Tennis

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has made a strong start to her clay-court season, reaching the fourth round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome. Osaka, who has struggled on clay in the past, has credited a change in mindset and a focus on watching top players like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for her improved performance.After a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Daria Kasatkina, Osaka admitted that she still needs more experience on clay to earn the nickname "Clayomi." However, she is confident that she is making progress and is grateful to be back on the court after giving birth to her daughter in 2023.Osaka's win over Kasatkina, a 2022 Roland Garros semifinalist, was her second Top 20 victory on clay this season. She had previously defeated Porsche Tennis Grand Prix finalist Marta Kostyuk. Osaka's success in Rome is a testament to her hard work and determination to improve on her least favorite surface.In the past, Osaka has struggled to adjust to the slower pace and higher bounce of clay courts. However, she has spent a significant amount of time practicing and studying the game on clay. She has also been watching videos of top players like Nadal and Alcaraz to learn how to play the surface more effectively.Osaka's next opponent in Rome is Zheng Qinwen, who reached the final of the 2024 Australian Open. Zheng is a big hitter with a powerful forehand and backhand. Osaka will need to be at her best to defeat Zheng and reach her second WTA 1000 quarterfinal of the season.

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia came to an abrupt end on Saturday, as he suffered a disappointing 6-1, 6-3 defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in the second round. The 10-time champion, who has hinted at retiring in 2024, was outplayed by the No. 7 seed in a match that lasted just 92 minutes.Nadal, who had recently achieved his 700th victory at the Foro Italico, was aiming for his first Top 10 win since 2022. However, Hurkacz proved too strong, overwhelming the Spaniard with his powerful forehand and consistent serve.Prior to the tournament, Nadal had revealed that he had been playing conservatively to protect his body from further injuries. However, he had planned to increase his intensity ahead of the upcoming Roland Garros, where he has won a record 14 titles.The match began with a riveting start, with the first two games taking 26 minutes to complete. However, Hurkacz, who had famously defeated Roger Federer in the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, gradually gained control of the match. He won the next five games to take the first set 6-1.Hurkacz continued his dominance in the second set, breaking Nadal's serve in the opening game. Nadal managed to keep the score closer, but Hurkacz remained unyielding, dropping just one point on serve to take a 5-3 lead.With Nadal serving to stay in the match, Hurkacz struck a powerful forehand into the open court to earn a match point. The Pole then overpowered Nadal one last time from the back of the court to seal the victory and advance to the fourth round, where he will face No. 25 seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry.Nadal's defeat marks a significant moment in his career, as it could be his last appearance at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The Spaniard has enjoyed immense success at the tournament, winning the title 10 times. However, with his retirement looming, it is possible that this was his final match on the clay courts of Rome.

Tennis: Moutet's Ringing Phone Interrupts Djokovic Clash in RomeIn a bizarre incident at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday, Corentin Moutet's ringing phone interrupted his second-round match against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.With the score poised at deuce in the first game of the second set, play was halted as the crowd at Campo Centrale searched for the source of the sound. Moutet, the 25-year-old lucky loser, quickly realized it was his phone and sprinted to his bench to silence it.The incident drew laughter from the crowd, Djokovic, and umpire Carlos Bernardes. Moutet even pretended to answer the phone before silencing it, eliciting more amusement from the fans.Djokovic took the interruption in stride, winning five straight games to take the first set. He lost just one game in the second set, securing a 6-3, 6-1 victory."Corentin is a very talented player, has great hands and is very unpredictable," Djokovic said after the match. "You don't know what comes up next, and I had to stay focused, which I did."Ringing phones are not uncommon at tennis events, but it is rare for players to be the source of the interruption. However, this is not the first time a French player has experienced such an incident. Twelve years ago, Alizé Cornet's phone rang as she faced match point against Caroline Wozniacki in Bastad, Sweden. Earlier this year, Harold Mayot's phone went off during his match with Cameron Norrie in Barcelona.The lighthearted moment was followed by a more concerning incident for Djokovic. As he left the court after the match, he was struck in the head by a water bottle while signing autographs. He received medical attention and was able to leave the court on his own.

Zheng Qinwen, the rising Chinese star, has made a triumphant return to action at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome after a right leg injury forced her to retire in Madrid last week. Despite being at 95% fitness, Zheng displayed impressive form in her opening-round victory over American Shelby Rogers, winning 6-2, 6-0.Zheng's injury setback in Madrid came as a surprise after her strong performance at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix the previous week. However, she revealed that she had been playing injured in Stuttgart due to a demanding spring schedule. The jam-packed calendar, including the Billie Jean King Cup and jet lag, took its toll on her body.Despite the injury, Zheng held five match points in her Stuttgart second round against Marta Kostyuk, who eventually reached the final. Zheng acknowledged that she would have won if not for the injury.After a week away from practice, Zheng arrived in Madrid undercooked and was unable to complete her match against Yulia Putintseva. She realized that her body was not ready and her mind was not prepared to push.With the help of coach Pere Riba, Zheng trained in Barcelona and was relieved to have a successful start in Rome. She struck six aces and dominated the match against Rogers, showcasing her impressive movement and shot-making.Zheng expressed her gratitude for being able to play without fear and enjoy the competition. She emphasized the importance of taking care of her diet and recovering properly, believing that small details can significantly impact her performance on court.Despite her love for ice cream, Zheng has refrained from indulging in gelato to prioritize her recovery. She is focused on achieving sweet victories on the court, with her next challenge being a third-round clash against No. 29 seed Linda Noskova.

In the highly anticipated Round of 64 clash at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, two struggling stars, Sofia Kenin and Ons Jabeur, will face off. Kenin, once a top-ranked player, has endured a two-year slump, while Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has also been grappling with inconsistent form.Despite her recent struggles, Kenin has shown signs of improvement. In her previous match against Lucia Bronzetti, she displayed impressive dominance as a returner, breaking five times in two sets. Her baseline shots were powerful and accurate, and her movement along the baseline was fluid.Kenin's record against Jabeur is also noteworthy. She holds a 5-2 advantage in their head-to-head encounters. Additionally, Jabeur has been struggling with her precision in slice and drop shots, which have been key components of her success in the past.Furthermore, Kenin's experience on clay courts is an advantage. She reached the finals of Roland Garros in 2020, demonstrating her ability to handle the slow and bouncy conditions. These conditions allow her to play more balls and extend rallies.On the other hand, Jabeur's serve has been a concern in 2024. Her hold percentage is a mere 64.2%, which could give Kenin ample opportunities to break her serve.Considering Kenin's recent form, her favorable record against Jabeur, and the conditions that suit her style of play, it is reasonable to expect her to cover the 4.5-game spread.

Angelique Kerber, the former world No. 1, has made a triumphant return to clay at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, reaching the third round with ease. Despite her long-standing struggles on the surface, Kerber has dropped just four games in her first two matches, showcasing her renewed confidence and determination.After a 6-3, 6-0 victory over No. 17 seed Veronika Kudermetova, Kerber expressed her satisfaction with her performance. "It's a good win for me, especially on clay," she said. "I've had not so many matches on clay, so it's always good to have one more match on the surface."Kerber's success on clay is a testament to her adaptability and resilience. Despite her previous struggles at Roland Garros, she has remained determined to improve her game on the surface. This season, she has embraced the challenges of clay with a renewed focus and determination.As a new mom, Kerber has had to adjust to a new routine that balances her career and motherhood. She has found a rhythm that allows her to excel on the court while also spending quality time with her daughter. "You need to find your routine, your rhythm, and it all takes time, for sure," she said.Kerber's next challenge will be either No. 14 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova or qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich. If she can continue her impressive form, she could face top seed Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.Kerber's resurgence on clay is a reminder of her enduring talent and unwavering determination. As she continues her journey towards Roland Garros, she will be a force to be reckoned with, proving that even the most challenging surfaces can be conquered with hard work and belief.

