Tennis

Hubert Hurkacz, Poland's top-ranked male tennis player, is using his platform to raise awareness and support for his flood-stricken homeland. Following the devastating floods in the southwest region of Poland, Hurkacz has pledged to donate €100 for every ace he hits during the remainder of his season."For me, sport is not just a competition, but also a platform to drive impact," Hurkacz wrote on social media. "Starting today and until the end of the season, I will be donating €100 for every ace I hit to support those affected by the devastating floods in Poland."Hurkacz's initiative has already garnered significant attention, with the Polish star hitting 17 aces in his first-round match in Tokyo against American Marcos Giron. The three-set thriller ended in Hurkacz's favor, adding €1,700 to his donation tally.World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, another Polish tennis star, has also expressed her support for the flood victims. Known for her activism, Swiatek has shared her thoughts and provided a link to the Polish Red Cross Collection, a movement that has been providing aid since its founding in 1910."My thoughts are with all people affected by the flood, and the services and organizations that are providing help. You are not alone," Swiatek wrote on Instagram.Hurkacz's #acesforaid campaign will continue throughout his season, while Swiatek's support will extend through the WTA Finals in November. Their efforts highlight the power of sports to unite people and make a positive impact on society.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune Drum Up Excitement at Tokyo Player PartyAhead of their Tokyo campaigns, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune showcased their cultural immersion and musical prowess at the tournament's player party. The duo joined forces on the "Taiko" drums, delivering an impressive performance that highlighted their friendship and on-court chemistry.Rune, known for his infectious smile, exuded energy and rhythm, while Tsitsipas, fresh from Berlin, displayed laser-like focus in his contrasting white Ralph Lauren attire. Both players are eager to build momentum as the 2024 season nears its conclusion.Their appearances at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships serve as a prelude to the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Subsequently, both plan to maximize the European indoor swing, with Tsitsipas committed to Antwerp and Rune to Stockholm.After a promising semifinal showing in Cincinnati, Rune faced setbacks in the US Open and Hangzhou. However, he remains determined to turn things around in Tokyo, where he faces Alejandro Tabilo of Chile in the opening round.Tsitsipas, on the other hand, avenged his Laver Cup defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis but is seeking to string together consecutive wins for the first time since the Paris Olympics. Seeded fourth, he will face Alex Michelsen in his ATP 500 opener.Both players are eager to make a statement in Tokyo and set the stage for a strong finish to the season. Their performances will be closely watched as they aim to drum up momentum and secure valuable ranking points.

Zhang Shuai's arduous singles drought, spanning over a year and a half, has finally come to an end. The 35-year-old Chinese star, who once held the world No. 22 ranking, had not tasted victory in a singles match since January 2023. However, on Wednesday, she broke that streak in emphatic fashion at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing.Zhang's opponent in the first round was American McCartney Kessler, who had recently won her maiden tour-level title in Cleveland. Despite Kessler serving for the opening set, Zhang rallied back to win 7-6(5), 7-6(1). The victory marked the end of the second-longest losing streak by a WTA player in the Open Era, behind only Madeleine Pegel's 29-match skid in the early days of the tour.Zhang's losing streak had been punctuated by several heartbreaking defeats. In February 2023, she lost a three-set thriller to Anett Kontaveit in Abu Dhabi. In July, she retired from a controversial match against Amarissa Toth in Budapest after an officiating decision went against her. And at the US Open, she squandered a 6-0 first set lead against Ashlyn Krueger, eventually losing 0-6, 6-1, 7-5.Against Kessler, Zhang showed resilience and determination. After failing to convert a match point in the second set, she regrouped and closed out the match with aplomb. "I think that this is the perfect timing," Zhang said after the win. "My first win at a WTA tournament was 15 years ago at China Open, and then the next day I beat the No. 1 player [Dinara Safina in 2009]. Maybe God has a plan."Zhang's victory is a testament to her perseverance and unwavering spirit. She has faced adversity throughout her career, including a 14-match losing streak in Grand Slam main draws. However, she has always bounced back, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with.In the second round, Zhang will face No. 6 seed Emma Navarro, the US Open semifinalist. It will be a tough test, but Zhang will be confident after breaking her losing streak.

