Tennis

Two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na has been appointed as the new tournament director for the WTA 250 Hong Kong Tennis Open, scheduled for October 26 to November 3 at Victoria Park Stadium. This marks a significant milestone for the tournament and the tennis community, as Li becomes the latest former player to take on a leadership role in the sport.Li, who retired from tennis in 2014, has remained an influential figure in the tennis world. Her appointment as tournament director reflects her passion for the sport and her desire to contribute to its growth and development. As a former world No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam winner, Li brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role.In her video message announcing her appointment, Li expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead the Hong Kong Tennis Open. She highlighted the city's vibrant culture and its status as Asia's leading events capital as key factors in her decision. Li also emphasized her commitment to providing a world-class experience for players and fans alike.The Hong Kong Tennis Open has attracted a strong field of players for its 2024 edition. Among the notable participants are 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, former Top 10 player Danielle Collins, Wimbledon quarterfinalist Lulu Sun, and defending champion Leylah Fernandez. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches and showcase the exceptional talent of the WTA Tour.Li's appointment as tournament director is part of a growing trend of former players assuming leadership roles in tennis. Garbiñe Muguruza, another two-time Grand Slam champion, was recently named the tournament director for the inaugural WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Amélie Mauresmo, James Blake, and Tommy Haas are among other former players who hold similar positions at major tennis tournaments.This trend reflects the increasing recognition of the value that former players bring to the sport. Their experience, knowledge, and passion for tennis enable them to make significant contributions to the development and promotion of the game. Li's appointment as tournament director for the Hong Kong Tennis Open is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her commitment to fostering its growth in Asia.

Jannik Sinner's dominant victory over Taylor Fritz in the US Open final shattered American hopes of ending a 21-year Grand Slam title drought. The last male singles champion from the USA was Andy Roddick in 2003, and Fritz's run to the summit had ignited optimism among American tennis fans.The absence of a male Grand Slam champion from the USA for over two decades is a stark contrast to the nation's rich tennis history. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, American men dominated the sport, with Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi claiming a combined 41 Major titles.Fritz's performance at the US Open was a testament to the progress American men's tennis has made in recent years. He defeated two top-10 opponents, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, en route to his first Grand Slam semifinal, where he overcame compatriot Frances Tiafoe. However, against Sinner, Fritz's limitations were exposed.Despite his powerful serve and forehand, Fritz lacked the consistency and variety to challenge Sinner, who is widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in the world. Sinner's ability to control the baseline and dictate the pace of the match proved too much for Fritz.While Fritz's defeat was disappointing for American fans, it also highlighted the challenges facing the next generation of American men's tennis players. The Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have dominated the sport for nearly two decades, and their absence has created opportunities for new faces.However, American men have yet to fully capitalize on this opportunity. Fritz, Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and Sebastian Korda are all talented players, but they have yet to consistently challenge the top players in the world.Despite the setbacks, American men's tennis is not without hope. The emergence of these young players suggests that a new golden age may be on the horizon. With continued hard work and dedication, they have the potential to end the Grand Slam drought and restore the United States to its former glory in the sport.

Tennis, a sport renowned for its elegance and precision, is in dire need of a comprehensive overhaul. From inconsistent rules to outdated technology, the game has become a breeding ground for confusion and frustration. Here are some crucial reforms that would elevate tennis to its former glory:Ban Errant Tosses:The allowance of do-over tosses after a missed serve is an unnecessary indulgence. It grants servers an unfair advantage and disrupts the flow of the game. Eliminating this practice would increase the pressure on servers and level the playing field.Adopt VAR (Video Assistant Referee):The implementation of VAR would revolutionize tennis by providing accurate and timely reviews of disputed calls. This technology has proven its worth in other sports, and its introduction in tennis would eliminate the frustration caused by incorrect decisions.Set a Curfew:The late-night matches that have become commonplace in tennis are detrimental to players, fans, and tournament staff. A curfew would ensure that matches conclude at a reasonable hour, allowing players sufficient recovery time and preventing the adverse effects of sleep deprivation.Manage Interruptions Better:The excessive use of bathroom breaks has become a major distraction in tennis. A standardized policy that limits the duration and frequency of these breaks would restore the integrity of the game and prevent players from exploiting loopholes.Play the Let:The let rule, which allows a serve to be replayed if it hits the net and lands in the service court, is an unnecessary complication. Eliminating this rule would simplify the game and reduce the number of interruptions.Stop with the "GOATs":The overuse of the term "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) has diluted its significance. Tennis has a rich history of exceptional players, and it is impossible to definitively declare a single individual as the greatest. Using the plural form "GOATs" is both inaccurate and disrespectful to the sport's legacy.

