Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has unveiled a new all-black "Legend" racquet designed exclusively for him by Head. The racquet features a glossy black finish with flatter black detailing, paying homage to Djokovic's legendary status in tennis.Djokovic has been instrumental in developing the Speed line of racquets since becoming a Head ambassador in 2008. The Speed Legend is a testament to his close collaboration with Max Bauer, Head's global product manager of performance racquets."It is always special to create such a special racquet and this one specifically stands out because it combines many features that Novak loves," Bauer said. "The naming of the racquet also celebrates Novak's unique status in the tennis world."Djokovic's preference for stylish yet understated drama is evident in his new racquet. It complements his growing collection of all-black accessories, including the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang All Black Pavé watch he wore at the Laureus World Sports Awards.The Head Speed Legend is set for release on May 23 and will be Djokovic's racquet of choice until the end of his career. Tennis fans can catch a glimpse of the racquet in action at the Geneva Open, where Djokovic has received a last-minute wild card ahead of Roland Garros.

Naomi Osaka's resurgence on clay came to an abrupt end in the fourth round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, as she succumbed to the power and consistency of Zheng Qinwen in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.Despite her struggles on the surface, Osaka had shown promising signs in Rome, notching back-to-back victories over Top 20 opponents. However, the No. 7 seed proved too formidable for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who bowed out in 84 minutes on Campo Centrale.Osaka's determination to improve her clay-court results was evident in her early arrival to the swing and her participation in a 250 event in Rouen. She carried that momentum into Madrid, where she reached the second round before falling to Liudmila Samsonova.In Rome, Osaka strung together her most impressive results on clay since 2019, when she reached the quarterfinals of both Madrid and Rome. She dispatched Porsche Tennis Grand Prix runner-up Marta Kostyuk and 2022 Roland Garros semifinalist Daria Kasatkina in straight sets, marking the first time in five years that she had won three consecutive matches on the surface.However, Zheng, another big hitter with a proven track record on clay, proved to be a formidable opponent. The 21-year-old Chinese star had reached the quarterfinals of Rome last year and made a strong start to the 2024 season, reaching her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open.Despite an injury setback in Stuttgart, Zheng looked in fine form in Rome, dispatching Shelby Rogers and Linda Noskova to set up her second career meeting with Osaka.The match began with an exchange of breaks, but Zheng quickly gained the upper hand, taking advantage of Osaka's inconsistent first serve percentage (27%) to break three times and claim the opening set in under 40 minutes.Zheng maintained her momentum in the second set, breaking Osaka early and holding on to a 5-4 lead with a chance to serve for the match. Osaka complained to the umpire about a potential hindrance from Zheng's delayed grunt, but her protest was dismissed. Zheng converted her second match point to reach another quarterfinal in Rome, where she will face either Coco Gauff or Paula Badosa for a spot in the semifinals.

Sloane Stephens, the 30-year-old American tennis star, is adding another accomplishment to her impressive resume: podcast host. "Sincerely, Sloane," her upcoming podcast, will debut on Monday, joining a growing list of ATP and WTA players who have launched their own shows.Produced by Uninterrupted, the media brand founded by LeBron James, "Sincerely, Sloane" will delve into the multifaceted life of a professional athlete. Stephens, a Grand Slam champion and former Top 10 player, will share her experiences and insights on a range of topics, including adversity, achievement, and the routines that help athletes perform at their best."As a professional tennis player, mother, daughter, wife, and entrepreneur, I have been through a number of ups and downs and have learned to battle through adversity as well as achieve the unimaginable," Stephens said in the podcast's trailer.Stephens' podcast will feature a star-studded lineup of guests from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and beyond. She joins a growing number of tennis players who have entered the podcast arena, including Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Garcia, Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Andy Roddick.Kyrgios' show, "Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios," has seen the former Wimbledon finalist interview celebrities like Gordon Ramsey, Mike Tyson, and Rainn Wilson. Stephens' podcast promises a similar level of star power, with guests sharing their stories, perspectives, and routines that inspire them to be their best selves.The news of Stephens' podcast comes amidst a clay-court resurgence for the 2017 US Open champion. Despite a second-round exit at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Stephens won her eighth career singles title in Rouen, France last month. She also won a doubles title in Charleston alongside Ashlyn Krueger, her first WTA-level doubles title.Stephens' podcast is set to debut on Monday, offering listeners an intimate look into the life of a multi-faceted athlete and the stories that inspire her.

