Tennis News

Zverev Survives Nishikori, Ready For 'Tough Challenge' Against Nadal

Alexander Zverev appeared destined for an early exit in Rome on Thursday evening. But the German battled past World No. 4 Kei Nishikori 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

Last week in Madrid, Zverev only lost five games against Nishikori. At the Foro Italico, however, he needed to claw back from a break down in the decider to set a quarter-final clash against Rafael Nadal after two hours and 53 minutes. 

“I think my aggressive play fits better the altitude, it’s as simple as that,” Zverev said in his on-court interview. “The conditions definitely fit Kei better, but at the end of the day I’m happy with the match… Right now, I’m just happy to be in the quarter-finals.”

It will be a blockbuster rematch, as the sixth seed upset Nadal last week at the Caja Magica en route to lifting his fourth ATP Masters 1000 trophy.

“I think there’s a big difference [in the conditions]. I also think there’s also a difference in our physical state. I think last week and now this match for me is going to come together tomorrow, but I’m going to give it my best,” Zverev told ATPTour.com. “At the end of the day, he’s one of the biggest competitors in the world and I’m going to try to be one myself tomorrow.”

Zverev has won three consecutive matches against the legendary lefty, claiming all six sets in those clashes. The German likes the challenge of facing the best.

“I enjoy playing against the best players in the world. That’s what you’re here for. That’s what you play tennis for,” Zverev said. “You want to be the best and you want to play against the best. It’s going to be a tough challenge, it’s going to be a tough battle, but I’m also looking forward to it.”

Nishikori was up a break in the third set and saved three break points in one service game, eventually taking a 4-1 lead. Coming back would not be an easy task, as Nishikori ranks third all-time with a 72.8 winning percentage in tour-level deciding sets.

But Zverev raised his level, playing comfortably on defence before stepping into his backhand down the line and short forehands when available. Once the German broke back at 2-4, he was like a runaway train, winning the final five games with play reminiscent of his level in Madrid, where he beat Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Matteo Berrettini en route to the trophy.

The 2017 Rome champion converted five of his 13 break points and won 70 per cent of his first-serve points to advance. 

Nishikori has now lost 11 consecutive matches against Top 10 opponents, with his most recent victory against the elite group coming against Roger Federer at the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals.

Source link

Andy Murray & Liam Broady lose in Italian Open doubles second round

Britain’s Andy Murray and Liam Broady are beaten in the second round of the Italian Open men’s doubles.

Source link

Nadal Saves 2 M.Ps., Denies Shapovalov Upset In Rome Thriller

Rafael Nadal booked a spot into his 16th quarter-final at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in dramatic fashion, having to save match points and rally from a set down in a three-and-a-half hour epic against 13th seed Denis Shapovalov on Thursday.

The nine-time champion trailed by 0-4 in the opening set, 0-3 in the second and saved two match points late in the third set as Shapovalov took control in their third-round clash on Campo Centrale. But Nadal was clutch in the high-pressure moments and steadily raised his level to secure the 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory for a spot in the last eight.

“[It] is an important victory for me [to] be able to win matches like today, three hours and 27 [minutes], in the Barcelona final three hours and 38 [minutes], long matches,” said Nadal. “To be able to win these kinds of matches against young players gives me confidence with my body. It’s true that I have to do things better for tomorrow. But the main thing today for me is [to] recover physically.”

The victory extends Nadal’s record to 19-0 against fellow left-handed players – a streak dating back to the 2017 Coupe Rogers in Montreal, when 18-year-old Shapovalov defeated Nadal in their first meeting.

Shapovalov raced out of the blocks and built up a double-break 4-0 lead, dictating with his booming forehand and regularly pulling Nadal out of position. Nadal needed a few games to find his footing, and broke back at 4-2 to cut down arrears, but Shapovalov had him back under pressure again at 5-3. The Canadian broke through once more after winning a marathon game, denying Nadal five chances to close it out and converting his fourth set point when Nadal buried a backhand into the net.

As ATP and WTA players including Jannik Sinner and Kristina Mladenovic packed the stands to witness the potential upset brewing at Campo Centrale, the 13th seed got out to another big lead with an early break in the second set. But Nadal held firm to shake off a point for a double break to make it 3-1. Nadal let out a roar, and the moment marked a turning point in the contest as the Spaniard reeled off four games to take a 5-3 lead – his first lead of the match – and clinched the second set.

Once again Shapovalov opened the third set with a break for 3-1, but this time Nadal capitalised on a shaky service game to get them back on serve straight away. With Shapovalov struggling to find first serves, Nadal created four more break opportunities in the final set. 

The Spaniard was in danger once again as Shapovalov applied the pressure at 6-5, fighting his way to two match points. But a wayward backhand from the Canadian and a forehand winner from Nadal extended his stay in the contest, sending them into a tie-break. Experience marked the difference in the decider as Nadal kept his cool to reel off four points in a row for a 4/1 lead before closing out the victory in three hours and 27 minutes.

“[This] has been a positive victory for me,” Nadal said. “I [fought] until the end a lot to be in quarter-finals. Tomorrow is a chance to play a quarter-final match. I hope to be ready to compete well.”

Into a record-extending 97th quarter-final at the ATP Masters 1000 level, second seed Nadal awaits the winner of Mutua Madrid Open champion Alexander Zverev and former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori next. 

Source link

Arevalo/Middelkoop Save 2 M.P. In Rome

Marcelo Arevalo and Matwe Middelkoop needed to save two match points on Thursday to reach the Internazionali BNL d’Italia quarter-finals in Rome.

The alternates recovered from 7/9 down in a Match Tie-break to overcome home favourites Fabio Fognini and Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 11-9 on Court 2. Arevalo and Middelkoop were unable to convert any of the eight break points they created throughout the match, but they won four straight points to finish the match after one hour and 55 minutes.

The Marbella quarter-finalists will face Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer for a spot in the semi-finals. Koolhof and Rojer rallied from a set down to beat Ariel Behar and Gonzalo Escobar 4-6, 6-3, 10-8.

Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic continued their strong run of form with a 7-6(4), 7-6(2) victory against Marcus Daniell and Philipp Oswald. The Miami and Monte-Carlo champions will meet Adrian Mannarino and Benoit Paire in the quarter-finals. The Frenchmen needed 74 minutes to claim a 6-3, 7-6(2) win against Marcelo Demoliner and Daniil Medvedev.

Defending champions Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos saved a match point to book their place in the last eight. The Madrid titlists trailed their Match Tie-break 9/10 before they reeled off three consecutive points to beat Lukasz Kubot and Franko Skugor 7-5, 4-6, 12-10.

John Peers and Michael Venus upset third seeds Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek 6-1, 7-6(2) to reach the quarter-finals. The unseeded duo, which won three titles last season, saved five of the six break points they faced en route to victory. Peers and Venus will next face eighth seeds Kevin Krawietz and Horia Tecau, who beat Liam Broady and Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4.

Source link

Ashleigh Barty to play Coco Gauff in Italian Open quarter-finals

World number one Ashleigh Barty sets up an intriguing quarter-final against American teenager Coco Gauff at the Italian Open.

Source link

Tsitsipas Takes Out Berrettini, Sets Djokovic Quarter-final

In front of passionate crowd on Grand Stand Arena, Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame Italian No. 1 Matteo Berrettini 7-6(3), 6-2 to reach the Internazionali BNL d’Italia quarter-finals.

The fifth seed won seven of his eight net points and capitalised on Berrettini’s low first-serve percentage in the second set (32%) to advance after one hour and 36 minutes. Tsitsipas has reached the quarter-finals at eight of his nine tournament appearances this season. The FedEx ATP Race To Turin leader is through to the last eight in Rome for the second time in four visits to the Foro Italico (2019 SF).

The World No. 5 will face five-time champion Novak Djokovic for a spot in the semi-finals. Djokovic needed just 70 minutes to charge past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 6-1 in the opening match on Centre Court.

Tsitsipas owns a 2-4 ATP Head2Head record against the World No. 1. In the pair’s most recent meeting, Djokovic outlasted Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 to reach last year’s Roland Garros final.

“[Djokovic] has won here a lot of times. I am just expecting to go out there [and] give my best performance,” Tsitsipas said in his post-match interview. “He can play on all surfaces. We played each other at Roland Garros. I see this as an opportunity for me to do something better this time. I hope to be able to play the same tennis that I have been playing so far and be a challenge for him.”

In a first set dominated by serve, Tsitsipas rallied from 1/3 down in the tie-break with six consecutive points. The Greek attacked Berrettini’s forehand and took advantage of consecutive volley errors to move a set from victory.

Tsitsipas piled the pressure on his opponent’s serve early in the second set. The 22-year-old created six break points across his opening two return games, and he broke through at 1-1 to increase his advantage. Tsitsipas closed the match with a second break and a love service hold to improve his ATP Head2Head record against the Madrid runner-up to 2-0.

“I had to deal with very serious business today,” Tsitsipas said. “Matteo was applying a lot of pressure with his serve, being very precise and accurate and that was the most difficult [part] of the match today… In the tie-break, I found my footwork which helped me transform my game and feel more comfortable playing the rallies. I was happy. I fought like I always do. I never gave up. I saw [my] opportunity and grabbed it.”

Berrettini was attempting to reach his second straight quarter-final in his home city. The World No. 9 owns a 10-3 record on clay this season, which includes his title run at the Serbia Open.

Source link

Novak Djokovic into Italian Open quarter-finals as fans return

World number one Novak Djokovic reaches the Italian Open quarter-finals for the 15th time in a row by beating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Source link

15-Love: Djokovic Extends Perfect Rome Quarter-final Record

In his 15th appearance at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Novak Djokovic advanced to his 15th quarter-final at the Foro Italico on Thursday.

The World No. 1 broke serve in five of his seven return games to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 6-1 and stretch his perfect record of quarter-final showings in the Italian capital. Djokovic, who owns five Rome titles, improved to 57-9 at the ATP Masters 1000 after a dominant performance on Centre Court.

