Archive of posts tagged Richard Pagliaro

Roger Federer Return Set For Shanghai Exhibition Doubles

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By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 11, 2025
Photo credit: Wilson

The Swiss Maestro will make the strings sing in Shanghai in October.

Former world No. 1 Roger Federer announced he will play an exhibition doubles match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on October 10th.

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“Shanghai has always been a special place for me, with great fans, unforgettable memories and a real love for the game,” Federer said in a video message posted on the tournament’s social media channels.  “I look forward to seeing you there on October 10th.

“Shanghai let’s meet.”

The Roger Federer and Friends Celebrity doubles match will feature actors Wu Lei and Donnie Yen, and former Chinese tennis player Zheng Jie. The Federer exhibition doubles match will be played on  Qizhong Stadium’s center court.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Shanghai last fall where he practiced with Carlos Alcaraz in a session starring two of the top shotmakers in Open Era history.

An immensely popular presence in Asia, Federer is a two-time Shanghai champion.

In the 2017 final, the second-seeded Swiss played a near-flawless match firing 10 aces against no double faults and permitting just eight points on serve in a 6-4, 6-3 win over top-seeded rival Rafael Nadal.

Federer captured his first Shanghai title in 2014 out-dueling Frenchman Gilles Simon 7-6(6), 7-6(2) in a one hour, 53-minute final. The third-seeded Federer stopped top-seeded Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in the 2014 semifinals.

In an interview with Tennis Now in New York City during the 2024 US Open, Federer said he had been hitting and was looking forward to potentially playing some exhibitions.

Visiting the Masters at Augusta National in April, Federer reiterated his desire to play some exhibitions.

“Honestly, I would love to play some more tennis again. Enough with the golf already for a moment now,” Roger told SNTV. 

“I would seriously start playing 2 or 3 times a week again and hopefully get myself back on the exhibition court and hopefully maybe fill up a few nice stadiums around the world.”

In two months time, fans will see Federer back on court in Shanghai.

Alcaraz Denies Dzumhur in Cincinnati Adventure

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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 10, 2025
Photo credit: Cincinnati Open Facebook

A month after Jannik Sinner dethroned Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, the world No. 2 renewed his rivalry with the top-ranked Italian driving the ball deep on an Ohio golf course.

Today, Alcaraz launched his Cincinnati return teeing off in the opening set before hitting himself into deep rough.

Ultimately, Alcaraz used every club in his bag to defeat Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in his Cincinnati Open opener. 

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tennis express pro player gear

In his first match since losing to Sinner 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Wimbledon final, Alcaraz showed little rust in the first set, fell into a sloppy hole in the second set then broke twice in the decider to deter a tough Dzumhur.

This was Alcaraz’s first hard-court match since his surprising three-set loss to David Goffin in his Miami Open opener.

Alcaraz converted five of 10 break points vs. the 5’9” Dzumhur, but didn’t save any of the three break points he faced, littered 44 unforced errors and suffered some concentration lapses. Alcaraz netted a few drop shots, built a 4-1 lead in the final set only to double fault and muff a serve and volley to hand the break back in the seventh game. Credit a tough Dzumhur, who took a set off two-time Roland Garros champion Alcaraz in Paris this year, for fighting all the way through.

Still, despite his mis-steps, Alcaraz drilled a deep forehand return then exploited his opponent’s lone double fault of the day to break back for 5-3.

Serving for the third round, Alcaraz unleashed a 131 mph blast and closed in one hour, 41 minutes.

After the hand shake, Alcaraz trotted back on the court and erupted in a “Vamos! Vamos!” scream expressing both excitement and relief. 

The reigning Roland Garros champion scored his ATP-best 49th win of the season setting up a third-round clash with either Hamad Medjedovic or Tallon Griekspoor. 

Alcaraz grew up looking up to tennis heroes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

In the opening set, the Spaniard paid tribute to seven-time Cincinnati champion Federer featuring the Swiss Maestro’s famed SABR attack. Alcaraz ran down a challenging drop shot to earn set point in the seventh game.

Then the explosive Alcaraz recalled SABR taking a full sprint up to a second-serve return successfully forcing the error to score his third break and seize a one-set lead after just 29 minutes of play.

Though Alcaraz was in free flow through the first set he crashed in the second.

The five-time Grand Slam champion coughed up 17 unforced errors in the second set  infusing Dzumhur with confidence and aggression.

In a sloppy fourth game, Alcaraz botched a volley, netted a forehand then ballooned a forehand drive well long gifting Dzumhur the break and a 2-1 lead. 

The 33-year-old Bosnian ran off 12 of 13 points in one stretch wrapping a pair of love holds around that break for a 3-1 lead.

Struggling to win points off his second serve, Alcaraz pushed a routine volley long as Dzumhur scored his second straight break for 4-1.

Pumping his fist to his box, the world No. 56 backed up the break for 5-1. Alcaraz made successive return errors—his 16th and 17th of the set—as Dzumhur seized the second set to force a decider.

Alcaraz breezed through a love hold for a 2-1 lead in the decider. Then the pair produced a highlight reel game. 

The speedy Alcaraz ran down a drop shot, dabbed a stretch volley then turned with his back to net sprinted back to the baseline and clubbed a tomahawk forehand pass extending the fourth game to deuce. Drilling a diagonal forehand gave Alcaraz the break and a 3-1 lead.

Dabbing a drop shot, Alcaraz extended the lead to 4-1 and seemed to be in total command.

But a defiant Dzumhur kept battling and Alcaraz betrayed his cause with some wayward shotmaking as the grew tighter again.

The Dzumhur double fault on break point gave Alcaraz a crucial 5-3 lead and he took care of business in the final game. An adventurous up and down win that sends the Spaniard into round three.

Paula Badosa Withdraws from US Open

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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.

USTA Foundation to Honor Andre Agassi with Serving Up Dreams Award

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By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025
Photo credit: USTA Foundation

Andre Agassi has been a dream-maker for students and players.

This month, Hall of Famer Agassi will be honored for his efforts.

The USTA Foundation announced former World No. 1 Agassi will be honored with the Serving Up Dreams Award at its annual Opening Night Gala on Sunday, August 24th, at the US Open.

