Tennis

Jannik Sinner's victory over Matteo Berrettini in the second round of Wimbledon highlighted the importance of resilience and composure in tennis. Despite facing challenges, Sinner maintained his focus and executed crucial shots when it mattered most.The match began with two close sets, with Sinner winning both tiebreakers. Berrettini fought back in the third set, but Sinner regained control in the fourth. However, Berrettini threatened to level the match, only for Sinner to regroup and win the tiebreaker.Sinner's return of serve proved decisive, particularly in the first-set tiebreaker. He consistently returned Berrettini's powerful serves deep, forcing errors. Berrettini's groundstrokes also faltered at crucial moments, contributing to his defeat.One key moment occurred in the fourth set when Sinner faced a break point at 5-5. Despite overhitting a forehand earlier, he remained composed and executed a safe winner on the next forehand. This demonstrated his ability to learn from mistakes and maintain focus under pressure.Sinner's victory showcased his mental fortitude and technical prowess. He acknowledged that setbacks are inevitable in tennis, but emphasized the importance of regrouping and reasserting oneself. His performance serves as a reminder that perfection is unattainable, but consistency and resilience are essential for success.

Wimbledon, the hallowed grounds of tennis, witnessed a captivating display of resilience and versatility as Ben Shelton emerged victorious in a thrilling five-set battle against Mattia Bellucci.On Monday, Shelton faced an uphill battle, trailing two sets to one against the 148th-ranked qualifier. However, on Tuesday, he returned with renewed determination, adjusting his strategy to unsettle Bellucci. Shelton began varying his speeds and spins, opening up angles and creating more time for creativity.The American's powerful topspin forehand, versatile backhand, and improving net game kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Shelton's massive serve, including a match-winning ace at 120 mph, proved to be a formidable weapon.In the fourth and fifth sets, Shelton's laser-like focus and relentless energy propelled him forward. However, rain delays twice interrupted his momentum, adding to the drama. Despite the setbacks, Shelton remained composed and fought off break points to secure the victory.Shelton's positive self-talk and respect for his opponent were evident throughout the match. "It was good and competitive," he said. "He wanted it bad. It was cool to see."Stan Smith, the 1972 Wimbledon champion, praised Shelton's love for competition. "Ben just loves the atmosphere of competition," said Smith. "He's an in-progress version of Carlos Alcaraz."On Wednesday, Shelton will face another challenge in Lloyd Harris, who also rallied from two sets down to advance. The American's versatility, resilience, and unwavering determination will be put to the test once again as he aims to continue his Wimbledon journey.

Tennis legend Roger Federer graced the Dartmouth College campus with his presence, receiving an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters and sharing invaluable life lessons with the Class of 2024. In his captivating speech, Federer emphasized the importance of hard work, resilience, and perspective.Federer dispelled the myth of "effortless" success, revealing the relentless effort behind his achievements. "I had to work very hard... to make it look easy," he said. "I spent years whining... swearing... throwing my racket... before I learned to keep my cool." He stressed that talent alone is insufficient, and that outworking opponents is crucial for success.Recalling his heartbreaking loss to Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final, Federer shared the lesson of resilience. "You can work harder than you thought possible... and still lose," he said. "But I knew what I had to do... keep working. And keep competing." He emphasized that setbacks are inevitable, but it's how we respond to them that matters.Federer also reminded the students that life extends beyond the court. "Life is bigger than the court," he said. "It's about the people you love, the experiences you have, and the impact you make on the world." He encouraged them to pursue their passions, embrace challenges, and strive for a life filled with purpose and meaning.Federer's speech resonated deeply with the Dartmouth community, leaving a lasting impression on the graduating class. His words of wisdom and encouragement will undoubtedly guide them as they embark on their own journeys.

Alexander Zverev, the 27-year-old German tennis star, has defied adversity to reach the final of the 2023 Roland Garros. Despite a grueling third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor, Zverev has showcased his resilience and determination throughout the tournament.Zverev's journey to the final has been marked by both triumph and controversy. In 2020, he reached the US Open final but fell short of victory. Two years later, he suffered a devastating ankle injury at Roland Garros, sidelining him for months.However, Zverev has emerged from these setbacks stronger than ever. He has been serving with exceptional power, converting nearly 75% of his first serves and hitting numerous aces. Against Casper Ruud in the semifinals, he fired 19 aces and smacked 54 winners.Off the court, Zverev has faced allegations of domestic abuse. However, the case was recently settled, and the charges were dropped. Zverev has expressed relief and a desire to move on from the incident.Despite the challenges he has faced, Zverev remains focused on his tennis. He is determined to give himself the best chance of winning his first Grand Slam title. His opponent in the final, Carlos Alcaraz, is a formidable rival, but Zverev is confident in his abilities.Zverev's journey to the Roland Garros final has been a testament to his resilience, maturity, and unwavering determination. Whether he emerges victorious or not, he has already proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.

Peyton Stearns, the 22-year-old American tennis sensation, has once again defied the odds, this time at the prestigious Roland Garros tournament in Paris. Despite facing adversity in both her quarterfinal and second-round matches, Stearns has emerged victorious, showcasing her remarkable resilience and determination.In her quarterfinal clash with Lucia Bronzetti, Stearns found herself trailing 0-5 in the third set. However, the former Texas Longhorn star displayed her unwavering spirit, winning seven consecutive games and saving two match points to secure a stunning victory.A few days later, Stearns faced another formidable opponent in Lucija Ciric Bagaric. Leading 6-3, 5-4, 40-15, Stearns faltered, committing four consecutive faults. She was broken in that game and again two games later, giving Ciric Bagaric three match points in the subsequent tiebreaker.Undeterred, Stearns fought back, escaping the clutches of defeat once more. Ciric Bagaric, despite her impressive record in lower-level tournaments, was unable to capitalize on her opportunities. Stearns broke her Croatian opponent and ultimately prevailed in a thrilling 6-3, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (6) victory.Stearns' remarkable run at Roland Garros is a testament to her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity. Her ability to turn the tide of matches when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds is a testament to her mental fortitude and competitive spirit.As the tournament progresses, Stearns will undoubtedly face even greater challenges. However, her recent performances have demonstrated that she is a force to be reckoned with. With her fearless determination and unwavering belief, Stearns has the potential to make a deep run at Roland Garros and establish herself as one of the rising stars of women's tennis.

