ATP Men's Tennis

Roland Garros 2020 Main Draw

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 21:02:00 +0000

Roland Garros 2020 Main Draw

N.Djokovic (1) vs M.Ymer

H.Dellien vs R.Berankis

DE.Galan (L) vs C.Norrie

T.Sandgren vs H.Hurkacz (29)

C.Garin (20) vs P.Kohlschreiber

U.Humbert vs M.Polmans (L)

J.Vesely vs L.Broady (Q)

K.Majchrzakvs K.Khachanov (15)

R.Bautista Agut (10) vs R.Gasquet

Y.Uchiyama vs A.Balazs

G.Pella vs S.Caruso

J.Millman vs P.Carreno Busta (17)

JL.Struff (30) vs F.Tiafoe

D.Altmaier (Q) vs F.Lopez

L.Harris vs A.Popyrin

V.Pospisil vs M.Berrettini (7)

D.Medvedev (4) vs M.Fucsovics

A.Mannarino vs A.Ramos-Vinolas

Q.Halys (W) vs M.Giron

T.Monteiro vs N.Basilashvili (31)

D.Lajovic (22) vs G.Mager

L.Djere vs K.Anderson

H.Mayot (W) vs A.Davidovich

Fokina S.Querrey vs A.Rublev (13) D.Shapovalov (9) vs G.Simon

S.Johnson vs R.Carballes Baena

A.Martin vs J.Sousa

G.Barrere vs G.Dimitrov (18)

F.Krajinovic (26) vs N.Milojevic

(Q) A.Bedene vs A.Rinderknech

(W) H.Laaksonen (Q) vs P.Cuevas

J.Munar vs S.Tsitsipas (5)

G.Monfils (8) vs A.Bublik

E.Gomez (Q) vs L.Sonego

J.Thompson vs R.Albot

T.Machac (Q) vs T.Fritz (27)

B.Coric (24) vs N.Gombos

J.Rodionov (Q) vs J.Chardy

C.Moutet vs L.Giustino (Q)

M.Kecmanovic vs D.Schwartzman (12)

S.Wawrinka (16) vs A.Murray (W)

D.Koepfer vs A.Hoang (W)

H.Gaston (W) vs M.Janvier (W)

Y.Nishioka vs F.Auger-Aliassime (19)

Ruud (28) vs Y.Sugita

T.Paul vs J.Duckworth

R.Opelka vs J.Sock (Q)

M.Cilic vs D.Thiem (3)

A.Zverev (6) vs D.Novak

M.Mmoh (Q) vs PH.Herbert

F.Delbonis vs JI.Londero

M.Cecchinato (Q) vs A.De Minaur (25)

B.Paire (23) vs S.Kwon

F.Coria vs J.Jung (L)

B.Bonzi (Q) vs E.Ruusuvuori

J.Sinner vs D.Goffin (11)

F.Fognini (14) vs M.Kukushkin

P.Martinez (Q) vs A.Vukic (Q)

S.Korda (Q) vs A.Seppi

E.Benchetrit (W) vs J.Isner (21)

D.Evans (32) vs K.Nishikori

P.Andujar vs S.Travaglia

S.Diez (Q) vs M.Mcdonald

E.Gerasimov vs R.Nadal (2)

Tsitsipas vs Rublev in Hamburg Open final

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 20:47:00 +0000

Tsitsipas vs Rublev in Hamburg Open final Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Christian Garin 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in the Hamburg Open semifinals to set up a final against Andrey Rublev. That denied Garin his third clay final of the year and ended the Chilean's 5-0 unbeaten record in tour semis. Tsitsipas' run to the Hamburg final has seen him recover from his third-round exit at the U.S. Open and a first-round elimination in Rome last week in his first clay tournament of the year. !--more-->The man standing between Tsitsipas and his second title of 2020 is Andrey Rublev after the Russian beat Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2 in the first semifinal. Rublev overcame Ruud, who has the most clay-court wins on the ATP Tour this year with 15. Rublev advanced to his third career clay final and seventh overall. Now 24-6 in tour matches this season, he equaled his achievement of reaching the final in Hamburg last year when he lost in three sets to Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Fernando Verdasco out of French Open for positive COVID test

