Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka's Grand Slam triumphs have been marked by unique gestures from her team, and the 2024 US Open was no exception. Fitness coach Jason Stacy paid homage to Sabalenka's "Tiger" nickname by sporting a giant head tattoo of a tiger.Sabalenka, who defeated Jessica Pegula to claim her third Grand Slam title, joked about the tattoo, saying, "It's permanent." She later revealed that her entire team, including coach Anton Dubrov, had similar temporary tattoos.This gesture was a departure from Sabalenka's 2024 Australian Open ritual of signing Stacy's bald head. The world No. 2 is already brainstorming new ideas for their next Grand Slam adventure in Melbourne."Just always come up with something new," she said. "It was signature, and now it's, like, tiger tattoo. I'm really curious what's going to be next, Jason."Sabalenka's team has been instrumental in her rise to the top, having worked together since 2020. They have formed a close bond, which is evident in their social media interactions."The best advice I would give is to surround yourself with the right people," Sabalenka said. "People you can trust, people you can talk to about anything. It's so important to have someone you can talk through whatever's going on."With the Asian Swing and WTA Finals approaching, Team Tiger aims to end the 2024 season on a high note. They have compiled a 12-match win streak through title runs in Cincinnati and Flushing Meadows.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, has triumphed at the US Open, claiming her third Grand Slam title with a thrilling 7-5, 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula in a rollercoaster final on Saturday, September 7, 2024.Sabalenka's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, adding the prestigious US Open crown to her back-to-back Australian Open triumphs. The Belarusian star displayed her trademark power and aggression throughout the tournament, overcoming a spirited challenge from Pegula, the American crowd favorite.The final was a captivating affair, with both players showcasing their resilience and determination. Sabalenka broke Pegula's serve early in the first set, but the American fought back to level the score at 4-4. However, Sabalenka's powerful groundstrokes proved too much for Pegula, as she broke serve again to take the first set 7-5.The second set followed a similar pattern, with both players trading breaks. Sabalenka's serve was particularly impressive, as she fired down 10 aces during the match. With the score poised at 5-5, Sabalenka seized the crucial break and held her nerve to serve out the match, securing her third Grand Slam title.Pegula, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final, gave a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against Sabalenka's superior firepower. The American's performance was nonetheless a testament to her talent and determination, and she will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in future Grand Slams.Sabalenka's victory at the US Open is a testament to her hard work and dedication. The Belarusian has overcome numerous challenges in her career, including injuries and mental health struggles. Her triumph is a reminder that anything is possible with perseverance and belief.

Jessica Pegula, the unheralded American, stands on the cusp of history as she faces Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final. Despite being a significant underdog, Pegula has impressed throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional form and resilience.Pegula's journey to the final has been marked by a series of impressive victories, including a triumph over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Her ability to blend power and precision has allowed her to dominate opponents and create opportunities for winners.While Sabalenka is the clear favorite, Pegula's recent performances suggest that she is capable of causing an upset. In their previous encounter in the Cincinnati final, Pegula pushed Sabalenka to the limit, losing in a competitive three-set match.Pegula's mental fortitude is another key factor in her favor. She has shown a remarkable ability to handle the pressure of big matches, as evidenced by her victory over Emma Navarro in the semifinals. Sabalenka, on the other hand, has struggled with nerves in the past, particularly in Grand Slam finals.Furthermore, Pegula's lack of expectations could work to her advantage. She has consistently played her best tennis when the pressure is off, as seen in her victory over Swiatek. This mindset could allow her to approach the final with a sense of freedom and confidence.While Sabalenka remains the favorite, Pegula's impressive form, mental strength, and favorable circumstances make her a legitimate contender for the US Open title. Her ability to push Sabalenka to the limit in their previous encounter suggests that she has the potential to pull off an upset and claim her maiden Grand Slam victory.

