Tennis

Stefanos Tsitsipas has achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 200th hard-court victory at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. The 26-year-old Greek defeated former Top 5 player Kei Nishikori in two tight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-4, to reach the third round.Tsitsipas' victory marks a significant achievement for players born in the 1990s and later. He becomes the seventh player born in 1990 or later to record 200 career hard-court wins, the fourth player born in 1995 or later to achieve the feat, and the first player born in 1998 or later to do so.Tsitsipas' milestone victory comes two months after Nishikori defeated him in the second round of the Masters 1000 event in Montreal. However, Tsitsipas exacted revenge in Shanghai, showcasing his resilience and determination.The Greek star is known for his aggressive baseline play and powerful serve. He has won nine ATP Tour titles, including the 2019 ATP Finals, and has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open.Tsitsipas' victory in Shanghai is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is one of the most promising young players in the world and has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

Andrey Rublev's remarkable season has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After capturing his second ATP Masters 1000 title in Madrid, the Russian faced a life-threatening health scare that nearly prevented him from competing in Asia.Rublev underwent surgery just days before his scheduled departure for China, where he was set to play in Hangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. Doctors initially informed him that he would be unable to play in China due to the severity of his condition, which required a month of recovery time.However, Rublev defied the odds and made a remarkable return to action in Beijing, where he defeated Pablo Carreno Busta and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to reach the quarterfinals. Despite his impressive performance, Rublev admitted that he is still not fully fit and is hoping to regain his fitness through match play.The surgery was performed to prevent the amputation of an unspecified limb, Rublev revealed. He was fortunate that the issue was identified within the first few hours, as amputation would have been necessary after five or six hours.Rublev's health scare is his second major setback this season. In Madrid, he was hospitalized with inflammation in his throat and a swollen toe, which turned out to be a tonsillar abscess that restricted his airways.Despite these challenges, Rublev remains determined to finish the season strong. He is currently ranked No. 7 in the Race to Turin and is hoping to qualify for the ATP Finals.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the two rising stars of men's tennis, have once again demonstrated their mutual respect and camaraderie off the court, despite their intense rivalry on it. After their epic three-set battle in the ATP 500 final in Beijing, the duo boarded the same private plane to Shanghai, the venue for the penultimate ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.Their shared flight was a testament to the unique bond between these two young players, who have pushed each other to new heights throughout their careers. Despite their fierce competition on the court, they maintain a deep respect for each other's abilities and a genuine friendship off it.In their third meeting of the year, Alcaraz emerged victorious in a thrilling three-and-a-half-hour match, claiming the Beijing title with a 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) scoreline. The Spaniard's victory propelled him back to world No. 2, while Sinner remained at No. 3.Despite the intense nature of their rivalry, Alcaraz and Sinner have consistently shown their admiration for each other. "We are fighting against each other, three-hour match, really close, he could win, in the end I got the win, and then two hours later, we are in the same plane, having some laughs, making jokes, talking about life, and we're acting like nothing happened before," Alcaraz said of their shared commute.Their mutual respect extends beyond the court, as they have teamed up for a clinic put on by their sponsor, Nike, with local kids in Shanghai. This collaboration further highlights their commitment to promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of tennis players.As they prepare for the Shanghai Masters, Alcaraz and Sinner could potentially face off again in the semifinals. However, they must first overcome their respective opponents in the quarterfinals, with Alcaraz facing Japan's Taro Daniel and Sinner taking on China's Shang Juncheng.Regardless of the outcome of their potential semifinal clash, the bond between Alcaraz and Sinner remains unbreakable. They represent the future of men's tennis, and their rivalry is sure to produce many more memorable moments in the years to come.

Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon, returned to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) on October 2nd, 2023, for a momentous occasion. The university unveiled a statue of King, capturing her at the peak of her powers, a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional achievements.King's visit marked a significant milestone in her life, as she announced her intention to complete her bachelor's degree in history at Cal State LA, where she had attended as a student from 1961 to 1964. The campus holds a special place in her heart, as it was where she first met her husband, Larry King, and where her feminist awakening began.The statue, created by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, showcases King in her signature "Madame Superstar" dress, a symbol of her groundbreaking efforts to elevate women's tennis. King expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, "There's a sense of permanency, which is unbelievable... What really makes me happy is that I'm wearing what used to be called the 'Madame Superstar' dress that Ted Tinling made for me... and all the people that have helped me."Prior to the statue unveiling, King addressed Cal State LA's varsity athletes, emphasizing the importance of relationships, continuous learning, and problem-solving. She shared her belief that "relationships are everything" and encouraged the athletes to "keep learning" and "be a problem-solver and an innovator."King's journey at Cal State LA was marked by both personal and professional growth. Despite the lack of college scholarships for women at the time, she held two jobs while pursuing her education. Her passion for tennis and her desire to make a difference in the world fueled her determination.In 1964, King left college to train in Australia, a decision that propelled her to become the world's best tennis player. She went on to found the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and played a pivotal role in the "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs.Now, 60 years after leaving Cal State LA, King is returning to complete her degree, a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and her belief in the power of knowledge. The campus where her journey began will once again be a place of growth and inspiration for the tennis legend.

