Casper Ruud considers Novak Djokovic to be the second-best clay player of all time, just behind the Roland Garros legend, Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian is one of the best clay tennis players of all time just because he won the Roland Garros in Nadal's era. He also beat the Spaniard at Roland Garros, proving that he can play really well on the surface.
He doesn't really have to have better credentials, because the 14-time French Open winner is the greatest player on clay ever, and it's not even close. He lost only four times in Paris, and two of those losses came to Djokovic.
The Serbian's record at the event even further proves it, as he won it three times in an era when it seemed impossible to do so. One of the best clay players of today, Ruud, agrees with that.
He faced him in Paris before, and...
The Serbian is one of the best clay tennis players of all time just because he won the Roland Garros in Nadal's era. He also beat the Spaniard at Roland Garros, proving that he can play really well on the surface.
He doesn't really have to have better credentials, because the 14-time French Open winner is the greatest player on clay ever, and it's not even close. He lost only four times in Paris, and two of those losses came to Djokovic.
The Serbian's record at the event even further proves it, as he won it three times in an era when it seemed impossible to do so. One of the best clay players of today, Ruud, agrees with that.
He faced him in Paris before, and...
- 6/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
The countdown to the premiere of Roger Federer's upcoming documentary, 'Twelve Final Days,' has just begun, and a full trailer has now been released.
As the title of the sports documentary suggests, the 100-minute film will chronicle the final 12 days of Federer's professional tennis career, from his emotional retirement message in never-before-seen footage captured on camera to his final match at the Laver Cup.
Prime Video initially announced that it would stream the documentary worldwide on June 20th, and it has now released an official two-minute trailer of the same, in which Federer granted exclusive access to Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia and his camera crew to film the final few moments of his career.
The trailer opens with Federer sitting in his living room and saying he is "feeling stressed" as he preps to read his retirement message from a script, the same one he would share on social media.
As the title of the sports documentary suggests, the 100-minute film will chronicle the final 12 days of Federer's professional tennis career, from his emotional retirement message in never-before-seen footage captured on camera to his final match at the Laver Cup.
Prime Video initially announced that it would stream the documentary worldwide on June 20th, and it has now released an official two-minute trailer of the same, in which Federer granted exclusive access to Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia and his camera crew to film the final few moments of his career.
The trailer opens with Federer sitting in his living room and saying he is "feeling stressed" as he preps to read his retirement message from a script, the same one he would share on social media.
- 6/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
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Quick Answer: The best way to watch the Nadal vs. Zverev match online is with DirecTV Stream Choice. Get a five-day free trial here.
The 2024 French Open is underway and the first round presents what is likely one of the most intriguing matchups we’ll see all tournament.
Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev face off in a blockbuster first-round clash that may mark Nadal’s final appearance at...
Quick Answer: The best way to watch the Nadal vs. Zverev match online is with DirecTV Stream Choice. Get a five-day free trial here.
The 2024 French Open is underway and the first round presents what is likely one of the most intriguing matchups we’ll see all tournament.
Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev face off in a blockbuster first-round clash that may mark Nadal’s final appearance at...
- 5/25/2024
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
The second Grand Slam tournament on the tennis calendar features the world’s best players competing on the red clay courts of Roland-Garros for the French Open in Paris May 26-June 9. Novak Djokovic (pictured above) seeks a second straight (and fourth overall) French Open title, while 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal is likely playing in his final Roland-Garros event. Nadal faces a tough first-round opponent in No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany. Other contenders include 2024 Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner and 2023 Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, though both have struggled with injuries of late. On the women’s side, Poland’s Iga Świątek is the clear favorite as she tries for three consecutive French Open wins. She’ll face the likes of two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and reigning US Open winner Coco Gauff. Tennis Channel, Peacock and NBC combine to televise and stream the tournament. NBC’s coverage also streams on NBCSports.
- 5/23/2024
- TV Insider
Louis Vuitton is reviving its Core Values campaign with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The campaign, shot by iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz, features the tennis champions, a rare off-the-court pairing, ascending to the summit of Italy’s Dolomites mountain range. The imagery fits the campaign’s tagline: “There are Journeys that turn into Legends.”
The newly released campaign features 42-year-old Federer and 37-year-old Nadal 3,000 meters high, standing tall on the mountain peak. In the imagery, Federer sports a Monogram Christopher backpack while Nadal is pictured with the Monogram Eclipse version.
For the campaign, Nadal and Federer are not competitors but instead companions for one another on the journey up the mountain — a visual metaphor for their careers which have been “marked by deep mutual respect and friendship,” according to the luxury brand.
“I know how many important icons have been part of this campaign, so for me personally, being part...
The campaign, shot by iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz, features the tennis champions, a rare off-the-court pairing, ascending to the summit of Italy’s Dolomites mountain range. The imagery fits the campaign’s tagline: “There are Journeys that turn into Legends.”
The newly released campaign features 42-year-old Federer and 37-year-old Nadal 3,000 meters high, standing tall on the mountain peak. In the imagery, Federer sports a Monogram Christopher backpack while Nadal is pictured with the Monogram Eclipse version.
For the campaign, Nadal and Federer are not competitors but instead companions for one another on the journey up the mountain — a visual metaphor for their careers which have been “marked by deep mutual respect and friendship,” according to the luxury brand.
“I know how many important icons have been part of this campaign, so for me personally, being part...
- 5/18/2024
- by Nicole Fell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Manu Rios made his way to Mexico last month to attend the Platino Awards, held for the third time in 11 years at the Gran Tlachco Theater at Xcaret Park in Riviera Maya. Rios, a breakout star from the steamy Netflix series Elite, was among a long list of boldfaced names to make the trek to the starry show which honors the best in Ibero-American content across film and television.
Ahead of the ceremony, at which J.A. Bayona’s Society of the Snow swept by winning six trophies including best film, The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Rios to talk about life after Elite, meeting real-life doctors for his forthcoming medical drama Breathless and why he’s considering a move to Los Angeles — at least a temporary one.
You’re no stranger to award shows. You were nominated for a few breakthrough awards after the success of Netflix’s Elite.
Ahead of the ceremony, at which J.A. Bayona’s Society of the Snow swept by winning six trophies including best film, The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Rios to talk about life after Elite, meeting real-life doctors for his forthcoming medical drama Breathless and why he’s considering a move to Los Angeles — at least a temporary one.
You’re no stranger to award shows. You were nominated for a few breakthrough awards after the success of Netflix’s Elite.
- 5/3/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tennis fans have a lot to look forward to this week as 22-time Grand Slam champ Rafael Nadal makes his return to the courts at the 2024 Barcelona Open.
The tennis star has not played since January’s Brisbane Internaional, where Nadal suffered a muscle injury during a quarterfinal loss. Though he briefly returned to play Carlos Alcaraz in March, it was for a one-off Netflix special and not an official tour event. The so-called “Netflix Slam” was won by Alcaraz, though Nadal’s surprising competitiveness immediately had on-lookers clamoring for his comeback. This week’s tournament will mark the Spaniard’s first clay-court match since winning the French Open in 2022.
Want to watch Nadal at the Barcelona Open? Here’s what you need to know.
How to Watch Barcelona Open Tennis 2024: Dates, Channel
This year’s Barcelona Open runs from April 13 to 21 at the the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
The tennis star has not played since January’s Brisbane Internaional, where Nadal suffered a muscle injury during a quarterfinal loss. Though he briefly returned to play Carlos Alcaraz in March, it was for a one-off Netflix special and not an official tour event. The so-called “Netflix Slam” was won by Alcaraz, though Nadal’s surprising competitiveness immediately had on-lookers clamoring for his comeback. This week’s tournament will mark the Spaniard’s first clay-court match since winning the French Open in 2022.
