Connect with us

ATP Player News US Open

Taylor Fritz Eyes Victory Over Top-Ranked Sinner and Alcaraz at US Open

Taylor Fritz confident he can challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the upcoming US Open.

Published

on

Taylor Fritz, ranked world No. 4, expressed confidence ahead of the US Open that top-ranked players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are “beatable.” Reflecting on his progress since reaching the US Open final last year, Fritz believes he has improved significantly across all aspects of his game.

Fritz recently exited the Citi DC Open in the quarter-finals after a three-set match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Next, the American is set to compete as the second seed at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto, opening against Roberto Carballes Baena.

Speaking about the challenge posed by Sinner and Alcaraz—who have dominated the last seven Grand Slams and hold the two highest ATP rankings—Fritz acknowledged their superiority but noted their vulnerability under certain conditions.

Advertisement

“Yeah, there’s always going to be openings, just depending on the conditions, and if someone has a really good day or a really bad day, it’s possible,” said Fritz. He also noted that surface speed and player form on the day can tip the scales in tight matches.

The American’s upward trajectory at Grand Slam tournaments is evident, with quarter-final or better results in five of the last eight majors. At the 2024 US Open, Fritz defeated players like Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Frances Tiafoe before falling to world No. 1 Sinner in the final.

Fritz also reached his first Wimbledon semi-final this year, narrowly losing to Alcaraz in four sets after holding a set point. Reflecting on his improvements, he commented, “I feel like I’m serving better this year than I was last year, definitely at the US Open. I’m hitting all my shots a little bit better, more consistently this year. I’m trying to move better. I’m not sure if I am, but I feel good. I’m always trying to improve a little bit on everything.”

Advertisement

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.

Published

on

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

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.

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

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.

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Continue Reading

Trending