Andy Murray could make return from hip injury before Wimbledon

Great news to all Andy Murray fans! The former world no. 1 and current British no. 2 is set to make a return to the ATP Tour in June after revealing his plan to play at the Libema Open in the Netherlands this June. This will be his first event since a hip surgery in January and after missing from the tour for 11 months.

A little post op photo. I'm feeling really positive and looking forward to starting rehab. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and support the last few days.. It really helps. And everyone try and find a partner who looks at you the way @jamie__delgado looks at me 💪💪👍🎾

A post shared by Andy Murray (@andymurray) on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:06am PST

The grass court tournament in Rosmalen, which is formerly known as the Ricoh Open, will take place from 11 to 17 June.

With that, it means Murray will miss the entire clay surface. The ATP250 event that he's planning to take part is the week right after the French Open. It will be a warm up tournament for Queen’s, where he has won a record five times, and which will serve as his main and only preparation for Wimbledon.

Source: https://www.mouratoglou.com/

Currently, Murray is stepping up his rehabilitation by practising at Patrick Mouratoglou's Tennis Academy near Nice, France. On social media he has posted a photograph of himself on the court hitting with Aidan McHugh, a 17-year-old Glaswegian he has been mentoring.

Chasing down another @aidymchugh error today during practice #progress #hip #unforced #youngpup

A post shared by Andy Murray (@andymurray) on Mar 28, 2018 at 10:58am PDT

In his long absence, Murray has surrendered the British no.1 ranking to Kyle Edmund and has slipped 29 places from the no.1 ranking he surrendered to Rafael Nadal last August, although the 31-year-old Spaniard subsequently has had his own hip problem. By the time the draw is made for the Libema Open, Murray is very likely to have fallen out of the world’s top 40 and by the time the Queen’s tournament starts he could be outside the top 150.

Fortunately, Murray will have no problem getting into tournaments for the rest of 2018 because he can use a “protected” world ranking besides the potential number of wildcards that will be given to him.

Andy Murray sets to train future sports stars

Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe

Andy Murray has announced that he will mentor a 17 years old tennis player from Scotland as part of his new management agency.

The Scottish who is also a former world no. 1 has selected the first batch of three promising future sports stars to join 77 Sports Management, an organisation he set up just last year. They are Aidan McHugh from Glasgow and will be joined by 20-year-old twin sprinters Shannon and Cheriece Hylton from Nottingham.

McHugh is currently British junior no. 2 and has six junior titles to his name.

He made his debut at the Wimbledon Boys Championships earlier this year and has been training on court with both Andy and Jamie Murray. While we wait for the future tennis champ to emerge, do spend some time to play the most popular table games online.

In this new role, Murray will work with his team to plan and manage all aspects of the young prospects' careers as they work to establish themselves in their respective sports.

In his interview with BBC Sports, he said he would use his own experience to mentor the trio and guide their professional decisions.

They will also have access to the same facilities, personnel, nutrition, sports science and commercial opportunities.

Murray said, "I signed with a management company for the first time when I was 12, 13 years old, which to me is ridiculous."

"It's way, way too young. You don't need that pressure. You're trying to become a professional and certainly my parents were not experienced in dealing with those situations."

"You can get yourself into trouble by signing long-term contracts that might not be in your best interests. Things like that you can avoid if you've got the right people around you."

Murray started playing tennis at the age of three.

This is the first time Murray has spoken about his new venture in sports management.

In the exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Murray explains his plan to recruit and mentor top prospects, while still competing at the highest level himself.

Murray says he decided to kick start his own management company after his maiden Wimbledon triumph in 2013.

Murray set up 77 Sports Management, a spinoff  from the group that took care of him. It intends to provide recruits with access to the player himself as well as much of the set-up around him - personnel, sports science, nutrition, facilities, commercial opportunities and more.

"If there's anything they, their family, or anyone around them wants to ask or talk to me about, then that's what I'll do," he adds.

"I don't want to be imposing my views or ideas on anyone. But I think that's one of the nice things about having an athlete as part of the management company."

"Often the people in management companies haven't played the sport or been athletes themselves, so hopefully that's a little extra thing I can add."