Want to watch Nadal at the Barcelona Open? Here’s what you need to know.
How to Watch Barcelona Open Tennis 2024: Dates, Channel
This year’s Barcelona Open runs from April 13 to 21 at the the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
- 4/15/2024
- by Tim Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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The 2024 BNP Paribas Open wraps up in California today as Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev clash for in the men’s singles final.
Also known as the Indian Wells Open, this year’s desert tournament started making headlines before it started with Rafael Nadal returning to the tour,...
Quick Answer: The best way to livestream the BNP Paribas Open is with free trials to DirecTV Stream and fuboTV.
Get direcTv Stream Free Trial
The 2024 BNP Paribas Open wraps up in California today as Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev clash for in the men’s singles final.
Also known as the Indian Wells Open, this year’s desert tournament started making headlines before it started with Rafael Nadal returning to the tour,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Oscar Hartzog
- Rollingstone.com
When Andre Agassi was rising the ranks as a professional tennis player — en route to becoming one of the greatest American men to ever hit the circuit — he often felt forced to defend his hometown of Las Vegas.
“I was born and raised here,” Agassi said last Saturday during a press conference to promote The Netflix Slam featuring superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. “When I turned pro in 1,972 years ago, there was about 300,000 people that lived in this town. I would travel the world representing Vegas, having to answer some very basic questions such as, ‘What’s it like to live in a hotel?’ It was like, wait a second, Vegas is more than just a strip [of hotels]. To watch it evolve to a point where now we’re seeing not just sports come here, but we’re seeing the greatest environments for sports to participate in the Super Bowl and Formula 1 now here.
“I was born and raised here,” Agassi said last Saturday during a press conference to promote The Netflix Slam featuring superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. “When I turned pro in 1,972 years ago, there was about 300,000 people that lived in this town. I would travel the world representing Vegas, having to answer some very basic questions such as, ‘What’s it like to live in a hotel?’ It was like, wait a second, Vegas is more than just a strip [of hotels]. To watch it evolve to a point where now we’re seeing not just sports come here, but we’re seeing the greatest environments for sports to participate in the Super Bowl and Formula 1 now here.
- 3/8/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix stuck the landing on a star-studded exhibition match between tennis superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz this weekend. Stakes were high on the court, but the Las Vegas showdown was most effective as a lush advertisement for the streamer as a fledgling live sports destination.
Taking over the Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena, the inaugural Netflix Slam pit legend Nadal against 20-year-old Alcaraz. Rafa, as Nadal is affectionately known to millions of global fans, had not played since a hip injury flared up in 2023. Nadal has only faced Alcaraz a handful of times in his career and wound up losing to the prodigy in a nail-biting tie break.
No one really lost, though. Least of all Netflix. Branding was so pervasive in the hotel and casino that pedestrians lined up 100 deep to take photos in front of a “Netflix Slam” sign, installed on a massive wall of tennis balls.
Taking over the Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena, the inaugural Netflix Slam pit legend Nadal against 20-year-old Alcaraz. Rafa, as Nadal is affectionately known to millions of global fans, had not played since a hip injury flared up in 2023. Nadal has only faced Alcaraz a handful of times in his career and wound up losing to the prodigy in a nail-biting tie break.
No one really lost, though. Least of all Netflix. Branding was so pervasive in the hotel and casino that pedestrians lined up 100 deep to take photos in front of a “Netflix Slam” sign, installed on a massive wall of tennis balls.
- 3/4/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
“Ok, I can die now.”
So said a woman seated behind The Hollywood Reporter inside Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, host of the inaugural The Netflix Slam. She had just snapped a selfie that captured superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz warming up on center court over her shoulder. Sure, it was a dramatic statement but it wasn’t obscene for such an occasion. There’s no shortage of gasp-worthy moments in Sin City, and there’s no doubt many of the 9,489 seated guests could relate to the sentiment.
The Sunday afternoon showdown, the latest in Netflix’s push for live streaming events, pitted two superstar Spaniards in an exhibition match that could be one of the final few times they meet across a net. The fact that it happened was a bit of a coup, too, as it was rescheduled last year due to Nadal...
So said a woman seated behind The Hollywood Reporter inside Mandalay Bay’s Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, host of the inaugural The Netflix Slam. She had just snapped a selfie that captured superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz warming up on center court over her shoulder. Sure, it was a dramatic statement but it wasn’t obscene for such an occasion. There’s no shortage of gasp-worthy moments in Sin City, and there’s no doubt many of the 9,489 seated guests could relate to the sentiment.
The Sunday afternoon showdown, the latest in Netflix’s push for live streaming events, pitted two superstar Spaniards in an exhibition match that could be one of the final few times they meet across a net. The fact that it happened was a bit of a coup, too, as it was rescheduled last year due to Nadal...
- 3/4/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rafael Nadal is one of the most famous and successful tennis players in the world as his name is frequently mentioned with other greats like Novak Djokovic and the now-retired Roger Federer. But even though the King of Clay is a public and popular figure, not a ton is known about his life off the court.
Since 2019, Nadal has been married to Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perello. The athlete has been careful over the years of how much information he divulges about his wife because she is a very private person. However, there are a few details we know about Perello and her relationship with Nadal including what their age difference is, when they started dating, and how many children they have together.
Nadal and Perello’s age difference Rafal Nadal poses with his wife Xisca Perello for the official wedding portraits | Fundacion Rafa Nadal via Getty Images
Perello was born...
Since 2019, Nadal has been married to Maria Francisca “Xisca” Perello. The athlete has been careful over the years of how much information he divulges about his wife because she is a very private person. However, there are a few details we know about Perello and her relationship with Nadal including what their age difference is, when they started dating, and how many children they have together.
Nadal and Perello’s age difference Rafal Nadal poses with his wife Xisca Perello for the official wedding portraits | Fundacion Rafa Nadal via Getty Images
Perello was born...
- 3/3/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Two of the world’s greatest tennis players, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, compete against each other in The Netflix Slam, an exhibition match at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Nadal and Alcaraz, both from Spain, face off on Sunday, March 3, at 3:30/2:30a c, streaming live on Netflix. Nadal, winner of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, missed the Australian Open in January due to injury. The Netflix event, while just an exhibition, is expected to be a warm-up for his return to real competition at the Indian Wells Open next week. Alcaraz, the world’s No. 2 ranked men’s player, won the US Open in 2022 and is reigning Wimbledon champion. Alcaraz and Nadal have played against each other three times in competition, with Nadal holding a 2-1 lead in their series. “I’m honored and so happy to be sharing the...
- 2/29/2024
- TV Insider
Prime Video has greenlit a feature-length documentary chronicling the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s professional tennis career.
The as-yet-untitled documentary is described by Prime Video as “an intimate follow-along through the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s illustrious career. Originally a home video never intended for public viewing, the film captures Federer at his most vulnerable and candid self, as he says goodbye to a game and the fans that shaped his life for the last two decades.” It features interviews from Federer’s rivals and friends, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The film is directed by Asif Kapadia, Oscar and BAFTA winner for Amy Winehouse documentary “Amy” (2015), BAFTA winners “Senna” (2010) and “The Warrior” (2001) and “Diego Maradona” (2019). It is co-directed by Joe Sabia (Vogue’s “73 Questions” franchise)
“Initially, the idea was to capture the final moments of my professional tennis career so that I could have...
The as-yet-untitled documentary is described by Prime Video as “an intimate follow-along through the final 12 days of Roger Federer’s illustrious career. Originally a home video never intended for public viewing, the film captures Federer at his most vulnerable and candid self, as he says goodbye to a game and the fans that shaped his life for the last two decades.” It features interviews from Federer’s rivals and friends, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The film is directed by Asif Kapadia, Oscar and BAFTA winner for Amy Winehouse documentary “Amy” (2015), BAFTA winners “Senna” (2010) and “The Warrior” (2001) and “Diego Maradona” (2019). It is co-directed by Joe Sabia (Vogue’s “73 Questions” franchise)
“Initially, the idea was to capture the final moments of my professional tennis career so that I could have...
