Tennis

The Indian tennis team's recent 0-4 defeat to Sweden in the World Group 1 Davis Cup tie has sparked a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations. At the heart of the controversy is Sumit Nagal, India's top-ranked player, who opted out of the tie.Nagal's absence was a significant blow to India's chances, as he had been instrumental in their previous Davis Cup victory against Morocco. However, the 29-year-old has defended his decision, citing a lack of depth in Indian tennis."I'm not saying that I'm the only one who can win matches for India," Nagal said in a podcast with his mentor Somdev Devvarman. "But I do believe that we need more players who are capable of competing at the highest level."Nagal's comments have drawn criticism from the All India Tennis Association (AITA), which has accused him of "missing the tie on purpose." The AITA has also pointed out that Nagal has won only four Davis Cup rubbers in his career, two of which came against lesser-known Pakistani players.Despite the AITA's criticism, Nagal has received support from some quarters. Former Davis Cup captain Mahesh Bhupathi praised Nagal for "turning up for National duty irrespective of his form or how he feels."The Nagal controversy has highlighted the challenges facing Indian tennis. The country has produced some talented players in recent years, but it has struggled to develop a consistent team that can compete with the world's best.The AITA has been criticized for its handling of the Nagal situation, as well as for its overall management of Indian tennis. The association has been accused of being too bureaucratic and of failing to provide adequate support to players.The Nagal controversy is a wake-up call for Indian tennis. The country needs to address the issues that are holding it back if it wants to achieve success on the international stage.

Roger Federer's involvement in tennis post-retirement has played a crucial role in preventing him from feeling alienated from the sport he dominated for years. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, has remained an ambassador for the tournament and has attended several events since."I'm happy I went back right away to some tournaments," Federer said. "I feel I ripped the bandaid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there. I don't feel like an alien, which is a good thing because you can feel like that very quickly."Federer emphasized the importance of staying connected to the sport to avoid the feeling of being an outsider. "People (and) players ask you 'what are you doing here?' and you're like 'exactly -- if you keep talking like this, I will never come back'."The Swiss maestro also praised the rising stars of tennis, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are expected to make a significant impact at the upcoming Australian Open. "I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow," Federer said.Regarding his contemporaries, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Federer expressed hope for their continued success. "With Rafa we don't know -- it remains to be seen. It's hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.""Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let's say a full season -- he didn't bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older. I feel like he has chances moving forward."Federer also commented on Alexander Zverev's potential to win a Grand Slam. "I see someone who's playing much too passively, much too defensively when it matters the most. I think (Zverev) has to remind himself to try to not be too passive and then I think honestly something really great can happen for him."Team Europe has won the first four Laver Cup events, but Team World has triumphed in the past two. The 2023 Laver Cup will be held in Berlin from September 22-24.

Elina Svitolina, the former world No. 3 tennis star, has announced that she will undergo foot surgery, ending her 2024 season prematurely. The Ukrainian player has been battling a persistent foot injury since last season, which has significantly impacted her performance and daily life.Svitolina's decision to go under the knife comes after careful consideration and consultation with medical professionals. She hopes that the surgery will resolve the issue that has plagued her for over a year. The injury has not only affected her tennis but also caused back and hip problems."It's become harder to manage and has been impacting me more and more, not just with regard to tennis and training but in my every day life too," Svitolina wrote on social media.The 28-year-old last played at the US Open, where she lost to Coco Gauff in the third round. Despite the early exit, Svitolina had a respectable season, reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, finishing runner-up at the WTA 250 in Auckland, and making the fourth round at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.Svitolina's premature end to the season is a disappointment, especially considering her return from maternity leave in April 2023. However, she remains determined to return to the court stronger than ever."I am determined to do whatever it takes to get back on the court and compete at the highest level," she wrote. "I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement during this challenging time. Your love and positivity mean the world to me, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the courts in 2025."Svitolina's injury and subsequent surgery highlight the challenges faced by athletes, particularly those who have recently returned from maternity leave. The physical demands of professional tennis can be unforgiving, and injuries can derail even the most talented players.

Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis icon and trailblazing advocate for gender equality, is poised to receive the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal, becoming the first individual female athlete to be bestowed with this honor.The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Brian Fitzpatrick, unanimously passed the Senate and has now cleared the House of Representatives. President Joe Biden's signature is the final step before King receives the medal, which is the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress.King's groundbreaking achievements on and off the court have left an indelible mark on society. Her historic victory over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" in 1973 shattered gender stereotypes and paved the way for women's sports.Beyond her tennis prowess, King has been an unwavering advocate for social justice, particularly for women's rights. She co-founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women's Sports Foundation, organizations dedicated to promoting gender equality in sports and beyond."Billie Jean King's lifetime of advocacy and hard work changed the landscape for women and girls on the court, in the classroom, and the workplace," said Representative Sherrill. "It is an absolute honor to help lead the bipartisan effort to add another 'first' to Billie Jean's resume of trailblazing accomplishments."King's legacy extends far beyond the tennis court. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009. The Congressional Gold Medal will further cement her status as a national icon and a symbol of progress for women's rights.

Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic Reunite for Tennis Gala in SofiaOn Tuesday, Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov welcomed 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic to Sofia for a special exhibition match. The "Tennis Gala" raised funds for Dimitrov's foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Bulgaria.The event showcased the close bond between the two players, who have developed a warm and respectful friendship over the years. At a joint press conference, they sported matching graffiti denim jackets designed by Bulgarian designer Vladimir Nikolov.On the court, the match featured more than just competitive tennis. Dimitrov engaged in an extended shirt change that turned into a playful striptease, much to the amusement of the crowd. Djokovic, known for his vocal performances, led the crowd in song before leaving the court.Dimitrov and Djokovic have a history of supporting each other. In 2014, Djokovic interrupted Dimitrov's press conference to declare him "the best looking guy on tour." When Dimitrov finished runner-up at the 2021 Rolex Paris Masters, Djokovic paused his interview to offer comfort to his friend.In a recent ATP video, Djokovic teased Dimitrov about his obsession with Van Cleef bracelets. Dimitrov retorted that Djokovic couldn't handle the amount of bling he wore. Djokovic later revealed that his son, Stefan, had been asking for a Van Cleef bracelet after seeing Dimitrov's collection.Dimitrov will now head to Berlin for the Laver Cup, while Djokovic is expected to compete in the Shanghai Masters 1000 event. The "Tennis Gala" in Sofia was a testament to the enduring friendship between two of the most successful tennis players of their generation.

Jack Draper Attends Burberry Fashion Show with Anna Wintour and Olympic MedalistsAfter his impressive performance at the Davis Cup Group Stage Finals, rising tennis star Jack Draper graced the front row at the Burberry Summer 2025 show during London Fashion Week. Draper's presence at the prestigious event was a testament to his growing influence both on and off the court.Draper was seated alongside an illustrious group of guests, including Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, lifestyle brand founder Greatness Dex, rapper Skepta, and Olympic silver medalist Katarina Johnson Thompson. Draper's connection with Wintour was evident, as he had previously invited her to his box at the US Open.Draper's attendance at the fashion show is a reflection of his growing status as a style icon. Earlier this year, he modeled for British Vogue, showcasing his impeccable sense of style. His presence at the Burberry show further solidifies his position as a fashion-forward athlete.Beyond his fashion credentials, Draper is also focused on his tennis career. He is scheduled to compete in the Tokyo tournament, where he will aim to capture his first ATP 500 trophy. Draper's recent Grand Slam semifinal appearance has raised expectations, and he is determined to continue his upward trajectory.Draper's attendance at the Burberry fashion show is a testament to his versatility and his ability to balance his sporting and personal interests. As he continues to excel on the court, he is also establishing himself as a style icon and a respected figure in the fashion world.

