Tennis

Indian tennis star Yuki Bhambri and his French partner Albano Olivetti have triumphed at the ATP Swiss Open, capturing the men's doubles title in a thrilling encounter. The duo overcame the challenge of French pair Fabrice Martin and Ugo Humber in a hard-fought match that lasted an hour and six minutes.Bhambri and Olivetti, seeded third in the ATP 250 clay court tournament, faced a stern test in the final against the unseeded Martin-Humbert duo. After dropping the first set 3-6, they displayed remarkable resilience to level the match and force a tie-break. In the decisive set, they showcased their composure and skill to emerge victorious with a 10-6 scoreline.This triumph marks Bhambri's third ATP title, all of which have come in the 250 series. It is also the second title for the Bhambri-Olivetti partnership, following their victory at the Bavarian Championships earlier this year.Bhambri's success at the Swiss Open is a testament to his consistent performance on the doubles circuit. He had previously won his maiden ATP title at the 2023 Mallorca Championships with Lloyd Harris. His impressive run has propelled him into the top 50 of the doubles rankings, and this latest victory is expected to further enhance his position.The Indo-French pair had maintained an unblemished record in the tournament prior to the final, not dropping a single set. However, they faced a formidable challenge in Martin-Humbert, who had upset the top-seeded pair of Jamie Murray and Adam Pavlasek in the quarter-final.Despite the setback in the first set, Bhambri and Olivetti remained composed and executed their game plan effectively. Their ability to adapt and respond to the challenges posed by their opponents was crucial to their eventual triumph.Earlier this month, the duo had suffered a second-round exit at the Wimbledon Championships, losing to German pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in three sets. However, they have bounced back strongly with this victory, demonstrating their determination and resilience.

Former doubles world number one Leander Paes and tennis broadcaster, actor, and player Vijay Amritraj became the first Asian men inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 20. The induction ceremony at the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, marked a historic moment for Indian tennis.Paes, 51, is an 18-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles. He honed his skills at an Amritraj youth academy and was selected in the player category. Paes recounted his early days playing football and hockey before switching to tennis, following in the footsteps of his hockey-captain father, who was an Olympic medalist."It's my greatest honor to be on this stage with not only these legends of the game, people who have inspired me every single day of my life -- not because you've only won Grand Slams, not because you've shaped our sport but every single one of these people have shaped the world we live in," Paes said. "I would like to thank you so much for giving this Indian boy hope."Amritraj, 70, played from 1970 until retiring in 1993. He won 15 ATP singles titles and 399 matches, reaching a career-high ranking of 18th in the world. Amritraj also helped India reach the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.After his playing days, Amritraj became involved in humanitarian causes, supported ATP and WTA events in India, and acted in the James Bond and Star Trek movie series. "A feeling came over me that I had never experienced," Amritraj said of learning about his election to the Hall. "This was an honor not just for me, for my family, for my parents, but for all of my fellow Indians and my country who live around the world."Like Amritraj, British tennis journalist and author Richard Evans was inducted in the contributor category for his lifetime impact on the sport.Paes and Amritraj's induction made India the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame. Paes emphasized the significance of their achievement for Indian tennis and the inspiration it provides to young players."Playing for 1.4 billion people could either be pressure or it could be wind within your wings," Paes said. "I'd like to thank every single one of my countrymen who supported me, who stood by through all the ups and downs, and we've been through a few, but you all were the inspiration, the support, you were even the strength to guide me through when even I didn't believe."Paes's career highlights include Grand Slams in both men's and mixed doubles, completing a career Grand Slam in men's by winning the 2012 Australian Open and in mixed by capturing the 2016 French Open. He also won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medal.Amritraj's contributions to tennis extend beyond his playing career. He has been a vocal advocate for the sport in India and has played a key role in promoting tennis at the grassroots level.The induction of Paes and Amritraj into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their exceptional achievements and their enduring impact on the sport. Their stories serve as an inspiration to young tennis players around the world, particularly in India, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of tennis for generations to come.