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 20:42:00 +0000

Fernando Verdasco out of French Open for positive COVID test Fernando Verdasco withdrew from Roland Garros because of what he believes is a false positive for COVID-19. Verdasco wrote Friday on Twitter – two days before play begins at Roland Garros – that he had COVID-19 in August and did not have symptoms. He said that was followed by negative results until he tested positive this week. Verdasco said he asked for another test, but French Open organizers refused. He said he took other, unofficial tests on his own that came up negative. “It makes me sad and feeling absolutely frustrated,” Verdasco wrote.

Schwartzman beats Nadal in Rome

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 16:14:00 +0000

Schwartzman beats Nadal in Rome Diego Schwartzman upset Rafael Nadal 6-2 7-5 at the Italian Open quarter-finals. The Argentine will next face Denis Shapovalov, who defeated defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 3-6 6-2. Rafa struggled with his serve throughout the match and made a series of uncharacteristic unforced errors that proved to be his undoing. The Italian Open was the Spaniard's first tournament in over seven months and while he cruised through the previous two rounds, his rustiness showed from the outset against the 15th-ranked Schwartzman. Nadal committed 30 unforced errors to Schwartzman's 17 and had his serve broken five times. "Losing that many serves, you can't expect to win a match," Nadal said. "So that's something that I have to fix. I know how to do it." Nadal will now travel to Paris, where he will look to clinch a record-extending 13th French Open title.

Djokovic and Nadal advanced at Italian Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 12:33:00 +0000

Djokovic and Nadal advanced at Italian Open Novak Djokovic beat Filip Krajinovic 7-6 6-3 while Rafael Nadal defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 6-3 to advanced at the Italian Open. Krajinovic made long-time friend Djokovic work hard to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th time. Djokovic double faulted on the first of his three set points in the first-set tiebreak but a quick break in the second put him through in a tournament he has won four times. "Never easy, I think, emotionally to play against someone that is one of my best friends for many years," said Djokovic. The top seed is warming up for the French Open in 10 days time, having made the switch from the American hard court tour where he won the Cincinnati tournament played in Flushing Meadows before the US Open from which he was disqualified. He next plays Dominik Koepfer who ended the run of Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-0. Nadal proved too strong for Lajovic, who had valiantly but vainly launched a fightback after trailing 4-0 in the second set to the Spaniard. The defending champion next takes on Diego Schwartzman, who dropped a set before recovering to see off Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Nadal won his first Rome title back in 2005, and is bidding for a third consecutive crown on clay in the Italian capital and 10th in total. The 12-time French Open champion is returning to competition, having not played since winning in Acapulco in February. Photo and info from Yahoo sport

Lucas Pouille out of French Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 12:27:00 +0000

Lucas Pouille out of French Open Lucas Pouille withdrew from the French Open because he has not recovered from a right elbow operation in July. Pouille has resumed training he does not feel fit enough to play competitively at Roland Garros. The clay-court major begins in 10 days in Paris. “Having to pull out of Roland Garros when you are a French player is heart-breaking,” Pouille said in a statement. “But I have to be realistic and reasonable, the priority is to ensure my elbow heals completely.” Info and photo from Yahoo sports

Kremlin Cup canceled over coronavirus cases

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 12:25:00 +0000

Kremlin Cup canceled over coronavirus cases The Kremlin Cup tennis tournament has been canceled because of a rising number of coronavirus cases in Moscow. The men’s tournament had been scheduled to start October 19, with the women’s event set for the following week. The ATP and WTA tours issued a joint statement saying the cancellation “follows a recent increase in the COVID-19 infection rate in Moscow.” “As mandated by the Moscow City Administration, the event will no longer be permitted to go ahead in 2020,” the statement said.

