Tennis

India's top singles player Sumit Nagal has withdrawn from the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden due to a back injury. The indoor hard-court contest in Stockholm will be played on September 14-15.Nagal, who reached a career-high ranking of 68 in July, has been struggling with a back issue for the past few weeks. Doctors have advised him to rest for the next two weeks, leaving him without enough time to prepare and compete in Sweden."I was really looking forward to representing in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden," Nagal wrote on social media. "However, due to a back issue that's been bothering me for the past few weeks, doctors have advised me to rest for the next two weeks, leaving me without enough time to prepare and compete in Sweden. This same issue also led to my withdrawal from the US Open doubles."Nagal's absence is a big blow to the Indian team. The 25-year-old is India's highest-ranked singles player and has been a key member of the team in recent years.Former national champion Ashutosh Singh has been named as the new coach of the national team. Singh, who has previously coached Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni, will be tasked with guiding India to victory in the Davis Cup tie against Sweden.India will be hoping to qualify for the Davis Cup Finals for the first time since 2018. The team will need to beat Sweden in the qualifying round in order to reach the Finals, which will be held in Malaga, Spain, from November 21-27.

Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, has faced the challenge of late-night matches and quick turnarounds at the US Open. Despite the demanding schedule, Sabalenka has managed to maintain her performance by relying on her strong circadian rhythm and prioritizing sleep.After her third-round match against Ekaterina Alexandrova, which ended shortly after midnight, Sabalenka went straight to bed and slept for eight hours. She admitted that it was an unusual occurrence for her, but it allowed her to recover effectively."I was completely off," Sabalenka said. "I just fall asleep, which usually never happens like that, but I was able to get, like, eight hours of sleep, so I was okay."Less than 48 hours later, Sabalenka faced Elise Mertens in the fourth round. Despite the short recovery time, she felt physically prepared for the match."I felt actually okay," she said. "Even though we played three-sets match, but it was like an hour and 20 or 30 minutes, so it wasn't that physical match."Sabalenka's ability to recover quickly is crucial for her success in the tournament. She emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep, even if it means going to bed late."The main thing is that I'm really happy that I was able to sleep eight hours, which is, you know, not bad," she said.Sabalenka's consistent performance at the US Open is a testament to her physical and mental resilience. She has embraced the challenges of the tournament and found ways to optimize her recovery. As she advances to the quarterfinals, she will aim to maintain her focus and continue her impressive run.

Liudmila Samsonova, the enigmatic Russian-born Italian tennis star, has long puzzled observers with her inconsistent performances. Despite possessing exceptional ball-striking abilities and all-court prowess, she has struggled to maintain consistency, often falling short in the early rounds of major tournaments.However, as the 2024 US Open unfolds, Samsonova appears to be on the cusp of a breakthrough. She has reached the fourth round, where she will face world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and her recent performances suggest that she has finally found the mental fortitude to match her technical brilliance.Samsonova attributes her newfound confidence to a shift in mindset. She has realized the importance of managing pressure, both external and internal, and has vowed to fight until the last point. This determination was evident in her hard-fought second-round victory over Marie Bouzkova, where she rallied from a set and 5-2 deficit."I don't know how I won that match," Samsonova said. "But I felt like I could do it. I felt like, 'til the end, I will try to do my best because I felt I had the chance to win even if the score was really down."Samsonova's mental growth was further tested in the third round against Ashlyn Kreuger. Despite the pro-American crowd, she shut out her opponent, allowing her just two games."I think playing against an American is crazy," she exclaimed. "It's better not to play one, but the energy is unbelievable, honestly."Samsonova's journey to the second week of the US Open has been marked by a sense of kismet. She was initially projected to face Serena Williams in her final tournament, but Williams' loss to Ajla Tomljanovic opened the door for Samsonova to make her Arthur Ashe Stadium debut against Swiatek."When I stepped on court here for the first time since Cincinnati, I said, 'Ah, I like these conditions,'" Samsonova said. "I like the ball with the courts, so I was feeling from the first practice that I could play my best game."With her newfound mental strength and affinity for the US Open conditions, Samsonova is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. She may not have the same level of experience as Swiatek, but she has the talent and determination to challenge the world's best.

Frances Tiafoe's electrifying performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium left the crowd on the edge of their seats as he staged a remarkable comeback against Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round of the US Open.Tiafoe, the American crowd favorite, had the first set in hand but faced an uphill battle when Popyrin surged ahead 5-2, 40-0 in the second. However, Tiafoe's resilience shone through as he clawed back five consecutive points, including a crucial double fault from Popyrin.The momentum shifted dramatically in Tiafoe's favor, and he seized control of the tiebreaker with a blistering crosscourt forehand pass. Tiafoe's relentless aggression and Popyrin's uncharacteristic errors gave the American a 3-0 lead. Tiafoe's confidence soared, and he unleashed a barrage of powerful forehands, forcing Popyrin to retreat.Despite Popyrin's double fault handing Tiafoe three set points, the Aussie remained unfazed and took the third set with ease. Tiafoe's energy waned, but he reignited the crowd's enthusiasm with a 3-2 lead in the fourth set. Another Popyrin double fault proved costly, and Tiafoe's inspired play earned him a 5-2 advantage.Tiafoe faced a tense service game to close out the match. After a stunning half-volley winner gave him two match points, he squandered the first with a missed volley and the second with a net error. Popyrin had a glimmer of hope with a break point, but his forehand pass sailed into the net.Tiafoe sealed the victory two points later with a forehand winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. "I always dreamt about playing on this court," said Tiafoe. "It brings out the best in me."Tiafoe's triumph marked a significant moment in his career, as he joined compatriot Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. His resilience, determination, and crowd support proved to be an unstoppable force against a formidable opponent.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, has graced the US Open with her presence, marking her first experience with the tournament's signature Honey Deuce cocktail. In a recent TikTok video, Williams expressed her delight with the drink, suggesting a name change to "Honey, ad-in" or "Honey ace."Despite her six US Open titles, Williams had never sampled the Honey Deuce during her playing days. After retiring from tennis, she has enjoyed a more relaxed return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. On Saturday, she paid homage to her iconic denim skirt worn at the Open in 2004. On Sunday, she cheered on Grigor Dimitrov and Coco Gauff at Arthur Ashe Stadium.In between, Williams indulged in the Honey Deuce, a cocktail that debuted at the US Open in 2007. The drink, priced at $23 this year, is expected to break sales records as it approaches its 20th anniversary in Flushing.As a self-proclaimed tequila enthusiast, Williams may also enjoy the Dobel cocktails inspired by Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka, available around the grounds.Williams' presence at the US Open has sparked speculation about her potential return on Monday to complete her Labor Day trifecta.

Tennis and Timepieces: A Match Made in LuxuryThe world of tennis and luxury watchmaking have long been intertwined, with iconic brands vying to align themselves with the sport's elite athletes. This year's US Open has showcased an array of exquisite timepieces adorning the wrists of top players, elevating the tournament to a veritable showcase of horological artistry.Jessica Pegula, the American rising star, has been spotted wearing a stunning $99,000 watch by De Bethune, the DB28 xs Purple Rain. Its intricate design and vibrant purple hue have made it a standout accessory on the court. Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian heartthrob, has opted for a high-tech Bianchet B1.618 Grande Date Flying Tourbillon, a timepiece that combines precision engineering with a sleek, modern aesthetic.Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has partnered with TAG Heuer, sporting the Aquaracer Limited Edition Naomi Osaka. This watch features a vibrant blue dial and a diamond-studded bezel, reflecting Osaka's bold and stylish personality. Daniil Medvedev, the reigning US Open champion, has chosen a BOVET 1822 Récital 12, a timepiece renowned for its intricate moon phase complication and elegant design.Andrey Rublev, the Russian powerhouse, has opted for a Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton, a watch that showcases the brand's mastery of ultra-thin watchmaking. Donna Vekic, the Croatian star, has been seen wearing an FP Journe élégante, a timepiece that exudes timeless sophistication. Jannik Sinner, the Italian rising star, has remained loyal to Rolex, sporting a classic Rolex Submariner Date. Iga Swiatek, the world number one, has also chosen Rolex, opting for the Lady-Datejust, a watch that combines elegance and functionality.These ultra-luxurious watches not only serve as timekeepers but also as symbols of the players' status and success. They represent the intersection of two worlds: the precision and athleticism of tennis and the artistry and craftsmanship of watchmaking. As the US Open continues, these timepieces will continue to turn heads, adding an extra layer of glamour and exclusivity to the tournament.

