Tennis

Adam Walton's journey to the Top 100 of the ATP rankings is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and a refusal to accept limitations. After a standout college career at the University of Tennessee, Walton embarked on a professional tennis career with zero ranking points.Undeterred, Walton traveled the globe, competing in 90 matches in the last year alone. His relentless pursuit of victories and opportunities paid off, as he broke into the Top 100 in 2024.Walton's success is not without its challenges. Tennis is a sport of highs and lows, but Walton has shown maturity in rolling with the punches. "Winning is contagious but so is losing," he says. "But when it's winning, everything is flowing."Walton's ability to process defeats and continue his development is a key factor in his success. "I'm pretty good with my losses, and it's straight back to work to try and prepare for the next one."A pivotal moment in Walton's career came in the final of the Taipei Challenger. Facing veteran Illya Marchenko, Walton had the chance to reach the Top 100 and secure direct entry into his first Wimbledon main draw.With everything on the line, Walton remained calm and focused. "I just played a really disciplined tiebreak and he missed a couple of shots by very close margins."As Marchenko's final shot sailed wide, Walton fell to the court in jubilation. "When he hit that final ball out, it's probably the most satisfying feeling I've had on a tennis court thus far."Walton's journey is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of achieving something great. He took the road less traveled, never stopped working, and ultimately reached his goal.

Elise Mertens, the Belgian tennis star, has received a special gift from Roland Garros tournament director Amélie Mauresmo ahead of her 10th main-draw appearance at the tournament. The gift, a swan-themed token, symbolizes Mertens' grace and dedication on the court.The note accompanying the gift reads, "The swan, with its grace and timeless elegance, mirrors the spirit of tennis itself, where every movement on the court is a dance of finesse and determination." It also honors Mertens' unwavering dedication and her indelible mark on the courts of Roland Garros.Mertens, who made her debut at the clay-court major in 2016, has 17 career main-draw wins in Paris. It's her second-most successful major after the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals in her main-draw debut in 2018. She has never lost before the third round at Roland Garros.The 28-year-old Mertens, seeded No. 25 at this year's Roland Garros, opens her tournament against Argentina's Maria Lourdes Carle on Tuesday. She could be the projected third-round opponent for No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina. She and Hsieh Su-wei are also the No. 1 seeds in doubles.Mertens' gift from Roland Garros is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. It's a reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a big impact on the lives of athletes.

Marijn Bal's journey to becoming one of the most respected tennis agents in the industry is a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to the sport. Growing up in the Netherlands, Bal's passion for tennis ignited both as a player and a fan. However, he recognized that his true calling lay in guiding the careers of aspiring tennis stars.After graduating from the University of North Georgia, Bal embarked on an unpaid internship at the IMG Academy in Florida. With an unwavering work ethic, he dedicated himself to outperforming everyone around him. His dedication paid off when he was offered an assistant's position, giving him the foothold he needed in the industry.Bal's success as an agent stems from his ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of tennis and build strong relationships with his clients. He understands that each player requires a unique approach, and he tailors his support accordingly. "Sometimes you've got to push a little bit, sometimes you've got to pull back," he explains. "You just have to understand the situation."Bal's dedication extends beyond the court, fostering lasting friendships with his clients. He credits Petra Kvitova as one of the most influential people in his life, someone who constantly inspires him. His unwavering support has also led to remarkable achievements, including representing the last two female gold medalists in tennis, Monica Puig and Belinda Bencic.Bal's authenticity and passion for his work shine through in his interviews. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, stating, "Never take no for an answer. You can be rejected 99 times, but if you try 100, there's at least going to be someone picking up the phone and saying yes."