Tennis

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.

Jannik Sinner's victory at the inaugural Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, not only earned him a record $6 million purse but also solidified his status as the world's top-ranked tennis player. However, Sinner insists that financial gain was not his primary motivation for participating in the six-man exhibition."I don't play for money," Sinner declared during a pre-tournament media session at the final ATP Masters 1000 event of 2024 in Paris. "It's very simple. Of course, it's a nice prize and everything, 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."Sinner's triumph in Riyadh came after defeating Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic before denying Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match. This hefty payday adds to the over $12 million in prize money he has accumulated on tour this year, including his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open.Despite his financial success, Sinner maintains that money is not his primary concern. "The money is important, but not that much," he said. "I live a good life also without this money. I think it's much more important the health I have and surrounding myself with great people and the family. And then the money, it's just an extra."Sinner's comments resonated with three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka, who responded with a "tears of joy" emoji on social media.With his impressive results this year, Sinner has already secured the year-end No. 1 ranking. However, his future status remains uncertain as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed the "no fault or negligence" finding in Sinner's anti-doping case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).In his Paris-Bercy opener, Sinner could face American Ben Shelton, who is set to meet Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the Basel final on Sunday.

The Paris Masters, the final Masters 1000 event of the 2024 season, kicks off this week at the Accor Arena in Bercy. With only four spots remaining for the year-end championship in Turin, the tournament will play a crucial role in determining the eight-man lineup.The field is set, and the players vying for Turin qualification have their assignments. The top four seeds—Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev—have already secured their spots, while Taylor Fritz is well on his way.The focus will be on the next five seeds—Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Tommy Paul—who are all within striking distance of qualifying. Rublev and Ruud currently hold the seventh and eighth positions, with the others trailing closely behind.As for the top four seeds, Sinner has the toughest road ahead. He could potentially face Ben Shelton, Holger Rune, and Taylor Fritz before reaching the semifinals. Zverev's path may include Lorenzo Musetti, Rublev, or Tsitsipas. Medvedev could encounter Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe, or Dimitrov in his quarter. Alcaraz has a more manageable draw, with Ugo Humbert and Casper Ruud as potential quarterfinal opponents.Among the dark horses, Karen Khachanov, Jack Draper, Ben Shelton, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will enter with momentum after reaching the finals in Vienna and Basel. Tomas Machac and Ugo Humbert are also potential threats.In terms of early-round matches to watch, Shelton vs. Sinner, Rune vs. Matteo Arnaldi, and Tiafoe vs. Mpetshi Perricard stand out.While the tournament has a history of surprises, the absence of Novak Djokovic, a seven-time champion, may increase the chances of a more predictable outcome. Sinner and Medvedev emerge as the favorites, given their recent form and indoor court prowess.

The Rise of Fashion-Forward Male Tennis PlayersIn recent years, the world of fashion has witnessed a surge in the presence of male tennis players. From front-row appearances to runway debuts, these athletes are making their mark in the style arena.Gucci's Jannik SinnerItalian tennis star Jannik Sinner has become a fashion icon in his own right. Sponsored by Gucci since 2022, Sinner has graced the front row of the brand's Milan Fashion Week show alongside A-list celebrities. He has also been featured in Gucci's *Vogue* magazine spread, showcasing his aspirations both on and off the court.Boss's Fritz and BerrettiniTaylor Fritz and Matteo Berrettini made a splash at Hugo Boss's Milan Fashion Week show. Fritz debuted his blonde hair and modeled the brand's Spring/Summer 2025 Ready-To-Wear Collection, while Berrettini carried a tennis racquet down the runway.Burberry's Jack DraperBritish tennis player Jack Draper joined the fashion elite at Burberry's Summer 2025 Fashion Show in London. He sat front row alongside Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of *Vogue*. The two shared a tennis moment at the US Open, where Wintour cheered on Draper in his fourth-round match.The Intersection of Sports and StyleThe growing presence of male tennis players in the fashion world reflects the blurring lines between sports and style. These athletes are not only known for their athleticism but also for their sense of fashion. They are becoming role models for young people who aspire to combine their passions for sports and style.As the ATP Masters 1000 Paris approaches, it is clear that the next generation of male tennis players is not only dominating the courts but also making waves in the fashion industry. Their stylish off-court moments are a testament to their versatility and their ability to transcend the boundaries of their sport.

Jannik Sinner emerged victorious in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-set encounter. The Italian rallied from a set down to secure a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 triumph, claiming the $6 million prize money.Despite the match not counting towards their official ATP head-to-head records, the win was significant for Sinner, who had lost all three previous meetings with Alcaraz this year. The Italian's victory was particularly impressive considering Alcaraz's recent dominance on the tour.The opening set was a closely contested affair, with both players holding serve until the tiebreaker. Alcaraz eventually prevailed in the tiebreaker, taking the set 7-5. However, Sinner responded strongly in the second set, breaking Alcaraz's serve twice to level the match at one set apiece.The third set proved to be decisive, with Sinner maintaining his momentum and breaking Alcaraz's serve once again. The Italian never faced a break point in the final set, sealing the victory with a break of serve in the eighth game.After the match, Sinner expressed his admiration for Alcaraz and the impact their rivalry has on his game. "I wake up in the morning trying to understand the ways to beat him," Sinner said. "These kind of rivalries and players push us to our 100% limit."Alcaraz, for his part, acknowledged the intensity of their rivalry and the motivation it provides. "I want to say I'm grateful to have him around on tour," Alcaraz said. "I give my 100% every day to be a better player."The Six Kings Slam exhibition event featured some of the world's top tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The event provided a unique opportunity for fans to witness some of the most exciting rivalries in the sport.

In the highly anticipated final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner will face off against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic for the first time since their memorable encounter at the Australian Open. Sinner emerged victorious in that match, ultimately claiming his maiden major title.Six months later, Djokovic acknowledged that he needed to improve his game to compete with the likes of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, the Serbian has since showcased glimpses of his former brilliance, particularly in his triumph over Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.Sinner has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, dropping only one set en route to the final. His exceptional serving, returning, and baseline play have been instrumental in his success. Djokovic, on the other hand, has also impressed with straight-set victories over Flavio Cobolli and Taylor Fritz.While Sinner possesses superior movement and a more comprehensive game, Djokovic's recent encounter with Fritz, a powerful server, could prove beneficial. Sinner's serve is marginally better than Fritz's, but he has not faced an opponent with Djokovic's exceptional baseline ability in some time.Djokovic's motivation for this match is undeniable. With no Grand Slams remaining in the season, this is an opportunity for him to secure another 1000-level title and demonstrate his continued dominance in the sport. Additionally, a victory would mark his 100th career title, a significant milestone.While Sinner remains a formidable opponent, Djokovic's experience, determination, and recent form suggest that he has a strong chance of winning at least one set.

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is poised to claim his seventh ATP title of the year and secure the ATP year-end No. 1 ranking after defeating Tomas Machac in the Shanghai Masters semifinals. Sinner's victory marks a historic achievement for Italy, making him the first Italian to hold the year-end No. 1 spot.The Italian maestro weathered a fierce challenge from Machac, who had upset No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. Sinner's relentless baseline play and efficient performance, characterized by 10 aces and 28 winners, proved too much for his opponent.In the final, Sinner will face either four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic or seventh-ranked Taylor Fritz. Djokovic holds a commanding 9-0 head-to-head record against Fritz, but the American has shown impressive form in recent weeks.Meanwhile, in the women's semifinals, second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka rallied from a slow start to defeat Coco Gauff in three sets. Sabalenka's victory extends her perfect record at the Wuhan Open and sets up a final clash against either seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen or No. 51-ranked Wang Xinyu.Sabalenka's triumph ended Gauff's nine-match winning streak, which included the China Open title last week. The Belarussian's resilience and determination proved crucial in overcoming Gauff's early dominance.The Shanghai Masters and Wuhan Open finals promise to deliver thrilling tennis action, with top players vying for prestigious titles and valuable ranking points.

At the Rolex Shanghai Masters, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is poised to face Tomas Machac in a highly anticipated semifinal clash. Sinner, fresh off a dominant victory over Daniil Medvedev, has been in impeccable form throughout the tournament. His clinical 6-1, 6-4 win over Medvedev showcased his exceptional level of play, while his 6-4, 7-6 (1) triumph over Ben Shelton in the Round of 16 further cemented his status as the tournament favorite.Machac, on the other hand, has also impressed with his remarkable performances. The Czech sensation stunned Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the quarterfinals, following a hard-fought three-set victory over Tommy Paul. However, while Machac has been playing at an exceptional level, Sinner's consistency and dominance throughout the season suggest that he is the more likely victor in this matchup.One aspect to consider is Machac's improved forehand performance this week. According to TennisViz and Tennis Data Innovations, his forehand shot quality has soared to 9.1, significantly higher than his season average of 7.4. This improvement has been a key factor in his recent success. However, Sinner's forehand remains a formidable weapon, with a normal shot quality of 8.8 and an impressive 9.2 in Shanghai. This suggests that Sinner will have the edge in this area, or at the very least, be able to neutralize Machac's forehand threat.Furthermore, Sinner's overall shot quality is superior on both the forehand and backhand sides. Advanced statistics also give him a significant advantage as a server and a returner. Machac's hold percentage of just 78.9% this season is a concern, as Sinner's break percentage of 27.2% is among the highest on the tour. Sinner's ability to hold serve consistently and break his opponents with ease will be a major challenge for Machac.Another factor to consider is Machac's physical condition. He has experienced some cramping issues in recent months, and the demanding conditions in Shanghai could potentially affect his performance. Additionally, Sinner is known to thrive on quicker hard courts, which is the surface being used in Shanghai. In fact, Sinner defeated Machac 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open earlier this year, which was also played on a similar surface.Based on these factors, it is reasonable to predict that Sinner will emerge victorious in this semifinal clash. His superior consistency, shot quality, and experience on this surface make him the more likely winner. While Machac has played exceptionally well this week, Sinner's overall dominance and current form suggest that he will be too strong for the Czech challenger.

Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement has left Novak Djokovic as the last remaining member of tennis's golden era. However, Djokovic's own future in the sport is uncertain, with major question marks surrounding his long-term prospects.Djokovic remains stranded on 24 Grand Slam titles, level with Margaret Court in the all-time total. For the first time since 2017, he will finish a season without a Grand Slam trophy. Despite winning Olympic gold in Paris, Djokovic has been overshadowed by the emergence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have split the four Grand Slams between them in 2024.This year marked the first time since 2002 that at least one of the Slams did not go to Djokovic, Nadal, or Roger Federer. Djokovic's stunning third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin at the US Open was his earliest exit in New York since 2006.Djokovic's rollercoaster year has seen him lose his Australian Open title to Sinner, who also ended his reign as world number one. Alcaraz, 16 years his junior, succeeded him as French Open champion after Djokovic withdrew with a knee injury. Alcaraz then defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, before Sinner claimed the US Open title.Djokovic's aura of invincibility has crumbled, with Popyrin describing his victory over the Serb as "way bigger" than his Montreal Masters triumph. Sinner's dominant US Open final victory made him the first man since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.Alcaraz, two years Sinner's junior, already has four Grand Slam titles to his name. "It's nice to see new champions and rivalries," said Sinner. "I will always have players who make me better."Sinner and Alcaraz have six and four titles this year, respectively. Alcaraz is making Grand Slam history faster than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. None of the three legends won four majors before their 22nd birthday. Alcaraz could claim a career Grand Slam while still 21 if he wins the Australian Open in January.Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains motivated. He is on the cusp of becoming the third man to win 100 career titles if he captures the Shanghai Masters this weekend. "My love for tennis will never fade away," said Djokovic.