Tennis

Novak Djokovic's Olympic gold medal quest faces a setback as he battles knee pain. The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the semifinals of the Paris Games with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, but expressed concern about the state of his surgically repaired right knee.Djokovic, 37, felt "sharp pain" early in the second set against Tsitsipas at Court Philippe Chatrier, the same stadium where he originally tore his meniscus in June. He underwent surgery shortly after but returned to action at Wimbledon, where he reached the final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.Despite wearing a knee sleeve, Djokovic required medical attention during the match and took anti-inflammatory pills. The medication provided temporary relief, but Djokovic acknowledged that its effects would fade by the following morning."I'm hoping I can be ready," said Djokovic, who will face Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the semifinals. "I have to go and examine the knee now with my physio and with the medical staff of the tournament. And then let's see."Djokovic's Olympic title pursuit has been a priority this season, as the only major trophy missing from his illustrious resume. He has not lost a set through his first four matches at the Games, including a victory over rival Rafael Nadal.However, the knee pain casts a shadow over his chances of winning his first Olympic gold medal. Djokovic's resilience and determination will be tested as he seeks to overcome the physical challenge and continue his quest for tennis history.

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Montreal Masters, Citing FatigueMONTREAL, Canada - Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal, a US Open tuneup tournament, due to fatigue. The announcement comes after Alcaraz reached the semifinals of the Paris Olympics on Thursday.Alcaraz's withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, which is an ATP Masters 1000 event and one of the most prestigious on the tennis calendar. The Spaniard has been in scintillating form this season, winning two Grand Slams and reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open.In a statement released by the tournament organizers, Alcaraz said, "I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to participate in the National Bank Open this year. Due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue, I have decided to withdraw from the tournament."Alcaraz's withdrawal joins that of Novak Djokovic, who also pulled out of the Montreal event earlier this week. Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, is currently recovering from an abdominal injury.The National Bank Open will still feature a strong field, including Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Alcaraz's absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he is one of the most exciting and talented players in the world.

The Olympic Games in Paris have witnessed a captivating blend of familiar and unexpected moments on the tennis courts. Andy Murray's retirement, Iga Swiatek's surprising defeat, and the resilience of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have marked a memorable day in the tournament.Swiatek, the world's top-ranked woman, faced a formidable challenge in Zheng Qinwen. Despite her impressive record at Roland Garros, Swiatek struggled to contain Zheng's powerful groundstrokes and erratic serve. Zheng's determination and physical prowess proved too much for Swiatek, who suffered a 6-2, 6-4 upset.Meanwhile, Djokovic and Alcaraz showcased their exceptional abilities in their respective quarterfinal matches. Alcaraz, known for his spectacular play, saved a set point against Tommy Paul with an astonishing cross-court pass. Djokovic, despite struggling with a knee injury, displayed his trademark resilience against Stefanos Tsitsipas, saving three set points in a tense tiebreaker.Andy Murray's Olympic journey came to an end alongside his doubles partner Dan Evans. Despite saving seven match points in previous matches, they fell short in their quarterfinal against Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz. Murray's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that included Wimbledon titles, Olympic gold medals, and a stint as world No. 1.Throughout his career, Murray carried the weight of British tennis on his shoulders. He became the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1938 and led the Davis Cup team to its first title in decades. His final Olympic appearance was a fitting tribute to his unwavering dedication to his country.

Andy Murray, the legendary British tennis star, has bid farewell to the sport after a remarkable career that spanned two decades. His final match, a doubles loss alongside Dan Evans at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marked the end of an era for British tennis.Murray's journey was marked by unwavering determination and a fighting spirit that inspired countless fans. "I don't play in any tournaments to come second best," he once declared, reflecting his relentless pursuit of victory. Despite facing setbacks and injuries, Murray's resilience shone through.Beyond his on-court achievements, Murray became an advocate for gender equality. His decision to appoint Amelie Mauresmo as his coach in 2014 sparked controversy, but Murray stood firm in his belief that women should be treated as equals in the sport. "If being a feminist is about fighting so that a woman is treated like a man, then yes, I suppose I have," he said.Murray's legacy extends beyond his trophies and accolades. He became a role model for young athletes, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and hard work. "I think that's called perseverance," he said, referring to the 3,493-day gap between his first entry into the ATP Top 10 and his ascent to world No. 1.As Murray steps away from the court, his impact on the sport will continue to be felt. His fighting spirit, advocacy for equality, and unwavering determination have left an indelible mark on tennis history.

Marvel and US Open Team Up for Epic Tennis-Themed Comic BookIn a groundbreaking collaboration, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has partnered with Marvel to create an exclusive comic book featuring the world's top tennis stars as superheroes. The comic book will be distributed during the 2024 US Open Fan Week, coinciding with the tournament's theme, "Celebrating the Power of Tennis."The tennis-themed Avengers-style crossover will feature the likes of Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka, Ben Shelton, Sloane Stephens, and Nick Kyrgios. These tennis legends will join forces with iconic Marvel superheroes to fight for the power of tennis."This collaboration not only elevates the on-site experience for fans but also strengthens the power of this year's theme, with tennis' top stars and Marvel Super Heroes 'Celebrating the Power of Tennis' together," said Nicole Kankam, USTA Managing Director, Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment.The comic book will be available to fans who have signed up for the US Open's Fan Access Pass. Additionally, 1,500 free copies will be distributed each day during US Open Fan Week (August 19-23). The remaining copies will be given away over the weekend during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day (August 24-25)."Marvel is a window to the world, with New York serving as the setting for so many of Marvel's epic stories," added Jon Harris, CEO of AthLife. "With the US Open's identity as a marquee New York City event, it was a natural for these two iconic brands to come together with some of the world's best tennis players to deliver a fun story showcasing the power of tennis for the fans."The comic book is a testament to the growing popularity of tennis and its ability to inspire and entertain. By partnering with Marvel, the USTA aims to reach a wider audience and promote the sport to a new generation of fans.

