Tennis

Andy Murray, the former world No. 1, has been sidelined with an ankle injury but has been closely following the action at the Rome Masters. Murray took to social media to analyze an incredible point won by Rafael Nadal, showcasing his keen insights and potential for commentary.Murray highlighted Nadal's quick thinking and adaptability, noting how the Spaniard wiped his right hand on his thigh after slipping on the baseline, anticipating the need for a backhand later in the point. Nadal, who went on to secure a three-set comeback victory, acknowledged Murray's exceptional abilities."He had a lot of finals. He was an amazing player that probably played in a difficult moment of the history of tennis because he shared the tour at the prime time of Novak, Roger, and myself," Nadal said. "He was, in my feeling, the one that was at the same level than us in general terms."Nadal's praise underscores Murray's status as a formidable opponent, despite his lower number of victories compared to the "Big Three" of Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. Murray's mental fortitude and consistent high level of play have earned him the respect of his peers.Meanwhile, Murray's return to competitive action is imminent. He has received wild cards for the Geneva Open and the Bordeaux Challenger, signaling his determination to regain his former glory. Additionally, Murray will team up with Dan Evans in doubles at Roland Garros, hinting at a potential partnership for the 2024 Paris Olympics.Murray's return and Nadal's continued dominance promise an exciting season ahead. The tennis world eagerly awaits the return of one of its most respected and admired players, as he seeks to add to his legacy and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Tennis and Cuisine: Elevate Your Watch Parties with French FlavorsAs the red clay season reaches its peak, tennis enthusiasts are immersed in the picturesque landscapes of Europe. However, the tantalizing images of Spain, Italy, and France have sparked a craving for the delectable cuisines of these countries.To satisfy this culinary desire, Culinary Tours has partnered with Tennis Channel to bring the flavors of Europe to U.S. supermarkets. Their gourmet cheeses, olives, pastas, and other specialty ingredients are meticulously sourced, each connected to a unique culture, cuisine, recipe, or story.For tennis fans eager to elevate their watch parties, Culinary Tours offers three exquisite French-inspired recipes that will transport them to the courtside at Roland Garros.French Onion Mushroom TartThis savory tart combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a flaky crust. The caramelized onions add a sweet and tangy depth, while the mushrooms provide an earthy umami.Blue Cheese Steak Frites BitesThese bite-sized delights feature tender steak strips coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and topped with a creamy blue cheese sauce. The sharp and tangy blue cheese complements the savory steak, creating a perfect balance of flavors.Goat Cheese Prosciutto CupsThese elegant cups are filled with a whipped goat cheese filling and wrapped in crispy prosciutto. The creamy goat cheese provides a smooth and tangy base, while the prosciutto adds a salty and savory crunch.With these three recipes, tennis fans can indulge in the flavors of France while enjoying the thrilling matches of the red clay season. Culinary Tours' gourmet ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes make it possible to create a culinary experience that rivals the excitement of the court.

Dominic Thiem, the former world No. 3 tennis player, has announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2024 season. In a heartfelt video statement, Thiem cited ongoing wrist issues and a deep inner feeling as the reasons behind his decision.Thiem's career has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He reached three Grand Slam finals before claiming his first major title at the 2020 US Open. However, injuries, particularly to his right wrist, have plagued him in recent years.The Austrian first hinted at his retirement plans in March, revealing renewed wrist problems ahead of the clay court season. Rumors intensified this week with reports that he would play his final tournament in his hometown of Vienna.Thiem's retirement announcement has been met with sadness and admiration from the tennis community. Novak Djokovic praised Thiem's resilience and determination in the face of injuries."I think he's a great example of somebody who never gives up," Djokovic said. "We are all hoping as tennis fans and colleagues of his that he can find the level because he was always very exciting to watch."Thiem's legacy will be defined by his exceptional one-handed backhand, powerful forehand, and intense on-court presence. He has inspired countless fans with his fighting spirit and unwavering belief in his abilities.As Thiem prepares for his final season, he will undoubtedly be celebrated for his contributions to the sport. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on tennis will continue to be felt for years to come.

