Tennis

Tennis Stars Tiafoe and Wozniacki Surprise Fans with Impromptu Quiz ShowThe Cincinnati Open, boasting a rich 125-year history, has witnessed countless memorable moments. This year, fans were treated to a unique surprise when Frances Tiafoe and Caroline Wozniacki transformed into quizmasters, testing their knowledge of the tournament and its players.As fans boarded the official tournament vehicles, they were greeted by the unexpected sight of Tiafoe and Wozniacki. The stars warmly welcomed their guests with selfies, hugs, and handshakes. But the surprises didn't end there.Tiafoe and Wozniacki put the fans' tennis knowledge to the test with a series of questions. They quizzed them on the player with the most Cincinnati titles (Roger Federer, with seven), the tournament's age, and current events on the tour.The fans eagerly answered the questions, demonstrating their deep understanding of the sport. They were rewarded with prizes for their correct answers, including free ice cream and $50 of merchandise credit.This impromptu quiz show was not the first time that players have gone undercover to interact with fans. Earlier this year, Alex de Minaur played a parking attendant, Ons Jabeur gave directions, and Daniil Medvedev sold merchandise at Indian Wells. Wozniacki herself has previously played "Uber driver" for Daria Kasatkina in Charleston."Thank you so much for playing along," Wozniacki said as the fans departed her car. "You guys were so good!"The fans expressed their delight at the unexpected encounter with the tennis stars. They praised Tiafoe and Wozniacki for their humor and engagement, making the Cincinnati Open experience even more memorable.

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."

Felix Auger-Aliassime's promising run at the Cincinnati Open came to an abrupt and controversial end in the Round of 16 against Jack Draper. The Canadian star was on the cusp of leveling the match when a contentious decision by chair umpire Greg Allensworth handed the victory to Draper.Draper's match-point shot appeared to bounce twice on his side of the court before clearing the net, which should have awarded the point to Auger-Aliassime. However, without access to instant replay, Allensworth ruled in Draper's favor, sparking a heated debate on the court.Auger-Aliassime, who had earlier defeated Casper Ruud in convincing fashion, was visibly frustrated by the decision. He engaged in a lengthy discussion with both Draper and the umpire, arguing that the point should have been awarded to him due to the double bounce."Did you not see the ball bounce on the court?" Auger-Aliassime asked the umpire."I did not see that," Allensworth replied.Despite Auger-Aliassime's protests and a subsequent intervention by the tournament supervisor, the umpire's decision stood, and Draper advanced with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory.The incident has reignited calls for broader implementation of video review systems in tennis, similar to those used at the US Open. While the US Open has invested in this technology, most other tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open, have not, leaving players and fans frustrated when critical points are decided by potentially incorrect human judgment.This issue is not new; players like Denis Shapovalov and Daniil Medvedev have previously raised concerns about the consistency and accuracy of officiating in tennis.Auger-Aliassime expressed confidence that the umpire would realize the error once he reviewed the footage after the match. "It's going to look ridiculous," he said. Draper, too, seemed uncertain about the legitimacy of the point, indicating that he would have been willing to continue the match if a replay had been available.The controversy surrounding Auger-Aliassime's match has highlighted the need for improved officiating tools in tennis. Video review systems can provide a more accurate and consistent way to adjudicate close calls, reducing the potential for human error and ensuring that matches are decided fairly.

Jessica Pegula's relentless pursuit of success continued at the Cincinnati Open, where she navigated a challenging day with impressive efficiency.After securing her title defense at the WTA 1000 event in Canada, Pegula returned to action in Ohio, facing a packed schedule due to rain delays. Despite the demanding circumstances, she showcased her versatility and determination.In her opening match, Pegula faced a formidable opponent in Karolina Muchova, last year's finalist. Despite a slow start, she rallied to secure a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 victory.Later in the evening, Pegula faced another American, Taylor Townsend. With her trademark consistency, she dispatched Townsend 6-2, 6-3, setting up a clash with Leylah Fernandez.Meanwhile, Ben Shelton continued his impressive run in the men's draw. After surviving a match point scare in his previous match, Shelton adjusted his tactics to defeat Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 6-3.Shelton's victory earned him a quarterfinal matchup against third seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Pablo Carreño Busta in straight sets.Pegula's success in Cincinnati is a testament to her unwavering focus and ability to adapt to different conditions. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has established her as a formidable force on the WTA Tour.

