Tennis

Quentin Halys' Gravity-Defying Forehand Stuns at Swiss Open GstaadWorld No. 192 Quentin Halys showcased his exceptional talent at the EGF Swiss Open Gstaad, delivering one of the most remarkable shots of the year in the quarterfinals. Facing Gustavo Heide, the French qualifier found himself on the ground after being wrong-footed on game point.Undeterred, Halys unleashed an astonishing forehand with only his upper body strength, sending the ball hurtling towards Heide. Despite the Brazilian's valiant effort, he missed the near-winner, leaving Halys to bask in the applause of the crowd.The momentum from this incredible point carried Halys through the first set, as he dispatched Heide 6-1. In the second set, Halys faced a tougher challenge but ultimately prevailed 7-5, securing his place in only his second ATP semifinal (2023 Estoril).Halys' performance in Gstaad is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite being ranked outside the Top 150, he has proven that he can compete with the best on the ATP Tour. His projected move into the Top 150 is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and talent.In the semifinals, Halys will face either No. 4 seed Tomás Martín Etcheverry or No. 5 seed Jan-Lennard Struff. A victory would propel him to the biggest final of his career, further cementing his status as a rising star in the tennis world.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has achieved remarkable success throughout his career, amassing 24 Grand Slam titles, the most by any male player in history. However, one elusive accolade remains missing from his trophy cabinet: the Olympic gold medal.Djokovic's Olympic journey began in 2008 in Beijing, where he won a bronze medal in singles, his best result to date. He has since participated in three more Olympics, but gold has continued to evade him.In 2012 in London, Djokovic lost in the semifinals to Andy Murray, who went on to win gold. In 2016 in Rio, Djokovic suffered a disappointing first-round exit in singles and a second-round exit in doubles.The 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) presented Djokovic with another opportunity to complete his Golden Slam, having won all four Grand Slams in 2021. However, his hopes were dashed in the semifinals by Alexander Zverev, who staged a remarkable comeback to win the match. Djokovic then lost the bronze medal match to Pablo Carreno Busta, a game marred by Djokovic's frustration and racket abuse.Despite his Olympic setbacks, Djokovic remains one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His dominance on the Grand Slam stage is unparalleled, and he continues to be a formidable force on the ATP Tour. As he prepares for his fifth and potentially final Olympic appearance in Paris 2024, Djokovic will be determined to add the elusive gold medal to his illustrious career.

Richard Evans, a legendary tennis journalist, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his extensive coverage spanning over six decades. His journey began at Wimbledon in 1960, where he collaborated with former world No. 1 Althea Gibson. Evans' relentless pursuit of tennis has taken him to over 200 Grand Slam tournaments and countless other events, making him an unparalleled presence in the sport's history.Evans' writing style is characterized by its fluidity and depth. His tournament wrap-ups, a vital form of journalism in the pre-Internet era, provided comprehensive accounts of the action, highlighting both the routine and the significant. Beyond match play, Evans was attuned to the political turmoil affecting tennis in the early 1970s. His insights into the formation of the ATP and the Players Association proved to be accurate and influential.Evans' close relationships with tennis greats, including Rod Laver, John Newcombe, and Bjorn Borg, gave him unique insights into the sport's inner workings. He also forged strong bonds with key figures such as Gladys Heldman, Gene Scott, and Jack Kramer. These connections made him a natural choice to become the ATP's first director of public relations and later its European director.Evans' contributions to tennis extend beyond journalism. He has authored over 20 books, including epic histories of the Davis Cup and Open tennis, as well as nuanced biographies of John McEnroe and Ilie Nastase. His collaborations with Marty Riessen, Allen Fox, and Vijay Amritraj have brought their stories to life.In addition to tennis, Evans has covered significant political events, including the Vietnam War and Senator Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign. His passion for journalism stems from his desire to inform people about things they don't know.Born in Paris just prior to World War II, Evans' family escaped France as the Nazis invaded. His memoir, "The Roving Eye," recounts this harrowing experience with his customary vigor.Richard Evans' legacy in tennis is immense. His body of work provides a rich tapestry of the sport's history, both on and off the court. His insights, relationships, and unwavering dedication have made him an invaluable asset to tennis journalism and the sport itself.

