2 months ago
Carlos Alcaraz continued his return from long-term injury with a hugely impressive fourth-round win against Tommy Paul at the US Open.
Playing just his fourth competitive singles match after an absence of more than four months, the 23-year-old Spaniard produced a masterful performance to beat American 20th seed Paul 6-4 6-3 6-4.
He has dropped only one set on his way to the last eight in New York and his quarter-final opponent will be either American eighth seed Ben Shelton or Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A wrist injury caused Alcaraz to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this summer.
He had won the previous two Grand Slams - last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open - meaning the straight-set victory over Paul extended his run of match wins at the majors to 18.
#american #fourth #seed #carlos
Playing just his fourth competitive singles match after an absence of more than four months, the 23-year-old Spaniard produced a masterful performance to beat American 20th seed Paul 6-4 6-3 6-4.
He has dropped only one set on his way to the last eight in New York and his quarter-final opponent will be either American eighth seed Ben Shelton or Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A wrist injury caused Alcaraz to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this summer.
He had won the previous two Grand Slams - last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open - meaning the straight-set victory over Paul extended his run of match wins at the majors to 18.
#american #fourth #seed #carlos
2 months ago
Eighth-seeded Ben Shelton overpowered former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to book a US Open quarter-final date with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Shelton -- riding high after a strong August that included a ***** le at the ATP Montreal Masters, where he didn't drop a set -- dominated on serve.
The American blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point in a match lasting just one hour and 52 minutes.
Shelton put 71 percent of his first serves in play and won 84 percent of those points.
"I was focused today," said Shelton, a 2023 US Open semi-finalist. "I played a complete match from start to finish."
#eighth #tsitsipas #sunday #alcaraz
Shelton -- riding high after a strong August that included a ***** le at the ATP Montreal Masters, where he didn't drop a set -- dominated on serve.
The American blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point in a match lasting just one hour and 52 minutes.
Shelton put 71 percent of his first serves in play and won 84 percent of those points.
"I was focused today," said Shelton, a 2023 US Open semi-finalist. "I played a complete match from start to finish."
#eighth #tsitsipas #sunday #alcaraz
2 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Next up for Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open is ... not who he thought it was.
Alcaraz was surprised to learn during an interview on ESPN after his victory Sunday that his quarterfinal match would be against either Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The defending champion visited the set after beating Tommy Paul in his fourth-round match. Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, asked Alcaraz about the challenges either player would present.
A confused Alcaraz asked him to repeat the question.
"You're either going to play Shelton or Tsitsipas," Roddick said. "Maybe just a word on both of them and the challenges ..."
#alcaraz
Alcaraz was surprised to learn during an interview on ESPN after his victory Sunday that his quarterfinal match would be against either Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The defending champion visited the set after beating Tommy Paul in his fourth-round match. Andy Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, asked Alcaraz about the challenges either player would present.
A confused Alcaraz asked him to repeat the question.
"You're either going to play Shelton or Tsitsipas," Roddick said. "Maybe just a word on both of them and the challenges ..."
#alcaraz
2 months ago
On Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul in straight sets to reach the quarterfinal of the US Open. His most formidable opponent awaited him after the match, however.
Live television.
Alcaraz joined Andy Roddick, Mary Joe Fernandez, and Rece Davis at the desk for ESPN's live coverage. Roddick asked Alcaraz for "a quick word" on Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas and "the challenges that both of them could bring." Alcaraz looked completely dumbfounded and asked Roddick to repeat the question.
"You're either gonna play Shelton or Tsitsipas," Roddick said. "Maybe just a word on both of them."
"Oh, really? I thought…," Alcaraz interjected, leaning over to look at Roddick's copy of the men's draw. "Oh my god! I thought I was playing Daniil Medvedev [or Frances] Tiafoe. Oh my god. Thank you."
#alcaraz #roddick #asked #carlos
Live television.
Alcaraz joined Andy Roddick, Mary Joe Fernandez, and Rece Davis at the desk for ESPN's live coverage. Roddick asked Alcaraz for "a quick word" on Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas and "the challenges that both of them could bring." Alcaraz looked completely dumbfounded and asked Roddick to repeat the question.
"You're either gonna play Shelton or Tsitsipas," Roddick said. "Maybe just a word on both of them."
"Oh, really? I thought…," Alcaraz interjected, leaning over to look at Roddick's copy of the men's draw. "Oh my god! I thought I was playing Daniil Medvedev [or Frances] Tiafoe. Oh my god. Thank you."
#alcaraz #roddick #asked #carlos
2 months ago
Carlos Alcaraz continued his return from long-term injury with a hugely impressive fourth-round win against Tommy Paul at the US Open.
Playing just his fourth competitive singles match after an absence of more than four months, the 23-year-old Spaniard produced a masterful performance to beat American 20th seed Paul 6-4 6-3 6-4.
