#alcaraz best shots

[trendnfun]

Wimbledon 2023 LIVE: Reaction after Carlos Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic in final for the ages

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon men’s final, denying the Serbian a fifth consecutive title, in a five-set epic and one of the greatest matches ever played at the All England Club.

Alcaraz fought from a set down in an instant classic to end Djokovic’s winning run in SW19, with the match played across almost five hours of breathtaking drama. Before the final, Djokovic had won 34 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and had not lost on Centre Court since 2013, but Alcaraz overturned history to win his second grand slam title. Djokovic had also won his previous 104 grand slam matches after winning the opening set.

In doing so, the 20-year-old Spaniard brings one of the most dominant eras of tennis history to an end. Alcaraz is the first player outside of the sport’s ‘big four’ of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title since 2002. Djokovic has been bidding to join Federer by equalling his men’s record of eight singles titles, but was denied by an inspired Alca...read more

[pastryfication]

hii, I don't know if you can and especially if you want to do this fic, but I just finished watching the Wimbledon final (I'm a Carlos Alcaraz girly) and I wanted to ask you if you could make a Leclerc sister! reader x Carlos Alcaraz (with the addition of Charles, Arthur and Lorenzo obviously) if you don't want to write it I apologize for the inconvenience, but if you do I thank you so much🫶🏼💕

(Sorry if My english Is not good, but Is not My native language)

hi! thank you so much for the request 🫶

i tried my best with this but i don’t know much about tennis and i’ve only watched like half the matches of wimbledon this year so i had to make my dad give me a quick break down of the finale… i know this is not as good as you probably expected but i hope you like it either way!!

wimbledon winner | carlos alcaraz

pairing: carlos alcaraz x leclerc sister!reader

warnings: very bad descriptions of tennis?

you can hardly contain your excitement as you guide your family through the bustling crowds of the wimbledon grounds. today is the day your boyfriend is competing in the final against none other than novak djokovic. the atmosphere is electric, and the excitement is palpable.

you had invited your entire family, wanting to share this special moment of your life with them and your brothers, charles and arthur, are just as—if not more—thrilled thrilled than you, though their enthusiasm is more subdued. your oldest brother, lorenzo, and his girlfriend, charlotte, are chatting animatedly, while your mother walks beside you, her eyes wide with awe at the grandeur of it all.

"i stilll can't believe we're here," arthur says, glancing around with a grin. "watching carlos in the final. it's incredible."

"he's going to do great," charles adds, giving you a reassuring smile. "he's worked so hard for this."

"i know," you reply, feeling a surge of pride for your boyfriend. "he's been training non-stop. he deserves this."

as you make your way to your seats, you can't help but feel a rush of nerves. the stadium is enormous, and the crowd's energy is almost overwhelming, but having your family here with you calms you a bit.

you find your seats and settle in, your heart pounding with anticipation. the match begins, and the tension is palpable. djokovic is a formidable opponent, but carlos is playing with a determination you've never seen before.

every point is a battle, and the crowd is on the edge of their seats. you find yourself gripping charles' hand, almost breaking his fingers, but he doesn’t mind. he’s unable to look away from the court as well, finding the match as exciting as you. carlos is moving with such grace and power, each shot more impressive than the last.

"he's incredible," charlotte whispers, her eyes wide with admiration. "i've never seen anyone play like this.”

"he's got this," lorenzo says confidently, sensing your nervousness. "you can see it in his eyes."

as the match progresses, carlos begins to pull ahead. his serves are precise, his volleys unstoppable. the crowd erupts with cheers, and you can't help but join in, your heart swelling with pride.

when the final point is won, and carlos emerges victorious, the stadium explodes with applause. you jump to your feet, tears of joy streaming down your face. your family is cheering just as loudly, their pride evident in their faces.

carlos looks up into the stands, his eyes searching for you. when he sees you, his face lights up with a radiant smile. he lifts his racket in triumph, and you blow him a kiss, your heart just about to burst.

"he did it!" you exclaim, turning to hug your mother. "he really did it!"

"we knew he could," she replies, her voice filled with emotion. "he's an incredible player."

as the celebrations continue, you make your way down to the court. carlos is surrounded by reporters and fans, but when he sees you, he breaks away and runs to you, scooping you up in his arms.

"you were amazing," you say, your voice choked with emotion. "i'm so proud of you."

"i couldn't have done it without you," he replies, his eyes shining with love. "having you here, knowing you were watching . . . it made all the difference."

you kiss him, the world fading away as you lose yourself in the moment.

your family joins you quickly after, and carlos is soon enveloped in hugs and congratulations.

"you were fantastic, mate," charles says, clapping carlos on the back. "absolutely incredible."

"thank you," carlos replies, his smile never wavering. "it means a lot to have you all here."

the rest of the day is a blur of celebrations and happiness. you can hardly believe it's real, that carlos has won the wimbledon final. but as you stand by his side, surrounded by your family, you know that this is just the beginning.

[endzithefangirl]

Scandals

Authors note: So, let's talk the Sinner doping thing first. I think the story is legit, it was one billionth of a gram. But, I do think that if Jannik wasn't no. 1 and from Italy he would have been suspended until the investigation ended. Still found innocent, but he'd be benched for a few months at least. As for Carlos smashing rackets... Honestly it was hot. At least to me... I was shocked because he never does stuff like that but I think the Olympic final was still in his mind and he just lost it. Anyway, enjoy these crappy shot fics!

Summary: Two short stories in which our two talented young tennis players, who have recently been in 'scandals', need a little reassurance

Warnings: English isn't my first language, no use of Y/N, gender not specified, everything stated in the Autors note is my opinion and I do not ask everyone to agree!

Word count: 711

Carlos Alcaraz x Reader

"Hey," you say as you enter Carlos' hotel room. "You okay?"

"Mmmmh, come here," he replies, looking you up and down. You walk over and hug him, smoothing out his messy hair. He wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you in close, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck and taking a deep breath. You hold him tight. "What was that about, hm?" you ask cautiously, referring to his anger at the court. He leans his forehead against yours, sighing.

"I just lose myself sometimes. I get too in my own head, too competitive, too hard on myself." He presses closer against you.

"You broke a racket; we were all so shocked..."

Carlos huffs, slightly embarrassed. "I know, I lost my temper... again. I should have done better, but I just couldn't keep it together."

"It's okay," you say, trying to calm him down. "It's okay, baby. Everyone has off days. You weren't feeling great, and Monfils just decided to play his best."

He exhales loudly. "I know, I know, but it's just so irritating. I wanted to win so badly, needed to win so badly... but I just kept screwing up and making stupid errors and—" He stops talking and rests his forehead against your shoulder.

"It's okay. Now you need to relax, get back into the headspace for the US Open. Okay?"

