Tennis

Alex de Minaur, the Australian tennis star, is determined to secure a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals despite a recent injury setback. Currently ranked No. 9 in the race to Turin, de Minaur is eager to make a strong finish to the season.Vienna's Erste Bank Open marks de Minaur's third singles appearance since suffering a right hip injury at Wimbledon. Despite not being at 100% health, he is determined to make the most of his remaining chances."It hasn't been easy," de Minaur said. "But now we're here at the end of the year, I'm not feeling 100 percent healthy, but there's not too many chances to play matches."De Minaur's return to action in Antwerp last week ended in a quarterfinal defeat to Hugo Gaston. However, he bounced back in Vienna with a hard-fought victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.The Australian is known for his aggressive style of play, which he believes is crucial for success on indoor hard courts."The best players in indoor events are normally the bigger hitters," de Minaur said. "Me being a little bit on the smaller side, I've got to navigate those things and find ways to try and hurt my opponents in different ways."De Minaur's next challenge comes in the form of Flavio Cobolli, who he defeated in the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year. However, Cobolli has since made significant progress and will be a formidable opponent.With a spot in the Top 8 of the race to Turin on the line, de Minaur is determined to give it his all in Vienna.

Elina Svitolina's journey in Cincinnati has been marked by both unexpected encounters and a newfound sense of tranquility. Despite her initial stay in a modest hotel, Svitolina has grown fond of the city's calm atmosphere, which provides a welcome respite from the hectic tennis circuit.After a challenging first half of 2024 plagued by injuries, Svitolina's fortunes have taken a turn for the better. Following a series of adjustments recommended by new doctors, she has regained her physical strength and returned to form. Her recent performances at Wimbledon and the Olympics have showcased her resilience and determination.Svitolina's decision to part ways with coach Raemon Sluiter and reunite with Andrew Bettles has also brought a fresh perspective to her game. Bettles, who previously worked with Svitolina for several years, has helped her refine her tactics and regain her confidence.With her physical and mental health restored, Svitolina is now looking ahead to the US Open with renewed optimism. She believes that the adjustments she has made will allow her to finish the season strongly and potentially challenge for a Grand Slam title.Svitolina's journey in Cincinnati is a testament to her perseverance and adaptability. Despite facing setbacks, she has remained focused on her goals and found ways to overcome adversity. As she prepares for the final major tournament of the year, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Paula Badosa's journey back to the top of women's tennis has been a rollercoaster ride, but the former world No. 2 is finally feeling like she's off the ride. After an 18-month battle with a career-threatening back injury, Badosa is back in the winner's circle and eager to make up for lost time.Badosa's injury woes began in 2022, forcing her to miss three of four major tournaments. She shut down her season last August in hopes of healing her back for good, but doctors prescribed a regimen of cortisone shots that dimmed the prospects of a long career for the then-26-year-old."It really is a rollercoaster, and you wake up every day not knowing what is going to happen," Badosa said. "Emotionally, there have been ups and downs and it's been tough for me lately."But Badosa never gave up hope. She opted out of further back treatments and began to feel like herself again on clay, pushing Coco Gauff to three sets at the Foro Italico and reaching the third round at Roland Garros. She went one round better at Wimbledon for her best Grand Slam finish in two years, teeing her up to hit the ground running on hard courts."I'm an aggressive player, but I need my physical part," Badosa explained. "I think it's very important for me to feel strong, to feel that I can play tough matches, to feel that I can play long rallies also. So, once I felt that, I think it went straight to my mindset, to my mentality, and then when I feel strong in that area, I feel strong mentally, so I start to feel competitive again."Badosa's improved physicality was on display again Wednesday, helping her rally from a break down in the second set to knock out American Peyton Stearns and book a second round against No. 13 seed Anna Kalinskaya."I remember thinking, ‘Oh, shit, you cannot go to a third set because next day you're not going to be able to play because you're not ready for that,’ she recalled of her early-season mindset. “I had that moment [today] in the second set, but I remember thinking, ‘Oh, it's okay. You still have a third one. And it doesn't matter if you go to a battle there, because next day you will feel okay now.’ I saw that, especially in Washington that I had tough matches. So that, for me, makes me relax a bit on the court and I can play more free.”Though her team continues to monitor her back, Badosa hasn't had any cortisone shots since Paris, a welcome relief to the doctors who questioned how much longer she could compete professionally."They were expecting me to be okay, and we didn't find solutions in that moment," said Badosa. "So, for them now it's a normal thing, and before it was they were surprised. For the moment it's positive."Back in range for a seed at the 2024 US Open, Badosa is eager to make up for lost time."You'll have to see me for a few more years now!"