Musetti continues dream run in Rome

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 12:23:00 +0000

Musetti continues dream run in Rome Lorenzo Musetti defeated Kei Nishikori 6-3 64- at the Italian Open on Thursday. Musetti also defeated Stan Wawrinka this week in Rome. "I always used to be a warrior, a fighter, but I had a lot of ups and downs during the past year," said Musetti. The Italian, ranked 249, needed a wildcard to compete in the Italian Open qualifiers and will next meet Dominik Koepfer, who beat Frenchman Gael Monfils. "This month I tried to keep calm and stay positive on court, and I think it's my best improvement in the past few weeks. Here in Rome, I'm feeling really well," Musetti told reporters. "Even today, I think I won mentally, because I played well on the tough points. I think the key was this, the important points. Kei is a fantastic player. I tried to take my chances tonight. I am really proud of myself, of what I did." Nishikori returned to the circuit this month after sitting out for a year due to injury and felt he needed more matches under his belt to return to his best. "He's a good player, I think, especially on clay," said Nishikori. "I don't know how he's going to play on hard (courts), but for sure he's going to have a lot of power on clay, good backhand too, good serve. He can come in well. He can do pretty much everything. That's, I think, a big weapon for him." Photo by ATP Masters 1000 - Italian Open

Alexander Zverev to face Dominic Thiem at US Open 2020 final

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 20:37:00 +0000

Alexander Zverev to face Dominic Thiem at US Open 2020 final Alexander Zverev beat Pablo Carreno Busta 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 and reached the US Open final. He will play against Dominic Thiem for the title. "I actually looked at the scoreboard when I was down two sets to love," Zverev said. "I was like, 'I can't believe it. I'm playing in a semi-final, I'm supposed to be the favorite and I have no chance, I'm playing that bad. "So I knew I had to come up with better tennis and I knew that I had to be more stable." Zverev made 36 unforced errors in the first two sets compared to just 12 for Carreno Busta as the nerves of the occasion seemed to get the better of him. Double fault followed double fault and a string of misplaced, nervy forehands allowed Carreno Busta to build a sizable lead. But Zverev began to seriously cut down on his mistakes in the third set, upping his service game and taking control of rallies with more powerful, accurate groundstrokes. It continued to be a nervy, error-strewn affair, though, with both players appearing overwhelmed at times with coming so close to reaching their first tennis major final. Zverev hit eight double faults overall to Carreno Busta's one. Zverev recorded 57 unforced errors to 44 for Carreno Busta. But the tall German smashed way more winners, 71 to 37. "I'm through to my first Grand Slam final and that's all that matters," Zverev said. "I couldn't be happier, but there's still one more step to go for me," he added.

Thiem into U.S. Open final

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 20:32:00 +0000

Thiem into U.S. Open final Dominic Thiem defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-2 7-6(7) 7-6(5) to reach the U.S. Open 2020 final where he will face Zverev. "For sure (it was) the toughest straight-sets win I ever had because could have been easily completely different," said Thiem. Thiem seized the early momentum inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium, handily carrying the first set without dropping a single first-serve point, but a double fault and a forehand error saw him hand Medvedev the break and the early lead in the second. Thiem spent the remainder of the set playing catch up, converting on a critical break to level the score 5-5 before tMedvedev dragged it into a tiebreak. Medvedev kept his energy up as he traded blows with his opponent, triumphing in an epic, 33-shot rally early in the tiebreak, but his efforts came up short. "He just doesn't miss when I play with his rhythm. So I tried to destroy that a little bit with lot of slices, with also high balls with a lot of spin. That was what was the plan," Thiem said. Thiem, who had a trainer examine his ankle before the third set, slipped and fell twice in the match, unfurling a string of frustrated exclamations the second time he did so. But he regained his cool to survive yet another tiebreak and clinched the affair with a power forehand and a roar. "I played my best tennis then toward the end of the sets," said Thiem, who saved six of eight break point opportunities during the match, committing a dozen fewer unforced errors than his opponent. "Both tiebreaks were amazing. Tiebreaks are mentally a tough thing. I don't like them at all to be honest," he said. "I'm really happy to be through. It was a great semi-final." Medvedev, who fired off a dozen aces on the match, showed shades of his bad boy persona seen in his 2019 run to the U.S. Open final. He offered a sarcasm-drenched apology in the first set after crossing to the other side of the net to lobby for a late challenge, earning a violation in the process. "I think I killed someone, right?" he said to a tournament supervisor in the stands, adding to the umpire, "My sincere apologies for crossing the net."

