Tennis

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, is set to bid farewell to professional tennis at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, starting November 18, 2024. The 38-year-old Nadal has been a dominant force in the sport for over two decades, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles.Nadal's decision to retire stems from a series of injuries that have plagued him in recent years, including a painful foot, abdominal muscle problems, and a hip issue that required surgery last season. "It has been some difficult years, these last two especially," Nadal said. "I don't think I have been able to play without limitations."The Davis Cup finals will be a fitting stage for Nadal's farewell. He has been a part of Spain's team at some stage of the Davis Cup during five years when the country won the title - in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. "I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country," Nadal said. "I think I've come full circle because one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004."Nadal's retirement marks the end of an era in men's tennis. He is the second member of the so-called Big Three to stop playing, following Roger Federer's departure in 2022. Novak Djokovic, the third member of the trio, is still near the top of the game.Nadal's legacy will be defined by his incredible success on the court, his unwavering determination, and his sportsmanship. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and his retirement will be a significant loss to the sport.

Jessica Pegula, the daughter of billionaire team owners, has faced criticism for her privileged background despite her exceptional tennis career. However, her resilience and determination have earned her the admiration of many, including MSNBC host Luke Russert.Pegula's journey to the US Open final was marked by both triumph and adversity. After a cathartic quarterfinal victory over Iga Swiatek, she faced a daunting challenge in Karolina Muchova. Despite losing the first eight games, Pegula rallied to win the match, becoming the oldest American to reach her first Grand Slam singles final.Russert witnessed Pegula's resilience firsthand, noting her ability to overcome adversity and maintain composure under pressure. He also praised her for her humility and approachability, qualities that have endeared her to fans.Pegula's success has not only been on the court. She is also a role model for perseverance and maintaining composure in the face of challenges. Her story resonates with many, including Russert, who has experienced personal tragedy.Russert's father, Tim, was a beloved sportscaster who died suddenly in 2008. Despite the heartbreak, Russert's fandom for the Buffalo Bills has never wavered. He believes that sports can provide a sense of community and identity, especially in cities like Buffalo.Pegula's mother, Kim, suffered a cardiac arrest in 2023. Jessica's quick thinking and CPR training saved her mother's life. Kim's recovery is ongoing, but her experience has inspired Jessica to appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of family.Russert shared an anecdote about Kim Pegula's generosity, inviting strangers to dinner on her yacht simply because they were wearing Bills gear. He believes that Kim's values have been passed on to Jessica, who is known for her kindness and approachability.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, continues to make waves both on and off the court. Recently, she was recognized as the most marketable tennis player in the world by SportsPro and has now been mentioned in a song by renowned rapper Tyler, The Creator.In the build-up to his upcoming album release, Tyler, The Creator dropped a new single titled "Thought I Was Dead," which features the lyrics "B-tch, you ain't Coco Gauff, you can't serve me." Gauff expressed her excitement on social media, stating, "Absolutely insane... Thank you!"While Gauff's serve has been a topic of discussion, she remains optimistic about improving it. She recently added Matt Daly to her coaching team to address the issue. In her last match at the Wuhan Open, she served 21 double faults, prompting empathy from her opponent, Aryna Sabalenka."There are moments where you just want to leave the court," Gauff admitted. "But I didn't want to go into that mentality. I know she (Sabalenka) had a similar issue, so it gives me confidence."Despite the challenges, Gauff is confident in her ability to improve her serve. "I found the solution, I just didn't have time to work on it," she said.As Gauff prepares for the WTA Finals Riyadh, fans can anticipate her continued growth and the release of Tyler, The Creator's new album, "Chromakopia," on October 28.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, the 22-year-old tennis prodigy from Hyderabad, has set her sights on the Australian Open next year. Having relinquished her national championship throne, Shrivalli is determined to ascend to the higher echelons of the sport.Shrivalli's journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and impressive performances on the international circuit. Her explosive game has propelled her to a career-best ranking of No. 318, a testament to her hard work and dedication.In March, Shrivalli reached the final of the $25,000 ITF event in Indore, showcasing her exceptional skills. She has since competed in tournaments across the globe, including the USA, Thailand, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Australia, with encouraging results.Two consecutive quarterfinals in Perth, Australia, in $60,000 events have further boosted her ranking. Shrivalli's ability to compete at the highest level is evident in her close match against Madddson Inglis in Perth, where she led 5-2 in the third set before ultimately falling short."I am growing as a person and a player with all the experience," said Shrivalli. "I could have won the quarterfinal against Madddson Inglis in Perth, but it slipped away."Shrivalli's preparation for the Australian Open includes competing in two ITF events in Mysuru and Bengaluru. She will then travel to Australia for a series of tournaments to gain valuable experience and improve her ranking."The aim is to take the ranking close to 200 so that I get into the Australian Open qualifying event," said Shrivalli. "I enjoyed the conditions in Australia, though it was windy. The balls are heavy, as they play the same brand and quality as the Australian Open."As the top seed in the upcoming ITF events in Karnataka, Shrivalli is confident in her ability to perform well. She has been training in Delhi with coach Vishal Uppal, who has been instrumental in planning her tournaments and providing guidance.Shrivalli's free-flowing stroke play and powerful serve make her a delight to watch on the court. Her determination to succeed is evident in her willingness to relinquish her national championship title in pursuit of her ultimate goal: competing at the highest level of tennis.