Taylor Fritz has etched his name in American tennis history by becoming the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final in over 15 years. His thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the US Open semifinals on Friday night marked a significant milestone for American men's tennis.Fritz's triumph ended a prolonged drought for American men in Grand Slam finals. The last American man to reach a major final was Andy Roddick at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, where he narrowly lost to Roger Federer in a marathon five-set match. Roddick also holds the distinction of being the last American man to reach a US Open final, which he did in 2006, only to fall to Federer once again.Roddick's 2003 US Open victory remains the most recent Grand Slam title won by an American man. Fritz's historic run at the US Open has reignited hopes that an American man can once again stand atop the podium at a major tournament.Fritz's victory over Tiafoe was a testament to his resilience and determination. After dropping the first set, Fritz fought back to win the second and fourth sets, setting the stage for a decisive fifth set. In the final set, Fritz dominated Tiafoe, winning it 6-1 to secure his place in the US Open final.Fritz's success is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The 24-year-old has been steadily rising through the ranks of men's tennis, and his performance at the US Open has showcased his immense talent and potential.As Fritz prepares for the biggest match of his career, he carries the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders. His journey to the US Open final has been an inspiration to young American tennis players, and his victory would be a historic moment for American tennis.

Former champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova graced the hallowed grounds of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open, making their stylish returns to the iconic venue. The legendary duo, who have etched their names in tennis history, enjoyed a packed schedule of activities during their visit to the final Grand Slam of the year.Federer, a five-time US Open champion, shared glimpses of his busy trip on Instagram, showcasing promotional shoots and a delectable slice of New York pizza. The 20-time major winner also made headlines with his comments on the controversial Jannik Sinner doping case, expressing concerns about potential inconsistencies in the handling of the situation.Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion, attended the US Open's Champions of Equality event, honoring producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes. Her appearance quickly became a viral sensation when cameras captured her in a stadium suite, her expression conveying a mix of amusement and distress."I look like I just missed a second serve return on break point and saw my coach's reaction," Sharapova joked on social media, poking fun at her own facial expression.Federer and Sharapova's presence at the US Open served as a reminder of their enduring legacy in the sport. Their visits not only added star power to the tournament but also highlighted the enduring appeal of tennis legends.

Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, continued his impressive run at the 2024 US Open, defeating Jack Draper in straight sets to advance to his first final at Flushing Meadows.Sinner, who has a perfect 13-0 record on hard-court majors this year, overcame a resilient Draper, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2, in a match that lasted three hours and three minutes. The Italian has now reached the final of two Grand Slams in 2024, having won the Australian Open earlier this year.Despite being the more experienced player, Sinner faced a tough challenge from Draper, who was playing in his biggest match at the US Open. The Brit had lost only 26 games in his first four matches and had upset No. 10 seed Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.The first set was closely contested, with both players exchanging breaks. Sinner eventually broke Draper's serve at 5-5 and served out the set in 56 minutes. The second set was equally tight, with Draper saving three break points before Sinner forced a tiebreaker. The Italian took control of the tiebreaker and won it 7-3.Draper's physical condition deteriorated in the third set, as he appeared to suffer from heat illness. Despite his discomfort, he continued to fight and kept the set on serve until the sixth game. Sinner eventually broke Draper's serve and served out the match to reach the final.Sinner will now face either No. 12 seed Taylor Fritz or No. 20 seed Frances Tiafoe in the final. It will be the first time an American has reached the championship match at a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick at the 2009 Wimbledon.

Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko's plans for a wedding this week were put on hold as they triumphed in the US Open women's doubles championship. The duo defeated Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-3, claiming their first Grand Slam title together.Kichenok and Ostapenko, seeded seventh, had an impressive run at Flushing Meadows, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. Their victory earned them a prize of $750,000.Ostapenko, a Latvian who won the 2017 French Open in singles, expressed her joy during the trophy ceremony, saying, "I think it's a good excuse to postpone it a bit."Kichenok, who hails from Ukraine, dedicated the victory to her home country, which is currently engaged in a conflict. "They are fighting really hard for our freedom right now and I just hope I can give them some encouragement," she said.The match began with Kichenok and Ostapenko taking an early lead of 4-1. Mladenovic and Zhang fought back to tie it at 4-all, but Ostapenko and Kichenok regained the lead and won the first set when Zhang double-faulted.In the second set, Kichenok and Ostapenko fell behind 2-0 but surged back as Arthur Ashe Stadium filled up with fans anticipating the men's semifinal between Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper.Mladenovic and Zhang fought off three match points before the champions sealed the victory on their next chance. Mladenovic, who has won six Grand Slam doubles titles, fell to 0-3 in the US Open final.Zhang, who won the 2021 US Open doubles title with Sam Stosur, expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic. "For me the biggest motivation is I wanted to put our name on this trophy," she said. "But we will fight next time."As for Kichenok's wedding, she said, "No plan yet. Maybe Las Vegas or in Europe somewhere."

