Tennis

The recent Korea Open in Seoul marked a watershed moment in tennis, becoming the first WTA 500 tournament on the Asian peninsula. However, it also highlighted a growing concern: the increasing number of player withdrawals due to various reasons.This trend continued at the China Open, where nine players, including Elina Svitolina and Emma Raducanu, withdrew. On the ATP side, Carlos Alcaraz expressed concerns about the length of the season, stating that the demanding schedule could potentially harm players.The issue of player withdrawals has become a recurring theme in tennis, with reasons ranging from injuries to mental health and fatigue. The game has become increasingly punishing, with players expected to participate in a high number of tournaments, including mandatory events.The ranking system also contributes to the problem, as it rewards players for participating in as many events as possible. This creates a vicious cycle, where players feel pressured to play through injuries or fatigue to maintain their rankings.Evidence suggests that the game is taking a toll on players. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that retirement rates in second and third-tier tournaments have increased significantly, particularly on hard courts and in later rounds of play.The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has been collecting data on player withdrawals and injuries. Their findings indicate that WTA players withdrew from tournaments 119 times in 2023, primarily due to injuries, personal reasons, and undisclosed reasons.The PTPA is working to provide players with personalized medical support and data analysis to help them manage their health and prevent injuries. They are also advocating for changes to the tour schedule and rules to reduce the physical and mental strain on players.The game of tennis has evolved significantly over the years, becoming more fast-paced and demanding. Players are now running more miles, playing longer matches, and facing higher ball speeds. This has led to an increase in injuries, particularly in the shoulder, wrist, and arm.The use of different balls in different tournaments has also emerged as a contentious issue, with some players suggesting that it may contribute to injuries. The PTPA is calling for the adoption of an official, sanctioned ball for each tour segment.While the ATP and WTA have taken some steps to ease the pressure on players, the Grand Slam events remain independent and have their own rules. The use of roofed stadia at the majors has allowed for matches to extend into the early hours of the morning, posing a significant threat to player health and well-being.The PTPA believes that players need to have a stronger voice in shaping the future of the game. They are advocating for a more balanced schedule, reduced match lengths, and a focus on player health and safety.Until players have a stronger voice and choose to exercise it, significant change is unlikely to occur. The show will continue, but the warning signs are there. The recent spate of player withdrawals and injuries should serve as a wake-up call for the tennis community to address the growing concerns about the physical and mental well-being of its athletes.

Coco Gauff's resilience shone through at the 2024 China Open as she overcame an ailing Naomi Osaka in a hard-fought second-round encounter. The match took a dramatic turn when Osaka, who had taken the first set, was forced to retire due to illness with the score tied at 3-6, 6-4.Gauff, who recently parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert, has been working with Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel. Despite initial struggles with her forehand and serve, she displayed improved form in Beijing, defeating Clara Burel and Katie Boulter to set up the clash with Osaka.Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, returned to action after a year-long maternity leave with renewed determination. However, her comeback has been marked by inconsistent performances, including a second-round exit at the US Open. She made a coaching change, bringing in Patrick Mouratoglou, but the partnership has yet to yield significant results.In the match against Gauff, Osaka started strongly, taking the first set with relative ease. However, she began to show signs of illness during the second set, taking a medical timeout. Despite her discomfort, she managed to break Gauff's serve and take a 3-1 lead.Gauff fought back, breaking Osaka's serve in the second game of the second set. However, she failed to capitalize on several break point opportunities, allowing Osaka to level the set at 2-2. Osaka then broke Gauff's serve again, putting herself in a commanding position.Undeterred, Gauff raised her level of play, winning four consecutive games to force a decider. However, Osaka's physical condition deteriorated, and she was unable to continue. Gauff expressed sympathy for her opponent, saying, "I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all."Gauff will now face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the quarterfinals. Starodubtseva has enjoyed a breakthrough week in Beijing, defeating No. 10 seed Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets to reach her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.

Zhang Shuai's remarkable resurgence continues to astound as she has now won four consecutive matches in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals of the China Open, a WTA 1000 event. This impressive run comes after a challenging period where she endured a 24-match losing streak over the past year and a half, dropping her ranking to No. 595.In her latest triumph, Zhang defeated No. 23 seed Magdalena Frech 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round. Frech had been in impressive form, winning her previous seven matches, including her maiden WTA title in Guadalajara and reaching the fourth round in Beijing.Zhang's victory marks her first WTA quarterfinal appearance in over two years, since Tokyo in September 2022. Her last WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance was even longer ago, at Cincinnati in August 2022. This is her fifth career WTA 1000 quarterfinal.Zhang's previous WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearances include:* 2014 Rome (lost to Serena Williams)* 2016 Beijing (lost to Johanna Konta)* 2018 Beijing (lost to Naomi Osaka)* 2022 Cincinnati (lost to Aryna Sabalenka)Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has overcome adversity to rediscover her winning ways and is now poised to make a deep run in her home tournament.

