The Tennis Thread

[Firebat]

Well if Shelton doesn't like it - then perhaps next time he can do something about it. Djokovic gave him and lesson and the end mocked him - most tennis fans enjoyed the mocking because it was the old guy showing the kid who's the boss.

So Shelton celebrating a point he wins is disrespectful, but 36 year-old GOAT mocking the kid is not? Lol

To be honest, even though it was unnecessary I still found it pretty funny, it was an entertaining set. But when you start getting selectively outraged and hypocritical with the word "disrespectful", I can't take it seriously. Never met an objective tennis fan.

 

[bones]

So Shelton celebrating a point he wins is disrespectful, but 36 year-old GOAT mocking the kid is not? Lol

To be honest, even though it was unnecessary I still found it pretty funny, it was an entertaining set. But when you start getting selectively outraged and hypocritical with the word "disrespectful", I can't take it seriously. Never met an objective tennis fan.

No what I'm saying is, if Djokovic did that unprovoked, I would have been disappointed. But given Shelton was over the top with his celebrations after every point won, it's perfectly find what Djokovic did. Very few if any other tennis players is so in your face like Shelton. He'll learn to calm down in time.

 

[bones]

I got to say I absolutely this Djokovic. This no nonsense fesity Djokovic, the real Djokovic. Poking fun at the crowd, poking fun and opponents and completely set on winning matches at all costs. Thank good news nice Djokovic is out of the way.

The more Djokovic wins, the more haters will come up with stuff about his behaviour. I love it, keep winning and keep letting them find reasons to dislike/hate.

 

[The_KING]

The more Djokovic wins, the more haters will come up with stuff about his behaviour. I love it, keep winning and keep letting them find reasons to dislike/hate.

Djokovic fans and playing the victim card. Better love story than Twilight.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Djokovic leads Medvedev in first set of US Open Final.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Medvedev has gained the lead in the second set of US Open Final.

 

[Firebat]

Medvedev broken in the 3rd set, that looks like the end. He has not brought his A-game to this final, Novak cruising it in the end.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Djokovic is inching closer to securing victory over Medvedev in the US Open 2023 Final.

 

[Firebat]

24th Grand Slam title for Djokovic!

2nd set was entertaining, the rest was some standard Djokovic dominance. Wish Medvedev would've capitalised in those big moments to make the match a little interesting but alas. A shame Alcaraz didn't make it to the final, no doubt those 2 would have put on another classic final like they've been doing all year.

 

[bones]

24th Grand Slam title for Djokovic!

2nd set was entertaining, the rest was some standard Djokovic dominance. Wish Medvedev would've capitalised in those big moments to make the match a little interesting but alas. A shame Alcaraz didn't make it to the final, no doubt those 2 would have put on another classic final like they've been doing all year.

Djokovic crushed the guy who crushed Alcaraz. No shame in anything. The Goat just keeps doing goat things.

 

[The_KING]

Another boring slam with a predictable result.

Djokovic is the greatest of all time, but also the most boring.

 

[bones]

Another boring slam with a predictable result.

Djokovic is the greatest of all time, but also the most boring.

More serve volleys and net approaches than any other player in the tournament as a %. Hitting his groundies harder than Alcaraz and Medvedev off both wings. Playing and winning countless lung busting rallies. Slicing almost 100 times. Winning 90% of net points.

The only thing boring is the reaction of people like you as Djokovic now starts to put daylight between himself and the other 2 members of the all time trio. Federer fans in particular are pulling out the boring card but find us a single match where pulled out some of the volleys Djokovic was pulling off tonight.

It's absolutely glorious going across forums to see the tears.

 

[Firebat]

Djokovic crushed the guy who crushed Alcaraz. No shame in anything. The Goat just keeps doing goat things.

Again a Djokovic fan with a chip on his shoulder lol. Dude, I’m not a fan of anyone and I don’t care who wins, I’m just a casual watcher who wants to see maximum entertainment and drama. I want to see 5 sets of that 2nd set. Djokovic is the undisputed GOAT and I’m very happy for him, he seems like a great dude.

Based on their previous meetings in Paris, London and Cincinnati, I would have thought that another Alcaraz-Djokovic final would have been fun too, the level and quality they bring out of each other is insane. Anyway congratulations to you on 24 bro

 

[bones]

Based on their previous meetings in Paris, London and Cincinnati, I would have thought that another Alcaraz-Djokovic final would have been fun too, the level and quality they bring out of each other is insane. Anyway congratulations to you on 24 bro

It would probably have been a great match - but it didn't happen. Djokovic has done his part all year, it's down to Alcaraz and the others to catch up.

 

[The_KING]

More serve volleys and net approaches than any other player in the tournament as a %. Hitting his groundies harder than Alcaraz and Medvedev off both wings. Playing and winning countless lung busting rallies. Slicing almost 100 times. Winning 90% of net points.

The only thing boring is the reaction of people like you as Djokovic now starts to put daylight between himself and the other 2 members of the all time trio. Federer fans in particular are pulling out the boring card but find us a single match where pulled out some of the volleys Djokovic was pulling off tonight.

It's absolutely glorious going across forums to see the tears.

Typical glory hunter Djokovic fan with a victim complex.

Is it too much to ask for someone other Djokovic to win? Unlike you guys, I don’t worship the ground djokovic walks on. I want to see new champions at the top and not some guy who has won more than enough already.

 

[bones]

Typical glory hunter Djokovic fan with a victim complex.

Is it too much to ask for someone other Djokovic to win? Unlike you guys, I don’t worship the ground djokovic walks on. I want to see new champions at the top and not some guy who has won more than enough already.

Were you saying the same as Federer kept winning? Were you saying the same when he dominated ironically for a brief period in 2017-2018 when Djokovic was injured and coming back?

You supported Federer - calling someone else a glory hunter is pot, kettle, black much?

