Tennis

Dominic Thiem, the beloved Austrian tennis star, is bidding farewell to his illustrious career at the Vienna Open this week. As he prepares for his final tournament, let's delve into the remarkable achievements that have defined his journey:Thiem's crowning glory came at the 2020 US Open, where he etched his name in history as the first man born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. His triumph was particularly remarkable as he rallied from two sets down and faced match point in the fifth set before ultimately prevailing over Alexander Zverev.Beyond his Grand Slam victory, Thiem has amassed an impressive 17 career titles, including a Masters 1000 at Indian Wells and five ATP 500s. He has also reached 12 other career finals, including three more Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and the Australian Open.Thiem's exceptional talent is evident in his 32 career wins over Top 10 players, including 20 victories over Top 5 opponents and five triumphs over world No. 1s. He is one of only two players, alongside Andy Murray, to have defeated each member of the "Big 3" (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic) at least five times.His career earnings exceed $30 million, placing him among the elite in ATP history. Thiem's success has not only brought him financial rewards but has also made him a national icon in Austria, where he is the second-highest-ranked player in history after Thomas Muster.Unfortunately, Thiem's career was derailed by a wrist injury in 2021, which sidelined him for nine months. Despite his return to the tour in 2022, he has not been able to regain his previous heights.As Thiem prepares to take his final bow in Vienna, his legacy as one of the most accomplished and beloved tennis players of his generation will endure. His fighting spirit, exceptional talent, and unwavering determination have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Novak Djokovic's pursuit of tennis history at the 2021 US Open ended in heartbreak, as he fell to Daniil Medvedev in the final. The Serbian star's bid to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Grand Slams in a calendar year was thwarted by the Russian's clinical performance.Djokovic, 34, entered the tournament as the heavy favorite, having won the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon earlier in the year. However, he faced an unexpected challenge from Medvedev, who had never reached a Grand Slam final before.The Russian, 25, played with poise and precision, breaking Djokovic's serve in the first game of the match and never looking back. Medvedev won the first set 6-4 and continued to dominate in the second, breaking Djokovic again and taking it 6-4.Djokovic showed signs of frustration in the third set, smashing his racquet after failing to break Medvedev's serve. The crowd, which had been cheering for Djokovic throughout the tournament, turned on him briefly, showering him with boos.Undeterred, Medvedev kept his foot on the gas, breaking Djokovic's serve again in the first game of the third set and building a 5-2 lead. Djokovic managed to hold serve for 4-5, but Medvedev closed out the match with a service-return error by Djokovic.The final score was 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, in a match that lasted just over two hours. Medvedev's victory marked his first Grand Slam title and ended Djokovic's hopes of making history.Despite the disappointment, Djokovic praised Medvedev's performance, acknowledging that he was "hitting his spots very well." He also expressed gratitude to the crowd for their support, saying that he had never felt so loved on a tennis court before.

Taylor Fritz, the US Open finalist, has sparked speculation about a possible hair transformation after appearing at DJ Kygo's concert with noticeably lighter hair. Fans and tennis enthusiasts alike took to social media to express their surprise and curiosity, with many wondering if Fritz had dyed his hair blonde.Fritz's appearance at the concert, where he joined Kygo and Corey Gamble on stage for a performance of "Stargazing," raised eyebrows due to the absence of his signature dark hair. Eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed the change and shared their observations on social media.If confirmed, Fritz would join a growing list of top tennis players who have experimented with blonde hair in recent years, including Fabio Fognini, Casper Ruud, and Dominic Thiem. However, it remains unclear whether Fritz's new look is permanent or simply a temporary change.Beyond the hair speculation, Fritz's presence at the concert highlighted his close relationship with Kygo. The pair have been photographed together on the tennis court in the past, and Fritz even starred in the campaign that launched Kygo's headphones in the United States.In addition to his musical interests, Fritz also received news that he will be part of the U.S. team for the 2025 United Cup. The tournament, which will take place in Australia from December 27 to January 5, will feature Fritz alongside Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, Desirae Krawczyk, Denis Kudla, and Robert Galloway.Fritz's appearance at Kygo's concert and his inclusion in the U.S. United Cup team demonstrate his diverse interests and his status as a rising star in both tennis and the entertainment world.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, has made a significant change to her coaching team ahead of the China Open. Matt Daly, a former coach of ATP former No. 10 Denis Shapovalov, has joined Jean-Christophe "JC" Faurel as Gauff's new coach.Gauff's decision to part ways with Brad Gilbert, who had been her coach for 14 months, stems from her desire to "reset" and "refresh" her game. She believes that Daly and Faurel can help her address areas that need improvement, particularly her serve.Under Gilbert's guidance, Gauff enjoyed a breakout summer in 2023, winning titles in Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati before capturing her first Grand Slam title at the US Open. However, her form dipped in 2024, with early exits from Wimbledon, the Summer Olympic Games, and the US Open.Gauff's serving woes were particularly evident at the US Open, where she struck 11 double faults in the third set of her fourth-round loss to Emma Navarro. She acknowledges that improving her serve is a top priority with her new coaches."When I serve well, I play pretty well," Gauff said. "For me, that's the basis for my game."Daly, a 45-year-old college tennis alum from Notre Dame University, brings a wealth of experience to Gauff's team. He previously coached Shapovalov to a career-high ranking of No. 10 in the world.Gauff is the No. 4 seed in Beijing and will play her first match against France's Clara Burel after receiving a first-round bye. She is determined to make a strong showing in China and use the tournament as a springboard for a successful 2025 season.

