Tennis

Former world No. 1 Simona Halep is poised to make her long-awaited return to competitive tennis at the WTA 125-level tournament in Hong Kong, commencing on Monday. The two-time Grand Slam champion has received a wild card to participate in her first event in four months, and only her third since being cleared to resume playing following a protracted challenge to a 2022 anti-doping rules violation.Halep, who tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat after the 2022 US Open and was subsequently sanctioned for abnormalities in her biological passport, has played just two matches since her return to tennis was approved with immediate effect in March, after her four-year ban was reduced to nine months.She suffered a first-round defeat to Paula Badosa in three sets at the Miami Open and retired due to a left knee injury against American McCartney Kessler at the WTA 125 in Paris in May, having won the opening set. The injury has kept her out of competitive action since then.In her quest for her first victory since her return, Halep will face Australia's Arina Rodionova in the first round. WTA 125 events are a tier below tour-level tournaments, comparable to ATP Challenger events. World No. 8 Emma Navarro, who lost in the second round of the China Open this week, has also received a wild card to the tournament.World No. 56 Clara Burel of France is seeded No. 2 in a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic, former world No. 33 Clara Tauson, and Americans Kessler, Hailey Baptiste, Emina Bektas, and Alycia Parks.Halep's return to action is a significant moment for the tennis world. The Romanian star has been one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour in recent years, winning two Grand Slam titles (French Open 2018 and Wimbledon 2019) and reaching the world No. 1 ranking in 2017 and 2019. Her absence from the sport has been keenly felt, and her return is eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow players alike.

Jannik Sinner's meteoric rise in tennis has propelled him to the forefront of the sport, and the next 12 months will be crucial in solidifying his status as a dominant force.After a breakthrough 2023 season that saw him win Beijing and Vienna, reach the ATP Finals final, and lead Italy to the Davis Cup title, Sinner has a wealth of points to defend. However, his exceptional skills and unwavering determination suggest he is well-equipped to maintain his lofty position.Sinner's thunderous groundstrokes, pinpoint serve, and newfound comfort at the net make him a formidable opponent. At just 23 years old, he possesses the physical and mental attributes to sustain his success.His ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain poise in the face of adversity is a testament to his maturity. Sinner's upbringing, which involved leaving home at 14 to pursue his tennis dreams, has instilled in him a sense of independence and resilience.Sinner's motivation is fueled by his blend of power and poise, reminiscent of tennis legend Pete Sampras. He shows no signs of burnout or world-weariness, indicating a long and successful career ahead.In the coming months, Sinner will face a challenging schedule, including title defense efforts in Beijing and Shanghai. His performance in these tournaments will provide valuable insights into his ability to handle the pressure of being a hunted player.

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, the 22-year-old tennis prodigy from Hyderabad, has set her sights on the Australian Open next year. Having relinquished her national championship throne, Shrivalli is determined to ascend to the higher echelons of the sport.Shrivalli's journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and impressive performances on the international circuit. Her explosive game has propelled her to a career-best ranking of No. 318, a testament to her hard work and dedication.In March, Shrivalli reached the final of the $25,000 ITF event in Indore, showcasing her exceptional skills. She has since competed in tournaments across the globe, including the USA, Thailand, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Australia, with encouraging results.Two consecutive quarterfinals in Perth, Australia, in $60,000 events have further boosted her ranking. Shrivalli's ability to compete at the highest level is evident in her close match against Madddson Inglis in Perth, where she led 5-2 in the third set before ultimately falling short."I am growing as a person and a player with all the experience," said Shrivalli. "I could have won the quarterfinal against Madddson Inglis in Perth, but it slipped away."Shrivalli's preparation for the Australian Open includes competing in two ITF events in Mysuru and Bengaluru. She will then travel to Australia for a series of tournaments to gain valuable experience and improve her ranking."The aim is to take the ranking close to 200 so that I get into the Australian Open qualifying event," said Shrivalli. "I enjoyed the conditions in Australia, though it was windy. The balls are heavy, as they play the same brand and quality as the Australian Open."As the top seed in the upcoming ITF events in Karnataka, Shrivalli is confident in her ability to perform well. She has been training in Delhi with coach Vishal Uppal, who has been instrumental in planning her tournaments and providing guidance.Shrivalli's free-flowing stroke play and powerful serve make her a delight to watch on the court. Her determination to succeed is evident in her willingness to relinquish her national championship title in pursuit of her ultimate goal: competing at the highest level of tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by securing his 200th tour-level victory. This triumph came in Beijing on Sunday night, where he defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2 at the ATP 500 event.Alcaraz is the first player born in 2003 or later to reach this milestone, and only the third player born in 2000 or later to do so, following Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime. This achievement highlights his exceptional talent and consistency at a young age.By reaching 200 career wins at 21 years, 4 months, and 24 days, Alcaraz is tracking ahead of two of the legendary "Big 3" players. Novak Djokovic had 180 career wins at that age, while Roger Federer had 160. However, Rafael Nadal had an impressive 247 career wins at the same age.Despite being behind Nadal in terms of career wins at this age, Alcaraz has already surpassed all three players in Grand Slam titles. He has won four Grand Slams, while Nadal had three, Djokovic had one, and Federer had none at the same age.Alcaraz's victory in Beijing was his 45th win of the year, propelling him into his ninth quarterfinal of the season. He will next face former world No. 8 Karen Khachanov, who has a 7-0 career record against Alcaraz's compatriot, Francisco Cerundolo.Alcaraz has a 3-0 record against Khachanov, all on clay. This will be their first meeting on hard court, adding an intriguing element to their upcoming clash.

