Charlize Theron is often front-row at tennis matches and fashion shows — but on Tuesday, she was on the court, playing doubles with No. 1 men’s player Novak Djokovic.
The Oscar winner hosted the 20th annual Desert Smash celebrity tennis tournament to support her charity, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. The organization funds community-based, locally led groups that work directly with young people in preventing gender-based violence, advocating for sexual reproductive health and rights, and providing access to higher education. For the final match, the Serbian tennis superstar made a surprise appearance, interrupting Theron’s game with Atp champion Frances Tiafoe, comedian Yvonne Orji and two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka.
From left: Insecure star Yvonne Orji, Victoria Azarenka, Frances Tiafoe and Charlize Theron at Desert Smash on March 5.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter before the games, Theron shared what she’s bringing to the court. “The tennis usually is...
The Oscar winner hosted the 20th annual Desert Smash celebrity tennis tournament to support her charity, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. The organization funds community-based, locally led groups that work directly with young people in preventing gender-based violence, advocating for sexual reproductive health and rights, and providing access to higher education. For the final match, the Serbian tennis superstar made a surprise appearance, interrupting Theron’s game with Atp champion Frances Tiafoe, comedian Yvonne Orji and two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka.
From left: Insecure star Yvonne Orji, Victoria Azarenka, Frances Tiafoe and Charlize Theron at Desert Smash on March 5.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter before the games, Theron shared what she’s bringing to the court. “The tennis usually is...
- 3/6/2024
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Ok, I can die now.”
So said a woman seated behind The Hollywood Reporter inside Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, host of the inaugural The Netflix Slam. She had just snapped a selfie that captured superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz warming up on center court over her shoulder. Sure, it was a dramatic statement but it wasn’t obscene for such an occasion. There’s no shortage of gasp-worthy moments in Sin City, and there’s no doubt many of the 9,489 seated guests could relate to the sentiment.
The Sunday afternoon showdown, the latest in Netflix’s push for live streaming events, pitted two superstar Spaniards in an exhibition match that could be one of the final few times they meet across a net. The fact that it happened was a bit of a coup, too, as it was rescheduled last year due to Nadal...
So said a woman seated behind The Hollywood Reporter inside Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, host of the inaugural The Netflix Slam. She had just snapped a selfie that captured superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz warming up on center court over her shoulder. Sure, it was a dramatic statement but it wasn’t obscene for such an occasion. There’s no shortage of gasp-worthy moments in Sin City, and there’s no doubt many of the 9,489 seated guests could relate to the sentiment.
The Sunday afternoon showdown, the latest in Netflix’s push for live streaming events, pitted two superstar Spaniards in an exhibition match that could be one of the final few times they meet across a net. The fact that it happened was a bit of a coup, too, as it was rescheduled last year due to Nadal...
- 3/4/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Last year, Netflix's tennis documentary Break Point offered both fun and frustration to fans who were eager to see the sport's young talent introduced to a broader audience. Following closely along with players like Ons Jabeur, Frances Tiafoe, and Iga Swiatek as they ascended to the upper echelons of pro tennis was illuminating, but the year-long lag between filming and airing held the show back from being a true and vital companion to the ongoing tennis season.
- 1/11/2024
- by Joe Reid
- Primetimer
Emma Raducanu has elected to play in the upcoming Kooyong Classic, which serves as a warm-up exhibition tournament before the Australian Open.
The 2024 Koooyong Classic will run from January 10th to 12th and feature several Atp stars like Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, Karen Khachanov, Stan Wawrinka and Frances Tiafoe.
The tournament has not confirmed Raducanu's opponent in the women's edition at the Kooyong Classic. However, the Daily Mail is reporting that 16-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva is the likely opponent for the Brit.
The 21-year-old returned to tennis action for the first time since April 2023 at this week's Asb Classic in Auckland. Raducnau made a heartening start in her comeback tournament, winning her first match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
She came close to recording back-to-back wins but fell to Elina Svitolina in three sets after nearly three hours of court time in the subsequent round. There were fears that Raducanu might...
The 2024 Koooyong Classic will run from January 10th to 12th and feature several Atp stars like Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, Karen Khachanov, Stan Wawrinka and Frances Tiafoe.
The tournament has not confirmed Raducanu's opponent in the women's edition at the Kooyong Classic. However, the Daily Mail is reporting that 16-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva is the likely opponent for the Brit.
The 21-year-old returned to tennis action for the first time since April 2023 at this week's Asb Classic in Auckland. Raducnau made a heartening start in her comeback tournament, winning her first match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
She came close to recording back-to-back wins but fell to Elina Svitolina in three sets after nearly three hours of court time in the subsequent round. There were fears that Raducanu might...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
The USA has named a very strong lineup to face Ukraine at the 2024 Davis Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place at the start of February.
The draw for the oldest team competition in tennis was released by the International Tennis Federation (Itf) in late November last year, where the United States was seeded at No. 7.
They learned they would face Ukraine, who defeated Colombia in Kaspi, Georgia, in the World Group I tie last September. They will be keen to address their bad showing at last year's tournament, where they were eliminated in the Davis Cup Finals group stage.
Team captain Bob Bryan will be looking for a strong response and has named a capable team to beat Ukraine. The tie is scheduled for February 1st and 2nd in Vilnius, Lithuania. Bryan has rung the changes for his country.
The likes of Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Mackenzie McDonald, who...
The draw for the oldest team competition in tennis was released by the International Tennis Federation (Itf) in late November last year, where the United States was seeded at No. 7.
They learned they would face Ukraine, who defeated Colombia in Kaspi, Georgia, in the World Group I tie last September. They will be keen to address their bad showing at last year's tournament, where they were eliminated in the Davis Cup Finals group stage.
Team captain Bob Bryan will be looking for a strong response and has named a capable team to beat Ukraine. The tie is scheduled for February 1st and 2nd in Vilnius, Lithuania. Bryan has rung the changes for his country.
The likes of Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Mackenzie McDonald, who...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Victoria Park will re-open its doors for some Atp action in the opening week of the new year as the Hong Kong Open returns to the men's tennis calendar for the first time in 21 years.
A Top-10 player will headline this showpiece event in Hong Kong as the stars of men's tennis will try to get some much-needed momentum and confidence-boosting wins ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, which is set to start in a few weeks.
This article will equip you with information on all the available means of watching the 2024 Hong Kong Open from the comfort of your home.
When Does The 2024 Hong Kong Open Start?
The Hong Kong Open will be played between January 1st and 7th. The event will be staged on outdoor hard courts at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre, located in Hong Kong Island on the Causeway Bay area.
Who Is Playing The 2024 Hong Kong Open?...
A Top-10 player will headline this showpiece event in Hong Kong as the stars of men's tennis will try to get some much-needed momentum and confidence-boosting wins ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, which is set to start in a few weeks.
This article will equip you with information on all the available means of watching the 2024 Hong Kong Open from the comfort of your home.
When Does The 2024 Hong Kong Open Start?
The Hong Kong Open will be played between January 1st and 7th. The event will be staged on outdoor hard courts at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre, located in Hong Kong Island on the Causeway Bay area.
Who Is Playing The 2024 Hong Kong Open?...
- 1/1/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Tennis action returns to Hong Kong in the opening week of the new season for the first time in 21 years with a freshly reinstated Atp 250 tournament.
Running from January 1st to 7th, the Hong Kong Open will be a 32-player singles field comprised of four byes. Apart from exploring the culture in a cosmopolitan city, Atp players will vie to win a trophy and earn prize money and ranking points.
The draw for the event has been released, with top seed Adnrey Rublev expected to be the main star attraction. It is a very strong field, with the likes of Karen Khachanov, Frances Tiafoe, Francisco Cerundolo, Lorenzo Museeti, and Jan-Lennard Struff all seeded.
In terms of prize money, this year's purse stands at $661,585, which will be the standard for most Atp 250 events. However, the prize money distribution will vary for tournaments at this level. For instance, the champion in Hong...
