Tennis

Alexander Zverev, the 6'6" German tennis star, has established himself as the greatest No-Slam Wonder in the sport. Despite his exceptional skills, including precise groundstrokes and a dominant serve, Zverev has yet to capture a Grand Slam title.Zverev's career has been marked by unfortunate timing. He emerged as a teenage sensation in 2017, coinciding with the dominance of the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer). As the Big Three continued their reign, Zverev struggled to break through, despite reaching the finals of the 2020 US Open and the 2022 French Open.In addition to the Big Three, Zverev has faced competition from rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. His pursuit of a Grand Slam has also been hindered by injuries, including a catastrophic ankle injury in 2022.Despite these setbacks, Zverev has remained consistent, reaching the quarterfinals or better at Roland Garros in all but one year since 2018. He has also won seven ATP Masters 1000 titles, second only to Djokovic and Nadal among active players.Zverev has faced criticism for his on-court behavior, including a racquet-smashing incident in 2022 and allegations of domestic violence. However, he has expressed a desire to change his ways and become a better role model.As Zverev approaches his 28th birthday, he remains determined to win a Grand Slam. He acknowledges that his confidence has been shaken, but he believes that once he breaks through, he could potentially win multiple majors.However, the competition is fierce, with Alcaraz and Sinner emerging as formidable opponents. Zverev will need to find a way to overcome his past disappointments and seize the right moment to finally claim his elusive Grand Slam title.

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has announced his retirement from tennis due to a persistent wrist injury. As he prepares to hang up his racquet, the Austrian received heartfelt tributes from the legendary Big Three of tennis: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.At the Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala 2024, Thiem was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Djokovic expressed his admiration for Thiem's career and wished him a memorable farewell tournament in Vienna. "I'm glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Vienna, one last dance," said Djokovic.Nadal also congratulated Thiem, acknowledging his respect and admiration for the Austrian. "Very well deserved. Very happy for you. You know how much I admire and respect you," Nadal said.Federer, in his message, reflected on their rivalry and friendship. "I enjoyed playing against you so much. Tennis will miss you very, very much," said Federer. "Your friendship was always important to me on the tour. As rivals, the fact that we got along so well was always great for me."Thiem responded to the tributes on social media, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the Big Three. "I really wouldn't have expected (the) three of you yesterday!" he exclaimed. "You guys are just incredible and I will never forget this moment!"Throughout his career, Thiem has achieved notable victories against Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal, showcasing his exceptional talent and competitive spirit. He has amassed 348 tour-level wins and reached the semifinals or better at all four Grand Slams.Thiem's retirement marks the end of an era in tennis, as he joins the ranks of other legendary players who have bid farewell to the sport. His contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy as a fierce competitor and respected sportsman will continue to inspire future generations.

Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the French Open due to a torn meniscus has raised questions about the future of the "Big Three" in tennis. Despite his injury, it would be premature to write off Djokovic, who has a history of bouncing back from setbacks.Djokovic's injury is a significant blow to his hopes of winning a 21st Grand Slam title and extending his record at Roland Garros. However, it is important to remember that he has faced similar challenges in the past and emerged stronger.After a two-year drought without a major title from mid-2016 to mid-2018, Djokovic underwent elbow surgery and returned to win Wimbledon in 2018. He then went on to win 12 of the next 19 Grand Slams he entered, pushing his career tally to 24.Djokovic's resilience and determination are well-known. He has repeatedly shown that he can overcome adversity and return to the top of the game. As Carlos Alcaraz, one of the rising stars of tennis, noted, "He comes back stronger and he comes back quickly."While Djokovic's injury is a setback, it is not necessarily a sign of the end of his competitive career. He is still only 37 years old and has a wealth of experience and talent. If he can recover fully from his injury, he could still challenge for more Grand Slam titles and remain a force in the sport.The future of the "Big Three" is uncertain. Federer has retired, Nadal is dealing with injuries, and Djokovic is facing a new challenge. However, it would be a mistake to assume that their era is over. As long as they remain healthy and motivated, they can continue to compete at the highest level and inspire future generations of tennis players.