Novak Djokovic, right, embraces Mariano Navone after Navone won their match. (AP Photo) NEW YORK CITY: A champion’s challenge faded into the night as his body caved in on Arthur Ashe, while a younger pro kept his head and superbly pieced his game together to find a way. There was heroism on both sides of…
NEW DELHI: Mariano Navone walked into Arthur Ashe Stadium as the lesser-known name, a 25-year-old Argentine facing one of the biggest names tennis has ever produced. He walked out with the biggest victory of his career; and, perhaps most remarkably, having beaten the player he once watched and idolised.Navone stunned Novak Djokovic in the first…
Novak Djokovic during a practice session at the US Open in New York. (AP Photo) Three years after winning his historic 24th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic returns to New York still chasing the elusive 25th. At 39, the Serbian legend remains capable of competing with the best — but with time running out, can…
Aryna Sabalenka (Getty Images) NEW YORK CITY: Aryna Sabalenka arrived at Flushing Meadows chasing history. She could leave it without the No. 1 ranking.The 28-year-old two-time defending champion is chasing history, aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win three straight US Open titles. But her dip in form has left…
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz (Reuters/Mike Frey Photo) NEW YORK CITY: Four months is a long time in tennis.Since Carlos Alcaraz injured his right wrist in a fateful moment in mid-April, the men’s tour, like the swirling seasons, has changed. Alexander Zverev won his first Grand Slam title at 29 during a fortnight when temperatures soared at…
Jannik Sinner’s US Open preparations have suffered another setback after the world No. 1 withdrew from the Cincinnati Open with a right knee injury, leaving his return to competitive tennis uncertain with the hard-court Grand Slam just weeks away.Sinner, who has not played since successfully defending his Wimbledon title last month, announced his withdrawal from…