After dropping serve in the opening game of the match, Djokovic consistently neutralised Davidovich Fokina’s serve with deep returns. The Serbian was able force his opponent into defensive positions in baseline rallies and he benefitted from 30 unforced errors from his opponent to charge through to the last eight in 70 minutes.

“I thought I played well. He started well and broke my serve in the first game. I made some errors, but I managed to break back right away and establish the control and consistency on the court. I think from the back of the court I was just a bit more solid than him,” Djokovic said in his post-match interview.

“He made some unforced errors and double faults in key moments, which obviously helped me get that necessary break forward. I thought I played better, at least 20 or 30 per cent better, than I did against Fritz a few days ago. I am on a good trajectory and hopefully tomorrow will be even better.”

Djokovic will face Monte-Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals. The fifth seed moved past Italian No. 1 and Madrid runner-up Matteo Berrettini 7-6(3), 6-2 on Grand Stand Arena. Djokovic owns a 4-2 ATP Head2Head record against Tsitsipas, which includes a five-set victory in last year’s Roland Garros semi-finals.

“My next match will be against a Top 10 player, so it is going to be a battle,” Djokovic said before Tsitsipas’ victory. “Tsitsipas won Monte-Carlo… I am obviously going to do my best to win that match.”

Reilly Opelka entered Rome on a six-match losing streak, but the American advanced to his second Masters 1000 quarter-final on Thursday with a 7-6(6), 6-4 victory against Aslan Karatsev. The 23-year-old landed 18 aces and saved two set points at 4/6 in the first-set tie-break to move past the in-form Russian in one hour and 37 minutes. Opelka will meet Federico Delbonis in the last eight.

The Argentine reached his first Masters 1000 quarter-final with a 7-6(3), 6-1 win against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Across main draw and qualifying matches, Delbonis owns a 20-7 record on clay this season.

Did You Know?
Djokovic has won his past seven quarter-finals in Rome. The World No. 1’s most recent Rome quarter-final defeat came in 2013, when he was beaten in three sets by Tomas Berdych. Djokovic owns an 11-3 record in Rome quarter-finals.

Source link

Venus Williams and Johanna Konta to play at Nottingham Open

Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams heads an impressive array of talent competing at this year’s Nottingham Open.

Source link

Gonet Geneva Open: All You Need To Know

Roger Federer is making his highly anticipated return to the ATP Tour by making his debut in Geneva at the Gonet Geneva Open. The 39-year-old hasn’t competed since reaching the Qatar ExxonMobil Open quarter-finals in his first appearance since the 2020 Australian Open. He last played on clay at Roland Garros in 2019 and made his most recent appearance in Switzerland when he won the 2019 Swiss Indoors Basel. 

The Geneva field also includes Top 30 stars Denis Shapovalov, Casper Ruud, Cristian Garin, and Fabio Fognini. Ruud has reached the semi-finals at his past three events (Monte-Carlo, Munich and Madrid) and has entered the Top 20 for the first time. 

Note: The 2021 Gonet Geneva Open will be held behind closed doors due to COVID-19 precautions.

Established: 1980

Tournament Dates: 16-22 May 2021 

Tournament Director: Thierry Grin

Draw Ceremony: Friday, 14 May at 6:30pm

Are You In? Subscribe To Get Tournament Updates In Your Inbox

Schedule (View On Official Website)
* Qualifying: Saturday at 10:00am, Sunday at 11:00am

* Main draw: Sunday at 11:00am, Monday – Thursday at 12:00pm and 6:00pm, Friday at 1:00pm

* Doubles final: Saturday, 22 May at 1:00pm

* Singles final: Saturday, 22 May at 4:00pm

How To Watch
Watch Live On Tennis TV

TV Schedule

Venue: Tennis Club de Geneve Eaux-Vives

Surface: Clay

Prize Money: €419,470 (Total Financial Commitment: €481,270)

View Who Is Playing, Past Champions, Seeds, Points & Prize Money Breakdown

Honour Roll (Open Era)
Most Titles, Singles: Stan Wawrinka, Mats Wilander (2)

Most Titles, Doubles: Tomas Smid, Balazs Taroczy (2)

Oldest Champion: Stan Wawrinka, 32, in 2017

Youngest Champion: Aaron Krickstein, 17, in 1984

Lowest-Ranked Champion: No. 157 Marc Rosset in 1989

Most Match Wins: Tomas Smid (18)

2019 Finals
Singles: Alexander Zverev (GER) d Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8) Read & Watch
Doubles: [1] Oliver Marach (AUT) / Mate Pavic (CRO) d Matthew Ebden (GBR) / Robert Lindstedt (SWE) 6-4, 6-4 Read More

Social
Hashtag: #gonetgenevaopen
Facebook: @genevaopen
Twitter: @genevaopen
Instagram: @gonetgenevaopen

Did You Know?
Federer will attempt to join Claudio Mezzadri (1987),  Marc Rosset (1989) and Stan Wawrinka (2016, 2017) as the fourth Swiss player to win the Geneva singles crown.

Source link