Author: lehang

Tomas Etcheverry struggled to cope with the heat on day three of the US Open.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry suddenly turned away to vomit mid-match (Image: X @flubixor)

Tomas Etcheverry found himself struggling to cope in the excruciating heat at the US Open. The world No. 33 outlasted Francisco Cerundolo in an all-Argentine battle in the second round – but not before he threw up on the court.

Moments after spraying vomit everywhere, Etcheverry sealed a 6-3 4-6 6-4 1-6 6-3 victory.

Temperatures exceeded 30C in New York on Wednesday, with the heat rule coming into effect on day three of the US Open. Several players were clearly struggling in the brutal conditions, but none more than Etcheverry.

The 25-year-old found himself embroiled in a marathon battle with compatriot Cerundolo on Court 5 and was deep in the deciding set when the heat finally took its toll. Leading 4-1 in the fifth with almost four hours on the clock, he suddenly put his arm up and turned away.

Etcheverry couldn’t get back to his towel box in time and suddenly threw up all over himself as Cerundolo watched on in shock from the other side of the net.

Somehow, Etcheverry quickly managed to regroup. He pulled the 29th seed into a lengthy, three-deuce game but Cerundolo held on.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry survived the brutal conditions to reach the third round (Image: Getty)

The world No. 33 eventually got the job done with four hours and four minutes on the clock, reaching the third round of the US Open for the first time in his career.

Etcheverry and Cerundolo embraced at the net after the marathon match – the world No. 29 clearly not put-off by the vomit. The lower-ranked Argentine will now face fourth seed Alexander Zverev in round three.

For now, he will be delighted to get revenge over Cerundolo after losing to his countryman in a memorable under-10s battle. Ahead of their US Open showdown, he told the ATP: “I still have that chip on my shoulder!

Francisco Cerundolo embraced long-time rival Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the net (Image: Getty)

“I remember it was a semi-final in Carilo. We were about nine, that’s when we met for the first time. The winner was guaranteed a beautiful trophy, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, still today.

“And I was really upset because I lost to ‘Fran’ after having a match point. I cried so much that my family was worried. At some point, my dad told me not to play tennis anymore because he was seeing me suffer so much.”

Etcheverry wasn’t put off entirely. He continued to face his compatriot throughout the years as they climbed the ranks of professional tennis.

They even ended up “fighting” at a Futures event and had to sort things out off the court. But the bad blood is well and truly behind them – and Etcheverry has avenged his old losses.

Sixers Stun Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

The Philadelphia 76ers have made a remarkable return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1983, facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a high-stakes matchup. The opening game of the series saw the Sixers defy expectations, pulling off a stunning victory over the Lakers, who had been on a 19-game winning streak. The game, held at the Staples Center, was marked by intense play and pivotal moments that highlighted the grit and determination of both teams.

From the tip-off, it was clear that the game would be fiercely contested. The 76ers, led by Allen Iverson, were facing the Lakers, a team renowned for their dominant performances and star players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. The first quarter set the tone with Philadelphia’s strategic approach to containing the Lakers’ key players. Iverson, despite a rough start, showed his resilience by contributing crucial points later in the game.

The Lakers, aiming to assert their dominance early, initially took a commanding lead. Shaquille O’Neal was particularly aggressive, attempting to dominate the paint, while Kobe Bryant looked to make an impact with his usual finesse. However, the Sixers’ defense, led by Dikembe Mutombo, proved to be a significant obstacle. Mutombo’s presence in the paint was crucial in keeping O’Neal’s scoring under control, and his ability to stay out of foul trouble was key to Philadelphia’s defensive strategy.

Iverson, who had been a focus of the Lakers’ defense, struggled early in the game, but his tenacity paid off in the latter parts of the game. Despite being closely guarded by Tyrone Lue, Iverson managed to find his rhythm, making several pivotal plays that kept the Sixers in contention. His ability to score, particularly in crucial moments, was instrumental in Philadelphia’s late-game surge.

