Tennis

Gaël Monfils, the 37-year-old French veteran, pulled off a stunning upset at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, defeating world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-set encounter. Monfils, who had never beaten Alcaraz in two previous attempts, displayed his trademark athleticism and shot-making prowess to secure a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-X victory.The match, which was suspended due to rain on Thursday evening, resumed on Friday afternoon with Monfils leading 3-1 in the second-set tiebreaker. The Frenchman maintained his advantage, converting his third set point to level the match.In the deciding set, Monfils broke Alcaraz's serve in the fifth game and held on to his lead despite the Spaniard's spirited attempts to rally. Alcaraz, who had won the Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles earlier this year, showed signs of frustration as the match slipped away from him.Monfils' victory marks his first Top 3 win since 2022 and his first quarterfinal appearance at the Cincinnati Open since 2011. The Frenchman, who has been struggling for form since Wimbledon, will now face No. 15 Holger Rune in the next round.Monfils' performance was a testament to his enduring talent and resilience. Despite being the underdog, he played with confidence and determination, forcing Alcaraz to make uncharacteristic errors. The victory will give Monfils a much-needed boost as he looks to regain his place among the world's elite players.

Gael Monfils' impressive victory over Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters has set the stage for a highly anticipated second-round clash against world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.Monfils, a 37-year-old Frenchman, showcased his experience and court craft in a 7-5, 6-3 triumph over Popyrin, who was visibly fatigued after his recent triumph at the Montreal Masters. Monfils praised the conditions in Cincinnati, noting that the faster court suits his aging body.However, Monfils acknowledged the formidable challenge that awaits him in Alcaraz, who hasn't played a hard-court match since March. Despite this, Monfils believes that Alcaraz's "complete" game can thrive on any surface."He's a complete athlete, in terms of speed, endurance, power," Monfils said. "And then his tennis, of course, is quite complete, too. Backhand, forehand, it's quite hard to see where you can (hit). He improved a lot on the return, he's serving big. He's just a really complete player."Monfils compared Alcaraz to the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, stating that he sees him as a future legend. The Frenchman also expressed his admiration for the younger generation of stars, including Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner."For me, it's always cool to play such a big star like Carlos or Jannik—or of course, in my day it was Novak, Rafa, Roger," Monfils said. "But to play those youngsters, it's always a pleasure."Monfils and Alcaraz will face off on Thursday in their second meeting of the year. Alcaraz holds a 2-0 head-to-head advantage, having defeated Monfils in the third round of the Miami Open earlier this year.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris left an unforgettable mark on the tennis world, with players experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and creating memories that will last a lifetime.For Iga Swiatek of Poland, the Games were a bittersweet experience. Despite falling short of the gold medal, she secured a historic bronze, becoming the first Polish tennis player to win an Olympic medal. The pressure of the Games was immense, but Swiatek emerged from the experience with valuable lessons and a newfound appreciation for the Olympic spirit.Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, the runner-up in men's singles, cherished his time in Paris, especially the opportunity to play doubles with his childhood hero, Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz described Nadal as a "masterclass" on and off the court, providing invaluable guidance on handling tough moments.Zheng Qinwen of China made history by winning the gold medal in women's singles, overcoming nerves and pressure to secure her country's first Olympic gold in the sport. The experience was life-changing for Zheng, who plans to celebrate with her family after the US Open.Coco Gauff of the United States, despite not winning a medal, embraced the Olympic experience to the fullest. As Team USA's flagbearer alongside Lebron James, Gauff felt honored to represent her country. While the results on the court were disappointing, she gained valuable life lessons and forged lasting connections.Jessica Pegula of the United States used the highs and lows of Paris as motivation to defend her title at the National Bank Open in Toronto. Pegula gained a newfound respect for fellow Olympians, particularly those in track and field, gymnastics, and swimming, who face the immense pressure of performing once every four years.Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine found the Olympic spirit particularly poignant, as she and her fellow tennis players united to represent their countries. The atmosphere in the locker room was different, with players focused on competing for a cause greater than themselves.Jasmine Paolini of Italy, a surprise gold medalist in women's doubles with Sara Errani, admitted to initially being hesitant about playing doubles. However, she found the right partner in Errani, who helped her navigate the format and ultimately achieve a historic victory for Italy.The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris provided a platform for tennis players to showcase their skills, experience the Olympic spirit, and create memories that will inspire them for years to come.