Reilly Opelka's comeback to competitive tennis was cut short in the semifinals of the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, as he fell to 19-year-old American Alex Michelsen in straight sets.Michelsen, the No. 3 seed, dominated the match from the outset, winning 10 consecutive games to secure a 6-2, 6-0 victory in just 59 minutes. The teenager saved three break points in the opening game and only lost three points on serve for the remainder of the match.Opelka, a former world No. 17, had returned to action as a wild card after a two-year hiatus due to hip and wrist surgeries. He had recorded three three-set wins, including one over defending champion Adrian Mannarino, to become the lowest-ranked semifinalist in the ATP Tour era since 1990.However, Michelsen proved too strong for the veteran American. The 6-0 second set was just the sixth bagel set Opelka had ever been served in his career and only the third in a tour-level main-draw match.Michelsen, currently ranked No. 61, is the youngest player to make back-to-back finals at the same ATP event since Carlos Alcaraz in 2021-22. He will face either No. 2 seed Marcos Giron or No. 4 seed Chris Eubanks in Sunday's final."At the beginning, he was having break points on my serve and I was like, 'This is going to be one of those matches that's going to come down to the wire,'" Michelsen said. "But then I honestly didn't miss a return when I touched the ball. It was probably the best returning day of my life."Opelka, despite the disappointing result, expressed optimism about his future. "I'm still working my way back," he said. "I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm getting there."

Coco Gauff's Olympic dream is finally coming true, and she's already feeling like a winner. In a heartfelt letter to her younger self, Gauff reflects on the journey that led her to the Paris Games and the challenges she overcame along the way.Three years ago, Gauff was devastated to miss the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19. But instead of dwelling on her disappointment, she set a new goal: to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games.Gauff's determination and hard work paid off. She earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team by virtue of her consistent performances over the past year, including her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.As she prepares for her Olympic debut, Gauff is focused on more than just winning medals. She wants to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience of representing her country."The excitement is overwhelming," Gauff wrote. "You can't wait to travel with your teammates, to take on the Olympic tennis tournament and hopefully increase the United States' medal count that you continually check each Olympics."Gauff is one of the biggest multiple-medal threats in Paris. She will join Danielle Collins, Emma Navarro, and Jessica Pegula as the Americans' singles players, and will also team with Pegula for doubles.The U.S. did not medal in any of the five events at the Tokyo Games, but Gauff is confident that she and her teammates can change that in Paris."Besides the battle on the court, be sure to enjoy the whole experience outside the confines of Roland Garros," Gauff wrote. "There will be athletes from across the world that you admire that you will have the opportunity to connect with. You can learn about new sports that have nothing to do with a baseline, backhand or the world of tennis."Gauff's Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but she's emerged from it stronger than ever. She's ready to make her childhood dream a reality and represent her country with pride.

Sahaja Yamalapalli's bid for a title at the $60,000 ITF women's tennis tournament in Evansville, USA, ended in heartbreak as she narrowly missed out on victory in the quarterfinals. The Indian player fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against Iryna Shymanovich of Belarus, losing 5-7, 6-2, 7-6(6) in a grueling three-hour and eight-minute contest.Yamalapalli started the match strongly, taking the first set 7-5. However, Shymanovich responded with a dominant second set, winning 6-2. The third set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players trading breaks and holding serve. Yamalapalli had three match points at 6-3 in the tie-breaker, but Shymanovich showed remarkable resilience to win the next five points and secure the victory.Despite the disappointing result, Yamalapalli can take solace in her strong performance in the doubles event. She and her Japanese partner, Hiroko Kuwata, reached the final, where they will face the American duo of Sophie Chang and Catherine Harrison.In other news from the tournament, Prarthana Thombare of India also advanced to the doubles final in Portugal, partnering with Arianne Hartono of the Netherlands.

Overcoming the Sweat-Soaked Grip: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect OvergripSweaty hands can wreak havoc on your tennis game, making it difficult to maintain a secure grip on your racquet. While traditional overgrips may suffice in moderate conditions, they often become slick and unreliable when the heat is on. This article explores the challenges of finding the perfect overgrip for sweaty hands and provides detailed recommendations to help you regain control of your shots.The Gold Standard: Tourna GripTourna Grip has long been the go-to choice for players seeking an absorbent overgrip. Its unique property of becoming tackier as it gets wet makes it an ideal solution for sweaty conditions. However, Tourna Grip can be tricky to apply due to its lack of a tapered end and adhesion.Overcoming Tourna Grip's ChallengesTo simplify the application process, consider tapering the end of the overgrip yourself using a pair of scissors. Additionally, affixing the grip to the handle with a small piece of clear double-sided tape can provide an anchor for smoother wrapping.Alternative Options to Tourna GripWhile Tourna Grip remains a popular choice, its durability can be a concern. For those seeking a more long-lasting option, consider Volkl V-Dry or Dunlop U-Sweat. These overgrips offer similar absorbent properties but may not match Tourna's feel.Finding the Right Overgrip for YouThe perfect overgrip is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different options to find the one that provides the best combination of tackiness, durability, and feel. Remember that grips are personal, and it may take some trial and error to find the right one for you.

