Tennis

Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champions, will begin their title defenses on Monday, with Djokovic aiming to add to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally and Gauff seeking to regain her winning form.Djokovic, seeded second behind world number one Jannik Sinner, is determined to become the first man to repeat as US Open champion since Roger Federer's five-year reign from 2004-2008. Despite an injury-plagued year, the 37-year-old Serbian remains motivated by the "pillars of our sport" and is eager to perform under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.Gauff, who has struggled for consistency since her maiden Grand Slam victory last year, will face Varvara Gracheva of France in the afternoon session. The American teenager is hoping to rediscover her winning ways and challenge for another major title.Other notable matches on Monday include:* Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, faces Ben Shelton, who is aiming to build on his impressive semi-final run last year.* Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, two of the top American men, will also be in action, hoping to end the US Open title drought for their country.* Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, takes on Priscilla Hon, while Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova faces Marina Bassols Ribera.In early action, Donna Vekic of Croatia advanced to the second round, while Maria Sakkari of Greece retired with an apparent shoulder injury.

Zheng Qinwen, the reigning Olympic champion, narrowly escaped an upset at the 2024 US Open, overcoming a spirited challenge from Amanda Anisimova in a three-set thriller.Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, started the match on fire, racing to a 5-1 lead in the first set. However, Zheng, who stunned Iga Swiatek at the Olympics, fought back to break Anisimova twice and save three set points. Anisimova eventually clinched the set with a forehand winner.In the second set, Zheng gained momentum, forcing Anisimova into errors. Despite a marathon seventh game, Anisimova held on and threatened to break in the following game. However, Zheng saved two set points and leveled the match with a strong first serve.After a medical timeout for Anisimova, Zheng seized control in the final set, breaking Anisimova twice to open up a double-break lead. Anisimova reclaimed one break but Zheng's slice backhand gave her a second break. Zheng served out the match with an ace, advancing to the second round in two hours and 20 minutes.Zheng's victory highlights her versatility on different surfaces, having reached the Australian Open final earlier this year. Anisimova, despite her impressive form in recent months, was unable to maintain her early dominance.In the next round, Zheng will face Erika Andreeva, who defeated Yuan Yue in a second-set tiebreaker.

US Open 2023: Kyrgios, Osaka, and Jabeur Kick Off the Final Grand SlamThe US Open Fan Week has concluded, marking the official commencement of the year's final Grand Slam tournament. New York City has once again transformed into a tennis hub, with the Park Lane Hotel serving as the gathering place for tennis stars Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, and Ons Jabeur.Kyrgios, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, expressed his support for the Serbian legend. "I hope Novak wins it because it makes me look better since I lost my final to Novak," he said. "The more he wins, the better I look in the future."Kyrgios also commented on Carlos Alcaraz, the four-time Grand Slam winner who suffered a minor slip in practice. "There's so many things that need to happen to win a Grand Slam," Kyrgios said. "I've never won a singles one, made a final, but the stars need to align so they need a lot of luck."Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, is determined to add another trophy to her collection. "It will take a lot to win the US Open, I'm trying to take it match by match," she said. "I think my first match [against Jelena Ostapenko] is going to be very difficult but I'm being really confident in myself."First-round matches are already underway, with Osaka and Ostapenko scheduled to face off on Tuesday at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The tournament promises to be filled with thrilling matches and captivating storylines as the world's top tennis players compete for the coveted US Open title.

