#sydney challenger

[stateofsport211]

Sydney Ch F: Thanasi Kokkinakis [2] def. Rinky Hijikata [1] 6-1, 6-1 Match Stats

📸 ATP official website

T. Kokkinakis outplayed R. Hijikata in all fronts possible thanks to a combination of a decent serving day and some solid groundstrokes to back it up. Scoring 10 aces than 3, the second seed had exceptional first serve winning percentage with 83% (30% more than the first seed) while leaving R. Hijikata's second serves more vulnerable at 33% as the latter double-faulted thrice. To add, T. Kokkinakis' frequent shot winners did not leave a room for R. Hijikata to create or materialize his chances, thus the former converted 100% of his 5 break points thanks to his flawless play.

Without even dropping a set, this marked T. Kokkinakis' second Challenger-level title of the year after winning the Sarasota Challenger earlier this year, putting himself officially back to 83rd in the rankings upon the conclusion of this tournament. Both players takes a deserved rest as they concluded their season at home, securing their Top 100 finish, as well as the 2025 Australian Open direct entry. Well done for both for completing the season!

[springtyme]

For your autumn challenge (I have a lot of ideas 🥲)

- Sydney getting cold in the fall bc the temperatures drop unusually quickly, so reader gives Sydney her sweater & Sydney gets flustered about it

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 ♡

Sydney Adamu x reader || Main masterlist || Sydney playlist

summary: On a cold October day in Chicago, you share a little of your warmth.

word count: 900

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞: 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟕) 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

The last whisper of summer has slipped through the cracks like a fast fading memory, leaving behind a chill in the air that feels like it has arrived much too early. As a brisk wind sweeps through the streets of Chicago, Sydney pulls her jacket tighter around her shoulders and quickens her pace toward the little café on the corner.

When she enters, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries wraps around her like a comforting embrace, and she spots you already seated at a cozy table near the window. You look up to greet her, and the chill in her bones melts away at the sight of your smile.

“Hey, you!” you call out, waving her over. Your eyes sparkle with warmth, and as she approaches, she can’t help but grin back at you, though she is still shivering slightly from the sudden drop in temperature.

“Hi,” she says, sliding into the chair across from you. As she settles in, she rubs her arms to stave off the cold.

“This is for you,” you say, reaching for the hot cocoa you have ordered for her. “It just felt so fitting for the weather. ” You slide it over, and Syd feels how her lips curl into a smile.

“Thank you,” she says, taking a sip and sighing contentedly. “This is just what I need, I’m freezing, I really didn’t expect it to be so chilly today.” She wraps her hands around the mug, smiling like the beverage has magically warmed her entire body, but it is clear that the cold air has seeped into her bones.

“Here,” you say instinctively, shrugging off your oversized sweater that you are wearing over your hoodie. It is a soft, knit piece, the type of sweater that feels like a warm hug when you wear it, and you drape it across the table toward her. “Put this on.”

Sydney’s eyes widen in surprise, her ears and cheeks tickling with warmth that has less to do with the cocoa and more to do with your gesture. “ Are you sure..? Won’t you be cold.”

“I’m fine. You look like you could use it more than I do,” you insist, a playful smile dancing on your lips. Your eyes are sparkling as you give her a reassuring nod.

“Seriously?” she asks, hesitating as she glances at the cozy garment, then back at your encouraging smile.

“Seriously. I think I’ll look good on you too,” you tease, wiggling your eyebrows as you prompt her to take it.

With a nervous giggle, she picks up the sweater and pulls it over her head, she can’t help but smile even wider as she folds her hands over the cuffs, letting the warmth envelop her. “God, this is so comfy! I’m stealing it,” she jokes.

You laugh. “Maybe you should. It looks better on you than on me,” you say, your demeanor shifting into something softer. 

Sydney feels her heart race slightly at that, her cheeks heating up again—not just from the snugness of your sweater. She can’t find the words, instead just sipping her cocoa again and looking down, a shy smile painting her lips.

“Well, I definitely don’t think that is true…” she begins, her tone suddenly quiet. “But it’s really sweet of you to give me this.”

“I wouldn’t do it for just anyone,” you reply, moving your hand slightly closer to hers on the table. “Only people I really care about.”

Her heart flutters, and she meets your gaze, her vulnerability mirrored in your eyes. “I uh… I care about you too,” she whispers, feeling giddy and flustered all at once.

A short moment of comfortable silence  falls between you, your eyes locked. It is a moment that feels both magical and nerve wracking. You smile at her, not your usual wide confident one, this one is more gentle and slightly bashful, almost shy, but it only takes a few seconds for you to find your family grin. 

The silence breaks and the conversation shifts to laughter and shared stories, the chill of the world outside forgotten in the cozy bubble that forms around you two. The way you  so easily offered your sweater, bone-deep warmth radiating through the wool that now envelops her, it feels deeper than just a simple gesture.

The café buzzes with life around you, but for Syd, it feels as if time stands still. The warmth of your sweater and your presence fills the space between you, and she feels something more than just the heat of your kind act; it is the warmth of budding affection and an exciting possibility—a sweet prelude to what is slowly blossoming between the two of you.

As the afternoon light begins to dim, painting the café in golden hues, Sydney catches glimpses of the world beyond the window, people bustling past, wrapped in their own narratives and lives. Yet, her attention is anchored solely on you. The way you laugh, how your eyes gleam in the warm light of the café as you talk, the way that you look at her… all of it envelops her like the sweater she now wears, each moment knit together with invisible threads of connection. And in this moment she can not help but wonder if your connection can be woven into something even more beautiful, that maybe you really have feelings like she has.

[g3othermal3scapism]

love languages 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

[only-angelss]

The 31st annual Vanity Fair Hollywood issue.

[fungus-no69]

School LIs x Pc/Reader (x Ivory Wraith)

You/your pronouns for pc, they/them pronouns for LIs, pc is mentioned to be uncanny and strange looking in general, pc is POSSESSED!!! by the IVORY WRAITH!!!!! attempted harassment by Whitney (it fails), burns in Sydney's, mentions of Kylar's parents (maybe spoilery???)

You're never really... here. Always a bit dazed with a faraway look in your eye, yet an alertness to you that means it can't just be disassociation or anything like that.

They see you talking to the mirror a lot, or if not, looking into alleys like you're supposed to be seeing something other than the knocked over bins and occasional stray. Even at the lake in the forest, you're crouched at the edge of it as water licks at your shoes. Sometimes, the shadows seem to warp around you or maybe, your eyes are just a bit too wide to be normal. Something about the way your knuckles jut out too far or even the way that your lip movements don't completely match up with what you're saying.

Sometimes they see you wandering around the street, like a puppet. Clumsy and artificial. If anyone did see your face in those times they'd comment on the vibrant, unnatural blue of your eyes. Or how your skin seems to lose any warmth in its undertones, or maybe the way that you hum to yourself- pressing a hand to your chest and holding onto your pyjama shirt.

Robin

They're incredibly concerned that they hadn't noticed before they woke up to seeing you climb out of your window???

Even when you disappear and only appear after a whole day- looking even more out of it than usual and covered in water and some... other sort of substance that Robin just doesn't want to think too hard about

They just assume that's another weird thing you do along with the... everything else.

Look they had reason to believe it's just normal 'you' behaviour okay!

They check on you each blood moon from then on, even offering for you to stay in their room at the end of each month.

If they see you trying to leave out of the window again they may panic and grab you- looking at your face and being chilled by your hollow expression, a smile that makes them uneasy crawling up your face as a voice that's not yours repeats their name

"Robin Robin Robin Robin"

'You' slip out of their grasp before they can react- disappearing behind the windowsill. They probably almost scream before seeing you're fine at the bottom.

They can't help you before you're gone, you'll probably return in the morning anyway.

Whitney

This bitch ass motherfucker was probably skulking around the alleyways when they saw you staggering towards Nightingale street

They popped up behind you and grabbed your shoulders- hoping to make you squeal.

You didn't.

Simply continued walking.

Whitney just shrugged it off after a second of sulking, adding it to their internal list of your oddities (No they don't think of you often shut up)

They keep following you, teasing, mocking, sexual innuendos- you name it.

They pause when they see you take a beeline into the forest because what the fuck? No one except for tourists and people with a death wish go there (especially on a blood moon)

They're not superstitious per se but everyone and their fucking grandmother knows that what you're doing is a bad idea.

They grab your elbow and finally get a good look at your face, blank expression with unfocused blue eyes that look out of place on you.

For a moment they think they've been following the wrong person around. But that's impossible because they know what their slut looks like!

They open their mouth, probably to insult you or make a comment but nothing comes out when you start repeating their name with a manic grin.

They stumble when you wrench away, breaking into a sprint into the underbrush.

They go to follow you but you're already gone.

Sydney

They instinctively know something's wrong when they wake up to you shambling out of the temple's pews

They know you're strange, that something's wrong with you on a good day! But this is a whole new level.

Even as goosebumps raise on the nape of their neck, something about you seems familiar. A lingering sense of deja vu keeping them from moving.

They manage to stand up after a minute, limbs feeling heavier with each step they make towards you. Even if they tried, they wouldn't be able to sleep now. The air is stifling and wrong.

You shriek when their necklace brushes your skin as they lean closer, it leaves a torrefied blue mark where it made contact.

Yeah no. That is not normal.

Even without their necklace scalding you, your scream leaves their ears ringing and their head pounding with agony. They can't hear themself over the sound of their heartbeat, bile rises in their throat and they can't process anything but the feeling of hands so cold they burn and the image of cobalt that sears itself into their mind no matter where they look or how hard they squeeze their eyes closed.

They must have been making some kind of noise though, because when they come to- they're kneeling on the floor in between pews with Jordan's hands on their shoulders and you're nowhere to be seen.

Kylar

They were already following you as soon as they realised that you seemed even more off than usual

Somewhat similar to their parents before they became... whatever they are now.

They don't want you to end up like that! So they fight their body's urge to flee and appear at your elbow- you don't flinch, as per usual.

They hope their presence soothes you, it doesn't. You don't look as bad as they were imagining but their skin is becoming clammy just by being around you. And not in the normal way either!

They start to blabber to you, hoping to get your attention but you don't even spare them a glance! Now you're starting to freak them out.

They try to look at you properly, closer. They don't like what they see.

Blue eyes fixed in front of you, pallid cheeks, blue lips. Your eyes flick down for less than a second before a grin curls onto your lips and you grab them, calling their name

They love it when you say their name but not like that! Not when your voice echoes in their ears and makes their mouth go dry.

As much as their nails dig into your arms and they grasp as hard as they can, you manage to slip away- like their hands just... phased through somehow.

As much as they want to- need to chase you, their feet are rooted to the floor like something's holding them there. They can't do anything but watch as you depart into the forest.

They know that something was wrong! You wouldn't run away from them right? Yeah! That must be it! Something's taken control of you somehow!

They're not sure which idea makes their stomach churn more.

[melancholicmelanin]

Me pretending I didn't know my crush is at the party I crahsed

[yeschefchallenge]

When there’s drama in the fandom, concentrate on the work instead ✍️

Fall “The Bear” writing challenge is starting soon 🙌

[addieyapsalot]

My challengers

[itsjohnjohn1]

Who are your top celebrity crushes of the 2020s decade so far?

1. Christen Harper

2. Chloe Bailey

3. Imogen Ewan

4. Kelsey Merritt

5. Sydney Sweeney

6. Mataya Sweeting

7. Gigi Dolin

8. Megan Thee Stallion

9. Jonica Keating

10. Tate McRae

Runner-up: Rubi Rose, Anna Jay & Skye Blue

*Had to do some thinking lol, technically they've all started careers before 2020s but like you said, more associated/prominent with.

[stateofsport211]

📸 🎥 ATP official website

Even if R. Hijikata tried his best to sustain his range, T. Kokkinakis' dominance was inevitable, which showed the former being outplayed in all fronts possible. Right at the first game of the set, the second seed began with a forehand winner before the first seed's forehand errors only caused the former's early break of serve to 1-0. After T. Kokkinakis smoothly consolidated to 2-0, he took advantage of another forehand unforced error from R. Hijikata and fired a smooth backhand down-the-line winner to create his break point, doubling his break to 3-0 as a result.

Subsequently, T. Kokkinakis held his serves to 4-0, but even if R. Hijikata went on the board once, the latter still run out of options toward the end of the match. At the time, R. Hijikata was supposed to serve to stay in the set, but he had his game points fumbled over T. Kokkinakis' return winners before having to face match points, including those coming from the second seed's forehand winners. The latest match point was then converted as T. Kokkinakis also baked the second-set breadstick (6-1), thus securing him the title.

[springtyme]

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 ♡

Welcome to my first ever October writing challenge! 🍂☕️🍁

I’m very excited, and I really hope that I’ll be able to keep up with the schedule. And also a big thank you to everyone who sent in requests ♡

Most of the fics on this list are lighthearted fluff, but stories marked * are nsfw and only suited for 18+ readers.

𝟏. Coffee shop (Spencer Reid x reader) 𝟐. Sick day (Steve Harrington x reader) 𝟑. Rainy afternoon (Carmy Berzatto x reader) 𝟒. Movie night (Simon Riley x reader) 𝟓. Morning drive (Emily Prentiss x reader) 𝟔. IKEA “date” (Kyle Garrick x reader) 𝟕. Sweater weather (Sydney Adamu x reader) 𝟖. Can’t sleep (Spencer Reid x reader) 𝟗. Train ride (Aaron Hotchner x reader) 𝟏𝟎. Huddling for warmth * (Arthur Morgan x reader) 𝟏𝟏. Cuddles (Kyle Garrick x reader) 𝟏𝟐. A walk in the woods (Eddie Munson x reader) 𝟏𝟑. Decorating (Joel Miller x reader) 𝟏𝟒. Comfort food (John Price x reader) 𝟏𝟓. The orange peel theory (Chef Luca x reader) 𝟏𝟔. Meet cute (Derek Morgan x reader) 𝟏𝟕. Lazy Sunday (Spencer Reid x reader) 𝟏𝟖. Family expansion (Johnny MacTavish x reader) 𝟏𝟗. Hayride (Steve Harrington x reader) 𝟐𝟎. Halloween candy (Roman Roy x reader) 𝟐𝟏. Trick or treat (Aaron Hotchner x reader) 𝟐𝟐. Baking (… x reader) 𝟐𝟑. Party confessions (Sydney Adamu x reader) 𝟐𝟒. Pumpkin carving (… x reader) 𝟐𝟓. Horror movie comfort * (Mikey Berzatto x reader) 𝟐𝟔. Roommates (… x reader) 𝟐𝟕. Haunted house (Spencer Reid x reader) 𝟐𝟖. Pumpkin patch (Richie Jerimovich x reader) 𝟐𝟗. Scary movie marathon (Eddie Munson x reader) 𝟑𝟎. Costume party * (… x reader) 𝟑𝟏. Harvest celebration * (Joel Miller x reader)

[herbofgraceandpeace]

“Listen, I don’t, I don’t, I don’t wanna be, uh, shitty.”

“Okay, so don’t be.”

QUEEN

[tomandharrisongifs]

Zendaya, in Sydney, Australia, for the Challengers Australian Premiere, on the 26th of March, 2024.

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

Carmy's type

I have already gone over why the C person felt attracted to him and why he allowed her to prey on him the way she did. If you wanna take a walk down memory lane, here is the post:

Now, on Carmy's part, there are more layers, of course:

IMO Carmy's type is the CHALLENGING type.

And I know what you may be thinking, that nothing was challenging about the C person because she made herself extremely available for him from the very get-go. Well, yes and no. Yes, as a young adult, she did. BUT as a teenager, there was a mutual attraction at school, and yet none of them addressed it. She thought he was too much of an introvert and he was indeed too shy. Also, IMO that reads as: Carmy was in no way, shape, or form part of the "cool kids" gang, even though he really wanted that because Mikey was, and Michael was his hero, and the C person was a nerdy girl that was trying to fit in,

Omellete | 02x09

so socializing with the stuttery, uncool, "never-had-any-girlfriends" kinda guy, wasn't gonna help her push her "fitting in" agenda, so she didn't even try.

Pop | 02x05

Therefore, the only reason why he started a relationship with C in the first place was that he wanted to get her out of his system because back in HS she did represent a challenge for him, which he couldn't face, so she was a "pending" challenge, he had the chance to cross off his list of unfinished business. Obviously, this business was unfinished because it hadn't even started to begin with, but she gave him the chance to remove her from his own bucket list:

Being popular ✅

Getting laid ✅

Dating my frustrated HS sweetheart ✅

So she represented a distraction from whom he really wants and deems out of his league -at least until he can get her that star- [because, in his head, they are not really getting it together, he's doing it for her to give it to her, it's his offering to prove himself worthy of her. Till that happens, he will feel scared shitless of really going for Syd, so he went for the consolation prize instead because it was just easier and it still meant he was taking on an old challenge he could finally overcome.]

What he liked about that relationship with C was the exit she facilitated.

So he wouldn't have to deal with his real feelings, which I already addressed in previous posts

To distract himself of whom he really wants, and he thinks he's not good enough for:

Syd.

The great news is that now he crossed C off his list, he can move on (after he fucking apologizes or can work out some kind of symbolic closure).

We all know that, by now, he knows exactly how he feels for Sydney.

Even though in the beginning he may have underestimated the depth of his feelings for her:

By the time he crawled his way out THAT panic attack, he was widely aware of exactly what she meant for him and to what lengths he was willing to go to be with her and be worthy of her love.

No wonder he "broke up" with C that same night, whether he intended to do it or not. What he said in that walk-in was on his mind anyway, and it may have come out at the wrong time in the wrong way but still, he wanted out of that relationship for sure, once he knew the place Syd had in his heart.

No more amusement and enjoyment, diversion and entertainment:

It was time to get serious and really take on ALL his new challenges, facing them head on.

Hear me out:

His type is: CHALLENGING and Syd is exactly that for him.

The new challenges he took on, because he LOOOOOVES challenges to re-validate himself through them, are the restaurants. Yes, plural.

First, The Beef:

Then The Bear:

Then Syd's star:

The daily rotating menu:

In other words:

SYD

Because all those paths lead to her in one way or another, they are all synonyms in his head. They all represent his love for her and all he does because of her.

Even when he was working on trying to flip The Beef and elevate it, he only could do it because he teamed up with Syd, he couldn't do it with the team against him.

Syd was the game changer and that's why she became his new challenge eventually. That inspiration, drive, and PURPOSE he got from her, were what ended up making him fall in love with her.

Bonus track: I already mentioned this on my meta, as shown above, but it BEARS repeating, that when they get the star he will make his move. So that takes us straight to S4.

Moreover, he has to, to break his own pattern and grow.

So, he will see himself as finally worthy of Syd, once he gets the star for her (like I said, in his head, they are not doing it together, he's doing it for her). Let's not forget that reality is distorted for him, due to trauma. But that's changing because he broke down and survived, he faced his nemesis and made it in one peace, and he got HIS closure,

so as long as he doesn't lose Syd in the process he's gonna be fine next season. And we know he didn't lose her, we know she stayed. She chose him over Shapiro. S4 is gonna be all about his and their recovery.

Remember to follow my tag #Gingerpovs 💋

[zwiggyro]

mama a ICONS💜

[melancholicmelanin]

Guys, they hit the pentagon!