Category Archives: Tennis

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Chengdu Open – Chengdu, China
Shenzhen Open – Shenzhen, China

Lucas Pouille Wins 1st Title in Metz
Pouille has had a terrific year so far – he reached the quarterfinals of both Wimbledon and the US Open, where he defeated Rafael Nadal.  The 22-year-old Frenchman just hit another milestone and won his first ATP World Tour Title at the Moselle Open in Metz, France, defeating #1 seed Dominic Thiem in the final 7-6(5), 6-2.  Pouille is now #16 in the rankings and on the rise.  Allez!

Alexander Zverev Wins St. Petersburg Open
19-year-old Sascha Zverev became the first teenager to win an ATP title since Marin Cilic in 2008.   Zverev defeated Stan Wawrinka to win his first title in St. Petersburg 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.  It’s fun to see another #NextGen player on the rise and we’re looking forward to seeing much more from him in the future!

2017 Davis Cup Draw Revealed
The draw for the 2017 Davis Cup was held last week in London.  First round action will take place from February 3-5, with some intriguing matchups.  Stay tuned for site selection announcements in the coming weeks.  (We’re hoping we can make it to USA vs. Switzerland!)

Argentina vs Italy
Germany vs Belgium
Australia vs Czech Republic
USA vs Switzerland
Japan vs France
Canada vs Great Britain
Serbia vs Russia
Croatia vs Spain

In the meantime, we still have the Davis Cup Finals coming up November 25-27, with Argentina taking on Croatia in Zagreb.

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Moselle Open – Metz, France
St. Petersburg Open – St. Petersburg, Russia

2016 Davis Cup Final Set
After a drama filled weekend, it will be Argentina taking on Croatia in the Davis Cup Final in November!   Juan Martin del Potro defeated Andy Murray in the 1st rubber in Argentina’s tie against Great Britain, in a match that lasted over 5 hours.  (And Delpo made us cry.  Again).  The tie went to a decisive 5th rubber, with Leonardo Mayer defeating Dan Evans to win the tie for Argentina (and Delpo).  Marin Cilic was Croatia’s MVP, winning his 2 singles matches and the doubles against the French #1s, Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut.

2017 Davis Cup Draw on September 22nd
Since this year’s final is set, it’s time to get excited about next year!  The World Group playoffs were also completed over the weekend, with 16 nations in the draw.  Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain and the USA will be drawn against the 8 seeded nations below:
1. Argentina
2. Croatia
3. Great Britian
4. Czech Republic
5. Switzerland
6. France
7. Belgium
8. Serbia

Dominic Thiem Leads Moselle Open Field
The #1 seed and #1 in our hearts, Dominic Thiem, is back in action this week at the Moselle Open in Metz, France.  We last saw Thiem forced to retire in his match against Del Potro at the US Open with a knee injury, so we’re hoping he’s fully recovered and fit to play.  Other players in action in Metz include Benoit Paire, Dustin Brown, Nicolas Mahut, and Gilles Simon.

 

Stan The Man Returns in St. Petersburg
Stan Wawrinka is playing his first tournament since winning the US Open in New York.  He leads a strong field in St. Petersburg that includes Milos Raonic, Sascha Zverev, and Tomas Berdych.

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: US Open

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After a busy two weeks at the US Open, we’re back to your regularly scheduled posting.  We had a blast seeing so many of our favorite players up close, and caught some incredible matches.  We’re already counting down until next year!

Stan The Man
Stan Wawrinka proved he most definitely is the man, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final to win his 3rd major title at the US Open.  Stan had a tough path to the finals – he was down match points in the 3rd round to Dan Evans – but was able to win with his excellent shot making (that backhand!) and mental toughness.

Juan Martin del Potro Is Back
Delpo’s comeback to tennis has been incredible and inspiring, and he brought us all to tears yet again at this year’s US Open.  Delpo made it all the way to the Quaterfinals before losing to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka.  Ole, ole, ole, ole, Delpo Delpo!

Kerber is #1
Angelique Kerber was impressive in her run to the final, winning her first US Open and her second major of the year.   Kerber also is the new world #1!

The #NextGen Is Coming
We tried to catch as many of the #NextGen players as we could at the US Open this year.   Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz were impressive in taking the more experienced Americans, John Isner and Jack Sock, to 5 sets in the first round.  Jared Donaldson made it through qualifying and to the third round, and entered the top 100 for the first time.   Kyle Edmund took out 2 of our favorite players (Isner and Richard Gasquet) before falling to Novak Djokovic.

Davis Cup Semi-Finals This Weekend
We’re in that weird post-slam state where there isn’t even a 250 event to get excited about this week.  Lucky for us, the Davis Cup Semi-Finals and World Group Playoffs kick off on Friday!   Great Britain will host Argentina and Croatia will host France in the Semis.  We’re excited to see Juan Martin Del Potro play again for Argentina, and are hoping Team France will make it all the way!

Music, Sports, Tennis

Arthur Ashe Kids Day Kicks Off 2016 US Open

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Arthur Ashe Kids Day is one of our favorite annual events because it combines our two loves:  music and tennis!  This year’s event was entertaining from start to finish, with performances from some of music’s hottest rising stars and fun tennis games with pros and non-pros alike.  And it’s all for a good cause – proceeds from the event benefit the USTA Foundation, National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL), and charities selected by participating tennis pros.

Flo Rida got the crowd pumped up with everyone’s favorite hype song “My House,” welcoming everyone to the new and improved Arthur Ashe Stadium featuring the amazing new roof!  Spectators were able to see just how easily the roof can be opened and closed. (It’s fast and very cool to watch).

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Hosts Laura Marano, Joey Bragg, and Jordan Fisher kept the party going with their fun dynamic.  Joey took a seat in the “tennis emperor” chair, better known as the umpire chair, to officiate over the festivities.

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Laura Marano performed her hit “Boombox,” followed by her brand new single, “La La!”  This was the first time Laura performed her new single, and we can already tell it’s going to be a hit.

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Four Olympians were brought onto the court for the Xerox Target challenge:  Juan Martin Del Potro (Silver Medal, Men’s Singles); Venus Williams (Silver Medal; Mixed Doubles); Stevie Johnson (Bronze Medal, Men’s Doubles); and Monica Puig (Gold Medal, Women’s Singles).  The four pros were joined by NJTL winner, Mykael, for some target practice, each raising over $14,000 for the charity of their choice!  Every target hit = $1000.

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Jack Sock took the court with Ansel Elgort and some NJTL players to show off their tennis skills.  We must say all of the kids who participate are awesome and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them on the pro side of AAKD down the road!

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Boyband Forever In Your Mind got a taste of what the pros feel as they played their hits “Hurricane” and “Enough About Me,” from just behind the baseline on court!  FIYM have come a long way since 2015, when they performed outside on the Hess Festival Stage.  The guys had Arthur Ashe Stadium rocking!

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Jordan Fisher brought down the house with his insane vocal range and falsetto in his debut single, “All About Us.”  He can SING.  AAKD has a knack for booking young talents before they make it big, and we say look out for much more from Jordan!

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The Hess Festival Stage on the grounds hosted performances from up and coming singers like Citizen Føur, Los 5, and Tegan Marie.  Citizen Føur nailed their performance, throwing in some amazing dance moves.  Tegan Marie’s powerful vocals carried through the grounds.  You’ll definitely be hearing more from these two!

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Didn’t make it out to AAKD?  Tune in to ABC on Sunday, August 28th at 2PM to catch all the music and tennis highlights from the stadium show!

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Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: US Open Preview

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It’s the greatest time of year – the US Open is here!  We’ve been counting down all year and are so excited for the final slam of the year to kick off in NYC.   Here’s what you need to know about the tournament (fangirl style)

Where to Watch: ESPN and WatchESPN
Qualifying Tournament: August 22 – 26
Draw: August 26
Tournament: August 29 – September 11
Social Media: #USOpen @usopen

Arthur Ashe Kids Day is August 27th
The action kicks off with the annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day event this Saturday, August 27th!  AAKD is a day full of fun activities, great music, and of course, tennis!   Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams are scheduled to appear as is Novak Djokovic, who will be facing off against Ansel Elgort.  Enjoy games and see the pros practice up close on the grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for free!  You can also catch up-and-coming performers like Citizen 4 and Tegan Marie on the Hess Festival Stage. Tickets to the stadium show are still available, and include performances by Flo Rida, Troye Sivan, Forever In Your Mind, Laura Marano & More!  Visit AAKD.com for a full schedule and more info on the event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHxUvllg0rp/?taken-by=aakidsday

 

Community Day is September 8th
For the 2nd year in a row, the US Open is offering FREE admission to fans on Thursday, September 8th.  You’ll be able to access matches around the grounds and catch the men’s and women’s doubles semi-finals, along with the Champions Invitational.  There will also be a farewell party for Louis Armstrong Stadium from 5pm to 7pm.  James Blake and Gigi Fernandez will be playing against top junior players.  And best of all, you might even get a chance to play on the legendary court before it’s gone!  Click here for more info.

 

Support American Tennis
As anyone who has been to the US Open knows, there’s nothing like a close match featuring an American player.  The crowds can get very vocal in supporting their home players, which makes for an amazing atmosphere.  Last year’s match between Donald Young and Victor Troicki on Grandstand (RIP) is one of our favorite US Open memories – the match went to 5 thrilling sets, with Donald fully crediting the crowd for getting him through.  There are 4 American seeded players this year: Stevie Johnson, John Isner, Jack Sock & Sam Querrey.   So get your USA!  USA!  chants ready and make sure to root for #Merica!

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournament:
Western & Southern Open – Cincinatti, OH

Between all the withdrawls and negativity surrounding the games, we weren’t that excited about tennis at the Olympics before it started.  But man, did this week prove us wrong!  The tennis games at the Olympics turned into a compelling and emotional week, starting with that epic match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro which feels like ages ago.

Men’s Singles
Gold: Andy Murray (GBR)
Silver: Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)
Bronze: Kei Nishikori (JPN)
It was just SO. GOOD.  to see Del Potro and Rafael Nadal (who finished 4th) playing well again.  SO.  GOOD.

 

Men’s Doubles
Gold: Rafael Nadal & Marc Lopez (ESP)
Silver: Florin Mergia & Horia Tecau (ROU)
Bronze: Stevie Johnson & Jack Sock (USA)
Impressive that Nadal, the flag bearer for Spain, wasn’t sure if he would even be able to play in every event on site.  He ended up making it to the semis in singles and won the gold with good friend Marc Lopez in doubles.

 

Mixed Doubles
Gold: Bethanie Mattek-Sands & Jack Sock (USA)
Silver: Venus Williams & Rajev Ram (USA)
Bronze: Lucie Hradecka & Radek Stepanek (CZE)
How awesome was it to see two American teams on the podium for the medal ceremony?  Also Jack Sock now has a Gold Medal and Bronze medal along with Wimbledon and US Open Doubles/Mixed titles.

 

Women’s Doubles
Gold: Ekaterina Makarova & Elena Vesnina (RUS)
Silver: Martina Hingis & Timea Bacsinszky (SUI)
Bronze: Lucie Safarova & Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)

 

Women’s Singles
Gold: Monica Puig (PUR)
Silver: Angelique Kerber (GER)
Bronze: Petra Kvitova (CZE)
Puig made history, winning Puerto Rico’s first ever gold medal, in ANY sport.  Great for the country and great for the sport!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJFp0qKg9Gm/

 

US Open Wild Cards Announced
Get excited if you’re not already (or in case you haven’t been counting down since last September like us).  The US Open Qualifying Tournament starts in just ONE WEEK!  The USTA announced Wild Cards for the Main Draw & Qualifying Draw, including former champ Juan Martin del Potro.  Vamos!

Main Draw Wildcards
Juan Martin del Potro
Francis Tiafoe
Rajeev Ram
Michael Mmoh
Ernesto Escobedo
Bjorn Frantangelo
Mackenzie McDonald

Qualifying Wildcards
Reilly Opelka
Vasil Kirkov
Mitchell Krueger
Sekou Bangoura
Tennys Sandgren
Ryan Shane
Thai-Son Kwiatkowski
Christian Harrison

The US Open Qualifying Tournament starts on Tuesday, August 23rd and is free and open to the public.  Get all the info at USOpen.org!

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: Olympics

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This Week’s Tournaments
Olympic Games – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Abierto Mexicano – Los Cabos, Mexico

Del Potro Upsets Novak Djokovic At The Olympics
Juan Martin del Potro, still making his comeback from another wrist surgery, defeated #1 Novak Djokovic in an emotional 1st round match at the Olympics.  By the end of the match, which Delpo won 7-6 (4), 7-6(2), he was crying, Djokovic was crying, WE WERE ALL CRYING.  Also, shout out to the Argentinian Men’s handball team for rescuing Delpo from an elevator before his match!


Nadal Makes His Olympic Comeback
Rafael Nadal finally got the chance to carry the flag for Spain in the Opening Ceremony, after being sidelined with injury in 2012.   Rafa is playing in the men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles this year.  Vamos!


Nick Kyrgios Wins BB&T Open in Atlanta
After lots of drama with the Australian tennis federation as to whether or not he’d be able to play in the Olympics, Kyrgios decided to opt out of this year’s games.  Instead, Kyrgios made the most of his time by playing in the BB&T Open in Atlanta, defeating 3-time winner John Isner in the final.


Sam Querrey Goes GQ
He’s so trendy now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3E1UNxmdMA

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournament:
BB&T Atanta Open – Atlanta, GA

John Isner Seeking 4th Atlanta Title
Isner is not playing in the Olympics in Rio this year.  Instead, Isner is in Atlanta as he attempts to win the BB&T Atlanta Open for the 4th year in a row.  An American has won the tournament every year since it launched in 2010.  Besides Isner, past winners also include Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish.  You can still put your USA!  USA!  chants to good use in Atlanta this week.


Olympic Tennis Starts August 6th
While it seems the player entry list gets smaller every day, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Rafa Nadal are all scheduled to play in the Olympics in Rio.   Round 1 tennis action starts this Saturday, August 6th!   Be sure to check the ITF page for the most updated list.


World Team Tennis Action Underway
The WTT season started over the weekend.  Come out an support your local team!  The matches are a fun way to see some of your favorite pros up close in a more relaxed setting.  If you’re in NYC, you can catch the action at the historic Forest Hills Stadium in Queens! Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish will be playing against each other there on August 9th.  Check out the full schedule here!

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: ATP News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournament:
Rogers Cup – Toronto, ON Canada

Monfils Wins Citi Open in D.C.
Frenchman Gael Monfils won his biggest title to date, the 500 series Citi Open in Washington, D.C.!   Monfils had to battle the extreme heat (on-court temperatures exceeded 130 degrees) and the tough serving Ivo Karlovic in the final, saving 1 match point in the process.  We hope Monfils can carry his momentum throughout the Summer!


World Team Tennis Kicks Off This Weekend
WTT action starts this Sunday, with matches in New York, Springfield, and San Diego!  We can’t wait to see Mardy Fish and the Washington Kastles take on the New York Empire at the legendary Forest Hills Stadium in Queens!  Visit WTT.com for the full schedule & team rosters.

Rogers Cup Doubles Draw
If you haven’t taken a look at the Rogers Cup doubles draw, go check it out!  There are lots of fun and/or random teams pairing up this week, like Grigor Dimitrov and Stan Wawrinka; Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock; and John Isner and Sascha Zverev.

Roger Federer Ends 2016 Season Early
World #3 Roger Federer announced today that he will be ending his 2016 season early in order to fully recover from his knee surgery earlier this year.  He will miss the Olympics in Rio as well as the remainder of the season.  Roger promises fans that he will come back stronger next year and reflects on his injury-free career thus far.

https://twitter.com/ESPNTennis/status/757991741580513280

Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: ATP News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Citi Open – Washington, DC USA
Generali Open – Kitzbuhel, Austria
Konzum Croatia Open – Umag, Croatia
J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open – Gstaad Switzerland

Davis Cup Semifinals Set
After a drama filled weekend, 4 teams advanced to the Davis Cup World Group semifinals:  France, Argentina, Croatia and Great Britian.  It was a shame for the home teams – all of the teams advancing were visitors.  Croatia rallied from 0-2 down to take the tie against the US in 5.  (We’re still not over it.)  The semifinals are set to take place in September, just after the US Open.  With #Merica out, we’ll be rooting for Team France.  ALLEZ!

It’s The Greatest Time Of Year
The American Summer hardcourt season officially starts this week, with the Citi Open in DC.   Lots of American players are in action, including top seed John Isner and #NextGen players Taylor Fritz and Francis Tiafoe.  Tune into Tennis Channel to watch all the action!  Also, heads up that the US Open starts in just 41 days!  Enjoy this A+ fangirl instagram of Grigor from the Citi Open.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day Lineup Announced
The US Open kicks off with the annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day event on August 27th.  This year’s performers included Flo Rida, Forever In Your Mind, Laura Marano and Troye Sivan.   Players Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic will be making appearances as well.  Click here for more info and to get your tickets now!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHxUvllg0rp/?taken-by=aakidsday

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Fritz
Taylor Fritz wed Racquel Pedraza on July 7th in his hometown of Rancho Santa Fe, California.  Fellow players in attendance included best man Reilly Opelka, groomsman Tommy Paul, Stevie Johnson and Mardy Fish.  Congrats Taylor & Racquel!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHxgQMhDJu0/?taken-by=taylor_fritz