Novak Djokovic tipped to play key role in Carlos Alcaraz development

Carlos Alcaraz is the world No 1 after a breakthrough year in 2022.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/4OQ6p9b

Rafa Nadal speaks out on Qatar World Cup protests with direct call-out to FIFA

Rafa Nadal has weighed into the row over protests at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a message to football's governing body

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/wPWdQOA

Cam Norrie reflects on Wimbledon emotion and names three things he must improve

Cameron Norrie made it all the way to the semi-finals at this year's Wimbledon before losing to Novak Djokovic

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/wtRL5Ml

Emma Raducanu makes sad childhood confession to show the extent of her tennis sacrifice

Emma Raducanu won the US Open last year at the age of 18.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/YPXblgH

Emma Raducanu's old British rival eyeing new milestone after stunning rise - EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive: Sonay Kartal is ready to make her mark in 2023 with one clear aim after hurtling up the rankings..

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/2iGW465

Carlos Alcaraz 'happy' if Novak Djokovic plays at Australian Open and 'needs' Serb there

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are likely to be two of the favourites for the Australian Open next year.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/vxsoLY1

Alcaraz & Sinner’s US Open Epic Among Best Grand Slam Matches Of 2022

ATPTour.com’s annual season-in-review series looks back at 2022’s best matches, biggest upsets, most dramatic comebacks and more. Today we reflect on five of the most memorable Grand Slam battles of the year, featuring World No. 1 and US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz, and Australian Open and Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal.

5. Roland Garros, QF, Cilic d. Rublev 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(10-2)
As two of the most fearsome forehands on Tour clashed at the beginning of June on the Roland Garros clay, an extraordinary sequence of clean hitting from Marin Cilic in the deciding-set tie-break clinched a thrilling quarter-final against Andrey Rublev.

Cilic came into the match in a confident mood — he had described his fourth-round triumph in Paris against World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev as “one of the best matches of my career from start to finish” — and the Croatian’s confidence was clearly demonstrated in the way he took the deciding tie-break out of Rublev’s hands at the tail-end of an almighty tussle with a sequence of searing winners.

_{^{Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images.}}

“It comes from being me," said Cilic when asked about his aggressive approach to the tie-break, in which he won nine straight points from 1/2. "I played that kind of tennis the whole match, and especially the fifth set was an incredible battle… A lot of heart, and one had to go down. Today was my day, but Andrey also played an incredible match.”

Cilic had to dig deep after a fast start from Rublev on Court Philippe Chatrier, where the Croatian opted to meet the seventh seed’s forceful groundstrokes with plenty of power-hitting of his own. He finished the match having struck a remarkable 88 winners, including 33 aces, in an epic four-hour, 10-minute triumph.

The win made 33-year-old Cilic the fifth then-active player to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams, alongside Roger Federer (now retired), Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

4. Roland Garros, SF, Nadal d. Zverev 7-6(8), 6-6 (RET)
It may seem unusual to declare a match that potentially wasn’t even halfway done when halted by injury as one of the best of the season, but such was the quality of tennis that Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev produced in their Roland Garros semi-final clash that it remains a must inclusion.

“I'm 25. I am at the stage where I want to win,” Zverev had said prior to his meeting with the then-13-time champion Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier. ”I'm at the stage where I'm supposed to win, as well.”

There was a steely determination to those pre-match comments from the German. Just two victories from claiming a maiden Grand Slam crown which would also have lifted him to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time, he seemed set on taking the match to the Spaniard.

For the best part of two sets, Zverev did just that, as his fearless approach played a major role in some of the most scintillating Grand Slam tennis of the year. The World No. 3 went toe-to-toe with Nadal from the baseline early on, before the Spaniard showcased his resilience by rallying from 2/6 in the first-set tie-break to claim an epic one-hour, 31-minute opener.

Despite that disappointment, Zverev’s determination to stay on the front foot helped him open a 5-3 lead in the second set. After Nadal had again rallied to reclaim the break and take an absorbing encounter to the brink of a second-set tie-break, however, a match already set to become a bona fide classic was cruelly cut short.

