Tennis

Andrey Rublev's recent resurgence on the ATP Tour has been a welcome sight for tennis fans, but the Russian has revealed that his on-court struggles have been a manifestation of deep-seated mental health issues.After claiming his second Top 5 win of the year over Jannik Sinner at the Omnium Banque National, Rublev opened up about his battles with burnout and depression, which have plagued him for years."Mentally I was out of order," Rublev admitted. "I guess it was already a long moment of everything (building up) and I started to burn out, because I was struggling for many years with depression, with many things outside of the court."Rublev's on-court behavior has often been erratic, with racquet-smashing meltdowns and a default in Dubai earlier this year. However, he believes that his struggles have reached a boiling point this season."It started to explode more and more on the court, because in life I was able to stay calm but inside the court I was burning everything."After skipping the Olympics to focus on his mental health, Rublev sought guidance from compatriot Marat Safin, who also struggled with emotional outbursts during his career."I was struggling, now (in the) last months I feel really good, and straightaway the tennis is better," Rublev explained.Rublev's improved mental state has translated into positive results on the court. He has won eight of his last 10 matches, including a victory over world No. 1 Sinner and a comfortable win over Matteo Arnaldi to reach the final in Montreal.The Russian is now the first player to reach more than one ATP Masters 1000 final this year and will face either Sebastian Korda or Alexei Popyrin in the championship match.Rublev's journey to recovery is a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, even elite athletes. His openness about his struggles is a testament to his courage and determination to overcome adversity.

Jessica Pegula, the reigning National Bank Open champion, is poised to defend her title on Monday, August 12, in Toronto. Despite the venue change from Montreal to Toronto, Pegula has maintained her impressive form, reaching the final without dropping a set. Her most recent victory was a dominant 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Diana Shnaider.Pegula's chances of adding to her trophy collection are bolstered by several factors. Firstly, her opponent, Amanda Anisimova, required a medical timeout during her semifinal win over Emma Navarro. While Anisimova ultimately prevailed, her physical condition remains a concern, especially considering her history of injuries. In contrast, Pegula has displayed remarkable stamina throughout the tournament.Furthermore, Pegula holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. While Anisimova has improved her game since their previous encounters, Pegula's ability to extend rallies and redirect pace poses a significant challenge for her opponent. Anisimova's quick-strike tennis may be effective in short bursts, but Pegula's superior rally tolerance will give her an edge in longer exchanges.Additionally, this will be Anisimova's first final since January 2022 and her biggest final to date. The pressure of the occasion could potentially affect her performance, while Pegula's experience in high-stakes matches will serve her well.Pegula's flat strokes and aggressive baseline play make her a formidable opponent on hard courts. Her ability to control the pace and dictate the rallies will likely prove too much for Anisimova.Based on these factors, Pegula is the clear favorite to win the National Bank Open for the second consecutive year. Her consistency, physical advantage, and experience give her a significant edge over Anisimova.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, is approaching her first hard-court match since March with a cautious mindset. Despite being the favorite at most tournaments, Swiatek is tempering expectations ahead of the Cincinnati Open.Swiatek last played on hard courts at the Miami Open, where she lost in the fourth round. She is aware of the faster conditions in Cincinnati due to the switch back to Regular Duty Wilson tennis balls. These balls are lighter and lose their heaviness more quickly than the Heavy Duty balls used last year.Swiatek acknowledges the need to adjust to the new surface and balls. She plans to treat the tournament as a practice opportunity, focusing on implementing her training and making gradual progress.Despite her recent success on clay, Swiatek is determined to rediscover her hard-court form. She believes the lower expectations in Cincinnati could provide her with the space to do so.Swiatek's decision to skip the National Bank Open in Toronto was motivated by fatigue from the Paris Olympics. She won a bronze medal in singles after a disappointing semifinal loss.After supporting her fellow athletes at the Games, Swiatek feels refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the season. She is not expecting a break and is focused on maintaining her technique and grinding on court.Swiatek's cautious approach and determination to improve suggest that she is not taking her status as the favorite for granted. She is willing to work hard and make adjustments to achieve her goals on hard courts.

