Tennis

The Olympic Games are a spectacle of athleticism and national pride, where athletes from around the world compete for the ultimate glory of a gold medal. Tennis, a sport that demands both physical prowess and mental fortitude, is no exception to this Olympic fervor.The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris witnessed a plethora of unforgettable moments, from the jubilation of Italy's Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini to the career-defining triumph of Novak Djokovic. The pressure of Olympic tennis is unique, leveling the playing field and giving rise to unexpected heroes.Errani and Paolini, diminutive in stature but not in spirit, defied expectations to capture the women's doubles gold medal. Their ecstatic celebration after match point was a testament to the unbridled joy that the Olympics can evoke. Djokovic, the seasoned veteran, added the Olympic singles gold to his illustrious resume, overcoming injury and age to produce a near-perfect performance.Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz carried the mantle for the United States, playing a remarkable 19 matches combined. Paul's sharp play earned him a quarterfinal berth in singles, while he and Fritz secured the bronze medal in doubles. Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to win a singles gold medal, overcoming adversity and delivering a stunning upset over Iga Swiatek.Felix Auger-Aliassime made history as the first Canadian to reach the singles medal round, while Donna Vekic of Croatia emerged as an unlikely finalist. Andy Murray, in the twilight of his career, bowed out with a heroic performance alongside Dan Evans, fighting valiantly against Fritz and Paul.Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, despite not medaling, left an indelible mark with her spirited performances, including an epic win over Jasmine Paolini. Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek experienced both the heartbreak and joy of Olympic competition, narrowly missing out on the gold medal in doubles.Marta Kostyuk, the highest-ranking Ukrainian, represented her war-torn nation with pride, reaching the quarterfinals. The Kichenok sisters, Lyudmyla and Nadiia, also played with inspiration, falling just short of the medal round.The Olympics, with its unique blend of patriotism and athletic excellence, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The 2024 Games in Paris showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes, the power of national pride, and the enduring legacy of the Olympic flame.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, was overcome with emotion after losing to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final at the Paris Olympics on August 4. The 21-year-old Spaniard had hoped to become the youngest-ever Olympic champion and emulate Rafael Nadal's feat of winning a gold medal in his first singles attempt.However, Alcaraz's dream was shattered by Djokovic, who triumphed 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) at Court Philippe Chatrier. The pressure of representing his country proved too much for Alcaraz, who admitted that he felt the weight of the Spanish people's expectations."I think I put more pressure on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards," Alcaraz said. "I felt that I let the Spanish people down by not winning the gold."Alcaraz, who has won four Grand Slams in his career, said that the pressure he felt in the Olympics was different from anything he had experienced before."It was a different type of pressure," he said. "Everyone in Spain wanted me to win the gold, and I wanted to win the gold as well."Alcaraz believes that the extra pressure cost him in the decisive moments of the match."In those difficult moments I usually raise my level, but I wasn't able to do that today," he said. "Probably I felt the pressure in those situations. You play four Grand Slams every year, the Olympics is only once every four years."Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz said he was proud of his performance and the experience of competing in the Olympics."Obviously this week, this tournament has been really special for me," he said. "I'm going to take it for the rest of my life, for the rest of my career, for sure. Playing with Rafa, getting my first Olympics medal — hopefully not the last one — it's been a special one."Alcaraz arrived in Paris amid much hype, having played the doubles tournament alongside his childhood idol Nadal, who won the singles gold in his Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008. However, Alcaraz and Nadal lost 6-2, 6-4 to the American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in last week's quarterfinals.In the final against Djokovic, Alcaraz was unable to match the Serbian's experience and composure in the big moments. Djokovic, who was playing in his fourth Olympic final, was relentless in his pursuit of the gold medal."In the close moments, in the difficult situations, in the tiebreakers, he played an impressive game," Alcaraz said of Djokovic. "He was hungry for the gold medal. He was going to go for it."