Ankita Raina, India's top-ranked women's tennis player, made a strong start to the $60,000 ITF tournament in Perth, Australia, on Tuesday. Raina eased past Miho Kuramochi of Japan 6-0, 6-4 in the first round, showcasing her dominance on the court.Raina's victory was a testament to her consistent performance and aggressive style of play. She controlled the match from the outset, breaking Kuramochi's serve twice in the first set to take it 6-0. In the second set, Raina faced a tougher challenge as Kuramochi fought back, but the Indian player remained composed and secured the victory with a 6-4 scoreline.Raina's victory is a positive sign for Indian tennis, as she continues to make strides on the international circuit. She has been in impressive form this year, reaching the semifinals of the $25,000 ITF tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, in July.In other results from the tournament, Ashmitha Easwaramurthi and Kanna Soeda of Japan lost in the doubles pre-quarterfinals, while Marin Dumitru and Derin Sen of Australia advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the men's doubles.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, is approaching her first hard-court match since March with a cautious mindset. Despite being the favorite at most tournaments, Swiatek is tempering expectations ahead of the Cincinnati Open.Swiatek last played on hard courts at the Miami Open, where she lost in the fourth round. She is aware of the faster conditions in Cincinnati due to the switch back to Regular Duty Wilson tennis balls. These balls are lighter and lose their heaviness more quickly than the Heavy Duty balls used last year.Swiatek acknowledges the need to adjust to the new surface and balls. She plans to treat the tournament as a practice opportunity, focusing on implementing her training and making gradual progress.Despite her recent success on clay, Swiatek is determined to rediscover her hard-court form. She believes the lower expectations in Cincinnati could provide her with the space to do so.Swiatek's decision to skip the National Bank Open in Toronto was motivated by fatigue from the Paris Olympics. She won a bronze medal in singles after a disappointing semifinal loss.After supporting her fellow athletes at the Games, Swiatek feels refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the season. She is not expecting a break and is focused on maintaining her technique and grinding on court.Swiatek's cautious approach and determination to improve suggest that she is not taking her status as the favorite for granted. She is willing to work hard and make adjustments to achieve her goals on hard courts.