Agassi

The Serving Up Dreams Award is presented “to an individual who embodies the values of dedicated service to advance the USTA Foundation’s work to prepare young people for the life challenges they will face, both on and off the court,  through the powerful combination of tennis, education, and life skills development,” the Foundation said in a statement.

Agassi is among the few professional tennis players to establish a foundation during their playing careers, and he approaches his philanthropy with the same unflagging drive and focus as he demonstrated on the court. In 2001, Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education to improve public schools and invest in communities. His efforts have raised over $180 million to date. He founded and operated the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a free public charter school in his hometown of Las Vegas, which graduated nine senior classes under Agassi’s leadership, and still remains open today. He also co-founded the Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund, which helps build schools in low-income areas across the nation. Agassi has dedicated much of his post-tennis life to education reform, particularly for young people from under-resourced communities.

Agassi also personally funded a Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas.

One of only five men to achieve a career Grand Slam in the Open Era, Agassi transformed the sport of tennis in the 1990s, becoming a global legend with his charismatic personality and bold playing style. Alongside his eight major singles titles, he won an Olympic singles gold medal in Atlanta and 60 tour-level titles during his 21-year professional career, before retiring at the 2006 US Open.

“Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways you can transform lives and communities. While my career may have been in tennis, I believe my true calling is to help create quality academic opportunities for young people that I frankly didn’t have,” said Agassi. “It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference and help give kids the chance to choose their own path. This honor serves as a reminder that when you put in the hard work and hold yourself accountable for achieving real outcomes, you can change lives. That’s the only result that truly matters.”

To learn more about the USTA Foundation, please visit ustafoundation.com 

Alcaraz to Lead Spanish Davis Cup Squad

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By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025
Photo credit: Angel Martinez/Getty for ITF

Reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz aims to restore the roar to the Spanish Davis Cup team.

Captain David Ferrer has named Alcaraz, Washington, DC finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez to the Spanish squad that will host Denmark in the Davis Cup second round qualifier set for September 13-14th at the Puente Romano Tennis Club in Marbella, Spain.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

“I am very happy with the commitment that the players have made and with the enthusiasm that the team has to be able to overcome Denmark, which we already know is going to be a tough with Holger Rune,” Ferrer said. “But we are going to face it in the best way.

“Alejandro has been very consistent, he is in the Top 20 of the race and Carlos comes from winning Roland Garros and making the finals of Wimbledon, so I am very excited that they can be with us.”

The tie will be contested on outdoor red clay in Marbella.

World No. 2 Alcaraz, who owns a 3-0 Davis Cup singles record, will make his first appearance since he defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6, 6-3 in the 2024 quarterfinals last November.

The 22-year-old Spaniard is riding a streak of 13 straight clay-court victories, capturing successive clay championships at Roland Garros and Rome. Alcaraz’s last clay-court loss came to Danish star Holger Rune 7-6(6), 6-2 in the Barcelona final in April.

Reigning Champion Sinner and Alcaraz Lead Six Kings Slam Set for October

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By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Photo credit: Six Kings Slam

Tennis’ major kings return to Riyadh to chase a lucrative crown in October.

Reigning champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz and Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic lead the list of competitors for the 2025 Six Kings Slam.

The exhibition event, set for October 15-18th at the ABN Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, officially announced the six-player lineup today.

Sinner, who beat Alcaraz to collect a tennis-record $6 million champion’s check in Riyadh last fall, headlines the field that also includes American Taylor Fritz, Briton Jack Draper and Germany’s Alexander Zverev.

A year ago, Alcaraz defeated his tennis hero, Rafael Nadal, 6-3, 6-3 in one semifinal and Sinner stopped Djokovic 6-2, 6-7(0), 6-4 in the top-half semifinal.

In the exhibition event’s final, Sinner beat Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 to capture the most lucrative payday in tennis history.

Sabalenka Set to Appear with Dude Perfect At Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day

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By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, August 7, 2025
Photo credit: Al Bello/Getty

Aryna Sabalenka will launch her US Open title defense joining forces with Dudes to entertain kids at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

2BYG

World No. 1 Sabalenka will partner Dude Perfect at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Saturday, August 23, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the USTA announced today. The USTA said there will be free admission to the US Open grounds and all on-site activities.

Reigning US Open champion, who will launch her return at this month’s Cincinnati Open, shared and update of her time off from tennis on her YouTube Channel.

 The Dude Perfect crew – Tyler “The Beard” Toney, “The Twins” Cory and Coby Cotton, Garrett “The Purple Hoser” Hilbert, and Cody “The Tall Guy” Jones – will perform their popular sports entertainment stadium show for the fourth consecutive Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, at a new time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Dudes are scheduled to do a meet and greet with fans afterward, the USTA said in a statement.

Here’s more info on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day from the USTA press release today:

Following the Dude Perfect show, a blockbuster lineup of young music and entertainment stars will headline the Fountain Plaza Stage for fans of all ages to enjoy. The lineup includes: R&B vocal group 2BYG; multi-talented vocalist and actor Liamani; singer-songwriter and TikTok sensation Magnus Ferrell; breakout singer, rapper and actress That Girl Lay Lay; and rising actor and hip hop artist Young Dylan, who will also co-host the show. Fountain Plaza Stage performances will run from 1-3:30 p.m.

A festival atmosphere will permeate the National Tennis Center on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. Featured practices starring some of the game’s most popular players will entertain fans in the US Open’s main stadiums, while many of the field courts will feature tennis activities for kids. On-court lessons, drills, contests and competitions will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, while the rest of the grounds will offer plenty of off-court fun, such as face-painting and temporary tattoos, storytelling, hair-braiding and beading,balloon artists and roving entertainers. The US Open also will offer a specially priced $10 meal for kids and their families.

Arthur Fils Withdraws from Cincinnati

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By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, August 7, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis

Arthur Fils has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open.

The 21-year-old Frenchman sustained a stress fracture in his back at Roland Garros that knocked him out of grass-corut season.