Thiem beats De Minaur, reaches U.S. Open semi-final

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:41:00 +0000

Thiem beats De Minaur, reaches U.S. Open semi-final Dominic Thiem crushed Alex de Minaur 6-1 6-2 6-4 and made it into the semi-finals of the U.S. Open where he will play against Daniil Medvedev. Thiem needed a little over two hours to record the win under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium despite being put under constant pressure by De Minaur, who is nicknamed 'Demon' and known for his never-say-die attitude and speedy court coverage. De Minaur advanced to the net at every opportunity to disrupt Thiem's baseline game and while the plan worked initially the 27-year-old Austrian adjusted and started finding winners past his advancing opponent. De Minaur's serve was vulnerable all night and Thiem, who amassed 43 winners, converted seven of his 13 breakpoint opportunities. De Minaur could take only two of the seven chances he had to break Thiem's serve. "I had a great feeling from the first moment on," Thiem said. "My feeling was that the first set, not until the second time I broke him, was really intense. Very long rallies. "The second looks a lot easier than what it was on the scoresheet. The third set I lost a little bit of the momentum and energy and he came back great." Thiem had beaten the Australian in their two previous encounters and started their third meeting on a brisk note, breaking De Minaur's serve three consecutive times to win the opening set. De Minaur started on a more positive note in the second, winning 11 straight points on serve to lead 40-0 in the fifth game with the score tied at 2-2. However, Thiem fought his way back into the game and broke the Australian to lead 3-2, then won three straight games to take the set. The Austrian's early lead in the third set evaporated as De Minaur rallied to level things but a second break of serve sealed the match for Thiem. "The match was going a bit flat from both of us," Thiem added. "It's not easy in an empty stadium and it being so late. We both got back the energy ... and there was an amazing level where we both switched it on. "But with two sets in my back pocket it was a little bit easier for me." Info from Yahoo Sports, photo by US Open

Medvedev into U.S. Open semis

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:36:00 +0000

Medvedev into U.S. Open semis Daniil Medvedev defeated Andrey Rublev 7-6(6), 6-3, 7-6(5) to reach the US Open semifinals where he will face Dominic Thiem. "Experience plays a big role," Medvedev said. "The fact that I was already one time in U.S. Open semi-final helps a lot. Same court, same conditions, no crowd. And I think it will help me a little bit." After reaching the semis without losing a set, the third-seeded Russian is now bookmakers' favourite to claim his maiden Grand Slam title on Sunday. "That helps a lot in the long term of the tournament," he said of playing three-set matches. "So I'm happy about it. That's why physically I'm quite good. "The more matches you play, the more it helps to get into it, to get back to feeling it. So I think I'm 100% ready." He brushed aside concerns over his shoulder after he needed medical attention on it late in the third set against Rublev, saying it was just tiredness and cramp. Medvedev has been playing Rublev since they were in under-10 tournaments so the quarter-final was a good opportunity to assess how his game was working. He was delighted with his serve after facing not a single break point over the 2 1/2 hour contest but even more impressed that he had hit more than twice the number of winners than Rublev (51-23). "I was making a lot of winners which is amazing when we play with Rublev," he added. "That I had more winners than him, it's something unbelievable for me." “It was tough at the end,” said Medvedev. “Maybe the first time in almost a year I celebrated my win because it was very tough at the end. I felt like I could get in trouble, so I was really happy to get the win in the tie-break. One point decided two sets, so it was a really tough match.”