Running from January 1st to 7th, the Hong Kong Open will be a 32-player singles field comprised of four byes. Apart from exploring the culture in a cosmopolitan city, Atp players will vie to win a trophy and earn prize money and ranking points.
The draw for the event has been released, with top seed Adnrey Rublev expected to be the main star attraction. It is a very strong field, with the likes of Karen Khachanov, Frances Tiafoe, Francisco Cerundolo, Lorenzo Museeti, and Jan-Lennard Struff all seeded.
In terms of prize money, this year's purse stands at $661,585, which will be the standard for most Atp 250 events. However, the prize money distribution will vary for tournaments at this level. For instance, the champion in Hong...
- 12/31/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Running from January 1st to 7th, the Hong Kong Open returns to the Atp Tour after a 21-year absence, and the draw for the 2024 edition has been released.
With three Top 20 players in the field, one of whom is a top tenner, this Atp 250 event is not bereft of star power. World No.5 Andrey Rublev is the biggest name at Victoria Park as he looks to refine his game ahead of the year's first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
The Russian tends to play at a very decent level in the season's opening week and has a very nice draw on his Hong Kong debut. Rublev has a bye in the opening round as the top seed and doesn't know his second-round opponent yet.
He'll await the winner of the match between Pedro Cachin and a qualifier. Rublev could have his hands full by the quarterfinal stage should he get there.
With three Top 20 players in the field, one of whom is a top tenner, this Atp 250 event is not bereft of star power. World No.5 Andrey Rublev is the biggest name at Victoria Park as he looks to refine his game ahead of the year's first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
The Russian tends to play at a very decent level in the season's opening week and has a very nice draw on his Hong Kong debut. Rublev has a bye in the opening round as the top seed and doesn't know his second-round opponent yet.
He'll await the winner of the match between Pedro Cachin and a qualifier. Rublev could have his hands full by the quarterfinal stage should he get there.
- 12/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
January last year not only brought us a lot of tennis in Australia but also brought us the first season of Break Point, the Netflix tennis docu-series, which will air its second season in the coming weeks.
It was certainly an interesting watch for those who don't follow tennis as much, but as many pointed out, the first season of Break Point didn't show much of what die-hard tennis fans didn't know.
Sure, we saw how it looked from the inside, but it wasn't that revelatory. Despite all that, the series proved a success which is why it will be returning for a second season.
The first glimpse of the new season was posted by Netflix on social media, and it received some interesting responses. Fans were excited to see some newcomers such as Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, who are the future of tennis.
Some negative responses came at the inclusion of Alexander Zverev,...
It was certainly an interesting watch for those who don't follow tennis as much, but as many pointed out, the first season of Break Point didn't show much of what die-hard tennis fans didn't know.
Sure, we saw how it looked from the inside, but it wasn't that revelatory. Despite all that, the series proved a success which is why it will be returning for a second season.
The first glimpse of the new season was posted by Netflix on social media, and it received some interesting responses. Fans were excited to see some newcomers such as Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, who are the future of tennis.
Some negative responses came at the inclusion of Alexander Zverev,...
- 12/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The new tennis season is getting closer, and there are players on the fringes of the Top 10 on the Atp Tour, looking to make a breakthrough.
Many of the names in the Top 10 have become consistent. Novak Djokovic is the most obvious example, but players like Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner have all become regulars in the Top 10.
Some players have briefly entered the Top 10, such as Frances Tiafoe, who recently parted ways with his coach, but others are hoping to make that breakthrough for the first time.
This article gives five players who have a chance of reaching the Top 10 in the Atp Rankings for the first time if they find their best tennis in 2024.
5. Tommy Paul
Tommy Paul had a remarkably consistent season in 2023. The highlights were an excellent semifinal run at the Australian Open, another semifinal at the Canadian Open, and two runner-ups in Acapulco and Eastbourne.
Many of the names in the Top 10 have become consistent. Novak Djokovic is the most obvious example, but players like Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner have all become regulars in the Top 10.
Some players have briefly entered the Top 10, such as Frances Tiafoe, who recently parted ways with his coach, but others are hoping to make that breakthrough for the first time.
This article gives five players who have a chance of reaching the Top 10 in the Atp Rankings for the first time if they find their best tennis in 2024.
5. Tommy Paul
Tommy Paul had a remarkably consistent season in 2023. The highlights were an excellent semifinal run at the Australian Open, another semifinal at the Canadian Open, and two runner-ups in Acapulco and Eastbourne.
- 12/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Yibing Wu has named former Atp No. 6 Wayne Ferreira his new coach, but the retired South African star will not work alone.
The idea of working with two coaches has become a norm on the Atp Tour, with several established stars having at least two tennis coaches within their camps, outside of their hitting partners and physiotherapists.
Some Atp players in a dual partnership include Jannik Sinner, who works with Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill. The pair won the men's tour's 2023 Coach of the Year award.
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas simultaneously worked with his father, Apostolos, and former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis, but that alliance was short-lived. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz works with Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez.
The presence of two coaches helps with delegating day-to-day work and filling in for the other in their absence. For instance, Ferrero is set to miss the Australian Open next month to...
The idea of working with two coaches has become a norm on the Atp Tour, with several established stars having at least two tennis coaches within their camps, outside of their hitting partners and physiotherapists.
Some Atp players in a dual partnership include Jannik Sinner, who works with Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill. The pair won the men's tour's 2023 Coach of the Year award.
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas simultaneously worked with his father, Apostolos, and former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis, but that alliance was short-lived. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz works with Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez.
The presence of two coaches helps with delegating day-to-day work and filling in for the other in their absence. For instance, Ferrero is set to miss the Australian Open next month to...
- 12/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Frances Tiafoe made some surprising moves in his team as he parted ways with coach Wayne Ferreira, opting for Coco Gauff's former coach.
Frances Tiafoe has been touted as a very talented player for years, but the American only recently started to really perform the way many thought he could. It was last year when Tiafoe made a breakout with a few strong performances, most notably at the US Open, where he narrowly missed out on the US Open final.
This year, Tiafoe continued playing well and was actually consistent for a chance, which saw him become a Top 10 player at one point. It seemed impossible just a few years ago because he rarely found his best tennis.
Much of what went right with Tiafoe recently has been attributed to his work ethic but also his partnership with former player Wayne Ferreira. They were a really great team, and...
Frances Tiafoe has been touted as a very talented player for years, but the American only recently started to really perform the way many thought he could. It was last year when Tiafoe made a breakout with a few strong performances, most notably at the US Open, where he narrowly missed out on the US Open final.
This year, Tiafoe continued playing well and was actually consistent for a chance, which saw him become a Top 10 player at one point. It seemed impossible just a few years ago because he rarely found his best tennis.
Much of what went right with Tiafoe recently has been attributed to his work ethic but also his partnership with former player Wayne Ferreira. They were a really great team, and...
- 12/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The Kooyong Classic has been a longstanding tennis exhibition played ahead of the Australian Open, and the upcoming edition will feature some big names such as Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Casper Ruud.
The Kooyong Exhibition has been a longstanding exhibition event in Melbourne since 1988. The exhibition has been held 32 times so far, with the most recent one being held last year. It was the first since 2019 as the exhibition wasn't played during the pandemic.
It's always been an event that drew big names to it as players such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and others that participated. It's just a great way to get a feel for what tennis in Melbourne might look like before the eventual Australian Open that follows a few days later.
This upcoming 2024 edition will not be short of any big names. Jannik Sinner is among those who have already signed up to play at the event,...
The Kooyong Exhibition has been a longstanding exhibition event in Melbourne since 1988. The exhibition has been held 32 times so far, with the most recent one being held last year. It was the first since 2019 as the exhibition wasn't played during the pandemic.
It's always been an event that drew big names to it as players such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and others that participated. It's just a great way to get a feel for what tennis in Melbourne might look like before the eventual Australian Open that follows a few days later.
This upcoming 2024 edition will not be short of any big names. Jannik Sinner is among those who have already signed up to play at the event,...