_{^{Photo Credit: Getty Images}}

Chasing a Nadal forehand out wide to his right on the final point of the 12th game, Zverev badly rolled his right ankle. The ligament damage he suffered immediately put a painful end to both his Roland Garros campaign and his bid to become World No. 1, as well as bringing to a halt one of the best matches of the season after a breathtaking three hours and 13 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

"Very tough and very sad for him," Nadal said after the match. "Honestly, he was playing an unbelievable tournament. He's a very good colleague on the Tour. I know how much he's fighting to win a Grand Slam, but for the moment he was very unlucky. The only thing I'm sure is that he is going to win not one — more than one."

3. Australian Open, Third Round, Berrettini d. Alcaraz 6-2, 7-6(3), 4-6, 2-6, 7-6(10-5)
There were some early signs of what was to come from Carlos Alcaraz in 2022 in this third-round epic at January’s Australian Open, but a fired-up Matteo Berrettini prevailed over the Spaniard across a topsy-turvy five sets in the Melbourne heat.

The seventh-seeded Italian appeared in control after surging to a two-sets-to-love lead on Rod Laver Arena, before the 18-year-old Alcaraz roared back to force a deciding-set tie-break. Having rolled his ankle in the second game of the fifth set, it was to Berrettini’s credit that he held firm to clinch a four-hour, 10-minute battle.

"I felt confident, and that momentum was on my side in the third set but then I got broken,” said the Italian afterwards. “My energy wasn't right in the fourth set and in the fifth I just started to think about fighting for every point. In every match something happens [like the ankle injury] but I fought through it."

_{^{Photo Credit: Peter Staples/ATP Tour}}

Alcaraz saved a match point at 5-6, 30/40 in the fifth set to take the pair’s first Grand Slam encounter to a deciding tie-break. Although a series of missed forehands subsequently cost the then-World No. 31 a statement victory, Berrettini was full of praise for his young opponent.

"At his age I didn't have an ATP point and he will only improve," said the Italian. "He showed everyone his potential today.”

"I'm very proud of the performance today," reflected Alcaraz. "It was my first time two sets down and then to be able to come back the way I did... I gave everything on the court."

2. Australian Open, Final, Nadal d. Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5
At two sets-to-love-down and trailing 2-3, 0/40 on his own serve, Rafael Nadal’s hopes for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at January’s Australian Open appeared lost. Daniil Medvedev’s red-hot start to the championship match in Melbourne had left the Spaniard struggling to keep up.

Cue what Nadal later described as “probably the biggest comeback of my tennis career”, as the 35-year-old roared to a stunning five-set victory to become the first male player to win 21 major crowns. Nadal began to out-hit Medvedev, one of the most powerful ballstrikers in the game, as he broke the second seed five times across the third, fourth and fifth sets on Rod Laver Arena.

“At the end history is about the victory, but the way that you win the match in terms of personal feelings is different,” Nadal said after the five-hour, 24-minute epic. “The way that I achieved this trophy tonight was just unforgettable, one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career, without a doubt. [It] means a lot to me.”

^{_{Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images}}

Nadal’s ability to stay the course was all the more remarkable considering his relatively recent return to the Tour after missing the second half of the 2021 season with a left-foot injury. Medvedev later admitted his disbelief at his 35-year-old’s physical prowess during the pair’s marathon battle.

“[It’s] tough to talk after five hours, 30 minutes and losing, but I want to congratulate Rafa because what he did today, I was amazed,” said the second seed. “I tried during the match just to play tennis, but after the match I asked him, ‘Are you tired?’, because it was insane.”

1. US Open, QF, Alcaraz d. Sinner 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0), 7-5, 6-3
Two of the biggest young talents in the game battling it out until the early hours in New York City, September’s US Open quarter-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was one for the history books.

It was a demonstration of power, athleticism, skill and sheer mental resilience from two players who look set to be at the top of the game for years to come. In what may well be the first of many classic Grand Slam battles between the two, Alcaraz ultimately prevailed having saved match point at 4-5 in the fourth set en route to a remarkable five-hour, 15-minute win.

“"Honestly, I still don't know how I did it," said the Spaniard after sealing victory in the second-longest match in tournament history. "You have to believe in yourself. I believed in my game. It was really difficult to close out the match. I tried to stay calm, but it is difficult in the moment."

_{^{Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin/AFP via Getty Images}}

The 19-year-old Alcaraz and 20-year-old Sinner both hit the ball with relentless force throughout. The combination of power and consistency kept an enraptured Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd on the edge of their seats all the way through to 2:50 a.m., when Alcaraz finally clinched a New York classic that broke the record for the latest finish in tournament history.

“The energy I received in this court at 3 a.m., it was unbelievable,” Alcaraz later acknowledged. “I mean, probably in other tournaments, everybody [would go] to their house to rest. But they [stayed] in the court, supporting me. It was unbelievable.”

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/auzfneP

Felix Auger-Aliassime receives warm Toni Nadal message after historic Davis Cup win

Toni Nadal has been coaching Felix Auger-Aliassime for more than a year.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/sm3Kily

Rafael Nadal paid heartwarming tribute by Casper Ruud as he lauds 'spectacular' influence

Casper Ruud has shared his gratitude to Rafael Nadal and his family during an exhibition tour with the Spaniard.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/YgpPyMk

Cameron Norrie looks to end five-year drought for Brits with 2022 milestone 'never enough'

Cameron Norrie is already aiming high after ending his 2022 season in Paris and is bidding to emulate Andy Murray's past achievement.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/iufFxzB

Riedi, Watanuki Capture Back-To-Back Challenger Titles

Swiss Leandro Riedi and Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki are making a late season surge on the ATP Challenger Tour. Riedi and Watanuki, who are among four Challenger champions this week, have each claimed two Challenger titles in as many weeks and are at a career-high mark in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

Riedi, 20, was crowned champion this week at the Andria Challenger. The #NextGenATP youngster, who defeated Mikhail Kukushkin 7-6(4), 6-3 in the final, didn’t drop a set all week en route to winning the Castel Del Monte Open - Andria.

The Frauenfeld native joins Marc-Andrea Huesler and Dominic Stricker as two-time Challenger titlists this season from Switzerland. After winning 12 straight matches, including advancing through qualifying to win the Helsinki Challenger, Riedi rises to a career-high 161 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

“I feel unbelievable,” Riedi said. “It’s been an absolutely crazy two weeks. I loved it, it was so much fun. It’s been the best two weeks of my career and I hope it’s just the beginning.”

 

The 2020 Roland Garros boys’ singles finalist (l. Stricker) has been making a sudden impact on the Challenger Tour since finishing a standout junior career, including winning the 2020 Australian Open boys’ doubles title (Nicholas David Ionel).

In Andria doubles action, British duo Julian Cash and Henry Patten captured a record-setting ninth Challenger title this season. The previous record, eight Challenger doubles titles in a season, was set in 2012 by twin brothers from Thailand, Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana.

Watanuki, seeded third, didn’t drop a set all week to triumph at the Yokkaichi Challenger. In a rematch of the previous week’s Kobe Challenger final, Watanuki defeated Portugal’s Frederico Ferreria Silva 6-2, 6-2 in the championship match.

“Honestly, before these four weeks (Japanese Challenger swing) started, I didn't expect such good results,” Watanuki said.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

“I really can't believe I’m ranked 145. I want to play on the ATP Tour as much as possible in the future. Whenever I had a chance, I always tried to play on the ATP Tour this year. I definitely have a better outlook playing with high level players. I want to challenge myself more and more."

The 24-year-old, who is coached by his older brother Yusuke, reached his first Tour-level quarter-final earlier this season at the ATP 250 event in Lyon (l. de Minaur).

Watanuki has built upon his season’s success, including winning 14 of his past 15 matches and reaching the final at each of the past three Challenger tournaments he’s competed in (Yokohama, Kobe, Yokkaichi). The Saitama native is the only Japanese player to claim multiple challenger titles this season.

Despite coming into the week ranked No. 901, Argentine Guido Andreozzi advanced through qualifying at the Temuco Challenger en route to capturing his first Challenger title since October 2018 (Guayaquil).

Guido Andreozzi breathes a sigh of relief after winning the Temuco Challenger. Credit: Bastien Vidal

Andreozzi, former World No. 70, rallied from a set down in the final to defeat countryman Nicolas Kicker 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. After needing deciding sets in four of his five main draw matches this week, the Buenos Aires native prevailed to win the Challenger Dove Men+Care Temuco.

The 31-year-old adds to Argentina’s record-setting 23 Challenger titles this season. Andreozzi is the 16th different Argentine champion of this year, marking a Challenger Tour record for the most different winners from a single country in a season.

Andreozzi also paired with Guillermo Duran to win their seventh team title this year at the Challenger 100 event in Chile.

At the Copa Faulcombridge in Valencia, Spain, Ukraine’s Oleksii Krutykh defeated French teenager Luca Van Assche 6-2, 6-0 in the final to collect his second Challenger title of the season.

Oleksii Krutykh in action at the 2022 Valencia Challenger. Credit: Raul Piles

The 22-year-old, who also won the Prague Challenger in August, is the only Ukrainian to claim a Challenger title this season. This week in Valencia, Krutykh rallied from a set down in his quarter-final and semi-final matches to keep his title run alive.

The Kyiv native, who also won the doubles title in Spain (w/ Oriol Roca Batalla) rises to a career-high 190 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

 

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/mB7w8RT

Nick Kyrgios brags about six-figure payday after player backlash over Saudi exhibition

Nick Kyrgios seemingly revealed his appearance fee for an upcoming exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/8i3Z1qv

Roger Federer makes injury confession months after retirement with Swiss still 'scared'

Roger Federer ended his career earlier this year after struggling with an ongoing right knee injury.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/O3WYyjA

Rafael Nadal downplays GOAT debate as he claims Djokovic and Federer race takes 'backseat'

Rafael Nadal claimed he didn't care about going down as the greatest in tennis history as he discussed his legacy.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/FgWySpf

Novak Djokovic rocks up unannounced at Davis Cup to cast eye over young rivals

Novak Djokovic made a surprise appearance at the Davis Cup Finals on Sunday as Canada won the trophy for the first time.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/6Cogi1d

Rafael Nadal filmed at 2am playing football with Casper Ruud in airport after exhibition

The 22-time Grand Slam winner is currently on a Latin America tour with Casper Ruud and the pair took time away from the court to play football

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/iDwlCPf

Canada Captures Davis Cup Finals Crown

Felix Auger-Aliassime fired Canada to the Davis Cup Finals title Sunday when he defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 to give his nation an unassailable 2-0 lead against Australia in Malaga.

The World No. 6 won his singles and doubles match to secure Canada a place in the final and he backed that up with a dominant display against de Minaur. Auger-Aliassime fired 22 winners and held his nerve at crucial moments, saving all eight break points he faced to triumph after one hour and 42 minutes.

[ATP APP]

It is the first time Canada has won the Davis Cup Finals, after it reached the championship match for the first time in 2019. On that occasion, Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov were beaten by Roberto Bautista Agut and Rafael Nadal, respectively, to fall agonisingly short of winning a first Davis Cup crown for their country.

However, they ensured history didn’t repeat itself this week, with Shapovalov downing Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2, 6-4 in the opening match of the tie to move Canada ahead.

“It helped me being in the final before [against Spain in 2019]," Shapovalov said according to daviscup.com. "Last time it was all kind of new, we were relieved just to be there, but today we’re very much going for the trophy.”

In a dominant display, Shapovalov was strong on return. He read Kokkinakis’ serve throughout, breaking four times as he quickly established himself in rallies to pressurise the World No. 95 into errors, sealing victory after 90 minutes.

In a dream week, Canada also defeated Germany and Italy. Australia overcame Croatia in the semi-finals to reach its first Davis Cup final since 2003.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/5siWvfQ

Nick Kyrgios issues open invitation to rivals ahead of Novak Djokovic exhibition match

Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios will face Novak Djokovic in Dubai next month and has issued an open invite to anyone who feels they have a chance of beating him.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/J9Mc6QA

Auger-Aliassime Leads Canada To Davis Cup Final

Could 2022 be the year that Canada goes all the way at the Davis Cup Finals?

Led by World No. 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime, the North American country is now just one tie away from a historic maiden triumph in the team event after it secured a semi-final comeback victory against Italy on Saturday in Malaga.