Rafael Nadal's impressive run at the Nordea Open continued on Thursday as he defeated Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 in the second round. The victory marks Nadal's third consecutive win in Båstad, where he is competing in both singles and doubles.Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is preparing for his third and likely final Summer Olympic Games appearance in Paris. He is using the Nordea Open as a tune-up event after skipping Wimbledon to focus on clay.The match against Norrie was a challenging one for Nadal. The Brit had won their most recent meeting at the 2023 United Cup and has performed well on clay in the past. However, Nadal's experience and determination proved too much for Norrie.Nadal broke Norrie's serve in the opening set and held on to win 6-4. In the second set, Norrie took an early 4-1 lead, but Nadal fought back to win five consecutive games and secure the victory.Nadal's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with No. 4 seed Mariano Navone. The Spaniard is now one step closer to winning his first title in Båstad since 2005.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, is gearing up for what is likely to be his final year on the court in 2024. Despite battling injuries and fitness concerns, the 38-year-old remains determined to make his mark on the sport.Nadal's decision to skip Wimbledon this year was a strategic move to prepare for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. The clay courts of Roland Garros, where Nadal has triumphed 14 times, will provide a familiar and advantageous surface for the Spaniard.Nadal's illustrious career has cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, he forms the renowned "Big Three" that has dominated the sport for nearly two decades.Born in Mallorca, Spain, Nadal began his tennis journey at the tender age of four. Under the guidance of his uncle, Toni Nadal, he quickly emerged as a prodigy. Turning professional at just 15, Nadal became the youngest player to win a match on the professional circuit.In 2004, Nadal claimed his first ATP Tour title and played a pivotal role in Spain's Davis Cup victory over the United States. The following year, he captured his maiden French Open title, defeating Federer in the semifinals and ascending to world No. 2.Nadal's dominance on clay has earned him the moniker "King of Clay." His 14 French Open titles are an unparalleled achievement in tennis history. He has also won two Wimbledon titles, four US Open victories, and two Australian Open trophies, amassing a total of 22 Grand Slam titles.In Paris, Nadal will compete in both singles and doubles, partnering with his successor, Carlos Alcaraz. His participation in the Olympics holds special significance as it could potentially be his last opportunity to add to his Olympic medal tally.Nadal's decision to prioritize the Olympics over Wimbledon reflects his unwavering commitment to representing his country and leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. As he prepares for his final year on the court, Nadal's determination and passion for tennis remain as strong as ever.

Barbora Krejcikova's Wimbledon triumph has not only earned her a Grand Slam title but also a unique LEGO set commemorating her victory. The 28-year-old Czech star took to social media to showcase the colorful collection, which includes a replica of the Venus Rosewater Dish, an action-ready figurine, and a tennis racquet.Krejcikova's passion for LEGO extends beyond her Wimbledon win. She revealed during a Q&A session that building with the blocks is her favorite pastime during rain delays at the tournament. Her love for LEGO has caught the attention of the Danish brand, which has previously partnered with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Leylah Fernandez.In addition to her LEGO set, Krejcikova is also rallying fans to support a petition on LEGO's Idea Lab to create a replica of Centre Court. The petition has garnered over 2,000 signatures so far, but needs to reach 10,000 to be considered for production.Krejcikova's success on and off the court is a testament to her determination and passion. Her Wimbledon victory has not only cemented her status as a top player but has also inspired her to pursue her other interests, such as LEGO building.