Tennis Racquet Bag Essentials: A Comprehensive GuideThe size of a tennis racquet bag may not directly reflect a player's skill level, but its contents can significantly impact their performance and preparedness. Here's a comprehensive guide to the essential gear every tennis player should carry in their bag:Necessities:* Tennis Racquets: The foundation of the game, players should carry at least one racquet, preferably two for backup.* Tennis Shoes: Designed for optimal support and traction on the court.* Tennis Balls: A can of tennis balls is crucial for practice and matches.* Water: Hydration is essential, especially in hot weather. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it whenever possible.For the Game:* Hats/Visors: Protect players from the sun and glare.* Sunglasses: Shield eyes from harmful UV rays.* Wristbands/Headbands: Absorb sweat and keep players comfortable.* Towel: Essential for wiping away sweat and keeping hands dry.Backups:* Extra Grips: Replace worn-out grips to maintain control and comfort.* Strings: Spare strings are a must-have in case of breakage.* Dampeners: Reduce string vibrations and improve ball control.* Spare Racquet: A backup racquet ensures uninterrupted play in case of string breakage.Extras:* Warmup Bands: Prepare muscles for play and prevent injuries.* Sunscreen: Protect skin from sun damage.* Energy Bars: Provide quick energy boosts during matches.* Change of Clothes/Shoes: For comfort and hygiene after play.* Notes: For tactical reminders or game analysis during changeovers.* Lucky Charms: Some players carry superstitious trinkets for confidence.Tips:* Even small racquet bags can accommodate the essentials.* Repurpose old bags as racquet bags for convenience.* Prioritize items based on your game style and preferences.* Arrive at the court fully prepared with all necessary gear.By following this guide, tennis players can ensure they have the essential gear to perform at their best and enjoy a complete match.

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti stunned defending champion Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the Olympic tennis tournament on Thursday, securing a 7-5, 7-5 victory over the German world number four. Musetti's triumph sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash against either top seed Novak Djokovic or Stefanos Tsitsipas, with a place in the gold medal match on the line.Musetti, ranked 76th in the world, displayed remarkable composure and resilience throughout the match. He broke Zverev's serve in the opening game of the first set and held on to his advantage, despite facing some stern challenges from the German. Zverev fought back in the second set, breaking Musetti's serve in the fourth game. However, Musetti remained unfazed and broke back immediately, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.In the crucial moments, Musetti's superior court coverage and ability to hit deep, penetrating groundstrokes proved decisive. He forced Zverev into numerous errors and capitalized on the German's uncharacteristic unforced mistakes. Musetti sealed the victory with a powerful forehand winner, sending shockwaves through the Ariake Tennis Park.Musetti's victory marks a significant upset in the Olympic tennis tournament. Zverev, who won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, was considered one of the favorites to repeat his success. However, Musetti's impressive performance has thrown the tournament wide open and has given him a chance to create history for Italy.The 19-year-old Italian has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, having defeated world number 12 Diego Schwartzman in the second round. His victory over Zverev is a testament to his growing maturity and confidence on the big stage. Musetti will now face an even greater challenge in the semifinals, but he will be buoyed by his recent success and the support of the Italian fans.

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion, has advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, edging out American Tommy Paul in a thrilling quarterfinal match.The No. 2 seed Alcaraz, who won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June, faced a stern challenge from Paul, seeded ninth, but ultimately prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (7) in just under two hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier.The match was a rematch of their Wimbledon quarterfinal earlier this month, which Alcaraz also won in four sets. However, Paul pushed the Spaniard to the limit in Paris, opening up a 5-2 lead in the second set before Alcaraz rallied to force a tiebreaker.In the tiebreaker, Alcaraz took an early lead and never looked back, winning 7-3 to seal his place in the semifinals."It was a tough match," said Alcaraz. "Tommy played really well, especially in the second set. But I'm happy to have come through and reach the semifinals."Alcaraz will now face either No. 6 seed Casper Ruud or No. 13 seed Félix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals. Ruud and Auger-Aliassime are scheduled to play their quarterfinal match later on Thursday.If Alcaraz wins his semifinal match, he will advance to the gold medal match, where he will have a chance to become the first Spanish man to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis since Rafael Nadal in 2008.

Zheng Qinwen, the rising star of Chinese tennis, has stunned the world by defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals of the Summer Olympic Games. The 21-year-old Zheng, who had never beaten Swiatek in six previous encounters, displayed remarkable resilience and determination to secure a 6-2, 7-5 victory in Paris.Zheng's victory is a testament to her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity. Despite trailing 0-4 in the second set, she refused to give up and fought back with unwavering determination. Her aggressive play and patience proved too much for Swiatek, who was visibly frustrated throughout the match.Zheng's victory is a significant milestone in her young career. It marks her first victory over a world No. 1 and propels her into the Gold Medal Match, where she will face either Donna Vekic or Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.Zheng's journey to the Olympic semifinals has been nothing short of remarkable. She began the year with a breakout run to the Australian Open final and has continued to impress with her consistent performances throughout the season. Her victory over Swiatek is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in her abilities.Zheng's success is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride for China. She is the first Chinese player to reach the Olympic tennis final since Li Na in 2012. Her performance has inspired a new generation of Chinese tennis players and has raised the profile of the sport in her home country.As Zheng prepares for the Gold Medal Match, she will undoubtedly face another tough challenge. However, her unwavering determination and belief in herself will give her the confidence to overcome any obstacle and achieve her Olympic dream.