bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761 
|
Tennis
Jun 5, 2023 21:18:38 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 5, 2023 21:18:38 GMT
Andy Murray defeats Chung Hyeon in first round at Surbiton Trophy..By Adam Chowdhury, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/9E8D/production/_129998504_e05d703215628c47f3ecc776a113e00727d3f091.jpgAndy Murray says he would "fancy" himself to beat a lot of the top 10 players in the world on grass. The former world number one, now ranked 43, beat South Korean Chung Hyeon 6-3 6-2 in the opening round of the Surbiton Trophy Challenger event. Murray, 36, skipped the French Open to focus on the grass-court season and hopes to be seeded at Wimbledon. "It is hard to put numbers on it but I would fancy myself against a lot of them [the top 10]," he said. Speaking after his first win since claiming the Aix-en-Provence Challenger title last month, the two-time Wimbledon champion drew on his run to last June's Stuttgart final to show that he remains a threat on his favourite surface. "Last year I won against [Nick] Kyrgios who made the final of Wimbledon, I won against [Stefanos] Tsitsipas - it is probably not his favourite surface but he is one of the best players in the world," said Murray. "I was a set all with [Matteo] Berrettini - who is quite clearly in the top few grass-court players - in the final of Stuttgart before I hurt my abs." At the start of Wimbledon 2022, Murray was ranked outside the world's top 50. He has been vocal about his desire to be ranked higher in order to avoid facing top players early on in tournaments and give himself a better chance of going deeper at events. "I've got up to 41 in the world and believe I can go higher than that. Obviously I did well here [Surbiton] and in Stuttgart last year and I think I need about 300 points [to be seeded at Wimbledon] so I will have to do well the next few weeks if I want to do that," said Murray. "If I have a good tournament at Queen's, if you make the final or win the tournament there then I would be seeded, but I need to just concentrate on the performances. "If you start just thinking about points it is not necessarily the best way to look at things. I will just try and win as many matches as possible and see if I can get in there." Murray plays with a metal hip after having surgery in 2019 following an injury which appeared to bring him close to retirement. "I still want to win, I want to compete and see how hard I can push my body," said Murray. "The operations I had, I was told I might be able to play again so I just want to see how far I can go." Monday's match began on even terms as former Australian Open semi-finalist Chung kept up with Murray's level. However, once the Scot secured the break in the first set, he grew in confidence. The three-time Grand Slam champion served eight aces and only dropped one point behind his second serve throughout the match, ending the encounter with a strong serve and forehand combination. Murray plays either Briton Harry Wendelken or Chinese player Bu Yunchaokete in round two, both of whom are qualifiers.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 6, 2023 18:39:40 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 6, 2023 18:39:40 GMT
Surbiton Trophy: Dan Evans into second round with win over James McCabe..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F0AB/production/_130011616_gettyimages-1496422425.jpgBritain's Dan Evans eased through the opening round of the Surbiton Trophy Challenger event with a straight-set win over James McCabe. World number 25 Evans, who received a wildcard after his first-round loss at the French Open, won 6-4 6-4 against the Australian. He is the top seed at the first event of the British grass-court season. British teenager Isabelle Lacy beat third seed Madison Brengle to claim the biggest win of her career so far. The 16-year-old qualifier sealed a 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-1 victory over the American, who is ranked 757 places higher than Lacy. Britons Katie Boulter and Katie Swan eased through their opening rounds with wins over Olivia Gadecki of Australia and Canada's Carol Zhao respectively. Boulter beat Gadecki 6-2 6-1 and Swan saw off Zhao 6-2 6-0, but former British number one Heather Watson was knocked out with a 2-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (8-6) loss to Australian Maddison Inglis. Evans was denied a second-round tie against compatriot Liam Broady after Canada's Gabriel Diallo triumphed over the Briton 6-4 6-4.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 6, 2023 18:41:06 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 6, 2023 18:41:06 GMT
French Open 2023 results: Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof lose in men's doubles quarter-finals..
