Tennis

Sumit Nagal, India's top-ranked tennis player, has achieved a career-high ranking of 68 in the latest ATP singles chart, released on Monday. This marks a significant milestone for the 26-year-old, who has been steadily climbing the rankings in recent years.Nagal's rise to the top has been fueled by a string of impressive performances. He began the year with a victory over Alexander Bublik, the 31st seed from Kazakhstan, at the Australian Open. He also competed at the French Open and Wimbledon, showcasing his skills on the grandest stages of tennis.In addition to his Grand Slam appearances, Nagal has also triumphed in several ATP Challenger events. Earlier this month, he won the men's singles crown at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany, marking his fourth Challenger title on clay. He also won the Chennai Open in February, further solidifying his status as India's top singles player.Nagal's success has not only earned him a career-high ranking but has also secured his spot in the singles event at the upcoming Paris Olympics. He will be the sole Indian representative in the men's singles competition, carrying the hopes of his nation on his shoulders.Nagal's journey to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. He has overcome challenges and setbacks along the way, but his resilience and belief in his abilities have propelled him to new heights.As Nagal prepares for the Paris Olympics, he will undoubtedly face stiff competition from the world's best tennis players. However, his recent performances have demonstrated that he has the talent and the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level. India will be rooting for him to make history and bring home a medal from the prestigious sporting event.

Rohan Bopanna, the veteran Indian tennis player, is gearing up for his final Olympic hurrah in Paris. Despite not having the strongest of partners, Bopanna is confident in his pairing with N Sriram Balaji, believing they have the potential to challenge the top teams.Bopanna, 44, had to choose between Balaji and Yuki Bhambri for the men's doubles event at the Paris Olympics. After consulting his coaches, he opted for Balaji, citing his athleticism and agility on clay courts."I really believe that when we go out there, we genuinely have a chance to win every match, whoever we play against," Bopanna said. "It's not like we're just going to be written off."Bopanna's confidence stems from Balaji's impressive performances on the ATP Tour. Balaji has defeated top-10 players Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, and has shown adaptability by playing singles in the Davis Cup tie against Pakistan."Balaji definitely has the firepower to do well," Bopanna said. "He's more agile and explosive on clay, which is the surface we'll be playing on."Bopanna acknowledged that it was a difficult choice between Balaji and Bhambri, but he believes Balaji is the better fit for the clay surface."Bala has similar capabilities as Matthew Ebden, who I'm playing with on the Tour," Bopanna said. "Bala is fast and quick, but Ebden has more experience. Bala hasn't played at that level much."In Paris, Bopanna will have to take on the leadership role, as he has done in the past with illustrious teammates like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza."There is nobody currently in the country who has played that kind of experience as Matthew Ebden," Bopanna said. "So, no matter who I played with on the country, it would be the same scenario."Bopanna and Balaji plan to compete in a couple of ATP events, starting with the Hamburg Open, to prepare for the Olympics."We want to get to know each other better and try to prepare better than what we have done before," Bopanna said.Bopanna and Balaji are not just aiming to participate in the Olympics; they believe they have a chance to medal."Every athlete who goes into Olympics wants to win a medal," Bopanna said. "There is 100 percent that belief. We want to do better than the previous time. That's how life is. You want to do better. You want to keep going higher and higher."

The Wimbledon Championships, the oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament in tennis, recently concluded its 137th edition at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). The tournament witnessed thrilling matches and memorable moments, with Barbora Krejcikova and Carlos Alcaraz emerging as the women's and men's singles champions, respectively.AELTC, in its efforts to popularize tennis in India, partnered with Star Sports to broadcast the matches with Hindi commentary. This initiative aims to make the tournament more accessible to Indian fans and inspire a new generation of players.Indian tennis star Ankita Raina, who has played at Wimbledon in the past, spoke about the significance of this initiative. She believes that it will have a positive impact on the sport in India, as it will introduce the tournament to a wider audience and showcase the achievements of Indian players.Raina also highlighted the importance of individual performances by Indian players, such as Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal, in inspiring fellow players. She believes that their success at the highest level has motivated other Indian players to pursue their tennis dreams.The Wimbledon Championships holds a special place in the hearts of tennis fans worldwide. Its rich history, tradition, and unique rules, such as the requirement to wear all white, make it an iconic event. For Indian fans, the Hindi commentary will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the tournament.Raina's own experience at Wimbledon has been unforgettable. She cherishes the opportunity to play on the hallowed courts and compete against the world's best players. She believes that the tournament is a dream come true for any tennis player.The Wimbledon Championships offer fans an unforgettable sporting experience. The tournament showcases the highest level of tennis, featuring some of the world's most talented players. With the addition of Hindi commentary, Indian fans will now have a more immersive and engaging experience, further fueling their passion for the sport.

The Wimbledon Championships concluded with a grand finale, crowning Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova as the new King and Queen of Centre Court. The pair celebrated their triumphs at the traditional Wimbledon Champions Dinner, a glittering event held at the Raffles London hotel.Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, secured his second consecutive Wimbledon title with a dominant performance against Novak Djokovic. His victory marked a significant shift in the men's tennis landscape, with Alcaraz emerging as a formidable force. Despite his triumph, Alcaraz remained grounded, expressing his eagerness to support the Spanish national team in the European Championships final.Krejcikova, a 28-year-old Czech, dedicated her Wimbledon singles victory to her mentor, Jana Novotna, the 1998 champion who passed away in 2017. Krejcikova's triumph was a testament to her resilience and determination, having previously won 10 Grand Slam titles in doubles.The Wimbledon Champions Dinner is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the tournament's winners. The champions showcased their trophies and posed for portraits, receiving honorary All England Club memberships. The highlight of the evening was the graceful dance between Alcaraz and Krejcikova, which drew both laughter and admiration.Alcaraz arrived at the dinner in a Louis Vuitton tuxedo and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, while Krejcikova donned a green A-line gown by Jovani. Both champions exuded elegance and style, reflecting the prestige of the occasion.The Wimbledon Champions Dinner is a fitting tribute to the tournament's winners, providing a platform for them to celebrate their achievements and connect with fellow champions. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Wimbledon, a tournament that continues to inspire and captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Henry Patten, a former data logger for Wimbledon, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the men's doubles title at the prestigious tournament alongside Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara. The unseeded duo overcame three championship points in the second set to triumph 6-7(7), 7-6(8), 7-6(9) over Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.Patten's journey to Wimbledon glory has been unconventional. As a college tennis player at UNC Asheville, he excelled in doubles, becoming the No. 1 player in the NCAA. However, he never made it to Centre Court as a data logger for IBM.Heliovaara's story is equally inspiring. After retiring from tennis in 2013, he worked full-time at the Helsinki airport and in management. He made a comeback in 2017 and has since found success with Patten.The pair's triumph marks the third time a British man has won the Wimbledon doubles title in the Open Era. Patten joins Neal Skupski and Jonathan Marray as champions.Patten's victory is a testament to his determination and the power of perseverance. Despite not being considered a favorite, he and Heliovaara played with heart and resilience to achieve their dream.The duo's success has also highlighted the importance of teamwork and chemistry. Patten and Heliovaara have quickly developed a strong partnership, winning 29 of the 33 matches they've played together.Their victory is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and belief. Patten, who once logged points from the outside courts, has now etched his name into Wimbledon history as a champion.

Hsieh Su-Wei, the Taiwanese tennis star, has once again triumphed at Wimbledon, this time claiming the mixed doubles title alongside Polish partner Jan Zielinski. This victory marks Hsieh's fourth Wimbledon doubles title in her last four appearances, solidifying her status as a formidable force in the sport.After her impressive run in the women's doubles came to an end in the semifinals, Hsieh shifted her focus to the mixed doubles event. She and Zielinski proved to be an unstoppable duo, dominating their opponents with their exceptional teamwork and unwavering determination.In the final match, Hsieh and Zielinski faced off against the Mexican pair of Santiago Gonzalez and Giuliana Olmos. The Taiwanese-Polish duo displayed their superior skills, securing a 6-4, 6-2 victory. Hsieh's serve proved to be a decisive factor, as she closed out the match with an emphatic love game.Hsieh's Wimbledon triumph is a testament to her exceptional talent and longevity in the sport. She has now won four Wimbledon doubles titles, including the last three times she has competed in the tournament. Her first mixed doubles title at Wimbledon adds another feather to her cap, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest doubles players of all time.Zielinski, who also won the Australian Open mixed doubles title with Hsieh earlier this year, expressed his admiration for his partner's experience and leadership. "Su-Wei has done it a couple of times before in the past," he said. "Her experience helped us to get back on Centre Court after the second round, get through some tough matches."The mixed doubles final was played on Centre Court after Carlos Alcaraz's thrilling victory over Novak Djokovic in the men's final. It was a fitting end to a memorable Wimbledon tournament, showcasing the exceptional talent and determination of the world's top tennis players.

The transition from the era of tennis legends Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi to the current dominance of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer was a gradual and competitive process. However, the transition to the era of Carlos Alcaraz (21) and Jannik Sinner (22) has been remarkably smooth.Djokovic had an exceptional year in 2023, winning three Grand Slams, reaching the final of the fourth, claiming the ATP Tour Finals, and finishing the season as World No.1 for a record eighth time. Yet, Alcaraz and Sinner have demonstrated their potential to challenge the established order.Alcaraz's stunning straight-sets victory over Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on Sunday marked a significant moment in the transition. It was the third Grand Slam title of 2024 for Alcaraz, who had previously won the French Open and Roland-Garros. Sinner, too, has shown his mettle, winning the Australian Open earlier this year."Being with Jannik, winning Grand Slams... I think it is good for tennis to have new faces," said Alcaraz after his Wimbledon triumph. "I'm really glad to have him [Sinner]. We have a really good rivalry and it is great for the sport."The mental fortitude of Alcaraz and Sinner has been a key factor in their success. Sinner's victory over Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinal and Alcaraz's wins in the last two Wimbledon finals have proven that they have the resilience to compete at the highest level."Both of them are the best this year by far," Djokovic admitted. "I'm not at that level. To really have a chance to beat these guys in Grand Slam later stages or Olympics, I'll have to play much better than I did [vs. Alcaraz]."While Djokovic remains a formidable opponent, Alcaraz believes he is still the "Superman" of tennis. However, the 37-year-old knows he faces a tough task in catching up to the younger generation."I'm going to work on it," said Djokovic. "It's not something I haven't experienced before. In the face of adversity, normally I rise and I learn and get stronger. That's what I'm going to do."The transition to the era of Alcaraz and Sinner has been a seamless one, with the two young stars proving their worth on the biggest stages. As they continue to develop and challenge the established order, the future of tennis looks bright.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, has announced that he will be scaling back on his tradition of getting tattoos to commemorate his Grand Slam victories. After his latest triumph at Wimbledon, the 21-year-old Spaniard revealed that he has made a pact with his parents to limit his ink collection.Alcaraz has a tattoo of the date of his 2022 US Open win near his right elbow, and another of the date of his 2023 Wimbledon victory above a strawberry on his right ankle. He had previously expressed his desire to add an Eiffel Tower tattoo after winning Roland Garros last month, but has yet to do so.However, Alcaraz has made an exception for his second Wimbledon win. "I told my parents, just to calm them, that it's just the first one in every major!" he said with a laugh after his victory. "But I think this is a really big moment. I think I'm going to put the date of this one next to last year. I have to discuss it with them!"Despite his decision to tone down his tattoo collection, Alcaraz is still planning to celebrate his Wimbledon triumph in style. He will be spending time with his family and friends at home, and has high hopes for his Olympic debut in two weeks."Being in the village with all the Spanish athletes is going to be awesome, a really beautiful moment for me," Alcaraz said. "Coming to the tournament, I'm going to go for the title. I'm going to go just thinking that I will be able to win it. That's my goal, to bring a medal to my country, hopefully the gold medal."The doubles with Rafa is going to be a dream moment for me, and we will try to bring a gold medal again."Alcaraz's decision to limit his tattoos is a sign of maturity and a recognition of the importance of his family's support. It also suggests that he is focused on his long-term goals and is not getting caught up in the hype surrounding his early success.

Tennis star Nicolas Jarry will carry the Chilean flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics, making him the latest in a long line of tennis players to receive this prestigious honor.Jarry, ranked 20th in the world, will lead a delegation of 48 Chilean athletes from 19 sports at the ceremony on July 26. He will be joined by rower Antonia Abraham as the two flag-bearers.The Opening Ceremony will be held on the Seine River, marking the first time it will take place outside of a stadium in Olympic history. Athletes will float down boats on the river, following a course from east to west before concluding at the Trocadéro."I am very excited, happy, and proud to have the opportunity to carry the Chilean flag at these Olympic Games," Jarry told Chile's *La Tercera* newspaper. "These are going to be my first Olympic Games, and it means a lot to me."Jarry joins a who's-who of tennis players to receive this honor, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. At the last Olympics in Tokyo, four tennis players were co-flag bearers: Lu Yen-hsun, Veronica Cepede Royg, Petra Kvitova, and Jelena Ostapenko.Jarry will be hoping to make a strong showing at the Olympics, which will be held at Roland Garros from July 27. He reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Rome this year, but lost in the first round at Roland Garros to Corentin Moutet.