#Wimbledon title defense

[fritzes]

unpopular opinion but I don’t want a sincaraz uso final and I have my reasons! because here’s how the sequence of sincaraz slam matches have been:

r16 at wimbledon

qf at uso

sf at rg

therefore their next grand slam match should be the ao final. and think about the narratives: jannik going for his first slam title defense, carlos going for a career grand slam. and the winner of this match? well it depends on how many more matches they play this year because the h2h is still following the tiebreak pattern and I hope it does forever

[fincalinde]

random question friday: what sport do you think lxc would play?

Random question Friday I answer several Tuesdays later! This fox cannot be tamed.

So lucky for you this happens to be a subject near to my heart and those closest to me are at dire risk of having it outlined to them at any given moment that LXC is without a doubt a tennis player. Here are my reasons three:

Tennis is a sport associated with wealth and social status. It has traditionally been a sport of the middle classes and above, which I have been informed is also true in China and is one of the reasons for the tennis boom there in recent years. As the leader of a prestigious clan, LXC is at the pinnacle of his society and in a modern AU would therefore participate in such sports.

Tennis requires extraordinary mental discipline. When you're on the singles court you have to solve your own problems and your own mental strength is vital because there's no team playing around you and every single point counts. That mental discipline is not a million miles from the kind of discipline required to become a truly powerful cultivator making maximum use of their talent.

Sexy Wimbledon whites.

I happen to love tennis so I'm aware I have a shocking bias, but I think it's just two keen interests I have happening to fit together surprisingly well.

As a bonus, this is my opinion on professional playing styles for the tennis AU I will never write but have bored on about privately for the past three years:

LXC - your classic elegant all court player, the most powerful one-handed backhand on the tour, as much as he enjoys singles in his heart of hearts he never has more fun than when he's playing doubles with a good partner

JGY - counterpuncher, scrambles like you would not believe, literally never knows when he is beaten and has pulled out more wins from match point down than any other player, has a completely undeserved reputation for gamesmanship via taking bathroom breaks and medical timeouts as a strategy (EVERYONE DOES IT)

LWJ - technically an all court player but drifts into pusher territory a little too often because he likes to hit perfect shots until his opponent makes a mistake - however when he does step up to play offensively, beware

WWX - loses points he should win because he's hitting tweeners for the lolz, gets seriously injured playing doubles with JC and changes his playing style drastically to shorten points, becomes serve and volley king and still hits tweeners and underarm serves whenever he wants, literally the worst doubles player known to man

JC - offensive baseliner constantly being berated by his mother (coach) to COME TO THE NET and can never volley as well as WWX does, hugely outstrips WWX in ranking after the Incident and is constantly paranoid that without said injury WWX would always have beaten/outranked him

NMJ - servebot, breaks rackets on court, has been defaulted from matches for rage hitting balls, is the toughest prospect out there on grass and hugely respected for it, retires early due to health and becomes his brother's very ineffective coach

NHS - defensive baseliner bc that's the farthest position from the balls shooting at him at 200kmph, hasn't even cracked the top 200 and all his tour-related costs are covered by NMJ, has won a couple of doubles titles where NMJ did all the work, still somehow makes more in endorsement deals than most of the rest of the cast put together

[justforbooks]

In the closing minutes of Wales’s Five Nations meeting with France at Cardiff Arms Park in March 1976, the home side were resisting an onslaught by the visitors when the French wing Jean-François Gourdon found some space on the touchline by the north stand. Gourdon was then hit by a shuddering shoulder charge from Wales’s full-back, JPR Williams, that all but sent him spinning into the crowd. Williams raised his fist in triumph and Wales held on to win 19-13 and complete a seventh grand slam.

In truth, Williams’s tackle was far from legal, but the incident remains an indelible image in the minds of Welsh rugby supporters – that and a photograph of the Bridgend No 15 with blood pouring from his face after being trampled by a visiting All Blacks boot. International rugby in the 1970s was not for the squeamish, and JPR survived by being not just supremely skilful, but as hard as nails.

Williams, who has died aged 74 from bacterial meningitis, would forever be known as JPR, the three most evocative initials in the sport. Only France’s Serge Blanco could rival him as the greatest full-back in history. When the law-makers of the international board prevented the ball from being kicked directly into touch in 1968 it gave the opportunity for Williams and others such as Scotland’s Andy Irvine to forge a template for how a modern attacking full-back should play.

The source of Williams’s famous hardness is surprising. Unusually for top-class players in Wales, he came from a comfortable middle-class home. Williams once told of how he turned up at a Wales Schoolboys’ trial in a Rolls Royce. His upbringing, he said served as an incentive “to prove to my mates that I was tough and one of them”.

John Peter Rhys was born in Bridgend to Peter and Margaret, both doctors. Margaret had been born in Rochdale, so young John could have played for England, but that was not a subject much discussed in the Williams household.

It was on the lawns of Wimbledon rather than the muddy fields of Cardiff Arms Park or Bridgend that Williams first made his mark as a sportsman of renown. As a 17-year-old, he won the 1966 British junior tennis title at Wimbledon, beating David Lloyd in the final.

He was gaining a reputation at rugby in Bridgend, where his father was the club president and doctor. By this time Williams had left Bridgend grammar school for Millfield school in Somerset, where future Wales scrum-half Gareth Edwards was a pupil.

From Millfield, Williams went to St Mary’s hospital in London and had a spell at the London Welsh club. He chose to continue playing the amateur sport rather than tennis and concentrate on his medical studies, his father having told him that he would not make a living as a professional sportsman.

He was still a teenager when he was called into a Wales squad to tour Argentina in the summer of 1968. There were great expectations of the new boy John Williams, as he was then known, when he made his full Wales debut against Scotland at Murray Field the following February.

Wales had a new coach, their former captain Clive Rowlands. Barry John at fly-half scored the final try in Wales’s 17-3 win. Something was brewing in Wales and the 70s were a golden age. Once Phil Bennett, alongside Edwards, established himself as Barry John’s natural heir and once JPR was joined by the wings JJ Williams and Gerald Davies, Wales became an unstoppable force in northern hemisphere rugby. At the heart of their team was JPR, instantly recognisable with his Elvis-Presley style sideburns, flowing hair and socks often pulled down to his ankles.

What set him apart was his success as an attacking player which, allied to that rock-solid defensive play, made him a permanent fixture in the Wales side between his 1969 debut and 1981, when he retired from international rugby. He burnished his reputation on the successful British Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974, playing in all four Tests on each. Williams had been on a Wales tour to New Zealand in 1969 when they were humbled by the All Blacks in two Tests so the 2-1 series win by the Lions two years later came as a big relief.

In Auckland he settled the series with a long-range drop-goal in the final Test. It came as a surprise to his team-mates, but England’s Bob Hiller, his full-back understudy on that tour, had apparently joked to him that he could not consider himself a proper international until he had dropped a goal.

In South Africa three years later, Williams was heroic again as Willie John McBride’s team prevailed in an often brutal series win over the Springboks. The Lions’ call of ��99” often signalled all-out punch-ups, and the sight of Williams racing upfield to thump the much larger South African lock Moaner van Heerden was a memorable one, though, as Williams confessed later it was not something of which he was particularly proud.

Williams won 55 caps for Wales, five of them as captain in 1978-79; in 1977 he was appointed MBE. In between those Lions victories he scored the final try in the Barbarians’ famous victory over the All Blacks at the Arms Park in 1973, and after retiring from the international stage played club rugby for Tondu as a back-rower until 2003, when he was 54.

He met Scilla (Priscilla) Parkin at medical school, and they married in 1973. His principal post as a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon was at the Princess of Wales hospital, Bridgend (1986–2004). Williams rarely joined the ranks of retired players who became pundits, but he was always happy to talk about a stellar career, particularly the 11 games against England, in which he always ended on the winning side.

He is survived by Scilla and their children, Lauren, Annie, Fran and Peter.

🔔 John Peter Rhys Williams, rugby player and orthopaedic surgeon, born 2 March 1949; died 8 January 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[lboogie1906]

First Lieutenant Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. (July 10, 1943 – February 6, 1993) was a tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles.

He was born in Richmond, Virginia to Arthur Ashe Sr. and Mattie Cordell Cunningham Ashe. He had a brother, who was five years younger than him.

He became the first African American to win the National Junior Indoor tennis title and was awarded a tennis scholarship to UCLA.

After graduating with a BA in Business Administration from UCLA, he joined the United States Army. He completed his basic training in Washington and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps. He was assigned to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he worked as a data processor. He headed the academy’s tennis program. He was discharged from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service. He served 2 years.

He was the first African American player selected to the US Davis Cup team and the only African American man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. He retired in 1980. He was ranked world #1 by Harry Hopman in 1968 and by Lance Tingay of The Daily Telegraph and World Tennis Magazine in 1975. In the ATP computer rankings, he peaked at #2 in May 1976.

He is believed to have contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during heart bypass surgery. He publicly announced his illness in April 1992 and began working to educate others about HIV and AIDS. He founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health before his death from AIDS-related pneumonia.

He married photographer and graphic artist Jeanne Moutoussamy (1977). They adopted a daughter.

He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #kappaalphapsi

[masochistartt]

i don’t follow football what happened with chelsea?

okay strap in bc this chelsea season has been. definitely. Something!!

let's start with last season as a little catch up. chelsea (one of the 6 biggest clubs in the premier league) finished twelfth on the table (out of 20). it was their first season under new ownership, and they went through four (4) managers in the 38-game season. finishing in twelfth made it the club's lowest season since 1993-94, where they finished 14th. because of their 12th place finish, this (23/24, current season) is the first season since 2016-17 that they didn't compete in europe (champions league, europa league, europa conference league).

so. not a great year for the boys in blue.

this summer. chelsea spent ~£435 million on new players. that's the most a single club has ever spent during a single transfer window in premier league history. these transfers included moises caicedo (a defensive midfielder from brighton for £100 million (plus bonuses)), nicolas jackson (a striker from villarreal for £32 million), christopher nkunku (a striker from rb leipzig for £52 million), and cole palmer (an attacking midfielder from manchester city for £40 million plus bonuses) (more on this later.)

transfers out included césar azpilicueta, a defender who was their captain since 2019 (who lead them to winning the champions league in 2021), mateo kovačić, mason mount, kai havertz, and christian pulisic (all champions league winners, all played in the final in 2021, havertz scoring the only goal in the game)

these new transfers in are all young. of the 12 new signings, two were born in 1997 one was born in 1998 and one was born in 1999, but the rest are 2000s babies (2 in '01, 1 in '02, 4 in '04, and 1 in '05). so there's a severe lack of experience on this team (ben chilwell is 27, raheem sterling is 29, and thiago silva is 39 – 12 of their 29 players are u21). the average age on the team is 23 (their goalies are the oldest at 27 on average, defenders at 24, midfielders at 21, and forwards at 22).

because azpilicueta left the club, you need a new captain. they found theirs in chelsea academy boy reece james, a 24-year-old defender. his vice captains are ben chilwell, the 27-year-old left back signed from leicester city in 2020, conor gallagher, a 24-year-old central midfielder also from chelsea's academy, and thiago silva, the 39-year-old signed from psg in 2020.

and because of the managerial disasters of last season, they need a new manager. they bring on mauricio pochettino, former manager of spurs and psg (where he lead the team to the ligue 1 title).

welcome to chelsea. let's start the season.

their first match was at home against liverpool. liverpool scored first, in the 18th minute, but chelsea tied it up before the half, the first goal from new signee axel disasi. the second half is mostly uneventful, but oops, captain reece james has to be substituted off with a hamstring injury. he is now out until october (it is august).

their next match is away against west ham. ben chilwell takes the captain's armband. it's the 7th minute. west ham scores. chelsea pulls one back in the 28th minute, 1 all. west ham picks up three yellow cards in the first half. in the second half, west ham scores again. then, the hammers go down a man for a second yellow card, chelsea is now playing 11 against 10. they cannot turn it around. not only do they not turn it around, they concede another goal. chelsea loses 3-1. it is week 2 of the premier league season, and chelsea is fifteenth on the table.

they beat newly promoted luton town week 3 and rise to 10th place.

meanwhile, chelsea is competing in the league cup. that's going well so far - a 2-1 win against fourth tier afc wimbledon (phil dunster's team!) in august right after beating luton town - maybe things are turning around! (things are not turning around.)

then they face a loss, a draw, and another loss to nottingham forest, bournemouth, and aston villa (a game in which malo gusto picks up a straight red card and is now unable to play the next few games).

let's... let's check in on the league cup. we need something good for these boys after this hell they've faced in september. they've drawn fellow premiership club brighton & hove albion at home in the third round. they win! 1-0, thanks to a goal in the 50th minute from new signee nicolas jackson. but in the 7th minute of stoppage time at the end of the game, ben chilwell (their captain, with reece james still out injured), is fouled and has to come off with a hamstring injury. but also oops, chelsea's already used all their substitution windows - they have to finish the game with 10 men. luckily, they see it out and move on to the next round.

reece james is still injured. ben chilwell is now injured. conor gallagher, time to step up.

happy october, chelsea. their first two premier league draws of the month are against fulham (who finished 10th on the table in 22/23) and newly promoted burnley. chelsea win both. they are 11th on the table after both results. and! reece james is back! they draw 2-2 at home against arsenal, and rise to 10th on the table. their last match in october is against brentford, who finished 9th on the table last season, and were 13th going into this match. they lose 0-2.

november starts big with a league cup win against championship side blackburn and a 1-4 win at tottenham (all four goals are scored by new signees - a penalty from cole palmer, and a hat trick from nicolas jackson) after the win against tottenham, they are taking slutty, slutty locker room pictures.

let's pause here to talk about fouls, yeah? chelsea has not gone a single game this season without picking up a booking. 1 is the minimum so far, against brentford, 2 against luton, and the rest have had 3+. they have been booked with 35 yellow cards and one red card as of week eleven of the premier league season.

november ends with a draw against manchester city (10th on the table, 22 points, 5 more yellow cards), a loss to newcastle (10th on the table, 22 points, 5 yellow cards & a 6th that becomes a red card for reece james).

december - a win against brighton (10th on the table, 25 points, 4 yellow cards & a 5th that becomes a red card for conor gallagher before halftime) and then two losses in a row (a 2-1 loss at manchester united - chelsea's first league game of the season without a booking. cole palmer scores the only goal - and then a 2-0 loss at everton that drops them to 12th on the table, 2 more bookings. reece james is injured again and has to get surgery for his hamstring). they win against newly promoted, bottom of the table sheffield united (with another booking), and return to tenth on the table.

league cup break! they draw newcastle united 1-1 in the quarterfinals. the game goes to penalties. chelsea wins 4-2 on penalties. four more yellow cards are picked up in this game. chelsea moves on to play middlesbrough in the two-legged semifinals in january. we'll return to this.

back to the prem.

on christmas eve, they play away at wolves and lose 2-1. christopher nkunku scores in the 96th minute. chelsea picks up 6 more yellow cards.

they end 2023 and start 2024 on a three game winning streak (against crystal palace, luton town, and fulham). in these three games, they pick up 3, 2, and 5 yellow cards. after the win against fulham, they raise to 9th on the table, the highest they've been all season.

they lose spectacularly to liverpool to end january, 4-1, picking up 4 yellow cards in the process. this drops them back to 10th on the table.

meanwhile, they've played both legs of that league cup semifinal i mentioned, winning 6-2 on aggregate. chelsea's going to the final! maybe they will win a trophy this season! who're they playing in that final at the end of february? oh. oh, it's liverpool? okay.

the fa cup's going on now too ! they beat championship side preston north end 4-0, and then draw aston villa 0-0 at home - this will go to a replay the first week of february. only one yellow card across these two games, well done, chelsea.

first they've got a prem match to play against wolves. they allow wolves player matheus cunha to score a hat trick on them. oops. final result 2-4, 3 more yellow cards, 11th on the table with a goal difference of -1 (they've let 1 more goal past them than they've scored all season).

i know what you're saying. chelsea needs a good run here. and they get it! after losing to wolves, they don't lose another premier league game until today, april 23. we will get back to this. they win against crystal palace, newcastle united, manchester united, and everton (the everton game, they win 6-0. we will get back to this.) they draw against manchester city, brentford, and sheffield united (you know, the bottom of the table team who has no chance of staying in the prem next year).

they also win their fa cup ties against aston villa (replay) and championship sides leeds united and leicester city. they face manchester city in the semi finals. they lose. they also lose that league cup final to liverpool. a trophyless season for chelsea. they also still haven't figured out that premier league yellow card problem.

so let's talk about The Everton Game. cole palmer scored his second hat trick in two games and this one's brilliant. seriously watch the highlights it's amazing. chelsea is awarded a penalty in the 64th minute. all hell breaks loose on that pitch, roy kent vs jamie tartt style. here's a clip. for context, madueke was the one fouled for the penalty, palmer is the designated penalty taker. pochettino clearly hadn't made that clear to his players. you cannot fight on the pitch like that. you. you just.... you can't do that. palmer takes the penalty, his fourth goal of the night, he is in the golden boot (top scorer in the league) race.

what happened today, then? chelsea gets absolutely spanked 5-0 at arsenal. palmer was not playing today - he's sick. kai havertz who left chelsea for arsenal this summer scored 2. here's a sign a child held up in the crowd today. they're currently 9th on the table after 32 of 38 games have been played. the state of the club is a disaster. i'm genuinely intrigued to see what happens next year because.....it can't go on like this.

cole palmer leads the club in goals, assists, chances created, shots per game, key passes, through balls per game, xg, motm awards, & penalties.

thiago silva is leaving this summer.

nothing else is known. chelsea goes to aston villa on saturday. the league continues.

[ceritatrending]

Alex de Minaur: Australia’s Rising Star on the Wimbledon Grass

Alex de Minaur, a talented Australian tennis player, has become a prominent figure on the grass courts of Wimbledon, displaying remarkable skill and determination in his matches. Born on February 17, 1999 in Sydney, Australia, de Minaur has quickly risen through the ranks of professional tennis, earning praise for his speed, agility and versatile playing style. Beginning of career and rise to prominence De Minaur’s tennis journey began at a young age, demonstrating a natural aptitude for the sport. He quickly gained attention on the youth circuit, winning numerous titles and displaying a tenacity that would define his future career. His breakthrough came in 2016, when he won the Australian Open men’s singles title, setting the stage for his transition to the professional circuit.

Professional success and playing style As a professional, De Minaur earned a reputation for his relentless baseline play and exceptional defensive skills. Standing 6 feet tall, he combines speed and accuracy, making him a formidable opponent on fast surfaces such as grass. His ability to recover seemingly impossible shots and turn defense into offense has earned him the admiration of fans and teammates. Shows at Wimbledon Wimbledon, known for its lush grass courts and prestigious history, was a platform for De Minaur to showcase his talent. His speed and agility make him ideal for the fast and unpredictable nature of lawn tennis. Throughout his career, De Minaur has competed ferociously at Wimbledon, aiming to make his mark at one of the sport’s most iconic tournaments.

Highlights and professional results De Minaur’s career highlights include numerous ATP Tour titles and strong performances in Grand Slam tournaments. His determination and work ethic have propelled him to the highest levels of men’s tennis, where he continues to evolve as a player and role model for aspiring athletes.

Person and impact off the pitch Beyond his ability on the pitch, De Minaur is known for his affable personality and sporting spirit. He endeared himself to fans for his humility and dedication to continuously improve his game. Off the court, he is actively involved in his community and is committed to inspiring the next generation of Australian tennis stars. Future Prospects As he continues to mature as a player, Alex de Minaur remains a player to watch on the ATP Tour, particularly on the grass courts of Wimbledon. His ambition to compete at the highest level and constant commitment to excellence position him as a key figure in the future of Australian tennis. In conclusion, Alex de Minaur’s journey to prominence at Wimbledon and in the world of tennis reflects not only his abilities as an athlete, but also his resilience and passion for the sport. With every match, he reinforces his legacy as Australia’s rising star on the grass of Wimbledon.

[fritzes]

and so it begins... the wimbledon draw. here are my thoughts

wta:

iga's draw is a nightmare (and somewhat reminiscent of ao). she has kenin in the first round, who upset coco in the first round last year. in the third round she could play siniakova, who has been really good on grass this season. and of course the big one is the possibility of ostapenko in the fourth round, who she has never beaten. however, there is some hope for iga because ostapenko plays ajla tomljanovic in the first round, and the last time they played at wimbledon it was a drama-fueled match that ajla won. if she's in good form, she could definitely trouble ostapenko. on the other side of this quarter is defending champion marketa, and as much as I'd love to say I have faith in her going deep, I don't. she had a good run at rg, but she's just so inconsistent that I don't know if I can see her keeping that form. also, she's never dealt with the pressure of a slam title defense before. krejcikova and especially collins could trouble her and steal her quarterfinal spot, and either of those two could beat iga if she makes it there

the second quarter is kind of ridiculous. the top seed here is elena rybakina, who will probably either win the tournament or withdraw due to illness. there's really no one on her side of the quarter that I can see beating her, but she's just impossible to predict when it comes to her physical health. if she's healthy, I have full faith in her making the quarterfinals. the other side of the quarter is where things get complicated: we have one of each of last year's quarterfinalist, semifinalist, and finalist in jess, elina, and of course ons. there is also katie boulter, who has proven herself on grass recently. if ons is in her usual wimbledon form, the others don't stand a chance, but we really just don't know how ons is right now. I'm not sure if being back at wimbledon will affect her mentality positively or negatively. jess is coming off the berlin title and could definitely see a quarterfinal here, but if she did I think her curse would continue against elena

if the projected semifinal does happen, I would be truly shocked if iga won. elena is normally a tough matchup for her, and on grass it would only be worse

in the third quarter, we have aryna who had to withdraw from her last match because of a shoulder injury. I don't know how serious it is, but she has been practicing at wimbledon so hopefully it doesn't affect her too much. in the fourth round, she will probably play dasha, who won't trouble her on grass or mirra, who aryna can probably beat as long as she's healthy. in the rg quarterfinal, she was really sick and probably didn't play as well as she could have. there's also karolina muchova lurking in this section of the draw, and she may be rusty and with a questionable wrist, but on any given day she can play like the best in the world. she's good on every surface, and if she's on top of her game then everyone else better watch out. on the other side of this quarter is maria and qinwen. since qinwen is pretty bad on grass, this should be a good draw for maria but... it's maria. emma raducanu could actually make a really good run here, but I don't think anyone from the other half of the quarter could beat aryna in the quarterfinals if it came down to it

and finally, coco gauff is far far away from iga in the draw. after losing in the first round last year, she's ready to make a deep run. azarenka in the fourth round could be tough, but as long as coco can keep her serving consistent, she can absolutely make at least qfs and maybe even more. jasmine, kostyuk, naomi, and madi keys are all contenders to face her in the quarterfinal and I really can't pick a favorite between them. I think any of them against coco could be a toss-up, roller coaster match

for this projected semifinal, I really can't predict it. the aryna/coco h2h is super competitive and neither one of them is the clear favorite against each other. this has match of the tournament potential

interesting round 1 matches: swiatek/kenin, tomljanovic/ ostapenko, alexandrova/raducanu, badosa/muchova, andreescu/cristian, azarenka/stephens

atp:

well, jannik sinner's first slam as the 1 seed gave him quite the draw. the possibility of grass specialist and compatriot matteo in the second round is just ridiculous. and poor tallon griekspoor in the third in honestly just cruel at this point. ben shelton is projected to play jannik in the fourth round, but that's not happening. will denis shapovalov sweep and take that fourth round spot? honestly, considering his history at this tournament, it's totally possible. on the other side of the quarter is daniil and grigor, both of whom would probably rather not see jannik again. if jannik gets through that minefield of a draw to the quarterfinals, I don't think daniil or grigor can beat him, and between those two I'm not sure which one would actually get to the quarterfinals. zhang, who just beat daniil, is his projected third round opponent and could make things really tough for him

and on the same side of the draw (sigh) is defending champion carlos. he honestly couldn't have asked for a better draw. casper ruud is the projected quarterfinalist you want to see when you're a top seed, and in his section, tiafoe, baez, and humbert can't really challenge him. I think the likely scenario is that carlos plays tommy paul in the quarterfinal (or maybe bublik if he decides to take tennis seriously for the week). that has the potential to be a really good match since both of them have proven their grass competence. still, I would favor carlos

and the projected semifinal. SIGH. their previous slam matches really tell you everything you need to know: carlos starts slow but will outlast jannik in five sets. if someone wins it in three or four, it's probably jannik but if someone wins it in five, it's probably carlos. that being said, I really can't predict this. I wish it was possible for it to be the final

and now for the ugh quarter of the draw. the top seed is zverev, the next two seeds are rublev and tsitsipas, and somehow korda, the "wimbledon favorite", is here too. honestly though, I truly think zverev could lose to jack draper in the third round. jack has proven himself in the past few weeks on grass, which zverev has never done. taylor fritz could also make a dent here, being a really good grass player. the rublev/tsitsipas/musetti/korda section of this quarter is gonna be chaos. the whole thing is gonna be chaos. I could not tell you who I think is gonna come out of this quarter

and finally, novak djokovic. we just don't really know where his level is at right now, and we haven't known all season. funnily enough, he could play luca nardi in the third round. the big looming specter for him is hubi of course, but even before that, there's holger. it's truly impossible to predict holger, but he did make the quarterfinals here last year and was a tiebreak away from making the quarterfinals at rg. if he does play novak in the fourth round, I really think he has a chance of winning. on the other side of the quarter, I would be shocked if hubi didn't make the quarterfinals. there's really no one who can keep up with his serve, and honestly I think he has a chance at semis here

like with rg, this projected semifinal is not happening

interesting round 1 matches: berrettini/fuscovics, jarry/shapovalov, monfils/mannarino, arnaldi/tiafoe, mensik/bublik, fils/stricker, etcheverry/nardi

[tennisonthebrain-blog]

Welcome to Grass Court season

Ranking the Greatest Grass Court Players of the Open Era

As the grass court season begins, tennis enthusiasts around the world turn their attention to the lush, green courts that have hosted some of the sport's most iconic moments. Grass courts, with their fast pace and low bounce, require a unique set of skills and strategies, making victories on this surface particularly noteworthy. Let's delve into what made some of the greatest grass court players of the Open Era so successful.

1. Roger Federer: The Maestro of Grass

Roger Federer stands at the pinnacle of grass court tennis. His record eight Wimbledon titles and unparalleled 105 match wins at the tournament underscore his dominance. Federer’s game is characterized by his fluid movement, precise footwork, and an almost poetic serve-and-volley technique. His ability to play aggressive yet controlled tennis, combined with a powerful serve and impeccable net play, allows him to dictate points and keep opponents on the defensive.

One of the most memorable moments in Federer’s illustrious career was the 2017 Wimbledon final, where he defeated Marin Čilić 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. This victory was significant not only because it marked his eighth title, but also because Federer became the oldest player in the Open Era to win Wimbledon without dropping a set throughout the tournament.

2. Pete Sampras: The Serve-and-Volley King

Pete Sampras ruled Wimbledon in the 1990s with his powerful serve and aggressive net play. His serve-and-volley style was perfectly suited for the fast-paced grass courts, allowing him to dominate points quickly and keep rallies short. With seven Wimbledon titles to his name, Sampras was the epitome of grass court excellence during his era.

A particularly standout performance was his 1999 Wimbledon final against Andre Agassi, where Sampras won convincingly 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. This match showcased his superior grass court prowess and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest ever to play on the surface.

3. Bjorn Borg: The Ice Man of Wimbledon

Bjorn Borg’s five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980 are a testament to his mastery of grass courts. His game was a blend of relentless baseline play and exceptional footwork, allowing him to excel on grass despite it being less common for baseline players to dominate on this surface.

Borg’s iconic victory over John McEnroe in the 1980 Wimbledon final, where he won 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7(16-18), 8-6, remains one of the greatest matches in tennis history. This match exemplified his incredible resilience and mental toughness, qualities that made him a formidable opponent on grass.

4. Novak Djokovic: The Modern Master

Novak Djokovic’s seven Wimbledon titles highlight his adaptability and excellence on grass. Known for his extraordinary agility, defensive skills, and mental resilience, Djokovic has been able to translate his all-court game to grass with great success.

His triumph in the 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, winning 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3), was the longest final in Wimbledon history and showcased his unparalleled endurance and mental toughness. This victory not only added another title to his collection but also solidified his legacy as one of the greatest grass court players of all time.

5. Rod Laver: The Versatile Champion

Rod Laver’s versatility and powerful groundstrokes, along with his strategic use of the entire court, made him a dominant force on grass. Laver’s adaptability and mastery of different surfaces, including grass, were key to his success.

Laver’s back-to-back calendar-year Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969, the latter achieved in the Open Era, included victories at Wimbledon, underscoring his dominance. His ability to seamlessly transition between different styles of play allowed him to outmaneuver opponents and control matches on grass.

6. John McEnroe: The Volatile Genius

John McEnroe’s serve-and-volley game, characterized by his exceptional touch and volleying skills, was ideally suited for the fast and low-bouncing grass. His ability to control points with his serve and quick reflexes at the net made him a formidable grass court player.

McEnroe’s dramatic victory over Bjorn Borg in the 1981 Wimbledon final, winning 4-6, 7-6(1), 7-6(4), 6-4, ended Borg’s five-year reign and marked McEnroe’s emergence as a grass court legend. His intense on-court demeanor and competitive spirit were hallmarks of his game, driving him to excel in high-stakes matches.

7. Boris Becker: The Young Wunderkind

Boris Becker’s aggressive style and athleticism made him particularly effective on grass, where his big serve and bold approaches to the net paid dividends. Becker’s ability to play with high intensity and his knack for performing well under pressure made him a tough opponent on grass.

His victory in the 1985 Wimbledon final at just 17 years old, where he defeated Kevin Curren 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-4, made him the youngest ever male Wimbledon champion, a record that still stands. This win marked the beginning of an illustrious career and established Becker as a force to be reckoned with on grass courts.

These tennis legends have each brought their unique styles and strategies to the lush lawns of Wimbledon, etching their names in the annals of tennis history. As we celebrate the start of the grass court season, their remarkable achievements and distinctive playing styles continue to inspire players and fans alike.

[bulksmsraipur]

Andy Murray

Andy Murray is a Scottish professional tennis player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest British tennis players of all time. He was born on May 15, 1987, in Glasgow, Scotland. Murray is known for his exceptional talent, strong work ethic, and determination on the tennis court.

Murray has had a highly successful career, achieving numerous milestones and accolades. Some of his accomplishments include:

Grand Slam Titles: Murray has won three Grand Slam singles titles. He won the US Open in 2012, Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, and the Australian Open in 2016.

Olympic Gold Medals: Murray has been particularly successful in the Olympic Games. He won the gold medal in men's singles at the 2012 London Olympics and successfully defended his title at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He also won a silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2012 Olympics with Laura Robson.

Davis Cup Victory: In 2015, Murray played a crucial role in leading Great Britain to victory in the Davis Cup, a prestigious international team competition in tennis.

World No. 1 Ranking: In November 2016, Murray became the world No. 1 in the ATP rankings, capping off a remarkable season that included his second Wimbledon title and his successful chase of the top ranking.

Multiple Masters 1000 Titles: Murray has won numerous ATP Masters 1000 titles, which are prestigious tournaments just below the Grand Slam level.

Murray's career has been marked by his intense rivalry with other tennis greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He is known for his exceptional defensive skills, counterpunching abilities, and remarkable stamina on the court.

Unfortunately, Murray has also faced significant challenges in his career due to injuries, particularly struggles with his hip. He underwent multiple surgeries to address his hip issues and faced lengthy periods away from the tour. Despite these challenges, he has shown incredible resilience in making comebacks and continuing to compete at a high level.

Murray's impact on tennis extends beyond his on-court achievements. He has been an advocate for various social and gender equality issues in the sport and has been vocal about promoting mental health awareness among athletes.

[todaytamilnews]

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz advances to Toronto quarterfinals, rallying to beat Hubert Hurkacz | Tennis News

Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz of Spain rallied to beat 15th-seeded Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3) to advance to the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open. Preparing for his US Open title defense, the 20-year-old Wimbledon champion ran his match winning streak to 14 on Thursday night, dating to his Queen’s title run. He leads the tour with six victories and 49 match victories against…

[nbmsports]

Australian Open draw: Rafael Nadal begins title defense with tough test in opening round

CNN  —  Defending champion Rafael Nadal will face English youngster Jack Draper in the opening round of the Australian Open in a bid to retain his 2022 crown and extend his grand slam tally. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz may be missing the tournament through injury, but with the return of Novak Djokovic to the competition, Nadal will be hard pushed to defend his title. Thursday’s draw was not kind to the 22-time major winner: if he defeats the world No. 40 Draper, he potentially faces current Next Gen ATP Finals champion Brandon Nakashima. Potentially awaiting the Spaniard later would be a quarterfinal against Daniil Medvedev, who was Nadal’s opponent in last year’s epic five-set final. Medvedev will be looking to make it a third consecutive finals appearance after losing to Djokovic in 2021 and to Nadal in 2022. A rematch of the 2021 final is on the cards, with Djokovic in the opposite half from Nadal and Medvedev. The nine-time Australian Open champion faces another Spaniard, Roberto Carballes Baena, in the opening round and is on track to face home favorite Nick Kyrgios in the last eight. The tournament comes 12 months after Djokovic was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 edition after former immigration minister Alex Hawke found the tennis star posed a risk to public health and order because, as a celebrity sportsman who had previously expressed opposition to people being compelled to get the Covid-19 vaccine, he could be seen as an “icon” for anti-vaxxers. The minister’s decision to deport the former world No. 1 meant he was initially banned from reentry for three years. Nineteenth-seeded Kyrgios is part of a thrilling section of the draw which includes Holger Rune, Dan Evans and Andrey Rublev. Russian Rublev comes into the Australian Open as the fifth seed, but on Wednesday suffered a shock defeat to world No. 110 Thanasi Kokkinakis in the Adelaide 2. Rublev faces a blockbuster opening round match against former world No. 3 and 2020 Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem. Andy Murray features in the other pick of the round as he faces 13th-seeded Matteo Berrettini. The Italian beat the three-time grand slam winner in four sets at the 2022 US Open and has beaten the Scotsman three out of their four ATP meetings.

Following reigning champion Ashleigh Barty’s retirement from tennis last year, Iga Światek has dominated the sport and comes into the tournament as the top seed. The Pole opens against German Jule Niemeier but faces a tasty potential quarterfinal clash with American hot prospect Coco Gauff. The 18-year-old superstar comes into the tournament in fine form, having won the ASB Classic without dropping a set and is looking to build on her excellent 2022 which saw her reach the Roland Garros final where she was beaten by Światek. Ahead of any quarterfinal clash with the favorite though, Gauff faces a second round match against 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu who is in a race against time to recover from an ankle injury. In the other half of the draw, second seed Ons Jabeur starts her 2023 trying to go one better than last year and win a grand slam. The Tunisian made both the Wimbledon and US Open finals but fell at the final hurdle in her pursuit to become the first Arab and North African woman to win a grand slam. After missing the 2022 Open, Jabeur opens her 2023 account against Tamara Zidanšek and could face Aryna Sabalenka who is coming off the back of winning at Adelaide 1, her 11th career title and first in 19 months. Elsewhere, American Jessica Pegula has been drawn in the same part of the draw as Maria Sakkari. Pegula recently led Team USA to victory in the inaugural United Cup, which featured a brilliant straight-set win over Światek. Having reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Melbourne and at the top of her game, she will be looking to set up a thrilling semifinal with her United Cup opponent. Source link Read the full article

[stateofsport211]

🎥 ATP Challenger Livestream (via website)

Meanwhile, in Santa Fe...

First seed Mariano Navone advanced to his second consecutive Challenger final this year after winning the title in Poznan Challenger a week before the Wimbledon qualifying rounds. His aggression would be pitted against qualifier and former junior World No. 1 Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, who dug deep to defeat third seed Roman Andres Burruchaga in three sets.

However, after two consecutive holds, there came the two consecutive breaks, one of which came out of Dani's erratic service game (and rushed follow ups). After Navone held his service game 3-2, he came up with another break after Dani's forehand error even if the latter tried to save it with a forehand winner.

At the end of the day, while consistent service games still become a question for Dani, Navone kept finding his grip by turning his defense to offense. This paid off with his forehand winner capitalizing on the set point to take the first set 6-2, setting a statement start to signify his experience.

[championmindsethq]

Who are the new Big Three? Men's tennis has an exciting future thanks to a rising trio

A week ago, after Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played the point of the year so far on Miami's Hard Rock court - complete with exchanges of 80 mph cross-court forehands, Sinner hooking the ball back from behind him, Alcaraz falling and recovering, and the kind of exquisite drop shots and physics-defying sliding we've come to expect from both players, culminating in a triumphant Sinner whipping up the crowd after a fruitless dive from Alca

Are you guys indeed from Earth? The posts "What in the Alien" by Aryna Sabalenka and "What in the Alien" by Bianca Andreescu exemplify this curiosity about extraterrestrial endeavors. While John Isner proclaimed, "Tennis is in fine hands," Jessica Pegula called it "absolute craziness."

The 21-year-old Sinner, the 19-year-old Alcaraz, and the 19-year-old Dane Holger Rune are lighting up the ATP Tour like no other players have since those three. The fact that Alcaraz is also Spanish makes comparisons to Rafael Nadal inevitable, something that Alcaraz's coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, needs to be more helpful. Alcaraz and Nadal have known one another since Alcaraz was 13 and won a victory on Nadal's Junior Tour; they both have mental toughness.

Born in Italy close to the Austrian border, Gucci collaborator and peacemaker Stefano Sinner has been likened to Roger Federer for his composed on-court demeanor. Although his style of play, which includes an amazing ability to turn defense into attack, is maybe more akin to Novak Djokovic's, Sinner hit a down-the-line forehand winner at the Australian Open that was so close to a famous Federer point that there is a side-by-side comparison on YouTube. Similar to Djokovic's skill on the skis, Sinner's balance is superb. Nevertheless, Rune is reminiscent of Novak Djokovic in that he has a Marmite personality and can sometimes be a bit arrogant. Nonetheless, each player brings a unique set of skills and styles to the court.

The best men's tennis players have skipped a generation. Mid-20s players who were intended to represent a new era and the passing of the torch have fallen short of lofty expectations. To a greater extent than Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, and Matteo Berrettini, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas have realized their potential. The collective has yet to come close to challenging the triumvirate of Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic.

Against the guys who were supposed to be their swan song, the Big Three hold dominating head-to-head leads (with the exception of Federer against Zverev and Rublev, who have edged him by one match each). Medvedev, who defeated Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final, is the only potential successor to have already won a grand slam (but still trails him five to nine in head-to-heads). Even late in their careers, three of the aforementioned six have not yet won a Master's.

See how this stacks up against Sinner, Alcaraz, and Rune's earlier demonstrations. Rune, at the age of 19, defeated Djokovic in the final of the Paris Masters last year to become the youngest champion of the tournament since Boris Becker. Alcaraz, the youngest year-end No. 1, won the Madrid Open after defeating Nadal and Djokovic in consecutive days. He also has three Masters titles and one grand slam trophy to his name. In an exciting match at Wimbledon, Sinner won the first two sets against Djokovic. He has also reached the finals of the Masters twice and possesses the hardest backhand on tour in terms of RPM. He's older than the Big Three yet has more match points saved. All of them are in the top 10, and some of them, like Felix Auger-Aliasime and Taylor Fritz, have even surpassed those two in terms of potential.

The early success of the three prodigies isn't the only thing that has fans psyched. The encounters between Sinner and Alcaraz are as exciting as rides on a roller coaster and as entertaining as a Broadway musical. Alcaraz "feels something different from the crowd when the two play together." Their five-hour quarterfinal at the US Open was the year's best contest. They have met six times on the professional circuit, and their head-to-head record is tied at 2-2, portending a fierce future rivalry. Like Stan Wawrinka and Casper Ruud, Rune has a strong personality and is a lot of fun to watch because of his tantrums and feuds on the court. Others have said that his crazy, McEnroe-like intensity is what the sport needs to revive its flagging appeal, and they could be right. After years of relentless baseline power-hitting, their variation is refreshing, bringing drop shots and net playback.

Naturally, in sports, there are no guarantees. There is growing concerned about Alcaraz's injury history, with the latest setback coming in the Rio Open final. Sin needs to work on his erratic ball toss, which weakens his serve. After his breakup with Patrick Mouratoglou, Rune needs to learn to control his violent tendencies (in fairness, he has settled somewhat, thankfully not to the detriment of the spectacle). Many athletes who show promise as teenagers eventually lose their form.

The Big Three, on the other hand, have agreed that this new group is the real deal. With Federer having already knotted his bandana for the final time and Nadal due to following soon following the birth of his kid and owing to a severe foot issue, only Djokovic and a gloriously resurgent Andy Murray will be around to halt the flood of the millennials, including top online casino. Tennis, in Isner's opinion, is in excellent hands.

[fritzes]

hi!!! what are your us open expectations ? ik it’s difficult without a draw but

1) your ideal finals match-up (narrrative wise!)

2) who do you want to make a good run

3) who do you see could be a dark horse ala ben last year

4) who’s winning it all and what’s the match end score

wta:

I'd love to see coco vs iga with coco winning. to pull off a slam title defense against the world #1 who has also been her hardest rival would be incredible and I would go insane

jess, and by good run, I mean semis. please, what does she have to do to get to a slam semi. she's had such an amazing comeback from injury and her hardcourt season has been great so far, I think she really deserves it

I think diana shnaider is going to have a deep run. she's been very quietly making her way up the rankings and she's had some good wins lately. she's very consistent and with the usual us open chaos, I think that consistency will do her good

iga's probably gonna win it, I'll go with like 6-4 6-2

atp:

I'm gonna go with jannik vs casper. just based on vibes. I don't want a sincaraz final because their next grand slam match has to be an ao final to fit the narratives, it's all part of the grand plan

ok this is kinda gonna be the same reasoning as jess: taylor. wimbledon fucking hurt and I need him to make a slam semi so bad

ben again? no, I'll go with jiri, he had some amazing wins coming right off of injury and almost got to the semis in cincy. I think having time to train at the facility will help him and if he gets drawn in daniil's section, he's locked in

this one feels harder to predict, but I'll say jannik in 7-6 6-4 3-6 7-5

[tennisonthebrain-blog]

Roland Garros Men's Final: Will It Be Alcaraz's Third or Zverev's First?

The stage is set for an electrifying men's final at Roland Garros, where a new champion will be crowned. The contest pits the tenacious Carlos Alcaraz against the formidable Alexander Zverev. Will Alcaraz secure his third Grand Slam title, or will Zverev finally achieve his maiden Grand Slam victory?

Alexander Zverev's Red-Hot Streak

Zverev enters the final riding a wave of momentum, having recently triumphed at the Rome Masters. His path to the final has been marked by impressive victories over top players such as Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud. Despite these opponents not being at their peak, Zverev’s wins are a testament to his current form and resilience. Notably, Zverev survived two grueling five-set matches against Tallon Griekspoor and Holger Rune. Against Griekspoor, Zverev was down two breaks in the fifth set but showcased remarkable grit and determination to clinch the victory. Zverev's potent combination of a big first serve and relentless consistency in rallies makes him a formidable opponent on any surface.

Carlos Alcaraz: Overcoming Nerves and the Competition

On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz has had a more tumultuous journey. His recent performance in the Roland Garros semifinal was shaky, characterized by an unusually high number of unforced errors. In his match against Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz committed 35 unforced errors and managed a first serve percentage of only 58%, leading to a nail-biting encounter that showcased more nerves than finesse.

To put this in perspective, while his average unforced errors in shorter best-of-three matches is around 23, the increase during the longer best-of-five sets highlights the pressure and intensity of the semifinals. Despite these challenges, Alcaraz remains the favorite to win the title. A victory here would mark his third Grand Slam on a different surface, putting him just one Slam away from achieving a career Grand Slam. Moreover, winning Roland Garros would bring Alcaraz within 1,000 points of Jannik Sinner in the ATP rankings, a crucial factor as he defends his Wimbledon title points while Sinner only defends semifinal points. This is key for Alcaraz's aspirations to end the year as World No. 1.

Head-to-Head Record

Overall Record: Alcaraz and Zverev have faced each other 5 times, with Zverev leading the head-to-head 3-2.

Clay Court Record: On clay, they have met 3 times, with Alcaraz leading 2-1.

Their encounters on clay have been particularly telling, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both players on this surface. Alcaraz's superior clay court record against Zverev could be a deciding factor in the final.

Key Stats and Comparisons on Clay

Carlos Alcaraz:

Win rate on clay in 2023: 84%

Average first serve points won: 72%

Break points saved: 68%

Alexander Zverev:

Win rate on clay in 2023: 78%

Average first serve points won: 74%

Break points saved: 65%

Alcaraz’s proficiency on clay is slightly higher, underscoring his tactical adeptness and comfort on the surface.

Strategic Keys for Victory

Alexander Zverev:

Consistent Rallies: Zverev’s ability to outlast opponents in long rallies, reducing unforced errors, will be crucial. His first serve will need to be on point to win easy points and put Alcaraz on the defensive.

Aggressive Return Game: Capitalizing on Alcaraz's second serve with deep, aggressive returns to force errors and seize control of points.

Carlos Alcaraz:

Topspin Forehand: Utilizing his heavy, high topspin forehand to push Zverev back and create opportunities to attack. This strategy can neutralize Zverev’s aggression and allow Alcaraz to dictate the pace of the match.

Variety and Drop Shots: Mixing up play with drop shots to exploit Zverev’s movement and pull him out of position. Alcaraz’s ability to change the rhythm and pace of rallies can disrupt Zverev’s game plan.

Mental Fortitude: Maintaining composure and minimizing unforced errors will be key for Alcaraz. His previous Grand Slam experience gives him an edge in handling the pressure of the final.

Finally....

While Zverev’s current form is undeniably impressive, Alcaraz’s overall proficiency on clay and his experience in Grand Slam finals make him the favorite. A victory here not only cements Alcaraz’s status as a clay court maestro but also brings him one step closer to a career Grand Slam and significantly impacts the ATP rankings. However, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter with both players having clear paths to victory. The player who can best execute their strategy and handle the high-stakes atmosphere will emerge as the new champion of Roland Garros.

The tennis world waits with bated breath to see whether it will be Alcaraz lifting his third Grand Slam trophy or Zverev celebrating his maiden triumph. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable final.