Tennis

Tennis Channel is revolutionizing women's tennis coverage by introducing Women's Day on its T2 channel, starting June 11th. Every Tuesday, T2 will exclusively showcase the world's top female tennis players, providing fans with an unprecedented level of access to women's competition.This groundbreaking move underscores Tennis Channel's commitment to gender equality in sports. Tennis has long been a gender-balanced sport, with both men and women headlining tournaments and attracting equal viewership. Women's Day will further elevate the visibility of female athletes and inspire future generations.The first match ever aired on Tennis Channel featured Venus Williams, an American tennis icon. Since then, the network has consistently celebrated women's tennis, recognizing the contributions of pioneers like Althea Gibson, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova.T2 has rapidly expanded its reach since its launch in 2022, now available in over 100 million homes. The channel is accessible through various platforms, including Amazon's Freevee, Prime Video, and Fire TV, as well as Roku, Fubo, Hulu, YouTube TV, and Samsung TV Plus.Tennis Channel's dedication to women's tennis extends beyond Women's Day. The network holds exclusive rights to all men's ATP World Tour and women's WTA Tour competitions, as well as the four majors (US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and Australian Open).The introduction of Women's Day is a testament to Tennis Channel's unwavering support for women's sports. By providing a dedicated platform for female tennis players, the network is empowering them and inspiring fans worldwide.

Taylor Fritz, the American tennis star, has emerged as a formidable force on clay courts this season, becoming the first U.S. man to reach the quarterfinals or better of all three clay-court Masters 1000 tournaments. Fritz's newfound confidence on the surface stems from a consistent clay-court diet and a commitment to playing the full swing.Fritz's journey to clay-court success began with a runner-up finish at the 2015 junior Roland Garros. However, it wasn't until recent years that he fully embraced the surface. By playing all the clay-court events, Fritz has gained valuable experience and identified the strengths of his game that translate well to clay.Fritz's forehand, in particular, thrives on clay. He relishes the high ball and the opportunity to hit a spinny, heavy forehand with ample time. This shot has been a key weapon in his recent victories.At the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Fritz has dropped just one set, showcasing his newfound consistency. Despite a marathon tiebreaker against Grigor Dimitrov, Fritz remained composed and saved all 11 break points faced.Fritz's next opponent, Alexander Zverev, poses a significant challenge. Zverev leads their head-to-head 4-3, but Fritz has won two of their last three meetings. The pair have never faced off on clay, adding an intriguing element to their upcoming encounter.Fritz's transformation into "Claylor" is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. By embracing the challenges of clay courts, he has unlocked a new dimension to his game and established himself as a contender on all surfaces.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek continues her dominant run on clay, reaching the quarterfinals of the Italian Open after defeating Angelique Kerber. Swiatek, who won the Madrid Open last week, is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win the "dirt double."Swiatek's victory over Kerber was hard-fought, with the Polish player needing eight set points to secure the opener. However, she faced no such difficulties in the second set, sealing a 7-5, 6-3 victory. Swiatek will next face Madison Keys, who defeated Sorana Cirstea in a match interrupted by an environmental protest.Keys' match was temporarily suspended after two protesters jumped onto the court and threw confetti, while others glued themselves to the stands. The players returned to the locker room, and the protesters were removed by security.Other American players also advanced to the quarterfinals, with third-seeded Coco Gauff rallying to beat Paula Badosa and Danielle Collins easing past Irina-Camelia Begu. Second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a set down to defeat Elina Svitolina in a match that finished well after midnight.In the men's tournament, defending champion Daniil Medvedev survived a scare against Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic. Medvedev will face Tommy Paul in the round of 16, while Madrid finalists Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime were eliminated.Other notable winners in the men's draw include Hubert Hurkacz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Sebastian Baez, and Nicolas Jarry.