Matt Ebden and John Peers etched their names into Australian Olympic history by capturing the nation's second tennis gold medal in the men's doubles event at the 2024 Paris Games. Their thrilling victory over Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the United States in a match tiebreaker marked a significant milestone for Australian tennis.The Australians faced an uphill battle after losing the first set and trailing 4-2 in the second. However, they displayed remarkable resilience, breaking Ram's serve to ignite their comeback. Their triumph echoed the historic gold medal won by Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde in men's doubles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.Ebden's journey to the gold medal was particularly noteworthy. Initially a fill-in in singles, he faced the formidable Novak Djokovic and suffered a heavy defeat. Djokovic's subsequent comments sparked controversy, questioning Ebden's inclusion in the singles bracket without a teammate.Undeterred, Ebden and Peers forged an unbreakable bond on the court. Their victory was a testament to their determination and the power of teamwork. After the match, their children rushed onto the court to celebrate with their fathers, adding an emotional touch to the moment.Ram, at 40 years old, was aiming to become the oldest player to win an Olympic tennis gold medal since the sport's return to the Summer Games in 1988. He and Krajicek, who had eliminated Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, fell just short of their goal.The bronze medal match featured another American duo, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, who faced Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek of the Czech Republic. Machac and Katerina Siniakova had previously won the mixed doubles gold medal.Both Ram and Krajicek have achieved significant success in doubles, with Ram claiming four Grand Slam titles and Krajicek winning one. Ebden has also won two Slam trophies in men's doubles and one in mixed. Peers, a former world No. 1 in doubles, has one Grand Slam title each in men's and mixed doubles.The Australian victory is a testament to the nation's enduring strength in tennis. Ebden and Peers' gold medal will inspire future generations of Australian tennis players and serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and teamwork.

The Olympic tennis tournaments are set to culminate in thrilling gold medal matches, with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz vying for the men's singles title, Zheng Qinwen and Donna Vekic battling for the women's singles gold, and exciting doubles finals in both categories.Men's Singles: Djokovic vs. AlcarazThe highly anticipated men's singles final pits the experienced Novak Djokovic against the rising star Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, the top seed and a living legend, has been chasing Olympic gold since 2008, while Alcaraz, 16 years his junior, has shown remarkable focus and determination in Paris.Despite Djokovic's physical issues, he has displayed an unwavering will to win, overcoming challenges in his previous matches. However, Alcaraz is the favorite, having recently defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon final and showcasing exceptional form throughout the tournament.Women's Singles: Zheng vs. VekicThe women's singles final will feature a surprise matchup between Zheng Qinwen and Donna Vekic. Zheng, ranked seventh, upset Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, while Vekic, ranked 21st, overcame Coco Gauff.Zheng possesses superior athleticism and a higher ranking, but Vekic has been in impressive form, particularly with her forehand. Both players have faced adversity in Paris, saving match points and knocking out top seeds.Men's Doubles: Ebden/Peers vs. Ram/KrajicekThe men's doubles final will showcase the experience of Matthew Ebden and John Peers against the American duo of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek. All four players have Grand Slam titles in doubles and are over 30 years old.Ram and Krajicek have defeated strong singles-oriented teams, while Ebden and Peers have a wealth of doubles experience. The Americans' combination of Ram's serve and Krajicek's left-handed balance may give them an edge.Women's Doubles: Errani/Paolini vs. Shnaider/AndreevaThe women's doubles final will feature a clash between the experienced Italian duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini and the young Russian pair of Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva.Shnaider and Andreeva stunned the Tokyo gold medalists, while Paolini and Errani reached the Roland Garros final earlier this year. The match will showcase a mix of playing styles and experience, with the more established Italian team favored to prevail.

Tennis has undergone a remarkable transformation in its relationship with the Olympic Games. Once seen as a mere sideshow, it has now become a prestigious event that attracts the sport's biggest stars.In the past, tennis was often overshadowed by other sports at the Olympics. The legendary Steffi Graf's "Golden Slam" in 1988 was a rare exception. Pete Sampras, the dominant player of the 1990s, only competed in one Olympics, and that was when he had yet to win any of his 14 Grand Slam titles.But in recent years, the Olympics have become a major priority for top tennis players. They now cherish the camaraderie and the opportunity to represent their countries."You can only play a match at the Olympics once every four years and it's a different feeling when you're wearing the outfit with the national colours," said Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion.This shift in attitude has been driven by several factors. First, the Olympics have become more inclusive, with a wider range of countries now fielding competitive tennis teams. This has given players from smaller nations a chance to shine on the world stage.Second, the Olympics offer a unique opportunity for players to compete against the best in the world in a team environment. The Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) are the only other major team competitions in tennis, but they are not as prestigious as the Olympics.Third, the Olympics have become a more lucrative event. In 2016, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) introduced prize money for the first time. While the prize money is still relatively small compared to the Grand Slams, it is a significant incentive for players to compete.The transformation in tennis' relationship with the Olympics has been a positive development for the sport. It has made the Olympics more competitive and exciting, and it has given players from all over the world a chance to experience the thrill of competing for their countries.

