Tennis

Casper Ruud's return to clay in singles at the Nordea Open in Bastad did not go as planned, as he suffered a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Thiago Monteiro. However, the Norwegian salvaged the day by teaming up with Rafael Nadal for a thrilling doubles victory.Monteiro, a left-handed Brazilian, unleashed 24 forehand winners to overpower Ruud, who has won 11 clay-court titles, including two this season. The defeat marked Monteiro's second Top 10 victory of the year, having previously eliminated Stefanos Tsitsipas in Madrid.Despite the singles setback, Ruud and Nadal joined forces to defeat Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin 6-4, 3-6, [12-10] in a match that featured a saved match point at 9-10. The duo, dubbed "Team Ruudal," had previously ousted the second seeds in their debut."It was not the best beginning of the day, but very nice way to finish the day for me winning alongside Rafa," Ruud said after the match.Nadal, who will face Cameron Norrie in the second round of singles on Thursday, praised Ruud's performance. "Not easy to be on court after losing singles. Casper played so well this afternoon, so well done for him," said the 22-time Grand Slam champion.When asked about the "Ruudal" nickname, Nadal initially expressed confusion before Ruud clarified. "I have Fedal and now Ruudal, so both!" laughed Nadal.Ruud also commented on Carlos Alcaraz's recent Wimbledon triumph. "He's busy probably partying after winning Wimbledon. He has all the rights to enjoy. If he wants, I'm available on the phone," said Ruud.

Billie Jean King's Iconic "Pressure is a Privilege" Quote: Its Origins and ImpactBillie Jean King's legendary quote, "Pressure is a privilege," has become an enduring mantra in the world of sports and beyond. But where did this now-ubiquitous phrase originate?The genesis of the quote lies in a 2000 U.S. Billie Jean King Cup tie against Spain in Las Vegas. Lindsay Davenport, then a 24-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion, was struggling to find her footing against her rival, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.As King, the U.S. captain, watched Davenport's frustration grow, she recalled the young player approaching her with a plea: "Just say something!" In that moment, King's words flowed effortlessly: "Pressure is a privilege and champions adjust."King's simple yet profound statement resonated with Davenport, who later admitted that it had a transformative impact on her career. "Billie changed everything for me in believing in me when I didn't yet believe in myself," Davenport said. "She changed my life."The quote's significance extends far beyond Davenport's individual journey. It has become a rallying cry for athletes of all levels, reminding them that the pressure they face is not a burden but an opportunity to rise to the occasion.King's words have also found a home in the business world, where they inspire leaders to embrace challenges and strive for excellence. The quote is even immortalized on a silver plaque near the entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium, a testament to its enduring legacy.Nearly a quarter of a century after its inception, "Pressure is a privilege" continues to inspire and motivate. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to adjust, adapt, and emerge as champions.

Sania Mirza Tennis Academy Launches "Step One To Be A Tennis Champ" CampThe Sania Mirza Tennis Academy is thrilled to announce the launch of "Step One To Be A Tennis Champ," a comprehensive 5-day tennis camp designed to elevate the game of aspiring tennis players. This exciting camp will take place from August 2nd to August 6th at the academy's state-of-the-art facilities."Step One To Be A Champ" is tailored for players of all levels who are eager to enhance their tennis skills. The camp will emphasize developing fundamental skills, improving technique, and building confidence on the court. Participants will receive expert coaching from experienced and certified instructors who will offer personalized attention and guidance.The camp will cover a wide range of topics, including:* Stroke technique (forehand, backhand, serve, volley)* Footwork and movement* Court positioning and strategy* Match play and competitionIn addition to on-court training, the camp will feature sessions with a dietitian and a sports psychologist. This holistic approach will provide participants with the knowledge and tools they need to optimize their performance both on and off the court."Our goal is to provide a fun and engaging environment where players can develop their skills and passion for the sport," said Sania Mirza. "We want each participant to leave the camp feeling more confident and prepared to excel in their tennis journey."The camp will include daily training sessions, drills, and match play. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to learn from Sania Mirza herself and gain valuable insights into the world of professional tennis from Imran Mirza.

Vijay Amritraj, a tennis legend from India, has made an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the court. His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) as the first Asian man alongside Leander Paes is a testament to his exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to the game.Amritraj's journey to tennis stardom was not without its challenges. Growing up with severe health issues, he found solace and strength in the sport. With the unwavering support of his parents and brothers, Anand and Ashok, who also became world-class players, Amritraj overcame adversity to emerge as a formidable force on the tennis circuit.In 1973, at the age of 19, Amritraj made a stunning debut at Wimbledon, reaching the quarterfinals in singles. His remarkable victories over tennis greats Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors cemented his status as a rising star. Throughout his career, Amritraj amassed 28 ATP titles, including eight doubles titles alongside his brother Anand. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of 18 in 1980 and led India to two Davis Cup finals.Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Amritraj has dedicated his life to using tennis as a platform for social change. The Vijay Amritraj Foundation, established nearly two decades ago, provides support to individuals affected by disease and tragedy. As a United Nations Messenger of Peace, Amritraj has tirelessly advocated for awareness and action against HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.Amritraj's influence extends beyond the tennis court. He has starred in Hollywood films such as "Octopussy" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." His career as a tennis commentator began in 1992, where he has shared his insights and expertise with audiences worldwide.Amritraj's induction into the ITHF is a fitting tribute to his exceptional contributions to tennis and his unwavering commitment to using the sport as a force for good. His legacy as a player, humanitarian, and ambassador for the game will continue to inspire generations to come.

Barbora Krejcikova, the newly crowned Wimbledon champion, has a unique request for her fans: help her acquire a LEGO replica of Centre Court. The Czech star, who has emerged as a LEGO enthusiast during this year's rain-interrupted Wimbledon, has expressed her desire to build the intricate model, which features over 2,800 bricks and intricate details like the retractable roof.Krejcikova's passion for LEGO was revealed during a Q&A with fans ahead of her quarterfinal match, where she mentioned completing a Milky Way and Harry Potter's Dobby models. When a reporter suggested a Centre Court build, she enthusiastically responded, "If there's one for me, I'll do it."Her request has been met with a positive response. The LEGO idea lab has shared a concept for a Centre Court model, which will be commissioned if it receives 10,000 votes. Krejcikova has urged her fans to support the project, citing her eagerness to build it.Krejcikova's LEGO obsession is not an isolated case. Iga Swiatek, the world No. 1 and another LEGO enthusiast, has received two custom tennis models from the company. After winning her third consecutive Roland Garros title, Swiatek was gifted a replica of Court Philippe-Chatrier, complete with an "Iga's Bakery" and miniature versions of her team and cat. LEGO also produced a replica of her Technifibre racquet.Swiatek has been a brand ambassador for LEGO in Poland since January and has showcased her new toys during her clay-court return to practice. She will enter the Olympics as the gold medal favorite, carrying a 21-match winning streak on clay.Krejcikova's request for a Centre Court LEGO model highlights the growing popularity of the building blocks among tennis stars. It also demonstrates the company's willingness to cater to the unique interests of its fans, creating custom models that celebrate their achievements and passions.

International Tennis Hall of Fame Reschedules Enshrinement Ceremony, Introduces Combined TournamentThe International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) has announced significant changes to its annual events, aiming to enhance the visibility and impact of its enshrinement ceremony and introduce a new combined tournament.Starting in 2024, the ITHF's enshrinement ceremony will be moved to August, coinciding with the eve of the US Open. This strategic shift is intended to garner greater attention from the tennis world and align with the peak of the tennis season.In addition, the ITHF will host a new combined men's and women's 125-level tournament in 2025. This tournament will replace the men's 250-level event that is being discontinued from the ATP schedule after this week. The combined Hall of Fame Open, scheduled for July 6-13, will be the only grass-court women's tournament outside of Europe. It marks the first time the ITHF has hosted a women's pro tournament since the 1990 Virginia Slims of Newport."We are thrilled to provide fans with double the tennis starting next summer," said tournament director Brewer Rowe. "The combined tournament will offer a unique opportunity to showcase both men's and women's tennis at the highest level."For decades, the ITHF has hosted a men's tournament the week after Wimbledon, with the Hall of Fame inductions held on Saturday alongside the semifinals. This week, Leander Paes, Vijay Amritraj, and Richard Evans will be inducted into the hall in conjunction with the final edition of the 250 tournament.The ITHF's decision to reschedule its enshrinement ceremony and introduce a combined tournament reflects its commitment to innovation and growth. By aligning with the US Open and offering a platform for both men's and women's tennis, the ITHF aims to further elevate its status as a premier destination for tennis enthusiasts.