Auger-Aliassime was the key to the Canadian’s 2-1 victory in the tie. Although Lorenzo Sonego moved Italy ahead with an epic 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-4 triumph against Denis Shapovalov in the opening singles rubber, the 22-year-old Auger-Aliassime downed Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4 to level proceedings in Spain.

Canada captain Frank Dancevic then made a late change to his doubles line-up for the decider, calling up Auger-Aliassime to partner Vasek Pospisil against Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini. The plan worked, as the Canadians broke their opponents’ serve three times en route to a 7-6(2), 7-5 win that set a final clash on Sunday against Australia.

“That’s the good thing about having many good players on the team,” said Auger-Aliassime. “I feel like Denis and Vasek played really well yesterday to come back and win, but Denis had a long match, and we knew coming this week that we could make some changes depending on how singles went.

“I feel like the whole team connected around this idea and there was no ego in the wrong place. Everybody just has the clear idea of the main goal, which is lifting the cup tomorrow.”

Canada reached the Davis Cup final for the first time in 2019. On that occasion, Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov were beaten by Roberto Bautista Agut and Rafael Nadal, respectively, to fall agonisingly short of winning a first Davis Cup crown for their country.

“Making the finals is always an amazing feeling, and I really believe in this team,” said captain Dancevic. “We’ve done it before, we’re here again and I believe we can win this, so we’re going to go after it tomorrow and give it all we’ve got.

“The guys left their hearts and souls out on the court today, from the first ball to the last, as a captain that’s all I could ask for. The boys in the doubles stepped it up to take this victory.”

What is the format for the 2022 Davis Cup Finals?
The group stage of the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals took place across four cities — Bologna, Glasgow, Hamburg and Valencia — from 13-18 September. Sixteen nations competed in four round-robin groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group advanced to the knock-out stage. The knock-out stage is taking place in Malaga this week, with the final on Sunday.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/FkvZAof

Andy Murray 'can get back to top of men's tennis' claims brother Jamie as Brit backed

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray hasn't progressed past the third round of a major since 2017, but brother Jamie believes he can reach the tennis peak again

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1701907/Andy-Murray-back-to-top-men-s-tennis-brother-Jamie-Wimbledon

Australian tennis star gives foul-mouthed TV interview after booking Davis Cup final spot

Doubles ace Max Purcell held nothing back after he played a crucial role in guiding Australia into the Davis Cup final

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/x7G8wgD

Novak Djokovic may have sights set on bettering Roger Federer after ATP Finals triumph

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have often be compared throughout their illustrious careers.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/oi52JCj

Roger Federer excites tennis fans as Swiss pictured back at Wimbledon after retirement

Roger Federer was spotted back at SW19 only months after announcing his retirement from tennis.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/2lMuNzH

De Minaur Helps Australia End 19-Year Wait For Davis Cup Final Berth

Alex de Minaur raced past Marin Cilic on Friday at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga to spark an inspired semi-final comeback victory for Australia against 2021 finalists Croatia.

De Minaur dominated his singles rubber against Cilic, breaking the World No. 17’s serve four times for a 6-2, 6-2 win that levelled the tie at 1-1 after Borna Coric had earlier defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis. Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson then delivered a stunning serving display against Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the doubles to secure their nation a 2-1 victory in the tie and its first appearance in a Davis Cup final since 2003.

“It’s been a long time,” said Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt after his team’s victory. “Obviously we are a very proud Davis Cup nation. I’m just thrilled for these boys, they deserve to go out there and get the opportunity to play in the final of a Davis Cup, and now it’s going to happen on Sunday."

Hewitt played in his country’s previous Davis Cup final appearance, a 2003 victory against Spain in Melbourne. Australia will take on Italy or Canada in Sunday's final as it bids to lift the Davis Cup for the 29th time.

Purcell and Thompson were not broken once as they downed 14-time tour-level titlists Mektic and Pavic 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-4 in a raucous atmosphere in southern Spain. That win completed a turnaround victory after Coric had earlier moved Croatia ahead with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph against Kokkinakis.

“There’s nothing like it, honestly, there’s nothing like it,“ said Purcell after he and Thompson’s dramatic two-hour, 14-minute victory. “That’s the best thing I’ve ever experienced ever. Anything for the green and gold, honestly.”

