Tennis

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a triumphant return to the tournament on Monday, cruising to a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Varvara Gracheva in the first round. The 18-year-old American, seeded third, fired 10 aces and needed just 66 minutes to dispatch her 66th-ranked opponent.Gauff's victory marked a strong start to her title defense, despite a challenging season that saw her fall in the third round at Toronto and crash out of her first match as the defending champion in Cincinnati. "It is definitely a lot of pressure this tournament but I'm just enjoying it," said Gauff, who is seeded behind world number one Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. "Last year was incredible, so I'm just bringing those vibes and whatever happens, happens."Meanwhile, four-time champion Novak Djokovic, seeded second behind world number one Jannik Sinner, is vying to become the first man to repeat in New York since Roger Federer won five straight US Opens from 2004-2008. "Hopefully that changes this year," said Djokovic, who highlighted an otherwise disappointing season with an emotional gold medal at the Paris Olympics.Djokovic, who has been hindered by a knee injury in 2024, is facing the prospect of a year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. The 37-year-old, whose 24 Grand Slam titles are tied with Aussie legend Margaret Court for most all-time, says he still gets pumped up for the "pillars of our sport."In other first-round action, American Ben Shelton upset 2020 champion Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Thiem's defeat marked an end to his Grand Slam career, as the Austrian announced he would retire at the end of 2024 after several injury-plagued seasons.Fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany needed four sets to get past lucky loser Maximilian Marter 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2. Sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev beat Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 and eighth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway advanced with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2 win over China's Bu Yunchaokete.Wimbledon women's champion Barbora Krejcikova, seeded eighth, eased into the second round with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory over Spanish qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera. Olympic women's singles gold medallist Zheng Qinwen of China, seeded seventh, rallied from a set down to beat Amanda Anisimova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has ascended to the pinnacle of the Forbes list of the world's highest-paid tennis players, dethroning Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz's estimated earnings of $42.3 million over the past 12 months, before taxes and agent fees, have propelled him to the top spot.While Djokovic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, dominated on-court earnings with $12.2 million in prize money, Alcaraz's off-court ventures have proven to be a lucrative source of income. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion has secured lucrative endorsement deals with blue-chip brands such as Nike, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and BMW.Alcaraz's off-court earnings, estimated at $32 million, include a jam-packed schedule of appearances and exhibitions that reportedly pay him up to $2 million for a single appearance. This has given him a significant edge over Djokovic, whose off-court earnings totaled $25 million.Coco Gauff, the 18-year-old American rising star, ranks third on the list with estimated earnings of $27.1 million, $20 million of which came from off-court ventures. Iga Swiatek, the Polish world No. 1, follows closely behind with $26.7 million, including $15 million from off-court earnings.Jannik Sinner, the 21-year-old Italian, rounds out the top five with $26.6 million, $15 million of which came from off-court ventures. Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spaniard, ranks sixth with $23.3 million, including $23 million from off-court earnings.The Forbes list highlights the growing importance of off-court earnings in the world of tennis. Players like Alcaraz, Gauff, and Sinner are leveraging their on-court success to secure lucrative endorsement deals and other off-court ventures, which are contributing significantly to their overall earnings.

Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champions, will begin their title defenses on Monday, with Djokovic aiming to add to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally and Gauff seeking to regain her winning form.Djokovic, seeded second behind world number one Jannik Sinner, is determined to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer's five-year reign from 2004-2008. Despite an injury-plagued year, the 37-year-old Serbian remains motivated by the "pillars of our sport" and is eager to perform under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.Gauff, who has struggled for consistency since her maiden Grand Slam victory last year, will face Varvara Gracheva of France in the afternoon session. The American teenager is hoping to rediscover her winning ways and challenge for another major title.Other notable matches on Monday include:* Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, faces Ben Shelton, who is aiming to build on his impressive semi-final run last year.* Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, two of the top American men, will also be in action, hoping to end the US Open title drought for their country.* Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, takes on Priscilla Hon, while Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova faces Marina Bassols Ribera.In early action, Donna Vekic of Croatia advanced to the second round, while Maria Sakkari of Greece retired with an apparent shoulder injury.

