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29Jan

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Rafael Nadal’s 2007 French Open winning racquet sells for $118K at auction | Off the field News – Times of India

Rafael Nadal's championship point-winning racquet from his 2007 French Open final triumph over Roger Federer has fetched an impressive sum of over $118,000 at an auction on Monday. This sale places the item among the highest-priced pieces of tennis memorabilia ever auctioned.Nadal beat Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the 2007 final in Paris to win his third Grand Slam title before the Spaniard moved on to secure a further 19 - 14 of them at Roland Garros - becoming one of the sport's greatest players.The auctioned racquet had not only played a pivotal role in Nadal's historic French Open win but was also used in earlier matches of the tournament, including the semi-final against Novak Djokovic.Sold for $118,206 at Prestige Memorabilia's online auction, The Tennis Auction, the racquet was ...

28Dec

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‘Competitive animal’ Rafael Nadal back for one last hurrah | Tennis News – Times of India

SYDNEY: More than two decades after bursting on the scene, the sun is setting on Rafael Nadal's storied career with the Spanish gladiator hoping his creaking body can hold up long enough to see out the season.The 37-year-old returns to the courts in Brisbane this week, almost a year since he last played professionally before an injury curse that has long plagued him returned with a vengeance.It has been a recurring theme of a record-breaking career which has brought 22 Grand Slam titles and global respect, a painful by-product of his all-action, brutal-hitting style that has led to struggles with serious knee, wrist and foot problems.His most recent setback, at the 2023 Australian Open, resulted in two rounds of hip surgery and fears that he would never grace the courts again.But Nadal ...

25Aug

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Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic relish US Open collision course | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic will make his long-awaited return to the US Open next week. He wants to beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and take back the title and world number one position.The 36-year-old Serbian great couldn't get into the U.S. for most of the last two years because he refused to get vaccinated for Covid-19.Last year, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion could only watch from afar as Spanish star Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam tournament and was named the new King of New York. Since that breakthrough victory, Alcaraz and Djokovic have developed the sport's most compelling new rivalry, pushing each other to the limit in an epic five-set Wimbledon final last month that ended with Alcaraz triumphing 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. The two men produced another pulsat...

21Aug

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Carlos Alcaraz reminds me of Rafael Nadal, says Novak Djokovic | Tennis News – Times of India

Novak Djokovic said that his relationship with Carlos Alcaraz was becoming like the one he had with Rafa Nadal, who is also from Spain. He said this after it took him almost four hours to beat the 20-year-old world number one in the epic final of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.In a thrilling repeat of their Wimbledon match, Djokovic saved a match point before avenging his loss with a 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4) win in three hours and 49 minutes. This was the longest best-of-three sets final in ATP tour history.The experienced Serbian said it was like the final of the 2012 Australian Open, where he beat Nadal in five hours and 53 minutes. The two teams have been rivals for 15 years and have played each other 59 times."I don't think I've played too many matches like this in my life," Djokovic, 36, t...

18Jul

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Carlos Alcaraz: The boy wonder | Tennis News – Times of India

Alcaraz wows tennis world with stunning show in Wimbledon final; Djokovic calls him 'complete player'LONDON: It's a long trudge to Centre Court for the Wimbledon finalists, through the slightly curved corridor of the club house - the sun-kissed, glass-paneled walls on one side and The Championships documented through the years on the other. Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic's eyes sparked a monk-like focus, Carlos Alcaraz, the 20-year-old phenom, took in the large gathering at the entrance of the club.He smiled, perhaps to release the tension.Then they descended the stairs, the 36-year-old first, washed in the light of chandeliers, cameras trained at them. Prize fighters.Some five hours later, following a 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win over the 23-time major winner Djokovic, Alcaraz w...

1Jul

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Novak Djokovic eyes eighth Wimbledon title and 24th Grand Slam crown | Tennis News – Times of India

LONDON: Novak Djokovic has Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and a 24th major in his sights as he closes in on a first calendar Grand Slam in 54 years.Fresh from breaking out of a tie with Rafael Nadal for 23 Slams at the French Open, the 36-year-old Djokovic will comfortably be the overwhelming favourite at the All England Club when he starts his title defence on Monday.With a 10th Australian Open and third Roland Garros already wrapped up this season, an eighth Wimbledon triumph would leave Djokovic needing just the US Open in September to emulate Rod Laver's sweep of all four majors in 1969."He takes your legs, then he takes your soul, then he digs your grave and you have a funeral and you're dead. Bye-bye. Thank you for coming," said coach Goran Ivanisevic when asked ...

12Jun

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Novak Djokovic, the tiebreaker king and the clutch Ninja who knows how to win

The first set in the French Open final was hurtling along towards its climax. Casper Ruud wasn’t content playing the bit-part but seemed intent on being the star of the night. Then, came the tie-breaker and Novak Djokovic showed why he is the Grand Slam boss. Ruud was the better player up until that point, hardly putting a foot out of place, but Djokovic slam-dunked him 7-1 in the tiebreaker, with five winners, and swept the match in straight sets. The tie-break king was at it again. Yet, Ruud had made a promising start at the tiebreaker. He made a smart first serve, finding depth and cutting angles with his remarkable forehand, and looking the physically fitter player.And then, just as he felt he had Djokovic right where he wanted him by hitting a vicious forehand crosscourt, Djokovi...

12Jun

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Why Carlos Alcaraz should try the pickle juice next time he suffers from cramps

In the backdrop of Novak Djokovic’s 23rd Grand Slam victory lay the ruins of what could have been a match of epic proportions between the Serbian and Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, Spain’s latest sensation on clay, was geared to be Djokovic’s biggest test on his run to Roland Garros’ summit. But what followed was two sets of intense action followed by cramps faced by Alcaraz, who then had to lower his gears down and play the rest of the match at a lower level. With that magical ability to chase down impossible balls lost, he eventually gave way in the last two sets and succumbed to Djokovic 3-6, 7-5, 1-6, 1-6.While Alcaraz clutched at different parts of his body in pain, at one point being comforted by Djokovic himself, commentators spoke off the magic of unconventional treatments like pickle...

12Jun

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Novak Djokovic: Is Novak Djokovic the ‘Greatest ever’?: What the numbers say | Tennis News – Times of India

He divides the tennis fans right down the middle - either you love him or you hate him, there is no middle ground. But you surely can't ignore him.Undoubtedly one of the greatest athletes of all time, Novak Djokovic is the epitome of hard work and mental strength. His confidence is unaffected despite controversies and it is driven by his determination to be the greatest ever.On Sunday, Djokovic, who won a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title at French Open, left his greatest rival Rafael Nadal behind. He now has the most number of major titles among male players in tennis history.Also, with his third title at Roland Garros, Djokovic became the only male tennis player ever to win all the four Slams at least thrice. The 36-year-old, who became the oldest winner in Paris since 1968 (break...

11Jun

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Another Grand Slam final lost, but Casper Ruud hopes he won respect at French Open

Casper Ruud has now lost the three Grand Slam finals he has played, but the Norwegian believes he has earned something at the French Open this year – the respect of his peers.Ruud lost 7-6(1) 6-3 7-5 against Novak Djokovic in his second straight final at Roland Garros on Sunday as the Serbian claimed a record-breaking 23rd men’s Grand Slam title.Last year, he was demolished by his mentor Rafael Nadal at the French Open, before falling in four sets against Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open final in September. Great fight, Casper Ruud Here's the shot of the day by @oppo 🫡#InspirationAhead #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ttTm3Lnga9 — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 11, 2023 “Obviously anyone you play in a Grand Slam final is going to be a good player. But the three players...

11Jun

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Novak Djokovic vs Casper Ruud French Open Live Score: ‘History hovering’ over Djokovic as Grand Slam record beckons – The Times of India

Novak Djokovic vs Casper Ruud French Open Live Score: 'History hovering' over Djokovic as Grand Slam record beckonsFrench Open Final 2023 Live Score: Novak Djokovic admits "history is hovering" over him as he takes on Casper Ruud in the French Open final today with a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title tantalisingly close. The 36-year-old Serb can set numerous landmarks in what will be his seventh championship match at Roland Garros.Read LessTHE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 11, 2023, 17:08:25 ISTFacebookTwitterLinkedinEMail!(function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { function loadFBEvents(isFBCampaignActive) { if (!isFBCampaignActive) { return; } (function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { if (f.fbq) return; n = f.fbq = function() { n.callMethod ? n.callMethod(....

11Jun

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French Open: Casper Ruud stands between Novak Djokovic and 23rd Slam | Tennis News – Times of India

Serb ace will be first man to win all Majors three times, reclaim top spot in rankings if he beats Norwegian in finalPARIS: Novak Djokovic is on a trifecta trail at Roland Garros. A record 23rd major crown, the first man to win each of the four majors at least three times and a return to the world No. 1 ranking.A third French Open title would put Djokovic halfway to the calendar Grand Slam. The promise and the possibilities.The Serb, however, pressed the pause button on the road ahead, saying that it was a conversation for tomorrow. Casper Ruud - patient and persevering - is the first order of business in the final on Sunday.The 24-year-old Norwegian, in his second successive final here and third at majors, has played Djokovic four times but has never taken a set off the Serb. The last ...

10Jun

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World number one Iga Swiatek digs deep to beat Karolina Muchova and win third French Open title | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Poland's Iga Swiatek, the current world number one, displayed her resilience against Czech player Karolina Muchova in an intense showdown at the French Open final. Swiatek emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, securing her third women's singles title at Roland Garros in the past four years.Having not dropped a set throughout the tournament, Swiatek initially took a commanding lead, reaching 3-1 in the second set.However, Muchova mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive games and pushing the match into a deciding set.Undeterred, the 22-year-old Polish player rallied and regained her composure just in time. She clinched the victory, capturing her fourth Grand Slam title overall, following her triumph at the US Open last year.Swiatek has now lost only two out...

9Jun

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French Open 2023: Alexander Zverev takes on Casper Ruud a year after limping out of court | Tennis News – Times of India

PARIS: Alexander Zverev exited Roland Garros on crutches last year, the career-high ranking of No.2 in the world was the keep -sake. Some 12 months on, the three ligaments he had torn in his right ankle during the French Open semifinal suitably reconstructed, the German returned to this majestic coral-hued stage, ranked 27 and seriously short of matches on the right side of the scoreline. He won just 16 matches in the first five months of the year. The lanky pro – not the most eloquent of characters on the Tour, but sturdy in his shot-making – found his range at this picturesque Parisian suburb, where he’s into his third successive semifinal. Zverev will clash with Norwegian Casper Ruud, the fourth seed and last year’s finalist, in the second semifinal on Friday. The first of the men’s ...

8Jun

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Muchova stuns Sabalenka to move into French Open final | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Unseeded Karolina Muchova shocked second seed Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling semi-final at the French Open to secure a spot in the final. Muchova saved a match point before winning 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-5, ending Sabalenka's quest to become the world number one.Sabalenka, who could have claimed the top spot in the rankings by winning the title in Paris, missed an opportunity at 5-2 in the third set. Muchova tactfully defused Sabalenka's powerful game and won the last five games in a row.As the only remaining unseeded player in both the men's and women's draws, Muchova approached the match strategically. Instead of engaging in a power battle from the baseline, she opted for a lighter touch. Muchova utilized slices and drop shots to disrupt Sabalenka's rhythm and forced her to make...

7Jun

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Iga Swiatek outclasses Coco Gauff to reach French Open semi-finals

Holder Iga Swiatek was tested by American sixth seed Coco Gauff in a rematch of their 2022 French Open title clash but the world number one showed her class to secure a 6-4 6-2 victory and reach the semi-finals on Wednesday. The top seed will take on Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last four as she continues her bid for a third crown in four years at Roland Garros and her fourth Grand Slam title overall. Swiatek has adopted a more ruthless approach to her title defence dishing out four bagels in as many rounds but the Pole found the going tougher against a determined Gauff in the see-sawing opening set on Court Philippe Chatrier. After drawing first blood, she allowed Gauff to hit back and level up at 3-3 by crashing a volley into the net before getting back on track to take the adv...

7Jun

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Iga Swiatek outclasses Coco Gauff to reach French Open semi-finals | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Defending champion Iga Swiatek secured her spot in the French Open semi-finals with a convincing victory over Coco Gauff. This clash served as a rematch of last year's final, and Swiatek, the top seed, once again displayed her dominance, winning the match 6-4, 6-2.With this win, Swiatek, currently ranked as the world number one, further enhanced her exceptional record at Roland Garros, standing at an impressive 26-2. Her victory against the talented 19-year-old Gauff marked the seventh consecutive triumph for Swiatek in their head-to-head encounters.Having showcased her prowess on the clay courts of Paris, Swiatek now sets her sights on the semi-finals, where she will face Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia.Swiatek has adopted a more ruthless approach to her title defence dishing o...

6Jun

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Novak Djokovic: Major 23 still on the cards as Djokovic springs into French Open last four | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging first set to defeat Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-4 and secure a spot in the French Open semi-finals. The victory keeps Djokovic on track to potentially claim his record-breaking 23rd men's singles Grand Slam title.Although Khachanov showcased a formidable serve in the opening set, Djokovic managed to turn the tide after winning the second set tiebreak. From there, Djokovic's consistent and precise game took control, leaving Khachanov with few answers to halt his opponent's march to the semi-finals.Djokovic will now eagerly await the outcome of the match between world number one Carlos Alcaraz and fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, as the winner will be the last obstacle standing between Djokovic and a seventh French Open final.As the m...

6Jun

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Karolina Muchova pummels Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to book French Open semi-final spot | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Karolina Muchova halted former French Open runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova's impressive comeback by securing a 7-5, 6-2 triumph on Tuesday, propelling her to the semi-finals of Roland Garros for the very first time in her career.In the upcoming semi-final clash, Muchova, representing the Czech Republic, is set to face either Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed from Belarus, or Elina Svitolina, the former world number three from Ukraine. The quarter-final between Sabalenka and Svitolina carries political undertones and is scheduled to take place later in the day."I don't know what to say, it's been an incredible two weeks and I'm glad I'm still in the competition," Muchova said."I will for sure watch the match (between Sabalenka and Svitolina), I'm not sure if I will watch it ...

6Jun

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Ukrainian spectator has oversized flag cut in two at French Open | Tennis News – Times of India

PARIS: A Ukrainian woman had her national flag cut in two by French Open staff because it was 'too big', ahead of Tuesday's highly-charged quarter-final clash between Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.Anna, who declined to give her family name, waited quietly as the flag was taken away by a Roland Garros employee at the entrance gate and was returned to her in two pieces."Here at the FFT (French tennis federation) we have nothing against the Ukrainian flag. On the contrary, we would do the same with any other flag," the employee told Anna."I came here to support Elina Svitolina. It's a flag that I've taken everywhere, to stadiums, notably at Euro 2016," Anna, who lives in France, told Reuters."Now I have two flags," she added with a smile.The flag was more than on...