Jannik Sinner will face Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in the title clash
Archive of posts tagged Lorenzo Musetti
Veteran Doubles Players Shine In U.S. Open’s Revamped Mixed Doubles Event
The U.S. Open's reimagined mixed doubles competition has kicked off with veteran doubles specialists outshining top singles stars in the early matches. The event, which now precedes the main singles draw, has attracted significant attention due to its innovative format and the participation of prominent players.
In the opening match, defending champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, both seasoned doubles players from Italy, defeated the duo of Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz with a score of 4-2, 4-2. Their performance highlighted the depth of experience and coordination that seasoned doubles players bring to the court.
Similarly, the pairing of Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti showcased their doubles prowess by overcoming the team of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, winning 5-3, 4-2. This match underscored the strategic play and synergy that veteran doubles players often exhibit, which can be challenging for singles specialists to counter.
The revamped mixed doubles format has been a focal point of discussion. Organizers have streamlined the event to feature 16 teams, with entries based on combined singles rankings and wild-card selections. This structure aims to elevate the profile of mixed doubles by involving high-profile singles players, thereby increasing fan engagement and media coverage.
However, the changes have not been without controversy. Some doubles specialists have expressed concerns over the new format and the allocation of wild cards, arguing that it may undermine the traditional doubles circuit. In response, organizers have reallocated last year's mixed doubles prize pool to traditional doubles events, aiming to balance player earnings and maintain the integrity of both formats.
The mixed doubles event has also seen unexpected developments. World number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the competition due to illness, leading to the inclusion of American players Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison as replacements. Despite this setback, the event has garnered large crowds and enthusiastic responses, indicating a positive reception to the new format and its potential to rejuvenate interest in mixed doubles tennis.
As the U.S. Open progresses, the mixed doubles competition continues to evolve, offering fans a fresh perspective on the sport and highlighting the enduring appeal of doubles play. The outcomes of these matches may influence future tournament structures and the integration of singles and doubles events, reflecting the dynamic nature of professional tennis.
Sincinnati Statement: Sinner Storms Through Cincinnati Opener
By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, August 9, 2025
Photo credit: Cincinnati Open Facebook
All-surface champion Jannik Sinner returned to his favored hard court in Cincinnati.
The world No. 1 combined deconstruction with deception launching his Cincinnati title defense rolling to his 22nd consecutive hard-court victory.
When Sinner wasn’t busy torching blazing drives by Daniel Galan he bamboozled him with touch, flicking a clean forehand drop shot to wrap a 6-1, 6-1 sweep.
“I would say I’m obviously very happy to be back here,” Sinner told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj afterward. “It’s a special place for me and last year was an amazing year for me. So let’s see what’s coming.
“It’s very difficult to play here, I feel like the ball is flying fast so when you lose confidence with a couple of shots it makes it very, very difficult to play. I’m very happy about today’s performance, playing against a qualifier, it’s not easy so I’m happy about today and let’s see what’s coming.”
In his first match since dethroning two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to make history as the first Italian to win Wimbledon, Sinner picked up right where he left off at SW19.
The world’s top two have renewed their rivalry teeing off on the local golf course before the Cincinnati Open began.
“We actually played now a couple of times before the tournament here,” Sinner told Prakash Amritraj. “I’m not a good golfer, but I love to spend time doing different things.
“Maybe now we will go because I have tomorrow one day off. Maybe we will play a couple of holes here. It’s the best place to play golf. In Cincinnati, there’s not so much to do. So we’re actually lucky the golf course is there.”
The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion was nearly untouchable on serve winning 22 of 23 first-serve points and saving the only break point he faced in a comprehensive 59-minute conquest.
59 minutes… @janniksin 🤯💥 https://t.co/89X0Anp6G6 pic.twitter.com/MWkqgdy6It
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 9, 2025
Sinner will face either Argentinean Sebastian Baez or big-serving Canadian Gabriel Diallo with a potential round of 16 clash looming against American Tommy Paul.
Newly-engaged Paul pounded out a 6-2, 6-2 win over Spaniard Pedro Martinez earlier today.