Meanwhile, Murray is still hopeful of returning to the tennis tour in Brisbane in 2018, months after limping off the Wimbledon's Centre Court with a painful hip. However, he refused to guarantee he will recover in time for the tour.

Murray’s last match was that Wimbledon defeat at the hands of Sam Querrey,

Currently he is doing plenty of rehab but has taken the risk and took part in a fundraising event to play against Roger Federer recently.

Denis Shapovalov shocked Rafael Nadal in Montreal as Andy Murray clings on to world no.1 spot

Source: USA Today Sports

Andy Murray will remain as the world's no.1 for another week after 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov stunned Rafael Nadal at the Rogers Cup.

"It's what I dreamed of all my life growing up, playing guys like Rafa (Nadal), Roger (Federer), Andy (Murray)," said Shapovalov. "You know, my dream came true today."

The victory put him into the quarterfinal against France's Adrian Mannarino, who beat Hyeon Chung. It was considered one of the biggest wins in Canadian tennis history and it came at the tournament that some still call the Canadian Open. Do check out the online tennis betting odds leading towards the exciting weekend matches.

Source: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images North America

Shapovalov became the youngest player to reach the tournament's quarterfinals since Bjorn Borg in 1974. He also became the youngest quarterfinalist at a Masters Series tournament ever and is the youngest to beat a player ranked in the top two in the world since Nadal beat Federer in 2004 in Miami. For more online tennis betting odds for Shapovalov and other players' upcoming tennis matches, do check out Online Betting NZ.

Shapovalov will reach his goal of moving into the top 100 in the world next week that saw him save four match points in a first round win over Rogerio Dutra Silva, then went on to beat 2009 US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro in the second round before defeated Nadal.

Nadal, who could have claimed the No. 1 ranking if he had reached the semifinals this week, said it was the worst match he played all year, but he had kind words for Shapovalov.

"He played well," the Spaniard said. "He has a great potential."

"I wish him the best. He has everything to become a great player. He played with the right determination in the important moments."

Nadal will have a chance to overtake Murray in the rankings after next week's Cincinnati Masters, but faces a challenge from Roger Federer, who could prevent the Nadal from reaching the top spot for the first time since 2014.

Who will win Wimbledon?

With cloudy skies and a lack of football, British summer time is here which means just one thing for tennis fans: Wimbledon. It’s just a few weeks until the world’s best ball-hitters descend on SW19 but who will triumph on Centre Court? For the men, Andy Murray is the big favourite. The Scot is looking to win his third Wimbledon title but the world number one will face tough competition from, as always, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and the French Open champion, Rafael Nadal. The women’s category is far more open following the news that defending champion Serena Williams is expecting her first child and will miss the championship. Karolina Pliskova is the favourite in a very open field which also includes as many as ten potential winners. Following Williams’ withdrawal, it promises to be one of the most open contests in some time in the women’s category.

The men’s category is a little more closed. Andy Murray is world number one and the slight favourite to triumph at the All England Club. You’ll get odds as short as 11/4 for Murray to triumph in what would be perhaps the best twelve months of the Scot’s career. Success at Wimbledon last year was followed up by a gold medal at Rio 2016 and his first ATP World Tour title in London. A semi-final appearance at the French Open will give Murray hope but he’ll face a tough test from Roger Federer.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion has taken an extended break in recent weeks but was in excellent form before that. The Swiss has missed three of the last six Grand Slam tournaments but reached the semis in the others. Federer would love to win just one more title at the All England club to overtake Pete Sampras and make him the most successful player in the men’s singles category.

The pair is way ahead of the chasing pack. Novak Djokovic has so often been the thorn in both Murray’s and Federer’s sides but is currently in his longest run without a Grand Slam title since 2010. Djokovic is looking like a player lacking enthusiasm which is hardly ideal with Wimbledon just around the corner. Rival Federer said in a recent interview that the Serbian is too good to remain in this rut forever but perhaps it’s too big of an ask for that comeback to arrive at SW19.