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4 tennis player, has announced her decision to pursue business studies at Harvard University's prestigious Harvard Business School. This move comes as Garcia takes an extended break from tennis due to a lingering shoulder injury and mental health concerns.Garcia's involvement at Harvard is likely part of the Crossover to Business program, a collaboration between the school and the NBA. This program provides professional athletes with an immersive experience in business, allowing them to develop their entrepreneurial skills and connect with student mentors pursuing MBAs.Over the years, several WTA players have participated in the Crossover to Business program, including Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Monica Puig, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki. Garcia's decision to join this esteemed group reflects her desire to expand her horizons beyond tennis.In a recent social media post, Garcia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study at Harvard. "I can't wait to keep learning new things and meet amazing people from different fields," she wrote.Garcia's decision to pursue business studies aligns with her broader goal of creating a fulfilling life beyond tennis. In a previous social media post, she announced her decision to end her season early due to physical and mental health challenges."For too long, I've let tennis consume me," Garcia wrote. "But I'm more than that. I'm a woman with values, talents, passions, flaws, and strengths."Garcia's journey at Harvard Business School will provide her with the tools and knowledge to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. It also serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed both on and off the court.

Matteo Berrettini, the former Wimbledon finalist, is determined to secure a seeding at the upcoming Australian Open in January. A strong performance at the Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament could significantly boost his chances.Berrettini made a successful return to the Shanghai tournament on Thursday, defeating Christopher O'Connell in a hard-fought two-hour and 13-minute battle. The Italian saved two set points in the opening tiebreak and broke back in the second set to avoid a decider.Despite withdrawing from his second-round match in Tokyo last week due to an abdominal issue, Berrettini is confident in his recovery. He has overcome numerous injuries in the past, including a challenging 2023 season."When you're not able to do your job and what you like to do, then it's always a struggle," Berrettini said. "So I'm really appreciating every moment that I have to spend on court, to perform and give my best."Berrettini draws inspiration from his fellow countrymen, including world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Wimbledon semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti. Seven Italians are currently ranked inside the Top 50, providing a source of motivation for Berrettini."I look for their results to get the energy to come back," he said. "I'm always supporting them in the last year in Davis Cup to get the energy to come back."In the second round, Berrettini faces a tough challenge against 12th-seeded Holger Rune. A victory would improve his tour-level record to 28-8 this season and bring him closer to his goal of a top-32 ranking."It would be nice to be in the top 32 at the end of the year and to be seeded in Australia," Berrettini said. "But at the same time for me the most important thing is being healthy and being able to play."Rune holds a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Berrettini, but the Italian will be determined to level the score and continue his pursuit of a strong finish to the season.

Second seed Riya Bhatia faced a stern test in the quarterfinals of the Fenesta National tennis championship, battling past Yubrani Banerjee 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) at the DLTA Complex on Thursday.Bhatia, a former champion and ranked 338th in the world in 2020, relied on her power play to take the first set 6-3. However, Banerjee, a superb counter puncher, fought back to win the second set 6-2.The decider was a thrilling affair, with both players trading blows. Banerjee raced to a 5-3 lead, but Bhatia showed her resilience to turn the match around. She won the tiebreaker 7-5 to secure a hard-fought victory.In the semifinals, Bhatia will face 15-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran, who has won six consecutive matches, including three in the qualifying event. The other semifinal will be between top seed Vaidehi Chaudhari and Pooja Ingale.In the men's section, lucky loser Rethin Pranav eased past giant killer Yash Chaurasia for the loss of four games. He will face Abhinav Sanjeev Shanmugam in the semifinals. The other semifinal will be between top seed Vishnu Vardhan and Nitin Kumar Sinha.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Argentina's rising tennis star, defies the label of a "clay-courter." Despite his prowess on the dirt, Etcheverry has embraced the challenges of hard courts, thriving on the travel grind that has hindered many South American players in the past.Etcheverry's unique approach sets him apart from his predecessors. He relishes the nomadic lifestyle, finding comfort in the constant competition and the support of his girlfriend, Belen Raimondi. This resilience has propelled him to the ATP's Top 37, just shy of his career-high ranking of No. 27.Etcheverry is part of a new wave of Argentine players who are challenging the established order. With six players in the ATP's Top 100 and eight more in the Top 200, Argentina has become a breeding ground for tennis talent. This "Legión 2," as Etcheverry suggests, is characterized by a healthy rivalry and mutual support.Unlike the previous "golden" generation, which was marred by internal strife, this new group fosters a positive environment. They share practice courts and PlayStations, pushing each other to greater heights without resorting to underhanded tactics.Etcheverry's success on hard courts is a testament to his versatility. He believes that Argentines can excel on any surface, dispelling the myth that they are solely clay-court specialists. His adaptability and determination have earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike.As the Asian Swing approaches, Etcheverry is confident in his ability to regain his Top 30 status. He recognizes the challenges of the long travel stretch but remains unfazed, embracing the opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage.

Sixth-ranked Coco Gauff overcame a sluggish start to defeat Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the China Open on Thursday. Gauff will face Paula Badosa of Spain in the semifinals, who earlier ended local wild card Zhang Shuai's impressive run at the title.Starodubtseva, ranked 115th in the world, had not lost a set in her three matches this week and quickly took the lead against Gauff. The American struggled in the first set, making numerous errors and failing to hold serve. However, Gauff showed her resilience by saving two break points in her opening service game of the second set and breaking Starodubtseva's serve to take a 3-1 lead.Gauff continued to dominate the second and third sets, losing only three more games. She displayed her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, forcing Starodubtseva into errors. The American's victory marks her second consecutive comeback win after she rallied from a set down against Naomi Osaka in the previous round.Meanwhile, Badosa continued her impressive form by defeating Zhang Shuai 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the other quarterfinal. The Spaniard has won 28 of her last 35 matches and has reached the semifinals of three of her past five tournaments.Zhang, who entered the tournament on a 24-match losing streak, had been the surprise of the week. She had not dropped a set in her four matches, but she was unable to match Badosa's power and consistency. The Spaniard broke Zhang's serve three times in the opening set and rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the second set to win the tiebreak.