Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov, the world No. 10, has achieved another career milestone by recording his 100th indoor win. The Bulgarian star reached the century mark with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Swiss lefty Dominic Stricker in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Stockholm.Dimitrov, born in 1991, is the first man born in 1990 or later to achieve this feat. He joins an elite group of players who have won 100 or more matches indoors, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.Dimitrov's indoor success is a testament to his all-court ability. He has won titles on all surfaces, including the ATP Finals in 2017. His indoor record is particularly impressive, as he has won over 70% of his matches on this surface.Dimitrov's victory in Stockholm is a continuation of his strong form in 2022. He has already reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. He is also the defending champion at the Vienna Open, which will be held later this month.With his 100th indoor win, Dimitrov has cemented his status as one of the most successful players of his generation. He is a threat on all surfaces and is capable of winning any tournament he enters.

The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF) has relocated its ATP tournament from Astana to Almaty, transforming the Almaty Arena into a world-class tennis venue. The move aims to enhance the fan experience and attract a wider audience.KTF President Bulat Utemuratov and Vice President Yuriy Polskiy shared their vision for the Almaty Open, emphasizing the importance of providing a welcoming environment for both tennis enthusiasts and casual fans. They have introduced family-friendly activities, tailored sponsor activations, and a range of ticket options to cater to all budgets.The relocation has presented challenges, as the Almaty Arena is a multi-purpose venue. However, the KTF has invested in temporary courts, a tennis bubble, and upgraded facilities to ensure a seamless experience for players and spectators.Utemuratov highlighted the significance of building relationships with players, noting his close friendships with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. He believes that these connections have helped spread awareness of Kazakhstan's tennis scene and attract top players to the tournament.Regarding the ATP calendar changes, Utemuratov expressed understanding of the need to reduce player workload. However, he remains ambitious about securing a 500 event license for Almaty, either through a combination of 250s or by acquiring an existing tournament.Polskiy emphasized the importance of providing exceptional service to all stakeholders, including players, fans, and sponsors. He believes that by creating a memorable experience, the Almaty Open can establish itself as a premier destination on the ATP Tour.Utemuratov expressed disappointment with the recent decline of the Davis Cup, attributing it to unfulfilled promises by Kosmos. He emphasized the need to restore the tournament's prestige and make it an event that players are eager to participate in.The KTF is also focused on developing Kazakhstani tennis talent. Polskiy highlighted the promising young players who are emerging in various age categories. He believes that by fostering healthy competition, Kazakhstan can produce a strong team for both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.For Utemuratov, the success of the Almaty Open will be measured by the atmosphere and the number of spectators. He believes that a full crowd will create a special ambiance and validate the efforts put into the tournament.

Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo to Juggle ATP Final and Olympic DebutAs the Paris Olympics officially commenced on Friday, two rising tennis stars, Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, found themselves facing a unique challenge. Just hours after securing their places in the Umag final, they were set to embark on their Olympic journeys.Musetti, the second seed in Umag, showcased his impressive form by dispatching Jakub Mensik in straight sets. The Italian converted all five break points he created, demonstrating the confidence he gained from his recent Wimbledon semifinal appearance.Meanwhile, Cerundolo, the fourth seed, upset top seed Andrey Rublev in a thrilling encounter. The Argentine saved five of the six break points he faced, proving his resilience and determination.Both players are seeking their first ATP title of the year and third overall. However, their immediate focus is on the Umag final, which will take place on Saturday.However, their Olympic aspirations loom large. First-round singles and doubles matches are scheduled to be completed before Monday, meaning Musetti and Cerundolo will have to balance their ATP commitments with their Olympic responsibilities.In Paris, Musetti will face home favorite Gael Monfils in the first round, while Cerundolo will take on Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile.The demanding schedule will undoubtedly test their physical and mental limits, but both players are eager to embrace the challenge."I think I am loving this country so far. Played eight matches and I won them all," said Cerundolo after his victory in Umag. "Hopefully I can end up tomorrow with another win, another title."Musetti echoed Cerundolo's sentiments, expressing pride in his performance and readiness for the Olympic stage."Really proud of what I showed tonight. I think I probably played my best tennis," said the 22-year-old.The Umag final and the Olympic debut of Musetti and Cerundolo promise to be captivating spectacles, showcasing the extraordinary talent and determination of these rising stars.

Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has commenced his campaign at the Nordea Open with a resounding victory over Elias Ymer. Nagal, ranked 68th in the ATP singles chart, overcame the Swede wild card in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. This triumph marks Nagal's first win against Ymer, who had previously defeated him twice.Nagal's victory is a testament to his recent resurgence. He has been in impressive form, showcasing his skills and determination on the court. His triumph over Ymer, who has enjoyed success in India, further solidifies his status as India's top singles player.Nagal's next challenge will be against world number 36 Mariano Navone from Argentina. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both players are known for their aggressive style of play. Nagal will be eager to continue his winning streak and secure a spot in the next round.Meanwhile, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji, who will represent India in men's doubles at the Paris Olympics, are set to make their ATP Tour debut as a pair. They will face the German duo of Mark Wallner and Jakob Schnaitter in the opening round of the Hamburg Open, an ATP 500 event. This tournament will provide them with valuable experience and preparation for the upcoming Olympics.

Despite his recent struggles, Novak Djokovic's participation in the ATP 250 in Geneva raised eyebrows. However, veterans Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet have demonstrated the value of playing lower-level tournaments in preparation for Grand Slams.Murray, a former world No. 1, has played ten tournaments this season, six of which were at the ATP 250 level or lower. Gasquet, a former world No. 7, has played 15 tournaments, including five on the ATP Challenger Tour.Gasquet believes that playing Challengers is essential for staying competitive at the highest level. "Sometimes you need to play Challengers to be ready to play these kind of matches," he said.Both Murray and Gasquet have faced challenges in recent years, including injuries and age. However, their passion for the game remains strong. "We love the game, that's why we're still playing," said Gasquet.Murray and Gasquet will both start their Roland Garros campaigns on Sunday. Murray will face Stan Wawrinka, while Gasquet will take on Borna Coric. Wawrinka, who has also played Challengers this year, echoed Gasquet's sentiments about the importance of passion. "Passion of the sport, love of the game. As simple as that," he said.Murray and Gasquet have a long history of facing each other at Grand Slams, with Murray holding a 5-0 record. However, Gasquet remains determined to break through. "I try my best to win against him in Grand Slams, I couldn't do it," he said. "Sometimes it's a little bit tough to think about it."Despite their head-to-head disparity, Murray and Gasquet share a similar mindset. "We will see when we'll stop," said Gasquet, "but of course we are trying our best to compete high."

Novak Djokovic to Make Rare Pre-Grand Slam Appearance at Gonet Geneva OpenLast week's announcement of Andy Murray as a wild card for the Gonet Geneva Open has been followed by an even bigger coup for the ATP 250 event. On Friday, it was confirmed that world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will make his debut at the tournament, marking a rare appearance for the Serbian star in the week leading up to a Grand Slam.Djokovic's decision to play in Geneva is driven by his desire to gain match practice ahead of his Roland Garros title defense. The 24-time major champion has been searching for his first title of the year, with his best results being semifinal showings at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo.The Geneva Open will provide Djokovic with an opportunity to test his fitness after a head injury sustained in Rome. The incident, which occurred when a fan's metal water bottle slipped from a backpack, forced Djokovic to withdraw from his quarterfinal match against Alejandro Tabilo.Despite the setback, Djokovic has reportedly received the all-clear from doctors and is eager to return to action. With his 37th birthday approaching next Wednesday, the Serbian is determined to find his form before the French Open.Djokovic's entry into the Geneva draw has bumped 2022 champion Casper Ruud to the No. 2 seed. The Norwegian, who was defeated by Djokovic in last year's Roland Garros final, will be looking to avenge that loss.Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton are expected to be seeded third and fourth, respectively. Defending champion Nicolas Jarry has withdrawn to focus on his Masters 1000 semifinal clash with Tommy Paul in Rome.The Gonet Geneva Open will take place from May 14-21, providing a crucial warm-up event for players ahead of the second Grand Slam of the year.