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The Tennis Thread

At age 21, Carlos Alcaraz keeps expanding his growing list of career achievements.

Already a four-time major champion who has ascended to World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, the Spaniard reached another milestone Sunday that places his name among several all-time greats.

Alcaraz earned his 200th tour-level win in the China Open second round when he defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-1, 6-2. Alcaraz has just 52 career losses, giving him a 79 per cent tour-level winning percentage.
 
Draper out of Shanghai Masters with injury

Britain's Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters after injuring himself at the Japan Open on Sunday.

Draper had treatment on an abdominal issue during his quarter-final against France's Ugo Humbert and ultimately retired from the match.

The 22-year-old was competing in his first ATP tournament since reaching the US Open semi-finals earlier in September.

World number 20 Draper also featured in two of Great Britain's three Davis Cup ties in Manchester, losing both his singles matches.

He is next scheduled to play at the Vienna Open, which begins on 21 October.

Draper previously spoke out about the tennis calendar, describing the current schedule as "mental".

The Masters event in Shanghai - the highest-ranked regular tournament below the Grand Slams - begins on 2 October.

Elsewhere, Carlos Alcaraz set up a semi-final with Daniil Medvedev at the China Open in Beijing.

Spanish four-time major winner Alcaraz beat Russia's Karen Khachanov 7-5 6-2 at the ATP 500 event, while former US Open champion Medvedev beat Italy's Flavio Cobolli 6-2 6-4.


BBC
 
Carlos Alcaraz will play Jannik Sinner in the China Open final after cruising past Daniil Medvedev in straight sets

The Spanish world number three needed 88 minutes to seal a 7-5 6-3 win against his opponent who needed two medical timeouts for treatment on his left leg.

It is the 21-year-old's eighth successive victory since his shock second-round defeat by Botic van de Zandschulp at the US Open.

World number one and defending champion Sinner reached the final with a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) win over Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete.

The Italian, 23, is competing in Beijing after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) said on Saturday that it was appealing against the decision to clear him of blame after he twice tested positive for a banned substance.

Wada said last month's ruling by an independent tribunal to find Sinner had no fault or negligence was "not correct under the applicable rules".

It has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) and said the player should be banned for "between one and two years".

Sinner's defence said he was inadvertently contaminated by the banned substance by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi and when Wada's decision was announced, he said he was "surprised" by the decision to appeal.

Source: BBC
 
Gauff through after Osaka withdraws at China Open

Fourth seed Coco Gauff is through to the quarter-finals of the China Open after Japan's Naomi Osaka was forced to retire injured in their last-16 match.

The match was level at one set all when Osaka, who appeared to be struggling throughout, had to withdraw because of a lower back injury.

"It was a good match up to this point," Gauff said. "I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka had to call for the physio during the first set but battled through, breaking Gauff for a third time before serving out to take it 6-3.

But American Gauff, who won her first major at last year's US Open, hit back and broke at the first opportunity in the second.

Osaka responded immediately and even earned a break advantage, only for Gauff to come storming back and break twice in winning three straight games to secure a fiercely contested set 6-4.

There was to be no deciding set as Osaka had to retire but there was a moment of great sportsmanship at the end as Gauff carried her ailing opponent's bag off court for her.

Gauff will face Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtsewa in the last eight.


BBC
 
Sabalenka beats Keys to reach Beijing quarters

Aryna Sabalenka extended her winning streak to 15 matches to reach the China Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory against Madison Keys.

World number two Sabalenka, 26, needed just 65 minutes to come through the tie 6-4 6-3.

The top seed will face either Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic or Spain's Cristina Bucsa in the last eight in Beijing.

Sabalenka's last defeat came on 10 August in the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open.

The three-time Grand Slam champion has won 46 of her 57 singles matches in 2024.

Sabalenka claimed the Cincinnati Open and the US Open during her current unbeaten run.

The Belarusian can put pressure on world number one Iga Swiatek, who has skipped the China Open due to personal matters, if she goes all the way in Beijing.

BBC
 

Alcaraz beats Sinner to win China Open title​


Carlos Alcaraz roared back from a set down to beat world No 1 Jannik Sinner in a thriller and win his first China Open title on Wednesday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion from Spain edged a captivating final 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) for his fourth ATP crown of the year and 16th overall.

Alcaraz, who is set to return to No 2 in the world behind Sinner, was 3-0 down in the final-set tie break only to fight back and win in three hours, 21 minutes.

The dramatic triumph ended Sinner's run of 14 victories in a row and saw him deposed as the Beijing champion after an almighty fight.

In front of a packed house in Beijing, the early exchanges were nervy with both players under immediate pressure on their service games.

Sinner, 23, was the first to blink, with second-seeded Alcaraz breaking for a 3-1 lead and celebrating with a pump of the fist.

The Spaniard held easily for 4-1 and had his opponent uncharacteristically rattled.

Italy's Sinner has admitted to sleepless nights over a doping case that was reignited at the weekend when Wada said it had appealed the decision to clear him.

The 21-year-old Alcaraz served for the set but US Open champion Sinner grabbed the break back when he needed it most.

Sinner then saved set point on his own serve to force the tie break, and saved another in the tie break before taking the set at his first opportunity when Alcaraz fired long.

It was the first set Alcaraz had dropped all week.

The second set was just as tight.

TIE BREAK TENSION

Both players saw chances come and go but they went with serve until Alcaraz broke for 5-4, before holding with ease to send the final into a third set.

The decider again went to a tie break, where Alcaraz finally prevailed on his first match point.

Sinner has been playing in Beijing under fresh scrutiny.

He twice tested positive for a steroid in March but tennis authorities cleared him of wrongdoing and allowed him to keep playing.

In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner's explanation that the drug entered his system unintentionally when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy to the player.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) on Saturday said it had appealed and was seeking a ban of up to two years.

supersport.com

Alcaraz beats Sinner to win China Open title | SuperSport

Carlos Alcaraz roared back from a set down to beat world No 1 Jannik Sinner in a thriller and win his first China Open title on Wednesday.
supersport.com supersport.com
 
Gauff overcomes setback to reach China Open semis

Coco Gauff is through to the semi-finals of the China Open for a second consecutive year after coming from behind to beat Yuliia Starodubtseva.

Fourth seed Gauff lost the first set of the quarter-final on Thursday but fought back to beat the Ukrainian qualifier 2-6 6-2 6-2.

The American - ranked sixth in the world - has had a difficult year having failed to reach a Grand Slam final and losing in the third round of the Paris Olympics.

Gauff, 20, will face 15th seed Paula Badosa in Saturday's semi-final for a spot in her first final since winning in Auckland in January.

Badosa reached the last four by defeating China's Zhang Shuai in straight sets.

The Spaniard saw off the wildcard 6-1 7-6 (7-4) in one hour 23 minutes, although she had to fight back from 1-3 down in the second set.

Badosa was ranked 140 in the world earlier this year, but has risen to 19th after 28 wins in 35 matches since May.

The remaining quarter-finals will take place on Friday with top seed Aryna Sabalenka facing Karolina Muchova, and Mirra Andreeva taking on fifth seed Qinwen Zheng.

Meanwhile, Britain's Billy Harris exited the Shanghai Masters in the opening round, losing 6-3 6-4 to Italy's Mattia Bellucci.


BBC
 
Swiatek splits with coach Wiktorowski

World number one Iga Swiatek is looking for a new coach after splitting with Tomasz Wiktorowski following three seasons working together.

Wiktorowski, 43, joined Swiatek's team as coach in 2022 when she had one Grand Slam success to her name.

The Pole helped Swiatek to four further Grand Slam titles, including three successive French Opens.

She became the first Polish player to reach world number one in April 2022 and has spent a total of 123 weeks at the top of the rankings.

"After three years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski we decided to part ways. I want to start with a big thank you and appreciating our work together," Swiatek wrote on Instagram.

"His experience, analytical and strategic attitude and enormous knowledge about tennis helped us to achieve things I've never dreamed of only a few months after we started working together."

Swiatek says she has held "first talks" with prospective new coaches and will take a "couple of weeks" to start work with her next appointment.

She is not playing at the ongoing China Open, having withdrawn beforehand because of personal matters.

The 23-year-old won the French Open and US Open during her opening season with Wiktorowski.

During 2022, Swiatek embarked on a 37-match winning run - the longest streak by a woman this century.

The Pole won a fifth Grand Slam - her fourth with Wiktorowski - at Roland Garros in June.

But Swiatek was disappointed with her hard-court performances this season, exiting the Australian Open in the third round and the US Open at the quarter-finals stage.

BBC
 
Muchova ends Sabalenka streak to reach China Open semis

Karolina Muchova resisted a fightback from number one seed Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semi-finals of the China Open.

Muchova will face either Russia's Mirra Andreeva or China's Qinwen Zheng in the last four after winning 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-4.

The Czech has won her last three matches against world number two Sabalenka, who was attempting to make it 16 wins on the bounce.

"Tennis is really a rollercoaster," Muchova said.

"I had to fight for every ball and, in the end, it was worth it.

"I'll try to recover as best as possible, I don't have a day off [before the semi-final], and I'll wait to see who my opponent is."

Muchova had to defend five break points to come through the first set but was overpowered in the second.

Sabalenka then broke in the opening game of the third set, but world number 49 Muchova refused to allow the three-time Grand Slam champion out of sight.

Belarusian Sabalenka had not been beaten since 10 August, winning the Cincinnati Open and US Open, external during that period, but it was Muchova who found an extra gear to win four games in a row and take a step closer to her first WTA title of the year.

BBC
 
Group stage of Davis Cup Finals scrapped

The group stage of the Davis Cup Finals has been scrapped in favour of a return to home or away ties.

The Finals have undergone numerous changes since the World Group was disbanded at the end of 2018.

The latest alteration will ensure teams play fewer ties on neutral venues, and also reduce the workload on the players.

International Tennis Federation president David Haggerty said: "Moving the Davis Cup September stage from six-day group stage events to two-day home or away ties will ease players’ schedules immediately following the US Open, while maintaining the intensity of the competition that they all love."

Instead of four groups of four playing out next September, there will be seven home or away ties, with the winners, plus the hosts, contesting November’s Finals.

The men’s ATP Tour, which was given a voice in the decision-making process by the ITF two years ago, will be pleased at the shorter duration.

Many players have also advocated the return of more frequent home and away ties to avoid two teams having to play at a neutral venue.

In September, the United States, Chile, Germany and Slovakia had to travel to China to contest the group stage. The USA had five men in the top 20 at the time and none of them made the trip.

Change is also coming to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals from 2025.

The Finals, which are currently contested by 12 teams, will revert to an eight-team event to mirror the existing Davis Cup format.

To enable the transition, next April’s qualifying ties will be played in a group format, with 21 teams split into seven groups. The seven group winners will join the hosts in the Finals.

A bidding process to host next year’s Finals is under way.

This year - for the first time - the Finals of both competitions will be held at the same venue in Malaga.

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which include Great Britain, start on 13 November, with the Davis Cup Finals getting under way six days later.


BBC
 
Gauff fights back to reach China Open final

Fourth seed Coco Gauff came from a set and a break down to beat Paula Badosa to reach her first China Open final.

The 20-year-old American dug deep to come through 4-6 6-4 6-2.

Spaniard Badosa, ranked 19th in the world but a former world number two, had looked in a good position when she served at 4-3 up in the second set.

But Gauff broke and rattled off the next four games to set up a decider, eventually wrapping up victory in two hours and 21 minutes.

She will face either unseeded Czech player Karolina Muchova or home favourite and fifth seed Qinwen Zheng in the final.

Badosa, who was as low as 140th in the world rankings in May, came into the semi-final meeting on a good run of form in Beijing which included victory over second seed and US Open finalist Jessica Pegula in the last 16.

And she took advantage of Gauff's inconsistencies, particularly on her serve which produced 11 double faults, to win the opening set and break in the first game of the second.

Gauff is working with new coach Matt Daly after ending her partnership with Brad Gilbert last month following her fourth-round exit at the US Open, where she was defending her title.

She saved four break points to avoid going 4-1 down in the second set and from then the momentum was with the American, who regained her composure as Badosa dropped her first set of the week.

Gauff broke three times in the decider to seal the win as she bids to add to her only title of the year so far from Auckland in January.

"I tried to stay focused, it was tough but mentally I just tried to reset," she said.

BBC
 
Alcaraz and Sinner survive tough tests in Shanghai

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner came through tough tests at the Shanghai Masters to reach the last 16.

World number one Sinner recovered from a set down to beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-2, while Alcaraz earned a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 victory against Yibing Wu.


BBC
 
Norrie wins in Challenger event on injury return

British number two Cameron Norrie marked his return after three months out through injury with a straight-set win at the Roanne Challenger event in France.

Norrie withdrew from several tournaments this year - including the US Open - because of an arm injury that also kept him out of the Olympics.

The top seed at the Roanne Challenger, Norrie beat French world number 747 Etienne Donnet 6-1 6-2 to progress to the last 16.

This is Norrie's first event since mid-July at the Nordea Open in Bastad, where he lost to Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-4 in what was Nadal’s first event back from injury.


BBC
 
Wimbledon brings in electronic line calling for 2025

Line judges are to disappear from Wimbledon as the All England Club has decided to adopt electronic line calling from 2025.

The technology will be in place for all qualifying and main draw matches and replace the judges who were responsible for calling shots 'out' and 'fault' on a serve.

Wimbledon's hand has been forced by the ATP's decision to adopt Electronic Line Calling Live across the men's tour from 2025 in the interests of greater accuracy and consistency.

The women's WTA Tour is moving in the same direction and with the Australian Open and the US Open having already adopted electronic line calling in 2021 and 2022 respectively, Wimbledon risked becoming an anomaly.

"The decision to introduce Live Electronic Line Calling at The Championships was made following a significant period of consideration and consultation," the All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said.

"Having reviewed the results of the testing undertaken at The Championships this year, we consider the technology to be sufficiently robust and the time is right to take this important step in seeking maximum accuracy in our officiating.

"For the players, it will offer them the same conditions they have played under at a number of other events on tour.

"We take our responsibility to balance tradition and innovation at Wimbledon very seriously. Line umpires have played a central role in our officiating set-up at The Championships for many decades and we recognise their valuable contribution and thank them for their commitment and service."

There will also be a significant change to the schedule on the final weekend, with the ladies' and men's singles finalists no longer walking out on to court at 14:00 BST.

In future, the singles finals will begin at 16:00, with the men's doubles at 13:00 on the Saturday and the ladies' doubles at 13:00 on the Sunday.

The move brings Wimbledon in line with the other three Grand Slams, with the fortnight concluding with the men's singles on the final Sunday.

"The doubles players competing in the finals will have increased certainty over their schedule and fans will enjoy each day's play as it builds towards the crescendo of the ladies' and gentlemen's singles finals, with our champions being crowned in front of the largest possible worldwide audience," Bolton said.

BBC
 
Alcaraz stunned by Machac at Shanghai Masters

World number two Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock straight-set defeat by an inspired Tomas Machac in the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals.

Machac, who is ranked 33rd in the world, won a closely fought first-set tie-break before emerging a 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 winner.

Alcaraz put his Czech opponent's serve under pressure in the first set, but failed to take two break points before losing in a tie-break after just over an hour.

Machac then broke the Spaniard in the third game of the second set but Alcaraz broke back to level at 3-3.

However, a wayward game at 5-5 cost Alcaraz his serve, before Machac kept his composure to serve out for the win.


BBC
 
Gauff to face Sabalenka in Wuhan Open semi-final

American Coco Gauff secured her 50th WTA win of the year with a 6-0 6-4 victory over Magda Linette in the Wuhan Open quarter-finals.

The world number four will face top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals on Saturday, after the US Open champion beat Magdalena Frech 6-2 6-2.

Gauff, 20, made eight double-faults against Poland's Linette but was dominant on her opponent's serve, winning 14 of 21 return points in the opening set.

"I played well, overall, maybe two bad games," said Gauff, who has won her past nine matches.

Linette, 32, recovered slightly in the second set before one of her 22 unforced errors gave Gauff the only break of serve in the set, which wrapped up the American's win.

Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Sabalenka extended her unbeaten record in Wuhan to 15 matches.

The Belarusian, 26, hit 42 winners in 16 games against Frech of Poland, securing victory in one hour and 23 minutes.

Also on Friday, China's Wang Xinyu overcame Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 4-6 7-5 7-6 (8-6) in their last-eight tie.

In the other quarter-final, China's Paris 2024 gold medallist Zheng Qinwen faces Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini of Italy from 12:05 BST.

BBC
 
Djokovic denied 100th title as Sinner wins in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic missed the opportunity to claim the 100th title of his stellar career as Jannik Sinner won a high-quality Shanghai Masters final.

World number one Sinner continued his dominant form this season with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 victory over the 37-year-old Serb.

Djokovic was aiming to become only the third man - after Jimmy Connors (109) and the watching Roger Federer (103) - to chalk up a ton of titles.

The carrot of the century had been providing extra motivation for Djokovic in Shanghai.

So too was the opportunity to show the younger generation that he still has the quality and durability to beat them to the biggest prizes.

However, a couple of lapses from the 24-time Grand Slam champion at key moments proved costly in Sunday's final and allowed Sinner to edge the most critical points.

The 23-year-old Italian, who continues to have a doping case lingering in the background despite being initially cleared of wrongdoing, played impeccably to pick up his seventh title of a remarkable year.

Sinner, whose successes have included the Australian Open and US Open, has won 65 of his 71 matches in 2024.

Despite the defeat, Djokovic has plenty of positives to take from a tournament where he produced some of his best tennis of the year.

Losing to Sinner for the third consecutive time, though, is a telling statistic as the veteran aims to keep pushing the next generation led by Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.

"It's tough to tell you the secret [to beating Djokovic] because he doesn't have any weaknesses," Sinner said.

"You have to use the small amount of chances he gives you. He is a legend of our sport and is very tough to play against."

How Sinner edged out Djokovic

A tight first set, packed with quality serving and ball-striking, saw neither player earn a chance of a break, with none of the 12 games leading to the tie-break even going to deuce.

Both men have strong tie-break records this season, but it was Sinner who took control after racing into a 4-0 lead.

Djokovic reduced the deficit to 5-3 - then planted a backhand volley into the net to tee up three set points.

A sharp backhand on a second serve helped him save the first before he dragged a return wide to gift Sinner the set.

Djokovic winning the same number of points as Sinner in the opening set - 73 each - demonstrated the fine margins.

The second set turned on Djokovic missing another backhand volley at the net.

It teed up the first break points of the match in Sinner's favour and the top seed took the second emphatically with a forehand winner which left even Djokovic unable to react.

The break was decisive and irretrievable for Djokovic.

Sinner continued to defend and attack superbly, offering no opportunities for Djokovic as he served out to win the Shanghai title for the first time.

BBC
 

Sabalenka wins third consecutive Wuhan Open final​


Aryna Sabalenka became the first player to win the Wuhan Open three times with a hard-fought win over Zheng Qinwen in Sunday's final.

The 26-year-old Belarusian was taken to three sets by China's Zheng in a thrilling rematch of this year's Australian Open final, in which she also claimed victory.

Sabalenka clinched her fourth women's singles title of the year 6-3 5-7 6-3 and remains undefeated in Wuhan.

"That sounds crazy," she said. "This place definitely feels like home.

"I am pretty sure we are going to play many more finals against one another."

Top seed Sabalenka took the opening set in just 38 minutes, but Zheng mounted her comeback in a gripping second to force a decider.

There, Zheng found herself 3-0 down, and while she pulled two games back, lost her serve again as Sabalenka broke for a 5-2 lead.

The world number two failed to serve out the match as Zheng broke back to love, but finally wrapped up her 17th career title on her third championship point.

Reigning Olympic gold medallist Zheng, who became the first Chinese player to reach a WTA 1000 final, has now lost all four of her meetings against the three-time Grand Slam champion.

"Next time I will be better," she said.

Sabalenka is now unbeaten in 17 consecutive matches in Wuhan, breaking Petra Kvitova's record for the most at the tournament.

The win adds to a successful year in which she won both the Australian Open and US Open and appeared in seven singles finals.

www.bbc.com

Wuhan Open: Aryna Sabalenka beats Zheng Qinwen to win third consecutive title

Aryna Sabalenka becomes the first player to win the Wuhan Open three times by defeating home hope Zheng Qinwen in Sunday's final.
www.bbc.com
 

Kyrgios wants Grand Slam title to 'shut up' doubters​


Australian Nick Kyrgios says he wants to "shut up" those who doubt him and win a Grand Slam singles title.

The 29-year-old, a one-time world number 13, has played just one ATP Tour singles match in two years after suffering knee, foot and wrist injuries and has hinted at retirement a number of times.

But he told News Corp's Code Sports podcast he will return for the World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi in December, before January's Australian Open.

"I am coming back because something is keeping me around the game," he said.

"I have beaten pretty much every person that has been put in front of me, made a final of a Grand Slam, won a doubles title in a Grand Slam, won multiple titles and made money.

"But I think the one thing that is now on my target is a Grand Slam. I think that will be the only thing that will shut people up at the end of the day.

"That'll be my deep motivation."

The Australian, who was beaten in the 2022 Wimbledon final by Novak Djokovic, had his temperament frequently questioned after on-court outbursts and meltdowns early in his career, but denied he was "a bad boy".

"I guess I was branded that just because I was a bit outside the circle of what a normal tennis player is," he added.