US Open 2023: Kyrgios, Osaka, and Jabeur Kick Off the Final Grand SlamThe US Open Fan Week has concluded, marking the official commencement of the year's final Grand Slam tournament. New York City has once again transformed into a tennis hub, with the Park Lane Hotel serving as the gathering place for tennis stars Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Ons Jabeur.Kyrgios, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed his support for the Serbian legend. "I hope Novak wins it because it makes me look better since I lost my final to Novak," he said. "The more he wins, the better I look in the future."Kyrgios also commented on Carlos Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner who suffered a minor slip in practice. "There's so many things that need to happen to win a Grand Slam," Kyrgios said. "I've never won a singles one, made a final, but the stars need to align so they need a lot of luck."Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, is determined to add another trophy to her collection. "It will take a lot to win the US Open, I'm trying to take it match by match," she said. "I think my first match [against Jelena Ostapenko] is going to be very difficult but I'm being really confident in myself."First-round matches are already underway, with Osaka and Ostapenko scheduled to face off on Tuesday at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The tournament promises to be filled with thrilling matches and captivating storylines as the world's top tennis players compete for the coveted US Open title.

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is poised to make history at the upcoming US Open, aiming to become the first man in 16 years to successfully defend his title. The 37-year-old, riding high on his Olympic triumph in Paris, is chasing a raft of records at Flushing Meadows.Djokovic, seeded second, can join Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer as the oldest Open era winners of the championship. With a 25th Grand Slam title, he would claim the outright record for most ever, a mark he currently shares with Australian great Margaret Court. He would also become the first man to repeat in New York since Federer won five straight US Opens from 2004-2008."I didn't know about that," Djokovic said. "I knew it was probably the case for five, 10 years, but I didn't know it was that long. Hopefully that changes this year. That's the goal."A victory would see Djokovic extend his streak of years with at least one Grand Slam title to seven. From 2011-23, he was shut out at the majors just once, in 2017. So far in 2024, the majors have gone to a new generation. Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is chasing a third straight Grand Slam after triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Italian Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open on his way to supplanting Djokovic atop the world rankings.With Federer retired and Rafael Nadal battling injuries, Djokovic said his budding rivalries with the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner keep him motivated. "These kind of rivalries that I have with Jannik and Carlos are the kind of matchups that still bring that joy of competition to me and inspire me to really push myself to perfect the game," Djokovic said."People ask me 'now that you have basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win?' I still feel the drive. I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour."Djokovic called the medal ceremony after his Paris Games triumph "probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court". "I think the moment of when I achieved it, how I achieved it, after years of trying, the journey... makes it even more unique."However, he doesn't envision any let-down as he tries to close out the season with yet another Grand Slam title. "Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport," Djokovic said. "They are the most important historical tennis events that we have. So if you don't get pumped and inspired to play your best tennis at Grand Slams, it's hard to do that anywhere else."

Men's tennis in 2024 has witnessed a captivating dichotomy: the rise of the young brigade and the enduring brilliance of Novak Djokovic. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have swept the first three Majors, while Djokovic, at 37, has secured the elusive Olympic singles gold.Djokovic's season has been a tale of resilience. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal and to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, he has rebounded with an Olympic triumph. His victory in Paris, where he played with a surgically repaired knee, showcased his unwavering determination.As the US Open approaches, the tension between the old and the new intensifies. Sinner and Alcaraz are the world's top two players, while Djokovic is the defending champion. Djokovic's physical advantage may have diminished, but he has refined his technique and shot-making to compensate.Djokovic's goal at the US Open is to break Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. He also aims to ensure that 2024 becomes the 24th straight year with at least one Slam winner from the "Big Three" (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and himself).However, the US Open has been a bittersweet experience for Djokovic. He has lost six finals there, the most in his career at a Slam. No man has defended the singles title in New York since Federer in 2008.Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains a formidable force. His relentless pursuit of success and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances make him a dangerous opponent. The US Open will be another opportunity for fans to witness the delicate balance between the past and the present in men's tennis.