Zheng Qinwen, the rising Chinese star, has made a triumphant return to action at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome after a right leg injury forced her to retire in Madrid last week. Despite being at 95% fitness, Zheng displayed impressive form in her opening-round victory over American Shelby Rogers, winning 6-2, 6-0.Zheng's injury setback in Madrid came as a surprise after her strong performance at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix the previous week. However, she revealed that she had been playing injured in Stuttgart due to a demanding spring schedule. The jam-packed calendar, including the Billie Jean King Cup and jet lag, took its toll on her body.Despite the injury, Zheng held five match points in her Stuttgart second round against Marta Kostyuk, who eventually reached the final. Zheng acknowledged that she would have won if not for the injury.After a week away from practice, Zheng arrived in Madrid undercooked and was unable to complete her match against Yulia Putintseva. She realized that her body was not ready and her mind was not prepared to push.With the help of coach Pere Riba, Zheng trained in Barcelona and was relieved to have a successful start in Rome. She struck six aces and dominated the match against Rogers, showcasing her impressive movement and shot-making.Zheng expressed her gratitude for being able to play without fear and enjoy the competition. She emphasized the importance of taking care of her diet and recovering properly, believing that small details can significantly impact her performance on court.Despite her love for ice cream, Zheng has refrained from indulging in gelato to prioritize her recovery. She is focused on achieving sweet victories on the court, with her next challenge being a third-round clash against No. 29 seed Linda Noskova.

Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Rome Due to Illness, Title Defense ThwartedDefending champion Elena Rybakina has regrettably withdrawn from the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, citing illness. The No. 4 seed, who has been in impressive form on clay this season, expressed her disappointment at not being able to compete."I am disappointed to have to withdraw from Rome this year, but unfortunately I do not feel well enough to compete," Rybakina said in a statement. "I have such good memories from last year and was looking forward to defending my title."Rybakina's withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, as she was one of the favorites to win. Last year, she captured her first WTA 1000 title on clay at the Foro Italico, defeating Anhelina Kalinina in the final.The Kazakhstani star has been known to suffer from allergies in Rome and at Roland Garros, and she appeared under the weather during Monday's Media Day. She struggled to answer questions during her pre-tournament press conference, hinting at her discomfort.Rybakina was scheduled to face Irina-Camelia Begu in her opening round after receiving a first-round bye. She will be replaced in the women's singles draw by lucky loser Océane Dodin.Rybakina's absence opens up the draw for other contenders, including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Ons Jabeur. The tournament will still feature a strong field of players, but Rybakina's withdrawal is a notable loss.

The clay-court season, once a preparatory phase for Roland Garros, has transformed into a treacherous gauntlet, jeopardizing players' momentum and health. The expansion of 1000-level events into two-week affairs has created a demanding schedule, leaving players exhausted and prone to injuries.The recent Madrid Masters witnessed a string of setbacks, with top seeds Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing due to injuries. Daniil Medvedev and Jiri Lehecka also succumbed to physical ailments, while Andrey Rublev played through excruciating pain to win the title.Elite coach Craig Boynton believes the extended events have created an imbalance, favoring players who perform well but leaving others with insufficient playing time. Tennis analyst Paul Annacone initially supported the longer tournaments but now questions their impact on player well-being.Players themselves have expressed concerns. Elena Rybakina lamented the grueling schedule, while Jimmy Arias, a former clay-court specialist, misses the intensity of one-week Masters events. The lack of uniformity in clay conditions across tournaments has also contributed to the injury crisis.The 1000-level events have grown in stature, rivaling the Grand Slams they precede. However, the quality of tennis has suffered due to player fatigue and the absence of a Lucky Loser rule to replace injured players.Novak Djokovic's absence from the clay swing has raised questions about the strategic value of skipping the demanding events. The current state of the clay-court season suggests that the governing bodies of tennis may need to reassess the schedule to ensure the health and well-being of players while maintaining the integrity of the sport.

