Tennis

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden Bow Out of Paris Masters in QuarterfinalsIndian tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden's impressive run at the Paris Masters came to an end in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought defeat to the Dutch-Croatian duo of Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic.The third-seeded Indo-Australian pair battled for one hour and 46 minutes before succumbing 6-7, 5-7 in a closely contested match at the ATP 1000 event on Friday.The first set was a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows and the scoreline remaining tight. Bopanna and Ebden had their chances, but Koolhof and Mektic displayed resilience to save set points and eventually clinch the tiebreaker 8-6.The second set followed a similar pattern, with neither pair able to gain a decisive advantage. However, Bopanna and Ebden faltered at a crucial moment, double faulting in the 12th game to hand Koolhof and Mektic the break they needed to seal the set 7-5.Despite the disappointing result, Bopanna and Ebden can take solace in their strong performance throughout the tournament. Earlier this week, they secured a spot in the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals, a testament to their consistent form.

Karen Khachanov's recent surge on the ATP Tour has been nothing short of remarkable. After claiming the title in Almaty, he reached the final in Vienna, defeating the likes of Brandon Nakashima, Matteo Berrettini, and Alex De Minaur.At the Rolex Paris Masters, Khachanov has continued his impressive run, dispatching Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Alexei Popyrin, and Grigor Dimitrov. His victory over Dimitrov, despite the latter's diminished fitness, was particularly impressive.Khachanov's dominance stems from his exceptional serving and returning abilities. Against Mpetshi Perricard and Popyrin, he won three of four sets without tiebreakers, showcasing his prowess as a returner. These victories bode well for his upcoming clash with Ugo Humbert, another formidable server.Humbert, too, has been in fine form, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Jordan Thompson in straight sets. The Frenchman's home-court advantage in Bercy has fueled his performance, with the crowd propelling him to new heights.However, Khachanov's recent defensive brilliance and his ability to exploit Humbert's backhand with his down-the-line backhand give him an edge. While Humbert's aggressive style has yielded success, it also carries the risk of unforced errors.Despite Humbert's current level, Khachanov's +120 odds suggest a 55% chance of victory for the Frenchman. This assessment undervalues Khachanov's chances, which are significantly higher than a coin flip.

Tennis Superpowers: What Abilities Would the World's Best Men Choose?In the intense world of tennis, players often push their limits to achieve victory. But what if they could possess superhuman abilities? This week, we asked the world's top male tennis players to reveal their superpower of choice.Time Travel for Tactical AdvantageJack Draper, the rising British star, yearns for the power to travel through time. "Being able to change the outcome of a bad service game that will lose you the match" would be invaluable, he explains.Enhanced Verticality for Court DominanceHolger Rune, the Danish sensation, desires the ability to "jump crazy high." This would elevate his serve, making it virtually unreturnable, and allow him to dominate the net with ease.Mind Reading for Strategic InsightsWorld No. 1 Jannik Sinner seeks the power to read minds. This would grant him an unparalleled advantage, enabling him to anticipate opponents' tactics and exploit their weaknesses.Invisibility for Stealthy AdvantageBrandon Nakashima, the American rising star, covets the power of invisibility. This would allow him to move undetected on the court, surprising opponents and gaining a tactical edge.Practical Superpowers for Travel ConvenienceAlexander Zverev, the German powerhouse, is torn between the ability to fly and talk to animals. However, Ugo Humbert and Zhang Zhizhen prioritize practicality. Humbert desires teleportation to eliminate the arduous travel associated with a tennis career. Zhang, who resides in China, echoes this sentiment, seeking the ability to instantly transport himself between his home and the court.Soup as the Ultimate SuperpowerHubert Hurkacz, the Polish star, provided a humorous twist by misunderstanding the question. His favorite superpower? "Onion cream soup," he declared. "I just ate it some time ago and I enjoyed it."ConclusionFrom time travel to mind reading, the superpowers chosen by the world's best male tennis players reflect their unique perspectives and aspirations. Whether it's for tactical advantage, court dominance, or simply the convenience of avoiding long flights, these abilities would undoubtedly enhance their already formidable skills.