Angelique Kerber, the legendary German tennis player, bid farewell to her illustrious career at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Despite not being her preferred surface, Kerber showcased her unwavering class on clay, reaching the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual gold medalist Qinwen Zheng.Kerber's career was marked by three Grand Slam triumphs: the Australian Open and US Open in 2016, and Wimbledon in 2018. However, her success on red clay was limited, with her best result at the French Open being a quarter-final appearance. Nonetheless, her Olympic performance served as a testament to her adaptability and resilience.Since her retirement, Kerber has embraced a new chapter in her life, focusing on family and friends. She welcomed her daughter, Liana, in February 2023 and returned to the court briefly to lead Germany to victory in the United Cup team competition.Two months after hanging up her racket, Kerber made a special appearance at the Laver Cup 2024 in Berlin. As a spectator, she relished the opportunity to watch tennis from a different perspective. "It's different, but special," she said. "I think I'll be able to enjoy it a little more now."Kerber's legacy as one of Germany's most successful tennis players remains intact. With three Grand Slams and 29 weeks at world number one, she has cemented her place in the annals of the sport.While her playing days are behind her, Kerber remains connected to tennis. She has hinted at future projects and expressed her desire to see a similar event to the Laver Cup for women.For now, Kerber is content to enjoy her personal life and explore new opportunities. "I'm trying to enjoy time with my family and friends right now," she said. "Then we'll see what happens."

Marta Kostyuk, the rising Ukrainian tennis star, has embraced a transformative journey both on and off the court. After years of being coached by her mother, Kostyuk sought guidance from Sandra Zaniewska, a former coach of Petra Martic. This partnership has propelled Kostyuk to new heights, with her breaking into the WTA's Top 20 and becoming a fashion icon.Kostyuk's fashion evolution has been as remarkable as her on-court success. Once known for her simple style, she now graces the pages of Vogue and Glamour, showcasing her unique sense of self-expression. She credits her stylist with helping her understand her body type and create a wardrobe that complements her personality.Kostyuk's collaboration with Wilson has also played a pivotal role in her on-court style. As the brand's first 360 athlete, she has helped introduce their new tennis apparel collection, featuring custom-designed dresses that have garnered widespread attention. Her Roland Garros kit and Wimbledon look, inspired by her wedding dress, have become viral sensations.Beyond her fashion choices, Kostyuk emphasizes the importance of open communication and honest feedback in her partnership with Zaniewska. This approach has fostered a deep connection and mutual trust, allowing them to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.Kostyuk's high energy and aggressive playing style have made her a fan favorite. However, she recognizes the need to channel her emotions positively to achieve long-term success. With Zaniewska's guidance, she aims to harness her passion and determination to continue her upward trajectory.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has expressed his excitement at the prospect of teaming up with Rafael Nadal for Spain at the Davis Cup finals in November. However, he also hopes that it won't be a "last dance" for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.Spain recently named both players in their five-man team for the finals in Malaga, where they will compete together in doubles as they did at the Paris Olympics. The 38-year-old Nadal's inclusion in the team is notable given his recent injury struggles and limited competitive action since the Paris Games.Alcaraz, who has won four Grand Slam titles, admitted that he "missed" Nadal at the recent Laver Cup, which the latter skipped due to injury. "I don't want to think that it is a potential last dance for him in Malaga," Alcaraz said at the China Open in Beijing."Obviously it is a great support having him in the team. He can bring a lot of experience. For me it's going to be my first Davis Cup final, it's going to be a great experience for me."Alcaraz emphasized the value of spending time with Nadal both on and off the court. "To have the chance to spend more time off the court, on the court as well with him, it's going to be great for Team Spain and I think for the country as well that we're playing in Spain. Hopefully it's not going to be the last time for him."Nadal, who has not played competitively since Paris, has given mixed messages about his future in the sport. However, Alcaraz remains optimistic that the veteran will continue to play for some time."I think he's still playing at a great level," Alcaraz said. "He's still one of the best players in the world. I think he can still win many more tournaments. I hope he can keep playing for many more years."The Davis Cup finals will be held in Malaga, Spain, from November 21-27. Spain will face Canada, Serbia, and South Korea in the group stage.

