Tennis

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has maintained her composure despite the heightened expectations surrounding her title defense. At her 2024 US Open Media Day press conference, Gauff acknowledged that her life has remained largely unchanged since her Grand Slam triumph.Gauff attributes her ability to handle the pressure to her gradual rise in the sport. Having competed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center since her teenage years, she has become accustomed to the attention. This year, however, she arrives in Flushing Meadows without the momentum of a recent Masters 1000 victory.Despite her early exit in Cincinnati, Gauff believes it has provided her with an opportunity to focus on training. She has endured a busy summer, including her role as flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics. Gauff emphasizes the importance of training blocks for her success and is confident in her preparation for the US Open.While Gauff has faced criticism online, she remains unfazed. She recognizes that such negativity stems from envy or hatred and chooses to focus on positivity. She draws inspiration from a recent TikTok comment that encouraged her to embrace her victories and not stress over the need for a "victory lap."Gauff's mantra for her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva is to root for success, regardless of her opponent. She believes that this mindset will help her navigate the challenges of defending her title.

Men's tennis in 2024 has witnessed a captivating dichotomy: the rise of the young brigade and the enduring brilliance of Novak Djokovic. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have swept the first three Majors, while Djokovic, at 37, has secured the elusive Olympic singles gold.Djokovic's season has been a tale of resilience. Despite early setbacks, including a loss to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal and to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, he has rebounded with an Olympic triumph. His victory in Paris, where he played with a surgically repaired knee, showcased his unwavering determination.As the US Open approaches, the tension between the old and the new intensifies. Sinner and Alcaraz are the world's top two players, while Djokovic is the defending champion. Djokovic's physical advantage may have diminished, but he has refined his technique and shot-making to compensate.Djokovic's goal at the US Open is to break Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. He also aims to ensure that 2024 becomes the 24th straight year with at least one Slam winner from the "Big Three" (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and himself).However, the US Open has been a bittersweet experience for Djokovic. He has lost six finals there, the most in his career at a Slam. No man has defended the singles title in New York since Federer in 2008.Despite these challenges, Djokovic remains a formidable force. His relentless pursuit of success and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances make him a dangerous opponent. The US Open will be another opportunity for fans to witness the delicate balance between the past and the present in men's tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka's 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from triumph to heartache and injury. However, the Belarusian star has found renewed joy and is aiming to end the year on a high at the US Open.After winning the Australian Open in January, Sabalenka's season took a difficult turn with the death of her former boyfriend in March. She then missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury.Despite these setbacks, Sabalenka has shown resilience and determination. She won her first title since the Australian Open in Cincinnati last week, defeating world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.Sabalenka credits her newfound joy to a better balance in her life. "I realized that this is not how things work," she said. "You have to balance this hard work, these expectations, pressure, and everything, with a little joy."The enforced rest necessitated by her shoulder injury was a blessing in disguise. "I'm happy that I had this time off and this kind of time to reset my mind," she said.Sabalenka is now focused on improving on her runner-up finish to Coco Gauff in last year's US Open final. She is the second seed in New York and will open her campaign against Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon."I definitely felt really good after Cincinnati title," said Sabalenka. "It was very important for me to get that title and to get those wins."Sabalenka's journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. However, she has emerged from the challenges stronger and more determined than ever. She is a true inspiration and a testament to the power of resilience.