"I don't think I carry that perception with the Aussie public anymore. But at the start of my career, people thought I was like a murderer."

With long-time rival Rafael Nadal announcing his retirement last week and Djokovic now 37, Kyrgios - who has been working as a commentator during his absence - believes the game is "the most open it has ever been".

Last week, Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said he hoped Kyrgios would play at the season-opening Grand Slam, which starts in Melbourne Park on 12 January.

He added that the player would be in the main draw, whether through a protected ranking or a wildcard, as opposed to being forced through qualifying.

"The confidence that we get about Nick playing is in his preparation, we know he's doing more than he's done before," he said.

"We know that he wants to do it. We know that he's mentally preparing to get ready to play in January. So we fully expect to see him."

www.bbc.com

Nick Kyrgios: Australian wants Grand Slam title to 'shut up' doubters

Australian Nick Kyrgios says he wants to "shut up" those who doubt him and win a Grand Slam title on his return to the sport.
www.bbc.com
 
Fearnley extends winning streak to 13 matches

Britain's Jacob Fearnley extended his winning streak to 13 matches as he beat Corentin Moutet at the Stockholm Open.

The Scot was unranked just over a year ago but has risen inside the top 100 on the back of winning four Challenger titles in a row.

The 23-year-old, having taken a few weeks off, won two qualifying matches to reach the main draw of the ATP 250 event in Sweden.

He beat France's Moutet 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to set up a second-round meeting with Dutch seventh seed Tallon Griekspoor.

It is Fearnley's second ATP Tour-level victory, having won in the Wimbledon first round in July after being given a wildcard.

Fearnley's climb to 98th in the world - from 1,893rd in September 2023 and 646th at the start of this year - is the fourth biggest into the top 100 since 2000, according to ATP statistics.

At the same event, Cameron Norrie lost 6-4 6-4 to Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic as he continued his comeback from an arm injury.

Elsewhere, Dan Evans beat Japan's Taro Daniel 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to reach the second round of the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan.

British women's number one Katie Boulter was also victorious, beating Italian veteran Sara Errani 6-3 6-2 either side of a rain delay at the Ningbo Open in China.

Harriet Dart was also victorious at the Japan Open, beating Germany's Laura Siegemund 3-6 7-5 7-5.


BBC
 
BouncerGuy said:
Djokovic denied 100th title as Sinner wins in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic missed the opportunity to claim the 100th title of his stellar career as Jannik Sinner won a high-quality Shanghai Masters final.

World number one Sinner continued his dominant form this season with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 victory over the 37-year-old Serb.

Djokovic was aiming to become only the third man - after Jimmy Connors (109) and the watching Roger Federer (103) - to chalk up a ton of titles.

The carrot of the century had been providing extra motivation for Djokovic in Shanghai.

So too was the opportunity to show the younger generation that he still has the quality and durability to beat them to the biggest prizes.

However, a couple of lapses from the 24-time Grand Slam champion at key moments proved costly in Sunday's final and allowed Sinner to edge the most critical points.

The 23-year-old Italian, who continues to have a doping case lingering in the background despite being initially cleared of wrongdoing, played impeccably to pick up his seventh title of a remarkable year.

Sinner, whose successes have included the Australian Open and US Open, has won 65 of his 71 matches in 2024.

Despite the defeat, Djokovic has plenty of positives to take from a tournament where he produced some of his best tennis of the year.

Losing to Sinner for the third consecutive time, though, is a telling statistic as the veteran aims to keep pushing the next generation led by Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.

"It's tough to tell you the secret [to beating Djokovic] because he doesn't have any weaknesses," Sinner said.

"You have to use the small amount of chances he gives you. He is a legend of our sport and is very tough to play against."

How Sinner edged out Djokovic

A tight first set, packed with quality serving and ball-striking, saw neither player earn a chance of a break, with none of the 12 games leading to the tie-break even going to deuce.

Both men have strong tie-break records this season, but it was Sinner who took control after racing into a 4-0 lead.

Djokovic reduced the deficit to 5-3 - then planted a backhand volley into the net to tee up three set points.

A sharp backhand on a second serve helped him save the first before he dragged a return wide to gift Sinner the set.

Djokovic winning the same number of points as Sinner in the opening set - 73 each - demonstrated the fine margins.

The second set turned on Djokovic missing another backhand volley at the net.

It teed up the first break points of the match in Sinner's favour and the top seed took the second emphatically with a forehand winner which left even Djokovic unable to react.

The break was decisive and irretrievable for Djokovic.

Sinner continued to defend and attack superbly, offering no opportunities for Djokovic as he served out to win the Shanghai title for the first time.

BBC
Click to expand...

Wow! Big moment for Jannik Sinner. Beating a legend like Djokovic.

A bit weird that someone has the name "Sinner".
 
Fearnley's 13-match winning streak ends in Stockholm

Britain's Jacob Fearnley saw his 13-match winning streak come to an end with defeat by Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor at the Stockholm Open.

Qualifier Fearnley was beaten 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 by world number 37 Griekspoor in the second round of the ATP 250 event.

The 23-year-old Scot, who is ranked 99th, was looking to record the best win by ranking of his burgeoning professional career.

A remarkable rise has seen Fearnley quickly climb into the world's top 100 - having been ranked 646th at the start of this year - since graduating from university in the United States.

A close first set saw the British men's number three lead by a break before the heavy pressure on his serve told when Griekspoor broke back to love for 4-4.

Seventh seed Griekspoor dominated a one-sided tie-break and, after looking solid on his own serve, broke twice from 3-3 in the second set to seal victory.


BBC
 
Boulter loses as Evans denied rare top-20 win

British number one Katie Boulter was knocked out of the Ningbo Open in straight sets by Beatriz Haddad Maia.

World number 10 Haddad Maia completed a 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 victory to reach the quarter-finals, where she will play Spain's Paula Badosa.

The sixth seed dominated a first set tie-break following an even start and then broke Boulter in the 11th game of set two before holding serve to win the match.

It is a first loss to Brazil's Haddad Maia in four meetings for the 28-year-old Briton, who beat Sara Errani in her opening match after exiting the Wuhan Open in the first round last week.

Boulter, who has three career singles titles, is ranked 35th in the world, having achieved a career-high ranking of 27 in March.


BBC
 
American Danielle Collins says she’s changed her mind about quitting tennis

Danielle Collins says she’s changed her mind about retiring from the WTA Tour at the end of this year and will be back in 2025.

The 30-year-old American said on her Instagram account on Thursday that after dealing with hurricanes in her home state of Florida and seeing specialist doctors about her health issues, she’s been “a little MIA [missing in action] the last few weeks”.

“Dealing with endometriosis and fertility is a massive challenge for many women and something that I am actively traversing, but I am fully confident in the team I am working with. It is just going to take longer than I thought,” she said.

“So, the DANIMAL story has not reached its conclusion. I will be back on tour in 2025.”

Collins’s social media post came only hours after a United Cup media release on Friday in Australia listed her as one of the American entries, along with Coco Gauff, for the mixed teams tournament in Perth and Sydney from 27 December to 5 January. It’s one of several tune-up tournaments ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, which begins on 12 January.

Collins, who lost to Ash Barty in the final of the 2022 Australian Open for her best Grand Slam singles result, said at this year’s Melbourne Park tournament that she planned to retire after the 2024 season.

Among other matches this year, she had an injury retirement in the quarter-finals at the Paris Olympics in a fiery match with Iga Swiatek, and lost in the first round of the US Open. Collins is currently ranked ninth on the WTA Tour in singles.

“While there are no guarantees in life, I hope to build on my 2024 momentum and keep playing until there is more certainty around my personal fertility journey,” she said. “The only guarantee for now will be some more epic matches.”

THE GUARDIAN
 
Six Kings Slam: Rafael Nadal beaten by Novak Djokovic in final clash between two tennis greats

Novak Djokovic claimed bragging rights over long-time rival Rafael Nadal by winning their last head-to-head singles clash at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.

Nadal announced earlier this month that he will retire from tennis after representing Spain in Malaga in November, with the 38-year-old booking another meeting with Djokovic after losing to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

The two all-time greats have won a combined 46 Grand Slam titles during a lengthy rivalry, with Djokovic coming out on top in their last tight tussle to claim a straight-sets victory and finish the event in third place.

Nadal was broken twice in the opening set but battled back valiantly in the second, surviving a match point and forcing a tie-break before Djokovic closed out a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) victory.


www.skysports.com

Six Kings Slam: Rafael Nadal beaten by Novak Djokovic in final clash between two tennis greats

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 7-6 to finish third at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia; World No 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 6-3 6-3 in the final to claim the $6 (£4.6m) first prize
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Six Kings Slam: Rafael Nadal beaten by Novak Djokovic in final clash between two tennis greats

Novak Djokovic claimed bragging rights over long-time rival Rafael Nadal by winning their last head-to-head singles clash at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.

Nadal announced earlier this month that he will retire from tennis after representing Spain in Malaga in November, with the 38-year-old booking another meeting with Djokovic after losing to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

The two all-time greats have won a combined 46 Grand Slam titles during a lengthy rivalry, with Djokovic coming out on top in their last tight tussle to claim a straight-sets victory and finish the event in third place.

Nadal was broken twice in the opening set but battled back valiantly in the second, surviving a match point and forcing a tie-break before Djokovic closed out a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) victory.


www.skysports.com

Six Kings Slam: Rafael Nadal beaten by Novak Djokovic in final clash between two tennis greats

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 7-6 to finish third at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia; World No 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-7 6-3 6-3 in the final to claim the $6 (£4.6m) first prize
www.skysports.com www.skysports.com
Click to expand...

Nadal vs Djokovic. A clash of the titans.

Was this the last time these two legends faced each other? Seems like it.
 
Sabalenka replaces Swiatek as world number one

US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has risen to number one in the latest WTA rankings, ending Iga Swiatek's 11-month stay at the summit.

Belarusian Sabalenka, who also retained her Australian Open title in January, tops the rankings for the second time after an eight-week stay between September and November 2023.

Neither player was in action last week but Poland's Swiatek drops to second after being given a points penalty for failing to compete in the mandatory six WTA 500 events.

The 23-year-old - who appointed a new coach earlier this month - has only competed in two of the tournaments and has not played since the US Open in September, after deciding to miss the tour's Asian swing because of fatigue.

She had led the rankings by more than 4,000 points at one stage after winning five titles in the first six months of the season.

But Sabalenka, 26, slowly reeled her in the second half of the year, winning titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan to go with her triumph at Flushing Meadows.

The next chance for Swiatek to return to number one is the season-ending WTA Finals next month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


BBC
 
Grand Slam winner Thiem's career ends in Vienna defeat

Dominic Thiem's tennis career came to an end as he lost to Luciano Darderi in the first round of the Vienna Open.

Former world number three Thiem, who won the Vienna title in 2019, was beaten 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 by Italian Darderi.

Austria's former US Open champion announced last week that he would retire after his home tournament.

Following his defeat to world number 42 Darderi, the crowd held up cards displaying the Austrian flag and the message 'Danke Dominic' ('Thank you Dominic').

Thiem, 31, gave an on-court speech before placing his racquet in a glass case, to be auctioned to raise funds for charity.

"I've had so many nice goodbyes in the last few months, but today I want to say thank you for all the sensational years," said Thiem.

"I am only a part of this career. The whole journey has been an absolute dream. I couldn't have imagined it any better."

A ceremony was also held in Vienna on Sunday, including Thiem playing an exhibition set against Alexander Zverev, the player he beat to win the 2020 US Open.

Thiem won 17 titles at ATP Tour level during his career. He was a French Open finalist in 2018 and 2019 and runner-up at the Australian Open in 2020.

He also claimed important wins over all of the 'Big Three' - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

However, less than a year after his New York triumph, Thiem suffered a wrist injury that kept him off the tour for 10 months and resulted in his ranking plummeting to outside the top 350.

Thiem returned to the top 100 last year but has been unable to find his best game and confirmed in May that this season would be his last.


BBC
 
Medvedev joins Sinner, Alcaraz & Zverev at Nitto ATP Finals

Daniil Medvedev has qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the sixth consecutive season, joining Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev at the season finale.

The 28-year-old won the title at the year-end championships in 2020 and reached the final in 2021. He will try to add to his Nitto ATP Finals resume from 10-17 November in Turin.


www.atptour.com

Medvedev joins Sinner, Alcaraz & Zverev at Nitto ATP Finals | ATP Tour | Tennis

Daniil Medvedev has qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the sixth consecutive season, joining Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev at the season finale.
www.atptour.com www.atptour.com
 
Raducanu out of Hong Kong Open despite 'progress'

World number 55 Emma Raducanu says she is making "good progress" in her recovery from a foot injury, despite pulling out of another tournament.

The 21-year-old Briton announced on Wednesday that she would not feature at the Hong Kong Open, which is set to start on 28 October.

Raducanu has not played since spraining ligaments in her foot during a Korea Open quarter-final against Daria Kasatkina on 21 September.

The former US Open champion has now pulled out of five tournaments in a row and has played in only two events since July.

"Whilst my foot is making good progress, I need a little more time before I am match fit," Raducanu wrote on X., external

"I hope to be able to come back and play this tournament in the future."

Raducanu is aiming to return to fitness for the Billie Jean King Cup finals which take place in Malaga from 13-20 November, with Britain's first game against Germany on 15 November.

BBC
 
Boulter and Draper reach quarter-finals

British number ones Katie Boulter and Jack Draper each reached another quarter-final as they look to finish their respective career-best seasons strongly.

Boulter reached her fourth WTA Tour quarter-final of the year by sweeping aside Japan's Kyoka Okamura in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

The 28-year-old won 6-1 6-2 against 271st-ranked Okamura, who lost in qualifying but was placed in the main draw as a lucky loser.

Draper, 22, moved into the last eight of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna with a 7-5 6-1 victory over Italy's Luciano Darderi.

US Open semi-finalist Draper will contest his ninth ATP quarter-final of 2024 after a strong serving performance which allowed Darderi little opportunity to break.


BBC
 
Carlos Alcaraz replaces Jannik Sinner as world No 1 in alternative tennis rankings

Jannik Sinner may have been the big winner in the richest match in tennis history, but the player he beat in that contest has ousted him from the world No 1 spot in the alternative tennis rankings.

Sinner beat Alcaraz in the deciding match of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, with the Italian claiming a stunning $6million prize cheque from just three days of work on court.

That contest in Riyhad was not an ATP Tour match, so that result will not count towards the official tennis rankings, where Sinner holds a commanding lead over his big rival.


www.tennis365.com

Carlos Alcaraz replaces Jannik Sinner as world No 1 in alternative tennis rankings

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are switching places consistently in the UTR Ratings.
www.tennis365.com www.tennis365.com
 
Draper matches Boulter as Britons reach semi-finals

British men's tennis number one Jack Draper matched Katie Boulter by reaching the semi-finals of a tour-level event on another encouraging day for the nation's leading players.

Draper, 22, moved into the fifth semi-final of his breakout year with a 6-3 3-6 6-1 win against Czech Tomas Machac at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.

Earlier on Friday, British women's number one Boulter dropped only three games as she beat former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu to reach the last four of the Pan Pacific Open.

Boulter, 28, won 6-2 6-1 in one hour and three minutes in Tokyo.

There was further good news for British tennis fans when Neal Skupski secured a place in the Vienna doubles final alongside New Zealand's Michael Venus.

Skupski and Venus, aiming for their third title of the season, won 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 against Argentine pair Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.


BBC
 
Classy Draper 'so proud' to win his biggest title

Jack Draper won the biggest title of his career at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna as the British number one's breakout season reached even greater heights.

Draper produced an outstanding level to beat Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-4 7-5 in the final of the ATP 500 event.

The 22-year-old left-hander, who reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open last month, will rise to a career-high ranking of 15th in the world on Monday.


BBC
 
Draper cruises past Lehecka into Paris second round

British number one Jack Draper cruised through to the second round of the Paris Masters with a straight-set win over the Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka.

Draper, who won the biggest title of his career in Vienna on Sunday, won 7-5 6-2 in one hour eight minutes.

A tight first set went to serve before Draper made the crucial break in the 11th game.

The Briton dominated the second set, reeling off five games in a row to seal victory.

He will now face American fifth seed Taylor Fritz in the second round on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old left-hander, who reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open last month, rose to a career-high ranking of 15th in the world on Monday.

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is through to the third round after a 7-5 6-1 win over Chilean Nicolas Jarry.

The second seed, who was given a bye in the first round, will face France's Ugo Humbert or American Marcos Giron in the last 16.

Australia's Alex de Minaur boosted his chances of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals with a 7-5 6-1 first-round win over Mariano Navone of Argentina.

De Minaur will replace Andrey Rublev in the final qualification position with a run to the quarter-finals in Paris and plays Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic next.

Russian sixth seed Rublev, who was also given a first-round bye, is out after a 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5) defeat by Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo.


BBC
 
Draper's winning streak ends with Paris defeat

Jack Draper's slim hopes of sneaking into the season-ending ATP Finals are over after his seven-match winning streak was ended in the Paris Masters third round.

The British men's number one, who won the biggest title of his career on Sunday in Vienna, was beaten 5-7 6-2 6-3 by Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur.

The defeat ended any chance of 22-year-old Draper finishing as one of the top eight players on the ATP Tour this season.


BBC
 
Boulter battles past Yuan to reach Hong Kong final

British number one Katie Boulter came through a tough test against Chinese sixth seed Yue Yuan to win 6-2 5-7 6-2 and reach the final of the Hong Kong Open.

Boulter will play either Russian top seed Diana Shnaider or Canada's defending champion Leylah Fernandez on Sunday as she bids for a third WTA title of the year.

The second seed, who is currently 29th in the world but will move up to at least 23rd when the rankings are next updated, is aiming to add to previous tournament victories in Nottingham and San Diego.

"I just wanted to finish my year on a career high, which is why today meant so much to me," said Boulter, who reached her previous best ranking of 27th in March.

"I have actually done that, so I have got nothing to lose tomorrow. I am just going to swing free and enjoy it."

Boulter, 28, edged a competitive opening set and the two players shared four breaks of serve at the start of the second before 26-year-old Yuan broke her again in the 12th game to force a deciding set.

The Briton cranked up the intensity in the opening game of the final set, clinching it with a forehand winner on her fourth break point, and stormed into a 3-0 lead after Yuan served up a double fault to gift her the double break.

Boulter then showed real grit to fend off Yuan in a marathon fourth game before closing out the set against the world number 45 with her sixth ace of the match.

Whoever she faces in the final will pose a tough test - Boulter has never played world number 14 Shnaider before, while she lost her only previous encounter against 32nd-ranked Fernandez.

BBC
 
Zverev beats Humbert for first Paris Masters title

Germany's Alexander Zverev claimed a straight-set win over home favourite Ugo Humbert to clinch his first Paris Masters title.

The new world number two beat the French number one 6-2 6-2 on Sunday to secure the seventh ATP 1000 title of his career.

Both were playing in their fourth final of the year, with Zverev having lost the French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz in June.

Zverev's semi-final win on Saturday was enough to ensure the 27-year-old will now leapfrog Alcaraz and regain second spot in the ATP rankings.

Humbert, 26, stunned Alcaraz in the last 16 at Palais Omnisports in Bercy before reaching his first Masters final, becoming the first French finalist at the indoor event in 13 years.

"I came as a kid to watch matches here and it made me want to do what I do, so I'm very happy to have reached the final," said the world number 18.

Humbert produced a sublime forehand passing shot to hold his serve in the opening game but was soon overpowered by Zverev, who forced a break in the third game.

A second consecutive break gave Zverev a 4-1 lead before he clinched the first set, making just four unforced errors to 17 from Humbert.

A double fault handed Zverev another break at the start of the second set and the German continued to grind Humbert down with his serve and punishing groundstrokes.

Humbert took just five points on return throughout and Zverev served out to claim his second Masters trophy of the season, after his Rome victory on clay in May.

That took the German past world number one Jannik Sinner for most victories this year (66) and he will next play at the ATP Finals in Turin from 10-17 November, when he will aim to win the season-ending showpiece for a third time.

BBC
 
Swiatek shakes off rust & Gauff wins at WTA Finals

Iga Swiatek began her bid to regain the world number one ranking with a comeback win over Barbora Krejcikova in the WTA Finals group stages.

Poland's Swiatek trailed the Wimbledon champion by a set and double break before regrouping to win 4-6 7-5 6-2.

This was the 23-year-old's first match since her quarter-final US Open exit in September and first under new coach Wim Fissette.

"At the beginning I felt a bit rusty but I'm happy that I found a way to play a bit more solid," said Swiatek.

She and Aryna Sabalenka are in contention to finish the year as the top-ranked player.

Defending champion Swiatek will need to win the title to replace Sabalenka, while the Belarusian needs to win all three round-robin matches, external or reach the final.

Sabalenka began her campaign with victory over Zheng Qinwen on Saturday.

Coco Gauff beat fellow American and doubles partner Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-2 in the second Orange Group match on Sunday.

The top two players from each group advance to the semi-finals, with Sabalenka, Zheng, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini in the Purple Group.

The tournament is being held in Saudi Arabia for the first time - a move which has been criticised by some because of the country's human rights record.


BBC
 
Sabalenka into WTA Finals last four but Rybakina out

Aryna Sabalenka became the first player to secure a semi-final spot at the WTA Finals as she defeated a resilient Jasmine Paolini in straight sets.

Top seed Sabalenka won 6-3 7-5 in a victory that also confirmed Elena Rybakina’s elimination from the season-ending tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Earlier on Monday, Kazakhstan’s Rybakina was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-1 by Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen for her second defeat at the Finals, and required a Paolini victory to keep her hopes alive.

But a gritty win over the Italian - which saw her save two set points - put Sabalenka one step closer to sealing a maiden WTA Finals title, as well as the year-end world number one ranking.

Should she defeat Rybakina in her final Purple Group match on Wednesday, the Belarusian will remain top of the standings into 2025, out of the reach of Iga Swiatek.


www.bbc.com

WTA Finals: Aryna Sabalenka into semi-finals but Elena Rybakina out

Aryna Sabalenka is the first player to secure a semi-final spot at the WTA Finals but her victory over Jasmine Paolini spells the end of the road for Elena Rybakina.
www.bbc.com
 
Norrie secures first ATP Tour win since July

Cameron Norrie secured his first win on the ATP Tour since July as he came from behind to beat Roberto Carballes Baena at the Moselle Open in Metz.

British number two Norrie fought back from a set and a break down to win 3-6 6-4 6-3 in a rollercoaster match against the Spaniard.

It marks his first Tour victory since beating Jozef Kovalik in the first round of the Swedish Open nearly four months ago.

A forearm injury led to Norrie missing several tournaments over the summer, including the Olympics and US Open, before he returned last month.

"I was happy with the way I turned it around, and it's nice to get a win," Norrie said.

The 29-year-old, ranked 57th in the world, will play Bulgarian third seed Grigor Dimitrov in the second round on Wednesday.

Norway's Casper Ruud and Russian top seed Andrey Rublev are in action in the French city on Tuesday as they seek to secure places at the season-ending ATP Finals, which starts on Sunday in Turin.

With three places up for grabs, Novak Djokovic, currently ranked sixth, Ruud (seventh), Alex de Minaur (eighth) and Rublev (ninth) remain in contention.

Djokovic is not playing this week, having withdrawn from last week's Paris Masters, while De Minaur is top-seeded at the Serbia Open.


BBC
 
Gauff advances at Finals with rare win over Swiatek

Coco Gauff confirmed her semi-final spot at the WTA Finals with a rare win over defending champion Iga Swiatek.

The American beat second seed Swiatek 6-3 6-4 to join Aryna Sabalenka in the last four in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The result also means Sabalenka will be the year-end world number one as number two Swiatek can no longer catch her in the rankings.

It is only the second time Gauff has defeated Poland's Swiatek in 13 attempts.

"It feels great," said 20-year-old Gauff. "I knew going into the match, despite our head-to-head, I had a lot of confidence and I felt like I was playing great tennis.

"Even when I was playing a little bit sloppy, the games that I lost were still going to deuce. That gave me confidence and I knew if I stayed solid I had the chance to close out the match."

Earlier, Gauff’s compatriot Jessica Pegula became the second player to be eliminated from the season-ending tournament - after Elena Rybakina on Monday - following her 6-3 6-3 defeat by Barbora Krejcikova.

Swiatek must beat Pegula in Thursday's final Orange Group match to progress, while third seed Gauff has to hold off Czech Krejcikova in order to top the group standings.


BBC
 
GB's Norrie into Moselle Open quarter-finals

Britain's Cameron Norrie beat Luca van Assche at the Moselle Open to reach his first ATP Tour quarter-final since April.

Norrie, who spent almost three months out with a forearm injury, beat the Frenchman 6-3 3-6 6-1.

It is the first time the 29-year-old has registered back-to-back wins on the main ATP Tour since Wimbledon in July.

World number 57 Norrie has not won an ATP title this season, having struggled for rhythm before the injury that led to him pulling out of the Olympics and the US Open.

His last quarter-final showing was on the Barcelona Open clay courts, where he lost to Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

"I'm just trying to enjoy the last week of the year for me competing," Norrie told Sky Sports.

"I'm here another day, which is great, but I'll have to improve my level to keep going further in the tournament."

He will face Belgium's Zizou Bergs for a place in the semi-finals.


BBC
 
Zheng into last four of Finals as Sabalenka loses

Zheng Qinwen crushed Jasmine Paolini to reach the WTA Finals last four as an already-qualified Aryna Sabalenka lost to an inspired Elena Rybakina.

China's Olympic gold medallist Zheng showcased her power in an easy 6-1 6-1 win that eliminated Italian Paolini.

It left the 22-year-old with a 2-1 group-stage record, with her sole loss coming against Sabalenka on the first day of the tournament.

Zheng is the second Chinese woman to reach the semi-finals of the tournament following the legendary Li Na in 2013.

"I didn't know what would happen when I came here," she said. "I just told myself to enjoy it, especially because I am in a really difficult group."

Sabalenka, who clinched the year-end world number one ranking earlier in the week, fell 6-4 3-6 6-1 to Rybakina in a big-hitting encounter.

The Belarusian, 26, still finished the round-robin stage as the group winner, with her opponent already eliminated after losses to Zheng and Paolini.

"It's nice to finish the year with at least one win against the world number one. I’m just happy," said 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina.

The placings in the second group have yet to be decided, with American Coco Gauff the only player to have secured her semi-final spot.

One of Barbora Krejcikova, who plays Gauff on Thursday, or Iga Swiatek will advance alongside her.

Poland's Swiatek had been due to play the already-eliminated Jessica Pegula, but the American withdrew on Wednesday with a knee injury and will be replaced by alternate Daria Kasatkina.

Kasatkina, one of the few openly gay players on the WTA Tour, previously said she had been "given guarantees" about her safety should she compete in Saudi Arabia.

The Russian had previously expressed reservations about playing in the country.

The decision to hold the year-end tournament in Riyadh for the first time has been criticised by some because of Saudi Arabia's human rights record.


BBC
 
Resurgent Norrie reaches 25th ATP semi-final

British men's number two Cameron Norrie continued his positive end to an injury-hit season by reaching the Moselle Open semi-finals.

The 29-year-old moved into the last four with a 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 win over Belgium's Zizou Bergs.

The former world number eight is playing in only his third ATP event since July because of a forearm injury which ruled him out of the US Open.

After being unable to take two match points in the second set tie-break, Norrie recovered to dominate the deciding set against 61st-ranked Bergs.

"I should have had the tie-breaker in the second set but he played quicker than me and took a bit more risk," said Norrie, who has dropped to 57th in the rankings.

"I was not happy but I managed to reset.

"He's a good player and had a really good year so it's a really great win for me."

Norrie will play France's Corentin Moutet in the semi-finals at about 14:30 GMT on Friday.

Moutet, ranked 66th, advanced when Russian top seed Andrey Rublev withdrew after securing his place at the end-of-season ATP Finals next week.



BBC
 
Swiatek exits WTA Finals after Krejcikova win

Defending champion Iga Swiatek has been knocked out of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia after group rival Barbora Krejcikova beat Coco Gauff to secure her place in the semi-finals.

Polish second seed Swiatek thrashed Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-1 6-0 in her final group match - but was still relying on Gauff doing her a favour in Riyadh.

However, Wimbledon champion Krejcikova won 7-5 6-4 - having saved four break points in the game where she eventually served out the match - to move into the knockout stage at Swiatek's expense.

Winning in straight sets meant Krejcikova topped the Orange Group, setting up a meeting with Chinese seventh seed Zheng Qinwen.

Gauff, who had already qualified, will play Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka when the semi-finals take place on Friday.


BBC
 
Norrie reaches ATP final after 'difficult year'

Britain's Cameron Norrie will contest his first ATP final since February 2023 as his fine end to the season continued with a straight-set win against Corentin Moutet at the Moselle Open.

Norrie, who has only recently returned from missing two months with a forearm injury, earned a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) semi-final victory over the Frenchman in Metz.

The season started strongly for Norrie with runs to the Australian Open last 16 and the Rio Open semi-finals, before he lost form and fitness over the second half of the year.

The 29-year-old left-hander has dropped to 57th in the world rankings but, instead of allowing the season to peter out, he has worked hard to return and rediscovered his mojo in the final tournament of his season.

"It's not really a relief [to reach the final], but it has been a difficult year for me and I've not been able to gain any momentum," said Norrie, who will climb back into the world's top 50 next week.

Against Moutet he served strongly and was clinical on his opportunities, taking four out of five break points.

After losing a second-set tie-break from a commanding position in Thursday's quarter-final against Zizou Bergs, Norrie did the opposite against Moutet on Friday.

Norrie trailed 5-2 in the tie-break but fought back to secure victory in straight sets.

The joy of reaching the final, and in the manner he did it, was shown by Norrie baring his teeth and shouting his pleasure towards his team.

On Saturday, he will face France's Benjamin Bonzi or Alex Michelsen of the United States for the trophy.

It will be the 15th ATP Tour final of Norrie's career and the first since he beat Spanish world number three Carlos Alcaraz in the Rio final in February 2023.

"It's nice to finish the year by playing in another final and back to competing for every point," added Norrie.

"Regardless of who I play it will be difficult, but I'll enjoy the win today."


BBC
 
'Unbelievable' - Zheng reaches WTA Finals showpiece

Zheng Qinwen continued her breakthrough season with victory over Barbora Krejcikova to reach the final of the season-ending WTA Finals.

China's Zheng reached the Australian Open final in January before clinching Olympic gold in the summer.

She now has a chance to secure another prestigious title after beating Wimbledon champion Krejcikova 6-3 7-5 in the semi-finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Zheng let a double-break lead in the second set slip before rediscovering her form to wrap up victory.

"It feels so special - to be in the final feels unbelievable," the 22-year-old said.

"It was a hard match for me but it shows I am mentally strong in that moment."

She will face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka - who beat her in the round-robin stages earlier in the week - or Coco Gauff on Saturday.

Zheng is only the second Asian player to reach the final after her idol Li Na in 2013.


BBC
 
Fritz beats irate Medvedev in ATP Finals opener

Taylor Fritz kept his cool in the face of an irate Daniil Medvedev to win the opening match of the ATP Finals in straight sets.

American Fritz recorded his 50th win of the year by beating Medvedev 6-4 6-3 at the season-ending tournament in Turin, Italy.



BBC
 
Ruud stuns out-of-sorts Alcaraz at ATP Finals

Casper Ruud stunned an out-of-sorts Carlos Alcaraz to begin his ATP Finals campaign with a straight-set victory in Turin.

The Norwegian sixth seed won 6-1 7-5 for his 50th victory of the season, yet only his third in 12 matches.

In a below-par performance, French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz hit 34 unforced errors and fell to his first defeat by Ruud in five meetings.

"It's only one match but it's definitely one of the best wins of the season for me," said Ruud, who suggested Spanish third seed Alcaraz was struggling with a cold.

"I feel very happy. I think we've all seen Carlos play better tennis than he did today but I took care of my chances.

"I've not been oozing with confidence in the last weeks or months so it was a great win for me and hopefully I can build on it."


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ATP Finals: Casper Ruud stuns Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets

Casper Ruud stuns an out-of-sorts Carlos Alcaraz to begin his ATP Finals campaign with a straight-set victory in Turin.
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Medvedev defeats De Minaur at ATP Tour Finals

A rejuvenated Daniil Medvedev defeated Alex de Minaur 6-2 6-4 in his second match at the ATP Tour Finals.

Fourth seed Medvedev was irate during his opening defeat by American Taylor Fritz on Sunday but looked far more settled in Tuesday's victory.

The 28-year-old Russian, who had been booed for his antics against Fritz, put his fingers in his ears after sealing victory,

He lost only nine points on his serve as he wrapped up the win in an hour and 18 minutes.


BBC
 
BJK Cup tie called off after severe weather alert

A severe weather alert in southern Spain has led to the opening tie of the Billie Jean King Cup between Spain and Poland being postponed.

The two nations were set to play in Malaga on Wednesday.

Two weeks after flash floods caused devastation in eastern Spain, several areas of the nation are on alert again.

A new weather front brought heavy rain in Malaga on Wednesday.

"This decision has been made based on guidance from the relevant authorities to ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees," said the International Tennis Federation, which organises the event.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation."

BBC
 

Alcaraz shrugs off illness to beat Rublev in Turin​


Carlos Alcaraz overcame illness to defeat Andrey Rublev at the ATP Tour Finals in Turin.

The 21-year-old Spaniard won 6-3 7-6 (10-8) despite cutting short his practice session on Tuesday after struggling with a chest complaint.

Sporting a pink nasal strip to help his breathing, the third seed won four consecutive games to take the first set in 37 minutes with a double break of serve.

He claimed the second in an epic tie-break, hitting 33 winners overall in the match compared to 14 for the Russian.

"I surprised myself the way I played from the baseline. I was really calm," Alcaraz said.

“I just focused on my game and what I have to do and forgetting I'm not feeling well."
Alcaraz scribbled 'Valencia' on a TV monitor after his victory to show support for compatriots hit by recent floods.

The French Open and Wimbledon champion was out of sorts when losing his first match in Turin on Monday to Norwegian Casper Ruud.

And while he used a chest rub during breaks in play on Wednesday, his movement was much sharper.

He came from 40-15 down to break for a 4-3 lead in the opening set after Rublev fluffed a straightforward forehand at deuce.

And the Russian squandered a 30-0 advantage on his next service game as his opponent secured the set.

Eighth seed Rublev, who lost his opening match to German Alexander Zverev, held serve to force a tie-break in the second.

An early break gave Alcaraz the edge, although he was pegged back and had to save two set points before clinching victory.

Rublev has now lost six successive matches at the ATP Finals in straight sets since reaching the semi-finals in 2022.

Alcaraz will face Zverev on Friday in his final match of the round-robin group stage.

The German second seed is in action on Wednesday (19:30 GMT) against Ruud, who will be the first man into the last four and eliminate Rublev if he triumphs.

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ATP Tour Finals: Carlos Alcaraz beats Andrey Rublev in Turin

Carlos Alcaraz overcomes illness to defeat Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6 (10-8) at the ATP Tour Finals in Turin.
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Alcaraz wins against Rublev and Zverev beats Ruud

Carlos Alcaraz overcame illness to defeat Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals in Turin.

The 21-year-old Spaniard won 6-3 7-6 (10-8) despite cutting short his practice session on Tuesday after struggling with a chest complaint.

German second seed Alexander Zverev later claimed his second victory with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win over Casper Ruud in the John Newcombe Group.

Zverev will guarantee his place in the semi-finals if he beats Alcaraz in the final round of the group stage on Friday.

Sporting a pink nasal strip to help his breathing, third seed Alcaraz won four consecutive games against Rublev to take the first set in 37 minutes with a double break of serve.

He claimed the second in an epic tie-break, hitting 33 winners overall in the match compared to 14 for the Russian.


BBC
 

Fritz beats De Minaur to boost last-four hopes​


Taylor Fritz boosted his hopes of reaching the last four of the ATP Finals with a comeback victory against Australia's Alex de Minaur.

De Minaur needed to defeat the American fifth seed in straight sets for any chance of progressing to the semi-finals in Turin, Italy.

However, his hopes were crushed when Fritz stole the second set against the run of play.

Fritz, who went on to win 5-7 6-4 6-3, will progress to the last four of the season-ending tournament if Jannik Sinner beats Daniil Medvedev later on Thursday.

If 2020 champion Medvedev wins in straight sets, the Russian will advance as group winner ahead of Italy's world number one Sinner, while Fritz will miss out.

"All of us are pretty beat up but if I'm in the semi-finals of the world tour finals then I've got energy to give," said Fritz.

Seventh seed De Minaur, although labouring through his opening service games, was the first to break when he ended a superb rally with a clever cross-court winner for a 4-3 lead.

Fritz was quick to respond, levelling in the next game before De Minaur broke again and served out the opening set as his opponent became increasingly frustrated, complaining to the umpire about flash photography in the arena.

The US Open runner-up had to fend off two break points in the second set, while De Minaur, in comparison, looked comfortable on serve with three love holds.

That was until Fritz increased his intensity and seized his opportunity at 5-4 to end De Minaur's season.

With his tournament essentially over, De Minaur continued to falter as Fritz surged and he wrapped up the victory with an ace after two hours and eight minutes.

"He was all over me. What I did a great job of was towards the end of the second set I started to find my serve, I started serving much better," Fritz said.

"It just gave me a little bit of comfort to stay in the match and not be under so much pressure. It was still incredibly tough."

Source: BBC
 
Sinner and Fritz progress at ATP Finals

World number one Jannik Sinner continued his perfect start at the ATP Finals with a dominant win over Russian Daniil Medvedev.

Playing on home soil in Turin, Sinner won 6-3 6-4 to top the Ilie Nastase group with three wins from three.

Sinner's place in the semi-finals had earlier been confirmed by Taylor Fritz's 5-7 6-4 6-3 defeat of Alex de Minaur.

He returned the favour by seeing off Medvedev, with the Russian needing to beat Sinner in straight sets if he was to qualify ahead of American Fritz.

Sinner and Fritz will discover their semi-final opponents on Friday with Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev still able to qualify.

"No preference [on who I play]. Whoever it is going to be on the other side of the net I will try to play the best tennis I can," Sinner told Sky Sports.

Top seed Sinner has yet to drop a set in Turin as he seeks an impressive end to a year in which he has won his first two Grand Slam titles, but also been embroiled in an ongoing doping controversy.

"I'm here, I know what I have achieved during this year so I try to step on court with a good mindset," Sinner said in his on-court interview.

"I have a good team around me. I have beautiful people around me who support me daily and wish for me."

The Australian and US Open champion dropped just two points on serve during the first set as Medvedev was undone by 17 unforced errors.

Sinner broke for a 5-3 lead before serving out the opener and carried his momentum into the second, striking first again.

Medvedev responded to move level at 3-3, but more unforced errors proved costly for the fourth seed and Sinner took advantage to break at 4-4, much to the delight of the partisan crowd.

A winner of seven ATP Tour titles in 2024, the Italian calmly served out the match for his 68th win from 74 matches.

"I'm here trying to find new ways to improve as a player. I'm here trying to win as many as matches as I can," Sinner added.


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ATP Finals: Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz through to semi-finals

World number one Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz are through to the last four at the ATP Finals in Turin.
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Kyrgios to make return at Brisbane International

Nick Kyrgios says he feels "fit and healthy" after announcing he will return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International at the end of December.

The 29-year-old Australian has played just one ATP Tour singles match in two years because of knee, foot and wrist injuries.

The Brisbane event starts the 2025 season and is a warm-up for the Australian Open which begins on 12 January.

"It has been a long journey of recovery to be where I am today," Kyrgios said.

"One of the goals I had set was to be able to play during the Aussie summer so I am excited that I get to start in Brisbane, which is one of my favourite tournaments."

In October, Kyrgios, who was beaten in the 2022 Wimbledon final by Novak Djokovic, said he was planning to return at December's World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi.

He won the Brisbane International in 2018, defeating American Ryan Harrison in the final, and will be making his fourth appearance at the tournament.

“I am feeling fit and healthy, and I am excited for my return to tennis following some time out of the sport," Kyrgios said.

BBC
 
Alcaraz near ATP Finals exit after losing to Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz is on the verge of exiting the 2024 ATP Finals following a straight-set defeat by Alexander Zverev in Turin.

Second seed Zverev secured top spot in the group with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win and will face American Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals.

Wimbledon and French Open champion Alcaraz, who only won one of his three group matches, must await the result of tonight's match between Andrey Rublev and Casper Ruud.

He will be out if Norway's Ruud takes a single set against the winless Russian.

Zverev, 27, who also won his opening two matches against Rublev and Ruud in straight sets, has not had his serve broken so far at the season-ending tournament – but he played it down when asked whether he is currently playing the best tennis of his life.


BBC
 
Swiatek leads Poland into BJK Cup Finals last eight

Iga Swiatek wrapped up a 2-0 victory for Poland over five-time champions Spain to seal their place in the last eight of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga.

World number two Swiatek beat Spain's Paula Badosa 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in the second singles match.

Magda Linette had earlier put Poland in front by beating Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (8-6) 2-6 6-4 in a thriller lasting three hours and 51 minutes.

"I wouldn't say that I pushed us to the quarter-finals, because Magda pushed us to the quarter-finals, so we did it together," said five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek.

"I'm glad that we won a match as Team Poland. I felt like it was my best match since the US Open.

"I knew that I could come back in the third set and try to win it for Poland."

The tie was initially due to take place on Wednesday but was postponed because of a severe weather alert in Malaga.

Poland have not won the BJK Cup in its 61-year history and this is the first time they have reached the quarter-finals in its current format.

They will play 11-time champions the Czech Republic in the last eight on Saturday.

Later on Friday, Great Britain sealed their place in the quarter-finals with victory over Germany. They will face 2023 winners Canada on Sunday.


BBC
 
Boulter & Raducanu put GB into BJK Cup quarter-finals

Emma Raducanu made a winning return from injury before Katie Boulter followed with another victory to secure Great Britain's place in the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals.

In the opening match of Britain's first-round tie against Germany, Raducanu secured a 6-4 6-4 victory - on her sixth match point after an edgy finish - over Jule Niemeier in Malaga.

The 22-year-old was playing her first match in almost two months because of a foot injury, but produced an encouraging display in the 12-nation women's team event on her latest comeback.

"I feel pretty good physically. Emotionally I felt pretty calm out there. I'm very pleased to have scored that point," said Raducanu.