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/C1E8/production/_130004694_gettyimages-1495591852.jpg
Neal Skupski (right) and Wesley Koolhof (left) are still looking for their first Grand Slam title togetherBritain's Neal Skupski and partner Wesley Koolhof's bid for a first Grand Slam men's doubles title ended with a French Open quarter-final defeat. Skupski and Dutchman Koolhof, the top seeds, were beaten 6-3 7-6 (7-4) by Spain's Marcel Granollers and Argentine Horacio Zeballos, the 10th seeds. Skupski had been the last remaining Briton in the doubles at Roland Garros. He and Koolhof had been a mini break up in the second-set tie-break before letting the advantage slip away. They were knocked out when Koolholf went just long with a backhand on the first match point.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 7, 2023 23:21:33 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 7, 2023 23:21:33 GMT
Surbiton Trophy: Andy Murray reaches quarter-finals with straight-set win over Bu Yunchaokete..By Emily Salley, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/13F08/production/_130027618_066ad574bd613c5e7ffb5b6fba8782010d28c414.jpgGreat Britain's Andy Murray is through to the quarter-finals of the Surbiton Trophy Challenger event after a straight-set win over Bu Yunchaokete. The former world number one won 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 against the Chinese qualifier, who is 173rd in the rankings. Murray, 36, skipped the French Open to focus on the grass-court season and hopes to be seeded at Wimbledon. He will face Jason Kubler next after the Australian beat Britain's Ryan Peniston 6-3 7-6 (7-5). Murray was the first to pounce in the opening set, breaking for a 4-2 lead before Yunchaokete broke back instantly. Yunchaokete grew into the match and saved two set points but Murray dominated the resulting tie-breaker to take the lead. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray cut a frustrated figure after missing out on a break point for a 3-2 lead in the second set, but the Scot was able to achieve a break two games later. Murray then served out the match, sealing victory with his 16th ace of the day. Murray is 43rd in the ATP world rankings and needs to climb about 10 positions to be seeded at Wimbledon, where he is a two-time champion. In the women's draw at Surbiton, British number two Jodie Burrage was beaten despite going a set up against compatriot Lily Miyazaki, who triumphed 3-6 6-2 6-4. Burrage had been the leading contender to replace Emma Raducanu as British number one, but needed to reach at least the quarter-finals at Surbiton. Raducanu was forced to miss the French Open and will not return for Wimbledon this year as she recovers from minor surgeries on her ankle and hands. Earlier, Harriet Dart fought back from a set down against Belgian Magali Kempen to win 2-6 6-4 6-3. She will play top seed Tatjana Maria next after the German, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year, beat Carole Monnet of France 6-4 2-6 6-3.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 8, 2023 21:13:55 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 8, 2023 21:13:55 GMT
French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz in Paris semi-finals..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Roland Garros.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/101B5/production/_130037956_djokovic_alcaraz.jpg
Djokovic and Alcaraz will meet at a Grand Slam for the first time, having only played each other once at the 2022 Madrid OpenFrom the moment the French Open draw was made almost a fortnight ago, the tennis world licked its lips at the prospect of one blockbuster match. The countdown towards Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, against Spanish world number one Carlos Alcaraz was on. On Friday, the two men - at opposite ends of their careers but in the same stunning form - finally go head-to-head at a Grand Slam when they meet in the Roland Garros semi-finals. "That's the match that a lot of people want to see," said 36-year-old Djokovic, who is bidding for a third French Open title and a men's record 23rd major. Alcaraz, 20, won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September and is contesting his maiden semi-final on the Paris clay. "Since the draw came out, everyone was expecting that match. Myself as well. I have really wanted to play this match," Alcaraz said. The pair have long been considered the main contenders to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires on Sunday, even before 14-time champion Rafael Nadal withdrew with a hip injury. Whoever wins in the last four will be favourite to beat the victor of Friday's other semi-final between Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud and Germany's 22nd seed Alexander Zverev. Duel the tennis world has been waiting forWhen Djokovic's name popped out of the French Open computer in the same half of the draw as Alcaraz, there were murmurs among those sitting in the Roland Garros ceremony. Djokovic may have won five of the past seven majors he has played, but he is seeded third in Paris after having injury issues in the build-up. That meant he would either land in Alcaraz's half and potentially face him in the last four, or end up on the side of second seed Daniil Medvedev and not able to face the top seed until the final. Of course, the unpredictable nature of sport means things rarely pan out as expected in the draws. But the fine form of Djokovic and Alcaraz - both dropping just one set so far - has ensured the blockbuster semi-final will take place. "It's definitely the biggest challenge for me so far in the tournament," said Djokovic, who won the