Tennis

Jannik Sinner's dominant victory over Taylor Fritz in the US Open final shattered American hopes of ending a 21-year Grand Slam title drought. The last male singles champion from the USA was Andy Roddick in 2003, and Fritz's run to the summit had ignited optimism among American tennis fans.The absence of a male Grand Slam champion from the USA for over two decades is a stark contrast to the nation's rich tennis history. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, American men dominated the sport, with Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi claiming a combined 41 Major titles.Fritz's performance at the US Open was a testament to the progress American men's tennis has made in recent years. He defeated two top-10 opponents, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, en route to his first Grand Slam semifinal, where he overcame compatriot Frances Tiafoe. However, against Sinner, Fritz's limitations were exposed.Despite his powerful serve and forehand, Fritz lacked the consistency and variety to challenge Sinner, who is widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in the world. Sinner's ability to control the baseline and dictate the pace of the match proved too much for Fritz.While Fritz's defeat was disappointing for American fans, it also highlighted the challenges facing the next generation of American men's tennis players. The Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have dominated the sport for nearly two decades, and their absence has created opportunities for new faces.However, American men have yet to fully capitalize on this opportunity. Fritz, Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and Sebastian Korda are all talented players, but they have yet to consistently challenge the top players in the world.Despite the setbacks, American men's tennis is not without hope. The emergence of these young players suggests that a new golden age may be on the horizon. With continued hard work and dedication, they have the potential to end the Grand Slam drought and restore the United States to its former glory in the sport.

