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Iga Swiatek Praises Carlos Alcaraz as a Source of Joy and Inspiration Ahead of Canadian Open

Swiatek calls Alcaraz a ‘huge inspiration’ for his joyful approach to tennis ahead of Canadian Open.

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Iga Swiatek has openly expressed admiration for Carlos Alcaraz, describing him as a “huge inspiration” and admitting she wishes she could emulate some aspects of his approach to tennis. Both players, leading figures of their generations, are on the cusp of completing their Career Grand Slams, each needing the Australian Open title to join this elite club.

Swiatek extended her flawless record in Grand Slam finals to 6-0 with a dominating 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon 2025, a testament to her remarkable consistency on the biggest stages. Alcaraz also enjoyed success recently, capturing his fifth major at the French Open with a thrilling five-set win against Jannik Sinner. However, he experienced his first Grand Slam final defeat at Wimbledon, falling to Sinner in four sets.

In an interview with TVA Sports, the 24-year-old Pole highlighted Alcaraz’s joyful approach to tennis, noting it as a key inspiration. “I wish I was more like Carlos because I have got to say he is a big inspiration in terms of that,” Swiatek said. She acknowledged the pressure that accompanies professional tennis and how Alcaraz’s mindset of enjoying the sport serves as a reminder for her. “He always says that the most important thing for him on a tennis court is to enjoy it and have fun and I sometimes forget about that. And sometimes with all the pressure around and things we need to do off the court, you need to remind yourself about this kid that started playing tennis, instead of winning for somebody and having this baggage on your shoulders. For sure, when Carlos shows that and when he speaks about that, it is always a good reminder for me, and I try to do that as well, but without me working on it, I think my mind would automatically go to just working, working, working.”

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Swiatek is set to begin her Canadian Open campaign against 259th-ranked Chinese qualifier Guo Hanyu in Montreal. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will not participate in the Masters event in Toronto, opting for rest after a demanding stretch of competition. On Twitter, the world No. 2 said, “After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year. I have small muscles issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year!”

ATP Laver Cup Player News

Casper Ruud to Compete for Team Europe at 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco

Casper Ruud confirmed for Team Europe at 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco, eager for the unique event.

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Casper Ruud is set to participate in his fifth consecutive Laver Cup, representing Team Europe in the 2025 edition held at the Chase Center in San Francisco from September 19 to 21. The world No. 13 has an impressive record at the event, having played four singles matches with three wins and two doubles matches with one victory.

Ruud expressed his enthusiasm about the tournament, saying, “The Laver Cup is incredible, bringing together Europe, with its rich tennis history, to take on the rest of the world. I love representing Europe, and doing my best for the whole continent, not just my country. The team aspect is unique – getting to play alongside guys who are usually my rivals and to support each other is something we don’t experience often.”

He also looks forward to playing under the guidance of captains Yannick Noah and Tim, stating, “I’m also really looking forward to playing in front of Yannick and Tim for the first time – they are a dynamic duo and it’s going to be really cool. And, I’m excited to visit San Francisco for the first time. I’m a big Golden State Warriors fan, so playing in Chase Center will be something special.”

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Ruud’s 2025 season has had its ups and downs, with early exits at the Australian Open and French Open, and a withdrawal from Wimbledon due to a knee issue. His standout achievement this year is winning his first Masters 1000 title in Madrid, defeating Jack Draper in the final.

Joining Ruud on Team Europe are Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Holger Rune. Team World’s lineup includes Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and Joao Fonseca, with more players to be announced.

In leadership changes, Jannik Noah replaces Bjorn Borg as Team Europe captain, while Andre Agassi takes over from John McEnroe for Team World. Noah praised Ruud, stating, “Casper is a great competitor who brings experience, passion and composure to the team environment. He understands the spirit of the Laver Cup and is exactly the kind of player you want by your side. I’m delighted he’s back.”

Last year’s intense Laver Cup saw Team Europe narrowly defeat Team World 13-11 in Berlin, clinched by Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Taylor Fritz.

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Roger Federer, co-creator of the Laver Cup, expressed excitement about the event returning to the U.S.: “For the Laver Cup to come back to America is always great. We were in Chicago and Boston, two very successful Laver Cups, and now we’re going to San Francisco. It’s an amazing stadium, where the Golden State Warriors play. From what I’m hearing, ticket sales are going really well, and I think the Bay Area will embrace tennis.”

