Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, exacted revenge on Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday. Popyrin, who had upset Dimitrov in the Canadian Masters 1000 two months prior, was no match for the Bulgarian this time around.Dimitrov, now 33, secured a hard-fought 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over the 23-year-old Australian. The first set was a nail-biter, with both players holding serve until the tie-break. Dimitrov eventually prevailed in the tie-break, setting the tone for the rest of the match.In the second set, Dimitrov broke Popyrin's serve twice to take a commanding lead. Popyrin managed to hold serve once, but it was not enough to prevent Dimitrov from closing out the match in straight sets.The victory marked a significant milestone for Dimitrov, as it was his 40th win of the year. This is the fourth time in his career that he has achieved this feat, and the first time he has done so in back-to-back years.Dimitrov's win-loss record over the past 17 years highlights his consistency and longevity at the top level of tennis. He has won at least 18 matches every year since 2011, and has reached the 40-win mark four times.With his victory over Popyrin, Dimitrov has now advanced to the second round of the Shanghai Masters, where he will face either Andy Murray or Alexander Bublik.

Flavio Cobolli's historic victory over Stan Wawrinka at the Rolex Shanghai Masters was overshadowed by a controversial scoring error that sparked outrage on social media.In the pivotal third set, with Cobolli leading 1-0, chair umpire Carlos Bernades mistakenly recorded the score as 0-30 instead of 15-15. The error went unnoticed by both players and the crowd, and play continued as normal.Cobolli ultimately won the game, securing the only break of the match and setting up a third-round clash with Novak Djokovic. However, the scoring error cast a shadow over his triumph.Social media erupted with criticism of Bernades, who is set to retire at the end of the 2024 season. Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, who has had his own run-ins with Bernades, tweeted that the umpire "should of [sic] been fired years ago."Despite the controversy, Cobolli and Wawrinka shared a warm exchange at the net and have yet to comment on the scoring mishap."He is a legend of our sport," Cobolli said of Wawrinka. "It was a pleasure to play with Stan on this court."The incident has raised questions about the accuracy of scoring in tennis and the role of technology in preventing such errors. Some commentators have called for the introduction of electronic line calling or a review system similar to that used in cricket.However, others argue that the human element is an integral part of tennis and that the occasional error is simply part of the game.

Shanghai Masters: ATP Stars Adjust to Humble Beginnings Amidst Rain-Induced ChaosThe Shanghai Masters, a prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event, witnessed an unprecedented turn of events this week as torrential rain forced the tournament to adapt to unconventional playing conditions.After two days of relentless downpours, the tournament organizers were compelled to shift several singles matches to indoor tennis club courts. These courts, far removed from the grandeur of the main stadium, lacked the amenities and luxuries that top players are accustomed to.Limited bleacher seating and enclosed walls created an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of junior tournaments. Manual scoreboards, featuring player names printed on placards, replaced the sophisticated electronic displays.The makeshift arrangements extended to the ceiling, as a panel reportedly fell during the second-round match between Lorenzo Musetti and David Goffin. Despite the challenges, seeded players Taylor Fritz, Grigor Dimitrov, and Frances Tiafoe managed to secure victories on the only roofed court that remained playable.The tournament's top seeds, including Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, Jordan Thompson, and Musetti, faced setbacks in the indoor courts. However, the adversity showcased the adaptability and resilience of these elite athletes.The Shanghai Masters has always been a showcase for the world's best tennis players, but this year's edition has taken on a unique character. The rain-induced chaos has forced players to embrace their roots and compete in conditions that are a far cry from the usual glamour of the ATP Tour.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has vehemently denied recent tabloid reports claiming he secretly married his girlfriend, WTA world No. 13 Anna Kalinskaya.During a post-match press conference in Shanghai on Sunday, Sinner humorously addressed the rumors, saying, "It was new also for me, to be honest!" after defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry to reach the fourth round."No, I didn't ask, and nothing, nothing happened," Sinner clarified. "I just read the details a little bit that it happened after US Open, but it's all false, false news. Thank you."Kalinskaya had earlier taken to social media to dismiss the reports, writing on Instagram, "To clarify things about fake rumors, this is not true," accompanied by a laughing emoji.The couple began dating earlier this year, with Sinner confirming their relationship during Roland Garros. Kalinskaya has had a successful season in 2024, and the couple shared a kiss on camera after Sinner's US Open victory in September.While Sinner competes in Shanghai, Kalinskaya is participating in the WTA 1000 in Wuhan, where she defeated Anna Bondar on Monday to reach the second round. Both players will resume their respective tournaments on Wednesday after a day off on Tuesday.Sinner's denial of the marriage rumors has put an end to the speculation surrounding his personal life. The 21-year-old Italian remains focused on his tennis career, aiming to maintain his position at the top of the rankings.