- 2/19/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Novak Djokovic is one of the most famous and successful tennis players in the world. The Serbian star began his professional career in 2003 and he’s been impressive to watch ever since. Today he holds the all-time record of men’s major singles titles.
But there comes a point in every Goat’s career when they’re asked about retiring especially after some of the other greats they competed against for so long have already called it a career. For Djokovic, those athletes are Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In 2022, Federer announced his retirement from the sport after more than two decades. And in 2023, Nadal said that 2024 would be his final season.
Now, Djokovic is being asked about his future. Here’s what he had to say.
Novak Djokovic during the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park | Daniel Pockett/Getty Images How old is Novak Djokovic?
Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade,...
But there comes a point in every Goat’s career when they’re asked about retiring especially after some of the other greats they competed against for so long have already called it a career. For Djokovic, those athletes are Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In 2022, Federer announced his retirement from the sport after more than two decades. And in 2023, Nadal said that 2024 would be his final season.
Now, Djokovic is being asked about his future. Here’s what he had to say.
Novak Djokovic during the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park | Daniel Pockett/Getty Images How old is Novak Djokovic?
Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Rafael Nadal shocked the tennis world when he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open after the latest injury setback.
The 36-year-old recently returned to competitive tennis, and he played really well at the Atp 250 tournament in Brisbane, surprising many with his level. However, what looked like a miraculous comeback soon turned into another disaster.
In his quarterfinal match, Nadal didn't use any of his three match points against Jordan Thompson, and lost the match, but what worried fans even more was the fact that he required medical assistance during the match.
After the match, he admitted that he wasn't sure whether he would be able to compete at the Australian Open, as all the time, the Spaniard avoided being too optimistic.
Now, we know why, as Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open, the tournament where he played his last Grand Slam match in 2023. He announced the news on social media,...
The 36-year-old recently returned to competitive tennis, and he played really well at the Atp 250 tournament in Brisbane, surprising many with his level. However, what looked like a miraculous comeback soon turned into another disaster.
In his quarterfinal match, Nadal didn't use any of his three match points against Jordan Thompson, and lost the match, but what worried fans even more was the fact that he required medical assistance during the match.
After the match, he admitted that he wasn't sure whether he would be able to compete at the Australian Open, as all the time, the Spaniard avoided being too optimistic.
Now, we know why, as Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open, the tournament where he played his last Grand Slam match in 2023. He announced the news on social media,...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis Infinity
The 112th edition of the Australian Open is just around the corner, signifying the short offseason in tennis and how the stars of men's tennis will soon hit the courts again.
The 2024 Australian Open is the most anticipated of the lot with major talking points headlining the showpiece event that will commence on Sunday, January 14, 2024, marking the first time that the year's first Grand Slam will have a weekend start.
As is the norm, the Australian Open is played on outdoor hard courts at Melbourne Park, with a 128-player singles field expected to converge there in the early weeks of January. The entry list for the tournament has been released.
Novak Djokovic secured top seeding at the Australian Open thanks to his record-breaking 7th Atp Finals in November and will pursue a record-extending 11th title. Djokovic is not guaranteed to remain No. 1 after the tournament in Melbourne, with Carlos Alcaraz...
The 2024 Australian Open is the most anticipated of the lot with major talking points headlining the showpiece event that will commence on Sunday, January 14, 2024, marking the first time that the year's first Grand Slam will have a weekend start.
As is the norm, the Australian Open is played on outdoor hard courts at Melbourne Park, with a 128-player singles field expected to converge there in the early weeks of January. The entry list for the tournament has been released.
Novak Djokovic secured top seeding at the Australian Open thanks to his record-breaking 7th Atp Finals in November and will pursue a record-extending 11th title. Djokovic is not guaranteed to remain No. 1 after the tournament in Melbourne, with Carlos Alcaraz...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal is one of the sport's comeback kings with a proud reputation for digging deep and always finding solutions on a tennis court.
However, on Friday at the Brisbane International, where he was marking his comeback from a career-threatening hip injury, he was given a taste of his own medicine, and to put it bluntly, the Spaniard certainly did not enjoy it.
Nadal's comeback at this low-key Atp 250 event to kick off the new Atp season had already exceeded expectations with rousing wins over Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler. He wanted to garnish this fairytale run with a title, but one man did not read the script.
Australia's Jordan Thompson shocked the Spaniard, beating him at his own game in a gripping contest that lasted three hours and 24 minutes. And it had a tangible effect on Nadal's surgically repaired hip, with the Spaniard making the chilling claim that he felt some discomfort.
However, on Friday at the Brisbane International, where he was marking his comeback from a career-threatening hip injury, he was given a taste of his own medicine, and to put it bluntly, the Spaniard certainly did not enjoy it.
Nadal's comeback at this low-key Atp 250 event to kick off the new Atp season had already exceeded expectations with rousing wins over Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler. He wanted to garnish this fairytale run with a title, but one man did not read the script.
Australia's Jordan Thompson shocked the Spaniard, beating him at his own game in a gripping contest that lasted three hours and 24 minutes. And it had a tangible effect on Nadal's surgically repaired hip, with the Spaniard making the chilling claim that he felt some discomfort.
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Holger Rune will contest the 2024 Brisbane International final, but it won't be against Rafael Nadal like he secretly hoped for.
Holger Rune never played against Rafael Nadal, and it's certainly a dream of his to do so one day. There was a decent chance it could have happened this week at the Atp 250 tournament in Brisbane, as Nadal was looking really sharp at the start, and Rune was the top seed.
Ultimately, Rune did his part by getting there, but Nadal was beaten by Jordan Thompson, so unfortunately, the two won't meet in the final of the competition. It will be the Dane against Grigor Dimitrov which is not bad, and it's actually a very solid final match between the two top seeds.
In any case, Rune himself was a bit disappointed that he wouldn't be facing Nadal in the final because he really hoped he would. He confirmed it...
Holger Rune never played against Rafael Nadal, and it's certainly a dream of his to do so one day. There was a decent chance it could have happened this week at the Atp 250 tournament in Brisbane, as Nadal was looking really sharp at the start, and Rune was the top seed.
Ultimately, Rune did his part by getting there, but Nadal was beaten by Jordan Thompson, so unfortunately, the two won't meet in the final of the competition. It will be the Dane against Grigor Dimitrov which is not bad, and it's actually a very solid final match between the two top seeds.
In any case, Rune himself was a bit disappointed that he wouldn't be facing Nadal in the final because he really hoped he would. He confirmed it...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Holger Rune started 2024 on a high note by playing brilliant tennis all week long to make the Brisbane International final against Grigor Dimitrov.
Holger Rune had hoped to face Rafael Nadal in the Brisbane International final, but ultimately, it didn't work out as Nadal failed to make it out of the other side of the draw. Jordan Thompson beat him in the quarter-final, but Grigor Dimitrov will be a worthy replacement.
The Bulgarian is experiencing some of the best days of his career on a tennis court, as he's been pretty solid in the past six months. He's healthy, and when he's healthy, he can play amazing tennis, which is what happened this week at the Atp 250 event.
Head-to-head:
Rune and Dimitrov have played before, and the H2H score is 1-1. They played at Wimbledon last year, and Rune won that match while Dimitrov won the most recent one in Beijing.
Holger Rune had hoped to face Rafael Nadal in the Brisbane International final, but ultimately, it didn't work out as Nadal failed to make it out of the other side of the draw. Jordan Thompson beat him in the quarter-final, but Grigor Dimitrov will be a worthy replacement.