Citi Taste of Tennis: A Culinary Extravaganza for Tennis Stars and ChefsOn Thursday evening, the heart of New York City pulsated with excitement as Citi Taste of Tennis made its grand return. This star-studded event, held on the eve of the US Open draw, brought together tennis legends, rising stars, and culinary maestros for an unforgettable evening of gastronomic delights and tennis camaraderie.Gotham Hall transformed into a culinary wonderland, where chef tables overflowed with tantalizing creations inspired by the world of tennis. Rum cocktails flowed freely, while tennis ball tiramisus teased the taste buds. Amidst the culinary feast, tennis players past and present mingled, savoring the flavors and sharing their love for the game.J.J. Wolf, Mackenzie McDonald, Alycia Parks, and Taylor Fritz were among the American players who graced the event. Fritz even showcased his culinary skills in a cook-off against Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, hosted by none other than tennis icon Andre Agassi.Agassi, a renowned tennis and pickleball expert, expressed his hopes for American success at the upcoming US Open. "I'm rooting for an American to breakthrough in their backyard," he said. "We've got five in the Top 20. Their athleticism, power, and composure give me reason to believe they can make something special happen."Other notable attendees included Jelena Ostapenko and Arthur Fils, who shared their recipes for success: hard work, dedication, and a love for the game.For the chefs in attendance, the US Open and the concept of tennis inspired a culinary symphony. Chef Jack Logue likened tennis to a "big ribeye steak, no sides, protein only," while Chef Carmella Charrington described it as "everything—savory, sweet, spicy, salty, all the palettes."Citi Taste of Tennis proved to be more than just a culinary extravaganza. It was a celebration of the sport, a showcase of culinary artistry, and a reminder that tennis, like food, can tantalize all the senses.

Shelby Rogers, the 31-year-old American tennis star, has announced her retirement from professional tennis after the upcoming US Open. The South Carolinian has endured a challenging few years marked by injuries and surgeries, including knee surgery in 2023.Despite never reaching the pinnacle of the WTA rankings, Rogers has left an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her giant-killing prowess, she has defeated some of the biggest names in tennis, including Ash Barty, Serena Williams, and Elena Rybakina.Rogers' career highlights include reaching the quarterfinals of both Roland Garros (2016) and the US Open (2020). She has also been a three-time runner-up at WTA tournaments.While some may wonder about what could have been, Rogers herself is grateful for her journey. She has inspired countless young players with her determination and resilience.In her retirement announcement, Rogers expressed her excitement for the next chapter in her life. She will face sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula in the first round of the US Open, where she will receive overwhelming support from fans and fellow players.Rogers' retirement marks the end of an era in American tennis. She has been a vocal advocate for the sport and a role model for aspiring athletes. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of tennis players.

The upcoming US Open promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with a wide-open field of contenders vying for the coveted title.Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her victory in Cincinnati, emerges as the betting favorite. Her two Australian Open triumphs and impressive hard-court record make her a formidable opponent. However, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, a former US Open champion, cannot be overlooked. Her dominance on hard courts remains a threat.Defending champion Coco Gauff faces a challenging task, given her recent struggles. Elena Rybakina, known for her powerful serve, is another contender to watch.Beyond these top contenders, several players have the potential to make a deep run. Paula Badosa, with her resurgent form and strong serve, is a dark horse. Amanda Anisimova, a rising star, has shown impressive consistency and the ability to upset top players.On the other hand, Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, has struggled to regain her peak form. Her movement and return game have been inconsistent, raising doubts about her chances.Jessica Pegula, despite potential fatigue from recent tournament runs, remains a strong contender. Her fast strokes and improved serve make her well-suited for the US Open's conditions.While Swiatek and Sabalenka are formidable opponents, the odds favor a player like Pegula, who has been performing at an exceptional level lately. Her determination and experience could lead her to her maiden Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic, buoyed by his emotional Olympic triumph, sets his sights on breaking new Grand Slam records at the US Open, which begins on Monday. The 37-year-old Serbian legend is aiming to become the oldest Open era champion at the tournament, a feat he would share with Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer. A fifth US Open title would also elevate Djokovic to 25 Grand Slam triumphs, surpassing the 24 he currently holds alongside Margaret Court.Djokovic's quest for history comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Earlier this year, he lost his Australian Open crown to Jannik Sinner, who also dethroned him as world number one. Carlos Alcaraz then claimed the French Open title, before crushing Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.However, Djokovic's Olympic victory on the clay courts of Roland Garros silenced his doubters. It made him only the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam, and he described it as his "biggest sporting success."Sinner arrives at the US Open as the reigning Cincinnati Masters champion. However, his triumph was overshadowed by revelations that he had twice tested positive for a banned substance earlier in the season. Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing after officials accepted his explanation that the substance entered his system through contamination.Alcaraz, who won his first major at the US Open last year, is still reeling from his Olympic final defeat to Djokovic. He broke down in tears on court, feeling he had let Spain down. His preparation for New York was further hampered by a second-round exit in Cincinnati, which he described as the "worst match" of his career.In the women's singles, defending champion Coco Gauff has struggled for form in recent weeks. No woman has successfully defended her US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014. World number one Iga Swiatek, the 2022 champion, reached the Cincinnati semi-finals, while Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, was runner-up to Gauff at the US Open last year.