The Art of the Tennis Serve: Mastering the Toss for SuccessThe serve is the cornerstone of tennis, and the toss is its pivotal element. Unlike any other motion in daily life, the serve requires a unique coordination of throwing and hitting.Determining the Minimum Toss HeightTo establish the minimum toss height, extend your arm overhead as if making contact for a serve. This point represents the contact point. The toss should be high enough to allow the ball to fall into the contact point as your racquet swings.Swing Length and Toss HeightThe length of your serve swing influences the toss height. A shorter swing requires a shorter toss, while a longer swing necessitates a higher toss. The ball's peak should be higher than the contact point, ensuring it falls into the contact zone at the optimal time.Adjusting for Jumping ServesJumping serves alter the contact point and, consequently, the toss height. Even serving on tiptoes requires slight adjustments.Timing is KeyThe toss height is all about timing. Consistent practice is crucial to develop the timing necessary for a successful serve. Focus on hitting only tosses within the correct range, even if it means multiple attempts before serving.Patience and MindfulnessMastering the serve toss requires patience and mindfulness. Be mindful of the toss height and only hit tosses that feel and look correct. This discipline is essential for a successful serve.

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, Mexican-American Angel Lopez faced challenges as an outsider in both society and the tennis world. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and became a pillar of the sport in his community.As a child, Lopez's Mexican heritage was discouraged, but he found solace in tennis. However, he felt out of place in the country club atmosphere that dominated the sport. Inspired by the success of Mexican tennis legends Pancho Segura and Richard "Pancho" Gonzales, Lopez realized he could achieve greatness too.In the 1970s, Lopez received support from the La Raza Tennis Association, which enabled him to travel to tournaments and train with Segura. Segura's mentorship instilled in Lopez the belief that success in tennis transcended socioeconomic and racial barriers.Lopez began coaching at a young age, passing up professional opportunities for financial stability. In 1979, he joined the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club, becoming its director of tennis in 1986. Throughout his career, he has worked with renowned players like Michael Chang and Brandon Nakashima.Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Lopez is most proud of his impact on the lives of young Hispanic athletes. He has established scholarships, donated to his alma maters, and hosted junior tournaments. "Giving back to my community is really important to me," he says. "I love coaching top Mexican juniors and seeing them succeed."Lopez's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. As a Mexican-American in a predominantly white sport, he faced adversity but ultimately found his place and made a lasting contribution to tennis.

Tennis, hailed as "The World's Healthiest Sport," has garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional health benefits. A comprehensive study conducted in Copenhagen over a 25-year period revealed that tennis players enjoy a remarkable 9.7-year increase in life expectancy compared to sedentary individuals. This compelling finding has become a primary motivator for people to embrace the sport.A recent survey conducted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), YouGov, and Two Circles further corroborates the health-centric appeal of tennis. Among respondents from five major tennis-playing nations, 45% cited health benefits as their primary reason for playing. The social and camaraderie aspects of the sport also emerged as a significant attraction, with 40% of players highlighting its social benefits.The study focused on players and potential players aged 18 and older, examining the role of tennis in their physical and mental well-being. Notably, beginners aged 35-44 were particularly drawn to the sport for its health benefits. Intermediate and advanced players also emphasized improved physical and mental well-being as their primary motivation.Encouragingly, over 75% of casual players (playing less than 10 times annually) expressed a desire to increase their frequency of play. This finding underscores the growing awareness of the health benefits associated with tennis.The ITF's Global Tennis Report, conducted every Olympic year, provides valuable insights into participation trends and other statistics related to the sport. The full findings of the 2024 report will be unveiled at the organization's annual general meeting in Hong Kong in October.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday to elect new office bearers. However, the results remain unofficial due to an ongoing Delhi High Court petition alleging Sports Code violations by the federation.The AITA received only one nomination for each position, eliminating the need for voting. The new President, Secretary General, and Treasurer were elected unopposed, along with eight Vice Presidents, four Joint Secretaries, and 10 Executive Members.Initially, Rohit Rajpal and another candidate had filed nominations for the President's post. However, Rajpal, India's non-playing Davis Cup captain, later withdrew his candidature.Former India players Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja had filed a petition seeking a stay on the elections, arguing that the AITA was not adhering to the Sports Code and that several candidates were ineligible to contest.The Court declined to stay the elections but directed the AITA and the Sports Ministry to submit their responses. The Court also ordered that the election results be sealed and not published until the outcome of the petition.The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 14. Until then, the outgoing and incoming teams will jointly manage the federation's operations.

The future of racquet sports is bright, and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is leading the charge. The organization recently changed its name to the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA) to reflect the growing popularity of racquet sports beyond tennis.The RSPA now certifies teaching pros in five sports: tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis. This move is a recognition of the shifting business landscape, as clubs are adding new racquet sports facilities to meet the growing demand.According to RSPA CEO Brian Dillman, "The market was demanding this change. Clubs are adding new racquet sports facilities, and we want to take advantage of that."The participatory numbers are too clear to ignore. There are 20 million tennis players in the US, but there are 55 million racquet-sports players. This opens up a bigger potential marketplace for instructors.Dillman believes that pickleball is a ground-floor game that can get racquets and balls into more people's hands. This can lead to increased interest in sports where more training is needed, such as tennis, padel, and platform tennis.As more players move between racquet sports, the RSPA hopes to give instructors more sports to teach. This will allow them to round themselves out and learn from other sports.Pickleball pros, with less technique to teach, will focus on event organizing and match tactics. Padel and squash are seen as big areas for growth among pros, as they require more lessons to improve or compete.Tennis remains the heart of the teaching pro business and the racquet sports industry. However, the RSPA's new branding reflects the growing popularity of other racquet sports."Tennis is our core," Dillman says, "and you can't remove your core." But now, there are more paths to a teaching career in racquet sports.