Naomi Osaka's return to Roland Garros is a testament to her resilience and determination. After withdrawing from the tournament three years ago due to mental health concerns, Osaka is back on the clay courts with a renewed sense of purpose.Osaka's journey back to the top has been a challenging one. She took an extended hiatus from tennis and welcomed a daughter, Shai. But throughout it all, she never lost sight of her goal to return to the sport she loves.Osaka's recent performances on clay have been encouraging. She reached the fourth round in Rome, defeating Top 20 players Zheng Qinwen and Daria Kasatkina. While her chances of winning Roland Garros are slim, her progress is a sign that she is on the right track.Osaka's success on clay is a testament to her adaptability and willingness to learn. She has studied the game of clay-court specialists like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, and she has made adjustments to her own game.Osaka's return to Roland Garros is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. By prioritizing her well-being, Osaka has found a way to balance her personal and professional life.Her journey is an inspiration to anyone who has ever struggled with mental health issues. It shows that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve your dreams.

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable victory over Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia showcased her newfound mastery of the drop shot. Despite facing adversity throughout the match, including an erratic start, a lower back problem, and three match points, Sabalenka's resilience and tactical brilliance prevailed.In the opening set, Svitolina seized the early advantage, breaking Sabalenka's serve and dictating the pace with her powerful forehand. However, Sabalenka's determination shone through as she fought back with a series of well-executed drop shots. These delicate shots forced Svitolina to scramble behind the baseline, disrupting her rhythm and creating opportunities for Sabalenka to attack.As the match progressed, Sabalenka's back flared up, causing her to decelerate on her serve. Svitolina attempted to capitalize on this weakness, but Sabalenka's unwavering spirit and the support of the crowd spurred her on. She continued to employ the drop shot effectively, using it both as a defensive tool and a means to set up her powerful forehand.In the third set, Sabalenka's drop shot proved to be the decisive factor. She used it to break Svitolina's serve at a crucial moment, moving ahead 4-2. Svitolina fought back, breaking back at love, but Sabalenka's resilience and determination ultimately proved too much.In the tense tie-break, Sabalenka faced three match points but refused to give up. She saved the first two with powerful serves and the third with a stunning forehand return. With the momentum on her side, Sabalenka closed out the match with an imposing forehand return that forced Svitolina to net her final backhand.Sabalenka's victory is a testament to her growing maturity and tactical awareness. Her ability to adapt to the challenges of the match and execute the drop shot with precision and effectiveness has elevated her to the forefront of the women's game. As she advances to the quarterfinals, Sabalenka will face a formidable opponent in Jelena Ostapenko, but her newfound confidence and mastery of the drop shot will make her a formidable contender for the title.

Erna Drucker, a woman of remarkable resilience, found solace and joy in tennis after facing adversity. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1970, she turned to the sport as a means of recovery. With unwavering determination, she became a regular on the tennis courts, playing daily and inspiring her family to join her.Her passion for tennis extended beyond the court. She followed the professional game closely, becoming an avid fan of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. She also enjoyed attending tournaments, including the Pacific Southwest Championships and the ATP-WTA event in Indian Wells.Despite the challenges she faced, including the loss of her son to schizophrenia and the death of her husband, Erna never lost her love for tennis. She continued to play into her 80s, using it as a way to stay active and connected.Erna's resilience and positive attitude were evident both on and off the court. She believed in the power of laughter and found solace in the movies of Billy Wilder, who used sharp wit to explore the human condition.Her unwavering spirit and love for life inspired those around her. As a longstanding WTA coach remarked, "Used the sport as a way to recover from cancer. Enjoyed her time on the court. Played frequently into her 80s. That to me is a great player."Erna Drucker's legacy extends beyond her tennis accomplishments. She taught her family the importance of resilience, perseverance, and finding joy in the face of adversity. Her love for tennis and her indomitable spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.

Andrey Rublev's triumph at the Mutua Madrid Open was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite battling illness and injury, the Russian emerged victorious, capturing his second ATP Masters 1000 title.Rublev's journey to the title was far from easy. He entered the tournament on a four-match losing streak and soon began experiencing symptoms of illness. A persistent throat infection left him struggling to swallow, forcing him to subsist on baby food. A headache, fever, and insomnia further compounded his misery.Adding to his physical ailments, Rublev's left toe became severely swollen, making it difficult to wear shoes. The pain was so intense that he required anesthesia to numb the area.Despite these setbacks, Rublev refused to give up. He fought through the discomfort and illness, determined to prove his worth. His unwavering spirit was evident in his performances on the court.In the final, Rublev faced a formidable opponent in Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian had been in impressive form, but Rublev's resilience and determination proved too much to overcome. After dropping the first set, Rublev rallied back to win the next two, securing the title with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory.Rublev's triumph was a testament to his mental and physical toughness. He overcame adversity and defied the odds to achieve a remarkable victory. His performance in Madrid was a reminder that even when faced with challenges, anything is possible with determination and perseverance.