The Power of Routine: Mastering the 20-Second Interval in TennisIn the fast-paced world of tennis, every second counts. While the actual point-playing time is limited, the intervals between points offer a crucial opportunity for players to reset, refocus, and prepare for the next challenge. By developing a structured 20-second routine, players can maximize these intervals to gain a mental edge and improve their performance.The "three Rs" of a 20-second routine are:Release:Letting go of the previous point is paramount. Whether it was a thrilling victory or a frustrating loss, dwelling on the past can cloud the mind and hinder focus. Players may use physical gestures like fist pumps or racquet taps to release pent-up emotions and clear their heads.Recover:Deep breathing is essential for recovery. By taking slow, controlled breaths, players can calm their bodies and minds. This allows them to regain composure and prepare for the next point with a clear and focused perspective.Refocus:Refocusing involves thinking ahead and strategizing. Beginners may simply decide on a return or serve placement. Intermediate players add the type of serve and return, and consider the potential first shot after. Advanced players delve deeper, analyzing player patterns, strengths, and strategy to anticipate upcoming serves or returns and visualize their response.It's important to note that releasing the previous point is crucial for effective recovery and refocusing. Unresolved tension can lead to mental and physical fatigue, hindering performance. Additionally, while refocusing involves planning, it should remain flexible, as the actual point may unfold differently than anticipated.Developing a 20-second routine is a key component of tennis success. It allows players to maintain focus, manage emotions, and prepare for the next point with a clear and strategic mindset. Whether it's adjusting strings, walking to the towel, or simply taking a deep breath, a structured routine empowers players to stay one step ahead and maximize their potential on the court.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame has honored tennis legend Chris Evert by renaming its Canfield House building as the Chris Evert Learning Center. The dedication ceremony took place during the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, with Evert and tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Stan Smith, Tracy Austin, Rosie Casals, and Rick Draney in attendance.The Learning Center serves as the headquarters for TeamFAME, a sport-based youth development program that reaches hundreds of young people in Newport, Rhode Island. Evert's contributions to grassroots tennis and education initiatives inspired the renaming, according to the Hall of Fame.Evert expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that the Hall of Fame holds a special place in her heart. She praised TeamFAME's efforts in providing tennis and educational support to the community, emphasizing the ripple effects of their work globally.TeamFAME is part of the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which brings tennis and education programs to underprivileged children. Evert serves as chairperson of the USTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the USTA, which sponsors NJTL chapters across the United States.International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Dan Faber lauded Evert's impact on and off the court, describing her as the embodiment of a Hall of Famer. He highlighted her dedication to developing tennis and education programs that have benefited countless children and families.The Tennis Forever Capital Campaign funded the Learning Center project, along with other initiatives such as resurfacing the iconic grass courts, digitizing the museum collection, and preservation projects on the property.

Rafael Nadal's return to competitive tennis has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After missing most of 2023 due to injury, the Spanish legend made his comeback at the Brisbane International in January. However, another injury forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open.Undeterred, Nadal returned to action at Roland Garros, where he suffered a disappointing first-round loss to Alexander Zverev. He then skipped Wimbledon to focus on preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics.Despite his recent struggles, Nadal remains determined to compete at the highest level. In his quarter-final match at the Swedish Open, the 38-year-old faced a stern test against Argentina's Mariano Navone. After losing the first set in a tie-breaker, Nadal rallied to win the next two sets 7-5, 7-5.The victory was a testament to Nadal's resilience and experience. He showed signs of exhaustion in the third set but managed to maintain his composure and close out the match.After the match, Nadal confirmed that he had entered the US Open entry list. However, he emphasized that he would make a decision about his participation after the Olympics."I had to check in for the US Open entry list and give myself a chance to decide in the upcoming weeks," Nadal said.Nadal has hinted that this could be his swansong year, and his recent fitness struggles have raised concerns about his future. If he does decide to retire after the Olympics, it would mark the end of an illustrious career that has seen him win 22 Grand Slam titles.