"I think this event is a great way to come back, even though there is some pressure to score a point for your team. You're not just playing for yourself, you're playing for everyone."

Fresh from breaking into the top 25, British number one Boulter clinched victory in the best-of-three encounter with a 6-1 6-2 win over 84th-ranked Laura Siegemund later on Friday.

Boulter's win ensured the nation progressed without needing Olivia Nicholls and Heather Watson to play in a deciding doubles match against German pair Anna-Lena Friedsam and Tatjana Maria.

Britain, who have never won the BJK Cup, will face defending champions Canada in the last eight on Sunday from 16:00 GMT.

Ever since Raducanu won the 2021 US Open as a teenage qualifier, she has often found herself at the centre of attention.

It has been no different in Spain this week and, while that can often be uncomfortable in a team environment, the focus was justified with plenty of intrigue about Raducanu's fitness.

Raducanu, who is continuing her return from wrist and ankle surgeries last year, had not played since 21 September when she retired from her Korea Open quarter-final against Daria Kasatkina after damaging ligaments in her left foot.

A month ago she was still wearing a protective boot. On Thursday she insisted she was ready. But what shape would she really be in?

After a demoralising US Open first-round exit, Raducanu lamented the lack of court time in the run-up and it led to valid questions about her match sharpness in Malaga.

Rustiness in her returning showed in the opening exchanges against 92nd-ranked Niemeier before she quickly began to find rhythm.

Her serving was particularly effective in the first set - especially in the key moments.

Seven aces, including four as she recovered from 0-40 for a 5-3 lead, and winning 80% of her points on first serve did the damage.

Niemeier, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2022, has a powerful game which lent itself to success on the grass but, after a strong start against Raducanu, the 25-year-old's service game disintegrated and confidence seemed to sap.

After an exchange of breaks early in the second set, 58th-ranked Raducanu locked in again mentally to move a double break ahead.

But if the hefty British presence at the Palacio de Deportes thought it was going to be straightforward conclusion from there, they were mistaken.

Getting over the line was where Raducanu's lack of court time told.

Raducanu lost one serve after squandering a match point at 5-2 with a double fault, could not take three more opportunities in the ninth game, but finally sealed victory at the sixth time of asking.

"I'm proud with how I regrouped, because it's not easy," said Raducanu.

"I did a really good job to give myself that cushion and lead, so any first-match-back nerves [meant] I had a bit of room to maybe lose my focus a little bit, even though that's not ideal."

Boulter underlines Britain's strength

In an event where many nations are shorn of their biggest stars, Britain having their best two singles players available is a considerable asset.

Possessing players with the pedigree of Boulter – the highest-ranked singles player left in the draw behind Poland's Iga Swiatek and Italy's Jasmine Paolini – and former Grand Slam champion Raducanu is why captain Anne Keothavong believes her squad have the talent to go all the way.

The pair combined to lead Britain to the BJK Cup Finals in April's qualifying win over France and that winning formula has continued in Malaga.

Boulter, 28, has just returned from a successful seven-week stint in Asia, where she reached the Tokyo semi-finals before going a step further by finishing runner-up in Hong Kong.

Her confidence on the hard courts showed in a ruthless win over Siegemund which took just 70 minutes.

"Going in 1-0 up feels great, it helps me swing free a little bit more," said Boulter.

"Emma did incredibly well. Obviously she hasn't played that many matches, so to see that level out there again is really nice to see. It's where she belongs."

BBC
 
Sinner beats Fritz to win first ATP Finals title

Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to win the ATP Finals title as he earned a commanding straight-set victory over American Taylor Fritz in Turin.

World number one Sinner capped a superb year, in which he has also won the first two Grand Slam titles of his career, with a 6-4 6-4 win over the fifth-ranked Fritz.

With that victory - his 70th in 2024 - the 23-year-old became the first player to take the title at the season-ending ATP Finals without losing a set since Ivan Lendl in 1986.



BBC
 
Paolini's Italy into BJK Cup final after win over Poland

Jasmine Paolini's Italy reached their second successive Billie Jean King Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Poland, who had been given a glimmer of hope by five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.

World number four Paolini and her team-mate Sara Errani clinched the deciding doubles 7-5 7-5 against Swiatek and Katarzyna Kawa after an extraordinary second-set comeback in Malaga.

Twelve months ago, four-time champions Italy were beaten in the BJK Cup final by Canada.

They will discover their 2024 final opponents on Tuesday, when Great Britain take on Slovakia in the second semi-final (11:00 GMT).

"It was tough today," said 28-year-old Paolini. "The intensity was insane.

"You have to give everything for Italy, for my team. I found the energy and I'm really happy."

World number 78 Lucia Bronzetti was the first to strike for Italy, defeating Poland's Magda Linette - ranked 40 places higher - in straight sets.

Her 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory laid the path for Paolini, who was bidding to beat Swiatek for the first time.

But while Paolini won the opening set, her first in four meetings with the Polish world number two, Swiatek prevailed 3-6 6-4 6-4 to send the tie to a decider.

Paolini and Errani, who won Olympic doubles gold together in Paris this summer, saved three set points before breaking the Poles' serve and then clinching the opener.

After being broken in the first game of the second set, Swiatek and Kawa won five consecutive games for a 5-1 lead. A match tie-break looked certain, but the Italians had other ideas.

They too reeled off five games for the chance to serve for the match, and with it, a place in the final.

They did so at the first opportunity, cueing huge celebrations from the team in blue.

The 2024 BJK Cup champions will be crowned on Wednesday night, with the final getting under way at 16:00 GMT.

BBC
 

Federer pays tribute to Nadal for 'epic career'​


Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal "made the whole tennis world proud" during his "epic career" as he paid tribute to his former rival before his retirement.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will bring an end to his illustrious career aged 38 after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week.

Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams, won 16 matches and lost 24 - including an epic final at Wimbledon in 2008 - in the 40 times he faced Nadal.

"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," wrote 43-year-old Federer on Instagram.

"Let's start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no-one else could.

"On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground.

Federer added that Nadal made him "reimagine" his game, to the extent that the Swiss changed the size of his racquet head.

A 37-year-old Federer triumphed in the pair's final encounter, in 2019 at Wimbledon, but it was a 17-year-old Nadal who won their first meeting, in 2004.

"I thought I was on top of the world. And I was - until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly.

"All that buzz I'd been hearing about you about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday - it wasn't just hype.

"We were both at the start of our journey and it's one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you've had. Including 14 French Opens - historic!

"You made Spain proud... you made the whole tennis world proud."

Federer teamed up with Nadal for the final match of his career when the pair - affectionately nicknamed 'Fedal' - played together in the doubles for Europe against the Rest of the World at the Laver Cup.

Both players were in tears as Federer bowed out of the game.

"Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career."

He added: "Rafa, I know you're focused on the last stretch of your epic career.

"We will talk when it's done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success.

"And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next."

Source: BBC
 
Germany to face Netherlands in Davis Cup semi-finals

Germany will face the Netherlands in the Davis Cup semi-finals after beating Canada 2-0 in Malaga.

Despite being without their star player, world number two Alexander Zverev, Germany won the tie without requiring the doubles rubber.

Daniel Altmaier beat Gabriel Diallo 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 and Jan-Lennard Struff defeated Denis Shapovalov 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7-5).

Germany are three-time Davis Cup winners, last lifting the title in 1993.

The Netherlands defeated hosts Spain on Tuesday, ending Rafael Nadal's playing career.

On Wednesday, Italy face Argentina and the United States will play Australia for a place in the last four.


BBC
 
Paolini seals BJK Cup title for Italy with win over Slovakia

Paolini, who has enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 season, was part of the Italian team that finished runners-up to Canada 12 months ago.

The world number four won 6-2 6-1 against Rebecca Sramkova after Lucia Bronzetti had put Italy ahead with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Viktoria Hruncakova in the first singles match.

"I always dreamed about this trophy," said Bronzetti, who was playing just her second singles match in the competition.

"We are the world champions, we can be much happier. It is a dream of all of ours and we are so proud."

Italy, who will earn $2.4m (£1.9m) in prize money for winning their fifth title, have become a tennis powerhouse recently, with the men's team - led by world number one Jannik Sinner - winning its first Davis Cup in 47 years in 2023.


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Billie Jean King Cup 2024: Italy win first title since 2013 with 2-0 victory over Slovakia

Italy claim their first Billie Jean King Cup title in 11 years as Jasmine Paolini wraps up a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Malaga.
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Australia beat USA to reach Davis Cup semi-finals

Australia will play reigning champions Italy or Argentina in the Davis Cup semi-finals after defeating the United States in a doubles decider.

In a meeting between the two most successful nations in the tournament's history, world number four Taylor Fritz kept the USA in contention by beating Alex de Minaur, after Ben Shelton lost to Thanasi Kokkinakis.

But Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson sent Australia, runners-up in the past two editions, through to the last four with a straight-set win over Shelton and Tommy Paul.

Italy, led by world number one Jannik Sinner, face Argentina later on Thursday, with Germany set to take on the Netherlands in the other semi-final.

In a thrilling opening contest, Kokkinakis saved four match points to edge a 30-point third-set tie-break against Shelton, putting Australia ahead with a 6-1 4-6 7-6 (16-14) victory after two hours and 17 minutes in Malaga.

Fritz, who rose into the world's top four after finishing runner-up to Jannik Sinner at last week's ATP Finals, responded with a clinical 6-3 6-4 win against the ninth-ranked De Minaur to force a decider.

However, Ebden and Thompson proved too strong for Paul and Shelton in the doubles match and completed an efficient 6-4 6-4 win with a break of serve in both sets.

That sent 28-time champions Australia into the nation's third successive Davis Cup semi-final and the pair celebrated with a chest bump before embracing team captain Lleyton Hewitt - winner of two Grand Slam singles titles.

Hewitt, part of Australia's last triumphant Davis Cup team in 2003, said: "We've got a rich history in this competition. These boys know it's a great honour every time you get the chance to wear the green and gold out here.

"We've had a group of six guys that have really put their hands up the last three or four years now. They've gelled together well and I'm just super proud of the whole team as a collective."


BBC
 
'Special one' Sinner inspires Italy to Davis Cup semi-finals

Jannik Sinner inspired reigning champions Italy to a comeback victory over Argentina which set up a Davis Cup semi-final against Australia.

World number one Sinner kept Italy in contention after Lorenzo Musetti's loss to Francisco Cerundolo with a commanding straight-set win over Sebastian Baez.

The 23-year-old then partnered Matteo Berrettini to a 6-4 7-5 victory against Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez in the deciding doubles match to complete the turnaround in Malaga.

In a repeat of last year's title decider, Italy face Australia for a place in Sunday's final after they beat the United States 2-1 earlier on Thursday.

