Alcaraz Returns To The Summit, Mover Of Week - 1時間前  ATP World Tour

After 12 days of action at the BNP Paribas Open, Carlos Alcaraz left as the king, defeating Daniil Medvedev to clinch the title and rise to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Following the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, ATPTour.com looks at the movers of the week as of Monday, 20 March 2023. View Pepperstone ATP Rankings [ATP APP] No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, +1 (Joint Career High) The 19-year-old has climbed back to No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time since January after winning his third ATP Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells. The Spaniard did not drop a set en...more route to the trophy, becoming the ninth and youngest man to win both legs of the Sunshine Doubles – Indian Wells and Miami – in his career. Alcaraz defeated Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 in the final. Read Indian Wells Final Report & Watch Highlights. No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, +1 The 27-year-old is back in the Top 5 after he advanced to the final in Indian Wells. Medvedev, who had never been beyond the fourth round in five previous appearances before this year, overcame Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals to extend his winning streak to 19 matches. He was unable to find a way past Alcaraz, who proved too strong in the championship match. No. 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime, +4 (Joint Career High) The Canadian has jumped four spots to No. 6 after reaching the last eight in California. The 22-year-old overcame Pedro Martinez, Francisco Cerundolo and Tommy Paul to advance to his third quarter-final of the year. No. 11 Jannik Sinner, +2 The Italian continued his impressive start to the season in Indian Wells, where he reached his second ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. The 21-year-old earned statement wins against Stan Wawrinka and Taylor Fritz before falling to the eventual champion in Alcaraz in their fifth ATP H2H meeting. Sinner heads to Miami 16-4 on the year. No. 14 Frances Tiafoe, +2 (Career High) Tiafoe has moved to a career-high No. 14 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings after showcasing his dynamic game at the hard-court event. The 25-year-old American did not drop a set en route to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 semi-final, defeating Marcos Giron, Jason Kubler, Alejandro Tabilo and Cameron Norrie. Other Notable Top 100 Movers No. 9 Hubert Hurkacz, +2 (Joint Career High) No. 22 Marin Cilic, +2 No. 25 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, +3 (Career High) No. 43 Jack Draper, +13 No. 44 Jiri Lehecka, +3 No. 45 Brandon Nakashima, +3 No. 52 Andy Murray, +3 No. 68 Nuno Borges, +12 (Career High) No. 74 Marton Fucsovics, +10 No. 82 Cristian Garin, +15 No. 87 Stan Wawrinka, +13...

Borges Wins Biggest Title Of Career At Phoenix Challenger - 8時間前  ATP World Tour

Nuno Borges has done two things on the ATP Challenger Tour this season: win matches and lift trophies. On Sunday, the 26-year-old extended his Challenger-match winning streak to 10 by triumphing at the Arizona Tennis Classic. Borges rallied from a set down in the final to defeat qualifier Alexander Shevchenko 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 and win the premiere Challenger 175 event. “So proud, so happy. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight,” Borges said. “Honestly I don’t even know what to say, I was in qualies when I first signed up, but got in last minute to the ...moremain draw. Really low expectations with having a tough first round right away. Kept fighting every match one at a time.” After earning his highest-ranked win in the opening round against World No. 38 Diego Schwartzman, Borges built upon his momentum to claim the biggest title of his career. Following his upset victory against the Argentine, Borges then defeated Roman Safiullin, Alexei Popyrin, Jan-Lennard Struff, and Shevchenko to win his fourth Challenger title. “Somehow I found myself in the final and I finally did it,” Borges said. “I feel like I’m still absorbing it but it’s unbelievable. These last few weeks have been amazing. First Challenger 175 event, it’s a very special place. It motivates me a lot for everything else.” The former Mississippi State University standout displayed first-class court coverage and stayed consistent on serve in Sunday’s final, including winning 15 of 21 points off his second delivery. Despite dropping the opening set against Shevchenko, Borges relied on what he believes has been the key to his recent success. “Trying to problem solve the one match I have ahead of me, not worrying about much else,” Borges said. “Once I’m [in the match], I just leave it all out there.” Now at a career-high No. 68 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, Borges has won 20 of 22 sets played at the Challenger level this year, including triumphing at last month’s Monterrey Challenger. Shevchenko, 22, completed a strong week with a finalist finish at the Phoenix Country Club. The qualifier earned victories against Gael Monfils, Marc-Andrea Huesler, Matteo Berrettini and Quentin Halys. On Monday, Shevchenko will rise to a career-high No. 101 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. In other Challenger Tour action Sunday, Hamad Medjedovic defeated Croatian Nino Serdarusic 6-4, 6-3 to win the Kiskut Open in Szekesfehervar, Hungary. The 19-year-old Medjedovic, who climbs to a career-high 192, became the fourth Serbian teenager to win multiple Challenger titles, joining Novak Djokovic (3), Janko Tipsarevic (3), and Miomir Kecmanovic (2). In Vina del Mar, Chile, Thiago Seyboth Wild defeated Frenchman Hugo Gaston 7-5, 6-1 to win the Vina Challenger Tennis. Seyboth Wild, 23, earned a special exemption after a finalist finish at last week’s Santiago Challenger. The Brazilian has won 11 of his past 12 Challenger-level matches.Making a splash in Phoenix 🤳💦🏊‍♂️#ATPChallenger | @aztennisclassic | @nunoborges97 pic.twitter.com/BgbclzYfzK— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 20, 2023...

