Archive of posts tagged Tokyo

Novak Djokovic recalls his amazing triumph at the Paris Olympics one year on

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Alexander Zverev

Exactly one year ago, Novak Djokovic achieved the last huge feat of his career by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics against all odds. Everyone knows how much the Serbian legend has always loved representing his country, but he had never expressed his best tennis at the Games in previous editions, suffering some of the most painful defeats of his entire career.

The former world No. 1 had left the court in tears after being beaten by Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, in what Nole has always defined as one of the most atrocious disappointments he has experienced as a professional tennis player.

Almost all fans and insiders believed that Novak would have his last chance to reach this milestone in Tokyo in 2021, after the Olympics had been postponed by a year due to the pandemic.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was the top favorite in Japan, considering that he was virtually unbeatable that season having won the first three Majors of the year. Djokovic reached the semifinals in Tokyo without any effort, but his perfect mechanism jammed in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev when he was ahead by a set and a break. He suffered a shocking comeback and everyone thought that his dream had now been shattered.

Djokovic on his amazing run in Paris

The 38-year-old from Belgrade was not the top favorite in Paris last year, on a surface much more suited to the game than Carlos Alcaraz (who had won Roland Garros on those same courts a short time earlier). The former world No.1 had an exceptional run, enhanced by an impeccable performance against Carlitos in the final.

Exactly one year after that magical triumph, Djokovic expressed his feelings: “Oh my gosh, I’ve watched this video probably one million times. Not recently, now I’ve made a little break, but now you’re inspiring me to watch it again and again. It just stands out as probably the highlight of my career, considering the amount of time and years that I waited for that — or haven’t waited — I worked for it.

But the heartbreaking losses in the previous four Olympic Games that I played, unable to make that final step and reach the finals and fight for gold. It was the only big accolade that I missed, that I haven’t achieved in my career, and then coming at the age of 37, it is something very unique, unforgettable.

Watch: Bianca Andreescu rolls ankle on match point, lets out heartbreaking scream

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2024 Wimbledon

Bianca Andreescu went through a painful moment very late in her Montreal opener as the former world No. 4 badly rolled her ankle on a match point. 

Serving for the match at 5-3 in the second set against 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, the Canadian twisted her ankle and fell on the court instantly. Moments after the injury scare, the 2019 US Open winner yelled, "Why does this always happen to me?"

Andreescu, who was in evident pain and discomfort, was assisted to her bench, where she was treated by the trainer. Ultimately, the Canadian – who received a wildcard for this year's tournament in Montreal – managed to resume play and complete a 6-3 6-4 win.

Andreescu cried and got emotional after her Montreal win

The Montreal crowd prompted the 25-year-old to continue playing and gave her the extra energy. And after the current world No. 187 managed to get over the finish line, she became emotional but also acknowledged the crowd's help.

"You guys are everything. I'm super happy I was able to pull through and it's thanks to you guys," the home player told the crowd.

Andreescu's injury history is well-documented as she has struggled with various injuries over the last several years. 

After taking part in the Tokyo tournament in 2024 October, the Canadian decided to take a break to address her back injury. The 25-year-old returned to action in April. Since coming back to tennis, she has posted a 12-8 record and she is ranked just inside the top-200.

In the Montreal second round, Andreescu is due to meet Mirra Andreeva. It remains to be seen if tshe will be impacted by the ankle injury.

Recovering from Surgery, Zheng Qinwen Out of US Open

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Olympic gold-medal champion officially withdraws from US Open.arthroscopic surgery

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 21, 2025
Photo credit: Zheng Qinwen Instagram

Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the US Open.

The Olympic gold-medal champion is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow and will be sidelined as she heals from surgery.

Tennis Express

Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean moves into the US Open main draw with Zheng's departure.

Zheng reached the US Open quarterfinals last September losing to eventual-champion Aryna Sabalenka.

The Chinese power player's Flushing Meadows quarterfinal result was part of a strong surge to end the season that saw Zheng reach three finals in her last five tournaments of 2024 as she lost to Sabalenka in the Wuhan final, defeated Sofia Kenin to win the Tokyo title and reached the final of the WTA Finals in Riyadh bowing to Coco Gauff.

"Over the past months, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches. Despite trying various treatments to manage it, the discomfort never fully went away," Zheng wrote in an Instagram post over the weekend. "After consulting with elbow specialists and discussing thoroughly with my team, we decided that arthroscopic surgery was the best option to fully resolve the issue.

"Yesterday, I underwent the procedure successfully, and I’m grateful to have it behind me."

It is uncertain when the former Australian Open finalist can return though Zheng said she envisions "just a short break."

"Now begins the recovery journey. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab—doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier," Zheng said. "This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court."

The world No. 6 reached the quarterfinals or better in six of her last eight tournaments.

A Rome semifinalist, Zheng reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals and Queen's Club semifinals bowing to Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova before she suffered a first-round loss to Katerina Siniakova at Wimbledon.