Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, is poised to make history as he embarks on his title defense at Flushing Meadows. Despite being seeded third, the 21-year-old Spaniard is confident in his abilities on the hard courts of New York.Alcaraz's love for the US Open is evident in his words: "Playing here in New York suits very well to my game, my personality. The people here are passionate about tennis, they have a lot of energy that they bring to the matches, to the court, and I love it."With two Wimbledon and one Roland Garros titles under his belt, Alcaraz is aiming to become just the seventh man to capture three Slams in the same calendar season. His idol, Rafael Nadal, achieved this feat in 2010.Alcaraz's rise to stardom has been meteoric. He has gone from being an up-and-comer to a global superstar in the blink of an eye. Now, he is one of the players setting the standard in men's tennis.Despite his success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on his game. He believes that his joy and aggression on the court are qualities that young players can learn from.Alcaraz's equipment of choice is the Babolat Pure Aero 98 racquet, which he has used throughout his career. He values the power and control it provides.As he prepares for his US Open title defense, Alcaraz is determined to make history. He is confident in his abilities and eager to prove that he is one of the greatest players of his generation.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has ascended to the pinnacle of the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid tennis players, dethroning Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz's estimated earnings of $42.3 million over the past 12 months, before taxes and agent fees, have propelled him to the top spot.While Djokovic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, dominated on-court earnings with $12.2 million in prize money, Alcaraz's off-court ventures have proven to be a lucrative source of income. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion has secured lucrative endorsement deals with blue-chip brands such as Nike, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and BMW.Alcaraz's off-court earnings, estimated at $32 million, include a jam-packed schedule of appearances and exhibitions that reportedly pay him up to $2 million for a single appearance. This has given him a significant edge over Djokovic, whose off-court earnings totaled $25 million.Coco Gauff, the 18-year-old American rising star, ranks third on the list with estimated earnings of $27.1 million, $20 million of which came from off-court ventures. Iga Swiatek, the Polish world No. 1, follows closely behind with $26.7 million, including $15 million from off-court earnings.Jannik Sinner, the 21-year-old Italian, rounds out the top five with $26.6 million, $15 million of which came from off-court ventures. Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spaniard, ranks sixth with $23.3 million, including $23 million from off-court earnings.The Forbes list highlights the growing importance of off-court earnings in the world of tennis. Players like Alcaraz, Gauff, and Sinner are leveraging their on-court success to secure lucrative endorsement deals and other off-court ventures, which are contributing significantly to their overall earnings.

Carlos Alcaraz Shows Off Pickleball Skills in ManhattanNEW YORK—Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz showcased his impressive pickleball abilities at an exclusive event in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday evening. Alongside fellow tennis stars Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Rybakina, and pickleball enthusiast Andre Agassi, Alcaraz delighted guests with a brief but entertaining pickleball exhibition.Despite being dressed in formal attire, Alcaraz displayed remarkable natural talent on the court. Partnering with Milan Raine of the Miami Pickleball Club, he faced off against Fritz and Eric Oncins, another Miami pickleball pro. The rallies were fast-paced and competitive, with Alcaraz demonstrating his exceptional court coverage and shot-making skills.Although Alcaraz had no prior warm-up, he quickly adapted to the game's unique rules and strategies. He displayed a keen understanding of when to accelerate the pace and when to slow it down, keeping his opponents on their toes.After a thrilling three-minute match, Alcaraz and Raine emerged victorious. Today Show hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones presented them with a trophy, jokingly referring to it as "another silver medal" for the Spanish Olympian.The tennis stars' brief appearance at the event left guests feeling energized and excited for the upcoming US Open. The exhibition provided a glimpse into the versatility and athleticism of these world-class athletes, showcasing their ability to excel in different sports.

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, has allayed concerns about his fitness ahead of the 2024 tournament after a minor ankle injury forced him to cut short a practice session on Saturday.Speaking at his Media Day press conference, Alcaraz explained that he stopped the practice as a precautionary measure. "I didn't feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case if everything is going to be worse," he said. "But, you know, after a few hours later, I'm still feeling good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I will try to be practicing again 100% without thinking about it, but today I'll take care about it."Alcaraz, who was practicing with fellow ATP pro Francisco Cerundolo, expressed more disappointment for Cerundolo than concern for himself. "I wasn't worried at all for my US Open participation," he said. "Obviously, I was angry because I don't want to stop the practice, just to respect Cerundolo, as well."The 2022 champion was later seen on court for Arthur Ashe Kid's Day and was in good spirits throughout his press conference. Alcaraz has won the last two major tournaments at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and won a silver medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.Despite having played only one match since the Olympics, Alcaraz is confident in his preparation for the US Open. "Obviously, I would have loved to have more matches on my belt on hard court before the US Open," he said. "But, I mean, it doesn't affect me at all. If I look back a little bit, you know, for example, facing the Roland Garros, I hadn't too much matches on clay, and it was a pretty good result. And then in Wimbledon, same thing, you know.""So, I don't want to think that it's going to be the same, you know, than the previous two Grand Slams, but I'm not worried about not having too many matches on hard court."Alcaraz will open his US Open campaign against Australian qualifier Li Tu on Tuesday.

Men's tennis in 2024 has witnessed a captivating dichotomy: the rise of the young brigade and the enduring brilliance of Novak Djokovic. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have swept the first three Majors, while Djokovic, at 37, has secured the elusive Olympic singles gold.Djokovic's season has been a tale of resilience. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal and to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, he has rebounded with an Olympic triumph. His victory in Paris, where he played with a surgically repaired knee, showcased his unwavering determination.As the US Open approaches, the tension between the old and the new intensifies. Sinner and Alcaraz are the world's top two players, while Djokovic is the defending champion. Djokovic's physical advantage may have diminished, but he has refined his technique and shot-making to compensate.Djokovic's goal at the US Open is to break Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. He also aims to ensure that 2024 becomes the 24th straight year with at least one Slam winner from the "Big Three" (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and himself).However, the US Open has been a bittersweet experience for Djokovic. He has lost six finals there, the most in his career at a Slam. No man has defended the singles title in New York since Federer in 2008.Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains a formidable force. His relentless pursuit of success and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances make him a dangerous opponent. The US Open will be another opportunity for fans to witness the delicate balance between the past and the present in men's tennis.

Novak Djokovic, buoyed by his emotional Olympic triumph, sets his sights on breaking new Grand Slam records at the US Open, which begins on Monday. The 37-year-old Serbian legend is aiming to become the oldest Open era champion at the tournament, a feat he would share with Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. A fifth US Open title would also elevate Djokovic to 25 Grand Slam triumphs, surpassing the 24 he currently holds alongside Margaret Court.Djokovic's quest for history comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Earlier this year, he lost his Australian Open crown to Jannik Sinner, who also dethroned him as world number one. Carlos Alcaraz then claimed the French Open title, before crushing Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.However, Djokovic's Olympic victory on the clay courts of Roland Garros silenced his doubters. It made him only the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam, and he described it as his "biggest sporting success."Sinner arrives at the US Open as the reigning Cincinnati Masters champion. However, his triumph was overshadowed by revelations that he had twice tested positive for a banned substance earlier in the season. Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing after officials accepted his explanation that the substance entered his system through contamination.Alcaraz, who won his first major at the US Open last year, is still reeling from his Olympic final defeat to Djokovic. He broke down in tears on court, feeling he had let Spain down. His preparation for New York was further hampered by a second-round exit in Cincinnati, which he described as the "worst match" of his career.In the women's singles, defending champion Coco Gauff has struggled for form in recent weeks. No woman has successfully defended her US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014. World number one Iga Swiatek, the 2022 champion, reached the Cincinnati semi-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, was runner-up to Gauff at the US Open last year.

The 2024 US Open is poised to witness an epic battle among the world's top tennis players, each vying for the coveted title. Here's an in-depth analysis of the five most formidable contenders:1. Carlos Alcaraz:The Spanish sensation has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, capturing the French Open and Wimbledon titles. A US Open victory would make him only the third player in history to win all three Grand Slams in a single year. However, recent setbacks, including a loss to Novak Djokovic in the Olympic final, raise questions about his current form.2. Novak Djokovic:Despite limited hard-court play this year, Djokovic remains a formidable threat. His unparalleled hard-court record and 24 Grand Slam titles make him a top favorite. His recent Olympic gold medal win further solidifies his status as a serious contender.3. Jannik Sinner:The Italian prodigy has emerged as a consistent hard-court performer, claiming five titles in 2024, including the Australian Open. His powerful groundstrokes and adaptability on hard courts make him a dangerous opponent.4. Daniil Medvedev:The 2021 US Open champion is another top contender with a strong hard-court record. His victory over Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final showcased his ability to defeat the best. After a dip in form, Medvedev has regained momentum, reaching two more major finals.5. Casper Ruud:The Norwegian star has quietly established himself as a hard-court specialist. His 100th hard-court win this year and strong performances at the Monte-Carlo Masters and Geneva Open make him a dark horse who could surprise at the US Open.With such a talented field, the 2024 US Open promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Each contender brings unique strengths and weaknesses, making it impossible to predict a clear winner. The tournament will undoubtedly provide thrilling matches and captivating storylines as the world's best tennis players battle for the ultimate prize.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the most dominant forces in tennis, are set to clash once again in a highly anticipated charity exhibition match ahead of the U.S. Open. The event, titled "Stars of the Open," will take place on August 21 during the U.S. Open Fan Week.Djokovic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, will team up with tennis legend John McEnroe, while Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, will join forces with Andre Agassi. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring four players who collectively hold 43 Grand Slam titles.For Djokovic, this exhibition comes after his historic victory in Paris, where he completed the Career Golden Slam by securing his first Olympic gold. With 24 major titles already under his belt, he heads into the U.S. Open aiming to extend his record to 25."Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would," Djokovic said after winning the gold medal. "Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had."Alcaraz, despite his young age, has also had an impressive season, capturing both the French Open and Wimbledon titles before taking silver in Paris. This exhibition will allow both players to showcase a lighter side of their game while giving back to the sport.A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the USTA Foundation, contributing to tennis development programs across the United States. The match is part of a broader celebration during the U.S. Open Fan Week, including various entertainment events and opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite players before the tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious tennis star, uncharacteristically displayed frustration during his match against Gael Monfils at the 2024 Cincinnati Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion, known for his composure, repeatedly smashed his racket after failing to convert a break point.This outburst occurred as Alcaraz faced an early-round exit after losing the second set and falling behind in the third. Monfils ultimately secured an upset victory with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.The match sparked reactions from other players and commentators. While some lauded Alcaraz's passion and determination to win, others highlighted the perceived double standards in media reactions to similar outbursts from different players.Corentin Moutet and Nick Kyrgios pointed out that players like themselves are often criticized more harshly for similar actions, suggesting bias in reporting such incidents."When I do it, I've got 'mental issue,'" Moutet said. "I don't judge Carlos here, of course. He is a legend already, and he behaves amazingly. I'm making fun of how the reaction of the commentator can be different on the same gesture.""Haha what about when I do it? Hahahahahaah," Kyrgios replied.The match was initially interrupted by rain, leaving the players to resume their contest the following day. When play resumed, Alcaraz, ranked No. 3 in the ATP rankings, struggled to regain his composure.Alcaraz later described this match as the worst of his career, expressing deep disappointment in his performance."I think it was the worst match I've played in my career. I couldn't play, honestly. I felt like it was another sport playing on the center court than the other courts," he said. "I think it is impossible to get any good things about this match. I've been practicing really well here in this tournament. The previous days, I was feeling great, hitting the ball clear, moving well. I don't know what happened. I don't know how I felt like this, but I couldn't control myself. I couldn't be better. So this match, it was impossible to win."Despite the disappointing loss, Alcaraz is now looking ahead to the U.S. Open, which begins on August 26, as an opportunity for redemption."I felt sometimes that I wanted to break the racquet. It never happened before, because I could control myself in those situations, in those feelings," Alcaraz said. "Most of the time I could control myself and it could go better in the matches or in the situation that I've been feeling before. Today, I couldn't control myself, because, as I said, I was feeling that I was not playing any kind of tennis. I think some players, a lot of players, during their careers and during some certain moments, they can't control themselves. And it was one of the moments for me."