ATP Stars Reveal Their Dream Jobs Beyond Tennis

ATP Stars Reveal Their Dream Jobs Beyond Tennis

In the blockbuster film “Challengers,” Zendaya’s character Tashi Duncan famously declares, “I don’t want my only skill in life to be hitting a ball with a racquet.” This line has sparked a question among tennis fans: What would ATP stars do if they weren’t playing tennis?

Ahead of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, players shared their off-court aspirations. Sebastian Korda dreams of becoming an astronaut, while Stefanos Tsitsipas envisions himself as a cinematographer. Casper Ruud would soar through the skies as a pilot, and Zhang Zhizhen would wield a scalpel as a surgeon.

Jannik Sinner, known for his culinary skills, admits, “I used to make desserts when I was younger, but I don’t like to clean!”

Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur share a passion for law, inspired by the TV show “Suits.” “I’d love to be a lawyer if I didn’t have to study,” says de Minaur.

Ruud’s globe-trotting lifestyle has ignited his interest in aviation, while Tsitsipas’ creativity draws him to filmmaking. “I find meaning in life through visual,” he explains.

Novak Djokovic’s historical pursuits extend beyond the tennis court. “I love history or linguistics,” he says. “I would be involved in history or architecture in some way.”

These diverse aspirations reflect the multifaceted nature of these athletes. Their off-court interests not only provide a glimpse into their personalities but also highlight the importance of pursuing passions beyond the realm of competition.

Lesia Tsurenko: Italy, a Sanctuary for a Ukrainian Tennis Star

Lesia Tsurenko: Italy, a Sanctuary for a Ukrainian Tennis Star

Lesia Tsurenko, the 34-year-old Ukrainian tennis star, has a deep affinity for Italy that extends beyond its culinary delights. Her connection to the country dates back to her impressive performance in the 2012 Billie Jean King Cup, where she earned both points for Ukraine against Italy.

Tsurenko’s bond with Italy grew stronger under the guidance of Italian coach Adriano Albanesi, who helped her achieve notable results, including a quarterfinal berth at the 2018 US Open. Amidst the ongoing war in her homeland, Tsurenko has found solace and sanctuary in Italy, where she trains at the Piatti Tennis Center.

“I enjoy every second,” Tsurenko said. “I enjoy my beautiful morning coffee and the view that I have in Liguira, where I live. It’s just amazing to have this feeling and be able to relax and calm down.”

This sense of tranquility aided her in her hard-fought victory over Donna Vekic in the first round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Despite Vekic’s formidable serve, Tsurenko’s resilience and determination prevailed in a two-hour, 39-minute battle.

“I’m so jealous of the serve that Donna has!” Tsurenko exclaimed. “She’s serving unbelievably good, and it’s so tough because you don’t have a rhythm to play against someone like her.”

Tsurenko’s next challenge will be against fellow Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, who holds a special place in her heart for Italy as the 2023 Rome finalist. Tsurenko hopes to draw inspiration from the tournament’s unique atmosphere and the Italian delicacies she has come to love.

“This tournament, if you look around, you’ll see trees and statues, and I think just everything makes this tournament so special,” Tsurenko said. “All the players enjoy food, and all of the players enjoy touristic mode because all of the hotels are in the center of the city … and you can enjoy the time off [from] the tournament.”

Osaka Dominates on Court, Weighs In on Kendrick-Drake Feud

Osaka Dominates on Court, Weighs In on Kendrick-Drake Feud

Naomi Osaka Weighs In on Kendrick Lamar-Drake Feud, Dominates on Court

ROME, Italy – Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka has emerged as an unlikely music critic, offering her take on the ongoing feud between hip-hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

During an interview with Tennis Channel Live Desk at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Osaka expressed her enthusiasm for the musical rivalry. “Music-wise, I’ve been really fed well with this Kendrick and Drake beef,” she said.

Despite her self-proclaimed pacifist stance, Osaka couldn’t resist sharing her preference for Kendrick’s recent diss track, “Not Like Us.” “That last song is amazing,” she declared. “I played it walking onto the court.”

Osaka’s musical commentary extended beyond the current feud. She noted that Kendrick’s recent output has been particularly impressive. “Me being a Kendrick fan, I haven’t gotten this many Kendrick songs in a very long time!” she exclaimed.

