Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, has raised concerns about the demanding tennis calendar, claiming it is "going to kill us." The 21-year-old has already played 50 singles matches in 2023, winning three titles and an Olympic silver medal.Alcaraz expressed his frustration after defeating Ben Shelton at the Laver Cup, stating that the schedule is "so tight" and has led to numerous injuries. He admitted that he sometimes struggles to find motivation due to the relentless schedule."Sometimes, you don't want to go to a tournament," Alcaraz said. "I'm not going to lie -- I have felt this way a few times already."Alexander Zverev, the world number two, echoed Alcaraz's concerns, criticizing the ATP for prioritizing money over player well-being. "The ATP doesn't care about our opinion -- it's a money business," Zverev said. "It's the longest season in sports. It's unnecessarily long. We have an unnecessary amount of tournaments."Zverev called for action, but acknowledged that players are limited in their options due to potential fines for boycotting tournaments.Alcaraz also expressed his hope that he and Jannik Sinner can develop a rivalry similar to that of the "Big Three" (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer). "I hope that our rivalry is going to be almost like what the big three had during their whole career," Alcaraz said.In 2023, Alcaraz and Sinner each won two Grand Slams, marking the first year since 2002 that neither Federer, Nadal, nor Djokovic won a major.Despite his concerns about the calendar, Alcaraz remains optimistic about the future of tennis. "Hopefully we're going to keep going like that, fighting for the great tournaments, sharing great moments," he said.

Cruz Hewitt, the 15-year-old son of Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, has showcased his remarkable growth spurt on social media, leaving even rising star Carlos Alcaraz in awe.Cruz, who has been a constant presence in tennis locker rooms during his father's illustrious career, has made significant strides in his own tennis journey. His recent Instagram post, featuring a side-by-side comparison with Alcaraz, highlights his impressive physical transformation."Just 3-5 years between both photos and you are now taller than me," Alcaraz commented on Cruz's post. "That's tough."Cruz's growth spurt is not just a physical manifestation but also a testament to his dedication and hard work. In August, he claimed his sixth ITF junior title in Sydney, solidifying his position as one of the most promising young talents in the sport. He currently sits at No. 117 in the ITF junior rankings and made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in January.Meanwhile, Alcaraz has continued to make waves on the ATP Tour, adding two more major titles to his collection this season. He completed the "Channel Slam" by winning both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and recently made a winning debut for Team Europe at the Laver Cup.The Hewitt-Alcaraz comparison serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of sports. As one generation of stars fades, another emerges, eager to make their mark on the world stage. Cruz Hewitt, with his impressive growth and undeniable talent, is poised to follow in his father's footsteps and become a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

The Laver Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament pitting Team Europe against Team World, is set to return to Berlin in 2024. With the competition heating up, our editors and writers from the United States and Germany have weighed in on their predictions for the outcome.Team Europe Dominates PredictionsOverwhelmingly, our experts predict a victory for Team Europe. The team boasts a formidable lineup, including world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who is widely considered the favorite for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Other key players for Europe include Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, and Casper Ruud.Team World's UnderdogsTeam World, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle. However, they have some talented players in their ranks, including Frances Tiafoe, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz. Tiafoe, in particular, has been a standout performer in recent months and could be a potential MVP candidate.Unsung HeroesWhile the MVPs are likely to grab the headlines, our experts also identified several unsung heroes who could make a significant impact. Jan-Lennard Struff, Francisco Cerundolo, and Ben Shelton are all players to watch for Team Europe. Daniil Medvedev and Grigor Dimitrov are also expected to play key roles for Team World.Predicted ScoreThe consensus among our experts is that Team Europe will emerge victorious with a score of 13-8. This would be a comfortable margin of victory, but Team World is capable of springing an upset if they can perform at their best.ConclusionThe 2024 Laver Cup promises to be an exciting and competitive event. Team Europe is the clear favorite, but Team World has the potential to surprise. With a talented roster of players on both sides, the outcome is far from certain.

Babolat's 30-Year Legacy: Disrupting Tennis with the Pure Drive and BeyondIn the annals of tennis, Babolat stands as a beacon of innovation, having revolutionized the sport with its groundbreaking racquets. Three decades ago, the French brand introduced the Pure Drive, a game-changer that defied traditional norms.The Pure Drive's larger head, lighter weight, and rigid, variable beam challenged the prevailing paradigm of control-oriented frames. It offered unprecedented power without sacrificing stability, attracting top players like Carlos Moya, Andy Roddick, and Kim Clijsters.But what truly set the Pure Drive apart was its versatility. Advanced players harnessed its power, while developing players benefited from its forgiving sweet spot. It became the epitome of the "tweener" category, bridging the gap between control and power.Eric Babolat, the fifth-generation CEO of the family-run company, attributes the Pure Drive's success to its ability to enhance the game for players of all skill levels. "It helps that if you don't really center the ball, it still stays in the court and the game is more fun," he says.Babolat's innovation didn't stop there. The Pure Aero, made famous by Rafael Nadal, became a perennial best-seller thanks to its spin-generating design. The Pure Strike emerged as the brand's control-oriented franchise, while RPM polyester string accentuated the topspin produced by modern frames.Despite these advancements, Babolat remains deeply rooted in its heritage. The VS gut string, which launched the company in 1875, continues to be a cornerstone of its identity. "It's still performing after 150 years, which is quite surprising," says Babolat.As the brand enters its 150th year, Babolat envisions a future where tennis becomes more accessible and enjoyable. He believes that improving the grip's universality could accelerate the learning curve and foster a larger player base."That's all we do, all what we love at Babolat," he says. "We have plenty of ideas to make it more enjoyable, more accessible for tennis lovers. Because we love it, too."

Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious tennis star, recently faced a unique challenge: an interview conducted by his fellow ATP peers. In a lighthearted Q&A session, Alcaraz's fellow players grilled him on various aspects of his on-court and off-court life.Jannik Sinner, the Italian rising star, inquired about the development of Alcaraz's signature drop shot. Alcaraz humorously responded that he was "super skinny" as a child, implying that his agility and finesse on the court were not always evident.Daniil Medvedev, known for his aggressive playing style, asked if Alcaraz's attacking tendencies were present even in his childhood. Alcaraz confirmed that his aggressive approach has been a constant throughout his tennis journey.Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion, quizzed Alcaraz about his favorite sneakers. Alcaraz expressed his preference for Air Jordan 1s, which he has been wearing extensively lately.Grigor Dimitrov, the stylish Bulgarian player, jokingly asked Alcaraz, the Louis Vuitton ambassador, if he could secure a discount on the brand's pricey products. Alcaraz responded with a laugh, acknowledging his lack of influence in that regard.Casper Ruud, Alcaraz's 2022 US Open final opponent, asked about his dream foursome for a round of golf. Alcaraz named former Masters winner John Rahm and Rafael Nadal, his idol and fellow Spaniard.Hubert Hurkacz, the Polish player, posed a thought-provoking question: what goes through Alcaraz's mind during matches. Alcaraz replied with a wry grin, "I'm thinking just to enjoy. I'm thinking about making good shots, drop shots, go to the net, playing great tennis."Alcaraz's responses throughout the interview showcased his wit, humility, and passion for the sport. The Q&A session provided a glimpse into the camaraderie and respect among the ATP players, as well as Alcaraz's unique personality and approach to tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's third-ranked tennis player, has shown signs of regaining his form after a disappointing US swing. Playing in front of a home crowd in Valencia, Alcaraz helped Spain secure a spot in the Final 8 of the Davis Cup Finals with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over France's Ugo Humbert.Alcaraz's performance was a welcome sight for Spanish fans, who have witnessed a dip in his form since winning the US Open in September. The 21-year-old struggled in Cincinnati and the US Open, losing to Gael Monfils and Botic van de Zandschulp, respectively.However, Alcaraz looked sharp against Humbert, saving all six break points he faced and hitting 12 forehand winners. He credited the team atmosphere for his improved play, saying, "I need being with the team, all the players, all the staff from the federation. Seeing them cheering me always in every point, every match… I need this atmosphere, these kind of matches that I feel like I’m not playing alone."Alcaraz's victory was preceded by a hard-fought win by Roberto Bautista Agut over Arthur Fils. Bautista Agut rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, securing Spain's place in the knockout stage alongside Australia.Alcaraz will now turn his attention to the Laver Cup in Berlin, where he will make his debut for Team Europe. He will then embark on an Asian swing, hoping to regain his top form and challenge for more Grand Slam titles.

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion, made a triumphant return to action at the Davis Cup, leading Spain to a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in their first tie of group play.Despite a slow start against Tomas Machac, who had previously defeated Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz found his footing in the second set, winning a vintage point that left Machac reeling. Alcaraz dominated the second set, winning every game, and looked poised to extend his lead in the third when Machac was forced to retire due to injury, with the score at 6-7 (3), 6-1.Alcaraz's victory was preceded by Roberto Bautista Agut's 7-6 (1), 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka, giving Spain an early advantage in Group B's round robin play. Spain will next face Team France, who lost a 2-1 tie to Australia on Tuesday.Alcaraz's return to form is a welcome sight for Spain, who are looking to defend their Davis Cup title. The 19-year-old has been in impressive form this year, winning two Grand Slams and reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open. However, his shock exit in the second round of the US Open to Botic van de Zandschulp raised concerns about his fitness and form.Alcaraz's performance at the Davis Cup suggests that he has put his US Open disappointment behind him and is ready to challenge for more major titles. His victory over Machac was particularly impressive, as the Czech player had been in good form this year, reaching the semifinals of the Geneva Open and defeating Djokovic in the process.Alcaraz's return to action is a boost for Spain and for tennis fans around the world. The young Spaniard is one of the most exciting players to watch, and his performances this year have shown that he has the potential to become one of the greatest players of all time.

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp stunned four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the US Open, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, was aiming to become only the third player in the Open Era to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open in the same season. However, his hopes were dashed by a relentless van de Zandschulp, who played with unwavering composure and precision.Alcaraz, who had not lost a set in his previous two matches at the US Open, struggled to find his rhythm against the Dutchman's powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes. The Spaniard committed a staggering 28 unforced errors, a testament to the pressure van de Zandschulp applied throughout the match.Van de Zandschulp, who had not advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam tournament in over two years, played with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. He broke Alcaraz's serve five times and saved all three break points he faced.The victory marks a remarkable achievement for van de Zandschulp, who has been steadily improving his game over the past year. It also raises questions about Alcaraz's form, who has not looked his best since winning the Madrid Open in May.Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains one of the most promising players in the world. He has already achieved more than most players his age, and he will undoubtedly bounce back from this disappointment.However, for now, the spotlight belongs to van de Zandschulp, who has proven that anything is possible in tennis. The Dutchman will face 12th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round, where he will look to continue his dream run at the US Open.

Carlos Alcaraz Cruises to First-Round Victory at 2024 US OpenWorld No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz made a dominant start to his US Open title defense, dispatching Li Tu in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-2) in the first round. The Spaniard showcased his trademark power and precision, dictating the pace of the match from the outset.Alcaraz broke Li's serve early in the first set, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter. He maintained a high level of intensity, hitting deep groundstrokes and forcing Li into errors. The Chinese qualifier struggled to find his rhythm, committing 25 unforced errors compared to Alcaraz's 12.The second set followed a similar pattern, with Alcaraz breaking Li's serve in the third game. Li showed some resilience, breaking back immediately, but Alcaraz regained control and closed out the set with a powerful forehand winner.In the third set, Alcaraz's dominance became even more pronounced. He broke Li's serve twice, including a decisive break in the seventh game. Li fought valiantly, but Alcaraz's relentless pressure proved too much to handle. The Spaniard sealed the victory with an emphatic ace, sending a clear message to his rivals.Alcaraz's victory sets up a second-round clash with American qualifier Christopher Eubanks. The Spaniard will be aiming to continue his impressive form and extend his winning streak at the US Open.