Tennis

Casper Ruud's 2024 season ended abruptly in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals, where he was outplayed by Jannik Sinner. Ruud, known for his patient and defensive style, found himself outmatched by Sinner's aggressive and powerful play."I didn't learn tennis going for a winner on the first or second shot," Ruud said after his 6-1, 6-2 defeat. "My mentality, how I grew up playing a lot on clay in Spain, it was a different way of playing tennis."Ruud acknowledged that his style of play can be vulnerable against hard-hitters like Sinner. "Against someone like Jannik, it's something missing, definitely felt today and something I will know next time I play him," he said.Despite the setback, Ruud remains confident in his game. "In my eyes, it's too late to change what kind of player I am at this point. I'm 25. The structure of my game is already there," he said.Ruud draws inspiration from Rafael Nadal, who has successfully adapted his clay-court game to other surfaces. "I've definitely been kind of shaped by watching a lot of Rafa tennis," Ruud said. "I really loved watching those guys play. I find that way of playing tennis really nice. I like it myself."However, Ruud recognizes the challenges of playing on hard courts, where his style is more vulnerable. "The majority of the season is played on hard court, a faster surface. It is a game style that is kind of vulnerable to hard-hitters, fast players," he said.Ruud praised Sinner's performance, noting that he has made significant progress since their last meeting three years ago. "It's almost a perfect season. Yeah, I hope he calms down for next year," Ruud said with a smile. "I admire Jannik a lot as a player. As a person, he's very serious about what he does. Yeah, it's inspiring. Even though he's younger than me, I have a lot to learn from him."Despite the disappointing end to his season, Ruud is projected to finish at No. 6 in the year-end rankings.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, is bidding farewell to his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals. As a tribute to his unparalleled achievements, we present five of his remarkable records that may stand the test of time.912 Consecutive Weeks in the Top 10Nadal's unwavering consistency is exemplified by his record-breaking 912 consecutive weeks in the ATP Top 10. From his debut in 2005 at age 18, he remained among the elite for nearly 18 years, a feat unmatched in the history of the sport. This remarkable streak includes 209 weeks spent at the pinnacle of the rankings as world No. 1.Longest Top 10 Streak in ATP HistoryNadal's 912-week Top 10 streak dwarfs the previous record held by Jimmy Connors (789 weeks). It is a testament to his exceptional longevity and ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career.Comparison to WTA Top 10Only one woman, Martina Navratilova, has surpassed Nadal's consecutive Top 10 streak in the WTA rankings. Navratilova spent an astonishing 1,000 straight weeks in the elite, a record that remains unmatched.Nadal's DominanceNadal's dominance is further evident in his 23 career wins over world No. 1s, a record that stands as a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion against the best in the world. His 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open titles, solidify his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.Legacy of ExcellenceAs Nadal prepares to hang up his racquet, his legacy of excellence will continue to inspire generations of tennis players. His unwavering determination, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of greatness have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Jannik Sinner's Doping Case: ATP Chairman Addresses ConcernsJannik Sinner's doping case has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the anti-doping process in tennis. ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has acknowledged that there could have been better communication in explaining the rules involved in the case.Sinner, the world's top-ranked player, tested positive for an anabolic steroid in two separate drug tests in March. The case was not made public until August, after Sinner had won the US Open title.An independent tribunal cleared Sinner of wrongdoing, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the decision. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to make a final ruling on the case early next year.Gaudenzi emphasized that the anti-doping process was independent and that the ATP had no involvement in the investigation or decision-making. He also stated that the rules applied to Sinner were the same as those applied to all other players.However, Gaudenzi acknowledged that there could have been better communication in explaining the rules and the process to the public. He urged all parties involved to work together to improve communication in the future.Sinner has maintained his innocence, claiming that the banned substance entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist. WADA is seeking a ban of one to two years for Sinner.The case has highlighted the challenges of enforcing anti-doping regulations in a sport where athletes travel extensively and are subject to a variety of treatments and supplements.Gaudenzi also announced that the future host of the ATP Finals will be announced on Sunday. The contract with Turin expires next year, and there is an option to move the event to nearby Milan.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy. Among his numerous accomplishments, one record that stands out is his remarkable 23 career wins over world No. 1 players.Nadal's dominance over the top-ranked players began in 2004 when he stunned Roger Federer in Miami at the age of 17. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw him accumulate the most wins over world No. 1s in ATP or WTA rankings history.Over the span of 18 years, Nadal faced off against the best players in the world, including Federer and Novak Djokovic, his two greatest rivals. He holds a 13-10 record against Federer, with 10 of those wins coming on clay. Against Djokovic, Nadal has a 10-13 record, with eight victories on clay.Nadal's ability to consistently defeat world No. 1s is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and unmatched competitive spirit. His record is a testament to his greatness and will likely stand as an unbreakable record for years to come.