The Bulgarian is experiencing some of the best days of his career on a tennis court, as he's been pretty solid in the past six months. He's healthy, and when he's healthy, he can play amazing tennis, which is what happened this week at the Atp 250 event.
Head-to-head:
Rune and Dimitrov have played before, and the H2H score is 1-1. They played at Wimbledon last year, and Rune won that match while Dimitrov won the most recent one in Beijing.
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Dominic Thiem hasn't entered 2024 on a high note, but the Austrian got a lucky break regarding his participation at the Australian Open.
The struggles of Dominic Thiem have been real, more than real, actually. It's been basically a nightmare as he's continuously failed to reach the same kind of level he had before his wrist injury.
He's essentially struggled to keep himself in the Top 100 on the Atp Tour, as strange as that sounds. Due to his ranking plummeting because of his struggles, Thiem was facing the prospect of having to play the qualifiers for the first Grand Slam of the year.
It's a stark contrast to where his career is right now compared to a few years ago when he stood in the final and actually led 2-1 in sets against Novak Djokovic.
In any case, Thiem, much like Raducanu, won't have to play the qualifiers in the end.
The struggles of Dominic Thiem have been real, more than real, actually. It's been basically a nightmare as he's continuously failed to reach the same kind of level he had before his wrist injury.
He's essentially struggled to keep himself in the Top 100 on the Atp Tour, as strange as that sounds. Due to his ranking plummeting because of his struggles, Thiem was facing the prospect of having to play the qualifiers for the first Grand Slam of the year.
It's a stark contrast to where his career is right now compared to a few years ago when he stood in the final and actually led 2-1 in sets against Novak Djokovic.
In any case, Thiem, much like Raducanu, won't have to play the qualifiers in the end.
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has provided further information about his injury setback following elimination at the 2024 Brisbane International.
Nadal had three match points in his quarter-final clash against Jordan Thompson but couldn't take advantage as the clash went to a final set. In the concluding set, the Spanish player needed a medical timeout after he felt pain in his hip - the same area he injured during the Australian Open last year.
Initially, the 22-time Grand Slam winner was cautious about the injury and explained post-match that he was going to take things day by day whilst understanding more about the setback.
However, Nadal has issued more details and said his ultimate aim is to be back to full strength in a few months.
"Yeah, is a very similar place to what happened last year, but different stuff, no? I feel more muscle. Last year was tendon. I feel the muscle tired.
Nadal had three match points in his quarter-final clash against Jordan Thompson but couldn't take advantage as the clash went to a final set. In the concluding set, the Spanish player needed a medical timeout after he felt pain in his hip - the same area he injured during the Australian Open last year.
Initially, the 22-time Grand Slam winner was cautious about the injury and explained post-match that he was going to take things day by day whilst understanding more about the setback.
However, Nadal has issued more details and said his ultimate aim is to be back to full strength in a few months.
"Yeah, is a very similar place to what happened last year, but different stuff, no? I feel more muscle. Last year was tendon. I feel the muscle tired.
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal's comeback at the 2024 Brisbane International has exceeded expectations, and the Spaniard is delighted with his progress.
Nadal was granted a wild card into the Atp 250 event, which marked precisely a year since he last played on tour. Having required a lengthy but successful hip surgery in order to prolong his career for at least one more season, his return has been a highly satisfying one.
Even though Nadal has dealt with a long list of injuries throughout his playing career, his absence in the past year is the longest layoff of his career, and he even lost his proud record of being ranked in the world's Top 10 for over 900 weeks.
In just his second visit to Brisbane, the 37-year-old has played with newfound confidence and verve and toppled the likes of Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler to reach the quarterfinal stage, where he lost to Jordan Thompson.
Nadal was granted a wild card into the Atp 250 event, which marked precisely a year since he last played on tour. Having required a lengthy but successful hip surgery in order to prolong his career for at least one more season, his return has been a highly satisfying one.
Even though Nadal has dealt with a long list of injuries throughout his playing career, his absence in the past year is the longest layoff of his career, and he even lost his proud record of being ranked in the world's Top 10 for over 900 weeks.
In just his second visit to Brisbane, the 37-year-old has played with newfound confidence and verve and toppled the likes of Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler to reach the quarterfinal stage, where he lost to Jordan Thompson.
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has put his comeback into perspective after his quarterfinal match at the 2024 Brisbane International.
Nadal lost to Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane quarterfinal. It was a high-quality match, where the Spaniard impressed again for long periods. However, he paid the price for not converting three match points.
Despite the quality of the contest, it was still a tough loss for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Whether it is at Grand Slam or Atp 250 level, he wants to win, and Nadal admitted he was sad not to use the match points.
However, it is important to remember that this was Nadal's first tournament back. Some were unsure what level the 14-time French Open champion would be at. He undoubtedly showed a lot of really good signs in his three singles matches in Brisbane.
Nadal pointed this out in his press conference after the defeat, stating that going all the...
Nadal lost to Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane quarterfinal. It was a high-quality match, where the Spaniard impressed again for long periods. However, he paid the price for not converting three match points.
Despite the quality of the contest, it was still a tough loss for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Whether it is at Grand Slam or Atp 250 level, he wants to win, and Nadal admitted he was sad not to use the match points.
However, it is important to remember that this was Nadal's first tournament back. Some were unsure what level the 14-time French Open champion would be at. He undoubtedly showed a lot of really good signs in his three singles matches in Brisbane.
Nadal pointed this out in his press conference after the defeat, stating that going all the...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal's comeback event is over as he was beaten in the quarter-final of the 2024 Brisbane International, which left many quite sad as he was inches away from winning.
Nadal made his comeback to tennis in Brisbane this week, and it was a pretty decent start for the Spaniard as he played three matches and won two. The first one was an impressive showing against Dominic Thiem, which was followed by another solid win.
Beating Jason Kubler as easily as he did certainly created headlines, but things were expected to be a bit harder against Jordan Thompson and they certainly were. He was down a break in the first set but rallied to win it.
The second set offered match points, but he wasted three of them in total to lose it in the tie-break. Ultimately, he ran out of steam in the final set, admitting fatigue after the...
Nadal made his comeback to tennis in Brisbane this week, and it was a pretty decent start for the Spaniard as he played three matches and won two. The first one was an impressive showing against Dominic Thiem, which was followed by another solid win.
Beating Jason Kubler as easily as he did certainly created headlines, but things were expected to be a bit harder against Jordan Thompson and they certainly were. He was down a break in the first set but rallied to win it.
The second set offered match points, but he wasted three of them in total to lose it in the tie-break. Ultimately, he ran out of steam in the final set, admitting fatigue after the...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal experienced a major scare during his Brisbane International match as he felt something in his hip.
The Spaniard missed much of last year due to a hip injury that also happened in Australia, and this was his first Atp event back. It was going really well with two impressive wins, but today's match against Jordan Thompson wasn't that good.
He wasted 3 match points to send the match into a 3rd set and then felt something in his hip calling for a medical timeout. After the match, Nadal admitted that he doesn't know what's going on and he'll see how he'll feel tomorrow after waking up.
Oh, I don't know. I need to see how I wake up tomorrow morning. I mean, we have been talking these last days, talking about the positive things. That's why I am not over-positive when I have been talking. I have been talking...
The Spaniard missed much of last year due to a hip injury that also happened in Australia, and this was his first Atp event back. It was going really well with two impressive wins, but today's match against Jordan Thompson wasn't that good.
He wasted 3 match points to send the match into a 3rd set and then felt something in his hip calling for a medical timeout. After the match, Nadal admitted that he doesn't know what's going on and he'll see how he'll feel tomorrow after waking up.
