Archive of posts tagged first player

What to Watch on Day 4 of the US Open

Posted by on

Day 4 at the US Open promises to be a blockbuster as second-round action kicks off with some of the biggest names in tennis taking the court. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz look to continue their progress, while American fans will be cheering on 2024 runner-up Jessica Pegula. Women’s top seed and defending champ Aryna Sabalenka and 2021 champioon Emma Raducanu also face tough tests.

Ben Shelton

Djokovic’s Next Test

Four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, 38, survived a gritty first-round win over Learner Tien but admitted he struggled with fitness and recovery during long exchanges. “I don’t have any injury or anything. I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points,” Djokovic said.

After two days of rest, Djokovic will face American qualifier Zachary Svajda on Wednesday. The Serbian, who hadn’t played since Wimbledon, is looking to find his rhythm and start building momentum in New York.

American Men in Action

Day 4 at Flushing Meadows will feature several big American vibes. 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz and No. 6 seed Ben Shelton will be on court, with Fritz facing a challenging opponent while Shelton takes on Pablo Carreno Busta.

Two-time US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe will meet qualifier Martin Damm, and Marcos Giron goes up against the man who toppled Daniil Medvedev, France’s Benjamin Bonzi. Overall, eight of the remaining 11 American men in the draw will be in action on Day 4.

A Big Day For Teens

Day 4 at the US Open will also spotlight the next generation, with several teenage players in action. Joao Fonseca, Mirra Andreeva, Iva Jovic, and Jakub Mensik will all take to the court, giving fans a glimpse of the sport’s rising stars and plenty of exciting young talent to watch in Flushing Meadows.

Philippine sensation Alexandra Eala and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen will also be back in action, each looking to make history for their countries. Eala, the first player from the Philippines to ever win a Grand Slam match faces Cristina Bucsa of Spain, while Indonesian star Tjen takes on 2021 champion Emma Raducanu.

Paula Badosa Withdraws from US Open

Posted by on

By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis

The US Open is over before it began for Paula Badosa.

Former world No. 2 Badosa has officially withdrawn from this month’s US Open.

Alize Cornet

Badosa, who has been battling a back injury in recent years, has not played a match since bowing to Briton Katie Boulter in three sets in her Wimbledon opener last month.

Badosa’s departure gives Swiss Jil Teichmann entry into the US Open main draw, the USTA announced today. Veteran Alize Cornet is now the first player out of the main draw.

Initially, Badosa and ex-boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas were on the entry list for the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament. After they split as a couple, the pair withdrew from the US Open Mixed Doubles.

On the USTA’s most recent entry list, Badosa was set to partner Jack Draper in a match of Indian Wells’ champions, but that will not happen with her Flushing Meadows withdrawal.

An Australian Open semifinalist in January, Badosa will miss the US Open in her birthplace of New York City for the second time in the last three years.

A year ago, Badosa reached the US Open quarterfinals losing to Emma Navarro 6-2, 7-5. Badosa went on to a successful Asian swing reaching semifinals at the WTA 1000 in Beijing and at the WTA 500 in Ningbo where she retired after dropping the first set to Daria Kasatina.

Due to her back issues, Badosa has either retired or conceded a walkover seven times in the last two years.

Ben Shelton shows clutch in Toronto en route to historic Masters 1000 crown

Posted by on

Alex de Minaur

Ben Shelton lifted his career-best trophy in Toronto, earning his first Masters 1000 crown at 22. The American earned the title in remarkable fashion, surviving three deciding tie breaks en route to a trophy.

Thus, Shelton became the first player in Masters 1000 history to pull off such a feat on the way to the title. How did Ben do it? By staying fearless, keeping calm under pressure and finding his A-game in the pivotal moments. 

The young gun had to dig deep in rounds three and four. He bested top-tier players in the quarter-final and the semi-final before producing another thrilling win against Karen Khachanov in the title clash.

Shelton played against his compatriot, Brandon Nakashima, in the third round. The 4th seed prevailed 6-7, 6-2, 7-6 and avoided an early setback. The favorite fired 19 aces and lost serve once. 

However, Nakashima fought well after the second set and led 2-0 in the decider. Ben pulled the break back in the fourth game and denied a break point at 3-3 that could have been crucial. 

Brandon saved two match points on serve in the tenth game before his rival clinched a tie break 7-5 to emerge at the top and remain on the title course. Two days later, Shelton had to dig deep versus Flavio Cobolli.

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The American prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, showing his clutch in the pivotal moments. Both players scored three breaks. Flavio had the upper hand in the third set, serving well and generating break chances.

He stole Ben's serve in game five and provided two comfortable holds for 5-3. Standing on the verge of exit door, a left-hander pulled the break back at the last moment at 4-5 and extended the duel. 

The Italian saved a match point on serve at 5-6 before the American dominated the tie break to wrap up another tight victory and reach the quarter-final. Shelton produced a high-quality tennis against Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz. 

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025

Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Thus, he booked a place in his first Masters 1000 final and arranged the clash against Karen Khachanov. They battled for two hours and 47 minutes before Ben prevailed 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 to wrap up the title. 

The young gun kept his composure after the opener and in the decisive moments. He got broken once and provided two breaks. Karen saved three set points at 5-6 in the opener and claimed the tie break 7-5. 

Shelton grabbed a break at 4-4 in the second set and denied four break points in the next one with winners to introduce a decider. They served well and sent it into a tie break. 

The American played flawless tennis and closed it 7-3 to seal the deal and write Masters 1000 history.

Jannik Sinner revives Wimbledon glory: 'Even I was surprised by my level'

Posted by on

All England Club

World no. 1 Jannik Sinner is preparing for the title defense at the Cincinnati Masters. The Italian heads to Cincinnati following a historic triumph at Wimbledon, becoming the first player from his country with a trophy at the All England Club. 

Sinner is preparing for the North American hard-court swing with renewed motivation, hoping to defend the ATP throne from Carlos Alcaraz. As was expected, the 23-year-old enjoyed his break from tennis after conquering Wimbledon. 

The world's best player spoke about the emotional high of the final against Alcaraz and acknowledged that the experience felt very different to his other Major finals.

Five weeks earlier, Jannik squandered three match points against Carlos in that epic Roland Garros final, suffering a heartbreaking 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 defeat in five hours and 29 minutes.  

The Italian recovered and made a fresh start at the All England Club. He survived a major scare in the fourth round against Grigor Dimitrov and entered the last four with a win over Ben Shelton.

Sinner outplayed the seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets and arranged his first Wimbledon title clash against Alcaraz. The Spaniard took the opener, but the Italian kept his composure and provided a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory in three hours and four minutes.

Jannik Sinner, Cincinnati 2025

Jannik Sinner, Cincinnati 2025© X – Cincinnati Open

 

Jannik experienced different sensations from his previous Major finals, especially after what happened in Paris. The four-time Major winner revealed he was surprised with the level he produced, especially against his greatest rivals in the latter stages.

The first-time Wimbledon champion took a couple of days off the court, spending quality time with family and friends. Sinner then returned to Monte Carlo and started his preparations for Cincinnati and the US Open. 

The Italian has to defend both titles and 3000 ATP points. The pressure is there, but Jannik looks recharged and eager to build on his incredible season and add more silverware to his growing collection. 

Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner, 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Will anyone stop him? Only time will tell in the next five weeks.

"The final at Wimbledon provided a different sensation because of what happened a month earlier at Roland Garros. Bouncing back in London and performing at that level surprised me, too.

I was thrilled to spend some time off the court after London and see my family and friends. After spending time with important people around me, I returned to the practice court and gave my best to prepare for the US swing, an important part of the season.

Winning Wimbledon felt very special," Jannik Sinner said.

Alexander Zverev joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic in 'Club 50'

Posted by on

Alexander Zverev

World no. 3 Alexander Zverev is the top seed in Toronto following the withdrawals of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The 2017 champion is through to the last four after dethroning Alexei Popyrin in three sets.

Alexander has collected a couple of notable milestones in Toronto. He notched his 500th ATP victory in the third round, becoming the first player born in 1990 or later to achieve that.

The German reached his 21st Masters 1000 semi-final, leaving Andy Roddick on 20 and standing seventh on the all-time list. In addition, Zverev embraced his 50th notable quarter-final in Canada.

World no. 3 is only the tenth player since 1990 to achieve that feat at Majors, Masters 1000 events and the Olympic Games. Alexander joined the ultimate legends of our sport, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

Zverev has been one of the most consistent players born after Djokovic and Murray. The 28-year-old reached four notable quarter-finals in 2017 when he was only 20. The young gun raised that number to eight in 2018!

He competed in the last eight at seven Masters 1000 events and at Roland Garros. Alexander added four quarter-finals to his collection in 2019 before reaching three during the reduced 2020 campaign.

Alexander Zverev, Toronto 2025

Alexander Zverev, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The German returned at his best in 2021, earning nine notable quarter-finals to his name! He accomplished that at three Majors, the Olympic Games, and five Masters 1000 events, improving his already impressive tally at 24.

Zverev was on the same pace in 2022, making five quarter-finals by Roland Garros before experiencing a severe ankle injury that ended his season. Alexander had to wait for a year to add his name to a notable quarter-final.

He gathered three in 2023 before recovering his A-game last year. The German played in ten big quarter-finals, achieving his personal-best result and standing on 46 at the end of the season. 

Alexander Zverev, Roland Garros 2025

Alexander Zverev, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Zverev fought in the last eight at three Majors, the Olympic Games and six Masters 1000 events, proving his class and impressive consistency. Eight years after starting his journey at notable events, Alexander is a proud owner of 50 top-tier quarter-finals.

The 47th came at the Australian Open before missing it at four straight Masters 1000 events, sailing through an uncharted territory. Alexander added one in Rome and repeated that at Roland Garros for 49. 