The WTA Finals, the season-ending championship for the top eight women's tennis players, will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 20-27. The tournament offers a maximum of 1,500 ranking points for an undefeated champion, with players earning 200 points for each round-robin match win, 400 points for a semifinal win, and 500 points for winning the final.The prize money for the WTA Finals is substantial, with the champion earning between $4,455,000 and $5,155,000 depending on results. Players earn $350,000 for each round-robin match win, $1,270,000 for a semifinal win, and $2,500,000 for winning the final. Each player is also guaranteed $335,000 for their participation.The tournament will be played on a hard court surface, and the draw consists of eight singles players and eight doubles teams. Notable players participating include Australian Open and US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek, Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, and Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.The WTA Finals are a prestigious event that showcases the best women's tennis players in the world. The tournament provides a glimpse into the season that has passed, as the players who have earned the highest number of ranking points throughout the year qualify for the event.

Holger Rune's impressive run at the Rolex Paris Masters continued as he defeated Alex de Minaur in a thrilling three-set quarterfinal match. The 2022 champion and No. 13 seed is now just one step away from reaching the final and keeping his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals alive.Rune's victory was hard-fought, as he had to rally from a set down to defeat the No. 9 seed. The Dane broke De Minaur's serve in the first set and held on to win 6-4. However, De Minaur fought back in the second set, breaking Rune's serve twice to level the match.The third set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until the 11th game. Rune finally broke De Minaur's serve and then served out the match to win 7-5.Rune's victory was a major upset, as De Minaur had won their last two meetings. However, Rune has been in impressive form in Paris, and he is now one of the favorites to win the tournament.In the semifinals, Rune will face No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev. Zverev is a two-time champion in Paris, and he will be a tough opponent for Rune. However, Rune has already shown that he is capable of beating the best players in the world, and he will be confident of his chances of reaching the final.

The Volkl Vostra 9 tennis racquet is a versatile and control-oriented option for players seeking a 100 square-inch frame. With a new mold and innovative Red Cell technology, the V9 offers a balanced performance that excels in various aspects of the game.The Red Cell technology, a composite of carbon fiber and REVA dampening resin, enhances the racquet's performance and feel at contact. The V-shaped throat (V-Engine) lengthens main strings, resulting in a more elastic string bed and increased launch angle.The V9's 16x19 string pattern provides excellent directional control, allowing players to target shots with precision. The racquet's moderate spin production is complemented by its ability to generate slice backhands with ease.From the baseline, the V9 offers a predictable response with enough power to put balls away or escape trouble. Its larger head size and slightly thicker beam make it more user-friendly than the V10, while the extra cross string and thinner beam provide more control and versatility compared to the V8.At net, the V9's smooth handling and fine control make it a reliable performer. The racquet's stability and feel allow for effective drop and angled volleys.While the V9 performs capably in all areas, it lacks a standout feature. Its sweet spot is relatively small, and contact in the upper portion of the hoop can feel dead. However, poly string players can mitigate this issue by stringing at lower tensions and using softer or thinner options.Overall, the Volkl Vostra 9 is a solid all-around option for players seeking a control-oriented 100 square-inch frame. Its balanced performance, innovative technology, and versatility make it a suitable choice for a wide range of players.

Paris, the City of Light, is renowned for its iconic tennis tournament, Roland Garros, held on the red clay courts of springtime. However, the French capital also hosts another prestigious tennis event, the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, held annually in the Bercy neighborhood since 1986.Unlike Roland Garros, the Paris Masters is played indoors on hard courts, creating a distinct atmosphere. The Accor Arena, an '80s-era concrete pyramid, has been the tournament's home for decades, but it will soon move to the larger and more modern La Défense Arena in Nanterre.Despite its different setting, the Paris Masters exudes a uniquely Parisian charm. Fewer foreign tourists attend, and the crowd is predominantly French, creating a sense of camaraderie and celebration. The fans are as passionate and vocal as those at Roland Garros, cheering and jeering with equal fervor.The tournament has witnessed some memorable moments over the years, including the "Cough Bowl" between Boris Becker and John McEnroe in 1989 and Marat Safin's epic five-set victory over Mark Philippoussis in the 2000 final. In recent years, Holger Rune's breakthrough win over Novak Djokovic in 2022 and Djokovic's own triumph in 2023 have captivated the crowd.The Paris Masters is one of only three remaining men's-only 1000 events, along with Monte Carlo and Shanghai. It comes at the end of the season, when the Grand Slams are over and casual fans have largely checked out. However, the tournament has consistently attracted top players and produced thrilling matches.As the tournament prepares to move to Nanterre, questions arise about the impact on its atmosphere and popularity. The larger facility promises more courts and modern amenities, but some fans may miss the intimate ambiance of the Accor Arena.The expansion of the Masters 1000 series to 12 days and 96-player draws has sparked debate. While it provides more opportunities for lower-ranked players, it may also slow down the pace of the tournament. Fans will have to adjust to the longer format, but the chance to witness more matches may ultimately enhance their experience.Overall, the Paris Masters remains a beloved event on the tennis calendar, offering a unique blend of Parisian charm, passionate fans, and unforgettable matches. As it moves to a new home, the tournament will undoubtedly continue to captivate tennis enthusiasts for years to come.

WTA Finals: Stars Shine in Riyadh with Stunning FashionThe WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has kicked off with a dazzling display of fashion and athleticism. The world's top tennis players gathered for the traditional pre-tournament photo shoot and gala, showcasing their impeccable style and the latest trends.World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion Iga Swiatek, and the rest of the season-ending championship competitors stepped out in the historic district of Diriyah, adorned in garments from renowned designers.Zheng Qinwen turned heads in a vibrant red Christian Dior dress, while Coco Gauff opted for a delicate blush pink gown by Saudi-born designer Yousef Akbar. Elena Rybakina exuded elegance in Elie Saab, and Jasmine Paolini chose a sophisticated sand-colored gown by Brunello Cucinelli.Rybakina praised her fellow players' fashion choices, particularly Paolini's stunning ensemble. "Jasmine Paolini looked really good sitting by that chair," she remarked.The players' preparation for the photo shoot was a glamorous affair. Makeup artists and hairstylists worked their magic, transforming the athletes into fashion icons.The action on the court begins on Saturday, with Sabalenka facing Zheng and Rybakina taking on Paolini in singles action. In doubles, Siniakova and Townsend will face US Open winners Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko, while Hsieh Su-wei and Elise Mertens take on Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez.The WTA Finals in Riyadh promises to be a thrilling spectacle, both on and off the court. The players' stunning fashion choices have set the stage for an unforgettable event that celebrates the intersection of sports and style.

Aryna Sabalenka, the former and future world No. 1, is embracing her newfound fame and multitasking with ease. Despite her absence from the Wuhan Open for five years, she remains a fan favorite, signing autographs and interacting with fans.Sabalenka's popularity extends beyond tennis, with her viral dance videos and celebrity encounters. She aspires to launch her own fashion line, inspired by her love for style and her iconic tiger tattoo.Despite her success, Sabalenka has faced adversity, including the loss of her father and ex-partner. However, she has emerged stronger, using these challenges as motivation.On the court, Sabalenka is transforming into a complete player, working with a biomechanic coach to improve her technique. Her powerful groundstrokes and newfound consistency have made her a formidable opponent.Off the court, Sabalenka's charisma and self-deprecating humor have won over her peers. She has formed friendships with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, who appreciate her empathy and infectious personality.As she prepares for the WTA Finals, Sabalenka is focused on handling the pressure and finishing the year as world No. 1. Her unwavering belief in her abilities and her ability to overcome challenges make her a formidable contender.