The Head Extreme MP tennis racquet has undergone subtle yet effective updates, enhancing its reputation for effortless power and spin. The latest iteration incorporates Auxetic 2.0 carbon fiber construction, providing improved feedback and a plusher response. The hoop has been reinforced for greater stability, while the flexible throat ensures comfort and control. New grommets and bumper materials enhance the feel and ball sound at contact.The Extreme MP's vibrant yellow aesthetic and penchant for generating spin-laden groundstrokes make it a standout on the court. It excels at sending shots soaring over the net and diving into the court, forcing opponents to retreat deep. Its chunky beam provides ample power, while its manageable weight prevents it from becoming unwieldy. The racquet's forgiving nature allows for off-center hits and provides assistance when under pressure.The Extreme MP's speed through contact translates to effective serves. Its lightweight hoop enables effortless whipping motions, generating pace and spin. The string bed grips the ball well, creating vertical action on kick serves. The racquet's comfortable feel, despite its stiffness rating, is attributed to the Auxetic construction and new grommet composition. It offers a soft response, even on defensive stabs.At the net, the Extreme MP's maneuverability and responsive feel make it a formidable weapon. Off-center hits are handled without excessive vibration or wobble. Its fast overhead speed facilitates powerful smashes. While the MP excels at directing pace and spin at larger targets, it may not be as reliable for hitting into tight windows or flattening the ball.The Extreme MP's user-friendly demeanor and all-court versatility make it suitable for a wide range of players. Its spin production, power, and maneuverability appeal to players between the 3.0-4.0 level. With slight customization, such as a hybrid or softer string, it can cater to more advanced players.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, has returned to action at the Swedish Open after skipping Wimbledon. Nadal is preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics, where he will participate in both singles and men's doubles.In the Round of 16 of men's singles, Nadal will face Cameron Norrie on Thursday. He advanced to this stage after defeating Leo Bjorg, son of Bjorn Bjorg, in straight sets in the previous round.Nadal will also be partnering with Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. In the men's doubles category, he has teamed up with Casper Ruud. Nadal and Ruud defeated Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin in the quarter-final, sealing a 6-4 3-6 12-10 win.During the on-court interview after the match, Ruud was asked if Alcaraz had contacted him for tips. Ruud quipped that Alcaraz was probably busy celebrating his Wimbledon victory.Nadal praised Ruud for their good partnership. He said, "It was an emotional match. Not easy to be on court after losing singles, but Casper played so well. Well done for him. We had some fun. A good level of tennis. We enjoyed it. The crowd was amazing. Full crowd in a doubles match. That’s fantastic."Ruud had lost to Thiago Monteiro in his Round of 16 clash before the doubles match, losing 3-6 3-6 against the Brazilian.This is likely to be Nadal's final Olympics, with 2024 expected to be his swansong year. If he clinches gold in Paris, it will be even more special as it will be held on the clay courts of Roland Garros, where he has won the French Open a record 14 times. However, age has been catching up with him, and he already has an Olympic singles gold and also a doubles one, from 2008 and 2016 respectively.

Rafael Nadal's Iconic Roland Garros T-Shirt Up for AuctionNearly two decades ago, a teenage Rafael Nadal burst onto the global sporting scene with a remarkable run to his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. Now, a piece of that historic triumph is available for purchase, but it comes with a hefty price tag.In 2005, Nadal, seeded fourth in his Roland Garros debut, stunned the tennis world with a series of impressive victories. He defeated compatriot David Ferrer in the quarterfinals, overcame Roger Federer for the first time in a major semifinal, and on his 19th birthday, triumphed over unseeded Mariano Puerta in the final.Beyond his exceptional tennis, Nadal also made a fashion statement with his attire. The green-patterned Nike T-shirt paired with long white pants became one of the most iconic outfits of his career.Now, that very T-shirt is up for auction through Prestige Memorabilia, the leading tennis memorabilia auction house. The shirt is expected to fetch a six-figure sum, with bidding starting at $25,000.This is the first time a Grand Slam-winning shirt has been offered for auction. Previous items sold by Prestige Memorabilia include Nadal's 2007 Roland Garros-winning racquet, which fetched $118,206.Bidding for the T-shirt is open until August 4th at TheTennisAuction.com. Collectors can also bid on other memorabilia from tennis legends such as Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz.