Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, will face his compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday. Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, will be looking to avoid a repeat of last year's encounter, where Djere was the only player to take a set off him.Djokovic, who recently triumphed at the Paris Olympics, will be eager to make a strong start against Djere, who is ranked 109th in the world. The 37-year-old Djokovic has been in impressive form this season, winning the Wimbledon and Italian Open titles.In the women's draw, defending champion Coco Gauff defeated 37-year-old Tatjana Maria in straight sets. Despite an erratic performance, Gauff managed to win the last seven games to seal the victory.Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced to the third round with a comfortable win over Lucia Bronzetti. The Belarusian is aiming to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both hard court Grand Slam titles in the same year.In other notable matches, seventh-seeded Zheng Qinwen rallied from a set down to defeat Erika Andreeva, while eighth-seeded Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova was upset by Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.In the men's draw, fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany advanced in straight sets over Alexandre Muller. Zverev will next face Tomas Etcheverry, who overcame Francisco Cerundolo in a five-set thriller.Sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev and Jiri Lehecka also battled through five sets to set up a third-round meeting. Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk also advanced with a hard-fought victory over Harriet Dart.

Frances Tiafoe's post-match press conference at the US Open was a refreshing departure from the usual formality. The American expressed relief at escaping the oppressive heat and humidity that contributed to his opponent's retirement.Tiafoe's relaxed demeanor extended to his answers, where he discussed his love for Afrobeats music, particularly artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. He also revealed that Nipsey Hussle's music has had a profound impact on his outlook on life.Beyond music, Tiafoe shared his excitement for the upcoming NFL and NBA seasons. He expressed admiration for New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson and Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels, the latter of whom he believes has the potential to be a great quarterback.Tiafoe also addressed the issue of online abuse faced by athletes, urging them to prioritize their own well-being and not let negative comments affect their performance. He acknowledged that cheating during practice sets is prevalent but found it amusing.Finally, Tiafoe admitted to his excessive packing habits, bringing eight pairs of shoes and 20 shirts to the tournament. He attributed this to his tendency to lose items and the inconvenience of returning to his hotel in Manhattan.

Aryna Sabalenka's Heartwarming Moment with Young Fan at US OpenAryna Sabalenka's impressive performance at the 2024 US Open was made even more special by a heartwarming encounter with a young fan who dressed up as her on-court persona.During her dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over Lucia Bronzetti, Sabalenka's eyes were drawn to the stadium's jumbotron, where she spotted a miniature version of herself. The young fan, complete with a matching tiger "tattoo," had captured the attention of the crowd."It was really adorable," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. "I just looked up, and I saw on the big screen, like, mini me! It was so cute."The moment resonated deeply with Sabalenka, who has always been passionate about inspiring the next generation of tennis players. After securing the win, she made a point of meeting the young fan for selfies and sharing a few words."It's such a motivation to keep going to inspire the young generation," she said. "That's the main goal. Yeah, that was very adorable moment."Sabalenka's connection with her young fans is a testament to her genuine love for the sport and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As she continues her journey at the US Open, she may find herself with a growing army of "mini-Sabys" cheering her on.