Oh, I don't know. I need to see how I wake up tomorrow morning. I mean, we have been talking these last days, talking about the positive things. That's why I am not over-positive when I have been talking. I have been talking...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal is not sure he'll play at the 2024 Australian Open after the most recent injury scare at the Brisbane International.
Rafael Nadal returned to tennis at the Atp 250 tournament in Brisbane after missing almost the entire 2023 season. It was a hip injury that forced him to abandon his plans, and he felt the pain again against Jordan Thompson.
It was a competitive match which Nadal could have won, but he wasted three match points. Late in the final set, the Spaniard felt his hip again and called for a medical timeout but finished the match standing.
After the match, Nadal spoke about his experience this week and what the coming weeks might look like in light of this most recent development.
It's a beginning. I didn't play a tournament for such a long time. Even without playing a tournament, is not that I am practicing at the highest level for four months,...
Rafael Nadal returned to tennis at the Atp 250 tournament in Brisbane after missing almost the entire 2023 season. It was a hip injury that forced him to abandon his plans, and he felt the pain again against Jordan Thompson.
It was a competitive match which Nadal could have won, but he wasted three match points. Late in the final set, the Spaniard felt his hip again and called for a medical timeout but finished the match standing.
After the match, Nadal spoke about his experience this week and what the coming weeks might look like in light of this most recent development.
It's a beginning. I didn't play a tournament for such a long time. Even without playing a tournament, is not that I am practicing at the highest level for four months,...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal faced his strongest opposition yet at the 2024 Brisbane International and handled it well for a while but still lost in three sets.
Jordan Thompson was never going to be an easy out for Nadal because the Australian is just a solid player, and he's playing on home soil. Even so, some might say that he did better than anybody expected him to because, at the opening set's midpoint, he broke first.
The problem for Thompson is that he didn't convert that 4-3 lead into a 5-3 one but rather allowed Nadal to break back. That was costly as it energized Nadal who would go on to outplay his opponent for the rest of the set.
7-5 was the final score of the first set as Nadal totalled a solid 12 winners in it. Thompson actually outhit Nadal with 18 winners, but the legendary player's experience proved vital as he won the crucial rallies.
Jordan Thompson was never going to be an easy out for Nadal because the Australian is just a solid player, and he's playing on home soil. Even so, some might say that he did better than anybody expected him to because, at the opening set's midpoint, he broke first.
The problem for Thompson is that he didn't convert that 4-3 lead into a 5-3 one but rather allowed Nadal to break back. That was costly as it energized Nadal who would go on to outplay his opponent for the rest of the set.
7-5 was the final score of the first set as Nadal totalled a solid 12 winners in it. Thompson actually outhit Nadal with 18 winners, but the legendary player's experience proved vital as he won the crucial rallies.
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has detailed his gruesome rehab period in which he did not enjoy many things in his personal and professional life.
The 37-year-old underwent surgery in June last year after tearing the psoas muscle on his hip during a second-round defeat at the 2023 Australian Open at the hands of Mackenzie McDonald. After a successful operation, the Spaniard did not immediately resume full-time training.
Instead, in a recent interview on ATPTour.com, the Spaniard reveals he lived four months without touching a tennis racket, which is a peculiar occurrence for a man who has played on the professional circuit for two decades.
Looking back on his journey, in which he returned from the longest layoff from an injury in his career, Nadal is delighted that all his hard work, perseverance, and resilience have borne fruits, adding that his "personal satisfaction" is quite high, having doubted his comeback.
"I have been...
The 37-year-old underwent surgery in June last year after tearing the psoas muscle on his hip during a second-round defeat at the 2023 Australian Open at the hands of Mackenzie McDonald. After a successful operation, the Spaniard did not immediately resume full-time training.
Instead, in a recent interview on ATPTour.com, the Spaniard reveals he lived four months without touching a tennis racket, which is a peculiar occurrence for a man who has played on the professional circuit for two decades.
Looking back on his journey, in which he returned from the longest layoff from an injury in his career, Nadal is delighted that all his hard work, perseverance, and resilience have borne fruits, adding that his "personal satisfaction" is quite high, having doubted his comeback.
"I have been...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal and former tennis player Manolo Santana have been nominated for the Spanish 'The Best in History' award.
The accolade is run by the television channel La 1, and it recognises 50 of the greatest Spanish figures of all time in several categories. It is a spin-off of the original BBC's '100 Greatest Britons', which has since expanded into 30 different countries.
Nadal is the most coveted Spanish tennis player of all time, having won 23 Grand Slam titles in a professional career that has lasted for over two decades. The 37-year-old has been particularly successful at the Roland Garros, where he has won a record 14 titles.
Nadal made his long-awaited comeback to tennis in January 2024 after spending most of the 2023 season out with injury and recovering from surgery. So far, the Spanish player's return has gone smoothly, and he has notched two wins from two at the Brisbane International, defeating...
The accolade is run by the television channel La 1, and it recognises 50 of the greatest Spanish figures of all time in several categories. It is a spin-off of the original BBC's '100 Greatest Britons', which has since expanded into 30 different countries.
Nadal is the most coveted Spanish tennis player of all time, having won 23 Grand Slam titles in a professional career that has lasted for over two decades. The 37-year-old has been particularly successful at the Roland Garros, where he has won a record 14 titles.
Nadal made his long-awaited comeback to tennis in January 2024 after spending most of the 2023 season out with injury and recovering from surgery. So far, the Spanish player's return has gone smoothly, and he has notched two wins from two at the Brisbane International, defeating...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal was asked how he felt physically after his last match at the 2024 Brisbane International, and his answer was a positive one.
Nadal, who recently moved ahead of a fellow legend in the history books, comfortably defeated Jason Kubler in Brisbane, and looked in absolutely superb form, especially so soon into his long-awaited comeback after a very long time on the sidelines.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion sustained a serious hip injury at last year's Australian Open. This took a much greater period of time to recover from than Nadal originally thought, finally returning after nearly a year out.
Nadal initially hoped to be back in time for the clay court season, with the French Open, the tournament he has dominated throughout his career, the main goal. However, the Spaniard eventually had to have surgery on his troublesome hip.
It is not the only body part that Nadal has had a procedure on.
Nadal, who recently moved ahead of a fellow legend in the history books, comfortably defeated Jason Kubler in Brisbane, and looked in absolutely superb form, especially so soon into his long-awaited comeback after a very long time on the sidelines.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion sustained a serious hip injury at last year's Australian Open. This took a much greater period of time to recover from than Nadal originally thought, finally returning after nearly a year out.
Nadal initially hoped to be back in time for the clay court season, with the French Open, the tournament he has dominated throughout his career, the main goal. However, the Spaniard eventually had to have surgery on his troublesome hip.
It is not the only body part that Nadal has had a procedure on.
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal endured a funny situation during his Brisbane International match when he got a time violation after not returning from a toilet break on time.
Nadal is back, and he's playing this week in Brisbane and playing really well. The first match back was a great win, and the second one against Jason Kubler was a pretty great win as well.
He's looking about as good as you can hope for a player who missed basically an entire year of action. Outside of the good tennis shown against Kubler, Nadal also showed his age, kind of.
He took a toilet break in between sets but took a bit longer than allowed which forced the umpire to give him a time violation. After the match, Nadal joked that he's simply too slow.
I think what something is strange because I know I have five minutes. Honestly, Brisbane is very humid...
Nadal is back, and he's playing this week in Brisbane and playing really well. The first match back was a great win, and the second one against Jason Kubler was a pretty great win as well.
He's looking about as good as you can hope for a player who missed basically an entire year of action. Outside of the good tennis shown against Kubler, Nadal also showed his age, kind of.
He took a toilet break in between sets but took a bit longer than allowed which forced the umpire to give him a time violation. After the match, Nadal joked that he's simply too slow.
I think what something is strange because I know I have five minutes. Honestly, Brisbane is very humid...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal is marching on at the 2024 Brisbane International, but what will happen when he faces Australian Jordan Thompson in front of his crowd?
The Spaniard has been absolutely stunning in his comeback, winning matches comfortably. His first match back was an impressive showing against Dominic Thiem who right now is not playing at his best level.
After that, the Spaniard took on Jason Kubler, who was supported by the home crowd. Even so, the Australian was no match for Nadal who beat him in two sets as well.
Up next will be another Aussie, Jordan Thompson, who will certainly give it his all to end this run of the Spaniard, and the crowd will once again support him to do it.
Head-to-head:
Nadal and Thompson played two times so far on the Atp Tour and interestingly enough, both matches happened in Paris. The first one in 2020 happened at the Paris Masters,...
The Spaniard has been absolutely stunning in his comeback, winning matches comfortably. His first match back was an impressive showing against Dominic Thiem who right now is not playing at his best level.
After that, the Spaniard took on Jason Kubler, who was supported by the home crowd. Even so, the Australian was no match for Nadal who beat him in two sets as well.
Up next will be another Aussie, Jordan Thompson, who will certainly give it his all to end this run of the Spaniard, and the crowd will once again support him to do it.
Head-to-head:
Nadal and Thompson played two times so far on the Atp Tour and interestingly enough, both matches happened in Paris. The first one in 2020 happened at the Paris Masters,...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal now has more match wins than another tennis great, courtesy of his victory at the 2024 Brisbane International.
Nadal made his return to Atp singles action after close to 12 months away from the sport against Dominic Thiem, who he played in the final of the French Open in both 2017 and 2018.
It was a very successful comeback to the singles court for Nadal. He defeated the 2020 US Open champion 7-5 6-1, playing absolutely superbly in the second set in particular, where he completely dominated Thiem.
The victory made it 1,069 Atp singles match wins for Nadal throughout his career. That may seem somewhat insignificant at first for a man who has racked up the incredible number of wins that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has.
However, the triumph in Brisbane means Nadal now has the outright fourth most Atp match wins in the history of the open era. And he has...
Nadal made his return to Atp singles action after close to 12 months away from the sport against Dominic Thiem, who he played in the final of the French Open in both 2017 and 2018.
It was a very successful comeback to the singles court for Nadal. He defeated the 2020 US Open champion 7-5 6-1, playing absolutely superbly in the second set in particular, where he completely dominated Thiem.
The victory made it 1,069 Atp singles match wins for Nadal throughout his career. That may seem somewhat insignificant at first for a man who has racked up the incredible number of wins that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has.
However, the triumph in Brisbane means Nadal now has the outright fourth most Atp match wins in the history of the open era. And he has...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal was playing against Jason Kubler at the 2024 Brisbane International when he was hit with a time violation, which he laughed off.
Nadal took a toilet break between sets but took a bit too long, which forced the umpire to give him a time violation. The match was contested in good spirits by both players as there was plenty of laughing and smiles all around.
Kubler certainly loved playing against Nadal even though he lost easily in two sets, but this situation was certainly funny to both players. Generally, there is a time limit on how long players can spend in the toilet or changing room, and Nadal took a bit too much, so the umpire enforced the rule.
Before giving the Spaniard the time violation, umpire Arnaud Gabas explained to Nadal why he was giving him the violation. The Spaniard briefly questioned as to why he was getting...
Nadal took a toilet break between sets but took a bit too long, which forced the umpire to give him a time violation. The match was contested in good spirits by both players as there was plenty of laughing and smiles all around.
Kubler certainly loved playing against Nadal even though he lost easily in two sets, but this situation was certainly funny to both players. Generally, there is a time limit on how long players can spend in the toilet or changing room, and Nadal took a bit too much, so the umpire enforced the rule.
Before giving the Spaniard the time violation, umpire Arnaud Gabas explained to Nadal why he was giving him the violation. The Spaniard briefly questioned as to why he was getting...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has played tennis on the professional circuit for over two decades, so when he takes a bird's eye view of proceedings, he can instantly spot drawbacks.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and a winner of other significant accomplishments in his career, is often considered part of the golden standard of men's tennis alongside his longtime rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
With Federer the first to exit the stage and Nadal potentially joining him on that parade at the end of 2024 (even though his long-term future in the game remains uncertain for now), men's tennis faces a gargantuan task to fill that void.
The Atp is already looking to explore more avenues by expanding tennis' reach to untapped markets like Saudi Arabia. The men's governing body has also announced significant reforms to the Next Gen brand to improve young players' pathway of launching to the top.
The...
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion and a winner of other significant accomplishments in his career, is often considered part of the golden standard of men's tennis alongside his longtime rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
With Federer the first to exit the stage and Nadal potentially joining him on that parade at the end of 2024 (even though his long-term future in the game remains uncertain for now), men's tennis faces a gargantuan task to fill that void.
The Atp is already looking to explore more avenues by expanding tennis' reach to untapped markets like Saudi Arabia. The men's governing body has also announced significant reforms to the Next Gen brand to improve young players' pathway of launching to the top.
The...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal once again proved that his level is more than good, beating Jason Kubler at the 2024 Brisbane International.
When the Spaniard was coming back to the Atp Tour, one thing was clear. As a player who needs more matches to get back into the rhythm, a lot would depend on the draws that he would receive.
As an unseeded player, due to using his protected ranking, Nadal could have been drawn against the top seed, Holger Rune, in Brisbane, and the same can occur at the Australian Open, where he can meet even his main rival, Novak Djokovic.
That would likely result in two losses for not-in-form Nadal, but in the Brisbane International draw, he saw a qualifier next to his name in the first round, which certainly made him happy.
What probably made the 22-time Grand Slam winner less happy, was the fact that he had to take on Dominic Thiem,...
When the Spaniard was coming back to the Atp Tour, one thing was clear. As a player who needs more matches to get back into the rhythm, a lot would depend on the draws that he would receive.
As an unseeded player, due to using his protected ranking, Nadal could have been drawn against the top seed, Holger Rune, in Brisbane, and the same can occur at the Australian Open, where he can meet even his main rival, Novak Djokovic.
That would likely result in two losses for not-in-form Nadal, but in the Brisbane International draw, he saw a qualifier next to his name in the first round, which certainly made him happy.
What probably made the 22-time Grand Slam winner less happy, was the fact that he had to take on Dominic Thiem,...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Novak Djokovic was most pleased to see his longtime rival Rafael Nadal back on the tennis court and win.
Nadal made a triumphant return in singles on his first outing in 12 months at the Brisbane International when he defeated Dominic Thiem in front of a soldout Pat Rafter Arena on Tuesday night.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion played at a surpsingly high level throughout to win 7-5, 6-1. After a tight opening set that lasted 56 minutes, Nadal manufactured the first break points of the match at 6-5 up and converted on his fourth chance to win the set.
A deflated Thiem was no match for Nadal's pure ball striking, with the Spaniard not facing a single break point in the match. He won an impressive 90% first-serve points and was dominant from the baseline without committing too many errors.
From one all-time tennis great to another, Djokovic acquitted himself with class...
Nadal made a triumphant return in singles on his first outing in 12 months at the Brisbane International when he defeated Dominic Thiem in front of a soldout Pat Rafter Arena on Tuesday night.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion played at a surpsingly high level throughout to win 7-5, 6-1. After a tight opening set that lasted 56 minutes, Nadal manufactured the first break points of the match at 6-5 up and converted on his fourth chance to win the set.
A deflated Thiem was no match for Nadal's pure ball striking, with the Spaniard not facing a single break point in the match. He won an impressive 90% first-serve points and was dominant from the baseline without committing too many errors.
