Tennis

The Indian table tennis team, bound for the Paris Olympics, is currently undergoing intensive training in Saarbrucken, Germany. The support staff accompanying the team outnumbers the players, with a total of nine members assisting the six-member playing contingent.Massimo Costantini, Italy's former head coach, has returned to lead the Indian team for the third time. He is assisted by Sourav Chakraborty, a former player who serves as the other national coach. Unusually, the government has approved four personal coaches to travel with the squad, with each member of the women's team opting for their own coach throughout the Summer Games.The support staff also includes two masseurs and a physiotherapist. The women's team comprises Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath, who will rely on their personal coaches during their Paris campaign. Sharath Kamal, India's flag-bearer, will be accompanied by Chris Pfeiffer in the men's team, which also includes Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar.While the presence of multiple coaches may lead to a plethora of ideas, Costantini, who has been with the squad for over a month, does not perceive it as an issue. He emphasizes that the personal coaches are part of the team mechanism and that he will ultimately make the final decisions.However, only designated team coaches will have access to the field of play, while personal coaches will be restricted to observing from the stands and staying outside the Games' village.The Indian table tennis team faced controversy during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when Manika Batra refused assistance from then-national coach Soumyadeep Roy and later accused him of match-fixing. This incident led to the suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India due to the "sorry" state of affairs within the national sports federation.Ahead of the 2024 edition, all personal coaches have joined the Indian contingent in Saarbrucken. The team will train there until July 21 before departing for Paris. The individual events will precede the team event, in which India has secured a first-ever qualification in both categories. The seedings will be announced on Tuesday."Olympics is an event of life. The focus of the camp here is on footwork and stamina. Both mental and physical fitness is key, especially in best of seven games scenario," Costantini said. "The mind and body have to be in sync for the players to excel. We are training in a pressure-free environment," added the Italian.

Marketa Vondrousova and Zheng Qinwen: Tennis Stars Grace Fashion Magazines Ahead of Paris OlympicsMarketa Vondrousova and Zheng Qinwen, two rising stars in the tennis world, are making waves both on and off the court. Ahead of the highly anticipated Paris Olympics, the duo has graced the covers of prestigious fashion magazines, showcasing their style and athleticism.Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has joined forces with four other Czech athletes for a special spread in Czech Esquire. The edgy black dress with a lace overskirt, paired with her signature tattoos, exudes both elegance and strength. The shoot, styled by Lenka Kermes and photographed by Benedikt Renc, also features archer Marie Horackova, fencer Alexander Choupenitch, judoka Lukas Krpalek, and cyclist Iveta Miculycova, who collectively boast four Olympic medals.Vondrousova, who made history as the second woman to lose in the first round of her title defense at Wimbledon, is determined to make a strong comeback in Paris. Her impressive performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she secured a silver medal and defeated Naomi Osaka, has set the stage for another stellar Olympic appearance. She will also team up with Karolina Muchova in the doubles event.Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen has become the solo cover star of Harper's Bazaar China's August issue, marking her second appearance in the magazine within two years. The Australian Open finalist and Top 10 player was styled by Wang Hao and photographed by Zack Zhang. The shoot showcases her versatility, as she poses in street wear, formal attire, and athleisure apparel on a tennis court.Since reaching the Grand Slam singles final in January, Zheng's portfolio has expanded to include a partnership with Lancôme. Her growing confidence in front of the camera is evident in her recent cover for China's GQ magazine. Zheng is poised to make her Olympic debut in Paris, adding another chapter to her remarkable journey.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has confirmed the participation of Sumit Nagal and the doubles pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Nagal, ranked 71 in singles, has had a successful season, winning two Challenger titles and reaching the final of another. He also had a remarkable run at the Australian Open, where he qualified and defeated Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, a top-20 professional.Bopanna and Balaji have been a formidable doubles team, consistently performing well on the ATP Tour. They have won multiple titles together and have represented India at the Davis Cup. Their experience and chemistry will be crucial for India's medal hopes in Paris.Nagal's inclusion in the Olympic squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has been a rising star in Indian tennis for several years and has consistently improved his ranking. His success at the Challenger level and his performance at the Australian Open have demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level.Bopanna and Balaji's selection is a recognition of their consistent performances and their ability to perform under pressure. They have been a reliable doubles team for India and have played a key role in the country's success in international competitions.The AITA has expressed its confidence in the trio, stating that they will make the nation proud and inspire future generations of tennis players in India. The Paris Olympics will be a major test for the Indian tennis team, and the presence of Nagal, Bopanna, and Balaji will give them a strong chance of success.

