Tennis

The highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between world No. 3 Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Rolex Paris Masters promises to be a captivating spectacle. Despite Tsitsipas' 10-5 career advantage, Zverev is favored by oddsmakers due to his superior form in recent seasons.However, Tsitsipas' aggressive style and recent resurgence suggest he has a strong chance of upsetting the German. His exceptional forehand, which reached Shot Quality ratings of 9.3 and 9.8 in his previous match, poses a significant threat to Zverev.While Zverev's serve is formidable, Tsitsipas' ability to hold his serve consistently and target Zverev's forehand could prove decisive. The Greek star has enjoyed success against Zverev in their recent encounters, winning three of their last four matches and taking a set in seven of their last eight.Tsitsipas' recent resurgence in Paris, where he triumphed last year, further bolsters his confidence. He appears focused and determined, suggesting he is capable of overcoming Zverev's challenge.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis sensation, has etched his name in the annals of tennis history by becoming the fifth player born in 1990 or later to achieve 100 Masters 1000 victories. This remarkable milestone was reached after his hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Roberto Carballes Baena at the Rolex Paris Masters on Monday night.Tsitsipas, born in 1998, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the sport. His aggressive baseline play and exceptional court coverage have propelled him to the top of the rankings. With his 100th Masters 1000 win, he joins an elite group of players who have dominated the highest level of tennis.The list of players born in 1990 or later with 100+ Masters 1000 wins includes:* Grigor Dimitrov (142)* Alexander Zverev (139)* Milos Raonic (125)* Daniiil Medvedev (104)* Stefanos Tsitsipas (100)David Goffin, born in 1990, is the closest player to joining this exclusive club, with 89 career wins at Masters 1000 events. Kei Nishikori, born on December 29th, 1989, would have been on the list had he been born three days later, as he has 111 career wins at this tournament level.Tsitsipas's achievement is a testament to his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. He has reached the semifinals or better at six Masters 1000 events, including two runner-up finishes at the Madrid Open and the Canadian Open.As the Rolex Paris Masters continues, Tsitsipas will be looking to add to his tally of Masters 1000 victories and cement his status as one of the best players in the world. His next opponent will be the American Taylor Fritz, who is also in pursuit of his 100th Masters 1000 win.

American rising star Ben Shelton has set up a tantalizing quarterfinal clash with world No. 8 Andrey Rublev at the Swiss Indoors Basel after overcoming home favorite Stan Wawrinka in a thrilling 7-6 (2), 7-5 victory.Shelton, the sixth seed, displayed remarkable resilience and clutch play in the face of a spirited challenge from the three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka. The 22-year-old American's powerful serve and ability to execute in crucial moments proved decisive."I thought I was just tough in the big moments," Shelton said after the match. "There was a lot of challenges out there today, but I thought he played a really good match. The crowd was really into it, obviously, behind their guy."Shelton's victory continues his impressive run of form indoors this season. He has yet to drop a set in Basel and has shown steady improvement since his breakout 2023 campaign, which included a semifinal appearance at the US Open.Wawrinka, despite his age, remains a formidable opponent, as evidenced by his recent semifinal finish in Stockholm. However, Shelton's ability to break serve at a crucial juncture in the second set proved to be the difference.In the quarterfinals, Shelton will face a stern test against Rublev, who has also been in impressive form in Basel. The Russian has won both of his matches in straight sets and currently sits eighth in the ATP Finals race.Meanwhile, in other quarterfinal matchups, No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6 (3), 7-5, while No. 7 seed Arthur Fils upset Pedro Martinez in straight sets.

At the Rolex Shanghai Masters, tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas and LPGA golfer Hannah Green engaged in a friendly mini-golf competition, showcasing their athleticism and camaraderie.Green, a 2019 Women's PGA Championship winner, displayed her exceptional putting skills, leaving Tsitsipas in awe with her hole-in-one. The pair played on a nine-hole course designed by local artist Nancy K. Pon and designer G. T. Percha, which replicates Shanghai's iconic landmarks.Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, admitted to struggling on the greens, highlighting the challenges of putting in a different sport. Despite his self-deprecating humor, Tsitsipas praised Green's abilities, acknowledging her superior skills on the mini-golf course."It's cool to actually meet the players in person and see how tall they are, and how athletic they are," Green said, expressing her excitement at meeting Tsitsipas and other tennis players.The mini-golf competition provided a lighthearted moment amidst the intense competition of the Shanghai Masters. It showcased the versatility and athleticism of both Tsitsipas and Green, highlighting the camaraderie and sportsmanship that transcends different disciplines.