Three Americans Triumph at Rolex Shanghai MastersThe Rolex Shanghai Masters witnessed a surge of American success on Monday, with Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Marcos Giron securing victories.Fritz, the US Open finalist, faced a stern test from qualifier Terence Atmane. Despite rain delays, Fritz prevailed in a hard-fought 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) battle. The American saved crucial break points and held off Atmane's challenge, setting up a clash with another qualifier, Yosuke Watanuki.Tiafoe, seeded 13th, dispatched Zhou Yi in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. The American converted three of his four break point opportunities and will face Roman Safiullin in the round of 16. Tiafoe praised his upcoming opponent as a "super dark horse" capable of upsetting top players.Giron, ranked 47th in the world, upset 24th-seeded Karen Khachanov, 6-4, 6-3. The American served impeccably, firing eight aces and not dropping his serve. Giron will now face David Goffin, who rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Lorenzo Musetti.In other notable matches, 12th seed Holger Rune overcame Matteo Berrettini in three sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Rune, fresh off a semifinal appearance in Tokyo, will face Goffin in the third round.The Rolex Shanghai Masters continues to showcase the depth of American tennis, with Fritz, Tiafoe, and Giron all vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Despite the relentless rain, the Rolex Shanghai Masters witnessed a thrilling display of resilience from the ATP's top players on Sunday. Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Tommy Paul all faced adversity in their third-round matches, dropping the first set before rallying to secure their spots in the fourth round.Sinner, the top seed, struggled against world No. 37 Tomas Martin Etcheverry, failing to capitalize on two set points in the opener. However, the Italian regrouped to win 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2, extending his winning streak to three matches.Medvedev, the 2019 champion, also faced a tough challenge against No. 29 seed Matteo Arnaldi. The Russian lost the first set but fought back to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, improving his head-to-head record against Arnaldi to 4-0.The most dramatic comeback of the day belonged to Paul, who saved five match points in a three-set thriller against No. 19 seed Alejandro Tabilo. The American trailed 7-6(2), 5-1, but displayed incredible determination to win 6-7(2), 7-6(6), 6-2.Despite the weather disruptions, the Rolex Shanghai Masters has showcased the exceptional skills and mental fortitude of the ATP's top players. Sinner, Medvedev, and Paul have proven that even when faced with adversity, they have the resilience to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

Carlos Alcaraz's remarkable run continues as he notched his 50th win of the year at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, extending his winning streak to 11 matches. The victory over China's Wu Yibing in the third round marked a significant milestone for the young Spaniard.Alcaraz's triumph in Shanghai was his 100th hard-court win of his career, making him the third man born in the 2000s to achieve this feat. He is also the first player born in 2003 or later to reach this milestone.The 19-year-old's impressive form has seen him win two Davis Cup matches, two Laver Cup matches, five en route to the title in Beijing, and now his first two in Shanghai. His victory over Wu also marked his 50th win of the year, a feat he has achieved for the third consecutive year.Alcaraz's consistency is unmatched, as he is the only man to win 50 or more matches in each of the last three years. Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are the only other players who could potentially join him in this exclusive club, but they currently have 39 and 38 wins in 2024, respectively.In the women's game, Iga Swiatek stands alone as the only player to win 50 or more matches in each of the last three years. She won 67 in 2022 and 68 in 2023, and is at 59 so far in 2024.Alcaraz's next challenge in Shanghai will be the winner of the all-French battle between Ugo Humbert and Gael Monfils. The Spaniard will be looking to continue his winning streak and cement his status as one of the most promising young players in the world.

Jannik Sinner's remarkable season reached new heights in Shanghai on Saturday as he notched his 60th win of the year, becoming the first player, male or female, to achieve this milestone in 2023. The Italian prodigy also celebrated his 250th career victory, making him the first player born in the 2000s to reach this landmark.Sinner's dominance was evident in his opening match against Taro Daniel, whom he dispatched in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4. This victory marked his 60th of the year, surpassing Iga Swiatek's 59 wins on the women's tour. Sinner is also the first man to record 60 or more wins in back-to-back seasons since Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray achieved the feat in 2015 and 2016.Sinner's 250th career win is a testament to his rapid rise in the tennis world. At just 21 years old, he has established himself as one of the most promising players on the circuit. He is the first player born in the 2000s to reach this milestone, and only the third player born this century to have 200 or more career wins.Sinner's success is not limited to this season. In 2022, he recorded 64 wins, making him the first man with 60 or more wins in consecutive seasons since Djokovic and Murray. His consistent performances have earned him a top-10 ranking and established him as a contender for Grand Slam titles.In Shanghai, Sinner will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round. The Argentine defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in a thrilling three-set encounter. Sinner won their only previous meeting in straight sets at the Australian Open last year.With his impressive start to the season, Sinner is poised to continue his ascent in the tennis world. His combination of power, precision, and mental fortitude makes him a formidable opponent for any player. As he continues to rack up wins, Sinner is setting himself up for a historic season and a bright future in the sport.

At the Shanghai Masters, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas exacted sweet revenge on their previous conquerors. Medvedev overcame Thiago Seyboth Wild 7-5, 7-5, while Tsitsipas defeated Kei Nishikori 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.Medvedev, the world number five, faced a stern challenge from Seyboth Wild, who had stunned him in the first round of the 2023 French Open. The Brazilian broke first in both sets, but Medvedev's resilience and determination proved too much.Tsitsipas, who had suffered a shock loss to Nishikori in Montreal, displayed his fighting spirit. The Greek battled through a tight first set, winning the tiebreaker 8/6. Nishikori, hampered by injury, required a medical time-out in the second set, and Tsitsipas capitalized to close out the match.In a surprise upset, world number nine Casper Ruud fell to 91st-ranked Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets. The Norwegian's early exit follows another disappointing performance at the Japan Open.American Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul advanced to the third round with comfortable victories over Denis Shapovalov and Fabio Fognini, respectively. Veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils also progressed, defeating Sebastian Baez in a hard-fought three-set match.