Alcaraz Wins Indian Wells, Returns To World No. 1 - 11時間前  ATP World Tour

Carlos Alcaraz completed a dominant run to his maiden BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday with perhaps his most one-sided victory of the tournament, a 6-3, 6-2 stunner against Daniil Medvedev. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who did not lose a set in six Indian Wells matches, will return to World No. 1 in Monday's Pepperstone ATP Rankings behind his trophy triumph. "It means a lot to me. To recover the No. 1 [ranking] is crazy for me," Alcaraz said after wrapping up the win in a rapid one hour, 10 minutes. "But especially to lift the trophy here for me means a lot... I love this tournament. I really en...morejoy my time here and of course I felt the love from the people from day one. For me, it's amazing to complete these 10 days like this." Now a three-time ATP Masters 1000 champion as the reigning titlist in Miami and Madrid, Alcaraz is the ninth and youngest man to win both legs of the Sunshine Double — Indian Wells and Miami — in his career. He joins countryman Rafael Nadal as the only players to win at least three Masters 1000 titles as a teenager, with Nadal having won six before turning 20. Medvedev saw his 19-match and three-tournament winning streak come to a close as Alcaraz expertly handled the windy desert conditions, the top seed's patient but aggressive game plan reaping rewards with an immediate break in both sets. After racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, Alcaraz won the first 10 points of the second on the way to a 4-0 advantage. Alcaraz hit 18 winners to Medvedev's five and won 10 of 13 net points in an all-action victory. The Spaniard also found success with his patented drop shot time and again, taking advantage of his opponent's deep court position. He wrapped up the statement victory without facing a break point to re-establish himself at the pinnacle of the men's game. In order to maintain his position atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Alcaraz must complete the calendar-year Sunshine Double by defending his Miami title over the course of the next two weeks. "Of course winning a tournament, it gives you a lot of confidence [entering Miami]," the Spaniard said, looking ahead to the year's second ATP Masters 1000 event. "I'm playing great. Of course today, the conditions today were pretty tough. Of course Daniil didn't play at his best, obviously. All I can say is I'm really happy with my performance, the way that I [was] playing this tournament. I'm looking forward to playing this level in Miami as well." More to follow......

No. 1-Chasing Alcaraz Aims To Snap Medvedev’s Streak In Indian Wells Final - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Carlos Alcaraz’s bid to return to World No. 1 collides with Daniil Medvedev’s 19-match winning streak on Sunday in a blockbuster final at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. (Watch the final from 12am CET/7pm ET) The pair may be first-time finalists at the opening ATP Masters 1000 event of the year, but their respective runs to this year’s championship match can hardly be considered a surprise. After the start of his season was delayed until February due to injury, Alcaraz has racked up a 13-1 record for 2023 and is yet to drop a set in Indian Wells. If the 19-year-old defeats Med...morevedev, he will leapfrog Novak Djokovic to reclaim the No. 1 spot in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time since January. A major motivation, but not one that will distract the Spaniard from the job at hand. “I know if I win tomorrow I'm going to become the No. 1, [but] I will try not to think about that,” said the top-seeded Alcaraz after he defeated Jannik Sinner in straight sets in Saturday’s semi-finals. “[I will] just think about the things that I have to do. I would say it is going to be a really tactical match against Daniil… I have to make everything perfect. That's all I'm going to think [about] tomorrow.” Medvedev will rise one spot to No. 5 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings regardless of the result on Sunday and the 27-year-old has been the dominant force on Tour for the past month. He has notched 19 straight victories across four tournaments on three different continents, lifted titles in Rotterdam, Doha, and Dubai, and is now one win away from becoming the first player to claim four tour-level titles in five weeks since Andy Murray in 2016. “Once you win, you never want to stop,” said four-time Masters 1000 champion Medvedev on Saturday. “No matter which record I broke or made even, or [being] the first one since 2016 to go in four finals, I just want to win tomorrow.” Medvedev may be tempted to turn to his 1-0 ATP Head2Head series lead against the Spaniard for confidence ahead of his first Masters 1000 final since the 2021 Rolex Paris Masters. Yet the fifth seed acknowledges that the present-day Alcaraz is a completely different prospect to the 18-year-old he defeated in straight-sets at Wimbledon in 2021. “It counts in our head-to-head and it has to count, that's how tennis works,” said Medvedev after his semi-final victory against Frances Tiafoe. “I also have my matches which I lost when I was not at the top, but he was definitely not the same player [in 2021] that he is right now." “Right now is totally different,” concurred two-time Masters 1000 titlist and 2022 Indian Wells semi-finalist Alcaraz. “I'm an experienced guy, or at least I'm more experienced than that match. I know how to play against him. I practised with him a few times, as well, so is not new thing for me right now. So it's going to be, I think, a totally different match." [ATP APP] Medvedev’s 19-match winning streak has been powered by his trademark attributes: precise serving and relentless hitting from the baseline. Alcaraz’s ability to penetrate those defences with his blistering groundstrokes will be crucial to deciding the outcome of Sunday’s final. “He's a wall. He returns every ball, impossible shots,” said Alcaraz. “I talked with my team that the returns [against him] are almost in the corner of the court and [he is] still winning the points… I probably [have to] hit my best shots to hit wi...

Alcaraz Makes More ATP Masters 1000 History By Reaching Indian Wells Final - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Editor's note: This story was translated from ATPTour.com/es Carlos Alcaraz is relentlessly rewriting the annals of professional tennis. On Saturday, the Murcia native reached the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, once again underlining his status as one of the ATP Tour’s most feared players. With a smile on his face after a job well done, the Spaniard has found yet another way to etch his name into the history books. Alcaraz is the 18th man to have reached singles finals at both Indian Wells and Miami, demonstrating his ability to adapt at two of the most iconic events on ...morethe calendar. Having won his first ATP Masters 1000 trophy last year in South Florida — becoming the youngest winner in the history of the tournament and the third-youngest champion overall in the prestigious category — the Spaniard will be bidding to add to his fast-growing trophy collection when he takes on Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's Southern California final. Players Who Have Reached Singles Finals In Indian Wells & Miami Player Indian Wells Miami Carlos Alcaraz 1 1 John Isner 1 1 Andy Murray 1 4 Novak Djokovic 6 7 Rafael Nadal 5 5 Roger Federer 9 5 Ivan Ljubicic 1 1 Andy Roddick 1 2 Carlos Moya 1 1 Marcelo Ríos 1 1 Pete Sampras 3 4 Michael Chang 3 1 Jim Courier 2 1 Andre Agassi 3 8 Stefan Edberg 2 1 Miloslav Mecir 1 1 Jimmy Connors 3 1 Ivan Lendl 2 3 The achievement is even rarer than reaching World No. 1, with the Miami event first being played in 1985. Since the start of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in 1973, a total of 28 players have managed to reach its peak in singles, while only 18 have progressed to the final in both Indian Wells and Miami. It is a list replete with legends, including all members of the Big Four and many of the great players of the 1980s and 1990s, who are now joined by the latest superstar of men’s professional tennis. It is yet another historic feat to add to a career that is progressing at breakneck speed. Alcaraz, who this week reached the milestone of his 100th tour-level win, will be vying to cap off a magical week in the desert when he clashes with Medvedev, the only current Top 10 player he is yet to defeat among those he has played (excludes Fritz, Rublev). Did You Know? Carlos Alcaraz is attempting to become the youngest player in history to complete the career ‘Sunshine Double’, by claiming the Indian Wells and Miami ATP Masters 1000 titles before turning 20. The man from Murcia would break the records set by Michael Chang, Jim Courier and Novak...

Alcaraz On Brink Of No. 1 After Sinner SF Win In Indian Wells - 1日前  ATP World Tour

In the latest installment of a rivalry that could define the ATP Tour for the next decade, Carlos Alcaraz edged Jannik Sinner to break new ground at the BNP Paribas Open and move within one victory of a return to the top of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. After Saturday's 7-6(4), 6-3 triumph — in which he saved a set point in the opening set — the Spaniard will play his first Indian Wells final against Daniil Medvedev, knowing a win would secure his return to World No. 1. Watch Sunday's final from midnight CET/7pm ET The blockbuster semi-final was the fifth ATP Head2Head meeting bet...moreween Alcaraz and Sinner, and the first since their marathon US Open quarter-final that set a record for latest New York finish at 2:50 a.m. The Spaniard won their desert showdown in a brisk-by-comparison one hour, 52 minutes to improve to 3-2 in the budding rivalry. The bulk of the drama came in a back-and-forth opening set as Sinner took full advantage of a dip in level from his opponent to turn a 2-4 deficit into a 5-4 lead, winning 11 straight points in the process. Sinner kept the pressure on to create a set point at 6-5, but a uniquely Alcaraz combination — big serve, drop shot, volley winner — erased the chance and ensured the set would be decided in a tie-break. Encouraged by his escape, the Spaniard powered through the tie-break, a pair of backhand blasts on set point sealing the deal. Alcaraz expertly carried that momentum into set two, when he consolidated an early break with a point-of-the-season contender, planting a topspin lob on the baseline after a Sinner dipper forced him to retreat from the net. He later wriggled out of 0/30 to hold for 5-2, and served out the match with ease behind a pair of punishing forehand winners. Champion in Miami last season, Alcaraz will bid to become the youngest man to win both legs of the Sunshine Double on Sunday. Also the reigning titlist in Madrid, the 19-year-old is seeking to join countryman Rafael Nadal as the only man to win at least three ATP Masters 1000 titles as a teen (Nadal won six). Alcaraz is 2-0 in his previous finals at that prestigious level. The Spaniard has reached the final in all three of his 2023 events, with a win in Buenos Aires and a defeat in Rio de Janeiro, both against Cameron Norrie....

Henman, Willis Among Participants In 24-Hour Charity Tennis Marathon - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Bright Ideas For Tennis continues to make a difference for those in need. Tim Henman, Jack Draper and Marcus Willis were among current and former British players who joined the organisation's 24-hour tennis marathon at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre from 25-26 February to raise funds for the I Play 30 programme, which brings together local venues and schools to deliver free weekly coaching for students. “It’s great to be back with Danny Sapsford and Bright Ideas,” Henman said in a video produced by Bright Ideas For Tennis. “This 24-hour Tennis-a-Thon is not only...more a great way of raising money, but it’s about the fundraising to provide opportunities within tennis for those that are less fortunate.” Other British ATP players who participated were Dominic Inglot, James Auckland, Barry Cowan, Jamie Baker, Lee Childs, Martin Lee and Colin Beecher. They joined students from local schools as well as participants in the programme's inclusive tennis sessions for a memorable day of tennis. Willis, who last year came out of retirement to pursue a doubles career, was happy to give back. The 32-year-old has supported Bright Ideas For Tennis for a few years and has visited clubs across the country, even recently trying "blind tennis", which he called "awesome". “It’s great to work with Bright Ideas for Tennis to help give more people access to tennis coaching and activities,” Willis told ATPTour.com. “The charity works hard to give opportunities to those who wouldn’t normally get a chance to pick up a racquet and it’s brilliant to see so many other ATP Tour players sharing the court with the participants to support their fundraising efforts.” Learn More About Bright Ideas For Tennis View Fundraising Page It was the 11th edition of the tennis marathon, which raises funds to allow for the organisation’s programming to continue to provide free access to sports for those who ordinarily would not receive it. Danny Sapsford, the former British player who is co-founder and charity manager of Bright Ideas For Tennis, thanked all who participated in making the marathon successful again. “We are delighted to be supported by so many current and former ATP Tour pros. They really do make such a difference to this event and it's great to see them giving back to the game,” Sapsford said. ”It’s an incredible experience for those taking part to play with them at the National Tennis Centre and create memories for a lifetime.”...

Alcaraz's No. 1 Chase, Sinner's Chance For Huge Rankings Jump - 1日前  ATP World Tour

There is plenty at stake this weekend beyond the prestigious BNP Paribas Open title at Indian Wells. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe all have a big opportunity to make a move in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. If Alcaraz claims his third ATP Masters 1000 trophy, the Spaniard will pass Novak Djokovic and return to World No. 1 on Monday. The 19-year-old faces Sinner in the semi-finals. Alcaraz, who became the youngest World No. 1 in history last September, held top spot for 20 weeks. He can return to the position for the first time since January, when Djokovic rec...morelaimed World No. 1. Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings (Entering Indian Wells SFs) Player Live Ranking Current Points Max Points Carlos Alcaraz 2 6,780 7,420 Daniil Medvedev 5 4,090 4,730 Jannik Sinner 11 2,925 3,565 Frances Tiafoe 14 2,710 3,350 The teen’s semi-final opponent, Sinner, has a big opportunity to climb to a new career high. The Italian is No. 11 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, but can surge to World No. 6 with the title. Sinner’s career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking is World No. 9, which he achieved in November 2021. The 21-year-old will return to the Top 10 by reaching the final. Medvedev will be World No. 5 on Monday regardless of his performance the rest of the week at Indian Wells. However, a title in the California desert will put him within 410 points of No. 4 Casper Ruud in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings on Monday. Tiafoe will crack the Top 10 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time if he wins his maiden Masters 1000 title this weekend. Even if the American loses in the semi-finals to Medvedev, he will match his career-high World No. 14 on Monday....

Top Seeds Koolhof/Skupski Reach Indian Wells Final - 2日前  ATP World Tour

After collecting seven team titles in 2022, Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski will compete for their first crown of this season at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. On Friday, the Dutch-British duo won 22 of 31 points off their first delivery to survive Santiago Gonzalez and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 in the semi-finals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Top seeds Koolhof and Skupski will compete in their first final of 2023 after earning three Masters 1000 titles last season: Madrid, Montreal, and Paris. [ATP APP] Koolhof and Skupski will next meet Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Eb...moreden, who saved all nine break points faced to edge defending champions John Isner and Jack Sock 7-6(6), 7-6(2). The Indian-Australian duo captured Friday’s semi-final without seeing a break point of their own and kept a high level to win two tie-breaks. Bopanna and Ebden have been enjoying a strong start to the year, including winning the ATP 500 event in Dubai and a runner-up finish in Rotterdam. The BNP Paribas Open men's doubles final will be held Saturday not before 5 p.m. local time. [NEWSLETTER FORM]

Borges Booming On Challenger Tour - 2日前  ATP World Tour

Following a career-best season, Nuno Borges is building momentum and enjoying a hot start to 2023 on the ATP Challenger Tour. The 26-year-old, who won last month’s Monterrey Challenger, is aiming to continue his seven-match winning streak (Challenger level) at this week’s Arizona Tennis Classic. Yet to drop a set this season on the Challenger Tour, Borges stated that he’s just reaping the fruits of his labour. “Every time I step on court I feel like there’s more stuff that I try not to take for granted but it’s been there because of the work I’ve put...more in,” Borges said. “I feel a little faster on court, decision making is getting better at this level. I can say that yes that I am more confident [this year] because in the end these players are making me more uncomfortable and anytime you go up, it keeps getting more and more challenging. Confidence is very subjective and it really is a volatile thing, comes and goes like crazy, one match can change it all.” On Friday, the Portuguese No. 1 defeated Roman Safiullin to book his ticket to the quarter-finals of the Arizona Tennis Classic, where he will next meet Australian Alexei Popyrin. Earlier in the week, Borges made a statement by earning his highest-ranked win: upsetting second seed and World No. 38 Diego Schwartzman. “It felt great,” Borges said. “I think I surprised myself positively with how well I mentally stayed throughout the match through the ups and downs. I problem-solved very well. I served really well and I think that made a difference because in the rallies it’s very tough against him. Played really clean overall. It wasn’t perfect but I couldn’t ask for a better match. “I’ve been in a really good moment. Throughout these few weeks, I’ve had a couple low moments but looking back, this year has been super positive.” Borges turned pro after graduating from Mississippi State University, where he earned a kinesiology degree in 2019. The five-time ITA All American enjoyed a 31-match collegiate winning streak that came to a halt in his final match: the 2019 NCAA singles championship (l. Jubb). Borges’ steady progress throughout the past eight months has helped lift him to a career-high 80 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. The Maia native also earned his maiden Grand Slam main-draw victory at the 2022 US Open (d. Shelton), which led to his Top 100 debut. Despite his recent surge, Borges isn’t getting caught up in benchmarks or lofty goals for this season. The three-time Challenger Tour titlist is choosing to continue his hard work while being grateful for what he’s already accomplished. Borges isn’t attached to a particular ranking goal for this season. “I don’t like to put a number on it,” Borges said. “Any tournament can put a whole change in your schedule. You win the next tournament and you put yourself a step higher and at a better tournament. I try to go one tournament at a time. I’ve already hit my goal honestly. “If I had to set a goal, maybe 75 because it’s a little higher. If I didn’t go any higher this year, I think that’d be okay because it’s part of the process. It’s not always going to be about just going up, unless you’re Novak Djokovic. I’m not saying that I’m satisfied but I also need to be proud of my progress so far and enjoy playing these big tournaments because that’s what everyone who plays tennis hopes for. I need to ...

Alcaraz Reflects On 'Perfect Tournament' After Claiming First Indian Wells Crown - 7時間前  ATP World Tour

Carlos Alcaraz was just about perfect during his run to the BNP Paribas Open title. In his Sunday press conference after a dominant 6-3, 6-2 final win against Daniil Medvedev, he said as much when reflecting on his third ATP Masters 1000 trophy and his return to the top of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. "It feels amazing to lift the trophy here, to recover the No. 1 [ranking]. I would say this has been the perfect tournament," he reflected. "It was good for me, this tournament that I really wanted to win, and for me, it's amazing." Alcaraz was untouchable all week, never more so than in the ti...moretle match. He did not lose a set during his run, becoming the first Indian Wells champion to do so since Roger Federer in 2017, and the first to accomplish the feat in at least six matches since Rafael Nadal in 2007. The 19-year-old entered the final with the confidence of a man who had reached the final in all three of his 2023 events, including his Buenos Aires title. His crystal-clear thinking on the court helped him end Medvedev's 19-match winning streak in emphatic fashion. "I have no doubts about my shots," he said. "I feel really comfortable on court. I really trust in every shot that I hit. "Of course, that's why I'm playing a great level, because if I miss, I don't mind. I don't care about the miss. I just trying to hit 100 per cent in every shot and having no doubts about the shot." Alcaraz reached the semi-finals last year in Indian Wells, falling in a three-set classic against countryman Nadal. Asked how he has improved since then, Alcaraz pointed to his poise rather than his game. "I think my tennis didn't improve so much since last year," he explained. "What I improved a lot is to [not] take the pressure, just to play relaxed. That's for me the most important thing. That's why I show a great level, because I feel like I have no pressure. I enjoy. I'm playing relaxed. I would say I improved that a lot, and that's why I'm playing a good level." While Alcaraz made it look easy on the court, he showed his human side by revealing that he did feel nerves. "I try to show that [I'm relaxed], but honestly, I was nervous," he said. "But this is something that I talk [about] with my team, to show the opponent that I'm relaxed, that I'm enjoying the final. "But of course it's normal to have nerves and you have to handle that. All the best players in the world in that moment, they handle the nerves really, really well and play such a great level. That's what I try to do." He finished his answer with a smile: "But I was nervous." Next up for Alcaraz is a bid to retain his title in Miami. He will need to successfully defend the South Florida crown to remain atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings following the ATP Masters 1000 event....

Medvedev: 'It's Time To Build A New Streak' - 10時間前  ATP World Tour

After a lopsided defeat like the one Daniil Medvedev suffered Sunday in the BNP Paribas Open final, it can be hard to know whether to laugh or cry. For the fifth seed — who saw his 19-match win streak snapped by Carlos Alcaraz, 6-3, 6-2 in a first Indian Wells title match for both — it's the former. "Ithink this one I will get over pretty quickly," he said in his post-match press conference, noting his positive mindset after winning three straight titles in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai. "I managed to make my best result in Indian Wells where before I couldn't make it to the quarters, ...moreand already my second match was a three-setter. "A lot of positives, for sure. I think this one, I will be forever disappointed that I didn't win the final, but I can laugh already and whatever, I'm gonna try to win the next one or win this one next year. Looking forward already and, for sure, will not think too much about this one but will discuss it with my coach." Medvedev was well below his best, while Alcaraz was firing on all cylinders in the pair's second ATP Head2Head meeting and first since Wimbledon 2021, when Medvedev cruised to a straight-sets win. The biggest disappointment for the fifth seed, aside from falling short of a fifth ATP Masters 1000 title, was a missed opportunity to tie his career-long win streak of 20 matches. "Damn, one away from my record. That's actually disappointing," he said with a smile. [ATP APP] "This would be cool to try to beat it and maybe try to prolong it as long as possible. It's great to have these streaks," continued Medvedev, who was bidding to become the first man to win four titles in five weeks since Andy Murray in 2016. "Really disappointed that it ended, but a lot of confidence from this streak. Because last year, that's what I was missing, these streaks. I was doing sometimes finals, semis in Cincinnati, kind of playing good but not playing well enough in the semis. I managed to win 19 matches in a row. I'm proud of it, and now it's time to try to build a new streak. There is no other way in tennis." At 27, Medvedev can be considered a veteran of the ATP Tour. As such, he can take heart from his experience on the other end of one-sided results in marquee matchups. He recalled his 6-4, 6-4 win against Novak Djokobvic in the Dubai final earlier this month, a match in which the Serbian could not summon his best level. Further reflecting on Sunday's final, Medvedev struggled to diagnose the problems with his game, but he had no issue accepting the result. "Why didn't I play my best? I don't know," he said. "Maybe it was his ball. Maybe it was the wind. It was pretty windy today, and for him it was easier to go through this wind, and that's normal. That's what's easier to do for him. "So I have no real reasons, and sometimes in tennis you don't have them. Disappointed with the result, but the week was amazing.Because Indian Wells, to make final, I'm just super happy and proud...I see only good things, and looking forward to Miami, for sure."...

Back At No. 1, But Alcaraz Faces Immediate Threat In Miami - 11時間前  ATP World Tour

Carlos Alcaraz will return to World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday, but the teen has no time to relax. His spot atop the standings will be at risk during the Miami Open presented by Itau. Alcaraz will swap places with Novak Djokovic on Monday. However, Alcaraz does must defend his Miami title to stay No. 1 ahead of Djokovic on 3 April. Pepperstone ATP Rankings (20 March) Player Points 1) Carlos Alcaraz 7,420 2) Novak Djokovic 7,160 At the st...moreart of the Miami ATP Masters 1000 event, Djokovic will own a 740-point lead over Alcaraz in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings because the 19-year-old will drop the 1,000 points he earned at the tournament last year. If the Spaniard wins the title, he will continue adding to his total number of weeks at World No. 1, which will reach 22 over the course of the Miami Open presented by Itau. [ATP APP] At only 19, Alcaraz is guaranteed to spend more time at World No. 1 than Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Thomas Muster, Marcelo Rios, Carlos Moya and Patrick Rafter combined (21 weeks). Individually, Alcaraz has also spent more time as No. 1 than the man he defeated in the BNP Paribas Open final, Daniil Medvedev (16), Andy Roddick (13), Boris Becker (12), Marat Safin (9), John Newcombe (8) and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero (8). The battle for World No. 1 between at least Alcaraz and Djokovic will not slow down any time soon. Both men are defending almost exactly the same number of points during the clay-court season. Djokovic is defending 1,880 points compared to 1,870 for Alcaraz. Both reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros and claimed a Masters 1000 crown during the swing.

Shevchenko, Borges Continue Hot Streaks To Meet In Phoenix Final - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Alexander Shevchenko and Nuno Borges have been enjoying a red-hot run on the ATP Challenger Tour. Now, they will meet in Sunday’s championship match at the 2023 Phoenix Challenger. On Saturday, qualifier Shevchenko pulled double duty, including beating top seed Matteo Berrettini, to advance to his second Challenger final of the season. Borges also won two matches and extended his Challenger-level winning streak to nine. Because of rain earlier this week, Saturday’s action at the Arizona Tennis Classic featured quarter-final matches in the morning and the semi-finals after suitable...more rest. The 22-year-old Shevchenko started the day by ousting World No. 23 Berrettini 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. A few hours later, Shevchenko returned to Centre Court and rallied from a set down to defeat Quentin Halys 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3. “It’s been an absolute unreal day,” Shevchenko said. “First starting against Matteo and then winning in tough three sets is absolutely something ridiculous. I never imagined I could do it and now I did. I’m shocked about it.” Against the Frenchman Halys, Shevchenko was down 0-2 in the final set and fended off two break points to avoid going down a double break. The Arizona crowd quickly got behind the qualifier to help bring him across the finish line. Despite cramping late in the deciding set, Shevchenko rallied to continue his dream week. Earlier this year, Shevchenko claimed his second Challenger Tour title when he triumphed at the Tenerife Challenger-1. Boasting a 9-3 Challenger-level season record, Shevchenko stated that he’s seeing his hard work beginning to pay off. “I got a lot of matches last year and I was just a rookie on the Challenger Tour,” Shevchenko said. “This year I started how I expected and I knew as time goes on, I’m going to be better and better and it’s showing up right now.” A jam-packed crowd enjoys Saturday's action at the Challenger 175 event in Phoenix. Credit: Mary Grace Grabill Shevchenko is coached by Gunter Bresnik, who has worked with prominent players such as Boris Becker, Patrick McEnroe, Dominic Thiem, and Gael Monfils. Should Shevchenko defeat Borges to claim the Phoenix Challenger 175 title, he will crack the Top 100 for the first time. “I expect a tough battle,” Shevchenko said. “I need to recover as fast as possible because I am cramping. But Nuno is a really good player, inside the Top 100, and he’s had really good wins here.” Portuguese No. 1 Borges defeated Australian Alexei Popyrin in a three-set quarter-final before taking out Jan-Lennard Struff in the final four. The 26-year-old needed just one hour, seven minutes to down German qualifier Struff 6-4, 6-2. “Great day out there for me, surprised myself honestly” Borges said. “I knew it was going to be a long and tough day. But I played great, especially in the semi-finals. I’m really proud of myself and can’t wait for the final.” Borges, who is at a career-high 78 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, claimed last month’s Monterrey Challenger and is riding a nine-match winning streak at the Challenger level. “The start of the year has been quite amazing,” Borges said. “The last few weeks have been really positive. Started in Mexico and I’ve been on a streak you could say. I’ve been enjoying being on tour and playing these tournaments and nice places.” [ATP APP] Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Borges knows that his work will ...

Bopanna/Ebden Win Indian Wells Doubles Title In Match Tie-Break - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden finished their BNP Paribas Open title run the way they started it, with a clutch performance in a Match Tie-break. The unseeded champions upset top seeds Wesley Koolhof and Neal Skupski 6-3, 2-6, 10-8 in Sunday's Indian Wells final, with the 43-year-old Bopanna becoming the oldest ATP Masters 1000 trophy-winner. "Truly special. It's called Tennis Paradise for a reason," the Indian veteran said after clinching his fifth Masters 1000 trophy and first in Indian Wells. "I've been, over the years, coming here and seeing all these guys win for so many years. I'm reall...morey happy that Matt and I were able to do this and get this title here. It's been some tough matches, close matches. Today we played against one of the best teams out there. Really happy that we got the trophy." [ATP APP] The Indian-Australian pairing knocked off defending and two-time desert titlists John Isner and Jack Sock in Friday's semi-finals and beat Canadian singles stars Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov in the quarters. Their opening victory came in a Match Tie-break against Rafael Matos and David Vega Hernandez. Now 11-4 in their first season together, Bopanna/Ebden are 2-1 in finals with a victory in Doha and a runner-up finish in Rotterdam. "It takes everything. We call this maybe the fifth Grand Slam for a reason," said Ebden, speaking about the quick success of the new pairing. "We're working on our game. Even at our ages we're still improving, still gelling as a pair, our execution, our chemistry." Bopanna, who turned 43 on 4 March, passed his former partner Daniel Nestor to become the oldest ATP Masters 1000 finalist and again beat the Canadian's mark by becoming the oldest champion at the prestigious level. "I spoke to Danny Nestor and I told him sorry I'm going to beat his record," he joked. "Winning the title, that stays with me, so really happy with that." Bopanna was playing in his 10th ATP Masters 1000 final and now holds 24 tour-level trophies following the victory. A former World No. 3, Bopanna moved up four places to No. 11 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Doubles Rankings behind the trophy run. Ebden, who won the 2022 Wimbledon title with fellow Aussie Max Purcell, won his ninth tour-level title and his first at the ATP Masters 1000 level. The 35-year-old moved up 19 places to No. 18 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Doubles Rankings this tournament, setting himself up for a new career high on Monday. "Bops and I spoke about it at the beginning of this year. We said we're not here to make up numbers," Ebden added. "We want to win the Slams, we want to win the Masters, the 500s, and try to get to that No. 1 ranking. That's what it's about. Today's a big step in that direction."...

Gallery: Best Photos From 2023 Phoenix Challenger - 1日前  ATP World Tour

View the best photos from the Arizona Tennis Classic held at the Phoenix Country Club.

Medvedev Takes Down Tiafoe To Reach Maiden Indian Wells Final - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Daniil Medvedev added a slightly more straightforward chapter to his rollercoaster 2023 BNP Paribas Open story on Saturday, when he eased past Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6(4) to reach his maiden final at the ATP Masters 1000 event. Aside from being broken twice when serving for the match late in the semi-final clash in Indian Wells, the fifth seed delivered a high-class all-around display to extend his winning streak to 19 matches. Having so far claimed ATP Tour titles in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai during his run, the former World No. 1 is now within one match of becoming the first man to win four...more titles in five weeks since Andy Murray in 2016. As he has been throughout his red-hot run, Medvedev was relentless from the baseline throughout the one-hour, 47-minute clash. Yet he also sprinkled into his performance a series of magical moments that left an at-times exasperated Tiafoe — himself one of the biggest crowd-pleasers on Tour — with few chances to counter. Medvedev rolled his ankle in his fourth-round victory against Alexander Zverev and then cut his thumb badly in his quarter-final win against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. After overcoming those challenges and then defeating Tiafoe, he booked a championship match appointment with second seed Carlos Alcaraz or 11th seed Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s championship match. The 27-year-old is chasing his fifth Masters 1000 crown this fortnight in California, and his first since 2021. More to follow…

Alcaraz Stares Down His Peers In Indian Wells - 1日前  ATP World Tour

Editor's note: This story was translated from ATPTour.com/es The future is bright for Carlos Alcaraz, one of the ATP Tour's biggest stars at just 19 years old. The Spaniard has enjoyed a rapid rise in a sport in which careers are becoming ever longer, and where experience often rules over youth on the professional circuit. It seems nothing can slow the momentum of the Murcia native, however, who already appears on course for another historic season. The emergence of Alcaraz’s special talent goes against the grain of the current trend. There have never been more players in the Top 100...more of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings over the age of 30 than there are now. Never have so many players resisted the pulls of retirement. However, the Spaniard is setting records for precociousness almost every time he steps on court. In that battle against time, the 2023 BNP Paribas Open represents an opportunity for this young pretender to stare down the players with whom he will share his future in the game. Young players destined to occupy the upper echelons of tennis, those with whom he may have to battle for the biggest titles in years to come. These generational peers, whose arrival in the game comes in parallel with that of Alcaraz, are proving to be his strongest adversaries on court. By way of example, alongside the Spaniard, there are currently three players under 23 years of age in the Top 20 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Canadian player Felix Auger-Aliassime, Dane Holger Rune and the Italian Jannik Sinner. None of them, unlike the vast majority of other players, has a negative record against the Spanish prodigy. In Indian Wells, Carlos is preparing for the second of back-to-back clashes against two of them. Auger-Aliassime, charged with stopping the Spaniard in the quarter-finals, was the perfect litmus test for Alcaraz’s toughness. The 22-year-old World No. 10 had won all of his duels with the young star prior to Friday's match, unlike any other player on Tour. A 3-0 ATP Head2Head in favour of the North American gave Alcaraz something unique in his career: an unbeaten nemesis on the other side of the net. The Murcia native had never even broken the Canadian’s serve in their three encounters. His 6-4, 6-4 win in Indian Wells therefore represents a true statement of intent against one of his biggest rivals. “I knew that I had to stand strong,” admitted Alcaraz after overcoming Auger-Aliassime in California. “The previous matches were close. In the Davis Cup I had chances, but in Basel I remember I let my head drop a bit. My goal was not to give up, I might have more chances and, if they came, I had to make the most of them. I did it, I had one of my best matches of the year.” Dismantling that wall has earned Alcaraz another generational examination. In the semi-finals, he will face 21-year-old Jannik Sinner. The Italian is one of the few players to have a tied ATP Head2Head series with Alcaraz after multiple matches (2-2). To say their most recent encounter was intense is an understatement. Alcaraz and Sinner’s epic five-set 2022 US Open quarter-final may have fallen the way of the Spaniard, but it provided further evidence of how strong the peers of his generation are. The player from Murcia converted a match point after five hours and 15 minutes of play, at 2:50am, the latest finish in the history of the New York Grand Slam. “At the end of the match, I had nothing left,” Alcaraz said after surviving one of the most spectacular and intense matches of 2022. “I...

Bublik Cruises Into Phoenix Challenger QFs - 2日前  ATP World Tour

Fourth seed Alexander Bublik wasted no time Friday at the Arizona Tennis Classic to advance to the quarter-finals of the Challenger 175 event. The 25-year-old needed just 53 minutes to defeat China’s Zhang Zhizhen 6-1, 6-2. Bublik backed up his heavy first delivery with a strong return performance, capturing 14 of 19 points off Zhang’s second serve. The Kazakh, who saved all four break points faced Friday, will next seek to avenge his previous two losses (‘18 Budapest, ‘21 St. Petersburg) to Jan-Lennard Struff when he meets the German in the Phoenix Challenger quarter...more-finals. The qualifier Struff also cruised Friday, downing Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-3. In front of a packed stadium at the Phoenix Country Club, top seed Matteo Berrettini moved past Aussie qualifier Aleksandar Vukic 7-5, 7-6(5). The Italian will next face Alexander Shevchenko, who won the Tenerife Challenger-1 earlier this year. Shevchenko advanced through qualifying in Phoenix and took out Gael Monfils and Marc-Andrea Huesler to make the last eight. Three seeded players were upset Friday, including Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who fell to American Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Kovacevic, 24, will rise into the Top 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings should he defeat Quentin Halys tomorrow. The Frenchman Halys scored an upset of his own by taking down World No. 59 Emil Ruusuvuori 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Alexei Popyrin also advanced Friday when he downed seventh seed Mikael Ymer 6-2, 6-2. Nuno Borges moved to a perfect 7-0 season record at the Challenger level by defeating Roman Safiullin. The Portuguese No. 1 backed up his highest-ranked win, which he earned Tuesday night by defeating second seed Diego Schwartzman. Because of rain earlier this week, Saturday’s action in Phoenix will feature quarter-final matches in the morning and the semi-finals after suitable rest. View Schedule | View Draw | Watch Challenger TV Launching into the last 🎱#ATPChallenger | @aztennisclassic pic.twitter.com/lLRQRWY24K— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 17, 2023...

SF Preview: Can Medvedev Extend Winning Streak vs. Tiafoe? - 2日前  ATP World Tour

Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe's paths to the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals have differed. Medvedev’s route to his first semi-final in Indian Wells has not been smooth. The fifth seed was pushed to three sets against Ilya Ivashka in the third round, before he overcame a right ankle injury to claw past Alexander Zverev in the fourth round. Tiafoe’s journey to the same stage has been the opposite, with the American yet to drop a set in Indian Wells. The 25-year-old, currently No. 14 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, is chasing his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title this weekend and...more will rise into the Top 10 for the first time if he triumphs. View Schedule | View Draw [FOLLOW ACTION] Medvedev overcame Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to set a semi-final clash against Tiafoe, but suffered once again, slicing his thumb open during the win. While concerned, the former World No. 1, believes it won’t impact his chances of extending his 18-match winning run and capturing his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title. "I absolutely cut it open. It was like fully open," said Medvedev, who twice required treatment to stop the bleeding. "I never cut myself with a knife even like this because I don't cook much. Now it's getting black. I don't know if it's a good sign. "The question is going to be whether I tape [my fingers] for the match or not," Medvedev later added. "But that's not a big problem, because I managed to play well with the tape today. A lot of players tape their fingers and manage to play well, so I'm going to be able to do it also." Medvedev has been in red-hot form in the past month, capturing tour-level titles in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai before arriving in Indian Wells. If the World No. 6 claims his fourth consecutive crown this weekend, he will have earned 20 straight wins, equalling the longest winning streak of his career. For now, his focus will be on Tiafoe, whom he leads 4-0 in their ATP Head2Head series. The 25-year-old Tiafoe enters the clash high in confidence, though, having not dropped a set en route to his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. He will be aiming to use his thunderous serve and big forehand to break down Medvedev's brick wall defence. "I am able to take the racquet out of players’ hands," Tiafoe said following his quarter-final win against Cameron Norrie. "I am crafty, I can move. I stay in the points and don't give away too many free points. I have grown as a player tremendously and it is showing. I am really happy with my progress." Yet to drop a set & through to 1/2 final!@FTiafoe using all of the court 📐, especially on his forehand cross-court winning play. The 17 winning plays on the FH cross made a significant contribution to his #InAttack advantage over Norrie#WinningPlays:✅ Highlight a… https://t.co/rPQEheFr1Z pic.twitter.com/2hJnjbRQPW— Tennis Insights (@tennis_insights) March 15, 2023 Tiafoe will need to find his best level if he is to upset Medvedev. The fifth seed has not enjoyed the slow conditions in Indian Wells, but has found a way to win, anchoring himself behind the baseline during his run to the last four. He has used his long levers to absorb pressure before turning the tables with his flat forehand. Possessing a dynamic game, Tiafoe will try to use his court craft to disrupt Medvedev's rhythm. He will aim to charge the net and step into the court, using his big forehand to hitting an array of angles to exploit Medvedev's deep-court position. Aiming to become the second consecutive American to reach the final in Indian Wells (Taylor Fritz champion 2022), Tiafoe wi...