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable victory over Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia showcased her newfound mastery of the drop shot. Despite facing adversity throughout the match, including an erratic start, a lower back problem, and three match points, Sabalenka's resilience and tactical brilliance prevailed.In the opening set, Svitolina seized the early advantage, breaking Sabalenka's serve and dictating the pace with her powerful forehand. However, Sabalenka's determination shone through as she fought back with a series of well-executed drop shots. These delicate shots forced Svitolina to scramble behind the baseline, disrupting her rhythm and creating opportunities for Sabalenka to attack.As the match progressed, Sabalenka's back flared up, causing her to decelerate on her serve. Svitolina attempted to capitalize on this weakness, but Sabalenka's unwavering spirit and the support of the crowd spurred her on. She continued to employ the drop shot effectively, using it both as a defensive tool and a means to set up her powerful forehand.In the third set, Sabalenka's drop shot proved to be the decisive factor. She used it to break Svitolina's serve at a crucial moment, moving ahead 4-2. Svitolina fought back, breaking back at love, but Sabalenka's resilience and determination ultimately proved too much.In the tense tie-break, Sabalenka faced three match points but refused to give up. She saved the first two with powerful serves and the third with a stunning forehand return. With the momentum on her side, Sabalenka closed out the match with an imposing forehand return that forced Svitolina to net her final backhand.Sabalenka's victory is a testament to her growing maturity and tactical awareness. Her ability to adapt to the challenges of the match and execute the drop shot with precision and effectiveness has elevated her to the forefront of the women's game. As she advances to the quarterfinals, Sabalenka will face a formidable opponent in Jelena Ostapenko, but her newfound confidence and mastery of the drop shot will make her a formidable contender for the title.

Daniil Medvedev, the defending champion, survived a stern test from rising star Hamad Medjedovic to reach the fourth round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. The 20-year-old Serb pushed Medvedev to the limit, but the Russian's experience ultimately prevailed in a thrilling three-set battle.Medvedev started strongly, breaking Medjedovic early and taking a 4-2 lead. However, the young Serb fought back, breaking Medvedev twice to force a tiebreaker. Medvedev regained his composure to clinch the first set, but Medjedovic continued to impress in the second, breaking Medvedev twice more to level the match.The third set was a rollercoaster of emotions. Medvedev surged ahead to a 4-1 lead, but Medjedovic rallied back to level the set at 4-4. The crowd erupted in cheers as the match reached its climax. Medvedev, drawing on his vast experience, broke Medjedovic one last time to secure a hard-fought victory in just under three hours."I was not playing the way I wanted to," Medvedev admitted after the match. "I never found the rhythm I wanted in any shot. But the most important is to win; it's always better to win, 6-0, 6-0, but we don't see it this often on ATP tour. Happy with the win, tomorrow is a new day when I try to improve what didn't work today."Medvedev's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with No. 14 seed Tommy Paul, who defeated Dominik Koepfer in straight sets. Paul nearly beat Medvedev on slow conditions at the BNP Paribas Open in March, but the former world No. 1 rallied to win in three."I'll just need to reset," Medvedev said. "I won the match, so I'll do some physio work and go to sleep, try to play better tomorrow."

Stan Smith, the legendary Wimbledon and US Open champion, will be honored with the Shining Star Award for his unwavering support of the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP). This non-profit organization empowers underprivileged youth through tennis, education, and positive behavior.HJTEP's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its participants' impressive 3.1 GPA. The program has transformed the lives of countless boys and girls, providing them with opportunities for tennis and academic success."Stan's dedication has been instrumental in HJTEP's success," said Katrina Adams, Executive Director. "We are grateful for his support and the impact he has made on our youth."Smith's passion for youth development extends beyond HJTEP. He has also been actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. "These programs provide kids with direction and opportunities," he said. "Tennis teaches them discipline, time management, and social skills that are invaluable."Smith believes that tennis is a vital tool for promoting health and well-being. "It's the healthiest sport in the world, both physically and emotionally," he said. "It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities."Smith's new film, "Stan Smith: Breaking Barriers," features interviews with tennis icons like John McEnroe and Run DMC. The film highlights Smith's impact on the sport and his unwavering commitment to giving back."I'm an advocate for tennis," Smith said. "It's a sport that has given me so much, and I want to share its benefits with others."