As the game progressed, the Sixers began to close the gap. The Lakers, despite their early lead, started to falter under the pressure of Philadelphia’s defense. The Sixers’ aggressive play and strategic adjustments began to pay dividends, with key contributions from players like Aaron McKie and Eric Snow. Snow’s defense against Bryant was especially notable, limiting the Lakers star’s effectiveness and forcing him into challenging shots.

The game reached its climax in the final minutes, with the Sixers demonstrating remarkable composure. Iverson, who had struggled with his shooting earlier, came alive in the closing moments. His three-pointer and subsequent clutch plays helped the Sixers take the lead. The final moments of the game were tense, with the Lakers scrambling to regain control. Despite a valiant effort from O’Neal and Bryant, who both had strong performances, the Lakers could not overcome the Sixers’ late-game resilience.

Philadelphia’s victory was highlighted by Iverson’s heroic performance, including his memorable step-over gesture over Lue after hitting a crucial three-pointer. His final tally of 41 points, along with his late-game heroics, was a testament to his exceptional skill and determination. The win was a significant morale booster for the Sixers, who had been written off by many analysts before the game.

In the post-game interview, Iverson expressed his team’s confidence and determination. Despite the victory, he emphasized that the Sixers were focused on the series and not just the single game. “We came in here expecting to win,” Iverson said, reflecting the team’s mindset. “Everybody already counted us out, and we’re not going to act like we won it all right now because we still have some more business.”

The 76ers’ win in Game 1 sets an exciting tone for the rest of the Finals. As the series progresses, the Lakers will need to adjust their strategy and capitalize on their strengths to counter the determined and resilient play of the Sixers. The battle between these two teams promises to be a captivating spectacle, with each game potentially offering new twists and turns in this high-stakes showdown.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: Revolutionizing Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Clark has rapidly become one of the most compelling figures in women’s basketball, captivating audiences with her exceptional skills and dynamic presence on the court. Her impact on the WNBA has been transformative, bringing a level of excitement and viewership that has not been seen before in the league. Clark’s influence extends beyond her extraordinary play; she has sparked significant changes in how the league is perceived and marketed.

A Game-Changer for the WNBA

Before Caitlin Clark’s rise, the WNBA struggled to capture widespread attention. However, her arrival has been a game-changer. Clark’s remarkable shooting ability, particularly her proficiency from long range, has set her apart from any other player in the women’s game. Her skill in shooting from deep with efficiency has not only elevated her own game but has also drawn new fans to the league. When Clark plays, attendance and viewership figures soar, highlighting her role in attracting a broader audience to women’s basketball.

The recent record-setting crowd for a WNBA game in Georgia, largely attributed to the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” is a testament to her drawing power. Her games regularly see attendance figures that exceed averages, with fans flocking to arenas and even needing standing room tickets. This surge in popularity has led to record-breaking crowds and increased media coverage, making every game a major event.

Clark’s Impressive Performance and Records

Clark’s on-court performance is nothing short of spectacular. She holds the rookie record for assists in a season, a testament to her playmaking skills and court vision. Her impressive shooting percentage from within 5 feet of the basket and her ability to perform under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in basketball history, including LeBron James and Steph Curry. Her versatility combines the rebounding prowess of Jason Kidd, the creativity of Steve Nash, and the long-range shooting of Curry, making her a truly unique talent.

Clark’s influence extends beyond her scoring. Her playmaking abilities and her aggressive approach to the game have set new standards for performance. Despite being overlooked for the US national team, she has continued to excel, demonstrating resilience and determination. Clark’s recent record-setting achievement, with 232 assists, places her on pace to surpass the overall record of 316 assists, showcasing her exceptional ability to drive her team’s success.

Impact on the League and Future Prospects

The heightened interest in Clark has led to increased national television coverage of her games, with a significant number of the season’s highest-viewed games featuring her. This increased exposure reflects the growing popularity of the WNBA, driven by Clark’s presence. The league has responded by scheduling more games featuring Clark, recognizing the impact she has on viewership and attendance.