Donald Young, a former tennis professional, has officially transitioned to pickleball after a remarkable run at the US Open. Young and Taylor Townsend reached the mixed doubles final as wild cards, but just days later, Young traded his racquet for a paddle to compete in the CIBC PPA Atlanta Slam.Young had been contemplating retirement for some time and decided to make the US Open his final tournament. He was thrilled when Townsend agreed to partner with him in mixed doubles. "I've known her since birth," Young said. "It was cool."Despite the stress of the US Open, Young managed to find time for a single pickleball session before the tournament. He teamed up with Travis Rettenmaier, a professional pickleballer since 2020, and reached the Round of 16, defeating former tennis pro Jack Sock.Young also competed in mixed doubles and singles, but fell short in both events. However, he remains optimistic about his future in pickleball. "I've got [Townsend] out a couple of times; she really enjoys it," Young said. "Hopefully, I'm still playing and we can run it back one time."Young's transition to pickleball is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Jannik Sinner's triumph at the US Open has cemented his status as a rising star in the tennis world. The Italian prodigy has achieved remarkable feats in his young career, showcasing his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Sinner's victory in New York marks his second Grand Slam title, following his triumph at the Australian Open earlier this year. This achievement places him among an elite group of active players with multiple Grand Slam titles, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Stan Wawrinka.Sinner has also become the first Italian tennis player, male or female, to win two different Grand Slams. His Australian Open and US Open titles set him apart from Nicola Pietrangeli, the only other Italian with multiple majors, who won both of his at Roland Garros.Sinner's consistency in finals is equally impressive. He has a perfect 6-0 record in finals this year, lifting trophies at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, and now the US Open. His dominance in these high-stakes matches highlights his ability to perform under pressure.Furthermore, Sinner has won his last 14 sets in a row in finals, showcasing his unwavering focus and determination. His last five finals have been won in straight sets, demonstrating his ability to close out matches with authority.Sinner's success extends beyond finals. He has won his last 11 matches in a row, his last 13 matches against Americans, his last 14 matches at hard-court Grand Slams, and his last 17 matches in the United States. These impressive streaks underscore his versatility and adaptability on different surfaces and against various opponents.By reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open, Sinner became the first player born in the 2000s to complete his career set of Grand Slam semifinals. He is also the first man born since 1990 to reach the semifinals of all four majors, a testament to his exceptional consistency.Sinner's victory at the US Open has also boosted his career prize money to over $25 million. With the $3.6-million champion's cheque, he has surged to the top of the prize money rankings.Sinner's triumph, along with Carlos Alcaraz's victories at the US Open and French Open, marks a significant shift in the tennis landscape. This is the first year since 1993 that all four majors have been won by men aged 23 or under, indicating a changing of the guard in the sport.Sinner's dominance has also extended his lead at the top of the ATP rankings. He now leads Alexander Zverev by over 4,000 points, a significant margin that reflects his consistent performances throughout the year.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has yet to decide whether to appeal the decision to exonerate US Open champion Jannik Sinner of blame for his positive steroid tests. The agency has until the end of September to file an appeal.Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March but was not banned because the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined he was not to blame. Sinner's accepted explanation was that the banned performance-enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who used a spray containing the steroid to treat their own cut finger.The doping case was kept secret until last month's announcement, and the top-ranked Sinner went on to beat Taylor Fritz in the US Open final on Sunday.An appeal could jeopardize Sinner's US Open title, but Sinner and his legal team have provided detailed evidence that persuaded the ITIA and the tribunal judges that his explanation was credible.WADA and Nado Italia, Italy's anti-doping agency, are the only two agencies that could challenge the decision by an independent tribunal announced by the ITIA on Aug. 20. While the doping rules state that any other party with a right to appeal—such as Nado Italia—has 21 days to do so, WADA then gets another 21 days on top of that before its own window closes.Nado Italia has yet to file an appeal, and it is unclear whether the initial 21-day deadline expired Tuesday. The tennis integrity agency rulebook states that the deadline for filing an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will be 21 days from the date of receipt of the reasoned decision in question by the appealing party.WADA then has another 21 days to file an appeal to the CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Aryna Sabalenka's promise of free drinks to US Open fans is becoming a reality thanks to Dobel Tequila. The reigning champion's impromptu offer after her semifinal victory has sparked a partnership with the tequila brand, resulting in a special promotion for fans.From September 9 to 15, fans can enjoy $10 off any Dobel cocktail or neat serve by texting "drinksonme" to 24272. This offer is a testament to Sabalenka's commitment to her fans and Dobel's dedication to supporting her.Sabalenka's connection with Dobel goes beyond the free drinks promotion. The three-time Grand Slam champion has a signature cocktail named after her, the "Marg-Aryna," which reflects her hard-working and competitive nature."They want to be masters of tequila, and that's just like me on court," Sabalenka said of Dobel. "I always work hard, always try to be better, and master my own skills. It's a perfect match."Dobel's support for Sabalenka extends beyond the US Open. The brand has been a proud sponsor of the Belarusian star throughout her career, recognizing her talent and determination.Sabalenka's promise of free drinks has not only delighted fans but also showcased her playful and generous personality. The partnership with Dobel has turned her spontaneous offer into a tangible benefit for those who support her.As the US Open reaches its climax, fans can raise a glass to Sabalenka's success and enjoy a refreshing Dobel cocktail at a discounted price. The "drinksonme" promotion is a celebration of Sabalenka's spirit and a testament to the power of partnerships in the world of sports.

Aryna Sabalenka's dominance on hard courts reached new heights at the 2024 US Open, where she captured her first title at Flushing Meadows and cemented her status as one of the most formidable players in women's tennis.Sabalenka's triumph marked her third Grand Slam title, joining an elite group of active players with three or more major victories. She now stands alongside Venus Williams, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka in this exclusive club.Her victory was particularly impressive considering she became only the second woman in the past eight years to win multiple majors in a single season. Swiatek also achieved this feat in 2022, while Angelique Kerber was the last to do so in 2016.Sabalenka's dominance extended beyond her Grand Slam success. She has won her last 12 matches in a row and 24 of the last 25 sets she has played. Her only set loss since the start of the Cincinnati tournament came against Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round of the US Open.Her hard-court prowess is undeniable. Since the start of 2023, Sabalenka has compiled a remarkable 27-1 record at hard-court majors. Her only defeat came in the final of last year's US Open against Coco Gauff.Sabalenka's consistency is evident in her set record at hard-court majors. She has lost just five sets in her last 55 matches, demonstrating her ability to maintain her high level of play throughout tournaments.In the lead-up to the US Open final, Sabalenka showcased her resilience and determination. She improved to 9-1 in Grand Slam quarterfinals with a dominant victory over Zheng Qinwen. Her only quarterfinal loss came at Roland Garros this year, where she squandered a significant lead against Mirra Andreeva.Sabalenka's semifinal win against Emma Navarro secured her spot in the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November. She became the second player to qualify for the prestigious event, joining world No. 1 Swiatek.With her US Open victory, Sabalenka earned a substantial $3.6 million prize money, pushing her career earnings past $25 million. She also narrowed the points gap between herself and Swiatek at the top of the WTA rankings.Sabalenka's triumph at the US Open is a testament to her exceptional power game and unwavering determination. She has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in women's tennis and will undoubtedly continue to challenge for major titles in the years to come.

