Tennis

Alexander Zverev, the 6'6" German tennis star, has established himself as the greatest No-Slam Wonder in the sport. Despite his exceptional skills, including precise groundstrokes and a dominant serve, Zverev has yet to capture a Grand Slam title.Zverev's career has been marked by unfortunate timing. He emerged as a teenage sensation in 2017, coinciding with the dominance of the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer). As the Big Three continued their reign, Zverev struggled to break through, despite reaching the finals of the 2020 US Open and the 2022 French Open.In addition to the Big Three, Zverev has faced competition from rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. His pursuit of a Grand Slam has also been hindered by injuries, including a catastrophic ankle injury in 2022.Despite these setbacks, Zverev has remained consistent, reaching the quarterfinals or better at Roland Garros in all but one year since 2018. He has also won seven ATP Masters 1000 titles, second only to Djokovic and Nadal among active players.Zverev has faced criticism for his on-court behavior, including a racquet-smashing incident in 2022 and allegations of domestic violence. However, he has expressed a desire to change his ways and become a better role model.As Zverev approaches his 28th birthday, he remains determined to win a Grand Slam. He acknowledges that his confidence has been shaken, but he believes that once he breaks through, he could potentially win multiple majors.However, the competition is fierce, with Alcaraz and Sinner emerging as formidable opponents. Zverev will need to find a way to overcome his past disappointments and seize the right moment to finally claim his elusive Grand Slam title.

The WTA Finals in Riyadh, the culmination of the women's tennis season, is set to commence on Saturday, November 2nd. This year's event showcases a diverse lineup of players, reflecting the season's key themes: the emergence of new talent, the search for form by Grand Slam champions, and the ongoing rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.New Blood: Jasmine Paolini and Zheng QinwenThe WTA has witnessed a surge of promising young players in 2024, including Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen. Paolini, a 28-year-old Italian, has defied expectations by reaching the finals of two Grand Slams, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Zheng, a 21-year-old Chinese prodigy, has fulfilled her potential by winning Olympic gold, reaching a Grand Slam final, and cracking the Top 10.Slam Champs Searching for Form: Coco Gauff and Elena RybakinaCoco Gauff and Elena Rybakina, who won their first Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023, respectively, have faced challenges in replicating their success in 2024. Both have experienced Grand Slam disappointments and coaching changes. However, their presence in Riyadh suggests they are determined to regain their form.Long-distance Rivals: Iga Swiatek and Aryna SabalenkaThe rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has dominated the WTA for the past three seasons. Swiatek has excelled on clay, while Sabalenka has been dominant on hard courts. A potential final-round showdown in Riyadh could determine who finishes the year as world No. 1.ConclusionThe WTA Finals in Riyadh promises to be a captivating event, showcasing the best of women's tennis. From the emergence of new talent to the search for form by Grand Slam champions and the ongoing rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka, the tournament will provide a fitting conclusion to a memorable season.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the Rolex Paris Masters has cast a shadow over the final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the 2024 season. The Italian star, who has enjoyed a stellar year with Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian Open and US Open, announced his decision on Tuesday, citing a lingering illness.Sinner's absence is a significant blow to the tournament, as he was the top seed and a strong contender for the title. In a video message posted to the tournament's social media, Sinner expressed his disappointment at having to withdraw. "I'm very disappointed to tell you that I'm not able to play here at this tournament," he said. "I came very early here to prepare and felt sick. I'm having a virus at the moment, which is going to pass in the next two-three days. So, body-wise, I'm not ready to compete."Sinner's withdrawal comes after a hectic fall swing that included a runner-up finish at the China Open, a victory at the Rolex Shanghai Masters over Novak Djokovic, and a lucrative appearance at the inaugural Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. The 23-year-old Italian took home over six million dollars in both appearance and prize money for winning the six-man event, but he emphasized that his primary motivation was to test himself against the world's best players."Of course, it's a nice prize and everything," Sinner explained, "but for me, I went there because there were possibly the six best players in the world. And then you can measure yourself with them."Despite his withdrawal from the Rolex Paris Masters, Sinner has already secured a berth at the ATP Finals in Turin. He will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Arthur Cazaux, who will open against either Corentin Moutet or Ben Shelton.