From one all-time tennis great to another, Djokovic acquitted himself with class...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Rafael Nadal was determined to make up for lost time and put on a show for tennis fans on his comeback.
The legendary Spaniard worked his magic on his return to the singles court for the first time in 12 months. Nadal, who accepted a late wild card at the Brisbane International, never missed a beat during a rousing 7-5, 6-1 win over Dominic Thiem.
The Austrian was once a former rival of Nadal and the ultimate challenger for the 37-year-old on his hallowed court in Paris on two occasions. But Thiem has endured his own personal torment with injuries in recent years, leading to his big fall from grace.
Testament to that claim, Thiem sits in 98th spot in the world rankings and had to go through qualifying for an Atp 250 event. As a former Grand Slam champion who achieved a career-high mark of No.
The legendary Spaniard worked his magic on his return to the singles court for the first time in 12 months. Nadal, who accepted a late wild card at the Brisbane International, never missed a beat during a rousing 7-5, 6-1 win over Dominic Thiem.
The Austrian was once a former rival of Nadal and the ultimate challenger for the 37-year-old on his hallowed court in Paris on two occasions. But Thiem has endured his own personal torment with injuries in recent years, leading to his big fall from grace.
Testament to that claim, Thiem sits in 98th spot in the world rankings and had to go through qualifying for an Atp 250 event. As a former Grand Slam champion who achieved a career-high mark of No.
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal returned to tennis officially in the singles capacity at the 2024 Brisbane International and what an amazing return that was.
The match against Dominic Thiem looked quite complicated before Nadal took the courts because the Austrian is a decent player. Obviously, he's been struggling for a very long time now and hasn't played a very good match against Nadal, but some fans wondered how the Spaniard would do.
He did better than most anticipated, surprising even himself at times with how well he played. The Austrian didn't really show up in a spectacular way, which contributed to the impressive scoreline, but most of it was Nadal playing really well.
He was actually asked after the match whether he was surprised by his level, and in a way, he didn't really think about it. He just went out and played without any expectations.
Thankfully for the 22-time major winner and his fans,...
The match against Dominic Thiem looked quite complicated before Nadal took the courts because the Austrian is a decent player. Obviously, he's been struggling for a very long time now and hasn't played a very good match against Nadal, but some fans wondered how the Spaniard would do.
He did better than most anticipated, surprising even himself at times with how well he played. The Austrian didn't really show up in a spectacular way, which contributed to the impressive scoreline, but most of it was Nadal playing really well.
He was actually asked after the match whether he was surprised by his level, and in a way, he didn't really think about it. He just went out and played without any expectations.
Thankfully for the 22-time major winner and his fans,...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal calmed down expectations ahead of his return, and he did it again after playing a really strong match at the 2024 Brisbane International.
Nadal's comeback in Brisbane was a strong one as he beat Dominic Thiem easily in two sets. It went better than most expected because Thiem was a tough draw despite him not playing very well at the moment.
Plenty of fans got excited by what they saw, but the Spaniard remained his humble self. While some might think this is proof that he'll now take the Atp Tour by storm, he just played it down and called it what it really was.
It was just one match, a good match, but just one match. Extrapolating anything from it is just wrong, and Nadal refused to do it.
I have been honest, and for me nothing changed. It's only a positive start. I mean, it's just...
Nadal's comeback in Brisbane was a strong one as he beat Dominic Thiem easily in two sets. It went better than most expected because Thiem was a tough draw despite him not playing very well at the moment.
Plenty of fans got excited by what they saw, but the Spaniard remained his humble self. While some might think this is proof that he'll now take the Atp Tour by storm, he just played it down and called it what it really was.
It was just one match, a good match, but just one match. Extrapolating anything from it is just wrong, and Nadal refused to do it.
I have been honest, and for me nothing changed. It's only a positive start. I mean, it's just...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Marc Lopez has stated there was a specific reason that Rafael Nadal wanted to play a doubles match with him.
Nadal has recently made his long-awaited and eagerly anticipated return to the sport. The 22-time Grand Slam was sidelined for nearly a year with a hip injury that he sustained at last year's Australian Open.
The Spaniard made his return to the singles court with an impressive win against Dominic Thiem. Nadal played superbly against the Austrian, and surprised many with the level of his performance.
Before this, Nadal played a doubles match alongside his long-time friend Lopez. The pair lost in straight sets, but it was always going to be difficult for both to find a high level in their first matches in a long time.
Lopez had not played a professional match in more than 18 months. This is because he had retired from the sport after a great career at the 2022 Madrid Masters.
Nadal has recently made his long-awaited and eagerly anticipated return to the sport. The 22-time Grand Slam was sidelined for nearly a year with a hip injury that he sustained at last year's Australian Open.
The Spaniard made his return to the singles court with an impressive win against Dominic Thiem. Nadal played superbly against the Austrian, and surprised many with the level of his performance.
Before this, Nadal played a doubles match alongside his long-time friend Lopez. The pair lost in straight sets, but it was always going to be difficult for both to find a high level in their first matches in a long time.
Lopez had not played a professional match in more than 18 months. This is because he had retired from the sport after a great career at the 2022 Madrid Masters.
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal won his first match back, and he'll get a chance to try and do that again as he faces Jason Kubler at the 2024 Brisbane International.
Many wondered how Rafael Nadal would do in his first singles match, and he provided a pretty clear answer. A straight-sets win over Dominic Thiem leaves nobody in doubt that Nadal is back.
He played a competent match, which should give him confidence ahead of facing Jason Kubler, who can be a tricky player to play against.
Kubler himself started the year with a win, but it came against Aslan Karatsev, and by retirement, so it was a bit less impressive. Still, on native soil, counting out the Australian would be a huge mistake and Nadal is not one to do many of those.
Head-to-head:
Despite both of them being players for a long time, this will mark the first time they stand...
Many wondered how Rafael Nadal would do in his first singles match, and he provided a pretty clear answer. A straight-sets win over Dominic Thiem leaves nobody in doubt that Nadal is back.
He played a competent match, which should give him confidence ahead of facing Jason Kubler, who can be a tricky player to play against.
Kubler himself started the year with a win, but it came against Aslan Karatsev, and by retirement, so it was a bit less impressive. Still, on native soil, counting out the Australian would be a huge mistake and Nadal is not one to do many of those.
Head-to-head:
Despite both of them being players for a long time, this will mark the first time they stand...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal's return at the 2024 Brisbane International showed that he can still play some really good tennis, and he admitted after the match that for him, the key is just to stay healthy.
Some wondered whether Rafael Nadal could play his best tennis upon his return. Prominent tennis figures went as far as to say that he wouldn't be competitive on the highest level even if healthy, which Nadal seems to disagree with.
He returned in Brisbane and smashed Dominic Thiem easily in two sets, showing a pretty decent level. While he'll need to play far better to challenge some of the best, Nadal feels like it's not a question of tennis but more so his health. If healthy, he believes that he will be competitive consistently.
The first thing, and I repeat it, is to stay healthy. If I am able to stay healthy, I am able to...
Some wondered whether Rafael Nadal could play his best tennis upon his return. Prominent tennis figures went as far as to say that he wouldn't be competitive on the highest level even if healthy, which Nadal seems to disagree with.
He returned in Brisbane and smashed Dominic Thiem easily in two sets, showing a pretty decent level. While he'll need to play far better to challenge some of the best, Nadal feels like it's not a question of tennis but more so his health. If healthy, he believes that he will be competitive consistently.
The first thing, and I repeat it, is to stay healthy. If I am able to stay healthy, I am able to...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Carlos Moya, Rafael Nadal's current coach, has spoken about the plan in place for his charge to play at a very high level again.