Alexandre Muller

Fils returned to action in Toronto and beat Pablo Carreno Busta in his opener before losing to Jiri Lehecka 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Fils also partnered Toronto singles finalist Ben Shelton in the doubles draw where they won two matches.

French lucky loser Arthur Cazaux replaces Fils in the Cincinnati draw and will play either compatriot Alexandre Muller or American Jenson Brooksby in his opener.

Venus Williams Bows To Bouzas Maneiro in Cincinnati Return

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By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, August 7, 2025
Photo credit: Cincinnati Open Facebook

Racing up to the floating ball at midcourt, Venus Williams whipped a forehand drive volley into the corner. 

The 45-year-old Williams showed flashes of vintage form in her Cincinnati return.

Across the net, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro sustained a higher level throughout toppling Williams 6-4, 6-4 in today’s Cincinnati Open opener.

AGA

The 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a four-game run at the end of the first set and won the final three games of the match in an 87-minute triumph.

It ended with fans—and Bouzas Maneiro herself—sending former No. 1 Williams off with a standing ovation after a solid performance.

Bouzas Maneiro moved on to a second-round clash vs. Washington, DC champion Leylah Fernandez. 

Meanwhile, Williams, who launched her comeback upsetting compatriot Peyton Stearns in Washington, DC, is 1-2 in her comeback and has shown enough quality to earn a US Open wild card if she wants one. 

The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has a US Open mixed doubles wild card with good friend Reilly Opelka, is living proof tennis is truly a lifetime sport. It would be a fitting way for the USTA to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Williams maiden US Open title with a singles wild card—as well as an opportunity for Flushing Meadows fans to share the love with the four-time Olympic gold-medal champion.

Today, you may have expected Bouzas Maneiro to come out playing crosscourt corner to corner to challenge the veteran’s movement. Through the first six games she didn’t do that—instead opting to try to tie the long-limbed Williams up with deep drives down the middle. That tact helped Bouzas Maneiro fire out to a 4-1 lead as Williams struggled to support her second serve.

Williams won only 8 of 29 second-serve points as Bouzas Maneiro broke six times, but when the five-time Wimbledon winner made her first serve—especially on the deuce court—she was playing first-strike tennis. 

Contesting her 11th Cincinnati Open, Williams showed her strong will and a stinging slider serve staging a three-game rally to level at 4-all. 

All that good work dissipated when Williams sailed a backhand and Bouzas Maneiro earned her third break of the set for a 5-4 lead.

Still, Williams competed with deep desire. When the Spaniard tested the 45-year-old legend’s legs with a drop shot, Williams easily ran it down and swatted a forehand winner down the line for break point in the 10th game.

On the verge of breaking back, Williams’ rust showed. She netted three three forehands in the next four points. On Bouzas Maneiro’s second set point, Williams netted a backhand as the Spaniard sealed the 41-minute opening set. 

Bouzas Maneiro exploited a double fault breaking to start the second set and slid a serve down the T to go up 2-0. 

At that point, it looked like the match could slip away. Williams had other ideas breaking back in the fourth game to level 2-all. 

Though she lacks the fast first step and eye-popping closing speed of her prime, when Williams gets her body weight behind the ball she can still hammer deep drives. She showed that skill smacking a forehand drive down the line then catching a break when the Spaniard tapped an easy smash into net to break for 3-all. A Williams biting body serve helped her go up 4-3.

The Bouzas Maneiro forehand down the line was a weapon when she needed it most. The world No. 51 used that shot to help her hold for 4-all. A clean Bouzas Maneiro forehand return winner down the line sealed the crucial break for 5-4. 

Dropping to her knees, Aga Radwanska style, Bouzas Maneiro warded off a crackling return to open the 10th game. On her second match point, Bouzas Maneiro’s slider serve down the T closed Williams’ Cincinnati return a full 13 years after she reached the semifinals losing to Li Na.

KK Pop: Khachanov Saves Match Points, Edges Zverev To Reach Toronto Final

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By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Photo credit: National Bank Open by Rogers Facebook

A titanic tiebreak tug of war culminated with Karen Khachanov making the pivotal pull. 

Khachanov denied match point in the 12th game edging top-seeded Alexander Zverev 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) in a near three-hour thriller to advance to his second career ATP Masters 1000 final in Toronto tonight.

Alexander Zverev

The 16th-ranked Russian reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final since he stunned Novak Djokovic to capture the 2018 Paris Masters Indoors.

Khachanov will face the winner of tonight’s all-American semifinal between second-seeded Taylor Fritz and fourth-seeded Ben Shelton in tomorrow’s final.

Tonight’s opening semifinal was a rematch of the 2021 Olympic gold-medal match that saw Zverev prevail 6-3, 6-1. 

Though Khachanov took the court armed with an ignominious 2-21 record vs. Top 3-ranked opponents, he showed major mettle at crunch time—and was aided by a fortunate bounce off the net that kept him in this tight test.

“Generally I think today also I didn’t feel my best on the court, didn’t play my best tennis,” Zverev said. “Also, the first set was terrible, so I kind of gave him a head start, and he’s too good to not use that.

“So, yeah, I still had match point, so it’s upsetting that I lost this match. But that’s the way it is, we move on, I go to Cincinnati and try to do better.”

Serving down match point at 5-6 in the decider, Khachanov challenged Zverev’s vaunted backhand. The German lined up his two-hander and lashed a liner that had match-ending winner written all over it. 

The return crashed into the top of the tape, hung in the air for a split second then dripped back onto Zverev’s side of the net as Khachanov breathed a sigh of relief.

That reprieve emboldened the Russian, who ripped a forehand down the line holding to force the decisive tiebreaker. 

When Zverev zapped a swinging forehand volley winner he was up 3-1 in the tiebreaker and seemingly in command. 

Khachanov had other ideas.

The 11th-seeded Khachanov tore through five points in a row coaxing a couple of backhand errors and knocking off a high forehand volley. Zverev’s two-handed backhand is one of the best in the sport, but he netted that trusty weapon to face three match points at 6-3.

On his second match point, Khachanov cranked the wide serve closing a two hour, 52-minute battle. 

It was Khachanov’s first Top 10 win of the season, his first win over Zverev since the 2019 Montreal and sends him into his first final of the year.

In the opening set, Zverev more than doubled Khachanov’s winner total—11 to 5—but Khachanov cashed in on the lone break point of the set and that made all the difference. Khachanov converted the lone break point of the set for 3-1 and consolidated for 4-1. The bearded Russian converted his third set point for a one-set lead.

On the fast Toronto court, neither man was severely stressed on serve in the second set until the final game when Khachanov played a horrific game and Zverev broke to snatch the set and forced a decider.

This match marked the eighth time in the tournament a match was decided in the final-set tiebreaker.

Fritz Fires Past Rublev Into Fifth Semifinal of Season in Toronto

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By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Photo credit: National Bank Open by Rogers Facebook

Demonstrative displays aren’t typically part of Taylor Fritz’s arsenal.

Tonight, Fritz fired the exclamation point to punctuate a declarative victory. 

On match point, Fritz slammed his 20th ace completing a 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Andrey Rublev to power into his fifth semifinal of the season at the National Bank Open in Toronto.

Tennis Express One Day Sale
Tennis Express One Day Sale

The second-seeded Fritz posted his 20th hard-court win of the season—he’s the third man to do it—advancing to his 38th career semifinal.

“I would say tonight I felt the best about my game, just striking the ball-wise,” Fritz said. “I feel like all week it’s kind of been flying, tough to control, easy to miss the ball.

“It’s not just me, just watching any of the other matches, I can seeing people are hitting the ball a lot softer than they normally do, they’re playing a lot safer, people are making more mistakes. I think conditions here, it’s just tough in general to play.

“Tonight for sure it was the most I felt like I could control the ball, and also kind of go after it and feel like I was confident in where it was going. That’s obviously a good thing going into the semis.”

Wimbledon semifinalist Fritz will face fourth-seeded compatriot Ben Shelton for a spot in the final. Shelton slammed 11 aces defeating ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in tonight’s second quarterfinal. Fritz, who is 1-0 against Shelton, is bidding for his first hard-court final since he beat de Minaur and Alexander Zverev in succession to reach the ATP Finals title match in Turin last November.

“I feel like when we played the first time his serve was still huge,” Fritz said of Shelton. “I mean, maybe the spots are better. His serve was really good when I played him, whenever it was, like two, three
years ago, I’m not sure.”

Bursting out of the blocks quickly, Fritz flew eight points in a row surging to a 3-0 lead against the 2024 Canadian Open finalist. 

The 27-year-old Fritz was cracking the ball with depth off both wings, punished the Rublev two-handed backhand and even carved some timely drop shots seizing a one-set lead. Fritz served 70 percent and won 17 of 23 first-serve points in the opening set. 

“He’s one of the best players. He get great results,” Rublev said of Fritz. “Wimbledon semifinal, great match against Alcaraz. Now the tournament after Wimbledon he’s in semifinal.

“I know he have a great level, but here it’s tough to serve against. Here there is no tennis at all. But, in general, he had unbelievable level. He have tough matches against top players, and he’s beating most of the players.”

On the fast Toronto court, Fritz was nearly flawless on serve at the start of the second set. The 6’5” American tore through 16 of his first 17 service points, stamping three love holds in a row, at the start of the second set. Fritz broke for 5-4. 

The second seed’s only real stumble came when he served for the semifinal at 5-4. Despite successive aces that helped him earn match point, Fritz missed his normally reliable backhand. 

Rublev saved a match point then exploited a double fault and netted backhand breaking to level the second set at 5-all.

A frustrated Fritz dropped his Head racquet to the court and screamed at his box in his only show of angst of the evening.

The Rublev forehand remains one of the biggest in the game, but the Russian’s biggest weapon betrayed him early in the tiebreaker. Rublev missed two forehands in the first three points as Fritz took a 3-0 lead. 

Launching a 137 mph missile down the middle, Fritz went up 5-2. Though Rublev ripped a diagonal forehand to close to 4-5 he missed a mind-numbing forehand into net to hand the American a second match point. 

This time, Fritz made no mistake cracking his 20th ace of the night to seal his 20th hard-court win of the year.

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.

Tennis Channel and ITF Extend Media Rights Agreement

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By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 4, 2025
Photo credit: Matt McNulty/Getty for ITF

Tennis Channel will remain your television ticket to Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup competition.

Under the new multi-year agreement, Tennis Channel will remain the exclusive U.S. home for both tournaments continuing a relationship that began in 2009, TC and the ITF said in a joint announcement issued today.

Austria

The extension runs through 2027 for the Billie Jean King Cup and 2028 for the Davis Cup.

“The extension also marks a significant expansion of Tennis Channel’s international reach, with rights to broadcast in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom,” TC announced.  “Additionally, rights for the Billie Jean King Cup have been secured in Spain – a new and important market where interest in women’s tennis continues to see strong growth.”

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will be contested in Shenzhen, China, September 16-21st. The Davis Cup Final 8 is set for Bologna, Italy, November 18-23rd.

“For many years Tennis Channel has helped bring the World Cup of Tennis to millions of people around the world and this extension is great news for both Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup,” ITF President David Haggerty said. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside Tennis Channel to continue this growth for years to come.”

Top-Seeded Zverev Dethrones Defending-Champion Popyrin for 75th Semifinal in Toronto

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By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 4, 2025
Photo credit: Peter Power/Tennis Canada/National Bank Open Facebook

Popping with physicality, Alexander Zverev unleashed a series of kangaroo hops behind the baseline more than two hours into tonight’s match.

Showing spring in his steps and sting on his shots, Zverev dethroned defending National Bank Open champion Alexei Popyrin 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 to bounce into a historic semifinal. 

Tennis Express One Day Sale
Tennis Express One Day Sale

The top-seeded Zverev snapped Popyrin’s nine-match winning streak at the Canadian Open creating history for the second time in the tournament. 

Zverev, who rallied to his 500th career victory on Thursday, advanced to his 75th career Tour-level semifinal, including his 21st ATP Masters 1000 final four, tonight. 

The former Olympic gold-medal champion joins reigning gold-medal champion Novak Djokovic (196) as just the second active man to reach 75 career semifinals.

The 27-year-old German, who won the 2017 Montreal title, will play either 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov or 20-year-old American Alex Michelsen for a spot in the Toronto final.

A tense opening set saw each man save a break point before drama spiked in the tiebreaker. 

In a topsy-turvy tiebreaker, Popyrin seized a 5-3 lead only to see Zverev reel off three points in a row for a set point at 6-5. 

A diagonal forehand from the Aussie drew a backhand error for 6-all. Popyrin held a set point at 7-6, but Zverev slid a serve down the T to save it. 

The top seed held a second set point at 8-7 but netted a forehand return off a second serve, erupting in a primal scream of anguish. 

Popyrin crashed a 139 mph ace down the T—his eighth ace—for a second set point at 9-8. Popyrin showed his guts attacking behind a forehand down the line then tapped a half volley that kissed the top of the tape and dribbled over to end a tight first set. 

Popyrin raised both hands in apology, taking a one set lead after 1 hour, 11 minutes of play.

Resetting, Zverev held to start the second set then gained the first break of the night on a series of miscues from the Aussie. Popyrin sailed a forehand and double faulted deep ceding the break and a 2-0 second-set lead. 

Zverev stamped his second love hold of the match extending his advantage to 3-0. 

Seemingly in control of the set at 4-2, Zverev’s forehand failed him in the seventh game. The German decelerated slapping a forehand into the net—his third forehand error of the game—gifting the champion the love break as Popyrin crept closer at 3-4. 

Stepping into the court and putting his body weight behind the ball, Zverev lashed a forehand down the line for triple set point in the 10th game. Though Popyrin saved the first set point, he tried the serve-and-volley and pushed a makeable forehand volley wide as Zverev snatched the second set with his second break after one hour, 58 minutes.

An increasingly weary-looking Popyrin opened the court with a wide serve but pushed his favored forehand wide to face a break point. Popyrin sailed a backhand wide ending a sloppy game to gift Zverev the break and a 2-0 lead in the final set. 

A pumped-up Zverev pulled off the shot of the match—a superb full-stretch flying forehand volley winner to help him hold at 15 for a 3-0 lead.

Serving with command in the final set, Zverev served 70 percent and won 15 of 15 first-serve points. Impressive, especially considering one idiot in the crowd was screaming in distraction as the German’s ball toss went up in the final game. The disruptor elicited a double-fault, but credit Toronto security for finding the unruly fan and escorting him out of the stadium.

Zverev closed in two hours, 42 minutes pausing to turn and wave bye bye to the second of the stadium where the disruptor was sitting.

Osaka: Three Reasons for Montreal Resurgence

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By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 4, 2025
Photo credit: Omnium Banque Nationale Facebook

Being fitter makes you smarter on court, Andre Agassi famously observed.

Naomi Osaka points to improved fitness as one of three main reasons for her Montreal resurgence.

Former world No. 1 Osaka crushed former US Open semifinalist Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0 in a 49-minute thrashing that was the shortest match of her accomplished career.

Anastasija Sevastova

It is Osaka’s fourth straight win equaling her longest winning streak of the season which came in Auckland in January. It sent Osaka into her first Canadian Open quarterfinal and vaulted her to No. 34 in the live rankings—as she moved within striking distance of a US Open wild card.

Osaka attributes her career-best Montreal to three primary reasons: she’s fitter on court, happier off court and believes her trial with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski is working well so far because of the Polish’s coaches direct, no-nonsense style.

“Honestly, I think for me what’s working well is I am very confident in my fitness,” Osaka said. “I’m really
comfortable just getting balls back now, and I really enjoy Tomasz. I don’t know if to say his name is ‘Thomas’ or ‘Tomasz.’ I’m so sorry.

“But I enjoy his coaching style. He’s very direct and to the point. For someone like me, who my thoughts scatter around often, it’s very helpful.”

At times this season, Osaka was getting beaten by deep balls in the corner and sometimes tried playing big strikes down the line rather that playing back a deep ball to give herself time to recover back to the center of the court.

In fact, as recently as her 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3 comeback conquest of 13th-seeded Liudmila Samsonova in round two, Osaka was getting beaten repeatedly in crosscourt exchanges and sometimes taking one big step rather than the short, precise preparation steps to give herself ideal spacing between her body and the ball.

The 2023 Montreal finalist Samsonova held double match point at 6-4, 5-4, 40-15 when Osaka dug down and denied two match points sparking her stirring comeback.

In retrospect, it’s possible that comeback win could change the course of Osaka’s season if she sustains this winning streak. Saving those match points, Osaka started putting productive points together rather than resorting to try to end points prematurely with one big strike.

Similarly, Osaka said she’s now focusing on achieving “Mini goals” at tournaments as she tries to stack more wins together and pursue her ultimate goal of a Top 10 return and eventually competing for Slam titles again.

“It’s weird. I talked to my dad, and he said, like, Just being healthy and happy is a form of success,” Osaka said. “I agree with that, but I want more.

“I mean, definitely, of course I would want to win slams, of course I would want to be in the top 10, but I
think I need to pace myself and go for the mini goals, and they’ll eventually turn into the big goals. Yeah, I think being in the quarterfinals here is a step to hopefully getting to the semis and the finals, so I’ll try to treat it more like that.”

Osaka scored her 20th win of the season in Montreal which matches her total 2024 victory output. Now, she’ll try to sustain her roll facing 10th-seeded Elina Svitolina for a semifinal spot. The 27-year-old Osaka has won four of seven meetings vs. Svitolina, who will test the Japanese power players patience with her precision.

De Minaur: Making Case to USTA for US Open Mixed Wild Card With Boulter

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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 3, 2025
Photo credit: Katie Boulter Instagram

The couple that plays together stays together.

Alex de Minaur calls playing mixed doubles with fiancé Katie Boulter at Wimbledon one his career highlights.

That’s one reason why the Washington, D.C. champion is making the case to the USTA for a wild card for he and Boulter into this month’s US Open Mixed Doubles.

Alex de Minaur

“Yeah, a hundred percent. I mean, look, I think we’re doing our best to put a really good case forward to hopefully get that wild card,” de Minaur told the media in Toronto today after edging Frances Tiafoe for his seventh straight win. “Yeah, I mean, one of the most enjoyable moments I’ve had on a tennis court was playing Wimbledon mixed doubles with her.”

The USTA released the current roster of teams for the new US Open Mixed doubles tournament, which will be staged for the first time during fan week, the week before singles main-draw play begins.

Here’s a look at the teams currently set to play:

Frances Tiafoe

There are currently two open spots remaining and de Minaur is hoping he and Boulter will be given a wild card to fill one of them.

“It was pretty damn cool [to play with Boulter], so I would love to go back and, yeah, play again,” de Minaur said today. “And to play such an exciting event with the world’s best tennis players would be pretty cool. So hopefully they give us a chance to do that, and I don’t know, I mean, yeah, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

 

Tauson Stuns Swiatek in Stirring Montreal Win

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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 3, 2025
Photo credit: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty

A crackling Clara Tauson drive sent Iga Swiatek sprawling into a split behind the baseline. 

Dictating with her serve, Tauson displaced the powerful Pole with deep drives stunning Swiatek 7-6(1), 6-3 to score one of her biggest career wins in Montreal.

Australian Open

It’s been a tournament of upsets and we’ve seen two of the biggest in the last two days. 

Canadian wild card Victoria Mboko shocked top-seeded Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 last night. 

Tonight, Tauson sent the second-seeded Swiatek packing to set up an appealing quarterfinal clash vs. Australian Open champion Madison Keys. 

Earlier, the sixth-seeded Keys saved a pair of match points conquering Karolina Muchova, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, to book a quarterfinal spot at the Omnium Banque Nationale quarterfinals. 

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A calm Tauson denied seven of nine break points snapping Swiatek’s nine-match winning streak with a superb display of power-based baseline tennis. Apart from a sloppy tiebreaker, Swiatek did not play poorly, Tauson just took it to her when it mattered most.

The 16th-seeded Tauson handed the Wimbledon winner her first defeat since she fell to Jessica Pegula in the Bad Homburg grass-court final in June. 

One of the WTA Tour’s most commanding servers, Tauson showed tonight she’s much more than a big server. Tauson dotted all areas of the service box to set up her fierce forehand, hit her two-handed backhand with bold intent and while she’s not nearly as quick around the court as the speedy Swiatek, the 22-year-old Dane anticipated the direction of the Pole’s shots and often beat her to the punch. Perhaps that’s because Tauson faced Swiatek at Wimbledon, falling in straight sets at the round of 16 last month. 

Tonight, Tauson broke in the third game then backed up the break with a love hold for 3-1.

Though Swiatek earned double break point in the sixth game, Tauson dug in with defiance and fought off four break points during a punishing 14-point game. Tauson held firm for 4-2. 

Two games later, the six-time Grand Slam champion earned triple break point. Swiatek was on the verge of breaking again only to see Tauson tame the threat with a five-point surge to hold for 5-3. 

Cruising through her own service games, Swiatek threw down a strong hold at 15 for 4-5 then tightened the screws on Tauson’s serve in the 10th game. 

When the Dane served for the set, Swiatek finally broke through at 15 to level 5-all. 

The tiebreaker was even after two points when Tauson lifted her level racing through six points in a row seizing a one-set lead. 

A tough Tauson saved seven of eight break points in that opening set and repeatedly hurt her opponent with the wide serve.

Swiatek would have been wise to drop back a bit deeper behind the baseline to give herself more time on the return—and at least give Tauson a different sightline on serve. 

Catching her toss a few times, Tauson was decisive on serving direction as she won eight of the first 10 points on her serve in the second set. Belting deep drives, Tauson broke at 15 for a 3-1 second-set lead. 

Tauson slashed successive aces sealing a 7-6, 4-1 lead after one hour, 33 minutes of play. 

The six-time Grand Slam champion made a push holding in the sixth game then scoring her second break to cut the gap to 3-4. 

Unfazed, Tauson continued torching first strikes and exploited the Pole’s fifth double fault to break back for 5-3. 

Serving for one of her biggest career wins, Tauson did not flinch and when Swiatek netted a final backhand, Tauson broke into the wide smile to cap a well-deserved win.

Michelsen Tops Tien, Will face Khachanov for Toronto Semifinal Spot

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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.

Alex Michelsen

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.

Anisimova Annihilates Raducanu in Dominant Montreal Performance

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By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 1, 2025
Photo credit: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty

The rematch was a mismatch.

Crackling highly charged drives, Amanda Anisimova jolted Emma Raducanu backward like a woman stricken by surges of static electricity.

In a brilliant performance of power tennis, Anisimova routed Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in a 64-minute thrashing to roll into the Montreal round of 16.

Amanda Anisimova

It was Anisimova’s first win over Raducanu in three meetings as she avenged a 6-1, 6-3 loss to the talented Briton in front of home fans in Miami in March.

In that match, Anisimova was bothered by a left wrist issue.

Tonight, Anisimova strong-armed Raducanu with disarming drives from the first point.

The Wimbledon finalist whipped deep strikes persistently pushing Raducanu corner to corner. Anisimova broke twice in a row charging out to a 4-1 lead.

Holding for the first time 28 minutes into the match, Raducanu made a push going up love-30 in the American’s ensuing service game. Anisimova shoved her right back into place, blistering a backhand winner down the line that lashing an ace down the T as part of a four-point run to hold for 5-2. 

Even when Raducanu hit her spot on serve, Anisimova was unleashing whiplash returns near the lines. A biting backhand return down the line gave the American a second set point. 

Anisimova turned her hips and shoulders into a jarring return sealing a one-set lead with her third break of the set. Anisimova hit 12 winners—nine more than Raducanu—and played much of the 40-minute opener off her front foot. 

That opening set was just a prelude to the powerful combinations Anisimova administered in the secodn set.

The fifth-seeded Anisimova won eight straight points to ignite a second-set surge that saw her snatch a 5-0 lead.

It wasn’t that Raducanu even played poorly, an oppressive Anisimova barely gave the Briton an opportunity to play at all. Raducanu held at 30 to deny a second-set bagel.

On a day when defending champion Jessica Pegula was upset by former US Open semifinalist Anastasija Sevastova, the 2024 finalist Anisimova was in cruise control.

Anisimova served out a commanding 64-minute conquest at love firing one final forehand winner crosscourt. The pair embraced at net afterward with both women sharing a smile over Anisimova’s brilliance.

Doha champion Anisimova will face Elina Svitolina for a quarterfinal spot.

The 10th-seeded Svitolina swept Washington, DC finalist Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-1 breaking five times in a 55-minute dissection.

Evans Blasts “Pathetic” Davidovich Fokina Complaint

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By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 1, 2025
Mubadala Citi DC Open Facebook

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina slammed ATP scheduling in Toronto.

Dan Evans delivered a stinging wake-up call to the Spaniard in response.

On his Instagram Stories, Evans called out Davidovich Fokina’s “pathetic” griping.

Reposting the Spaniard’s criticism, Evans posted “Wake up and play. The world wakes up and works 9-5 even 8-6. Pathetic.”

The Briton’s blunt response came after Davidovich Fokina, who suffered a gut-wrenching loss to Alex de Minaur in last week’s Washington, DC final, ripped the ATP scheduling his National Bank Open match for 11 a.m.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

“Every match starts at 12:30 p.m., except ours, which has been scheduled for 11 a.m.,” Davidovich Fokina wrote on Instagram Stories. “We’re staying one hour away from the club, which means that we have to wake up extremely early to arrive in good conditions. We asked for a change, but the answer was that everything was already sold: tickets, TV rights, etc. Once again, it’s clear that the players are not taken into consideration. The ATP always promises they’ll fix things, but nothing ever changes.”

Kyrgios Talks Potential New Career

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By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 1, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Nick Kyrgios’ next career could see him pushing buttons.

In an interview at the Esports World Cup 2025, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week, Kyrgios confessed his first sports love was not tennis.

Instead, he favored gaming and basketball.

Australian Open

“My passion was basketball and gaming,” said Kyrgios, sporting a black Call of Duty t-shirt during his interview. “To be thrown into a sport where tennis is very clean cut. You know, I’m very rough around the edges and I didn’t really fit the mold for a tennis player. And I really struggled with that early in my career.”

The devoted Boston Celtics fans said he’s spent hours playing Fortnite and Call of Duty. Kyrgios said his gaming compulsion often came at the expense of tennis training and tournament play on the ATP Tour.

The former Australian Open doubles champion said he’s dream of being a professional gamer.

“I would love to be [an esports] player,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve been criticized in my career for not putting enough time on the court. And I’ve missed tournaments and training because I’ve just been gaming purely because I love it and I don’t care.

“The thing about it is like esports continue to grow. You know, it’s always going to evolve, technology’s going to get better, a new game’s going to come out.” 

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist shared he dropped “F-Bombs” in front of the Royal Box during his four-set loss to Novak Djokovic, but vowed he’s not going to change his style to fit traditional tennis norms.

“And now it seems I’m a bit more embraced. And I’m glad I’m able to put on a show,” Kyrgios said. “You know, when I played in front of the Royal Box at Wimbledon, I was throwing F-Bombs…

“But look, it’s been a struggle to kind of fit in. But you know now I kind of embrace it. I’m not going to change for anyone and it took me all the way here, so it paid off.” 

Caroline Garcia Plans Cincinnati Return Before US Open Farewell

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By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, July 31, 2025
Photo credit: Brad Penner/USTA/US Open

Caroline Garcia plans a Queen City return before her final farewell in Queens.

The 31-year-old Garcia aims to plan next month’s Cincinnati WTA 1000 event in preparation for her final tournament at the 2025 US Open.

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Tennis Express player gear

Garcia shared a brief video of her training with coach Bertrand Perret on Instagram Stories today. She captioned the video “Getting ready for Cincy tennis with my fave coach Bertrand Perret.”

It’s been a life-changing month for Garcia, who married long-time boyfriend Borja Durán in a beautiful and joyous ceremony earlier this month.

The happy couple shared exquisite images from their wedding ceremony on social media.

“The most beautiful day of our lives,” Garcia posted on social media.

The July 19th wedding comes nearly 13 months to the day after the couple announced their engagement.

Borja Durán is a Catalan university professor who has lived in Barcelona.

The couple launched their own podcast, The Tennis Insider Club, last year.

They’ve interviewed several stars, including Gael Monfils, Alize Cornet, Andrey Rublev and Victoria Azarenka for the podcast.

Former world No. 4 Garcia announced her intention to retire from the pro tour after the 2025 US Open in May. Garcia won 11 WTA singles titles, including defeating Aryna Sabalenka to capture the 2022 WTA Finals championship. Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic captured the Roland Garros doubles championship twice.

VAR Corrects Call on Ball Through the Net

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By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, July 31, 2025
Photo credit: Tennis TV

The Toronto net gave way to a squeeze play.

A rare shot through the net escaped the chair umpire’s attention, but not the sharp eyes of Video Assistant Review.

During Gabriel Diallo’s 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Matteo Gigante at the National Bank Open on Wednesday, one of the Canadian’s drives went through the net and undetected by the chair umpire.

Watch Gigante successfully challenge the no-call and win the point when VAR showed the ball had indeed passed through the net right below the tape. Gigante won the call but ultimately lost the match.

Fourth Gear: Fernandez Crushes Kalinskaya for Fourth Title in Washington, DC

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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, July 27, 2025
Photo credit: Mubadala Citi DC Open Facebook

Pushed into the doubles alley, Leylah Fernandez fired a forehand strike.

Even when she was operating from defensive positions, Fernandez conjured offensive magic.

In a brilliant performance, Fernandez crushed Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 to roll to her fourth career championship at the Mubadala Citi DC Open final today.

The 22-year-old Fernandez made history as the first Canadian to rule Washington, DC. Unleashing a 69-minute thrashing, Fernandez soared to the biggest title of her career—and first since she won 2023 Hong Kong.

“Wow. First of all I want to congratulate Anna and her team,” Fernandez said after winning her first WTA 500 championship. “You’re a tough opponent to play against so congratulations and hope for the best for the future. 

“Secondly, I want to thank the DC crowd, give yourself a round of applause. Thank you for being there all week. You guys have been amazing for cheering us on all week through the heat, the humidity the rain so thank you for being here all week.”

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Tennis Express player gear

Former world No. 13 Fernandez capped a spectacular week that saw her knock off Aussie talent Maya Joint, top-seeded and 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, new WTA doubles No. 1 and home hero Taylor Townsend and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a grueling triple tiebreaker test in the height of the DC heat yesterday.

Fernandez posted four Top 50 wins this week in a stirring triumph that thrusts her back into the Top 25 at No. 24 in the Live Rankings.

World No. 48 Kalinskaya swept 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu yesterday, denying DC fans the prospect of a 2021 US Open final rematch.

The Russian, who had not surrendered a set en route to the final, looked overwhelmed playing for her maiden title today.

“I want to congratulate Leylah, an amazing fighter this week,” Kalinskaya said. “You truly deserve it. I’ll see you soon, maybe we’ll play each other next week you never know.”

Though Kalinskaya’s second serve is usually a sturdy shot, Fernandez won 10 of 12 points played on the Russian’s second serve and converted four of six break points today.

The left-handed Canadian cracked 16 winners, which is seven more than Kalinskaya hit.

Despite her draining three hour, 12-minute triumph over WTA ace leader Rybakina in sweltering heat yesterday, Fernandez exuded more energy and urgency from the opening point today.

Deadlocked after two games, Fernandez surged through five games in a row for a one-set lead.

Belting a backhand down the line brought Fernandez a third set point. Sprinting to her right, Fernandez flicked a drop shot winner to snatch a one-set lead.

Striking a rousing running forehand strike helped Fernandez stretch her lead to 6-1, 3-1.

Straddling the baseline, Fernandez attacked and blocked a forehand volley winner for two more break points.

Cracking a clean backhand return winner down the line, Fernandez stamped her fourth break of the match for a 4-1 second set lead.

Kalinskaya made a brief push going up love-30 in the next game, but Fernandez fired through four points in a row. Flashing a serve winner down the T, Fernandez threw a clenched fist to her father in the support box extending to 6-1, 5-1 after just 61 minutes of play.

On her third championship point, Fernandez closed on Kalinskaya’s 24th unforced error.

Zverev: Trying to Convince Toni Nadal to Join My Coaching Team

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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, July 27, 2025
Photo credit: Hannah Peters/Getty

Alexander Zverev tuned up for the North American summer hard-court season training with coach Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

Olympic gold-medal champion Zverev said he’d like to work with Toni Nadal on a more regular basis, but a prospective partnership depends on Uncle Toni’s schedule.

Speaking to the media in Toronto where he is top seed at this week’s National Bank Open, Zverev said “I’m trying to convince” Toni Nadal to join his coaching team.

“I mean, he spent quite a lot of time with me actually as well, so I’m very thankful for that,” Zverev told the media in Toronto. “I mean, the time in Mallorca was amazing. I spent about 10 days there, and worked really hard and enjoyed it as well. I think Toni enjoyed it probably as well.

“I’m trying to convince him (smiling) to do more weeks with me, and we’ll see how it goes, but he’s a very busy man. Also he has a lot of dates that he already committed to this year, so I’m not sure how much of him you’ll see this year, because he gave his word to a lot of events and a lot of speeches already. But we’re talking about what a potential partnership could look like, for sure, and, yeah, I can give you an update probably in a few weeks time when we know more. But, yeah, I enjoyed my time there, that’s for sure.”

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In addition to working with Toni Nadal, Zverev said he gained “great insight” from Rafael Nadal on his game. King of Clay Rafa Nadal shared with Zverev what it was like for him to face the German. 

“Yeah, they definitely spent a lot of hours talking to me, and they gave me some great insight. Rafa gave me some great insight of what it actually is like to play against me, because he saw me as a player, he saw me now as a spectator as well,” Zverev said. “It was very helpful, and again, we spent hours and hours talking, sometimes until past midnight in some dinners and stuff like that. So it was great to be there.”

Earlier this month, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech completed a five-set win over Zverev in the Wimbledon first round. Rinderknech won 44 of 55 trips to net and denied all nine break points he faced.

Afterward, Zverev said the prestigious Centre Court lawn felt like a deep hole he couldn’t escape.

Six months after his surge to the Australian Open final, Zverev suffered his second career Wimbledon first-round exit and opened up on the malaise he’s feeling.

“I would say more mental, probably. It’s funny, I feel very alone out there at times,” Zverev said. “I struggle mentally. I’ve been saying that since after the Australian Open. Yeah, just don’t know. I’m trying to find ways, trying to find ways to kind of get out of this hole. I keep kind of finding myself back in it in a way.

“Yeah, I don’t know. I feel, generally speaking, quite alone in life at the moment, which is a feeling that is not very nice.”

In his parting presser at SW19, Zverev said it’s possible he could hire a new coach and conceded he’s out of answers on court.

“Possibly,” Zverev said when asked about a new coach. “As I said, yeah, it’s a different feeling right now for me. I can’t speak for the moment. But I think I’ll have answers by Canada.” 

While Zverev has worked with high-profile coaches in the past—including David Ferrer, who helped guide him to the US Open final and former No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been exceptionally successful coaching Carlos Alcaraz—he continues to return to the familiarity of his father, Alexander Zverev, Sr., as coach.

Toni Nadal, known as a savvy and tough taskmaster, spent some time working with Felix Auger-Aliassime after stepping down as Rafa Nadal’s official coach. Zverev said his goal is to maximize his game to try to win Grand Slams.

“I mean, I think at this stage for me it’s about winning, and trying to maximize what I have, and
trying to maximize what I can become,” Zverev said. “Again, I think my team, but also Toni are exceptional in that, in maximizing what a player has. Of course, he was with Rafa before, which I’m never going to compare myself to Rafa, but if he can maximize what I have, and he can maximize the potential that I have, I’m sure that I can have a lot more success in my career.”