Tennis

International Tennis Hall of Fame Reschedules Enshrinement Ceremony, Introduces Combined TournamentThe International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) has announced significant changes to its annual events, aiming to enhance the visibility and impact of its enshrinement ceremony and introduce a new combined tournament.Starting in 2024, the ITHF's enshrinement ceremony will be moved to August, coinciding with the eve of the US Open. This strategic shift is intended to garner greater attention from the tennis world and align with the peak of the tennis season.In addition, the ITHF will host a new combined men's and women's 125-level tournament in 2025. This tournament will replace the men's 250-level event that is being discontinued from the ATP schedule after this week. The combined Hall of Fame Open, scheduled for July 6-13, will be the only grass-court women's tournament outside of Europe. It marks the first time the ITHF has hosted a women's pro tournament since the 1990 Virginia Slims of Newport."We are thrilled to provide fans with double the tennis starting next summer," said tournament director Brewer Rowe. "The combined tournament will offer a unique opportunity to showcase both men's and women's tennis at the highest level."For decades, the ITHF has hosted a men's tournament the week after Wimbledon, with the Hall of Fame inductions held on Saturday alongside the semifinals. This week, Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj, and Richard Evans will be inducted into the hall in conjunction with the final edition of the 250 tournament.The ITHF's decision to reschedule its enshrinement ceremony and introduce a combined tournament reflects its commitment to innovation and growth. By aligning with the US Open and offering a platform for both men's and women's tennis, the ITHF aims to further elevate its status as a premier destination for tennis enthusiasts.

Elena Rybakina, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has emerged as the frontrunner for this year's title, despite Iga Swiatek's dominance on other surfaces. The WTA's No. 1 player has struggled on grass, creating opportunities for lesser-known players to shine.In recent years, Wimbledon has witnessed Cinderella stories, with Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova claiming major titles as unseeded players. This year, Lulu Sun, Emma Navarro, Donna Vekic, and Barbora Krejcikova have all made surprising runs to the quarterfinals.Rybakina, now seeded fourth, has been in impressive form in 2024, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. She has also reached finals in Miami and Doha, showcasing her versatility on different surfaces.In her quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina, Rybakina displayed her dominance, winning in straight sets with a powerful serve-plus-one strategy. She hit 28 winners to Svitolina's eight and won 85 percent of points on her first serve.Despite her success, Rybakina remains humble, acknowledging that she can still improve her first serve percentage. She also credits her ability to read opponents' serves and her consistent groundstrokes for her recent success.However, Rybakina faces a tough challenge in the semifinals against Barbora Krejcikova, who holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against her. Krejcikova has also been in impressive form, winning the French Open in 2021 and reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon last year.As the tournament progresses, Rybakina remains the favorite for the title. Her powerful serve, consistent groundstrokes, and ability to adapt to different opponents make her a formidable force on grass. If she can maintain her composure and overcome the challenge of Krejcikova, she has a strong chance of becoming the first player to win multiple Wimbledon titles since Serena Williams in 2016.

Beatriz Haddad Maia, the Brazilian tennis star, has emerged as a formidable force on grass courts, despite the common misconception that clay is her preferred surface. With two grass-court titles under her belt since 2022 and an impressive 21-10 record on this surface, Haddad Maia is poised to make a deep run at Wimbledon.While Danielle Collins has enjoyed a successful season, her game is less suited to grass than other surfaces. Her aggressive style can lead to rushed defense and serve inconsistencies. Despite her impressive break percentage, the low-bouncing grass courts favor servers, making it difficult for Collins to rely solely on her returning prowess.Haddad Maia, on the other hand, excels in these conditions. Her career hold percentage on grass is a remarkable 79.7%, significantly higher than her overall hold percentage of 68.4%. Her ability to maintain possession of the ball gives her ample opportunities to win points.Moreover, Haddad Maia's baseline aggression matches Collins's, but she possesses superior defensive skills and a keen understanding of point construction. As one of the top volleyers in the women's game, Haddad Maia frequently approaches the net, a significant advantage on grass.The oddsmakers may be underestimating Haddad Maia's chances against Collins, as the match is closer to a 50-50 proposition. Her grass-court prowess, combined with Collins's potential struggles on this surface, make Haddad Maia an enticing underdog pick at +155 odds.

