Dimitrov Embraces Mission to Revive One-Handed Backhand in ATP Top 10

Dimitrov Embraces Mission to Revive One-Handed Backhand in ATP Top 10

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, is on a mission to revive the one-handed backhand in the ATP’s Top 10. With Stefanos Tsitsipas’ recent departure from the elite group, Dimitrov is the last remaining player with this visually-appealing shot.

Dimitrov acknowledges the significance of the one-handed backhand’s decline, stating, “It is a big deal.” He believes that the shot’s beauty lies in its complexity, requiring precise timing, ball-watching, and swing mechanics.

Despite the dwindling presence of one-handed backhands, Dimitrov remains optimistic. He is determined to keep the shot alive and inspire future generations. “I’m counting on every guy that’s still out there with one hand to keep on pushing and playing for that,” he said.

Dimitrov’s recent resurgence has seen him climb to No. 13 in the rankings. With just 45 points to defend in Indian Wells and Miami, he has a chance to return to the Top 10 for the first time since 2018.

However, Dimitrov’s focus is not solely on rankings. He is driven by a desire to overcome personal challenges and achieve his goals. “For me, I have a different quest, I have different battles to fight right now,” he said.

In the third round of Indian Wells, Dimitrov will face No. 21 seed Adrian Mannarino. Dimitrov has a perfect 4-0 record against the Frenchman.

Dimitrov’s determination to revive the one-handed backhand and his unwavering focus on personal growth make him an inspiring figure in the tennis world. His journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of changing trends, passion and perseverance can prevail.

Alcaraz Faces Pressure at Indian Wells Amidst Ranking Threat

Alcaraz Faces Pressure at Indian Wells Amidst Ranking Threat

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Indian Wells men’s singles champion, faces immense pressure as he returns to defend his title. Despite a disappointing Australian Open quarter-final loss to Alexander Zverev and a semi-final defeat in the Argentina Open, Alcaraz remains the world’s second-ranked player. However, he faces a formidable challenge from reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, who could overtake him in the ATP rankings.

Tennis legend Andre Agassi has expressed admiration for Alcaraz’s dynamic movement and ability to control the rhythm of the game. However, he has also raised concerns about Alcaraz’s tendency to become static and lose conviction in his shots when his feet are not moving. Agassi believes that Alcaraz needs to identify his strengths and rely on them consistently to maintain pressure on his opponents.

Alcaraz’s Indian Wells title defense began with a hard-fought 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-1 victory over Matteo Arnaldi. He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next round, a formidable opponent who has reached the semi-finals of the past two Grand Slams.

Alcaraz’s performance at Indian Wells will be crucial in determining his ability to maintain his world number two ranking. If he can rediscover his best form and overcome the challenges posed by Sinner and Auger-Aliassime, he will solidify his position as one of the top players in the world. However, if he struggles to find his rhythm and consistency, he could face a setback in his quest for continued success.

Coco Gauff Escapes with Comeback Victory in Indian Wells Return

Coco Gauff Escapes with Comeback Victory in Indian Wells Return

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, made a triumphant return to the U.S. soil at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. After a remarkable “Summer of Coco” that culminated in her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, Gauff faced a tough challenge in her opening match against Clara Burel.

Despite a shaky start, Gauff displayed her trademark resilience and determination, rallying from a set down and a 2-5 deficit in the final set to secure a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) victory.

Gauff’s initial struggles were evident as she lost six consecutive games, her serve faltering and her returns lacking precision. However, she gradually found her rhythm, embracing the “Winning Ugly” mentality instilled by her coach, Brad Gilbert.

In the second set, Gauff broke back from 2-1 down and eventually leveled the match. The third set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Burel breaking Gauff twice to take a 3-0 lead. But Gauff refused to give up, breaking back at love and saving three break points to level at 3-3.

As the match reached its climax, Burel faltered under pressure, double faulting to hand Gauff the break. The American then held her nerve in the tiebreak, securing the victory with a defensive flair that forced Burel into a wide crosscourt backhand.

Gauff’s victory marked her 50th win at the WTA 1000 level and extended her winning streak on home soil to 17 matches. She credited her mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure for her success.

“It wasn’t my best tennis, but it’s not about how you show up on your good days, it’s how you show up on your bad ones,” Gauff said. “I’m happy with how I showed up today.”

Osaka and Kerber Show Resilience in Comeback Attempts

Osaka and Kerber Show Resilience in Comeback Attempts

Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber, both former world No. 1s and multiple Grand Slam champions, are navigating the early stages of their comebacks after taking time off to have children. Despite their past successes, both players have struggled with consistency and mental fortitude in recent times.

At the recent Indian Wells tournament, Osaka and Kerber faced adversity in their opening matches. Osaka double-faulted three times in a row and lost a break early against Sara Errani, while Kerber blew a 5-3 lead and lost the first set to Jelena Ostapenko.

However, both players showed encouraging signs of resilience and mental toughness. Kerber, known for her tendency to let negativity affect her game, used her frustration to fuel her performance against Ostapenko. She became more aggressive and tactical, fighting fire with fire and ultimately securing the victory.

Osaka, whose belief can fluctuate dramatically, dug deep against Errani. Despite the Italian’s ability to force her into long rallies, Osaka remained focused and earned her points. She has also been inspired by the fighting spirit of fellow tour mom Victoria Azarenka.

Both Osaka and Kerber acknowledge the challenges of regaining their former form. Osaka is a perfectionist who struggles when results don’t come quickly, while Kerber has a history of letting negativity creep into her game. However, they are determined to overcome these obstacles and reach their full potential once again.

Their comebacks are not without their setbacks, but their performances at Indian Wells suggest that they are on the right track. They have the motivation, the talent, and the experience to succeed. As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of their journeys, Osaka and Kerber will undoubtedly face more challenges. But if they can maintain their positive mindset and unwavering determination, they have the potential to achieve great things once again.

Naomi Osaka Regains Form, Faces Samsonova Test at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka Regains Form, Faces Samsonova Test at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has shown signs of regaining her form at the Indian Wells tournament. After an easy victory over Sara Errani in her first match, Osaka faces a tougher challenge in Liudmila Samsonova in the second round.

Osaka’s recent resurgence has been marked by three wins in her last four matches, including a narrow loss to Karolina Pliskova in which both sets went into tiebreakers. Despite the loss, Osaka displayed a strong performance, suggesting that she is close to rediscovering her best tennis.

In her upcoming match against Samsonova, Osaka will face a different type of opponent. Samsonova is known for her powerful serve, but Osaka’s return game should be more effective on the slower courts at Indian Wells. The surface will also favor Osaka’s baseline play, as her movement has been a weakness in recent years.

Samsonova, on the other hand, has struggled for form lately, losing three of her last four matches. She is also not particularly adept on clay-like surfaces, which the Indian Wells courts resemble.

Osaka’s commitment to improving her game is evident, and she is determined to make a statement in the desert. With her power and experience, she is well-positioned to overcome Samsonova and continue her resurgence.

Indian Wells Clash: Monfils, Paul, and Yastremska Seek Redemption

Indian Wells Clash: Monfils, Paul, and Yastremska Seek Redemption

Gael Monfils vs. Hubert Hurkacz: A Clash of Heavy Hitters

The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells features an intriguing matchup between two formidable players: Gael Monfils and Hubert Hurkacz. Monfils, known for his electrifying style and athleticism, faces off against Hurkacz, a composed and powerful force on the court.

Their previous encounters in 2019 resulted in a split decision, setting the stage for a thrilling rubber match. Monfils’s unpredictable shot-making and crowd-pleasing antics make him a fan favorite, while Hurkacz’s unwavering focus and consistent groundstrokes pose a significant challenge.

Tommy Paul vs. Alex Michelsen: American Showdown

Tommy Paul has emerged as a rising star in American tennis, defeating top players like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. He faces Alex Michelsen, a promising 19-year-old from California, in a battle for home-court advantage.

Their previous meeting in February saw Paul narrowly prevail in a third-set tiebreak. Michelsen, eager for redemption, will look to capitalize on his familiarity with the Indian Wells courts. However, Paul’s experience and momentum make him a formidable opponent.

Dayana Yastremska vs. Emma Raducanu: A Tale of Redemption

Dayana Yastremska and Emma Raducanu have embarked on contrasting journeys since their last encounter in 2022. Yastremska has shown impressive growth, while Raducanu has struggled to regain her form after her stunning US Open triumph in 2021.

This matchup presents an opportunity for both players to prove their worth. Yastremska aims to continue her resurgence, while Raducanu seeks a spark to ignite her career. A victory for either player would signal a significant step in their respective trajectories.

Swiatek Cruises Past Collins in BNP Paribas Open Rematch

Swiatek Cruises Past Collins in BNP Paribas Open Rematch

Six weeks after their intense Australian Open encounter, Iga Swiatek faced a much smoother rematch against Danielle Collins, cruising to a 6-3, 6-0 victory to advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.

In their previous meeting in Melbourne, Swiatek trailed Collins by two breaks before ultimately prevailing. This time, she applied the lessons learned, dominating the final nine games to secure the win in just 80 minutes.

Swiatek, the world No. 1, is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her first WTA ranking triumph in March, when she became the youngest woman to capture the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami. Her semifinal appearance in the 2023 BNP Paribas Open further solidifies her comfort level in the desert.

Despite Collins’ announcement that 2024 will be her final season, she has maintained a high level of play. The pair traded service holds early on, but Swiatek’s marathon seventh game proved pivotal. She saved two break points and won 10 of 11 points to take the opening set.