Ankita Raina, India's top-ranked women's tennis player, made a strong start to the $60,000 ITF tournament in Perth, Australia, on Tuesday. Raina eased past Miho Kuramochi of Japan 6-0, 6-4 in the first round, showcasing her dominance on the court.Raina's victory was a testament to her consistent performance and aggressive style of play. She controlled the match from the outset, breaking Kuramochi's serve twice in the first set to take it 6-0. In the second set, Raina faced a tougher challenge as Kuramochi fought back, but the Indian player remained composed and secured the victory with a 6-4 scoreline.Raina's victory is a positive sign for Indian tennis, as she continues to make strides on the international circuit. She has been in impressive form this year, reaching the semifinals of the $25,000 ITF tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, in July.In other results from the tournament, Ashmitha Easwaramurthi and Kanna Soeda of Japan lost in the doubles pre-quarterfinals, while Marin Dumitru and Derin Sen of Australia advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the men's doubles.

US Open Tournament Director Addresses Scheduling Conflicts and Fan EngagementUS Open tournament director Stacey Allaster, the first woman to hold this position at any Grand Slam event, recently joined the Served Podcast to discuss one of the sport's most pressing concerns: scheduling conflicts.Allaster acknowledged the challenges of managing the flow of spectators in and out of Arthur Ashe Stadium, especially during late-night matches. She emphasized that starting matches earlier on Ashe is not feasible due to ESPN's broadcast schedule. Additionally, she ruled out reducing men's matches to best-of-three sets, as players prefer to avoid interruptions and potential injuries.Unlike Wimbledon, which has strict curfew laws, Allaster dismissed the idea of implementing a similar policy at the US Open. She explained that players are eager to compete and would rather not be forced to postpone matches.Roddick, a former US Open champion, agreed with Allaster's assessment. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of tennis matches and the need for players to be prepared to take the court at short notice. He also emphasized the importance of recovery time for players, especially when facing back-to-back matches.Allaster acknowledged that even if matches were started earlier, there would still be gaps in the schedule on Ashe. She also discussed the competition for viewership with other major sporting events, such as the NFL and college football.Despite these challenges, the US Open has enjoyed record-breaking attendance in recent years. Allaster attributed this success to the variety of personalities and storylines in tennis, as well as the tournament's status as a major social event in New York City.She also highlighted the growth in tennis participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that new fans may be contributing to the US Open's success. Allaster emphasized the importance of inspiring a love for tennis and encouraging more people to pick up a racket.Roddick noted that the US Open attracts more spectators in three weeks than MLB teams do in an entire year. He credited Fan Week, which allows fans to watch world-class players practice for free, as a major factor in the tournament's popularity.Allaster expressed her commitment to improving the US Open experience for both players and fans. She acknowledged the need to address scheduling conflicts and is open to suggestions for solutions.

Lauren Embree, a former standout tennis player and three-time SEC Player of the Year, has embarked on a second career as a certified functional nutritionist. Inspired by her own health struggles as an athlete, Embree founded Embree Wellness to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to achieve optimal well-being through nutrition.Embree's journey into the world of wellness began when she experienced unexplained health issues despite being a world-class athlete. After consulting with a functional medicine doctor, she discovered the profound impact of nutrition on her immune system and overall health."It opened up my eyes to the power of nutrition and how correlated it is to how you feel," Embree said. "My immune system was on fire because I was just consuming the wrong kinds of foods."Embree's experience led her to identify common nutritional mistakes, including consuming the wrong foods, counting the wrong calories, and neglecting protein intake. Embree Wellness aims to simplify wellness advice and provide personalized guidance to help individuals overcome these challenges."I want to try to make it as simple as possible for people to use the power of nutrition to feel strong," Embree said. "It's just going to be very unique based on your own lifestyle."Embree Wellness offers a lifeline to competitive athletes and active individuals seeking to optimize their nutritional health. Embree believes that early education is crucial for young athletes to avoid the pitfalls she faced in her own career."If I had half the knowledge of what I knew now, I think it would have been helpful in a lot of things," Embree said. "But it's never too late. Now it's time to give that message to college athletes and young athletes, and just get the education in them young, so that they can carry it on a little earlier than we did."