Tennis

Natalia Zabiiako, a former Olympic figure skater, recently shared a glimpse into her upcoming China Open vlog with partner Daria Kasatkina, a professional tennis player. The vlog features a unique collaboration with 2022 Olympic champion Sui Wenjing, who introduced Kasatkina and fellow tennis player Arina Rodionova to the world of pair skating.Zabiiako, who won a silver medal in the team figure skating event at the 2018 Winter Games, has been sharing her passion for skating with Kasatkina, who has embraced the sport with enthusiasm. In the vlog, Kasatkina attempts to learn the basics of pair skating under the guidance of Sui, showcasing her determination and willingness to step outside of her comfort zone.Despite her initial struggles, Kasatkina expressed her admiration for figure skating, stating that she enjoys watching it and appreciates its beauty. Zabiiako, in turn, has been supporting Kasatkina's tennis journey, providing coaching sessions and documenting their experiences on their YouTube series, "What The Vlog?"The vlog highlights the unique bond between Zabiiako and Kasatkina, who share a passion for sports and a willingness to support each other's endeavors. It also showcases the versatility of athletes who are able to excel in multiple disciplines, demonstrating the importance of embracing new challenges and pursuing one's passions.As Kasatkina continues her Asian swing in tennis, fans can anticipate the release of the China Open vlog, which promises to offer an entertaining and inspiring glimpse into the lives of two talented athletes who are navigating the worlds of tennis and figure skating.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's third-ranked tennis player, has advanced to the semifinals of the China Open for the second consecutive year. The 21-year-old Spaniard defeated Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2 in an impressive display of baseline dominance.Alcaraz's relentless pressure on Khachanov's serve proved decisive, as he converted four of 12 break opportunities. The victory marks Alcaraz's 46th win of the season and propels him back into second place in the ATP live rankings, ahead of the absent Alexander Zverev.In the semifinals, Alcaraz will face Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Flavio Cobolli of Italy 6-2, 6-4. Medvedev, still seeking his first title of the year, played a solid match, making 16 fewer unforced errors than his opponent.Earlier in the tournament, Andrey Rublev defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4, 7-5 in a match that was delayed by rain. Rublev's victory extends his career record against Davidovich Fokina to 5-0.The China Open semifinals promise to be an exciting affair, with Alcaraz and Medvedev set to clash in a battle of top-ranked players. Rublev will also be a formidable opponent, as he looks to continue his impressive run in Beijing.

Roger Federer, the legendary Swiss tennis maestro, has once again graced the world of fashion with his latest collaboration with Oliver Peoples. The fall and winter collection of sunglasses, launched recently, marks the second installment in their partnership, which is expected to span four collections.Inspired by Federer's unparalleled elegance, sportsmanship, and precision, the FW24 drop features five new designs handcrafted in Italy. These frames embody a fusion of timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship, reflecting the essence of the tennis icon.The collection showcases a range of styles to cater to various occasions. The sporty R-7 frames, priced at $390, are perfect for active pursuits, while the vintage-inspired R-8s, retailing at over $500, exude sophistication for special events.Federer's passion for sunglasses stems from his extensive tennis career, which required him to spend countless hours chasing the sun. Even after retirement, he continues to value the protection and style that sunglasses provide."I frequently use sunglasses as tennis required me to chase the sun 80% of my life," Federer said in an interview with CNA Lifestyle. "Even after my professional career, I continue to travel and be outdoors, so I often have a pair with me."The collaboration with Oliver Peoples allows Federer to share his personal style and preferences with the world. "We designed the frames with reference to our own personal use," he explained. "For me, I found I had sunglasses for so many different occasions–sports, everyday and events. It was special to create styles that could be universally worn for any moment."Federer's sunglasses collection is a testament to his enduring legacy both on and off the court. It combines his love for fashion with his commitment to excellence, creating a line of eyewear that is both stylish and functional.

Lars Graff, the former chair umpire and ATP supervisor, has transitioned into a new role as co-tournament director of Beijing's China Open. In this capacity, he interacts closely with top tennis stars, a stark contrast to his previous role where he maintained a distance from players.Graff's background in the military, chair umpiring, and ATP supervision has equipped him well for his current role. He emphasizes the importance of player care and creating a positive experience for them.The China Open has undergone significant improvements under Graff's leadership. The gym has been expanded, player areas have been upgraded with new lockers and facilities, and the landscaping has been enhanced.Graff recalls memorable moments from his time in Beijing, including the 2007 WTA final where he calmed down Jelena Jankovic amidst crowd enthusiasm. He also officiated Roger Federer's last match in Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games.Graff acknowledges that he would not have been ready for this role 20 years ago but has grown into it. He believes his long involvement in the sport and understanding of players' needs gives him an advantage.

Zhang Shuai, the Chinese tennis veteran, is experiencing a career resurgence at the China Open, drawing comparisons to Rafael Nadal's dominance at the French Open. After a 24-match losing streak, Zhang has won three consecutive matches in Beijing, including a victory over Top 10 player Emma Navarro.Zhang attributes her success to the familiar surface of the China Open court, which she believes gives her an advantage similar to Nadal's on Philippe Chatrier. "When I'm on this court, I have everything," Zhang said. "I have no idea why, but every time when I play China Open, I play so good, so well."Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite her recent struggles, she has never lost her belief in her abilities. "I don't think too much about before. I don't think too much about future. I just enjoy every moment and think about today," she said.Zhang's next challenge will be against Guadalajara champion Magdalena Frech, who has won her last seven matches. Zhang is confident in her abilities and is channeling the spirit of Nadal's famous quote: "What happened has happened, and here we are; we're in Beijing."Zhang's success at the China Open is a reminder that anything is possible in sports. Even after a difficult period, athletes can find their form again and achieve great things. Zhang's story is an inspiration to all who face adversity in their lives.

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have advanced to the fourth round of the China Open, marking their first appearances in this stage of the tournament. Pegula, the second seed, overcame Veronika Kudermetova in a thrilling three-set battle, while Gauff, the fourth seed, defeated Katie Boulter in straight sets.Pegula's victory was particularly significant as it was her first against Kudermetova in three career meetings. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreak, Pegula rallied to win the next two sets convincingly, breaking Kudermetova's serve twice in each set.Gauff, on the other hand, faced a more straightforward challenge against Boulter. After losing the first two games, Gauff regained her composure and won eight of the last 10 games to secure the victory.Other notable results from the China Open include Paula Badosa's victory over Rebecca Sramkova, Zhang Shuai's win against Greet Minnen, and Yuliia Starodubtseva's impressive run to the fourth round in her WTA 1000 main-draw debut.In the men's event, Carlos Alcaraz notched his 200th career victory with a dominant performance against Tallon Griekspoor. Karen Khachanov also advanced, while wild card Bu Yunchaokete upset Lorenzo Musetti.

Holger Rune, the sixth-seeded Dane, staged a remarkable comeback from a match point down to defeat Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the Japan Open quarterfinals on Sunday.Rune's victory was a testament to his resilience and fighting spirit. After Nishikori took the first set, Rune rallied to win the second and force a decider. In the third set, Nishikori held a match point at 5-4, but Rune refused to yield. He saved the match point and won four consecutive games to secure the victory."It was about getting that first serve, and if I could save that match point I knew that I could put on pressure," said Rune, who will face either defending champion Ben Shelton or France's Arthur Fils in the semifinals. "The momentum shifted a little bit. I lifted myself up, I was more positive."Nishikori, 34, has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but he has shown signs of a resurgence in Tokyo. He reached the US Open final a decade ago and was once ranked number four in the world."It was a great week for me -- great three matches with tough opponents," said Nishikori. "I would say this was the best week so far. I played very solid, I raised my level."Rune needed a medical time-out in the third set, but he refused to let it derail his momentum. "In one moment I thought it was not going to be," he said. "But I just kept my belief and trusted my fighting spirit, that was really all I could do and I managed to get through."France's Ugo Humbert also advanced to the semifinals after his British opponent Jack Draper retired early in the second set. Draper, who became the first British man to reach the US Open semifinals since Andy Murray in 2012, was looking to build on his success in Tokyo, but he was forced to withdraw due to an upper body injury.Humbert, who is ranked 19th in the world, will face the Czech Republic's Tomas Machac in the semifinals. Machac beat American qualifier Alex Michelsen 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 in the day's first quarterfinal.

Fenesta National Tennis Championship: Former Champions Vishnu Vardhan and Vaidehi Chaudhari Top SeedsThe Fenesta National Tennis Championship, a prestigious event in the Indian tennis calendar, is set to commence on Monday at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi. Former champions Vishnu Vardhan and Vaidehi Chaudhari have been seeded No.1 in the men's and women's events, respectively.Vardhan, a seasoned campaigner, has won the national title twice before, in 2014 and 2016. He will face stiff competition from other former champions, including Manish Sureshkumar and V.M. Ranjeet. Dalwinder Singh, another former champ, is also vying for a berth in the main draw through the qualifying rounds.In the women's section, Riya Bhatia has been seeded second and will be eager to showcase her strong game, which has seen her triumph in both the hard court and grass court national titles in the past. Vaidehi Chaudhari, the top seed, will be looking to defend her title and extend her dominance in Indian women's tennis.The tournament will also feature an under-18 event, providing a glimpse of the future stars of Indian tennis. The qualifying rounds have already showcased the improved quality and fitness of the aspiring players.The Fenesta National Tennis Championship offers a significant prize pool of ₹3,00,000 for the men's and women's champions, making it an attractive event for players who are accustomed to competing for meager prize money in the domestic circuit.

Mental Toughness in Tennis: Mastering the Art of Clutch PerformanceIn the realm of competitive tennis, the ability to perform under pressure is paramount. As Billie Jean King famously stated, "Pressure is a privilege." However, harnessing the stress of a crucial match and rising to the occasion can be a daunting task for many players.Controlling EmotionsThe anxiety associated with closing out a tight match or relinquishing a comfortable lead can trigger mental turmoil. Players who succumb to these emotions often falter, sometimes in a rage-filled manner. Developing mental toughness requires controlling emotions and focusing on what can be controlled.Concentrating on the PresentDwelling on bad breaks or external factors can derail mental composure. Instead, players should prioritize performance and focus on executing each shot effectively. This proactive mindset fosters a positive frame of mind and enhances performance.Staying FocusedIn the heat of battle, negative thoughts can cloud judgment. To combat this, players should adopt a "shark-like" mentality, concentrating solely on tracking the ball, moving to the correct position, and executing the stroke. This keeps them present and focused on each point.Slowing Down the PaceWhen mental spirals occur, players tend to rush. This leads to impulsive shots and poor decision-making. To regain control, players should slow down the pace, take deep breaths, and adhere to their pre-serve and return routines. Changeovers provide valuable opportunities to reset and regain composure.Positive Self-TalkExpressing emotions during a close match is natural, but it's crucial to prevent them from escalating into self-sabotage. Positive self-talk can help players maintain a positive outlook. Instead of dwelling on missed shots, they should focus on the next opportunity.Simulating PressureMental strength is a learned skill. While it's challenging to replicate match anxiety in practice, creating scenarios that have hindered players in the past can provide valuable experience. By practicing under pressure, players can develop solutions and enhance their mental composure.