Atp Challenger finals are played every week, but one that features two former Top 10 ranked players doesn't, which is why today's Valencia final was historic.
Roberto Bautista Agut was once ranked inside the Top 10. The same goes for Fabio Fognini and they faced each other today in the Valencia Challenger final. Neither player has had much success in recent months for various reasons.
Both are up there in age and are slowly getting pushed out of the top spots of tennis, but they're still good tennis players. On top of that, the Spaniard struggled with an injury that saw him miss a lot of action.
Both dominated their matches en route to this final, which is actually only the fifth Atp Challenger final ever between two former Top 10 ranked players. The previous finals that featured two former Top 10 ranked players include the 1981 final between Barazutti and Nastase and the 1981 San...
Roberto Bautista Agut was once ranked inside the Top 10. The same goes for Fabio Fognini and they faced each other today in the Valencia Challenger final. Neither player has had much success in recent months for various reasons.
Both are up there in age and are slowly getting pushed out of the top spots of tennis, but they're still good tennis players. On top of that, the Spaniard struggled with an injury that saw him miss a lot of action.
Both dominated their matches en route to this final, which is actually only the fifth Atp Challenger final ever between two former Top 10 ranked players. The previous finals that featured two former Top 10 ranked players include the 1981 final between Barazutti and Nastase and the 1981 San...
- 11/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Moselle Open will be the final Atp tournament of the regular tennis season, and the draw for this year's event has been released.
Main draw action begins on Sunday, November 5, where a 28-player singles field will have the opportunity to fight for the right to become Atp champion. Some of the Atp's big names are not resting on their laurels and still have their eyes on the prize.
One of them is top seed Holger Rune , a surprise entrant in Metz. The Dane will be encouraged by his form at his last two tournaments, notably at the Paris Masters where he ran Novak Djokovic very close in the quarterfinal.
Rune will get the chance to bounce back in the second round against one of Fabio Fognini or Brazilian clay court specialist Thiago Seyboth Wild. The 20-year-old sealed his qualification for the Atp Finals and should play without any added pressure.
Main draw action begins on Sunday, November 5, where a 28-player singles field will have the opportunity to fight for the right to become Atp champion. Some of the Atp's big names are not resting on their laurels and still have their eyes on the prize.
One of them is top seed Holger Rune , a surprise entrant in Metz. The Dane will be encouraged by his form at his last two tournaments, notably at the Paris Masters where he ran Novak Djokovic very close in the quarterfinal.
Rune will get the chance to bounce back in the second round against one of Fabio Fognini or Brazilian clay court specialist Thiago Seyboth Wild. The 20-year-old sealed his qualification for the Atp Finals and should play without any added pressure.
- 11/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Felix Auger-Aliassime completed one of the most improbable title runs on the Atp Tour by successfully defending the Swiss Indoors trophy.
Auger-Aliassime, who entered the tournament as a late wild card, won the clash of the heavyweights in Basel, beating Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 7-6 in the final on Sunday . As expected, the near two-hour serving feast did not feature a single break of serve.
The Canadian tallied more aces (13 to 12), higher first-serve points won (93% to 81%), and hammered more winners (43 to 28). Considering his appalling run of results coming to the event, the week in Basel is undoubtedly a rare chink of sunlight in what has been a disastrous campaign for a player with Top 10 ambitions. So how did the man from Montreal get his season back on track?
Get His Health In Check
Auger-Aliassime never shied away from accepting criticism for his performances and took it on his chin. As...
Auger-Aliassime, who entered the tournament as a late wild card, won the clash of the heavyweights in Basel, beating Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 7-6 in the final on Sunday . As expected, the near two-hour serving feast did not feature a single break of serve.
The Canadian tallied more aces (13 to 12), higher first-serve points won (93% to 81%), and hammered more winners (43 to 28). Considering his appalling run of results coming to the event, the week in Basel is undoubtedly a rare chink of sunlight in what has been a disastrous campaign for a player with Top 10 ambitions. So how did the man from Montreal get his season back on track?
Get His Health In Check
Auger-Aliassime never shied away from accepting criticism for his performances and took it on his chin. As...
- 10/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
In his young career, Holger Rune has often been painted as a villain among tennis fans because of his attitude on the court.
But the Dane has come out to explain why that is the case. Earlier this year, Rune felt the full wrath of the crowd playing in a near-partisan atmosphere in Monte Carlo against Jannik Sinner, Madrid against home player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and more recently against Fabio Fognini in Rome .
It was far from a rosy setting for the 20-year-old who was booed for his on-court actions. Rune believes his reputation is being mistaken by tennis fans simply because he hates to lose, but has always had a friendly and professional relationship with fellow Atp pros.
In an interview with L'Equipe, Rune stated that there is "jealousy in life" and that it can easily be linked to experiencing success and setting a high bar for perfection. The World No.
But the Dane has come out to explain why that is the case. Earlier this year, Rune felt the full wrath of the crowd playing in a near-partisan atmosphere in Monte Carlo against Jannik Sinner, Madrid against home player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and more recently against Fabio Fognini in Rome .
It was far from a rosy setting for the 20-year-old who was booed for his on-court actions. Rune believes his reputation is being mistaken by tennis fans simply because he hates to lose, but has always had a friendly and professional relationship with fellow Atp pros.
In an interview with L'Equipe, Rune stated that there is "jealousy in life" and that it can easily be linked to experiencing success and setting a high bar for perfection. The World No.
- 10/28/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Christopher Eubanks experienced an unfortunate situation while he was traveling to Basel, using that opportunity to highlight the less glamorous side of tennis.
Many people assume that playing tennis is the greatest thing in the world, and while it can be pretty nice, there are many things that are not so glamorous about it, and the American has experienced one of them.
Fabio Fognini once said that he would advise his kids against tennis . Christopher Eubanks experienced that less glamorous side of tennis recently while traveling from Stockholm to Basel.
He's playing at the Swiss Indoors in Basel this upcoming week, but getting there was a hassle. He had no direct flights to Basel, so he opted to fly to Munich via a connecting flight.
He arrived in Munich only to find out that the flight was canceled due to a bomb threat. He had two options, and he chose...
Many people assume that playing tennis is the greatest thing in the world, and while it can be pretty nice, there are many things that are not so glamorous about it, and the American has experienced one of them.
Fabio Fognini once said that he would advise his kids against tennis . Christopher Eubanks experienced that less glamorous side of tennis recently while traveling from Stockholm to Basel.
He's playing at the Swiss Indoors in Basel this upcoming week, but getting there was a hassle. He had no direct flights to Basel, so he opted to fly to Munich via a connecting flight.
He arrived in Munich only to find out that the flight was canceled due to a bomb threat. He had two options, and he chose...
- 10/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Daria Kasatkina showed her outspoken nature once more by bashing tennis logistics on her YouTube channel.
Daria Kasatkina has been a very outspoken player for much of her career, which makes sense. Her personal revelation last year was certainly brave, and it's not the only thing she opened up about.
She condemned the War in Ukraine, and she spoke out against tennis getting involved with Saudi Arabia , among many other things.
In her latest instance of speaking out, Kasatkina vented about tennis logistics, which make it a nightmare of a sport to pursue as an athlete. She commented on her YouTube channel explaining how the logistics of the sport make it incredibly hard.
I arrived to a Masters & they meet only from one airport. They don't meet you from another. So I played in Tokyo last night & it was impossible to fly in the evening. So I need to fly the next day at 10am.
Daria Kasatkina has been a very outspoken player for much of her career, which makes sense. Her personal revelation last year was certainly brave, and it's not the only thing she opened up about.
She condemned the War in Ukraine, and she spoke out against tennis getting involved with Saudi Arabia , among many other things.
In her latest instance of speaking out, Kasatkina vented about tennis logistics, which make it a nightmare of a sport to pursue as an athlete. She commented on her YouTube channel explaining how the logistics of the sport make it incredibly hard.
I arrived to a Masters & they meet only from one airport. They don't meet you from another. So I played in Tokyo last night & it was impossible to fly in the evening. So I need to fly the next day at 10am.
- 10/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Next-Gen Atp star Ben Shelton admitted it was 'funny' to see multiple sports stars copying his iconic celebration of hanging up on his opponents but was overjoyed by its far-reaching influence.
Shelton famously introduced the telephone celebration at the US Open , immediately after beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals. With a hand gesture, Shelton attempts to answer a call but quickly hangs up. The celebration was an instant hit among fans on social media.
Shelton couldn't quite 'hang up' on Novak Djokovic in the semifinal, where the Serbian's big-match experience won the day. Instead, Djokovic mimicked the 20-year-old's celebration after winning the match. Djokovic later clarified that he 'loved Ben's celebration' feeling it was 'original' hence why he copied it.
Djokovic's actions divided opinion, but young Shelton didn't make a fuss of it after the match except for his father who criticized the 24-time Grand Slam champion for 'mocking...
Shelton famously introduced the telephone celebration at the US Open , immediately after beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals. With a hand gesture, Shelton attempts to answer a call but quickly hangs up. The celebration was an instant hit among fans on social media.
Shelton couldn't quite 'hang up' on Novak Djokovic in the semifinal, where the Serbian's big-match experience won the day. Instead, Djokovic mimicked the 20-year-old's celebration after winning the match. Djokovic later clarified that he 'loved Ben's celebration' feeling it was 'original' hence why he copied it.
Djokovic's actions divided opinion, but young Shelton didn't make a fuss of it after the match except for his father who criticized the 24-time Grand Slam champion for 'mocking...
- 10/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will take part in South America's biggest tennis bonanza after he was confirmed as the first entrant in the main draw of the 2024 Rio Open .
The Rio Open, held at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, Brazil, is a 500-level tournament played on outdoor clay courts in the last week of February forming part of the Golden Swing. Alcaraz will return to Rio de Janeiro for a fourth time in his career.
The tournament holds a very special in Alcaraz's memorabilia. He won his very first Atp main draw match as a skinny and little-known 16-year-old in 2020. That year, Alcaraz entered the event as a wild card and repaid the tournament organizers' faith in him by defeating compatriot Albert Ramos Vinolas in three sets.
When he returned on his second trip in 2022, he was already an established main-event Atp star. Testament to this, he won his first Atp...
The Rio Open, held at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, Brazil, is a 500-level tournament played on outdoor clay courts in the last week of February forming part of the Golden Swing. Alcaraz will return to Rio de Janeiro for a fourth time in his career.
The tournament holds a very special in Alcaraz's memorabilia. He won his very first Atp main draw match as a skinny and little-known 16-year-old in 2020. That year, Alcaraz entered the event as a wild card and repaid the tournament organizers' faith in him by defeating compatriot Albert Ramos Vinolas in three sets.
When he returned on his second trip in 2022, he was already an established main-event Atp star. Testament to this, he won his first Atp...
- 10/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Ben Shelton didn't create the phone celebration, but he certainly made it go viral and popular among tennis players.
Since the American started doing it at the US Open, several prominent players have copied it. First, we had Novak Djokovic do it against Shelton after their US Open match, something the youngster apparently found flattering , as explained in the post-match press conference.
He did give him a look during the handshake, so it’s debatable whether he really found it flattering because he seemed quite a bit annoyed by it at the time. His father certainly had some things to say in a recent interview, so the jury's out on that. He was certainly smart enough to downplay it similarly to how Djokovic did .
Since then, we've seen Fabio Fognini do it at a recent Atp challenger event, which many assumed was a message to the Italian Tennis Federation due...
Since the American started doing it at the US Open, several prominent players have copied it. First, we had Novak Djokovic do it against Shelton after their US Open match, something the youngster apparently found flattering , as explained in the post-match press conference.
He did give him a look during the handshake, so it’s debatable whether he really found it flattering because he seemed quite a bit annoyed by it at the time. His father certainly had some things to say in a recent interview, so the jury's out on that. He was certainly smart enough to downplay it similarly to how Djokovic did .
Since then, we've seen Fabio Fognini do it at a recent Atp challenger event, which many assumed was a message to the Italian Tennis Federation due...
- 9/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Italian tennis legend Adriano Panatta had a few things to say about Jannik Sinner opting not to play Davis Cup this week.
It goes without saying that Panatta's views and opinion holds a lot of weight, especially when it comes to talking about Davis Cup. Panatta won the 1976 French Open, but is just as known for his accomplishments for his country at Davis Cup level.
He played an integral role in winning the Davis Cup for Italy in 1976 and would go on to reach a further three finals in addition. Panatta was openly really critical of Sinner's decision not to play for his country this week and his passion for the competition came across with some really strong words.
"Today, tennis players are businesses, and, as such, they only think about profit, especially those around them, forgetting history and feelings. He had already given up on Olympic Games, today...
It goes without saying that Panatta's views and opinion holds a lot of weight, especially when it comes to talking about Davis Cup. Panatta won the 1976 French Open, but is just as known for his accomplishments for his country at Davis Cup level.
He played an integral role in winning the Davis Cup for Italy in 1976 and would go on to reach a further three finals in addition. Panatta was openly really critical of Sinner's decision not to play for his country this week and his passion for the competition came across with some really strong words.
"Today, tennis players are businesses, and, as such, they only think about profit, especially those around them, forgetting history and feelings. He had already given up on Olympic Games, today...
- 9/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Fabio Fognini has been making the news lately over his claims, and he's not done yet adding more gas to the fire.
The Davis Cup Finals are coming up, and Italy are hosting their group in Bologna. The country hopes to book their spot in the competition's knockout stages, but they're going to have to do that without their best players.
Matteo Berrettini is out due to an ankle injury , and Jannik Sinner also withdrew due to fatigue. That leaves the country severely depleted. Fabio Fognini expected a call-up, and while it came initially, he was later dropped in favour of another player who was deemed more reliable at the moment.
The Italian was furious and ranted about it on social media , prompting Team Captain Filippo Volandri to respond to the claims . As expected, they have vastly different accounts of what transpired, but the end result of it all is...
The Davis Cup Finals are coming up, and Italy are hosting their group in Bologna. The country hopes to book their spot in the competition's knockout stages, but they're going to have to do that without their best players.
Matteo Berrettini is out due to an ankle injury , and Jannik Sinner also withdrew due to fatigue. That leaves the country severely depleted. Fabio Fognini expected a call-up, and while it came initially, he was later dropped in favour of another player who was deemed more reliable at the moment.
The Italian was furious and ranted about it on social media , prompting Team Captain Filippo Volandri to respond to the claims . As expected, they have vastly different accounts of what transpired, but the end result of it all is...
- 9/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Italian Davis Cup Captain Filippo Volandri responded to the claims Fabio Fognini made on Instagram about his exclusion from the team.
This whole row erupted because Fognini was left off the Italian Davis Cup team for the upcoming Finals. As proud as he is, Fognini didn't take that lightly and posted on the social media platform Instagram calling his exclusion disrespectful.
Filippo Volandri, a former player has now responded to these claims noting that, in his opinion, Fognini simply didn't meet the criteria to be called up. In fairness, Fognini didn't play that well and has experienced physical issues lately and considering how every match is important in the Davis Cup, it's only understandable why Volandri opted not to risk it.
In his latest appearances, Fognini has suffered retirements and physical problems. His performance in the last three months did not meet the criteria that, in my opinion, must be...
This whole row erupted because Fognini was left off the Italian Davis Cup team for the upcoming Finals. As proud as he is, Fognini didn't take that lightly and posted on the social media platform Instagram calling his exclusion disrespectful.
Filippo Volandri, a former player has now responded to these claims noting that, in his opinion, Fognini simply didn't meet the criteria to be called up. In fairness, Fognini didn't play that well and has experienced physical issues lately and considering how every match is important in the Davis Cup, it's only understandable why Volandri opted not to risk it.
In his latest appearances, Fognini has suffered retirements and physical problems. His performance in the last three months did not meet the criteria that, in my opinion, must be...
- 9/9/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Fabio Fognini was not nominated for the Italian Davis Cup team, and he's quite upset about it as he disclosed on social media.
Fognini has been a stable player for over a decade and played for Italy regularly. The Atp veteran hasn't been at his peak in recent years, but he's still capable of producing some 'throwback' performances. On top of that, the Italian team has some big roster problems as well.
Jannik Sinner withdrew earlier this week , and Matteo Berrettini added his name to the list as well. That leaves a few open spaces, though there are plenty of viable candidates, such as Lorenzo Musetti, Lorenzo Sonego, and Matteo Arnaldi, who broke out at the US Open recently.
Fognini is not a better player than those players right now, but he's got far more experience and is serviceable in doubles, yet he wasn't nominated. The Italian wasn't happy about the exclusion,...
Fognini has been a stable player for over a decade and played for Italy regularly. The Atp veteran hasn't been at his peak in recent years, but he's still capable of producing some 'throwback' performances. On top of that, the Italian team has some big roster problems as well.
Jannik Sinner withdrew earlier this week , and Matteo Berrettini added his name to the list as well. That leaves a few open spaces, though there are plenty of viable candidates, such as Lorenzo Musetti, Lorenzo Sonego, and Matteo Arnaldi, who broke out at the US Open recently.
Fognini is not a better player than those players right now, but he's got far more experience and is serviceable in doubles, yet he wasn't nominated. The Italian wasn't happy about the exclusion,...
- 9/9/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Shaking hands seems like such a mundane thing to do; most people do it all the time, yet at times, it can get tense.
Shaking hands is a customary thing to do in most countries. There are some obvious examples where people bow instead of shaking hands, but generally, it's become a symbol of something good, whether it's an introduction or some business deal going through.
In tennis, it's customary to shake hands after a match as a sign of good sportsmanship and respect between players, but it doesn't happen after every match. We've seen plenty of instances this year of players not shaking hands, let alone over the course of the sport's long history.
Most of those handshake snubs this year were between Ukrainians and Russian or Belarusian players, mostly on the Wta Tour. It's been something most fans have gotten used to it by now as it's a practice across many sports.
Shaking hands is a customary thing to do in most countries. There are some obvious examples where people bow instead of shaking hands, but generally, it's become a symbol of something good, whether it's an introduction or some business deal going through.
In tennis, it's customary to shake hands after a match as a sign of good sportsmanship and respect between players, but it doesn't happen after every match. We've seen plenty of instances this year of players not shaking hands, let alone over the course of the sport's long history.
Most of those handshake snubs this year were between Ukrainians and Russian or Belarusian players, mostly on the Wta Tour. It's been something most fans have gotten used to it by now as it's a practice across many sports.
- 8/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Fabio Fognini will play at the San Marino Atp Challenger event, and he'll actually play doubles with his coach, who hasn't played since 2015.
German Gaich is the coach of Fabio Fognini and has been for a while. The Argentinian is a former player himself, having played professionally until about 2015, when he played his last professional match. His career wasn't as successful as that of Fognini, as he had a career-high ranking of 740th back in 2009.
Fognini himself has been a pretty strong player for a good part of his career but struggled with results recently. The mercurial Italian is one of the most fun experiences in tennis because you never know what you're going to get.
He's spectacular in one game and very poor in the next one, which is simply part of his charm. He's playing his final year or years, which he admitted in an interview last year...
German Gaich is the coach of Fabio Fognini and has been for a while. The Argentinian is a former player himself, having played professionally until about 2015, when he played his last professional match. His career wasn't as successful as that of Fognini, as he had a career-high ranking of 740th back in 2009.
Fognini himself has been a pretty strong player for a good part of his career but struggled with results recently. The mercurial Italian is one of the most fun experiences in tennis because you never know what you're going to get.
He's spectacular in one game and very poor in the next one, which is simply part of his charm. He's playing his final year or years, which he admitted in an interview last year...
- 7/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Swiss Open Gstaad promises to bring the clay-court action back with an Atp 250 event in Gstaad, Switzerland.
Last year, Roberto Bautista Agut lifted the trophy in Gstaad, and this year, the Spaniard is the top seed in the draw . As all top four seeds, he doesn't have to play the first round, and in the second round of the competition, he will await either Pedro Cachin from Argentina or Taro Daniel from Japan.
On the other side of the draw is the second-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic who will need to play against one of the two talented youngsters ins the second round. It will be either French prodigy Arthur Fils or Swiss wild card Dominic Stricker .
But the event will be interesting especially because of Grand Slam champions that will compete in it. Home hero Stan Wawrinka will want to forget Wimbledon loss to Novak Djokovic , and the Swiss player...
Last year, Roberto Bautista Agut lifted the trophy in Gstaad, and this year, the Spaniard is the top seed in the draw . As all top four seeds, he doesn't have to play the first round, and in the second round of the competition, he will await either Pedro Cachin from Argentina or Taro Daniel from Japan.
On the other side of the draw is the second-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic who will need to play against one of the two talented youngsters ins the second round. It will be either French prodigy Arthur Fils or Swiss wild card Dominic Stricker .
But the event will be interesting especially because of Grand Slam champions that will compete in it. Home hero Stan Wawrinka will want to forget Wimbledon loss to Novak Djokovic , and the Swiss player...
- 7/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Felix Auger-Aliassime was the player that came closest to beating Rafael Nadal last year at Roland Garros pushing him to five sets but this year's campaign is over after the first match.
Auger-Aliassime has been having a nightmare season so far with several disappointing results along with injury trouble. He made his clay debut this year at the Madrid Open but had very low expectations due to a lack of proper preparation.
It didn't go well so he took his chances in Lyon with some solid wins and a withdrawal due to a shoulder injury. He travelled to Paris and opted to play in the event but it didn't go that well as Fabio Fognini proved better in three sets.
The Canadian was obviously injured as he performed well under his level and after the match, Auger-Aliassime broke his silence and explained everything that unfolded in the past few days and contributed to the defeat.
Auger-Aliassime has been having a nightmare season so far with several disappointing results along with injury trouble. He made his clay debut this year at the Madrid Open but had very low expectations due to a lack of proper preparation.
It didn't go well so he took his chances in Lyon with some solid wins and a withdrawal due to a shoulder injury. He travelled to Paris and opted to play in the event but it didn't go that well as Fabio Fognini proved better in three sets.
The Canadian was obviously injured as he performed well under his level and after the match, Auger-Aliassime broke his silence and explained everything that unfolded in the past few days and contributed to the defeat.
- 5/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Paris, May 29 (Ians) Former Champion Novak Djokovic started his campaign to capture a record 23rd Grand Slam title and the World No.1 ranking with a comprehensive win in the men’s singles first round at the French Open here on Monday.
Two-time French Open champion Djokovic, who also has a chance of becoming the first man in the history of Open Era tennis to achieve the triple career Grand Slam, dispatched Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) in the first round on Court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros here.
However, things were quite difficult for Canadian Denis Shapovalov and British star Cameron Norrie as they were both taken the distance before emerging unscathed from the first round.
Italian world No.130 Fabio Fognini knocked out No.10 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the second round for the 12th time in his career.
Playing against the legend Djokovic, Kovacevic made...
Two-time French Open champion Djokovic, who also has a chance of becoming the first man in the history of Open Era tennis to achieve the triple career Grand Slam, dispatched Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) in the first round on Court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros here.
However, things were quite difficult for Canadian Denis Shapovalov and British star Cameron Norrie as they were both taken the distance before emerging unscathed from the first round.
Italian world No.130 Fabio Fognini knocked out No.10 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the second round for the 12th time in his career.
Playing against the legend Djokovic, Kovacevic made...
- 5/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Paris, May 25 (Ians) World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and No.3 Novak Djokovic were on Thursday drawn in the same half of the French Open men’s singles draw.
The Spaniard, who has captured three trophies on clay this season, could meet third seed Djokovic in the semi-finals, with 2021 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas drawn in the 20-year-old’s quarter.
Alcaraz is making his third appearance at the clay-court Grand Slam, having advanced to the quarter-finals in 2022. The top seed will open against a qualifier and is seeded to play 14th seed Cameron Norrie in the fourth round.
Fifth seed Tsitsipas, who is in the same section as Felix Auger-Aliassime, is a potential quarter-final opponent for Alcaraz.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov and Italian Lorenzo Musetti are also in a stacked top quarter of the draw. Shapovalov is a potential third-round opponent for Alcaraz, while Musetti, who pushed Djokovic to five sets in Paris in 2021, is...
The Spaniard, who has captured three trophies on clay this season, could meet third seed Djokovic in the semi-finals, with 2021 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas drawn in the 20-year-old’s quarter.
Alcaraz is making his third appearance at the clay-court Grand Slam, having advanced to the quarter-finals in 2022. The top seed will open against a qualifier and is seeded to play 14th seed Cameron Norrie in the fourth round.