Andy Murray, the former world No. 1, is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to regain his peak form. The 37-year-old has recently made a significant equipment change, switching from his long-time HEAD racquet to a Yonex frame. Murray's team has confirmed that he will test the new setup in match play at the ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux.Murray's decision to experiment with a new racquet comes after a promising recovery from an ankle injury that sidelined him since March's Miami Open. The three-time major winner has accepted wild cards into Bordeaux and next week's Geneva Open, with the intention of using these tournaments as preparation for his expected Roland Garros farewell.In 2023, Murray triumphed on French soil at the Challenger level, defeating Tommy Paul for the Aix-En-Provence crown. However, he opted to skip the Paris major to focus on preparing for the grass-court swing.At the BNP Paribas Primrose opener in Bordeaux, Murray is seeded seventh and will face a qualifier in his first match. Home favorite Arthur Fils is the top seed.Murray's equipment change is a testament to his unwavering determination to improve his game. The switch to Yonex could potentially provide him with an edge as he aims to make a strong return to the ATP Tour.

Tenniscore: The Preppy Athletic Aesthetic Inspired by Roger Federer and Jonathan Anderson's Uniqlo CollaborationThe "tenniscore" aesthetic, a fusion of preppy and athletic styles, has gained immense popularity thanks to the recent Hollywood blockbuster *Challengers* starring Zendaya. This trend has been further fueled by the latest collaboration between tennis legend Roger Federer and Irish designer Jonathan Anderson for Uniqlo.Their first Uniqlo line, released last year, showcased a modern and stylish capsule collection. Their latest effort, however, draws inspiration from vintage tennis apparel from the 1970s and 1980s. The result is a collection that embodies "a simple yet sophisticated uniform for players and non-players alike.""Whether for a walk, a run, or a match, this collection encapsulates the joys of play, on and off the court," Uniqlo states. Federer himself expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration."It's been a pleasure working with Jonathan again, bringing together his unique vision with Uniqlo's expertise in creating stylish and functional products," Federer said. "I hope everyone enjoys wearing these pieces, whether it's on the tennis court, for other sports, or in casual settings."One of the highlights of the collection is a lightweight parka available in gray, navy, and muted mint-green colorways. Other pieces include nylon joggers, shorts, a V-neck tee, and a variety of polo shirts in striped and solid prints. The polos feature Uniqlo's comfort-conditioning Airism technology and sweat-wicking Dry-Ex fabric."I believe we've crafted items that not only resonate with the essence of sport but also serve as versatile everyday wear that everyone can enjoy," Anderson said.The latest Roger Federer by JW Anderson collection will launch on May 16, with prices ranging from $29.90 to $59.90.

Coco Gauff's resilience shone through at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia as she overcame a set deficit to defeat Paula Badosa 5-7, 6-4, 6-1. The reigning US Open champion, who has faced serving struggles on clay, displayed her mental fortitude to survive a spirited performance from the former world No. 2.Badosa, returning from injury, started strongly, taking the first set 5-7. However, Gauff's determination was evident as she fought back in the second set, breaking Badosa twice to level the match. The third set was all Gauff, as she broke Badosa three times to secure a convincing victory.Gauff's victory was particularly impressive given her recent struggles with her serve. She committed 11 double faults but managed to overcome this weakness with her aggressive groundstrokes and clutch play in key moments.The match was also notable for the camaraderie between the two players. Gauff had previously reached out to Badosa during her injury struggles, and their friendship was evident on the court.Up next for Gauff is a challenging encounter against No. 7 seed Zheng Qinwen, who defeated Naomi Osaka earlier in the day. This will be the first meeting between the two players, and Gauff will need to continue her impressive form to advance further in the tournament.