- 12/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ben Shelton and Christopher Eubanks will compete at the 2024 Houston Open, also called the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship.
The two stars of US tennis confirmed their entry into the Houston-based event, which will take place between Mach 30 and April 7 next season. In addition, Shelton and Eubanks will join compatriot and the tournament's reigning champion, Frances Tiafoe, at the River Oaks Country Club.
It will be a tournament first for both Shelton and Eubanks next season as they make their Men’s Clay Court Championship debuts. When speaking about the news on the official Men’s Clay Court Championship website, Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer said he was delighted to see the two players join the 2024 roster.
"Ben and Chris won over a lot of fans during their breakout seasons in 2023, and we are thrilled that both will be playing at River Oaks in 2024."
"They are two very exciting...
The two stars of US tennis confirmed their entry into the Houston-based event, which will take place between Mach 30 and April 7 next season. In addition, Shelton and Eubanks will join compatriot and the tournament's reigning champion, Frances Tiafoe, at the River Oaks Country Club.
It will be a tournament first for both Shelton and Eubanks next season as they make their Men’s Clay Court Championship debuts. When speaking about the news on the official Men’s Clay Court Championship website, Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer said he was delighted to see the two players join the 2024 roster.
"Ben and Chris won over a lot of fans during their breakout seasons in 2023, and we are thrilled that both will be playing at River Oaks in 2024."
"They are two very exciting...
- 12/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Less than a month until the new tennis season starts afresh, Taylor Fritz is already "very excited" and "fired up" to represent his country in team competitions again.
The USA won the inaugural United Cup last season, with Fritz playing a significant part in that title run. The 26-year-old secured the match-clinching singles win over Italy's Matteo Berrettini. Playing team competitions is more than just another tennis match.
For Fritz, the camaraderie and positive vibes of being in a team environment are things that you don't particularly get to experience as a singles-playing Atp player. And when he is on the court, he always strives to play his very best tennis in team events.
"I just like that energy of like having a team like on the bench cheering for you, having other people I guess relying on you to win. It's different; I think it pumps me up a...
The USA won the inaugural United Cup last season, with Fritz playing a significant part in that title run. The 26-year-old secured the match-clinching singles win over Italy's Matteo Berrettini. Playing team competitions is more than just another tennis match.
For Fritz, the camaraderie and positive vibes of being in a team environment are things that you don't particularly get to experience as a singles-playing Atp player. And when he is on the court, he always strives to play his very best tennis in team events.
"I just like that energy of like having a team like on the bench cheering for you, having other people I guess relying on you to win. It's different; I think it pumps me up a...
- 12/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
After a 21-year absence, the Hong Kong Open will return to Victoria Park Tennis Centre to herald the start of the 2024 men's tennis season.
Running from January 1st to 7th, this tournament will be an essential destination for the Atp players looking to finetune their games in the buildup to the season's first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
The Hong Kong Open was a prominent event in the 90s with a gaudy list of former champions. Whoever wins the 2024 edition is primed to etch his name among some of the game's greats on the honor roll.
The biggest name in the recently-released entry list is that of World No. 5 Andrey Rublev. The Russian has fared brilliantly in the opening weeks of the season in the past. He won two titles at the turn of the year (in 2020) and was an Atp Cup champion the following season.
Rublev will most certainly be the tournament favorite,...
Running from January 1st to 7th, this tournament will be an essential destination for the Atp players looking to finetune their games in the buildup to the season's first Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
The Hong Kong Open was a prominent event in the 90s with a gaudy list of former champions. Whoever wins the 2024 edition is primed to etch his name among some of the game's greats on the honor roll.
The biggest name in the recently-released entry list is that of World No. 5 Andrey Rublev. The Russian has fared brilliantly in the opening weeks of the season in the past. He won two titles at the turn of the year (in 2020) and was an Atp Cup champion the following season.
Rublev will most certainly be the tournament favorite,...
- 12/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2024 United Cup is inching closer, but not all top players will take part in the event as quite a few of them will miss it.
The United Cup is a team competition where multiple nations will fight it out for the trophy. The ties between nations generally consist of one Atp singles match, one Wta singles match, and then one mixed doubles match.
It's proved to be an interesting event, with several big players taking part since its inception. This will year will see some of them such as Alexander Zverev, return, as he'll join Angelique Kerber, who is making a comeback from maternity leave at the competition.
Despite multiple stars taking part, such as Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic, quite a few of them have opted to skip the competition either in favor of another event or simply won't play that week.
Coco Gauff
First among them is Coco Gauff,...
The United Cup is a team competition where multiple nations will fight it out for the trophy. The ties between nations generally consist of one Atp singles match, one Wta singles match, and then one mixed doubles match.
It's proved to be an interesting event, with several big players taking part since its inception. This will year will see some of them such as Alexander Zverev, return, as he'll join Angelique Kerber, who is making a comeback from maternity leave at the competition.
Despite multiple stars taking part, such as Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic, quite a few of them have opted to skip the competition either in favor of another event or simply won't play that week.
Coco Gauff
First among them is Coco Gauff,...
- 12/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 edition of the Laver Cup was very disappointing for some of the fans, which makes next year a hugely important one for the competition.
The Laver Cup emerged as a fascinating competition with some of the world's best players treaming up. Where else could you see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play for the same team? Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal playing doubles together?
It was mostly reserved for exhibitions, and those were rarely played with full force. Well, enter Roger Federer. Swinging a racket isn't his only strong suit, as he has a pretty solid business mind.
Part of that is being surrounded by very competent people for a very long time, which allowed him to observe and learn. He devised the idea of the Laver Cup and put it into practice.
The result? It was a magnificent competition that had players and fans buzzing every year. It...
The Laver Cup emerged as a fascinating competition with some of the world's best players treaming up. Where else could you see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal play for the same team? Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal playing doubles together?
It was mostly reserved for exhibitions, and those were rarely played with full force. Well, enter Roger Federer. Swinging a racket isn't his only strong suit, as he has a pretty solid business mind.
Part of that is being surrounded by very competent people for a very long time, which allowed him to observe and learn. He devised the idea of the Laver Cup and put it into practice.
The result? It was a magnificent competition that had players and fans buzzing every year. It...
- 11/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ben Shelton was a breath of fresh air in his first full season on the Atp Tour, and he was pumped right from the first ball.
Shelton's rise was sporadic, but it had plenty of learning lessons, which Andy Roddick so perfectly summed up when assessing his 2023 season. Shelton was ranked as low as 96th when he rubberstamped his passport for the first time in his life to play tennis tournaments outside the USA.
With his father as his right-hand man, the season didn't begin on a high note, with two defeats in his first three matches. But a compelling Australian Open in which he reached the quarterfinals was the grandest and most appropriate way possible to announce his name.
As far as introductions go, it is tough to dispute Shelton was the Atp Newcomer of the Year in 2023. Here's why:
Year-End Ranking: 17th
Overall, it was a rollercoaster year for American men's tennis.
Shelton's rise was sporadic, but it had plenty of learning lessons, which Andy Roddick so perfectly summed up when assessing his 2023 season. Shelton was ranked as low as 96th when he rubberstamped his passport for the first time in his life to play tennis tournaments outside the USA.
With his father as his right-hand man, the season didn't begin on a high note, with two defeats in his first three matches. But a compelling Australian Open in which he reached the quarterfinals was the grandest and most appropriate way possible to announce his name.
As far as introductions go, it is tough to dispute Shelton was the Atp Newcomer of the Year in 2023. Here's why:
Year-End Ranking: 17th
Overall, it was a rollercoaster year for American men's tennis.
- 11/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Nick Kyrgios recently advised tennis fans on the choice of ideal Thanksgiving partners from a list featuring some of the best tennis players across the Atp and Wta tours.
A tennis fan shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) depicting tennis players on Thanksgiving dinner tables with a turkey on the plate. There were five tables of three occupied by tennis players. In the tweet, the user posed the question to the followers on which one they were likely to join.