Italy are seeking to become only the sixth nation to retain the Davis Cup since the final stage was introduced 52 years ago, and first since the Czech Republic in 2013.

Germany beat Canada on Wednesday to confirm a semi-final against the Netherlands on Friday, who knocked out Spain in the final tournament of Rafael Nadal's career.


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Davis Cup Finals: Jannik Sinner's Italy beat Argentina to set up Australia semi-final

Jannik Sinner inspires Italy to a comeback win over Argentina as the reigning champions set up a Davis Cup semi-final against Australia.
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Netherlands beat Germany to reach first Davis Cup final

The Netherlands reached the final of the Davis Cup for the first time as Tallon Griekspoor fought back to win his singles match and clinch a 2-0 victory against Germany.

Botic van de Zandschulp, who beat Rafael Nadal in the final match of the Spaniard's career on Tuesday, put the Dutch team 1-0 up on Friday when he defeated Daniel Altmaier in the first singles match.

The world number 80 needed 10 match points to wrap up a tense 6-4 6-7 (12-14) 6-3 win.

Griekspoor stopped the best-of-three tie from going to a deciding doubles as he surged back from a set down to overcome Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-4.

"We believed in ourselves so much, we always felt this was possible so to do it now feels unbelievable," said Griekspoor.

The Netherlands will face defending champions Italy - led by world number one Jannik Sinner - or Australia in Sunday's final.


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Davis Cup Finals 2024: Netherlands beat Germany to reach first final

The Netherlands reach the final of the Davis Cup for the first time as Tallon Griekspoor fights back in his singles match to clinch a 2-0 win over Germany.
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Sinner & Berrettini lead Italy into Davis Cup final​

Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini led defending champions Italy into the Davis Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Australia.

Sinner, the world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, continued his dominant year with a 6-3 6-4 win over Alex de Minaur.

That came after compatriot Berrettini fought back to overcome Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-5 in an entertaining first singles match.

Italy will face the Netherlands on Sunday in a tie that will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website and app.

Italy's women triumphed in the Billie Jean King Cup tournament earlier in the week.

Both Sinner and Berrettini were supported by a noisy partisan crowd in Malaga.

"It feels like Italy, it is unbelievable," Berrettini said afterwards. "I love this atmosphere, I love playing Davis Cup and I cannot wait to play many more matches."

Source: BBC
 
Sinner caps superb year as Italy retain Davis Cup title

Jannik Sinner ended an extraordinary 2024 season on a high by helping Italy retain their Davis Cup title.

The world number one continued his dominant year with a hard-fought 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 win over Tallon Griekspoor to secure a 2-0 victory against the Netherlands.

That came after Matteo Berrettini defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4 6-2 to hand Italy an early advantage in Malaga.


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Davis Cup Finals 2024: Jannik Sinner leads Italy to title with 2-0 victory over the Netherlands to cap superb year

Jannik Sinner caps an extraordinary 2024 season by battling past the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor to help Italy defend their Davis Cup title.
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2023 champion Alcaraz to play Queen's in 2025

Two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz will play at Queen's in 2025.

The world number three lifted the title at Queen's Club on his tournament debut in 2023 but lost to Britain's Jack Draper in the second round last year.

However, the Spaniard triumphed at Wimbledon just a few weeks later on both occasions.

"Lifting the title two years ago is what gave me the belief to go on and win Wimbledon for the first time, so it always means a lot to compete there," the 21-year-old said.

"I love playing in front of the fans in London and I hope I can have another successful summer in the UK."

The men's tournament takes place from 16-22 June, with Queen's also hosting a women's tournament in 2025 for the first time in more than 50 years.

American Tommy Paul beat Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in the final of last year's event.


www.bbc.com

Queen's 2025: Carlos Alcaraz to play at tournament before Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz will play at Queen's in 2025 as part of his Wimbledon title defence preparations.
www.bbc.com
 

Swiatek accepts one-month doping suspension​


World number two and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.

The 23-year-old reigning French Open champion tested positive for a heart medication, trimetazidine (TMZ), in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, when she was world number one.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Thursday an investigation determined the source was a contaminated regulated medication.

It therefore ruled Swiatek bore no significant fault or negligence for the failed test.

The Polish player was provisionally suspended from 12 September before successfully appealing, missing three tournaments.

With Swiatek's level of fault considered to be at the lowest end of the range for 'No Significant Fault or Negligence', the ITIA offered a one-month suspension which she accepted on Wednesday.

Swiatek appealed the provisional suspension on 22 September, notifying an independent tribunal that the source of the positive test had been identified as a contaminated medicine manufactured in Poland.

Because her provisional suspension was lifted on 4 October, Swiątek's period of ineligibility will end on 4 December 2024.

The Pole was also forced to forfeit the prize money from her run to the Cincinnati Open semi-finals, the tournament that directly followed the test.

Swiatek missed the Korea Open (16-22 September), China Open (25 September – 6 October) and Wuhan Open (7-13 October - she was suspended during the entry deadline).

The ITIA did not disclose her provisional suspension because the player successfully appealed within 10 days of the notice.

ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse said: "Once the source of the TMZ had been established, it became clear that this was a highly unusual instance of a contaminated product, which in Poland is a regulated medicine.

"However, the product does not have the same designation globally, and the fact that a product is a regulated medication in one country cannot of itself be sufficient to avoid any level of fault. Taking into account the nature of the medication, and all the circumstances, it does place that fault at the lowest end of the scale."

www.bbc.com

Iga Swiatek: World number two accepts one-month doping suspension

World number two Iga Swiatek accepts a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.
www.bbc.com
 
Halep criticises 'different approaches' after Swiatek ban

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has questioned the "big difference" in how tennis doping cases are handled after world number two Iga Swiatek received a one-month ban.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Thursday that Swiatek had accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ).

Halep, who was out of action for more than 18 months following two separate anti-doping violations, has criticised the ITIA for having "completely different approaches".

"I stand and ask myself, why is there such a big difference in treatment and judgment?" Halep posted on Instagram on Friday.

"I can't find and I don’t think there can be a logical answer. It can only be bad will from ITIA, the organization that has done absolutely everything to destroy me despite the evidence."

Halep was provisionally suspended in October 2022 after testing positive for banned substance roxadustat - an anti-anaemia drug which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body.

The Romanian was later banned for four years - a period which was reduced to nine months in March after an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Halep always maintained her innocence and argued she had taken a contaminated supplement.

"I lost two years of my career, I lost many nights when I couldn't sleep, thoughts, anxiety, questions without answers," the former world number one said.

"How is it possible that in identical cases happening around the same time, ITIA to have completely different approaches to my detriment?"

Swiatek tested positive for a heart medication, TMZ, in an out-of-competition sample in August 2024, when she was world number one.

The ITIA accepted the five-time major winner's violation was caused by contamination of the regulated non-prescription medication melatonin, manufactured and sold in Poland, which Swiatek took for jet lag and sleep issues.

An ITIA spokesperson told BBC Sport there were "very important differences" between Halep's case and Swiatek's.

"No two cases are the same, they often involve different circumstances, and direct comparisons are not always helpful," the ITIA said.

"The product contaminated in Ms Swiatek's case was a regulated medication, not a supplement."

Swiatek's suspension comes after men's world number one Jannik Sinner tested positive for clostebol in March.

Although the ITIA accepted there was "no fault or negligence" attached to the 23-year-old Italian, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has launched an appeal to Cas.

The ITIA said: "We deal with each case based on the facts and evidence, not a player's name, ranking or nationality. When a prohibited substance is found in a player's system, we investigate it thoroughly.

"We urge players to exercise extreme caution when taking supplements and we are always happy to answer any questions they have."

BBC
 
Australian tennis legend Fraser dies at 91

Former Wimbledon champion Neale Fraser has died aged 91.

The Australian won the Wimbledon singles title in 1960 as well as the US National Championships in 1959 and 1960, when tennis was still an amateur sport.

He also claimed 11 men's doubles and five mixed doubles Slam titles and became the men's singles world number one in 1959.

Fraser was a member of four triumphant Davis Cup teams as a player before going on to captain Australia in the event for 24 years, winning it four further times.

"A true legend of Australian tennis, who will be missed by so many around the world," said Tennis Australia.

Fraser beat compatriot Rod Laver to claim the Wimbledon and US titles in 1960.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear mate and fellow lefty, Neale Fraser," said Laver.

"He was a true gem in a golden era of Australian tennis legends - an incredible world number one, a Grand Slam champion, and a Davis Cup icon.

"Neale bested me in two major finals, pushing me to become a better player. My heartfelt condolences go out to [his wife] Thea and Neale’s extended family. I’ll miss you dearly, buddy. Rest in peace."

Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash was a member of the Australia team that won the Davis Cup in 1983 and 1986 under Fraser, who he said was like a father to him.

Cash added: "He just knew how to make you feel important and play your best."

BBC
 
Kyrgios to make Grand Slam return in Australia

Nick Kyrgios has used his protected ranking to secure a place in the main draw of January's Australian Open.

Kyrgios, 29, has not played at a Grand Slam since September 2022 when he lost in the quarter-finals of the US Open.

Britons Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartal and Jodie Burrage have also been confirmed on the main draw list.

The Australian Open begins on 12 January.

A series of knee, foot and wrist injuries have interrupted Kyrgios' career over the past two years.

The Australian has not competed since June 2023 but he is planning a return to action at the World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi from 19-22 December.

Kyrgios, who was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, is due to feature in his first competitive tournament at the Brisbane International later in December.


www.bbc.com

2025 Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios to make Grand Slam return in Melbourne

After a series of injuries, Nick Kyrgios uses his protected ranking to secure a place in the main draw of January's Australian Open.
www.bbc.com
 
Sabalenka voted WTA Player of the Year

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has been voted the WTA Player of the Year after securing four titles in 2024.

The Belarusian retained the Australian Open in January before winning the US Open in September - her third Grand Slam singles triumph.

The 26-year-old also secured victories at the Cincinnati Open in August and the Wuhan Open in October, becoming the first woman to win the event three times.

In October she became world number one, ending Iga Swiatek's 11-month stay at the summit.

It is the first time Sabalenka has been named Player of the Year, replacing 2022 and 2023 winner Swiatek.

The winners are voted for by international tennis media.

BBC
 
Injured Draper cancels Alcaraz training week

Jack Draper has cancelled his planned training week with Carlos Alcaraz because of a "little bit of a niggle" in his hip.

The British number one was due in Spain to train with the Wimbledon champion next week, but is limited to gym work at the moment.

Draper is in the Great Britain team which will contest the United Cup from 27 December, but is not yet sure whether he will be fit to play.

The Australian Open starts in Melbourne on 12 January.


www.bbc.com

Jack Draper: Injured British number one cancels Carlos Alcaraz training

British number one Jack Draper cancells a training week with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz because of a hip injury.
www.bbc.com
 
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