Moreover, Clark’s presence has spurred discussions about player salaries and endorsements. Her outspoken nature regarding the financial realities of the WNBA, including the disparity in player earnings compared to other professional sports, has highlighted important issues within the league. Clark’s advocacy for better compensation for players like Lexi Hull underscores her commitment to improving conditions for her peers.

The Broader Impact of Clark’s Stardom

Caitlin Clark’s influence reaches beyond the basketball court. Her remarkable college career, with a final game viewership surpassing 24 million, set a new benchmark for the sport. Her endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Wilson, as well as her anticipated future earnings, reflect her significant impact on the sport and her potential to drive further change in the industry.

Clark’s candid remarks about the financial aspects of her career and her humorous take on buying season tickets for her family have garnered media attention, further solidifying her role as a prominent figure in sports. Despite earning a substantial income from endorsements, she remains vocal about the challenges faced by WNBA players, advocating for better compensation and recognition.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark has undeniably become a revolutionary force in women’s basketball. Her exceptional skills, combined with her ability to attract viewers and drive up attendance, have transformed the WNBA. As she continues to break records and make headlines, Clark’s influence on the sport will likely grow, paving the way for future stars and setting new standards for women’s basketball. Her impact is a powerful reminder of how a single player can change the landscape of a sport and inspire millions of fans around the world.

When Shaquille O’Neal went into the fast-casual dining business, he was not naive about how competitive it was. In-N-Out and Cheesecake Factory were among his staples. He’s run Papa John’s and Krispy Kreme franchises for years. So when he took his love for chicken sandwiches and turned it into Big Chicken Shaq, he wasn’t oblivious to the road ahead. Regardless, like the LSU standout arriving in a league that still had Michael Jordan in 1992, O’Neal and his business partners took Big Chicken into the crowded franchising business in 2021. The goal is to bring smiles. However, Big Chicken has to survive in a competitive landscape to fulfill Shaq’s goal. Michigan might just be the test for it.

The Shaq factor boosted Big Chicken’s success in Las Vegas and Texas, where new locations opened up rapidly. However, other celebrity joints have not survived competition in Michigan. Could Shaq be an example of the contrary?

Big Chicken Shaq’s biggest rival came in the way once

Two years after expanding Big Chicken, its CEO Josh Halpern signed a deal with H&D Group Investments, a Michigan-based franchising group, in August 2023. The initial plan was to open 20+ Big Chicken franchises in the Wolverine state. A month after this deal, a local publication researched which chain restauranteur is the most popular in the state.

According to a 2021 study, Subway is the most popular in Michigan, with 887 locations across the state. It outranks McDonald’s in the second spot by 300 locations. With a stronghold like that, the sandwich titan has very little to fear about an NBA legend’s emerging fast-casual chain. After all, it has its own TNT-bred NBA greatness.

Shaq, who named dishes on the menu after his career and loved ones, named the sloppiest sandwich the ‘Charles Barkley.’ Then the namesake signed an endorsement deal with Subway and Shaq renamed his dish to the ‘Big and Sloppy.’ It did nothing to the popularity of the mac-and-cheese stuffed sandwich.

But Subway had to do nothing to take a toll on another celebrity chain. Shaq’s old friend, Guy Fieri launched his own fast casual chain, Chicken Guy, in Livonia. His restaurant was flanked with a Chick-Fil-A, which is not even a top 12 popular restaurant in the state, and a Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. Locals on social media narrated that Fieri’s restaurant was empty most days. Eventually, it shuttered on June 30 citing uncontrollable circumstances, though most believe it was crushed by competition.

While Chicken Guy was struggling, the first Michigan outlet of Big Chicken opened at 11476 N. Linden Road in Clio this February. Another in Metro Detroit’s Hartland Township was announced this month and more are coming. Shaq’s even taken over Fieri’s Livonia location to open a Big Chicken there. But some locals on social media are sceptical after Fieri’s experience.

The secret sauce of Shaq’s success

An example of Big Chicken’s tenacity, just like its namesake, is more visible in Texas. The Houston and Austin stores are thriving amid the Church’s Texas Chicken, Chick-Fil-A and so many more local chains. O’Neal has a way of surviving and it has to do with the experts he hired.

The restaurant group behind Big Chicken, JRS Hospitality, brought Josh Halpern for the job. Halpern has decades of experience growing CPG brands like Anheuser Busch. He makes becoming a Big Chicken franchisee tougher than getting into an Ivy League school. But Halpern’s not here to dish out opportunities to Shaq’s fans to get closer to the big man. He’s looking for franchisees with considerable management experience to operate a store or more through competition.

Opening a Big Chicken franchise is roughly a $1.4 million investment, a little steep compared to established franchise giants. About 20 locations in Michigan alone, is a $28 million task that needs to succeed. Coincidentally, Halpern appeared on Room For Seconds at the time of this writing where he said Big Chicken Success is dependant on unit-level economics. So protecting franchisees’ financial health, operating in inflations, and putting value over discounts are part of Halpern’s job.

‘Profits’ is not the endgame of ‘The Shaquille Way.’ According to Halpern, Big Chicken is to create smiles and that strategy has kept O’Neal’s business growing.

“The View” co-host Sunny Hostin argued that “White privilege” and “pretty privilege” played a role in Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s popularity during the ABC talk show Wednesday.

 

“I do think that there is a thing called pretty privilege. There is a thing called White privilege. There is a thing called tall privilege, and we have to acknowledge that, and so part of it is about race, because if you think about the Brittney Griners of the world, why did she have to go to play in Russia? Because they wouldn’t pay her,” Hostin said, referring to the WNBA.

The co-hosts of “The View” were discussing former ESPN host Jemele Hill’s argument that Clark owed much of her popularity to her race and sexuality.

Hostin said earlier in the discussion she had no issue with Clark bringing the WNBA some much-needed attention.

“Now, Caitlin Clark is bringing this money, these sponsorships, we hope, into the league and other players will benefit from it. But I do think that she is more relatable to more people because she’s White, because she’s attractive, and unfortunately, there still is that stigma against the LGBTQ+ community,” Hostin said.

Caitlin Clark drives to the basket against the Seattle Storm on May 22, 2024.

“Seventy percent of the WNBA is Black. A third of the players are in the LGBTQ+ community and we have to do something about that stigma in this country. I think people have a problem with basketball playing women that are lesbians. Who cares? They are great athletes.”

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin said she’d become a fan of the WNBA because Clark was “so fun to watch,” adding that it had nothing to do with her skin color.

Co-host Whoopi Goldberg argued that Hostin and herself have been trying to bring attention to the WNBA for years.

“These women are oftentimes equal if not better, sometimes, than the folks you’re watching,” Goldberg said.

“Sometimes better than the guys!” Hostin added.

 

“The View” host Sunny Hostin discussing Caitlin Clark.

Clark rose to national prominence, particularly over the last two seasons, while playing at the University of Iowa.

The all-time leading scorer in Division I NCAA women’s basketball history, she led Iowa to consecutive appearances in the national championship game before getting drafted first overall this year by the Fever.

Goldberg pushed back on Hill’s remarks and said Clark was getting attention because she was an excellent player.

“To have her reduced that way bothered me a lot because this is her record,” Goldberg said, pointing to her note card. “Unless you can show me who’s got a better record than this, this is why she’s getting the attention she’s getting, because she’s a damn good player and doesn’t matter whether she’s straight or gay, ain’t nobody crying when she’s making those balls.”

 

Hill, in a comment to the Los Angeles Times, also called out brands like Nike for not sponsoring more diverse players. Clark signed a $28 million deal with the brand after she graduated from the University of Iowa and she also inked an historic brand deal with Wilson this week.

“Black women are often erased from the picture,” Hill said. “There’s plenty of room to highlight and celebrate Caitlin Clark’s popularity while also discussing ways in which to not erase Black women from a league that they have built and continue to build.”

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Source: New York Post

Naomi Osaka wore an epic outfit as she defeated Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the US Open – and the four-time major champion explained the inspiration behind her attire.

Naomi Osaka caught the eye with an epic outfit in her first US Open match (Image: (Image: GETTY))

Naomi Osaka dazzled fans with her extraordinary outfit as she breezed into the second round of the US Open, dishing out a straight sets defeat to No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko.

The former champion, known for her powerful game and fashion statements on court, sported an eye-catching light green bow and white skirt covering that caught the eye the moment she stepped out into Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Emerging victorious over Ostapenko in a convincing 6-3 6-2 match, Osaka sent a clear signal that she’s back at her best despite recent struggles with form after taking time out for her pregnancy and to focus on her mental health.

Osaka, who has twice been crowned queen of the US Open shared the inspiration behind her self-titled “super suit”. She believes her bespoke tennis attire offers her an additional layer of strength to conquer opponents – a sentiment clearly mirrored by her commanding performance against Ostapenko.

Delving into how her outfit boosts her on-court prowess, Osaka said: “Well, I chose the color like at least a year ago. I definitely love to be involved in everything I do, whether it’s fashion or anything else.

Osaka’s outfit did the trick as she won in straight sets (Image: Getty)

“But I feel like being able to be a part of my tennis outfits gives me, I would say, a different strength. Especially the US Open outfits, I feel like they are a little bit more flamboyant. When I was putting on my outfit today, I was, like, ah, I hope this isn’t too much.

“Because I had the tutu and then I had the bow jacket and it was green, I feel like everyone was staring at me funny. And then I put the headphones on, that was a real killer.

“I was, like, you know what, embrace this maximalist style. And then it made me feel better, another player came up to me and asked to take a picture. I hope it was a positive picture, it wasn’t, like, ‘Oh, my God, look at her.’”.

“Yeah, I think for me when I put on the outfit it’s almost like a super suit, so I try to channel that.”

Osaka also hinted at how she might draw power from her outfit in the second round by unveiling another new look. She added: “I do remember thinking, like, I need to win this match so I can wear my other color. That was very important to me.”

“Yeah, I guess you’ll see my other colour next time”. There will no doubt be a lot of fans waiting with interest to see what her next fashion statement entails

Radu Albot faced Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open and previously played two matches against tennis legend Roger Federer.

Radu Albot has faced both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (Image: David Gray/Getty Images)
Tennis star Radu Albot’s theory was proven right after he delivered his verdict on the difference between facing Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. The 34-year-old reached the main draw of the US Open after winning three qualifying rounds, which pitted him against Djokovic for the first time in his career.

While facing the 24-time Grand Slam champion is never easy, Albot played against a supremely confident Djokovic, having recently clinched Olympic gold for Serbia to claim the missing piece in his long list of honours. Their recent clash at the Arthur Ashe Stadium ended in a straight sets victory for Djokovic (6-2, 6-2, 6-4).

It is not the only time that Albot has been tasked with facing a tennis legend, twice facing off against Federer. However, ahead of his US Open clash, former world no.39 Albot admitted to We Love Tennis: “I’m aware that Novak is a tougher opponent than Federer, whom I’ve faced twice.”

The Moldovan was competing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the 30th time in his career but had never faced a champion at a major. Having previously won a set against Federer during a three-set clash in Miami, the current world No 138 hoped to use that experience in his match against Djokovic but felt it would be a more daunting task – something that proved to be the case as he suffered a straight-sets loss.

“I think [playing against Federer] helps. I think it helps also what to expect from the crowd and I think it also helps the experience of what to expect from one of the greatest of all time as well,” Albot told ATP Tour. “When I was playing against Roger, I was going to the court only with the idea to win the match. I was not thinking, ‘Oh, I wish I take a game’, or, ‘I wish I take a set’, or something like that. No, I was going just to win.

“Novak is more complex. He has great physical [attributes], of course. He is moving great. He has great shots from both wings, forehand and backhand and serve and at the net, he’s good as well. So from this experience that I have from the previous matches playing Roger, Andy and other big guys, it will help me for sure the next match.

Radu Albot faced Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open (Image: Getty)

“Just on the court, especially in a five-setter, it’s a little bit different, because a lot of things can happen during the match. It’s a long match, and I just have to be prepared mentally and to make the correct adjustments during the match.”

Despite predicting how his match with Djokovic would unfold, Albot will still hold his head high. He refused to blame the luck of the draw after working hard to qualify for the US Open and simply hoped to make himself and Moldova proud in such a high-profile match.

“Of course, I’m not going to be crying and be like, ‘Oh, I’m unlucky’. Of course. I’m looking forward to this challenge, and I would like to see what I can do, how I can play, and how the match is going to be, especially that it’s going to be on a big court with a full house,” Albot added.

“It’s going to be all over the world on TV. I already got so many messages from back home about wishing me luck and beating Novak that I don’t have anything else to do, just to go there and to do my best, to compete at my best.

“I know if I play good, I’ll be happy. Of course, I go on the court to win. But we know who Djokovic is. We know his records. We know his achievements.

“We know his confidence, especially after winning the Olympics now recently. So I’ll just go there and try to focus on myself, and if I play well, I think I’ll be happy with that.”

Despite his first-round defeat, Albot still walked away with a handsome $100,000 (£76,853) cheque while Djokovic will now take on compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round.

Novak Djokovic coasted into the second round of the US Open.

Novak Djokovic before his opening-round US Open match. (Image: Sky Sports.)

Novak Djokovic surprisingly took aim at his US Open opponent Radu Albot before a comfortable first-round victory over the Moldovan star on the opening night of the Grand Slam.

Albot had previously defeated Djokovic’s two brothers, Marko and Djordje, but had never faced the four-time champion ahead of their meeting on Arthur Ashe.

Speaking before his 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory, the Serb vowed: “Both of my younger brothers faced him and they both lost to him, so hopefully I can avenge my brothers tonight…”

Djokovic has picked and won battles against some of tennis’ greatest ever players, including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, while more recently forging a rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, but he was keen to get one over on the world No. 138.

Albot had previously defeated both of Djokovic’s younger brothers within a two-year span in 2012 and 2013. He first beat Marko 6-4, 6-3 at the Sarajevo Indoor Hard tournament.

The following year he put Djordje to the sword 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at the Bergamo Indoor Hard event, both at the last 32 stage, giving their older brother plenty of motivation heading into Flushing Meadows.

 

Novak Djokovic in action on the opening day of the US Open. (Image: Getty)

For the world No. 2 on his first match as an Olympic gold medallist, a solid performance earned Djokovic the title of most victories on Arthur Ashe by any man in history, surpassing Federer.

Standing at 5’9, Albot was unable to match the physicality of his opponent who was brimming with confidence, with the promise of family revenge on his mind Stateside.

After initially struggling with his first serve, Djokovic ground down Albot and was able to secure a comfortable victory to set up a second-round clash with compatriot Laslo Djere.

“It’s always challenging to start, particularly when you haven’t played on this surface for five, six months, and coming off an Olympic gold and playing on clay,” said Djokovic. “I haven’t had any official matches before the US Open. So I’m expecting to be probably challenged a little bit more in the opening rounds.

“Hopefully I can play better each day. The good thing about slams is you have a day between matches where you can train, where you can really work on things and perfect your game. That’s what I feel like I need.

“So I’m going to hit the practice courts tomorrow and work on things that haven’t really worked during the match and, yeah, keep striving to be better.”

When asked about the knee injury that plagued his Wimbledon campaign, the 37-year-old replied: “The knee is fine really. I haven’t had any issues throughout the entire Olympic tournament and here (in the) first round. Knock on wood, it’s all good.”

Carlos Alcaraz played well in his first match in New York

Carlos Alcaraz passed the first obstacle at the last Major event of the season in New York. The 2022 US Open champion faced Li Tu in the first round on Arthur Ashe Stadium and notched a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory in two hours and 42 minutes.

World no. 3 lost a set, but there was nothing wrong with his game. Carlos fired 50 winners and 30 unforced errors, controlling the scoreboard and outplaying Li in the sets he won. Alcaraz produced more efficient numbers behind the first and second serve, fending off four of six break points in the second set and keeping the pressure on the other side.

The Spaniard stole almost half of the return points, turning them into seven breaks from 19 opportunities. Tu took charge on Alcaraz’s second serve in the second set, delivering two breaks but failing to follow that pace in sets three and four.

Carlos was off to a flying start, delivering two consecutive breaks in the early stage and moving 4-0 in front. Li sprayed a forehand error in the first game of the match, suffering a break at love. Carlos Alcaraz, US Open 2024© Stream screenshot

The Spaniard fired a service winner in game two, confirming the advantage and making another push on the return at 2-0.

The Aussie netted a routine forehand in the third game, experiencing another break and sending the favorite further in front. Carlos painted a forehand down the line winner in the fourth game, delivering another comfortable hold and opening a 4-0 advantage.

Tu grabbed his first game in the next one, reducing the deficit and avoiding a bagel. Alcaraz held at love for 5-1 and served for the opener at 5-2. The Spaniard held at love after the Aussie’s drive-volley error, wrapping up the opener 6-2 after 29 minutes.

They served well in the first four games of the second set, with Lu looking better than in the opener. Tu denied three break chances in the fifth game, remaining on the positive side. Carlos closed the sixth game with a forehand winner and made a push on the return in the next one.

World no. 3 welcomed the rival’s double fault, securing a break and moving 4-3 in front. Li Tu, US Open 2024© Stream screenshot

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Li Tu in four sets in the US Open first round.

Suddenly, Tu raised his level and broke back at 15 in game eight after Alcaraz’s wild forehand.

The Aussie held at 15 in game nine, moving in front and keeping the pressure on the Spaniard. Carlos faced five set points, struggling behind the initial shot for the second straight game. World no. 3 defended four with fine hitting before facing the fifth.

Li cracked a backhand down the line attack and drew Carlos’ mistake, wrapping up the set 6-4 and leveling the overall score after an hour and 23 minutes. Alcaraz made a fresh start in the third set, delivering four comfortable holds and pushing strong in four return games.

The Aussie denied a break point in the first game and held after deuces to extend his streak. The Spaniard fired an ace in the second game, ending his downfall and holding at 15 two games later for 2-2. Tu sprayed a forehand error in the fifth game, offering Alcaraz a break point.

Carlos netted a backhand, allowing his rival to survive and move 3-2 in front. Li Tu & Carlos Alcaraz, US Open 2024© Stream screenshot

The Spaniard cracked a forehand winner in the sixth game, locking the result at 3-3 and attacking the opponent’s serve in the next one.

Alcaraz broke Tu in the seventh game after a forced error, moving in front and landing a crafty winner in the next one for another fine hold and a 5-3 advantage. World no. 3 welcomed a routine backhand error from his rival in the ninth game, generating two set points.

The Aussie denied them with service winners before facing the third when his backhand landed long. Li went to the net, and Carlos passed him, wrapping up the set in style and opening two sets to one advantage after two hours and ten minutes.

Alcaraz was the only player on the court in the fourth set, outplaying Tu on serve and return and almost delivering a bagel. Carlos clinched the opening game at love with a service winner and created three break chances in the next one.

Carlos Alcaraz, US Open 2024© Stream screenshot
Alcaraz placed a deep return and caused Tu’s mistake, breaking at love and opening a 2-0 lead. The Spaniard fired an ace down the T line in the third game, moving 3-0 ahead and closer to the finish line.