Taylor Fritz, the fiery American tennis star, has ignited a spicy rivalry with French opponent Arthur Rinderknech, culminating in a heated post-match exchange at Wimbledon.The feud stems from their previous encounter at Roland Garros in 2023, where Fritz's victory was marred by his controversial shushing gesture towards the partisan French crowd. Rinderknech took offense, and ahead of their Wimbledon rematch, he publicly criticized Fritz's composure.Fritz, known for his calm demeanor, was unfazed by Rinderknech's comments. Instead, they fueled his determination to prove his worth. "As soon as I saw it, the match was basically over," Fritz said. "It just gives me extra fire."The tension was palpable during their Wimbledon clash, with Fritz ultimately prevailing in four sets. As they shook hands at the net, Fritz couldn't resist a parting shot: "Have a nice flight home."Fritz's spicy handshake aside, he has been in impressive form at Wimbledon, dropping only one set so far. His strong grass-court performances in the lead-up to the tournament have established him as a darkhorse contender.In the third round, Fritz will face Alejandro Tabilo, a rising star from Chile. The American will be looking to continue his fiery run and prove that he is not just a spicy margarita but a formidable force on the court.

Jessica Pegula, the No. 5 seed at Wimbledon, expressed her thoughts on the tournament's unpredictable nature and her own approach to the competition.Pegula, who reached the quarterfinals in 2021, acknowledged the recent trend of different women winning the grass-court major in recent years. She noted that the top half of the draw features formidable opponents like Iga Swiatek, Marketa Vondrousova, and Elena Rybakina.However, Pegula also highlighted the absence of former semifinalists in the bottom half due to injuries to Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. She revealed her prediction that Brenda Fruhvirtova would defeat Mirra Andreeva, which ultimately came to fruition.Pegula emphasized her belief in her abilities but refrained from setting unrealistic expectations. She explained that she focuses on winning each match rather than dwelling on the possibility of winning the tournament.Despite her recent grass-court title in Berlin, Pegula remains grounded and recognizes the unique atmosphere of Wimbledon. She admitted that it's difficult to ignore the sense of history and grandeur that surrounds the event.Pegula also shared her experience of participating in an escape room adventure with her sister and fellow Olympic team member Desirae Krawczyk. She expressed her enjoyment and hinted at the possibility of trying another one.

Wimbledon 2023: Sonay Kartal Poised to Upset Sorana Cirstea in First RoundAs the curtains rise on Wimbledon 2023, world No. 31 Sorana Cirstea faces an intriguing challenge against qualifier Sonay Kartal in the first round. While Cirstea holds the seeding advantage, her recent form casts doubt on her status as the favorite.Cirstea has endured a dismal run of five consecutive losses, including two straight-set defeats on grass at Birmingham and Eastbourne. Her struggles on the surface are evident in her career record of 29-36 on grass. Moreover, her overall form this season has been underwhelming, with a win-loss record of 12-15.In contrast, Kartal has emerged as a potential giant-killer. The 22-year-old Londoner earned her main draw berth through qualifying, showcasing her resilience and determination. Her impressive run included a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory over Top 100 player Erika Andreeva.Kartal's aggressive style of play, particularly her heavy forehand, could prove to be a formidable weapon against Cirstea. The Brit's confidence is soaring after her qualifying success, and she will be eager to make a statement on the grandest stage of tennis.Cirstea's reliance on spin may not be the ideal strategy on grass, where low-bouncing slices are more effective. Kartal's ability to match Cirstea's aggression and exploit her weaknesses makes her a genuine threat.Given Cirstea's poor form and Kartal's impressive momentum, the odds favor an upset. Sonay Kartal (+100) represents a compelling value bet to emerge victorious in this first-round encounter.