Kyrgios responded to the tweet urging his followers to select table B which included himself, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev. Kyrgios is obviously on good terms with the Russian duo and very recently showed his concern for Rublev.
The injured Australian star offered to help after Rublev burst his knee open for losing control of his emotions during a match at the Atp Finals. Most of the fans concurred...
A tennis fan shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) depicting tennis players on Thanksgiving dinner tables with a turkey on the plate. There were five tables of three occupied by tennis players. In the tweet, the user posed the question to the followers on which one they were likely to join.
Kyrgios responded to the tweet urging his followers to select table B which included himself, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev. Kyrgios is obviously on good terms with the Russian duo and very recently showed his concern for Rublev.
The injured Australian star offered to help after Rublev burst his knee open for losing control of his emotions during a match at the Atp Finals. Most of the fans concurred...
- 11/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Frances Tiafoe has been vacationing since the 2023 tennis season came to an end a few weeks ago and created time to visit one of his favorite local teams competing in the NHL.
Tiafoe was born in Hyattsville, Maryland - a close urban suburb of Washington. And it is not by accident that he is a supporter of the NBA's Washington Wizards. He's also fond of the Washington Capitals, competing in the National Hockey League in the USA.
Even for one of tennis' most agile and athletic players, the ice rink on the hockey venue was quite unfamiliar territory. Tiafoe paid a visit while the Capitals players were set to commence their practice on Tuesday.
He was given a warm welcome by the team and tried to test his hockey skills with the stick. That didn't go down well as he failed to control a pass before he switched it up to a tennis racket,...
Tiafoe was born in Hyattsville, Maryland - a close urban suburb of Washington. And it is not by accident that he is a supporter of the NBA's Washington Wizards. He's also fond of the Washington Capitals, competing in the National Hockey League in the USA.
Even for one of tennis' most agile and athletic players, the ice rink on the hockey venue was quite unfamiliar territory. Tiafoe paid a visit while the Capitals players were set to commence their practice on Tuesday.
He was given a warm welcome by the team and tried to test his hockey skills with the stick. That didn't go down well as he failed to control a pass before he switched it up to a tennis racket,...
- 11/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic is now firmly in control of the Olympics race after winning the final two tournaments of the Atp season.
Djokovic clinched a 40th Masters crown in Paris-Bercy over a fortnight ago and added a 7th Atp Finals crown in Turin last Sunday. Djokovic finished the 2023 season with the most singles titles on tour (7).
Having clinched a record-extending eighth-year-end No. 1 ranking, he extended his dominance over the rest of the field in the Race to Paris. Djokovic compiled 6,500 points from mid-June when the Olympics race started to accrue ranking points.
Carlos Alcaraz is in second place. Having led the race for most of the second half of the season, the Spaniard was overtaken by the in-form Serbian. Alcaraz finds himself playing catchup, trailing Djokovic by 1,820 points.
Jannik Sinner is in third place thanks to a runner-up finish at the Atp Finals. The Italian ranked ahead of Daniil Medvedev, although...
Djokovic clinched a 40th Masters crown in Paris-Bercy over a fortnight ago and added a 7th Atp Finals crown in Turin last Sunday. Djokovic finished the 2023 season with the most singles titles on tour (7).
Having clinched a record-extending eighth-year-end No. 1 ranking, he extended his dominance over the rest of the field in the Race to Paris. Djokovic compiled 6,500 points from mid-June when the Olympics race started to accrue ranking points.
Carlos Alcaraz is in second place. Having led the race for most of the second half of the season, the Spaniard was overtaken by the in-form Serbian. Alcaraz finds himself playing catchup, trailing Djokovic by 1,820 points.
Jannik Sinner is in third place thanks to a runner-up finish at the Atp Finals. The Italian ranked ahead of Daniil Medvedev, although...
- 11/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The Kooyong Classic is a prestigious exhibition event that serves as a preparatory warm-up tournament for the Australian Open.
Held annually since 1988 (with the exception of 1994 and the pandemic years of 2021 & 2022), the Kooyong Classic has attracted some of the world's top tennis stars to the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, looking to fine-tune their games ahead of the Australian Open.
This year, at least two of the world's Top 10 players have answered the call to headline the three-day event, which will take place from January 10 to 12, 2024. The venue is located in the Melbourne suburb of Kooyong, which means players won't waste travel time to go to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open.
Jannik Sinner will garnish the lineup at this exhibition event for the first time in his career. Sinner reached the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open. Historically, he has done well on Australian soil, having won the Great Ocean...
Held annually since 1988 (with the exception of 1994 and the pandemic years of 2021 & 2022), the Kooyong Classic has attracted some of the world's top tennis stars to the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, looking to fine-tune their games ahead of the Australian Open.
This year, at least two of the world's Top 10 players have answered the call to headline the three-day event, which will take place from January 10 to 12, 2024. The venue is located in the Melbourne suburb of Kooyong, which means players won't waste travel time to go to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open.
Jannik Sinner will garnish the lineup at this exhibition event for the first time in his career. Sinner reached the fourth round of the 2023 Australian Open. Historically, he has done well on Australian soil, having won the Great Ocean...
- 11/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic will finish the 2023 season as the year-end No. 1 for the eighth time in his career, while there are notable changes in the world's Top 10.
The men's tennis season drew to a close on Sunday, with Djokovic lifting his 7th Atp Finals title with a resounding victory over Jannik Sinner in the final. Djokovic brings the curtain down to an incredible year with a five-digit points tally.
With 11,245 points, Djokovic finished top, and clear of second-placed Carlos Alcaraz who earned 8,855 points. The Top 10 places did not change during the week in Turin. That means Daniil Medvedev finished third ahead of Atp Finals runner-up Sinner in fourth.
Taylor Fritz will end 2023 as the top-ranked American man and inside the world's Top 10. But Casper Ruud exits that exclusive club. It's the first time since 2020 that Ruud will have a double-digit year-end ranking after failing to qualify for the Atp Finals.
Aside from Fritz,...
The men's tennis season drew to a close on Sunday, with Djokovic lifting his 7th Atp Finals title with a resounding victory over Jannik Sinner in the final. Djokovic brings the curtain down to an incredible year with a five-digit points tally.
With 11,245 points, Djokovic finished top, and clear of second-placed Carlos Alcaraz who earned 8,855 points. The Top 10 places did not change during the week in Turin. That means Daniil Medvedev finished third ahead of Atp Finals runner-up Sinner in fourth.
Taylor Fritz will end 2023 as the top-ranked American man and inside the world's Top 10. But Casper Ruud exits that exclusive club. It's the first time since 2020 that Ruud will have a double-digit year-end ranking after failing to qualify for the Atp Finals.
Aside from Fritz,...
- 11/20/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ben Shelton generated a lot of buzz this year, and he's among those Andy Roddick could see winning a Grand Slam title.
Roddick is uniquely qualified to talk about this because he's the last American who actually won a Grand Slam trophy for his team. It happened a very long time ago, in 2003, so the drought has been real. The United States just had a Grand Slam champion in Coco Gauff, and now they want to see a man do it.
There are plenty of candidates, such as Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and others, but for Roddick, who spoke to the Tennis Channel, Shelton seems to have that upside, reminding him of Nick Kyrgios.
He's a player who's going to be very dominant on his serve, which should give him a pretty good chance at several events. He made the semi-final at the US Open, pushing Djokovic pretty well.
Roddick is uniquely qualified to talk about this because he's the last American who actually won a Grand Slam trophy for his team. It happened a very long time ago, in 2003, so the drought has been real. The United States just had a Grand Slam champion in Coco Gauff, and now they want to see a man do it.
There are plenty of candidates, such as Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and others, but for Roddick, who spoke to the Tennis Channel, Shelton seems to have that upside, reminding him of Nick Kyrgios.
He's a player who's going to be very dominant on his serve, which should give him a pretty good chance at several events. He made the semi-final at the US Open, pushing Djokovic pretty well.
- 11/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
From December 21st to 24th, the 2023 World Tennis League will be played in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the teams for the event were drawn.