Collins’ resistance crumbled in the second set as Swiatek’s dominance grew. The Pole won six consecutive games, including a double break, to secure the match. Collins saved two break points in the final game, but Swiatek remained resolute, ending the contest with a backhand putaway.

Swiatek’s path to the title remains challenging. She could potentially face another Australian Open rival, Linda Noskova, in the third round. Noskova, the No. 26 seed, upset Swiatek in three sets in Melbourne.

Sinner Extends Winning Streak to 16 with Dominant Indian Wells Debut

Sinner Extends Winning Streak to 16 with Dominant Indian Wells Debut

World No. 3 Jannik Sinner has extended his remarkable winning streak to 16 matches with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event. The Italian star is now a perfect 13-0 on the season, having won his last three matches of 2023 at the Davis Cup Finals, the Australian Open title, and the Rotterdam title.

Sinner’s victory in Indian Wells marks his first match on American soil since his triumph at the US Open last year. The 21-year-old is now one win away from matching his career-best winning streak of 17 matches, set in 2021.

The Italian’s dominance in the match against Kokkinakis was evident from the outset. Sinner broke the Australian’s serve in the opening game and never looked back. He controlled the pace of the match with his powerful groundstrokes and precise serve, winning 80% of his first-serve points.

Kokkinakis, ranked No. 103 in the world, struggled to find his rhythm against Sinner’s relentless pressure. The Australian was broken three times in the first set and failed to win a single game in the second set.

Sinner’s victory in Indian Wells is a testament to his exceptional form and his determination to reach the No. 2 ranking. The Italian is now just 100 points behind No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

If Sinner continues his winning ways, he could potentially overtake Alcaraz and become the new world No. 2 as early as next week. The Italian is scheduled to face either Jenson Brooksby or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round of Indian Wells.

Taste of Tennis Returns to Indian Wells with Style and Delicacies

Taste of Tennis Returns to Indian Wells with Style and Delicacies

Taste of Tennis, a highly anticipated social event in the tennis world, made its grand return to Indian Wells this week. Hosted at the Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Spa, the evening showcased a delectable culinary experience and a parade of stylish attire.

Tennis stars graced the event, including Paula Badosa, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Qinwen Zheng, and Alexander Zverev. As they posed for the cameras, their fashion choices sparked conversations on social media. Badosa opted for an elegant all-white ensemble, complete with a Christian Dior bag adorned with butterflies and constellations. Zheng, Zverev, and Jakub Mensik also embraced the neutral palette with their cream-colored outfits.

In contrast, Holger Rune and Liudmilla Samsonova opted for warmth and comfort, donning black puffer jackets. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, known for her bold fashion statements, turned heads with her Bottega Venetta bag in vibrant orange shearling. Tsitsipas added a touch of tennis flair with a shirt featuring a tropical tennis scene.

Beyond the fashion, the evening offered a culinary extravaganza. Guests savored tuna crudo, ember-roasted purple yam, coconut ceviche, and shawarma-spiced lamb. The event also had a charitable component, with a commemorative painting auctioned for $5,000 to benefit Shay’s Warriors, a cancer survivorship support organization.

Taste of Tennis will continue its culinary and fashion journey at the Miami Open presented by Itau on March 18 at the JW Marriott Miami.

Venus Williams Falls in Indian Wells Return

Venus Williams Falls in Indian Wells Return

Venus Williams, the 43-year-old tennis legend, made her long-awaited return to the WTA Tour at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Despite a promising start, Williams ultimately fell to qualifier Nao Hibino in a three-set battle.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, had not played a competitive match since her first-round exit at the US Open in August 2023. Her last appearance at Indian Wells was in 2019.

The match began on Wednesday night in windy and chilly conditions, but was interrupted by heavy rain after just two games. When play resumed on Thursday, the weather had improved significantly.

Williams started strongly, taking the first set 6-2 with her trademark power and precision. However, Hibino, ranked 80th in the world, fought back to win the second set 6-3.

In the deciding set, Williams’ game fell apart as she struggled with unforced errors and double faults. Hibino took advantage, winning the final six games to seal the victory 6-0.

Despite the defeat, Williams showed glimpses of her former brilliance, particularly with her serve and backhand. However, her lack of match fitness and consistency proved to be her undoing.

Hibino, who had never won a match at Indian Wells before, will now face No. 17 seed Veronika Kudermetova in the second round.

Other notable results from Day 2 of the tournament included victories for 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, 2018 Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki, and 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins.

On the men’s side, three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka was defeated by 63rd-ranked Tomas Machac, while Gael Monfils and qualifier Lucas Pouille advanced.

Rafael Nadal, who was scheduled to play his first tour match since January on Thursday night, withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday due to a hip injury.

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