Grass Court Tennis: A Unique Experience and Essential TipsGrass court tennis offers a distinct and challenging experience compared to hard or clay surfaces. Its soft, spongey feel is gentle on the body, but the ball's rapid movement demands constant alertness. While grass courts are becoming increasingly rare, they provide an unforgettable opportunity for players to test their skills.Key Tips for Grass Court Tennis:* Get Down: Bend your knees and be prepared for unpredictable bounces.* Slice is Nice: Slice shots skid and accelerate on grass, making them effective for both backhands and serves.* Airplay: Taking the ball out of the air is a smart strategy due to the challenging bounces.* Shorter Points: Grass rewards offensive play, so seize opportunities and use flatter shots with pace.* Shorter Swings: Compact strokes help control the speed of serves and ground strokes.* Mix in Finesse: Drop shots and drop volleys are highly effective on grass, adding variety to your game.The Evolution of Grass Courts:Professional grass courts have evolved to resemble fast hard courts, with higher and truer bounces. However, recreational grass courts still present unique challenges due to their inconsistent nature.The Art of Serving and Volleying:Serving and volleying was once a staple of grass court tennis, but it has become less common in recent years. However, players who are confident around the net can still benefit from this aggressive approach.Conclusion:Grass court tennis is a unique and rewarding experience that requires specific adjustments in technique and strategy. By embracing the tips outlined above, players can maximize their performance on this challenging surface. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a recreational enthusiast, playing on grass is an opportunity to test your skills and enjoy the unique characteristics of this historic surface.

Iga Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion, is poised to embark on a daunting challenge: securing a Channel Slam by winning both the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back. With four Grand Slam titles to her name, an impressive 19-match win streak, and a versatile all-around game, Swiatek has sparked hopes of becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to achieve this feat.However, the Channel Slam is an elusive accomplishment, requiring exceptional versatility, physical stamina, and mental fortitude. Only seven women and five men have managed to pull it off in the pro era. Swiatek's grass-court record is not as impressive as her clay-court dominance, but she has shown signs of improvement on the surface.Despite pulling out of the WTA grass-court event in Berlin due to fatigue, Swiatek remains confident in her abilities. She believes that her exceptional athleticism and recent improvements in touch and slice backhand will serve her well at Wimbledon.Swiatek's fate may ultimately be determined by intangibles, such as the pressure of her winning streak and the heightened quality of her opposition. However, she has gained experience and maturity since her disappointing Wimbledon performance in 2022.With an improved serve and a stable forehand, Swiatek is well-equipped to handle the challenges of grass-court tennis. Her dynamic movement and ability to hit winners or play opponents off the court make her a formidable contender.Swiatek's motivation to win Wimbledon is evident. She aspires to become a player who can excel on all surfaces and prove her status as one of the best in the world. A Channel Slam would be the ultimate validation of her abilities.

Lorenzo Musetti, the 30th-ranked Italian, has reached the final of the grass-court Queen's Club Championships after a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Jordan Thompson on Saturday. Musetti, who has won both of his previous two tour-level finals, will face Tommy Paul for the title.Musetti, who has never reached a final on grass before, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to win at Queen's Club. "It would be super nice to win here in Queen's with so much history," he said. "There are a lot of Italians here in London, I really feel like I'm at home."Earlier in the day, 13th-ranked Paul advanced to the final after defeating fellow American Sebastian Korda 6-4, 7-6 (2) in an all-American semifinal. Korda suffered an ankle injury in a fall towards the end of the first set, which was treated at the changeover.The final between Musetti and Paul promises to be a thrilling encounter. Musetti, with his powerful groundstrokes and impressive net play, will be looking to continue his winning streak in finals. Paul, on the other hand, will be aiming to win his first ATP Tour title and cement his status as one of the rising stars of the game.