Tennis

World number two Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's ATP Canadian Open tournament in Montreal, Tennis Canada announced on Monday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia has reached the third round of the Paris Olympics with a victory over Spain's Rafael Nadal.Djokovic, 37, has won 98 career ATP titles but will not compete in the hardcourt tune-up event for the US Open, which begins on August 26. Djokovic's withdrawal will give Roman Safiullin, a 26-year-old Russian ranked 66th in the world, a spot in the main draw."While we're disappointed that Novak will be unable to take part in this year's tournament, we understand his decision and wish him the best at the Olympics and the remainder of his season," tournament director Valerie Tetreault said.The schedule at Montreal was changed from the usual Monday-Sunday format due to the Olympics, with main draw action starting Tuesday, August 6 and the finish on Monday, August 12.Djokovic's withdrawal is a blow to the Canadian Open, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP Tour. However, the field is still strong, with world number one Daniil Medvedev, third-ranked Rafael Nadal, and fourth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas all set to compete.Djokovic's decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open is likely due to a combination of factors. He has played a lot of tennis in recent months, and he may be feeling the need for a break. He is also preparing for the US Open, which is the final Grand Slam of the year.Djokovic's withdrawal from the Canadian Open is a reminder that even the best players in the world need to take time off to rest and recover. It is also a reminder that the tennis calendar is very demanding, and players need to be careful not to overextend themselves.

Holger Rune and Patrick Mouratoglou's tumultuous player-coach relationship has hit another roadblock, with the pair mutually agreeing to part ways once again. The announcement comes just four months after they resumed their partnership, which had previously yielded significant success for Rune.Rune, the 21-year-old Danish star, took to social media to confirm the split, stating that he and Mouratoglou had "mutually decided to part ways" after "good talks." He emphasized that Mouratoglou would remain a "great friend," but that the current setup with his fellow Dane, Kenneth Carlsen, was the best for his development.Rune's relationship with Mouratoglou and his academy dates back to his teenage years. They first worked together one-on-one from October 2022 to April 2023, during which time Rune ascended the rankings and claimed his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Paris-Bercy. However, their first partnership ended abruptly, with Rune's mother and manager citing "ego clashes" as a contributing factor.In February, after brief stints with Boris Becker and Severin Luthi, Rune rehired Mouratoglou, expressing confidence in their shared "high goals." However, the reunion has proven short-lived, with Rune's ranking slipping to No. 17 in the world, his lowest since before his Paris-Bercy breakthrough.The news of the split coincides with a challenging health period for Rune, who was forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympics due to a lingering bone bruise in his wrist. He was expected to compete in singles and mixed doubles alongside Caroline Wozniacki, but his Olympic debut was cut short.Rune remains optimistic about his future, stating that he is "looking forward to being healthy and back on track again." He will continue to train at the Mouratoglou Academy, which has been a valuable resource for his development.

Marcos Giron's maiden ATP Tour title triumph at the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport was a testament to his resilience and serving prowess. The 30-year-old American fired 13 aces in the thrilling three-set final against compatriot Alex Michelsen, including a match-winning ace on his second championship point.Giron, seeded second, dropped the first set in a tiebreaker but rallied to win the second and third sets 6-3, 7-5. His victory marked the ninth different first-time winner on the ATP Tour this season.Michelsen, a teenager who reached the final last year, fought valiantly but couldn't overcome Giron's powerful serve and forehand. Giron's victory was particularly impressive considering he won three of his four matches this week in deciding sets.The Thousand Oaks, California native is set to break into the Top 40 of the ATP rankings when they are released on Monday. He will represent the United States at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, his second Olympic appearance.Giron's triumph in Newport is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has been a consistent performer on the ATP Tour for several years, and his maiden title victory is a well-deserved reward.