 

[The_KING]

Were you saying the same as Federer kept winning? Were you saying the same when he dominated ironically for a brief period in 2017-2018 when Djokovic was injured and coming back?

You supported Federer - calling someone else a glory hunter is pot, kettle, black much?

When did Federer dominate in 2017? He won a couple of slams. That isn’t dominating.

When Federer was injured, he still faced Djokovic multiple times. When Djokovic is injured, he loses early. No wonder the head to head is in Djokovic’s favour.

I have been supporting Federer since 2002, when I started watching tennis. Federer was a nobody in 2002. When did you start supporting Djokovic? 2011, like most Djokovic fans?

 

[bones]

When did Federer dominate in 2017? He won a couple of slams. That isn’t dominating.

When Federer was injured, he still faced Djokovic multiple times. When Djokovic is injured, he loses early. No wonder the head to head is in Djokovic’s favour.

I have been supporting Federer since 2002, when I started watching tennis. Federer was a nobody in 2002. When did you start supporting Djokovic? 2011, like most Djokovic fans?

Ooh such a loyal fan - not a total glory hunter at all.

I supported Djokovic back in 2007 when I was sick of being told Federer is the greatest thing since buttered toast and to choose either him or Nadal. I chose neither and picked someone the crowd disliked. I also liked Del Potro but sadly he was never the same after his wrist injury.

We are being told the same about Alcaraz so I will be supporting Sinner, Rune and other younger players who are not the media darlings.

My first favourite player was Pat Rafter, remember him? I also supported a player called Mario Ancic, remember him?

Djokovic beat Federer everyone and in all conditions. Stop using an injury as an excuse.

As expected though as Federer's records go poof into thin air more and more statements are made to downplay Djokovic's achivements.

 

[The_KING]

Ooh such a loyal fan - not a total glory hunter at all.

I supported Djokovic back in 2007 when I was sick of being told Federer is the greatest thing since buttered toast and to choose either him or Nadal. I chose neither and picked someone the crowd disliked. I also liked Del Potro but sadly he was never the same after his wrist injury.

We are being told the same about Alcaraz so I will be supporting Sinner, Rune and other younger players who are not the media darlings.

My first favourite player was Pat Rafter, remember him? I also supported a player called Mario Ancic, remember him?

Djokovic beat Federer everyone and in all conditions. Stop using an injury as an excuse.

As expected though as Federer's records go poof into thin air more and more statements are made to downplay Djokovic's achivements.

So you didn’t like that people called Federer the greatest in 2007, but now you have a problem with anyone who doesn’t call Djokovic the greatest?

I couldn’t care less which player you will support.

Of course I remember Raftar and Ancic.

Who is downplaying Djokovic’s achievements?

 

[WicketLord]

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been banned for four years following breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.

An independent tribunal determined the 31-year-old Romanian had committed "intentional" anti-doping violations.

Halep tested positive for the use of roxadustat at last year's US Open.

She was also found guilty of using an unspecified prohibited substance or method in 2022 after irregularities were found in her biological passport.

The tribunal accepted Halep's argument she had taken a contaminated supplement, but decided that would not have resulted in the concentration of roxadustat found in her urine sample.

The panel also stated they had no reason to doubt the unanimous "strong opinion" reached by three independent experts that "likely doping" was the explanation for the irregularities in her biological passport.

Halep has been provisionally suspended since October 2022, which means she will be able to play again on 7 October 2026, by which time she will be 35.

The findings of the tribunal, however, can be appealed against and Halep said in a statement she would challenge the verdict.

Halep said: "The last year has been the hardest match of my life, and unfortunately my fight continues. I have devoted my life to the beautiful game of tennis.

"I take the rules that govern our sport very seriously and take pride in the fact I have never knowingly or intentionally used any prohibited substance. I refused to accept their decision of a four-year ban."

Halep, who won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon the following year, is the highest-profile tennis player to fail a drugs test since Maria Sharapova in 2016.

She has won 24 WTA tour singles titles and earned £32.2m ($40.2m) in prize money and was ranked number one in the world in 2017 and 2018.

BBC

 

[Firebat]

Serena tweeting this after the announcement of the 4 year ban for Simona Halep, who beat her in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1701646417624744344

You've got 23 slams Serena, including 7 Wimbledon's. Maybe now that Djokovic has 24 she's become salty about losing to Halep lol.

 

[The_KING]

I still like to believe that Simona Halep didn't willingly take the drugs. She just comes across as someone who is very sweet, so I can't imagine her taking any PEDs.

As for Serena, she is the one to talk with her manly physique. I always disliked that woman.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Davis Cup 2023 results: Great Britain's Jack Draper beats Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis

Great Britain's bid to reach the Davis Cup Finals knockout stage started with a tense victory as debutant Jack Draper beat Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis.

In the first of a best-of-three-match tie, 21-year-old Draper won 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) against Kokkinakis.


BBC

 

[hassan918]

Djokovic defends Alcaraz absence from Davis Cup

Novak Djokovic stepped in to defend Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday for missing this week's Davis Cup matches, saying the 20-year-old Spaniard may be young but he's not Superman.

Alcaraz pulled out of the final group stage after losing to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open semi-finals, saying he needed a rest.

Spain could have done with the world number two when losing their opening Group C tie in Valencia 3-0 to the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

Djokovic, whose Serbia face Spain on Friday, told the Spanish media in Valencia: "Maybe you guys are upset he's not playing for Spain, because he's 20 years old and I'm 36, and how he's tired and I'm not.

"It's important to understand he's got a lot of time ahead of him."

Djokovic, who defeated Medvedev for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows, added: "He already played for Spain last year, you can't forget that.

"He won the US Open last year and after a few days he was here playing for his heart and his passion for his country."

The world number one recalled the upset he triggered when choosing not to compete for Serbia in the annual men's team competition.