Andy Murray, the former world No. 1 tennis player, is set to undergo a "surgical procedure" on his back on Saturday. The 37-year-old Scot retired from his second-round match at Queen's Club on Wednesday due to persistent back pain, raising concerns about his participation in Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics.Murray, who has hinted at retiring later this year, was trailing Jordan Thompson 4-1 when he decided to withdraw from the match. He revealed that he had been experiencing discomfort in his right leg even before stepping onto the court.During the match, Murray received treatment on his surgically repaired right hip, right knee, and lower back. His management team later confirmed that he would undergo a surgical procedure on Saturday, but no further details were provided.Murray's back issues have plagued him throughout his career. In 2019, he underwent hip resurfacing surgery, which allowed him to return to competitive tennis. However, he has continued to experience pain and discomfort, which has hindered his performance.The timing of Murray's back surgery is particularly concerning as Wimbledon, the tournament he has won twice, is just around the corner. First-round play at the All England Club begins on July 1. It remains unclear whether Murray will be fit enough to compete at Wimbledon or the Paris Olympics, which are scheduled for 2024.Murray's decision to undergo surgery is a testament to his determination to continue playing at the highest level. However, it also highlights the challenges he faces as he approaches the end of his illustrious career.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, will lead the U.S. team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gauff, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will be joined by a formidable team of Jessica Pegula (No. 5), Danielle Collins, and Emma Navarro in women's singles. The men's team will feature Taylor Fritz (No. 12), Tommy Paul (No. 13), Chris Eubanks, and Marcos Giron.Gauff, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a COVID-19 infection, is a rising star in the tennis world. She is the reigning U.S. Open champion and has reached the semifinals at the Australian and French Opens this year. Gauff is also a formidable doubles player, having won the French Open doubles title with Pegula this month.Pegula, a 30-year-old veteran, is returning to action after a neck injury that forced her to miss the French Open. She was a singles quarterfinalist at Roland Garros in 2022. Collins, a 29-year-old who has announced this will be her final season on the tour, has won two titles this year and reached the final of the Australian Open in 2022.The U.S. team also includes six first-time Olympians, including Navarro, who reached the fourth round at Roland Garros this year. In the men's competition, Fritz is the highest-ranked American, followed by Paul, Eubanks, and Giron. Paul and Giron competed at the Tokyo Games.The U.S. will also send 40-year-old Rajeev Ram to his third Olympics. Ram, who has four major doubles titles, will be paired with Austin Krajicek in Paris. Fritz and Paul will also join forces in doubles. The USTA will announce one mixed doubles team for Paris at a later date.The American team will be looking to improve on its performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where it won one gold medal in mixed doubles. The U.S. has a strong history in tennis at the Olympics, having won 21 gold medals in singles and doubles combined.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics, marking his fifth Olympic appearance. The announcement comes after Djokovic underwent knee surgery following his withdrawal from the French Open.Djokovic's decision to compete in Paris is a testament to his unwavering determination and competitive spirit. Despite the recent setback, the 37-year-old is eager to return to the court and represent his country on the grandest stage.The Serbian Olympic Committee expressed its delight at Djokovic's confirmation, highlighting his exceptional achievements and the honor he brings to the nation. Djokovic's presence in Paris will undoubtedly bolster Serbia's medal hopes in tennis.The tennis events at the Paris Olympics will commence on July 27 at Roland Garros, the iconic venue of the French Open. Djokovic's participation in Wimbledon, which begins on July 1, remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.Djokovic's Olympic record stands at a bronze medal, which he earned in his debut at the 2008 Beijing Games. The Serbian star will be aiming to add to his Olympic legacy in Paris and cement his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

World No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics, citing scheduling concerns and the quick transition from grass to clay courts. The two-time Australian Open champion expressed her decision during a press conference at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin.Sabalenka explained that the tight schedule between Wimbledon and the Olympics, followed by the hard-court season, would put excessive strain on her body. "It's too much for the scheduling," she said. "I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I'm ready for the hard courts."The tennis tournament at the Paris Olympics will be held on clay courts at Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4, just two weeks after the conclusion of Wimbledon on grass. The hard-court season begins on August 6 with the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, followed by Cincinnati and the US Open.Sabalenka emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and ensuring she is fully prepared for the demanding hard-court season. "I feel that this is safer and better for my body," she stated.Jonathan Crane of Germany's DW News clarified that Sabalenka's decision was not influenced by the requirement to compete as a neutral athlete due to Belarus's support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Sabalenka is currently seeded No. 2 behind Coco Gauff at the ecotrans Ladies Open, her first tournament since losing to Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros. She is aiming to regain her form and prepare for the upcoming hard-court season.

Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal has achieved a career-high ranking of 71 in the ATP singles chart, a testament to his impressive performances in recent tournaments. Nagal's previous best ranking was 77, which he attained last week.The 26-year-old's rise in the rankings is largely attributed to his runner-up finish at the Perugia ATP Challenger tournament on Sunday. Nagal's strong showing in Perugia earned him six additional ranking points, propelling him to his current position.Nagal's journey to the top has been marked by a series of notable achievements. Earlier this year, he made history by reaching the second round of the Australian Open, becoming the first Indian man to do so in over a decade. Despite a first-round exit at the French Open, Nagal is set to compete in the main draw of Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics at Roland Garros.In addition to his recent success, Nagal has also won four ATP Challenger titles since 2023. His victory at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany earlier this month marked his fourth title on clay.Nagal's current ranking of 71 makes him the highest-ranked Indian singles player. His consistent performances and impressive results have not only improved his ranking but also earned him a spot in the singles event at the Paris Olympics.Nagal's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. As he continues to compete at the highest level, he is poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of tennis.

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has declined the opportunity to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The decision comes as Raducanu continues to recover from wrist and ankle surgeries.Raducanu's current world ranking is too low to qualify outright for the Olympics, and she was offered one of two International Tennis Federation (ITF) places reserved for former Grand Slam champions. However, she has opted to prioritize her fitness and prepare for the British grass-court season.Iain Bates, head of Great Britain's Olympic tennis team, expressed understanding of Raducanu's decision. "I think she feels this isn't going to be the right timing for her for this summer," Bates said. "She's hopefully got many Olympics ahead of her."Meanwhile, two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray is set to compete in what could be his final tournament. The 37-year-old has been granted an ITF place for Paris 2024 and is expected to participate in both singles and doubles events.Great Britain's tennis nominations for the Olympics include a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Joining Murray in the men's singles are Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, and Dan Evans. Katie Boulter is the only British woman to have qualified by ranking.In doubles action, Murray and Evans will pair up in the men's doubles. Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will also compete in the men's doubles, while Boulter and Heather Watson will team up in the women's doubles.The Olympic tennis tournament will take place from July 27 to August 4 at Roland Garros and will feature five medal events: women's singles, men's singles, women's doubles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles.