Tennis

In the blockbuster film "Challengers," Zendaya's character Tashi Duncan famously declares, "I don't want my only skill in life to be hitting a ball with a racquet." This line has sparked a question among tennis fans: What would ATP stars do if they weren't playing tennis?Ahead of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, players shared their off-court aspirations. Sebastian Korda dreams of becoming an astronaut, while Stefanos Tsitsipas envisions himself as a cinematographer. Casper Ruud would soar through the skies as a pilot, and Zhang Zhizhen would wield a scalpel as a surgeon.Jannik Sinner, known for his culinary skills, admits, "I used to make desserts when I was younger, but I don't like to clean!"Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur share a passion for law, inspired by the TV show "Suits." "I'd love to be a lawyer if I didn't have to study," says de Minaur.Ruud's globe-trotting lifestyle has ignited his interest in aviation, while Tsitsipas' creativity draws him to filmmaking. "I find meaning in life through visual," he explains.Novak Djokovic's historical pursuits extend beyond the tennis court. "I love history or linguistics," he says. "I would be involved in history or architecture in some way."These diverse aspirations reflect the multifaceted nature of these athletes. Their off-court interests not only provide a glimpse into their personalities but also highlight the importance of pursuing passions beyond the realm of competition.

Diego Schwartzman, the former world No. 8 tennis player, has announced that 2024 will be his final full season on tour. The 31-year-old Argentine plans to bid farewell to the sport at his home event in Buenos Aires in 2025.Schwartzman's decision stems from the physical and mental toll of the demanding tennis circuit. Despite reaching the pinnacle of his career in 2020, with a series of impressive performances on clay, the daily grind of training, traveling, and competing has taken its toll."Every corner of the court, every second training, every point competing, every moment I was immensely happy," Schwartzman wrote in an emotional Instagram post. "I lived it so intensely that today it's hard for me to keep it up. All those beautiful moments have become something that carries weight today and I find it hard to keep enjoying fully."Schwartzman's career has been marked by his exceptional talent and determination. Despite his diminutive stature, standing at just 5-foot-7, he has consistently punched above his weight. He has notched up 13 career Top 10 wins and reached the semifinals of the 2020 French Open, becoming the shortest man to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal in nearly two decades."Tennis has given me everything I have and much more that I will carry with me forever," Schwartzman wrote. "'El Peque' had a giant life."Schwartzman's retirement announcement has been met with sadness from fans and fellow players alike. His unique style of play and infectious enthusiasm have made him a beloved figure in the tennis world.As he prepares for his final season, Schwartzman hopes to play the tournaments he loves most one last time. His ultimate goal is to end his career on a high note at the 2025 ATP 250 in Buenos Aires, where he has reached the final three times and won the title in 2021.

Tennis Injuries: A Multifaceted ProblemInjuries have plagued the ATP tour in recent weeks, with high-profile players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Jiri Lehecka all suffering setbacks. The issue has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by players at all levels of competition.Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, journalist Jon Wertheim, and Dr. Joshua S. Dines, a renowned sports orthopedic surgeon, delve into the topic on the latest episode of "Served with Andy Roddick." They explore the factors contributing to the injury epidemic, including intense training schedules, demanding match play, and a lack of recovery time.Dr. Dines highlights the issue of overuse, particularly among young athletes who are eager to succeed. He notes that the modern game is characterized by long, grueling rallies, which put a significant strain on players' bodies.Roddick questions whether the current tour schedule is sustainable, given the high demands it places on players. He suggests that the end of the season should be reserved for lower-level events, allowing top players to rest and recover.The conversation also touches on the importance of recovery. Dr. Dines emphasizes that true rest requires a comfortable and familiar environment, which is often difficult to achieve while traveling for tournaments.The experts agree that the injury trend is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. They call for a comprehensive approach that includes adjustments to the tour schedule, improved training practices, and a greater emphasis on player recovery.

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to the biggest final of his career at the Mutua Madrid Open after his opponent, Czech Jiri Lehecka, retired from their semifinal match on Friday due to injury. The match ended with the score knotted at 3-3 in the opening set, continuing an unfortunate trend for Auger-Aliassime's opponents this fortnight.In the third round, another Czech, Jakub Mensik, retired due to injury after losing the first set against Auger-Aliassime. No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner also withdrew ahead of their scheduled quarterfinal match with a hip injury.Lehecka, who had knocked out Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, left the court for an off-court medical timeout prior to serving in the seventh game, after an apparent lower back problem put him in distress. The youngster played just three more points in his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, falling to the court at the 30-0 point.Auger-Aliassime comforted Lehecka with a hug and kind words as the youngster approached the net in tears. An emotional Lehecka ended the match by smashing his racquet at the side of the court.By virtue of reaching Sunday's final against Andrey Rublev, Auger-Aliassime will return to the Top 20 in the ATP rankings on Monday. The 22-year-old Canadian has been in impressive form this season, winning his first ATP title in Rotterdam and reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open.

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, continued his impressive run at the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open, defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in a thrilling three-set battle to reach the quarterfinals. The victory marked Alcaraz's 14th consecutive match win and extended his unbeaten streak in Madrid to two years.Despite arriving in Madrid with injury concerns, Alcaraz has shown no signs of discomfort, showcasing his trademark power and intensity. In the first set, he dominated with his big-hitting, securing the lone break and serving it out with 14 winners.The second set saw a resurgence from Struff, who broke Alcaraz in the first game and pushed the set to a tiebreaker. However, Alcaraz remained composed, saving two set points and forcing a third set.In the final set, Alcaraz raced ahead 4-1, but Struff fought back bravely, earning a break point in the eighth game. Alcaraz held on, but the drama continued as Struff saved four match points and broke back to level the set.Undeterred, Alcaraz regained control in the tiebreaker, winning the first two mini-breaks. Struff responded, but Alcaraz pulled away, winning the final four points to secure victory on his fifth match point.Alcaraz's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with No. 7 seed Andrey Rublev, who has also impressed in Madrid. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 1-0.

