Tennis

Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal believes he had the momentum in the third set of his Wimbledon first-round match against higher-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia, but his relative inexperience on grass ultimately cost him the match.Nagal, 26, lost to Kecmanovic, ranked 19 places higher than him, in a marathon four-setter lasting nearly three-and-a-half hours. The Indian won the second set to level the match, but the Serbian regained control to advance."This is my first main draw at Wimbledon, and playing on the grass surface is not easy; you need a bit of experience," Nagal said. "But I think I did whatever I could, I fought hard. I felt like I could have served better, and there were a few things here and there in the match I could have done better."Nagal admitted that the momentum was shifting in his favor in the third set. "I think, like I said, if I could have broken him at 5-3, him serving, I think the match could have changed in a funny way."Despite the loss, Nagal cherished the Wimbledon experience. "It was a great experience. Obviously, when you play for three, three-and-a-half hours, you always feel like, 'this could have been done or that could have been done.' But like I said, if I could have changed things in the third set, I would have really liked that (broken the opponent at 5-3)."Nagal's goal remains to climb the rankings ladder, and he is eager to perform well at the Paris Olympics, where he will transition to clay courts. "I keep on climbing the rankings. There are a few goals that I need to finish, and that will be one of them — to keep on climbing the rankings. Now, I'm going back on clay to get ready for Paris. I'm looking forward to it; it's going to be my second Olympics, and I'm super, super excited for it."Tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi believes Nagal should have converted his chances. "Everyone's disappointed, but he's had a breakthrough year, he's played high-quality tennis. That guy's a good player and he had his chances there in the third set and that's the way it is. In events like this, you've got to take your chances, otherwise, you're going to come out on the losing end."Former Davis Cupper Zeeshan Ali advised Nagal not to be disheartened by the loss. "I feel that Sumit should not be very disheartened by this loss because he played a very good match. He played an incredibly good second set and he had a lot of chances. Going forward, I think he definitely needs to prepare better to play in a tournament like Wimbledon, maybe get a couple of matches in before the main draw of Wimbledon starts, and that would definitely help him prepare better."

British tennis prodigy Jacob Fearnley has made history by defeating both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in his junior days. Now, he faces the daunting task of taking on seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the second round.Fearnley's journey to Wimbledon has been unconventional. After graduating from high school, he opted to pursue a college tennis career in the United States at Texas Christian University. There, he helped his team win the national championships and honed his skills on the grass courts.Despite his impressive junior record, Fearnley acknowledges the vast gap between himself and the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner, who have ascended to the top of the ATP rankings. "The strides they've taken in their games have been a lot more than myself," he said.Fearnley's Wimbledon debut was a memorable one. He secured his first Grand Slam match win against Alejandro Moro Canas, showcasing his prowess on grass. Prior to that, he had won a Challenger event in Nottingham, further demonstrating his adaptability to the surface.Now, Fearnley faces the ultimate challenge: defeating Djokovic, who is seeking a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title. The Serb has won 24 Grand Slams and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time."I have no idea," Fearnley admitted when asked how he planned to upset Djokovic. "I've watched so many videos of him. It doesn't look like there's many flaws in his game. I'm going to just try and enjoy it, put my game out on the court and see what happens."Djokovic, for his part, acknowledged his lack of knowledge about Fearnley. "I haven't seen him hit. So I'll have to do my homework," he said.In a separate development, Djokovic began his Wimbledon campaign with a straight-sets victory over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva. Despite undergoing knee surgery last month, Djokovic displayed impressive movement and did not face a break point throughout the match.

British naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough's recent visit to Wimbledon has highlighted his significant contribution to the sport of tennis. In the late 1960s, as color television gained popularity and interest in tennis surged, producers sought ways to enhance the viewing experience. Historically, tennis balls were either black or white, but these colors proved challenging to see on television.Attenborough, who worked for the BBC during this transition to color, played a pivotal role in the switch to yellow tennis balls. The All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, confirmed that Attenborough's insights inspired the change. The 98-year-old Attenborough was a guest in the Royal Box at Centre Court on Monday, alongside soccer legend David Beckham, as the grass-court Grand Slam tournament commenced.The International Tennis Federation (ITF) officially adopted yellow tennis balls in 1972, citing research that demonstrated their improved visibility for television viewers. Ironically, Wimbledon did not make the switch until 1986. The official Wimbledon Compendium for that year noted that yellow balls were introduced primarily because white balls were becoming stained green on the grass, making them difficult to see on television, which was gaining increasing popularity for tennis coverage.Attenborough's influence on tennis extends beyond the color of the balls. His documentaries on the natural world have inspired generations of viewers, including many tennis players. His passion for conservation and environmentalism has also resonated with the tennis community, which has become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability in the sport.

Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has made a resounding statement at Wimbledon, silencing her critics with a stunning victory over defending champion Marketa Vondrousova. Her triumph, marked by a captivating performance and a heartwarming post-match demeanor, has captivated tennis enthusiasts worldwide.Bouzas Maneiro's victory was not merely a matter of skill but also a testament to her unwavering determination. Her "SHH" tattoo, a symbol of defiance against those who doubted her abilities, serves as a constant reminder of her resilience."When you're a tennis player, you have a lot of people saying you can't do it," she explained. "My tattoo is a message to them: shut up."Her fearless approach on the court has propelled her to new heights. Having started the year outside the WTA Top 150, Bouzas Maneiro has now ascended to No. 83 in the world. Her breakthrough moment came at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she upset former world No. 2 Paula Badosa in her first WTA main draw win.Bouzas Maneiro's success is not limited to the court. Her infectious smile and genuine interviews have endeared her to fans. She credits her positive mindset for her on-court success."I played so free. I don't know, I played happy," she said after her Wimbledon victory. "That's the way I'm playing. I think when I'm playing like that, my best tennis comes out."As Bouzas Maneiro prepares for her second-round match at Wimbledon against fellow Spaniard Cristina Busca, she remains focused on her goal of continuing her upward trajectory. Her journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and silence their doubters.

Sebastian Korda's Wimbledon hopes were dashed by the formidable serve of lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who stunned the 20th seed in a thrilling five-set battle.Mpetshi Perricard, a 6-foot-8 Frenchman, unleashed a barrage of 51 aces and 93 winners, leaving Korda helpless on many occasions. The match was a testament to Mpetshi Perricard's exceptional athleticism and serve-and-volley prowess.Despite Korda's experience and promising grass-court form, Mpetshi Perricard's serve proved too much to handle. The Frenchman saved all 11 break points he faced and hit three aces in the final game to seal the victory.Mpetshi Perricard's rise has been meteoric. Just two months ago, he won his first ATP title in his hometown of Lyon. His unique combination of height, athleticism, and a powerful forehand has earned him comparisons to the future of tennis.While his return game needs improvement, Mpetshi Perricard's athleticism allows him to cover the court with ease. He is also willing to come to the net, adding another dimension to his game.Mpetshi Perricard's victory is a reminder that the future of tennis is in good hands. His serve-and-volley style, combined with his athleticism and willingness to take risks, could make him a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.

