Tennis

Alejandro Tabilo's remarkable run at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia continued on Wednesday as he advanced to the semifinals without dropping a set. The 26-year-old Chilean defeated Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-4, maintaining his composure throughout the 87-minute victory.Tabilo's breakout Masters 1000 performance began with a stunning upset over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the third round. He followed that up with a victory over Karen Khachanov in the round of 16."I still can't believe what's happening right now," Tabilo said after his win over Zhang. "I'm just going for it and it's been helping me a lot."Tabilo's confidence has been evident in his serve, which he held from start to finish against Zhang. "I was so confident with the serve today," he said. "It's definitely something I've been improving."Despite his calm demeanor on the court, Tabilo admits to struggling internally. "It's just a very good poker face," he smiled. "Inside, I'm struggling. It's just like a battle there on its own."Tabilo's success has made him the first Chilean in 15 years to reach the final four of a 1000-level tournament. Fernando Gonzalez last contested a 1000 semifinal in 2009 at the same event."For them, it means a lot," Tabilo said of his countrymen's support. "So many people there are supporting and sending good vibes. It's been very nice, all this new exposure."Tabilo's journey to the semifinals has been a testament to his hard work and determination. He celebrated his first ATP title in January when he triumphed in Auckland. Now, he has a chance to contest his biggest final to date and match Gonzalez's 2007 showing.In the semifinals, Tabilo will face the winner of Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz.

Hubert Hurkacz has etched his name into tennis history by becoming one of the few players to defeat both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in straight sets on their respective preferred surfaces. After his recent victory over Nadal on clay, Hurkacz has now completed a rare feat by reaching the quarterfinals of all nine Masters 1000 events.Hurkacz's journey to this milestone began in 2019 when he reached the quarterfinals of Indian Wells. He went on to win the Miami Open in 2021, becoming the first Polish player to win a Masters 1000 title. In 2022, he reached the quarterfinals of Monte Carlo and Madrid, and now Rome.Hurkacz's consistency across all Masters 1000 events is a testament to his versatility and adaptability. He has performed well on both hard and clay courts, and his aggressive style of play has troubled even the most formidable opponents.The Polish star is part of a select group of players born in the 1990s to have reached the quarterfinals of all nine Masters 1000 events. This achievement highlights the depth of talent in the current generation of tennis players.Hurkacz's success is a source of pride for Poland and has inspired a new generation of tennis players. His ability to compete with the best in the world shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Taylor Fritz, the American tennis star, has emerged as a formidable force on clay courts this season, becoming the first U.S. man to reach the quarterfinals or better of all three clay-court Masters 1000 tournaments. Fritz's newfound confidence on the surface stems from a consistent clay-court diet and a commitment to playing the full swing.Fritz's journey to clay-court success began with a runner-up finish at the 2015 junior Roland Garros. However, it wasn't until recent years that he fully embraced the surface. By playing all the clay-court events, Fritz has gained valuable experience and identified the strengths of his game that translate well to clay.Fritz's forehand, in particular, thrives on clay. He relishes the high ball and the opportunity to hit a spinny, heavy forehand with ample time. This shot has been a key weapon in his recent victories.At the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Fritz has dropped just one set, showcasing his newfound consistency. Despite a marathon tiebreaker against Grigor Dimitrov, Fritz remained composed and saved all 11 break points faced.Fritz's next opponent, Alexander Zverev, poses a significant challenge. Zverev leads their head-to-head 4-3, but Fritz has won two of their last three meetings. The pair have never faced off on clay, adding an intriguing element to their upcoming encounter.Fritz's transformation into "Claylor" is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. By embracing the challenges of clay courts, he has unlocked a new dimension to his game and established himself as a contender on all surfaces.

Andrey Rublev's triumph in the Madrid Open final against Felix Auger-Aliassime was a testament to his resilience and newfound composure. Despite a frustrating start, Rublev displayed remarkable patience and determination to overcome the Canadian's powerful serve and secure his second Masters 1000 title.Rublev's frustration was evident early on as he fell behind 1-4. However, he remained focused and began to dominate the rallies, holding his serve with ease and returning Auger-Aliassime's shots with precision. Despite creating numerous break point opportunities, Rublev's inability to convert them left him feeling helpless.Auger-Aliassime, buoyed by his 14 aces, managed to hold on to his serve throughout the second and third sets. However, in the crucial moments, he faltered. In the second set, he made three unforced errors to hand Rublev the break. In the third set, with the title on the line, he double-faulted twice, including on match point.Rublev's victory was particularly significant given the challenges he had faced in recent weeks. He had been suffering from a mystery illness that left him physically drained and unable to eat or swallow. Despite the pain, he managed to play through the discomfort thanks to injections and painkillers.Mentally, Rublev had also been struggling after being defaulted for unsportsmanlike conduct in Dubai. However, he showed remarkable composure in Madrid, never losing his cool even when faced with adversity.Rublev's triumph is a testament to his growth as a player. He has learned to control his emotions and channel his frustration into positive energy. Whether it was overcoming Carlos Alcaraz, battling through illness, or facing down Auger-Aliassime's aces, Rublev remained calm and collected, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with when he keeps his head.

Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime Set for Thrilling Madrid Masters FinalDespite a tumultuous week in men's tennis, the Madrid Masters has produced an intriguing final between Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.Rublev, ranked 8th in the world, has endured a recent slump, winning only one match in the past two months. However, he has rediscovered his form in Madrid, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz en route to the final.Auger-Aliassime, once ranked 6th, has also struggled with injuries and has fallen to 35th in the rankings. He has benefited from opponent withdrawals in Madrid, but he also recorded a notable victory over Casper Ruud.This will be a rare opportunity for both players to win a Masters 1000 title. Rublev has reached four previous finals at this level, winning one in Monte Carlo last year. Auger-Aliassime is playing in his first Masters 1000 final.Their head-to-head record stands at 4-1 in Rublev's favor, but four of those matches have gone to a third set. Their last encounter in Rotterdam earlier this year was a three-set thriller.Both players possess powerful forehands and two-handed backhands, relying on pace and placement rather than spin or variety. The rallies are expected to be long and fast-paced.Rublev appears to be in better form than Auger-Aliassime, having backed up his win over Alcaraz with a victory over Fritz. However, Auger-Aliassime has the potential to upset the odds, especially if he can capitalize on his strong serve.Regardless of the outcome, the Madrid Masters final promises to be a captivating battle between two talented and determined players.

Novak Djokovic's dominance at Masters 1000 events continues to reach unprecedented heights. With his victory over Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of Monte Carlo, Djokovic has set a new record for the most Masters 1000 semifinals reached, surpassing Rafael Nadal's previous mark of 76.Djokovic's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional consistency and longevity at the highest level of tennis. Since the inception of Masters 1000 tournaments in 1990, he has reached the semifinals an astonishing 77 times, a feat unmatched by any other player.In addition to his record-breaking semifinal appearances, Djokovic also holds the record for the most Masters 1000 titles with 40, as well as the most finals reached with 58. His career winning percentage in Masters 1000 events stands at an impressive 82.24%, the highest in history.Djokovic's dominance extends beyond individual records. He has also been instrumental in Serbia's success in the Davis Cup, leading the team to two titles in 2010 and 2011. His unwavering determination and competitive spirit have made him one of the most respected and admired players in the sport.As Djokovic continues to rewrite the record books, it is clear that he is not only one of the greatest players of his generation but also one of the greatest of all time. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to perform at the highest level year after year are a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the game.

Rohan Bopanna, the 44-year-old Indian tennis legend, continues to defy age and expectations. After winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, Bopanna and his partner Matthew Ebden triumphed at the Miami Open in March, becoming the oldest Masters 1000 winners in history.Bopanna's remarkable journey has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Despite having no cartilage in both knees, he has overcome physical challenges to remain competitive at the highest level. His success is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport.The partnership with Ebden has been a key factor in Bopanna's recent resurgence. Their chemistry on and off the court, combined with their complementary playing styles, has led to six Masters 1000 titles. Bopanna credits their open communication and mutual respect for their success.With the Olympics on the horizon, Bopanna is focused on selecting the right partner and ensuring adequate match practice. He understands the pressure of representing his country on such a grand stage and is determined to give his best effort.Beyond his on-court achievements, Bopanna is also committed to fostering a supportive tennis community through his Doubles Dream Project. He believes in creating opportunities for players to travel together and support each other's goals.Bopanna's association with ASICS has been instrumental in his pursuit of peak performance. The brand's focus on innovation and its commitment to promoting holistic well-being align with his own values. He is particularly impressed by ASICS' 'Move Your Mind' campaign, which emphasizes the importance of movement for both physical and mental health.Another Indian tennis star, Sumit Nagal, has also made a strong start to 2024. Bopanna is optimistic about Nagal's chances for the rest of the year, citing his dedication, hard work, and talent. He believes that Nagal has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

Grigor Dimitrov has achieved a significant milestone in his career by reaching the quarterfinals of the Miami Open for the first time in 13 attempts. The Bulgarian star overcame a spirited challenge from Hubert Hurkacz in a thrilling three-set encounter, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3).Dimitrov's victory not only marks his maiden quarterfinal appearance in Miami but also completes his career set of Masters 1000 quarterfinals. He has now reached the last eight at all nine Masters 1000 tournaments, a testament to his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.The 31-year-old has enjoyed a successful career, highlighted by his triumph at the 2017 Cincinnati Masters. He has also reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, Rome, Canada, and Shanghai Masters, as well as the final of the Paris Masters in 2023.Dimitrov's impressive run in Miami has been characterized by his resilience and determination. After dropping the first set to Hurkacz, he fought back to level the match and eventually prevailed in a tense third-set tiebreaker.The Bulgarian's victory is a significant achievement, as he continues to prove his status as a top contender on the ATP Tour. With his career set of Masters 1000 quarterfinals now complete, Dimitrov will be eager to add to his impressive resume and challenge for more titles in the future.

The ATP Tour has unveiled its 2025 calendar, introducing significant changes to its Masters 1000 tournaments and expanding its 500-level events.Masters 1000 Expansion:The number of 12-day Masters 1000 tournaments will increase from five to seven in 2025. Canada and Cincinnati will join Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, and Shanghai in this extended format. This move aims to enhance the prestige and competitiveness of these top-tier events.500-Level Additions:The ATP Tour will add three new 500-level tournaments to its calendar: Dallas, Doha, and Munich. These events will elevate from their current 250-level status, providing more opportunities for players to compete at a higher level. The tour believes this will create a more consolidated narrative for fans and increase the visibility of the 500-level category.Other Adjustments:In addition to the Masters 1000 expansion and 500-level additions, the ATP Tour has made several other adjustments to its 2025 calendar:* The Hamburg Open (ATP 500) will move from July to May.* The Cordoba Open (ATP 250) will relocate to Mallorca, leading up to Wimbledon.* The Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo (Los Cabos, ATP 250) will reschedule from February to July.ATP Finals and Next Gen ATP Finals:The ATP Finals will remain in Turin, while the Next Gen ATP Finals will continue to be held in Jeddah.Conclusion:The ATP Tour's 2025 calendar reflects its commitment to enhancing the fan experience and providing more opportunities for players to compete at the highest level. The expansion of Masters 1000 tournaments and the addition of new 500-level events will create a more dynamic and competitive tour in the years to come.