Jannik Sinner's loyal fan club, the Carota Boys, have a deep admiration for the Italian tennis star. Their unwavering support stems from a multitude of reasons, including his exceptional talent, humble demeanor, and unwavering determination.One of the Boys' most cherished qualities of Sinner is his humility. Despite his rapid rise to the top of the ATP rankings, Sinner remains grounded and appreciative of those around him. In a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with positive influences and prioritizing his character over achievements.Sinner's humility is evident in his interactions with fans and fellow players. He is known for his graciousness in victory and his resilience in defeat. His ability to stay humble amidst the pressures of professional tennis is a testament to his maturity and self-awareness.Beyond his humility, the Carota Boys are captivated by Sinner's exceptional talent. His powerful serve, precise groundstrokes, and uncanny ability to anticipate his opponents' shots make him a formidable force on the court. His aggressive style of play and unwavering determination have earned him the respect of both fans and fellow players.The Boys also admire Sinner's unwavering determination. He has dedicated himself to the sport since a young age, making countless sacrifices to pursue his dream. His relentless work ethic and unwavering focus have paid off, as he has quickly ascended the ranks of professional tennis.The Carota Boys' love for Sinner extends beyond his on-court performances. They appreciate his off-court personality, which is characterized by his intelligence, wit, and sense of humor. His ability to connect with fans on a personal level has further endeared him to the Boys.In conclusion, the Carota Boys' unwavering support for Jannik Sinner is rooted in his exceptional talent, humble demeanor, unwavering determination, and endearing personality. They are proud to follow him around the world, cheering him on and celebrating his successes.

Casper Ruud's remarkable run continues as he becomes the first player to reach 30 match wins this year. The Norwegian sensation has been on a tear, notching up impressive victories against top-ranked opponents and claiming his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona.Ruud's breakthrough moment came in Monte Carlo, where he stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. It was his first triumph over a Top 3 player and a significant milestone in his career.Building on that momentum, Ruud captured the Barcelona Open, his biggest title to date. The victory marked his first ATP 500 triumph, adding to his previous 10 titles at ATP 250 events.Ruud's dominance continued in Madrid, where he dispatched Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets to become the first player, male or female, to win 30 matches this year. His impressive record stands at 30-7, placing him ahead of other top performers such as Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, and Grigor Dimitrov.On the women's side, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek lead the pack with 27 and 26 wins, respectively.Ruud's exceptional form has propelled him into the spotlight, solidifying his status as one of the most promising players on the ATP Tour. His ability to defeat top-ranked opponents and claim major titles demonstrates his immense talent and determination.As the season progresses, Ruud will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. His impressive start to the year has set the stage for even greater achievements in the months to come.

Rafael Nadal's resurgence continued at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday, as he defeated Alex de Minaur 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the second round. The victory marked Nadal's first against a Top 50 opponent in 2024 and was a significant step forward for the 37-year-old.Nadal started the match strongly, breaking De Minaur's serve in the opening game. However, the Australian fought back to level the set at 3-3. Nadal then faced a setback when he was denied a challenge by chair umpire Fergus Murphy, who deemed him not decisive enough in his decision to stop the point. Nadal lost his serve two points later.Despite the setback, Nadal remained composed and broke De Minaur's serve again to level the set at 4-4. The tie-break was a tense affair, with Nadal eventually prevailing 7-6 (6).In the second set, Nadal broke De Minaur's serve early and held his own to take a 2-0 lead. De Minaur fought back to 2-2, but Nadal regained the advantage with another break of serve. Nadal then held his serve to love to take a 4-2 lead.De Minaur continued to push Nadal, but the Spaniard proved too strong. Nadal broke De Minaur's serve for the third time in the set to take a 5-2 lead. De Minaur held his serve to make it 5-3, but Nadal served out the match to secure the victory.The win was a significant boost for Nadal, who has struggled for form in recent months. It also marked his first victory over De Minaur, who had defeated him in Barcelona just two weeks earlier.

Jannik Sinner's maiden appearance as the top seed at an ATP Masters 1000 event proved to be a resounding success as he cruised to a 6-0, 6-3 victory over fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open.Despite the unfamiliarity of being the tournament's top seed, Sinner found solace in facing a familiar opponent in Sonego. The 22-year-old set the tone early, winning the first 10 points and losing just eight in the opening set. Sonego managed to get on the scoreboard in the second set, but Sinner's dominance continued as he broke serve four times, including the decisive break in the fourth game.Sinner's victory extended his unbeaten record against Sonego to 5-0, with only one set dropped in those matches. The Italian prodigy never faced a break point and lost just nine points in eight service games, showcasing his exceptional serving prowess.In the third round, Sinner will face either Jordan Thompson of Australia or Pavel Kotov. The 22-year-old will be aiming to continue his impressive run in Madrid and secure a spot in the last 16.Sinner's performance in Madrid is a testament to his growing maturity and consistency. Despite the pressure of being the top seed, he remained composed and executed his game plan with precision. His victory over Sonego also highlights his ability to perform at the highest level against familiar opponents.As Sinner continues his journey in Madrid, he will face tougher challenges. However, his impressive start to the tournament suggests that he is ready to make a deep run and potentially claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title.