Acapulco's Mexican Open Venue Submerged After Hurricane John's WrathThe picturesque GNP Arena, the annual host of the prestigious Mexican Open tennis tournament in Acapulco, has fallen victim to the devastating effects of Hurricane John. After four relentless days of torrential rainfall, the tournament site has been inundated with floodwaters, leaving the city grappling with mudslides and a grim aftermath.Hurricane John, which peaked as a Category 3 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm, has claimed at least 22 lives and left behind a trail of destruction. The storm's relentless downpour has resulted in over a meter of floodwater, isolating the city and rendering the tournament site inaccessible.Heartbreaking images circulating on social media depict the extent of the flooding, with Estadio, Grandstand, Court 1, and the surrounding areas submerged. This marks the second consecutive year that the Mexican Open venue has been ravaged by a hurricane.In October 2023, Hurricane Otis left the tournament site and Acapulco in a similar state of disarray. As the costliest storm in Mexico's history, Otis struck the state of Guerrero as a Category 5 hurricane, claiming 52 lives.Despite the devastation, the ATP 500 event proceeded as scheduled thanks to a massive cleanup effort led by Mexico's president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. In February 2024, Alex de Minaur emerged as the two-time champion.As of now, tournament organizers have yet to issue an official statement regarding the current situation. However, a few weeks ago, the organization confirmed the 2025 dates for the Mexican Open, scheduled from February 24 to March 1. Standard renovation efforts in the food and commercial areas of the venue were also announced.While these improvements are likely on hold, top players such as Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Tommy Paul have already committed to participating in the Mexican Open next year. The tournament's fate remains uncertain, but the resilience of the Acapulco community and the determination of the organizers give hope that the event will once again grace the tennis calendar.

Jannik Sinner's remarkable season continues to soar as he notched his 10th semifinal appearance of the year with a 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory over Jiri Lehecka in the Beijing quarterfinals. This milestone achievement marks a testament to Sinner's consistent brilliance throughout the season.Sinner's triumph in Beijing extends his winning streak to an astonishing 14 matches, a testament to his unwavering form. He captured the Cincinnati title with a flawless 4-0 record, followed by a dominant 7-0 run to the US Open crown. His Beijing campaign has commenced with an impressive 3-0 start.With his latest victory, Sinner has now amassed 58 wins this year, surpassing Alexander Zverev as the player with the most wins on the men's tour. This remarkable feat underscores his exceptional consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.Sinner's dominance extends beyond his overall record. He has won his last 50 matches against players ranked outside the Top 20, a testament to his ability to dispatch lower-ranked opponents with ease. This streak includes a perfect 40-0 record against such players this year and a 10-0 run last year.The last player ranked outside the Top 20 to defeat Sinner was Dusan Lajovic, who achieved the feat in the second round of Cincinnati last year. Since then, Sinner has been an unstoppable force against lower-ranked opponents.Sinner's dominance is further highlighted by a comparison with the current ATP Top 10 players. Since the start of last year's US Open, Sinner has the best record against non-Top 20 players, with a perfect 50-0 record. This statistic underscores his exceptional ability to handle lower-ranked opponents.Sinner will face No. 96-ranked Bu Yunchaokete of China in the Beijing semifinals on Tuesday. A victory would extend his winning streak to 51 matches and bring him one step closer to another title.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, has been crowned one of Glamour magazine's Global Women of the Year alongside actress Pamela Anderson. This prestigious honor recognizes her remarkable achievements both on and off the court.In an exclusive interview with Glamour, Williams candidly discusses her post-retirement journey, embracing entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges of motherhood. She reveals her struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughters, Olympia and Adira, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support.Williams' entrepreneurial ventures have flourished since her retirement. Her beauty line, Wyn Beauty, continues to expand, while her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, has invested in over 85 companies, including 14 valued at $1 billion or more. She attributes her success to letting go of the perfectionism that defined her athletic career.The Glamour cover shoot captures Williams' multifaceted persona. Photographed by Josefina Santos and styled by Christine Nicholson, she exudes elegance and confidence in designer outfits from Loewe and Stella McCartney, accessorized with Christian Louboutin shoes, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and her signature Audemars Piguet watch.Williams also debunks common tennis myths in a humorous video accompanying her Glamour honor. She addresses the debate between skirts and shorts, and shares her thoughts on the accuracy of the film "Challengers."Serena Williams' Global Woman of the Year recognition is a testament to her unwavering determination and the transformative impact she continues to have beyond the tennis court. Her journey as an entrepreneur, advocate for mental health, and role model for women worldwide is an inspiration to all.