Pavic and Soares win U.S. Open men's doubles title

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:29:00 +0000

Pavic and Soares win U.S. Open men's doubles title Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares won the U.S. Open men's doubles title after beating Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektic 7-5 6-3. In their first Grand Slam men's doubles final as a team, Pavic did damage with his powerful serve while Soares did well to force their opponents into difficult shots and they sealed the win when Mektic sent a backhand volley into the net. "That's what we practise for and that's what we were tying to do during those five months off, working for this moment," Soares said during the trophy presentation. A key moment in the match came with Mektic serving at 5-6 15-40 in the first set when Koolhof missed a forehand volley that would have forced a tiebreak. Pavic and Soares went on to grab the next three points to close out the set. The Croatian-Brazilian duo's road to the final was far from routine as they rallied from a break down in the third set of their first-round clash and then in the second round had to stand tall as their opponents tried to serve for the match. "We got through tough moments throughout the week," said Pavic, who won the 2018 Australian Open men's doubles title with Oliver Marach. "Very happy to be here lifting the title, great tournament." Photo by US Open

ATP allows four new events for 2020

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:26:00 +0000

ATP allows four new events for 2020 ATP added four new tournaments to the calendar for the remainder of the 2020 season. The German city of Cologne will host back-to-back ATP 250 events on indoor hard while Sardinia will stage a claycourt event and Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan will host an indoor event. The Cologne events begin on Oct. 12, the same day as the claycourt tournament in Sardinia. The Astana Open in Nur-Sultan starts on Oct. 26. The events will be on single-year licence as the ATP offers professionals the opportunity to earn money and ranking points in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown. All the events will be subject to satisfying strict health and safety, international travel and ATP event requirements. "Adding new events to the Tour calendar is a positive step given the many challenges our sport has faced this year, and I would like to thank all the event organisers on the calendar," ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said. "Our goal was to create additional opportunities for players and entertainment for our fans, and to do so in a safe and practical way. We are delighted to have tennis back on court again and these new events will help us finish the year strongly, as we build towards the season-ending ATP Finals."

Rafael Nadal to return to tennis at the Italian Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:54:00 +0000

Rafael Nadal to return to tennis at the Italian Open Rafael Nadal will be in action again next week at the Italian Open. "The Foro Italico is always a special place for me and even more so this year as it will be my first tournament following a long period without playing," Nadal said in a video message played at the event's presentation. Because of concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, Nadal preferred not to travel to New York for the ongoing U.S. Open. He last played in February, when he won a tournament in Acapulco, Mexico. Novak Djokovic will be playing here as well while Roger Federer is out due to injury. No fans will be permitted inside to watch matches at the Foro Italico and players will be placed inside a "bubble" similar to that at the U.S. Open. There will be frequent virus tests for players, coaches and others working at the tournament. Players traveling from New York and other areas will not be subjected to the 14-day quarantine rule being applied to normal travelers - as long as they do not test positive for COVID-19. Without ticket sales, prize money has been reduced by 40% from last year's tournament. "The economic damage to our federation is enormous," said Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation. Binaghi was holding out hope until a few days ago that the regional Lazio government would allow a limited number of spectators at the tournament. "It certainly would have made more economic sense to cancel the tournament, as many others have done," Binaghi said. Binaghi added that he expects the ATP Tour to approve a new tournament for Sardinia in October - only for this year.

Nishikori beaten in Kitzbuehel

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:50:00 +0000

Nishikori beaten in Kitzbuehel Kei Nishikori lost to Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the Generali Open. Nishikori, who had surgery on his right elbow in October, had to postpone his comeback last month after he was forced to pull out of the Cincinnati Masters and U.S. Open after testing positive for COVID-19. He jumped out to a 5-0 lead over Kecmanovic and later led 6-4, 4-4, but won only two of the next 10 games. Kecmanovic has been a long-term regular training partner of Nishikori's. "It means a lot to me to win this match," the Serbian said. "I have been playing with him since I was 13, so this is very special." Photo AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

Rublev beats Berrettini at 2020 US Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:47:00 +0000