Taylor Fritz, the American tennis star, has emerged as a formidable force at the 2023 US Open, showcasing his determination to claim his first Grand Slam title. After a disappointing upset in 2022, Fritz has learned from his mistakes and is now a more mature and consistent player.In his impressive victory over Casper Ruud, the 2022 US Open runner-up, Fritz displayed his exceptional serve and relentless groundstrokes. Despite losing the first set, Fritz rallied back with a barrage of aces and service winners, ultimately securing a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 victory.Fritz's win marks his fifth Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance and his third this year. He credits the rise of fellow American players, such as Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe, for creating a competitive environment that has pushed him to improve."We have, like, four or five guys that are all incredible players," Fritz said. "It's great because I think we all—I think we all push each other and make each other better, to be honest."Fritz's victory over Ruud was a testament to his physical fitness and mental toughness. After a sluggish start, Fritz found his rhythm and dominated the match, breaking down Ruud's resistance in the third set and cruising through the fourth."The first set and a half were tough. He was playing really well, serving a high percentage," Fritz said. "I felt like I was getting outplayed. I was just able to keep it close until things kind of started going my way."Fritz's success at the US Open is a reflection of his hard work and dedication. He has set his sights on reaching the semifinals and beyond, eager to prove that he is a legitimate contender for the title."I think in the past I've been very, very excited, very happy to make quarterfinals at Slams. . . I think I'm at the point now where I’m still happy to make quarterfinals—but I wouldn't be happy with it ending there," Fritz said."I definitely am at the point where I really want more than that."

Emma Navarro, the No. 13 seed, stunned defending champion Coco Gauff, the No. 3 seed, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, in the fourth round of the 2024 US Open. This marks Navarro's second consecutive major victory over Gauff, having previously defeated her at Wimbledon.Gauff, who had won her last 10 matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, struggled with her serve throughout the match, hitting 19 double faults. Navarro, on the other hand, played with composure and determination, capitalizing on Gauff's errors.In the first set, Navarro broke Gauff's serve in the opening game and held her own serve to take an early lead. Gauff saved a set point in the eighth game, but Navarro served out the set at love.Gauff fought back in the second set, breaking Navarro's serve in the seventh game and winning the next three games to force a deciding set. However, Navarro regained her composure in the third set, breaking Gauff's serve twice to take a 4-3 lead. Gauff continued to struggle with her serve, hitting two more double faults in the eighth game, which gave Navarro the opportunity to serve for the match.Navarro held her nerve and closed out the match with a strong return, advancing to the quarterfinals where she will face former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.Navarro's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024, winning her first WTA title in Hobart and reaching her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the National Bank Open. Her victory over Gauff is a major upset and a sign that she is a rising star in the tennis world.

US Open 2024: Paolini, Muchova, Pegula, Shnaider, Sinner, and Paul Set for Intriguing MatchupsThe US Open 2024 is heating up with several captivating matchups on the horizon. Here's a closer look at three highly anticipated encounters:Jasmine Paolini vs. Karolina MuchovaJasmine Paolini, the resurgent Italian, faces Karolina Muchova, a former Grand Slam finalist. Despite Paolini's 0-3 record against Muchova, their most recent encounter was in 2021, before Paolini's remarkable transformation. Muchova acknowledges Paolini's improvement, while Paolini admires Muchova's versatility. Their contrasting styles promise an exciting clash.Jessica Pegula vs. Diana ShnaiderJessica Pegula, the American favorite, takes on Diana Shnaider, the rising Russian star. Pegula downplayed her previous win over Shnaider, recognizing the different circumstances. Shnaider's lefty serve and topspin forehand pose challenges, but Pegula's experience and penetrating groundstrokes give her an edge.Jannik Sinner vs. Tommy PaulTop seed Jannik Sinner faces Tommy Paul, an American eager to break through against a top-tier opponent. Sinner has dominated their previous encounters, but Paul aims to mix things up by moving forward and utilizing his serve. Sinner, known for his exceptional ball-striking, recognizes Paul's athleticism. This clash between a hitter and a runner promises a thrilling spectacle.