Tennis

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has announced that Goran Ivanisevic will be her new coach for the 2025 season. The news came as a surprise to many, as Rybakina had recently parted ways with her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov.Rybakina, who is currently ranked No. 5 in the world, has been seeking a new coach to help her take her game to the next level. She believes that Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion and successful coach, is the ideal person to guide her."I'm really looking forward to this partnership," Rybakina said. "I think he's a great champion and he has so much experience. I'm really looking forward to start...for me [it] was important to get better."Ivanisevic, who has coached several top players in the past, including Novak Djokovic, is excited to work with Rybakina. He believes that she has the potential to become one of the best players in the world."I'm very happy to be working with Elena," Ivanisevic said. "She's a great player with a lot of potential. I think we can work together to achieve great things."Rybakina and Ivanisevic will begin working together during the pre-season and will continue their partnership into the 2025 season. Rybakina is confident that Ivanisevic can help her reach her full potential."I'm sure since he said 'Yes' he also, so...It's just very interesting for me," Rybakina said. "I want to learn. I'm just looking forward. As we just said, it's something new for me. Also, I've been with one coach for long time. I want to learn."Ivanisevic has a proven track record of success as a coach. He helped Djokovic win nine major titles, two ATP Finals titles, and seven Masters 1000s. Rybakina is hoping that Ivanisevic can help her achieve similar success.

The highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between world No. 3 Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Rolex Paris Masters promises to be a captivating spectacle. Despite Tsitsipas' 10-5 career advantage, Zverev is favored by oddsmakers due to his superior form in recent seasons.However, Tsitsipas' aggressive style and recent resurgence suggest he has a strong chance of upsetting the German. His exceptional forehand, which reached Shot Quality ratings of 9.3 and 9.8 in his previous match, poses a significant threat to Zverev.While Zverev's serve is formidable, Tsitsipas' ability to hold his serve consistently and target Zverev's forehand could prove decisive. The Greek star has enjoyed success against Zverev in their recent encounters, winning three of their last four matches and taking a set in seven of their last eight.Tsitsipas' recent resurgence in Paris, where he triumphed last year, further bolsters his confidence. He appears focused and determined, suggesting he is capable of overcoming Zverev's challenge.

In a thrilling Paris Masters match that spanned Halloween and Friday, Grigor Dimitrov narrowly escaped defeat against Arthur Rinderknech, keeping his 2024 season alive.Rinderknech, a wild card entrant, had impressed with five ATP Masters 1000 wins this week. He pushed Dimitrov to the brink, winning the second set and forcing a nail-biting tiebreak in the third.The decider was a tense affair, with neither player able to break serve. The tiebreak saw a remarkable sequence of seven consecutive points won by the server. However, Rinderknech's momentum was halted when he conceded a mini-break with a long backhand slice.Dimitrov seized the opportunity, using his signature inside-out forehand to create an opening and block a backhand volley into the open court. Rinderknech's mistimed swing gave Dimitrov the advantage, and an unreturnable serve sealed the victory.Dimitrov, a finalist in Paris last year, remains in contention for the ATP Finals in Turin. He needs to win the tournament or reach the final to qualify, with two ATP 250 events in Belgrade and Metz next week offering additional opportunities.Other ATP Finals contenders, Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Holger Rune, have already advanced to the quarterfinals. De Minaur has overtaken Andrey Rublev for the No. 8 spot, while Tsitsipas and Rune must win the Paris Masters to have a chance of making the prestigious eight-man field.

Ugo Humbert's stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Rolex Paris Masters sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The French No. 15 seed rallied from a set down to defeat the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 in a thrilling encounter that lasted over two hours.Humbert, who had lost to Alcaraz twice in 2022, started the match with a bang, dominating the first set with his aggressive baseline play. Alcaraz, who had been in scintillating form since winning the US Open, struggled to find his rhythm and won just one game in the opening set.However, the Spaniard showed his resilience in the second set, breaking Humbert's serve twice to level the match. The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Humbert eventually broke Alcaraz's serve in the 12th game to seal the victory and send the home crowd into raptures.The win was a major upset, as Alcaraz had been the heavy favorite coming into the match. It was also a significant victory for Humbert, who had been struggling for form in recent months. The Frenchman will now face Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals, who upset No. 7 seed Casper Ruud in the previous round.Alcaraz's defeat was a setback in his bid to finish the season as world No. 1. However, the Spaniard remains in contention for the year-end top spot and will be looking to bounce back at the ATP Finals in Turin next week.

Andy Murray's Creepy Clown Costume Sends Shivers Down SpinesOn Thursday, tennis legend Sir Andy Murray unveiled his Halloween costume, leaving fans both amused and terrified. Murray transformed into a Creepy Clown, complete with tattered rainbow hair, eerie makeup, and a sinister grin.The costume drew immediate reactions from the tennis community. Fellow Brit and former doubles No. 1 Neil Skupski commented, "Such a clown 🤡," while @fifthsettennis quipped, "Almost as scary as facing Rafa at 🇫🇷 Roland Garros 🏆."Murray's costume is a departure from his usual playful Halloween attire. In previous years, he has dressed as a banana, a minion, and even a giant tennis ball. However, this year's costume takes on a more sinister tone, showcasing Murray's versatility and willingness to embrace the spooky spirit.The makeup is particularly effective in creating a chilling effect. Murray's eyes are outlined in black, giving him a haunting stare. His lips are painted a deep red, and his teeth are bared in a menacing grin. The tattered rainbow hair adds to the costume's unsettling nature, creating a sense of chaos and unpredictability.Murray's Creepy Clown costume is a testament to his creativity and sense of humor. It is sure to become one of the most memorable Halloween costumes in tennis history.

Alex de Minaur's pursuit of a maiden Nitto ATP Finals berth has taken a significant step forward with his impressive performance at the Rolex Paris Masters. The Australian has moved into a qualifying position after avenging his US Open quarterfinal defeat to Jack Draper in a thrilling three-set encounter.De Minaur's victory over Draper, who had won the Vienna title the previous week, was a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite losing the opening set, the 25-year-old rallied back to claim the next two sets and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.With his victory, De Minaur has leapfrogged Andrey Rublev for the No. 8 spot in the race to Turin. If he advances to the semifinals, he will overtake Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud to further improve his chances of qualifying for the season-ending event.Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas remain in contention to shake up the race leaderboard, but De Minaur's performance in Paris has put him in a strong position. The Australian is aiming to become the first man from his nation to qualify for the ATP Finals in twenty years, following in the footsteps of his mentor Lleyton Hewitt.De Minaur's success in Paris is a continuation of his impressive season, which has seen him reach the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters and win the Atlanta Open. His consistent performances have solidified his status as one of the rising stars of the ATP Tour.As the Rolex Paris Masters progresses, De Minaur will face a tough challenge in the quarterfinals against either 2022 champion Holger Rune or French lucky loser Arthur Cazaux. However, the Australian has shown that he has the game and the determination to overcome any obstacle in his path to Turin.

Yonex's Ad-Accel tennis shoes are a game-changer for players seeking speed, responsiveness, and comfort on the court. With a unique Accel-Booster carbon plate in the mid-foot, these shoes enhance changes of direction and provide exceptional stability. The Power Cushion+ midsole absorbs shock and propels you into the next step, while the Durable Skin upper offers a supportive yet flexible fit.The Ad-Accel's lightweight design (11.8 oz. for men, 11.1 oz. for women) and streamlined silhouette make it feel like an extension of your foot. The upper features strategic cutouts for breathability, while plastic reinforcements provide durability in high-wear areas. The higher heel tab adds cushioning and stability, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout your match.The outsole's split pattern with herringbone tread on the medial side and thicker tread on the lateral side provides optimal traction for both lateral movements and quick adjustments. The rounded edges promote smooth transitions, while the absence of a lateral flange allows for efficient footwork.While the Ad-Accel's length may require some players to size down for a snug fit, the lacing system with an extra runner's eyelet ensures a secure lockdown. The shoe's overall softness may compromise stability for some, but confident movers will appreciate its responsiveness. The grippy outsole can be a drawback on stickier surfaces, limiting the ability to execute hard-court slides.Overall, the Yonex Ad-Accel is an excellent choice for players seeking a lightweight, responsive, and comfortable tennis shoe. Its unique features and attention to detail make it a top contender in the performance shoe category.

Jessica Pegula, the daughter of billionaire team owners, has faced criticism for her privileged background despite her exceptional tennis career. However, her resilience and determination have earned her the admiration of many, including MSNBC host Luke Russert.Pegula's journey to the US Open final was marked by both triumph and adversity. After a cathartic quarterfinal victory over Iga Swiatek, she faced a daunting challenge in Karolina Muchova. Despite losing the first eight games, Pegula rallied to win the match, becoming the oldest American to reach her first Grand Slam singles final.Russert witnessed Pegula's resilience firsthand, noting her ability to overcome adversity and maintain composure under pressure. He also praised her for her humility and approachability, qualities that have endeared her to fans.Pegula's success has not only been on the court. She is also a role model for perseverance and maintaining composure in the face of challenges. Her story resonates with many, including Russert, who has experienced personal tragedy.Russert's father, Tim, was a beloved sportscaster who died suddenly in 2008. Despite the heartbreak, Russert's fandom for the Buffalo Bills has never wavered. He believes that sports can provide a sense of community and identity, especially in cities like Buffalo.Pegula's mother, Kim, suffered a cardiac arrest in 2023. Jessica's quick thinking and CPR training saved her mother's life. Kim's recovery is ongoing, but her experience has inspired Jessica to appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of family.Russert shared an anecdote about Kim Pegula's generosity, inviting strangers to dinner on her yacht simply because they were wearing Bills gear. He believes that Kim's values have been passed on to Jessica, who is known for her kindness and approachability.

The WTA Finals in Riyadh, the culmination of the women's tennis season, is set to commence on Saturday, November 2nd. This year's event showcases a diverse lineup of players, reflecting the season's key themes: the emergence of new talent, the search for form by Grand Slam champions, and the ongoing rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.New Blood: Jasmine Paolini and Zheng QinwenThe WTA has witnessed a surge of promising young players in 2024, including Jasmine Paolini and Zheng Qinwen. Paolini, a 28-year-old Italian, has defied expectations by reaching the finals of two Grand Slams, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Zheng, a 21-year-old Chinese prodigy, has fulfilled her potential by winning Olympic gold, reaching a Grand Slam final, and cracking the Top 10.Slam Champs Searching for Form: Coco Gauff and Elena RybakinaCoco Gauff and Elena Rybakina, who won their first Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023, respectively, have faced challenges in replicating their success in 2024. Both have experienced Grand Slam disappointments and coaching changes. However, their presence in Riyadh suggests they are determined to regain their form.Long-distance Rivals: Iga Swiatek and Aryna SabalenkaThe rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has dominated the WTA for the past three seasons. Swiatek has excelled on clay, while Sabalenka has been dominant on hard courts. A potential final-round showdown in Riyadh could determine who finishes the year as world No. 1.ConclusionThe WTA Finals in Riyadh promises to be a captivating event, showcasing the best of women's tennis. From the emergence of new talent to the search for form by Grand Slam champions and the ongoing rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka, the tournament will provide a fitting conclusion to a memorable season.