Two of the top 12 seeds failed to clear their first hurdle in the top quarter of the draw with both falling to Frenchmen.
Benjamin Bonzi beat No. 8-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(4). That upset came shortly after Arthur Rinderknech outlasted 1th-seeded Casper Ruud 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-2.
Launching his quest to become the first man since legendary Roger Federer in 2014-2015 to successfully defend Cincinnati, Sinner was in charge from the very outset. The lanky Italian’s attention to detail was evident when he bent over to pick up the coin and return it to chair umpire Aurelie Tourte after losing the opening coin toss.
That was one of the last defeats Sinner took on this day.
The US Open champion rolled through 12 straight points on serve winning four of the first five games at love surging to a 5-0 lead after 17 minutes of play.
The reigning champion rips the ball with such fierce force off both wings, opponents have to respect the deep drive. Seeing the Colombian qualifier back behind the baseline, Sinner flicked a dropper, followed it forward and bunted a backhand down the line to take the first set in 26 minutes.
The bearded Colombian was on the verge of another early-set blow out, when he dug in and fought back.
Galan denied five break points in a punishing third game to hold for 1-2 in the second set.
Swatting a deep forehand return to push his opponent back behind the baseline, Sinner stepped in and scalded a forehand strike down the line breaking for 4-1.
The four-time major champion flicked a final forehand drop shot closing in 59 minutes and scoring his 25th consecutive opening victory.
After disarming his opponent today, Sinner shared he didn’t hit a ball for 10 days after his Wimbledon win and believes that helps him return refreshed.
“I went without tennis, it was 10 days,” Sinner told Prakash Amritraj. “When I was a bit younger, a couple of years ago, I never wanted to take the racquet away.
“Now every time when I have a small chance, I put it away, you know? Because then I will have even more love for the sport and for the game. And also, appreciation to comeback and feel good again. I love this sport. I love to make sacrifices also and I also love the people I have around. It’s a good combination of many, many things.”
Michelsen Tops Tien, Will face Khachanov for Toronto Semifinal Spot
By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, August 2, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty
In a clash of friendly fire, Alex Michelsen played clean first-strike tennis to take good friend Learner Tien down.
Michelsen broke Tien in his opening service game of both sets sparking a 6-3, 6-3 sweep in a match of talented Californians in Toronto today.
The 20-year-old Michelsen, who toppled 10th-ranked Lorenzo Musetti in the prior round, advance to his 15th career quarterfinal and first Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
It’s a milsetone moment for Michelsen, who led start to finish. Michelsen is the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinalist since a 20-year-old Sebastian Korda made the last eight at 2021 Miami. He’s the youngest U.S. man to reach the National Bank Open quarterfinals since a 20-year-old Andy Roddick took the title 22 years ago.
Aggressive baseline play from Michelsen combined with some uncharacteristically sloppy shotmaking from Tien was the difference today. Michelsen converted four of 10 break points in an 80 minute victory for his sixth quarterfinal of the 2025 season.
The 34th-ranked Michelsen will face Karen Khachanov for a spot in the final four.
Khachanov cracked 29 winners in a 6-4, 7-5 victory over former US Open finalist Casper Ruud.
The 11th-seeded Khachanov broke three times in a 93-minute victory.
Khachanov beat Ruud for the first time in three meetings and snapped an 11-match losing streak vs. Top 20 opponents. It was Khachanov’s first win over a Top 20 opponent since he beat Grigor Dimitrov at the Paris Indoors last October.
The hard-hitting Khachanov has dropped just one set in three tournament victories.
Michelsen won his lone prior meeting vs. Khachanov with an impressive 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-2 sweep at the Australian Open last January.
ATP ace Andrey Rublev blasts fast courts in Toronto
Andrey Rublev has certainly raised his level compared to recent months and his new collaboration with Marat Safin is helping him to find good feelings in view of the US Open scheduled for the end of the summer. The Russian ace had already put in a series of good performances during the Wimbledon Championships, where he had also put world number 2 Carlos Alcaraz in trouble by losing in four sets in the round of 16.
The player from Moscow also reached the round of 16 at the Toronto Masters 1000, after defeating Hugo Gaston in his debut and Italian star Lorenzo Sonego in the third round. Andrey – who reached the final in Montreal last year – made an excellent comeback against Sonego showing that he has recovered mental strength, but further tests will be needed to understand the real consistency of the Russian.
His next opponent will be Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who is playing very well at the moment and has no intention of stopping there. Rublev occupies the 11th position in the ATP ranking at the moment, but he is very close to the tenth position held by Lorenzo Musetti (who has already been eliminated by Alex Michelsen) and will overtake him by passing the next round.
Rublev does not like these courts
Meanwhile, the former Top 10 player gave a long interview to 'Tennis Channel' in which he highlighted how these courts leave little room for tactics and strategy.
As a spectator, I enjoy watching tennis on slower courts a lot more," the Russian champion revealed. "A lot of people think of Wimbledon courts as quite fast, but grass is a surface that allows you to play longer rallies and make the transition from defense to attack. There is more room for strategy and you can change tactics in relation to the score. It takes more intelligence and athletic fitness to prevail on those fields.
The situation is very different on hard courts. I watched the match between Medvedev and Popyrin and there were very few rallies from baseline. Although Daniil was in action, the point ended with the serve and another shot in most cases."
Washington: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina bests Ben Shelton
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will chase his first ATP title in a career in Washngton. The Spaniard bested Ben Shelton 6-2, 7-5 in the semi-final in an hour and 19 minutes, advancing to his fourth ATP final and the third of the season.
Davidovich Fokina left the home star behind in the opening set and grabbed three straight games in the closing stages of the second set for a notable victory. Alejandro will crack the top-20 with these points, regardless of the final outcome.
The Spaniard is 8-0 against left-handers in 2025. He is also the fourth player with five top-10 victories this season, joining Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti on the exclusive list.
Après Taylor Fritz, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina élimine son deuxième TOP 10 du tournoi en sortant Ben Shelton (6-2, 7-5) pour atteindre la finale du tournoi ATP 500 de Washington. 🔥🇪🇸
L’Espagnol entrera dans le TOP 20 pour la première fois. 👏pic.twitter.com/fqy4J9jAqs
— Univers Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) July 27, 2025
Ben could not produce the magic behind the initial shot from the previous matches. He served at 55% and dropped42% of the points in his games. The home player faced six break points and got broken four times.
Alejandro dropped 14 points in ten service games, suffering one break in the second set and outplaying his rival. They sprayed too many unforced errors. The Spaniard tamed his strokes more efficiently and bested the top-10 star from the baseline.
They stayed neck and neck in the quickest exchange up to four strokes, and the lower-ranked player had the upper hand in the more advanced ones. Davidovich Fokina made a reliable start.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina & Ben Shelton, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot
He served well in the opener and kept the pressure on the other side. Shelton sprayed a forehand error in the fifth game, losing serve and falling behind. The Spaniard cemented the lead with a forehand down the line winner in the next one.
A left-hander struggled again on serve in game seven and netted a forehand to experience another break and fall 5-2 behind. Alejandro landed an ace in the eighth game, wrapping up the opening set 6-2 in 27 minutes.
Ben played against a break point at 2-2 in the second set and saved it with a service winner. However, he played a loose drop shot two games later, losing serve and sending his rival 4-3 in front.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot
The Spaniard played his only loose service game in the next one, placing a forehand wide and losing serve to bring the home favorite back to the positive side.
Shelton sprayed a backhand error in the 11th game and got broken when his opponent painted a forehand down the line winner. Davidovich Fokina served for the win at 6-5 and fired a powerful serve for a hold at 15 and his fourth ATP final, the third of the season.
Shelton's Top-10 Debut Makes Three Americans in the ATP's Top-10 for the First Time Since 2006
The Americans could have four in the coming months.
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday June 16, 2025
American men’s tennis continues to grow its momentum. After landing two men in the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros for the first time since 1996, the American men now have three players ranked inside the Top 10 for the first time since 2006.
Enter Ben Shelton, who reached the semifinals last week in Stuttgart, and enters the Top-10 for the first time in Monday’s ATP rankings.
Shelton, 22, is the first American man born in the 2000s to achieve the feat.
Shelton is joined by Taylor Fritz, who returns to No.4 after winning the Stuttgart title, and Tommy Paul, who is at No.8, thanks to his quarterfinal run at Roland-Garros.
The last time three American men held Top 10 rankings at the same time was April 17th, 2006, when Andy Roddick was No. 4, James Blake was No. 7 and Andre Agassi was No. 10.
USA making moves at the top of the leaderboard! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/W3Ju4wYzn5
— USTA (@usta) June 16, 2025
Shelton is the fourth ATP player – and second American, along with Paul – to make his Top-10 debut in 2024. The other two players are Jack Draper and Lorenzo Musetti.
Diallo Cracks Top-50
Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, 23, cracks the Top-50 at No.44 thanks to his title at ‘S-Hertogenbosch. Diallo became just the second Canadian to win a grass court title on Sunday, and the first since Greg Rusedski in 1993.
Italy’s Flavio Cobolli also cracks a career-high at No.24.
Zizou Bergs (+14 to No.49) and Reilly Opelka (+12 to No.75) were also among the big risers in this week’s ATP rankings. Opelka has risen over 200 spots since January. He played Brisbane at No.293 this year.
Bergs, who lost to Diallo in the ‘S-Hertogenbosh final, is back at his career-high.
Alcaraz on Facing Sinner in RG Final: Beautiful Brutality
"They push you to the limit," Carlos Alcaraz said of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.
By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, June 6, 2025
Photo credit: Adam Pretty/Getty
King of Clay Rafa Nadal famously said suffering is a prerequisite to Grand Slam success.
Reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz says facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner brings beautiful brutality.
World No. 2 Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Musetti in four sets to power into his second straight Roland Garros final with his 13th consecutive win in Paris.
Alcaraz rides a 4-0 record in Grand Slam finals into Sunday's French Open final against either Sinner in a rematch of the 2024 Roland Garros semifinals.
A red-hot Sinner scorched 44 winners and saved three set points in the third set fending off Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in three hours, 16 minutes to advance to his maiden Roland Garros final.
It's the first time since the 1984 French Open that both men's and women's singles finals feature No. 1 vs. No. 2 with Aryna Sabalenka meeting Coco Gauff in the women's title match tomorrow.
Asked afterward what he loves about facing those two champions, Alcaraz said both bring out his best—and reinforce his belief pain is progress because both rivals "push you to the limit."
"I mean, I enjoy every time that I'm playing against them, because I love that battle," Alcaraz told the media in Paris. "But, you know, most of the time is just about suffering, because they push you to the limit."
Alcaraz said those brutal showdowns are beautiful experiences that make him a better player.
"But my favorite thing is, as I said, it gives you the feedback of how can I be better, a better player," Alcaraz said. "I think that's important, and that's beautiful, even though if I win or not, gives you a lot of stats and gives you the feedback."
French Open 2025 Semi Final Recap
Day Thirteen at Roland Garros delivered two very different semi-finals, but one clear outcome: the dream final is on. Carlos Alcaraz was the first to book his spot, recovering from a slow start to take control against Lorenzo Musetti, who was forced to retire early in the fourth set due to a leg injury. The …
Tiafoe on Musetti Controversy: I Think It's Comical
"Obviously he did that and nothing happened," Frances Tiafoe said of Lorenzo Musetti kicking a ball that struck a linesperson..
By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Photo credit: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Facebook
The ball didn't bounce Frances Tiafoe's way, but a crucial kicked ball call favored Lorenzo Musetti.
Tiafoe wasn't happy about it.
In case you missed it: During the second set of Musetti's 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 Roland Garros quarterfinal conquest of Tiafoe today, the frustrated Italian kicked a stray ball. Though there was no malice in the kick and the ball was struck softly it hit a lineswoman in the chest.
Tiafoe looked at the chair umpire for a call. The chair umpire hit Musetti with a code violation warning, but not a default, which was an option.
Lorenzo Musetti received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after this incident 😳 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ted26XaBUv
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) June 3, 2025
Asked his view of the controversy afterward, Tiafoe said there's a double standard at play that he called "comical."
"I mean, obviously he did that and nothing happened," Tiafoe told the media in Paris. "I think that's comical, but it is what it is. Nothing happened, so there's nothing really to talk about.
"Obviously it's not consistent, so it is what it is."
Former US Open semifinalist Tiafoe is well aware of Novak Djokovic being defaulted from the US Open after accidentally striking a lineswoman in the throat with a ball.
At the 2020 US Open, Djokovic hit a ball in frustration at the back wall after dropping serve. The shot inadvertently struck a lineswoman in the throat immediately knocking her to the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. Djokovic was disqualified from the US Open and forfeited ranking points and the $250,000 prize money he earned reaching the US Open fourth round and incurred a $10,000 fine as well.
Tiafoe's point is simple: Why did Djokovic's strike warrant a disqualification but Musetti's did not?
Presumably, the chair umpire considered the softness of the shot and lack of malice in Musetti's case.
The Grand Slam rule states that disqualification can be ruled if "intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences."
In this case, Musetti immediately apologized for the kicked ball and was hit with a code violation. The Monte-Carlo finalist said he believes the chair umpire made the right call as he did not intend to harm anyone.
"Honestly it was really unlucky coincidence," Musetti told the media in Paris. "Yeah, I was a little bit, honestly, scared, because I really didn't want to harm nobody, of course. So I immediately went to the line umpire, and I of course said, Sorry, I apologize to everyone.
"It was right to have a warning, but I think the umpire saw that there was no intention about that, and that's why probably just, you know, let me continue my game."
TNT analyst and former Grand Slam semifinalist Coco Vandeweghe said Musetti should have been ejected.
"In other sports if you put hands on the ref or hit the ref with the ball, you're ejected," Vandeweghe said on TNT. "The accident is always going to be there until it happens on purpose. You are at risk of hitting a ball girl or ball boy or a fan in the stands."
Interestingly, at Roland Garros we've seen similar incidents met with different decisions throughout the years.
The first disqualification of the 2023 Roland Garros generated tears and controversy.
Aldila Sutjiadi and Miyu Kato were disqualified from Roland Garros doubles two years ago after Kato hit a ball that struck a ball girl.
a tough scene in Paris. Doubles partners Kato/Sutjiadi just got defaulted as Kato hit a ball girl accidentally at 6-7(1), 3-1.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/A7BIshh1CX
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 4, 2023
Twenty years before Kato's doubles disqualification, Guillermo Coria hit a ball kid with his Prince racquet and was not disqualified.
Some veteran tennis fans are calling Roland Garros out for an inconsistent standard pointing to the 2003 men's semifinals when a frustrated Guillermo Coria turned and hurled his Prince racquet at the back wall, accidentally brushing a ball kid in the process.
Coria was horrified seeing his racquet nearly nail the ball kid and immediately apologized and offered the ball kid the shirt off his back in an effort to apologize further. In that case, officials did not default Coria and allowed him to complete that semifinal loss to Martin Verkerk. Coria went on to reach the 2004 Roland Garros final and held championship points before losing a heartbreaker to compatriot Gaston Gaudio.
French Open 2025 Day Ten Recap
Day Ten at Roland Garros saw the first two men’s semi-final spots claimed, and neither match went the distance. Lorenzo Musetti continued his dream clay season with a composed four-set win over Frances Tiafoe, seizing the key moments late in the third before powering through the fourth to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. Carlos …
French Open 2025 Day Eight Recap
The second Sunday of Roland Garros 2025 delivered another batch of high-quality matches, as the men’s singles draw narrowed to its final eight. Lorenzo Musetti continued his strong clay form with a composed win over Holger Rune under the lights, Carlos Alcaraz notched his 100th tour-level clay victory in a thrilling four-set battle against Ben …