Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he – like many others – wasn’t in the best mental state competing during the COVID-19 pandemic this year. However, he’s optimistic about 2022 and beyond, for his tennis and the life lessons he’s ultimately learned. Elsewhere, new US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been backed to avoid the same drastic slump Dominic Thiem suffered after winning Flushing Meadows last year, by his coach Gilles Cervara. Continue reading
Tag: Rafael Nadal
US Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev beats Novak Djokovic, wins first Grand Slam title
In his third Grand Slam final appearance, world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev produced a fantastic serving display and inpenetrable shot defence en route to blasting beyond a fatigued Novak Djokovic – clinching a maiden Grand Slam title, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 15 minutes.
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US Open 2021: Williams sisters withdraw with injuries, Kenin out with COVID
The list of high-profile withdrawals ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam continues, with Venus and younger sister Serena Williams revealing they won’t feature at Flushing Meadows. After news of Roger Federer (knee) and Rafael Nadal (foot) shutting down their 2021 seasons in the last fortnight, this will be the first Slam tournament without the latter trio playing since 1997. Continue reading
Roger Federer is again out indefinitely, after needing more knee surgery
Having only played 13 matches in 2021 – nine of them in Grand Slams – 20-time Major winner Roger Federer will again be sidelined indefinitely as he follows medical advice by undergoing further knee surgery to ensure long-term comfort on-court and improved health in future. Continue reading
Wimbledon 2021: Contrasting reasons see Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka withdraw
20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and reigning Australian Open titlist Naomi Osaka today both announced they wouldn’t feature at this year’s Championships. The latter confirmed she will compete at the Tokyo Olympics in her native Japan – unlike the 35-year-old Spaniard, preparing to take this summer period off to recover from injuries after listening to his body. Continue reading
French Open 2021: Djokovic recovers to overwhelm Tsitsipas in five-set epic final
Having dethroned reigning champion Rafael Nadal during an unforgettable semi-final battle on Friday night, Novak Djokovic remarkably managed to recover from two sets down, leaving first-time finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas (#5) heartbroken – while securing his 19th Major title.
French Open 2021: Djokovic’s defiant defence helps him roar past Berrettini
World number one and last year’s beaten finalist Novak Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 against Matteo Berrettini overnight, booking yet another Grand Slam semi-final – second to only Roger Federer in the all-time ranks (50). However, it wasn’t without a few dicey moments late on…
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French Open 2021: Djokovic, Federer and defending champion Nadal in same half
Play starts Sunday, and it won’t be an easy run into the deep stages for any of the Big Three – as they all look to improve upon their respective Grand Slam singles title tallies.
Don’t compare exciting teen Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal, warns Juan Carlos Ferrero
Former world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero – winner at the 2003 French Open – has cautioned critics quick to apply pressure on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz as Rafael Nadal’s successor long-term – instead saying more gradual progression is important for him to have a fruitful career.
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Consistency is key: Felix Auger-Aliassime discusses coach link-up with Toni Nadal
When it was announced last month, there was plenty of surprise surrounding the appointment. However, world #20 Felix Auger-Aliassime has revealed what he hopes to learn going forward from an intriguing link-up with Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni – with building consistency the key.
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Alexander Zverev: Jannik Sinner should be a top-10 player soon
A semi-finalist at the Barcelona Open last week, armed with a new career-high #18 next to his name on Monday, Italian teenager Jannik Sinner – progressing fast – is destined to finally crack the top-10 sooner rather than later per US Open finalist Alexander Zverev’s recent comments.
Monte Carlo 2021: Stefanos Tsitsipas tames in-form Dan Evans in straight sets
Stefanos Tsitsipas (#4) will play Andrey Rublev (#6) or rising Norwegian Casper Ruud in his third Masters 1000 Final tomorrow and hopes the number three proves lucky, after needing just 68 minutes to end Dan Evans’ red-hot tournament in Monte Carlo – with an impressive 6-2, 6-1 win.
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