Archive of posts tagged New York

Medvedev Overheats and Poor Stretch Continues in Cincinnati

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By Chris Oddo | Monday August 11, 2025

What happened to Daniil Medvedev? Remember the former World No.1, the guy who stood tall against the Big Three and racked up titles on hard courts like they were going out of style? Has anyone seen that guy?

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tennis express pro player gear

There would not be a sighting in Cincinnati, where Medvedev appeared as a shell of his former self as he wilted in defeat to Australia’s Adam Walton on Sunday, 6-7 6-4 6-1.

It’s just odd to see the former juggernaut at No.15 in the world, carrying a record of 26-17 for the season. One of the most captivating, personable players on the ATP Tour, who earned his nickname the “slim reaper” thanks to his wiry frame and uncanny ability to outlast players with his trademark accuracy and resiliency, is only 29 years old. It’s not like he’s Kei Nishikori at 35 and on the way out, or Gael Monfils at 38.

Medvedev is 1-3 at the Grand Slams in 2025, and 11-7 at the Masters events. This is a player who won more than 60 matches in 2021 and 2023, and reached six major finals between 2019 and 2024. But he’s gone 12-20 against the Top-20 since the start of 2024, so his lack of success against the elite no longer comes as surprise.

Medvedev was a few games from winning yesterday’s match with Walton, but the extreme heat zapped him. He was suffering during courtside changeovers, dunking his head in a water cooler and sitting beneath an ice pack. On court he had nothing to give in the deciding set. It happens, but it shouldn’t. No excuses, this is the type of difficulty he has pushed through in previous years, as he became one of the best hard court players in tennis.

The 2021 US Open champion will head to the US Open next, where he is 33-7 lifetime. If a dose of New York energy can’t bring his game to life, we should all be worried.

Former ATP stars discuss Novak Djokovic's future

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2028 Olympics

Novak Djokovic's next tournament will be the US Open – the last Major of the season – which will take place in New York from August 24 to September 7, preceded by the mixed doubles tournament in which the former world number 1 (together with Olga Danilovic) will also participate.

Against all odds, the Serbian legend has decided not to play either the 'Canadian Open' in Toronto or the Cincinnati Masters 1000 before the US Open and fans are wondering what his level will be in the Big Apple at the end of August. The 38-year-old from Belgrade had also made this decision last season, when he needed time to recharge his batteries after the Paris Olympics, but he was unable to give his best in NY and was eliminated already in the first week.

It is clear to everyone that Nole directs his schedule mainly towards Grand Slam tournaments and has been able to raise his level in those four tournaments this year, but he has never gone beyond the semifinals. In addition, he is starting to have more injuries than in the past and he has not hidden that it will be very hard to become the oldest player ever to lift a Major.

Nole is 38 years of age 

Most experts and former players are convinced that Novak's career is not far from over, although he has repeatedly stated that he wants to try to continue until the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

On the latest edition of the 'Nothing Major' podcast, former American ace Sam Querrey asked John Isner when he thinks Djokovic will retire: “Do you think Djokovic is going to be a guy who announces his retirement like 2026 will be my last year?” Isner replied: “I think you’re right. I guess when you know you know. He might just reach that point where he wakes up one morning and it’s like man, I have had enough. Hopefully that is four years from now.”

Nole has not triumphed in a Major since the 2023 edition of the US Open.

Novak Djokovic's schedule worries everyone: all details inside

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Belgrade

Novak Djokovic's schedule after the Wimbledon Championships surprised both fans and insiders. The former world number 1 decided to skip the Toronto Masters 1000 and this choice was not particularly surprising, considering that the Serbian legend has not played in Canada since 2018 and definitely needed a break after his loss to Jannik Sinner at the Championships.

However, most experts expected that the 38-year-old from Belgrade would at least participate in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 – scheduled in Ohio from August 7 to 18 – in order to play some official matches on the hard courts in view of the US Open. 

The final Major of the season will begin on August 24 in New York and it is now clear to everyone that Nole will only play mixed doubles with Olga Danilovic before making her singles debut.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has spent the last few weeks on vacation with his family and friends, enjoying his free time first in Croatia and then in Greece. Novak has not yet resumed practicing and it is not known if he has solved the muscle problem that had conditioned him during the semifinal of the Championships.

Nole is still resting

A few days ago, Djokovic's presence at the second edition of the 'Six Kings Slam' to be held in Saudi Arabia was announced.

In the latest episode of his podcast, American legend Jimmy Connors admitted that he was surprised by Nole's recent choices: "I have to admit that his schedule worries me a bit. He hasn't played a hard court match so far and it would have been good to see him in Cincinnati to test his level, but instead he preferred to stay home. We don't know what to expect from him, although we can't underestimate one of the best in history. We've seen him on vacation for the last month, that's all we know."

The Serbian ace had missed both American Masters 1000 last season, before being prematurely eliminated in New York.

Riccardo Piatti comments on the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

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Carlitos

The Cincinnati Masters 1000 and the US Open represent the two new stages of the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who will compete for the first position in the ATP rankings until the end of this season. The 22-year-old Spaniard won Roland Garros for the second year in a row at the end of an epic final, in which he also cancelled out three match points, but the current world No.1 took revenge on his top rival at the Wimbledon Championships by becoming the first Italian ever to lift the trophy in London.

The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is still at the top of the ATP rankings, but he will have to defend many more points than Carlitos in the coming months and risks being overtaken. The four-time Grand Slam champion will be called upon to defend 3000 points between Cincinnati and New York, unlike his main rival who had not shone in these two events last season.

Piatti talks about Sinner and Alcaraz 

There is no doubt that the US Open – scheduled in New York from August 24 to September 7 – will be fundamental in the race for the first position in the ATP rankings, with the Italian and the Spaniard doing everything possible to play their best tennis in Flushing Meadows.

In a long interview with 'La Stampa', top coach Riccardo Piatti – who worked with Sinner until 2022 – analyzed this amazing rivalry in detail: "Carlos' top goal is the US Open: if the Spaniard were to triumph in New York, it would become very difficult for Jannik to finish the year as number 1.

They are two champions who love competition and aspire to become the best version of themselves, without obsessions of any kind. Sinner has raised his level exponentially in the last year and has understood that he will have the chance to make the Grand Slam in the coming seasons. I've always thought so."

In the 2022 edition of the US Open, Jannik and Carlitos played a memorable match in the quarterfinals.

Major update on Jannik Sinner's debut in Cincinnati

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Alexander Zverev

Jannik Sinner will be back in action at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 these days, where he will try to defend the title won a year ago thanks to an amazing run. The world No.1 will play his first official tournament since his extraordinary triumph at the Wimbledon Championships just under a month ago, having decided to skip the 'Canadian Open' in Toronto so as not to overload his body ahead of the US Open.

This segment of the season is very suitable for the game of the Italian ace, who will be called upon to defend 3000 points between Cincinnati and New York. If he wants to maintain the top position in the ATP rankings until the end of the year, the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria needs to achieve brilliant results in the coming month and will have to hope that his top rival Carlos Alcaraz is not at the top of his shape.

The Italian and the Spaniard faced each other in the final at both Roland Garros and the Wimbledon Championships, which is why fans hope to be able to witness a new chapter of their spectacular rivalry already in Flushing Meadows.

New details on Sinner's debut

Meanwhile, the exact date of Jannik's debut in Ohio has finally been revealed. The four-time Grand Slam champion – who can benefit from a first-round bye – will make his debut in this tournament on Saturday, August 9 against Kopriva or a player from the qualifiers.

Sinner's potential path in Cincinnati doesn't look too tough, having avoided very dangerous rivals like Ben Shelton, Alexei Popyrin and Alexander Zverev along his run.

In his press conference, the world number 1 confessed that he is looking forward to getting back into action: "My elbow is fine and I can't wait to play my first match here. I got some rest after Wimbledon and spent the holidays together with my friends and family. Then I started practicing again and I hope to play my best tennis on hard courts, especially at the US Open."

Alcaraz and Sinner Reunite in Cincinnati

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By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Photo credit: Julien DeRosa/AFP/Getty

Weeks after their Wimbledon clash, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz reunited in the Queen City.

The world’s top two shared a friendly exchange on the practice court ahead of this week’s Cincinnati Open.

Asked what he’s been up to since that Wimbledon final, Alcaraz replied “nothing crazy.”

The reigning Roland Garros champion told Sinner he spent time with family and friends at home.

Both world No. 1 Sinner and world No. 2 Alcaraz skipped the Canadian Masters in Toronto. Both will make their debut in the 2025 North American summer hard-court season in Cincinnati as preparation for the US Open.

Sinner is defending champion in Cincinnati and at the US Open. Alcaraz trails Sinner by about 3,430 points in the rankings.

The two-time Wimbledon winner can close ground with strong performances in Cincinnati and New York. Alcaraz was upset by Gael Monfils in his 2024 Cincinnati Open opener before suffering a stunning US Open second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp.

Since his three-set loss to Monfils in Cincinnati last August, Alcaraz has only lost one other opening-round match. That was to David Goffin in Miami last March.

The 23-year-old Sinner has contested finals in four of the five tournaments he’s played in 2025 and carries a 26-3 record into his Cincinnati title defense.

Former ATP ace makes surprising comparison to describe Jannik Sinner

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Cincinnati

Jannik Sinner is ready to return to action at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, a tournament where he had triumphed in 2024 without playing his best tennis. The world number 1 was not at the top of his shape in Ohio a year ago, also due to the imminent ITIA ruling relating to his doping case. For this reason, the Italian ace had more difficulty than expected during his run, but he was able to raise his level in the decisive moments and lifted the trophy by beating local idol Frances Tiafoe in the final.

After winning his first Wimbledon title last month, the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria went on holiday to Sardinia and preferred to skip the Toronto Masters 1000 (where he had triumphed two years ago starting his rise). The four-time Grand Slam champion – who has also decided to reinstate Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach – has already arrived in Ohio and immediately started practicing to get used to the conditions.

Jannik wants to defend the title he won there last season and above all he wants to gain confidence in view of the US Open, which will start on August 24 in New York. As everyone knows, most of the top players will also play mixed doubles in this edition and Sinner will join forces with Emma Navarro.

Sanguinetti opens up on Sinner 

In a recent interview with 'SuperTennis', former ATP ace Davide Sanguinetti expressed his honest opinion on Sinner's current status: "He is a war machine who stops at nothing, he knows what his goals are and gives his best to achieve them. It must also be added that players are very professional nowadays and take care of every detail, whereas in my time we traveled almost alone.

Jannik deserves to be thanked because he has contributed more than anyone else to the growth of Italian tennis, everyone knows him in Italy and wants to become like him."

The world No.1 will have a first-round bye in Cincinnati and will make his debut directly in the second round.

Djokovic Withdraws from Cincinnati

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By Chris Oddo | Monday August 4, 2025

24-time major champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week’s Cincinnati Open.

Tennis Express One Day Sale
Tennis Express One Day Sale

The three-time champion also withdrew from the event last year, and last played the event in 2023, when he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an epic final that was one of the best in tournament history.

No reason has been cited for his withdrawal, but it is thought not to be related to a serious injury and he is expected to take his place in the US Open men’s singles draw, which commences play on August 24.

The 38-year-old, ranked sixth, will be bidding for his record 25th major title in New York. He is 392-54 lifetime at the majors, and 26-9 for the season.

Wyndham Championship for Cameron Young

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Alex Noren

Historic success for Cameron Young. The American, thanks to his feat at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, distinguished himself as the thousandth player to win on the PGA Tour. In his 94th appearance on the circuit, and at the age of 28 years, 2 months and 27 days, the professional from Briarcliff Manor (New York) broke a true taboo. A seven-time runner-up on the PGA Tour, he dominated the par-70 Sedgefield Country Club course, beating his compatriot Mac Meissner by six shots with a score of 258 (63 62 65 68, -22). Meissner was second with a 264 (-16), ahead of another American, Mark Hubbard, who was third with a 265 (-15), like Swede Alex Noren. In the final tournament of the regular season, Matteo Manassero made the cut, shooting 76/0 with a 138 (65 73, -2), and leading the way in the first round with a 65 (-5), boosted by an eagle and four birdies, with one bogey.

Wyndham Championship, results

"I've been waiting for this victory for a long time. I never thought I could be this emotional. I gave myself a chance, and this time, I couldn't let it slip away," Young said with satisfaction. In the final and decisive round, after an early bogey, he recorded five consecutive birdies, allowing himself the luxury of two more bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes.

The twelfth player to win for the first time on tour this season, Young is now 16th in the FedEx Cup. From August 7th to 10th in Memphis, Tennessee, he will be among the top 70 players competing in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first of three playoff events. From 44th to 21st in the world ranking, his victory in the Wyndham Championship earned him $1,476,000 out of a total prize pool of $8,200,000.

The Rules of Golf are a set of standards and procedures by which the sport of golf should be played. They are jointly written and administered by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, the governing body of golf worldwide, except in the United States and Mexico, which are governed by the United States Golf Association. An expert committee composed of members of the R&A and the USGA oversees and refines the rules every four years. The latest revision took effect on January 1, 2016. Amendments to the Rules of Golf generally fall into two main categories: those that improve understanding and those that reduce penalties in certain cases to ensure balance. The rulebook, entitled "Rules of Golf," is published regularly and also includes rules governing amateur status. In Italy, the Italian Golf Federation is responsible for overseeing competitions by enforcing the rules issued by the R&A, ensuring that these rules are observed by clubs, associations, and their members, and managing the resulting sporting justice, protecting their interests abroad.

Belgrade ATP moves to Athens because of Novak Djokovic

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Athens

ATP has made surprising announcement in these hours. The Belgrade Open – scheduled from 2 to 8 November – has been moved from the Serbian capital to Athens (Greece) and will be held at the legendary OAKA Basketball Arena, where Panathinaikos usually plays. Given that this tournament is run by Novak Djokovic's family, it is not difficult to speculate that the talks between the 24-time Grand Slam champion and current Serbian president Vucic are behind this decision.

The former world No.1 is set to move to Greece immediately after the US Open – which will take place in New York from August 24 to September 7 – and is expected to play in Athens in November, at least according to Serbian media reports.

The Serbian legend spent his holidays in Croatia and Greece after the defeat against Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Wimbledon Championships and is expected to return to action at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, after deciding to skip the Canadian Open that is being played in Toronto these days.

Latest news on Djokovic

Nole's main goal is to be at the top of his shape for the start of the last Major of the season, in which he will try to triumph for the fifth time in his career. The 38-year-old from Belgrade has reached the semifinals in the three Grand Slam tournaments played so far this season, but struggles to compete against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the best five-set matches.

Novak had a small muscle issue during Wimbledon and was not at the top of his shape against Sinner, but he is perfectly aware that his body cannot support him as in the past at this point in his career.

Djokovic's last triumph in a Major dates back to the 2023 edition of the US Open, when he defeated Ben Shelton in the semifinals and Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Novak Djokovic skips Cincinnati Masters, extends his break

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Carlos Alcaraz

Three-time champion Novak Djokovic will not compete at the upcoming Cincinnati Masters. The 24-time Major champion withdrew from the seventh Masters 1000 event of the season for the seventh straight year.

Thus, Novak will head to to New York without matches on hard court this summer, mirroring his last year's schedule. Novak will not chase his 41st Masters 1000 crown and the first since the closing stages of 2023.

The veteran decided to spend additional time with his family before returning for the season's final Major at the US Open, replacing the court with sun and entertaining time at sea. 

The decision raised questions about Djokovic's will to compete in New York at 100%, especially after missing nearly two months. However, the Serb has often shown he can find top form quickly, relying on his disciplined preparation and vast experience.

Novak has not played since the Wimbledon semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner. At this stage of his career, the 38-year-old prioritizes longevity and peak performance over chasing ranking points. 

Novak Djokovic, Cincinnati 2023

Novak Djokovic, Cincinnati 2023© Stream screenshot

 

Djokovic's last match in Cincinnati came in the 2023 final when he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in three hours and 49 minutes, defending a match point and prevailing in one of the most memorable Masters 1000 final ever!

The 38-year-old is 26-9 in 2025, reaching three Major semi-finals and lifting his 100th ATP title in Geneva. His best result at a Masters 1000 level came in Miami, reaching the final and losing to Jakub Mensik in two tie breaks after an intense battle.

Coco Gauff confesses one mistake she probably made after Montreal run ends in R16

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Canada

Coco Gauff made an honest admission following her Montreal exit as the American tennis star admitted that she probably should have played in Washington and tried to kickstart her summer on hard courts in the United States capital.

After losing in the Wimbledon first round, Gauff went a full month without playing a match. This week, the world No. 2 returned to action by kicking off her North American hard-court swing at the WTA 1000 in Montreal. In Canada, the two-time Grand Slam champion heavily struggled with her serve and rhythm, but still managed to clinch ugly wins over Danielle Collins and Veronika Kudermetova before world No. 87 Victoria Mboko handed her a 6-1 6-4 loss.

Across her three matches played, Gauff served 43 double faults and committed over 100 unforced errors. After the Mboko loss, the reigning French Open winner was asked if she had an idea why it was so hard to find her game and rhythm in Montreal.

Gauff: Deciding to practice over playing in Washington maybe wasn't the right decision…

"I don't know. That's a good question, honestly. I felt like in practice I was playing well the last few weeks just practicing. I decided to take some time off and not play DC to actually focus on that, and maybe that wasn't the right decision. Maybe it was better to get more matches under my belt. But you know, it's the first tournament on the hard court season, so I'm hoping that in Cincy and in New York I can find that rhythm," the world No. 2 explained.

In four days, the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati is starting. While Gauff's Montreal run wasn't an impressive run, the 21-year-old still got some matches under her belt and that's a positive thing.

Cincinnati is a special place for Gauff, who lifted her maiden WTA 1000 crown in front of her home fans two years ago.

FITP president Angelo Binaghi discusses Jannik Sinner's legacy

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Angelo

The rise of Jannik Sinner has contributed to the greatest extent to the success of Italian tennis, which has entered a new dimension after so many years of anonymity. The current world number 1 has recently become the first Italian player ever to triumph at Wimbledon, a truly exceptional achievement that represents the result of a long journey made by him and his team.

The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is undoubtedly the best player in the world together with Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he is creating an electrifying rivalry, and he is never satisfied by always looking for new ways to improve his game. The four-time Grand Slam champion can win one of the best tennis players of all time if he continues to work in this way and his focus is already directed towards the US Open scheduled in New York at the end of the summer.

Binaghi pays tribute to Sinner 

After choosing to skip the Toronto Masters 1000, Jannik is set to return to action in Cincinnati, a tournament where he won last year despite all the stress associated with his doping case. Sinner's goal is to refine his shape in view of the US Open, the last Major of the season, in which he will have to defend his title.

In an interview with 'Sky Sport Italy' during an event, FITP president Angelo Binaghi paid tribute to the current world number 1: "In addition to being an extraordinary champion that the whole world envies us, Jannik transmits a positive example and improves the image of Italy abroad. He is a boy of humble origins from a family of sound principles, which taught him the right values. When he gets a huge win, his first thought is back to work to improve even more. He has become the driving force behind an entire generation of young talent."