Rublev beats Berrettini at 2020 US Open Andrey Rublev made it past Matteo Berrettini with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-3 win at the U.S. Open. Rublev rallied from the loss of the opening set to seal the victory over the sixth seed in what was a stark contrast to last year's encounter at the same stage where the Russian was outclassed in straight sets. "I remember last year he was playing really well. Instead of accepting it, I was complaining, I was nervous," Rublev said. "By the time I realized that instead of thinking these things, I just needed to play, it was already two sets to zero. "Today he started really well... When I lost the first set, I just said to myself to keep fighting. If he's better today, he's better. In the end I had a little chance, I broke him and turned it all the way around." Rublev struck 34 winners and made just 28 unforced errors as he set up a clash with countryman Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. The two are well-versed with each other's games, having risen through the junior ranks together. "Both of us were crazy on court, destroying racquets, complaining," Rublev said. "He has always been one of the biggest fighters that I have ever seen since he was, I don't know, seven years old. "He could play lobs for hours just to win. I remember we had a few battles when we were kids." Photo by US Open

Minaur beats Pospisil to reach U.S. Open last eight

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:44:00 +0000

Minaur beats Pospisil to reach U.S. Open last eight Alex de Minaur defeated Vasek Pospisil 7-6(6) 6-3 6-2 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open. Minaur will next play Dominic Thiem, who beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-1. The opening set unfolded like the first round of a prize fight with both players probing for openings and neither managing a single break chance. In the tiebreak it was Pospisil who had looked poised to land the first blow by going up 6-2, but De Minaur sweept the next six points to grab a 1-0 lead. "That first set was crucial," said De Minaur. "I think it was just a couple of things going his way and then my way. "I went down 6-2 but I don't think I played a bad tiebreak I was just unlucky here and there. "I just tried to stay calm, do my thing." After that effort the Canadian could only muster token resistance, with De Minaur securing an early break in the second and third sets and never allowing Pospisil a chance to get back into the match.

Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting line judge with ball

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 20:40:00 +0000

Novak Djokovic disqualified from US Open after hitting line judge with ball Novak Djokovic is out of the US Open after being disqualified during his match againt Pablo Carreno Busta. Djokovic accidentally hit a line judge in the neck when he hit the ball back off his racket. He had just lost a point in the opening set. Players who hit another person on the court automatically are disqualified from the competition. He realized it immediately and approached the person. Carreno Busta advanced to the quarterfinals.

Djokovic just hit a lines person in the neck with an errant ball after losing a point. And I think he knew it. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/05iVUtpQ0Z
— thehojo (@thehojo) September 6, 2020

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Martin Fucsovics makes shot of the Day at US Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 15:01:00 +0000

Martin Fucsovics makes shot of the Day at US Open Marton Fucsovics leaves Frances Tiafoe speechless as he goes around the net in Round 3 of the US Open 2020!

Tiafoe reaches 4th round at Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 14:59:00 +0000

Tiafoe reaches 4th round at Open Frances Tiafoe defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the 4th round at the 2020 US Open. "I knew this was big to get to the second week," Tiafoe said. "I really wanted to keep this run going." He will next face Daniil Medvedevy. "He's a tough out, and he's confident right now," Tiafoe said. "He's playing the best tennis of his life. But I feel like when I'm playing like I'm playing right now, I've got a chance against anybody in the world. I've felt that way for years, and I'm starting to finally put it together again." Tiafoe has been ranked as high as 29th, but like many young American players, he has lacked the consistency needed to crack the sport's top tier. "I think American tennis is in a great place right now," he said. "The young guys are all in a great place. In a few years or even sooner, guys are going to be ready to be in second weeks more readily." Tiafoe said it was "scary" how well he played against Fucsovics, aside from the rally that immediately became a tournament highlight on social media. "I could have hit down the line for a winner," Tiafoe said. "But I had to go for the fancy shot." His angled forehand sent Fucsovics scurrying off the court to whack an improbable winner. Tiafoe was still laughing about it when he sat down during the ensuing changeover. Said Fucsovics: "At least I won the point of the match." "He nailed it," Tiafoe added. "I knew he was going to go for it, and I couldn't believe he made it." AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Djokovic advances in New York

