Tennis

The Ningbo Open, a WTA 500 event, has witnessed a significant influx of lucky losers, with a quarter of the field now filled by players who initially failed to qualify.The tournament has been plagued by withdrawals, including Jasmine Paolini, Emma Navarro, and most notably, home favorite Zheng Qinwen. Zheng's absence has opened the door for Jaqueline Cristian, who lost in the opening round of qualifying but has now advanced to the second round to face Karolina Muchova.The chaos continued when Kathinka Von Deichmann, who had also lost in qualifying, found herself involved in two first-round matchups between lucky losers. However, her hopes were dashed by Ella Seidel of Germany.The situation took an even more bizarre turn when Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine revealed on social media that she was attempting to fly back to Ningbo as the No. 7 lucky loser in line. However, with Cristian already in the main draw, it appears that Starodubtseva has missed her chance.Despite the disruptions, the tournament has progressed, with Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova emerging as the highest seed remaining at No. 4. Fifth seed Daria Kasatkina has advanced to the quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory over Katerina Siniakova, setting up a clash with Yulia Putintseva.The Ningbo Open has provided a platform for both established stars and rising talents, with the unpredictable nature of the tournament adding an extra layer of excitement.

Coco Gauff, the rising star of women's tennis, has finally tasted the "Breakfast of Champions" after being featured on the iconic Wheaties cereal box for the past few months.After a grueling 30-hour journey home from Wuhan, where she narrowly lost to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the WTA 1000, Gauff indulged in her first bowl of Wheaties adorned with her own image.In a video shared on social media, Gauff expressed her delight with the cereal, particularly when paired with vanilla almond milk. She noted that it had been two months since she had enjoyed a bowl of cereal, making this moment even more special.The limited-edition Gauff Wheaties box is still available in stores, alongside the recently released Billie Jean King signature box. Gauff's recent success on the court has earned her a spot in the prestigious WTA Finals alongside Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula. She also surpassed her countrywoman in the world rankings, securing the No. 3 spot.Gauff's Wheaties honor is a testament to her remarkable achievements at such a young age. She has consistently impressed with her powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and unwavering determination. Her presence on the Wheaties box serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, reminding them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, is set to bid farewell to his professional career at the Davis Cup next month. However, before his grand farewell, Nadal will grace the courts of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for two guaranteed matches this week.Joining Nadal in this star-studded event are his long-time rival Novak Djokovic, as well as top-ranked players Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune. The three-day tournament will commence on Wednesday, October 16th, with Sinner facing Medvedev and Alcaraz taking on Rune.Nadal and Djokovic, having received byes into the semifinal round, will make their appearances on Thursday, October 17th. The losers of their respective matches will compete in the third-place match on Saturday, October 19th, while the winners will battle it out in the championship match.All matches will be broadcast live on T2 and TennisChannel.com. The detailed match schedule is as follows:Wednesday, October 16th:* Sinner v. Medvedev – 12:30 p.m. ET* Alcaraz v. Rune – Not before 2 p.m. ETThursday, October 17th:* Djokovic v. Sinner/Medvedev winner – 12:30 p.m. ET* Nadal v. Alcaraz/Rune winner – Not before 2 p.m. ETSaturday, October 19th:* Third-Place Match – 12:30 p.m. ET* Championship Match – Not before 2 p.m. ETThis exhibition tournament provides a unique opportunity for tennis enthusiasts to witness some of the greatest players in the world compete in a thrilling and competitive environment. As Nadal prepares for his final farewell, the Six Kings Slam offers a glimpse of his exceptional talent and the legacy he will leave behind in the sport of tennis.

Timofey Skatov, a former junior world No. 1, is excited to compete in his first ATP 250 tournament in three years on home soil at the Almaty Open. The 23-year-old Kazakhstani has enjoyed success on both clay and hard courts, and he credits his improved game to his move to Stockholm, where he now trains indoors.Skatov is grateful for the support of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, which has played a crucial role in his development. He believes that the federation's investment in tennis infrastructure and support for young players has contributed to the growth of the sport in Kazakhstan.Despite the challenges of the ATP Challenger Tour, Skatov remains determined to improve his game and reach the ATP Tour. He finds inspiration in players like Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils, who bring entertainment and creativity to the court.In his Almaty opener, Skatov will face Tomas Machac, a fellow 23-year-old who has been in impressive form lately. Skatov is confident that his hometown support will give him an edge in this matchup.

Justin Engel, born in 2007, has made history as the youngest player to win an ATP match since Carlos Alcaraz in 2020. Despite initially pursuing kickboxing, Engel switched to tennis at age 11, inspired by his father's coaching experience with Anca Barna.Engel's development has been supported by various resources, including training with Alexander Waske, Maximilian Marterer, and Philipp Kohlschreiber. He has prioritized professional tournament experience over junior competition, capturing four ITF World Tennis Tour M15 titles in 2024.Engel's progress has focused on improving his first serve percentage, angles, and leg speed. He has also worked on his mental resilience, drawing inspiration from Rafael Nadal's power and Novak Djokovic's athleticism and discipline.Engel expresses sadness at the prospect of Nadal's retirement but hopes to face Djokovic on tour. He believes that Djokovic's longevity will provide an opportunity for their paths to cross.

Jacob Fearnley's meteoric rise in professional tennis has taken the ATP Challenger Tour by storm. After a stellar college career at Texas Christian University, the 23-year-old Brit has collected four Challenger titles in just five months, propelling him into the Top 100 of the ATP rankings.Fearnley's journey to the pro ranks was not without its challenges. As a self-described "late bloomer," he faced formidable opponents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in his junior days. However, he credits his time at TCU for shaping him into the player he is today.Upon turning pro in May, Fearnley made an immediate impact by winning the Nottingham Challenger. He then captured the attention of the tennis world at Wimbledon, where he secured his first major win and faced Novak Djokovic on Centre Court. Despite losing in four sets, Fearnley earned the respect of Djokovic and the tennis community.Following Wimbledon, Fearnley embarked on a remarkable run on the Challenger Tour, winning three consecutive events and reaching the final in Chicago. His success has been attributed to his ability to build momentum and confidence throughout tournaments.Fearnley's approach to scheduling is strategic. He takes time off after winning a tournament to ensure he is fresh and prepared for the next challenge. He also acknowledges the role of luck in his victories, recognizing that every tournament presents matches where he could have lost.Despite his rapid ascent, Fearnley remains grounded and focused on the process. He believes he has a lot of time left in his tennis career and is eager to continue improving and achieving his goals.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, has announced his retirement from professional tennis, bringing an end to an illustrious career that has spanned over two decades. In a recent interview with Jon Wertheim on 60 Minutes, Nadal shared his thoughts on retirement, sacrifice, and the importance of human relations.Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, has always maintained a philosophical approach to his career. Five years ago, he expressed his acceptance of the inevitable end of his playing days. "I'm aware that everything has an end," he said. "And when the end arrives, I'll be ready for it."Nadal's journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He has endured numerous injuries and setbacks, but his unwavering determination and resilience have always shone through. "I never felt that what I was doing was a sacrifice," he said. "I trained, yes. I have worked very hard, at the maximum, yes. But I have enjoyed every single thing."Nadal's rivalry with Roger Federer has been one of the most iconic in tennis history. Despite their intense on-court battles, Nadal emphasized the importance of human relations beyond the game. "We … know that this is a game," he said. "And there are many other things in life that are more important than a game, than a match."As Nadal prepares to bid farewell to professional tennis, he reflects on his journey with gratitude. "I have done all of the things I enjoy doing," he said. "For me, a sacrifice means that you are doing the things that you don't like doing."Nadal's retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time will forever be etched in the annals of the sport. His unwavering spirit, determination, and love for the game have inspired countless fans around the world.

The One That Got Away: Nadal's Heartbreaking Loss to Federer in the 2017 Australian Open FinalIn the annals of tennis history, the 2017 Australian Open final stands as a pivotal moment, a match that could have reshaped the landscape of the sport. Rafael Nadal, the indomitable clay-court king, faced off against his arch-rival Roger Federer, a maestro on all surfaces.Nadal, seeded ninth despite his recent injury struggles, had fought his way through a grueling tournament, surviving two five-set battles. Federer, on the other hand, had dropped to No. 17 in the rankings and was making his first Grand Slam final appearance in five years.The match began at a blistering pace, with Federer eschewing his usual slice backhand and opting for aggressive flat shots. Nadal, known for his relentless baseline play, found himself outmaneuvered by Federer's pace and precision.After four see-saw sets, Nadal managed to break Federer's serve and take a 3-1 lead in the fifth. However, Federer refused to yield, digging deep and playing with unwavering determination. He reeled off five consecutive games, crushing forehands and ripping backhands with surgical accuracy.Nadal, visibly disappointed, acknowledged Federer's brilliance: "He can put the balls in—or not. And he put a lot of balls in, taking a lot of risks, and taking the ball very early, playing very fast."The victory gave Federer an 18-14 lead in Grand Slam titles, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. Nadal, despite his disappointment, would go on to eclipse Federer's record, winning 22 Grand Slams.The 2017 Australian Open final remains a haunting reminder of the one that got away for Nadal, a match that could have altered the course of tennis history.

Six players have secured their spots in the prestigious WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with two spots remaining up for grabs.Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula have joined world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the exclusive tournament.Gauff, ranked No. 3, has had a successful season with two titles and six semifinals, including at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Rybakina, despite withdrawing from the US Open, boasts a 41-9 record with three 500-level tournament wins.Paolini, who reached the finals of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, will also be competing in doubles alongside Sara Errani. Pegula, like Gauff, will be making her third consecutive WTA Finals appearance after winning titles in Berlin and Toronto and reaching the finals of Cincinnati and the US Open.The remaining two spots will be determined by the seventh-ranked and eighth-ranked players in the tour's singles race. Currently, Zheng Qinwen and Emma Navarro hold those positions, but Barbora Krejcikova, the Wimbledon champion, could potentially qualify if she finishes between No. 9 and No. 20.Krejcikova is currently 12th in the singles race, with a significant lead over Madison Keys, who is ranked 21st. If Krejcikova qualifies, she would take the eighth spot ahead of the eighth-ranked player.The WTA Finals will feature the top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, competing for a share of the $5 million prize pool. The tournament will be held from October 23-30 in Riyadh.