In recent years, off-season exhibition tournaments became popular, because of multiple reasons. One of them is the obvious, that it gives players a chance to go head-to-head before the season starts.
With these exhibitions being often held in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which are known for paying athletes well, another reason is the fact that players can earn some extra money by participating in such exhibitions.
And another factor is fun that they have at such tournaments, and one of them is certainly the World Tennis League, which is played in a team format, and these teams, the teams were seemingly not drawn randomly.
Looking at the draw, it's impossible to think that the draw was made randomly,...
In recent years, off-season exhibition tournaments became popular, because of multiple reasons. One of them is the obvious, that it gives players a chance to go head-to-head before the season starts.
With these exhibitions being often held in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which are known for paying athletes well, another reason is the fact that players can earn some extra money by participating in such exhibitions.
And another factor is fun that they have at such tournaments, and one of them is certainly the World Tennis League, which is played in a team format, and these teams, the teams were seemingly not drawn randomly.
Looking at the draw, it's impossible to think that the draw was made randomly,...
- 11/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Nick Kyrgios will swap the racket for the microphone after landing a new gig that will see him feature as an analyst for Tennis Channel's coverage of the Atp Finals.
The 28-year-old has not played tennis competitively for an entire year bar one match in Stuttgart as multiple injuries scuppered his season. Kyrgios has spent more time in the treatment room than on the court in 2023 but will make a high-profile return to tennis on Sunday in a non-playing role.
The 2023 Atp Finals in Turin kicks off at the weekend, converging the world's top eight players who will look to win the most prestigious Atp tennis tournament outside the four Grand Slams. In his playing career, Kyrgios has never qualified for the year-end championships.
However, he will get to experience the thrill and mystique of the event and get a close-up view of his fellow pros from the comfort of the television booth.
The 28-year-old has not played tennis competitively for an entire year bar one match in Stuttgart as multiple injuries scuppered his season. Kyrgios has spent more time in the treatment room than on the court in 2023 but will make a high-profile return to tennis on Sunday in a non-playing role.
The 2023 Atp Finals in Turin kicks off at the weekend, converging the world's top eight players who will look to win the most prestigious Atp tennis tournament outside the four Grand Slams. In his playing career, Kyrgios has never qualified for the year-end championships.
However, he will get to experience the thrill and mystique of the event and get a close-up view of his fellow pros from the comfort of the television booth.
- 11/9/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic's seventh Paris Masters title had brought a significant shift in the year-end race and the Olympics race as the 2023 season draws to a close.
The World No. 1 defeated in-form Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to win the 40th Masters 1000 title of his career, which is a record at this tournament level. Djokovic extended his gap at the top of the world rankings to 2,990 points ahead of Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic just needs one win at the Atp Finals, which begins Sunday, November 12, to be certain of finishing as the year-end No. 1 for a record-extending eighth time. The Serbian star racked up 1,000 points for his Paris win and overtook Alcaraz in the Olympics race.
The 24-time major champion has now accumulated 5,200 points since mid-June when the Olympics race started accruing points. He is 920 points ahead of second-placed Alcaraz. Djokovic could potentially have one last crack at the Olympic Games...
The World No. 1 defeated in-form Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to win the 40th Masters 1000 title of his career, which is a record at this tournament level. Djokovic extended his gap at the top of the world rankings to 2,990 points ahead of Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic just needs one win at the Atp Finals, which begins Sunday, November 12, to be certain of finishing as the year-end No. 1 for a record-extending eighth time. The Serbian star racked up 1,000 points for his Paris win and overtook Alcaraz in the Olympics race.
The 24-time major champion has now accumulated 5,200 points since mid-June when the Olympics race started accruing points. He is 920 points ahead of second-placed Alcaraz. Djokovic could potentially have one last crack at the Olympic Games...
- 11/7/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Frances Tiafoe had his best season yet in 2023 and he's already looking ahead to 2024, hoping to get even better.
Frances Tiafoe is a very fine player and he's slowly getting even better. While he didn't hit the peak he had at last year's US Open, 2023 overall was the best season Tiafoe had so far in his career. He finished the year with 40 wins and 24 losses, which might not sound like much but is actually quite good.
He had more wins in 2021 but he never performed as well as he did this year. He won two trophies this year which is the most he’s ever won and also made some deep runs at some big events. The importance is on getting better which he is every year.
In a post on Instagram, Tiafoe reflected on the year calling it the best season he ever had as well as sharing excitement...
Frances Tiafoe is a very fine player and he's slowly getting even better. While he didn't hit the peak he had at last year's US Open, 2023 overall was the best season Tiafoe had so far in his career. He finished the year with 40 wins and 24 losses, which might not sound like much but is actually quite good.
He had more wins in 2021 but he never performed as well as he did this year. He won two trophies this year which is the most he’s ever won and also made some deep runs at some big events. The importance is on getting better which he is every year.
In a post on Instagram, Tiafoe reflected on the year calling it the best season he ever had as well as sharing excitement...
- 11/7/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Frances Tiafoe is the latest big name to withdraw from next week's Sofia Open for an undisclosed reason.
Tiafoe, the American men's No. 3, suffered his fourth defeat in his last six matches at the Paris Masters on Tuesday. He was beaten by Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-4. Tiafoe failed to create a single break point in a one-sided contest that lasted just 68 minutes, one of his shortest of the season.
Tiafoe joins compatriot Ben Shelton on the absentees list of the Sofia Open, which also includes Australia's Aleksandar Vukic. The tournament's top seed in Bulgaria's capital, Taylor Fritz, is also likely to pull out after aggravating an abdominal injury during his match against Sebastian Baez in Paris that forced him to withdraw from his subsequent round .
Tiafoe's place in the 32-player singles draw will now go to an Emergency Substitution. Sofia, along with Metz, will serve as the final two...
Tiafoe, the American men's No. 3, suffered his fourth defeat in his last six matches at the Paris Masters on Tuesday. He was beaten by Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-4. Tiafoe failed to create a single break point in a one-sided contest that lasted just 68 minutes, one of his shortest of the season.
Tiafoe joins compatriot Ben Shelton on the absentees list of the Sofia Open, which also includes Australia's Aleksandar Vukic. The tournament's top seed in Bulgaria's capital, Taylor Fritz, is also likely to pull out after aggravating an abdominal injury during his match against Sebastian Baez in Paris that forced him to withdraw from his subsequent round .
Tiafoe's place in the 32-player singles draw will now go to an Emergency Substitution. Sofia, along with Metz, will serve as the final two...
- 11/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff became a celebrity in the United States and around the world following her win at the 2023 US Open , and now she talked about one of many interesting moments.
Frances Tiafoe experienced last year how it feels to become an overnight sensation in the country following his US Open run and win over Rafael Nadal. Coco Gauff experienced something similar at this year's US Open following her trophy run .
Her public profile exploded as she became a celebrity overnight, despite being well-known also before. Plenty of fellow celebrities reached out to the teenager to express their admiration, including Zendaya.
The actress is one of the most popular people on the planet, with a huge social media following and a really impressive acting career. She's actually starring in an upcoming tennis film called Challengers. It will be released in April of next year.
In any case, Gauff shared the story...
Frances Tiafoe experienced last year how it feels to become an overnight sensation in the country following his US Open run and win over Rafael Nadal. Coco Gauff experienced something similar at this year's US Open following her trophy run .
Her public profile exploded as she became a celebrity overnight, despite being well-known also before. Plenty of fellow celebrities reached out to the teenager to express their admiration, including Zendaya.
The actress is one of the most popular people on the planet, with a huge social media following and a really impressive acting career. She's actually starring in an upcoming tennis film called Challengers. It will be released in April of next year.
In any case, Gauff shared the story...
- 10/31/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz may not be the World No. 1 in the Atp rankings for now, but he is top of the leaderboard in the Olympics Race ahead of Novak Djokovic .