On the tennis court, Osaka displayed similar dominance. In her first match at the Foro Italico since giving birth to her daughter, she overcame a tight opening set to defeat Clara Burel 7-6 (2), 6-1.

Osaka’s victory sets up a second-round clash with No. 19 seed Marta Kostyuk. The four-time Grand Slam champion will be looking to continue her strong form and potentially add another title to her impressive resume.

Djokovic Prioritizes Grand Slams, Rehires Fitness Coach for Rome

Djokovic Prioritizes Grand Slams, Rehires Fitness Coach for Rome

Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has adopted a strategic approach to the 2024 season, prioritizing preparation for Grand Slams and the Olympics over early tournament success. Despite playing only three tournaments so far, Djokovic is confident in his plan and eager to perform well at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.

Djokovic’s absence from the Mutua Madrid Open was a deliberate choice, as he focused on training and recovery. This approach aligns with his goal of peaking at the most significant events on the calendar. The six-time Rome champion has enjoyed success at the Foro Italico in the past, and he is determined to continue that trend.

While Djokovic has not won a title in the first four months of the season, he has made adjustments to his team, rehiring longtime fitness coach Gebhard Gritsch. The Serb believes that this change will enhance his performance on the court.

Djokovic’s clay-court campaign began with a promising semifinal appearance at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. He is now the freshest of his main rivals at Roland Garros, as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have withdrawn from Rome due to injuries.

Despite the absence of some top players, Djokovic faces a challenging draw in Rome. He is set to face Grigor Dimitrov or Holger Rune in his first match, and could potentially meet Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic is confident in his preparation and believes that the training sessions with top-ranked opponents will help him build momentum. He is eager to kickstart his tournament run and continue his pursuit of Grand Slam glory.

Camila Giorgi Retires from Tennis Without a Word

Camila Giorgi Retires from Tennis Without a Word

Camila Giorgi, the enigmatic Italian tennis star, has quietly retired from the sport, leaving the tennis world in a state of surprise. Her name recently appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) retired players list, confirming her departure from the tour.

Giorgi’s decision to retire came as a shock, as she had not publicly announced her intentions. She had not entered the recent Roland Garros tournament, but her absence had not raised any immediate concerns. The 32-year-old’s last competitive match was at the Miami Open, where she lost to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the second round.

Throughout her career, Giorgi was known for her aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes. She won four WTA Tour titles, including the prestigious Montreal tournament in 2021. Her best Grand Slam result was a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon in 2018.

Giorgi’s retirement marks the end of an era in Italian tennis. She was one of the country’s most successful female players in recent years, alongside Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone. Her departure leaves a void in the Italian team and will be a significant loss for the sport.

By declaring herself retired, Giorgi will need to make herself available for out-of-competition testing for at least six months if she has any change of heart down the road. However, given her lack of public statements and social media activity, it seems unlikely that she will return to the tour anytime soon.

Dominic Thiem to Retire from Tennis at Vienna Open

Dominic Thiem to Retire from Tennis at Vienna Open

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, is reportedly set to retire from professional tennis at the Vienna Open in late October. The Austrian outlet SN claims that Thiem has informed sponsors of his decision.

Thiem’s career has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He has won 17 tour-level trophies, including the US Open in 2020. However, a right wrist injury in 2021 derailed his progress, and he has struggled to regain his former form.

Despite his recent struggles, Thiem remains a respected figure in the tennis world. Novak Djokovic, who defeated Thiem in the 2020 Australian Open final, praised Thiem’s character and determination.

“He’s a great guy, very good person, someone that has very good manners, good values, family man, somebody that always took time to say hello, always showed respect on the court, off the court,” Djokovic said. “I really like Dominic.”

Thiem’s retirement will mark the end of an era in Austrian tennis. He is one of the country’s most successful players, and his absence will be felt on the ATP Tour.

Novak Djokovic Deportation Sparks Controversy over Vaccine Mandates

Novak Djokovic Deportation Sparks Controversy over Vaccine Mandates

Novak Djokovic’s controversial deportation from Australia in 2022 over his COVID-19 vaccination status sparked global outrage and raised questions about the fairness of pandemic restrictions. The Serbian tennis star, a vocal vaccine skeptic, was detained upon arrival in Melbourne to compete in the Australian Open. His visa was revoked for failing to meet the country’s strict pandemic entry requirements.

