Tennis

Mirra Andreeva, the 16-year-old tennis prodigy, has returned to the Mutua Madrid Open, the site of her breakthrough performance last year. In an interview with Prakash Amritraj at the Tennis Channel Desk, Andreeva revealed that she has framed a comment from her childhood idol, Andy Murray, praising her mental strength.Andreeva's journey in Madrid last year was remarkable. As a wildcard ranked just inside the Top 200, she reached the fourth round, defeating Leylah Fernandez, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Magda Linette without losing a set. Her performance earned her the WTA's most impressive newcomer award in 2023.This year, Andreeva has continued to impress, overcoming similar challenges to those she faced last year. In her second-round match against Linda Noskova, she lost the first set but rallied to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. She also came from behind to defeat American Taylor Townsend in her opening match.Andreeva attributes her success to her mental strength and her ability to think through difficult moments. "I'm trying to play using my brain," she said. "I'm not trying to hit every ball as hard as I can. Maybe that helps me sometimes to think through hard moments."Andreeva's maturity on the court is evident in her approach to the game. "I feel more mature even though there's not much of a difference in my age," she said. "Last year, I was hoping for some kind of miracle when I was playing against everybody, that on these pressure points they would give me something with their mistakes or something will happen for me to just win the match. Now I know and I'm sure that I will not be able to win a match without doing something myself."As Andreeva prepares to turn 17, she is excited about the future. "I'm just trying to always think in a positive way and that's it," she said. "I'm really looking forward to the next few years and seeing how far I can go."

Tommy Paul's Mutua Madrid Open debut was a tale of resilience and redemption. After a disappointing Australian Open exit and a near-miss at the BNP Paribas Open, the American was eager to make amends on clay.Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for over a month, Paul returned to the court with renewed determination. He admitted that the extended break allowed him to re-commit to clay and improve his fitness.In his opening match against Lukas Klein, Paul faced a tough challenge. He lost the first set in a tiebreaker but rallied back to win the next two sets convincingly. The victory was a testament to his perseverance and the progress he has made on clay.Paul's journey to the third round has been marked by both setbacks and triumphs. He suffered a minor setback when his ankle brace caused his foot to go numb, but he quickly adjusted and regained his composure.The 26-year-old is confident in his abilities on clay despite his past struggles. He believes that his recent preparation and improved fitness will help him perform well at Roland Garros, where he hopes to reach his peak.Paul's next challenge will be against No. 21 seed Francisco Cerúndolo. The American is eager to continue his winning streak and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with on clay.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's top-ranked tennis player, made a triumphant return to action at the Mutua Madrid Open, dismissing Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets (6-2, 6-1) on Friday.Alcaraz, who had been sidelined for several weeks due to a right forearm injury, showed no signs of rust as he dominated the match from start to finish. The Spaniard, who considers Madrid his home tournament, played with aggression and precision, hitting 15 winners to Shevchenko's zero in the first set.The second set followed a similar pattern, with Alcaraz breaking Shevchenko's serve twice to take a commanding 5-1 lead. Despite a brief rally from the Kazakh, Alcaraz closed out the match with a clutch performance, sealing the victory in just over an hour.Alcaraz's victory sets up a third-round clash with Thiago Seyboth Wild, who upset No. 28 seed Lorenzo Musetti in the second round. The Spaniard will be looking to continue his impressive run in Madrid, where he has won the title twice before.Alcaraz's return to form is a welcome sight for tennis fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return to the court. The 20-year-old has been one of the most dominant players on the ATP Tour in recent years, and his victory in Madrid is a reminder of his immense talent.

Two-time Mutua Madrid Open champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a shaky start to her 2024 campaign, defeating Magda Linette 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought opening match.Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, faced a determined Linette, who had previously shocked Ons Jabeur at Roland Garros. The Belarusian star struggled with her serve and rhythm in the second set, allowing Linette to level the match.However, Sabalenka's resilience shone through in the third set. Despite facing break points, she held her serve and broke Linette's in the seventh game. The defending champion then served out the match with authority, booking a third-round encounter against either Katie Boulter or Robin Montgomery.Sabalenka's victory in Madrid marks her first clay-court win of the season. The 25-year-old has endured a challenging spring, including the loss of her ex-partner and early exits from other tournaments.Despite her struggles, Sabalenka remains a formidable force on clay. Her two Madrid Open titles and her powerful game make her a contender for the title once again.

Jan-Lennard Struff's historic ATP title victory in Munich has propelled him into the spotlight, but he faces a formidable challenge in Jaume Munar at the Mutua Madrid Open. Munar, a clay-court specialist, poses a significant threat to Struff's momentum.Struff's triumph in Munich was a testament to his resilience and determination. He overcame formidable opponents, including Botic Van De Zandschulp, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Holger Rune, and Taylor Fritz. However, the emotional and physical toll of such a significant achievement can be substantial.Munar, on the other hand, is a seasoned clay-court performer. While he has yet to claim an ATP title on dirt, he boasts an impressive nine Challenger-level victories on the surface. His game is tailored to the slow and demanding conditions of clay, giving him an edge over Struff, who ventures onto other surfaces more frequently.Struff's primary weapons are his powerful serve and baseline game. However, Munar's versatility and ability to extend rallies could prove problematic for the German. Munar's effective returning skills, with a 27.8% break percentage on clay, could neutralize Struff's serve.The Madrid Open's faster clay courts may favor Struff slightly, but Munar's experience and comfort on the surface should compensate. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both players having a chance to emerge victorious.Given the potential for an upset, the value lies in backing Munar as the underdog. His clay-court prowess and Struff's potential letdown after his recent triumph make Munar an attractive betting option.

