Malek Jaziri is one match win away from reaching his first ATP World Tour final at the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open. The 34-year-old knocked out seventh-seeded Czech Jiri Vesely 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in one hour and 55 minutes on Friday. “It was a really important win, as I didn’t feel that I was playing good tennis,” admitted Jaziri. “I didn’t feel good or comfortable right from the start. He served well and played good tennis, so I was making more mistakes. I tried to put more balls in court and competed for every point. I began to feel better and when I broke back at the end of the second set the match completely changed.” The Tunisian, who recorded...
17 October 2002. That date will always be etched into my mind. I close my eyes and I can still put myself there. The memory of my first Mutua Madrid Open back in the Rocódromo in Casa de Campo has not gone away, and I don’t think it ever will. I was just 21 years old and in only my second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event. But I was digging deep against one of the best players in the sport: Andre Agassi. Although I didn't manage to win the three-setter, it was a magical defeat and one of the most special days of my career. The atmosphere was unbeatable and the emotions incomparable. That day, I knew that I...
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal arrives at the Mutua Madrid Open after winning his 11th titles in both Monte-Carlo and Barcelona. The Spaniard will look to make more history as he seeks a record sixth trophy in Madrid. But first, Nadal spoke about his history at the tournament, his favourite memories at the Cája Magica and the importance of feeling the home crowd's support. This year is the 10th anniversary of the [multi-purpose stadium] Cája Magica. The tournament has been at the Cája Magica for 10 years? Yes, since 2009. Time flies. The tournament has evolved every year. In general, it's improved so much. As is the case with all new events, things needed improving after the first event. In...
It appeared that #NextGenATP Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas' run at the Millennium Estoril Open was coming to an end when he double-faulted to trail 0/3 in a final-set tie-break Friday against reigning Quito champion Roberto Carballes Baena. But Tsitsipas' confidence gained from recent results showed, winning the final seven points of the match to advance to his third ATP World Tour semi-final with a 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(3) victory. Prior to 2018, the 19-year-old had won just four tour-level matches, three of which came last year in Antwerp. But the Greek now has 14 wins this season alone, and is into his second semi-final in as many weeks, after reaching his maiden ATP World Tour final in Barcelona (l. to Nadal). His...
ATP and ATP Media, have won the Yahoo Sports Technology Award for Most Innovative Sponsor, Rights Holder or Governing Body for their joint submission for Next Gen ATP Finals. The Sport Technology Awards are voted for by an esteemed panel of judges comprising international figures from sports and technology. The inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals took place in Milan, November 2017. The event, organised by the ATP in partnership with the Italian Tennis Federation and the Italian National Olympic Committee, is the season-ending tournament for the world's best 21-and-under tennis players. As well as providing a season-long platform to promote the stars of tomorrow, the tournament was designed to experiment with rules, innovation and technological changes to enhance the experience...