Sabine Lisicki, the former Wimbledon finalist, has welcomed her first child, a daughter named Bella. The 34-year-old German announced the birth on Instagram, joining a growing number of WTA players who have become mothers in recent years.Lisicki's announcement follows the births of daughters to Belinda Bencic, Petra Kvitova, and Alison Riske-Amritraj in 2024. Bencic welcomed her daughter Bella in April, while Kvitova and Riske-Amritraj gave birth to sons Petr and Calen in July.Lisicki, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 12 in 2012, has faced numerous injuries throughout her career, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2020. Despite these setbacks, she has shown resilience and determination, winning her first title in nine years at the ITF W60 event in Calgary in 2023.In March, Lisicki announced her pregnancy and promised "one more comeback." Her last WTA-level match win came in 2022, but she remains hopeful of returning to the court.Lisicki's announcement has been met with well wishes from her current and former WTA peers, including Timea Babos, Ashlyn Krueger, Magdalena Frech, Eva Lys, and Shelby Rogers.The birth of her daughter marks a new chapter in Lisicki's life, and she will undoubtedly draw inspiration from her role as a mother as she continues her tennis career.

Donald Young, a former tennis professional, has officially transitioned to pickleball after a remarkable run at the US Open. Young and Taylor Townsend reached the mixed doubles final as wild cards, but just days later, Young traded his racquet for a paddle to compete in the CIBC PPA Atlanta Slam.Young had been contemplating retirement for some time and decided to make the US Open his final tournament. He was thrilled when Townsend agreed to partner with him in mixed doubles. "I've known her since birth," Young said. "It was cool."Despite the stress of the US Open, Young managed to find time for a single pickleball session before the tournament. He teamed up with Travis Rettenmaier, a professional pickleballer since 2020, and reached the Round of 16, defeating former tennis pro Jack Sock.Young also competed in mixed doubles and singles, but fell short in both events. However, he remains optimistic about his future in pickleball. "I've got [Townsend] out a couple of times; she really enjoys it," Young said. "Hopefully, I'm still playing and we can run it back one time."Young's transition to pickleball is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Top-Ranked Swiatek Withdraws from Korea Open, Depleting Star PowerWorld No. 1 Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from next week's Korea Open, dealing a significant blow to the tournament's hopes of attracting top-tier talent. Swiatek's withdrawal comes just days after her participation was confirmed, citing fatigue following her quarterfinal loss at the US Open.The absence of Swiatek, who has won five Grand Slam titles in the past two years, is a major setback for the Korea Open, which was elevated to WTA 500 status in 2024. The tournament had hoped to showcase some of the world's best players, but with Swiatek's withdrawal, it has now lost all of its expected Top 10 stars.World No. 4 Elena Rybakina and No. 8 Emma Navarro have also opted out of the Korea Open. Rybakina cited a back injury, while Navarro, who made her Top 10 debut this week, noted a change in schedule.The withdrawals of Swiatek, Rybakina, and Navarro leave Daria Kasatkina, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Diana Shnaider as the top-ranked players in the field. Former US Open champions Sloane Stephens and Emma Raducanu have moved into the main draw, along with American Amanda Anisimova.The Korea Open, which will be held in Seoul from September 19-25, is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the WTA calendar. The tournament has been won by some of the biggest names in women's tennis, including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Petra Kvitova.Despite the absence of Swiatek and other top players, the Korea Open is still expected to attract a strong field of competitors. The tournament offers a total prize pool of $757,900, making it one of the most lucrative events on the WTA Tour.