"I have skipped the Davis Cup several times, I know the backlash and reaction from my country was not so great and there's a lot of negativity when you skip playing for your country," he said.

"It's difficult to always be perfect and always available. We're part of an individual sport, you represent your country but also yourself and there's a lot of tournaments, and he has played a lot."

Djokovic added: "Even though he's 20 years old, it doesn't mean he's a Superman.

"He needs to rest as well ... It's better for us, the Serbian team that he's not here, honestly, but I'm sure he'll be back and bring a lot of joy to Spain."

Djokovic was rested by Serbia's Davis Cup skipper Viktor Troicki for his country's opening 3-0 win against South Korea on Tuesday.

But despite a long season he said he was ready to help Serbia's quest to qualify for the knockout finals in Malaga next month.

"I don't feel very fresh obviously after an exhausting several months with a lot of matches, but I think this is a positive tiredness for the success that I had in America.

"There's not much time to recover, I have to try and maintain the intensity and try to do everything I can to adapt my body and myself to the new time zone and new conditions and contribute to my country with the points."

thedailystar

 

[bones]

4 years ban for Halep essentially kills her career. Fair enough.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Davis Cup 2023: Australia come from behind to beat France in Great Britain's group

Australia bounced back from Wednesday's Davis Cup defeat by Great Britain to come from behind and beat France 2-1.

France beat Switzerland on Tuesday and went ahead as Adrian Mannarino beat Max Purcell 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in Manchester.

But Alex de Minaur beat Ugo Humbert 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 before Purcell and Matt Ebden won the deciding doubles rubber 7-5 6-3 for last year's runners-up.

That kept alive Australia's hopes of qualifying from Group B for the quarter-finals in Malaga in November.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

A tearful Andy Murray dedicated a Davis Cup win to his grandmother Ellen after revealing he missed her funeral because it was the same day as his match.

Murray gave Great Britain a winning start against Switzerland by edging past Leandro Riedi 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 6-4.

Overcome with emotion, Murray said: "I'm sorry to my family I'm not able to be there. Gran, this one is for you.

"I spoke to my dad about it and he said 'she'd want you to play'. He said 'make sure you win' - so I did."


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Andy Murray is a person with a beautiful heart who values his relationships and treats them with respect.

It's very unfortunate that he couldn't be present at her funeral but what a tribute he gave to his gnadmother.

 

[Firebat]

A Twitter row between Wawrinka and Pique about the Davis Cup was not on my bingo card

https://x.com/i/web/status/1701655717663408382

 

[The_KING]

What made Davis Cup great was the home and away ties. In the current format, Davis Cup is meaningless and should simply cease to exist.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Great Britain must beat France in Manchester on Sunday to reach the Final Eight of the Davis Cup.

Leon Smith's British side would have advanced on Saturday without playing if Switzerland had beaten Australia.

However, Australia won 3-0 as Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alex de Minaur gained singles victories over Dominic Stricker and Marc-Andrea Huesler respectively.

Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell then beat Stricker and Huesler 6-2 6-4 in doubles to secure Australia's qualification.


BBC

 

[Rafay586]

Pakistan also outclass Indonesia in Davis Cup Tie played at Aisam Ul Haq Qureshi Court, SBP Islamabad. Old rookie Aqeel Khan and Super Star Aisam ul Haq Qureshi did it for us

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Davis Cup 2023 results: Great Britain beat France after dramatic doubles decider in Manchester.

Great Britain reached the Davis Cup Finals last eight in remarkable fashion as Dan Evans and Neal Skupski saved four match points before winning a nerve-wracking decider against France.

In front of a partisan home crowd in Manchester, Evans and Neal Skupski beat Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (8-6).

Evans won from a set and a break down in the singles but Cameron Norrie lost.

Evans and Skupski, roared on by the home fans, recovered to seal victory.


BBC

 

[hassan918]

These are the final 8 teams in Davis Cup.

Australia
Canada
Czechia
Finland
Great Britain
Italy
Netherlands
Serbia

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Davis Cup Finals 2023: Great Britain will take on Novak Djokovic’s Serbia in quarter-finals

Djokovic, who won with Serbia in 2010, says the competition is his top priority for the rest of the season.

But the ties will be the best-of-three matches, and Serbia do not have any other singles players in the top 30.

"We've topped this group so we expect to get a kinder draw in the quarter-finals but it's not panned out that way," Great Britain captain Leon Smith told BBC Sport.

"But you know what, we deserve to be there - and we've got a chance against anyone. It doesn't matter if Novak plays for Serbia, or anything else. You've got to win two [singles] rubbers and a doubles and that's what we've proved to be good at."

The winners will play either Italy or the Netherlands in the semi-finals, with Italy able to call on world number seven Jannik Sinner and top-20 player Lorenzo Musetti.

Hosts Spain will be absent from the Final Eight after failing to make it out of Group C, while 32-time champions the United States also miss out after losing to Finland in their final Group D tie.

In the top half of the draw, Canada will continue their title defence against the Finns, who are making their debut in the quarter-finals, while last year's runners-up Australia will play the Czech Republic.


BBC

 

[hassan918]

Bublik has his say on the GOAT debate.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Britain's Emma Raducanu says she will make her return to tennis next season after struggling with injuries.

The former world number 10 has missed three of the four Grand Slams this season after undergoing surgery on her ankle and both wrists in May.

On Monday Raducanu dropped outside of the world's top 200 and she will not return to tennis before the season-ending WTA Finals in November.

"Next season I'll be back," the 20-year-old told BBC London.

"This season all the slams were finished so it was difficult to watch them go by but I was trying to stay in my lane as much as possible and keep focused on my recovery."

 

[The_KING]

Bublik has his say on the GOAT debate.

View attachment 136591

Literally the worst take I have heard. Bublik must be joking.

 

[Firebat]

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Britain's Andy Murray defeated Chinese wildcard Ye Cong Mo to win his opening match of the Zhuhai Championships.

The former world number one battled "very humid" conditions to beat Mo 7-5 6-3 and reach the last 16.

"It was a very, very fast court," he said.

"My opponent played a solid level at the beginning of the match and pushed me while I was trying to adjust to the conditions.

"Once I managed to get ahead at the beginning of the second set, I felt a bit more comfortable but it wasn't easy and a lot of the players have said the same thing."

The opening set was competitive and on serve until Murray broke the Chinese wildcard in the final game to edge the set 7-5.

Murray then fought off four break points in his first two service games in the second set, before breaking for a 3-1 lead and maintaining the advantage.

He served his 10th ace in the match to win on his first and only match point.

It was the 36-year-old's first match since helping Great Britain reach the quarter-finals of the Davies Cup.

He will now face Aslan Karatsev, who beat Murray in their only career meting at the 2022 Sydney Classic final.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Andy Murray lost to Aslan Karatsev in the last 16 of the Zhuhai Championships in China.

The Russian, who reached the 2021 Australian Open semi-finals as a qualifier, came through 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Murray led 5-2 in the opening set and held off a Karasev fightback to take it but the world number 63 was the stronger after that.

The veteran Scot lost his serve twice in the second and third sets as Karatsev wrapped up the victory.

It made it two wins out of two for Karatsev, who had also beaten Murray in their only previous career meeting in the 2022 Sydney Classic final.

 

[The_KING]

Murray is tarnishing his legacy.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Murray is tarnishing his legacy.

he is aging now! his athleticism is gradually decreasing but it's worth acknowledging what an incredible career he has had as he has truly created his own legacy.

 

[Firebat]

Murray is tarnishing his legacy.

It's very hard for these guys who spend 30+ years chasing this one goal with tunnel vision 24/7 to let go. But enough of these losses, especially for someone who spent 41 weeks at #1, and he will call it a day.

 

[The_KING]

It's very hard for these guys who spend 30+ years chasing this one goal with tunnel vision 24/7 to let go. But enough of these losses, especially for someone who spent 41 weeks at #1, and he will call it a day.

he is aging now! his athleticism is gradually decreasing but it's worth acknowledging what an incredible career he has had as he has truly created his own legacy.

Murray is a legend of the game and it is a shame that he suffered a hip injury (worst kind of injury for tennis players) after he had his best career season.

I get playing for the love of the game, but surely he can't be enjoying losing against players that he would beat comfortably 7-8 years ago. It is sad to see. Wimbledon 2024 should be the end for him.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Zhuhai Championships: Britain's Cameron Norrie loses in quarter-finals to Aslan Karatsev.

World number 17 Norrie, 28, who was the second seed in China, lost 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5) to the world number 63.

Karatsev, 30, who knocked out Andy Murray in the last 16, edged another hard-fought contest on Sunday.

He will face either Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff or Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in the semi-finals.

After losing the first set, Norrie backed up a break of serve to go 3-1 up in the second and then served for the set at 5-4.

But Karatsev broke back before again edging out Norrie in a tie-break.

Russian top seed Karen Khachanov takes on American Sebastian Korda in the second semi-final.

 

[Firebat]

Laver Cup: Defending champions Team World lead 10-2 heading into final day

Defending champions Team World will carry a 10-2 lead over Team Europe into the third and final day of this year's Laver Cup in Vancouver.

American pair Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe both won in straight sets on Saturday, beating Andrey Rublev and Hubert Hurkacz, respectively.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton added a doubles win for Team World.

"Felix said the job's not done - but we're pretty close," said their captain John McEnroe.

Matches on day three are worth three points so Team World need just one win from Sunday's four contests to win the event for a second time.

Norway's Casper Ruud beat Tommy Paul on Saturday to claim the only points so far for Europe, who won the first four editions of the tournament, which began in 2017.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/66904882

 

[hassan918]

Laver Cup: Team World thrash Team Europe to retain trophy​

Team World thrashed Team Europe 13-2 to win the Laver Cup for a second successive year in Vancouver.

Americans Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe beat Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and Russia's Andrey Rublev 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) in the doubles to triumph.

Team World dominated the tournament and only needed to win the doubles match to secure the trophy.

Norwegian Casper Ruud's win over American Tommy Paul on Saturday sealed Europe's only points.

With the winner being the first team to reach 13 points, Team World were on track after day one having won all four matches before Americans Taylor Fritz and Tiafoe both won in straight sets on Saturday and Felix Auger-Aliassime, of Canada, and Shelton added a doubles win to carry a 10-2 lead into the final day.

"We stepped up and I thought all the guys played great," said Team World captain John McEnroe.

"This was a special year for us. I know they're going to come back strong but I'll take two in a row any day. And I'm starting to think is it possible for three in a row!"

Shelton, 20, knocked compatriot Tiafoe out of the US Open earlier this month, reaching the semi-final and rising to 19th in the world rankings, but the pair worked well as a partnership, coming from behind in both tie-breaks in a dramatic win.

"It was very special being part of that last year - it was so emotional for being my first time. Now with Ben it's a lot of fun," Tiafoe said.


Shelton said: "It's been crazy for me. I enjoyed being in a team environment, they did a great job cheering me on all week and I hope I did a good job cheering them on as well."

Team Europe won the first four editions of the competition but that run came to an end in London last year when Team World emerged victorious at the tournament that marked the end of Roger Federer's career.

Team World thrash Europe to retain Laver Cup title

Team World beat Team Europe 13-2 to win the Laver Cup for a second successive year in Vancouver.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Zhuhai Championships: Jamie Murray and Michael Venus win men's doubles.

Britain's Jamie Murray and New Zealander Michael Venus won their fourth men's doubles title of the season at the Zhuhai Championships.

The second seeds beat United States pair Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow 6-4 6-4 in China.

It was their fourth title in 2023, following victories in Dallas, in the Bosnian city of Banja Luka at the Srpska Open, and in Geneva.