Carlos Alcaraz, the former world No. 1, has enjoyed a remarkable summer, capturing back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, despite his recent success, Alcaraz remains humble and focused on improvement.In a recent press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he keeps his Olympic silver medal close to his Wimbledon and Roland Garros trophies at home. While he is proud of his achievement, he admits that he would have preferred a gold medal."I didn't get the gold, so I'm not considering a tattoo," Alcaraz said with a laugh. "If I had won the gold medal, I would have gotten a tattoo."Despite his disappointment in Paris, Alcaraz is determined to learn from his experience and improve his game."I always want to be better, and I always think I can do better," he said. "I think I had a great summer...obviously I wanted the gold medal. After the matches I win or lose, I like to find the bad things I did and try to be better in the next match and not make the same mistakes."Alcaraz also shared his experience playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in Paris."It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court," Alcaraz said. "Playing doubles together was great, something I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him, on court and off the court, as well."Alcaraz is now preparing for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the No. 2 seed. He will open against either Gaël Monfils or Alexei Popyrin.

The Cincinnati Open, the final major tune-up before the US Open, is set to commence despite a challenging start to the North American hard-court swing. Rain disruptions and player withdrawals have plagued recent tournaments in Montreal and Toronto, but Cincinnati appears poised for a more favorable outcome.With defending champion Novak Djokovic sidelined, the spotlight falls on Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who will be eager to rebound from disappointing Olympic performances. Alcaraz, who pushed Djokovic to the brink in last year's Cincinnati final, will face a less formidable path this time around. Swiatek, despite a potential quarterfinal clash with Jasmine Paolini, remains a heavy favorite.Several top players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Daniil Medvedev, will be looking to end title droughts. Sinner, once dominant, has struggled with injuries and form, while Gauff has endured a disappointing summer. Sabalenka and Medvedev, both former major champions, have also been off their best.The draws for the top seeds appear relatively favorable, with potential semifinals between Alcaraz and Sinner on the men's side and Sabalenka and Swiatek on the women's side. However, dark horses such as Paula Badosa, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz could pose threats.Among the early-round matches to watch are Zhizhen Zhang vs. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Karen Khachanov vs. Francisco Cerundolo, and Frances Tiafoe vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Andre Agassi and Lindsay Davenport graced the Cincinnati Music Hall on Saturday, reminiscing about their illustrious careers and unveiling scholarships in their honor as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of tennis in Cincinnati.The gala dinner transported guests back to 1899, the inaugural year of the Cincinnati tournament. Actors portrayed the era, while tributes honored champions from the Open Era and beyond.Agassi and Davenport captivated the audience with their candid conversation moderated by Jon Wertheim. Their Hall of Fame journeys intertwined, from their world No. 1 rankings to their Olympic gold medals in 1996. In 2004, they triumphed together at the Cincinnati Open."Cincinnati was a tournament you always watched on TV," said Davenport, who broke the women's title drought in 1988. "I loved the facility and the history. It felt special to bring women's tennis here."Since then, the Cincinnati Open has evolved into a prestigious 1000-level event, hosting tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. A $260 million investment and a 25-year deal will transform the Lindner Family Tennis Center, making the tournament a two-week spectacle from 2025 onwards."The crowd turnout was always fantastic," recalled Agassi, who overcame Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt in thrilling three-setters in 2004. "The intensity and competition were palpable. I loved the atmosphere and the surface."Agassi and Davenport's post-retirement paths have mirrored their playing careers. Agassi will lead Team World at the Laver Cup, while Davenport captains the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team."I'm excited about the American players," said Davenport. "This is their time to shine. We have a huge tournament here in the United States, and they appreciate the fan support."The evening culminated in the announcement of scholarships in Agassi and Davenport's names. Four winners will receive $5,000 each annually to support after-school nutrition, math and literacy, and tennis instruction.