“We were [just] holding serve,” added Thompson. “I feel like we did a good job of that. The opportunities weren’t coming, but we hung in there and eventually we did get a couple of opportunities and we took them on the first go each time. Doubles can change so quickly, and it did.”

What is the format for the 2022 Davis Cup Finals?
The group stage of the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals took place across four cities — Bologna, Glasgow, Hamburg and Valencia — from 13-18 September. Sixteen nations competed in four round-robin groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group advanced to the knock-out stage. The knock-out stage is taking place in Malaga this week, with the final on Sunday.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/a651tlq

Nick Kyrgios fires warning to Novak Djokovic ahead of Dubai exhibition clash

The Wimbledon finalist is set to meet Novak Djokovic in the World Tennis League exhibition event

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/D1aMZxv

Sue Barker 'got in awful trouble' with Wimbledon for comments after Andy Murray title win

Former BBC presenter Sue Barker has revealed she received a telling off when Andy Murray won his maiden Wimbledon title in 2013

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/8qBI26e

Rafael Nadal retirement prediction after tennis legend's Grand Slam wins in 2022

The 36-year-old Spaniard won both the Australian and French Open titles last year and finished as world No.2 with Mats Wilander believing he has a while yet at the top

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/NosdhDp

Bolelli/Fognini Hold Nerve To Keep Italy's Davis Cup Dream Alive

Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini kept alive Italy’s hopes of a first Davis Cup title since 1976 on Thursday in Malaga, where the doubles duo edged Tommy Paul and Jack Sock 6-4, 6-4 to clinch a hard-fought quarter-final win against the USA.

Bolleli and Fognini, who have lifted five tour-level titles together, including two this season, clinched the only break of serve in each set in the decisive doubles match to give Italy a 2-1 victory against the 32-time champions.

“I am really happy, I am here with my 'brother' and we played really well,” Fognini told daviscup.com after helping Italy reach the semi-finals of the team event for the first time since 2014.

“I am happy for me, for Fabio, for the team,” added Bolelli. “It was really tough, but it is great to be through to the semi-finals.”

[ATP APP]

Bolelli and Fognini’s doubles heroics came after the two teams had split an engrossing pair of singles rubbers in Spain. Lorenzo Sonego downed Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 7-6(7) to give Italy the early advantage, while there was also a nerve-wracking tie-break in the second match between Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz. The American saved two set points in the first set before wrapping a 7-6(8), 6-3 win to level the tie, but Fritz's win was ultimately in vain as Bolelli and Fognini held firm in the doubles.

Italy’s semi-final opponent will be decided in the Thursday evening quarter-final clash between Canada and Germany. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov spearhead the Canadian team, with Jan-Lennard Struff and Oscar Otte the nominated singles players for Germany.

What is the format for the 2022 Davis Cup Finals?
The group stage of the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals took place across four cities — Bologna, Glasgow, Hamburg and Valencia — from 13-18 September. Sixteen nations competed in four round-robin groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group advanced to the knock-out stage. The knock-out stage is taking place in Malaga this week, with the final on Sunday.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/GuK9m0M

Emma Raducanu gives injury update as Brit returns to practice with noticeable difference

Emma Raducanu is back on a tennis court after shutting down her 2022 season with a wrist injury.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/hDzZlXu

Nick Kyrgios slated for 'cocky' behaviour as former pro reignites Stefanos Tsitsipas feud

Stefanos Tsitsipas' mum previously accused Nick Kyrgios of playing "dirty tennis".

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/afVPh98

Boris Becker can 'choose his own job' when he returns to Germany after prison sentence

Boris Becker looks set to have a job lined up when he is released from prison.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/wDR3PFG

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz told their Davis Cup absence cost Spain in loss to Croatia

Marin Cilic admitted things would have been different if Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz were able to represent Spain after the host nation lost to Croatia at the Davis Cup Finals.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/RC480q5

Andy Murray shows off painful new injury which will slow down plans for 2023 return

Andy Murray has shared a picture of a painful-looking injury that could impact his pre-season preparations.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/iD7VZGT

Cilic Guides Croatia Into Davis Cup SFs

Marin Cilic sealed Croatia’s spot in the semi-finals at the Davis Cup Finals Wednesday when he clawed past Pablo Carreno Busta 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(5) to move the former champion into an unassailable 2-0 lead against Spain.

