Alexander Zverev: Courts being slowed to help Sinner, Alcaraz - ESPN
Alexander Zverev says tournament organizers are slowing down tennis courts to favor Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
China Sport News
Sabalenka to defend Wuhan title after layoff but Zheng out
BEIJING: World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to defend her title at next week’s Wuhan Open following a brief injury layoff but local hero Zheng Qinwen is out. Sabalenka won her fourth Grand Slam crown in New York last month but missed this week’s China Open in Beijing with what she called a small injury. The 27-year-old from Belarus is expected to return to action for the WTA 1000 event in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where she is the reigning champion and a three-time winner. The main draw starts on Monday with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff — who plays the semifinals in Beijing on Saturday — also among the top seeds. In a blow to the tournament and home hopes, local favorite and Olympic champion Zheng pulled out on Friday having recently returned from elbow surgery. The Chinese world number nine, who considers Wuhan her hometown, retired from her last-32 match at the China Open on Monday. Zheng, runner-up to Sabalenka last year, said in a video: “Unfortunately my body has not returned to its best condition. “After discussing with doctors and my team, I regretfully and unfortunately withdrew from this year’s Wuhan Open. “I’m very grateful for the support from all tennis fans, especially those from my hometown.”
‘Suffering’ Djokovic fights past Cilic in Shanghai opener
SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic said he had to “fire up all engines” as he overcame a stodgy first set to reach the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Friday, beating fellow veteran Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. The 38-year-old Serb is aiming for a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai, where he was greeted by rapturous cheers as he entered a stadium packed with adoring Chinese fans. The combined age of Djokovic and Cilic — 75 years and 139 days — was the oldest ever between two opponents in an ATP Masters 1000 main draw match. “I did enjoy it, but I also suffered a lot on the court,” said Djokovic. “It was a very close match.
Canada's Gabriel Diallo advances to 3rd round at Shanghai Masters
Canada's Gabriel Diallo defeated France's Benjamin Bonzi 6-4, 6-4 in second-round action at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament on Thursday in Shanghai, China.
Jannik Sinner thrashes Learner Tien to win China Open for 21st title
BEIJING: Jannik Sinner won the 21st title of his career by thrashing American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in the China Open final on Wednesday. The Italian world number two lifted the trophy for the second time on Beijing’s hard courts, where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final on his tournament debut in 2023. The 24-year-old is the third man to win multiple China Open titles after Novak Djokovic with six and Rafael Nadal with two. His only loss on Beijing’s center Diamond Court has been to great rival Carlos Alcaraz, who won last year’s championship match in three gripping sets. Alcaraz was not defending his title in the Chinese capital and on Tuesday won the Japan Open in Tokyo. Sinner broke immediately in the first set on the way to outclassing the 19-year-old Tien, who was in his first ATP final. The world no.
Jannik Sinner beats American teen Learner Tien to win China Open
Jannik Sinner won the China Open by beating American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in Wednesday's final to continue his preparations for the Shanghai Masters.
Jannik Sinner thrashes Learner Tien to win China Open for 21st title
BEIJING: Jannik Sinner won the 21st title of his career by thrashing American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in the China Open final on Wednesday. The Italian world number two lifted the trophy for the second time on Beijing’s hard courts, where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final on his tournament debut in 2023. The 24-year-old is the third man to win multiple China Open titles after Novak Djokovic with six and Rafael Nadal with two. His only loss on Beijing’s center Diamond Court has been to great rival Carlos Alcaraz, who won last year’s championship match in three gripping sets. Alcaraz was not defending his title in the Chinese capital and on Tuesday won the Japan Open in Tokyo. Sinner broke immediately in the first set on the way to outclassing the 19-year-old Tien, who was in his first ATP final. The world no.
Canadian women's flag football team to face U.S. at halftime of Bills-Patriots game
Canada and the United States will square off in a women's flag football exhibition this weekend.