Karolina Pliskova, the former world No. 1, remains a formidable force in women's tennis despite her recent struggles. The 32-year-old Czech star has won 16 WTA titles, including the 2016 Cincinnati Open, and reached the finals of two Grand Slams.Pliskova's power game, anchored by her devastating serve and flat groundstrokes, has made her a threat on fast courts. However, she has also shown an ability to adapt to slower surfaces, reaching the Wimbledon final in 2021.Despite her success, Pliskova has yet to win a Grand Slam title. She has come close on several occasions, but has been unable to overcome the final hurdle. However, she remains optimistic about her chances, believing that she has the game to compete with the best.Pliskova's recent form has been inconsistent, but she has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. She reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open, losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.Pliskova is now preparing for the US Open, where she will be unseeded. However, she is confident in her ability to make a deep run in the tournament."I feel like the game is there, and maybe I need a little more confidence and luck somewhere," Pliskova said. "All the matches I've lost are either in three sets or close sets. It's not really about the level because I feel like the level is there."Pliskova's experience and determination make her a dangerous opponent for any player. She is a true competitor who never gives up. As long as she remains healthy and motivated, she will be a threat to win any tournament she enters.

The 2024 US Open will be missing several notable players due to injuries and other circumstances. Here's a closer look at the top five absentees who were forced to withdraw:Rafael Nadal:The 22-time Grand Slam champion will be absent from the US Open this year due to a series of injuries. Nadal has been battling a persistent foot injury that has limited his participation to just a few tournaments this season. Despite being listed on the entry list, Nadal acknowledged that his inclusion was merely a precautionary measure, and he later withdrew. He cited his inability to perform at full capacity as the reason for pulling out. Nadal's decision means his focus is now on recovery, with his next appearance scheduled for the Laver Cup.Cameron Norrie:The British No. 2 is another prominent player who won't be competing at the US Open. Norrie has been struggling with a persistent forearm injury that has kept him sidelined for several weeks. He attempted to return to the court in Cincinnati, but his injury forced him to withdraw once again. Norrie has been working diligently to recover, but his efforts haven't yielded the desired results in time for the US Open.Nick Kyrgios:The mercurial Australian player has also been forced to sit out the US Open due to ongoing knee and wrist injuries. Kyrgios has barely played any competitive tennis since October 2022, managing just one singles match in nearly a year. While he is set to participate in some exhibition matches, Kyrgios has decided against entering the US Open main draw.Simona Halep:The former world No. 1 has had a turbulent year, largely due to a knee injury and a suspension that was later reduced. Halep made a brief return to the tour in March but struggled to find her form, losing in the first round of the Miami Open and retiring from her next tournament in Paris. The knee injury has kept her out of action since, and despite her efforts, she has not been able to compete at her best. Halep's absence from the US Open is a significant loss, as she has been a consistent performer in Grand Slams over the years.Marketa Vondrousova:The 2023 Wimbledon champion will also miss the US Open due to a series of injuries that have plagued her summer. Vondrousova's troubles began with a hip injury at the Berlin Championships, and although she attempted a comeback at Wimbledon, she was unable to defend her title successfully, exiting in the first round. A subsequent hand injury further complicated her season, forcing her to withdraw from the US Open.