Tennis

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis star, is preparing for an emotional farewell from the sport at the Davis Cup in Malaga next week. The 38-year-old has battled injuries in recent years, but his presence on the court will be a major attraction for fans.Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, led Spain to victory in the Davis Cup in Madrid five years ago. However, he has admitted that his role in Malaga may be limited to doubles rather than singles."First off, we'll have to see how I feel in training and, if I really don't feel I have a chance to win the singles, I'll be the first to not want to play," Nadal said.French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz will be Spain's leading player, and his presence gives Nadal a real chance of retiring on a high note."Probably one of the most special tournaments that I'm going to play. Last tournament of Rafa, I'll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him," said Alcaraz.Nadal has won singles gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and triumphed in the doubles at Rio 2016 alongside Marc Lopez. However, injuries have seen his ranking slump to 155.The last of his 92 career titles came with his 14th French Open and 22nd major at Roland Garros in 2022. He hasn't played a competitive singles match since losing to Novak Djokovic at the Olympics in July.Many are hoping for Spain and Alcaraz to meet world number one Jannik Sinner's Italy, the defending champions, in the final.Record 32-time champions the United States have selected a strong team spearheaded by US Open finalist Taylor Fritz.Nadal clashed with Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia at the "Six Kings Slam" exhibition in October, losing in straight sets, but they will be fighting for the same goal in Andalucia.Tennis greats and stars from other sports are among those clamoring to watch Nadal's farewell, with career rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer among those expected to attend.Spain face the Netherlands on Tuesday in the last eight, with the winner taking on Germany or Canada in the semi-finals.

Jannik Sinner Poised to Extend Dominance Over Taylor Fritz in ATP Finals FinalTaylor Fritz's remarkable resurgence has propelled him to the ATP Finals final, but he faces a daunting task in Jannik Sinner, who has emerged as a formidable force in men's tennis.Fritz, 27, has enjoyed a breakthrough year, reaching his first Grand Slam final at the US Open and now the elite year-end championships. However, his path to the title has been blocked by Sinner, who defeated him in both the US Open quarterfinals and the round-robin stage of the ATP Finals.Despite the setbacks, Fritz remains confident in his abilities. "I trust my game and I trust my level," he said. "I don't feel anywhere near as uncomfortable in these situations anymore."Sinner, on the other hand, has been in imperious form, winning 25 of his last 26 matches. His consistent ball-striking and ability to raise his game in big moments have made him a formidable opponent.In their previous encounter in Turin, Sinner won in straight sets, but Fritz believes he has made progress. "Even though the result's the same and the score's not even that different, the matches felt very, very different," he said. "I felt like from the ground we were pretty even."However, Sinner remains wary of Fritz's threat. "I feel like we both played some great tennis," he said. "Completely different match than the first one. I don't want to compare, but it was a very tough match, tough encounter, and I'm very happy about the win."Fritz will need to improve his first-serve percentage and reduce his unforced errors to have a chance against Sinner. The Italian has been particularly effective in exploiting Fritz's second serve, which he has attacked with great success.Despite Fritz's determination, the odds favor Sinner to extend his dominance and claim his first ATP Finals title. His consistent play, home-court advantage, and recent head-to-head record all suggest that he is the man to beat.

Casper Ruud's 2024 season ended abruptly in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals, where he was outplayed by Jannik Sinner. Ruud, known for his patient and defensive style, found himself outmatched by Sinner's aggressive and powerful play."I didn't learn tennis going for a winner on the first or second shot," Ruud said after his 6-1, 6-2 defeat. "My mentality, how I grew up playing a lot on clay in Spain, it was a different way of playing tennis."Ruud acknowledged that his style of play can be vulnerable against hard-hitters like Sinner. "Against someone like Jannik, it's something missing, definitely felt today and something I will know next time I play him," he said.Despite the setback, Ruud remains confident in his game. "In my eyes, it's too late to change what kind of player I am at this point. I'm 25. The structure of my game is already there," he said.Ruud draws inspiration from Rafael Nadal, who has successfully adapted his clay-court game to other surfaces. "I've definitely been kind of shaped by watching a lot of Rafa tennis," Ruud said. "I really loved watching those guys play. I find that way of playing tennis really nice. I like it myself."However, Ruud recognizes the challenges of playing on hard courts, where his style is more vulnerable. "The majority of the season is played on hard court, a faster surface. It is a game style that is kind of vulnerable to hard-hitters, fast players," he said.Ruud praised Sinner's performance, noting that he has made significant progress since their last meeting three years ago. "It's almost a perfect season. Yeah, I hope he calms down for next year," Ruud said with a smile. "I admire Jannik a lot as a player. As a person, he's very serious about what he does. Yeah, it's inspiring. Even though he's younger than me, I have a lot to learn from him."Despite the disappointing end to his season, Ruud is projected to finish at No. 6 in the year-end rankings.