After Rafael Nadal’s success in France, people are asking if the big three can become the big four again. The Spaniard has won the French-Wimbledon double twice in his career but his performance at the All England club has been pretty woeful in recent years. Nadal has got past the fourth round just once since 2011 and it would be a big ask for the Spaniard to achieve any success this year.
“Since I have had problems with my knee, since 2012, playing on grass has been very complicated for me,” the Spaniard said in a recent interview. “If I have pain in the knees then I know from experience that it’s almost impossible. If I am healthy and I am able to have the right preparation I’ll have my chances.”

It remains to be seen whether Nadal can get through two arduous weeks in good shape. Outside of the top three and a half, Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic will test any opponent unfortunate enough to be drawn against them. We can only guess how the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will perform.

The women’s category is even more open. The tournament’s coverage will perhaps be defined by its absences. Maria Sharapova will not make her Wimbledon return this year and her supposed rival, Serena Williams will also miss out. The woman who has won seven singles titles at the All England Club will miss the rest of the season following her pregnancy. Her sister, Venus will be flying the Williams flag but she is far from the favourite.

Karolina Pliskova gets the backing of most of the bookies but in what other tennis Grand Slam has the favourite been as high as the 6/1 odds with Betway as of 14th June? However, this would not be a good punt. The world number three has never got past the second round at SW19 and it seems that her game isn’t suited to grass.

The chasing pack includes Victoria Azarenka, Madison Keys and Garbine Muguruza but one woman who could well triumph is Simona Halep. She may have lost the French Open final but the 25-year-old is on excellent form, triumphing at the Madrid Open and reaching the final in Italy as well. Halep must be considered one of the favourites in a hugely competitive field which also features 20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian hasn’t got past the second round at Wimbledon before but after her incredible victory at the French Open, she will have tremendous confidence.

It promises to be a hugely exciting championship at Wimbledon this year. The women’s field is as open as it has been in recent years while the men’s is more of a two-horse race. The home crowd will be hoping for a Murray/Federer title clash on the final Sunday with both players on the cusp of something special. Andy Murray should prove to be too much for his Swiss rival thanks in part to the home crowd but the women’s singles title is anyone’s guess. Simona Halep and Madison Keys would be good bets but wouldn’t it be the nice if 20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko followed up her French Open title with success at SW19?

Murray second favourite for French Open

Andy Murray

(Image source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)

Britain’s World number 1 Andy Murray is only second favourite to win the French Open in 2017. Murray ended the season with 6 consecutive tournament wins including the end of season ATP World Tour Finals where he defeated long time rival and former World number 1 Novak Djokovic.

Murray is a generous 4/1 at best with Free Bets to win his first French Open title. History has shown that its probably Murray’s least preferred Grand Slam tournaments as he has only ever made the final once, however he did make the final in 2016 and that level of improvement may demonstrate his improved performance on clay.

Novak Djokovic is overwhelming favourite to retain his French Open title at 5/4 with most bookmakers on betfreebets.uk. Djokovic’s form dipped towards the end of the 2016 season and he will surely be looking to get his place back as the World Number 1 and a win at Roland Garros may just be the event that allows him do achieve that status.

9 time winner and the most successful French open tennis player ever Rafael Nadal os 7/1 to reach a staggering tally of 10 Roland Garros titles, an achievement never likely to be seen again. The Spaniard has suffered with injuries in the last few years and this may be his final chance to end his career.

After an incredible action packed 2015/16 season, all eyes will be on the first major Grand Slam of the year in Paris and we may just see one of the up and coming stars of the tennis world gain a place amongst the tennis elite.

Murray brothers' bid to dominate the year-end rankings

Andy Murray

(Image source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe via Zimbio)

The Murray brothers' bid to dominate the year-end rankings is still going strong.

Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares' place in the doubles semifinals at the O2 Arena was secured after  defeated Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo 6-3, 3-6, 10-6.

They might not even need to hit another ball to finish the season as the no.1 ranked doubles team, if Frenchmen Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who have already been eliminated, lose their final round robin match Friday.

2016 is an incredible year for the Murray brothers, with Andy cruising to win his third major at Wimbledon, retaining his Olympics title and ending Djokovic's 122-week domination at the top of the ATP singles rankings.