The U.S. Open: A Legacy of Tennis ExcellenceThe U.S. Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, has a rich history dating back to 1881. Originally known as the U.S. National Championships, the tournament was initially held at the Newport Casino in Rhode Island. In 1978, it moved to its current home at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.Over the years, the U.S. Open has witnessed some of the greatest moments in tennis history. In 1968, Arthur Ashe became the first African American man to win a Grand Slam singles title, breaking down racial barriers in the sport. In 1973, Billie Jean King led the "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs, which helped pave the way for women's tennis.The U.S. Open is known for its unique atmosphere and passionate fans. The tournament features three main show courts: Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and Grandstand Stadium. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world, can accommodate over 23,000 spectators.The U.S. Open has also been a platform for technological advancements in tennis. In 2006, it became the first Grand Slam tournament to use the Hawk-Eye line-calling system, which uses cameras to determine whether a ball is in or out. In 2018, the tournament introduced the "Shot Clock," which gives players a limited amount of time to serve and return shots.Beyond its on-court action, the U.S. Open is also a major cultural event. The tournament attracts celebrities, politicians, and fans from around the world. It features a variety of food and beverage options, as well as live music and entertainment.The U.S. Open continues to be a symbol of tennis excellence and innovation. It is a tournament that has shaped the history of the sport and continues to inspire future generations of players and fans.

Wilson, the official ball of the US Open, has unveiled a stylish capsule collection in collaboration with art collective New York Sunshine. This limited-edition line brings a touch of "New York sunshine" to the tennis courts at Flushing Meadows, while paying homage to the tournament's unsung heroes.Wilson has been making waves in the on-court style department, but this collaboration takes their fashion game to a new level. The collection features hoodies, crew neck sweaters, tees, and a cap, all adorned with a twist on the iconic "Extra Duty" description of the tennis ball.Wilson's Extra Duty ball has been the official ball of the US Open since 1978. This collaboration celebrates that long-standing connection while honoring the maintenance crews who keep the courts in pristine condition. The collection's tagline reads: "For the names not on the scoreboard—the ones whose labor breathes life into the court, and the ones who hold their work to the highest standard. Without them, the biggest stage in tennis is just a park in Queens."One of the highlights of the collection is a limited-edition colorway of the classic white Pro Staff 87 sneakers. This model was revived by Wilson this year with modern updates. The shoe features tennis ball felt details and the words "Extra Duty" along the back heel, making it the perfect tennis shoe for the summer.The Wilson x New York Sunshine collaboration is selling out fast, but it's still available online at wilson.com, Wilson Live, and newyorksunshine.com, as well as in-stores at Wilson's Columbus Circle location.

Iga Swiatek continues to dominate the WTA rankings, extending her reign at the top spot to 118 weeks, surpassing Justine Henin for eighth-most weeks at No. 1. With a commanding lead of 2,679 points, Swiatek is poised to climb further up the all-time list, with Ashleigh Barty's 121 weeks within reach.Swiatek's dominance is evident in her massive point advantage over her closest challengers, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. While Swiatek has 10,695 ranking points, Sabalenka and Gauff have 8,016 and 6,743, respectively.Meanwhile, several players have made significant moves up the rankings after impressive performances in recent tournaments. Czech teenager Linda Noskova has jumped 10 spots to No. 25 after winning the WTA 500 event in Monterrey, Mexico. Lulu Sun, who lost to Noskova in the final, has broken into the Top 50 for the first time, rising to No. 41.American McCartney Kessler has soared to a new personal best of No. 63 after capturing her first WTA title in Cleveland. Alex Michelsen has also made his Top 50 debut on the ATP rankings, rising to No. 49 after reaching the ATP final in Winston Salem.On the ATP side, Andrey Rublev has reached a significant milestone, becoming the 20th player to spend 200 weeks in the Top 10. Rublev has been in the Top 10 for 103 consecutive weeks, including 41 weeks at a career-high of No. 5.Currently ranked No. 6, Rublev is in strong form heading into the US Open. He has reached the quarterfinals or better in his last four tournaments, including a final appearance in Montreal.