India to Face Sweden in Davis Cup World Group-1 EncounterIndian tennis star Sriram Balaji will lead the charge for India against Sweden in the Davis Cup World Group-1 encounter, which will be played on indoor hard courts at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm on Saturday. Balaji will open the campaign against Elias Ymer, ranked 238th in the world.The Indian team, which includes Ramkumar Ramanathan, will rely on the duo to secure the first day's play. Balaji and Ramanathan were instrumental in India's 4-0 victory over Pakistan in the World Group play-off earlier this year.Captain Rohit Rajpal has hinted at repeating the players in singles and doubles, after observing their performance in training. The team will depend on Balaji and Ramanathan to shoulder the doubles rubber against Filip Bergevi and Andre Goransson.Ramkumar will face Leo Borg, the son of legendary Bjorn Borg, in the second singles on the opening day. Borg, ranked 603rd, may be less experienced than his father, but he has a strong foundation, having been ranked No.12 in the world as a junior.Sweden has never lost to India in the five ties they have played over the years. In fact, India has managed to win only two rubbers in all. However, the Indian team is determined to break this streak and secure a victory on Swedish soil.The matches on the first day are scheduled to start from 5.30 p.m. IST, while the second day's play, which will feature the doubles followed by the two reverse singles matches, will start at 3.30 p.m. IST. Sony Sports will broadcast the matches live for the Indian audience.

The Tennis Premier League (TPL), a revolutionary tennis tournament, is set to host its sixth edition in Mumbai, India, in December. Among the star-studded lineup is former World Number 1 Rohan Bopanna, making his TPL debut.Bopanna, currently ranked sixth in men's doubles, is one of India's most celebrated tennis players. With two Grand Slam titles (Australian Open 2024 in men's doubles and French Open 2017 in mixed doubles) and three Olympic appearances, he holds the record for being the oldest player to become World No. 1.The TPL's unique 25-point format aims to revolutionize tennis. Each match between two franchises consists of men's singles, women's singles, mixed doubles, and men's doubles, with each category worth 25 points. The top four teams from the league stage qualify for the semi-finals.Bopanna's experience and skills will be invaluable to his team. He joins a roster that includes Sumit Nagal, Hugo Gaston, and Elina Avanesyan, all vying for the top prize at the iconic Cricket Club of India."I'm thrilled to be part of the Tennis Premier League, especially with its innovative 25-point format," said Bopanna. "Tournaments like the TPL inspire young players and contribute to grassroots development."Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder of TPL, expressed his excitement about Bopanna's participation. "His presence will not only boost the sixth season of TPL but also motivate the other players," he said.Mrunal Jain, Co-Founder of TPL, added, "Rohan Bopanna is an icon of Indian tennis, and we are delighted to have him play in Season 6. We anticipate some exceptional matches with Rohan and the rest of the players."The TPL's innovative format and star-studded lineup promise an unforgettable tennis experience for fans in Mumbai and beyond.

Tennis fans in Argentina are in for a special treat this December as former world No. 3 Juan Martin del Potro has announced an exhibition match against 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic. The match, dubbed "The Final Challenge," will take place on December 1 at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires.Del Potro, a beloved figure in Argentine tennis, has been sidelined by injuries in recent years but is eager to give his home fans one last unforgettable performance. The 35-year-old Tandil native played his last ATP match in February 2022 in Buenos Aires, marking the unofficial end of a storied career that included the 2009 US Open title and 22 ATP titles.Despite his injury struggles, Del Potro has remained a fan favorite, known for his powerful forehand and fighting spirit. His return to the court, even in an exhibition capacity, is sure to generate immense excitement among Argentine tennis enthusiasts.Djokovic, the current world No. 1, has been a dominant force in tennis for over a decade. The Serbian star has won 24 Grand Slam titles, the most among men in the Open Era. He is also a two-time Olympic champion and has held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 387 weeks.The match between Del Potro and Djokovic is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, pitting two of the greatest players of their generation against each other. Del Potro will be looking to end his career on a high note, while Djokovic will be aiming to extend his dominance on the court.The exhibition match is also a testament to the enduring popularity of tennis in Argentina. The country has produced numerous world-class players over the years, including Guillermo Vilas, Gabriela Sabatini, and David Nalbandian. Del Potro's return to the court is sure to inspire a new generation of Argentine tennis stars.