Trapped In Sports

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Tennis

Jannik Sinner
Tennis

“The main goal is Roland Garros,” Jannik Sinner determined to put clay court struggles to bed this season

/

“The main goal is Roland Garros,” Jannik Sinner determined to put clay court struggles to bed this season Jannik Sinner has had an incredible start to the 2024 season, as he claimed the Miami Open title on Sunday. The Italian won his third title of the season, and moved to number two in the ATP Rankings ahead of the clay court season. Jannik Sinner completely humbled Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the final in Miami to end a dominant week. The 2024 Australian Open champion reached the finals of the same tournament last year, however, he was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in the finals. The first half of the hard court season has come to a conclusion, as the clay court season takes over the tour for the next couple of months. Jannik Sinner has already set his sights on the French Open, as he believes that he has often struggled to perform on clay courts. “Now the clay season is coming, so usually I struggle there. So let’s see what I can do this year. Then we see, no? You don’t have so much time to adapt, because Monaco, I guess we start to practice Thursday the first time. So not even one week to get used to the clay,” Sinner said in the post match conference. “Rome (Masters) is a really important tournament for me” : Jannik Sinner Jannik Sinner stated that the Rome Masters is a really important tournament for him, given that he plays in front of his home crowd. The Italian Open takes place just a couple of weeks before the French Open, as it is the last of the three Masters tournament played on clay courts. “For sure, the main goal is Roland Garros, yes, but trying to work slowly into this tournament and trying to play it in the best possible way. Before I have Rome, for me, especially is a really, really important tournament. You know, playing with the home crowd, it’s always amazing,” Sinner said. Jannik Sinner was in lethal form over the course of the hard court season, losing just one match in three months. His only defeat came against Carlos Alcaraz at the Indian Wells Masters. It will be interesting to see if this form carried forward into the all-important clay court season, commencing next week in Monte Carlo. Also Read: Grigor Dimitrov has no regret of playing in the same era as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic: “How often you say I played in an era against the best players?”

Grigor Dimitrov
Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov has no regret of playing in the same era as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic: “How often you say I played in an era against the best players?”

/

Grigor Dimitrov has no regret of playing in the same era as Federer, Nadal and Djokovic: “How often you say I played in an era against the best players?” Grigor Dimitrov’s dream run at the 2024 Miami Open continued just a little further, as he booked a place in the finals. The Bulgarian overcame Alexander Zverev in a close three-set battle to setup a final showdown with the inform Jannik Sinner. The Big Three players- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have more or less dominated almost all major tournaments in the past two decades. After booking his place in the finals, Grigor Dimitrov was asked if he regrets being a part of the same era as the Big Three. The Bulgarian replied that he absolutely no regrets whatsoever, and he feels lucky to have competed against some of the greatest names in the game. Grigor Dimitrov burst into the scene in 2009, as his playing style was likened to Roger Federer in the initial days of his career. “Totally the opposite, actually. Totally the opposite. Very lucky,” Dimitrov on asked about playing in the same era as the Big Three. “How often you say I played in an era against the best players and you have beaten them all? It’s great. I’m sorry, but I can live with that. You know, all that, the titles and all this, yeah, it’s great. But the journey, the ride, it was, for me personally, not having these guys around, it’s a little sad,” he added. “That was one of the most irrelevant comparisons in my eyes” : Grigor Dimitrov on being compared to Roger Federer Grigor Dimitrov believes that his comparisons with Roger Federer was one of the most irrelevant comparison. The Bulgarian stated that this should be taken as a lesson for each and every budding tennis player who should not have the burden of being compared to a legend. “That should be a lesson for every young player who comes into the game. No one should carry such a burden upon his name. I’ll tell you that much. That was one of the most irrelevant comparisons in my eyes, in my view and I think in everybody’s. And what I am the happiest with is that I made a name for myself,” he added. Grigor Dimitrov will have his task cut out against Jannik Sinner, who seeks his third title of the season in Miami. The Italian has lost just one match this season, and also claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year. Also Read: “He made a lot of mistakes,” Jannik Sinner thrashes Daniil Medvedev to reach third Miami Open finals

Jannik Sinner
Tennis

“He made a lot of mistakes,” Jannik Sinner thrashes Daniil Medvedev to reach third Miami Open finals