The incident ignited a political firestorm, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic accusing Australia of conducting a “political witch hunt” against Djokovic. Fans in Belgrade rallied in support of the embattled star, while critics condemned his anti-vaccine stance.

Amidst the controversy, former England cricket great Kevin Pietersen weighed in on the matter, calling for an apology to Djokovic in light of recent revelations about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Pietersen suggested that Djokovic’s skepticism may have been justified, given the vaccine’s potential side effects.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca announced a global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, citing commercial reasons and the availability of updated vaccines. The company admitted that the vaccine could cause rare but serious side effects, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS).

The withdrawal of the AstraZeneca vaccine has raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. It also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding vaccine mandates and the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Tennis Stars Potapova and Shevchenko Relive 'Roman Holiday' in Pre-Tournament Photoshoot

Tennis Stars Potapova and Shevchenko Relive ‘Roman Holiday’ in Pre-Tournament Photoshoot

Tennis Stars Potapova and Shevchenko Embody Roman Holiday in Pre-Tournament Photoshoot

In the heart of Rome, tennis power couple Anastasia Potapova and Alexander Shevchenko recreated iconic scenes from the beloved 1953 film “Roman Holiday.” Donning 1950s attire, the newlyweds took turns riding an Italian scooter, capturing the essence of the classic movie.

Potapova, a rising star in the women’s game, expressed her admiration for the film and the opportunity to channel Audrey Hepburn’s character. “It’s one of my favorite movies of all time,” she said. “The clothes, the scooter, the place, and especially doing it in Rome, it makes it very special.”

Shevchenko, who will face Fabio Marozsan in his first match of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, admitted to being initially hesitant about the photoshoot. “I’m not a big fan of these photo sessions,” he said. “But my wife carries me on all the time. Otherwise I’m not going to have a great time at home!”

Despite his initial reluctance, Shevchenko found the experience enjoyable. “It was quite fun!” he exclaimed. “That’s probably our second photoshoot as a family together, with my husband,” added Potapova.

The photoshoot not only showcased the couple’s love for each other but also their playful and adventurous spirits. As they navigated the streets of Rome on the scooter, they embodied the carefree romance of the film’s protagonists.

Potapova and Shevchenko’s photoshoot serves as a reminder of the enduring power of cinema and its ability to inspire and connect people. It also highlights the importance of embracing new experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Yulia Putintseva: Tennis Star and Vlogging Sensation

Yulia Putintseva: Tennis Star and Vlogging Sensation

Yulia Putintseva, the rising star of women’s tennis, has emerged as a captivating personality both on and off the court. Known for her dry wit and candid opinions, Putintseva has become a fan favorite through her appearances on Daria Kasatkina’s YouTube series, “What The Vlog?”

Putintseva believes that Kasatkina’s vlog provides a unique glimpse into the lives of tennis players, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices they face beyond the spotlight. She criticizes the Netflix series “Break Point” for its lack of authenticity and over-dramatization.

“They didn’t even invite me; how could it be good?” Putintseva quipped. “I watched one episode with Kyrgios, and the rest was so bad, so dramatic.”

Putintseva also expresses reservations about the romantic drama “Challengers,” starring Zendaya. She questions the casting choice, stating that Zendaya’s appearance does not align with the physicality of a professional tennis player.

Despite her skepticism towards certain tennis-themed media, Putintseva holds a fondness for the 2004 romcom “Wimbledon.” She appreciates its portrayal of the sport and its setting in the historic All England Club.

Putintseva’s recent resurgence on the WTA Tour has propelled her into the spotlight. She has reached consecutive quarterfinals at the Miami Open and Mutua Madrid Open, cutting her ranking in half in just three months. This success has earned her a seeding at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the tournament that inspired her favorite film.

“I want to stay as long as possible here,” Putintseva said. “I love the history of Rome so much. I love Italy in general: there’s so much culture and so many great places to walk.”

Putintseva’s love for Rome extends beyond its historical significance. She praises the city’s architecture, art, and cuisine, particularly its delectable gelato.

As she prepares to face Sloane Stephens in the second round of the Italian Open, Putintseva remains focused on her own journey. She embraces the opportunity to be the star of her own Roman Holiday, showcasing her talent and personality on the grand stage of tennis.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart