Novak Djokovic reportedly ready to play at the US Open but wants exemption to quarantine

Source: Adam Hunger/AP

World no.1 Novak Djokovic is reportedly set to take part in the US Open, but only if the officials agree to waive off the quarantine requirement upon returning to Europe.

Meanwhile players around the world are still in doubt whether to take part in the upcoming US Open after the organisers announced the Grand Slam would go ahead despite an ongoing pandemic. Officials decided to go ahead with the major tournament from 31 August to 13 September, with the Rome and Madrid Masters planned between the French Open a few weeks later. The issue with some players is missing the Madrid and Rome Masters could impact their ranking points more than missing the Grand Slam in New York. 

Players such as Australian Nick Kyrgios have also expressed concerns about holding the tournament in the current climate. Rafael Nadal is set to miss defending his US Open title to prepare for a 13th Roland Garros.

Source: Adria Tour

Serbian Djokovic has been seen practicing on hard courts after cleared of coronavirus. He was recently forced to apologise after the Adria Tour he organised was forced to be cancelled due to safety concerns around the virus. Staged in his hometown Serbia, as well as neighbouring Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the event was cancelled after Grigor Dimitrov confirmed he had tested positive for the virus. Since then, Viktor Troicki, Borna Coric, Djokovic and his wife Jelena and coach Goran Ivanisevic have also revealed positive COVID-19 tests. Dimitrov, Coric and Jelena announced they too recovered from COVID-19.

Love Match: Our top 5 famous couples in tennis

Happy Valentine's Day!

In conjunction with the special day, let's us share our favorite couples, who are also some of the hottest people, in the tennis arena.

Source: Star2

Rafael Nadal and Xisca Parello
This pair has been reportedly started dating in 2005 despite known each other for a number of years before.

Born Maria Francisca Perello, she is a business graduate and serves as project director for the RafaNadal Foundation, the charity which Nadal launched more than a decade ago.

Having in a long term relationship, they have yet to publicly announce an engagement or plan for marriage.

Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe

Roger Federer and Miroslava "Mirka" Federer
Many people may not realise that Mirka used to be a decent tennis player herself. The Slovak-born Swiss tennis player has reached a career-high of no. 76 in the world.

Both Federer and Mirka met during the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the rest, as they say, is history. They married in 2009 and have four kids (2 sets of twins!) Myla and Charlene and Leo and Lenny.

Flavia Pennetta & Fabio Fognini
There is a lot of chemistry in this Italian couple who was married back in June 2016. A few months later, just before Christmas, the beautiful pair announced that that they were expecting their first child, Federico.

Pennetta called it quits after winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the 2015 US Open. During her playing days, she reached a career-high ranking of no.1 in doubles and no.6 in singles, respectively.

Meanwhile, clay-court specialist Fognini remains as active on the tour.

Source: lapresse.it

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian
Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian tied the knot at the end of 2017 after announcing their engagement in December 2016. The ceremony comes just 11 weeks after the couple welcomed their baby girl, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on Sept 1. That's almost two years after they began dating in 2015.

Source: Via Yahoo.com

Grigor Dimitrov and Nicole Scherzinger
Previously linked to Maria Sharapova, Dimitrov has dated X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger for over two years now! Scherzinger has dated Dimitrov since her split from racing driver Lewis Hamilton in 2015.

Dimitrov is 12 years Nicole's junior and the brunette went public with the Bulgarian as she was first pictured kissing him at a tournament in Australia.

Source: Dailystar

So, who are your favorite tennis couples?

Get Into The Spirit Of The Aussie Open!

The Australian Open is upon us! The draws have been announced and you can find the match-ups at the official Australian Open webpage. The players are descending on Melbourne, and for the next two weeks we'll get a good look at the world's best professionals during the first Grand Slam event of the 2017 season. For a lot of tennis fans, it may as well be a two-week holiday signaling the return of the sport. Here are a few fun tips for fully embracing the spirit of the Aussie Open.

First, you should consider adjusting your sleep schedule to whatever extent possible. That is, If you live in Europe or the United States and you want to watch the Open, you'll be faced with some tricky timing decisions. Matches can be going on in the middle of the night or the early hours of the morning, and it's a shame to miss out on the action when there are only four Grand Slams to watch each year. Naturally, you have to account for work, family, and other aspects of your day-to-day schedule. Within reason, use the early days of the Open to get on a sleep routine that allows you to be up for the best matches. You won't regret it when you catch that epic five-setter!

Second, you should think about getting out on the courts yourself. It's difficult to watch an event like the Aussie Open and not be inspired to play, so it's a great time to seize the momentum to learn some tennis skills on your own. If your game got a little rusty during the off-season you can get back into shape by searching for a private coach online using Play Your Court to find tailored instructions for the parts of your game need the most work. Get a few lessons under your belt and you'll have that backhand ready in no time for the tournament.

Third, you may want to get your hands on some of the official clothing being put out for the stars at the Australian Open. As always, Nike has put out a collection for its signature athletes and Baseline has broken down the looks you'll see sported by the likes of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Eugenie Bouchard, and Nick Kyrgios, but there are other options as well. You might get inspired by any number of player outfits during the tournament, and you can always check out the official shop of the Open online. There's no need to go nuts, but a new tennis shirt or an Aussie Open towel makes for a nice way to embrace the tournament.

Then you should take some time to read up on the exciting young talent starting to impact the game. If you're reading about tennis, you already know all about the top players but 2017 is looking like a particularly interesting year in tennis because of a lot of young players who are beginning to challenge the old guard. On the women's side, 22-year-old Ukrainian Elina Svitolina has secured the 11-seed and Australian Daria Gavrilova (also just 22) will be looking to thrill local fans and improve upon her ranking at number 25 in the WTA. On the men's side, 25-year-old Grigor Dimitrov is looking to make good on his sensational potential, and The Australian reports that 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev is fresh off a win over Federer and is seeded 24th. These are just a few of the names that could make this a particular
ly interesting tournament.

Finally, just kick back and enjoy the tennis. It's going to be a wonderful two weeks!

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

So when’s Dimitrov’s first Grand Slam win coming?

We’ve become used to the so-called big four dominating men’s tennis for quit some time now. But this is about to change. It will change not least because Roger Federer is getting on a little; 32 is quite an age for a male tennis star in the absolute upper echelons of the game these days.

Roger demonstrated that he still has it at Wimbledon when forcing Novak Djokovic to an incredible five sets. But at 32, his days are numbered, unfortunately. Meanwhile, Andy Murray and the second most successful player of all time, Rafa Nadal have both had more than their fair share o injury problems.

All in all, then, it seems more than likely that the big four will be no more pretty soon – and that other players will break into the absolute top flight. We saw Stan Wawrinka winning the Aussie Open in January – but it seems unlikely that this is the player who will really make the breakthroughs. Wawrinka is now 29 himself and hadn’t made a Grand Slam final before Melbourne this year and, whilst he’s been an amazing player at the top of the game for seven or eight years now, it’s hard to see him suddenly becoming a lot better.

The player most pundits are looking to after his excellent Wimbledon showing is, of course, Bulgaria’s best ever player Grigor Dimitrov. He hit a career high ATP ranking after this year’s Wimbledon at world number nine, and at just 23 years of age can surely improve a whole lot more yet.

He won his first ATP singles title last October in Stockholm and had previously enjoyed an immensely successful junior career – winning the Boys' Singles event at both Wimbledon and the US Open back in 2008.

So it’s surely just a matter of time before the Bulgarian youngster wins his first tennis major title. As things stand, he’s sixth in the tennis betting market for this year’s US Open at Flushing Meadows in August-September behind the traditional big four, with Stanislas Wawrinka fifth favourite.

This year’s US Open may still be a little too early yet, but his odds of 16-1 with Bet365 and other bookmakers looks highly tempting as it’s surely just a matter of time?

Dimitrov comfortably saw off the then reigning champion Andy Murray at Wimbledon before finding Novak Djokovic too strong in the semis in a match he lost 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6. But this was a tremendously tight affair and it would be very easy to see Dimitrov going one better next time.

What’s more - off-court, the young Bulgarian is reportedly stepping out in style with current world number six, Maria Sharapova. This will surely do his career no harm whatsoever and may help spur him on to greater things.

So we’re very probably already looking at a big five in men’s tennis – and five years from now, Grigor Dimitrov will still be at is peak whilst the other big four sadly won’t. So how many Grand Slam events will he have in his locker by then?

(Image via Grigor Dimitrov's Facebook page)

JK Rowling makes rare public appearance; Rafael Nadal works his magic

Author J. K. Rowling (L) made a rare public appearance sitting in the Royal Box on Day 2 at Wimbledon yesterday.

Meanwhile Rafael Nadal worked his magic last night after a slow start with 4 games down against Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci. Nadal survived an early scare to kick off his bid for a third Wimbledon title with a 7-6 (7-0), 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Rafael Nadal

Others who also made it to the second round were Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori and Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga.

Grigor Dimitrov

Kei Nishikori

It has been rumoured that the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton will attend the championships later this week with her mother Carole Middleton, and possibly her sister Pippa.

(Via Telegraph, Images via Yahoo! Sports)

Grigor Dimitrov with coach Patrick Mouratoglou at Nike photo shoot

Grigor Dimitrov just completed a photo shoot for Nike at Wimbledon.

He shared a photo taken together with his coach Patrick Mouratoglou on the set with the fans on this Facebook page.

The Bulgarian will play Kevin Anderson in the first round at at SW19.


(Image via Grigor Dimitrov's Facebook fan page)

Behind the scenes: Nike players receive their gears

Nike is a little behind when it comes to posting photos of their players getting their gears compared to Wilson and Adidas.

Nevertheless, it's nice to see the happy faces on their sponsored players.

These are just a few selected ones. You can get to see more on their Facebook page. Surprisingly Rafael Nadal is not in the album.

Roger Federer

Li Na

Juan Martin Del Potro

Sabine Lisicki

Grigor Dimitrov

(Image via Nike Tennis's Facebook page)

Grigor Dimitrov hits the beach volleyball court (with shirt on)

Although defeated by Guillermo Canas in the first round, Bulgaria's tennis prodigy Grigor Dimitrov still showed his significant presence in Bastad by playing in a traditional beach volleyball tournament yesterday.

Dimitrov's team which included his coach Peter Lundgren did a pretty good job defeating a team consisting of beach volleyball players in the semifinal before losing in the final.

Apparently Dimitrov's mother Maria was a former volleyball player. He could be a volleyball player instead of a rising tennis star.

(Via atpworldtour.com; Images by Göran Stenberg)

Grigor Dimitrov's journey ends in Bangkok

In a postponed match from Wednesday to Thursday, Grigor Dimitrov and his Thai partner Kittipong Wachiramanowong lost their first round match of the doubles draw of the $50K Challenger tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

Their opponents German pair Daniel Brands and Dieter Kindleman won 6-0 6-4.

Now Grigor can take a breather over the weekend until the next tournament in Korat, Thailand on Monday.


(Via grigor-dimitrov.com; Image by Toppu via menstennisforums.com)

Grigor Dimitrov stumbles in Bangkok

Grigor Dimitrov lost to Thailand no.1 Danai Udomchoke 6-7(6) 5-7 in the second round of the $50K Challenger tournament in Bangkok yesterday.

However Grigor is not going to leave the tournament yet as he is also be playing in the doubles pairing up with Thai Kittipong Wachiramanowong. They will play their first round match against Daniel Brands / Dieter Kindleman of Germany.

Next week Grigor will appear in Korat, Thailand, another $50K ATP Challenger tournament.

(Image by Jai via menstennisforums.com)

Grigor Dimitrov, Guillermo Coria spotted shirtless in Bangkok

It was hot and sunny in Bangkok.

And that can only mean one thing: good opportunity to spot Grigor Dimitrov and Guillermo Coria shirtless ;-)

They are right now in the capital of Thailand for the LTAT-SAT Bangkok Open tournament.

Both players received wildcards to play in this Challenger event.

(Images via pantip.com)

Updated: More pictures of Grigor found!

Let's celebrate brotherhood!

Either you hate it or embrace it.

If you don't get it, let's just say that these are just funny photos ;-)

Andy Murray in pink.

Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon.

Marin Cilic and Mario Ancic.

Dmitry Tursunov and Grigor Dimitrov.

Marc Gicquel riding on Gilles Simon.

(All images via menstennisforums.com)

Grigor Dimitrov: The face of a future star player

I simply couldn't resist these photos.

