Tennis

Alex de Minaur, the Australian tennis star, is determined to secure a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals despite a recent injury setback. Currently ranked No. 9 in the race to Turin, de Minaur is eager to make a strong finish to the season.Vienna's Erste Bank Open marks de Minaur's third singles appearance since suffering a right hip injury at Wimbledon. Despite not being at 100% health, he is determined to make the most of his remaining chances."It hasn't been easy," de Minaur said. "But now we're here at the end of the year, I'm not feeling 100 percent healthy, but there's not too many chances to play matches."De Minaur's return to action in Antwerp last week ended in a quarterfinal defeat to Hugo Gaston. However, he bounced back in Vienna with a hard-fought victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.The Australian is known for his aggressive style of play, which he believes is crucial for success on indoor hard courts."The best players in indoor events are normally the bigger hitters," de Minaur said. "Me being a little bit on the smaller side, I've got to navigate those things and find ways to try and hurt my opponents in different ways."De Minaur's next challenge comes in the form of Flavio Cobolli, who he defeated in the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year. However, Cobolli has since made significant progress and will be a formidable opponent.With a spot in the Top 8 of the race to Turin on the line, de Minaur is determined to give it his all in Vienna.

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has found his sanctuary in Vienna, where he has consistently participated in the Erste Bank Open for the past seven years. The city's charm, with its pristine air, aromatic coffee, and captivating architecture, provides Dimitrov with the ideal environment to recharge and perform at his best."Vienna is a fantastic city with a rich history," Dimitrov said in an exclusive interview with TENNIS.com. "I enjoy exploring the streets and immersing myself in the local culture. The tournament organizers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a home-like atmosphere."Dimitrov's quest for a fourth Erste Bank Open title began with a hard-fought victory over Zhang Zhizhen. He will next face Tomas Machac, Zhang's doubles partner in Vienna. After a groin injury hampered his US Open campaign, Dimitrov has gradually regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Stockholm."It's been a challenging year, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level," Dimitrov said. "The competition is fierce, and everyone is playing well."Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining his physical and mental well-being. He starts his day with breathing exercises, movement, and a cup of coffee. He also values spending time with family and connecting with nature."Finding your own balance is crucial," Dimitrov advised. "And one thing I highly recommend is putting away your phone in the morning. It helps clear your mind and focus on the present."Dimitrov's dedication to self-care has paid dividends. He is currently ranked 10th in the ATP Race to Turin, putting him in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. His last appearance at the prestigious event was in 2017, where he claimed the biggest title of his career.As the 2024 season approaches, Dimitrov is poised to make a strong case for ATP Comeback Player of the Year. His consistent performances and unwavering determination have kept him in the hunt for major titles and a return to the pinnacle of the sport.

The International Tennis Federation's (ITF) recent decision to officially implement off-court coaching in Grand Slams and all ATP and WTA events has sparked a heated debate among players. The rule change, effective from 2025, allows coaches to provide brief verbal or hand signal advice to players between points, with longer conversations permitted during breaks in play.The ITF's rationale for the change is to standardize coaching practices across tennis governing bodies and reduce the burden on chair umpires in policing the practice. However, several top ATP players have expressed their disapproval, arguing that it undermines the sport's traditional "one-on-one" nature.Denis Shapovalov, a former world No. 10, lamented the loss of tennis's "beauty" as a solitary sport. Taylor Fritz, a US Open finalist, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the mental and strategic aspects of the game. John Millman criticized the rule for widening the gap between players with access to coaching teams and those without.On the women's side, former world No. 1 Jennifer Capriati suggested providing players with tablets displaying live match stats instead of coaching access. Proponents of the rule change, however, argue that it brings into the open the covert coaching that was already prevalent. They also point to the potential benefits of providing players with expert advice during crucial moments of a match.Andrey Rublev's victory in the Mutua Madrid Open final is often cited as an example of the effectiveness of off-court coaching. His team's advice helped him anticipate his opponent's serve and ultimately secure the title.Despite the resistance from some players, the ITF maintains that the rule change has been met with overall support from players, coaches, and chair umpires. ITF Senior Executive Director of Integrity Stuart Miller believes it will enhance the sport by improving player development, reducing umpire subjectivity, and making tournaments more engaging.

Matteo Berrettini's resurgence continued at the Erste Bank Open as he overcame a spirited challenge from Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set encounter. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist, who had endured a recent slump, displayed resilience and determination to secure a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory.Berrettini, seeded fifth in Vienna, started strongly, breaking Tiafoe's serve in the opening set and serving it out to love. The second set proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Berrettini appeared poised to close out the match at 5-3, but Tiafoe fought back with a break and forced a tiebreaker. The American saved two match points in the tiebreaker and eventually prevailed 8-6.Undeterred, Berrettini regrouped in the third set and broke Tiafoe's serve early on. Tiafoe once again showed his fighting spirit, breaking back and threatening a comeback from 5-2 down. However, Berrettini held his nerve and sealed the victory on his fifth match point.The match lasted three hours and two minutes, showcasing the intense battle between the two players. Berrettini's victory marks his first back-to-back ATP match wins since July and sets up a quarterfinal clash with either Brandon Nakashima or Karen Khachanov.Tiafoe, who reached the semifinals of the US Open earlier this year, has struggled for consistency since then. However, his performance in Vienna suggests that he is gradually regaining his form.

Dominic Thiem Retires from Tennis After Illustrious CareerDominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion and former world number three, bid farewell to professional tennis on Tuesday at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The Austrian's final match ended in a 7-6 (6), 6-2 defeat to Luciano Darderi, but the occasion was marked by a heartfelt celebration of his remarkable career.Thiem's journey to the top of the tennis world began at a young age. Born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, he showed exceptional talent from an early age. He turned professional in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks, reaching the semifinals of the French Open in 2016 and 2017.In 2018, Thiem made his breakthrough by winning the Indian Wells Masters. He followed that up with a runner-up finish at the French Open, losing to Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five-set final. Thiem's consistency and resilience earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.The pinnacle of Thiem's career came in 2020 when he triumphed at the US Open. In a tournament played without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets to claim his first Grand Slam title. The victory cemented his status as one of the best players in the world.However, injuries began to take their toll on Thiem in recent years. He struggled to maintain his peak form and slipped down the rankings. Despite his setbacks, Thiem remained determined to return to the top. He underwent surgery on his wrist in 2022 and worked tirelessly to regain his fitness.Thiem's retirement marks the end of an era in Austrian tennis. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in his country's history. His achievements on the court and his unwavering spirit have inspired countless young athletes.

Dominic Thiem's retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. The Austrian star, known for his powerful one-handed backhand and relentless work ethic, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.Thiem's career highlights include a Grand Slam title at the 2020 US Open, 17 tour-level singles titles, and a career-high world ranking of No. 3. He also had impressive performances against the Big Three, winning 16 of 35 matches against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.Thiem's signature shot was his one-handed backhand, a rare exception in an era dominated by two-handed backhands. His backhand was fueled by a full rotation of hips and shoulders, and he believed in it so strongly that he never backed off it.His forehand was arguably even more lethal, with Thiem saying, "My strokes are safer when I hit full power." The combination of his backhand and forehand made him a joy to watch, blending artistry, power, and focus.Thiem's greatest triumph came at the 2020 US Open, held during the height of the pandemic with no spectators in attendance. He rallied from two sets to love down against Alexander Zverev to win in five sets, becoming the first man since 1949 to come back from that deficit in a US Open final.Thiem's work ethic was relentless, and he was known for his dedication to practice. He was born into tennis, with his parents being tennis instructors, and he began working with renowned coach Gunter Bresnik at the age of nine.Bresnik encouraged Thiem to drop his two-handed backhand for a one-hander, and Thiem's devotion to practice was evident in his relentless pursuit of perfection. He was known for running into forests with logs on his back and swimming in chilly winter rivers, although he denied these rumors.Thiem's competitive appetite was insatiable, and he played over 25 events annually for three years, a workload of 223 matches. However, this devotion may have taken its toll, as he suffered a wrist injury in 2021 that ended his year and dropped him out of the Top 100 in 2022.Despite his physical struggles, Thiem's legacy will be remembered for his breathtaking tennis, his unwavering commitment, and his infectious desire to win. He was a man who carried himself with tremendous intention, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.