Stefanos Tsitsipas's Shanghai Masters campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, but not without a heated exchange with chair umpire Fergus Murphy. The incident unfolded during the fourth game of the second set, when Tsitsipas received a time violation warning.Tsitsipas, visibly frustrated, approached Murphy and questioned his decision. "Why are you doing this to me, man?" he asked. "Why are you guys against me so much? The last few months have been terrible. I don't understand what's gotten into you."Murphy calmly explained that the clock begins automatically, but Tsitsipas continued to argue, claiming that he hadn't seen his opponents receive the same treatment. Murphy countered that Tsitsipas needed to "keep watching the clock" and "keep up."The exchange escalated when Tsitsipas double-faulted and was broken on the next point. He refused to play until a supervisor came to the court, accusing Murphy of taking away his double fault and having "no clue about tennis."Murphy remained composed, responding that he had played tennis and was simply enforcing the rules. Tsitsipas then made a peculiar comment about Murphy's cardio, suggesting that he only served and volleyed.The incident echoed similar outbursts from Frances Tiafoe and Alexander Zverev in recent days, highlighting the growing tension between players and umpires. However, despite the on-court drama, Tsitsipas and his opponent Daniil Medvedev shared a warm handshake and embrace after the match.Tsitsipas acknowledged that his relationship with Medvedev had improved over time, despite their past conflicts. "I consider him someone that I respect on the tour, much more than I did before," he said. "We've had some heated things on the court in the past, but I think those things have resolved themselves over time."

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.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 200th hard-court victory at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. The 26-year-old Greek defeated former Top 5 player Kei Nishikori in two tight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-4, to reach the third round.Tsitsipas' victory marks a significant achievement for players born in the 1990s and later. He becomes the seventh player born in 1990 or later to record 200 career hard-court wins, the fourth player born in 1995 or later to achieve the feat, and the first player born in 1998 or later to do so.Tsitsipas' milestone victory comes two months after Nishikori defeated him in the second round of the Masters 1000 event in Montreal. However, Tsitsipas exacted revenge in Shanghai, showcasing his resilience and determination.The Greek star is known for his aggressive baseline play and powerful serve. He has won nine ATP Tour titles, including the 2019 ATP Finals, and has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open.Tsitsipas' victory in Shanghai is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is one of the most promising young players in the world and has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

In Tokyo, qualifier Alex Michelsen stunned fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, marking his first Top 20 victory since May. Tsitsipas, who appeared unwell during the match, dropped all five break points against his serve.Michelsen, playing his first event since the US Open, improved to 25-24 on the season. The 20-year-old has finished runner-up twice this season at the 250 level in Newport and Winston-Salem.In other action, Tommy Paul brushed aside Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-2. The No. 5 seed did not face a break point, thanks to his 15 for 17 success rate on his second serve. Paul is looking to make up ground in the ATP Finals race, currently ranked No. 11.Yoshihito Nishioka gave home fans a thrilling win, outlasting Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (5). Nishioka saved two match points on his serve at 5-6 in the decider.Fellow lefty Jack Draper also emerged victorious, beating Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-2. The US Open semifinalist will face second-seeded Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune Drum Up Excitement at Tokyo Player PartyAhead of their Tokyo campaigns, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune showcased their cultural immersion and musical prowess at the tournament's player party. The duo joined forces on the "Taiko" drums, delivering an impressive performance that highlighted their friendship and on-court chemistry.Rune, known for his infectious smile, exuded energy and rhythm, while Tsitsipas, fresh from Berlin, displayed laser-like focus in his contrasting white Ralph Lauren attire. Both players are eager to build momentum as the 2024 season nears its conclusion.Their appearances at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships serve as a prelude to the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Subsequently, both plan to maximize the European indoor swing, with Tsitsipas committed to Antwerp and Rune to Stockholm.After a promising semifinal showing in Cincinnati, Rune faced setbacks in the US Open and Hangzhou. However, he remains determined to turn things around in Tokyo, where he faces Alejandro Tabilo of Chile in the opening round.Tsitsipas, on the other hand, avenged his Laver Cup defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis but is seeking to string together consecutive wins for the first time since the Paris Olympics. Seeded fourth, he will face Alex Michelsen in his ATP 500 opener.Both players are eager to make a statement in Tokyo and set the stage for a strong finish to the season. Their performances will be closely watched as they aim to drum up momentum and secure valuable ranking points.