/

“He made a lot of mistakes,” Jannik Sinner thrashes Daniil Medvedev to reach third Miami Open finals Jannik Sinner completely outplayed Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the 2024 Miami Open. The Italian claimed a straight sets victory, dropping just three games to reach his third Miami Open final in four years. The 22-year-old was delighted with his performance, and admitted that he did not expect Daniil Medvedev to make so many errors. Jannik Sinner has had a dream start to the 2024 season, reaching the finals of three of the four tournaments he has competed in. The 2024 Australian Open champion gave absolutely no chance to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final clash on Friday, as he dictated the play from the baseline. “I felt great on court today. Usually the more you go on in a tournament, the more comfortable I feel. I’m very happy with this performance,” said Sinner in the post-match interview. A victory in the finals will move him one spot higher in the ATP rankings to the second spot just before the clay court season gets underway next week. Jannik Sinner hopes to claim the Miami Open title on his third attempt Jannik Sinner stated that Daniil Medvedev made a lot more mistakes than his usual self in the semi-final clash. The Italian saved a couple of break points in both the sets, which he felt were very crucial in determining the result of the match. “He made a lot of mistakes, which he usually doesn’t make. I just took the chance. I was expecting a really tough match. If he breaks me in the first set or in the second set, it’s already very different,” he added. Jannik Sinner has been defeated in the finals of the Miami Open on two occasions in 2021 and 2023. In 2021, he was defeated by Hubert Hurkacz, who claimed his first Masters title. Meanwhile, last year, he was defeated in straight sets by Daniil Medvedev. However, Jannik Sinner believes that he can handle pressure much better now, and hopes to claim his third title of the season on Sunday. “I remember the night before my [first] final [in 2021], I couldn’t sleep. I was sweating during the night. Now I handle the situation much, much better. I’m just excited and happy to be back. Hopefully I can play some good tennis Sunday,” said Sinner. Also Read: “The drama is still there, the fight is still there,” Andy Roddick praises Andy Murray after Miami Open defeat

Andy Murray
Tennis

“The drama is still there, the fight is still there,” Andy Roddick praises Andy Murray after Miami Open defeat

/

“The drama is still there, the fight is still there,” Andy Roddick praises Andy Murray after Miami Open defeat For Andy Murray, it was again a story of being so close, yet so far. The three-time Grand Slam champion suffered a three-set defeat to Tomas Machac in the third round of the 2024 Miami Open. The Briton won the first set, and had multiple opportunities in the final set tiebreak to progress to the last 16. Despite his third round loss, former American tennis player Andy Roddick has showered words of praise on Andy Murray. The 2003 US Open champion believes that despite his struggles with injury in the last five-six years, the grit and determination has remained the same. “Since 2019 with the hip issue, he would tell you that he’s not been the same,” said Roddick in an interview. “But the guts of him has been the same. Even if he used to turn these matches and pull them, lately, he hasn’t been able to.” Andy Roddick applauds Andy Murray for strengthening his legacy over the past four-five years Andy Roddick has applauded Andy Murray for strengthening his legacy over the past couple of years. The former world number one has not been the same player as he was prior to the hip injury, however, he has never lacked the intensity on the court. “The drama is still there, the fight is still there. In a way, this compromised version of Murray almost adds to his legacy with the way he’s grinded out the last four or five years. I certainly respect it; I don’t know if I or a lot of us could’ve done it. So, props to him if it is the last time we see him in Miami. It’s been a hell of a run, pal,” he added. Andy Murray has already hinted at retiring this season, as he looks to compete for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics. Wimbledon 2024 could well mark his final Grand Slam appearance. The Briton has not been able to make an impression in the first part of the season, as he has failed to make the quarterfinals of any tournament. Also Read: “Hopefully it has just started,” Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen
Tennis

Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

/

Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction Tallon Griekspoor and Alex Michelsen will lock horns against each other in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday. The former is seeded 25th in Miami, whereas, the American is unseeded. Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Preview Tallon Griekspoor received a bye in the first round, by virtue of being the 25th seed. The Dutchman last competed at the Indian Wells Masters, where he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the second round. The 27-year-old’s best run came at the ATP Rotterdam Open in February, where he managed to reach the semifinals, before losing to Jannik Sinner in straight sets. As far as Alex Michelsen is concerned, the American saw off Lukas Klein in the first round in Miami. The American also featured in the Indian Wells Masters, where he was defeated by fellow countryman Tommy Paul in the second round. The 19-year-old has had a couple of encouraging results on tour in the past couple of months, as he managed to reach the third round of the 2024 Australian Open. He also had a decent run at the Los Cabos Open, defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Head to Head The two players have not faced each other yet, and this will be their first meeting on any surface. Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Prediction This match could go either way, as both players are more than capable of playing some high-quality tennis. Tallon Griekspoor has been relatively inconsistent in the past couple of tournament, as compared to his opponent. Nevertheless, the Dutchman has experience on his side, which should just about help him see off the American in a three-set battle. Tallon Griekspoor has been struggling to get his first serves in, which has been really impacting his service games. There could be several breaks of serve in the match, as both players have found difficulties with their first serves. Also Read: ATP 2024 Clay Court Season: Schedule of Rafael Nadal’s last season on clay courts

Jannik Sinner- Carlos Alcaraz
Tennis

“Hopefully it has just started,” Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

/

“Hopefully it has just started,” Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz Carlos Alcaraz ended Jannik Sinner’s streak of 19 consecutive wins, as he defeated the Italian in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters last week. Jannik Sinner has had a brilliant start to the year, as he claimed his first Major title at the 2024 Australian Open in January. The rivalry between the two youngsters has kept the fans on the edge of their seats over the past 18 months. The duo have faced each other on eight occasions, with both parties winning four matches each. Interestingly, the two players are on opposite sides of the draw in Miami, and could well meet each other in the finals. Jannik Sinner hopes that his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz has just started. He reserved some words of praise for his compatriot, complementing him for his magnificent levels of skills on court. “I enjoy it [the rivalry], hopefully it has just started,” Sinner said, as quoted by EuroSport. “He’s an incredible player and usually when we play it’s a very good match up. We both try our best on the court. We have a lot of respect for each other. Off the court we don’t speak that much because he has his own things and I have my things, but on the court he’s a player who can show so many things on the court,” he added. Jannik Sinner says pressure of protecting his winning streak did not impact his performance against Alcaraz Jannik Sinner dismissed claims of being under pressure to protect his 19-match winning streak, which could have led to his loss against Carlos Alcaraz at the Indian Wells Masters. The Italian stated that he was well-prepared that the streak was going to end sometime, and the fact that it came so late in the tournament has been a real positive for him. “Every tournament you go to, it’s a new opportunity and here is a new opportunity again for me to show some good tennis. There are tough situations on the court which I have to solve, like in every other match and then that’s it. No, I was not even thinking about the wins and the losses throughout the year,” said Sinner. Jannik Sinner will kickstart his Miami Open campaign against fellow Italian, Andrea Vavassori on Friday. Following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the tournament, the 2024 Australian Open is seeded second in Miami, whereas, Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed. Also Read: ATP 2024 Clay Court Season: Schedule of Rafael Nadal’s last season on clay courts

Rafael Nadal (Source: X)
Featured, Tennis

ATP 2024 Clay Court Season: Schedule of Rafael Nadal’s last season on clay courts

/

ATP 2024 Clay Court Season: Schedule of Rafael Nadal’s last season on clay courts Several world class players have struggled to win big on clay courts. Such is the nature of the surface, which makes the ball travel slower, and the players have to work twice as hard to win points. The conditions do not help them either, as most of the clay court season is played in gruelling humid conditions. We are nearing the 2024 clay court season, which could perhaps be Rafael Nadal’s final act on his beloved surface. The season is held over a period of two months, which ends with the conclusion of the French Open. Spain, Germany, Italy and France are a couple of countries which host tournaments during this period. Three ATP Masters Events are held on this surface in a period of just less than two months, which keeps the fans glued to their TV and mobile phones. In this article, we will have look at the schedule of the 2024 Clay Court season. Tournament Name Category Dates Fayez Sarofim and Co. ATP 250 01-07 April, 2024 Grand Prix Hassan II ATP 250 01-07 April, 2024 Millennium Estoril Open ATP 250 01-07 April, 2024 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters ATP 1000 07-14 April, 2024 Barcelona Open ATP 500 15-21 April, 2024 BMW Open ATP 500 15-21 April, 2024 Tiriac open ATP 500 15-21 April, 2024 Mutua Madrid Open ATP 1000 24 April – 05 May, 2024 Italian Open ATP 1000 08-19 May, 2024 Gonet Geneva Open ATP 250 19-25 May, 2024 Lyon Open ATP 250 19-25 May, 2024 Roland Garros Grand Slam 26 May – 09 June 2024 As we can see in the table above, there will be no shortage of tennis action during the course of the two months. As many as 12 tournaments are scheduled to be held, which includes 3 Masters events, 1 Grand Slam, 3 ATP 500 events and 6 ATP 250 events.

Scroll to Top