In 1924, Paris hosted the Olympic Games, a grand spectacle that transformed the city. However, the tennis competition was marred by subpar facilities and a notable absence: Suzanne Lenglen, the reigning champion.The tennis courts were situated in Colombes, an industrial area lacking amenities. The heat was oppressive, and the courts were poorly constructed, leading to player discomfort and injuries. The locker room was inadequate, and ball kids sought refuge from the sun.Despite the challenges, Helen Wills, an 18-year-old American, emerged as a star. She had won Wimbledon the previous year and was eager to face Lenglen. However, Lenglen withdrew from the Olympics, citing health issues.Wills dominated the competition, winning the gold medal in singles and doubles. Her victory marked a shift in the tennis landscape, as she represented a new type of athlete: wholesome, assertive, and self-assured.The 1924 Games also marked the end of tennis at the Olympics for over six decades. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) clashed over control and amateurism, leading to tennis's exclusion from the Games.After the Olympics, Wills returned to the United States as a national hero. She became a symbol of American athleticism and a role model for young women. Her rivalry with Lenglen, the "Match of the Century" in 1926, further cemented her status as a tennis legend.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, has secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris. The Polish star defeated Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia 6-2, 6-1 in the bronze medal match, played on Court Philippe-Chatrier.Swiatek's victory came just 24 hours after a heartbreaking semifinal defeat to Zheng Qinwen of China, which left her in tears. However, she showed remarkable resilience to bounce back and secure a podium finish.The 21-year-old Swiatek had been the favorite to win gold in Paris, having won the French Open four times. She cruised through her first three matches without dropping a set, but faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals against American Danielle Collins.In the semifinals, Swiatek was outplayed by Zheng, a player she had never lost to before. The defeat was a major disappointment, but it also gave Swiatek a chance to play for a medal in the bronze medal match.Swiatek took full advantage of the opportunity, dominating Schmiedlova from the start. She broke serve early in the first set and never looked back, winning five straight games to take the set 6-2.The second set was even more one-sided, as Swiatek broke serve twice to take a 4-0 lead. Schmiedlova managed to win a game, but Swiatek closed out the match with a hold of serve to win 6-1.Swiatek's bronze medal is the first Olympic medal for a Polish woman in singles tennis. It is also a testament to her mental toughness and ability to bounce back from adversity.

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Montreal Masters, Citing FatigueMONTREAL, Canada - Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal, a US Open tuneup tournament, due to fatigue. The announcement comes after Alcaraz reached the semifinals of the Paris Olympics on Thursday.Alcaraz's withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, which is an ATP Masters 1000 event and one of the most prestigious on the tennis calendar. The Spaniard has been in scintillating form this season, winning two Grand Slams and reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open.In a statement released by the tournament organizers, Alcaraz said, "I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to participate in the National Bank Open this year. Due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue, I have decided to withdraw from the tournament."Alcaraz's withdrawal joins that of Novak Djokovic, who also pulled out of the Montreal event earlier this week. Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, is currently recovering from an abdominal injury.The National Bank Open will still feature a strong field, including Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Alcaraz's absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he is one of the most exciting and talented players in the world.

The Olympic Games in Paris have witnessed a captivating blend of familiar and unexpected moments on the tennis courts. Andy Murray's retirement, Iga Swiatek's surprising defeat, and the resilience of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have marked a memorable day in the tournament.Swiatek, the world's top-ranked woman, faced a formidable challenge in Zheng Qinwen. Despite her impressive record at Roland Garros, Swiatek struggled to contain Zheng's powerful groundstrokes and erratic serve. Zheng's determination and physical prowess proved too much for Swiatek, who suffered a 6-2, 6-4 upset.Meanwhile, Djokovic and Alcaraz showcased their exceptional abilities in their respective quarterfinal matches. Alcaraz, known for his spectacular play, saved a set point against Tommy Paul with an astonishing cross-court pass. Djokovic, despite struggling with a knee injury, displayed his trademark resilience against Stefanos Tsitsipas, saving three set points in a tense tiebreaker.Andy Murray's Olympic journey came to an end alongside his doubles partner Dan Evans. Despite saving seven match points in previous matches, they fell short in their quarterfinal against Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz. Murray's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that included Wimbledon titles, Olympic gold medals, and a stint as world No. 1.Throughout his career, Murray carried the weight of British tennis on his shoulders. He became the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1938 and led the Davis Cup team to its first title in decades. His final Olympic appearance was a fitting tribute to his unwavering dedication to his country.