He has dropped only one set on his way to the last eight in New York and his quarter-final opponent will be either American eighth seed Ben Shelton or Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A wrist injury caused Alcaraz to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this summer.
He had won the previous two Grand Slams - last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open - meaning the straight-set victory over Paul extended his run of match wins at the majors to 18.
#open #paul #american #last
Playing just his fourth competitive singles match after an absence of more than four months, the 23-year-old Spaniard produced a masterful performance to beat American 20th seed Paul 6-4 6-3 6-4.
He has dropped only one set on his way to the last eight in New York and his quarter-final opponent will be either American eighth seed Ben Shelton or Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A wrist injury caused Alcaraz to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this summer.
He had won the previous two Grand Slams - last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open - meaning the straight-set victory over Paul extended his run of match wins at the majors to 18.
#open #paul #american #last
2 months ago
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, gaining confidence with every match, cruised into the US Open quarter-finals on Sunday with a comprehensive victory over Tommy Paul.
The second-seeded Spaniard, playing his first tournament after a four-month absence with a right wrist injury, beat Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his fifth quarter-final at Flushing Meadows -- where he won the first of his seven Grand Slam **** les back in 2022.
The 23-year-old Spaniard will face either eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton or resurgent Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.
In Paul, Alcaraz faced his first top-25 player of the tournament and he rose to the occasion, firing 33 winners in the two-hour, 20-minute victory and improving to 7-2 against the American.
Alcaraz finally broke through in a tight first set with the first break of the contest, earning three set points and converting the second.
#american #quarter #victory #second
The second-seeded Spaniard, playing his first tournament after a four-month absence with a right wrist injury, beat Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his fifth quarter-final at Flushing Meadows -- where he won the first of his seven Grand Slam **** les back in 2022.
The 23-year-old Spaniard will face either eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton or resurgent Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals.
In Paul, Alcaraz faced his first top-25 player of the tournament and he rose to the occasion, firing 33 winners in the two-hour, 20-minute victory and improving to 7-2 against the American.
Alcaraz finally broke through in a tight first set with the first break of the contest, earning three set points and converting the second.
#american #quarter #victory #second
2 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Stefanos Tsitsipas was not surprised that Nick Kyrgios was suspended from tennis for drugs.
"Pretty much expected, to be honest," Tsitsipas said. "I am surprised it came so late, though."
Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected.
Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open.
"I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said.
#surprised #suspended #expected
"Pretty much expected, to be honest," Tsitsipas said. "I am surprised it came so late, though."
Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected.
Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open.
"I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said.
#surprised #suspended #expected
2 months ago
Colombian Emilia Arango handed Venus Williams a 14th straight loss dating to July of last year, defeating the fading seven-time grand slam champion who is currently ranked 615th in 66 minutes by 6-2, 6-2 at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.
The 46-year-old Williams was given a wild card entry at an event where she reached a semi-final a dozen years ago. She has played and lost 11 times this season while competing on organizer free entries.
Related: Iga Swiatek takes swing at critics after ending ***** le drought in Cincinnati
Czech Sara Bejlek allowed compatriot and 2016 ***** leholder Karolina Pliskova only two games in a first-round 6-0, 6-2 rout.
With 64 seeds in the men's and women's draw of the last major warm-up prior to the 30 August US Open only going into action from Saturday, interest focused on the fate of 2017 winner Grigor Dimitrov and 2022 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.
#last #year
The 46-year-old Williams was given a wild card entry at an event where she reached a semi-final a dozen years ago. She has played and lost 11 times this season while competing on organizer free entries.
Related: Iga Swiatek takes swing at critics after ending ***** le drought in Cincinnati
Czech Sara Bejlek allowed compatriot and 2016 ***** leholder Karolina Pliskova only two games in a first-round 6-0, 6-2 rout.
With 64 seeds in the men's and women's draw of the last major warm-up prior to the 30 August US Open only going into action from Saturday, interest focused on the fate of 2017 winner Grigor Dimitrov and 2022 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.
#last #year
2 months ago
A former champion at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters was knocked out on Friday by a South American clay-courter while the tournament's 2022 finalist survived into the second round.
With 64 seeds in the men's and women's draw of the last major warm-up prior to the August 30 US Open only going into action from Saturday, interest focused on the fate of 2017 winner Grigor Dimitrov and 2022 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The popular Dimitrov was unable to hold onto a 4-1 lead in the third set against Argentine Sebastian Baez, exiting in the first round 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 as he lost the last five games of the encounter.
The 35-year-old Dimitrov, his ranking down to 138 and playing on a wild card, was bidding for his first Cincinnati victory in five years.
Baez goes on to next play American Learner Tien, a semi-finalist this week in Montreal.