Maria Sharapova's impact on tennis cannot be overstated. Her arrival on the scene in 2002, at the tender age of 15, heralded a new era of intensity and determination. Her relentless pursuit of victory, coupled with her icy ruthlessness, set her apart from her contemporaries.Sharapova's signature grunt and full-throated desire to win became synonymous with her game. Her frenetic energy and sheer force of will overwhelmed opponents, establishing a new standard of aggression in the sport. Her habit of walking to the back fence before serving, gathering herself, and then spinning back toward the baseline with her left fist clenched became a ritual emulated by the next generation of WTA players.Beyond her on-court dominance, Sharapova's star power extended to the business world. She topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid women athletes for nine consecutive years, from 2008 to 2016. However, her success was not limited to endorsements and cover shoots. She remained a fierce competitor, her passion for the fight never waning.Sharapova's versatility was evident in her ability to adapt to different surfaces. Initially a fast-court specialist, she transformed herself into a clay-court master, winning Roland Garros twice. Her record in marathon matches is a testament to her point-by-point persistence.Despite her success, Sharapova's career was not without controversy. In 2016, she was suspended after testing positive for meldonium, a heart medicine that had recently been banned. While she claimed to have used it for a decade due to a family history of heart conditions, the incident cast a shadow over her legacy.However, Sharapova's resilience and determination shone through in her response to adversity. She served a 15-month sentence and returned to the court with renewed vigor. Her ability to shake off losses and come back stronger is a testament to her unwavering spirit.Whether or not Sharapova belongs in the Hall of Fame is a matter of debate. Her positive test for meldonium complicates her reputation, but her achievements on the court cannot be denied. She was one of the most cussed and reliable competitors in the game, a woman who played every point like it was her last and took her losses with grace.

Dominic Thiem's retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. The Austrian star, known for his powerful one-handed backhand and relentless work ethic, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.Thiem's career highlights include a Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open, 17 tour-level singles titles, and a career-high world ranking of No. 3. He also had impressive performances against the Big Three, winning 16 of 35 matches against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.Thiem's signature shot was his one-handed backhand, a rare exception in an era dominated by two-handed backhands. His backhand was fueled by a full rotation of hips and shoulders, and he believed in it so strongly that he never backed off it.His forehand was arguably even more lethal, with Thiem saying, "My strokes are safer when I hit full power." The combination of his backhand and forehand made him a joy to watch, blending artistry, power, and focus.Thiem's greatest triumph came at the 2020 US Open, held during the height of the pandemic with no spectators in attendance. He rallied from two sets to love down against Alexander Zverev to win in five sets, becoming the first man since 1949 to come back from that deficit in a US Open final.Thiem's work ethic was relentless, and he was known for his dedication to practice. He was born into tennis, with his parents being tennis instructors, and he began working with renowned coach Gunter Bresnik at the age of nine.Bresnik encouraged Thiem to drop his two-handed backhand for a one-hander, and Thiem's devotion to practice was evident in his relentless pursuit of perfection. He was known for running into forests with logs on his back and swimming in chilly winter rivers, although he denied these rumors.Thiem's competitive appetite was insatiable, and he played over 25 events annually for three years, a workload of 223 matches. However, this devotion may have taken its toll, as he suffered a wrist injury in 2021 that ended his year and dropped him out of the Top 100 in 2022.Despite his physical struggles, Thiem's legacy will be remembered for his breathtaking tennis, his unwavering commitment, and his infectious desire to win. He was a man who carried himself with tremendous intention, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.