Wimbledon has never been on the German's list, and he failed to change that this year following an early exit. However, Zverev bounced back in Canada and made his 50th notable quarter-final, becoming the first player to achieve that after the 1987 generation. 

Opportunity Knocks For These Five Players in Canada

Posted by on

By Chris Oddo | Monday August 4, 2025

Among the handful of household names still very much in the mix ahead of quarterfinal action at the 1000-level events in Canada this week, there are a few newbies who could just be ready to make a big splash.

And a four-time major champion that has not seen much success at the biggest events of late.

Tennis Express player gear
Tennis Express player gear

Let’s have a look at some of the players that could produce breakout results over the next three days in Canada.

Alex Michelsen

The 20-year-old American has reached his maiden Masters quarterfinals, and that makes three American men in the quarters of a Masters event for the first time since 2004 Indian Wells: Michelsen, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.

Today Michelsen will face Karen Khachanov in Toronto as he bids to become the youngest American man to reach the semifinals at a Masters event since Andy Roddick won the 2003 title. Michelsen, who will rise to No.28 in the live rankings if he wins, is bidding to become the first player born in 2004 to reach a Masters semifinal.

Clara Tauson

The 22-year-old Dane has already defeated two Top-5 players in 2024. She has now reached her second WTA 1000 quarterfinal and is already up to a new career-high ranking of 17 in the live rankings. She’ll face Madison Keys on Tuesday.

Victoria Mboko

It’s all gravy for the youngest player remaining in the women’s draw – and the last Canadian standing in either event — in Montreal this week, as 18-year-old wild card Victoria Mboko faces Jessica Bouzas Maneiro for a spot in the semis on Monday night.

Mboko, making her main draw debut, defeated Coco Gauff to reach her maiden WTA 1000 quarterfinal. Same for Bouzas Maneiro, and both players are bidding to reach their first tour-level semifinal.

Ben Shelton

22-year-old American Ben Shelton has already reached the semifinals at a major, but he hasn’t gone there at a Masters event thus far. He’ll have a chance to achieve the feat on Tuesday when he meets Alex de Minaur in Toronto, in a first-time meeting.

Of the eight men remaining in the singles draw in Toronto, only the Americans – Michelsen and Shelton – have yet to reach a Masters final.

ben shelton citi open
ben shelton citi open

Naomi Osaka

Could it be the four-time Slam champion’s time to shine again in Montreal? Naomi Osaka, with new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski at the helm, will bid for her first 1000-level semifinal since 2022 in Miami.

The former No.1, who rifled past Anastasija Sevastova in 49 minutes on Sunday, will face former champion Elina Svitolina on Tuesday.

Only four of the remaining eight players left in the Montreal draw have previously won a title at the 1000 level: Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Osaka and Svitolina

Boisson By the Numbers: Inside the 22-Year-Old Frenchwomans' Breakout RG Performance

Posted by on

Lois Boisson, at 22, is in the midst of one of the most remarkable Roland-Garros runs in Open Era history. Coco Gauff

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday June 5, 2025

Paris – Lois Boisson is all the rage in Paris, after the 22-year-old Frenchwoman has surged into the semifinals on her Grand Slam debut. On Wednesday the grounds were teeming with excitement as grounds pass holders that couldn’t get into Chatrier to watch the match flooded into the Place des Mousquetaires and the courtyard in front of Court Suzanne-Lenglen to view the spectacle.

Tennis Express

Boisson won in dramatic fashion against Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday, coming from 3-1 and 5-3 down in the opening set, then saving a set point in the first-set breaker. She then rallied from 3-0 down in the second set, winning the final six games to become the first Frenchwoman to reach the semifinals in Paris since 2011.

Boisson’s ride to the semifinals is one of the most remarkable runs in Open Era Grand Slam history, and it isn’t over yet. She’ll face Coco Gauff for a spot in the final.

Here are some of the stunning statistical details that the Dijon, Frances native has achieved already.


With her win Boisson became the second player in the last 40 years to defeat multiple top-10 opponents at her maiden Women’s Singles Grand Slam event, after Monica Seles at Roland-Garros 1989.

Boisson is the first player in the Open Era to reach the Women’s Singles semi-finals at the as a wild card at Roland-Garros, and she could become the first wild card Grand Slam finalist since Justine Henin at the Australian Open 2010.

Excluding unranked players, Lois Boisson is the lowest ranked (#361) to reach a Women’s Singles Grand Slam semi-finals in the last 40 years.

Boisson is the third player since 1980 to reach the semi-finals at their maiden Women’s Singles Grand Slam main draw appearance after Monica Seles (Roland Garros 1989) and Jennifer Capriati (Roland Garros 1990).

Having played just two WTA level matches prior to Roland-Garros, Boisson is the player with the fewest WTA level matches played prior to reaching her maiden Grand Slam semi-final in the Open Era, equalling Elisabeth Ekblom at the Australian Open 1976.