Tennis

Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian tennis sensation, is eager to return to the competitive circuit at the Cincinnati Open after a remarkable summer that culminated in a historic Olympic bronze medal in Paris. Musetti's triumph marked the first Olympic tennis medal for Italy in a century, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.Despite his Olympic success, Musetti remains grounded and focused on his immediate goals. "A medal is something I won't forget, but I don't want to think about it for the rest of my career," he said. "I have to focus on each week, and each week is different."Musetti's versatility has been evident in his recent performances. He reached the final of the Queen's Club on grass, surged to the Wimbledon semifinals, and claimed a finalist trophy in Umag on clay. His Olympic bronze medal on the same surface further showcased his adaptability."The results I've achieved in the last couple of months are helping me to enter the court with more belief in myself," Musetti explained. "But I don't want to think about the bronze medal every day. It's too much for me, and I don't want to always live with that."Musetti's determination to continue growing is evident in his approach to the Cincinnati Open. He will face American favorite Frances Tiafoe in the second round, a formidable opponent who defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round.Musetti's journey from Olympic medalist to Cincinnati contender is a testament to his resilience and unwavering focus. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, he is eager to prove that his Olympic success was just the beginning.

The Cincinnati Open, a beloved tennis tournament, has returned to its home at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, bringing with it a host of upgrades and perks for players.One of the most notable improvements is the new warm-up and training area adjacent to the practice courts, providing players with a dedicated space to prepare for matches. Additionally, players have access to a nearby 18-hole golf course, reserved exclusively for their use throughout the week.Another highly appreciated perk is the fleet of 200 Cadillac Escalades provided to each player, courtesy of the tournament's official partner. This allows players to explore the city and its amenities at their convenience."I love the Midwest feel," said Jessica Pegula, the No. 6 seed. "I love being able to drive places and have my own car."The Cincinnati Open is not the first tournament to offer vehicles to players, as it has become a common practice in sprawling North American cities. However, it is a welcome change of pace for players who spend much of their time on tour being shuttled around."It's just nice to not have to Uber," said Coco Gauff, the No. 2 seed. "I really appreciate the tournament doing that."While the perks are appreciated, some players have raised concerns about the driving habits of their fellow competitors. Ben Shelton took to social media to call out a "disgrace" of a parking job at the players' hotel lot."You just should not have a license," Shelton said in a video. "You shouldn't be able to drive."Despite the occasional parking mishap, players are generally enjoying the freedom and convenience of having their own vehicles in Cincinnati."Cincinnati is great, but you need to drive to do things here!" said Gauff. "So it is nice, I really appreciate it and I think the players appreciate it too."

Brandon Nakashima continued his impressive run at the Cincinnati Open on Tuesday night, defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz in a thrilling three-set battle. The 23-year-old Nakashima, who ousted Tommy Paul in the round of 16, prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (4) over the 11th-seeded Fritz.The match was a tight affair, with each player breaking serve just once. Nakashima seized the initiative in the decisive tiebreaker, moving ahead 3-2 with a pair of crafty passes that forced Fritz into errors. The former world No. 43 then backed up the mini break with an ace and an unreturnable serve.Nakashima sealed the victory when Fritz's backhand found the net, improving his record to 16-14 in tour-level encounters this season. Fritz, who is heading to the US Open with one win at the past two 1000-level tournaments, will be looking to regain his form before the final Grand Slam of the year.In other first-round action, No. 12 seed Ben Shelton edged Reilly Opelka in a pair of tiebreakers, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3). Shelton withstood 19 aces from his compatriot and saved all five break points he faced.Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen also advanced to the second round with victories in their respective matches.On the women's side, Ashlyn Krueger pulled off an upset by defeating Olympic silver medalist and No. 16 seed Donna Vekic, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-2. Krueger, who also qualified in Toronto last week, had previously defeated four-time major winner Naomi Osaka to book her main-draw spot in Cincinnati.

Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, will face off against Holger Rune at the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday. This intriguing clash of styles promises to be a captivating spectacle.Berrettini, known for his straightforward approach, relies on his powerful serve and forehand to dominate his opponents. His 92% hold percentage over the past year is a testament to his exceptional serving prowess. Rune, on the other hand, is a player of immense variety, often experimenting with different shots and tactics.Despite Rune's versatility, Berrettini's consistency and experience should give him an edge in this matchup. Berrettini's serve is a formidable weapon, and Rune's low break percentage of 17.9% this season suggests he may struggle to break Berrettini's serve consistently.Furthermore, Berrettini's return game is slightly superior to Rune's, and Rune's holding percentage on hard courts is a modest 82.4%. The quicker conditions in Cincinnati may also limit Rune's ability to exploit his variety, as Berrettini prefers shorter points.Rune's recent record against Top 10 opponents is also a concern. Despite Berrettini's current ranking of No. 42, his 2024 performances have been comparable to his form in 2021 and 2022, when he was ranked as high as No. 6.Overall, Berrettini's consistency, experience, and suitability to the Cincinnati conditions make him the favorite in this matchup. A potential third-round meeting with Carlos Alcaraz would be a fascinating test of Berrettini's credentials as a contender for the 2024 US Open title.

