Tennis

Zhang Shuai, the Chinese tennis veteran, is experiencing a career resurgence at the China Open, drawing comparisons to Rafael Nadal's dominance at the French Open. After a 24-match losing streak, Zhang has won three consecutive matches in Beijing, including a victory over Top 10 player Emma Navarro.Zhang attributes her success to the familiar surface of the China Open court, which she believes gives her an advantage similar to Nadal's on Philippe Chatrier. "When I'm on this court, I have everything," Zhang said. "I have no idea why, but every time when I play China Open, I play so good, so well."Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite her recent struggles, she has never lost her belief in her abilities. "I don't think too much about before. I don't think too much about future. I just enjoy every moment and think about today," she said.Zhang's next challenge will be against Guadalajara champion Magdalena Frech, who has won her last seven matches. Zhang is confident in her abilities and is channeling the spirit of Nadal's famous quote: "What happened has happened, and here we are; we're in Beijing."Zhang's success at the China Open is a reminder that anything is possible in sports. Even after a difficult period, athletes can find their form again and achieve great things. Zhang's story is an inspiration to all who face adversity in their lives.

Babolat's 30-Year Legacy: Disrupting Tennis with the Pure Drive and BeyondIn the annals of tennis, Babolat stands as a beacon of innovation, having revolutionized the sport with its groundbreaking racquets. Three decades ago, the French brand introduced the Pure Drive, a game-changer that defied traditional norms.The Pure Drive's larger head, lighter weight, and rigid, variable beam challenged the prevailing paradigm of control-oriented frames. It offered unprecedented power without sacrificing stability, attracting top players like Carlos Moya, Andy Roddick, and Kim Clijsters.But what truly set the Pure Drive apart was its versatility. Advanced players harnessed its power, while developing players benefited from its forgiving sweet spot. It became the epitome of the "tweener" category, bridging the gap between control and power.Eric Babolat, the fifth-generation CEO of the family-run company, attributes the Pure Drive's success to its ability to enhance the game for players of all skill levels. "It helps that if you don't really center the ball, it still stays in the court and the game is more fun," he says.Babolat's innovation didn't stop there. The Pure Aero, made famous by Rafael Nadal, became a perennial best-seller thanks to its spin-generating design. The Pure Strike emerged as the brand's control-oriented franchise, while RPM polyester string accentuated the topspin produced by modern frames.Despite these advancements, Babolat remains deeply rooted in its heritage. The VS gut string, which launched the company in 1875, continues to be a cornerstone of its identity. "It's still performing after 150 years, which is quite surprising," says Babolat.As the brand enters its 150th year, Babolat envisions a future where tennis becomes more accessible and enjoyable. He believes that improving the grip's universality could accelerate the learning curve and foster a larger player base."That's all we do, all what we love at Babolat," he says. "We have plenty of ideas to make it more enjoyable, more accessible for tennis lovers. Because we love it, too."

Rafael Nadal's recent withdrawal from the Laver Cup has sparked speculation about his retirement. While the tennis legend has hinted at winding down his career, his exact plans remain uncertain.Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, who retired earlier this year, believes Nadal is ready to move on. She cites his physical and mental readiness, as well as his desire to spend more time with his family.Nadal's off-ramp has been a moving target, with many expecting him to retire after Roland Garros or the Olympics. However, he has continued to play, albeit with reduced intensity.Despite his uncertain future, Nadal remains a beloved figure in tennis. Players like Matteo Berrettini, Andrey Rublev, and Dominic Thiem have expressed their admiration for his warrior spirit and the impact he has had on the sport.Berrettini, who lost to Nadal in the 2019 US Open semifinals, considers it an honor to have played against him. Rublev, who has a rare clay-court win over Nadal, recalls their 2017 US Open quarterfinal as a "fairytale" experience.Thiem, who has six career victories against Nadal, believes the Spaniard's future is uncertain. He notes that Nadal's situation has changed since their last meeting in January.While Nadal's retirement may be imminent, his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is secure. His determination, resilience, and passion for the sport have inspired countless players and fans around the world.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the 2024 Laver Cup, citing the need to prioritize the team's success. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had initially planned to participate in the event, which was likely to be his final tournament of the season. However, Nadal has since reconsidered, recognizing that other players are better suited to help Team Europe secure victory.Nadal's decision stems from his desire to support the team in the best way possible. He believes that his absence will allow younger players to step up and contribute to the team's success. Nadal has fond memories of playing in the Laver Cup and expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete this year. He will be cheering on Team Europe from afar and wishes them the best of luck.Team Europe has yet to announce a replacement for Nadal. The current lineup includes Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Team World, led by captain John McEnroe, has also announced changes to its roster. Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul will be replaced by Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakkis.Nadal's withdrawal from the Laver Cup raises questions about his future plans. He had previously indicated that 2024 would be his final season on tour, but he has since softened that stance. Nadal's decision to prioritize the team's success over his own personal goals is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his desire to see Team Europe succeed.

