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Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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

France & Belgium Headed to Davis Cup Final
Team France made it back to the Davis Cup Final for the first time since 2014.  With the insane amount of talented French players, we think they are long overdue to hold the Davis Cup trophy!  Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Lucas Pouille, Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nico Mahut helped the team get the win in their semi-final against Serbia.  They’ll take on Belgium in the finals, who defeated Australia in a close and dramatic 5th rubber.  The 2017 Davis Cup Final will be held in November in Lille.  Allez!

Laver Cup Kicks Off on Friday
The inaugural Laver Cup starts this Friday, September 22nd from Prague.  The 3 day event will see Team World taking on Team Europe in a new team format, led by captains John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.   There will be 3 singles matches and 2 doubles match per day of competition.  All sets will be the best out of 3 sets, with the 3rd set being decided as a 10 point tiebreaker if sets are split.    The matches are weighted by day, with Sunday’s matches counting the most toward the overall team score.   We’ll definitely be tuning in to see how this plays out and to see if Rafa & Federer will team up for doubles!   They also unveiled an all-black tennis court for the occasion because #aesthetic.

Team World: Sam Querrey, John Isner, Nick Kyrgios, Jack Sock, Juan Martin del Potro* and Denis Shapovalov.  *Del Potro was replaced by Frances Tiafoe.

Team Europe: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, Sascha Zverev, Tomas Berdych, and Marin Cilic.

This new team competition hopes to become an annual event, with the 2018 Laver Cup to be held somewhere in the United States. Laver Cup will air in the US on Tennis Channel.


ATP #NextGen Finals Unveil New Innovations
Another new event on the tennis calendar is the ATP #NextGen Finals.  Like the ATP World Tour Finals, the #NextGen Finals invite the top 8 players under 21, based on their points accumulated throughout the year.   Sascha Zverev is currently holding the top spot in the race to Milan, followed by Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov.   The event will unveil a few new “innovations” to the traditional tennis tournament.  The latest is that there will be no linesmen on the court – all lines will be called electronically using hawkeye.

This adds to the previously announced changes of having short 1st to 4 game sets, shorter warm ups, a shot clock to enforce time between serves, playing let serves, a limit on medical time outs, and player coaching.  While we’re excited to see the future #NextGen of men’s tennis at the event, let’s hope this isn’t a preview of the #NextGen of tennis tournament rules that take away from the game itself.

Richard Gasquet Wins Challenger in Poland
Richard has had a difficult 2017, as he’s been trying to recover and make his way back from a variety of injuries.   Richard played a tournament at the challenger level last week, the Pekao Szczecin Open in Poland, and won the title!  We’re hoping the win will help get Richard back on track.

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Sundays @lecoqsportif #backsoon #tennislife #lecoqsportif

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Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournament:
Winston-Salem Open – Winston-Salem, NC
US Open Qualifying – New York, NY

Last Week’s Winner:
Western & Southern Open – Grigor Dimitrov

Tennis Stars View the Eclipse
We just really wanted to post this photo of Rafa, who was in NYC practicing for the US Open when the eclipse came through.  Enjoy.

US Open Qualifying Underway
It’s hard to believe we’ve already made it to the last slam of the year. The US Open is officially underway, with qualifying action underway today.  If you’re in NYC, the qualifying tournament is free and open to the public and you’ll get a chance to see rising stars and veterans alike fighting their way for a spot in the main draw.  The tournament is held on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, through this Friday, August 25th.   Players to watch include Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Reilly Opelka, Casper Ruud, and more.

Grigor Dimitrov Wins 1st Masters 1000 Title
Grigor has long been hailed as the next big thing in tennis, but was never able to breakthrough at a Masters 1000 or Slam (except his lone Wimbledon Semi-Final) until now.  Grigor made it to his first Masters Final and was able to capture the Western & Southern Open after defeating Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 7-5 in the final.   We hope both players can keep their momentum through the US Open!

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🏆

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Arthur Ashe Kids Day is Saturday 8/26!

One of the greatest days of the year in music and tennis is almost here!   New Hope Club, Why Don’t We, Alex Aiono, Jack & Jack and more will be performing during the stadium show at AAKD this year.  Even better, they’ll be joined by tennis pros Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Jared Donaldson & more!  Tickets are on sale now and start at $10.  Don’t miss out!

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

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
BB&T Atlanta Open – Atlanta, GA, USA
Swiss Open Gstaad – Gstaad, Switzerland
German Tennis Championships – Hamburg, Germany

Last Week’s Winners:
Tennis Hall of Fame Championships – John Isner
SkiStar Swedish Open – David Ferrer
Plava Laguna Croatia Open – Andrey Rublev

Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters Inducted Into Tennis Hall of Fame
Andy Roddick was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame over the weekend in Newport, Rhode Island along with Kim Clijsters, Steve Flink, and Vic Braden.  As expected, Andy’s induction speech was equal parts poignant, charming, reflective, and funny, and reminded  us why we fell in love with tennis in the first place (and how much we miss Andy on tour!)   We loved Andy’s stories about how much he loved tennis from a young age and what a fan he was of all the players that came before him.  We’ll always be grateful to our tennis hero, Andy Roddick!  Watch Andy’s full speech below and have some tissues ready.

Jack Sock Goes Esquire
The latest issue of Esquire features a story on Jack Sock.  He mentions looking up to newly minted Hall of Famer, Andy Roddick.  “Sock grew up a Roddick fan (“being from Nebraska, it was hard not to be, plus I liked the Reebok Pumps and visor and the Backstreet Boys frosted tips”)”  We think Jack should bring this look back.  Check out the story here!

US Open Series Is Underway!
It’s hard to believe that the US Open starts in just over a month.  The US Open Series kicked off yesterday in Atlanta, with several tournaments coming up throughout the US & Canada leading up to the last slam of the year at the end of August.  Lots of young American players are in action in Atlanta this week.

Andrey Rublev Wins First Title in Croatia
19-year-old Russian Andrey Rublev won his first title over the weekend in Croatia.  Rublev entered the tournament as a lucky loser, having lost in the last round of qualifying, and played his way to the title.  Don’t forget that Rublev used to be in a One Direction cover band, Summer Afternoon.

Roger Federer Joins Arthur Ashe Kids Day Lineup
Big news!  Roger Federer will be joining the stadium show at Arthur Ashe Kids Day this year.  The show, on August 26th, will feature some of your favorite players along with performances by Sofia Carson, New Hope Club, Alex Aiono and more.   Tickets are on sale now!  Get all the details here.

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Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Antalya Open – Antalya, Turkey
Aegon international – Eastbourne, Great Britain

Last Week’s Winners:
Gerry Weber Open – Roger Federer
Aegon Championships – Feliciano Lopez

Wimbledon Qualifying Underway
It seems like the grass season just started, but we’re already almost to the third slam of the year!  Wimbledon qualifying play started yesterday in London.  Last year’s surprise qualifier, hometown favorite Marcus Willis, is playing through the qualifying draw this year.   We’d love to see him back in the main draw!  Other players we have an eye on include Stefanos Tsitsipas, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, and Quentin Halys.

Dan Evans Admits Positive Test for Drug Use
One British player who will not be playing in Wimbledon this year is Dan Evans, who held a press conference last week to announce that he failed a drug test in April for cocaine use.  No word yet on his punishment and how long it will be.

Feliciano Lopez Wins Queen’s Club
Feliciano joined the 35 and up title winners club over the weekend when he won the title at the Aegon Championships in London.   He defeated Marin Cilic in the final 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(8).  “Deliciano” turns 36 in September and is back into the top 30 of the ATP World Tour rankings with the title.  Vamos!

US Open Arthur Ashe Kids Day Tickets On Sale
Tickets for the US Open and for Arthur Ashe Kids Day are on sale now!  The lineup for AAKD will be announced in July, but you are guaranteed to see some of the hottest new artists perform during the stadium show (past performers include Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Jonas Brothers, Forever In Your Mind, Justin Bieber, and many more) alongside your favorite tennis players.  Head over to the Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day website for tickets and more info and stay tuned for the lineup!

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Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Gerry Weber Open – Halle, Germany
Aegon Championships – London, England

Last Week’s Winners:
Mercedes Cup – Lucas Pouille
Ricoh Open – Gilles Muller

Félix Auger-Aliassime Wins 1st Challenger Title
16-year-old Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime has been on the rise since he decided to transition from his successful junior career to turn pro in 2017.  Félix won his first title on the ATP Challenger Tour in Lyon, making him among the youngest titlist in challenger history.  He’s in good company – other young titlists include Rafael Nadal, Michael Chang and Novak Djokovic.  The win places Félix in the top 250 of the ATP World Tour Rankings, the youngest player to enter the top 250 since Juan Martin del Potro in 2005.

Lucas Pouille: A Man for All Surfaces
Lucas Pouille won his 2nd title of 2017 on the grass court in Stuttgart over the weekend.  Lucas now has 3 titles: 1 on grass, 1 on clay, and 1 on hardcourt.  Allez!

Rafael Nadal Wins Inagural “Thirsty Tennis Twitter Slam”
Rafa defeated his biggest rival of 2017, Dominic Thiem, in yet another final this season.   Rafa & Domi made it to the finals of the “Thirsty Tennis Twitter Slam,” a fan voted slam that had some tough match ups.  We love how it was run like a real slam, with a qualifying draw, an order of play and everything.  Vamos Rafa!

 

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournament:
Mercedes Cup – Stuttgart, Germany
Ricoh Open – s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Last Week’s Winners:
Roland Garros – Rafael Nadal

Rafa Wins “La Decima”
Rafael Nadal made history by winning Roland Garros for a record 10th time.  Rafa made it through the entire tournament without dropping a set, defeating Stan Wawrinka in the final 6-2, 6-3, 6-1.  He is the first man in the open era to win 10 titles at a Grand Slam, and is now second on the all-time Grand Slam titles list with 15.

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#CHAMP10N

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Ryan Harrison & Michael Venus Win Roland Garros Doubles
2017 has been quite a turnaround for Ryan Harrison, who admitted he had been on the brink of quitting tennis altogether just a few months ago.  He won his first ATP World Tour singles title earlier this year in Memphis and made it back into the top 50. Harrison teamed up with his close friend and best man Michael Venus for doubles at Roland Garros, making it all the way to the finals.  They faced off against fellow American Donald Young & Santiago Gonzalez for the title, winning 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-3.  Now Ryan can add grand slam champion to his list of accomplishments this year!

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GRAND. SLAM. TITLE.

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Grass Season Is Here!
The tennis world moves from clay to much quicker grass courts this week, with tournaments in Germany and the Netherlands.  Roger Federer is also back in action this week in Stuttgart, after skipping the entire clay court season.  The grass court season is by far the shortest on the tennis calendar – Wimbledon qualifying starts in just 2 weeks!

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: Roland Garros Week 2

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This Week’s Tournament:
Roland Garros – Paris, France

Roland Garros 101
Where to Watch: Tennis Channel and NBC
Tournament Dates:  May 28 – June 11
Time:  Play starts daily at 5am EST
Social Media: #RG17 @RolandGarros

Rafa Celebrates 31st Birthday
Rafa has been celebrating his birthday at Roland Garros for many years now, as it usually falls about halfway through the tournament.  He celebrated his 31st birthday on June 3rd, with lots of support from fans as he goes for a record 10th title.

Quarterfinals Set
We’re down to the final 8!   Quarterfinal action starts today in Paris.  Rafael Nadal is taking on Pablo Carreño Busta while Dominic Thiem will face Novak Djokovic.   Wednesday will see Stan Wawrinka vs Marin Cilic and Andy Murray vs Kei Nishikori.

Sportsmanship Highlight of Week 1
One of the biggest stories of the first week of Roland Garros was the sportsmanship and compassion on display.   Juan Martin del Potro comforting Nicolas Almagro when he had to withdraw with a knee injury.  Horacio Zeballos carrying David Goffin’s bag off court when he suffered a nasty fall, tearing muscle in his ankle.  Dominic Thiem offering comforting words to Stevie Johnson at the net after the loss of his father.  It’s wonderful to see and one of the many reasons why we love this sport.

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: Roland Garros Week 1

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This Week’s Tournament:
Roland Garros – Paris, France

Last Week’s Winners:
Banque Eric Sturdza Geneva Open– Stan Wawrinka
Open Parc Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Lyon– Jo-Wilfred Tsonga

Roland Garros 101
Where to Watch: Tennis Channel and NBC
Tournament Dates:  May 28 – June 11
Time:  Play starts daily at 5am EST
Social Media: #RG17 @RolandGarros

Stefanos Tsitsipas Qualifies for 1st Slam Main Draw
The 18-year old Greek player turned pro at the start of 2017 after an outstanding junior career.  Stefanos played through the qualifying draw at Roland Garros to earn a spot in the main draw of a slam for the first time in his career.  He played a close match against Ivo Karlovic in the 1st round, losing 6-7, 5-7, 4-6.

Sascha Zverev Upset in 1st Round
Sascha’s outstanding clay court season, capped off by winning his first Masters 1000 Title in Rome, came to an end early in Paris. Sascha fell in the first round to Fernando Verdasco in 4 sets.  He did land the cover of an Italian magazine!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUtxZABA0l5/?tagged=zverev

Gael Monfils Wins 400th Career Match
Gael Monfils won the 400th match of his pro career at Roland Garros.  Gael faced the equally flashy Dustin Brown in the most entertaining first round match of the tournament, with one hot shot after another.

Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Banque Eric Sturdza Geneva Open – Geneva, Switzerland
Open Parc Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Lyon – Lyon, France
Roland Garros Qualifying – Paris, France

Last Week’s Winners:
Internazionali BNL d’Italia – Sascha Zverev

Sascha Zverev Wins 1st Masters 1000 Title
Sascha got revenge for his good friend Dominic Thiem’s semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic, with a strong 6-4, 6-3 win over Djokovic in the finals in Rome.  The win is the first Masters 1000 title for Sascha, who at 20-years-old is the youngest to win a Masters title since Novak Djokovic in 2007.   Sasha will also enter the Top 10 for the first time in his career with the title in Rome.  We think Sascha has officially gone from #NextGen to #GenerationNow.

Thanasi Kokkinakis Makes Return to Singles
The young Aussie is playing in his first ATP World Tour level event in singles since he made a (brief) comeback in January.  Kokkinakis has had a rough time with injuries so early in his career, and we’re so glad to see him back on court!  Unfortunately, he lost in the first round to Denis Istomin in Lyon but we hope this is just the beginning of a strong comeback for him.

Novak Djokovic Announces Andre Agassi as New Coach
Rumors had been swirling for a while that Andre Agassi would be joining Djokovic’s coaching team.  Djokovic confirmed the rumors in his post-match conference in Rome, following his loss to Zverev.  Djokovic will officially start working with Agassi in Paris on a trial basis.

Dominic Thiem Beats Rafael Nadal in 3rd Straight Try
The hottest new rivalry on tour lately has been Rafa vs Domi.   The two met in the finals in both Barcelona and Madrid, with Rafa emerging as the winner of both titles.  Domi came closer to victory each match, and finally figured out a way to beat Rafa in the quarterfinals in Rome.  Thiem won the match 6-4, 6-3, showing off his aggressive and powerful playing style.  Bamos!

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Rome 2017 😊 #mygame

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Roland Garros Qualifying Underway
It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for the second slam of the season!   Roland Garros Qualifying is officially underway.  In the US, you can watch the action on Tennis Channel Plus.   Players to watch include young Americans Reilly Opelka, Dennis Novikov, and Stefan Kozlov, and new pros Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Casper Ruud.

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What a city 🇫🇷

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Sports, Tennis

Tennis Tuesday: News Roundup

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This Week’s Tournaments:
Internazionali BNL d’Italia – Rome, Italy

Last Week’s Winners:
Mutua Madrid Open – Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal Wins 3rd Consecutive Title in Madrid
Rafa’s outstanding clay season continues, as he won his 3rd consecutive title on clay so far this season.    Rafa has been on a roll winning Monte Carlo, Barcelona and now Madrid.   The King of Clay defeated arguably the best clay court player of the younger generation, Dominic Thiem (the Prince of Clay?), in both the Barcelona and Madrid finals.  The Madrid title was especially sweet as Rafa defeated Novak Djokovic for the first time in 7 matches, in their record 50th career meeting.

Juan Monaco Announces Retirement
“Pico” made a surprise announcement that he would be retiring from professional tennis on Monday on social media.  He had only played 3 matches so far this year.  Monaco turned pro in 2002 and had won 9 ATP World Tour Titles, reaching a career high of #10 in the world.    We wish Pico all the best!  (and maybe more game show appearances?)

Frances Tiafoe Wins Aix en Provence Challenger
The #NextGen American won his second clay court challenger title of the year over the weekend in Aix en Provence.  The win brings Frances up to a career high of #65 in the ATP World Tour rankings and to #3 in the ATP #NextGen Race to Milan.  #BigFoeOnTheComeUp indeed.