Served with Andy Roddick: A Live Episode from CincinnatiIn the latest episode of the "Served with Andy Roddick" podcast, recorded live from the Cincinnati Open, Roddick welcomed special guests Matteo Berrettini and Bob Moran to discuss the tournament's legacy and the future of tennis.Berrettini, who has won three tour titles in 2024 despite facing injuries, shared his perspective on overcoming setbacks. "I've always considered myself as someone who was good at coming back," he said. He also spoke about the rise of young Italian players like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, expressing pride in their accomplishments.Roddick questioned Berrettini about his experience filming "Break Point," the Netflix series that followed players behind the scenes. Berrettini admitted to being excited about the opportunity but hesitated when asked if he would do it again.Bob Moran, the man responsible for keeping Cincinnati as a tournament site, emphasized the city's passion for sports. He announced an expansion of the draw from 56 to 96 players, increasing the tournament's scale and fan engagement.Roddick praised Cincinnati's unique atmosphere, saying, "The passion I felt in Cincinnati was unmatched anywhere else I went." He highlighted the practice areas as a special aspect of the tournament.The episode concluded with a Q&A session with fans, covering topics such as the future of tennis and potential breakthroughs among players ranked 11 to 30.Tennis analyst Jon Wertheim expressed his interest in the sport's direction, emphasizing the need to maximize its virtues. "Tennis is a wonderful sport," he said. "It's men, it's women, it travels all around the world, it's guys that are 21 and guys that are 37."

Tennis Stars Showcase Streetwear Style at National Bank OpenInspired by the pre-game fashion displays in the NBA and WNBA, the WTA Tour has introduced a behind-the-scenes photo series showcasing the off-court streetwear looks of its top stars. The initiative debuted at the National Bank Open in Toronto, highlighting the intersection of athletics and lifestyle.Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, expressed her enthusiasm for the concept, stating that it allows players to showcase their personalities beyond the court. Coco Gauff, known for her custom New Balance kits, emphasized the potential for this trend to grow the sport by appealing to fans who appreciate both fashion and sports.Among the players who participated in the photo series were Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, and Ons Jabeur. Jabeur highlighted her partnership with Kayanee, a Saudi-owned fitness and lifestyle brand. Marta Kostyuk, Wilson's on-court ambassador, and Leylah Fernandez, lululemon's chief ambassador, also joined in.Anastasia Potapova and Alycia Parks added a touch of whimsy by posing with their furry companions. As the tour approaches the US Open, one of the world's fashion capitals, it is expected that more stylish serves will be on display.The WTA's embrace of streetwear fashion reflects a growing trend in sports, where athletes are increasingly expressing their individuality through their off-court attire. This initiative not only enhances the fan experience but also aligns with the broader cultural shift towards embracing personal style and self-expression.

Sebastian Korda, fresh off his triumph in Washington D.C., is poised to make a deep run in Montreal. Despite benefiting from some fortunate withdrawals, Korda has showcased his exceptional talent in his victories over Taylor Fritz and Vasek Pospisil.Korda's potential has been evident for some time. His towering height, combined with his agility and clean ball-striking, makes him a formidable opponent. However, consistency has often eluded him, sometimes attributed to a lack of self-belief. But when Korda finds his rhythm, he transforms into a Top 10 caliber player.His recent title in D.C. and his impressive win over Fritz in Canada are testaments to his current form. Fritz, who had previously dominated Korda, was unable to match the American's brilliance. This victory highlights Korda's ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier competition.While Korda's path to the semifinals has been relatively smooth, his upcoming clash with Alexander Zverev will be a significant test. Zverev has cruised through his first two matches, but his preparation for the hard-court season has been less than ideal. Korda, on the other hand, is riding a wave of momentum and has the potential to exploit Zverev's potential dip in form.Korda's serve will be crucial in this match. Despite his size and power, he has occasionally struggled to hold serve. However, he has shown signs of improvement in this area, making at least 80% of his first serves in 10 of his last 16 matches. If he can maintain this level of consistency, he will give himself a fighting chance against Zverev.Overall, Korda's recent performances suggest that he is capable of upsetting the odds against Zverev. His confidence is soaring, and he has the game to match his ambition. While Zverev remains a formidable opponent, Korda's momentum and determination could prove to be the difference-maker.