Grigor Dimitrov who has been touted as "better than Federer" by his coach, was at the Davis Cup press conference few days ago.

He is representing Bulgaria and will play against the Hungarian Davis Cup team in this weekend's Europe/Africa Zone Group 2 clash.


(Via menstennisforums.com)

Gilles Simon survives Grigor Dimitrov scare in Marseille

Gilles Simon almost become the latest victim of the upcoming, cute-looking and abs-flaunting kid.

The Frenchman had to come back from 5-2 down in the last set to beat Grigor Dimitrov who is affectionately known as Grisha 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the Open 13 yesterday.

"From the moment I broke back, I felt much better," Simon said.

"That hurt him physically and mentally, and I won the next games quite easily."

Well, Gilles, I don't think it's going to hurt Grisha in long term though.

Grisha who has just turned pro is certainly making his mark in the ATP tour this year.

Gosh, how I wish Yang Tsung Hua can achieve that too but it's not going to happen if he sticks with his current management. Tsung Hua already missed the opportunity of his lifetime by not taking IMG's offer.

Back to Grisha, I've just digged up a youtube of him showing middle finger to the chair umpire.

Boy, this kid sure have lotsa fire!

He reminds me of the young Roger who smashed his racquet right in front of the umpire.

(Images via downthelinetennis.com, Open 13 website)

Grigor Dimitrov steals the show at ABN Amro

Wimbledon and US Open junior champ, Grigor Dimitrov made his professional debut at the ABN Amro this week and he certainly made good use of the wild card given him.

First he defeated Tomas Berdych 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

And last night, he pushed Rafael Nadal to a three setter.

Nadal survived after pulling out a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

“He will certainly be a great player and for sure reach the top 10,” Nadal said.

Grigor Dimitrov's new coach, Peter Lundgren, who has coached Marcelo Rios, Marat Safin and Roger Federer, considers the Bulgarian one of the world's biggest talents.

"This boy has the potential to win a "Grand Slam" tournament. He's even better than Federer was when he was his age.

"Grigor makes excellent volleys and has better physic than Roger. We are now starting to advance in the men's tournaments and hope to enter the top 100 this year", Lundgren comments.

With his good looks and talent, this boy is definitely going to go far.

Check out a couple of his photos from the US Open and Wimbledon last year.


(Via AP, news.bg; Images via zimbio, daylife.com)

Yang Tsung-Hua (楊宗樺) claims world's top junior in year-end rankings

Taiwan's Yang Tsung-hua (楊宗樺) became the country's first young tennis player to finish the year as the world's top-ranked junior, but now faces the even bigger challenge of converting that promise into a thriving pro career that has eluded many other highly-ranked juniors.

The 17-year-old, known for his powerful, though at times erratic first serve, secured the top spot thanks to the International Tennis Federation's rankings system for juniors that weighs both singles and doubles performances.

Yang, who captured this year's French Open junior singles title, trailed Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov and Australia's Bernard Tomic in the singles rankings, but made up the gap with outstanding doubles results in partnership with Taiwan's Hsieh Cheng-peng, including trophy-winning runs in the Australian Open and Wimbledon junior doubles.

After being ousted in the Orange Bowl's round of 16 by American Alexander Domijan, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5, it was another reminder to Yang that one's ranking in today's fiercely competitive tennis world provides no guarantees for success.

It's a lesson Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun, who was ranked 8th in junior singles at the end of 2000, and Wang Yeu-Tzuoo, who finished 2001 ranked 5th, have learned the hard way.

Both have faced considerable obstacles in sustaining a professional career at the highest level, including litanies of injuries and funding shortages.

Also, for every Roger Federer (1998) , Andy Roddick (2000) and Richard Gasquet (2002), who turned their top junior singles rankings at year's end into outstanding pro careers, there have also been Arnaud di Pasquale (1997), Kristian Pless (1999) , Gilles Muller (2001) and Donald Young (2005) who have never fulfilled the promise of their top ranking.

Yang, who plans to turn pro next year and is already ranked 550th on the ATP Tour after playing in some lower level Futures events this year, will soon find out if he can make the successful leap to the pros that has eluded so many juniors.

(Via etaiwannews.com; Image via ITF)