Tennis

Taylor Fritz has made a triumphant start to his ATP Finals campaign, securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Daniil Medvedev in his opening round-robin match. This milestone win marks Fritz's 50th of the year, a significant achievement that places him among the elite players on the ATP Tour.Fritz's victory is particularly noteworthy as it makes him the first American male player to record consecutive 50-win seasons in 17 years. James Blake was the last American to achieve this feat in 2006 and 2007. Fritz's consistent performance throughout the year is a testament to his hard work and dedication.Fritz's win-loss record over the past decade showcases his steady rise in the tennis world. From a modest 1-1 record in 2015, he has gradually improved his performance, culminating in his current impressive 50-21 record in 2023.Fritz's victory over Medvedev is a significant step forward in his ATP Finals debut. The season-ending event features the top eight players in the world, and Fritz's win over the reigning US Open champion demonstrates his ability to compete at the highest level.As Fritz continues his ATP Finals campaign, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Casper Ruud. However, his strong start to the tournament suggests that he is capable of making a deep run and challenging for the title.

Carlos Alcaraz's remarkable run continues as he notched his 50th win of the year at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, extending his winning streak to 11 matches. The victory over China's Wu Yibing in the third round marked a significant milestone for the young Spaniard.Alcaraz's triumph in Shanghai was his 100th hard-court win of his career, making him the third man born in the 2000s to achieve this feat. He is also the first player born in 2003 or later to reach this milestone.The 19-year-old's impressive form has seen him win two Davis Cup matches, two Laver Cup matches, five en route to the title in Beijing, and now his first two in Shanghai. His victory over Wu also marked his 50th win of the year, a feat he has achieved for the third consecutive year.Alcaraz's consistency is unmatched, as he is the only man to win 50 or more matches in each of the last three years. Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are the only other players who could potentially join him in this exclusive club, but they currently have 39 and 38 wins in 2024, respectively.In the women's game, Iga Swiatek stands alone as the only player to win 50 or more matches in each of the last three years. She won 67 in 2022 and 68 in 2023, and is at 59 so far in 2024.Alcaraz's next challenge in Shanghai will be the winner of the all-French battle between Ugo Humbert and Gael Monfils. The Spaniard will be looking to continue his winning streak and cement his status as one of the most promising young players in the world.