Tennis has captivated the hearts of individuals from all walks of life, transcending age and skill levels. Dustin Fox, a former Ohio State football star and renowned sportscaster, is a testament to the allure of this timeless sport.Fox's journey into the world of tennis began as a mere curiosity, a way to satisfy his competitive spirit. However, the game quickly ignited a passion within him, transforming into a beloved hobby that consumes his free time.As Fox immersed himself in the sport, his admiration for the pro players grew. He marveled at the strategic brilliance of Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils, while also appreciating the flamboyant style of Benoit Paire and Corentin Moutet.Fox's love for tennis extends beyond the court. He avidly follows the professional circuit, drawing inspiration from the triumphs and setbacks of the game's elite. He sees parallels between his own sporting endeavors and the challenges faced by tennis players, particularly in the mental fortitude required to overcome adversity.In 2023, Fox experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the US Open firsthand. During a memorable night match, he became an unwitting participant in a viral moment when he enthusiastically cheered for underdog Sebastian Baez against eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev.Fox's passion for tennis is not merely a pastime; it has become an integral part of his life. He enjoys the camaraderie of the tennis community and takes pride in his daughter's burgeoning high school tennis career.Fox's story serves as a reminder that tennis is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or background. It offers a unique blend of physical challenge, mental acuity, and social interaction, making it an enduring source of joy and fulfillment.

Wimbledon 2023 has witnessed not only thrilling tennis matches but also a showcase of exquisite timepieces worn by celebrities and sports icons. From the classic elegance of Rolex to the bold designs of Hublot, these luxury watches have become a talking point alongside the on-court action.Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, made a statement with his Hublot Big Bang watch in dark green ceramic. This limited-edition timepiece, with only 250 pieces available, is valued at a staggering ₹21,90,000.Hollywood icon Tom Cruise opted for a timeless classic, the platinum Day-Date from Rolex. This luxurious watch carries a hefty price tag of ₹54,29,000.Roger Federer, the legendary Swiss tennis player, paid homage to his Wimbledon legacy with a Rolex Datejust inscribed with "Wimbledon" and featuring green numbers. This watch serves as a tribute to his record-breaking eight Wimbledon titles.Barbora Krejcikova, the Wimbledon women's singles champion, chose a more understated option with Rado's DiaMaster Thinline Automatic. Priced at ₹2,99,400, this watch exudes elegance and simplicity.James Bond veteran Pierce Brosnan sported a Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 in yellow gold. Featuring a sapphire dial, this luxury timepiece is valued at ₹15,88,115.Actor Rami Malek opted for a Tank Française large model from Cartier. This stainless steel edition is priced at ₹5,50,000.Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour made a bold statement with a white gold Daytona 'Le Mans' from the vintage brand. While this particular version is discontinued, a yellow gold variation is available for a price exceeding ₹2 crores.Prince Albert of Monaco was spotted wearing a skeletonized TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, valued at ₹9,40,318.Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic, a semi-finalist at Wimbledon, showcased a unique F.P. Journe Élégante studded with diamonds. This one-of-a-kind watch is priced at ₹24,28,985.These exquisite timepieces not only complement the style of their wearers but also serve as a testament to the enduring allure of luxury watches. Whether it's the classic elegance of Rolex or the bold designs of Hublot, these watches have become an integral part of the Wimbledon experience.

Tennis Channel is revolutionizing women's tennis coverage by introducing Women's Day on its T2 channel, starting June 11th. Every Tuesday, T2 will exclusively showcase the world's top female tennis players, providing fans with an unprecedented level of access to women's competition.This groundbreaking move underscores Tennis Channel's commitment to gender equality in sports. Tennis has long been a gender-balanced sport, with both men and women headlining tournaments and attracting equal viewership. Women's Day will further elevate the visibility of female athletes and inspire future generations.The first match ever aired on Tennis Channel featured Venus Williams, an American tennis icon. Since then, the network has consistently celebrated women's tennis, recognizing the contributions of pioneers like Althea Gibson, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova.T2 has rapidly expanded its reach since its launch in 2022, now available in over 100 million homes. The channel is accessible through various platforms, including Amazon's Freevee, Prime Video, and Fire TV, as well as Roku, Fubo, Hulu, YouTube TV, and Samsung TV Plus.Tennis Channel's dedication to women's tennis extends beyond Women's Day. The network holds exclusive rights to all men's ATP World Tour and women's WTA Tour competitions, as well as the four majors (US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and Australian Open).The introduction of Women's Day is a testament to Tennis Channel's unwavering support for women's sports. By providing a dedicated platform for female tennis players, the network is empowering them and inspiring fans worldwide.