Victory in China means the pair move to ninth in the ATP doubles team rankings.

 

[hassan918]

Novak with Carlos Sainz Jr at the Ryder Cup

 

[Cricket Warrior]

China Open: Andy Murray exits in first round with defeat by Alex de Minaur

Britain's Andy Murray missed three match points as he suffered a first-round defeat by Alex de Minaur at the China Open.

The former world number one lost 6-3 5-7 7-6 (8-6) in a tightly contested match in Beijing.

Murray led 5-2 in the third set and had two match points on De Minaur's serve, before the Australian broke back as Murray served for the match.

The Scot missed another match point in the tie-break as De Minaur prevailed.

It is the 36-year-old's fifth successive loss to De Minaur, who is number 12 in the world rankings.

Murray committed just 13 unforced errors compared with the 16 of De Minaur, who will play either Tommy Paul or second seed Daniil Medvedev in the second round.

The 24-year-old becomes the fourth player to beat Murray in five consecutive matches, as well as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Thursday's defeat is the third time this year Murray has been knocked out of a tournament in the opening round by De Minaur.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

China Open: Britain's Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans knocked out

British pair Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans have been defeated in the first round of the China Open men's singles.

Britain's number one Norrie, 28, was beaten 4-6 6-1 6-4 by Russia's fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

That came after 33-year-old Evans lost 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 to Italian sixth seed Jannik Sinner in Beijing.

Their defeats end British interest in the men's draw after Andy Murray was knocked out of the first round by Australian Alex de Minaur on Thursday.

Having lost the first set, Evans went on to level the match with a tiebreak but Sinner broke at 4-3 and was able to serve out the set for victory.

Norrie started well and took the first set but was no match in the second set for the Russian, who went on to complete the win.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Carlos Alcaraz progressed to the semi-finals of the China Open with a straight-sets win over Casper Ruud.

The number two seed had a tough opening to the match, falling 3-0 behind, but came back to win 6-4 6-2.

Seventh seed Ruud put the Spaniard, 20, on the back foot at the start but Alcaraz played superbly from then on.

He will face Italian Jannik Sinner, 22, in the last four after the sixth seed overcame Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 3-6 6-2.

In the other semi-final, world number three Daniil Medvedev will take on eighth seed Alexander Zverev.

If Alcaraz and Medvedev were to meet in the final, it would be a repeat of the US Open semi-final that saw the 27-year-old end the Spaniard's run at Flushing Meadows.

 

[Firebat]

World number three Coco Gauff beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-5 6-3 in her debut at the China Open.

American Gauff, 19, had not played since winning her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September.
She extended her unbeaten run to 13, having won 19 of 20 matches since a first-round exit at Wimbledon and faces world number 48 Petra Martic next.

Elsewhere, Petra Kvitova criticised the scheduling after her 6-4 7-5 second-round loss to Liudmila Samsonova.

The Czech two-time Wimbledon champion had a late finish to her first-round match on Sunday against China's Wang Xiyu and was back in action on Monday.

She said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Far from ideal to finish my match at the @ChinaOpen at 1am and then be back on the schedule at NB 5:30pm the next day when some first round matches had yet to be played.

"I have always played the sport with huge respect and rarely speak out, but this time I feel strongly enough to say that there *has* to have been a fairer option. Please do better for your players @WTA."

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out of the China Open in straight sets by Jannik Sinner who will face Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Sinner won 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 against Spain's two-time major winner on Tuesday, and now leads their head-to-head 4-3.

The 22-year-old Italian said his performance was at the "very top" of those he had produced in big matches.

Medvedev beat Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Russia's world number three, 27, has won all six of his previous matches against Sinner.

The Italian, who will rise to a career-high of fourth in the world after the tournament, says he plans to "change a couple of things" tactically for Wednesday's final in Beijing.

 

[hassan918]

Jannik Sinner claims the victory in a nail-biting match against the No. 2 seed, Daniil Medvedev, to win the China Open. The score was 7-6 7-6.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Britain's Andy Murray suffered another early exit in the Chinese hard-court swing after losing to Roman Safiullin in the Shanghai Masters first round.

Former world number one Murray was beaten 6-3 6-2 in a dominant display from Chengdu finalist Safiullin.

The Russian secured early breaks in each set, with 36-year-old Murray becoming increasingly frustrated.

It is Murray's second consecutive first-round defeat after losing at the China Open last week.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz overcame the weather to advance into the third round at the Shanghai Masters.

The Spaniard's match against Gregoire Barrere of France was played under the roof after rain caused play to be suspended in China.

But he cruised through 6-2 7-5 against the world number 73.

Britain's Cameron Norrie was one of the players affected when play was called off for the day because of persistent heavy rain.

Norrie was 3-2 up in the deciding set against American JJ Wolf having lost the first set 6-3 before taking the second 7-5.

Fellow Briton Dan Evans was unable to get on to court for his scheduled match against Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan.

Elsewhere, second seed Daniil Medvedev and fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas also advanced to the last 32.

Russian Medvedev was a 6-3 6-3 winner over Chile's Cristian Garin while Greece's Tsitsipas defeated Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-2.

And Italian sixth seed Jannik Sinner joined them in the next round after a 7-6 (9-7) 6-2 victory over American Marcos Giron.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

China Open: Iga Swiatek overcomes Liudmila Samsonova for fifth title of the year

World number two Iga Swiatek claimed her fifth title of the year with victory over Liudmila Samsonova in the China Open final.

The Pole added to her titles in Doha, Stuttgart, Roland Garros and Warsaw with a 6-2 6-2 victory in Beijing.

Swiatek, 22, did not face a break point in either set as Russia's world number 22 Samsonova struggled to cope.

She quickly wrapped up victory in just 69 minutes for her 16th career title.

Swiatek, who ended US Open champion Coco Gauff's 16-match winning streak in the semi-finals, was handed the first break of the match in the sixth game when Samsonova produced a double fault.