Tennis Stars Potapova and Shevchenko Embody Roman Holiday in Pre-Tournament PhotoshootIn the heart of Rome, tennis power couple Anastasia Potapova and Alexander Shevchenko recreated iconic scenes from the beloved 1953 film "Roman Holiday." Donning 1950s attire, the newlyweds took turns riding an Italian scooter, capturing the essence of the classic movie.Potapova, a rising star in the women's game, expressed her admiration for the film and the opportunity to channel Audrey Hepburn's character. "It's one of my favorite movies of all time," she said. "The clothes, the scooter, the place, and especially doing it in Rome, it makes it very special."Shevchenko, who will face Fabio Marozsan in his first match of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, admitted to being initially hesitant about the photoshoot. "I'm not a big fan of these photo sessions," he said. "But my wife carries me on all the time. Otherwise I'm not going to have a great time at home!"Despite his initial reluctance, Shevchenko found the experience enjoyable. "It was quite fun!" he exclaimed. "That's probably our second photoshoot as a family together, with my husband," added Potapova.The photoshoot not only showcased the couple's love for each other but also their playful and adventurous spirits. As they navigated the streets of Rome on the scooter, they embodied the carefree romance of the film's protagonists.Potapova and Shevchenko's photoshoot serves as a reminder of the enduring power of cinema and its ability to inspire and connect people. It also highlights the importance of embracing new experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Internazionali BNL d'Italia, the final Masters 1000 event before the French Open, kicks off this week with a slightly depleted field. While Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remain as top contenders, the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has opened up the tournament for potential upsets.Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, enters as the overwhelming favorite at +190 odds. Despite a recent loss to Casper Ruud in Monte Carlo, the Serbian legend has a proven track record of success on clay and will be eager to regain his form.Ruud, who defeated Djokovic in Monte Carlo, is another strong contender at 11-1 odds. The Norwegian has enjoyed a stellar season, winning 79.5% of his matches and holding at a career-high 87.1%. His impressive clay-court record (135-48) makes him a formidable opponent.Alexander Zverev, at 13-1 odds, has a favorable draw and a chance to bounce back from a disappointing performance in Madrid. His clay-court game and strong serve make him a threat to any opponent.Rafael Nadal, the 11-time champion in Rome, faces an uphill battle at 15-1 odds. While he has won three matches in Madrid, his recent performances have raised concerns about his form. His serve has been a particular weakness, and he will need to improve significantly to challenge for the title.Other players to watch include Stefanos Tsitsipas (10-1), Daniil Medvedev (16-1), Andrey Rublev (18-1), Holger Rune (23-1), Hubert Hurkacz (42-1), and Taylor Fritz (42-1).The conditions in Rome are typically slower and higher bouncing than other clay-court events, mirroring the conditions at Roland Garros. However, the tournament lacks the massive show courts of Paris, providing a slightly different atmosphere.With the absence of Alcaraz and Sinner, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia presents an intriguing opportunity for players to make a statement and gain momentum heading into the French Open.

Mirra Andreeva, the 17-year-old Russian sensation, is set to make her debut at the prestigious Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome. The rising star, who celebrated her birthday during the Mutua Madrid Open, expressed her excitement at facing Paula Badosa, a former world No. 2.Andreeva has already proven her mettle against top-ranked opponents, boasting an impressive 8-7 record against Top 20 players. In Madrid, she defeated reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova en route to the quarterfinals."I feel like when you face a good player, you become better and you're always challenging yourself until the last moment," Andreeva said. "It challenges me to be a better person and I feel even better and happier after winning these matches."Badosa, despite her recent struggles, remains a formidable opponent. She reached the quarterfinals in Rome last year and has won several titles on the WTA circuit. However, Andreeva is unfazed by the challenge."I'll be excited for tomorrow because it'll help me improve my game and myself," she said.Andreeva's journey has been guided by her new coach, Conchita Martinez, a four-time winner of the Rome tournament. While Andreeva has yet to watch footage of Martinez's matches, she has learned about the venue's history from her mentor."She has a special thing here in Rome," Andreeva said.Andreeva's love for tennis began with the 2017 Australian Open final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Her passion for the sport is evident in her unwavering determination and her infectious enthusiasm."If ever I see gelato, I always take stracciatell. It's my No. 1," she said, revealing her favorite post-match treat.Andreeva's debut in Rome is a testament to her rapid rise in the tennis world. With her talent, determination, and unwavering spirit, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport.