Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil reflected on his career during his final press conference at the Canadian Masters, where he lost to Facundo Bagnis. Pospisil expressed confusion over top players, including Jannik Sinner, opting out of representing their countries at the Olympics and Davis Cup events.

“I don’t understand players that don’t play Davis Cup and don’t play Olympics, I genuinely don’t,” Pospisil said. “It’s like, how much money or success or this do you want to chase for yourself individually. Bigger picture, I just don’t understand it, honestly.”

He emphasized the importance of national representation, stating, “To play for your country, it’s good for everybody. It’s good for you, it’s good for your energy, it’s good to give back to your country, to be a role model for the kids.”

Pospisil acknowledged the physical demands on players but dismissed prioritizing rest over representing one’s country: “Prioritise a week of rest, to play another, to be fresh for one of a thousand tournaments that you’re going to play in your career, or go and represent your country, when you’re only going to have a handful of opportunities to do that in your career.”

A two-time Olympian in singles (2012 and 2016), Pospisil also contributed to Canada’s 2022 Davis Cup Finals victory.

He criticized the financial motivations behind some players’ decisions, “Unfortunately, I think a lot of times it comes down to money for these guys, and that’s just not the right way to look at it.”

The 2024 Olympics men’s singles gold medal was won by Novak Djokovic, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner did not participate in the event due to tonsillitis, a decision that drew Pospisil’s criticism.

Sinner had been a strong contender after reaching the 2024 French Open semifinals and close defeats this season to Alcaraz. Sinner released a statement: “I am bitterly disappointed to inform you that unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games… the doctor diagnosed me with tonsillitis and strongly advised against playing. Missing the Games is a huge disappointment, as it was one of my main goals for this season.”

He added, “I was eagerly looking forward to the honor of representing my country in this incredibly important event. A big good luck to all the Italian athletes, whom I will be cheering for from home. Forza Italia.”

Lukas Klein has firmly established himself as a leading competitor on the ATP Challenger Tour with remarkable back-to-back tournament wins. The 27-year-old Slovak secured his second Challenger title in as many weeks by winning the Dialectic Zug Open in Switzerland, following his recent success at the San Marino Open.

In a hard-fought final, Klein defeated fourth-seeded Harold Mayot in three sets, 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-4. Throughout the event, Klein, ranked 147th globally, dispatched notable opponents including sixth seed Santiago Rodriguez Taverna, Swiss wild card Henry Bernet, second seed Marc-Andrea Huesler, and qualifier Jakub Paul. His powerful serve, highlighted by 11 aces, was pivotal in capturing the title after 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Reflecting on his achievement during the on-court ceremony, Klein said, “I am very happy with this week and the week before. I have never won back-to-back Challenger titles. I am very excited. I enjoyed the week here, although it wasn’t easy for the fans when we had some rain delays. Everything worked 100 per cent. Thanks to everyone involved in the tournament.”

This latest victory is Klein’s fifth ATP Challenger title, awarding him €25,740 and 125 ATP Ranking points, moving him closer to the world top 100.

Elsewhere on the tour, Norwegian Nicolai Budkov Kjaer claimed the Tampere Open title after a three-set victory against Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg. British player George Loffhagen won his first Challenger title at the Open Castilla y León Villa de El Espinar in Spain, and Estonian Marek Lajal earned his second Challenger crown at the Cranbrook Tennis Classic in Michigan.

The ATP Challenger Tour continues this week with events across Europe and North America, featuring promising talents including Jaime Faria, Marc-Andrea Huesler, Martin Landaluce, Daniel Mérida, Botic van de Zandschulp, and Nishesh Basavareddy among contenders.

Holger Rune recently shared his experience training briefly under tennis legend Andre Agassi, describing it as “a great experience.” Following his early exit from Wimbledon, where he lost in the first round to Nicholas Jarry after surrendering a two-set lead, Rune was seen practicing with Agassi ahead of the Citi DC Open, sparking speculation about potential coaching ties. However, Rune withdrew from the tournament due to a back injury sustained during practice.

Discussing his time with Agassi, the Dane told Ziggo Sport, “I learned a lot about how he sees the game, and how he sees my tennis, and we tried to figure out how to make my tennis easier.” He highlighted Agassi’s advice, especially on returning serve, stating, “He gives very good advice on how to return, he was an incredible returner, as I am too, so we can share information and that’s great.”

Rune also revealed insights from Agassi about slowing down his game to find balance by using his power and shot quality more efficiently. “What he tried to explain to me is that he wanted my tennis to be a bit slower and he thinks I can do things much easier with my power and quality in my shots and believes I should do more things than I usually do. Essentially, it’s about finding balance, and that’s what we have been working on.”

He praised Agassi’s passion and perspective on tennis, saying, “What he tried to explain… he surprised me with some things he explained in training sessions and also about how to play tiebreaks. I won’t share the secrets he gave me, but I was amazed by his perspective on tennis and playing.”

While no formal coaching relationship was confirmed, Agassi responded to Rune’s comments on social media, stating, “The future is bright.”

In addition to his time with Agassi, Rune has appointed Marco Panichi, formerly fitness trainer for Novak Djokovic and more recently Jannik Sinner, as his new fitness coach. Rune described his sessions with Panichi as “very, very challenging fitness training,” focusing not just on strength but coordination and biomechanics.

He explained, “His experience working so many years with Novak and a little time with Sinner, I really see the connection of fitness and tennis. I think he has a spectacular talent for that. So I’m very excited to work with him.”

Addressing his need for improved fitness, Rune said, “I just have to get better physically… I’ll never see what my potential is if I don’t get my physical form up to 100 percent.”

Rune next plans to compete at the Canadian Masters, where he will face French big server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his opening match.