Tennis Channel will broadcast the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony live on Saturday, July 20, at 6 p.m. ET. The event will take place during the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island, and will honor eight-time Grand Slam doubles champion Leander Paes, player, broadcaster, and promoter Vijay Amritraj, and reporter, author, and tennis historian Richard Evans.Brett Haber, a longtime Tennis Channel commentator and host, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the induction ceremony. A special edition of Tennis Channel Live will air before the event at 5 p.m. ET, featuring network analysts and former players Chanda Rubin and Robbie Koenig.Tennis Channel will provide extensive coverage of the North American summer tennis season, including more than 340 hours of live matches and 365 hours of encore replays. The eight tournaments featured in the "Summer in the Cities" programming are the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, Atlanta Open, Mubadala Citi DC Open, National Bank Open presented by Rogers, Cincinnati Open, Tennis in the Land, Winston-Salem Open, and Abierto GNP Seguros 2024.Tennis Channel+ will offer on-demand matches upon their conclusion. The tournaments will be part of Tennis Channel's Center Court coverage, which includes other events worldwide.Tennis Channel and its sibling network T2 are the only television-based multiplatform destinations dedicated to both professional tennis and the tennis lifestyle. The networks have the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television, with multiple men's and women's tournaments and singles, doubles, and mixed competition throughout the year.Tennis Channel and T2 have rights to the four majors – US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (French Open), and Australian Open – and are the exclusive U.S. homes of all men's ATP World Tour and women's WTA Tour competitions, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and Laver Cup.Direct-to-consumer streaming service Tennis Channel+ is available to everyone in the United States and allows subscribers to select from another 4,500 live and on-demand matches and award-winning content throughout the tennis season.

Alexander Zverev, the reigning champion of the Hamburg Open, kicked off his title defense with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over qualifier Jesper de Jong. However, the match was not the only highlight for the fans in attendance.In a post-match interview with his brother Mischa, Zverev announced the launch of their new video podcast, "A to Z," which is now available on Tennis Channel. The podcast, which features tennis legend Boris Becker as its first guest, promises a variety of personal interviews with celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment.Against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian Alps, Becker shared his passion for tennis and the driving force behind his success. "Competition has always been at the forefront for me," he explained. "I love competing, playing, and going into a tennis match, even the 'fight' that comes with it."Becker emphasized that his motivation was not financial gain but rather the desire to win. "I earned some money, but I never played tennis for the money," he said. "Winning was always the priority, and that probably saved me in the years that followed."For Zverev, the podcast is a way to indulge his passion for interviewing. "I've always been interested in talk shows," he said. "I find the medium of television exciting. The video podcast is a flexible way for me to combine the tennis world with my interest in good interviews."Mischa Zverev echoed his brother's sentiments, stating that they aim to have "cosy conversations" with their guests. "Topicality is not the main focus," he said. "We will also meet actors, musicians, and politicians who are interested in us and the format. Our current goal for this year is 10 to 12 episodes."Upcoming episodes will feature reality stars and entrepreneurs Die Geisens, football stars Breel Embolo and Ismael Jakobs, and music world star DJ Ötzi. The entire series can be viewed exclusively on Tennis Channel, while the audio version is available on all major podcast platforms.

Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious Spanish tennis star, has emerged as a dominant force in the sport at the tender age of 21. With four Grand Slam titles already under his belt, including back-to-back Wimbledon triumphs, Alcaraz has drawn high praise from none other than his legendary compatriot, Rafael Nadal.Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, believes that Alcaraz has the potential to become one of the greatest players in tennis history. "My impression is that we are talking about a player who is going to be one of the best in history," Nadal said in an interview with Punto de Break. "He is a player with enormous potential."Nadal attributes Alcaraz's success to his exceptional tennis skills and his ability to stay injury-free. "His level of tennis is very high," Nadal said. "If he can stay away from injuries, of course Sinner will be there, but today I see him with Sinner above the rest without a doubt."Alcaraz's dominance is evident in his recent performances. In the 2024 Wimbledon final, he cruised past Novak Djokovic in straight sets, showcasing his superior power and precision. This victory marked his second Wimbledon title and his fourth Grand Slam triumph overall.Alcaraz's rise to the top has been meteoric. He became a Grand Slam champion at the age of 19 when he won the US Open in 2021. He followed that up with a Wimbledon title last year and then added the French Open to his collection this year.Nadal believes that Alcaraz's aura of invincibility is a major advantage for him. "I don’t see many players who can stop him on the Tour and the best thing about him today is that in every tournament he plays, no matter what surface, he is going to be the favorite," Nadal said. "No player was the favorite before every tournament and today I feel that he has that aura, that feeling."As Alcaraz continues to ascend the ranks of tennis, it is clear that he has the potential to achieve even greater heights. With his exceptional talent and the support of his fellow countrymen, Alcaraz is poised to become one of the most iconic players in the history of the sport.