The Italian star also wants to shine in the second half of the season, in which there are tournaments that are very suitable for his game. It is no coincidence that Jannik had been dominant in the last months of the year in both 2023 and 2024.

Carlos Alcaraz rejects Rafael Nadal successor label: 'We are not obliged'

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Carlos

Carlos Alcaraz is the five-time Major champion at 22. The El Palmar's early success has drawn inevitable comparisons to his great compatriot and idol, Rafael Nadal.

Yet, the young gun is determined to forge his own identity, following that path since his arrival on the Tour. Frequently hailed as Nadal's heir, Alcaraz is grateful for the admiration but refuses to embrace that narrative.

Carlos does not want to see himself as Rafa's successor. He reflected on the great rivalries and great players we had in the past. However, he does not feel obligated to use the same path and mirror what they did.

While respectful of the legacy forged by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Carlos emphasized the importance of self-belief and individuality. 

The young gun is defending his ideas and philosophy, using it as a defensive mechanism against pressure. As he adds more trophies to his growing collection, Alcaraz remains focused on building a legacy that is entirely his own.

The Spaniard has been the player to beat since April. The 22-year-old has embraced six consecutive finals, conquering Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros and Queen's while falling in the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner.

Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics

Rafael Nadal & Carlos Alcaraz, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot

 

The El Palmar native took a couple of weeks off the court after losing his first Major final in London. He withdrew from Toronto and hit the practice court ahead of his next stop. 

It's next week's Cincinnati Masters, his final preparation for the US Open. Carlos' goals? Another Major trophy in New York and the ATP throne taken from Jannik Sinner!

"I do not want to be seen as Rafa's successor. Tennis has always had great rivalries and great players. It's a privilege that people watch our matches in this way, with such enthusiasm.

In the end, we have no obligation to do what they did, far from it. If you do not defend your ideals and aspirations, that pressure can consume you. You have to know how to differentiate.

We try not to think about the pressure and, above all, to do as they did," Carlos Alcaraz said.

Stefanos Tsitsipas slips in Toronto – Goran Ivanisevic out, struggles stay

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Apostolo

Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to search for answers as his difficult season rolls on. The Greek ended his brief collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic after two tournaments, returning to a more familiar setup with his father, Apostolo, as head coach.  

However, the change has not provided the desired results, at least not in Toronto. World no. 30 lost in the second round to Christopher O'Connell 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in two hours and one minutes.

Thus, Stefanos extended a concerning trend: he has not managed to win back-to-back ATP matches since the ATP 500 event in Barcelona in April. For the moment, he remains in the top-30, although that may change quickly. 

The most recent loss at the sixth Masters 1000 event of the season further highlights the ongoing challenges Stefanos is facing. Despite efforts to reset his team and regain momentum, the Greek is playing miles below his best.

Tsitsipas worked with Ivanisevic during two early exits in Halle and Wimbledon. The question lingered about his openness to bring necessary changes and integrate new coaching voices.

While Goran could not stay his coach following his remarks about Stefanos' lack of will and his terrible physical shape, many questioned his decision to reunite with his father, as they had issues before.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Toronto 2025

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Tsitsipas will seek deeper runs in Cincinnati and New York, although it remains unclear how much can he offer with low confidence and ongoing back issues that threaten to end his career way before the 30th birthday.

Stefanos and Christopher struggled to find the first serve. The Greek stayed behind his rival on the second serve and gave serve away four times, three in the decider. The Aussie denied six of eight break points and sent the 2018 runner-up packing.

Novak Djokovic chooses particular outfit for the US Open

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Belgrade

The first part of the season was full of ups and downs for Novak Djokovic, who was able to raise his level in Grand Slam tournaments – where he always reached the semifinals – while suffering surprising eliminations in the other tournaments on the calendar.

It is no secret to anyone that the former world number 1 has as his main goal to become the oldest ever to win a Major title, an achievement that would allow him to steal the record from Ken Rosewall and definitively overtake Margaret Court by hoisting himself to 25 Slams.

However, young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have a higher level than Nole nowadays and it is no coincidence that the Italian ace defeated the Serbian at both Roland Garros and the Wimbledon Championships a few weeks ago.

Nole's US Open outfit  

Most pundits and former players believe Novak has the next huge chance at the 2026 Australian Open, but the 38-year-old from Belgrade will try to pull off the feat as early as the US Open later this summer. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will only participate in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 before traveling to New York, where he last triumphed in 2023.

Djokovic chose to skip the Toronto Masters 1000 to recharge his batteries and has not resumed practicing yet, as he has been spotted on vacation in Croatia and Greece in recent days.

In the meantime, the total black outfit that the Serbian veteran will wear in the Big Apple has been unveiled. The former world No.1 hopes that this choice will bring him luck, after last year he was eliminated in the first week due to fatigue accumulated at the Paris Olympics.

