Tennis

David Goffin's resurgence at the Rolex Shanghai Masters is not just a testament to his enduring talent but also a reflection of his newfound motivation: his newborn daughter, Emma. The 33-year-old Belgian, who has battled injuries in recent years, has rediscovered his form in Shanghai, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in three years.Goffin's journey to the last eight has been marked by resilience and determination. After entering the tournament ranked 66th, he has overcome a set deficit in each of his three matches, including a stunning victory over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.The Belgian's triumph over Zverev was particularly emotional. After clinching the match, Goffin sent a heartfelt message to his daughter, signing the camera with the letter 'E' inside a heart. "I wanted to show my daughter that I can be a good tennis player," he said. "I will try to find a few more years just to show her that I can still play tennis."Goffin's resurgence is a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities. Despite falling outside the world's Top 100 in 2023, he never doubted his potential. "I was not thinking retiring," he said. "I put a lot of hard work in the last few months. The tennis came back."The Belgian's success in Shanghai is a reminder that age is just a number. With his daughter as his inspiration, Goffin is determined to prove that he can still compete with the best in the world. He will face another Top 10 opponent, Taylor Fritz, in the quarterfinals, but Goffin is confident in his abilities."I built the confidence from the beginning of the tournament," he said. "I just came on the court and just tried to play my best tennis. It worked."Goffin's journey in Shanghai is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of family. With his daughter watching from afar, he is determined to continue his resurgence and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.

Frances Tiafoe's resurgence has been a welcome sight for tennis fans. After a disappointing start to the 2024 season, the American has rediscovered his form, winning eight of his last 12 matches.Tiafoe's most impressive victory came against Lorenzo Musetti in the Cincinnati Open, where he cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win. This followed a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6 (3) triumph over Andrey Rublev in Washington, D.C. and a competitive five-set loss to eventual Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.Tiafoe's recent performances have showcased his return to Top 10 form. His ability to hit his spots on serve and finish points at the net has made him a formidable opponent.In the Cincinnati Open round of 16, Tiafoe will face Jiri Lehecka, who is coming off a surprising victory over Daniil Medvedev. However, Lehecka's recent form has been inconsistent, and he has struggled with a back injury.Lehecka's serve is his biggest weapon, but he has been struggling to find consistency. Against Medvedev, he made only 62.7% of his first serves, well below his season average of 63.9%.Tiafoe's ability to return serve effectively and engage in longer rallies should give him an advantage over Lehecka. The American is in good form and has a strong track record on North American hard courts.Based on these factors, Tiafoe is the favorite to win this match. His recent performances have shown that he is back to his best, while Lehecka is still finding his feet after an injury layoff.

Emma Raducanu's stunning 2021 US Open victory, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, remains a remarkable achievement. However, the years since have been challenging, with Raducanu struggling to replicate that success.Despite her struggles, Raducanu has shown signs of resurgence this summer on home soil. She reached the semifinals in Nottingham and the quarterfinals in Eastbourne, where she recorded her first Top 5 win over Jessica Pegula.On Friday, Raducanu continued her impressive form at Wimbledon, steamrolling the No. 9 seed, Maria Sakkari, 6-2, 6-3, in front of a packed Centre Court. Raducanu displayed a focused and determined performance, executing her game plan with precision.Her serve was a key factor in her victory, with Raducanu winning points with her wide slice into the deuce court and using her hard, flat first delivery to bail herself out of trouble. She also aggressively fired her two-handed backhand down the line, even against Sakkari's powerful second serve.Raducanu's ground strokes were also impressive, as she gave herself big, safe targets crosscourt but sent the ball there with shape and force. She also showcased her versatility with drop shots and topspin lobs.Raducanu attributed her improved performance to a renewed focus on big points and a more aggressive approach. She also emphasized the importance of having an inner passion in practice and trying to win every day.With her victory over Sakkari, Raducanu has set up a potential clash with Paula Badosa or Donna Vekic for a spot in the semifinals. While it remains to be seen if she can replicate her 2021 US Open success, Raducanu's recent performances suggest that she is on the right track.

Emma Raducanu's resurgence continues as she storms into the third round of Wimbledon with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over former Top 15 player Elise Mertens. This marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old Brit, as it is the first time she has reached the third round of a Grand Slam tournament since her historic US Open triumph in 2021.Raducanu's recent form has been impressive, with the young star showing signs of returning to her best. After a string of disappointing results in the early part of the season, she has now won four consecutive matches at Wimbledon, including a hard-fought victory over Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round.Against Mertens, Raducanu displayed her trademark aggressive style of play, hitting powerful groundstrokes and serving with precision. She broke Mertens' serve four times in the match, while only dropping her own serve once. The Brit's movement was also impressive, as she covered the court with ease and chased down every ball.Raducanu's victory is a testament to her hard work and determination. After a challenging period, she has shown that she still has the potential to be a force in women's tennis. Her performance at Wimbledon so far has been a welcome sight for her fans and has raised hopes that she can make a deep run in the tournament.Up next for Raducanu in the third round will be the winner of the match between No. 9 seed Maria Sakkari and Arantxa Rus. Sakkari is a former world No. 3 and a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, while Rus is a former world No. 61 and a two-time WTA Tour champion. Raducanu will need to be at her best to overcome either opponent and continue her Wimbledon journey.

Grigor Dimitrov's resurgence in tennis has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the profound impact of meaningful relationships. Inspired by Andre Agassi's autobiography, "Open Up," Dimitrov has embraced vulnerability and authenticity, leading to a transformative period in his career.Since October 2023, Dimitrov has achieved remarkable feats, including eight Top 10 victories and two ATP Masters 1000 finals appearances. His recent partnership with Payhawk and Lacoste Underwear further highlights his growing influence beyond the court.Dimitrov attributes his success to the unwavering support of his loved ones, particularly his mother, Maria. Her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has instilled in him a deep appreciation for human connection. Dimitrov believes that authenticity and self-expression are crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.Despite the highs and lows of a demanding tennis season, Dimitrov has learned to maintain a balanced perspective. He recognizes that both success and setbacks are transient, and that true happiness lies in embracing the journey.Dimitrov's resurgence is not merely a temporary surge but a reflection of his unwavering commitment to self-discovery and the pursuit of his own path. He believes that being true to oneself and surrounding oneself with positive influences is the foundation for a fulfilling life both on and off the court.