He wraps his arms around your neck, his body pressed tight against yours. "Will you help me? Help me relax?"

"What do you want me to do, baby?" you ask, looking gently into his eyes. Carlos' grip around you tightens, and a vulnerable look enters his eyes. He lets out a deep sigh as he lays his head on your chest. Your touch is soothing as his arms wrap around you, his eyes closing, melting into your embrace.

"You better, baby?"

He nods, nuzzling his face against you. "...Much better…" He pulls you tighter against him, almost like he doesn’t want to let go. Carlos stays there, listening to your heartbeat, feeling the steady rise and fall of your chest. He presses gentle kisses against your collarbone and shoulder, feeling a little clingy.

"Mmm, you wanna stay like this for a bit?"

He nods, slightly embarrassed by the clinginess but too tired to care. "...Just a little longer..."

Jannik Sinner x Reader

"Damn, they really booed you," you say as Jannik comes back from his first-round match. Jannik sighs in annoyance. He walks to his locker and grabs a towel. With a hint of irritation, he responds, "That’s nothing new."

He takes off his sweat-soaked shirt. "Yeah, but... they were really booing. It's because of the doping scandal—" He pulls out a clean shirt and starts getting dressed. "I don’t know why they still think I’m cheating..."

"...Well, you did get off better than most people would have..."

Jannik closes his locker a bit too hard. He runs a hand through his curly red hair and looks at you. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, if you weren't world number one, and you didn't have the fancy lawyers, and if it wasn't one billionth of a gram—"

He cuts you off, getting closer to you. The annoyance is evident in his voice. He looks you in the eyes, his tone low and serious. "You think I’m protected because I’m world number one and have money for fancy lawyers?"

"Do you think that if it was me, they would have let me play before I defended my case?"

He's silent for a moment, thinking about what you just said. His face slowly relaxes, and he looks away. "No, probably not…" he says, his voice calmer now.

"Look, I know you're innocent," you say, standing up and wrapping your arms around his bare shoulders. "But you need to know that you got the absolute best-case scenario that most people wouldn't get."

Jannik's face is now completely relaxed too. A few beads of sweat run down his bare chest. He puts his sweaty arms around your waist and looks into your eyes again. He doesn't argue with you anymore because he knows you are right. "I didn’t really see it like that before…"

"You're not a bad person, Jannik. You're just so fucking lucky it's annoying."

[idksmtms]

Don't Be Nervous (Carlitos Alcaraz x reader)

Request

A/N: Firstly, I am so sorry it has taken me so frickin long to answer this request Anon. I’M SO SORRYYYYY. 

Secondly, I LOVE writing for Carlos, so I will take literally any request for him! Idk, that cutie pie has me in some kinda chokehold. 

Summary: Carlos is taking you home for the weekend to meet his family for the first time and trying not to laugh at how crazily nervous you are. 

Word count: 3,230 

Trigger Warnings: she/her pronouns, AFAB reader, anxiety, big relationship moment, mostly just fluffy with a little panicking in the beginning (please let me know if I missed any) 

Disclaimer: This is written purely for fictional purposes and for the sake of writing. No disrespect is intended to the real people portrayed/concerned in this scenario.

Always appreciate comments, likes, and reblogs :)

Carlos was lounging on the bed in your hotel room while you sat at the little desk in the corner by the window trying to stop your hand from shaking as you put on your eyeliner. Your flight landed late in the night so you had booked a hotel room to stay in. Though his mother had insisted you come to stay at the house with them, you hadn’t wanted to disturb them that late. He had come to the hotel right after practice ended at noon, just as you were finally waking up from your mini-coma and had crawled into bed with you for an hour. 

You had missed him dearly the week you had been travelling and worrying about the impending meeting with his family, so the cuddle session had been welcome. He had slithered under the covers then basically laid his entire body on top of you, laughing softly when you had grunted but simply wrapped your arms around his torso and snuggled your face into his neck. He smelled clean from his shower, like the mint shampoo you had gotten for him near the beginning of your relationship when you had found out he was one of those people that used 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash. You still teased him about that sometimes even though he had evolved his shower routine. Then he had simply rolled off of you and wrapped you up in his arms, whispering about how much he had missed you against your cheek before (at your nudging) setting a thirty minute timer for a nap. 

Now you were awake, showered, finished with blow-drying your hair, dressed in a pretty green flowery dress that you felt demonstrated your best cottage-core self, and trying to get your eyeliner wings even. Carlos was lying on the bed, legs over the edge and phone raised over his face as he scrolled through instagram and shot-down all your insane and irrational worries about meeting his family. 

“They already love you and they have not even met you yet!” He exclaimed when you turned to him angrily and said “what if they think I’m some evil little golddigger?!” You just scoffed as if he didn’t understand and he began laughing, dropping his phone beside his head and standing up. He came over to the bench you were sitting on and set himself down beside you, gently brushing his fingers through your hair on the shoulder closest to him. You turned to face him, a pout on your lips as you capped the eyeliner and put it down on the desk. You reached out and draped your arms over his shoulders, dropping your head in the space between you two as you sighed. He only leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the top of your head before lifting it by your chin and making you look him in the eyes. 

You loved his eyes. They were so beautiful, so unique, your favourite set of eyes because of the person they came with. The brown was so soft and clear, like what a dark-coloured honey looked like if it was being poured out into the sun. And they were always soft. Even when he was at his most focused in a match and they took on that slightly darker quality, they were soft eyes. You could never believe he was a mean or unkind person simply because of those eyes (biassed as you were). 

“I just…” you sighed and shook your head, pursing your lips for a moment. “I really want them to like me. I- I love you,” you shrugged, and he just smiled giddily, leaning over and pressing a kiss to your cheek. You were glad you hadn’t put your foundation on yet otherwise a very different argument would have happened at that moment. “And they’re your family, they shaped you into the person you are today and you love them. I want them to love me too, or at least like me.” And you sighed again as if you felt utterly stupid but he began shaking his head. 

“Since they are my family, I would know how they feel, no?” He asked, and you nodded, though hesitatingly. “Ok, so let me tell you how they feel. They think you are beautiful because I send pictures of you on the family group chat all the time. Like probably once a day.” When you only giggled and shook your head, he pulled out his phone and opened one of the screenshots he had taken of the family group chat after he had sent pictures of the two of you on holiday in Greece. “See?” He proffered his phone to you and you grabbed it out of his hand, zooming in on the photo little. 

At the top was the picture of you and him you had taken in the mirror before you left for dinner with some of his friends. You had been really proud of your outfit and makeup that day. You had begun tanning from how long you spent on the beach each day and had a pinkish hue under your skin from the heat. Under the photo both of his parents had sent a bunch of heart and starry-eyed emojis. His mother said he looked very handsome and his father simply asked where you guys were going. His brothers hadn’t chimed in yet and he answered his father’s question with a quick out to dinner. Other messages from his mother followed, Y/n looks so beautiful! Make sure you tell her! And another, Ask her where the dress is from, I want one as well. You laughed loudly at that then hit Carlos on the shoulder. 

“Ow, why?” He asked through a laugh, watching the smile grow on your face. 

“Because your mother told you to ask me where I got the dress from and you never did! What if she thinks I just ignored it or I’m snobby or something?!” 

“Cariño, I think she knew I never even asked,” he laughed, shaking his head as you sighed in exasperation and continued reading the messages. Alvaro had simply asked how did you manage to get such a pretty girlfriend and you raised an eyebrow and pointed at the message, shoving the phone in his face for a second before handing it back to him. He put it in his pocket then gently pulled you closer so you were almost sitting on top of him. He kissed you, soft and sweet and quick, before smiling and looking into your eyes. “You worry too much, you know that?” 

“Yeah, I know,” you sighed sadly, kissing him one more time before pushing him away and turning back to the mirror on the desk that you were using as your vanity. “Ok, now leave me alone so I can finish my makeup and we can get going. I might actually spontaneously combust if we were late.” And he laughed all the way back to his spot on the bed. 

It didn’t take you long to finish your makeup while Carlos continued perusing his instagram reels, occasionally getting up to show you a couple of the funny ones. You were well practised, and after the eyeliner the motions were simpler. You almost had a breakdown when you thought your foundation had started pilling around your nose (and you definitely wouldn’t have time to wipe it all off and put it on again) but it was just some fluff that had gotten caught on your sponge while you were dabbing at it and it came away easily. That was also the moment you decided you really did need to calm down because almost crying over that definitely wasn’t healthy. 

You packed your makeup bag into your suitcase before zipping it up and putting it onto the floor. You grabbed your little purse from the side table and the tote bag with gifts for the family. You were quite proud of yourself with your gifts, a pair of pretty silver earrings for his mother, cufflinks for his father, a brightly coloured tennis grip for Jaime (the one that he had been told to save his allowance up for) and chocolates for everyone to share. You wanted them to like you, and gifts usually worked pretty well, you found. 

Carlos grabbed the handle of your suitcase as you took one last look around and held the door open for you as you pinched the keycard from the little holder by the lightswitch. He waited patiently by the door, ordering an Uber while you checked out, then telling you to sit in the car while he put the suitcase in the boot. Once the car was on its way, you swivelled to face him in the backseat. 

“What if they think I’m an idiot?” You asked, worrying at your lip as the driver changed lanes. Carlos laughed, squinting at you in confusion. 

“Why would they think you are an idiot?” He asked, twisting his hand in a ‘what in the world…’ motion. 

“I don’t know. Sometimes when I get nervous I talk a lot or I don’t say enough or I don’t think about what I’m actually saying and just- ugh. I sound stupid.” 

“Ok, then I have a simple solution for you,” he nodded sagely, like he had been carrying all the answers to the universe and you need only have asked for them. 

“What?” You asked sceptically, glaring at him.

“Don’t be nervous,” he shrugged, laughing hysterically while you just crossed your arms over your chest and turned back to the window with a scowl. 

“Ha. Ha. You think you’re so funny,” you grumbled, pulling away when he tried to grasp your shoulder and shooting him an annoyed look. He reached down and took your hand in his and despite the intense desire to pull it away as well, you let him bring it up to his lips and gently kiss the back in apology. 

“Ok, ok, I am sorry, really. Look, I understand why you are nervous, but really there is no reason for it. Unless you do something weird that you usually never do, there will be no problem and they will love you more than they love me.” His smile was so innocent and comforting and loving that all you could do was nod and lean over to kiss him gently. 

“Can I still ask dumb ‘what if’ questions while we drive to distract myself?” You asked quietly, sounding almost like a little kid, and he just chuckled, nodding and pulling you as close as he could while both of you had your seatbelts on. 

“Ok, what if when we go inside and they come to greet us, I fall flat on my face right in front of them?” 

“Then they will run to help you get back up, and I will stand behind you trying to stop laughing,” he smirked cheekily so you smacked his chest lightly but smiled secretly. 

“Ok, um,” you dragged out, trying to think of more crazy (but extremely possible) scenarios. “What if we get inside, and everything is going well, but then out of nowhere, I throw up all over myself and the floor?” You raised an eyebrow, challenging him to answer it, but he was laughing so hard that it took him a minute to gather enough breath to respond. 

“Then my mother will probably take you upstairs to the guest bedroom and help you clean yourself up, change your clothes, tuck you into bed and take care of you like you are a sick baby. And my father and I will be downstairs cleaning up all the vomit.” 

“Hmph,” and he almost laughed at the fact that you seemed upset that you hadn’t stumped him with your ridiculous question. “Ok, what if right after I walk in, a dinosaur comes out of nowhere and smashes its foot through the roof of the living room?” 

Carlos just lifted an eyebrow into the air and even you had to admit that that was just crazy. Nevertheless, the questions continued for the rest of the ride. 

The Alcaraz family lived in a beautiful Spanish villa that looked like what one would imagine as the perfect Mediterranean summer destination. He led you up the path to the door and then inside. As he crossed the threshold, he held the door open for you with his free hand before locking it behind himself. You could hear distant murmuring and held tighter onto the strap of your tote bag. 

Since you had stepped out of the car, your heart had begun pounding like it was trying to escape your chest. Your palms were sweaty and your breaths felt shaky but Carlos didn’t give you a moment to pause and stew in your thoughts. He simply kept walking you up the path, through the door and into the house. 

As both of you walked down the hallway that led into the large living room, he announced your arrival. 

“Hola hola!” He hollered, “estamos aqui!” He peeked his head around the staircase and found the entire family lounging on the couches around the coffee table, scrolling on their phones or watching something mindless on the tv. They all perked up at the sound of his voice and stood up from their seats to greet the both of you. 

Your heart had jumped into your throat but Carlitos kept his grip on your hand and dragged you into the living room behind him so you had no choice but to paste on a smile and fight through the sudden lack of air in your lungs. 

When you guys came around the bend of the stairs into the living room, you took a deep breath as his family came to greet you. His mother pressed a kiss to his cheek quickly before shoving past him and smiling brightly at you. 

“Oh, hello, darling!” She exclaimed, pulling you into a tight hug as you mumbled a ‘hello Mrs. Alcaraz in return. She brushed it off and told you to call her Virginia against your shoulder, rubbing your back before pulling away and grasping both your hands in hers, looking you over for a moment with a warm and motherly smile. “You are so beautiful! So, so, beautiful,” she told you excitedly, squeezing your hands gently as you laughed bashfully and thanked her. “Carlitos is always talking about you and we are so happy to finally meet you.” You blushed at that, glancing over to Carlos who was talking to his brothers about something. When she pulled away, she wrapped an arm around your shoulder and brought you further into the room. 

Carlos’s father came up to you next, shaking your hand firmly and smiling at you as he asked if he could take your bag and put it down for you. 

“Oh, that’s so sweet, thank you so much!” You exclaimed before pulling the bag off your shoulder and opening it. “But, they’re actually gifts for you,” you told them shyly, pulling out the two velvet boxes for him and Virginia. She came over and hugged you again, teasingly admonishing you for bothering to get gifts which you brushed off with a wave of the hand. “I wanted to,” you simply told her, shrugging before turning to his brothers who were now standing near you. 

“Y/n, this is Alvaro,” Carlos had an arm wrapped over his older brother’s shoulder and shook him a little when he said his name. You giggled and held out your hand for him to shake, and he smiled politely in return. You handed him the box of liqueur chocolates you had brought and he smiled mischievously, nudging Carlos with his elbow. 

“She knows how to make us love her, huh?” He asked teasingly before turning to face you again. “Thank you, this is very nice.” 

“No problem,” you shrugged, but a joyful smile was slowly pulling on your lips as you turned to his other two brothers. 

“This is Sergio, and Jaime,” Carlos introduced, and he stood behind Jaime, shaking his little shoulders until he was giggling. 

You turned first to Sergio who was closer to age to you and Carlos, and gave him the little box of chocolates you had gotten specifically for him because Carlos said they were his favourite. In typical teenage boy fashion, he smiled and thanked you then moved to go stand by Alvaro. Jaime joking around with Carlos, sending fake punches into Carlos’s side who pretended to keel over in pain. You laughed at the little display before grabbing the box that had the racket grip in it and holding it out to Jaime. 

“This is for you,” you said happily, waiting for him to take the box from you. He did, saying a bright ‘thank you!’ before turning it over and realising it was the grip he had asked for a few weeks ago but told to save up for. You understood that his parents were trying to help him learn financial responsibility, even with something like a tennis grip, but you hadn’t been able to help yourself. He was secretly your favourite of Carlos’s brothers simply because he was the youngest and had such a cute little babyface. 

“Thank you!” He exclaimed again and gave you a quick hug. It barely lasted a few seconds before he was pulling away and going to his tennis bag under the stairs to re-grip his racket, but you were filled with a sense of triumph and a fizzing happiness that filled each of your limbs. Everything was going great. 

Carlos ambled over and gently rubbed your arm, raising his eyebrows as if to say ‘see? Everything worked out just like I said,’ and you smiled in acceptance, pushing him lightly in the chest before his mother came over and guided you to sit on one of the sofas so she could ask you a million questions about your life. 

Virginia and Carlitos had taken you for a tour of the house and shown you the guest room you would be staying in. Dinner afterward went amazingly as well, with everyone telling stories about Carlitos as a child that made him blush and laugh in embarrassment as you cracked up beside him. When the plates were being cleared away and everyone was moving to the sofas again for coffee and tea, you insisted on helping his mother take everything to the kitchen and aid her in washing the plates. She had told you to go sit down about ten times and even tried to physically push you out of the kitchen at one point but you refused to budge. 

And as Carlitos stood in the doorway watching you smile at her and make some joke that made her chuckle, he truly felt that everything was right in the world. The entire night he felt like someone had put a filter over his eyes so everything looked rosy and warm, but it was just you. It was just your presence and you being around his family; it was just the gathering of all the people he loved the most in the world. He watched you gesture behind yourself and say something with wide eyes that made his mother bend over as she laughed hysterically, and he thought that soulmates might just be real.

[latin5mamii]

we belong (together)- Carlos Alcaraz

|Warnings: a bit smut

|Summary: What if the one man you hate it’s going to hast you until you fall for him?

You really thought that he could let you live your life in peace?Obviously not.

That’s what you thought as soon as you saw him sitting on Jannik’s couch.That smirk on his face made you want to end him,literally.

"Hey there," he said, his voice low and teasing as he approached you.

You rolled your eyes, already bracing yourself for his antics. "Let's hope you're less annoying tonight."

Carlos chuckled, clearly enjoying your banter. "No promises."

You found a spot on the couch beside Carlos, where a pile of pillows awaited.Jannik touched your shoulder to get your attention and whispered to you.

“Cercate di non uccidervi,ok?”

“Try not to kill each other, alright?” He seemed pretty serious, he was probably really scared that you could kill him.You don't rule it out, but you will try your best.

You soon decided to watch a horror movie, just to get the night more exciting.

“Try not to get too scared”He says in a playful way.

“I don’t think there’s anything that could scare me more of you”You say,faking a smile.He laughs softly.

“Don’t be rude”You focus on the movie, you don’t want him to ruin your night.

But is he really ruining your night or is he making it better?

You get distracted from your thoughts by a painful pinch,he gets near your ear and whispers something in spanish.

"¿Estás asustada?" He teased in a low voice, a playful glint in his eye.You narrowed your eyes at him, not understanding the words but catching his teasing tone. "Cut it out," you muttered under your breath, trying not to let his closeness affect you.Carlos chuckled softly, leaning back against the couch with a smirk. "Just checking," he replied in English, though his eyes still held that mischievous spark.

As the movie progressed, Carlos's teasing escalated. He would throw pillows at you playfully or lightly poke your arm, always with a smirk on his face. You found yourself laughing despite trying to maintain a serious façade during the scary scenes.

At one point, during a particularly intense moment in the movie, Carlos leaned over to grab another pillow. His hand brushed against yours, sending a jolt of electricity through you. He looked at you briefly, his eyes meeting yours in a fleeting moment of shared amusement before returning his attention to the movie.

Despite his teasing, there was a warmth and familiarity between you that was hard to ignore.Why was that and why did you feel this way?

During a pause,Jannik and Anna decided to go get some popcorn,leaving you guys alone,again.Why did Jannik leave you two alone every time?This was getting exhausting.

You don’t even have the time to go with them when a pillow lands perfectly on your face.”You are so childish,Carlos” you say laughing,throwing the pillow back at him.

“Pillow battle?”he says with defiance.

“I’m in”

The pillow battle escalated quickly. You and Carlos were both on your feet, throwing and dodging pillows with increasing intensity. The playful banter continued, each of you trying to outdo the other.

"Is that all you've got?" Carlos taunted, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"You're asking for it," you shot back, launching a pillow directly at his face.

Carlos caught the pillow and lunged forward, closing the distance between you. Before you knew it, he had you pinned against the wall, a pillow pressed against your chest. His breath was warm against your face, and his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made your heart race.

"Got you," he whispered, his voice low and teasing.

You glared at him, trying to ignore the flutter in your stomach. "Let me go, Carlos."

"Not so fast," he replied, leaning in closer. "I think you like this more than you're willing to admit."

His words sent a shiver down your spine, and you felt a blush creeping up your neck. You tried to push him away, but he held firm, his body pressing against yours.

"You're insufferable," you muttered, though your voice lacked conviction.

Carlos chuckled, his eyes never leaving yours. "And yet, here we are."

He moved the pillow aside, his hands resting on your hips. The playful teasing was gone, replaced by a palpable tension that left you breathless. You could feel the heat radiating from his body, and the look in his eyes made it clear that he wanted more than just a pillow fight.

"I think I hate you," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Carlos's grin widened, and he leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against your ear. "You keep telling yourself that."

Before you could respond, he closed the gap between you, capturing your lips in a heated kiss. The intensity of his kiss took you by surprise, but you quickly found yourself responding with equal fervor. Your hands tangled in his hair as he pressed you against the wall, his body pinning you in place.

The kiss deepened, and you felt a rush of desire unlike anything you'd ever experienced.Carlos's hands roamed your body, teasing and exploring with a skillful touch that left you trembling. He pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his eyes dark with lust.

"Tell me to stop," he murmured, his voice rough with need.

You shook your head, unable to find the words. Instead, you pulled him back to you, capturing his lips once more. The world around you faded away as you lost yourself in the sensation of his touch, the thrill of his kiss, and the undeniable connection between you.

Suddenly, you heard footsteps approaching the living room. Your heart skipped a beat, and you quickly pushed Carlos away, both of you scrambling to look as casual as possible.

Jannik entered the room, a tray of drinks in his hands and a curious look on his face. "Hey, what’s going on in here?" he asked, glancing between you and Carlos.

You quickly grabbed a pillow and pretended to fluff it. "Just a little pillow fight," you said, trying to keep your voice steady. "Carlos here was losing, as usual."

Carlos smirked, playing along. "Yeah, she got a lucky shot in. But I was just about to make a comeback."

Jannik raised an eyebrow, but didn't press further. "Well, I've got drinks. Anna’s coming with more popcorn." He set the tray down on the coffee table and took a seat, oblivious to the charged atmosphere.

You and Carlos exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement to keep the moment between you. As you both settled back into your spots, the tension still lingering, you couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. What had just happened between you and Carlos was undeniable, but now was not the time to dwell on it.

Anna returned with a bowl of popcorn, her cheerful demeanor lightening the mood. "Ready for the next movie?" she asked, handing out the popcorn.

"Absolutely," you replied, forcing a smile and taking a handful of popcorn. "Let’s see if this one’s scarier than the last."

As the next movie started, you could feel Carlos's eyes on you occasionally, the memory of his touch still fresh in your mind. Every so often, he would lean in close, his breath warm against your ear as he whispered playful comments about the movie. His teasing, however, had taken on a new edge—one that made your heart race and your cheeks flush.

Despite your best efforts to focus on the movie, your thoughts kept drifting back to the kiss, the way his hands felt on your body, and the unspoken promise of more to come. It was clear that things between you and Carlos had changed, and you couldn't deny the growing attraction that simmered beneath the surface.

By the time the movie night was over, and everyone was getting ready to leave, Carlos pulled you aside one last time.”By the way,you’re pretty when you pretend you hate me”

“I really hate you”

“Even if you don't want to, we belong together"

[kb9-ships-mistercriky]

“Sinner has proven once again that he's the best tennis player in the world. At least for me, the level he's playing is incredible. His shots, physically, mentally… He is a beast”

Carlos Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner after final in Beijing 2024, before the ceremony

[lucy90712]

First kiss- Carlos Alcaraz

"Do you use tongue on a first kiss?" Asks the interviewer 

Most people would fully expect Carlos to say no including me but no his inability to lie kicked in again. He simply nodded his head and smiled while his cheeks went a bit pink but I think mine were worse I imagine I looked like a tomato. 

Carlos brought me to this interview as I had just made it out to Australia after missing the first few matches due to work and he wanted to spend time with me. I was expecting a normal interview with a few basic questions as I've been with him to plenty of interviews like that but this one was a little different from the start as it felt more like a little game show or quiz show thing. It was nice to have something a little different and I was enjoying it until that question and answer came up. All of the crew shot me a glance as when we arrived Carlos introduced me as his girlfriend now I'm really wishing he didn't. I know exactly what they were all thinking they were wondering if Carlos did that when we had our first kiss and that's what everyone is going to wonder when this interview comes out. 

The story of our first date and first kiss was bound to come out one day but I was hoping that would be further down the road and that people would think it's a cute story but now this interview will be in the back of everyone's mind. It is a cute story though. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Most people never get to experience going on a first date with someone even remotely famous let alone a famous tennis player who is very much well known across the country and the world. Somehow I've found myself in that exact situation who knew looking like an idiot on a tennis court could end with a date with a professional player who somehow found your awful attempt at tennis endearing. 

I feel like I should be nervous but for some reason I'm not. I just don't have any expectations I never thought I'd be in this situation so if  things don't go well then my life hasn't really changed I've just been on another bad first date. It's only if things go well that things will change which is definitely a problem for future me which is why I'm not really that bothered right now. As much as I'm not nervous I do want to make a good impression as Carlos was really nice and he's incredibly attractive. In my mind to make a good impression and not just seem like any random girl I had to make sure I dressed up and made myself look nice. I did some stalking before today so I know that Carlos could probably have any girl he wanted definitely someone prettier than me so I want to look my best and hope my personality makes up for the rest. 

Carlos said he would pick me up from my apartment at 8 and exactly as the clock turned 8 I got a text and the buzzer to my apartment went off. I made my way downstairs at lightning speed not wanting to keep him waiting too long which was exhausting but as soon as I saw Carlos' face and his bright smile running down 5 flights of stairs felt worth it. He greeted me with a hug and we made our way out to his car where he opened the passenger side door for me before getting in himself. When we planned this date he simply asked me my favourite type of food and if I have any allergies and that was it so I assume we are going to a restaurant but other than that I don't have a clue what we are doing. He drove us out of the busy city centre and into a smaller more rural town which I had never been to before. We drove for a few more minutes before he pulled into a parking space outside this small, quaint looking restaurant. It wasn't somewhere that I'd have ever found myself but I'm excited to try it out. 

Being a wonderful gentleman Carlos opened my door for me and offered his hand to help me get out which I didn't need but I wasn't going to miss out on the chance to hold his hand. He kept hold of my hand as we walked into the restaurant and were shown to our table, he only let go to pull out my chair for me and take my jacket. He was being so lovely which I'm not going to say I didn't expect as I'm sure his parents raised him right but you never know how someone with such a big following is going to act I mean I've had a run in with a footballer who was the rudest person I've ever met. Carlos is different though he's been nothing but kind since we met and clearly he hasn't let his success get to his head. 

We both ordered our food and got to talking properly for the first time since our brief interaction when we met. I really thought we'd have nothing in common as our lives are nothing alike but we actually had so many common interests and our lives growing up weren't as dissimilar as I thought they would be. We ate our food which was so delicious but we both just wanted to keep talking. I've never wanted a first date to keep going as much as I do with this one I think I've finally found my person and when I least expect to as well. 

After dinner Carlos drove me home and this time he came up to my apartment with me as he wanted to make sure I got in safely. While he was there I gave him a quick tour of my apartment before the time came that we had to say goodbye to each other. As we were saying goodbye there so much built up tension we were both looking into each others eyes and then at one another's lips. Carlos took the initiative and leant in finally attaching our lips, the kiss was amazing feeling his lips against mine everything felt right in the world. He took me by surprise when he added his tongue to the kiss I wasn't complaining but I didn't expect him to be so forward on the first date or with our first kiss. When he pulled away he pecked my lips before saying goodbye with a smirk on his face and me with the biggest smile on mine. 

~~~~~~~~~~

I was so distracted reliving my first date with Carlos that I had zoned out of the rest of the interview. I only came back into reality when I felt a kiss be pressed to my cheek by none other than the guy I was thinking about who has made the best boyfriend. He smiled at me and helped me up from the chair I was sat on before giving me a proper kiss which also garnered a look from everyone else in the room which made me blush.

“Are you ok?” Carlos asked 

“I’m fine just next time you do an interview maybe don’t tell everyone that you use tongue on the first kiss or at least not when I’m in the room it attracts attention” I said 

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to embarrass you” he apologised sincerely 

“Its ok I’ll forget about it in a few hours but don’t you dare go telling anyone about the first time we had sex or I will kill you” I smile walking off to the car ready to go back to the hotel

[fritzes]

my tennis edits

Jannik Sinner + Talk 🥕

Jannik Sinner (Australian Open Run) + Written in the Scars 🏆

Ons Jabeur + Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) 🥲

Taylor Fritz + California Dreamin’ ☀️

Maria Sakkari + Just Like Fire 🔥

Daniil Medvedev + Hold On 🐙

Novandy + Old Man Song 🤝

The New Gen + Vienna ⭐️

Sincaraz + Maybe It’s a Good Thing 🤩

De Sinnaur + Demons 😈

Carlos Alcaraz + Go The Distance 🐝

Indian Wells + Paradise 🌴

Taylor Fritz + In This Body 😓

Ben Shelton + I Want It All 📞

Andy Roddick + The Music or The Misery 🎙️

The “Mini Three” + Castle 🏰

Dominic Thiem + Good Life ❤️‍🩹

Karolina Muchova + I'm Still Standing 👍

Jannik Sinner (Post-Puke) + Another One Bites the Dust 🥇

Carlos Alcaraz + Miniature Disasters 💪

RuRu + Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner 🩳

Sincaraz + Northern Attitude 🏔️

Stefaniil + Hold Me Like a Grudge 🐈

Iga Świątek + Don’t Stop Me Now 🥯

Igaryna + Hit Me With Your Best Shot 💘

Sincaraz (2022 US Open Quarterfinal) + Twin Skeleton’s (Hotel in NYC) 🌆

Jannik Sinner + Hall of Fame 🎿

Jannik Sinner + Young Volcanoes 🌋

The Perpetual Wimbledon Finalists + Only Happy When It Rains 🌧️

Sincaraz + Maybe It’s A Good Thing (Second Edition) 🤩

Taylor Fritz + California Dreamin' (Second Edition) ☀️

Jessmaria + Just Like Fire ❤️‍🔥

[batsplat]

Re your tennis post tags pls talk about misogyny and men's vs women's tennis thank uuuuu (sidenote I don't really watch tennis but are skirts mandated for women to wear? Are dress code rules in general that strict?) 🙏

(follow up on this) there is a far more in-depth post on this to be made, but not for now. this is really mostly just. bits I cut... pasted together

here's a little more detail on the differences between the men's and women's games:

with the exception of a few mixed doubles competitions, men and women are always competing separately - and they are different tours to follow. this is true of both the type of game being played as well as the competitive picture. the men's game is more dominated by the serve, and having a good serve is pretty much a non-negotiable element of being a top player. this is also the shot that is most influenced by height (and yeah, obviously men do tend to be taller). the serve/return dynamic is fundamental for more genders, but it's more important in the men's game the modern men's game tends to involve a lot of high margin aggression, exemplified at the highest level by djokovic and formerly nadal. there's generally a lot of power play from the baseline... big serves, big 'serve plus one' forehands - aka the third shot of the point. also, big serving counterpunchers/defensively-inclined players are mostly only a thing in the men's game. the women's game has more breaks of serve, and also... a little more contrast in what type of playstyles you can use to succeed? the broad dichotomy fans will often talk about are 'bashers', highly offensive players with very high counts of winners and errors, and 'pushers' highly defensive players with low counts of winners and errors. there's also a bit of a third cluster, the players who rely on a lot of variety and mixes of spins and speeds to make their game work. while these broad distinctions also exist in the men's game, with women you can get a bit more extreme in how purely offensive or purely defensive players are obviously, it's not as straightforward as that. within the current men's top ten, you have high variety offensive all rounders like alcaraz, baseline high margin bashers like rublev (sinner is a more fully developed version of this basic archetype), and defensive grinders like medvedev. on the women's side, swiatek at her best exemplifies high margin aggression, with more topspin that she uses to aim for bigger targets than the typical basher. sabalenka is a little more basher, but both her and rybakina aren't the 'purest' versions of bashers either. gauff is the closest the current top ten has to a pusher. look, these are just very, very broad generalisations - but men's tennis doesn't have a penko (or not as successful) and women's tennis doesn't have a hurkacz (the closest you get is haddad maia imo, but that's more somebody who's neutrally trading than pushing)

anyway, one of the fun things about tennis is that you do have these two clearly distinct flavours with different competitive balances and different types of match-ups to engage with. I think it's quite natural to gravitate towards one or the other, to feel more passionately about one tour or the other. I was going to include a note about how that's completely fine, but in all honesty I am running a little low in patience with fans who completely refuse to follow the women's game. yeah, I'm biased, I think it's a lot better than the men's game right now - but also I do still watch the men, and often there's a lack of willingness to even engage with the wta at all. the women's tour can be a bit more volatile and you do need to open yourself up to a scary world where more than three players are contenders in any given slam, but like. just enjoy that depth of field. there's several players who are still plenty consistent if you need that to orientate yourself

then on the misogyny stuff, specifically in the current game and not on a historical level:

well. where to start. at pretty much every mixed gender tournament, there's scheduling discourse and men being given the more prestigious slots. roland garros is a repeat offender on this count. a few years back they introduced 'night sessions' just on philippe chatrier (the main court) where they have a different ticket for just one match, and it's also a thing where they have a specific deal with a different broadcaster within france (aka amazon prime). this year, not a single women's match was scheduled during that session. thing is, none of the players really like the session so most women aren't exactly clamouring for it either (honestly everything about these sessions just sucks) but it's still...? not great? people use the best of five versus best of three thing as a justification (which I find inherently frustrating because I too would prefer bo5 for women) but then don't have it for one match? us open night sessions have two matches, one men's and one women's, which gets rid of the problem

also roland garros did this thing where they just scheduled all the women's matches early in the day, basically as if to get them out of the way? the first session of the day is called the graveyard shift, the vibes are weird and there's like three people watching on the court, it's proper depressing when a slam quarterfinal is happening with that lack of atmosphere

of course, you do also have the exact same flavour of faffing about in tour level matches, where the length of product argument falls away (everyone plays bo3). we don't generally have cases any more where it's just men's matches being scheduled on the main courts or whatever, but more insidious stuff

so we've gradually had a switch from one week masters/1000 tournaments to two weeks, for a bunch of commercial reasons even though... are there any fans who like this? it really just does not work, like there's a week where basically zero big names are playing and it feels like you're just sitting around forever waiting for the tournament to properly kick off. but the gender element is in how the tournaments balance the men's and women's scheduling, where often they front load the women's matches and rush through a bunch of rounds, which means that in the second week you suddenly end up in this situation where the women's tournament has almost completely been played while the men's tournament gets to hog more of the spotlight

a darkly funny example of this came at madrid this year (because of course it was madrid), where the men's tournament just straight up sucked while the women's tournament produced several all time classics. so it meant that for instance on the 30/4, we had eight men's matches and two women's. on the 2/5, we were supposed to have two men's matches and the two women's semis with the men getting their own day on 3/5, but in a brave example of being an #ally the two men's matches that day managed a full set total between them

there's also like. crowd issues. part of this is because society just straight up sucks and doesn't show up as much for women's tennis. part of it is also a complete failure in marketing. part of it is the wta's organisation and calendar decisions - like figuring out where they'll host their finals like two weeks before d-day or putting a bunch of tournaments in the middle east where the crowd numbers are.... not great. just depressing, this roland garros was also really bad for that

accessibility. men's tennis has tennistv, women's tennis has... geo-locked wta.tv, which does also suck. any mixed gender channels tend to make some howlers in terms of what they're choosing to show. can't get people into the sport if they can't watch it!!

prize money outside of the slams is still very unequal

general wta incompetence. includes all the stuff mentioned above, as well as various other mishaps. the marketing is terrible, you can see it in the highlights and social media content they put out. the highlights game is genuinely laughably bad, you have fans do a way better job but then they get hit by copyright claims

sometimes we do get women's players speak out about some of these issues, like the general outcry during madrid last year prompted by cake gate. it's rarer than would be ideal

also just various non-structural bits of misogyny, including how the game is treated by journalists or individual men's players and so on. anyway, on the dress question - women are allowed to wear shorts, BUT there was a big controversy a few years back when serena wore a ''''catsuit'''' to roland garros and the rules were changed for the subsequent year to ban it

this was back in 2018, mind you. here's an article about some of the historical controversies relating to women's outfits. tennis has a weird problem with women just wearing sports leggings, which. that's basically all this is, like they're not exactly uncommon, are they. I wear them while playing tennis most of the year

the other recent more positive development is that wimbledon finally last year agreed to let players wear dark underwear in response to protests about how needlessly unpleasant the situation was for women worried about their periods

which is kinda. yeah this is good but why on earth was this still a thing

[advantagetiafoe]

It could be because I just started up again this year, but is this not one of the most ridiculous US Opens?

On the men's side, three of the four top seeds are out. Going into the QF, we had no Alcaraz, no Djokovic. The same two who won gold and silver, respectively. An American has a shot at the title, and Fritz or Tiafoe just might end a twenty-one year long drought and let Andy Roddick finally rest. Then on the women's side, you have Coco with the serving yips, you have Naomi Osaka showing a bit of teeth again. Even if she did get knocked out, you can see the young girl who beat Serena wanting to come out, and good lord the fashion! Her outfits! The bows!!!!! A sixteen year old made the quallies this year, the youngest to play in the main draw. Navarro is running her mouth over Qinwen, and for what? To make more Sabalenka and Zheng fans, I guess. Pegula is playing some of her best game yet, and with only the top two seeds remain for the semis, there might be an American winning women's singles this year as well. There's no drought for that, sure, but what can I say? I root for my country when I can.

It's truly anyone's game in singles no matter which tour you're looking at, and that doesn't even begin to cover the doubles top seed losing in the quarters last night.

I feel like I picked the right time to get back into the game. The storylines, the game each player has brought, the upsets, the tie-break clinchers................... I love tennis and I love USO season!

[shahzadbhatti313]

Carlos Alcaraz Press Conference | 2024 US Open Pre-Tournament

The 2024 US Open main draw runs from August 26 - September 8 in New York City at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The tournament takes place for the 144th time and is the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year. Last year, Serbia's Novak Djokovic and United States' Coco Gauff claimed the men's and women's singles titles. It was Djokovic’s 24th Grand Slam title and Gauff’s first Grand Slam title. This year, at the US Open, we’re set for another spectacular tournament as the world’s best tennis players head to New York. Look out for highlights, extended highlights, full matches, press conferences, on-court interviews, hot shots, compilations and more!

READ MORE

READ MORE

[tajsamedaytour]

Taj Mahal same day tour by car from Delhi By Taj Same Day Tour Company

The Taj Mahal is a popular destination for same-day tours from Delhi, and many firms, like Taj Same Day Tour Company, provide this service. Here's a broad outline of what you can expect from such a tour:

Itinerary overview: Departure from Delhi in the early morning.

Pick-up from your hotel or a prearranged location in Delhi. To arrive in Agra by mid-morning, depart between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. The drive takes roughly 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. Visit the Taj Mahal:

Arrive at Taj Mahal at 10:00 a.m. Spend approximately 2-3 hours exploring the magnificent landmark. A guided tour is frequently offered to discuss the historical and architectural significance. Lunch:

Lunch at a reputable restaurant in Agra. Some excursions include lunch, while others may recommend restaurants where you can dine for your own money. Visit the Agra Fort:

After lunch, head to the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is a superb example of Mughal construction, with breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal from some vantage points. Optional Activities:

Depending on your time and interests, you might visit additional attractions such as Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb (also known as the Baby Taj) or Mehtab Bagh to get a new viewpoint on the Taj Mahal. Drive back to Delhi:

Depart Agra in the late afternoon. Return to Delhi in the evening, often between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Inclusions: Air-conditioned automobile with professional driver. English-speaking guide. Entrance fees to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Bottled water. Exclusion: Meals (unless specified). Personal expenditures. Gratuities. Tips for the tour: There will be a lot of walking, so dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Bring your identification for security checks at the monuments. It is best to reserve in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. For full details, pricing, and booking, please visit the Taj Same Day Tour Company's website or contact them directly. This will ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information when planning your vacation.

ALSO READ-

Carlos Alcaraz is a professional tennis player from Spain who has quickly gained recognition in the tennis world. Here are some important details about his career and achievements:

Early Life and Background: Full name: Carlos Alcaraz Garfia. Birthdate: May 5, 2003 Birthplace: El Palmar, Murcia, Spain. Coach: Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world number one and French Open champion. Alcaraz's playing style emphasizes aggressive baseline play, great speed, and athleticism. He boasts a powerful forehand, a strong backhand, and outstanding drop shots. His style is frequently compared to that of Rafael Nadal, another Spanish tennis legend. Career highlights: Junior Career: Alcaraz had a fantastic junior career, winning multiple tournaments and establishing himself early on. ATP Tour: He turned professional in 2018 and rapidly made an impression on the ATP Tour. Grand Slam Performance: Alcaraz has demonstrated promise in Grand Slam competitions, reaching the last stages of numerous majors at a young age. His notable accomplishments include reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals of several Grand Slam competitions. ATP Titles: He has won several ATP titles, demonstrating his ability on a variety of surfaces, including clay and hard courts. Milestones: Alcaraz is the youngest player to reach multiple ATP Tour milestones. Top 10 Ranking: By the age of 18, he had risen to the top ten in the ATP rankings, demonstrating his quick ascent in the tennis world. Breakthrough Matches: His victories over top-ranked players in major tournaments have solidified his status as one of tennis' future stars. Notable Wins: Alcaraz has defeated notable players, proving his ability to compete at the highest level. His matches are frequently distinguished by his resilience, competitive zeal, and tactical understanding on the court. Carlos Alcaraz is considered one of the most promising young tennis players. With his ongoing progress and the direction of his experienced coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, he is projected to achieve even greater success in the years ahead. Alcaraz's professional tennis career is only beginning, and he is positioned to be a major force in the sport for many years to come.

[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.

[nbmsports]

Novak Djokovic reaches ninth Wimbledon final after brushing aside Jannik Sinner

CNN  —  Age is clearly just a number to Novak Djokovic, who is now just one match away from securing a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title after the Serb beat Italy’s Jannik Sinner in straight sets, winning 6-3 6-4 7-6 in Friday’s first men’s semifinal. Victory ensured the 36-year-old reached a record-breaking 35th grand slam final – in doing so surpassing Chris Evert’s landmark – and will now face either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final. Djokovic will be the overwhelming favorite to win a record-extending 24th grand slam title no matter his opponent, not least because he’s already won the Australian Open and the French Open in 2023. The Serb has lost one just one Wimbledon final he’s reached – that was 10 years ago when he was beaten by Andy Murray. Ever the showman, Djokovic got into a back-and-forth with a fan, who had celebrated after he missed a first serve at break point down towards the end of a tense third set. After eventually holding serve, Djokovic turned to the fan and mimicked wiping away tears from his eyes. Sinner, who was appearing in the last four of a grand slam for the first time in his career, left everything out of the court but was no match for Djokovic’s relentless brilliance.

The 21-year-old Sinner, widely regarded as one of tennis’ brightest young talents, will no doubt once again grace this stage of a grand slam in the not so distant future, but for now it’s the sport’s elder statesman that continues to reign supreme in SW19. “Semifinals, it was always going to be a very close and tense match, as was the case,” said Djokovic said magnanimously in his on-court interview. “Three very close sets, I think the scoreline maybe doesn’t give the reality of what was happening on the court, it was super close. “That third set could have gone his way, he had 15-40 on 5-4 … he missed a couple of shots to let me get into the tie break. There was a lot of pressure in the third, I had my chances early on but he has proven why he is one of the leaders of the next generation and one of the best players we have in the world. “It’s great to be part of this new generation, I love it,” Djokovic joked. The early signs were promising for Sinner, who earned a break point in Djokovic’s opening service game, though he was unable to convert. However, things quickly began to unravel as Sinner’s serve was broken in his opening service game as Djokovic took control of the first set. In total, Sinner had three break points to Djokovic’s one in the first set but was unable to capitalize on any of them, while is opponent ruthlessly converted the one chance that presented itself to him. The second set followed much the same pattern, as Sinner was again broken early on and a dejected look crept across his face after a game of quite careless tennis. There was a bizarre moment in the second set when umpire Richard Haigh called Djokovic for a hindrance, awarding the point to Sinner, after the Serb let out a belated grunt when hitting a backhand.

“The hindrance earlier on today in the match could have changed course of the match,” Djokovic said. “I felt really nervous after that call from the chair umpire, but managed to regroup and it was probably the first time in my career that something like this has happened. “Normally I don’t have extended grunts, maybe it was an echo from the roof or something. “I didn’t feel I was causing any hinderance, but it was the call and I had to respect it.” Subsequently Haigh called Djokovic for a time violation on his serve. Though unquestionably a correct decision this time, it only served to add to the frustration of both Djokovic and the crowd. Unperturbed by the umpire’s decisions, Djokovic held serve before eventually taking a commanding two-set lead.

Sinner deserves plenty of credit for continuing to battle deep into the third set, pumping his fist towards his box with every booming winner, including one that registered 100 miles per hour on the speed gun. In fact, the youngster was now playing his best tennis of the encounter and his reward was the chance to take the third set in a tie break. There was to be no denying Djokovic, however, who turned up the heat once again to clinch the tie break and the match. Even at the ripe, old age of 36 – in tennis terms, at least – Djokovic says he might just be playing some of the best tennis of his career. “I’d like to believe that’s the case,” he said. “I mean, we are part of an individual sport so you have to rely on yourself and put yourself in the best possible, physical, mental and emotional state before going out on the court. “So I tried not to look at the age as a hindrance that might change the outcome on the court. I feel 36 is the new 26, it feels good. “I feel a lot of motivation and I’m inspired to play the tennis that I truly love, this sport has given me so much and I’m eternally grateful so I’ll try to … I guess return the favor to this sport and play as much as I possibly can.” Source link Read the full article

[antonio-velardo]

Antonio Velardo shares: Carlos Alcaraz Gets a Shot at Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon Singles Final by David Waldstein

By David Waldstein “For Novak, it is one more day, one more moment,” Alcaraz said of Sunday’s final. “For me, it’s going to be the best moment of my life, I think.” Published: July 15, 2023 at 03:00AM from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/5yrXk3w via IFTTT

[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.