►🎾★🎾 🏆 FK Tennis Court 🏆 🎾★🎾◄ New Year, New CHALLENGES

[BangaloreaN]

Jannik Sinner wins Halle to become eighth man to win his first event played as ATP No. 1


The 22-year-old, who rose to No. 1 after Roland Garros, defeated Hubert Hurkacz for his first grass-court title.
Published Jun 23, 2024

Jannik Sinner has captured his fourth ATP title of the year—and the first of his career on grass—in Halle, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the final of the ATP 500-level event on Sunday, 7-6 (8 ), 7-6 (2).

And with that he joins a very exclusive list, becoming the eighth man in ATP rankings history to win his first event played as No. 1.
MEN TO WIN FIRST EVENT AS ATP NO. 1 (since 1973):
Jimmy Connors (1974 Indianapolis)
Bjorn Borg (1979 Monte Carlo)
Mats Wilander (1988 Palermo)
Stefan Edberg (1990 Long Island)
Pete Sampras (1993 Hong Kong)
Novak Djokovic (2011 Canada)
Andy Murray (2016 ATP Finals)
Jannik Sinner (2024 Halle)

And there’s more.

The 22-year-old Sinner is actually the youngest man to achieve the feat since Sampras in 1993, and the third-youngest to do it at all, after Sampras and Connors, who were both 21 years old.

YOUNGEST MEN TO WIN FIRST EVENT AS ATP NO. 1 (since 1973):
Pete Sampras [21 years, 8 months]
Jimmy Connors [21 years, 11 months]
Jannik Sinner [22 years, 10 months]
Bjorn Borg [22 years, 10 months]
Mats Wilander [24 years, 1 month]
Novak Djokovic [24 years, 2 months]
Stefan Edberg [24 years, 7 months]
Andy Murray [29 years, 6 months]

Sinner is just two days younger than Borg was when he won the first tournament he played as No. 1—22 years, 10 months and 7 days compared to 22 years, 10 months and 9 days.

There were zero breaks of serve in the all-Top 10 final at the ATP 500 event, though Sinner did have a few close calls—he saved a break point in the fourth game of the match, as well as a set point down 7-6 in the first set tie-break. But in the end he was just too good at the tail-end of both sets to defeat Hurkacz for the third time in five career meetings, breaking their 2-2 head-to-head tie.
Sinner has now won an ATP title on all three surfaces in his career, with the majority of his 14 career titles—12—coming on hard courts, including his biggest career title at the Australian Open this year. He’s won one on clay, at Umag in 2022, and now one on grass.

[BangaloreaN]

An illustrator has described designing the official Wimbledon 2024 poster as the "pinnacle" of her career.
Bella Grace from the Isle of Wight was approached by the sporting event and asked to create the artwork.
The lifelong tennis fan said she took inspiration from some of Wimbledon's most iconic trophies.
Her design is expected to be seen by more than 500,000 ticket-holders at the two-week event in London.

Mrs Grace said she wanted to incorporate foliage and "beautiful English gardens" into the poster.
The design includes hydrangeas made from score cards, agapanthus fashioned out of tennis rackets and even Rufus the Hawk, who is responsible for keeping the courts pigeon-free.
"When you look closer, you'll see that there's some creative tennis elements hidden within it," she said.
These 14 hidden elements represent each day of the championship, which takes place between 1 - 14 July.

[BangaloreaN]

Barbora Krejcikova clinches Wimbledon 2024 title

Before receiving her trophy, the 28-year-old Krejcikova paid tribute to her late mentor and fellow Brno native, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion who passed away in 2017.


Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova poses with the Venus Rosewater Dish trophy after winning the final against Italy's Jasmine Paolini

Barbora Krejcikova triumphed at the Wimbledon singles title on Saturday, overcoming Italian favorite Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling match that ended 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 on a sunny Centre Court. The Czech player, renowned for her doubles prowess, dominated the first set with an almost flawless performance. However, Paolini’s spirited comeback in the second set set the stage for an intense decider.
In the final set, momentum seemed to favor the seventh-seeded Paolini. However, the tide turned when Krejcikova broke serve at 3-3, capitalizing on a crucial double-fault by Paolini. Serving for the title at 5-4, Krejcikova faced a nerve-wracking challenge, squandering two match points and saving two break points before finally sealing her victory on the third attempt.
“I was just telling myself to be brave and if the game doesn’t go my way it’s still 5-5 and we continue,” Krejcikova said, reflecting on the tense finale. She was watched by Czech-born nine-time singles champion Martina Navratilova, who cheered her on from the stands.

Before receiving her trophy, the 28-year-old Krejcikova paid tribute to her late mentor and fellow Brno native, Jana Novotna, the 1998 Wimbledon champion who passed away in 2017. “Jana was the one that told me I have potential and that I should turn pro and before she passed away she told me to go and win a Grand Slam,” Krejcikova shared. Adding the Wimbledon title to her 2021 French Open triumph, Krejcikova now holds 10 Grand Slam doubles titles, including two at the All England Club.

While Krejcikova celebrated her hard-fought victory, Paolini faced heartbreak for the second time in weeks, having also lost the French Open final. Despite her disappointment, Paolini remained positive. “Today I am a little bit sad. I try to keep smiling because I have to remember today is still a good day, I made the final of Wimbledon,” she said.
Krejcikova continued the tradition of Czech-born Wimbledon champions, following Marketa Vondrousova, who won the title last year. She started the match with determination, breaking serve in the first game and establishing a 2-0 lead. Although Paolini, who had defeated Donna Vekic in the longest-ever Wimbledon women’s semi-final, showed resilience, Krejcikova’s relentless pressure secured the first set in just 35 minutes.

Paolini returned with renewed vigor in the second set, seizing on Krejcikova’s mistakes to lead 3-0 and eventually taking the set. However, Krejcikova’s experience and powerful serve, including five aces in the final set, helped her regain control. The crucial break at 3-3 in the decider ultimately led Krejcikova to victory, solidifying her status as a Grand Slam champion once more.

[BangaloreaN]

Alcaraz crushes Djokovic to retain Wimbledon title



Carlos Alcaraz powered to victory over an out-of-sorts Novak Djokovic to retain his men's singles title at Wimbledon.
Although the players on show made this a repeat of last year's final, it failed to live up to the five-set thriller of 12 months ago as Djokovic appeared mostly helpless against the dominant Spaniard.
Despite squandering three championship points when trying to serve out a rapid victory, Alcaraz found focus again and held his arms aloft after battling through the third-set tie-break for a 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win.
"Honestly, it is a dream for me winning this trophy," said Alcaraz, who was presented with the trophy by the Princess of Wales.
"I did an interview when I was 11 and I said my dream is to win Wimbledon."
Gracious in defeat, Djokovic shared a smile and warm embrace with Alcaraz at the net after his comprehensive loss.

For a second straight year, Djokovic was attempting to equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon men's titles.
The 24-time major winner was also trying to move ahead of Margaret Court to take sole ownership of the all-time record for the most Grand Slam singles titles.
Djokovic has enjoyed many magnificent days on Centre Court, but this was one he is unlikely to look back on with any great fondness.
As modern tradition dictates, Alcaraz climbed up to the players' box and was leapt upon by his team and family, celebrating a 14th consecutive match win at Wimbledon.
The result continues the four-time major winner's 100% record in Grand Slam finals, while he becomes the youngest man to win at Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.
Later on Sunday evening, Alcaraz celebrated Spain's Euro 2024 final victory over England - making it a perfect day for him and his country.

[BangaloreaN]

Olympics 2024: Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz to win gold in men's singles final at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic wins first Olympic gold medal by beating Carlos Alcaraz in a pulsating final, giving the 37-year-old the last significant accomplishment missing from his glittering career.



Novak Djokovic gained revenge on Carlos Alcaraz in a pulsating men's singles final to claim his first Olympic gold medal

An emotional Novak Djokovic produced a stunning display to defeat rival Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in the match of the year to win his first
Olympic gold medal and complete a career Golden Slam.
Djokovic's impressive career already featured a men's-record 24 Grand Slam titles and the most weeks spent at No 1 in the rankings by any man or woman.
It also already contained a Summer Olympics medal, from 2008, but it was a bronze - and he has lost to the eventual gold winner each time - Rafael Nadal at Beijing in 2008, Andy Murray at London in 2012 and Alexander Zverev in Tokyo three years ago.

He lost in straight sets to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final only three weeks ago and had not won a title all season but, playing in the red of Serbia, the 37-year-old produced a superb performance to win in straight sets.
"I'm overwhelmed with everything I'm feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country. Arguably the biggest success I had," said Djokovic.

"I won probably everything there is to win in my individual career. Winning Davis Cup and particularly a golden medal at the age 37 for Serbia is unprecedented. I'm just starting my celebration. I can't wait for what's coming up in the next 48 hours.

"I'm super grateful for the blessing to win a historic gold medal for my country. To complete the Golden Slam. To complete all the records."
When his final forehand found the corner, Djokovic dropped his racket and turned to his family in delight and disbelief before lying on the court, his ultimate goal finally realised.
He joins Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf as just the fifth player to complete the career Golden Slam of all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic singles gold.
Alcaraz trailed 0-40 in the fourth game as Djokovic stuck like glue to the baseline and piled on the pressure but the Spaniard was up to the task.
It was an extraordinary level of tennis, the pair outdoing each other with outrageous shot-making, but it was Alcaraz's enormous power that began to take charge.

He created eight break points, three at 2-2 then five more at 4-4, but Djokovic, on the ropes but not panicking, somehow withstood the onslaught.
As the clock ticked past the hour mark, Alcaraz saved a first set point, but Djokovic was not to be denied in the tie-break, winning the final four points.
When his final lunging forehand volley landed in after 93 minutes of action, the 37-year-old stood for several seconds with his fist in the air, soaking in the cheers from his fans.
Alcaraz had started to over-hit a little in a search of a way through Djokovic's defences, and his frustration grew in the second set as the finish line approached with nothing to split them.
Going into the tie-break, Djokovic knew one final effort would deliver the longed-for prize and two fizzing forehand winners gave him an early advantage that Alcaraz could not claw back.


Djokovic targets LA in 2028

Djokovic's powers had appeared to be waning this season, with Alcaraz and fellow young gun Jannik Sinner taking charge, but he has not ruled out playing into his 40s and having another shot at the Olympics in 2028.
"I still want to play in Los Angeles," he said. "I enjoy playing for my country and the Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup, being part of the team."


Alcaraz broke down in tears during a TV interview on court but was able to reflect later with pride on taking silver on his Olympic debut.
"In front of me I had a really hungry Novak," said the 21-year-old, who has won each of his four Slam finals.
"His level was really, really high. He didn't let me take the chances. I'm really proud and I'm leaving the court and leaving the tournament with my head really, really high, knowing that I gave everything that I could.
"This tournament has been really special for me, I'm going to take it for the rest of my life. Playing with Rafa, having those feelings, getting my first Olympic medal - hopefully not the last one."
Bronze went to Lorenzo Musetti, and Italy were able to celebrate gold in the women's doubles, with Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini beating Russian duo Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, who were playing as neutral athletes.

Novak Djokovic has...

4 US Open titles
7 Wimbledon titles
3 French Open titles
10 Australian Open titles
24 total Grand Slam titles

Over $182M in ATP earnings

Now, at 37 years old, he's finally an Olympic gold medallist

[BangaloreaN]

Sinner storms past Fritz to win first US Open title


Jannik Sinner has won six ATP Tour-level titles in the past nine months


World number one Jannik Sinner stormed past Taylor Fritz to win the US Open and secure a second Grand Slam title of the year.
Italy's Sinner, who won his first major title at the Australian Open in January, held off a late charge from American 12th seed Fritz to win 6-3 6-4 7-5.
It comes just 19 days after it was revealed he had been cleared of any wrongdoing after twice testing positive for a banned substance in March.
The 23-year-old held his arms aloft and looked up to the sky as he became the first player since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.
He is also the first Italian man to win the singles title at Flushing Meadows.

Sinner said the title "meant so much because the last period of my career was not easy" before he became tearful and dedicated the victory to his aunt.
"My aunt is not feeling well health-wise and I don't know how much longer I have her in my life," he said.
"It's nice I can still share these moments with her. She is an important person in my life and still is.
"If there was a wish I could make, I would wish good health on everyone but unfortunately it's not possible."
Fritz, meanwhile, was unable to become the first American male Grand Slam singles champion in 21 years.
Andy Roddick, who was watching from the stands, remains the last American man to lift a major singles trophy, having won the US Open in 2003.
"I know we have been waiting for a champion for a long time so I'm sorry I couldn't get it done this time," said Fritz.

[BangaloreaN]

Sabalenka holds off Pegula to win first US Open title


Aryna Sabalenka has won three of the four Grand Slam singles finals she has played in


Aryna Sabalenka won her first US Open title as she put the disappointment of last year's final behind her to hold off home hope Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka was seen smashing her racquet on the floor of the locker room after losing the Flushing Meadows showpiece to Coco Gauff in 2023.
However, 12 months on, the Belarusian second seed earned redemption in New York, dropping to the floor in celebration after clinching a thrilling 7-5 7-5 win over Pegula.
It is a third Grand Slam singles trophy for Sabalenka after she successfully defended her Australian Open title in January.
It also continues her dominance on hard courts, with the win over Pegula extending Sabalenka's unbeaten run on the surface at major tournaments to 14 matches.
"I'm speechless right now. It's always been a dream of mine and finally I got this beautiful trophy," Sabalenka said.