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden, the reigning Australian Open men's doubles champions, have announced their split after two successful years as a team. The duo, who first joined forces in January 2023, ended their partnership with a victory over Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in their final group match of the ATP Finals 2024.During their partnership, Bopanna and Ebden achieved remarkable success, capturing three major titles: the Australian Open grand slam in 2023, the ATP Masters 1000 titles at Indian Wells 2023, and the Miami Open 2024. They also triumphed at the Qatar Open in 2023 and reached the final of the US Open in the same year. Their impressive performances propelled them to the top of the doubles rankings following their Australian Open triumph.Reflecting on their partnership, Ebden expressed gratitude for their accomplishments. "To finish on a win and at least get one win here at the ATP Finals, I think was fitting or deserving maybe. It was really nice to share one more big moment," he said.Ebden revealed that the duo had initially planned to part ways last year but decided to continue their partnership for the 2024 season. He praised Bopanna's dedication and commitment, particularly at the age of 44.Bopanna, for his part, will reunite with his former Croatian partner, Ivan Dodig, for the 2025 tennis season. Dodig, who is 39 years old, has also enjoyed a successful doubles career, winning multiple grand slam titles.The split between Bopanna and Ebden marks the end of a successful partnership that brought them numerous accolades and memorable moments. Both players have expressed their gratitude for their time together and wish each other well in their future endeavors.

Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, is not only dominating on the court but also making waves in the fashion world. The 23-year-old Italian has been unveiled as the new face of Gucci's holiday campaign, "Gucci Gift."The campaign, which aims to evoke "a spirit of travel and the feeling of joyful anticipation ahead of the holidays," features Sinner in a series of stylish and cozy outfits. In one photo, he is bundled up in a wool turtleneck sweater with the brand's GG monogram, while in another, he sports a cardigan over a smart dress shirt and tie. Sinner also carries a new metallic version of Gucci's signature duffle bag, which he often brings onto the tennis court during competition.Sinner's looks have earned praise from fellow athletes, including Serena Williams and Reilly Opelka. The Italian, who has been a global ambassador for Gucci since 2022, appears right at home in the campaign's snowy mountain top scenes, perhaps due to his background in skiing.Despite his success on and off the court, Sinner has faced challenges this year. In October, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed an independent tribunal's decision to clear him of doping violations. Sinner has maintained his innocence throughout the controversy and is awaiting a final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) early next year.Despite the ongoing legal battle, Sinner has continued to excel on the court. He clinched a second Grand Slam title at the US Open and three ATP Masters 1000 trophies this season. He is currently competing in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where he is through to the semifinals.Sinner's success and marketability have made him one of the most sought-after athletes in the world. His partnership with Gucci is a testament to his growing influence both on and off the court.

Taylor Fritz has made history by becoming the first American in 18 years to reach the final of the ATP Finals. His 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (3) victory over Alexander Zverev in the semifinals marks a significant milestone for American tennis.Fritz's triumph is particularly notable as he is the first American born in 1990 or later to reach the ATP Finals final. This achievement underscores the resurgence of American tennis, which has struggled to produce top-tier players in recent years.The last American to reach the ATP Finals final was James Blake in 2006. However, no American man has won the tournament since Pete Sampras in 1999. Fritz's victory gives hope that he could end this drought and bring the title back to the United States.Fritz's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently improved his game over the past few years, rising to a career-high ranking of No. 9 in the world. His aggressive style of play and powerful serve have been key to his success.In the final, Fritz will face either Casper Ruud or Novak Djokovic. Ruud is the defending champion, while Djokovic is a 21-time Grand Slam winner. Regardless of his opponent, Fritz will be determined to make history and become the first American to win the ATP Finals since Sampras.