She then went on to wrap up the opening set without committing a single unforced error.

Swiatek's superb serve helped her go 4-1 up in the second set before sealing the success as Samsonova made another error at the net.

Despite the defeat, Samsonova's week, during which she beat fifth seed Elena Rybakina, 12th seed Petra Kvitova and 13th seed Jelena Ostapenko, means she will return to the world's top 20.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Britain's Dan Evans suffered a defeat by world number two Carlos Alcaraz in a closely fought third-round tie at the Shanghai Masters.

Evans was up a break in each set but lost 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 to the Spaniard in nearly two and a half hours.

He saved six break points - from 13 in the first set - during a fifth game that lasted nearly 20 minutes before losing the opener on a tie-break.

Evans was then broken when serving to stay in the match in the second set.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Rafael Nadal will play at the Australian Open in January

Sky Sports

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz has been defeated in the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters by Grigor Dimitrov.

World number two Alcaraz, 20, won three games in a row to take the first set, but Dimitrov fought back to win 5-7 6-2 6-4.

Bulgarian Dimitrov, who is seeded 18th, will face Chilean 22nd seed Nicolas Jarry in the quarter-finals on Friday.

The 32-year-old is looking to secure his first ATP title since winning the season-ending championship in 2017.

 

[Firebat]

Rafael Nadal to make Grand Slam return at Australian Open, CEO Craig Tiley says

Rafael Nadal will make his return to Grand Slam tennis following hip surgery at the 2024 Australian Open, says tournament chief Craig Tiley.

Spain's 22-time Grand Slam champion has been out of action since January and underwent surgery in June.

Nadal, 37, has said he plans to retire at the end of the 2024 season.

According to Tiley, former women's champions Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki also plan to return after maternity breaks.

Nadal has been sidelined since injuring his hip flexor in a second-round defeat by Mackenzie McDonald at January's Australian Open.

In announcing he would miss the French Open for the first time in 19 years - the tournament where he has won 14 of his majors - Nadal said next year will "probably" be the last year of his career.

"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back," Tiley said.

"He's been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about, the champion of 2022. That's awesome."

While Nadal is back on court, those close to him say that it is too early to confirm whether he will be in Melbourne in January.

His representative Benito Perez-Barbadillo confirmed Nadal is back practising but added "there is no date confirmed, scheduled or programmed yet for his comeback".

Two-time Australian Open champion Nadal claimed his most recent Slam at Roland Garros in 2022. Novak Djokovic has since taken his leading men's tally to 24.

On the expected return of Osaka, Kerber and Wozniacki, Tiley added: "We'll welcome them - and their families - back to Melbourne with open arms and can't wait to see what their next chapter brings."

However, speaking in 2017, Tiley had said there was "no question" Serena Williams would be ready to feature at the 2018 tournament, despite having only had a baby that September, and she did not play.

The Australian Open will become a 15-day event for the first time in 2024 in an attempt to reduce the number of late-night finishes at Melbourne Park.

At the 2023 tournament, Novak Djokovic won a record-extending 10th title and Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam singles title.

Nadal to return at Australian Open, say organisers

Rafael Nadal will make his return to Grand Slam tennis following hip surgery at the 2024 Australian Open, according to tournament CEO Craig Tiley.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Shanghai Masters: Grigor Dimitrov beats Nicolas Jarry to reach semi-finals

Grigor Dimitrov is two wins away from a first ATP title in six years after reaching the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

He beat Chile's Nicolas Jarry 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 in an hour and 39 minutes.

Bulgarian Dimitrov, who is the 18th seed, had caused a major shock in the fourth round by eliminating Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.

He will play Andrey Rublev for a place in Sunday's final after the Russian beat France's Ugo Humbert 6-2 6-3.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Shanghai Masters: Andrey Rublev beats Grigor Dimitrov to reach final

Andrey Rublev beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to reach the final of the Shanghai Masters, where he will face Hubert Hurkacz.

World number seven Rublev saved a set point before taking the 76-minute first set and came back from a break down in the second to win 7-6 (9-7) 6-3.

The 25-year-old Russian has won all 10 sets he has played in the event.

He will meet Hurkacz in Sunday's final after the Polish world number 17 beat American Sebastian Korda 6-3 6-4.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Shanghai Masters: Hubert Hurkacz beats Andrey Rublev to win title

Hubert Hurkacz saved a match point on his way to victory over Andrey Rublev in the Shanghai Masters final.

Hurkacz was 6-5 down in the deciding tie-break but hung on to edge past the Russian fifth seed 6-3 3-6 7-6 (8-6).

Both men were seeking a second Masters 1,000 title, with world number 17 Hurkacz winning out in a heavy-hitting contest.

The Pole, 26, sent down 21 aces on his way to a first title at this level since winning in Miami in 2021.

Rublev, 25, had not dropped a set on his run to the final but was unable to stop Hurkacz completing a seventh win in eight finals on the ATP Tour.

 

[hassan918]

Roger Federer at the Shangai Masters final

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Japan Open: Britain's Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper lose in first round

Norrie, British number one and world number 18, was beaten 6-4 6-3 by American top seed and defending champion Taylor Fritz in Tokyo.

Despite leading by a set and a break, Draper lost 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-1) to Australia's Alex de Minaur.

Elsewhere, British number two Dan Evans suffered a first-round defeat by Filip Misolic at the Stockholm Open.

Evans, 34th in the world, lost 6-4 7-6 (7-1) to the Austrian, ranked 181st.

Having lost the opening set, the 33-year-old looked set to force a decider when he raced to a 5-2 lead in the second set but squandered his advantage before registering just one point in the tie break.