Roland Garros title in 2016 and 2021. "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He's definitely a guy to beat here. I'm looking forward to that." Djokovic and Alcaraz, who has won four of the eight tournaments he has competed in this season, have been two of the standout players on the men's tour this season. However, duels between the pair - either head-to-head or even being present in the biggest tournaments - have been rare. "We played only once in Madrid last year, 7-6 in the third for him. We haven't played since," said Djokovic. "Most of the tournaments this year we were not in the same draw, but here we are." Further spice to the occasion is provided by the world number one ranking being on the line. Alcaraz will remain at the top if he beats Djokovic, with the Serb needing to win the tournament to reclaim the position. Will youth or experience prove key?While the pair's results at Roland Garros this year have been similarly superb, there is a huge gulf between them in terms of career experience. Djokovic is appearing in his 45th major semi-final, with only Roger Federer (46) playing more, and is aiming to eclipse Nadal as the oldest French Open men's champion. Alcaraz, who turned 20 at the start of May, would become the youngest Roland Garros finalist since a 20-year-old Nadal won the title in 2006, and hopes youth will be a bigger factor than pedigree. "It's going be his 45th semi-final of a Grand Slam, this is going to be my second," he said. "I would say the experience is better in that point, but I'm not going think about that."
|
|
zfc
Bobby Zamora
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 441
|
Tennis
Jun 9, 2023 21:44:21 GMT
via mobile
Post by zfc on Jun 9, 2023 21:44:21 GMT
French Open 2023: Novak Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz in Paris semi-finals..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Roland Garros.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/101B5/production/_130037956_djokovic_alcaraz.jpg
Djokovic and Alcaraz will meet at a Grand Slam for the first time, having only played each other once at the 2022 Madrid OpenFrom the moment the French Open draw was made almost a fortnight ago, the tennis world licked its lips at the prospect of one blockbuster match. The countdown towards Serbia's Novak Djokovic, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, against Spanish world number one Carlos Alcaraz was on. On Friday, the two men - at opposite ends of their careers but in the same stunning form - finally go head-to-head at a Grand Slam when they meet in the Roland Garros semi-finals. "That's the match that a lot of people want to see," said 36-year-old Djokovic, who is bidding for a third French Open title and a men's record 23rd major. Alcaraz, 20, won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September and is contesting his maiden semi-final on the Paris clay. "Since the draw came out, everyone was expecting that match. Myself as well. I have really wanted to play this match," Alcaraz said. The pair have long been considered the main contenders to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires on Sunday, even before 14-time champion Rafael Nadal withdrew with a hip injury. Whoever wins in the last four will be favourite to beat the victor of Friday's other semi-final between Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud and Germany's 22nd seed Alexander Zverev. Duel the tennis world has been waiting forWhen Djokovic's name popped out of the French Open computer in the same half of the draw as Alcaraz, there were murmurs among those sitting in the Roland Garros ceremony. Djokovic may have won five of the past seven majors he has played, but he is seeded third in Paris after having injury issues in the build-up. That meant he would either land in Alcaraz's half and potentially face him in the last four, or end up on the side of second seed Daniil Medvedev and not able to face the top seed until the final. Of course, the unpredictable nature of sport means things rarely pan out as expected in the draws. But the fine form of Djokovic and Alcaraz - both dropping just one set so far - has ensured the blockbuster semi-final will take place. "It's definitely the biggest challenge for me so far in the tournament," said Djokovic, who won the Roland Garros title in 2016 and 2021. "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. He's definitely a guy to beat here. I'm looking forward to that." Djokovic and Alcaraz, who has won four of the eight tournaments he has competed in this season, have been two of the standout players on the men's tour this season. However, duels between the pair - either head-to-head or even being present in the biggest tournaments - have been rare. "We played only once in Madrid last year, 7-6 in the third for him. We haven't played since," said Djokovic. "Most of the tournaments this year we were not in the same draw, but here we are." Further spice to the occasion is provided by the world number one ranking being on the line. Alcaraz will remain at the top if he beats Djokovic, with the Serb needing to win the tournament to reclaim the position. Will youth or experience prove key?While the pair's results at Roland Garros this year have been similarly superb, there is a huge gulf between them in terms of career experience. Djokovic is appearing in his 45th major semi-final, with only Roger Federer (46) playing more, and is aiming to eclipse Nadal as the oldest French Open men's champion. Alcaraz, who turned 20 at the start of May, would become the youngest Roland Garros finalist since a 20-year-old Nadal won the title in 2006, and hopes youth will be a bigger factor than pedigree. "It's going be his 45th semi-final of a Grand Slam, this is going to be my second," he said. "I would say the experience is better in that point, but I'm not going think about that." Nole so good he caused Alcaraz to cramp up. |
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 9, 2023 22:34:08 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 9, 2023 22:34:08 GMT
French Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz says stress caused cramping in Novak Djokovic defeat..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Roland Garros.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0771/production/_130050910_alcaraz.jpg
Carlos Alcaraz was playing Novak Djokovic for the first time at a Grand Slam tournamentWorld number one Carlos Alcaraz says the stress of playing 22-time major champion Novak Djokovic led to the full body cramps which ruined his chances of winning their French Open semi-final. Spain's Alcaraz, 20, started cramping early in the third set before Serbia's Djokovic, 36, won 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1. "It is not easy to play against Novak, he is a legend of our sport," he said. "It has been really tough for me. I have never felt tension like I did in that match." Top seed Alcaraz was only playing Djokovic for the second time and it was their first meeting at one of the four Grand Slams. "If someone says he goes onto the court with no nerves playing against Novak, he lies," added the US Open champion, who will be replaced as world number one by Djokovic if he beats Casper Ruud in Sunday's final. "The tension of the match was why the cramping happened. I started the match really nervous." Djokovic, who said he had faced the same experiences when he was younger, added: "It is part of the learning curve. It is part of the experience. "He's only 20, he's got plenty of time. He has showed so much maturity in the last couple of years. "His career will be very successful if he manages to keep healthy because the game is there." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1C1A/production/_130049170_alcaraz.jpgWorld number one Carlos Alcaraz was playing in his first French Open semi-final'I would have felt sorry about myself if I'd quit'Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title in New York last year, but this was only his second major semi-final and he faced an opponent playing in his 45th. Alcaraz was out-of-sorts in a first set where he looked anxious in his shot-making and his body language, while Djokovic used all of his experience and know-how to move in front. The Spaniard improved in what was another lengthy set, levelling what was turning into a classic contest even though the cramps had already started. Djokovic took a medical time-out for an arm problem in the second set, taking an seven-minute break before the third set while Alcaraz remained on court. Shortly after, the seriousness of the physical issues for the Spaniard soon became even clearer. After hitting a return into the net at 40-30 on Djokovic's serve in the second game, Alcaraz immediately pulled up and limped back to his chair to receive treatment. "I would say the first set and the second set was really, really intense and I started to cramp in my arm," he said. "At the beginning of the third set I started to cramp every part of my body, not only the legs. The arms, as well, every part of the legs. "It was really tough for me to move at the third set, and in the fourth set let's say I had a little chance, but it was really tough. "My full body started to cramp." Alcaraz twice received treatment on court, also taking a bathroom break at the end of the third set, but insisted quitting the match never crossed his mind. "I would have felt sorry about myself if I retired. I'm in a semi-final of a Grand Slam. If I retired from that, it could have been really tough for me," said Alcaraz. "Thinking about the fourth set, I thought that probably I have 1% chance to come back. "In the fourth set I had break points in the first game and after that, I just continued playing. I was not thinking about retirement." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/DF6A/production/_130049175_alcaraz_djokovic.jpg
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 9, 2023 22:43:14 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 9, 2023 22:43:14 GMT
Surbiton Trophy: Andy Murray beats Jason Kubler to reach semi-finals in Surrey..By Michael Emons, BBC Sport.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12BFA/production/_130049767_andymurray.jpg
Andy Murray lost to American Denis Kudla in the semi-finals of the Surbiton Trophy in 2022Britain's Andy Murray came back from a set down to beat Jason Kubler and reach the semi-finals at the Surbiton Trophy. Murray, 36, won 3-6 6-3 6-4 to set up a match with 2022 champion Jordan Thompson of Australia. Second seed Murray is the last remaining seeded player left in the tournament in Surrey. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray skipped the French Open to focus on the grass-court season and hopes to be seeded at next month's Wimbledon. "I knew it was going to be hard," said Murray. "He played well and has a lot of variety in his game and was one of the best juniors in the world but has had some problems with injuries. "I did fine, it was very windy and gusty a lot so tough to feel great when it is like that but I did well in the important moments. "Most of the tournaments you play on tour are in purpose-built facilities whereas coming here, you all love tennis and are probably members, so it's always nice to play at clubs like this. "It has been a good run so far and hopefully I can go a bit further than last year [when he lost in the semi-final]."
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 9, 2023 22:45:10 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 9, 2023 22:45:10 GMT
Women's final to feature at least one British player..In the women's competition, three of the four semi-finalists are British.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/C2DC/production/_130048894_katieboulter.jpg
Katie Boulter is ranked 125th in the world
Britain's Katie Boulter, who will become the new British number one and replace Emma Raducanu if she gets to the final, defeated Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic 7-5 6-2. Boulter led 4-1 in the first set, then lost three games in a row but gained another break in the 12th game to win the opening set. The second set was more straightforward as she broke the Golubic serve in the second and eighth games to complete the win. Boulter will face Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer in the semi-final and if Boulter wins that it will be an all-British final as Katie Swan plays Yuriko Lily Miyazaki in the other semi-final. Swan fought back from a set down to eliminate top seed Tatjana Maria of Germany, winning 3-6 6-3 6-4, while Miyazaki overcame fellow Briton Isabelle Lacy 6-3 6-0. Boulter said: "Yesterday was a battle in three sets and I'm so glad to get through in two sets. "It's always tricky against a tough opponent but I fought really hard and found a way to win. "I'm really enjoying it so far and the first week of the grass-court season is always a big buzz, especially among the British players."
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 10, 2023 18:40:24 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 10, 2023 18:40:24 GMT
Surbiton Trophy 2023 results: Andy Murray beats Jordan Thompson to reach final..By Michael Beardmore, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/14E29/production/_130054558_shutterstock_editorial_13956575cg.jpgAndy Murray reached his first singles final on British soil in almost seven years by beating Jordan Thompson in straight sets at the Surbiton Trophy. Murray, 36, came through a tricky test against the Australian but saw off the defending champion 7-6 (7-5) 6-3. He meets Austria's Jurij Rodionov over three sets in Sunday's final. Murray's most recent British singles final appearance was in 2016 when he beat Novak Djokovic in the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London. "It was a very, very tight first set but I improved a bit in the second set, served well and started hitting the ball better from the back of the court so hopefully I can continue that in the final," Murray said. "To get the opportunity to play in the final tomorrow will be great. I'm obviously looking forward to that - it's been a while since I've won a tournament on home soil and hopefully I can do that tomorrow." Sunday's final will be streamed live from 14:00 BST on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app and the BBC Red Button. Murray skipped the French Open to prioritise his grass-court preparations and attempt to amass ranking points in a bid to be seeded at Wimbledon. To that end, he has also entered next week's Nottingham Open, live on the BBC, as a wildcard. Before then, the world number 43 has the opportunity to claim a second ATP Challenger Tour title in as many months, following his win over Tommy Paul in Aix-en-Provence in May. His opponent in the final, world number 132 Rodionov, enjoyed a more serene semi-final victory, outclassing Belgium's Zizou Bergs 6-2 6-4 later on Saturday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/D8F9/production/_130054555_shutterstock_editorial_13956575be.jpgMurray, meanwhile, was pushed all the way by Thompson in a high-quality opening set, with the world number 71 winning 11 of 12 points in a three-game burst to cancel out the Scot's early break of serve. However, the former world number one edged an enthralling tie-break and then claimed a crucial break in a controversial start to the second set. Thompson wanted a point replayed after a spectator shouted out during play but the umpire ruled Murray's winner legal and - after a freak, short rain delay amid otherwise glorious sunshine - he broke serve. The Australian lost his way thereafter as Murray broke the Thompson serve twice more, albeit while also dropping his own serve once, to seal victory. Swan earns chance to become British number oneIn the women's event, Katie Swan - who will replace the injured Emma Raducanu as British number one if she wins the title - will meet Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer in Sunday's final. The 24-year-old, who beat top seed Tatjana Maria in the last eight, dropped just one game as she took only an hour to comfortably defeat compatriot Lily Miyazaki 6-1 6-0. "Today was probably one of the best matches I've played in my career - it was near perfect," Swan said. "I am really happy I was able to produce that and I can't wait to play in the final tomorrow." Hopes of an all-British final were ended by Katie Boulter's 6-3 6-2 defeat by 33-year-old Wickmayer in Saturday's second semi. Boulter would have been guaranteed to depose Raducanu at the top of the British rankings had she reached the final but that chance now falls to Swan.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 13:46:03 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 13:46:03 GMT
French Open - Mens Singles Final - by Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic v Casper Ruud - 1st set latest - 1-4ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/6C2F/production/_130059672_ruud_getty.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/11/ed146dca-401a-4fe8-8b8e-4b2667c2191b.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/10/78758ece-846a-4d38-8be1-b6f0b9a5c29a.jpgNovak Djokovic won the French Open in both 2016 and 2021
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/10/b7634204-9346-413f-a56a-97cee505e685.jpg
Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud have never played each other in a Grand Slam, but have met four times on the ATP Tour, with the Serb winning all the matches and not even dropping a set."It is going to be the toughest challenge of the year for me to play Novak," Ruud added. "Novak has played great this tournament and in the Grand Slams he always raises his level. "I have never beaten him before, so I'm going to have to try to come up with a better game plan. I know I'm going to have to play my 'A' game, my best level I've ever played if I want to have a chance against him." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/10/ec0cff2a-f51f-4db1-8779-253b83965cb4.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/11/97353898-94d6-4756-be74-5dbe2c650ee5.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/11/ae904105-5dc5-40ed-9997-25c57fe611a3.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/11/9a106b0c-780d-4c3c-b36c-3e993161d9cc.jpgHow they got to the final - Novak DjokovicRound one: Beat Aleksandar Kovacevic (United States) 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1) Round two: Beat Marton Fucsovics (Hungary) 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 6-3 Round three: Beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Spain, 29) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 Last 16: Beat Juan Pablo Varillas (Peru) 6-3 6-2 6-2 Quarter-final: Beat Karen Khachanov (Russia, 11) 4-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4 Semi-final: Beat Carlos Alcaraz (Spain, 1) 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 How they got to the final - Casper RuudRound one: Beat Elias Ymer (Sweden) 6-4 6-3 6-2 Round two: Beat Giulio Zepperi (Italy) 6-3 6-2 4-6 7-5 Round three: Beat Zhizhen Zhang (China) 4-6 6-4 6-1 6-4 Last 16: Beat Nicolas Jarry (Chile) 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-5 Quarter-final: Beat Holger Rune (Denmark, 6) 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3 Semi-final: Beat Alexander Zverev (Germany, 22) 6-3 6-4 6-0 ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/10/95f377a9-5290-4a07-96dc-ae0e5d91358d.png
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 15:47:23 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 15:47:23 GMT
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 16:06:37 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 16:06:37 GMT
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 16:36:15 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 16:36:15 GMT
French Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to win Roland Garros title and claim 23rd major..by By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Roland Garros.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1711F/production/_130059449_djokovic_finger.jpgNovak Djokovic showed his greatness once again by overcoming a sticky start to win a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title with victory over Norway's Casper Ruud in the French Open final. Djokovic, 36, was far from his best in the initial stages but his quality in a first-set tie-break laid the platform for a 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5 victory. The Serb moves into the outright lead of men's majors ahead of Rafael Nadal. He also becomes the first man to win all four majors at least three times. Victory on the Paris clay moves him alongside Serena Williams in terms of major titles, with only Margaret Court now standing in front of him on 24 Grand Slams. Djokovic will have the opportunity to tie Court's record at Wimbledon next month - a place where he has already won seven times and will be the favourite to equal Roger Federer's title record. Djokovic delivers on his date with destinyHaving made no secret of his ambition to win more major titles than long-time rivals Nadal and Federer, this was Djokovic's date with destiny. Djokovic pulled level with the pair on 20 triumphs at Wimbledon in 2021, but fell behind Nadal after missing the 2022 Australian Open following a row over his Covid-19 vaccination status that led to him being deported. Nadal extended the advantage when he won last year's French Open but Djokovic has surged ahead after winning three of the past four Grand Slams. Even before 14-time champion Nadal pulled out of this year's Roland Garros with injury, Djokovic was considered by many as the favourite, even though his own build-up had been hampered by physical problems. Spanish top seed Carlos Alcaraz was the other main contender but Djokovic beat him in the semi-finals after the 20-year-old suffered body cramps caused by the tension of facing one of the greatest of all-time. In the early part of Sunday's final against 24-year-old Ruud, who was aiming for his first major after twice losing finals last year, it was Djokovic who looked more nervous. Tight and tense, the third seed made a number of unforced errors as Ruud pushed him deep in the court and trailed 4-2 in the first set. But Djokovic grew in stature as the opener wore on. With NFL legend Tom Brady cheering on from his support box alongside his family, Djokovic used all of his vast experience to dominate the tie-break as fourth seed Ruud wilted, and from that point on there was only ever going to be one outcome. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/C748/production/_130061015_djoko_getty.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/11/8ae50f21-514c-4fd6-b381-fe64b15701eb.jpgGame, set and match - Djokovic wins the French OpenDjokovic 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5 Ruud Novak Djokovic wins his 23rd Grand Slam! The French Open is his for a third time. He wins it with a straight-set victory, clinching the third set 7-5. No male player in the history of the sport has won more Grand Slams than Djokovic. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/11/c05179a1-8cd0-4ab0-8844-5fe90524df9e.jpg
|
|
zfc
Bobby Zamora
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 441
|
Post by zfc on Jun 11, 2023 16:57:20 GMT
23 slams is an incredible achievement and the only man in history to win all the slams at least three times..👋👋
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 22:22:39 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 22:22:39 GMT
French Open 2023 final: Novak Djokovic says others must decide who is 'the greatest'..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Roland Garros.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8224/production/_130061333_djoko_getty.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/11EC8/production/_130061437_djokovic_23.jpgNovak Djokovic says it is not down to him to decide if he is the greatest player of all time after he won a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title. Serbia's Djokovic won the French Open on Sunday, moving him one clear of Rafael Nadal in terms of men's majors. He is level with Serena Williams on 23 and could equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 at Wimbledon in July. "I don't want to enter in these discussions. I'm writing my own history," Djokovic, 36, said. "I don't want to say I am the greatest. I leave those discussions to someone else." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/D7B0/production/_130061255_djokovic_getty.jpgIn the past several years Djokovic has been locked in an engaging battle with Nadal and Roger Federer, who retired last year with 20 major titles, to finish with the most men's Grand Slams. By beating Norway's Casper Ruud at Roland Garros, Djokovic has moved clear of his long-time rivals for the first time. On this evidence Djokovic looks a good bet to extend the gap further, especially with the injured Nadal planning to retire in 2024 and 41-year-old Federer already retired. "It's amazing to know that I'm ahead of both of them in Grand Slams, but at the same time everyone writes their own history," said Djokovic, who also regained the world number one ranking in Paris. "I feel like each great champion of his own generation has left a huge mark and a legacy. "I have huge faith, confidence and belief in myself and everything that I am, who I am and what I am capable of doing. "This trophy is another confirmation of the quality of tennis that I'm still able to produce."
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 22:26:42 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 22:26:42 GMT
Sunday 11th June 2023 - The Surbiton Trophy Mens Singles Final
Andy Murray v Jurij Rodionov
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/15E86/production/_130043798_gettyimages-1497226386.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/6/10/d27e059a-4912-4f22-bb8d-f95ecdd5b719.jpg
Surbiton Trophy 2023 results: Andy Murray beats Jurij Rodionov to claim grass-court title..By Michael Beardmore, BBC SportAndy Murray believes his decision to skip the French Open has been justified after making the "perfect start" to his grass-court season by winning his first title on the surface for seven years. Murray beat Jurij Rodionov 6-3 6-2 in Sunday's Surbiton Trophy final despite rain interrupting play for three hours. It is Murray's first singles title on grass since his 2016 Wimbledon win. The 36-year-old dedicated the trophy to his four children, adding they always ask him to bring one home. Murray skipped Roland Garros to focus on the grass-court season in a bid to boost his world ranking of 43 and be seeded at Wimbledon. It is a decision that has paid off with his second ATP Challenger title in as many months, following his triumph at Aix-en-Provence in May. "I've chosen to come and play here and in Nottingham [next week] to hopefully get lots of matches under my belt so this week has been the perfect start," Murray said. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/DB8E/production/_130060265_gettyimages-1497693267-1.jpg
'I'm bringing home a trophy, kids'Murray took just one hour and 10 minutes - on court at least - to see off Rodionov and never looked troubled once he had broken the world number 134's serve six games in. His main regret, however, was that the lengthy rain interruption denied his four children the chance to witness him lift a trophy in the flesh. "My kids are always asking me when I go away if I am going to come home with a trophy - and it's been rare over the last few years," he said. "They actually came two minutes before the rain started and my wife had to take them back home so they missed the end of the match. "But I think they watched it on TV - so Sophia, Edie, Teddy and Lola, I'll bring you all a trophy tonight." Murray produced an impressive display of big serving and returning to brush aside his Austrian opponent in commanding fashion. He saved a break point in the opening game against Rodionov - and that was the only one he would face as he hit eight aces and numerous other unreturnable serves in a dominant display. Murray was a break and 0-40 up against serve in the second set when rain forced the players off court at about 15:20 BST - but needed just 12 points to see out victory when play finally resumed.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 11, 2023 22:32:52 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 11, 2023 22:32:52 GMT
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 12, 2023 8:13:09 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 12, 2023 8:13:09 GMT
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,761
|
Tennis
Jun 12, 2023 21:33:48 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Jun 12, 2023 21:33:48 GMT
Nottingham Open 2023 results: Britain's Heather Watson beats Jule Niemeier..
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AC7C/production/_130065144_gettyimages-1496430103.jpg
British number six Heather Watson has won four career singles titles on the WTA Tour - most recently at Acapulco in 2020Britain's Heather Watson feels "a little bit hard done by" because of the effect not getting ranking points at Wimbledon last year has had on her. Watson's career-best run to the fourth round of a Grand Slam would usually have propelled her up the rankings. It would also have earned direct entry into other WTA tournaments, including majors. Instead, she has been competing on the second-tier ITF circuit. "It just had a domino effect," she said after winning in Nottingham on Monday. The women's WTA and men's ATP governing bodies did not award points in response to Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players because of the invasion of Ukraine. "It wasn't Wimbledon's fault, it wasn't their choice but yeah, I do feel a little bit hard done by," the 31-year-old added after beating Germany's Jule Niemeier 6-4 6-3 in the first round. Ranked 195 in the world, Watson has not played in a Grand Slam main draw since Wimbledon, failing to make it through the qualifying rounds at the US, Australian and French Opens. "I feel like that after Wimbledon I went from an all-time high in my career and then not being awarded any points there really affected my tournament entries," she said. "I couldn't get into WTA tournaments so I was playing ITFs and I was winning them all but the points are rubbish so it doesn't help my ranking at all. "Rankings-wise it has been a real rubbish year but I have actually won more matches." She will need a wildcard to get direct entry into Wimbledon this year - which she says she has applied for - and if she does not get one she would need to come through three rounds of qualifying before the main draw starts on 3rd July.
|
|