#first #five
With 64 seeds in the men's and women's draw of the last major warm-up prior to the August 30 US Open only going into action from Saturday, interest focused on the fate of 2017 winner Grigor Dimitrov and 2022 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The popular Dimitrov was unable to hold onto a 4-1 lead in the third set against Argentine Sebastian Baez, exiting in the first round 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 as he lost the last five games of the encounter.
The 35-year-old Dimitrov, his ranking down to 138 and playing on a wild card, was bidding for his first Cincinnati victory in five years.
Baez goes on to next play American Learner Tien, a semi-finalist this week in Montreal.
#first #five
3 months ago
Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about his decision to end his coaching relationship with his father, Apostolos, while shedding light on his current partnership with coach Thomas Perrin. The Greek also highlighted the unique challenge of father-son coaching dynamics, while expressing his admiration for Ben Shelton's partnership with his father, Bryan.
Although Tsitsipas' father played a significant role in his career as his primary coach, their partnership was often turbulent, with the pair seen arguing during matches. Shortly before Wimbledon, the former world No. 3 confirmed that he had ended their coaching relationship for good, emphasizing that the split was permanent, unlike their brief separation in 2024.
Tsitsipas has since gone on to triumph at the Swiss Open Gstaad, ending a 16-month wait for his 13th tour-level **** le. After kicking off his North American hardcourt swing with a first-round loss to Alex de Minaur at the Mubadala DC Open, he entered the qualifiers for the Canadian Open.
The Greek defeated Keegan Rice 6-3, 6-4 to reach the main draw of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montréal. He then claimed a dominant 6-4, 6-4 win over Martin Damm Jr. in the first round.
During his post-match press conference, Tsitsipas admitted that his coaching partnership with Thomas Perrin should have started much earlier. He said he had been "too patient" and "too nice" in the past, seemingly alluding to his dynamic with his father.
#open #perrin
Although Tsitsipas' father played a significant role in his career as his primary coach, their partnership was often turbulent, with the pair seen arguing during matches. Shortly before Wimbledon, the former world No. 3 confirmed that he had ended their coaching relationship for good, emphasizing that the split was permanent, unlike their brief separation in 2024.
Tsitsipas has since gone on to triumph at the Swiss Open Gstaad, ending a 16-month wait for his 13th tour-level **** le. After kicking off his North American hardcourt swing with a first-round loss to Alex de Minaur at the Mubadala DC Open, he entered the qualifiers for the Canadian Open.
The Greek defeated Keegan Rice 6-3, 6-4 to reach the main draw of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montréal. He then claimed a dominant 6-4, 6-4 win over Martin Damm Jr. in the first round.
During his post-match press conference, Tsitsipas admitted that his coaching partnership with Thomas Perrin should have started much earlier. He said he had been "too patient" and "too nice" in the past, seemingly alluding to his dynamic with his father.
#open #perrin
4 months ago
The 2026 Championships have officially reached day three, and the excitement at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club shows no signs of slowing down. Following the heartbreak of Serena Williams's exit on Tuesday after her historic return to the grass, fans are gearing up for another thrilling day of world-class tennis.
On Wednesday, Centre Court is hosting defending men's champion Jannik Sinner, alongside a blockbuster clash between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic.
Meanwhile, No. 1 Court will see stars like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka in action. But while the nail-biting matches on the grass keep everyone on the edge of their seats, the style stakes in the stands are proving just as captivating.
With a fresh wave of A-listers taking their seats, here are the most stylish arrivals from day three at SW19.
1/10
On Wednesday, Centre Court is hosting defending men's champion Jannik Sinner, alongside a blockbuster clash between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic.
Meanwhile, No. 1 Court will see stars like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka in action. But while the nail-biting matches on the grass keep everyone on the edge of their seats, the style stakes in the stands are proving just as captivating.
With a fresh wave of A-listers taking their seats, here are the most stylish arrivals from day three at SW19.
1/10
4 months ago
Paula Badosa enjoyed a big win over Coco Gauff at the Berlin Open on Wednesday.
Badosa is a fantastic tennis player when she is healthy. Her biggest issue is a chronic back injury that cost her mental and physical turmoil and extensive absences from the WTA Tour.
She also has another big issue. Badosa cannot stop talking about her ex-boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith shares profanity-laced opinion on Venus, Serena playing Wimbledon doubles
They were the darlings of tennis on and off court, and fans were cheering for them to succeed. From the outside, they were globetrotters who enjoyed seeing the world together. However, Badosa paints a different picture.
Badosa is a fantastic tennis player when she is healthy. Her biggest issue is a chronic back injury that cost her mental and physical turmoil and extensive absences from the WTA Tour.
She also has another big issue. Badosa cannot stop talking about her ex-boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith shares profanity-laced opinion on Venus, Serena playing Wimbledon doubles
They were the darlings of tennis on and off court, and fans were cheering for them to succeed. From the outside, they were globetrotters who enjoyed seeing the world together. However, Badosa paints a different picture.