The veteran from Belgrade will have to on a path that is not too hard and his body will not have to betray him.

Andrey Rublev reveals if Marat Safin will be present at the US Open

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Andrey Rublev

Andrey Rublev is trying to turn his season and career around in recent times, having made the decision to hire Marat Safin as his new coach after going through a very negative period.

The Russian ace has a lot of points to defend at the 'Canadian Open' – which is taking place in Toronto right now – having reached the final in Montreal last year. The champion from Moscow can take advantage of the fact that numerous top players have decided not to participate in the prestigious Canadian tournament in this edition, preferring to recharge their batteries in view of the US Open scheduled for the end of the summer.

Without Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper – all absent for various reasons – Rublev can really try to achieve an exceptional result in Ontario, which would allow him to regain a lot of confidence in view of the last Grand Slam of the season. Last year's finalist had a strong debut in Toronto, where he defeated French star Hugo Gaston in straight sets.

Rublev opens up on Safin

During his press conference, he explained that the conditions are very different between Toronto and Montreal: "The courts are very fast here, the ball slips and it's not easy to control the shots. The situation is totally different from Montreal, where the surface is slower and the rallies are much longer. The conditions in Toronto are tougher in my opinion."

Rublev seems more confident and confident since Safin became his mentor and it is no coincidence that he put in excellent performances at the Wimbledon Championships, where he reached the round of 16 losing to Carlitos Alcaraz at the end of a hard-fought match (the Russian had won the first set, before suffering the comeback of the Spanish champion).

Andrey explained that Marat's presence in New York is not yet certain: "We hope he can be with me at the US Open, but it is not certain that he will be able to get his visa in time. If he doesn't succeed, we'll have to wait for the tournaments in Asia."

Dining Room: USTA Issues Food Menu for US Open

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By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Photo credit: Tim Clayton/Getty

Fans will feast on Grand Slam tennis and major culinary experience at the 2025 US Open.

The USTA today announced the menu for the US Open which features everything from pastrami to pizza to porterhouse steak to pastaRamen.

In a news release announcing its food and drink menu, the USTA highlighted some of the dining options fans can feast on in the food court and inside the stadiums:

Tennis fans can experience world-class Mexican hospitality through Dobel® Tequila’s exciting new culinary partnership with Oyamel by José Andrés Group, bringing together two masters of their craft to celebrate the rich regional diversity of Mexican cuisine and vibrant cocktail experiences inside the Dobel Tequila Club. Guests will enjoy various Mexican dishes, including Oyamel’s Taco Cochinita, made of Yucatán-style pit barbecued pork, achiote, Mexican sour orange and pickled red onion.

Making its US Open debut, pastaRAMEN will bring its unique Wafu Italian cuisine to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2025. Led by James Beard-nominated Rising Star Chef Robbie Felice, pastaRAMEN will present fans with a bold fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Originating as an invite-only omakase pop-up in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, pastaRAMEN is now based in Montclair, N.J. It holds the distinction of being the first Italian ramen shop in the United States, taking inspiration from Kabenoana, a 1950s Tokyo restaurant whose name translates to “hole in the wall.”

Restaurateur Simon Kim, the Founder and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, the group behind the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse in New York City’s Flatiron District, will return for his second year with a fresh twist to his beloved restaurant concept COQODAQ. Known for its elevated approach to Korean-inspired Better Fried Chicken, the revamped “CQDQ” will be located in Food Village and feature a curated menu of fan-friendly favorites, including the iconic nuggets. The original COQODAQ, featuring signature dishes such as “The Golden Nugget” — the renowned chicken nugget paired with caviar — will also be available to fans in the club level of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Here’s a complete menu for the 2025 US Open:

Arthur Ashe Stadium

Of course, if none of the above suit your taste buds (or your wallet) you can always travel outside of the gates to the hot dog and pretzel stand or ice cream concession located at the base of the boardwalk fans cross to reach the USTA-Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from the No. 7 train.

After breakup with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Paula Badosa finds US Open mixed dubs partner

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Badosa

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas may not partner up at the US Open, but the Spanish tennis star has found herself a replacement and she will still feature in the mixed doubles event after she and Jack Draper have been confirmed as a pair.

In case you missed it, Badosa and Tsitsipas had been one of the star duos slated to play in the revolutionary US Open mixed doubles tournament. Then, in early July, it was reported that they called time on their love story. To no one's surprise, the two pulled out of the mixed doubles event shortly after. 

When the preliminary player field for the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows was released, Draper and Zheng Qinwen were there as a team. That was before Zheng had to undergo surgery and withdraw from the last Grand Slam tournament of the year.

Despite the circumstances in which they found themselves, world No. 10 Badosa and fifth-ranked Draper still came up with the idea of how to feature in the star-studded doubles tournament in New York.