Nadal, who has just returned to the tour after a 12-month injury hiatus, played his first singles match at the Brisbane International, where he defeated Austria's Dominic Thiem in straight sets. After a closely contested first set, the former World No. 1 ran away with the match.
At times, it felt like watching a young Nadal who made a mockery of his physical struggles at last year's Australian Open by gliding on the Pat Rafter Arena and unleashing his trademark forehand countless times, much to the exuberance of the Queensland crowd.
Carlos Moya, who spoke to Eurosport before the match, reserved special praise for Nadal and admitted that he is not surprised by his recovery from such a lengthy and complicated injury layoff.
"I don't see anything as impossible.
Nadal, who has just returned to the tour after a 12-month injury hiatus, played his first singles match at the Brisbane International, where he defeated Austria's Dominic Thiem in straight sets. After a closely contested first set, the former World No. 1 ran away with the match.
At times, it felt like watching a young Nadal who made a mockery of his physical struggles at last year's Australian Open by gliding on the Pat Rafter Arena and unleashing his trademark forehand countless times, much to the exuberance of the Queensland crowd.
Carlos Moya, who spoke to Eurosport before the match, reserved special praise for Nadal and admitted that he is not surprised by his recovery from such a lengthy and complicated injury layoff.
"I don't see anything as impossible.
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal officially returned to tennis by playing a pretty good match to beat Dominic Thiem in two sets at the 2024 Brisbane International.
What had been advertised for weeks finally happened as Nadal officially played his first singles match back. We had already seen Nadal in action in Brisbane, but it was a doubles match, and it wasn't very good as he was overmatched.
Things looked a lot better in the singles against a former rival, Dominic Thiem, who admittedly is not playing very strong tennis at the moment. The Austrian barely made it out of the qualifiers and today simply couldn't find what he needed.
It's not a matchup problem for him because he actually beat Nadal in the last two matches before this one, but that was before his injury, and he's never been the same player since. As for Nadal, this win moves him up in the Open Era ranks,...
What had been advertised for weeks finally happened as Nadal officially played his first singles match back. We had already seen Nadal in action in Brisbane, but it was a doubles match, and it wasn't very good as he was overmatched.
Things looked a lot better in the singles against a former rival, Dominic Thiem, who admittedly is not playing very strong tennis at the moment. The Austrian barely made it out of the qualifiers and today simply couldn't find what he needed.
It's not a matchup problem for him because he actually beat Nadal in the last two matches before this one, but that was before his injury, and he's never been the same player since. As for Nadal, this win moves him up in the Open Era ranks,...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has revealed that he is not "scared" about the prospect of hanging up his racket for good in a plain-spoken interview ahead of his return to singles competition.
Nadal was out of action for the entire 2023 campaign except for a few matches he played at the Australian swing last season. At last year's Australian Open, he hurt his hip and had to undergo surgery in the middle of the season.
Unfortunately for the Spaniard, the nature of the injury and the lengthy recovery process meant he was unlikely to play any part in the remainder of the season. Nadal also made the shocking announcement that he would play the final season of his career in 2024.
When he uttered that statement, it was during that sentimental press conference on the eve of the 2023 Roland Garros, where Nadal missed the clay Slam for the first time since his debut in...
Nadal was out of action for the entire 2023 campaign except for a few matches he played at the Australian swing last season. At last year's Australian Open, he hurt his hip and had to undergo surgery in the middle of the season.
Unfortunately for the Spaniard, the nature of the injury and the lengthy recovery process meant he was unlikely to play any part in the remainder of the season. Nadal also made the shocking announcement that he would play the final season of his career in 2024.
When he uttered that statement, it was during that sentimental press conference on the eve of the 2023 Roland Garros, where Nadal missed the clay Slam for the first time since his debut in...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has given a clear answer after Novak Djokovic said his warm-up used to be intimidating.
Nadal's uncertainty about whether he needs to retire is over for now, with the 22-time Grand Slam winner returning to professional tennis in Brisbane. He played a doubles match and is set to face Dominic Thiem in his singles return.
The legendary Spaniard's return to the game means the media can ask him about a wide range of topics. It is not surprising that one of the people that will come up regularly is fellow tennis legend, Djokovic.
Some believe that Nadal and Djokovic share the greatest rivalry in the sport's history. They have played an extraordinary 59 times, with the Serbian edging the head-to-head 30-29. There have been countless classic matches between the two.
The long history between the two meant headlines were created when Djokovic stated in a 60 minutes interview that...
Nadal's uncertainty about whether he needs to retire is over for now, with the 22-time Grand Slam winner returning to professional tennis in Brisbane. He played a doubles match and is set to face Dominic Thiem in his singles return.
The legendary Spaniard's return to the game means the media can ask him about a wide range of topics. It is not surprising that one of the people that will come up regularly is fellow tennis legend, Djokovic.
Some believe that Nadal and Djokovic share the greatest rivalry in the sport's history. They have played an extraordinary 59 times, with the Serbian edging the head-to-head 30-29. There have been countless classic matches between the two.
The long history between the two meant headlines were created when Djokovic stated in a 60 minutes interview that...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has opened up about the tough moments he experienced while he was out with injury.
Nadal returned to professional tennis in a doubles loss in Brisbane with friend Marc Lopez. Encouragingly, the 22-time Grand Slam came through the match without any physical issues.
The Spaniard's singles return is set to be against Dominic Thiem, a man he beat in two French Open finals. It is a blockbuster draw, and a contest that tennis fans will undoubtedly be glued too.
Nadal was sidelined for nearly a year with a hip injury that he sustained at last year's Australian Open, with the tennis legend being sorely missed during his time out of the sport.
It was a very difficult period for Nadal, and he talked about the frustrations and setbacks he encountered during his attempt to return to the sport.
"I was week after week, the frustrating higher and higher.
Nadal returned to professional tennis in a doubles loss in Brisbane with friend Marc Lopez. Encouragingly, the 22-time Grand Slam came through the match without any physical issues.
The Spaniard's singles return is set to be against Dominic Thiem, a man he beat in two French Open finals. It is a blockbuster draw, and a contest that tennis fans will undoubtedly be glued too.
Nadal was sidelined for nearly a year with a hip injury that he sustained at last year's Australian Open, with the tennis legend being sorely missed during his time out of the sport.
It was a very difficult period for Nadal, and he talked about the frustrations and setbacks he encountered during his attempt to return to the sport.
"I was week after week, the frustrating higher and higher.
- 1/1/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Rafael Nadal has revealed that he never questioned his desire and motivation to return to full-time competition during his time away from the sport in the past year.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was quizzed on whether he mirrored Naomi Osaka's sentiments about the possibility of falling out of love with tennis while he was on an injury hiatus.
Nadal, 37, damaged the psoas muscle in his hip at last year's Australian Open and had to sit out for the entire campaign. Osaka, meanwhile, had spent the past 12 months on maternity leave and has previously disclosed about her struggles with mental health.
The Japanese star was candid about her indefinite break when she spoke to reporters before her first Wta match in 15 months. She considered quitting the sport after seeing all the joy evaporate before having second thoughts.
Nadal resonates with what Osaka went through, and there are parallels. However,...
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was quizzed on whether he mirrored Naomi Osaka's sentiments about the possibility of falling out of love with tennis while he was on an injury hiatus.
Nadal, 37, damaged the psoas muscle in his hip at last year's Australian Open and had to sit out for the entire campaign. Osaka, meanwhile, had spent the past 12 months on maternity leave and has previously disclosed about her struggles with mental health.
The Japanese star was candid about her indefinite break when she spoke to reporters before her first Wta match in 15 months. She considered quitting the sport after seeing all the joy evaporate before having second thoughts.
Nadal resonates with what Osaka went through, and there are parallels. However,...
- 1/1/2024
- Tennis Infinity
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