Top 10 tennis players send a second letter to the Grand Slam tournaments, asking for a hike in prize money
A collection of top-10 tennis players sent a second letter to the four Grand Slam tournaments to push for a greater share of revenues — aiming to rise from the current 16 per cent to 22 per cent by 2030 — contributions to pension, health and maternity benefits that would go from zero to $12 million annually by that same year, and greater say via a new player council. This letter, signed by stars such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Switek, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Jack Drapper, but not, unlike the original letter sent by players including Novak Djokovic to the Slam events in March, dated July 30. The second letter, which was seen this week by AP, set out specific benchmarks for ways in which the sport’s four most prestigious and profitable tournaments could offer more money and influence to the athletes. The players are working with Larry Scott as a consultant; he used to be the chairman and CEO of the WTA women’s tennis tour and, later, ran the Pac-12 conference in American college sports. There have been meetings among Scott, some players and the leaders of the All England Club, which runs Wimbledon; the French Tennis Federation, which runs Roland-Garros; Tennis Australia, which runs the Australian Open; and the U.S. Tennis Association, which runs the U.S. Open. All four were asked to reply to the July 30 letter, and all four did. The USTA’s response, dated August 18 and obtained this week by the AP, was signed by Brian Vahaly, the group’s interim co-CEO, and Stacey Allaster, the USTA’s chief executive of professional tennis, who just completed her last U.S. Open as tournament director.
A ‘new kid on the block’ in Indian tennis, named Dhakshineswar Suresh
Dakshineswar Suresh is the ‘new kid on the block’ in Indian tennis. The 25-year-old Madurai-born tennis player has been chosen as the singles player, along with Sumit Nagal, in India’s forthcoming Davis Cup tie against the formidable hosts Switzerland for the World Group I indoor tie, beginning on Friday. The six-foot-five-inch tennis player had drawn the attention of India’s tennis fraternity after drubbing Alejandro Tabilo, who was the world’s former 19th-ranked player, and achieved a special victory against legendary Novak Djokovic last year. India’s captain in the Davis Cup Rohit Rajpal when asked about his decision to field Suresh in a crucial Davis Cup match against Switzerland, revealed that he had convinced the coaches of Suresh in USA and they allowed Suresh to fly for Switzerland from the USA directly. Commenting on the reason behind selecting Suresh in the team, Rajpal said, “Dhakshineshwar has a powerful serve and it is going to be an asset in indoor court ties. There were visa issues so I had requested Dhakshineshwar’s coaches in US College to prepare him on indoor courts.” Rajpal also added that he was already impressed by Dakshineswar’s recent performance in a few international matches. “He defeated quite a few quality players recently on the tour,” stated Rajpal.
Winning 84 percent of his ‘first serve’ was the key to Alcaraz’s triumph against Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz’s transition in last two months after losing to Jannic Sinner in Wimbledon final has been the key and an inspiring tales that guided him to record a thumping victory at the Flushing Meadows on Sunday, winning two consecutive US Open titles. Alcaraz and his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero designed the plans about the rectification in his game. Alcaraz was the outstanding player at Flushing Meadows, not dropping a set until the final, and was virtually impregnable on serve. The way in which the 22-year-old regained the US Open title and number one ranking has been a product of the intense work he has done to develop his game. At the start of the year, Alcaraz and Ferrero highlighted the importance of improving his serve. The opening shot has continued to be a work in progress, ultimately breaking down in his Wimbledon loss, but it was key to his success over the past fortnight. The statistics has revealed that Alcaraz has improved his first service mainly as a part of its reflection he won 84 percent of his first serve points. At the same time the Spaniard worked out on the improvement of his technique also. Often accused of lacking concentration and letting opponents back into matches, Alcaraz possessed a laser-focus throughout the tournament. It allowed him to serve with pace and precision, as well as playing with variety in the rallies, using spin, slice and power to confound Sinner. Alcaraz put the unwavering focus down to his growing maturity. “I feel it is best tournament I’ve played from the first round to the end,” he said.
Donald Trump to attend the men’s singles final in the US Open as a client guest
American President Donald Trump is planning to attend the men’s singles final at the U.S. Open on Sunday as a client guest and will watch the match from that client’s suite, a spokesperson for the U.S. Tennis Association said on Friday. The USTA did not identify which client Trump will be a guest of. It’s set to be Trump’s first appearance at the Grand Slam tournament in New York since 2015. Trump frequently attended in the years before that, when he lived in New York and before launching his political career. He now primarily lives at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, when he’s not in Washington. It’s the latest high-profile sporting event for Trump, who has attended the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, UFC fights, NCAA wrestling championships, and the Fifa Club World Cup final. The Trump Organization once controlled a suite at the U.S. Open, located adjacent to the television broadcasting booth in Arthur Ashe Stadium, but suspended it in 2017, during the first year of Trump’s presidency. Despite Trump’s past association with the tournament, having a sitting president at the U.S. Open is unusual. It hasn’t happened since Bill Clinton attended in 2000. Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, attended the opening night in 2023.
Even at 38. Djokovic feels young
Novak Djokovic is not going anywhere just yet, and proved he can still grind out a result when it really matters in a testing match against Cameron Norrie. The former British No. 1 pushed Djokovic to his limits in a gruelling fourth-round clash at the US Open, but the Serb pushed through the pain barrier to reach another milestone. A last 16 meeting with Jan-Lennard Struff awaits. If there were any doubts about Djokovic’s ability to move explosively at 38, he dispelled them in the seventh game. Norrie, serving at 3-3, 30-30, hit a ball short and came forward. He may not have thought that Djokovic would get to it in time to hit a topspin pass; if so, he was wrong. Djokovic burst forward the way he always has, and snapped a backhand pass to go up a break point. He closed the game with a deftly measured lob-smash combination. The speed was there, and so was the touch. Novak Djokovic says he feels as “young as ever” after overcoming Cameron Norrie in a bruising four-setter at the US Open and equalling Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record. Djokovic came out on top with a 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2 6-3 win to claim his place in the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the 69th time, replicating Federer’s feat. At 38 years old, he also became the oldest man to reach the last 16 at Flushing Meadows since Jimmy Connors in 1991. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly struggling with his back in the opening set and had an off-court time out, leading 5-4 in the opener. When asked about it, in his on-court interview, the Serb replied: “Yeah, it’s all right. You have some ups and downs. You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals listening and watching this interview. “I’m good, man. I’m as young as ever, as strong as ever. Yes. It’s New York. Even if you’re feeling something body-wise, the energy that you’re feeling in this court just overrides it.” Djokovic returned after the medical timeout to serve out the first set and also received further treatment in the first changeover in the second, which Norrie secured after a tie-break. Despite a shaky start to the third set after being broken in the early game, Djokovic responded superbly after immediately breaking back and taking the double break at 3-1. The fourth and final set swayed Djokovic’s way after an early break in the second game, before wrapping it up 6-4 to take the match. The overall quality from both players was supremely impressive, with Norrie registering 44 winners, while Djokovic had 51 and claimed 18 aces – a personal best in New York. “Overall, it was probably the best serving performance of the tournament,” Djokovic explained. “Of course, I’m glad for that. It’s probably one of the most, if not, the most important shot in the game. So, I’m glad how I executed that shot.” Speaking about his general performance in more detail, the Serb believes this gives him further conviction of being able to challenge at the top of the sport. However, he admitted that managing his body has become all the more important in the latter stages of his career. “These kind of matches and performances always give me hope that I can go far, challenge the best players in the world. “In terms of how I’m feeling, it really goes up and down, to be honest. It’s frustrating for me, honestly, that I’m not able to feel 100% always like I have for 20-plus years. “But I guess the circumstances are quite different and I have to get used to the fact that every match there’s something that might happen, as it has been the case this year in pretty much every slam.”
Serena Williams calls Sharapova ‘a friend forever’
Serena Williams was given the responsibility of introducing former rival Maria Sharapova for her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday night. The American emerged from behind the stage, surprising everyone, calling Sharapova a ‘former rival, a former fan and the friend for ever’. Speaking on the stage, Serena said, “In 2004, when Maria was just 17 years old, she stunned the world and won Wimbledon. To this day, she calls it the highlight of her career. Today, I call it one of my hardest losses. The match didn’t just make her a champion. It actually made her a star and launched one of the most talked about and controversial rivalries in tennis.” “For more than a decade and a half, every time we took on each other, the atmosphere shifted. The tension was real, the fire was real, and honestly, you could feel it, and by the way, you could hear it, with all Maria’s grunting,” she added. In response, Sharapova could be seen pointing her finger at Serena, and the American responded, “No, not mine, yours! I was just copying you”. Meanwhile, in her acceptance speech, the Russian said, “It’s a gift to have someone who motivates you to reach those heights. And I’ll forever be grateful for bringing out the best in me.” “We both knew no other way than to fight our hearts out. We both hated to lose more than anything on this earth, and we both knew that the other was the biggest obstacle between ourselves and the trophy,” she added. Sharapova was the first-ever Russian woman to reach the No. 1 spot in the rankings and one of 10 women to complete the career Grand Slam. During her introductory speech, Williams also said, “She changed how women not only approached tennis, but sports and opportunity. She showed us that you can be fierce on the court and strategic off the court, and unapologetically herself the entire time.”
Djokovic puts Alcaraz ‘slightly ahead’ of Sinner in Sunday’s Wimbledon final
After his 3-6, 3-6, 4-6 loss to Sinner, Novak Djokovic put the final perspective and picked the two-time defending champion Alcaraz as the slight favorite for Sunday’s final. Reaching his fourth successive major final and a first at Wimbledon, Sinner became the first man since the Big 4 – Roger Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, and Andy Murray – to mark a final appearance at all four Grand Slams. While Alcaraz has remained unbeaten on Centre Court since 2023, the Spaniard has yet to reach the final in the Australian Open. While Djokovic kept Alcaraz a rung higher than his semi-final nemesis, he also offered the hard-hitting Sinner his chances. “Well, I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favourite because of the two titles he’s won here and the way he’s playing and the confidence he has right now,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said after his semi-final defeat. “But it’s just a slight advantage ’cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it’s going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah.” Sinner is coming off a harrowing defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open last month, losing a golden opportunity after having himself at championship point. The Italian said the Roland-Garros blip is not playing in his mind as he sets himself up for another Alcaraz test. “I’m thrilled to share once again the court with Carlos. It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But I’m looking forward to it, no? I always try to put myself in this kind of situation that I really love. Sundays are very special at every tournament. “But this is a question I cannot answer because I think it’s something that you feel before the match, and also during the match. I can give you answers later. But no, it’s a different match. I’m looking forward to it.” Five-time Slam winner Alcaraz similarly downplayed his edge over the world No. 1. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a lot of things from the French Open final, that he’s going to be better. He’s going to be better physically, and he’s going to be better mentally. He’s going to be prepared on Sunday to give his 100%. I’m not thinking or I have an advantage mentally Sunday because of that match,” said Alcaraz.
Alcaraz praises ‘Spider-Man’ Holland’s swing, offers him to play golf after Wimbledon!
Carlos Alcaraz and Tom Holland sparked excitement among fans after a video emerged of the two discussing a potential golf match. Alcaraz, now preparing for his Wimbledon semi-final clash against Taylor Fritz, complimented Holland’s golf swing during their conversation, fueling speculation of a fun off-court showdown. Alcaraz has already been hogging limelight in the ongoing Wimbledon by his performance on the court. But the two-time defending champion at Wimbledon found himself in the limelight off it as well, after being spotted chatting with the British actor on Tuesday. Holland, best known for playing Spider-Man, attended Alcaraz’s practice session before the Spaniard’s quarterfinal against Cameron Norrie—a match Alcaraz won comfortably 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. both were seen exchanging laughs and compliments, with the conversation quickly turning to golf. “Tom! I saw you playing golf as well. Good swing, good swing, eh?” Alcaraz said in a video published by Wimbledon. “We should play!” Holland responded instantly. Despite having a high-stakes match ahead that day, Alcaraz enthusiastically agreed to the idea of a golf match. Tom Holland is a known tennis fan and was last seen at the BNP Paribas Open final at Indian Wells alongside Zendaya, a match Alcaraz also won. Now, it seems the tennis star might take on Holland—not on the tennis court, but on the golf course.
No entry to Wimbledon café with a pet dog, even for Navratilova!
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was denied entry to a cafe in Wimbledon, England, because of her pet dog. The 18-time Grand Slam champion shared a picture of herself standing outside The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon with her dog Lulu resting in a bag she carried on her shoulder. The former World No. 1 revealed that she was not allowed to enter the cafe due to her dog, forcing her to resort to “Plan-B,” which was presumably to eat somewhere else. “Well, tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won’t allow Lulu into the restaurant- so plan B,” wrote Navratilova, who has been covering the tennis tournament for the BBC. Her post divided opinion on X, where it has garnered more than 1 million views. In the comments section, many people applauded the 68-year-old for not dropping her name or pulling rank to get in. Some sided with the eatery, saying nobody should be allowed entry with pets. “Well done to the staff that must have had tremendous pressure on them to make the rules apply to everyone, knowing full well who you are,” another person wrote. “Martina cannot be in? Because of Lulu? @Wimbledon, please fix this. Martina should be allowed in any place of this universe where the word tennis is recognized,” another said.
Novak Djokovic acknowledges Virat Kohli’s ‘gladiator’ compliment; says ‘thank you’
Novak Djokovic had a surprise fan, cheering him during his dramatic fourth-round win at Wimbledon—Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli. Djokovic, fresh off a gutsy comeback against Australia’s Alex de Minaur, took a moment to acknowledge Kohli’s Instagram shoutout in the most Djokovic way possible: with quiet gratitude and laser focus. Kohli, clearly captivated by Djokovic’s resilience on Centre Court, called the Serb a “gladiator” after watching him claw his way back from a one-set deficit, eventually taking the match 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The Aussie looked dominant early and even led 4-1 in the fourth set, seemingly pushing the match towards a fifth. But in true champion fashion, Djokovic reeled off five straight games to seal his place in the quarterfinals. Djokovic saw the message and responded simply but meaningfully with a four-word post of his own: “Thank you for supporting,” acknowledging Kohli’s tribute on social media.