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 10:02:00 +0000

Djokovic advances in New York Novak Djokovic made it past Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-3 6-3 6-1 win to advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Nole will next face Pablo Carreno Busta. The Serb was never in real trouble, only drama came early on when Struff had break point opportunities but could not convert against Djokovic's serve in the first game. The players stayed on serve until Struff sent a forehand wide on break point to give Djokovic a 5-3 lead. The Serb held to love the next game after firing an unreturnable serve to take the first set and coasted the rest of the way. "It was a very, very good performance from my side," Djokovic said. "I managed to read his serve well. Made one necessary break in the first set, I faced one or two break points in the opening game. "Obviously the trajectory of the match can go differently if you lose your serve against a big guy like Struff, who serves really well and has a very aggressive, powerful game from the back of the court," said the Serb, who is looking for an 18th Grand Slam title. "But I moved well and after the first set, the second and third was a really great feeling on the court." Photo by US OPen

Shapovalov reaches U.S. Open last 16

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 09:59:00 +0000

Shapovalov reaches U.S. Open last 16 Denis Shapovalov defeated Taylor Fritz 3-6 6-3 4-6 7-6(5) 6-2 and reached the U.S. Open fourth round. He will next play David Goffin who beat Filip Krajinovic 6-1 7-6(5) 6-4. The entertaining 3-1/2 hour match ended with Shapovalov back in the 1ast 16 at Flushing Meadows for the first time since he made his U.S. Open debut in 2017. "I was struggling serving because he was putting his racket on everything and he was playing so solid," said Shapovalov, who has taken the long route to the last 16 with his opening two matches going four sets. "In the fourth set when I was down a break I was able to loosen up and got the rhythm back on my serve. "I was really happy with the way I served especially that last set." Fritz had a chance to serve out the match at 5-3 in the fourth but Shapovalov grabbed the break he needed to drag the set to a tiebreak which he won. Recharged by his rally, it was the Canadian who raced ahead 3-0 in the fifth before closing out the contest with another break when Fritz's return sailed long. Photo by US Open

Tsitsipas beaten by Coric at US Open

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 09:54:00 +0000

Tsitsipas beaten by Coric at US Open Borna Coric upset Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7(2) 6-4 4-6 7-5 7-6(4) in the third round of the 2020 US Open. Coric, who will plat Jordan Thompson next, staged a remarkable comeback to reach the fourth round after the fifth set tiebreak. The 27th seed had looked down for the count when Tsitsipas twice served for the match in the fourth set but the Greek faltered with victory in his grasp. Coric again had to come from a break down in the fifth but looked indefatigable even after 4 1/2 hours on court and secured a famous victory on his second match point. "I just have to be honest and have to say that I was real lucky," said Coric. "At 5-4, I think he was 40-0 ... it was just pure luck. I just made some unbelievable returns and yeah, I was a bit lucky in the end." Tsitsipas showcased his athleticism and shot-making in bursts throughout the contest. He might have been able to see off his opponent earlier had he been able to put sustained pressure on the Croatian's serve but looked to have the match in the bag when he broke to win the third set and then won five of the next six games. "In the third and fourth sets he was playing unbelievable tennis and I felt I had absolutely no chance," said Coric, one of four players to test positive for COVID-19 after playing on the ill-fated Adria Tour earlier this year "(After that) I played some unbelievable points and he also dropped his level a little bit." Tsitsipas did not hold a news conference after the match due to the lateness of the hour but posted a single line on his Twitter feed. "This is probably the saddest and funniest at the same time thing that has ever happened in my career!" he wrote. Photo by US Open

Video: Gael Monfils Funny ATP Tennis Moments

noreply@blogger.com (ATP Mens Tennis News) — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 10:19:00 +0000

Video: Gael Monfils Funny ATP Tennis Moments