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open champion, is poised to make history as he embarks on his title defense at Flushing Meadows. Despite being seeded third, the 21-year-old Spaniard is confident in his abilities on the hard courts of New York.Alcaraz's love for the US Open is evident in his words: "Playing here in New York suits very well to my game, my personality. The people here are passionate about tennis, they have a lot of energy that they bring to the matches, to the court, and I love it."With two Wimbledon and one Roland Garros titles under his belt, Alcaraz is aiming to become just the seventh man to capture three Slams in the same calendar season. His idol, Rafael Nadal, achieved this feat in 2010.Alcaraz's rise to stardom has been meteoric. He has gone from being an up-and-comer to a global superstar in the blink of an eye. Now, he is one of the players setting the standard in men's tennis.Despite his success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on his game. He believes that his joy and aggression on the court are qualities that young players can learn from.Alcaraz's equipment of choice is the Babolat Pure Aero 98 racquet, which he has used throughout his career. He values the power and control it provides.As he prepares for his US Open title defense, Alcaraz is determined to make history. He is confident in his abilities and eager to prove that he is one of the greatest players of his generation.

The 2024 US Open will be missing several notable players due to injuries and other circumstances. Here's a closer look at the top five absentees who were forced to withdraw:Rafael Nadal:The 22-time Grand Slam champion will be absent from the US Open this year due to a series of injuries. Nadal has been battling a persistent foot injury that has limited his participation to just a few tournaments this season. Despite being listed on the entry list, Nadal acknowledged that his inclusion was merely a precautionary measure, and he later withdrew. He cited his inability to perform at full capacity as the reason for pulling out. Nadal's decision means his focus is now on recovery, with his next appearance scheduled for the Laver Cup.Cameron Norrie:The British No. 2 is another prominent player who won't be competing at the US Open. Norrie has been struggling with a persistent forearm injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks. He attempted to return to the court in Cincinnati, but his injury forced him to withdraw once again. Norrie has been working diligently to recover, but his efforts haven't yielded the desired results in time for the US Open.Nick Kyrgios:The mercurial Australian player has also been forced to sit out the US Open due to ongoing knee and wrist injuries. Kyrgios has barely played any competitive tennis since October 2022, managing just one singles match in nearly a year. While he is set to participate in some exhibition matches, Kyrgios has decided against entering the US Open main draw.Simona Halep:The former world No. 1 has had a turbulent year, largely due to a knee injury and a suspension that was later reduced. Halep made a brief return to the tour in March but struggled to find her form, losing in the first round of the Miami Open and retiring from her next tournament in Paris. The knee injury has kept her out of action since, and despite her efforts, she has not been able to compete at her best. Halep's absence from the US Open is a significant loss, as she has been a consistent performer in Grand Slams over the years.Marketa Vondrousova:The 2023 Wimbledon champion will also miss the US Open due to a series of injuries that have plagued her summer. Vondrousova's troubles began with a hip injury at the Berlin Championships, and although she attempted a comeback at Wimbledon, she was unable to defend her title successfully, exiting in the first round. A subsequent hand injury further complicated her season, forcing her to withdraw from the US Open.

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, has enjoyed a remarkable summer, capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, despite his recent success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on improvement.In a recent press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he keeps his Olympic silver medal close to his Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies at home. While he is proud of his achievement, he admits that he would have preferred a gold medal."I didn't get the gold, so I'm not considering a tattoo," Alcaraz said with a laugh. "If I had won the gold medal, I would have gotten a tattoo."Despite his disappointment in Paris, Alcaraz is determined to learn from his experience and improve his game."I always want to be better, and I always think I can do better," he said. "I think I had a great summer...obviously I wanted the gold medal. After the matches I win or lose, I like to find the bad things I did and try to be better in the next match and not make the same mistakes."Alcaraz also shared his experience playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Paris."It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court," Alcaraz said. "Playing doubles together was great, something I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him, on court and off the court, as well."Alcaraz is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. He will open against either Gaël Monfils or Alexei Popyrin.

Rafael Nadal's Iconic 2005 Roland Garros Shirt Sells for Record-Breaking PriceIn a testament to the enduring legacy of Rafael Nadal, his iconic green-patterned Nike T-shirt from his maiden Roland Garros triumph in 2005 has fetched a record-breaking price at auction. The shirt, which has become synonymous with Nadal's early dominance on clay, sold for an astonishing $113,924 at Prestige Memorabilia.This sale eclipses the previous record held by Roger Federer's 2009 Roland Garros shirt and shorts, which sold for approximately $95,000. The vast majority of match-worn tennis shirts sold at auction typically fetch no more than $10,000, highlighting the exceptional value placed on Nadal's historic garment.The auction, which commenced on July 17, also saw other notable items go under the hammer. Carlos Alcaraz's 2022 Madrid racquet sold for $20,713, while Ken Rosewall's 1955 US Open finalist trophy fetched $5,513.Nadal's 2005 Roland Garros victory marked a watershed moment in his career. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest player to win the French Open since Michael Chang in 1989. The green-patterned shirt he wore during that triumph has since become an iconic symbol of his dominance on the clay courts of Paris.The sale of Nadal's shirt underscores the growing demand for sports memorabilia, particularly items associated with legendary athletes. Collectors and enthusiasts are increasingly willing to pay top dollar for pieces that evoke the greatest moments in sports history.For more information on The Tennis Auction and previously sold items, visit TheTennisAuction.com.

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.