Tennis

Jannik Sinner's debut as the ATP's world No. 1 was a hard-fought battle against Tallon Griekspoor at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Germany. Despite a disappointing end to the opening set, Sinner emerged victorious with a 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-2 triumph.The match was a tale of two halves, with Griekspoor valiantly overcoming a 1-5 deficit in the tie-break to take the first set. However, Sinner's resilience shone through in the second set, as he recovered from 0-40 down on his serve and hustled to make a forehand pass winner.The pivotal moment came at 2-2 in the second set, when Sinner side-somersaulted to finish a diving movement for 4-2. This crucial point shifted the momentum in Sinner's favor, and he went on to protect his serve the rest of the way.In the deciding set, Sinner broke Griekspoor two more times before closing out the encounter with his 15th ace. The 22-year-old Italian reflected on the match, acknowledging the mental challenges he faced but also his ability to regain confidence on the grass surface.Sinner's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with Fabian Marozsan, as he aims to lift his first grass-court trophy. The Italian's all-around performance, including his impressive serve and aggressive groundstrokes, bodes well for his chances in the tournament.

Naomi Osaka's resurgence on the WTA Tour hit a roadblock at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin, as she succumbed to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat against rising star Zheng Qinwen. The former world No. 1, playing her first match since a narrow loss to Bianca Andreescu, faced a formidable opponent in Zheng, who unleashed an impressive 23 aces and secured her second victory over Osaka in as many meetings.Zheng's dominance on serve was evident from the outset, as she fired seven aces in the opening set to take an early lead. Osaka responded with her trademark power hitting, breaking Zheng in the second set and leveling the match. However, Zheng's resilience shone through in the decider, as she broke Osaka in the fourth game and held on despite Osaka's valiant efforts to save three match points.The rivalry between Osaka and Zheng has an added layer of intrigue, as both players have worked with the same coach, Wim Fissette. Zheng has expressed admiration for Osaka's determination to return to the top after becoming a mother, while Osaka has acknowledged Zheng's rapid rise in the rankings.Zheng's victory over Osaka is a testament to her growing confidence and ability on grass. The Chinese star, who has a 2-6 career record on the surface, will now face Czech qualifier Katerina Siniakova in the second round. Osaka, meanwhile, will look to regroup and continue her pursuit of a first Top 10 victory since 2020.

Andrey Rublev, the 26-year-old Russian tennis star, finds solace and tranquility in the serene ambiance of the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Germany. After the hustle and bustle of major cities like Madrid, Rome, and Paris, Rublev seeks refuge in the picturesque surroundings of Halle, where grazing cows and a majestic mountain backdrop replace the cacophony of urban life."It's a nice moment to rest mentally before I go to London," Rublev confides. "Here, it's a nice place to stay calm for a week, focus only on tennis, to recover. It's really quiet, really peaceful here."Beyond the tranquility, Halle offers another allure for Rublev: the sauna at his hotel.Rublev's journey in Halle began eight years ago when he was an 18-year-old aspiring player. Today, he is a 16-time ATP champion with two Masters 1000 titles and a consistent presence in the Top 10. Despite his accomplishments, Rublev remains grounded and finds it hard to believe how time has flown by."It doesn't feel like it at all. Looks like it's been just last year," he says. "But it's tough to realize that it's been eight years because in my head, eight years is a big number that means you have a lot of changes in life, or in general. For the moment, body wise, I feel like eight years ago."After a disappointing exit from the French Open, Rublev quickly shifted his focus to Halle. He took two days off before resuming intense training to prepare for the switch to grass."We start to practice full because we decided that it'll be the only short 10 days that we can work before it will be grass season," he explains. "Because on grass, I will not have much time to do good practices. These days I can really focus to build a little bit of game, so I was playing every day and then I came here."Rublev boasts a career 19-8 record on grass. On Tuesday, he will open his Halle campaign against Marcos Giron.

Milos Raonic, the former Wimbledon finalist, made a resounding statement at the Queen's Club on Monday, saving two match points to secure a thrilling first-round victory over home favorite Cameron Norrie. The towering Canadian also etched his name into tennis history by firing a record-breaking 47 aces during his three-set comeback.Raonic's serve proved to be an unstoppable force against Norrie, the British No. 2. He unleashed 18 aces in the final set alone, including a blistering 232 kph (144 mph) rocket during the deciding tiebreak to seal the match."With the scoreline and having to save match points, I probably needed every single one of those!" Raonic exclaimed after the match. "This small record, it's something special, something meaningful. I'm glad that (it) also stands behind a win, because maybe I'd feel differently or maybe a bit more sour if I was to get that many free points and lose the match."Raonic's record-breaking performance surpassed the previous mark of 45 aces set by Ivo Karlovic in 2014. The Croatian had equaled his own record a year later in Halle.Raonic's new world record falls short of the all-time men's record for most aces in a match, which stands at 113 by John Isner in his epic 2010 Wimbledon victory over Nicolas Mahut. That match famously lasted over three days and ended with a marathon 70-68 scoreline in the fifth set.Despite his impressive serve, Raonic has faced numerous injury setbacks throughout his career. He has undergone multiple surgeries for hip, feet, and wrist injuries, as well as a torn Achilles and a broken toe. This year, he withdrew from Indian Wells due to injury and retired against Alex de Minaur at the Australian Open.Currently ranked No. 186 but once as high as world No. 3, Raonic is finding his form on grass-courts, the surface where he achieved his greatest success. He reached the 2016 Wimbledon final and the Queen's Club final that same year.Last week, Raonic reached the quarterfinals in 's-Hertogenbosch, including a win over No. 8 seed Jordan Thompson. He followed that up with his victory over Norrie in London.Raonic will now face the winner of the match between No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz and Taro Daniel, who will face off on Tuesday.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has partnered with GOT BAG, an eco-conscious backpack and luggage company, to launch a limited-edition capsule collection. The collaboration aligns with Stephens' commitment to sustainability and her desire to inspire others to make a positive impact on the environment.The collection, released on Monday, features three versatile pieces in a muted gray colorway inspired by the ocean's porpoise. The tote bag, designed for everyday use, offers ample storage space. The two cross-body bags, available in large and small sizes, provide convenient hands-free options.Each bag is adorned with the words "calmness & confidence," a tribute to Stephens' grandfather and a reflection of her on-court demeanor. The bags are crafted from recycled plastic waste collected from coastal areas, rivers, and the ocean in Indonesia.GOT BAG's mission to combat plastic pollution resonates with Stephens. Since its inception in 2016, the company has recovered and recycled over 2.2 million pounds of plastic trash. The collaboration not only promotes sustainability but also supports Stephens' charitable endeavors.Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will benefit the Sloane Stephens Foundation, which provides underprivileged youth with access to health, wellness, and educational opportunities. The foundation, established in 2013, has made a significant impact on the lives of countless young people.Stephens' partnership with GOT BAG extends beyond the launch of the capsule collection. She is an active advocate for the company's mission and has incorporated GOT BAG products into her daily routine. The collaboration reflects Stephens' dedication to both her sport and her commitment to making a difference in the world.

Marketa Vondrousova Commences Grass-Court Season with Victory in BerlinBERLIN, Germany - Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova kicked off her grass-court campaign with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph over qualifier Rebeka Masarova in the opening round of the Berlin Ladies Open on Monday.The fifth-seeded Vondrousova displayed her dominance on the surface, breaking Masarova's serve three times throughout the match. She sealed her victory with a decisive forehand winner, mirroring her success against the Spaniard at the start of the French Open.Vondrousova's next opponent in the second round will be Anna Kalinskaya. The Czech star is aiming to replicate her historic Wimbledon triumph last year, where she became the first unseeded woman to lift the trophy. In the final, she overcame 2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.Vondrousova's victory in Berlin marks a promising start to her grass-court season. She will be eager to continue her momentum and challenge for another Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, which begins on June 26th.

Ons Jabeur Withdraws from 2024 Paris Olympics Due to Knee ConcernsTunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, citing concerns over her knee health. The former world No. 2 made the announcement on social media, expressing her disappointment but acknowledging the need to prioritize her physical well-being."After consulting with my medical team regarding attending the Olympics in Paris, we have decided that the quick change of surface and the body's adaptation required would put my knee at risk and jeopardize the rest of my season," Jabeur wrote in a statement.Jabeur's decision comes as a blow to Tunisia's hopes for a medal in Paris. The three-time Grand Slam finalist would have been one of the country's top contenders, having reached the quarterfinals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Jabeur's withdrawal follows a similar decision by fellow former world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who also cited scheduling concerns for her absence from the Olympics."I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I'm ready for the hard courts," Sabalenka said. "I'll have a good preparation before going to the hard-court season. I feel that this is safer and better for my body."Jabeur's absence from the Olympics is a significant loss for the tournament, as she is one of the most exciting and talented players on the WTA Tour. Her aggressive style of play and powerful groundstrokes have made her a fan favorite around the world.Despite her disappointment, Jabeur remains optimistic about her future and is determined to return to the court stronger than ever."I have always loved representing my country in any competition," she said. "However, I must listen to my body and follow my medical team's advice. Wishing my teammates the best in the Games, and I will be their biggest supporter."

Christopher Eubanks, despite a recent losing streak, remains optimistic as he transitions from clay to grass courts. The American, who enjoyed a breakthrough season on grass in 2023, believes his serve-oriented game suits the slick surface better.Eubanks' clay-court season was less successful, but he gained valuable experience and ranking points that allowed him to compete in Masters events. However, he acknowledges that the clay-court grind can be taxing.Upon returning to grass, Eubanks feels rejuvenated and confident. He believes his serve, which has produced double-digit aces in 11 consecutive matches, will be a key factor in his success. However, he recognizes that opponents have studied his game and are better prepared to counter his serve.Eubanks is focused on improving his return game, which has been a weakness this season. He also emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation and adapting his game without losing his identity.Despite his recent struggles, Eubanks remains confident in his abilities. He believes he has improved as a player and is capable of returning to the Top 30. He draws inspiration from his successful grass-court campaign in 2023, where he won his maiden ATP title in Mallorca and reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.Eubanks has the opportunity to end his losing streak in Halle before defending his ranking points in Mallorca and Wimbledon. He remains optimistic about his prospects and believes that by focusing on the process, the results will come.

Serena Williams, the undisputed GOAT of tennis, has weighed in on the critically acclaimed Hollywood film "Challengers," starring Zendaya as a former tennis prodigy. In an interview with The New York Times, Williams expressed her overall approval of the film, praising its accuracy and compelling interpersonal dynamics.While acknowledging the film's realistic portrayal of tennis, Williams found the relationships between the characters particularly relatable. She drew parallels between her own codependency with her sister Venus and the dynamics depicted in the film. "I feel like I was codependent with Venus," she said. "So I actually felt like there was so much accuracy in there about things that we don't think about as tennis players or even talk about as tennis players."Williams also appreciated the film's exploration of the loneliness that can accompany a tennis career. "There's definitely a lot of co-depending," she said. "You can also be a loner in tennis, so I don't know. ... I liked the movie. That's all I can say."Despite her positive review, Williams expressed a desire for a more conclusive ending. "I wanted there to be more of an ending," she said. "I told Zendaya, 'Listen, is there more? Like, I want more. Did they win?' I don’t want to give away the ending.""Challengers" has resonated with audiences worldwide, grossing nearly $50 million at the box office in the U.S. and over $92 million internationally. Its success underscores the film's ability to capture the complexities of the tennis world and the human relationships that shape it.