Fifth seed Tsitsipas, who is in the same section as Felix Auger-Aliassime, is a potential quarter-final opponent for Alcaraz.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov and Italian Lorenzo Musetti are also in a stacked top quarter of the draw. Shapovalov is a potential third-round opponent for Alcaraz, while Musetti, who pushed Djokovic to five sets in Paris in 2021, is...
- 5/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Andy Murray is likely to target his third Wimbledon career title in 2023, but former British number one Tim Henman feels that goal is just out of reach for the 35-year-old.
Murray showed signs of gradually returning to form in 2023 with a third-round run at the Australian Open, a Qatar Open final appearance and victory at the Challenger Aix-En Provence event in May. But a first-round loss to Fabio Fognini and a defeat against Stan Wawrinka at the Challenger Primrose event in Bordeaux on Wednesday led Murray to withdraw from the French Open.
The Brit's step back from the clay court event could signal that he wants to target grass season instead, including a return to Wimbledon. When speaking to Express Sport about Murray's chances in SW19 this season, Henman was realistic about the three-time Grand Slam winner's chances of progressing deep into the competition.
"I think winning it is probably a step too far.
Murray showed signs of gradually returning to form in 2023 with a third-round run at the Australian Open, a Qatar Open final appearance and victory at the Challenger Aix-En Provence event in May. But a first-round loss to Fabio Fognini and a defeat against Stan Wawrinka at the Challenger Primrose event in Bordeaux on Wednesday led Murray to withdraw from the French Open.
The Brit's step back from the clay court event could signal that he wants to target grass season instead, including a return to Wimbledon. When speaking to Express Sport about Murray's chances in SW19 this season, Henman was realistic about the three-time Grand Slam winner's chances of progressing deep into the competition.
"I think winning it is probably a step too far.
- 5/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Andy Murray won't be competing at the 2023 Roland Garros as the Scot withdrew from the Grand Slam tournament.
It's been quite some time since Murray last competed at the Roland Garros and even longer time since he won his last match in the French capital. His last participation came in 2020 and last win back in 2017, and that won't change this year.
And the fact that Murray hasn't won a match in Paris since 2017 doesn't apply only to the Roland Garros. The three-time Grand Slam champion also struggled at the Paris Masters, not winning a single match since his triumph in 2016.
But now, after a turbulent clay-court season, Murray finally made a decision about his participation in the second major of the season. There was a solid chance that he would have been one of the seeded players, but he still made the decision to withdraw from the tournament.
Murray had...
It's been quite some time since Murray last competed at the Roland Garros and even longer time since he won his last match in the French capital. His last participation came in 2020 and last win back in 2017, and that won't change this year.
And the fact that Murray hasn't won a match in Paris since 2017 doesn't apply only to the Roland Garros. The three-time Grand Slam champion also struggled at the Paris Masters, not winning a single match since his triumph in 2016.
But now, after a turbulent clay-court season, Murray finally made a decision about his participation in the second major of the season. There was a solid chance that he would have been one of the seeded players, but he still made the decision to withdraw from the tournament.
Murray had...
- 5/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Holger Rune defeated Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round of the 2023 Italian Open to advance to the quarterfinals.
The young Dane had another difficult match ahead of him after he beat French prodigy Arthur Fils and navigated a difficult clash with Italian Fabio Fognini. In the fourth round, he took on qualifier Alexei Popyrin who enjoyed a very good week at the Atp 1000 event in Rome.
The Australian won already five matches in the Italian capital, stunning Felix Auger-Aliassime along the way. But it was his first meeting with Rune and the Dane once again showed that he can focus when it matters.
In the first set, the world no. 7 did everything necessary to make sure he wins the set. He broke first and served almost perfectly throughout the set. Rune even had three more break points and even though he didn't use his chances, it was enough for him...
The young Dane had another difficult match ahead of him after he beat French prodigy Arthur Fils and navigated a difficult clash with Italian Fabio Fognini. In the fourth round, he took on qualifier Alexei Popyrin who enjoyed a very good week at the Atp 1000 event in Rome.
The Australian won already five matches in the Italian capital, stunning Felix Auger-Aliassime along the way. But it was his first meeting with Rune and the Dane once again showed that he can focus when it matters.
In the first set, the world no. 7 did everything necessary to make sure he wins the set. He broke first and served almost perfectly throughout the set. Rune even had three more break points and even though he didn't use his chances, it was enough for him...
- 5/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Holger Rune was defended by Rennae Stubbs after being booed when entering the court at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome.
On the Italian Open's sunlit clay courts, Rune found himself battling not just his opponent, but also a booing crowd. An ordeal that stirred veteran tennis player Rennae Stubbs to step up in defense, condemning the spectators' actions as disgraceful.
As the young Dane made his entrance into the arena, facing off against the home crowd's favourite, Fabio Fognini, he was met with a hostile reception. A chorus of boos echoed from the spectators, an undeniable attempt to unsettle the young player. Rune, however, remained unfazed, his concentration undeterred.
The Danish prodigy proceeded to deliver a masterclass in both tennis and resilience. Displaying remarkable composure and skill, he subdued Fognini with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory, marking his second triumph over the Italian and extending their head-to-head record on the...
On the Italian Open's sunlit clay courts, Rune found himself battling not just his opponent, but also a booing crowd. An ordeal that stirred veteran tennis player Rennae Stubbs to step up in defense, condemning the spectators' actions as disgraceful.
As the young Dane made his entrance into the arena, facing off against the home crowd's favourite, Fabio Fognini, he was met with a hostile reception. A chorus of boos echoed from the spectators, an undeniable attempt to unsettle the young player. Rune, however, remained unfazed, his concentration undeterred.
The Danish prodigy proceeded to deliver a masterclass in both tennis and resilience. Displaying remarkable composure and skill, he subdued Fognini with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory, marking his second triumph over the Italian and extending their head-to-head record on the...
- 5/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Holger Rune had to deal with the loud crowd in his third-round win at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome, and he was successful.
The young Dane is becoming a very popular figure on the Atp Tour and all of his matches are closely watched. Most recently, Rune took on Fabio Fognini in the third round of the 2023 Italian Open and the match was marked by a controversy even before it started.
When Rune entered the court a group of fans started booing, creating a really unpleasant experience for the 20-year-old. However, familiar with wild crowds, the Dane was able to win the match and advance to the next round of the 2023 Italian Open in Rome.
Yet, the incident that marked the start of the third-round match interested everyone, and it wasn't a surprise that Rune was asked about it after the match. In an on-court interview after the match, it...
The young Dane is becoming a very popular figure on the Atp Tour and all of his matches are closely watched. Most recently, Rune took on Fabio Fognini in the third round of the 2023 Italian Open and the match was marked by a controversy even before it started.
When Rune entered the court a group of fans started booing, creating a really unpleasant experience for the 20-year-old. However, familiar with wild crowds, the Dane was able to win the match and advance to the next round of the 2023 Italian Open in Rome.
Yet, the incident that marked the start of the third-round match interested everyone, and it wasn't a surprise that Rune was asked about it after the match. In an on-court interview after the match, it...
- 5/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Holger Rune had a really unpleasant experience at the 2023 Italian Open when he was booed by the crowd already when entering the court.
Playing a home player at a tournament is never easy and the young Dane knows a lot about it. After winning the 2023 Munich Open, Rune moved to Madrid for an Atp 1000 event. Already in his second match, he played against home player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and it didn't really go well.
After an incident with a hawk eye, the young Dane erased a ball mark which made the Spanish crowd boo him every time they got a chance. Eventually, he lost the match in three sets but soon turned his focus to the 2023 Italian Open.
The 20-year-old then explained his approach, saying that he just wanted to play tennis, and even though he was branded 'the game's new antagonist', Rune explained that he doesn't agree with the...
Playing a home player at a tournament is never easy and the young Dane knows a lot about it. After winning the 2023 Munich Open, Rune moved to Madrid for an Atp 1000 event. Already in his second match, he played against home player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and it didn't really go well.
After an incident with a hawk eye, the young Dane erased a ball mark which made the Spanish crowd boo him every time they got a chance. Eventually, he lost the match in three sets but soon turned his focus to the 2023 Italian Open.
The 20-year-old then explained his approach, saying that he just wanted to play tennis, and even though he was branded 'the game's new antagonist', Rune explained that he doesn't agree with the...
- 5/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Holger Rune will face a very good Fabio Fognini on Sunday at the Italian Open and he's excited about the match because it's going to be a great atmosphere.
Fognini has been rolling back the year this week in Rome winning two matches comfortably and blasting 40+ winners in both of them. It has been the best level he showed by far this year and it's not a coincidence that it's happening in Rome.
Fognini generally shows up when the crowd is behind him and the Italian crowd is known as very passionate and loud. He'll be having all of that support against Rune as well and things could get interesting. The Dane does clash with crowds on occasion and he somewhat hinted at that after the win over Fils expecting a 'wild' atmosphere. He just plays with a lot of passion which some have called an asset.
It's going to be wild,...
Fognini has been rolling back the year this week in Rome winning two matches comfortably and blasting 40+ winners in both of them. It has been the best level he showed by far this year and it's not a coincidence that it's happening in Rome.
Fognini generally shows up when the crowd is behind him and the Italian crowd is known as very passionate and loud. He'll be having all of that support against Rune as well and things could get interesting. The Dane does clash with crowds on occasion and he somewhat hinted at that after the win over Fils expecting a 'wild' atmosphere. He just plays with a lot of passion which some have called an asset.
It's going to be wild,...
- 5/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Fabio Fognini revealed that people have tried to convince him to leave Italy to avoid paying more taxes.
The Italian player is currently ranked 46th in the Atp world rankings and he reached his highest level in 2019 when he broke into the top ten. In addition, the 35-year-old has won nine career titles throughout his career, which began when he turned pro in 2004 at the age of 17.
Throughout his professional career, Fognini has won $17,754,141 in competition prize money on the Atp Tour, although the number will be higher due to sponsorship and other revenue. While some players could be tempted to pay fewer taxes on their earnings by residing in tax havens, Fognini said his father wouldn't allow such a move due to his proud Italian heritage.
“Many people tried to convince me to change residence to avoid paying taxes. My father always said: 'You were born in Italy and you have to stay here.
The Italian player is currently ranked 46th in the Atp world rankings and he reached his highest level in 2019 when he broke into the top ten. In addition, the 35-year-old has won nine career titles throughout his career, which began when he turned pro in 2004 at the age of 17.
Throughout his professional career, Fognini has won $17,754,141 in competition prize money on the Atp Tour, although the number will be higher due to sponsorship and other revenue. While some players could be tempted to pay fewer taxes on their earnings by residing in tax havens, Fognini said his father wouldn't allow such a move due to his proud Italian heritage.
“Many people tried to convince me to change residence to avoid paying taxes. My father always said: 'You were born in Italy and you have to stay here.
- 5/12/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Andy Murray said he needs time about whether to compete in the 2023 Roland Garros following an early exit at the Italian Open.
Despite an impressive victory at the Atp Aix-en-Provence Challenger event last week, Murray fell to a shock first-round loss against Fabio Fognini in the opening round of the 2023 Italian Open. The two rivals played the match with intensity and tensions boiled over once more when Murray took issue with an incorrect call from the umpire.
In reaction to the defeat, Murray was characteristically honest with his performance post-match and acknowledged he played some good and some poor tennis throughout. But, the British player also gave credit to Fognini for raising his level in the deciding set.
"It was a pretty patchy match. There was some good stuff in there but also some pretty average stuff. He played very well in the third set. My level was Ok in the third,...
Despite an impressive victory at the Atp Aix-en-Provence Challenger event last week, Murray fell to a shock first-round loss against Fabio Fognini in the opening round of the 2023 Italian Open. The two rivals played the match with intensity and tensions boiled over once more when Murray took issue with an incorrect call from the umpire.
In reaction to the defeat, Murray was characteristically honest with his performance post-match and acknowledged he played some good and some poor tennis throughout. But, the British player also gave credit to Fognini for raising his level in the deciding set.
"It was a pretty patchy match. There was some good stuff in there but also some pretty average stuff. He played very well in the third set. My level was Ok in the third,...
- 5/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The first-round match at the 2023 Italian Open took a bitter twist, as a controversial umpire decision left Andy Murray and his brother Jamie shocked.
Fresh off a victorious streak in Aix-En-Provence at the Atp Challenger event, the spotlight was firmly on Andy Murray as he stepped into the clay courts of Rome for the 2023 Italian Open. His opponent? None other than the charismatic Fabio Fognini, a home crowd favourite, presenting an uphill battle for the Scottish star.
The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of Italian fans rallying behind Fognini, lending a distinctly challenging edge to Murray's first-round match. However, the tension escalated to a boiling point when a questionable umpiring decision threw a wrench into what was already a high-stakes game.
The incident in question took place in the first set. Fognini's lob, which appeared to go out according to the replay, was declared in by the umpire, Mohamed Lahyani.
Fresh off a victorious streak in Aix-En-Provence at the Atp Challenger event, the spotlight was firmly on Andy Murray as he stepped into the clay courts of Rome for the 2023 Italian Open. His opponent? None other than the charismatic Fabio Fognini, a home crowd favourite, presenting an uphill battle for the Scottish star.
The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of Italian fans rallying behind Fognini, lending a distinctly challenging edge to Murray's first-round match. However, the tension escalated to a boiling point when a questionable umpiring decision threw a wrench into what was already a high-stakes game.
The incident in question took place in the first set. Fognini's lob, which appeared to go out according to the replay, was declared in by the umpire, Mohamed Lahyani.
- 5/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Andy Murray made sure to make his thoughts heard after the first-round incident at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome.
After a triumphant run in Aix-En-Provence at an Atp Challenger event, Murray entered the 2023 Italian Open draw with high hopes, but his first-round opponent was a very difficult one as it was the home crowd favourite Fabio Fognini.
Although it was already quite difficult for Murray because of playing an Italian in the capital with a full stadium behind him, one situation in the first set made it even harder as Mohamed Lahyani made a wrong call after Fognini's lob.
Even during the match, the Scot was 100% sure that the ball was out as he kept repeating that to the umpire. When Lahyani came to check the mark initially, he said: "The linesman called it good, there's a little bit here, it's just touching there," pointing to a spot on the...
After a triumphant run in Aix-En-Provence at an Atp Challenger event, Murray entered the 2023 Italian Open draw with high hopes, but his first-round opponent was a very difficult one as it was the home crowd favourite Fabio Fognini.
Although it was already quite difficult for Murray because of playing an Italian in the capital with a full stadium behind him, one situation in the first set made it even harder as Mohamed Lahyani made a wrong call after Fognini's lob.
Even during the match, the Scot was 100% sure that the ball was out as he kept repeating that to the umpire. When Lahyani came to check the mark initially, he said: "The linesman called it good, there's a little bit here, it's just touching there," pointing to a spot on the...
- 5/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rome, May 11 (Ians) Italian Fabio Fognini caused a big upset at home, earning his biggest win of the season when he defeated Scot Andy Murray at the Internazionali d’Italia.
Fognini, a former Top 10 player, has been going through a struggle in 2023 and had arrived at the Foro Italico with a 2-8 tour-level record. However, the Italian wild card thrilled the Rome crowd with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory to reach the second round after two hours and 54 minutes on Wednesday evening.
“For sure I’m happy because coming back from injury is never easy, especially at our age. But winning here in Rome against a really big player like Andy, I mean I’m happy,” Fognini said in his on-court interview.
“Now it’s important to recover and let’s see how I recover and I wake up tomorrow because it’s going to be tricky and a nice...
Fognini, a former Top 10 player, has been going through a struggle in 2023 and had arrived at the Foro Italico with a 2-8 tour-level record. However, the Italian wild card thrilled the Rome crowd with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory to reach the second round after two hours and 54 minutes on Wednesday evening.
“For sure I’m happy because coming back from injury is never easy, especially at our age. But winning here in Rome against a really big player like Andy, I mean I’m happy,” Fognini said in his on-court interview.
“Now it’s important to recover and let’s see how I recover and I wake up tomorrow because it’s going to be tricky and a nice...
- 5/11/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
A classic clash emerged between Fabio Fognini and Andy Murray at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome, marked by an umpire's controversial call.
The 2023 Italian Open got off to a good start when local hero emerged victorious against seasoned Scotsman. The match, which took place on a serene Wednesday evening at the Foro Italico, was anything but tranquil.