The Spaniard has earned 4,280 points since mid-June when the points for the Olympics qualification started to accrue. Alcaraz has earned the bulk of his points from winning his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, beating Djokovic in that epic final in London .
Djokovic, meanwhile, is not far off, having accumulated 4,210 points ahead of his second-round match at the Paris Masters. Considering that the Serbian star missed the entire Asian swing , which would have certainly allowed him to pick up enough points to lead this race, it is quite an achievement that he is still there or thereabouts in leading.
Djokovic will be 37 when the Olympics come around next summer, but he's made his intentions clear that he regards next year's Games...
The Spaniard has earned 4,280 points since mid-June when the points for the Olympics qualification started to accrue. Alcaraz has earned the bulk of his points from winning his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, beating Djokovic in that epic final in London .
Djokovic, meanwhile, is not far off, having accumulated 4,210 points ahead of his second-round match at the Paris Masters. Considering that the Serbian star missed the entire Asian swing , which would have certainly allowed him to pick up enough points to lead this race, it is quite an achievement that he is still there or thereabouts in leading.
Djokovic will be 37 when the Olympics come around next summer, but he's made his intentions clear that he regards next year's Games...
- 10/31/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff praised the current state of American tennis as it's booming on both the Atp and Wta sides of tennis.
On the Atp side of tennis, Americans have been making some noise for a few years now . Whether it's the generation of Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz or this new one with Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton, there are more and more American players coming through the ranks.
As a historically great tennis nation, it's not a huge surprise, but there were some periods when the country didn't produce many great players. The past 10-15 years have been somewhat lacking on the men's side, so it's good to see things turning around.
On the women's side of the sport, there is Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, who have been carrying the flag for a few years now. Gauff particularly seems destined to be one of the leading players in...
On the Atp side of tennis, Americans have been making some noise for a few years now . Whether it's the generation of Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz or this new one with Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton, there are more and more American players coming through the ranks.
As a historically great tennis nation, it's not a huge surprise, but there were some periods when the country didn't produce many great players. The past 10-15 years have been somewhat lacking on the men's side, so it's good to see things turning around.
On the women's side of the sport, there is Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, who have been carrying the flag for a few years now. Gauff particularly seems destined to be one of the leading players in...
- 10/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
It's no secret that the best tennis players get significantly better perks and preferential treatment when it comes to scheduling.
Privileges such as top-notch practice courts and better match court allocation are things that the cream of the crop in tennis enjoys. When discussion about preferential treatment arises, the argument in favor of such an elite band of players is that they have merited this position based on previous accomplishments.
Frances Tiafoe has shared his thoughts, and while he fully supports the argument, he wants the conditions to be standardized so that there is a level playing field. A case in point is how uncontrollable factors like inclement weather affected lower-ranked players in the first week of Wimbledon.
Tournament organizers will always prioritize scheduling the top-ranked players on the bigger courts, where perks such as a retractable roof exist, and which would enable these players to complete their matches within the pre-determined day's timetable.
Privileges such as top-notch practice courts and better match court allocation are things that the cream of the crop in tennis enjoys. When discussion about preferential treatment arises, the argument in favor of such an elite band of players is that they have merited this position based on previous accomplishments.
Frances Tiafoe has shared his thoughts, and while he fully supports the argument, he wants the conditions to be standardized so that there is a level playing field. A case in point is how uncontrollable factors like inclement weather affected lower-ranked players in the first week of Wimbledon.
Tournament organizers will always prioritize scheduling the top-ranked players on the bigger courts, where perks such as a retractable roof exist, and which would enable these players to complete their matches within the pre-determined day's timetable.
- 10/28/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former Vienna Open champion Andrey Rublev is looking every bit of the new Vienna Open champion with the way he managed to fight against Alexander Zverev .
Both Rublev and Zverev won this Atp 500 event in the past, and both love to play in the Austrian capital. Rublev looked really good in his first two matches , but he didn't look as good as in the opening set against Zverev.
The German had some solid performances as well, but his form lately hasn't been as good as that of Rublev. The difference was glaring in the opening set as it wasn't close.
The Russian dominated in the rallies, and even Zverev's serve couldn't help him much. 6-1 was the score for Rublev in the opening set, and he had a chance to break early in the second set but didn't get it done.
The German found a solid rhythm, especially from the serve,...
Both Rublev and Zverev won this Atp 500 event in the past, and both love to play in the Austrian capital. Rublev looked really good in his first two matches , but he didn't look as good as in the opening set against Zverev.
The German had some solid performances as well, but his form lately hasn't been as good as that of Rublev. The difference was glaring in the opening set as it wasn't close.
The Russian dominated in the rallies, and even Zverev's serve couldn't help him much. 6-1 was the score for Rublev in the opening set, and he had a chance to break early in the second set but didn't get it done.
The German found a solid rhythm, especially from the serve,...
- 10/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe are set for a rematch two years in the making, and the Italian still has a scar of the events in that match.
Tiafoe mounted an incredible comeback, from 3-6, 2-5, down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinal of the 2021 Vienna Open . But it was a contentious moment while Sinner served for the match at 6-3, 5-3 in the second set, which ultimately proved to be the turning point.
In one of Sinner's serves in the ninth game, Tiafoe could be seen uttering some words, audible enough to cause a hindrance just as the Italian was ready to toss the ball. Tennis has always been a sport of fine margins, and subtle moments like shouting before serves can easily impact a player's concentration.
Sinner conspicuously didn't recover as the incident had a lasting effect on his performance in the match and the rest of his season.
Tiafoe mounted an incredible comeback, from 3-6, 2-5, down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinal of the 2021 Vienna Open . But it was a contentious moment while Sinner served for the match at 6-3, 5-3 in the second set, which ultimately proved to be the turning point.
In one of Sinner's serves in the ninth game, Tiafoe could be seen uttering some words, audible enough to cause a hindrance just as the Italian was ready to toss the ball. Tennis has always been a sport of fine margins, and subtle moments like shouting before serves can easily impact a player's concentration.
Sinner conspicuously didn't recover as the incident had a lasting effect on his performance in the match and the rest of his season.
- 10/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Frances Tiafoe is playing some really solid tennis at the 2023 Vienna Open this week, but will it be enough to take down Jannik Sinner ?
It could be, but the American will need to keep up his good play and start to play even better. His win over Gael Monfils was good , but it showed a few problems in his game.
He had a few questionable choices in really crucial moments early when Monfils was still playing well. As the French player collapsed physically, Tiafoe did take control of the match but it didn't look as clean as it should have been.
His tennis has generally disappointed in recent weeks as opposed to Sinner, who has been amazing for a while now. The Italian certainly looked good in Vienna so far , but this will be his biggest challenge by far. He's had some good wins over Tiafoe in the past but...
It could be, but the American will need to keep up his good play and start to play even better. His win over Gael Monfils was good , but it showed a few problems in his game.
He had a few questionable choices in really crucial moments early when Monfils was still playing well. As the French player collapsed physically, Tiafoe did take control of the match but it didn't look as clean as it should have been.
His tennis has generally disappointed in recent weeks as opposed to Sinner, who has been amazing for a while now. The Italian certainly looked good in Vienna so far , but this will be his biggest challenge by far. He's had some good wins over Tiafoe in the past but...
- 10/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Gael Monfils is playing really solid tennis right now, and he will try and keep that going against Frances Tiafoe at the 2023 Vienna Open .
Two years ago, Tiafoe had an incredible run at the Vienna Open, making his way to the final and amazing the crowd with trick shots. He didn't win the trophy because he couldn't overcome Alexander Zverev, but the American likes playing in the Austrian capital.
He didn't look that good in round one against Daniel Evans, trailing early in that match 4-1, but he did advance because Evans injured himself and was forced to retire from their first-round match.
That was quite lucky because, with the level he played, Tiafoe was in trouble. I'm not convinced he would have won that match had his opponent not gotten injured.
When it comes to Monfils, he's in amazing form right now after his trophy run in Stockholm and...
