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Serve Bot? So Not! Opelka Charts New Path to US Open R4

  • Posted: Sep 05, 2021

Reilly Opelka has spent much of the summer embracing an identity as a ‘Serve Bot’ in self-deprecating banter with fellow American John Isner. After charging into the US Open fourth round Saturday night, the 6′ 11″ Florida resident is in need of some new shtick.

Yes, the 24-year-old thundered an obligatory 20+ aces, but he raised eyebrows with five breaks of serve against Nikoloz Basilashvili in a 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-4 win. Opelka played his brand of ‘Big Man’ tennis, clubbing 52 winners, including 21 aces. He took big cuts on service returns and won 12 points at net.

And in even better news for Opelka, he thinks there is further improvement left in his game in the second week. “I wasn’t too happy with how I played,” he said. “I think I got off to a slow start. I hit my forehand poorly. I think there’s a lot of good things that come from that. I found a way to win in straight sets against a great player, playing slightly below my average.

“I don’t think I served my best. One thing I think I did a great job of was I came in at the right time and I volleyed unbelievably well in big moments.”

Opelka, who joins countrymen Frances Tiafoe and Jenson Brooksby in the round of 16, will next play Lloyd Harris.

The South African extended Denis Shapovalov’s summer of discontent at the US Open Saturday night when he upset the Canadian for the second time this year to reach the second week of a major for the first time in his career. The 24-year-old South African broke serve five times and hit 26 winners to oust the seventh seed 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and 11 minutes.

After back-to-back semi-finals on grass at Queen’s and Wimbledon, Shapovalov had suffered three consecutive opening-round losses before finding form at Flushing Meadows. The Bahamas resident seemed to have turned around his form with two straight-sets wins heading into his third-round meeting with Harris, but 40 unforced errors proved his undoing.

Harris, who also beat Shapovalov earlier in the year in Dubai, said, “The fourth round is obviously a major accomplishment for me, it’s my first one ever, and I’m looking forward to the next one. I can’t wait to be back. Everything has been coming together this season. I feel confident in my game and I want to keep the momentum going.”

Harris, who is at a career-high No. 46 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, made just 23 unforced errors as he improved to 23-17 on the year.  

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Krawietz/Tecau Move Through At US Open

  • Posted: Sep 05, 2021

Sixth seeds Kevin Krawietz and Horia Tecau continued their quest for their first major title as a team as they edged past Frederik Nielsen and Vasek Pospisil 7-6(12), 7-6(4) on Saturday to reach the third round at the US Open.

The German-Romanian tandem won 81 per cent (44/54) of their first-serve points to advance after two hours. They will next face Santiago Gonzalez and Andres Molteni after the Mexican-Argentine team defeated 11th seeds Raven Klaasen and Ben McLachlan 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(7).

Americans Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey hit 13 aces as they upset 14th seeds Simone Bolelli and Maximo Gonzalez 7-6(5), 6-4 in 88 minutes. The unseeded pair reached the semi-finals in New York as a team in 2015.

The 10th seeds Jean-Julien Rojer and Wesley Koolhof also advanced with a 6-4, 7-6(3) victory against Americans Robert Galloway and Alex Lawson, while 13th seeds Rohan Bopanna and Ivan Dodig overcame Hugo Nys and Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

British-Pakistan team Jonny O’Mara and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi booked their spot in the third round with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) victory against 16th seeds Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen, while 15th seeds Andrey Golubev and Andreas Mies defeated Tomislav Brkic and Nikola Cacic 7-5, 6-2.

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Like Rocky Vs. Drago, Brooksby Knocks Out Karatsev

  • Posted: Sep 05, 2021

Jenson Brooksby bends, but almost never breaks. The #NextGenATP American showed that on Saturday when he rallied past 2021 breakthrough star Aslan Karatsev of Russia 6-2, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the US Open for the first time.

Brooksby, a 20-year-old who needed a wild card to get into the main draw of the season’s final major, is the youngest American man to make the fourth round at the US Open since a 20-year-old Andy Roddick in 2002. The home favourite will next play World No. 1 Novak Djokovic for a place in the quarter-finals.

“Today was a battle obviously. I don’t know how long it was, but I thought I started out solid. Good first set. Still a couple things I could have done better,” Brooksby said. “I just lost the mental energy way too much in the second set and third set. That’s not really easy to come back from, but I just told myself to keep staying in the present moment, keep breathing, keep staying positive, focus on what I’m working on out there. That showed in being able to turn it around today.”

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has been a special venue for Brooksby, who qualified here two years ago and defeated former top five star Tomas Berdych in what ended up being the Czech player’s final match. It is fitting the World No. 99 is having his biggest breakthrough yet at Flushing Meadows following a summer in which the American’s impressive play put him under the spotlight.

Earlier this year at Roland Garros, Karatsev dismissed Brooksby in straight sets on the Parisian clay. But this time, with a raucous Court 17 crowd behind him, Brooksby battled through after three hours and 49 minutes.

Before the Hall of Fame Open in July, Brooksby had never played the main draw at an ATP Tour event (only three Grand Slam appearances). But since arriving on the Newport grass, the American has become one of the sport’s quickest-rising prospects.

Three tournaments ago, Brooksby competed at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Lexington. Now, he will play a 20-time major winner during the second week of his home Grand Slam.

Karatsev packs a punch with his powerful game and the Russian, who made the Australian Open semi-final earlier this year, scored several knockdowns with 58 winners. But like Rocky Balboa against Ivan Drago, Brooksby never gave up.

The American scrambled behind the baseline — while also taking opportunities to step into the court — to break his opponent’s serve eight times. Countless times, he put both arms in the air like a prize fighter, trying to rally the crowd behind him.

“The crowd played a big role, definitely. Them chanting, cheering me on, it gave me a lot of energy to come back down [from] two sets to one. It was a rough couple sets,” Brooksby said. “Whether it was just my group, even friends I had here, the whole crowd in general with the full stadium, it was great to see them behind me. I really enjoyed that.”

At 1-2 in the deciding set, Karatsev hit a double fault to lose serve. From there, Brooksby did not release his grip on the match.

Fans chanted, “Let’s go Brooksby, let’s go!” before the #NextGenATP star served for the match. And after Karatsev missed a final forehand return long, the crowd went wild in support of their budding star.

Brooksby’s match against Djokovic will be his first against a Top 10 opponent. His best win this year came against Felix Auger-Aliassime in Washington, where he made the semi-finals.

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US Open Continues To Inspire Social Change

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2021

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has expanded its social responsibility campaign, “Be Open,” leveraging the global stage of the 2021 US Open to promote and amplify important messages of progress, positivity and equality.

Introduced at the 2020 US Open, the platform has developed into a focal point of the tournament. “Be Open” honors champions of equality, both on and off the court, and the multi-faceted campaign of 2021 features an increased number of activations that are designed to inspire everyone to have a more “open” mind towards all things and all people. Tennis is open to all players, regardless of age, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin and the USTA and US Open remain committed to the pursuit of equity, inclusion, and respect for all.

“As we began this important journey in 2020, we quickly understood that as the world evolves it is imperative that the ”Be Open” platform continually evolves with it,” said Michael Dowse, USTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. “Our unwavering commitment to this culturally-relevant movement is a real-time reflection of the inclusiveness of tennis and is truly a concerted industry effort, with US Open fans, players, sponsors and partners all rallying around some of the most significant societal issues and shared values of our time.”

“Be Open has become a centerpiece of the US Open and will be well into the future,” said Nicole Kankam, Managing Director, Pro Tennis Marketing, USTA. “The expanded list of activations for 2021 more fully embrace the values that we have championed throughout our history and continue to support.”

The following activations will be featured as part of “Be Open” at the 2021 US Open:

Open Canvas Art Display – throughout the tournament
The “Open Canvas” art installations will move from the front-row seats of Arthur Ashe Stadium to the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center so that all fans can better engage with the dynamic program. Dedicated booths in the sponsor allee near Grandstand Stadium, will feature the work of 10 artists from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds who have created life-size artwork that brings to life powerful messages of inclusivity and diversity. Broader storytelling in 2021 will help to reach new audiences and into new areas, including people of color, gender equality and LGBTQ+. All original artwork will be available for fans to bid via QR codes in a live auction throughout the tournament, with proceeds going to the USTA Foundation and charities selected by the artists. US Open partners Mercedes-Benz and BODYARMOR are supporters of this year’s exhibit. The overall concept was developed in collaboration with USTA creative agency dentsuMB.

US Open “Champion to Champion” – throughout the tournament
This compelling nightly initiative will honor 11 community-based champions from the
U.S. and around the world who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields to help provide a better future for those around them. US Open tennis champions will again be paired up with these honorees for one-on-one virtual conversations, as a thank you for their efforts. Each conversation will air as a brief video during the evening broadcast of the 2021 US Open. Fans nominated champions from their community and those selected include teachers, health care workers, medical providers, frontline workers, 9/11 first responders, coaches and program leaders, as well as others in partnership with US Open international broadcasters. Each champion embodies the spirit of “Be Open” with their community reach and impact, openness and passion, and creative efforts.

Be Open

US Open Pride Day – Wednesday, September 1
Begun in 2019, the tournament will expand its commitment to the pride community with an official “US Open Pride Day” on Wednesday, September 1 to honor the LGBTQ+ community—past, present and future. The celebration will be seen and felt throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a fitting tribute to King, one of the most important trailblazers in tennis and sports, and to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. LGBTQ+ tennis players span the globe and Pride Day offers an opportunity to thank them for breaking down barriers and paving the way for future LGBTQ+ tennis stars to play the game they love and feel welcome and accepted just as they are. To further strengthen its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in tennis, the USTA is partnering with organizations that focus on making athletic communities more inclusive and advocating for LGBTQ+ equality. The Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) has recently joined Tennis Industry United (TIU) as a supporting partner. The TIU was developed to help drive the growth of tennis and comprises six tennis organizations, including the USTA.

HBCU Live at the US Open – Thursday, September 2

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a vital role in American history, producing some of the most successful business people, entertainers, athletes and world leaders throughout every sphere of society. This year, the US Open will bring greater awareness of HBCU culture, history and tradition directly to fans on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. At an HBCU, the “yard” is the center of the community and the 2021 US Open will bring together music, food and a fun, celebratory atmosphere that captures the spirit of that yard experience. Tennis pioneer Althea Gibson was an HBCU alum, as well as former NYC Mayor and USTA Board member, the late Hon. David N. Dinkins, who will be honored with a celebratory tribute thanking him for his many contributions to the US Open and the sport of tennis. HBCU Live at the US Open will also include an increased commitment to supporting the Black community through USTA financial contributions to HBCUs varsity tennis programs, benefitting their student-athletes. Also of note, much of the September 2 celebration is being produced by Black-owned businesses and many of those owners are also HBCU alums.

Specific highlights include:
• Music provided by HBCU Alumni DJs including:
o The Legendary Chris Washington (Howard University)
o DJ Jon Quick (West Virginia State University)
o A Fly Guy (Florida A&M University)
• Food and beverage provided by Black-owned Harlem restaurant Fieldtrip
• Special performance by Howard University’s Showtime Marching Band

Original 9
In addition, the USTA will honor the group of pioneering women professionals known as the “Original 9” and further show its support for gender pay equity by honoring them and their impact on women’s sports today. The “Original 9” will officially receive the Trailblazer Award at the USTA Foundation Opening Night Gala, as well as an on-court ring ceremony on September 9 to commemorate their 2021 induction in to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. A photo exhibit honoring all nine trailblazing women will be on display along the sponsor allee with photos curated by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Also, an all new 2021 “Be Open” video content series and related stories of inspiration can be found on USOpen.org/BeOpen.

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Lajovic: ‘There Was Something Different’ About Djokovic

  • Posted: Sep 04, 2021

Dusan Lajovic remembers well the buzz surrounding a burgeoning talent, Novak Djokovic, even as a teenager in Belgrade. The younger of the two Serbians, Lajovic had high hopes of his own he could one day make it as a professional tennis player.

Any star athlete a few years older garners attention, particularly those paving a path and setting an example of success. Djokovic was in the midst of transitioning from juniors to ITF Futures and ATP Challenger Tour events when the pair first crossed paths.

“It was a long time ago. It is three years’ difference [in age]. I think Novak was 16 years old when I saw him for the first time at a tennis court at Partizan [tennis club],” Lajovic told ATPTour.com. “Everybody was saying, ‘This is one of the guys that will be really good at tennis.’ You could see there was something different with him from the other guys.”

Lajovic was just as in awe of his countryman some 18 years on as the World No. 1 prepared his bid to secure the Grand Slam at the US Open. Victory would give Djokovic a 21st major and sole position on the all-time tally, one clear of his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“It is incredible, especially because you are also playing in this era of the guys who are breaking records. To be in the same era as one of the guys who is the greatest of all-time, you know this is history,” Lajovic said. “It will be really hard for someone to break these records these guys achieved and the way Novak is playing right now.

“It looks like he can break even more records, and you can’t even see the end. When you have someone from your country, it puts it even more into perspective that you need to have that drive, passion and will to be the best. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what conditions you have, you are really trying to sacrifice everything to succeed, and the opportunity will present itself.”

No. 40 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, Lajovic has been an ATP Cup and Davis Cup teammate of Djokovic’s, as well as a practice partner. He eventually squared off against his decorated countryman in Doha in 2015 and again at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters three years ago.

Djokovic claimed both ATP Head2Head encounters and conceded just four games total. From firsthand experience and having seen what his countryman was capable of against his biggest rivals, Lajovic saw no limits to the 20-time major champion’s talents – but felt one in particular stood out more over time.

lajovic

“I think talent comes in many forms and when you see these top guys, they are very talented in every particular skill that you need for tennis. They are all moving very well, all very smart on the court, all very determined, big fighters,” Lajovic said. “I think the biggest talent is who can mentally hold longer and right now it looks like Novak is on top of that.”

Djokovic is into the third round of the US Open, where he will play former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori. Regardless of who Djokovic has in his path as he pursues history in the coming fortnight, Lajovic is sure of one thing. “Playing for what he is playing for at the US Open, the biggest pressure will be on him and not the players playing him.”

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