In a thrilling match in Malaga, the 34-year-old produced an impressive serving performance. He fired 20 aces and won 83 per cent (50/60) of his first-serve points to seal his victory after three hours and 16 minutes.

[ATP APP]

In the first match of the tie, Borna Coric overcame Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-6(4) to give Croatia the lead. The World No. 26 struck 27 winners and saved the one break point he faced to triumph after one hour and 58 minutes.

“I was serving very, very well,” Coric said according to daviscup.com. “I didn't serve this well since probably Cincinnati. So obviously it's much easier to play like that. I can relax more on the service games when he's serving, because I know most likely I will hold my serve. So that's made a difference.

“I just think in general I was playing very smart. When I needed to attack, I did attack. When I needed to make a defence, I was defensive. I also mixed up the rhythm, as well, which is very important against him. I was just very pleased with my game, to be honest.”

Croatia last lifted the Davis Cup Finals trophy in 2018. The nation will play Australia in the semi-finals on Friday.

What is the format for the 2022 Davis Cup Finals?
The group stage of the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals took place across four cities — Bologna, Glasgow, Hamburg and Valencia — from 13-18 September. Sixteen nations competed in four round-robin groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group advanced to the knock-out stage. The knock-out stage is taking place in Malaga this week, with the final on Sunday.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/ps98LHV

Novak Djokovic told Australian Open ban gave him unexpected emotional advantage

Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia at the start of the year but will be allowed to return for the 2023 Australian Open.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/oHUWBqb

Rafael Nadal hints why protege Carlos Alcaraz will surpass his greatness

Rafael Nadal has looked back on Carlos Alcaraz's breakout season and explained why he was a "different" talent.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/6O7vzqN

Rafael Nadal urges Ruud to call Djokovic after star opens up on Australian Open heartbreak

Casper Ruud admitted that one of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's Australian Open finals had been the toughest match for him to watch.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/Bv6HpNJ

Rafael Nadal explains change he'd like to see in tennis with Federer and Djokovic example

Rafael Nadal gave his thoughts on the modern game of tennis as he recalled what it was like when he and his Big Three rivals burst onto the scene.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/ithBmAp

De Minaur Fires Australia Into Davis Cup SFs

Alex de Minaur fired Australia into the semi-finals at the Davis Cup Finals Tuesday when he overcame Botic van de Zandschulp 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to move the former champion into an unassailable 2-0 lead against the Netherlands in Malaga.

The World No. 24 showed his fighting spirit in his comeback victory, saving all five break points he faced in the second and third sets to triumph after two hours and 40 minutes.

“We’ve got a great team, a lot of belief and a lot of passion,” De Minaur said according to daviscup.com. “I’m very happy to win today. Every single one of these players on our team is going to play their heart out. We’ll do everything we can for our country.”

[ATP APP]

In the first match of the tie, Jordan Thompson defeated Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 55 minutes to give Australia the lead. The 28-year-old fired 16 aces and broke serve three times.

Australia last lifted the Davis Cup Finals trophy in 2003. The nation will face Croatia or Spain in the semi-finals on Friday.

What is the format for the 2022 Davis Cup Finals?
The group stage of the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals took place across four cities — Bologna, Glasgow, Hamburg and Valencia — from 13-18 September. Sixteen nations competed in four round-robin groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group advanced to the knock-out stage. The knock-out stage is taking place in Malaga this week, with the final on Sunday.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/aOXUtMI

Novak Djokovic's Serbia miss out on United Cup debut as last two countries named

Novak Djokovic will be unable to start his 2023 season at the United Cup after Serbia failed to qualify.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/uhRJzVT

Novak Djokovic gains more world No 1 backing as 'importance' of Australian Open outlined

Todd Woodbridge explained the signifiance of Novak Djokovic's impending return to the Australian Open after his ban from visiting the country was overturned.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/aZbWwEB

Spanish tennis star makes Davis Cup plea amid empty stadium fears due to World Cup clash

Roberto Bautista Agut urged fans to support Spain in the Davis Cup Finals after their tie was scheduled to clash with the country's first World Cup game.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/BMseFvA

Novak Djokovic's coach lays bare what makes him 'even better' as Serb set to dominate 2023

Novak Djokovic ended the season on a high as he won a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals trophy.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/3jJfngS

Virtanen Making Vast Improvements On Challenger Tour

Planes, trains, and automobiles are a weekly theme for ATP Challenger Tour players as they work hard for points, prize money, and trophies. The travel schedule can be gruelling at times, but the players stay determined as they persevere towards a similar goal: becoming the next professional tennis star.

Finland’s Otto Virtanen recently had an extensive trip that saw him collect two Challenger titles and win 10 matches in 11 days (singles & doubles). After winning the Brest Challenger doubles title (w/ Viktor Durasovic) in October, the 21-year-old quickly departed for the Bergamo Challenger, where he advanced through qualifying en route to collecting his maiden Challenger singles crown.

“I flew after my doubles [in Brest] to Paris, from Paris to Milan, then Milan to Bergamo by car,” Virtanen said. “I had a very late first match and I played really well. I just went day-by-day and kept playing well. Every day I kept gaining confidence and in the [Bergamo] final I just tried to focus on what I was doing well and tried to treat it as a normal match. It was my first final and I think I handled it well.”

Now at career-high No. 174 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Virtanen is among a strong list of champions in Bergamo including the previous three titlists: Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, and Matteo Berrettini.

Otto Virtanen is crowned champion in Bergamo, Italy. Credit: Antonio Milesi

Virtanen, who started the year as No. 395, made his initial Challenger breakthrough this summer as a semi-finalist at the Surbiton and Liberec Challengers. The Challenger 90 event in France was his first Challenger final and the Finn didn’t flinch. Virtanen didn’t drop a set all week en route to the title and maintained his high level in the championship match against former World No. 29 Jan-Lennard Struff.

“I didn’t change anything [about my game plan], I just played solid, maybe a little safer,” Virtanen said. “I was putting more balls in and playing high-percentage tennis. Then when it was a good time, I played more aggressively. I found a good balance to my game.”

The Hyvinkää native is just the second player from Finland to win a Challenger title in the past 10 years and the first since Emil Ruusuvuori in 2019.

Ruusuvuori, 23, is a four-time Challenger titlist. At the 2019 Helsinki Challenger, Ruusuvuori was crowned champion on home soil and defeated Virtanen in the round of 16. This season, Ruusuvuori reached his first Tour-level final in Pune and climbed to a career-high 40. Ruusuvuori and Virtanen have fond memories of growing up together and are now carrying the torch for tennis in their home country as the highest-ranked Finns.

 

“I’ve known Emil since I was a kid,” Virtanen said. “We played the same tournaments. He’s two years older than me so we were in different age groups but same tournaments in Finland. We practised at the same club. We spend some time together off court as well but we both are busy travelling for tennis, so it’s tough to find the time when we are both in Helsinki. When we both are home, we practise together. It’s good to catch up and see what he’s doing well, take something from him.”

After a second-round exit at his home Challenger this past week in Helsinki, Virtanen closes his season with a 23-14 Challenger-match record. The #NextGenATP youngster has been building upon the lessons he’s learned since graduating from the ITF Futures events and now shifts his attention towards offseason training before aiming for an even stronger showing in 2023.

“It was a rollercoaster [season],” Virtanen said. “I’m happy with this year, where I started and what I’ve achieved. I’m quite happy with the results.

“It’s always a pleasure to be at home. Last tournament of the year, it’s nice to finish here [Helsinki] even though the results this week weren’t that good. But I’m happy to finish the year and now I can focus on next season. I’m really excited.”

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/rgzZCST

Andrey Rublev claims he wants to be 'better person' in emotional message after ATP Finals

Andrey Rublev sent an emotional message to his supporters after the season-ending ATP Finals defeat to Casper Ruud

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/J7Zq2BX

Novak Djokovic tipped to make history as Greg Rusedski offers 2023 Grand Slam prediction

Novak Djokovic has been tipped to keep on winning after ending the season by lifting his sixth ATP Finals crown.

from Daily Express :: Tennis Feed https://ift.tt/BhzV6HQ