Two years after an all-American final, the Japan Open will witness a French showdown between Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils. Humbert, 26, and Fils, 20, have had similar seasons, with Humbert winning two titles and Fils claiming one.Humbert's strengths lie in his lefty serve and ability to hit the ball flat and through the court. Fils, on the other hand, relies on a topspin-heavy baseline attack. Despite their contrasting styles, Humbert has won all three previous encounters against Fils.Humbert's 6-0 record in finals suggests he can maintain his momentum once he gets going. However, Fils has shown resilience in Tokyo, defeating top seed Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune in tiebreakers.Fils's recent marathon matches may have taken a toll on his body, as he experienced cramps in his quads during his victory over Rune. Humbert, who also faced a three-set battle in the semifinals, could also be feeling some fatigue.Despite his underdog status, Fils remains optimistic. "We like this position, especially in the final," he said. "So let's see how it [will] go."

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, two of the most promising stars in women's tennis, will face off for the first time since 2022 at the China Open in Beijing on Tuesday. The highly anticipated clash marks a significant milestone in their careers, as both players have undergone major transformations since their last encounter.Gauff, now a Grand Slam champion herself, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her victory at the 2023 French Open propelled her into the elite ranks of tennis, and she has continued to impress with her consistent performances throughout the season. Osaka, on the other hand, has returned to the WTA Tour after a 15-month hiatus due to mental health concerns. The four-time major winner is eager to regain her former dominance and prove that she is still a formidable opponent.This match-up is particularly intriguing given the contrasting trajectories of the two players. Gauff has been on a steady upward trajectory, while Osaka has faced challenges in recent years. However, Osaka's recent performances in Beijing suggest that she is regaining her form. She has won three matches this week, tying her best performance at a single tournament in 2024.The China Open has been a happy hunting ground for Osaka in the past. She won the WTA 1000 event in 2019 and will be looking to replicate that success this year. A victory over Gauff would not only boost her confidence but also push her back into the Top 50 of the WTA rankings.Gauff, for her part, will be determined to prove that she is not just a one-hit wonder. She reached the semifinals of the China Open last year and will be aiming to go even further this time around. However, she will need to be at her best to overcome Osaka, who has a 2-2 head-to-head record against her.Both players have made significant changes to their teams since their last meeting. Osaka has parted ways with coach Wim Fissette and is now working with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. Gauff has added Matt Daly to her coaching staff, who will work alongside Jean-Christophe Faurel.The clash between Gauff and Osaka is not just a battle between two talented players but also a clash of styles. Gauff is known for her aggressive baseline play, while Osaka is a more versatile player who can adapt to different surfaces and opponents. It promises to be a fascinating encounter that could have a significant impact on the remainder of the season.

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable hard-court dominance continues unabated as she extended her winning streak to 14 matches with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ashlyn Krueger at the China Open. The Belarusian powerhouse, who has already claimed the Australian Open, Cincinnati Open, and U.S. Open titles this year, displayed her unwavering form in Beijing.Sabalenka's relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy proved too much for Krueger, as she converted five of her seven breakpoint opportunities. The second-ranked player will now face Madison Keys, aiming to match her career-best 15 consecutive victories achieved in 2020-21."I'm not playing my best tennis right now," Sabalenka admitted. "But I'm controlling my emotions and holding myself together, which helps me stay in matches and keep fighting."Keys, meanwhile, secured a 6-3, 6-3 win over Beatrice Haddad Maia of Brazil. Haddad Maia, fresh from her Korea Open triumph, struggled to match Keys' baseline power.Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka continued her resurgence under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Katie Volynets. Osaka will now face sixth-ranked Coco Gauff in the round of 16, their first meeting in over two years."It's going to be a great test for me," Osaka said. "She's played well this year. I'm excited to play the match."Osaka, who returned from maternity leave earlier this season, has shown signs of improvement under Mouratoglou's guidance. Her run in Beijing marks the first time she has recorded three consecutive wins since May.Fifth-ranked Jasmine Paolini suffered a disappointing 6-4, 6-0 defeat to No. 45-ranked Magda Linette of Poland.