Tennis and Pickleball Gear for the Stylish and ActiveAce the Moon, a California-based label, brings a playful touch to tennis and pickleball apparel and accessories. Their designs stray from the ordinary, offering a comfy, broken-in feel with fun patterns. Their Dad Hat, made of 100% cotton, features a soft, unstructured crown and curved brim, perfect for spreading the love for the game wherever you go.Doubletake NYC Backpack is engineered for optimal organization with a sleek, understated look. This spacious backpack can carry up to three racquets or four paddles. Its durable, fade-resistant fabric is both sturdy and lightweight. The interior boasts dedicated plush pockets for a phone and sunglasses, a laptop compartment, and a ventilated pocket for shoes or wet clothes. Its carabiner doubles as a bottle opener, and its no-tip design allows it to stand upright.Kane Revive AC footwear is designed for active recovery. Its dual-density EVA footbed provides cushioning and support, while raised nodes promote blood flow. The anatomical last secures the heel, arch, and instep for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The AC model features a rugged, slip-resistant outsole, an enclosed upper with a sewn-in Neoprene collar, and added durability for any outdoor environment.K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme 2 is the ultimate performance tennis shoe. Its soft bootie collar hugs the ankle for a secure fit. The upper's Durawrap X provides firmness, flexibility, and drag protection. The dual-density midsole features Surgelite foam for cushioning and Shock Spring foam for quick reaction. The Dragguard 7.0 rubber outsole offers traction and durability on all court surfaces.Lotto Autograph pays homage to the classic tennis shoes of the 1970s and 80s. Its low sole and soft leather upper provide comfort, while the EVA midsole and nub outsole offer just enough traction. The minimalist design features the Lotto logo and an embroidered autograph patch, making it a stylish choice for off-court wear.Rhone Course to Court Skort combines style and functionality. Its four-way stretch fabric provides a flattering cut and freedom of movement. Goldfusion anti-odor technology keeps sweat at bay. The wide, elastic waistband offers coverage and a comfortable fit. A zippered side pocket and hidden drop pockets on the inner shorts provide storage for valuables and essentials.Wilson America Crewneck is a cozy and stylish choice for pre- or post-match relaxation. Made with soft, breathable cotton, it has a lived-in feel. The unisex design features unique embroidery on a variety of color options.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, is bidding farewell to his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals. As a tribute to his unparalleled achievements, we present five of his remarkable records that may stand the test of time.912 Consecutive Weeks in the Top 10Nadal's unwavering consistency is exemplified by his record-breaking 912 consecutive weeks in the ATP Top 10. From his debut in 2005 at age 18, he remained among the elite for nearly 18 years, a feat unmatched in the history of the sport. This remarkable streak includes 209 weeks spent at the pinnacle of the rankings as world No. 1.Longest Top 10 Streak in ATP HistoryNadal's 912-week Top 10 streak dwarfs the previous record held by Jimmy Connors (789 weeks). It is a testament to his exceptional longevity and ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career.Comparison to WTA Top 10Only one woman, Martina Navratilova, has surpassed Nadal's consecutive Top 10 streak in the WTA rankings. Navratilova spent an astonishing 1,000 straight weeks in the elite, a record that remains unmatched.Nadal's DominanceNadal's dominance is further evident in his 23 career wins over world No. 1s, a record that stands as a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion against the best in the world. His 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open titles, solidify his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.Legacy of ExcellenceAs Nadal prepares to hang up his racquet, his legacy of excellence will continue to inspire generations of tennis players. His unwavering determination, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of greatness have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Dalibor Svrcina, the second seed and defending champion, showcased his dominance in the semifinals of the $25,000 ITF men's tennis tournament in Pune, India. The Czech player cruised to a comfortable 6-4, 6-0 victory over Karan Singh, securing his place in the final.Svrcina, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, controlled the match from the outset. He broke Singh's serve early in the first set and maintained his advantage throughout, eventually taking the set 6-4.In the second set, Svrcina's dominance became even more apparent. He broke Singh's serve twice, showcasing his superior court coverage and ability to dictate the pace of the game. Singh struggled to find his rhythm and was unable to mount a significant challenge, as Svrcina sealed the set 6-0.In the final, Svrcina will face top seed Khumoyun Sultanov of Uzbekistan, who defeated Bogdan Bobrov in the other semifinal. Sultanov, a rising star in the tennis world, will pose a formidable challenge to Svrcina, who will be aiming to defend his title and extend his winning streak.In the doubles final, the second-seeded pair of S.D. Prajwal Dev and Adil Kalyanpur emerged victorious, defeating Adhithya Ganesan and Aryan Shah 6-4, 4-6, [10-7]. The Indian duo displayed impressive teamwork and resilience, overcoming a spirited challenge from their opponents.Prajwal and Kalyanpur won 25 ATP points and $1395 for their triumph, while Ganesan and Shah collected 16 points and $810. Prajwal earned his 13th career doubles title, while Kalyanpur claimed his fourth doubles title, including three with Prajwal.