The Mutua Madrid Open witnessed a surge of teenage talent on Thursday, as Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik joined Jerry Shang in the second round.Fonseca, a 17-year-old wild card, upset fellow teen Alex Michelsen 4-6, 6-0, 6-2. The Portuguese capitalized on his break point opportunities, converting six of 11, and fired 30 winners to advance. He will face No. 29 seed Cameron Norrie in the next round.Mensik, 18, also impressed with a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Yannick Hanfmann. The Czech, ranked No. 74 in the world, will now take on ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov.Lorenzo Sonego set up a clash with compatriot Jannik Sinner after defeating Richard Gasquet 6-2, 7-5. Sinner, the top seed, has a perfect 4-0 record against Sonego in 2023, but none of those matches were played on clay.Roberto Bautista Agut, a lucky loser, battled past Daniel Elahi Galan 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-1. The home favorite will face 16th seed Karen Khachanov for a spot in the third round.Other notable winners on the day included Felix Auger-Aliassime, Matteo Arnaldi, and Tomas Machac. Auger-Aliassime will face Adrian Mannarino, Arnaldi will challenge world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev, and Machac will take on No. 14 seed Ben Shelton.The Mutua Madrid Open continues to showcase the rising stars of tennis, with several teenagers making their mark in the tournament.

Adrian Mannarino Signs with Celio, Debuts New Clothing SponsorshipFrench tennis star Adrian Mannarino has inked a new clothing sponsorship deal with Celio, a renowned French men's clothing brand. The partnership marks a significant milestone for the 35-year-old, who has long been known for his distinctive on-court style.Celio unveiled the collaboration earlier this week, playfully referencing Mannarino's nickname, "the divine bald," in their announcement. The brand's decision to align with Mannarino aligns with their commitment to supporting French athletes and promoting a unique sense of style.Mannarino's new partnership with Celio will officially launch at the Mutua Madrid Open this weekend. The 19th-seeded Frenchman will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in his opening match, seeking to regain momentum after a recent string of losses.Despite his recent setbacks, Mannarino remains a formidable opponent, having reached the round of 16 at this year's Australian Open by winning three consecutive five-set matches. His tenacity and unwavering determination have earned him a reputation as a resilient competitor.Mannarino's collaboration with Celio is a testament to his enduring presence in the tennis world. The partnership not only provides him with a new clothing sponsor but also aligns with his personal brand identity. Mannarino's signature plain t-shirt look has become synonymous with his on-court persona, and Celio's designs will complement his minimalist style.The partnership also highlights Celio's commitment to supporting French athletes. The brand has previously signed on Benoit Paire and Jules Marie, further solidifying their presence in the tennis community.As Mannarino prepares to debut his new clothing sponsorship at the Mutua Madrid Open, fans can expect to see him continue to showcase his unique style and competitive spirit. The partnership with Celio marks an exciting new chapter in his career, providing him with the support and resources to continue his pursuit of success on the court.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, made a triumphant return to the Mutua Madrid Open, crushing 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch 6-1, 6-0 in a dominant display. This victory marks Nadal's second match win since January, following his return from a muscle tear that sidelined him for several months.Nadal, who has hinted that 2024 could be his final season on tour, showed no signs of slowing down against his young opponent. The 22-time Grand Slam champion raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first set and never looked back, sweeping the set in just 28 minutes.Blanch, who was born over two years after Nadal won his first Grand Slam title, became the second youngest player in ATP history to earn a ranking point at the age of 14. Despite his impressive record, he was no match for the experienced Nadal, who continued his dominance in the second set.Nadal broke Blanch's serve three times in the second set, securing a triple-break and cruising to a 6-0 victory. The Spaniard's wife and child watched from the stands as he showcased his imperious best, earning a service winner to secure victory with the loss of just one game.Nadal's victory sets up a second-round rematch with Alex de Minaur, the 10th-seeded Australian who defeated Nadal in Barcelona last week. Nadal will be looking to avenge that loss and continue his quest for a sixth Madrid Open title.

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a resounding statement at the Mutua Madrid Open, securing her first double-bagel victory of her career with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Arantxa Rus.Gauff, who had struggled on indoor clay earlier in the season, showcased her prowess on the outdoor red clay of the Caja Magica. She stormed through the first set in just 23 minutes, converting three of four break point opportunities and striking six winners to four unforced errors.Despite losing serve to start the second set, Gauff displayed remarkable resilience, saving four break points and reeling off the next three games. She served for the match at 6-0, 5-0, and sealed the victory with a running forehand winner.The 20-year-old American's performance was a stark contrast to her recent form, which included a disappointing fourth-round loss at the Miami Open and a three-set defeat in Stuttgart. However, she put those setbacks behind her in Madrid, sending a clear message to her rivals.Up next for Gauff is a clash with No. 3 seed Dayana Yastremska, who also advanced to the second round with a hard-fought 0-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Emiliana Arango.Gauff's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is her first double-bagel win on the WTA Tour. It also serves as a reminder of her immense potential and her ability to dominate on any surface.