Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open and Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a persistent injury in his right forearm. This setback casts a shadow over his preparation for the upcoming French Open, scheduled to commence on May 26.Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, has been sidelined since his quarterfinal defeat to Grigor Dimitrov at the Miami Open last month. The 20-year-old Spaniard has been battling the forearm injury since then, forcing him to miss the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters.The Barcelona Open, a clay-court tournament, holds special significance for Alcaraz, who triumphed there in both 2022 and 2023. His absence from this year's edition is a major blow to the tournament and his own preparations for the French Open.Alcaraz's withdrawal raises concerns about his fitness ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season. Last year, he reached the semifinals at Roland Garros, where he was eventually defeated by eventual champion Novak Djokovic.The French Open is a tournament where Alcaraz has shown great promise. In 2021, he reached the quarterfinals as an 18-year-old, becoming the youngest player to reach that stage since Rafael Nadal in 2005.Alcaraz's absence from the Barcelona Open is a reminder of the challenges faced by young athletes in managing their physical and mental health while competing at the highest level. The injury setback is a temporary hurdle, but it underscores the importance of rest and recovery for athletes who push their bodies to the limit.As Alcaraz focuses on his rehabilitation, the tennis world will eagerly await his return to the court. His talent and determination have made him one of the most exciting players to watch, and his absence from the Barcelona Open and the French Open will be keenly felt.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has cemented his status as a clay-court maestro, capturing his third Monte Carlo Masters title with a dominant display over Casper Ruud. The Greek star's triumph marks a remarkable achievement, joining the ranks of tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster, and Ilie Nastase as three-time winners of the prestigious tournament.Tsitsipas's path to victory was paved with impressive performances, including a hard-fought victory over Alexander Zverev in the round of 16 and a clinical dismantling of world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. In the final, he faced a determined Casper Ruud, who had previously defeated him twice.However, Tsitsipas showcased his unwavering confidence from the outset, converting three of six break-point chances in the opening set. Ruud struggled to find his rhythm, committing uncharacteristic errors that allowed Tsitsipas to take control. The Norwegian's double fault at the end of the first set epitomized his struggles.The second set followed a similar pattern, with Tsitsipas continuing to apply relentless pressure. Ruud managed to save several break points, but his efforts proved futile as Tsitsipas secured the decisive break in the eighth game. The Greek star closed out the match with a resounding 6-1, 6-4 victory.Tsitsipas's triumph in Monte Carlo is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has now returned to the Top 10 in the ATP rankings, solidifying his position as one of the most formidable players on the tour.

Third seeds Arjun Kadhe and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan emerged victorious in the doubles final of the $82,000 Challenger tennis tournament, defeating second seeds Piotr Matuszewski and Matthew Romios 7-6(5), 6-4. The triumph earned the Indian duo a prize money of $4665 and 75 ATP points, while the runners-up received $2700 and 50 points.For the 35-year-old Jeevan, this marked his 33rd doubles title and his 12th Challenger doubles crown. The 30-year-old Arjun, on the other hand, claimed his 19th doubles triumph and sixth Challenger title.The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying impressive skills and determination. The first set went into a tiebreaker, where Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan emerged victorious with a 7-5 scoreline. The second set followed a similar pattern, with the Indian duo breaking their opponents' serve in the crucial ninth game to seal the victory.Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan's victory is a testament to their exceptional teamwork and consistency. They have been a formidable force on the Challenger circuit, consistently reaching the latter stages of tournaments. Their triumph in this event will undoubtedly boost their confidence and propel them towards further success.

The Bryan Brothers: Olympic Gold, Medal Shenanigans, and the Future of DoublesTennis legends Bob and Mike Bryan, known for their unparalleled doubles success, recently joined Andy Roddick's podcast, "Served," for a hilarious and insightful episode.The brothers shared a memorable anecdote from the 2012 London Olympics, where they won their first gold medal. Bob recalled the intense pressure they felt at 34 years old, describing it as a "sense of urgency." The victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and the moment was filled with shock and disbelief.However, it wasn't until weeks later that the full weight of their achievement hit them. Bob carried his medal around in his bag for six months, using it as a "chick magnet" at bars. Mike, on the other hand, kept his medal pristine at home, shining it and displaying it prominently.Inspired by his brother's pristine medal, Bob devised a plan. He visited Mike's house in California and swapped his scuffed medal for Mike's mint-condition one. Mike was furious when he discovered the switch-a-roo, but Bob insisted he wanted a "fresh" medal.The brothers also discussed their concerns about the future of doubles in tennis. Bob expressed worry that the streamlining of tournaments could lead to a reduction in doubles events. He emphasized the importance of doubles appreciation and vowed to continue advocating for its prominence.Bob is also involved in Davis Cup as the U.S. captain, while Mike jokingly referred to himself as the "assistant massage therapist." The brothers plan to attend Wimbledon this summer, continuing their mission to spread the gospel of doubles.

Andy Murray and his wife Kim Sears celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary on Friday, and the Cromlix Hotel, which the couple has owned for nearly a decade, is honoring them with a special menu featuring dishes served at their 2015 wedding reception.The new menu includes pea-and-mint soup, a favorite of the Murrays, as well as grilled Scottish asparagus, poached duck egg, and hollandaise sauce, a dish that holds special significance for the Murray clan. It was served at the silver wedding anniversary of Murray's maternal grandparents in 1982, the first event the hotel hosted after being converted from a family home.Other highlights of the new menu include canapes with produce from the hotel's garden, rack of lamb, twice-baked souffle, and Wimbledon-inspired strawberries and cream.The Murrays have owned the Cromlix since 2013, having bought it for nearly £2 million. Last year, it underwent a complete refurbishment. In 2010, Jamie Murray, Andy's brother, also married at the property.The hotel's new menu is a testament to the Murrays' love for the Cromlix and their commitment to providing guests with a memorable dining experience.

Ashleigh Barty, the former world No. 1 tennis player, has been delighting fans with adorable sightings of her nine-month-old son, Hayden. Despite her retirement from the WTA Tour, Barty remains a beloved figure in the tennis world.On Saturday, Barty brought Hayden to watch Australia's Billie Jean King Cup team defeat Mexico in Brisbane. The mother-son duo was spotted in a box with Barty's former doubles partner and close friend Casey Dellacqua. Hayden's ginger hair has grown significantly since his appearance at the Brisbane International tournament in January.Barty's personal history with the Billie Jean King Cup ended dramatically in 2019. France staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Australia 3-2 in Perth. Barty had hoped to cap off her extraordinary year, which included victories at the French Open and WTA Finals, by leading Australia to victory. However, she fell short in a third-set tiebreak to Kristina Mladenovic, and Mladenovic and Garcia went on to defeat Barty and Sam Stosur in the deciding doubles rubber.Barty shed tears on the podium after Australia's Cup drought, which dates back to 1974, continued. It remains one of the few unfulfilled goals in her illustrious career, which ended abruptly in 2022 at the age of 25.Hayden will undoubtedly learn about his mother's tennis achievements in the future. Barty has been publishing children's books in retirement, including a series about a young athlete named Little Ash and a new release in March titled "My Dream for You."

Holger Rune, known for his outspoken nature, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the conditions he faced at the Monte Carlo Masters. A day after losing to Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, Rune took to social media to criticize the ATP's scheduling, which forced him to play two matches in one day with minimal recovery time.Rune's frustration stemmed from the fact that he had to complete a rain-delayed second-round match against Sumit Nagal on Thursday, followed by a thrilling three-set victory over Grigor Dimitrov in a decisive tie-break. He also played two doubles matches earlier in the week with Taylor Fritz.In response to an ATP post highlighting Sinner's winning forehand, Rune commented, "Not that you gave me the best conditions in the first place having to play two matches the day before ending late, leaving almost no recovery time."Hours later, Rune reflected on his experience at the Masters 1000 event, writing, "Three matches in 38 hours. Happy about my level of tennis."When one user criticized Rune for "crying," he responded defiantly, "Hi. If I want to cry, I cry. If I want to scream, I scream. That's me. And by the way, I never cry. This post was mainly mentioning that it's probably the shortest tournament I had in a long time in Europe and still three matches. Very efficient."Rune's comments highlight the challenges faced by players on the ATP Tour, where demanding schedules can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being. Despite his disappointment, Rune remains optimistic, as he heads to Munich to defend his title at the 250-level tournament.

Monte Carlo's semifinal day was a spectacle of tennis brilliance, with the world's top two players, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, taking center stage. Despite the dazzling sunlight, the matches showcased the athleticism and entertainment value of modern clay-court tennis.Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas engaged in a thrilling three-set battle, with Sinner initially dominating before succumbing to leg cramps. Tsitsipas, rejuvenated by his performance, reached his first final of 2024.In the second semifinal, Djokovic faced Casper Ruud, who claimed his first set against the Serbian legend. Djokovic's resilience shone through as he fought back to win the second set, but Ruud's determination proved too strong, securing his first victory over a member of the Big 3.While the anticipated Djokovic-Sinner final did not materialize, both players gained valuable experience on clay. Sinner's cramps and Djokovic's physical struggles highlighted the demanding nature of the surface.The Sunday final will feature Tsitsipas and Ruud, two players who have challenged for the Roland Garros title. Ruud's recent form and head-to-head advantage give him an edge, but Tsitsipas's experience in Monte Carlo could prove decisive.The victories of Ruud and Tsitsipas have injected unpredictability into the clay season, expanding the pool of potential contenders for the French Open.

Anett Kontaveit's Tennis Journey to be Immortalized in Upcoming BookTennis enthusiasts are in for a literary treat as Estonian publishing house Kirjastus Pilgrim announces the upcoming release of a book chronicling the life and career of former world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit.The book, set to hit shelves in November 2023, will delve into Kontaveit's remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of tennis, as well as the challenges she encountered along the way. Estonian writer Eia Uus will pen the biography, capturing Kontaveit's journey from her early days on the court to her retirement at the age of 27 due to a degenerative back injury.Kontaveit's story is one of resilience and determination. As the highest-ranking player from Estonia in history, she faced immense pressure and expectations. The book will shed light on her unwavering spirit and the sacrifices she made to achieve her tennis dreams.The announcement of the book comes shortly after the news that Venus Williams is also writing a health and wellness book. This surge in tennis-related literature reflects the growing interest in the sport and the personal stories of its athletes.Kontaveit's retirement last summer marked the end of an era for Estonian tennis. However, her legacy will live on through this upcoming book, which promises to inspire and motivate aspiring tennis players and fans alike.