Djokovic and Alcaraz to Face Off in Charity Exhibition Ahead of U.S. Open

Djokovic and Alcaraz to Face Off in Charity Exhibition Ahead of U.S. Open

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the most dominant forces in tennis, are set to clash once again in a highly anticipated charity exhibition match ahead of the U.S. Open. The event, titled “Stars of the Open,” will take place on August 21 during the U.S. Open Fan Week.

Djokovic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, will team up with tennis legend John McEnroe, while Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, will join forces with Andre Agassi. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring four players who collectively hold 43 Grand Slam titles.

For Djokovic, this exhibition comes after his historic victory in Paris, where he completed the Career Golden Slam by securing his first Olympic gold. With 24 major titles already under his belt, he heads into the U.S. Open aiming to extend his record to 25.

“Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” Djokovic said after winning the gold medal. “Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had.”

Alcaraz, despite his young age, has also had an impressive season, capturing both the French Open and Wimbledon titles before taking silver in Paris. This exhibition will allow both players to showcase a lighter side of their game while giving back to the sport.

A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the USTA Foundation, contributing to tennis development programs across the United States. The match is part of a broader celebration during the U.S. Open Fan Week, including various entertainment events and opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite players before the tournament.

Wimbledon Champion Vondrousova, Norrie Withdraw from U.S. Open with Injuries

Wimbledon Champion Vondrousova, Norrie Withdraw from U.S. Open with Injuries

Marketa Vondrousova and Cam Norrie Withdraw from U.S. Open Due to Injuries

Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, and Cam Norrie have withdrawn from the upcoming U.S. Open due to injuries. Vondrousova, ranked 18th in the world, has been struggling with a hand injury, while Norrie, ranked 47th, is nursing a forearm problem.

Vondrousova, a 25-year-old Czech, made history last year by becoming the first woman since 1994 to lose her opening match at Wimbledon a year after winning the title. She has not played since her first-round defeat at the All England Club in July.

Vondrousova’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the women’s draw at the U.S. Open. She was one of the favorites to challenge for the title, having won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon last year and reached the final of the 2019 French Open. She also won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Norrie’s withdrawal is also a disappointment for the men’s draw. The 27-year-old Briton has been in good form this season, reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

Petra Martic will replace Vondrousova in the women’s draw in New York, while Francisco Comesana will take Norrie’s spot in the men’s bracket. The draw for the U.S. Open will be held next Thursday, with play beginning on August 26.

Shelton and Draper Advance in Cincinnati with Gritty Wins

Shelton and Draper Advance in Cincinnati with Gritty Wins

Ben Shelton’s resilience was on full display in Cincinnati as he overcame a match point deficit to reach the round of 16. The left-hander’s hard-fought 6-7 (6), 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry showcased his determination and ability to perform under pressure.

Shelton faced an uphill battle after losing a 6-3 lead in the second-set tiebreaker. However, he summoned his inner strength and delivered a powerful first serve to deny Etcheverry’s match point. The Argentine’s backhand error handed Shelton the set, setting the stage for a thrilling decider.

In the third set, Shelton’s persistence paid off as he converted his second break point with a potent inside-out forehand. He then closed out the match with a love hold, securing a hard-earned comeback victory.

“These are the types of wins that really propel you,” Shelton said. “The ones where you are tested, back against the wall and you come through in the big moments. That’s what’s really important to me about this one.”

Fellow left-hander Jack Draper also displayed his tenacity in a three-set battle against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite Tsitsipas serving for the match, Draper rallied to win the final three games and oust the ninth seed.

“It’s very difficult conditions here in Cincinnati,” Draper said. “I think what won me the match today was the way I competed. My determination to win, I think that showed in key moments.”

Draper’s victory marked his second win over Tsitsipas, adding to his 2022 second-round triumph in Montreal. He will now face the winner of the match between Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

In an evening session showdown, second seed Carlos Alcaraz was leading Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-6 (1-3) when rain suspended play for the night. The outcome of their match remains to be determined.

Coco Gauff's US Open Title Defense: Can She Overcome Recent Struggles?

Coco Gauff’s US Open Title Defense: Can She Overcome Recent Struggles?

Coco Gauff’s recent form has raised questions about her chances of defending her US Open title. After winning her maiden Grand Slam last year, Gauff has struggled for consistency in 2024, losing four of her last 10 matches. However, despite these setbacks, Gauff’s overall statistics suggest she is still a formidable opponent.

In 2023, Gauff had a winning percentage of 76.1%, a hold percentage of 73.4%, and a break percentage of 41.2%. In 2024, her winning percentage has dropped slightly to 74.5%, but her hold percentage remains high at 72.0% and her break percentage has improved to 46.2%. These numbers indicate that Gauff is still playing at a high level.

One area of concern for Gauff is her forehand, which has been a weakness throughout her career. She has shown signs of improvement in this area, but she still tends to make unforced errors from that side of the court. Her serving has also been inconsistent, with her double-fault percentage increasing from 5.1% in 2023 to 8.5% in 2024.

Despite these concerns, Gauff has a history of performing well at the US Open. She has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open this year and has a strong record against top players. Additionally, the absence of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina from the tournament due to injuries or poor form makes Gauff’s chances of winning even more promising.

Overall, while Gauff’s recent form has been inconsistent, her overall statistics and past performance at the US Open suggest that she is still a contender for the title. Her odds of +650 at FanDuel Sportsbook represent a good value for bettors who believe she can overcome her weaknesses and defend her championship.

Four Former US Open Champions Return with Wild Cards for Flushing Meadows

Four Former US Open Champions Return with Wild Cards for Flushing Meadows

Four Former US Open Champions Receive Wild Cards for Flushing Meadows

The upcoming US Open will witness the return of four former champions, who have been awarded wild cards into the prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka, Stan Wawrinka, and Bianca Andreescu will join the star-studded field at Flushing Meadows, bringing with them a wealth of experience and past success.

Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, will make his final Grand Slam appearance at his beloved Flushing Meadows. The 30-year-old Austrian announced his retirement in May, citing persistent injuries. His triumph in 2020 was a remarkable feat, as he rallied from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev in a thrilling final played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Osaka, another former US Open champion, will be eager to rediscover her winning form in New York. The four-time major winner has struggled for consistency in recent times but recently returned to the Top 100. She will be hoping to improve upon her disappointing performances at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon this year.

Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion, is a veteran of the sport at 39 years old. The Swiss star has won three Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, including his victory over Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows eight years ago. Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, became Canada’s first major singles champion with her magical run in New York. She will be looking to recapture that form and challenge for the title once again.

In addition to the former champions, several other players have earned wild cards into the US Open. Amanda Anisimova, who won the US Open Wild Card Challenge, will be hoping to build on her impressive runner-up finish in Toronto last week. American players McCartney Kessler, Alexa Noel, Iva Jovic, Chris Eubanks, Learner Tien, Zachary Svajda, and Matthew Forbes have also secured spots.

France’s Alexandre Muller and Chloe Paquet, along with Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate and Taylah Preston, complete the list of wild card recipients. These players were selected as part of reciprocal agreements between the USTA, the FFT, and Tennis Australia.

The US Open will take place from August 29th to September 11th at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. With a star-studded field and the return of former champions, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling tennis and unforgettable moments.

Jessica Pegula's Title Defense Vaults Her Back into Contention

Jessica Pegula’s Title Defense Vaults Her Back into Contention

Jessica Pegula’s 2023 season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by early exits and injuries. However, her recent title defense at the National Bank Open in Toronto has reignited her hopes for a strong finish to the year.

Pegula’s struggles began early in the season, with disappointing performances at several tournaments. Injuries forced her to withdraw from Indian Wells, Miami, and Roland Garros, further derailing her momentum.

Despite these setbacks, Pegula showed signs of improvement on grass, winning her first title in eight months at the ecotrans Ladies Open. However, she entered the US Open swing with low expectations after a busy schedule that included the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

To her surprise, Pegula hit the ground running in Toronto, reaching her second straight final without dropping a set. She became the first woman since Martina Hingis in 2000 to win both the Montréal and Toronto tournaments.

“It was definitely a tough week mentally,” Pegula said of her Olympic exits. “But to be able to come back the next week and just focus on competing almost helped me. I didn’t have time to think about how I was really feeling.”

Pegula’s victory in Toronto was an emotional release for her. “I was able to defend a title I’ve always done well at, in a place that’s somewhat close to home,” she said. “It was nice to go through that whole week, play some good tennis when I needed to, and come out on top.”

Now seeded No. 6 in Cincinnati, Pegula faces a tough opening test against either Karolina Muchova or Dayana Yastremska. Despite the demanding schedule, she is determined to keep pushing until the off-season.

“I missed a lot of the beginning of the year, so I feel mentally pretty good where some other people might feel more run down,” Pegula said. “I’m mentally prepared to grind out the end of the year more than I would be the last few years.”

With her form and fitness on the rise, it remains to be seen how much better Jessica Pegula’s year can get.

Naomi Osaka's Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

Naomi Osaka’s Cincinnati Open Hopes Dashed in Qualifying

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.

Medvedev Stumbles in Canada, Davidovich Fokina Upsets Former US Open Champ

Medvedev Stumbles in Canada, Davidovich Fokina Upsets Former US Open Champ

Daniil Medvedev’s US Open preparations suffered a setback as he crashed out in the opening round of the National Bank Open in Canada. The former US Open champion, seeded third, fell to 42nd-ranked Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 1-6, 6-2.

Davidovich Fokina, who had never beaten Medvedev before, entered the match with a 0-4 record against the Russian. However, he had defeated Medvedev’s doubles partner, Roman Safiullin, in Montreal.

The Spaniard, who missed Wimbledon due to a back injury, has been in impressive form this summer, reaching the quarterfinals in Atlanta and the round of 16 in Washington, D.C.

Medvedev’s defeat was part of a surprising trend in the tournament, with all four seeds in Davidovich Fokina’s quarter of the draw being eliminated in the round of 32. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Ugo Humbert, and Karen Khachanov also suffered early exits.

Davidovich Fokina will now face Matteo Arnaldi in the second round, with a potential semifinal berth on the line.

Medvedev, meanwhile, will continue playing in doubles with Safiullin. The pair advanced to the quarterfinals after winning a 10-point match tiebreaker. Medvedev will then turn his attention to the next Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati.

Another prominent player, Tommy Paul, also suffered a first-round defeat, losing to Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.

However, top seeds Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Grigor Dimitrov all advanced in straight sets. Sinner, who withdrew from the Olympic Games due to tonsillitis, defeated Borna Coric 6-2, 6-4.

In the women’s draw in Toronto, top seed Coco Gauff defeated Yafan Wang 6-4, 6-4. The American was joined in victory by compatriots Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, and Peyton Stearns.

US Open Offers Record $75 Million in Player Compensation

US Open Offers Record $75 Million in Player Compensation

The US Open, the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, is set to offer a record-breaking $75 million in compensation to players, a significant increase of 15% from the previous year. This substantial purse surpasses the prize money offered by other major tennis championships, including Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open.

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles will each receive a staggering $3.6 million, a 20% increase from last year’s $3 million. However, this amount still falls short of the pre-pandemic payout of $3.85 million awarded to the 2019 champions.

The total compensation includes expenses for players, and every round of the main draw and qualifying has seen an increase. First-round losers in the 128-person brackets for women’s and men’s singles will receive $100,000 each, a significant jump from $81,500 in 2023 and $58,000 in 2019.

Doubles champions will also benefit from the increased prize money, with each team receiving $750,000, up from $700,000 last year.

The US Open’s commitment to player compensation reflects the tournament’s status as one of the most prestigious and lucrative events in tennis. The increased prize money is expected to attract top players and enhance the overall quality of the competition.

Play in the main draws for singles begins on August 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and concludes with the women’s final on September 7 and the men’s final on September 8.

Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Self-Worth Struggles After US Open Victory

Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Self-Worth Struggles After US Open Victory

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis player, has opened up about her struggles with self-worth and the emotional toll of her 2018 US Open victory. In an interview on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, Osaka revealed that she was deeply affected by the negative fan reaction to her win, which was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Serena Williams’ code violations.

“I went on social media the night after I won,” Osaka said. “I was reading a lot of people saying that I didn’t deserve to win. I remember I started crying a lot.”

Osaka’s victory was marred by multiple code violations against Williams, which led to a hostile atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The crowd booed Osaka during the trophy ceremony, causing her to hide her face behind her visor.

“Honestly, I never really processed it well,” Osaka said. “I just ignored it and kept moving on with my life.”

Osaka believes that her inability to process the emotional turmoil of her US Open victory contributed to her breakdown at the 2021 Roland Garros, where she withdrew from the tournament after refusing to participate in post-match press conferences.

“I didn’t see the worth I had as a human outside of tennis,” Osaka said. “I would lose a match and feel like my life is meaningless, like the only value I had was winning.”

Osaka’s time away from tennis has helped her to develop a healthier perspective on her career and her life outside of the sport. She is now a mother to daughter Shai and believes that her break from tennis was crucial for her mental health.

“I needed to learn how to live in the real world,” Osaka said. “The athlete’s life span is so short, it’s not like I’m going to be playing tennis forever.”

Osaka’s journey for self-worth is a reminder of the importance of mental health in sports. It is a story of resilience, growth, and the realization that there is more to life than winning and losing.

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