For the past two decades, spring tennis has been synonymous with Rafael Nadal's dominance on clay. However, this year, a new era is emerging, with Iga Swiatek becoming the undisputed queen of the red dirt.Since 2022, Swiatek has won all three top-tier WTA clay titles in Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome. At just 22 years old, she has already claimed three Roland Garros titles, establishing herself as the heir apparent to Nadal's throne.While Swiatek's dominance may not yet match Nadal's at her age, her performances on clay have been equally impressive. She has won 58 consecutive matches on the surface after taking the first set, showcasing her ability to maintain an iron grip on her opponents.With injuries sidelining the ATP's top stars, Swiatek has seized the opportunity to cement her status as the world's leading player. Her recent victory in Madrid, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final, further solidified her dominance.Swiatek's success is not limited to the court. She has graced the cover of Elle magazine in Poland and has held the No. 1 ranking for 102 of the past 106 weeks. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains enthusiastic about her life on tour."I love the food, the different vibe, the courts, the nature, and the fans," Swiatek said of the Rome tournament. "It's pretty crazy here usually with the fans. They're loud and they're everywhere."Swiatek's ability to adjust to different clay conditions is a testament to her versatility. She has no trouble transitioning from the faster clay in Madrid to the slower surface in Rome, where her backhand return has proven to be a devastating weapon.Despite her success, Swiatek remains grounded and focused on enjoying her time on tour. She recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective and not putting too much pressure on herself."This year I feel pretty comfortable because I felt like I played well," Swiatek said. "I just want to enjoy, honestly, being on tour, and not put too much baggage on my shoulders because we have to survive to November."As the clay-court season reaches its climax, the question remains: Can Swiatek extend her Peak Iga season through Roland Garros? With her current form, it would be unwise to bet against her.

In the highly anticipated Round of 64 clash at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, two struggling stars, Sofia Kenin and Ons Jabeur, will face off. Kenin, once a top-ranked player, has endured a two-year slump, while Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has also been grappling with inconsistent form.Despite her recent struggles, Kenin has shown signs of improvement. In her previous match against Lucia Bronzetti, she displayed impressive dominance as a returner, breaking five times in two sets. Her baseline shots were powerful and accurate, and her movement along the baseline was fluid.Kenin's record against Jabeur is also noteworthy. She holds a 5-2 advantage in their head-to-head encounters. Additionally, Jabeur has been struggling with her precision in slice and drop shots, which have been key components of her success in the past.Furthermore, Kenin's experience on clay courts is an advantage. She reached the finals of Roland Garros in 2020, demonstrating her ability to handle the slow and bouncy conditions. These conditions allow her to play more balls and extend rallies.On the other hand, Jabeur's serve has been a concern in 2024. Her hold percentage is a mere 64.2%, which could give Kenin ample opportunities to break her serve.Considering Kenin's recent form, her favorable record against Jabeur, and the conditions that suit her style of play, it is reasonable to expect her to cover the 4.5-game spread.

Tennis Stars Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka Join Kendrick Lamar's Camp in Drake FeudROME, Italy - The ongoing feud between rap icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake has taken a new turn, with tennis stars Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka aligning themselves with Lamar.Gauff, after winning her opening match at the Internazionali BNL d'italia, echoed Osaka's sentiments expressed earlier in the week. "I like Kendrick's songs more," she said. "I think pretty much everybody I know is leaning towards him."Gauff praised Lamar's defense of Serena Williams, who was rumored to have dated Drake and was targeted in his 2022 track. "Drake dissed Serena, so I have to go with Kendrick," she said. "He defended her."The feud between Lamar and Drake has been simmering for years, with both artists releasing diss tracks and engaging in lyrical battles. Lamar's recent track "Not Like Us" included a warning to Drake to "not speak on Serena."Drake responded with "The Heart Part 6," but the beef appears to be on hold for now. However, if the New York Times Popcast is seeking music criticism from elite athletes, Gauff and Osaka have emerged as unlikely but insightful commentators.Gauff's support for Lamar is particularly notable given her close relationship with Osaka, who has been a vocal supporter of Drake in the past. However, Osaka's recent comments suggest that she may be reconsidering her stance.The feud between Lamar and Drake has captivated the music world and beyond, and the involvement of Gauff and Osaka adds a new dimension to the rivalry. As the tennis stars continue to compete in Rome, their opinions on the rap battle are sure to be closely followed.