Nuno Borges, a 27-year-old Portuguese tennis player, has etched his name into the annals of tennis history by claiming his maiden ATP title at the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden. On Sunday, Borges defied the odds and defeated the legendary Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, in straight sets (6-3, 6-2).Borges' victory marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the first Portuguese player to win an ATP title since Joao Sousa in 2015. The triumph is a testament to Borges' hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities.The match began with both players struggling to find their rhythm. Nadal dropped his first two service games due to unforced errors and double faults, but Borges failed to capitalize on these opportunities. However, Borges' persistence paid off as he broke Nadal's serve for a third consecutive time with a perfectly executed backhand drop shot.In the second set, Nadal fought back and staved off a break point in the opening game. However, Borges maintained the pressure and broke Nadal's serve again at 2-2 with another exquisite drop shot. From that point forward, Borges dominated the match, sealing a double break and wrapping up the victory with an ace.Borges' victory is a testament to his exceptional talent and the belief he has in his game. Despite facing one of the greatest players of all time, Borges remained composed and executed his game plan with precision. His triumph is a source of inspiration for aspiring tennis players around the world, proving that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Matteo Berrettini has continued his impressive form on clay courts, securing his second Swiss Open title in Gstaad on Sunday. The Italian, seeded sixth, defeated qualifier Quentin Halys 6-3, 6-1 in a dominant display that lasted just under an hour.Berrettini's victory comes a day after he upset top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals. The 26-year-old has now won two clay-court titles in 2024, having previously triumphed in Marrakech in April."It seems like it was yesterday I won my first title here six years ago," Berrettini said after the match. "I'm just so glad that I can keep playing, keep enjoying. I think I found the energy of six years ago during this week. This place is special for me. I'm just so happy."Berrettini's victory was built on a solid serving performance. He saved all three break points he faced and won 26 of 29 points when he made his first serve. The Italian also displayed his trademark power from the baseline, overpowering Halys at the net throughout the contest."During the whole week, the conditions were really different. It was windy, then a little bit more wet," Berrettini said. "Then today, it was really cold and drizzling. It took me a little bit. When we came back on court, I found the perfect focus."Berrettini's victory will see him climb back into the Top 50 of the ATP rankings. The former world No. 6 has now won nine ATP titles in his career and has improved to 16-5 on the season in tour-level contests.Halys, who was contesting his maiden ATP final, put up a valiant effort but was ultimately outclassed by Berrettini. The 27-year-old Frenchman will nevertheless be pleased with his performance this week, which will see him rise to No. 125 in the rankings.

Quentin Halys' Gravity-Defying Forehand Stuns at Swiss Open GstaadWorld No. 192 Quentin Halys showcased his exceptional talent at the EGF Swiss Open Gstaad, delivering one of the most remarkable shots of the year in the quarterfinals. Facing Gustavo Heide, the French qualifier found himself on the ground after being wrong-footed on game point.Undeterred, Halys unleashed an astonishing forehand with only his upper body strength, sending the ball hurtling towards Heide. Despite the Brazilian's valiant effort, he missed the near-winner, leaving Halys to bask in the applause of the crowd.The momentum from this incredible point carried Halys through the first set, as he dispatched Heide 6-1. In the second set, Halys faced a tougher challenge but ultimately prevailed 7-5, securing his place in only his second ATP semifinal (2023 Estoril).Halys' performance in Gstaad is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite being ranked outside the Top 150, he has proven that he can compete with the best on the ATP Tour. His projected move into the Top 150 is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and talent.In the semifinals, Halys will face either No. 4 seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry or No. 5 seed Jan-Lennard Struff. A victory would propel him to the biggest final of his career, further cementing his status as a rising star in the tennis world.