Francisco Comesana, the 23-year-old Argentine tennis prodigy, has etched his name in Wimbledon history with a stunning upset over world No. 6 Andrey Rublev in the first round.Comesana, ranked No. 122, had endured a frustrating start to the year, failing to secure a tour-level victory in South America and falling short in his Wimbledon qualifying bid. However, on Tuesday, he rose to the occasion on the hallowed No. 2 Court, producing a performance that will forever be etched in his memory.In a thrilling encounter that lasted nearly three hours, Comesana displayed unwavering determination and resilience. He saved eight of the 10 break points he faced and fired 21 aces, keeping Rublev at bay throughout the match.The Argentine faced a crucial test in the fourth set, trailing 4-5 and facing set point. However, he summoned his inner strength and fought back to take a 5-3 lead in the ensuing tiebreak. Despite Rublev's valiant efforts, Comesana's change of pace proved too much for the Russian, who netted his backhand slice reply on match point."I dreamed to play here. I'm so happy. I don't know what to say now," an ecstatic Comesana told the crowd after his historic victory.Rublev, who had previously enjoyed success on grass with two Halle runner-up finishes and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance, has now lost three consecutive matches. His exit from the tournament is likely to see him drop out of the Top 10.Comesana's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career. He will now face another first-time major match winner, Adam Walton, in the second round. Walton, who defeated Federico Coria in straight sets, will be looking to continue his impressive run at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon, the hallowed grounds of tennis, witnessed a captivating display of resilience and versatility as Ben Shelton emerged victorious in a thrilling five-set battle against Mattia Bellucci.On Monday, Shelton faced an uphill battle, trailing two sets to one against the 148th-ranked qualifier. However, on Tuesday, he returned with renewed determination, adjusting his strategy to unsettle Bellucci. Shelton began varying his speeds and spins, opening up angles and creating more time for creativity.The American's powerful topspin forehand, versatile backhand, and improving net game kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Shelton's massive serve, including a match-winning ace at 120 mph, proved to be a formidable weapon.In the fourth and fifth sets, Shelton's laser-like focus and relentless energy propelled him forward. However, rain delays twice interrupted his momentum, adding to the drama. Despite the setbacks, Shelton remained composed and fought off break points to secure the victory.Shelton's positive self-talk and respect for his opponent were evident throughout the match. "It was good and competitive," he said. "He wanted it bad. It was cool to see."Stan Smith, the 1972 Wimbledon champion, praised Shelton's love for competition. "Ben just loves the atmosphere of competition," said Smith. "He's an in-progress version of Carlos Alcaraz."On Wednesday, Shelton will face another challenge in Lloyd Harris, who also rallied from two sets down to advance. The American's versatility, resilience, and unwavering determination will be put to the test once again as he aims to continue his Wimbledon journey.

Jessica Pegula, the No. 5 seed at Wimbledon, expressed her thoughts on the tournament's unpredictable nature and her own approach to the competition.Pegula, who reached the quarterfinals in 2021, acknowledged the recent trend of different women winning the grass-court major in recent years. She noted that the top half of the draw features formidable opponents like Iga Swiatek, Marketa Vondrousova, and Elena Rybakina.However, Pegula also highlighted the absence of former semifinalists in the bottom half due to injuries to Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. She revealed her prediction that Brenda Fruhvirtova would defeat Mirra Andreeva, which ultimately came to fruition.Pegula emphasized her belief in her abilities but refrained from setting unrealistic expectations. She explained that she focuses on winning each match rather than dwelling on the possibility of winning the tournament.Despite her recent grass-court title in Berlin, Pegula remains grounded and recognizes the unique atmosphere of Wimbledon. She admitted that it's difficult to ignore the sense of history and grandeur that surrounds the event.Pegula also shared her experience of participating in an escape room adventure with her sister and fellow Olympic team member Desirae Krawczyk. She expressed her enjoyment and hinted at the possibility of trying another one.

At the All England Club on Monday, contrasting fortunes unfolded for the last two Wimbledon singles champions. While 2022 winner Elena Rybakina cruised into the second round, defending champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.Vondrousova's defeat marks a rare occurrence in Wimbledon history. She became only the fourth Wimbledon champion to lose in the first round of their title defense, joining Steffi Graf, who lost in 1994 after winning three consecutive titles.Vondrousova's title defense was clouded by concerns about her physical health. After reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, she played only 10 games of grass-court tennis before Wimbledon. In Berlin, she slipped and fell during a match, raising questions about her fitness.Despite her pre-tournament assurances that she felt "fine," Vondrousova's performance on Centre Court raised alarm bells. She double-faulted three times in the opening game and continued to struggle with her serve throughout the match, double-faulting seven times and being broken five times.Meanwhile, Bouzas Maneiro's historic victory marked several milestones in her career. It was her first main-draw win at a Grand Slam, her first tour-level win on grass, and her first career Top 10 win. Earlier this year, she had scored her first WTA main-draw victory against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.