Emma Navarro, the rising star of tennis, has made an impressive run to the semifinals of the US Open, showcasing her poise, athleticism, and unwavering determination. Despite falling short against Aryna Sabalenka in the semis, Navarro's journey has been a testament to her hard work and dedication.Navarro's path to the semifinals was not without its challenges. She faced and defeated formidable opponents, including Marta Kostyuk, Coco Gauff, and Paula Badosa. Her fighting spirit and resilience were evident throughout the tournament, as she pushed herself to the limit in every match.Navarro's success is not solely due to her physical abilities. She has a deep understanding of the game and a methodical approach to her development. Rather than rushing into the professional ranks, she chose to return to college for another year, gaining valuable experience and building confidence.Her "process" involves playing as many matches as possible, believing that every match is an opportunity for growth. This approach has paid dividends, as she has accumulated more hard-court wins than top-ranked Iga Swiatek this year.Navarro's journey has also taught her the importance of toughness, not only in terms of physical strength but also in terms of mental resilience. She has learned to push through doubt and adversity, remaining unfazed by setbacks.Despite her success, Navarro remains humble and focused on her development. She recognizes that she is still on a journey and that there is much more to learn. Her goal is to continue improving and to eventually reach the pinnacle of the sport.Navarro's performance at the US Open has put her on the radar as a player to watch in the coming years. While she may not have sought the limelight, she embraces the attention as an opportunity to inspire others.

Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani etched their names in tennis history by capturing the US Open mixed doubles title on Thursday, a triumph that capped a remarkable year for Italian tennis. The No. 3 seeds overcame the spirited challenge of unseeded Americans Donald Young and Taylor Townsend in straight sets, 7-6 (0), 7-5, in a thrilling encounter that lasted an hour and 30 minutes.For Errani, a five-time women's doubles champion, this victory marked her maiden mixed doubles Grand Slam title. Vavassori, on the other hand, celebrated his first-ever Grand Slam triumph. The victory was a testament to the Italians' exceptional doubles prowess, having previously reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros in 2024."It's a dream come true for me," Vavassori exclaimed during the trophy ceremony. "Being with Sara, an amazing person and player, is an honor. I've always admired her career, and it's been incredible to play alongside her at Wimbledon and the Olympics this year."Errani echoed Vavassori's sentiments, expressing her pride in Italy's recent tennis achievements. "It's an incredible year for me and for Italy," she said. "Jannik (Sinner) winning the Australian Open, Jasmine (Paolini) reaching the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Simone (Bolelli) and Andrea (Vavassori) in the Australian and French Open doubles finals, and Jasmine and I winning Olympic gold in Paris. It's a special moment for our country."While the Italians celebrated their triumph, the Americans were left to reflect on a bittersweet ending. Young, who announced his retirement from professional tennis after the match, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the US Open one last time. "I can't think of a better place to go out," he said. "I've watched matches here as a kid and played with someone I've known my whole life."Townsend, a close friend of Young, acknowledged the significance of their journey together. "Standing here today with Donald means the world to me," she said. "He's been in my life forever. I don't know if I'd be here today if it wasn't for him and his family."Despite falling short of the title, Townsend emphasized the importance of representation for young athletes of color. "This isn't the trophy that we wanted," she said. "But at the end of the day, I'm the only Black woman left in the tournament. I hope that Donald and I standing here today, Frances (Tiafoe) in the semifinals, and Coco (Gauff) being the defending champion, shows people that look like us that it's possible."