Cincinnati, Ohio, is hosting the latest edition of the combined Cincinnati Open, the last 1000-level tournament before the fourth quarter of the season. This top-tiered event has inspired a travel itinerary from resident reporters, highlighting the city's hidden gems and must-visit attractions.1. Graeter's Ice Cream: Indulge in the sweet treats of Graeter's Ice Cream, a family-run business that has been satisfying Cincinnatians for generations. Try their August flavor of the month, Key Lime Pie, or their classic favorites like Butter Brickle and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.2. Shake It Records: Step into the funky world of Shake It Records, a vinyl haven with over 25,000 titles and 15,000 CDs. Browse their extensive collection of DVDs, books, and artist memorabilia for a nostalgic blast from the past.3. Lucky Cat Museum: Instead of traveling to Japan, visit the Lucky Cat Museum in Cincinnati, where over 2,000 figurines await you. Explore the mythical beliefs surrounding these lucky cats, from wealth accumulation to attraction.4. Mushroom House: Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Mushroom House, a one-bedroom home inspired by the Smurfs. This unique structure is a cherished landmark in the Hyde Park neighborhood.5. Skyline Chili 3-Way: Experience the iconic Cincinnati chili at Skyline Chili, a local institution since 1949. Try their Cheese Coneys and 3-Ways for an authentic taste of the city's culinary heritage.6. Cincinnati Union Terminal: Discover the award-winning Cincinnati Union Terminal, home to the Cincinnati Museum Center. Explore science and history exhibits, admire art installations, and attend limited-time events.7. Mita's: Savor the flavors of Latin cuisine at Mita's, a James Beard nominee. Enjoy tapas, family-style plates, and a Spanish wine program in a relaxed and upscale setting.8. Urbana Cafe: Sip on quality coffee at Urbana Cafe, a local favorite with six locations throughout Cincinnati. Choose from a variety of coffee subscriptions, signature blends, and brewing tips.9. Cincinnati Art Museum: Immerse yourself in art at the Cincinnati Art Museum, one of the oldest art institutions in the country. Explore over 73,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of human history.10. Great American Ball Park: Catch a baseball game at Great American Ball Park, one of Major League Baseball's most fan-friendly stadiums. Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, enjoy the Family Zone, or host an event in this iconic venue.

Naomi Osaka's recent struggles continued in the Midwest, culminating in a disappointing exit from the Cincinnati Open qualifying tournament. The former world No. 1's woes began even before she arrived in Mason, Ohio, when United Airlines lost her luggage, threatening her participation in the event.Despite the setback, Osaka remained optimistic, expressing her eagerness to compete in Cincinnati and prepare for the upcoming US Open. However, her ranking of No. 95 meant she was not automatically eligible for the main draw and had to play qualifying.In her first qualifying match, Osaka faced Anna Blinkova and emerged victorious in three sets. The win set up a clash with American Ashlyn Krueger, who ultimately proved too strong for the Japanese star. Osaka led 3-1 in the final set but faltered, losing the last five games to bow out of the tournament.Osaka's defeat in Cincinnati highlights her ongoing struggles since returning from maternity leave in 2024. She has repeatedly cited the US Open as her target for a resurgence, but her recent performances have been underwhelming.Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by her victory over Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Her "US Open or bust" mentality could provide the motivation she needs to rediscover her best form in time for the season's final Grand Slam.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, is approaching her first hard-court match since March with a cautious mindset. Despite being the favorite at most tournaments, Swiatek is tempering expectations ahead of the Cincinnati Open.Swiatek last played on hard courts at the Miami Open, where she lost in the fourth round. She is aware of the faster conditions in Cincinnati due to the switch back to Regular Duty Wilson tennis balls. These balls are lighter and lose their heaviness more quickly than the Heavy Duty balls used last year.Swiatek acknowledges the need to adjust to the new surface and balls. She plans to treat the tournament as a practice opportunity, focusing on implementing her training and making gradual progress.Despite her recent success on clay, Swiatek is determined to rediscover her hard-court form. She believes the lower expectations in Cincinnati could provide her with the space to do so.Swiatek's decision to skip the National Bank Open in Toronto was motivated by fatigue from the Paris Olympics. She won a bronze medal in singles after a disappointing semifinal loss.After supporting her fellow athletes at the Games, Swiatek feels refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the season. She is not expecting a break and is focused on maintaining her technique and grinding on court.Swiatek's cautious approach and determination to improve suggest that she is not taking her status as the favorite for granted. She is willing to work hard and make adjustments to achieve her goals on hard courts.

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.

The Cincinnati Open, the final major tune-up before the US Open, is set to commence despite a challenging start to the North American hard-court swing. Rain disruptions and player withdrawals have plagued recent tournaments in Montreal and Toronto, but Cincinnati appears poised for a more favorable outcome.With defending champion Novak Djokovic sidelined, the spotlight falls on Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who will be eager to rebound from disappointing Olympic performances. Alcaraz, who pushed Djokovic to the brink in last year's Cincinnati final, will face a less formidable path this time around. Swiatek, despite a potential quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini, remains a heavy favorite.Several top players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev, will be looking to end title droughts. Sinner, once dominant, has struggled with injuries and form, while Gauff has endured a disappointing summer. Sabalenka and Medvedev, both former major champions, have also been off their best.The draws for the top seeds appear relatively favorable, with potential semifinals between Alcaraz and Sinner on the men's side and Sabalenka and Swiatek on the women's side. However, dark horses such as Paula Badosa, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz could pose threats.Among the early-round matches to watch are Zhizhen Zhang vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Karen Khachanov vs. Francisco Cerundolo, and Frances Tiafoe vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.