Naomi Osaka vs. Karolina Muchova: A Clash of Styles at the US OpenNaomi Osaka, the former world No. 1, faces a formidable challenge in the second round of the US Open against Karolina Muchova, the 2023 Roland Garros runner-up. While Osaka received a wild card into the tournament, her draw has been far from easy.Muchova presents a contrasting style to Osaka's previous opponent, Jelena Ostapenko. The Czech possesses a versatile game with a wide array of shots and spins. She is adept at controlling the pace and varying the angles, forcing opponents to adjust constantly. Muchova's willingness to approach the net and execute drop shots adds another dimension to her game.The two players have met twice before, with each winning one match. Muchova's victory came on clay, while Osaka triumphed on hard courts at the 2020 US Open. Both matches went the distance, indicating the competitiveness of their rivalry.Osaka's performance against Ostapenko was one of her best of the year. However, she has a tendency to follow up strong performances with disappointing results. Can she maintain her high level against Muchova?Jessica Pegula vs. Sofia Kenin: A Battle of Experience and FormJessica Pegula, the No. 6 seed, faces a stern test against Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion. While Pegula boasts a superior ranking and recent form, Kenin has the experience of winning a Grand Slam title.Pegula has been in impressive form this season, reaching the quarterfinals of six Grand Slams and winning the Toronto Open. Her consistent and powerful groundstrokes are well-suited to the fast courts of the US Open.Kenin, on the other hand, has struggled for form in recent times. However, her victory over Coco Gauff at Wimbledon last year and her impressive display against Emma Raducanu in the first round of the US Open suggest that she is capable of producing her best tennis on the big stage.Jannik Sinner vs. Alex Michelsen: A Rising Star vs. a Hometown HopeJannik Sinner, the No. 11 seed, takes on American Alex Michelsen in the second round of the US Open. Michelsen, a 20-year-old Californian, has enjoyed a breakthrough season, reaching the finals in Newport and Winston-Salem.The two players met in Cincinnati recently, with Sinner winning in two close sets. Michelsen's height and athleticism make him a formidable opponent, but Sinner's experience and consistency should prove too much for the American.

Tommy Paul, the American tennis star, will face Max Purcell of Australia in the second round of the 2024 US Open on Thursday, August 29. Paul, seeded 15th, advanced to the second round with a four-set victory over Lorenzo Sonego, while Purcell defeated Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets.Paul is the clear favorite in this matchup, but Purcell is a dangerous opponent. The Australian possesses a powerful serve and a serve-and-volley mindset, which can be difficult to handle. Paul, known for his athleticism and ability to return serves, will need to be sharp to counter Purcell's aggressive style.However, Paul has shown some signs of vulnerability in recent matches. He lost two straight matches before defeating Sonego, and he lost focus in the third set against the Italian. Purcell, on the other hand, has been playing with confidence and will be looking to make a statement against the higher-ranked Paul.The pressure of playing in a home Grand Slam can also be a factor in this match. Paul will be expected to win, and any nerves or complacency could give Purcell an opening.Overall, Paul is the more talented player and should be favored to advance to the third round. However, Purcell has the potential to cause an upset if Paul is not at his best.

Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, has made a bold fashion statement at this year's tournament, showcasing a new look that reflects her evolving style and personal identity.Fernandez's most striking change is her cornrow braids, a style she says she has always admired and wanted to try. The braids pay homage to her Latina heritage and her desire to express her individuality."I've always loved athletes who wore braids," Fernandez said. "I thought it was kind of cool."The braids have been a hit with fans on social media, and Fernandez says she has "fallen in love" with the new look. She plans to experiment with more styles in the future.Fernandez's outfit also features a new Lululemon dress designed with her input. The white dress with pleated skirt and pops of teal and yellow is a departure from her previous outfits as the brand's first global brand ambassador in tennis."For the longest time, I've never been a fan of dresses," Fernandez admitted. "But Lululemon was very patient with me and made a dress that meets my needs."Fernandez provided detailed feedback to the design team, requesting more performance-specific options and a lighter, more breathable material."I love that they kept the dress simple," Fernandez said. "I'm trying to show off my personality and let my tennis game show in my clothes."Completing Fernandez's outfit is a new tennis shoe designed by Aesem Athletica, a footwear project founded by her father, Jorge. The shoes are still in the pre-launch stage but have been designed to fit the lifestyle of the new generation of athletes."My dad has been working on this for a long time," Fernandez said. "I'm happy to see his imagination coming to life."Fernandez says she appreciates the cool "sneaker-like" look of the shoe, which is designed to transition seamlessly on and off court."I don't need to bring 20 pairs of shoes in my luggage anymore," she said. "These shoes are perfect."Fernandez's new look is a reflection of her growth as a player and a person. She is embracing her individuality and using her platform to inspire others."I hope my new look shows that it's okay to be different," Fernandez said. "You can be yourself and still be successful."