Federer added, “Berlin was a huge success in Germany. I was there last year and had the best time. I’m sure San Francisco will be equally successful.”

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ATP Player News Tennis Coaching

Alexander Zverev’s Coaching Future Hinges on Adaptation and Toni Nadal Collaboration

Alexander Zverev seeks coaching partnership with Toni Nadal, with success hinging on willingness to change.

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Alexander Zverev, currently ranked world No. 3, is exploring a potential coaching relationship with Toni Nadal, former longtime coach of Rafael Nadal. The German player was recently seen training with Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, which sparked speculation about an official partnership. However, Toni Nadal has not yet committed to a formal role due to his other commitments.

Zverev described his time in Mallorca as “amazing,” saying, “I spent about 10 days there, and worked really hard and enjoyed it as well. I think Toni enjoyed it probably as well.” He added, “I’m trying to convince him to do more weeks with me, and we’ll see how it goes, but he’s a very busy man. We’re talking about what a potential partnership could look like, for sure, and I can give you an update probably in a few weeks time when we know more. I enjoyed my time there, that’s for sure.”

Throughout his career, Zverev’s coaching has primarily involved his father Alexander Sr. and his older brother Mischa, with brief stints by Ivan Lendl, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and David Ferrer. His coaching situation has faced scrutiny, notably after losing to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros and following an early exit at Wimbledon.

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The prospect of Toni Nadal joining his team, a coach esteemed for guiding Rafael Nadal to 16 Grand Slam titles, has drawn significant interest. However, former WTA world No. 1 Dinara Safina emphasized the importance of Zverev’s openness to change in this collaboration. On a Russian podcast, she said, “It will be exciting to watch. Toni is very straightforward. I do not know how willing Alexander is to change and integrate someone else into his team. We will see. It seems to me that a lot will depend on Alexander in this collaboration, on his willingness to change, listen and try new things. Of course, I wish him all the best.”

Since his Wimbledon exit and time training with Nadal, Zverev has begun his Canadian Open campaign with a 7-6 (8), 6-4 victory over Adam Walton. He is set to face 32nd seed Matteo Arnaldi in round three as the top seed in the tournament.

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Analytics & Stats ATP

Ranking the Top 10 ATP Players of the 21st Century

A comprehensive ranking of the top 10 ATP Tour players of the 21st century, based on achievements.

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Assessing the greatest ATP Tour players since 2000 involves examining numerous factors including Grand Slam victories, total titles, and overall impact within their competitive era.

At the summit is Novak Djokovic, who stands unmatched with 24 Grand Slam titles, a record 428 weeks as world No 1, 40 Masters 1000 titles, and the singular achievement of winning every Grand Slam event thrice.

Rafael Nadal is renowned for his clay court dominance with 14 French Open titles and 92 ATP titles in total, including 36 Masters 1000 trophies and Olympic gold, while completing a Career Grand Slam.

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Roger Federer, a defining figure of men’s tennis, holds 20 Grand Slam singles titles and 103 ATP titles overall, highlighted by a staggering 310 weeks as world No 1.

Andy Murray’s achievements include three Grand Slams, 46 ATP titles, and two Olympic gold medals, along with 41 weeks at No 1, underscoring his place among the century’s elite.

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22 years, has already captured five Grand Slams and 21 ATP titles including seven Masters 1000 wins, heralding a promising future.

Andre Agassi secured three Australian Open titles in the early 2000s, seven Masters titles, and multiple stints at world No 1 before retiring in 2006.

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Jannik Sinner has marked 60 weeks at No 1 and four Grand Slams since 2024 amidst a promising career stack of 20 ATP titles.

Lleyton Hewitt dominated the early 2000s with two Grand Slams, 28 ATP titles from 2000 onwards, including two Masters and back-to-back ATP Finals victories.

Stan Wawrinka impressed with three Grand Slams and a peak ranking of No 3 during one of tennis’s most competitive eras, collecting 16 titles.

Daniil Medvedev’s 20 ATP titles include six Masters 1000 wins and a 2020 ATP Finals victory, alongside a 2021 US Open triumph and multiple Grand Slam final appearances.

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These ten players exemplify excellence and resilience, setting standards for future generations in men’s tennis.

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