The Laver Cup, a unique team competition in tennis, has been graced by the presence of legendary rivals-turned-friends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe since its inception in 2017. Their presence has added an unparalleled allure to the tournament, providing players with an opportunity to interact with their idols.For debutants like Flavio Cobolli and Alejandro Tabilo, the Laver Cup has been a surreal experience. They have cherished the chance to learn from Borg and McEnroe, soaking up their wisdom and guidance. Even seasoned players like Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz have been awestruck by the legends' presence, recalling their initial nervousness and the lasting impact of their support.Alexander Zverev, the Laver Cup's most successful player, has particularly valued Borg's presence on the bench. He has relished the opportunity to hear Borg's stories and gain insights into the history of tennis. Stefanos Tsitsipas, while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of Borg and McEnroe's departure, expressed his gratitude for their mentorship.Despite the departure of Borg and McEnroe, the future of the Laver Cup remains bright. Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi will take over as captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively, bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives to the tournament.Laver Cup CEO Tony Godsick believes the tournament plays a crucial role in preserving the history of tennis. It provides a platform for current players to interact with legends like Borg, McEnroe, and Rod Laver, creating valuable content and fostering a connection between generations.

In 2001, a young Taylor Swift graced the US Open stage, performing the national anthem. The following year, she returned to sing "America the Beautiful" at just 13 years old. However, a shocking revelation emerged on the "Served with Andy Roddick" podcast, where US Open entertainment producer Michael Fiur admitted to a decision that haunts him to this day.Fiur, with an impressive resume including 29 Super Bowls and 28 consecutive US Opens, revealed that he declined Taylor Swift's request to perform at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day in 2003. "She's just taking off, she's really country; we don't think that would play in New York," Fiur explained.Despite the star-studded lineup of Opening Night performers over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Kelly Clarkson, Fiur acknowledges that the decision to pass on Swift was a major misstep. "Worst decision I ever made," he confessed.The US Open has since evolved significantly, embracing diversity and inclusion. In 2019, the tournament launched its first Open Pride event, showcasing LGBTQ+ culture. Fiur expressed pride in the organization's commitment to these values, stating, "To see this now become part of the fabric of the Open... makes me very proud to be associated with an organization that has these beliefs and shares my beliefs."Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating different cultures in tennis. "Someone being gay or Black or anything else was just so normal in tennis," he said. "I'm glad it's being represented by the US Open."Fiur has since learned to balance entertainment with the priority of tennis. "Over time, tournament directors tried to drum into me that tennis does come first," he said. This year's US Open featured a record-breaking Opening Day attendance, with Alicia Keys performing her Broadway hit "Kaleidoscope."The US Open's growth post-COVID has been remarkable, with fans eager to experience live events. "I think people desire to experience live events, be around people again," Fiur said. "The last couple of years have been off the charts."

Marin Cilic's remarkable triumph at the Hangzhou Open has defied all odds, etching his name in tennis history as the lowest-ranked champion in the ATP Tour's modern era.Despite entering the tournament with a dismal 0-4 record and a world ranking of 777, the 35-year-old Croat displayed the resilience and brilliance that once made him a Grand Slam champion. After dropping the first set of his opening match, Cilic rallied with unwavering determination, showcasing the form that earned him 20 ATP titles, including the prestigious US Open crown in 2018.Cilic's journey to victory was not without its challenges. Injuries and a decline in form had sent him plummeting down the rankings. However, the Hangzhou Open provided him with a lifeline, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.The veteran's triumph was a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his team. "It's been a difficult period for me," Cilic admitted. "I've lost my ranking, I didn't play too much." But with each victory in Hangzhou, his confidence grew, culminating in a thrilling 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) triumph in the final.Cilic's victory has not only boosted his ranking to No. 373 but has also made him the lowest-ranked champion in ATP Tour history since 1990. The achievement is a testament to his enduring talent and the power of perseverance."I hope I made it worthwhile, during the whole week," a beaming Cilic said after his victory. "So happy and proud to make this victory not only for me, but for [my team] as well."