Frances Tiafoe Fined $120,000 for Verbal Abuse at Shanghai MastersAmerican tennis star Frances Tiafoe has been fined a hefty $120,000 by the ATP for his outburst against a chair umpire at the Shanghai Masters last month. The incident occurred after Tiafoe lost a hard-fought match to Roman Safiullin in the third round.During a minute-long tirade, Tiafoe unleashed a barrage of expletives at umpire Jimmy Pinoargote, expressing his frustration over a time violation call that cost him a first serve in the closing tiebreaker. Tiafoe initially protested the call but continued to play, ultimately losing the match.The ATP's fines committee imposed a $60,000 penalty for aggravated behavior on top of the maximum on-site fine of $60,000 for verbal abuse. Despite the hefty fine, Tiafoe will not face a suspension and will be allowed to compete in future tournaments.Tiafoe later issued an apology on social media, acknowledging that his reaction was "not acceptable behavior." He expressed regret for his actions and vowed to learn from the incident.The 26-year-old American has enjoyed a successful season, reaching the semifinals of the US Open and the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. However, his outburst at the Shanghai Masters has cast a shadow over his recent achievements.The ATP's decision to fine Tiafoe sends a clear message that verbal abuse of officials will not be tolerated. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect on the court, even in the heat of competition.

Tennis Channel has launched its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service, offering tennis enthusiasts an unparalleled viewing experience. This groundbreaking platform seamlessly combines the best features of Tennis Channel's television network and Tennis Channel+ subscription service.With Tennis Channel's streaming service, fans gain access to a staggering array of live tennis events, including over 100 tournaments and thousands of matches from the WTA and ATP tours. From January to November, subscribers can witness every singles match under the sun, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.But the service doesn't stop there. Tennis Channel's 24/7 network is also available, providing expert commentary, in-depth analysis, exclusive player interviews, and TC Live, the only live studio show dedicated to tennis.The app empowers fans to customize their viewing experience. They can follow their favorite players in real-time, effortlessly switch between multiple live matches, or simply relax and enjoy the live network coverage. Whether you're a seasoned tennis aficionado or just starting your journey, Tennis Channel meets you where you are, delivering the action your way, anytime, anywhere.The streaming service boasts an unparalleled lineup of men's and women's tennis, all in one convenient location. Subscribers can enjoy the entire WTA and ATP seasons, including every 1000-level tournament, as well as 500s, 250s, and exhibitions. Major events such as Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston, Madrid, Rome, Queens, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Paris, Laver Cup, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and the ATP and WTA Year-End Finals are all available to stream.In addition to live matches, the service offers exclusive on-demand content, providing an insider's look into the world of tennis. Replays, match highlights, press conferences, draw ceremonies, original series, documentaries, podcasts, and more are all at your fingertips.To start streaming, simply download the Tennis Channel app or visit www.tennischannel.com. Subscriptions are available at $109.99 per year or $9.99 per month. The service is currently available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs, with additional devices to be added in the future.

Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, made a triumphant return to the Nitto ATP Finals on Monday, securing his first victory in three appearances. Despite a recent slump, Ruud showcased his resilience and determination, overcoming world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling 6-1, 7-5 encounter.Ruud's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first win over a Top 3 opponent on hard courts. The 2022 runner-up displayed exceptional composure and tactical brilliance throughout the match, neutralizing Alcaraz's aggressive style of play.The opening set was a dominant performance by Ruud. He broke Alcaraz's serve in the third game and never looked back, winning the set 6-1. Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, committing numerous unforced errors and failing to convert break point opportunities.In the second set, Alcaraz showed signs of improvement, breaking Ruud's serve to take a 4-2 lead. However, Ruud remained unfazed and broke back immediately. With Alcaraz serving for the set at 5-3, Ruud produced a stunning backhand lob winner to earn two break points. He capitalized on the opportunity, forcing another unforced error from Alcaraz to level the set at 5-5.Ruud's momentum continued to build, and he broke Alcaraz's serve once again in the 11th game. With the match on his racquet, Ruud sealed the victory with an ace, securing his 50th win of the season.Ruud's victory sets the stage for an exciting John Newcombe Group round robin encounter on Wednesday. He will face either two-time champion Alexander Zverev or Andrey Rublev in his next match.

Zheng Qinwen's remarkable run to the WTA Finals final has propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 5, making her the seventh player born in the 2000s to achieve this feat. Despite falling short to Coco Gauff in the championship match, Zheng's performance has solidified her status as a rising star in the tennis world.Zheng's journey to the Top 5 has been marked by consistent excellence. She has won two WTA titles this year, including the prestigious Lyon Open, and has reached the semifinals or better in four other tournaments. Her impressive results have earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of tennis fans worldwide.Zheng's success is particularly significant for Chinese tennis. She is only the second Chinese player to reach the Top 5 in either ATP or WTA rankings history, following in the footsteps of Li Na. Her achievements are a testament to the growing strength of Chinese tennis and inspire young players across the country.Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz has returned to the Top 5 on the ATP rankings, rising from No. 6 to No. 5. Fritz's resurgence comes after a strong season that included a victory at the Indian Wells Masters. He is now poised to challenge the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz for the top spot in men's tennis.Other notable movers in the rankings include Barbora Krejcikova, who returns to the Top 10 after reaching the semifinals of the WTA Finals. Krejcikova is a former No. 2 and has consistently performed at a high level throughout her career.Denis Shapovalov and Benjamin Bonzi have also made significant jumps in the rankings after winning ATP titles last week. Shapovalov, a former No. 10, has won the second ATP title of his career in Belgrade, while Bonzi has captured the first ATP title of his career in Metz.These rankings updates reflect the changing landscape of tennis, with new stars emerging and established players continuing to perform at a high level. Zheng Qinwen, Taylor Fritz, and the other players who have made significant moves in the rankings are poised to shape the future of the sport.

Stan Wawrinka has taken to social media to call out Stefanos Tsitsipas' recent criticism of the ATP's schedule, reminding the Greek star of his previous support for the "OneVision" plan.Tsitsipas has been a vocal critic of the ATP's decision to extend five of its most prestigious tournaments to two weeks, arguing that it puts too much strain on players' bodies and reduces recovery time. However, Wawrinka has unearthed a video from two years ago in which Tsitsipas enthusiastically endorsed the OneVision plan, saying it would "find solutions for a better future."Wawrinka's not-so-subtle dig was met with amusement by other tennis personalities, including Lucas Pouille and Mark Petchey. It also marks the second time in recent weeks that Wawrinka has used social media to challenge the views of younger players, having previously taken aim at Jannik Sinner for saying he "doesn't play for money."Tsitsipas' criticism of the ATP schedule has been echoed by other top players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev's coach Gilles Cervara. They argue that the extended tournaments are unnecessary and could lead to more injuries.However, the ATP has defended its decision, saying that the changes are necessary to improve the quality of the tournaments and provide more opportunities for players to earn prize money. The ATP also points out that the extended tournaments will include more rest days for players.The debate over the ATP schedule is likely to continue, with players on both sides of the issue. However, Wawrinka's intervention has added a touch of humor to the discussion, reminding everyone that even the most outspoken critics can change their minds.