Tennis

Alexei Popyrin, the rising Australian star, has emerged as a formidable force against Top 10 players, notching an impressive five wins in his last six encounters. His latest triumph came against world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev at the Rolex Paris Masters, a nail-biting 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4) victory.Popyrin's remarkable run began in Montreal in August, where he stunned three Top 10 players en route to his maiden Masters 1000 title. He then recorded the biggest win of his career over Novak Djokovic, then ranked No. 2, at the US Open.The 24-year-old's success against elite opposition is not a fluke. He now boasts 11 career wins over Top 10 players, including three against Top 5 players. In 2021, he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, then ranked No. 3, in Paris.Popyrin's victory over Medvedev was a testament to his resilience and determination. After losing the second set, he rallied back in the third, taking a 4-1 lead. Medvedev fought back to level at 4-4, but Popyrin held firm and eventually prevailed in the tie-break.In the third round, Popyrin will face Karen Khachanov, who ended the winning streak of Basel champion Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Khachanov holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage over Popyrin.Popyrin's recent performances have solidified his status as a rising star in the tennis world. His ability to challenge and defeat Top 10 players is a testament to his talent and unwavering belief in himself. As he continues to progress, Popyrin is poised to make even more waves in the sport.

Karen Khachanov's recent resurgence has propelled him back into the Top 10 contender conversation. After claiming the Almaty title, he reached the Vienna final, defeating notable opponents like Matteo Berrettini and Alex de Minaur. His impressive run continues in Paris, where he has overcome Christopher O'Connell and the in-form Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.Despite a challenging year marred by injuries, Khachanov has rediscovered his form. His improved break rate stems from a strategic shift in his return game, allowing him to extend rallies and capitalize on his baseline prowess. TennisViz and Tennis Data Innovations data indicate a significant improvement in his shot quality across all aspects of the game.Khachanov's upcoming opponent, Alexei Popyrin, poses a threat with his powerful serve. However, Khachanov holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage, including a straight-set victory in Doha earlier this year. Khachanov's recent form and tactical adjustments suggest he is well-equipped to handle Popyrin's serve.Khachanov's resurgence is driven by his determination to end the season strongly and build momentum for 2023. While Popyrin's recent win over Daniil Medvedev is impressive, Khachanov's current form and tactical improvements make him the favorite in this matchup.

Hsieh Su-Wei, the enigmatic Taiwanese tennis star, has carved a unique niche in the world of doubles with her unconventional style and unparalleled creativity. Unlike most doubles players who rely on straightforward execution, Hsieh embraces a kaleidoscope of shots, from half-volley lobs to blistering backhands, keeping her opponents guessing at every turn.Her unorthodox approach has earned her immense success, with 35 WTA Tour titles, including seven majors. Ranked No. 1 in doubles in 2014, she currently holds the No. 6 spot. This year, at age 38, she added two mixed doubles majors to her impressive resume.Hsieh's brilliance lies in her exceptional court vision and ability to manipulate the ball's pace and trajectory. She sees angles and opportunities that others miss, creating "geometric opportunities" that leave her opponents bewildered. Her calm demeanor and patience allow her to wait for the perfect moment to strike, giving her a wide range of options.Experts attribute Hsieh's unique style to a combination of natural talent and a willingness to experiment. While some may argue that her skills cannot be taught, others believe that imagination and creativity can be nurtured through practice.Hsieh's unconventional approach has earned her a cult following among tennis enthusiasts. She transcends the boundaries of traditional doubles play, showcasing the limitless possibilities of the sport. Her ability to erode opponents' minds with her unpredictable shots has made her one of the most formidable and entertaining players on the court.

Aryna Sabalenka's Unintentional Soccer Shot Hits Photographer at WTA Finals EventWorld No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka's attempt at a penalty kick during a visit with youth soccer players in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, took an unexpected turn when her shot veered off target and struck a WTA Finals photographer in the head.The incident occurred as Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur, who is in Riyadh to support the event, were interacting with the young girls. Sabalenka's attempt to showcase her soccer skills went awry when her shot missed the goal and hit the photographer, who was kneeling to capture the moment.Sabalenka immediately rushed over to apologize to the photographer, who was not injured and took the incident in good humor. Jabeur also checked on the photographer's well-being, joking that she "didn't have insurance."The photographer later posted a video of the incident on social media, with a humorous caption acknowledging Sabalenka's "serious damages" in Riyadh.Despite the mishap, Sabalenka and Jabeur continued their visit with the youth soccer players, engaging in conversations and posing for photos. The two players were also presented with personalized Saudi soccer jerseys with their names and the number '34' on the back, representing the bid year for the 2034 World Cup.Jabeur, who has been a vocal advocate for the WTA Finals to be held in Saudi Arabia, expressed her belief that the country is making progress in terms of women's rights and that it is time for the WTA to support the event in the Gulf country.

Spain's Devastating Floods: Tennis Academy and Communities RavagedSpain has been battered by unprecedented weather conditions this week, resulting in catastrophic mud-laden flash floods, dangerous hail, and widespread devastation. The DANA storm (isolated high-level depression) has claimed over 70 lives across the regions of Valencia, Albacete, and the Balearic Islands.Among the affected areas is the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Manacor, Mallorca. The tennis facility has been severely damaged by the torrential rain, with storm waters submerging trees and sweeping away vehicles from cobblestone streets. The academy shared images on Instagram depicting the extent of the destruction, expressing gratitude for the safety of all individuals and the efforts of first responders.The Rafa Nadal School, located on the same campus, currently houses over 460 students from 45 different nationalities. Six years ago, the academy played a crucial role in providing shelter during a similar disaster in Mallorca, which tragically claimed 13 lives.Spain's top-ranked tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, has expressed his condolences and support for the victims of the storm. "All my love to those who have lost loved ones due to the Dana and much strength to those who continue to search for the missing," he wrote on social media.The devastating floods have also impacted other parts of Spain, including Valencia and Albacete. Dramatic videos have emerged, showcasing the destructive force of the storm waters. The damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses is extensive, and recovery efforts are underway.The Spanish government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, mobilizing resources to assist with rescue operations, provide shelter, and begin the process of rebuilding. International aid organizations are also offering support to the affected communities.As the floodwaters recede, the full extent of the damage becomes apparent. The recovery process will be long and challenging, but the resilience and determination of the Spanish people will undoubtedly prevail.

Holger Rune, the 2022 Rolex Paris Masters champion, has reignited his form in the French capital, cruising past Alexander Bublik in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) in the first round.Rune, seeded 13th, has fond memories of Paris, having stunned the tennis world two years ago by defeating five Top 10 players, including Novak Djokovic, to claim the title. Despite injuries and inconsistency since then, the 21-year-old Dane is eager to replicate his success."I always enjoy playing in Paris," Rune said. "I have good memories, so I'm very blessed to be back."Rune's victory over Bublik was a testament to his growing maturity and focus. The match began evenly, but Rune seized control in the ninth game of the first set, breaking Bublik's serve after six deuces. He maintained his momentum in the second set, breaking Bublik twice to secure the victory in just 70 minutes.Rune's resurgence comes after a challenging season that saw him fall out of the Top 10 and part ways with coaches Boris Becker and Patrick Mouratoglou. However, he has reunited with former coach Lars Christensen and has shown signs of improvement in recent months."It's been a decent season," Rune said. "It's not been the best one, but I can finish it calling it a good one if I do well here in Paris."Rune's next opponent will be either lucky loser Arthur Cazaux or Basel finalist Ben Shelton. Rune has a 1-0 record against Shelton but lost to Cazaux earlier this year at the Australian Open.

