Tennis

The Shanghai Masters quarterfinals witnessed a stunning upset as Tomas Machac, the unheralded Czech, dethroned world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 7-5. This remarkable victory halted Alcaraz's 12-match winning streak, which included a thrilling triumph over Jannik Sinner in Beijing.Machac's triumph was a testament to his aggressive and relentless style of play. He dominated at the net, winning 19 of 20 points, and unleashed 31 winners despite committing 42 unforced errors. In contrast, Alcaraz, despite winning a higher percentage of first and second serve points, struggled to convert his break point opportunities, saving only one of eight.Machac's victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with Sinner, who earlier dispatched Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. The Italian, who is now virtually assured of the year-end No. 1 ranking, will be a formidable opponent for Machac. However, the Czech has proven his mettle on hard courts, reaching the fourth round of the US Open and the semifinals of Tokyo this year.Machac's rise to prominence has been remarkable. Earlier this year, he reached his first career final on clay in Geneva and his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal in Miami, where he faced Sinner. While Sinner prevailed in that encounter, Machac is eager for redemption."I am looking forward to it," Machac said. "I am really enjoying it and am happy that I can play against the best [players]."With Alcaraz's loss, the Shanghai Masters has become wide open. Sinner remains the favorite, but Machac has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with. The semifinals promise to be an enthralling battle between two of the most exciting young players in tennis.

Second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance at the Wuhan Open, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Katerina Siniakova in the second round. The reigning US Open champion extended her undefeated streak in Wuhan to 13-0, having won the title in 2018 and 2019.Sabalenka's victory sets up a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva, who defeated Donna Vekic. The Belarusian star needs only to reach the quarterfinals to reclaim the top spot in the rankings from Iga Swiatek.Meanwhile, six Americans competed in second-round matches on Wednesday. Coco Gauff cruised past Viktoriya Tomova, while Hailey Baptiste upset 10th-ranked Barbora Krejcikova. Magdalena Frech defeated eighth-ranked Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina overcame Bernarda Pera. However, Amanda Anisimova withdrew from her match against Marta Kostyuk.In the men's draw, Jannik Sinner avenged his loss to Ben Shelton in last year's Shanghai Masters, defeating the American 6-4, 7-6 (1). Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 12 with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Gael Monfils. The French Open and Wimbledon champion will play Tomas Machac or Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz are among the other top players in action on Wednesday.

American tennis sensation Ben Shelton has set up a tantalizing fourth-round clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Shelton, who stunned Sinner at the same stage last year, is eager to repeat his heroics and break the Italian's impressive winning streak.Shelton's victory over Roberto Carballes Baena on Tuesday was a testament to his growing confidence and all-court prowess. The left-hander served impeccably, winning 35 of his 38 first-serve points and not facing a single break point."I thought I served extremely well, probably my best serving day this year," Shelton said. "I did a good job capitalizing in big moments to get my breaks."Shelton's serve-and-volley game has been a key factor in his recent success. He has won 35 of his 38 first-serve points in Shanghai, and his powerful forehand has been a constant threat.Sinner, on the other hand, has been in dominant form since winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year. The Italian has won two majors and reached world No. 1, despite an ongoing anti-doping case.Shelton is aware of the challenge ahead but remains optimistic. "It's always a big opportunity whenever you get to play one of the best two or three players in the world," he said. "I'm really looking forward to it, that will be fun."The American has a 1-4 record against Top 10 opponents this season, but his lone victory came against world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Laver Cup. Shelton is hoping to become the first player to oust Sinner before the quarterfinal stage of an event in 2024."Obviously, huge serve and huge forehand," Sinner said when asked about the potential matchup with Shelton. "He has improved a lot, so hopefully I will be ready."In other quarterfinal matchups, seventh seed Taylor Fritz will face 12th seed Holger Rune, while eighth seed Andrey Rublev will take on 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has vehemently denied recent tabloid reports claiming he secretly married his girlfriend, WTA world No. 13 Anna Kalinskaya.During a post-match press conference in Shanghai on Sunday, Sinner humorously addressed the rumors, saying, "It was new also for me, to be honest!" after defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry to reach the fourth round."No, I didn't ask, and nothing, nothing happened," Sinner clarified. "I just read the details a little bit that it happened after US Open, but it's all false, false news. Thank you."Kalinskaya had earlier taken to social media to dismiss the reports, writing on Instagram, "To clarify things about fake rumors, this is not true," accompanied by a laughing emoji.The couple began dating earlier this year, with Sinner confirming their relationship during Roland Garros. Kalinskaya has had a successful season in 2024, and the couple shared a kiss on camera after Sinner's US Open victory in September.While Sinner competes in Shanghai, Kalinskaya is participating in the WTA 1000 in Wuhan, where she defeated Anna Bondar on Monday to reach the second round. Both players will resume their respective tournaments on Wednesday after a day off on Tuesday.Sinner's denial of the marriage rumors has put an end to the speculation surrounding his personal life. The 21-year-old Italian remains focused on his tennis career, aiming to maintain his position at the top of the rankings.

Despite the relentless rain, the Rolex Shanghai Masters witnessed a thrilling display of resilience from the ATP's top players on Sunday. Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Tommy Paul all faced adversity in their third-round matches, dropping the first set before rallying to secure their spots in the fourth round.Sinner, the top seed, struggled against world No. 37 Tomas Martin Etcheverry, failing to capitalize on two set points in the opener. However, the Italian regrouped to win 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2, extending his winning streak to three matches.Medvedev, the 2019 champion, also faced a tough challenge against No. 29 seed Matteo Arnaldi. The Russian lost the first set but fought back to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, improving his head-to-head record against Arnaldi to 4-0.The most dramatic comeback of the day belonged to Paul, who saved five match points in a three-set thriller against No. 19 seed Alejandro Tabilo. The American trailed 7-6(2), 5-1, but displayed incredible determination to win 6-7(2), 7-6(6), 6-2.Despite the weather disruptions, the Rolex Shanghai Masters has showcased the exceptional skills and mental fortitude of the ATP's top players. Sinner, Medvedev, and Paul have proven that even when faced with adversity, they have the resilience to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

Jannik Sinner's remarkable season reached new heights in Shanghai on Saturday as he notched his 60th win of the year, becoming the first player, male or female, to achieve this milestone in 2023. The Italian prodigy also celebrated his 250th career victory, making him the first player born in the 2000s to reach this landmark.Sinner's dominance was evident in his opening match against Taro Daniel, whom he dispatched in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. This victory marked his 60th of the year, surpassing Iga Swiatek's 59 wins on the women's tour. Sinner is also the first man to record 60 or more wins in back-to-back seasons since Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray achieved the feat in 2015 and 2016.Sinner's 250th career win is a testament to his rapid rise in the tennis world. At just 21 years old, he has established himself as one of the most promising players on the circuit. He is the first player born in the 2000s to reach this milestone, and only the third player born this century to have 200 or more career wins.Sinner's success is not limited to this season. In 2022, he recorded 64 wins, making him the first man with 60 or more wins in consecutive seasons since Djokovic and Murray. His consistent performances have earned him a top-10 ranking and established him as a contender for Grand Slam titles.In Shanghai, Sinner will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round. The Argentine defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in a thrilling three-set encounter. Sinner won their only previous meeting in straight sets at the Australian Open last year.With his impressive start to the season, Sinner is poised to continue his ascent in the tennis world. His combination of power, precision, and mental fortitude makes him a formidable opponent for any player. As he continues to rack up wins, Sinner is setting himself up for a historic season and a bright future in the sport.

Carlos Alcaraz has cemented his status as the world's top tennis player with a thrilling victory over Jannik Sinner in the Beijing final. The 19-year-old Spaniard captured his fourth title of the year, adding to his triumphs at Indian Wells, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon.Alcaraz's victory was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked his second career win over a reigning world No. 1, following his triumph over Novak Djokovic in the Madrid semifinals earlier this year. Secondly, he became the first player to defeat Sinner three times in a single season, having previously prevailed in the Indian Wells and Roland Garros semifinals.Alcaraz's dominance over the top-ranked players is particularly impressive. He boasts an incredible 8-1 record against Top 5 opponents in 2024, with his only loss coming to Djokovic in the Olympic gold medal match.ALCARAZ VS TOP 5 PLAYERS IN 2024 (8-1):* d. No. 3 Sinner in Indian Wells SFs, 1-6, 6-3, 6-2* d. No. 4 Medvedev in Indian Wells F, 7-6 (5), 6-1* d. No. 2 Sinner in Roland Garros SFs, 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3* d. No. 4 Zverev in Roland Garros F, 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2* d. No. 5 Medvedev in Wimbledon SFs, 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4* d. No. 2 Djokovic in Wimbledon F, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4)* l. to No. 2 Djokovic in Olympics F, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2)* d. No. 5 Medvedev in Beijing SFs, 7-5, 6-3* d. No. 1 Sinner in Beijing F, 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (3)Alcaraz's victory in Beijing further solidifies his position as the heir apparent to the "Big Three" of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. His exceptional talent, combined with his unwavering determination, suggests that he is poised to dominate the sport for years to come.

Jannik Sinner's remarkable season continues to soar as he notched his 10th semifinal appearance of the year with a 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory over Jiri Lehecka in the Beijing quarterfinals. This milestone achievement marks a testament to Sinner's consistent brilliance throughout the season.Sinner's triumph in Beijing extends his winning streak to an astonishing 14 matches, a testament to his unwavering form. He captured the Cincinnati title with a flawless 4-0 record, followed by a dominant 7-0 run to the US Open crown. His Beijing campaign has commenced with an impressive 3-0 start.With his latest victory, Sinner has now amassed 58 wins this year, surpassing Alexander Zverev as the player with the most wins on the men's tour. This remarkable feat underscores his exceptional consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.Sinner's dominance extends beyond his overall record. He has won his last 50 matches against players ranked outside the Top 20, a testament to his ability to dispatch lower-ranked opponents with ease. This streak includes a perfect 40-0 record against such players this year and a 10-0 run last year.The last player ranked outside the Top 20 to defeat Sinner was Dusan Lajovic, who achieved the feat in the second round of Cincinnati last year. Since then, Sinner has been an unstoppable force against lower-ranked opponents.Sinner's dominance is further highlighted by a comparison with the current ATP Top 10 players. Since the start of last year's US Open, Sinner has the best record against non-Top 20 players, with a perfect 50-0 record. This statistic underscores his exceptional ability to handle lower-ranked opponents.Sinner will face No. 96-ranked Bu Yunchaokete of China in the Beijing semifinals on Tuesday. A victory would extend his winning streak to 51 matches and bring him one step closer to another title.

Jannik Sinner's meteoric rise in tennis has propelled him to the forefront of the sport, and the next 12 months will be crucial in solidifying his status as a dominant force.After a breakthrough 2023 season that saw him win Beijing and Vienna, reach the ATP Finals final, and lead Italy to the Davis Cup title, Sinner has a wealth of points to defend. However, his exceptional skills and unwavering determination suggest he is well-equipped to maintain his lofty position.Sinner's thunderous groundstrokes, pinpoint serve, and newfound comfort at the net make him a formidable opponent. At just 23 years old, he possesses the physical and mental attributes to sustain his success.His ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain poise in the face of adversity is a testament to his maturity. Sinner's upbringing, which involved leaving home at 14 to pursue his tennis dreams, has instilled in him a sense of independence and resilience.Sinner's motivation is fueled by his blend of power and poise, reminiscent of tennis legend Pete Sampras. He shows no signs of burnout or world-weariness, indicating a long and successful career ahead.In the coming months, Sinner will face a challenging schedule, including title defense efforts in Beijing and Shanghai. His performance in these tournaments will provide valuable insights into his ability to handle the pressure of being a hunted player.