Tennis

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No. 6 seed in Rome and No. 8 on tour, has set his sights on becoming the world's top-ranked tennis player. After a strong start to the season, including victories in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Tsitsipas believes he has the potential to dethrone the current No. 1, Novak Djokovic.Tsitsipas's confidence stems from his recent performances, particularly his dominant display against Alex de Minaur in Rome. He believes that his heavy and deep ball control has given him an edge over his opponents."I really felt that my opponent felt the heaviness and the depth of my ball," Tsitsipas said. "It gave me courage, it gave me great belief in myself that I can continue pushing in that sense."Tsitsipas's resurgence comes after a difficult period in 2023, when a back injury forced him to drop out of the Top 10. However, he has since recovered and is now back in contention for the top spot."I was outside the Top 10 for a while," he said. "It hurt me a little bit. So being back, it's a great feeling."Tsitsipas has also made some adjustments to his game, including abandoning his recent experiment with a modified service stance. He believes that his old "platform" stance gives him more confidence and allows him to open up the court more easily."Once you start thinking a lot, it's an issue because you can't concentrate on what's happening in front of you," he said. "Your mind travels in different directions and places. . . I did something strange, which I've never done before in a match. I was trying different things during the match, which is definitely something I don't recommend to anyone doing."With the upcoming French Open just around the corner, Tsitsipas is aware that he has a chance to make history. Rafael Nadal, the 14-time Roland Garros champion, is struggling with injuries, while Djokovic has been in poor form this year."I never saw a reason not to follow my dreams to that depth," Tsitsipas said. "It would be a blessing if I was able to conquer and make that happen. It's been my dream since the first day of pursuing professional tennis."

Casper Ruud's remarkable run continues as he becomes the first player to reach 30 match wins this year. The Norwegian sensation has been on a tear, notching up impressive victories against top-ranked opponents and claiming his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona.Ruud's breakthrough moment came in Monte Carlo, where he stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. It was his first triumph over a Top 3 player and a significant milestone in his career.Building on that momentum, Ruud captured the Barcelona Open, his biggest title to date. The victory marked his first ATP 500 triumph, adding to his previous 10 titles at ATP 250 events.Ruud's dominance continued in Madrid, where he dispatched Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets to become the first player, male or female, to win 30 matches this year. His impressive record stands at 30-7, placing him ahead of other top performers such as Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, and Grigor Dimitrov.On the women's side, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek lead the pack with 27 and 26 wins, respectively.Ruud's exceptional form has propelled him into the spotlight, solidifying his status as one of the most promising players on the ATP Tour. His ability to defeat top-ranked opponents and claim major titles demonstrates his immense talent and determination.As the season progresses, Ruud will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. His impressive start to the year has set the stage for even greater achievements in the months to come.

Casper Ruud's remarkable winning streak continues to soar, as the Norwegian sensation has emerged as the undisputed wins leader on the men's tour this year. With his victory over Jordan Thompson in the third round of the ATP 500 Barcelona Open, Ruud notched his 26th win of the season, surpassing Jannik Sinner's previous tally of 25.Ruud's triumph in Monte Carlo last weekend, where he stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, marked a significant milestone in his career. It was his first victory over a top-ranked opponent and propelled him into the spotlight as a rising star in the tennis world.The 23-year-old's dominance on clay is particularly impressive, as he has won 17 of his 26 matches on the surface this year. His consistent performances have earned him a place among the top contenders for the upcoming French Open, where he will be aiming to make a deep run.Ruud's success is not limited to the men's tour. He has also established himself as the overall wins leader among both men and women this year. Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina are tied for the most wins on the women's tour with 22 each, but Ruud's 26 victories put him ahead of the pack.The Norwegian's impressive form has been attributed to his relentless work ethic and unwavering determination. He has spent countless hours on the practice court, honing his skills and developing his game. His dedication and commitment have paid off, as he continues to climb the rankings and establish himself as one of the most promising players in the sport.As the season progresses, Ruud will be looking to maintain his winning ways and add more titles to his growing collection. With his exceptional talent and unwavering focus, he is poised to make a significant impact on the tennis world in the years to come.

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.