Dominic Thiem, the beloved Austrian tennis star, is bidding farewell to his illustrious career at the Vienna Open this week. As he prepares for his final tournament, let's delve into the remarkable achievements that have defined his journey:Thiem's crowning glory came at the 2020 US Open, where he etched his name in history as the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. His triumph was particularly remarkable as he rallied from two sets down and faced match point in the fifth set before ultimately prevailing over Alexander Zverev.Beyond his Grand Slam victory, Thiem has amassed an impressive 17 career titles, including a Masters 1000 at Indian Wells and five ATP 500s. He has also reached 12 other career finals, including three more Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and the Australian Open.Thiem's exceptional talent is evident in his 32 career wins over Top 10 players, including 20 victories over Top 5 opponents and five triumphs over world No. 1s. He is one of only two players, alongside Andy Murray, to have defeated each member of the "Big 3" (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic) at least five times.His career earnings exceed $30 million, placing him among the elite in ATP history. Thiem's success has not only brought him financial rewards but has also made him a national icon in Austria, where he is the second-highest-ranked player in history after Thomas Muster.Unfortunately, Thiem's career was derailed by a wrist injury in 2021, which sidelined him for nine months. Despite his return to the tour in 2022, he has not been able to regain his previous heights.As Thiem prepares to take his final bow in Vienna, his legacy as one of the most accomplished and beloved tennis players of his generation will endure. His fighting spirit, exceptional talent, and unwavering determination have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, recently shared her candid thoughts on her career and the pressures of being a top-ranked tennis player in an interview with fellow player Caroline Garcia on the Tennis Insider Club podcast.Stephens, who has been open about the challenges she has faced throughout her career, spoke about the unrealistic expectations that are often placed on athletes. She emphasized that not everyone can be the best in the world and that it's important to recognize and appreciate one's own strengths and limitations."There's nothing wrong with not being Novak [Djokovic]," Stephens said. "Everyone can't be No. 1 in the world. I think Iga [Swiatek]'s great, she's No. 1 in the world, but I do not want that job. There are certain people who thrive in that, but that's what makes our sport so unique."Stephens, who emerged as a teen phenom in 2011, has had a successful career, reaching the third round of the US Open as a wild card that year and stunning Serena Williams to make her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2013 Australian Open. She overcame a prolonged foot injury to win her maiden major title over fellow American Madison Keys.However, Stephens has struggled for consistency in recent years, citing injuries and burnout. Despite these challenges, the 31-year-old American remains motivated to continue her career, noting that the unpredictable nature of the tour could still yield her another big result."This is a good job to stay at!" Stephens joked. "Obviously, it is a lot of travel and it's very hectic and it's hard, and it's stressful. There's a lot of adversity happening every single week that nobody ever sees. But what job is going to pay you to put on your tennis dress and play a match on live TV?"Stephens emphasized the importance of finding ways to make the demanding schedule of a professional tennis player more enjoyable. She shared that she has been making an effort to explore new places and experiences, which has helped her stay motivated and excited about her career."This year, I've wanted to go to new places and see new things, and do new stuff," Stephens said. "So, this year, I said, 'I want to make it Asia so I can see the Great Wall.' And I feel like that's helped me more, to have something to look forward to. If you were at a regular desk job for 12 years, you would think it's terrible. For tennis players, yes, we're so lucky and fortunate to be able to travel and do all these amazing things, but it's literally the same tournaments, the same cities. You've got to make it fun and keep it exciting."

Novak Djokovic's pursuit of tennis history at the 2021 US Open ended in heartbreak, as he fell to Daniil Medvedev in the final. The Serbian star's bid to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Grand Slams in a calendar year was thwarted by the Russian's clinical performance.Djokovic, 34, entered the tournament as the heavy favorite, having won the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon earlier in the year. However, he faced an unexpected challenge from Medvedev, who had never reached a Grand Slam final before.The Russian, 25, played with poise and precision, breaking Djokovic's serve in the first game of the match and never looking back. Medvedev won the first set 6-4 and continued to dominate in the second, breaking Djokovic again and taking it 6-4.Djokovic showed signs of frustration in the third set, smashing his racquet after failing to break Medvedev's serve. The crowd, which had been cheering for Djokovic throughout the tournament, turned on him briefly, showering him with boos.Undeterred, Medvedev kept his foot on the gas, breaking Djokovic's serve again in the first game of the third set and building a 5-2 lead. Djokovic managed to hold serve for 4-5, but Medvedev closed out the match with a service-return error by Djokovic.The final score was 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, in a match that lasted just over two hours. Medvedev's victory marked his first Grand Slam title and ended Djokovic's hopes of making history.Despite the disappointment, Djokovic praised Medvedev's performance, acknowledging that he was "hitting his spots very well." He also expressed gratitude to the crowd for their support, saying that he had never felt so loved on a tennis court before.

The 2019 Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic was a historic match that reshaped the landscape of men's tennis. It was the first Wimbledon tournament to feature a final-set tiebreak, and it became the longest Wimbledon final ever, lasting nearly five hours.Federer, the eight-time Wimbledon champion, was the heavy favorite going into the match. He had won their previous meeting in the semifinals and held a 20-15 advantage in Grand Slam titles. However, Djokovic had been playing some of the best tennis of his career in recent months, and he was determined to prove that he was the best player in the world.The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both players trading blows from the baseline. Federer was the more aggressive player, hitting more winners, but Djokovic was more consistent and made fewer unforced errors. The match went to a fifth set, and Federer had a chance to win it at 8-7, 40-15. However, Djokovic saved both match points and eventually won the tiebreak to claim the title.The win was a major turning point in the careers of both players. For Federer, it was a missed opportunity to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open Era. For Djokovic, it was a fourth major title in the previous five tournaments, and it moved him to within two majors of Nadal and four of Federer.The match was also a reminder of the greatness of both players. Federer played some of the best tennis of his career, but Djokovic was simply too good on the day. It was a match that will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest Wimbledon finals ever played.