Norrie was 4-2 up in the first set against Fritz, but lost seven successive games en route to an 11th defeat in 14 matches.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Roger Federer at the Shangai Masters final

View attachment 137760

He is more looking like a Rogermania

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Boris Becker: Three-time Wimbledon champion to coach world number six Holger Rune

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker says he is the new coach of Denmark's world number six Holger Rune.

Becker was released early from a UK prison last December having been found guilty of hiding £2.5 million worth of assets and loans to avoid paying debts.

The 55-year-old German coached Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, in which time the Serb won six Grand Slams.

His new charge Rune, 20, has been tipped as a future Slam champion, but has won only one match since Wimbledon.

Becker revealed his new role as Rune's coach on a German Eurosport podcast.

"It makes me a little proud that he asked me," Becker said. "The contact has existed for a long time. Now it was a very good fit.

"My calendar allows it and I have always been interested in Holger because he is on the tennis court with so much commitment and temperament."

Six-time Grand Slam winner Becker was jailed for two and a half years in April 2022 after being found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act.

Upon his early release, he was deported to Germany and, under the terms of his licence, will not be able to return to the UK before October 2024 - which would prevent him coaching at next year's Wimbledon.

Other than his three-season spell working with Djokovic, Becker has spent the majority of his post-playing career as a pundit and commentator for media organisations including the BBC.

Becker to return to tennis with Rune coaching role

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker says he is the new coach of Denmark's world number six Holger Rune.

www.bbc.com

 

[Danyal A]

Emma Raducanu

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Japan Open: Ben Shelton claims maiden ATP Tour title with victory in Japan

American Ben Shelton won his first ATP Tour title by defeating Aslan Karatsev in the Japan Open final.

Shelton struck 18 winners on the way to beating the Russian 7-5 6-1 in 84 minutes in Tokyo.

The 21-year-old's victory will move him up to a career-high of 15th in the men's rankings on Monday.

"That meant a lot to me and my team. We have been working really hard since the beginning to build my game and win titles on the ATP Tour," said Shelton.

"I made some deep runs lately. You see the great champions, they finish weeks off. They win titles, they don't just get to finals. They are able to maintain their level throughout the week.

"I am not saying I am anywhere there yet, but to be able to do it for one week, put together five matches in a row in Tokyo is really special."


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Great Britain have named an unchanged team for November's Davis Cup quarter-final against Serbia in Malaga.

Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Andy Murray and Jack Draper bested Australia, Switzerland and France in Manchester last month to qualify.

Doubles specialist Neal Skupski also reappears alongside the quartet, who are all ranked inside the world's top 100 singles players.

Novak Djokovic is set to feature for Serbia in the tie on 23 November.

"We will go to Malaga with confidence and belief that we can be successful," said captain Leon Smith, whose side are ranked two places higher than their last-eight opponents.

"The quarter-final versus Serbia will of course be a big challenge with a team led by world number one Novak Djokovic but we have to believe we can win."

Evans and world doubles number four Skupski remain captain Leon Smith's preferred doubles partnership.

The winners of the tie will advance to the semi-final on Saturday, 25 November.

Murray and Norrie in unchanged GB Davis Cup team

Great Britain name an unchanged line-up for November's Davis Cup quarter-final against Serbia in Malaga.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Dan Evans limped off court after retiring from his Erste Bank Open match against Frances Tiafoe with a serious-looking calf injury - four weeks before the Davis Cup Finals.

The British number two was leading 4-1 in the first round when he pulled up sharply at the baseline.

Evans, 33, looked forlorn as he received treatment and it soon became clear he would be unable to continue.

On Monday, Evans was named in Britain's team for next month's Davis Cup Finals.


BBC

 

[Firebat]

Simona Halep appeals to Cas over doping ban & Jenson Brooskby receives suspension

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against her four-year doping ban.

An independent tribunal determined the Romanian, 32, had committed "intentional" anti-doping violations.

Halep said at the time she would "do everything in my power to clear my name of these false allegations".

The former world number one has been suspended since 7 October 2022 after testing positive for Roxadustat.

"In her appeal to the CAS, the athlete requests that the challenged decision be set aside and that her sanction be reduced," a statement from the Swiss court read.

If her ban is upheld she will be able to play again on 7 October 2026, by which time she will be 35.

Cas, sport's highest court, said the matter will be decided by a panel of arbitrators after a hearing and it was not yet possible to indicate a time frame for the decision.

Former world number one Halep tested positive for the use of Roxadustat at last year's US Open, and was also found guilty of using an unspecified prohibited substance or method in 2022 after irregularities were found in her biological passport.

The tribunal accepted Halep's argument she had taken a contaminated supplement, but decided that would not have resulted in the concentration of Roxadustat found in her urine sample.

Roxadustat is an anti-anaemia drug which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body.

"I take the rules that govern our sport very seriously and take pride in the fact I have never knowingly or intentionally used any prohibited substance," Halep said in September.

"I refused to accept their decision of a four-year ban."

Halep, who won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon the following year, is the highest-profile tennis player to fail a drugs test since Maria Sharapova in 2016.

She has won 24 WTA tour singles titles and earned £32.2m in prize money and was ranked number one in the world in 2017 and 2018.

Meanwhile, highly-rated American player Jenson Brooksby has been given an 18-month suspension after missing three doping tests in a 12-month period.

Brooksby, 22, reached a career-high ranking of 33rd in the world last year and received praise from Britain's three-time major champion Andy Murray for his playing style.

Having not played since the Australian Open in January because of a wrist injury, Brooksby accepted a voluntary provisional suspension in July when he was told about the sanction and will be banned until January 2025 as a result.

Simona Halep appeals to Cas over doping ban & Jenson Brooskby receives suspension

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against her four-year doping ban.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[hassan918]

Andrey Rublev has qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the fourth consecutive year. He secured his place at the season finale after beating Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday to advance to the Vienna quarterfinals.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Davis Cup 2023: Britain's Dan Evans to miss Finals with calf injury

Dan Evans has withdrawn from Great Britain's team for the Davis Cup Finals with a calf injury.