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, has enjoyed a remarkable summer, capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, despite his recent success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on improvement.In a recent press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he keeps his Olympic silver medal close to his Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies at home. While he is proud of his achievement, he admits that he would have preferred a gold medal."I didn't get the gold, so I'm not considering a tattoo," Alcaraz said with a laugh. "If I had won the gold medal, I would have gotten a tattoo."Despite his disappointment in Paris, Alcaraz is determined to learn from his experience and improve his game."I always want to be better, and I always think I can do better," he said. "I think I had a great summer...obviously I wanted the gold medal. After the matches I win or lose, I like to find the bad things I did and try to be better in the next match and not make the same mistakes."Alcaraz also shared his experience playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Paris."It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court," Alcaraz said. "Playing doubles together was great, something I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him, on court and off the court, as well."Alcaraz is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. He will open against either Gaël Monfils or Alexei Popyrin.

Novak Djokovic's Olympic dream finally came true as he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling men's singles final at the Paris Olympics. The Serbian legend, who had previously won all four Grand Slams multiple times, called the gold medal his "biggest sporting achievement."The match was a tense affair, with neither player able to break the other's serve. Both the first and second sets went to tie-breakers, with Djokovic prevailing both times. The Serbian's experience and composure proved crucial in the end, as he held his nerve to win 7-6(7), 7-6(5).Alcaraz, who is widely regarded as the future of men's tennis, put up a valiant fight but was ultimately unable to match Djokovic's consistency. The Spaniard's serve, which has been a major weapon for him throughout his career, let him down at crucial moments.Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who congratulated Djokovic on his triumph, highlighted Alcaraz's service as the key factor in the match. "Alcaraz has what it takes, but to truly dominate for years on all surfaces, he'll need to step up his serve," Tendulkar said.Djokovic, who is now 37 years old, admitted that winning the Olympic gold medal was the pinnacle of his career. "This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling," he said. "I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today."Djokovic's victory marks a historic moment in tennis history. He is now the first man to win all four Grand Slams, the Olympic gold medal, and the ATP Finals. This achievement cements his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has etched his name in history by becoming the oldest player to complete the singles career 'Golden Slam' at the age of 37. This remarkable achievement includes winning all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold in singles, a feat previously accomplished by only four other players.Djokovic's journey to Olympic gold was far from easy. At Wimbledon, he faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz, leading many to believe that his time at the top was over. However, Djokovic remained determined and underwent knee surgery to prepare for the Olympics.In the final against Alcaraz, Djokovic displayed a masterclass of tactics and experience. Despite being 16 years older, he used his deep shots and aggressive play to keep Alcaraz on the back foot. The first set lasted an intense 93 minutes, with Djokovic eventually prevailing.The second set was equally grueling, with both players refusing to give an inch. After two tie-breakers, Djokovic emerged victorious, securing his Olympic gold medal. The victory was particularly special for Djokovic, who had lost in the semi-finals of the previous three Olympic Games."This supersedes everything that I've ever felt on the tennis court after winning big trophies," said Djokovic. "It's just incredible joy."Djokovic's triumph is a testament to his unwavering determination and hunger for success. At a stage in his career where many would be content with their achievements, he continues to push himself to new heights.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, was overcome with emotion after losing to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final at the Paris Olympics on August 4. The 21-year-old Spaniard had hoped to become the youngest-ever Olympic champion and emulate Rafael Nadal's feat of winning a gold medal in his first singles attempt.However, Alcaraz's dream was shattered by Djokovic, who triumphed 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) at Court Philippe Chatrier. The pressure of representing his country proved too much for Alcaraz, who admitted that he felt the weight of the Spanish people's expectations."I think I put more pressure on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards," Alcaraz said. "I felt that I let the Spanish people down by not winning the gold."Alcaraz, who has won four Grand Slams in his career, said that the pressure he felt in the Olympics was different from anything he had experienced before."It was a different type of pressure," he said. "Everyone in Spain wanted me to win the gold, and I wanted to win the gold as well."Alcaraz believes that the extra pressure cost him in the decisive moments of the match."In those difficult moments I usually raise my level, but I wasn't able to do that today," he said. "Probably I felt the pressure in those situations. You play four Grand Slams every year, the Olympics is only once every four years."Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz said he was proud of his performance and the experience of competing in the Olympics."Obviously this week, this tournament has been really special for me," he said. "I'm going to take it for the rest of my life, for the rest of my career, for sure. Playing with Rafa, getting my first Olympics medal — hopefully not the last one — it's been a special one."Alcaraz arrived in Paris amid much hype, having played the doubles tournament alongside his childhood idol Nadal, who won the singles gold in his Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008. However, Alcaraz and Nadal lost 6-2, 6-4 to the American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in last week's quarterfinals.In the final against Djokovic, Alcaraz was unable to match the Serbian's experience and composure in the big moments. Djokovic, who was playing in his fourth Olympic final, was relentless in his pursuit of the gold medal."In the close moments, in the difficult situations, in the tiebreakers, he played an impressive game," Alcaraz said of Djokovic. "He was hungry for the gold medal. He was going to go for it."

Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, and Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish prodigy, are set to clash in the ultimate tennis men's singles final at the Paris Olympics 2024. This highly anticipated match promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both players vying for Olympic glory.Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, is seeking his first Olympic gold medal. He has previously won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A victory in Paris would make him only the fifth player to complete the Golden Slam, which includes all four Grand Slams and an Olympic title.Alcaraz, on the other hand, is aiming to become the youngest Olympic tennis singles champion in history. The Spaniard has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, winning the US Open in 2022 and becoming the youngest world number one in ATP history.The match will take place on Sunday, August 4 (IST) at Stade Roland Garros, Paris. It is expected to start at 5:30 PM IST and will be telecast live on the Sports 18 Network. The match will also be live streamed on the JioCinema app.Djokovic and Alcaraz have faced each other twice before, with Djokovic winning both encounters. However, Alcaraz has shown remarkable improvement since their last meeting in 2022. He is known for his aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes.The final is expected to be a close and thrilling contest. Djokovic's experience and resilience will be tested against Alcaraz's youthful exuberance and attacking prowess. The winner will not only claim the Olympic gold medal but also etch their name in the annals of tennis history.

The Olympic tennis tournaments are set to culminate in thrilling gold medal matches, with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz vying for the men's singles title, Zheng Qinwen and Donna Vekic battling for the women's singles gold, and exciting doubles finals in both categories.Men's Singles: Djokovic vs. AlcarazThe highly anticipated men's singles final pits the experienced Novak Djokovic against the rising star Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, the top seed and a living legend, has been chasing Olympic gold since 2008, while Alcaraz, 16 years his junior, has shown remarkable focus and determination in Paris.Despite Djokovic's physical issues, he has displayed an unwavering will to win, overcoming challenges in his previous matches. However, Alcaraz is the favorite, having recently defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon final and showcasing exceptional form throughout the tournament.Women's Singles: Zheng vs. VekicThe women's singles final will feature a surprise matchup between Zheng Qinwen and Donna Vekic. Zheng, ranked seventh, upset Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, while Vekic, ranked 21st, overcame Coco Gauff.Zheng possesses superior athleticism and a higher ranking, but Vekic has been in impressive form, particularly with her forehand. Both players have faced adversity in Paris, saving match points and knocking out top seeds.Men's Doubles: Ebden/Peers vs. Ram/KrajicekThe men's doubles final will showcase the experience of Matthew Ebden and John Peers against the American duo of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek. All four players have Grand Slam titles in doubles and are over 30 years old.Ram and Krajicek have defeated strong singles-oriented teams, while Ebden and Peers have a wealth of doubles experience. The Americans' combination of Ram's serve and Krajicek's left-handed balance may give them an edge.Women's Doubles: Errani/Paolini vs. Shnaider/AndreevaThe women's doubles final will feature a clash between the experienced Italian duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini and the young Russian pair of Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva.Shnaider and Andreeva stunned the Tokyo gold medalists, while Paolini and Errani reached the Roland Garros final earlier this year. The match will showcase a mix of playing styles and experience, with the more established Italian team favored to prevail.