Andrey Rublev, the world's sixth-ranked tennis player, has regained his consistent form at the Cincinnati Open, reaching the quarterfinals with two impressive straight-sets victories. After a disappointing loss in the Montreal final, Rublev has bounced back with confidence-boosting wins over Zhang Zhizhen and Brandon Nakashima.Rublev's resurgence comes after a challenging period marked by depression and burnout. However, a "long conversation" with compatriot Marat Safin has helped him turn his mental state around. Rublev credits Safin with providing him with the tools to stay calm in crucial moments and trust his abilities.The Russian's success in Montreal and Cincinnati is a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite his dislike for the fast hard-court conditions, Rublev has used his powerful serve and forehand to dominate his opponents. He has not dropped a set in his two matches so far.Rublev's next challenge will be a rematch against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati quarterfinals. Sinner holds a 5-3 advantage over Rublev in their head-to-head record, but Rublev will be confident after defeating the Italian in the Montreal quarterfinals.If Rublev can overcome Sinner, he will have a chance to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 final of the year. His victory in Madrid earlier this season proved that he is capable of producing his best tennis on the big stage.Rublev's resurgence is a welcome sight for tennis fans. The Russian is one of the most exciting players to watch on tour, and his return to form adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming US Open.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, recently had a memorable encounter with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf at the Cincinnati Open. The trio posed for a photo, showcasing their combined 35 Grand Slam singles titles.Swiatek, who has been a fan of Graf since childhood, expressed her admiration for the German-born champion. She cited Graf's mentality as an inspiration, despite the differences in their playing styles."It's hard to compare our styles," Swiatek said. "We're playing in different eras of tennis. But I admire her mentality."Agassi, a three-time Cincinnati singles champion, was also present at the tournament to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Swiatek expressed her desire to emulate Agassi's success in Ohio, where he has won both singles and doubles titles.The following day, Swiatek displayed her own dominance on the court, defeating No. 15 seed Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. Her performance was reminiscent of Graf's ruthless style of play.Swiatek's meeting with Agassi and Graf has been a highlight of her season. She has long admired the legends and is eager to learn from their experiences. As she continues her pursuit of Grand Slam glory, Swiatek will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the accomplishments of these tennis icons.

Andrey Rublev vs. Jannik Sinner: Cincinnati Open Quarterfinal PreviewOn Saturday, August 17th, the Cincinnati Open will host a highly anticipated rematch between Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner. Last week, Rublev stunned Sinner in Montreal, winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. However, experts believe that Sinner has a strong chance of redemption in Cincinnati.Sinner has had ample time to recover from any physical ailments that may have hindered him in Montreal. Additionally, he received a bye in the Round of 16, giving him extra rest and preparation. Rublev, on the other hand, has played two grueling matches in Cincinnati and reached the final in Montreal.The conditions in Cincinnati also favor Sinner. The courts are known for their fast pace, which suits his aggressive style of play. Rublev's serve, which was a key factor in his Montreal victory, may be less effective in Cincinnati.Furthermore, Sinner is an exceptional returner, capable of creating break point opportunities against Rublev's inconsistent service games. The Italian is also highly motivated to avenge his loss in Montreal and boost his confidence ahead of the US Open.While Rublev is a formidable opponent, Sinner's physical recovery, fresh legs, and favorable conditions give him a significant advantage. Experts predict that Sinner will prevail in straight sets, seeking redemption and momentum heading into the US Open.

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.

Ben Shelton's resilience was on full display in Cincinnati as he overcame a match point deficit to reach the round of 16. The left-hander's hard-fought 6-7 (6), 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry showcased his determination and ability to perform under pressure.Shelton faced an uphill battle after losing a 6-3 lead in the second-set tiebreaker. However, he summoned his inner strength and delivered a powerful first serve to deny Etcheverry's match point. The Argentine's backhand error handed Shelton the set, setting the stage for a thrilling decider.In the third set, Shelton's persistence paid off as he converted his second break point with a potent inside-out forehand. He then closed out the match with a love hold, securing a hard-earned comeback victory."These are the types of wins that really propel you," Shelton said. "The ones where you are tested, back against the wall and you come through in the big moments. That's what's really important to me about this one."Fellow left-hander Jack Draper also displayed his tenacity in a three-set battle against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite Tsitsipas serving for the match, Draper rallied to win the final three games and oust the ninth seed."It's very difficult conditions here in Cincinnati," Draper said. "I think what won me the match today was the way I competed. My determination to win, I think that showed in key moments."Draper's victory marked his second win over Tsitsipas, adding to his 2022 second-round triumph in Montreal. He will now face the winner of the match between Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime.In an evening session showdown, second seed Carlos Alcaraz was leading Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-6 (1-3) when rain suspended play for the night. The outcome of their match remains to be determined.