Two years ago, Tiafoe had an incredible run at the Vienna Open, making his way to the final and amazing the crowd with trick shots. He didn't win the trophy because he couldn't overcome Alexander Zverev, but the American likes playing in the Austrian capital.
He didn't look that good in round one against Daniel Evans, trailing early in that match 4-1, but he did advance because Evans injured himself and was forced to retire from their first-round match.
That was quite lucky because, with the level he played, Tiafoe was in trouble. I'm not convinced he would have won that match had his opponent not gotten injured.
When it comes to Monfils, he's in amazing form right now after his trophy run in Stockholm and...
- 10/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Carlos Alcaraz maintained his lead over the rest of the field in the Olympics Race qualification in the same week Ben Shelton took over as the highest-ranked US men's player.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz has earned 4,270 points since the Olympics Race came into effect on June 12, 2023, and which will last for 12 months. The Spaniard is ahead of second-placed Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who has earned 4,200 points.
Alcaraz and Djokovic account for the most points of any player, having won the two Grand Slams contested since mid-June. The 20-year-old won a maiden Wimbledon , which contributed to the bulk of his points total, while Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam at the US Open . Both earned 2000 points for winning a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have won almost twice as many points as third-placed Jannik Sinner and fourth-placed Daniil Medvedev . The Italian has tallied 2,635 points, thanks to title wins in Toronto and Beijing.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz has earned 4,270 points since the Olympics Race came into effect on June 12, 2023, and which will last for 12 months. The Spaniard is ahead of second-placed Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who has earned 4,200 points.
Alcaraz and Djokovic account for the most points of any player, having won the two Grand Slams contested since mid-June. The 20-year-old won a maiden Wimbledon , which contributed to the bulk of his points total, while Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam at the US Open . Both earned 2000 points for winning a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz and Djokovic have won almost twice as many points as third-placed Jannik Sinner and fourth-placed Daniil Medvedev . The Italian has tallied 2,635 points, thanks to title wins in Toronto and Beijing.
- 10/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2024 Kooyong Classic will have a pretty decent field, with Holger Rune , Jannik Sinner , and Dominic Thiem all signing up.
The Kooyong Classic has been a longstanding exhibition event held in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open to allow players to get used to playing some tennis Down Under.
The event being held in Melbourne just ahead of the Australian Open makes it a really solid place to prepare for the event, as the transition into the event seems seamless.
The last edition was held this year with some big names in attendance and the upcoming 33rd edition of the event will also see some big names take part in the event. So far, we have five players confirmed for the tournament: Jannik Sinner, Dominic Thiem, Holger Rune, Zhizhen Zhang , and Karen Khachanov .
It promises to be a pretty interesting event with those big names in attendance and will be...
The Kooyong Classic has been a longstanding exhibition event held in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open to allow players to get used to playing some tennis Down Under.
The event being held in Melbourne just ahead of the Australian Open makes it a really solid place to prepare for the event, as the transition into the event seems seamless.
The last edition was held this year with some big names in attendance and the upcoming 33rd edition of the event will also see some big names take part in the event. So far, we have five players confirmed for the tournament: Jannik Sinner, Dominic Thiem, Holger Rune, Zhizhen Zhang , and Karen Khachanov .
It promises to be a pretty interesting event with those big names in attendance and will be...
- 10/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
American tennis has been very good historically, and it's trending to be that way once more in the coming years.
It seems that American tennis has been on the rise for a few years now. While more experienced players like Taylor Fritz , Frances Tiafoe , and Tommy Paul stabilized as very good tennis players, some new talents like Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton emerged in recent years.
It's a great time for US tennis, with plenty of new youngsters coming through the ranks as well, but for the first time in 26 years, there are four American men ranked in the Top 15 of Atp Rankings.
The last time that happened was in 1997 when Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, and Todd Martin were those men ranked in the top 15.
With Ben Shelton's tremendous Japan Open run , which allowed him to break into the Top 15, US tennis now has four players ranked in...
It seems that American tennis has been on the rise for a few years now. While more experienced players like Taylor Fritz , Frances Tiafoe , and Tommy Paul stabilized as very good tennis players, some new talents like Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton emerged in recent years.
It's a great time for US tennis, with plenty of new youngsters coming through the ranks as well, but for the first time in 26 years, there are four American men ranked in the Top 15 of Atp Rankings.
The last time that happened was in 1997 when Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, and Todd Martin were those men ranked in the top 15.
With Ben Shelton's tremendous Japan Open run , which allowed him to break into the Top 15, US tennis now has four players ranked in...
- 10/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The draw for the 2023 Vienna Open has been released, and this will mark the final stop of the Atp 500 events this season (running concurrently with the Swiss Indoors).
Apart from exploring historical sites and culinary delights, the 32-player singles field will compete for a generous prize money pool. The tournament will run from October 23 to 29 . The winner stands to gain €450,650 and 500 ranking points. On that note let us delve into the draw.
The top half of the draw contains the top seed Daniil Medvedev , fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas , sixth seed Tommy Paul, and Eighth seed Karen Khachanov . The defending champion Medvedev will open up against French teenager Arthur Fils .
Medvedev is projected to meet Karen Khachanov in the last eight, but the Zhuhai champion will need to beat in-form Roman Safiullin, and then one of J.J. Wolf or Jiri Lehecka. Medvedev, for his part, will await the winner of...
Apart from exploring historical sites and culinary delights, the 32-player singles field will compete for a generous prize money pool. The tournament will run from October 23 to 29 . The winner stands to gain €450,650 and 500 ranking points. On that note let us delve into the draw.
The top half of the draw contains the top seed Daniil Medvedev , fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas , sixth seed Tommy Paul, and Eighth seed Karen Khachanov . The defending champion Medvedev will open up against French teenager Arthur Fils .
Medvedev is projected to meet Karen Khachanov in the last eight, but the Zhuhai champion will need to beat in-form Roman Safiullin, and then one of J.J. Wolf or Jiri Lehecka. Medvedev, for his part, will await the winner of...
- 10/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Emma Raducanu 's long-awaited return to tennis will take place at the Inaugural Macau Tennis Masters Exhibition tournament in her mother's home country in China.
The former British No. 1 will feature in a star-studded lineup featuring Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, and Atp stars Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and China's lone Atp titlist Yibing Wu. One more Atp player has not yet been confirmed. The two-day event will take place in the first week of December at the Macau East Asian Games Dome.
The event will be co-hosted by Img (who handle Raducanu's business contracts) and MGM. The schedule as confirmed by the tournament will feature two men's singles semifinals and a mixed doubles match on the opening day. There will be a women's singles match on the second day, a third-place play-off men's match, and a men's final.
Raducanu's comeback will be in Macau - an autonomous city located in China's south coast.
The former British No. 1 will feature in a star-studded lineup featuring Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, and Atp stars Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and China's lone Atp titlist Yibing Wu. One more Atp player has not yet been confirmed. The two-day event will take place in the first week of December at the Macau East Asian Games Dome.
The event will be co-hosted by Img (who handle Raducanu's business contracts) and MGM. The schedule as confirmed by the tournament will feature two men's singles semifinals and a mixed doubles match on the opening day. There will be a women's singles match on the second day, a third-place play-off men's match, and a men's final.
Raducanu's comeback will be in Macau - an autonomous city located in China's south coast.
- 10/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Sofia Open will act as a makeshift tournament this season replacing the Tel Aviv Open which was canceled due to the outbreak of war in the region.
Last year, the Sofia Open was held in late September, but it will now mark the final Atp tournament of the season for the 28 players who will contest the eighth edition (except for those players playing at the Atp and Next Gen Finals). It will run from November 5th to 11th .
It's quite commendable that the tournament organizers have been able to put everything in place to host the event on such short notice and will operate on a single-year license. There will be a marginal increase in prize money which will mirrored in all rounds of the main draw.
Alongside experiencing its vibrant culture and an opportunity to trial outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the mountains, the 28 singles players...
Last year, the Sofia Open was held in late September, but it will now mark the final Atp tournament of the season for the 28 players who will contest the eighth edition (except for those players playing at the Atp and Next Gen Finals). It will run from November 5th to 11th .