Novak Djokovic, buoyed by his emotional Olympic triumph, sets his sights on breaking new Grand Slam records at the US Open, which begins on Monday. The 37-year-old Serbian legend is aiming to become the oldest Open era champion at the tournament, a feat he would share with Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. A fifth US Open title would also elevate Djokovic to 25 Grand Slam triumphs, surpassing the 24 he currently holds alongside Margaret Court.Djokovic's quest for history comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Earlier this year, he lost his Australian Open crown to Jannik Sinner, who also dethroned him as world number one. Carlos Alcaraz then claimed the French Open title, before crushing Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.However, Djokovic's Olympic victory on the clay courts of Roland Garros silenced his doubters. It made him only the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam, and he described it as his "biggest sporting success."Sinner arrives at the US Open as the reigning Cincinnati Masters champion. However, his triumph was overshadowed by revelations that he had twice tested positive for a banned substance earlier in the season. Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing after officials accepted his explanation that the substance entered his system through contamination.Alcaraz, who won his first major at the US Open last year, is still reeling from his Olympic final defeat to Djokovic. He broke down in tears on court, feeling he had let Spain down. His preparation for New York was further hampered by a second-round exit in Cincinnati, which he described as the "worst match" of his career.In the women's singles, defending champion Coco Gauff has struggled for form in recent weeks. No woman has successfully defended her US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014. World number one Iga Swiatek, the 2022 champion, reached the Cincinnati semi-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, was runner-up to Gauff at the US Open last year.

Fanatics Unveils 2024 Topps Chrome Tennis Trading Cards with Enhanced Player RosterFanatics has officially released the 2024 Topps Chrome Tennis trading cards, offering collectors a comprehensive collection of current and upcoming tennis stars. This latest line is the result of a licensing deal with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), significantly expanding the player roster compared to the previous 2021 Topps Chrome Tennis release.The 2024 Topps Chrome Tennis set features a wide range of card types, including rookie cards, numbered inserts, and autographs. Among the notable players making their licensed card debut are Grand Slam semifinalists Mirra Andreeva and Ben Shelton.The autograph selection is particularly impressive, boasting a mix of established stars and rising talents. Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff are just a few of the popular players featured. Legends such as Stefanie Graf, Bjorn Borg, Billie Jean King, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Venus Williams also grace the cards.One of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 Topps Chrome Tennis set is the inclusion of dual autographs. Collectors have the chance to pull cards featuring signatures from pairs such as Djokovic-Alcaraz, Swiatek-Sabalenka, and siblings from the Andreeva, Fruhvirtova, and Murray families.The cards are available in three single box options:* Hobby Box: $189.99 (8 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, 3 autographs inside)* Breaker Delight Box: $199.99 (12 cards per pack, 1 pack per box, 3 autographs inside)* Value Box: $24.99 (4 cards per pack, 7 packs per box, 1 Chrome refractor per box)Hobby and Breaker Delight cases, each containing 12 boxes, are also available for purchase.The 2024 Topps Chrome Tennis trading cards offer collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of tennis history and celebrate the sport's rising stars. With its expanded player roster, impressive autograph selection, and dual autograph feature, this set is sure to be a hit among collectors and tennis enthusiasts alike.

The 2024 US Open is poised to witness an epic battle among the world's top tennis players, each vying for the coveted title. Here's an in-depth analysis of the five most formidable contenders:1. Carlos Alcaraz:The Spanish sensation has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, capturing the French Open and Wimbledon titles. A US Open victory would make him only the third player in history to win all three Grand Slams in a single year. However, recent setbacks, including a loss to Novak Djokovic in the Olympic final, raise questions about his current form.2. Novak Djokovic:Despite limited hard-court play this year, Djokovic remains a formidable threat. His unparalleled hard-court record and 24 Grand Slam titles make him a top favorite. His recent Olympic gold medal win further solidifies his status as a serious contender.3. Jannik Sinner:The Italian prodigy has emerged as a consistent hard-court performer, claiming five titles in 2024, including the Australian Open. His powerful groundstrokes and adaptability on hard courts make him a dangerous opponent.4. Daniil Medvedev:The 2021 US Open champion is another top contender with a strong hard-court record. His victory over Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final showcased his ability to defeat the best. After a dip in form, Medvedev has regained momentum, reaching two more major finals.5. Casper Ruud:The Norwegian star has quietly established himself as a hard-court specialist. His 100th hard-court win this year and strong performances at the Monte-Carlo Masters and Geneva Open make him a dark horse who could surprise at the US Open.With such a talented field, the 2024 US Open promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Each contender brings unique strengths and weaknesses, making it impossible to predict a clear winner. The tournament will undoubtedly provide thrilling matches and captivating storylines as the world's best tennis players battle for the ultimate prize.