Asics Unveils Latest Tennis Gear for Unmatched PerformanceAs the US Open approaches, tennis legend Novak Djokovic has once again placed his trust in Asics' Court FF 3 shoes. The third generation of this iconic footwear boasts enhanced stability and cushioning, ensuring optimal performance on both baseline and all-court surfaces.The Court FF 3 features a reconfigured outsole for improved stability and additional cushioning for greater comfort. Djokovic, who has relied on this shoe since 2018, will be aiming for his 25th major title in this latest edition.Beyond the Court FF 3, Asics offers a comprehensive range of tennis apparel and footwear designed to elevate players' performance. The Match Tank and Match Skort provide breathability and comfort, while the Gel-Resolution 9 and Solution Speed FF 3 offer exceptional stability and responsiveness.The Gel-Resolution 9, a favorite among serious players, has been upgraded with improvements to the upper and outsole for faster transitions and quicker movement. The Solution Speed FF 3, worn by Alex de Minaur and Ons Jabeur, features a new woven upper that reduces weight and enhances breathability.Asics' Match Polo-Shirt and Match 7-in Short combine cooling mesh material and moisture-wicking properties for maximum breathability and dryness. The Pro-Fit technology ensures freedom of movement, while stylish details add a touch of flair.With its commitment to innovation and performance, Asics continues to provide tennis players with the gear they need to excel on the court. From the Court FF 3 shoes to the latest apparel, Asics empowers players to reach their full potential and achieve their tennis dreams.

Paula Badosa's remarkable resurgence has been a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. After a career-threatening injury sidelined her for nearly a year, the Spanish star has returned with a vengeance, soaring up the WTA rankings and reclaiming her place among the elite.Badosa's meteoric rise began in 2021, when she ascended from No. 80 to No. 2 in just 12 months. However, a persistent back injury halted her progress in 2023, forcing her to withdraw from three of the four Grand Slams. Despite the setbacks, Badosa refused to give up.With the support of her coach, Pol Toledo Bagué, Badosa set a goal of being seeded at the 2024 Australian Open. Just one month and a half later, she had already climbed to No. 30 in the world, surpassing their expectations.Badosa's physical recovery has been equally impressive. Once known for her endurance in long matches, she has adapted to the faster conditions and lighter tennis balls, using them to her advantage. She credits her mental strength and positive affirmations for her ability to overcome adversity.Off the court, Badosa has also found solace in her relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas. After a brief separation, the couple reunited and have been supporting each other through their respective challenges.As Badosa prepares for the US Open, she is eager to make a statement in the city where she spent her early years. Despite the challenges she has faced, she is confident in her abilities and determined to prove that she is back to her best.

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is poised to make history at the upcoming US Open, aiming to become the first man in 16 years to successfully defend his title. The 37-year-old, riding high on his Olympic triumph in Paris, is chasing a raft of records at Flushing Meadows.Djokovic, seeded second, can join Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer as the oldest Open era winners of the championship. With a 25th Grand Slam title, he would claim the outright record for most ever, a mark he currently shares with Australian great Margaret Court. He would also become the first man to repeat in New York since Federer won five straight US Opens from 2004-2008."I didn't know about that," Djokovic said. "I knew it was probably the case for five, 10 years, but I didn't know it was that long. Hopefully that changes this year. That's the goal."A victory would see Djokovic extend his streak of years with at least one Grand Slam title to seven. From 2011-23, he was shut out at the majors just once, in 2017. So far in 2024, the majors have gone to a new generation. Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is chasing a third straight Grand Slam after triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Italian Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open on his way to supplanting Djokovic atop the world rankings.With Federer retired and Rafael Nadal battling injuries, Djokovic said his budding rivalries with the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner keep him motivated. "These kind of rivalries that I have with Jannik and Carlos are the kind of matchups that still bring that joy of competition to me and inspire me to really push myself to perfect the game," Djokovic said."People ask me 'now that you have basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win?' I still feel the drive. I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour."Djokovic called the medal ceremony after his Paris Games triumph "probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court". "I think the moment of when I achieved it, how I achieved it, after years of trying, the journey... makes it even more unique."However, he doesn't envision any let-down as he tries to close out the season with yet another Grand Slam title. "Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport," Djokovic said. "They are the most important historical tennis events that we have. So if you don't get pumped and inspired to play your best tennis at Grand Slams, it's hard to do that anywhere else."