The 33-year-old had been named alongside Cameron Norrie, Andy Murray, Jack Draper and Neal Skupski to face Serbia in Malaga in November.

However, the British number two limped off court at the Erste Bank Open on Tuesday after sustaining the injury.

"I will be working hard with my support team to get back to full fitness as soon as possible," Evans said.

Britain take on Serbia in the last eight on 23 November, with the semi-finals and final taking place later that week in Malaga.

"Unfortunately, as a result of the injury sustained in Vienna, I will not be fit to compete at the Davis Cup finals in a couple of weeks," Evans wrote on social media.

"I am extremely disappointed but wish the rest of the GB team all the very best in Malaga."

Evans in helping his nation qualify for the knockout stages earlier this year.

On Saturday, British number one Cameron Norrie pulled out of next week's Paris Masters with a knee injury, but is expected to be fit enough for the Davis Cup.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Paris Masters: Andy Murray smashes racquet after opening round Alex de Minaur loss

Andy Murray smashed his racquet after suffering an agonising opening-round defeat by Australian Alex de Minaur at the Paris Masters.

The 36-year-old fell 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-5 to the world number 13, who he has never managed to beat in six meetings.

Murray twice served for the match and missed match point in another gruelling contest lasting just over three hours.

It means the Scotsman has still not won a match at the Paris Masters since winning the tournament in 2016.

Murray, who has lost five of his last six matches, failed to convert three match points against De Minaur in Beijing last month and this latest loss in Paris is his fourth against the 24-year-old this year.

His opponent saved set points before pinching a close opening set with a narrow tie-break victory.

Murray recovered with a more assured performance in the second, breaking in the ninth game to level and force a decider.

Murray's record against De Minaur this year also includes defeats at Monte Carlo and Queen's, but it looked like the former world number one might break that losing streak after finding himself a double break up in the deciding set.

He had match point at 5-4 but missed it with a long return and smashed his racquet on the floor in anger after handing De Minaur a break-point opportunity, which he took to level at 5-5.

Murray became increasingly exasperated as he knocked the drinks bottles and towel off his bench before failing to hold either of his next two service games and squandering opportunities to force a final set tie-break.

He again smashed his racquet on the floor as he sent a return into the net and De Minaur closed out the win.


BBC

 

[Firebat]

Paris Masters: Carlos Alcaraz loses to Roman Safiullin, Novak Djokovic returns in doubles

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz saw his hopes of finishing the year as the world number one damaged by a shock opening loss to Roman Safiullin in the Paris Masters.

World number two Alcaraz, who received a bye in the first round, lost 6-3 6-4 to 45th-ranked Safiullin.

The Russian qualifier played superbly throughout and Alcaraz had few answers in a below-par performance.

It leaves Alcaraz with a tough task to overhaul Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings before the season ends.

Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon in July for the second Grand Slam title of his career, pulled out of Basel last week with injury.

Playing for the first time since losing in the Shanghai last 16 on 11 October, the 20-year-old moved a break up in each set.

But Safiullin recovered impressively - returning well to put Alcaraz's second serve under pressure and also sharp when he came forward from the baseline - to earn the biggest win of his career by ranking.

"Against Carlos, you have to lift up the level and I managed to do this," said 26-year-old Safiullin, who goes on to play fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in the last 16.

"From Carlos, it was not the best performance but I'm happy to win - even if he is not in the best shape, it is still tough to win. I'm glad I did it.

"Everything - tactical, physical, the mental part - is very important against him. To stay focused from beginning to the end is key."

Paris Masters: Carlos Alcaraz loses to Roman Safiullin, Novak Djokovic returns in doubles

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz sees his hopes of finishing the year as the world number one damaged by a shock opening loss to Roman Safiullin in the Paris Masters.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Alexander Zverev: Tennis player issued with penalty order and fined over physical abuse allegation - reports

Former tennis world number two Alexander Zverev has been issued with a penalty order and fined by a German court after being accused of physically abusing his ex-girlfriend, reports say.

The 26-year-old was fined 450,000 euros (£390,000) in October, press agency AFP said.

Zverev denies the charges and has lodged an objection against the order, meaning he remains legally innocent and is not convicted until a final ruling.

The case could go to a public trial.

AFP and other media reports said Olympic champion Zverev, who is playing in the Paris Masters this week, is accused of physically abusing his former girlfriend during an argument in Berlin in May 2020.

A penalty order in Germany is issued when a judge, after examining the written evidence, believes a ruling can be made without going to trial. The defendant has the right to contest the penalty order, which will likely lead to a public trial.

In a statement on Tuesday, Zverev's lawyers said the evidence had been dismissed as "incomprehensible and contradictory" by a forensic medical report from a Berlin doctor.

Legal firm Schertz Bergmann also claim the process leading to the penalty order had included "serious procedural violations".

Zverev will defend the case with "all the means at his disposal", Schertz Bergmann added.

Prosecutors applied for the penalty order in July, and later that month Zverev spoke publicly about the accusation for the first time at a tournament in Hamburg.

"From my side I completely reject the allegations. My lawyers are taking care of the matter. I won't say anything more about it," he said.

Earlier this year an investigation by the ATP Tour - the governing body of men's tennis - concluded there was "insufficient evidence" to bring disciplinary action against the German following other allegations of domestic abuse made by a different ex-partner.

The ATP investigation found there was "insufficient evidence" to substantiate the claims made by Zverev's former girlfriend Olya Sharypova.

In 2020, Sharypova accused Zverev of violence and emotional abuse during their relationship, which he denies.

The ATP decision could be "re-evaluated should new evidence come to light".

Zverev 'fined over allegations he abused ex-girlfriend'

Former tennis world number two Alexander Zverev is reportedly issued with a penalty order and fined by a German court after being accused of physically abusing his former girlfriend.

www.bbc.com