Jamie Murray

(Image source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe via Zimbio)

Meanwhile, Jamie and his doubles partner Soares scored two major titles in a single year - the Australian Open and the US Open doubles titles.

As for Andy, he will have a tough week ahead as he could face a winner-takes-all shootout in Sunday's final against Djokovic for the year-end no. 1 singles ranking. Before that, Andy has to take on Stanislas Wawrinka in the group match. If he can get past Wawrinka, Andy will top the group.

By winning the group match, Andy would avoid Djokovic in the semifinals, setting up the prospect of a final with the Serbian on Sunday and with the no. 1 ranking on the line.

No matter what happened, the Murray brothers have had their most amazing year in their career. Mom Judy must be really proud. You can bet on the Murray brothers from lots of different betting sites, that also offer a variety of games such a live roulette.

Davis Cup: Can Britain Keep Keeping Up?

Who could forget the last year’s triumphant Davis Cup? After the 79 years of thirst, the Brits finally managed to win this competition in 2015 with Andy Murray leading them to this glorious achievement. Now it’s time to prove it was more than just luck – and more than just the Scotsman – as the team is facing Serbia in the quarter finals of the World group without their best man.

There‘s a whole lot on Murray‘s hands right now – winning Wimbledon was very physically and mentally demanding, and he‘s got Olympics, US Open, and other competitions to think of as well. Even though this is a first tie he‘s going to miss in three years, Andy will most probably come out to support his teammates, if only from the side-lines. However, his absence does leave a considerable hole – especially in the singles event.

Now according to the TonyBet bookies, the Brits are still going into this stage as the favourites, with their odds at a win being 11/20 vs the 13/10 that Serbia got. As it is rather apparent from these odds, Novak Djokovic is also sitting this one out, which is a big plus for the Britain’s team. Instead of Murray, we will see Kyle Edmund and James Ward playing singles, and the team will be also without Dan Evans who suffered an injury.

It‘s difficult to say whether the team will be able to carry through, as Murray was responsible for 11 out of the 12 total points they managed across the triumphant run. Meanwhile Serbia is a strong team on its own, and they won the Davis Cup in 2010 and were the runners-up in 2013 – so this will be a good test for the Brits.

If Britain does manage to advance to the semi-finals, it will have been a very strong claim that their team was not, in fact, solely relying on Andy Murray. Will that prove to be true? It’s not like Serbia is an easy opponent, so they will have their work cut out for them – which will make for some excellent tennis.

Image via Zimbio.com

A birthday cake for Novak Djokovic

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic was presented with an impressive multi-tiered tennis-themed birthday cake that came with edible tennis balls and a miniature racquet on the first day of the French Open tournament on Sunday. He also received a towel embroidered with his name by France's Davis Cup captain Guy Forget as his birthday present.

Djokovic who was upset by Stan Wawrinka in last year's French Open final, will begin his campaign against Taiwanese qualifier Rendy Lu Yen-hsun today. Overall, the Serb has a comfortable draw until the semifinals where he is scheduled to play nine-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Nevertheless, pressure is mounting on Djokovic to win the only major that has eluded him. While, Nadal is still finding his best form on clay surface, Andy Murray has risen and poses serious threat after defeated Djokovic at the Italian Open two weeks ago.

"Of course I anticipate myself, as everybody else (does), to try to get my hands on this title this year," Djokovic said.

"Even if my career was done tomorrow, I made some achievements that I must be proud of. So that's how I approach things. I don't try to approach them from a point of view of being obsessed with this tournament or with any other tournament, for that matter."

Should he win the French Open, Djokovic will become only the eighth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam of Australian, French, Wimbledon and US titles.

(Via ESPN, Images via Daily Mail Online)

Andy Murray and the quest for Wimbledon glory

This summer, Andy Murray will once again be Great Britain’s main hope for a success at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Since bursting onto the scene in 2005, Murray has matured into a fan favourite and the British number one is particularly well supported at his home event... but is he good enough to win this year’s competition?

On current form, yes. Murray has been phenomenal throughout the last eighteen months and the Scot is surely on the verge of a third Grand Slam title if he continues to play at his very best. At the time of writing, punters who want to bet on Andy Murray to win this year’s tournament can get 4/1 on the British number one to do just that.

But it will NOT be easy. Novak Djokovic is at the top of his game and the Serbian is on target to surpass Roger Federer’s all-time record of 17 Grand Slam titles. The world number one will be hoping to end his French Open drought next month before Wimbledon and Djokovic may benefit from the added confidence boost if he wins a maiden title at Roland Garros.

If Murray faces Djokovic in the final of the competition, it will be a titanic clash between two of tennis’ top heavyweights. Both players are capable of beating each other on their day and it would take a brave man to back against either player – especially considering Djokovic’s record over Murray but Murray’s support at the Wimbledon event.

One player who could once again throw a spanner in the works is Roger Federer. Last year, the Swiss superstar produced a world class performance to knock Murray out in the semi-final stage and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the 34-year-old go all the way this summer. After all, it might be his last realistic opportunity to win the Wimbledon crown...

And while Federer is decent value at 6/1 in Betway’s betting markets, all eyes will be on Murray as he attempts to get the better of Djokovic in what is widely regarded as the most prestigious event on the tennis calendar. Wimbledon is, without a doubt, the one that everyone wants to win and with a bit of luck, Murray can continue his assault on the tennis world.

Djokovic will be Murray’s main threat this summer and the British number one will have to be at his best to cope with the resilient Serbian. However, Murray could take advantage of Djokovic’s busier schedule – especially after he had a break following the Australian Open in January.

2015 Final Rankings - Men

When looking at last season’s performances of the top 5 on the ATP list there are some pretty clear conclusions to draw from it. This was definitely a year to remember for Nole and a year of misery and disappointment for Rafa. Murray’s season was a huge improvement compared to 2014, which he mostly spent recovering from injury. And the Swiss duo of Federer and Wawrinka played to the best of their capabilities, but didn’t warrant a top 2 position at the end of the year.

1. Novak Djokovic

This year there was a period of three months when Novak lost just once. The Serb had an absolutely brilliant season, which includes wins at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in which he only missed on the final played in Madrid and reached a record breaking 8 finals in the process.

This was complemented by a third win in his fourth final appearance at Wimbledon, and a win at the Australian Open. That win at the Australian Open was so comprehensive and dominant (he didn’t lose a set in the first five rounds) that many fans of Djokovic compared it to a dream-come-true performance.

And if you want to experience the same feelings that Nole’s fans regularly do, you don’t have to go all the way to Australia, you only need to visit Australia’s best new online casinos because this is where dreams come true.

The only negative, in an otherwise stellar season for Djokovic, was the loss in the Roland Garros final, when Stan Wawrinka prevented him from finishing off one of the greatest ever runs in a tournament, and completing a career Grand Slam. In Paris Nole didn’t drop a set in the first five rounds, beat Murray in a match that lasted for two days, and beat Nadal on his favourite surface at his favourite tournament, but still couldn’t prevail when faced with ‘Stan the Man’.

2. Andy Murray

Murray entered the 2015 season by failing to win in 36 events on clay, but all that changed with his victory in Munich over home favourite Philipp Kohlschreiber. He also entered the year with the embarrassing stat of not being in the top 4 of the rankings for a full year.

That changed when the UK native managed to get to the Australia Open Final, only to be defeated by Novak Djokovic in four sets. He also got to the semi-finals at Roland Garros, but again lost to Djokovic, this time in five sets.

This was also the year in which he joined the elite company of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the only players to get to at least the semi-final round in all nine of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments.

3. Roger Federer

Numbers 3 and 4 are reserved for the Swiss duo of Federer and Wawrinka. Federer managed to win in the first edition of the Istanbul Open, and the Turkish city became the 19^th place where a tournament was won by the Swiss maestro.

He also reached his forty-first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final on Rome’s clay, and by winning in Halle, he took his tally at his favourite grass court to eight titles. By doing this he became the fifth tennis player to win eight titles at a single tournament.

4. Stanislas Wawrinka

Wawrinka will probably remember this season as the year in which he managed to defeat Nadal, Federer and Djokovic on clay. This was also the second season in a row in which he reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. But when he got there he lost to Gasquet. He went one step further in the US Open where he was defeated in straight sets by Roger Federer.

However, the tournament by which Wawrinka will definitely remember this season is the French Open. On the clay courts of Paris he defeated Federer in straight sets, in what was his first win over his compatriot in a major tournament. He then outplayed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semis, earning himself a place in the final against the top seeded Djokovic. He won in four sets, and in doing so he defeated the most in-form player this season.

5. Rafael Nadal

2015 was a season to forget for Rafa. It was a year in which his confidence was shattered. He tried, but couldn’t get past his so called ‘mental injury’ and prompted many to start speculating that the best was behind the Spaniard and that his injuries have dealt the final blow.

He did recover however, and started looking like his former self. In the second part of the season by playing noticeably better he managed to take his tally of wins to 61, which when combined with the 21 losses he suffered this season, is not such a bad wins-to-games ratio.

 But we are talking of a serial winner here, and that win ratio of 75%, was his worst since 2004, and was achieved by playing part in as many matches that he could. He won most of those matches, but got eliminated when the going got tough and when he had to reach the latter rounds.

Rafa will certainly hope that 2016 will be much better for him. It surely cannot get any worse than this. Or can it? We’ll all have to wait and see whether his doubters were right, and whether his career is on a downward spiral already.

The Top 3 Favourites to Win the Us Open and the Dark Horses

The Top 3 Favourites to Win the Us Open and the Dark Horses The fourth and the last Grand Slam event of the year is just round the corner, and exciting matches are bound to happen. According to TonyBet bookie some favourites are very clear, but as last year’s US Open has shown, a dark-horse win can always happen. Here’s the top 3 leading players in our opinion – both at men’s and women’s courts – and the extra potential dark horses to watch out for.

Men’s Favourites:

1. Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is firmly at the top of the ATP rankings. The world‘s no. 1 has already triumphed in two Grand Slam events this years – the Australian Open and Wimbledon – and went through to the finals in French Open. Even with these results, he lost to Roger Federer in Cincinnati and before that, to Andy Murray in Montreal Masters, both times playing in the finals. This shows he can be beaten – but he may also be saving up his best form for the US Open.

2. Roger Federer

While Roger Federer haven‘t had as impressive a year as Djokovic, he still did well in the previous Grand Slam events, climbing up from third round in Australian Open, to the quarter-finals in the French Open, to the final in Wimbledon. The Swiss legend has been named 2nd seed and whilst he lost again to Djokovic in Wimbledon finals, Federer then beat him in Cincinnati, along with a win against Murray in the semis. He seems to be in a brilliant form and definitely has good chances at winning.

3. Andy Murray

The world‘s no. 3 has won the US Open in 2012, but hasn‘t gone further than the quarter-final ever since. Murray started the 2015‘s Grand Slam going to the finals in the Australian Open, followed by making it to the semi-finals in both the French Open and Wimbledon. He has managed to beat one of his main contenders, Djokovic, in Montreal Masters, but afterwards lost to Federer in the semi-final in Cincinnati. Still, he is able to win the championship if he‘s in a good form.

The Dark Horse: Grigor Dimitrov

For a good chunk of promising players it would be quite a jump to dominate the US Open, however, Grigor Dimitrov looks like the one who just might be able to do it. Although it‘s admittedly unlikely that the world‘s 17th would become the champion, his recent loss against Murray actually revealed that he’s in a good enough form and what’s lacking is mostly in his mental game. Dimitrov has competed in all Grand Slam events, going to 4th round in Australian Open, 1st in French Open and 3rd in Wimbledon.

Women’s Favourites:

1. Serena Williams

The phrase “Serena Williams is the only Serena William’s real contender” is quickly becoming a big cliché in the tennis world. The world’s no. 1 is in absolutely amazing form, having already won three of the major titles this year and is going for a calendar year Grand Slam. Besides, she’s already won US Open 6 times, and she’s a three-time defending champion. By now, it’s going to be far more surprising if Williams doesn’t win rather than if she does.