The Aussie squandered a game point in game four and got broken after a backhand error, falling 4-0 behind and seeing the writings on the wall. Carlos held at love for 5-0 and looked good to seal the deal on the return in the next one.

Alcaraz created two match points and squandered them with a loose drive-volley and the rival’s service winner. Li held, avoiding a bagel and reducing the deficit. Carlos served for the victory at 5-1 and generated three match points with a powerful serve. Alcaraz landed an ace down the T line, sealing the deal and moving into the second round.

 

Djokovic reveals how he was able to stay in such a great physical state at 37.

Novak Djokovic says there is not a particular secret to him being able to do what he is doing at 37 except that “it is just a way of life” he has been living for the past two decades.

On Monday, Djokovic kicked off his 18th US Open campaign with a 6-2 6-2 6-4 win over former world No. 39 Radu Albot.

Early in the first set, Albot led 2-1 before Djokovic won the next five games to win the opener in style before also breaking the Moldovan three times in the following set to go up by two sets. In the third set, Albot was the most competitive but the Serb still routinely closed out the match in straight sets as one break of serve in the seventh game was enough for the defending champion.

Afterward, Djokovic was interviewed on the court by 44-year-old James Blake – who retired from pro tennis exactly 11 years ago at the US Open. And former world No. 4 Blake acknowledged Djokovic still having an outstanding physical ability and wanted to know how he was able to remain young in his late thirties.

“There’s not one word or secret that would describe it all. It’s just a way of life. Way to approach my tennis career. I was fortunate very early on in my life to be surrounded by knowledgeable and passionate people who were kind enough to share their guidance with me for years and they taught me very early on that prevention equals longevity. Stretching. Warm-up. Everything I do early on in my life will come back to me later in my career,” Djokovic explained to Blake.

“The body is one part. The mentality and emotional, mental aspect is something on the other side. You’ve got to find the optimal balance between the two. I’m still enjoying myself to compete. I’m very self critical on the court. I get frustrated at times. At the end of the day, this sport gave me so much. Me continuing to play and giving 100% every time I step on the court is paying back to this wonderful sport.”

Djokovic again deals with the same question

For years, Djokovic has been openly talking about his desire to get an Olympic gold medal. And earlier this month, he was able to pull it off and now his complete is full without a single thing lacking.

But the day Djokovic won the Paris Olympics, some started talking about how achieving that goal may lead to the world No. 2 losing his motivation and determination for sport. After arriving at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic provided a lengthy answer on why he believes that won’t be the case. Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot

“You know, people would ask me, you know, now that you have basically won everything with the golden medal, what else is there to win? I still feel the drive. You know, I still have the competitive spirit. I still want to make more history and enjoy myself on the tour. I still hope to inspire many young people to watch tennis, play tennis,” Djokovic previously said in his pre-tournament press conference.

“Those are some of the reasons why I still keep on going. Grand Slams are the pillars of our sport. They are the most important historical tennis events that we have. So if you don’t get pumped and inspired to play your best tennis at Grand Slams, it’s hard to do that anywhere else.

“US Open is a slam that holds the biggest tennis court in the world, tennis stadium. You know, night sessions at US Open are very famous, most famous in our sport. I’m going to play my first match here Monday night, so I can’t wait to be under the lights. The noise, the energy of the stadium is just different from anything else.”

Djokovic can make more history at the US Open

Last year, Djokovic became the first-ever man with 24 Grand Slams after beating Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final. Since Djokovic hasn’t had any Slam wins since, he could make history at Flushing Meadows in back-to-back years if he wins the US Open and becomes the first player in tennis history male or female with 25 Majors in singles. Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
Meanwhile, Djokovic is set to play against fellow Serb Laslo Djere for a place in the US Open third round. What’s interesting about this match is that they also played last year – and world No. 109 Djere was close to upsetting Djokovic – before the former world No. 1 stormed back to win 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-1 6-3 their third-round matchup.

This time, there is no doubt that Djokovic will look to avoid any drama and get the job done more routinely.