In a rollercoaster of a match, Fognini displayed remarkable resilience, and despite the turmoil of the year, managed to score his most significant victory of the season. Despite starting 2023 with a 2-8 Atp tour-level record, the Italian was able to show his heart in front of the home fans, in a first meeting gainst Murray since the heated Shanghai clash.
With the stakes high and the home crowd's eyes set on him, Fognini started the game with clear intent. He aimed to dictate the rhythm of the game, denying Murray the opportunity to execute his signature baseline strategy.
The 2023 Italian Open got off to a good start when local hero emerged victorious against seasoned Scotsman. The match, which took place on a serene Wednesday evening at the Foro Italico, was anything but tranquil.
In a rollercoaster of a match, Fognini displayed remarkable resilience, and despite the turmoil of the year, managed to score his most significant victory of the season. Despite starting 2023 with a 2-8 Atp tour-level record, the Italian was able to show his heart in front of the home fans, in a first meeting gainst Murray since the heated Shanghai clash.
With the stakes high and the home crowd's eyes set on him, Fognini started the game with clear intent. He aimed to dictate the rhythm of the game, denying Murray the opportunity to execute his signature baseline strategy.
- 5/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Andy Murray and Fabio Fognini will meet in the 2023 Italian Open first round this week - their first encounter since a heated exchange in 2019.
Murray and Fognini last met at the Atp Masters Shanghai Masters in China and the Italian player edged his British opponent in a fiery three-set match, with two sets decided by dramatic tie-breaks. During the encounter, the pair clashed during a changeover when Murray confronted Fognini about his outspoken approach in the contest.
Although some feuds can be forgotten and brushed aside as a temper tantrum during the heat of the match, Fognini seemed unwilling to let the confrontation go. In his biography a year after the clash, the Italian player explained how the dislike between him and Murray is a long-standing issue.
"Me and Murray never got along. We are two hotheads and we lose our cool pretty quickly. When we are on court we despise each other.
Murray and Fognini last met at the Atp Masters Shanghai Masters in China and the Italian player edged his British opponent in a fiery three-set match, with two sets decided by dramatic tie-breaks. During the encounter, the pair clashed during a changeover when Murray confronted Fognini about his outspoken approach in the contest.
Although some feuds can be forgotten and brushed aside as a temper tantrum during the heat of the match, Fognini seemed unwilling to let the confrontation go. In his biography a year after the clash, the Italian player explained how the dislike between him and Murray is a long-standing issue.
"Me and Murray never got along. We are two hotheads and we lose our cool pretty quickly. When we are on court we despise each other.
- 5/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic is battling for the quarterfinal spot at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters but his job was made harder by an umpire.
In the third-round match, the 22-time Grand Slam champion met Lorenzo Musetti from Italy, who was heavily supported by the crowd in Monte Carlo. Even former Monte-Carlo Masters champion, Fabio Fognini attended the match and he witnessed how world no. 1 was robbed.
Djokovic won the first set 6-4 despite great level from his opponent, and he led also 4-2 in the second set. But the Serb lost his one-break lead and in the following game, he lost also a point that he should have won.
Leading 4-3 in the second set, Djokovic was aiming to break Musetti's serve for the fifth consecutive time as he played really well on the Italian's serve throughout the match.
However, during the first rally of the game, Musetti missed a forehand that initially looked like a winner,...
In the third-round match, the 22-time Grand Slam champion met Lorenzo Musetti from Italy, who was heavily supported by the crowd in Monte Carlo. Even former Monte-Carlo Masters champion, Fabio Fognini attended the match and he witnessed how world no. 1 was robbed.
Djokovic won the first set 6-4 despite great level from his opponent, and he led also 4-2 in the second set. But the Serb lost his one-break lead and in the following game, he lost also a point that he should have won.
Leading 4-3 in the second set, Djokovic was aiming to break Musetti's serve for the fifth consecutive time as he played really well on the Italian's serve throughout the match.
However, during the first rally of the game, Musetti missed a forehand that initially looked like a winner,...
- 4/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
A lot of fans think that the life of a tennis player is a superb life that includes a lot of travelling and fun activities but it's not like that.
Players do indeed travel a lot and visit some amazing places however most of their time is spent on tennis courts and in hotels. There is very little time to actually go out and explore the place where you are and it's something that gets overlooked when a tennis player's life gets glamorized.
Fabio Fognini talked about his experience as a tennis player recently admitting that he would not want his son to follow him into the sport.
It's a beautiful life, but it's also difficult. I've always said it, even though it may sound bad: I hope my son doesn't play tennis. Because I know what I did, the sacrifices my dad made... not that I'm not willing to make them for my children,...
Players do indeed travel a lot and visit some amazing places however most of their time is spent on tennis courts and in hotels. There is very little time to actually go out and explore the place where you are and it's something that gets overlooked when a tennis player's life gets glamorized.
Fabio Fognini talked about his experience as a tennis player recently admitting that he would not want his son to follow him into the sport.
It's a beautiful life, but it's also difficult. I've always said it, even though it may sound bad: I hope my son doesn't play tennis. Because I know what I did, the sacrifices my dad made... not that I'm not willing to make them for my children,...
- 4/9/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Everything seems to be going well for Dominic Thiem in recent days as he's set to make an appearance at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.
The Austrian had to deal with a lot of setbacks over the past two years. He is losing more than he's winning and his confidence also isn't at its peak. However, Thiem remains positive throughout his journey and recently he was rewarded at the 2023 Estoril Open.
For the first time this season, the 29-year-old won two consecutive matches to reach first Atp quarterfinals in over five months. After his good performances and a few withdrawals from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, the 2020 US Open champion was awarded one of the wild cards.
Initially, Fabio Fognini and Jack Draper were two of the four wild card recipients, joining Stan Wawrinka and Valentin Vacherot. However, the Italian withdrew from the tournament and the young Brit was promoted to the main draw...
The Austrian had to deal with a lot of setbacks over the past two years. He is losing more than he's winning and his confidence also isn't at its peak. However, Thiem remains positive throughout his journey and recently he was rewarded at the 2023 Estoril Open.
For the first time this season, the 29-year-old won two consecutive matches to reach first Atp quarterfinals in over five months. After his good performances and a few withdrawals from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, the 2020 US Open champion was awarded one of the wild cards.
Initially, Fabio Fognini and Jack Draper were two of the four wild card recipients, joining Stan Wawrinka and Valentin Vacherot. However, the Italian withdrew from the tournament and the young Brit was promoted to the main draw...
- 4/7/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Fabio Fognini's tumultuous season took another interesting turn at the 2023 Estoril Open, where he suffered a second-round defeat.
The match ended in a truly bizarre fashion, as Fognini lost after committing a double foot fault, an occurrence rarely seen in professional tennis and on the Atp Tour. Fognini's recent struggles have been no secret, with the 36-year-old admitting to experiencing the "worst moment" of his career.
His plummeting rankings and dismal win-loss record in 2023 paint a bleak picture for the once-promising player. However, Fognini remained optimistic about his chances in Estoril, believing he still had the skills to turn his fortunes around.
"I need matches and wins. My ranking went sh*t. I'm in the worst moment of my career. At 36 years old, I feel that I still have the level to improve my ranking. On a good day, I can beat everybody."
The first round of the tournament...
The match ended in a truly bizarre fashion, as Fognini lost after committing a double foot fault, an occurrence rarely seen in professional tennis and on the Atp Tour. Fognini's recent struggles have been no secret, with the 36-year-old admitting to experiencing the "worst moment" of his career.
His plummeting rankings and dismal win-loss record in 2023 paint a bleak picture for the once-promising player. However, Fognini remained optimistic about his chances in Estoril, believing he still had the skills to turn his fortunes around.
"I need matches and wins. My ranking went sh*t. I'm in the worst moment of my career. At 36 years old, I feel that I still have the level to improve my ranking. On a good day, I can beat everybody."
The first round of the tournament...
- 4/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
In a span of a few minutes, the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters lost some of the biggest stars, including Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters has been dealt yet another crushing blow, as world no. 7 Felix Auger-Aliassime joined the growing list of high-profile withdrawals from the upcoming Masters' event, scheduled to take place between April 9th and 16th.
Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament and a few minutes after that, also Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal as the Atp 1000 event is set to lose some of its star-power in the absence of these top-tier players.
Auger-Aliassime's decision to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters stems from an ongoing struggle with a left knee issue, which has prompted the Canadian to prioritize his recovery over participation in the tournament.
In a statement, Auger-Aliassime, who lost already in the third round at the last event that he played in Miami, expressed his disappointment and also hinted...
The 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters has been dealt yet another crushing blow, as world no. 7 Felix Auger-Aliassime joined the growing list of high-profile withdrawals from the upcoming Masters' event, scheduled to take place between April 9th and 16th.
Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament and a few minutes after that, also Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal as the Atp 1000 event is set to lose some of its star-power in the absence of these top-tier players.
Auger-Aliassime's decision to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters stems from an ongoing struggle with a left knee issue, which has prompted the Canadian to prioritize his recovery over participation in the tournament.
In a statement, Auger-Aliassime, who lost already in the third round at the last event that he played in Miami, expressed his disappointment and also hinted...
- 4/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Estoril Open is held from April 3rd to 9th and the draw hints that it will be another spectacular event.
If the Atp tournaments were rated based on their location, the 2023 Estoril Open would surely be a Grand Slam. However, that's not the case but the Atp 250 event, played at the Clube de Ténis do Estoril, surely doesn't mind as it still attracts a very solid field of players every year.
In 2022, young Argentinian Sebastian Baez defeated Frances Tiafoe in the final to become the seventh different champion of this young event, which was founded in 2015. This year, he returns to defend his title but the competition is very fierce as all players in the draw will be fighting for their share of the prize money and points.
Casper Ruud is the first-seeded player in the tournament. The Norwegian can face a difficult second-round match as he may face the home wild card,...
If the Atp tournaments were rated based on their location, the 2023 Estoril Open would surely be a Grand Slam. However, that's not the case but the Atp 250 event, played at the Clube de Ténis do Estoril, surely doesn't mind as it still attracts a very solid field of players every year.
In 2022, young Argentinian Sebastian Baez defeated Frances Tiafoe in the final to become the seventh different champion of this young event, which was founded in 2015. This year, he returns to defend his title but the competition is very fierce as all players in the draw will be fighting for their share of the prize money and points.
Casper Ruud is the first-seeded player in the tournament. The Norwegian can face a difficult second-round match as he may face the home wild card,...
- 4/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
2014 Monte Carlo Masters winner Stan Wawrinka will enter this season's edition of the competition as a wildcard.
The Atp 1000 Masters tournament will take place between 9-16 April 2023 and Wawrinka will return for a 12th main-draw appearance.
In 2014, former world number three Wawrinka beat compatriot Roger Federer in the final to lift his first-ever Monte Carlo title. The Swiss player also reached the semi-final in 2009 and he has a total record of 21 wins and 11 losses at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
So far in 2023, Wawrinka has had an up-and-down campaign. The 38-year-old recently missed out on appearing at the Estoril Open and he reached the last 16 at Indian Wells before crashing out after a heavy defeat to Jannik Sinner.
The official Monte-Carlo Masters Twitter channel announced that another former champion, Fabio Fognini, will also enter the 2023 event as a wildcard. In 2019, Italian Fognini raced to the final and beat Andrey Rublev,...
The Atp 1000 Masters tournament will take place between 9-16 April 2023 and Wawrinka will return for a 12th main-draw appearance.
In 2014, former world number three Wawrinka beat compatriot Roger Federer in the final to lift his first-ever Monte Carlo title. The Swiss player also reached the semi-final in 2009 and he has a total record of 21 wins and 11 losses at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
So far in 2023, Wawrinka has had an up-and-down campaign. The 38-year-old recently missed out on appearing at the Estoril Open and he reached the last 16 at Indian Wells before crashing out after a heavy defeat to Jannik Sinner.
The official Monte-Carlo Masters Twitter channel announced that another former champion, Fabio Fognini, will also enter the 2023 event as a wildcard. In 2019, Italian Fognini raced to the final and beat Andrey Rublev,...
- 3/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Thanasi Kokkinakis experienced probably the most heartbreaking loss of his career at this year's Australian Open.
After dominating against Fabio Fognini in the first round, the Australian was up by two sets and a break against former world no. 1, Andy Murray, in the second round. However, in almost six-hour battle, Kokkinakis lost to the Scot.
After the match, Kokkinakis commented just shortly when he shared a picture on social media with a caption stating: "Don’t really know what to say…. Wow, this f**king sport man." Now, speaking to ATPTour.com, he opened up about how he felt at the time.
“Although it was a heartbreaking match to be honest and I had it in the bag a few times, as distraught as I was after the match, I actually really enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun out there. One of the only times I can say after a big loss,...
After dominating against Fabio Fognini in the first round, the Australian was up by two sets and a break against former world no. 1, Andy Murray, in the second round. However, in almost six-hour battle, Kokkinakis lost to the Scot.
After the match, Kokkinakis commented just shortly when he shared a picture on social media with a caption stating: "Don’t really know what to say…. Wow, this f**king sport man." Now, speaking to ATPTour.com, he opened up about how he felt at the time.
“Although it was a heartbreaking match to be honest and I had it in the bag a few times, as distraught as I was after the match, I actually really enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun out there. One of the only times I can say after a big loss,...
- 3/12/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Rio de Janeiro, Feb 24 (Ians) Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain survived a two-hour and 47-minute battle against Italy’s Fabio Fognini to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Atp 500 Rio Open, here.
In a rematch of their 2022 Rio de Janeiro semifinal, Alcaraz earned an entertaining 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory, improving to 6-0 on the season on Thursday night.
“It’s always a challenge to play Fabio. He’s such a talented player and we never know what he’s going to do. It was a match with highs and lows. I started pretty well but I missed some opportunities and when you’re playing against someone like him you can’t afford to do that. It was a long and tough match and I think that in the end I was a bit better physically,” Alcaraz was quoted as saying by the tournament’s website.
The world no.
In a rematch of their 2022 Rio de Janeiro semifinal, Alcaraz earned an entertaining 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 victory, improving to 6-0 on the season on Thursday night.
“It’s always a challenge to play Fabio. He’s such a talented player and we never know what he’s going to do. It was a match with highs and lows. I started pretty well but I missed some opportunities and when you’re playing against someone like him you can’t afford to do that. It was a long and tough match and I think that in the end I was a bit better physically,” Alcaraz was quoted as saying by the tournament’s website.
The world no.
- 2/24/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Melbourne, Jan 17 (Ians) Two-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray edged 13th seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy in an instant classic decided by a fifth-set tie-break 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(10-5) to advance to the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
The win was Murray’s first Top-20 victory at a Grand Slam in more than four years, which required four hours and 49 minutes to secure the statement result in Rod Laver Arena.
He will next face either another Italian Fabio Fognini or the home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Moreover, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, became the fifth man in the Open Era to reach the 50-wins mark at the season’s first major. Murray is through to the Australian Open second round for the second consecutive year and 12th time overall. He is a five-time finalist at the event, with all five of those runs coming from 2010-...
The win was Murray’s first Top-20 victory at a Grand Slam in more than four years, which required four hours and 49 minutes to secure the statement result in Rod Laver Arena.
He will next face either another Italian Fabio Fognini or the home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Moreover, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, became the fifth man in the Open Era to reach the 50-wins mark at the season’s first major. Murray is through to the Australian Open second round for the second consecutive year and 12th time overall. He is a five-time finalist at the event, with all five of those runs coming from 2010-...
- 1/17/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
New Delhi, Jan 7 (Ians) After three years, the Atp Tour returns to Auckland this week, where World No. 3 Casper Ruud leads the field at the Asb Classic.
The Norwegian, who is making his third appearance at the Atp 250 event, attended the draw ceremony on Saturday as he learned his possible path to the title, reports atptour.com.
The top seed will face Spaniard Jaume Munar or Serbian Laslo Djere in his opening match and could play two-time Auckland titlist John Isner in the quarter-finals. The sixth-seeded American begins his campaign against Argentine Pedro Cachin or Frenchman Constant Lestienne.
Second seed Cameron Norrie arrives in New Zealand holding a 3-0 record on the season, having earned victories against Alex de Minaur, Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz at the United Cup. The Briton will look to continue his perfect start when he faces a qualifier in his opening match.