It's quite commendable that the tournament organizers have been able to put everything in place to host the event on such short notice and will operate on a single-year license. There will be a marginal increase in prize money which will mirrored in all rounds of the main draw.
Alongside experiencing its vibrant culture and an opportunity to trial outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the mountains, the 28 singles players...
- 10/19/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Japan Open defending champion Taylor Fritz suffered a shocking loss to native player Shintaro Mochizuki which is a huge blow to his Atp Finals aspirations.
Taylor Fritz had an amazing time in Tokyo last year, going all the way to the final and winning the trophy by beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe. It was a huge win for Fritz, which secured him a place at the Atp Finals in Turin.
It could have been that this year as well, with many other top seeds losing , but it won't, as he failed in Tokyo today. Fritz took on native player Mochizuki, who is a solid player, but after he smashed him 6-0 in the opening set, you kind of got the idea that the American is the far superior player.
And yet he didn't win the match because Mochizuki never gave up. That resilience proved vital as the match went on because,...
Taylor Fritz had an amazing time in Tokyo last year, going all the way to the final and winning the trophy by beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe. It was a huge win for Fritz, which secured him a place at the Atp Finals in Turin.
It could have been that this year as well, with many other top seeds losing , but it won't, as he failed in Tokyo today. Fritz took on native player Mochizuki, who is a solid player, but after he smashed him 6-0 in the opening set, you kind of got the idea that the American is the far superior player.
And yet he didn't win the match because Mochizuki never gave up. That resilience proved vital as the match went on because,...
- 10/19/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Sofia Open will operate on a single-year license as confirmed by the Atp , replacing the Tel Aviv Open which was called off due to the outbreak of war in the region.
This Atp 250 event will take place from November 5th to 11th in Bulgaria's capital city, Sofia. A 28-player singles field will have the chance to lift the final tennis tournament of the 2023 season (excluding the Atp and Next Gen Finals).
Most of the storylines will likely be written by then, but there is a slight possibility we might have one more chapter of the Atp Race to Turin still yet to be decided, with a major aspirant for the eight-man field at the season finale scheduled to appear in Sofia.
That man is the top seed, Taylor Fritz . He is in the hunt to clinch a place at the Atp Finals in Turin , which follows this tournament. But...
This Atp 250 event will take place from November 5th to 11th in Bulgaria's capital city, Sofia. A 28-player singles field will have the chance to lift the final tennis tournament of the 2023 season (excluding the Atp and Next Gen Finals).
Most of the storylines will likely be written by then, but there is a slight possibility we might have one more chapter of the Atp Race to Turin still yet to be decided, with a major aspirant for the eight-man field at the season finale scheduled to appear in Sofia.
That man is the top seed, Taylor Fritz . He is in the hunt to clinch a place at the Atp Finals in Turin , which follows this tournament. But...
- 10/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Last year's Japan Open finalist, Frances Tiafoe , is out of the event in the first round with a pretty surprising loss to Aslan Karatsev .
Tiafoe had a really great showing last year in Tokyo, making his way to the final, where Taylor Fritz beat him. He naturally returned this year, hoping to do the same even though his form in recent weeks hasn't been very good.
Well, he didn't play that well today either, losing surprisingly to Aslan Karatsev who is a capable player but very streaky. He's either very good or very bad, and today he was pretty good.
The opening set featured very poor serving from Tiafoe, and on a fast court like the one in Tokyo, that's a problem. It's a big problem because he was dominant behind his first serve but hit it only 40 % of the time and that gave Karatsev chances which he took.
The...
Tiafoe had a really great showing last year in Tokyo, making his way to the final, where Taylor Fritz beat him. He naturally returned this year, hoping to do the same even though his form in recent weeks hasn't been very good.
Well, he didn't play that well today either, losing surprisingly to Aslan Karatsev who is a capable player but very streaky. He's either very good or very bad, and today he was pretty good.
The opening set featured very poor serving from Tiafoe, and on a fast court like the one in Tokyo, that's a problem. It's a big problem because he was dominant behind his first serve but hit it only 40 % of the time and that gave Karatsev chances which he took.
The...
- 10/17/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ben Shelton is certainly one of the better players on the Atp Tour and he's only going to get better according to Rick Macci.
Rick Macci has seen a lot of tennis talents, and he coached quite a few of them. The man who helped Serena Williams become what she became is keeping an eye on tennis even if he's not a traveling coach.
He counts himself among fans of Ben Shelton, a superb player who is getting better by the minute. His tremendous run at the US Open secured him a Top 20 breakout , and he's certainly not going to stop there.
Some good showings in the Laver Cup and a good run at the Shanghai Masters prove that the future is bright.
Macci spoke about Shelton recently, calling him a pitbull who will be among the best players in the coming years singling out his serve as his major...
Rick Macci has seen a lot of tennis talents, and he coached quite a few of them. The man who helped Serena Williams become what she became is keeping an eye on tennis even if he's not a traveling coach.
He counts himself among fans of Ben Shelton, a superb player who is getting better by the minute. His tremendous run at the US Open secured him a Top 20 breakout , and he's certainly not going to stop there.
Some good showings in the Laver Cup and a good run at the Shanghai Masters prove that the future is bright.
Macci spoke about Shelton recently, calling him a pitbull who will be among the best players in the coming years singling out his serve as his major...
- 10/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Taylor Fritz is back at the Japan Open in Tokyo, where he lifted a trophy last year, and he'll take on Cameron Norrie in the event's first round.
The Japan Open event has a strong draw , with plenty of great matchups in the early rounds. One of those matchups is between Taylor Fritz and Cameron Norrie, which is fascinating as both hover around the Top 10 and have done so for a long time now.
Norrie, of course, hasn't had a very good season this year and has been pretty poor lately, which should boost the chances of Fritz, especially considering that he actually went the whole way last year. He was the champion, beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the final.
Head-to-head:
Another contributing factor is the H2H on the Atp Tour, which favours Fritz, albeit barely. They played an amazing 13 times already, with Fritz leading 7-6. The only match...
The Japan Open event has a strong draw , with plenty of great matchups in the early rounds. One of those matchups is between Taylor Fritz and Cameron Norrie, which is fascinating as both hover around the Top 10 and have done so for a long time now.
Norrie, of course, hasn't had a very good season this year and has been pretty poor lately, which should boost the chances of Fritz, especially considering that he actually went the whole way last year. He was the champion, beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the final.
Head-to-head:
Another contributing factor is the H2H on the Atp Tour, which favours Fritz, albeit barely. They played an amazing 13 times already, with Fritz leading 7-6. The only match...
- 10/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Frances Tiafoe hasn't had the best of time recently on the tennis courts, but he hopes to turn that around at the 2023 Japan Open in Tokyo.
Tiafoe had an amazing finish to the year last year, but he's not having it this year. After producing one of the better seasons in his career, Tiafoe largely failed to do the same thing in recent weeks .
There is an abundance of poor losses for the American, though the hope is that the Atp 500 event in Tokyo proves different. It certainly did last year, as he made it to the final, where compatriot Taylor Fritz beat him.
The opening match this time around will be against Aslan Karatsev , who is a capable player, especially in the types of conditions Tokyo provides.
Head-to-head:
We've seen two matches between them so far, and Tiafoe won both of them. Both actually happened this year, and they were pretty close matches,...
Tiafoe had an amazing finish to the year last year, but he's not having it this year. After producing one of the better seasons in his career, Tiafoe largely failed to do the same thing in recent weeks .
There is an abundance of poor losses for the American, though the hope is that the Atp 500 event in Tokyo proves different. It certainly did last year, as he made it to the final, where compatriot Taylor Fritz beat him.
The opening match this time around will be against Aslan Karatsev , who is a capable player, especially in the types of conditions Tokyo provides.
Head-to-head:
We've seen two matches between them so far, and Tiafoe won both of them. Both actually happened this year, and they were pretty close matches,...
- 10/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
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