Richard Evans, a legendary tennis journalist, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his extensive coverage spanning over six decades. His journey began at Wimbledon in 1960, where he collaborated with former world No. 1 Althea Gibson. Evans' relentless pursuit of tennis has taken him to over 200 Grand Slam tournaments and countless other events, making him an unparalleled presence in the sport's history.Evans' writing style is characterized by its fluidity and depth. His tournament wrap-ups, a vital form of journalism in the pre-Internet era, provided comprehensive accounts of the action, highlighting both the routine and the significant. Beyond match play, Evans was attuned to the political turmoil affecting tennis in the early 1970s. His insights into the formation of the ATP and the Players Association proved to be accurate and influential.Evans' close relationships with tennis greats, including Rod Laver, John Newcombe, and Bjorn Borg, gave him unique insights into the sport's inner workings. He also forged strong bonds with key figures such as Gladys Heldman, Gene Scott, and Jack Kramer. These connections made him a natural choice to become the ATP's first director of public relations and later its European director.Evans' contributions to tennis extend beyond journalism. He has authored over 20 books, including epic histories of the Davis Cup and Open tennis, as well as nuanced biographies of John McEnroe and Ilie Nastase. His collaborations with Marty Riessen, Allen Fox, and Vijay Amritraj have brought their stories to life.In addition to tennis, Evans has covered significant political events, including the Vietnam War and Senator Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign. His passion for journalism stems from his desire to inform people about things they don't know.Born in Paris just prior to World War II, Evans' family escaped France as the Nazis invaded. His memoir, "The Roving Eye," recounts this harrowing experience with his customary vigor.Richard Evans' legacy in tennis is immense. His body of work provides a rich tapestry of the sport's history, both on and off the court. His insights, relationships, and unwavering dedication have made him an invaluable asset to tennis journalism and the sport itself.

Rafael Nadal's return to the ATP Tour clay-court event in Bastad has sparked immense excitement among tennis enthusiasts. The 22-time Grand Slam champion last graced the tournament in 2005, where he emerged victorious as the reigning Roland Garros champion.Nadal's presence has generated a buzz in Bastad, with fans eager to witness the legendary Spaniard in action. His arrival and practice sessions have been met with widespread media coverage, highlighting the significance of his appearance at the Nordea Open.Accompanying Nadal are his wife, Mery, and son, Rafa Jr., as he prepares for his first tournament since the French Open. In Paris, Nadal suffered a disappointing first-round defeat to eventual finalist Alexander Zverev.In addition to singles, Nadal will team up with Norwegian rising star Casper Ruud in doubles. This marks his sixth tournament of the season and fourth on his preferred clay surface.Andrey Rublev, the defending champion, is also in contention for the title. However, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn due to fatigue following his Wimbledon quarterfinal exit.Nadal's decision to skip the grass-court season, including Wimbledon, was strategic. He opted to focus on clay in preparation for the Paris Olympics, where he aims to defend his gold medals in singles and doubles. Nadal will join forces with Carlos Alcaraz in the French capital.The Bastad tournament provides Nadal with an opportunity to fine-tune his game and regain match fitness ahead of the Olympics. His presence has undoubtedly elevated the profile of the event and brought renewed attention to the sport of tennis in Sweden.

Paul Jubb and Billy Harris, two rising stars in the tennis world, have made history by reaching the semifinals of their respective ATP tournaments, the Mallorca Championships and the Rothesay International.Jubb, a 24-year-old qualifier, stunned top seed Ben Shelton in a thrilling three-set battle, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8). The former NCAA champion from the University of South Carolina had not dropped a set in his previous four matches, but Shelton pushed him to the limit.After squandering three match points in the third set, Jubb finally sealed the victory with a clutch first serve and a forehand error from Shelton. "This is obviously huge for me," said Jubb. "I've been working very, very hard to get back to this point."In Eastbourne, Harris, a 29-year-old wild card entrant, also overcame a tough three-set challenge against Flavio Cobolli, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-2. Harris broke Cobolli twice in the final set to secure the victory.Harris will face Australian Max Purcell in the semifinals, while Jubb will take on Sebastian Ofner of Austria. Two-time champion Taylor Fritz, the No. 1 seed in Eastbourne, will meet Aleksandar Vukic in the other semifinal.Both Jubb and Harris have had remarkable weeks, showcasing their talent and determination. They will now have the opportunity to compete for their first ATP titles on home soil, adding to the excitement of these tournaments.