Aryna Sabalenka's historic US Open victory sparked a heartwarming exchange with her close friend and fellow tennis star Paula Badosa. Amidst the outpouring of congratulations, Badosa's witty banter stole the spotlight, showcasing the unbreakable bond between the two athletes.In response to Sabalenka's disbelief at her triumph, Badosa penned a heartfelt message, acknowledging her friend's strength and inspiration. However, true to their playful nature, Badosa couldn't resist a playful jab, urging Sabalenka to "leave a bit for the rest."Sabalenka, known for her infectious humor, responded in kind, teasing Badosa that she would only share her success with her. The exchange highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two players, who have supported each other through thick and thin.Beyond the lighthearted banter, Sabalenka's victory marked a significant milestone in her career. After a string of impressive performances, including 12 consecutive hard-court wins, she finally claimed her first US Open title. The victory was a testament to her unwavering determination and the guidance of her coaches.Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Sabalenka remained focused on her future goals. In a message to her fans, she declared her intention to return to practice within days, signaling her unwavering commitment to excellence.The exchange between Sabalenka and Badosa not only celebrated a remarkable achievement but also showcased the power of friendship in the competitive world of professional sports. Their playful banter and mutual support serve as a reminder that even in the face of intense competition, the bonds of friendship can endure.

Celebrities Flock to US Open Men's Final, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Among AttendeesThe US Open men's final between Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz drew a star-studded crowd to Flushing Meadows on Sunday afternoon. Among the celebrities in attendance were Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, a sports and music power couple.Swift, a renowned singer-songwriter, and Kelce, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, were spotted enjoying the match from the stands. They were joined by a host of other celebrities, including:* Matthew McConaughey, Academy Award-winning actor* Eddie Redmayne, Academy Award-winning actor* Jon Bon Jovi, rock musician* Spike Lee, filmmaker* Michael Strahan, former NFL player and TV personality* Venus Williams, tennis legend* Maria Sharapova, tennis legendThe presence of these celebrities at the US Open highlights the growing popularity of tennis among the entertainment industry. In recent years, the sport has attracted a number of high-profile fans, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Drake.The US Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and it is known for attracting a diverse crowd. This year's tournament has been no exception, with celebrities from all walks of life coming together to witness some of the best tennis in the world.

Taylor Fritz's historic run at the US Open has reached the final hurdle, but he faces an insurmountable challenge in world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Fritz, the last American man standing, aims to end a 21-year drought since Andy Roddick's 2003 triumph. However, Sinner's dominance on hard courts and superior all-around game make him a formidable opponent.Fritz's path to the final has been marked by resilience and determination. He overcame a two-set deficit against Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, showcasing his fighting spirit. However, Sinner presents a different level of challenge. The Italian has a higher hold percentage, is a better returner, and possesses superior groundstrokes and movement.Sinner's recent form on hard courts is impeccable. He boasts a 38-2 record in 2024, including a victory over Fritz in Indian Wells last year. His ability to control the pace of the game and dictate rallies from both wings makes him a formidable opponent for Fritz's serve-and-volley style.While the home crowd will undoubtedly rally behind Fritz, Sinner's experience in handling hostile environments, as evidenced in his match against Tommy Paul, suggests that he will not be fazed by the atmosphere.Fritz's best chance of success lies in playing aggressively and taking risks. He must serve consistently and effectively, while also finding ways to break down Sinner's defense. However, Sinner's superior court coverage and ability to neutralize Fritz's power make it difficult to envision the American winning more than a set or two.The story of an American breaking through at a major on home soil is compelling, but the odds are stacked against Fritz. Sinner's dominance on hard courts and all-around superiority make him the clear favorite. While Fritz deserves credit for his remarkable run, Sinner is simply a better player at this stage.