Dominic Thiem, the former world No. 3 tennis player, has announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2024 season. In a heartfelt video statement, Thiem cited ongoing wrist issues and a deep inner feeling as the reasons behind his decision.Thiem's career has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He reached three Grand Slam finals before claiming his first major title at the 2020 US Open. However, injuries, particularly to his right wrist, have plagued him in recent years.The Austrian first hinted at his retirement plans in March, revealing renewed wrist problems ahead of the clay court season. Rumors intensified this week with reports that he would play his final tournament in his hometown of Vienna.Thiem's retirement announcement has been met with sadness and admiration from the tennis community. Novak Djokovic praised Thiem's resilience and determination in the face of injuries."I think he's a great example of somebody who never gives up," Djokovic said. "We are all hoping as tennis fans and colleagues of his that he can find the level because he was always very exciting to watch."Thiem's legacy will be defined by his exceptional one-handed backhand, powerful forehand, and intense on-court presence. He has inspired countless fans with his fighting spirit and unwavering belief in his abilities.As Thiem prepares for his final season, he will undoubtedly be celebrated for his contributions to the sport. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on tennis will continue to be felt for years to come.

Garbiñe Muguruza, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, has bid farewell to tennis at the age of 30. The Spanish star announced her retirement at a press conference in Madrid on Saturday, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade.Muguruza's journey began as a teenager in 2012, when she made a remarkable run to the fourth round of the Miami Open as a wild card. Two years later, she claimed her maiden tour-level title, followed by a stunning run to the Wimbledon final in 2015, where she fell to Serena Williams.However, Muguruza's breakthrough came in 2016 when she triumphed at Roland Garros, defeating Serena Williams in the final. The following year, she added the Wimbledon title to her resume, becoming the first Spanish woman to win the prestigious tournament since Conchita Martinez in 1994.After a brief dip in form, Muguruza regained her momentum in 2020, reaching the Australian Open final. In 2021, she capped her career with a victory at the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, becoming the first Spaniard to win the year-end championships in singles.Throughout her career, Muguruza won 10 WTA singles titles, including two Grand Slams, and ranked as the world No. 1 for four weeks in 2017. She also represented Spain in the Olympics and the Fed Cup, contributing to her country's success in international competitions.Muguruza's retirement marks the end of an era for Spanish tennis. She leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful female players in her country's history, inspiring a generation of young athletes.

Rafael Nadal's return to competitive tennis after a three-month injury layoff ended abruptly at the Barcelona Open, as he suffered a disappointing 7-5, 6-1 defeat to Alex de Minaur in the second round.Despite showing glimpses of his former brilliance in the opening set, Nadal was unable to match the intensity and consistency of the 11th-ranked Australian. De Minaur, who had previously defeated Nadal in 2019, dominated the second set, breaking the Spaniard's serve twice to secure a comfortable victory.Nadal's defeat marks only his fifth loss at the Barcelona Open, a tournament he has won a record 12 times. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had looked promising in his first-round win over Flavio Cobolli, but his performance against De Minaur raised concerns about his fitness and form.Nadal's injury woes have plagued him throughout the season, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters. He had hoped to use the Barcelona Open as a warm-up for the upcoming French Open, where he is a 14-time champion.However, his early exit casts doubt on his participation in the Madrid Open, which begins next week. Nadal has previously stated that 2024 will likely be his final year on tour, and his recent injury setbacks have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.Meanwhile, Roberto Bautista Agut celebrated a significant milestone by earning his 400th tour-level victory with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over Andrea Vavassori. The 35-year-old Spaniard is now the 13th active player to reach this impressive milestone.Other notable results from the Barcelona Open include Casper Ruud's 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexandre Muller, Dusan Lajovic's 6-4, 6-4 upset of Ugo Humbert, Marco Trungelliti's 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over Nicolas Jarry, and Jordan Thompson's 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 triumph over Jaume Munar.

Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion, made her long-awaited return to professional tennis at the Miami Open after a 1 1/2-year doping ban. Despite initial nerves, Halep was warmly welcomed by the tennis community and is now eager to rediscover her former glory.Halep's ban stemmed from a positive test for Roxadustat at the 2022 U.S. Open. Initially facing a four-year suspension, her penalty was reduced on appeal. The Romanian star admitted to feeling uncertain about her return, both on and off the court.However, Halep's fears were quickly allayed by the outpouring of support she received from tournament staff, security, and fellow players. She described the experience as "a great feeling, a great energy."Despite her extended absence, Halep remains optimistic about her future prospects. She is working with a new coach, Carlos Martinez, and is encouraged by her performance in her first match back, a three-set loss to former No. 2 Paula Badosa.Halep acknowledges the challenges ahead, including a lack of match fitness and questions about her motivation. However, she is determined to prove that she can still compete at the highest level."I feel relief, I feel the freedom and... yeah, I am back in business," Halep said.