Jessica Pegula's remarkable 2023 season has culminated in her qualification for the prestigious WTA Finals, a testament to her unwavering determination and the transformative impact of her new coaching team.After a disappointing start to the year, Pegula parted ways with her longtime coach, David Witt, seeking a fresh perspective. She found it in Mark Knowles and Mark Merklein, former ATP doubles standouts who brought a wealth of experience and a collaborative approach.Despite initial setbacks, including injuries and a surprising loss to a lower-ranked opponent, Pegula's fortunes turned dramatically after Wimbledon. She implemented a strategic plan with her team, prioritizing singles over doubles and focusing on her physical and mental well-being.The results were immediate. Pegula defended her Toronto title, reached the Cincinnati final, and played with renewed confidence and resilience. Her impressive North American run validated the team's approach and set the stage for her historic US Open run.At the US Open, Pegula reached the semifinals, her best Grand Slam result to date. Her performance showcased her growth as a player and the effectiveness of her new coaching partnership.Knowles expressed immense confidence in Pegula's progress, stating, "I feel like we're there." The WTA Finals represent a fitting capstone to Pegula's remarkable season, a testament to her hard work, adaptability, and the transformative power of a supportive coaching team.

Veteran Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden have stormed into the quarterfinals of the men's doubles event at the prestigious Paris Masters. The Indo-Australian duo displayed their prowess on Tuesday, overcoming the challenge of the Brazilian-German pair of Marcelo Melo and Alexander Zverev in a hard-fought encounter.The match, which lasted for one hour and 16 minutes, saw Bopanna and Ebden dominate with their first serve, winning an impressive 91 percent of points. They also unleashed four aces throughout the match. The third-seeded Indo-Australian duo seized the initiative early on, securing a crucial break in the first game to take the opening set 6-4.In the second set, Bopanna and Ebden faced a stern test as Melo and Zverev fought back. The reigning Australian Open champions had a chance to break their opponents in the fifth game, but the Brazilian-German duo held firm, forcing the set into a tie-breaker.However, Bopanna and Ebden remained composed in the tie-breaker, showcasing their experience and resilience. They ultimately emerged victorious, winning the second set 7-6 and securing their place in the quarterfinals.This victory marks another milestone for Bopanna and Ebden, who have enjoyed a successful season together. Earlier this week, they clinched a spot in the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals, a testament to their consistent performances throughout the year.As they advance to the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters, Bopanna and Ebden will face a formidable challenge in the form of the top-seeded pair of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic. The Croatian duo has been in impressive form this season, winning multiple titles, including the Wimbledon and US Open championships.Despite the tough task ahead, Bopanna and Ebden will be confident in their abilities. They have proven their mettle against some of the best doubles teams in the world and will be determined to continue their impressive run at the Paris Masters.

Adrian Mannarino, the 36-year-old French veteran, will face Zizou Bergs in the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters on Wednesday, October 30. Mannarino, who has a modest 15-30 record this year, has found renewed energy playing in front of his home crowd.Bergs, a lucky loser who replaced the injured Flavio Cobolli, upset French favorite Richard Gasquet in the first round. However, Mannarino presents a tougher challenge for the Belgian.Mannarino's strength lies in his defensive prowess. He is known for his ability to absorb pressure and return shots with consistency. Against Bergs, who can be erratic and prone to unforced errors, Mannarino's patience and resilience could prove decisive.Furthermore, the fast courts in Bercy favor Mannarino's serve. He has been serving well in recent matches, and his ability to hold serve consistently will put pressure on Bergs.Bergs, on the other hand, is an aggressive ball-striker who can overpower opponents when he's on his game. However, his tendency to spray unforced errors and get wild from the baseline could be his undoing against Mannarino's steady defense.The partisan crowd is also expected to play a role in Mannarino's favor. The Frenchman thrives on the support of his home fans, and the raucous atmosphere could unsettle Bergs.Overall, Mannarino appears to have the edge in this matchup. His defensive skills, improved serve, and home-court advantage make him the more likely winner.