The 27-year-old is...
The Norwegian, who is making his third appearance at the Atp 250 event, attended the draw ceremony on Saturday as he learned his possible path to the title, reports atptour.com.
The top seed will face Spaniard Jaume Munar or Serbian Laslo Djere in his opening match and could play two-time Auckland titlist John Isner in the quarter-finals. The sixth-seeded American begins his campaign against Argentine Pedro Cachin or Frenchman Constant Lestienne.
Second seed Cameron Norrie arrives in New Zealand holding a 3-0 record on the season, having earned victories against Alex de Minaur, Rafael Nadal and Taylor Fritz at the United Cup. The Briton will look to continue his perfect start when he faces a qualifier in his opening match.
The 27-year-old is...
- 1/7/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Stockholm (Sweden), Oct 23 (Ians) Marcelo Arevalo and Jean-Julien Rojer on Sunday captured the men’s doubles title at the Stockholm Open after beating third seeds Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara 6-3, 6-3 in the final, here.
In a strong display, the top seeds broke three times and won 79 percent (15/19) of points on their opponents’ second serve to triumph after 67 minutes at the Atp 250 event.
Arevalo and Rojer were competing for the first time since they reached the semi-finals at the US Open in September. However, they showed little sign of rustiness in Stockholm, dropping just one set en route to their fourth tour-level title of the season
Earlier this season, the pair won tour-level crowns in Dallas and Delray Beach before they clinched their maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
The Salvadoran-Dutch team will compete at the Atp Finals in Turin in November after they secured qualification for the prestigious end-of-year event last month.
In a strong display, the top seeds broke three times and won 79 percent (15/19) of points on their opponents’ second serve to triumph after 67 minutes at the Atp 250 event.
Arevalo and Rojer were competing for the first time since they reached the semi-finals at the US Open in September. However, they showed little sign of rustiness in Stockholm, dropping just one set en route to their fourth tour-level title of the season
Earlier this season, the pair won tour-level crowns in Dallas and Delray Beach before they clinched their maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
The Salvadoran-Dutch team will compete at the Atp Finals in Turin in November after they secured qualification for the prestigious end-of-year event last month.
- 11/1/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
London, Sep 30 (Ians) Marcelo Arevalo and Jean-Julien Rojer have become the third doubles team to qualify for the Atp Finals, joining Wesley Koolhof-Neal Skupski and Rajeev Ram-Joe Salisbury, for the season finale, which will be played at the Pala Alpitour in Turin from November 13-20.
Arevalo and Rojer clinched their spot at the Pala Alpitour following Friday’s loss at the Atp 250 in Sofia by Italians Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, who are 10th in the Atp Live Doubles Rankings.
The 41-year-old Rojer will make his seventh appearance in the Atp Finals with his third different partner.
In 2015, Rojer and Horia Tecau captured the Atp Finals crown. The Dutchman’s most-recently competed in the event in 2019 at The O2 in London alongside Tecau. This will be Arevalo’s first appearance in the year-end championships.
The first-year duo made a quick start to their partnership with hard-court triumphs in Dallas and Delray Beach in February.
Arevalo and Rojer clinched their spot at the Pala Alpitour following Friday’s loss at the Atp 250 in Sofia by Italians Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, who are 10th in the Atp Live Doubles Rankings.
The 41-year-old Rojer will make his seventh appearance in the Atp Finals with his third different partner.
In 2015, Rojer and Horia Tecau captured the Atp Finals crown. The Dutchman’s most-recently competed in the event in 2019 at The O2 in London alongside Tecau. This will be Arevalo’s first appearance in the year-end championships.
The first-year duo made a quick start to their partnership with hard-court triumphs in Dallas and Delray Beach in February.
- 9/30/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
New York, Sep 4 (Ians) Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 23rd singles Grand Slam title, cruised into the US Open fourth round with a 6-0, 6-1, 7-5 victory against world No. 7 Richard Gasquet of France inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday (Ist).
The 37-year-old Nadal, who was tested in his second-round clash by Italy’s Fabio Fognini, faced no such issues against Gasquet as the Spaniard won his 18th consecutive match against the Frenchman.
“My best match in the tournament… Easy to say that because the other day was tough. But, yeah, important improvement. But I need to keep going. It’s a good victory for me. Straight sets for the first time. Third set (was) a challenge. He increased the level,” Nadal, bidding for his fifth US Open trophy, was quoted as saying by atptour.com.
“I went through some difficult moments. That’s something that is good,...
The 37-year-old Nadal, who was tested in his second-round clash by Italy’s Fabio Fognini, faced no such issues against Gasquet as the Spaniard won his 18th consecutive match against the Frenchman.
“My best match in the tournament… Easy to say that because the other day was tough. But, yeah, important improvement. But I need to keep going. It’s a good victory for me. Straight sets for the first time. Third set (was) a challenge. He increased the level,” Nadal, bidding for his fifth US Open trophy, was quoted as saying by atptour.com.
“I went through some difficult moments. That’s something that is good,...
- 9/4/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
New York, Sep 2 (Ians) India’s campaign at the US Open 2022 tennis tournament came to an end early as Rohan Bopanna and Ramkumar Ramanathan made opening round exits from the final Grand Slam of the year.
Bopanna, who featured in both men’s and mixed doubles, lost both his opening round matches on late Thursday night.
In men’s doubles, the 42-year-old Bopanna and his Dutch partner Matwe Middelkoop, seeded ninth in the tournament, lost to the unseeded Italian team of Andrea Vavassori and Lorenzo Sonego 6-7(2), 2-6.
Later, the veteran Indian tennis player, who won the French Open Grand Slam mixed doubles crown in 2017, paired up with China’s Yang Zhaoxuan. The sixth-seeded Indo-Chinese pair went down 5-7, 5-7 to Australia’s Max Purcell and Gabriela Dabrowski, a two-time mixed-doubles Grand Slam champion.
On the other hand, Ramkumar Ramanathan and his Serbian partner Nikola Cacic were outplayed 4-6, 4-...
Bopanna, who featured in both men’s and mixed doubles, lost both his opening round matches on late Thursday night.
In men’s doubles, the 42-year-old Bopanna and his Dutch partner Matwe Middelkoop, seeded ninth in the tournament, lost to the unseeded Italian team of Andrea Vavassori and Lorenzo Sonego 6-7(2), 2-6.
Later, the veteran Indian tennis player, who won the French Open Grand Slam mixed doubles crown in 2017, paired up with China’s Yang Zhaoxuan. The sixth-seeded Indo-Chinese pair went down 5-7, 5-7 to Australia’s Max Purcell and Gabriela Dabrowski, a two-time mixed-doubles Grand Slam champion.
On the other hand, Ramkumar Ramanathan and his Serbian partner Nikola Cacic were outplayed 4-6, 4-...
- 9/2/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
New York, Aug 31 (Ians) Spanish stalwart and winner of 22 singles majors, Rafael Nadal began his quest for a 23 Grand Slam title defeating Australian Rinky Hijikata 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 at Flushing Meadows to set up a second-round showdown with Italy’s Fabio Fognini on Wednesday (Ist).
The four-time US Open champion, competing here for the first time since he clinched the title in 2019, has won 19 of his past 20 matches at the season’s final Grand Slam.
“It’s been a long wait. For some time I thought I may not be able to be back, so I am super happy. Night sessions are the best,” Nadal was quoted as saying by atptour.com. “I just have to be humble and accept the process, day after day in practices and matches and stay positive.”
Nadal’s next opponent will be Fognini. The Italian had rallied from two sets down against the...
The four-time US Open champion, competing here for the first time since he clinched the title in 2019, has won 19 of his past 20 matches at the season’s final Grand Slam.
“It’s been a long wait. For some time I thought I may not be able to be back, so I am super happy. Night sessions are the best,” Nadal was quoted as saying by atptour.com. “I just have to be humble and accept the process, day after day in practices and matches and stay positive.”
Nadal’s next opponent will be Fognini. The Italian had rallied from two sets down against the...
- 8/31/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Bastad (Sweden), July 14 (Ians) Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini of Italy continued their strong season as a team on Thursday at the Nordea Open, downing Pablo Carreno Busta and Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-1 to reach their fifth tour-level semifinal of the year. In a dominant performance, the Italians broke their opponents’ serve five times […]...
- 7/14/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
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