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Nakashima saves MPs, advances to Hangzhou QFs

  • Posted: Sep 20, 2024

Fourth seed Brandon Nakashima saved two match points to overcome #NextGenATP star Coleman Wong 6-7(7), 7-6(4), 6-1 on Friday and advance to the quarter-finals at the Hangzhou Open.

Nakashima, who is at a career high No. 39 in the PIF ATP Rankings, held his nerve to save two match points as he served at 6-5 down in the second set. The American struck 39 winners to defeat the 20-year-old in two hours, 40 minutes.

The former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF winner has maintained his momentum in the recent months, posting an 11-4 record since August, including a fourth-round run at the US Open. At Flushing Meadows he defeated Lorenzo Musetti and Holger Rune as he equalled his best run at a Grand Slam.

Nakashima advanced to his 14th ATP Tour quarter-final where he will face Australian Rinky Hijikata, who progressed after Fabian Marozsan withdrew due to sickness.

[ATP APP]

Mikhail Kukushkin rolled back the years as he defeated Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 7-6(3) in an all-Kazakhstani battle.

The 36-year-old converted three of his five break point chances as he reached his first ATP Tour quarter-final in four years (Nur-Sultan 2020).

Kukushkin broke a six-year title drought on the ATP Challenger Tour earlier this year, capturing titles in Manama and Tenerife. The former No. 39 in the PIF ATP Rankings will face either second seed Karen Khachanov or Yunchaokete Bu next.

 

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Laver Cup & ATP announce five-year extension to partnership

  • Posted: Sep 20, 2024

The Laver Cup and the ATP have today announced a five-year extension to their existing certification agreement, which began with Laver Cup 2019, and both renews and enhances their partnership.

This extension comes as the Laver Cup enters its seventh edition today at Uber Arena in Berlin, marking a significant milestone for the event as it continues to bring together tennis superstars from the past, present and future in a thrilling team competition and a unique celebration of the sport.

The Laver Cup, where top players from Europe take on their counterparts from the rest of the world, will continue to benefit from the ATP’s global reach, marketing services — including press and social media — and operational support, including officials and physios.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the ATP,” said Tony Godsick, Laver Cup Chairman and CEO of TEAM8.

“Their recognition validates the Laver Cup vision, which is to bring together the world’s top players – rivals year-round – as teammates, to celebrate and honour the legendary Rod Laver and his compatriots, while growing interest in this wonderful sport at new destinations around the world.”

“The Laver Cup has quickly established itself as a unique highlight of our season,” added ATP Chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi. “The passionate reception it receives from both the players and fans at every city it visits speaks volumes and we truly value the great potential Laver Cup has to attract new fans around the globe. We are delighted to be supporting its continued growth.”

Roger Federer, a driving force behind the creation of the Laver Cup, shared his enthusiasm about the future of the event.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built with the Laver Cup,” said Federer. “Becoming recognised as part of the ATP Tour five years ago was an important milestone. It’s been fantastic to see the way players, partners and fans around the globe have embraced Laver Cup. I’m excited for its future.”

[ATP APP]

This year marks the final appearance of legendary Laver Cup captains and former rivals Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, who have served as Team Europe and Team World captains, respectively, since the tournament’s inaugural year in 2017.

“The Laver Cup has been a huge success, and I’ve been honoured to be part of it from the beginning,” said Borg as he reflected on his involvement with the event.

“The values this event stands for—commitment to excellence, a focus on the team, respect for the opponent, and a love for the game—are things we see time and again throughout the competition. It’s been a privilege to lead such a talented group of players in this iconic competition.”

“What the Laver Cup has achieved in just a few years is incredible,” McEnroe added. “This event captures the essence of what tennis is all about: competition, passion, innovation and sportsmanship. I’ve enjoyed every moment as captain of Team World, and I can’t wait to see how the Laver Cup continues to inspire players and fans alike in the future.”

Since its inception in 2017, the Laver Cup has rapidly established itself as one of the most anticipated events on the tennis calendar. The five-year extension of this agreement between the Laver Cup and the ATP underscores the event’s success and its ability to contribute to tennis’ growth globally.

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