The 26-year-old ran up to her player's box to celebrate the victory, hugging her team and jokingly slapping the head of her strength and conditioning coach Jason Stacy, who had a replica of Sabalenka's tiger tattoo printed on the area.
"If you're really working hard sacrificing everything for your dream, you're going to get it one day," she added.
"I'm just super proud of myself. I never say that but I'm super proud of myself.
"I'm super proud of my team that no matter what, we were able to go through it and get all those beautiful trophies."
For sixth seed Pegula, the wait for a first major title goes on.
Playing in a first Grand Slam singles final, the 30-year-old was buoyed by a partisan crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium and made a late surge to halt Sabalenka.
But Sabalenka fought back from a 5-3 second-set deficit before wrapping up victory in one hour and 53 minutes to claim 2,000 ranking points and $3.6m (£3.04m) in prize money.

[BangaloreaN]

End of an Era Rafael Nadal Retires Post Davis Cup Defeat

Rafael Nadal, one of tennis's all-time greats, bid farewell to professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup in Málaga, Spain. His final match ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to the Netherlands' Botic Van de Zandschulp, marking the end of an extraordinary career.

Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’s all-time greats, bid farewell to professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup in Málaga, Spain. His final match ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to the Netherlands’ Botic Van de Zandschulp, marking the end of an extraordinary career. With 22 Grand Slam titles, four Davis Cup victories, and two Olympic golds, Nadal leaves behind an unparalleled legacy defined by grit, humility, and unmatched prowess on the court. Here’s a detailed study of his career milestones and legacy.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

• Debut: Began professional career in 2001 at a Futures event.
• Main Tour Breakthrough: Reached the Wimbledon third round in 2003.
• First Grand Slam Win: Claimed his maiden title at the 2005 French Open.

Grand Slam Achievements

• Total Titles: 22 Grand Slam titles (2nd in men’s history).

French Open Dominance

• 14 titles at Roland Garros, with a record of 112-4.

• Won 4 consecutive French Opens twice (2005–2008 and 2017–2020).

Other Slams

• 2 Australian Open titles (2009, 2022).
• 2 Wimbledon titles (2008, 2010).
• 4 U.S. Open titles (2010, 2013, 2017, 2019).
• Career Grand Slam: Achieved in 2010 after winning the U.S. Open.

Key Rivalries

• Roger Federer: Defined by their contrasting styles, including the iconic 2008 Wimbledon final.
• Novak Djokovic: Epic matches, especially at Roland Garros and Australian Open finals.
• Part of the Big Three: Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic collectively elevated tennis to new heights.

Davis Cup and Olympic Success

Davis Cup Wins: Four titles with Spain (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011).


Olympic Golds

• Singles in 2008 (Beijing).
• Doubles in 2016 (Rio, partnered with Marc López).

Injury Struggles and Resilience

Challenges

• Persistent injuries in knees, wrists, and foot affected his consistency.
• Endured a two-year slump (2015–2016) but returned stronger.

Comeback: Won his 10th French Open and third U.S. Open in 2017, marking a resurgence.


Legacy

Style of Play

• Dominating topspin forehand.
• Supreme baseline consistency and tactical acumen.

Reputation

• Known for his humility, sportsmanship, and unwavering willpower.
• Role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Tributes

• Legends like Federer, Djokovic, Serena Williams, and David Beckham lauded his contributions to the sport.

End of an Era

• Retirement: Officially announced at the Davis Cup in 2024 after Spain’s loss to the Netherlands.
• Final Stats: 92 career singles titles, including 22 Grand Slams.

Legacy Statement: “I leave the world of professional tennis having found many friends.”

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Spaniard Clay Court Ruler Rafel Nadal Retires from Professional Tennis
Professional Debut	2001 (Futures event); main tour debut in 2003
Grand Slam Titles	22 (2nd most in men’s history):– French Open: 14 – Wimbledon: 2 – Australian Open: 2 – U.S. Open: 4
Career Grand Slam	Completed in 2010 at the U.S. Open.
Olympic Medals	2 Golds– Singles (2008, Beijing) – Doubles (2016, Rio).
Davis Cup Titles	4 (2004, 2008, 2009, 2011)
Total Career Titles	92 singles titles.
French Open Record	Played 116, Won 112, Lost 4 (most dominant at a single Slam).
Notable Rivalries	Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic.
Retirement Announcement	October 2024; final match at Davis Cup against Botic Van de Zandschulp.
Tributes	Acknowledged by Federer, Djokovic, Serena Williams, and global sports icons.
Legacy Statement	“I leave the world of professional tennis having found many friends.”