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury: A Tennis Partnership EndsAfter six successful years, the dynamic doubles team of Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury has officially parted ways. The American-British duo announced their split on Wednesday, bringing an end to one of the most formidable partnerships on the ATP Tour.Ram, a veteran American player, shared an emotional post on social media, reflecting on their journey together. "Six years is a long time in the life of a professional tennis player," he wrote. "Joe and I had some amazing wins, some epic matches and moments, and some gut-wrenching losses."During their six-year partnership, Ram and Salisbury achieved remarkable success, capturing four Grand Slam titles. They won the Australian Open in 2020, followed by three consecutive US Open titles from 2021 to 2023. The pair also triumphed at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2022 and 2023, and ascended to the world No. 1 ranking in doubles in 2022.However, the reasons behind their split remain undisclosed. The duo parted ways after the US Open, where they failed to advance past the quarterfinals. Salisbury later revealed that he had faced "horrific abuse" on social media following their defeat, prompting him to take a break.Ram will return to action this week at the China Open, partnering with fellow American Austin Krajicek. The pair won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and helped the USA reach the Davis Cup Final 8.The split of Ram and Salisbury marks the end of an era in doubles tennis. Their success and camaraderie on the court will be fondly remembered by fans and fellow players alike.

In 2001, a young Taylor Swift graced the US Open stage, performing the national anthem. The following year, she returned to sing "America the Beautiful" at just 13 years old. However, a shocking revelation emerged on the "Served with Andy Roddick" podcast, where US Open entertainment producer Michael Fiur admitted to a decision that haunts him to this day.Fiur, with an impressive resume including 29 Super Bowls and 28 consecutive US Opens, revealed that he declined Taylor Swift's request to perform at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day in 2003. "She's just taking off, she's really country; we don't think that would play in New York," Fiur explained.Despite the star-studded lineup of Opening Night performers over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Kelly Clarkson, Fiur acknowledges that the decision to pass on Swift was a major misstep. "Worst decision I ever made," he confessed.The US Open has since evolved significantly, embracing diversity and inclusion. In 2019, the tournament launched its first Open Pride event, showcasing LGBTQ+ culture. Fiur expressed pride in the organization's commitment to these values, stating, "To see this now become part of the fabric of the Open... makes me very proud to be associated with an organization that has these beliefs and shares my beliefs."Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating different cultures in tennis. "Someone being gay or Black or anything else was just so normal in tennis," he said. "I'm glad it's being represented by the US Open."Fiur has since learned to balance entertainment with the priority of tennis. "Over time, tournament directors tried to drum into me that tennis does come first," he said. This year's US Open featured a record-breaking Opening Day attendance, with Alicia Keys performing her Broadway hit "Kaleidoscope."The US Open's growth post-COVID has been remarkable, with fans eager to experience live events. "I think people desire to experience live events, be around people again," Fiur said. "The last couple of years have been off the charts."