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, is defying the odds and continuing to chase his Grand Slam dream at the age of 33. Despite being labeled a "veteran," Dimitrov prefers to be known as a "young 33."Dimitrov's longevity in the sport is a testament to his unwavering self-belief. Even during periods of struggle, he has always maintained confidence in his abilities. This belief has been instrumental in his recent resurgence, which began with a title run in Brisbane at the start of 2024.The Bulgarian has made significant changes to his training regimen, working closely with physical coach Sebastian Durand to improve his fitness. This has allowed him to play at a consistently high level throughout the season, reaching the Miami Open final and completing a set of Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances in Paris.Dimitrov's commitment to routine has also been key to his success. He follows a strict schedule, waking up early and prioritizing his on-court preparation. This disciplined approach has helped him optimize his performance and minimize the impact of age-related factors.Despite his age, Dimitrov remains hungry for success. He is eager to make good on the "Baby Fed" nickname bestowed upon him early in his career. He believes that he still has the potential to win a Grand Slam title and is determined to keep pushing himself until he can no longer compete at the highest level.Dimitrov's journey is an inspiration to all athletes, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving your dreams. With his unwavering belief, commitment to excellence, and relentless pursuit of greatness, Dimitrov continues to defy expectations and chase his ultimate goal.

Naomi Osaka's triumphant return to the US Open was not just about her tennis prowess but also about her bold fashion statement. The two-time champion graced the court in a custom "Lolita goth"-inspired outfit from Nike, turning heads with its layers of tulle, ruffles, and bows.Osaka's outfit, designed by Japanese designer Yoon Ahn, was a reflection of her personal style and her love for Harajuku's unique fashion. The white warm-up jacket featured a tennis ball zipper and a giant green bow, while the warm-up skirt added drama with layers of tulle.Beneath the warm-up layers, Osaka wore a green sleeveless Nike dress with ruffles along the skirt and armholes. A large white bow adorned the back, completing the maximalist look. Even her Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1 shoes and Beats headphones received the "Lolita" treatment, with green bows and pearls.Osaka's outfit was not just a fashion statement but also a symbol of her transformation on the court. She described it as a "super suit" that gave her strength and confidence. The layers of tulle and ruffles represented the different aspects of her personality, while the bows symbolized her determination and resilience.The outfit was part of a collaboration between Osaka and Nike that had been in the works for years. Ahn, the creative director of Ambush and global curator for Nike Women, explained that the design was inspired by Osaka's desire to escape into a fantasy world where she could create her own identity.Osaka's bold fashion choice was a reflection of her confidence and her willingness to embrace her individuality. It was a statement that she was not afraid to stand out and be different, both on and off the court.

Jasmine Paolini's dominance over Bianca Andreescu continued at the 2024 US Open, as the Italian secured a hard-fought 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 victory in a thrilling encounter that captivated the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.The match, which kicked off Day 2's night session, marked the third consecutive meeting between the two players at a major tournament. Paolini had previously triumphed over Andreescu at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, reaching the final in both events.Andreescu, a former world No. 4, has been striving to regain her top form since her US Open triumph in 2019. Despite physical and mental challenges, she impressed on grass earlier this season, reaching the final of the Libema Open.The opening set was a tight affair, with both players trading breaks early on. Andreescu surged ahead 5-3, but Paolini displayed her resilience, saving four set points to level at 5-5. The set eventually went into a Sudden Death, where Andreescu prevailed with a forehand error from Paolini.In the second set, Paolini seized control, breaking Andreescu's serve three times to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Andreescu managed to break back once, but Paolini ultimately forced a decider.The final set featured high-quality tennis from both players. Andreescu threatened to take the lead with break points, but Paolini held firm. However, Andreescu showed signs of physical distress and required a visit from the trainer.Despite her hindered movement, Andreescu fought back to level the set at 4-4. However, Paolini's audacious mix of offense and defense proved too much for the Canadian, as she engineered two break points and converted one to serve for the match.With the match on her racquet, Paolini faced double match point but saved one with remarkable defense. Andreescu made no mistake the second time, but Paolini broke straight back to find herself serving for the match once again.With the crowd on their feet, Paolini converted her second match point with a well-struck forehand, forcing an Andreescu error. The Italian advanced to the second round, where she will face former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.