Latest news with #Jannik
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Djokovic ready to be 100 not out on the march to Paris
For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis." For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis." For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis." For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Djokovic ready to be 100 not out on the march to Paris
For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis."
West Australian
23-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Djokovic ready to be 100 not out on the march to Paris
For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis."
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Djokovic ready to be 100 not out on the march to Paris
For the tennis colossus who just won't lie down, everything seems to be falling into place at the right time as Novak Djokovic eyes yet more career landmarks and grand slam glory. Going into the French Open with the prospect of a record-breaking 25th slam in his sights, it's now probable that Djokovic could make the 500km journey from Geneva to Paris this weekend with that elusive 100th career title under his belt. For on Friday, the giant who's been enduring one of the leanest patches of his matchless career on the European clay battled into the final of the Geneva Open by defeating doughty British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 in their semi-final. It's set up a final with Hubert Hurkacz on Saturday, following the Pole's victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 in the other last-four match on Friday. And if Djokovic can win that final, 19 years after lifting his first tour-level crown in the Dutch town of Amersfoort, it will be the landmark 100th that's been eluding him ever since he won number 99 at last year's Olympics, also at Roland Garros. The day after his 38th birthday, Djokovic sent down 11 aces and uncorked 34 winners on Friday in a match he perhaps should have finished off in straight sets after he'd spurned a match point in the second set. But by reaching his 143rd final, he's in position to become the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach the century - just the perfect way to launch his Roland Garros bid. While Djokovic was going for the landmark, his French Open rivals were on their media duties in Paris, with Jannik Sinner, back after his three-month doping ban, sounding ready for the fray after reaching the Italian Open final on his return last week. He'll face a Frenchman in his first two rounds - Arthur Rinderknech in his opener, and either Terence Atmane or veteran wildcard Richard Gasquet in the second, when, to put it politely, he will not be flavour of the month with the notoriously unforgiving home fans. "It's definitely going to be different, I know that," he smiled. "But I don't think they have something against me. It's right that they support the players who are from here." Alexander Zverev, who told of how his journey to Paris had featured his plane getting struck by lightning, didn't think Sinner need have any concerns. "Jannik is loved, and he will always be loved by tennis fans," said the German. "So if I'm in his shoes, I'm not too worried about the crowd too much." Carlos Alcaraz learned he'll open his title defence against a different first-round opponent after the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori had to pull out to be replaced by Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri, ranked 306. Of the prospect of another Sinner-Alcaraz clash, the Spaniard said: "Right now I think the people are excited every time that I'm facing Jannik. It's a match that because of it, (people) started to watch tennis."
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘Bet my life on it, Jannik (Sinner) never wanted to cheat' – Rafael Nadal supports world no.1 tennis player over doping scandal
Rafael Nadal has defended Jannik Sinner over the doping scandal that had resulted in three-month suspension for the world no.1 tennis player. 'I've said it several times: I'm totally convinced that Jannik never wanted to cheat or do anything illicit. I'd bet my life on it. There's always a lot of fuss about this kind of thing, and when it happens, it's bad for everyone. For him, who, I think, has been through an ordeal for a year. Obviously for tennis, this kind of thing is negative,' Nadal told the French newspaper L'equipe. 'After that, if you question everything in life, you can question everything. All I'm saying is that I trust Jannik. But just as I trust Jannik, I also trust the law. I don't like to give my opinion on things I don't know. So I understand that when the courts make decisions, it's because they have all the necessary information that we don't have. So I don't like to see other players talking about it, without having the information. The people who have it, throughout the whole process, are the ones who have to make the decisions and judge the facts. 'I really don't believe that, because Jannik is number 1 in the world, he would have been treated differently. I don't believe in that. For twenty years, I've undergone all the controls, which are very numerous every year. I know how strict they are. If decisions have been taken in Jannik's favor, excusing him, saying he's not guilty, it's because the court that had to analyze the facts had all the evidence and all the arguments to take that decision. And we don't have all that. For me, it's a way of creating confusion and it seems unfair,' Nadal said. Sinner had previously escaped a ban when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that he wasn't at fault for the positive tests, accepting that the contamination was caused by a physio applying an over-the-counter spray. But the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) subsequently lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), leading to Sinner accepting a suspension from February 9 to May 4. Recently, Serena Williams had said she would have been banned for '20 years' and 'gotten grand slams taken away' if the same thing had happened to her. She did, though, describe Sinner as a 'fantastic personality' and 'great for the sport.' Nadal has thrown his weight behind Sinner. 'He's had an impressive year and a half. He was very solid in the game, very focused, but he was also able to maintain emotional stability, which was very difficult. He showed great maturity.'