2. Victoria Azarenka

The Belarusian is a former no. 1 and current 20th seed. She has made it to the US Open finals twice, and to the quarter finals last year. Victoria Azarenka‘s 2015 season is looking very solid so far, and even though Williams looks unbeatable, Azarenka is the one tennis player that could challenge the no.1 - if she‘s in a good form. Even with her left thigh injury that had her retire from Cincinnati, Azarenka should be able to play some world-class tennis.

3. Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova hasn’t won a Grand Slam title this year yet, but she made it to the finals in Australian Open, semi-finals in Wimbledon and the fourth round in French Open. She was ranked as the 3rd seed, and should be well rested to play in the US Open, as she hasn’t had any matches since Wimbledon. Sharapova had a good year, and she will be a tough challenge for any opponent in the upcoming tournament.

The Dark Horse: Belinda Bencic

The world‘s no. 12 is only 18 years old – and yet she managed to beat S. Williams in Toronto on 16th of August. Overcoming the world’s no. 1 on an extremely good year – even though it wasn’t in a Grand Slam event – shows that Belinda Bencic definitely has the potential to be the next big name in tennis. However, in Cincinnati she had to retire with a right wrist injury. If that doesn’t prevent her from being is a good shape, Bencic should be able to shake up the tennis world in the upcoming US Open. The first round of the US Open 2015 starts on Monday, 31st of August, and the championship will conclude on September 13th. Marin Cilic is the defending champion in the men’s singles, whilst Serena Williams is the three-time defending champion in the women’s singles. Together, the participating tennis players will share more than 40 million US dollars in prize money.

Images via US Open official website

24/7 Top Stars' Non-Stop Competition

What’s so impressive about the big names in the game isn’t just what they can do - again and again - in tournament play. What they do the rest of the time is, if anything, even more inspiring. It’s so easy to take for granted the incredible athleticism, stamina and sheer competitive drive that the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray demonstrate every time they set foot on the court.

But the truth is what we see on court is just the tip of the iceberg. What we see is the product and the outcome of dedicated regimes of diet, exercise, skills-based training and so much more. What we take easily for granted is the way those guys are competing 24/7. Everything they eat, everything the drink and just about every other aspect of their lives, 365 days a year, is a competition to be the best to top the rankings and to be the bookmakers’ favourite.

Imagine turning your breakfast into a competition every day to make it just that little bit more effective than the other guy’s. No wonder they are so emotional when they win. Those guys really do put just about everything on the line.

Tennis stars take the plunge with #IceBucketChallenge

The #IceBucketChallenge has soaked the US and across the world in the past weeks raising awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neurodegenerative disorder commonly known as the Lou Gehrig's disease.

Celebrities videoed themselves emptying buckets full of icy water and challenged three other people to do the same stunt. As a result, the campaign has gone viral.

In the tennis scene, Andy Murray was first nominated by Jesse Levine in July to take up the challenge. Later, the former Wimbledon champion named his coach Amelie Mauresmo for the challenge.

Murray has also challenged Justin Gimelstob earlier this week live on air after his second round match in Cincinnati.

“Obviously we witnessed someone going through this right in front of our eyes with Brad Drewett, and it was tough to watch,” said Murray.

“It’s a horrible disease. I wasn’t aware of it personally before the situation with Brad, but now there’s been a few cases of it in tennis the past few years. It’s great to raise awareness for it and hopefully we can raise a lot of money to try and help find a cure.”

ATP Executive Chairman and President Brad Drewett passed away last year after a short battle with the disease, which has no cure.

Laura Robson also did the #IceBucketChallenge recently and has nominated Caroline Wozniacki. The latter performed the stunt in Cincinnati few days ago and has put forward the challenge to Serena Williams and John Isner.

With the US Open coming up, we hope to see more big names taking up the challenge to raise more awareness of the disease. However, our priority is still back on the game - who will win the year-end Grand Slam championships. If you're betting for the game, check out the SportsBettingInfo.com site for betting on tennis which also feature other sports like the NFL, NHL, etc.

(Via ATP World Tour Website, Kpopstarz)