Coco Gauff, the teenage tennis sensation who burst onto the scene in 2019, is facing a pivotal moment in her career. After a breakthrough summer in 2023, where she won three Hologic WTA Tour singles titles, Gauff has struggled to maintain her momentum. She was eliminated in the round of 16 at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2024, both times by fellow American Emma Navarro.Gauff's recent setbacks have raised questions about her long-term development. How can a player who has achieved so much at such a young age continue to improve and compete at the highest level?One area of concern is Gauff's technical game. In her US Open defeat to Navarro, she served 19 double-faults, a glaring weakness that has been discussed extensively by tennis analysts. Her forehand, once considered a potential weapon, has also come under scrutiny.Beyond technical issues, Gauff has also faced challenges with her coaching team. She recently parted ways with Brad Gilbert, the coach who guided her to a Slam-winning season in 2023. This highlights the ongoing debate in tennis about the effectiveness of mid-match coaching.Despite these challenges, Gauff remains a fierce competitor with an unwavering desire to succeed. Her motivation is evident in her practice sessions, interviews, and matches. The question now is how she will channel that motivation to improve her game and regain her winning ways.Gauff's off-season will be crucial in determining her future trajectory. She will need to address her technical weaknesses, refine her tactics, and find a coaching team that can help her reach her full potential.

Roger Federer, the legendary tennis icon, has recently made a triumphant return to New York City, where he reminisced about his illustrious career and unveiled his latest venture.During his final US Open appearances, Federer harbored a unique dream: to play tennis in Central Park. Despite the challenges of securing court time, Federer's status as a tennis legend paved the way for an unforgettable experience. He recalls playing alongside ordinary individuals, creating a surreal moment that remains etched in his memory.Now retired, Federer graced the US Open once again, receiving a thunderous ovation from the New York crowd. His presence evoked memories of his record-breaking five consecutive US Open titles, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the city.Federer's visit to New York also marked the launch of his RF Collection, a signature line of racquets and accessories with Wilson. Inspired by the trend of lighter-weight racquets and his own desire for an edge, Federer collaborated with Wilson to create a new mold that offered increased maneuverability and spin.Despite his retirement, Federer's passion for tennis remains unwavering. He actively engages with young players, sharing his knowledge and encouraging their aspirations. At a meet-and-greet with the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, Federer regaled the children with stories of his racquet evolution, emphasizing the importance of finding the right equipment for their game.Federer's involvement in the sport extends beyond his own line of products. He remains a key figure in the Laver Cup, an annual competition that pits Team Europe against Team World. While he has transitioned from participant to ambassador, Federer's presence and enthusiasm continue to inspire the next generation of tennis stars.As Federer reflects on his illustrious career, he acknowledges the fulfillment of another bucket-list item: designing his own racquets. The RF Collection represents his legacy and his unwavering commitment to the sport that has brought him so much joy.

US Open Tournament Director Addresses Scheduling Conflicts and Fan EngagementUS Open tournament director Stacey Allaster, the first woman to hold this position at any Grand Slam event, recently joined the Served Podcast to discuss one of the sport's most pressing concerns: scheduling conflicts.Allaster acknowledged the challenges of managing the flow of spectators in and out of Arthur Ashe Stadium, especially during late-night matches. She emphasized that starting matches earlier on Ashe is not feasible due to ESPN's broadcast schedule. Additionally, she ruled out reducing men's matches to best-of-three sets, as players prefer to avoid interruptions and potential injuries.Unlike Wimbledon, which has strict curfew laws, Allaster dismissed the idea of implementing a similar policy at the US Open. She explained that players are eager to compete and would rather not be forced to postpone matches.Roddick, a former US Open champion, agreed with Allaster's assessment. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of tennis matches and the need for players to be prepared to take the court at short notice. He also emphasized the importance of recovery time for players, especially when facing back-to-back matches.Allaster acknowledged that even if matches were started earlier, there would still be gaps in the schedule on Ashe. She also discussed the competition for viewership with other major sporting events, such as the NFL and college football.Despite these challenges, the US Open has enjoyed record-breaking attendance in recent years. Allaster attributed this success to the variety of personalities and storylines in tennis, as well as the tournament's status as a major social event in New York City.She also highlighted the growth in tennis participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that new fans may be contributing to the US Open's success. Allaster emphasized the importance of inspiring a love for tennis and encouraging more people to pick up a racket.Roddick noted that the US Open attracts more spectators in three weeks than MLB teams do in an entire year. He credited Fan Week, which allows fans to watch world-class players practice for free, as a major factor in the tournament's popularity.Allaster expressed her commitment to improving the US Open experience for both players and fans. She acknowledged the need to address scheduling conflicts and is open to suggestions for solutions.