Tsitsipas and Badosa even shot a video together for the upcoming US Open mixed doubles tournament

In late June, the former couple appeared in a video for the last Grand Slam tournament of the year. There, the Greek spoke very excitedly about sharing the same side of the court with the Spaniard.

“I believe it's honestly one of the best feelings to be sharing the court with Paula. So, I've had a few instances where we played some mixed doubles and it worked out very well. We were able to enjoy the company of one another on the tennis court and make something great out of it," Tsitsipas said at the time.

Badosa and Tsitsipas played mixed doubles in New York last year and lost in the first round.

Watch: Novak Djokovic tries surfing in Croatia

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Belgrade

Novak Djokovic has not yet revealed his schedule ahead of the US Open, which will start in less than a month in New York. The former world No. 1 has only announced that he will not participate in the 2025 edition of the Toronto Masters 1000, a decision that is not surprising considering that the Serbian legend has not played in Canada since 2018.

The 38-year-old from Belgrade suffered a small muscle problem during the Wimbledon Championships, in which he reached the semifinals losing decisively to current world number 1 Jannik Sinner. During the subsequent press conference, Nole admitted that his body no longer gives him the same guarantees as a few years ago and emphasized how hard it is to compete with opponents much younger than him at this stage of his career.

At the same time, Djokovic does not seem to have any intention of giving up and still dreams of becoming the oldest ever to win a Major title. He will not start among the favorites even at the US Open, where he lifted his latest trophy in 2023 by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Novak will certainly have less pressure than usual in the Big Apple and will also have to hope for a bit of luck, otherwise it will be difficult to defeat Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who have taken control of the men's tour by sharing the last seven Grand Slam titles.

Nole is having fun in Croatia

Barring any surprises, the Serbian veteran is expected to participate in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 before the US Open. He won his latest title in Ohio two years ago by beating Alcaraz at the end of an epic final, while last year he skipped this event to recharge his batteries after the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, Nole was spotted enjoying his holidays in Croatia and was joined by former Real Madrid star Luka Modric. In a video circulating on social media, Novak can be seen having fun on an electric surfboard.

Carlos Alcaraz can become World No.1 already after 2025 US Open: all details inside

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2025 US Open

If he participated in the Toronto Masters 1000, Carlos Alcaraz would have had a chance to get closer to Jannik Sinner in the ATP rankings. The world No. 1 was the first to announce his absence in Canada, having to recharge his batteries after winning the Wimbledon title for the first time in his career.

A few days later, the 22-year-old Spaniard made the same decision having played many matches in recent months. The five-time Grand Slam champion made it to the bottom of every tournament, lifting his second trophy in a row at Roland Garros and reaching another final at Church Road (lost to his top rival in four sets).

The world number 2 will return to action in Cincinnati and will use this tournament as a test in view of the US Open, where he had a disastrous run last year being eliminated already in the second round.

The rivalry continues

Sinner will have to defend 3000 points between Cincinnati and the US Open, in addition to losing the 200 points obtained in Montreal last year.

This means that Alcaraz has a real chance to overtake his top rival already by the end of the summer, but to succeed in this feat he would have to win the title in both Ohio and New York.

The Italian ace will have many more points to defend than the Spanish star even in the latter part of the season, considering that he had triumphed at the Shanghai Masters 1000 and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin in 2024.

Carlos – on the contrary – had not particularly shone in the second half of last season, except for his victory at the Beijing ATP 500 beating Jannik at the end of a truly spectacular final.

This rivalry is set to electrify fans in the second half of 2025 as they wait to see if any other players can become dangerous to their dominance. The general feeling is that these two young champions are taking tennis into a new dimension, creating a huge gap compared to all their opponents.

Picture: Novak Djokovic takes paradise break in Mykonos with his family

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accomplished player

After the semi-final run at Wimbledon and his fifth straight loss to Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic is enjoying a well-earned break with his family on the stunning Greek island of Mykonos.

The legend has embraced the summer sun, extending his vacation after previously spending time in Montenegro and Croatia, his regular July destinations.

Known for his intense dedication to outdoor activities with his kids, Novak is now fully embracing that mode – beaches, clear blue waters and quality time with his beloved ones away from the court.

Mykonos, with its idyllic landscapes and calm atmosphere, offers the perfect setting for Djokovic to recharge physically and mentally ahead of the upcoming challenges in Cincinnati and the US Open.

The 38-year-old should hit the court again in two weeks at the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. It will be Novak's first hard-court event since fighting for the Miami Masters crown at the end of March.

Djokovic defends only 100 points at the upcoming two notable events. That opens the window for him to reduce the gap to the rivals in front of him, especially if he embraces deep runs in Ohio and New York.

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Novak is eager to play at his best at the US Open and extend his notable run at Majors, having reached three semi-finals in 2025. For now, the 24-time Major winner remains in vacation mode, soaking up the Aegean sun and preparing for the road ahead.

Despite his age, the 38-year-old is still the third-strongest link on the ATP Tour this season, miles behind Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner but still in front of much younger competitors. 

The most accomplished player of all time is still eager to chase notable titles and extend his everlasting legacy for a few more years.

Jannik Sinner reaches final at all four Majors faster than Rafael Nadal

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All England Club

Jannik Sinner's run at Majors has been nothing but spectacular in the previous two years! The Italian's relentless rise continued at Wimbledon a couple of weeks ago, lifting his first trophy at the All England Club.

By reaching the final in London, Jannik collected title matches at all four Majors as the ninth player in the Open era. At 23 years and ten months, Sinner became the second player to achieve that, passing Rafael Nadal and trailing only Jim Courier!

The great Spaniard got his name on the list at the 2010 US Open at 24 years and three months. Roger Federer entered the chart at the 2006 Roland Garros, two months before turning 25, and Novak Djokovic joined at the same tournament six years later at 25.

Jim Courier holds the record, completing the final at all four Majors at Wimbledon in 1993, still at 22. Jannik could not match him, but the names he left behind speak volumes about his achievement.

Sinner has reached seven semi-finals at the previous nine Majors, with five titles matches and four titles under his belt. The Italian celebrated 81 times in his first 100 matches on the most notable scene, a tally few can match.

More impressively, he has been nearly unstoppable at last four Major events, compiling a staggering 27-1 record and lifting trophies in New York, Melbourne and London. 

Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2025

Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Jannik almost completed a Career Grand Slam, having missed three match points against Carlos Alcaraz in that epic Roland Garros final. Sinners ability to adjust across surfaces highlights a level od adaptability and maturity well beyond his age.

With each Major event, the 23-year-old further establishes himself not just as the future of tennis, but as a dominant force of the present. What's next for Jannik? The US Open title defense.

The young gun will be the favorite to defend the crown at Arthur Ashe Stadium and extend his hard-court Major dominance, having won the previous three tournaments in Melbourne and New York.

Holger Rune teases Novak Djokovic for a funny reason

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2028 Olympics

Novak Djokovic is a living legend of this sport and his ability to push his own limits is amazing, considering that he has already won everything a top-level tennis player can dream of. The former world No.1 also achieved the last goal of his endless career at the Paris Olympics a year ago, when he shocked fans around the planet by winning the gold medal on his last attempt (although he has repeatedly stated that he also wants to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, when he will be 41 years old).

After that amazing triumph, the Serbian veteran tried to win his 25th Major title but has not succeeded until now. The 38-year-old from Belgrade has reached the semifinals in all three Grand Slam tournaments that have been played this year, proving that he is still superior to most opponents, but the two current leaders of the men's tour – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – have no intention of leaving him room again.

Djokovic is on vacation now

After being overwhelmed by Sinner in the semi-final of the Wimbledon Championships a couple of weeks ago, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has allowed himself a few days to relax in Croatia and then will begin preparing for the Cincinnati Masters 1000.

Nole will not play the Canadian Open this year either, preferring to recharge his batteries ahead of the US Open scheduled in New York at the end of the summer. As chance would have it, Novak won his latest Major title in New York two years ago, when he defeated Russian ace Daniil Medvedev in the final. It seems like much more time has passed, given that the hierarchies of men's tennis have changed profoundly in this period of time.

Meanwhile, young Danish star Holger Rune gave a nice interview in which he was asked who is the player who arrives late most often. The world number 9 chose Djokovic.

Watch: Carlos Alcaraz is back to practice ahead of Cincinnati and US Open

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Carlitos

The first half of the 2025 season gave Carlos Alcaraz five titles – in Rotterdam, Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros and Queen's respectively – while he missed out on his third win in a row at the Wimbledon Championships due to a deluxe version of Jannik Sinner, who defeated him on the iconic Centre Court to become the first Italian ever to win the world's most famous tournament.

The 22-year-old Spaniard can be very satisfied with how he reacted to the difficulties of the beginning of the year, when he was unable to express his best tennis and had also had a small crisis after the shocking elimination against David Goffin in the second round of the Miami Open.

The five-time Grand Slam champion has made no secret of the fact that he will give his best in the second half of 2025 to return to the top of the ATP rankings, knowing that his top rival Sinner will have to defend many more points than him from Cincinnati onwards.

Both Carlos and Jannik will skip the Toronto Masters 1000 which begins next week and will return to action directly in Ohio, where Alcaraz's run in 2024 had already ended in the second round due to the fatigue accumulated at the Paris Olympics.

Alcaraz practices

Like all the other top players, the champion from Murcia also took a little vacation after the Championships and recently returned to practice at the 'La Manga Club'.

The world number 2 knows that he has to change something from the past, as his level dropped significantly in the second half of the year in both 2023 and 2024. After winning his second Wimbledon title last season, Carlitos has not expressed his best level and has only triumphed at the Beijing ATP 500 by beating Sinner in an epic final.

It's no secret that the Spanish star's main goal is the US Open, which kicks off on August 24 in New York.