Diego Forlan, the legendary Uruguayan soccer star, is embarking on a new chapter in his athletic career at the age of 45. After retiring from professional soccer in 2019, Forlan has set his sights on tennis, and is set to make his professional debut at the Uruguay Open next month.Forlan, who played for renowned clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, was one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. He won numerous top scoring awards, including the Pichichi Trophy twice and the European Golden Shoe twice. At the 2010 World Cup, he was named the best player and joint top scorer.Despite his soccer success, Forlan has always harbored a passion for tennis. Six years after retiring from soccer, he began competing on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour. This year, he has amassed an impressive 73 percent win rate (8-3), reaching the quarterfinals at an MT1000-level event in Lima and the final at an M400 level in Asuncion."I like to challenge myself in life," Forlan said in a press conference in June. "This is a different sport for me, and I really enjoy the challenge of competing against very good players from different countries."Forlan, who is right-footed in soccer but left-handed in tennis, has received a main draw wild card into the ATP Challenger event in Montevideo. He will partner with Argentina's Federico Coria to make his debut in doubles.The Uruguay Challenger will take place at the Carrasco Lawn Tennis Club from November 11-17. Former singles champions include Juan Martin del Potro, Diego Schwartzman, and Pablo Cuevas.Forlan's transition from soccer to tennis is a testament to his unwavering determination and love for sports. At 45, he is proving that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.

Pro tennis has made its grand debut in South Dakota with the inaugural MarketBeat Open, a Challenger event held in Sioux Falls. This historic tournament holds immense significance as it offers a coveted wild card entry into the Australian Open.Mark Vellek, the tournament director, played a pivotal role in bringing pro tennis to his home state. A former college tennis player, Vellek returned to South Dakota and dedicated himself to developing tennis in the region. When the opportunity arose to host a pro tournament, he was the ideal candidate to lead the charge.The MarketBeat Open is hosted at the state-of-the-art Huether Family Match Pointe club, boasting 10 indoor tennis courts and exceptional amenities. The Sioux Falls community is eager to witness elite tennis firsthand, reflecting their passion for sports.The tournament features a strong field of players, including Wimbledon quarterfinalist Chris Eubanks, rising star Zachary Svajda, and US Open qualifier Mitchell Krueger. With an Australian Open main draw spot on the line, the competition promises to be intense.Vellek emphasizes the significance of the tournament, stating, "The Road to Melbourne starts in Sioux Falls. A lot is at stake for these guys. Those types of things can change careers."The MarketBeat Open is a testament to the growing popularity of tennis in South Dakota. It provides an opportunity for local residents to experience the sport at the highest level and showcases the state's commitment to sports excellence.

The Toray Pan Pacific Open, a prestigious WTA 500 tournament, returns to Tokyo, Japan, from September 18-25, 2023. Played on hard courts, the tournament features a competitive field of 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams.Among the notable players to watch is Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic gold medalist and Australian Open runner-up. Other top-ranked players include Daria Kasatkina (WTA No. 9), Beatriz Haddad Maia (WTA No. 10), and Diana Shnaider (WTA No. 16).The tournament offers a total prize pool of $757,900, with the singles champion receiving $163,980. The doubles champions will split $50,000.Tennis fans can catch the action live on Tennis Channel, TennisChannel.com, and the Tennis Channel app. The broadcast schedule is as follows:* Sunday, September 18: 10 p.m. ET to 3:00 a.m. ET* Monday, September 19: 4 a.m. ET to 7 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET to 3:00 a.m. ET* Tuesday, September 20: 4 a.m. ET to 7 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET to 7:30 a.m. ET* Wednesday, September 21: 10 p.m. ET to 7:30 a.m. ET* Thursday, September 22: 11 p.m. ET to 3:30 a.m. ET* Friday, September 23: 5 a.m. ET to 8 a.m. ET and 11 p.m. ET to 5 a.m. ET (Singles and doubles semifinals)* Saturday, September 24: 11 p.m. ET to 2 a.m. ET (Singles and doubles finals)T2 will also provide coverage of the tournament:* Monday, September 19: 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET to 5 a.m. ET* Tuesday, September 20: 6:30 a.m. ET to 8:30 a.m. ET* Wednesday, September 21: 2 a.m. ET to 4 a.m. ET, 4:30 a.m. ET to 6:30 a.m. ET and 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET* Thursday, September 22: 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET* Friday, September 23: 8 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET* Saturday, September 24: 4:30 a.m. ET to 8:30 a.m. ET* Sunday, September 25: 4 a.m. ET to 6 a.m. ET