Reilly Opelka's remarkable journey from injury-stricken rehab buddy to Infosys Hall of Fame Open quarterfinalist is a testament to his resilience and the power of friendship. During his nearly two-year hiatus from tennis, Opelka found solace in the support of fellow American Mackenzie McDonald, who had endured similar struggles with a torn hamstring.McDonald's unwavering support during Opelka's darkest days left a lasting impression. "He came down to my house just to hang out with me for a few days on his time off, just to check in on me," Opelka recalled. "That's just the kind of guy that Mackie is."Now, reunited in Newport, both players are thriving. Opelka defeated McDonald in a hard-fought quarterfinal, showcasing his signature serve that produced 27 aces. Despite being the lowest-ranked semifinalist in the ATP era, Opelka is playing with newfound freedom and confidence."These guys don't want to lose to a guy who hasn't played in two years," Opelka said. "So I'm playing with house money and it allows me to be a little bit more free."Opelka's injury woes began in 2022 with a benign tumor removal surgery. A subsequent wrist injury derailed his comeback attempt, requiring two surgeries. The setbacks forced him to confront the possibility of retirement."I was ready to pivot," Opelka admitted. "But I'm pretty confident I'll land on my feet."However, Opelka's love for tennis prevailed. He has embraced his second chance, winning over top seed Adrian Mannarino and Constant Lestienne in Newport. Next up is 19-year-old Alex Michelsen, who reminds Opelka of Taylor Fritz.Opelka plans to continue his comeback at Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati before returning to Grand Slam play at the US Open. His protected ranking will allow him to compete in his first major since Wimbledon two years ago.Opelka's journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, friendship and determination can pave the way for triumph.

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas: A Tennis Power Couple's SplitThe tennis world was rocked by the news of Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas's breakup, ending their year-long relationship. The former world No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, had been a high-profile couple, sharing their love on social media and supporting each other's careers.Badosa, speaking after her victory at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, expressed her emotions about the split. "It hasn't been easy, but I'm a strong person," she said. "I'm proud of how I'm handling it."The couple's relationship had been a whirlwind, with their public announcement during the 2023 Roland Garros. They quickly became known as "Tsitsidosa," a testament to their love and support for each other. However, Badosa acknowledged that the timing may not have been right."When we were great, the relationship was great," she reflected. "But sometimes, it's better to separate ways."Tsitsipas had previously spoken about his support for Badosa during her injury-plagued year. "I'm trying to find the right words," he said in March. "I'm just there as much as I can to keep making her feel good."Badosa announced the split on social media, emphasizing that it was an amicable decision. "We have a great relationship," she said. "He's a great guy, and I wish him the best."On the tennis front, Badosa is cautiously optimistic about her recovery from a back injury. She has undergone a cortisone injection and is feeling pain-free for the first time in months. "It's a rollercoaster," she admitted. "But I have the best team next to me, and I'm confident it'll be okay."Badosa will face Emma Navarro in the second round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, as she continues her journey on and off the court.

Alizé Lim, a former professional tennis player, has embarked on a successful broadcasting career after injuries forced her to retire from competitive play. Her unique perspective as a former athlete has made her a valuable voice in tennis commentary.Lim's journey to broadcasting began in 2020 when she joined Eurosport as a commentator. Her natural ability to connect with players and provide insightful analysis quickly earned her recognition. Despite her success in broadcasting, Lim's love for tennis remained strong.In recent years, Lim has returned to competitive play at a lower level, determined to end her playing career on her own terms. Her return is not motivated by financial gain or ranking points, but by her unwavering passion for the game.Lim's broadcasting career has flourished alongside her return to playing. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in tennis, including Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina. Her ability to ask probing questions and elicit honest responses stems from her firsthand experience as a player.Lim's story resonates with many athletes who have had their careers cut short by injuries. Her determination to return to play and her success in broadcasting demonstrate her resilience and love for tennis. She continues to be a passionate advocate for the sport, both on and off the court.

Rafael Nadal's recent struggles have been a source of concern for his fans, but his performance at the Madrid Open has sparked renewed hope. After a disappointing defeat to Alex de Minaur in Barcelona, Nadal faced the Australian again in Madrid and emerged victorious in a hard-fought encounter.Nadal's victory over de Minaur was a significant step in his recovery from a series of hip injuries that have plagued him in recent months. The Spaniard had previously withdrawn from the Australian Open and Indian Wells due to lingering pain, and his participation in the French Open was uncertain.However, Nadal's performance in Madrid suggests that he may be regaining his form. He dispatched American Darwin Blanch in his first match before overcoming de Minaur in a thrilling three-setter. Nadal's victory was particularly impressive given that de Minaur had defeated him in straight sets in Barcelona just 11 days earlier.Nadal's resurgence is crucial for the world of tennis. His absence has left a void in the sport, and his return to full fitness could reignite the rivalry with Novak Djokovic, who has struggled for motivation in Nadal's absence.Nadal's victory over de Minaur has given his fans hope that he can still compete at the highest level. While he may not be fully recovered from his injuries, his performance in Madrid suggests that he is capable of beating top opponents and winning tournaments.