Normally at this time of season, the Tour heads to historic Foro Italico in Rome. Sadly, the tournament this year was suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, but fans can still celebrate the 30th anniversary of ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. This week, ATPTour.com reflects on some of the memorable moments from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

The Italian championship was first held in Milan in 1930, but moved to the Foro Italico, on the slopes of the Monte Mario, five years later. With a total of 11 clay courts, the complex boasts three show courts, the Campo Centrale, Stadio Pietrangeli, named after the 1957 and 1961 champion Nicola Pietrangeli, and the Supertennis Arena. It has been a combined ATP/WTA event since 2011.

1992-1993: Peak Courier
At the peak of his powers, Jim Courier stormed the Foro Italico to become the first player to win back-to-back Rome titles since Jaroslav Drobny in 1950 and 1951. While victories over Carlos Costa and Goran Ivanisevic in the 1992 and 1993 finals, respectively, were not memorable, suspense-laden classics, it was the nature of Courier’s performances that were. Starting off at a high pace and displaying the kind of mental toughness that became his trademark, the American fought past the likes of Thomas Muster, Francisco Clavet, Sergi Bruguera and Carl-Uwe Steeb in 1992, then Bruguera (again) and Michael Chang in 1993 en route to his historic triumphs. He was the preeminent dirt-baller, at a time when then-Tournament Director Franco Bartoni, Cino Marchese, former champion Adriano Panatta and Sergio Palmieri developed the commercial reputation of Rome, and it’s organisation.

1994: Sampras Becomes Emperor
Pete Sampras won three clay-court titles, but none was bigger than on 9 May 1994, when he thrashed Boris Becker 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in the Rome final to extend his match wins record to 27 and his season tally to 39-2, which included his seven trophies. Becker admitted, “He is playing tennis like they will play the game in the 21st century. He’s doing things I’ve never seen before on a tennis court. I can only compare him to the greatest of the greats. He just beat the heck out of me today.” Sampras, who did not serve as well as he had earlier in the week, was able to put pressure on Becker’s serve, winning 27 of 44 points and breaking six times. “I played really well today,” said Sampras. “I made very few errors and I was pretty much in control from the outset. Boris was never able to accomplish his game plan, or to work into any sort of rhythm. I was moving much better today than I had been all week. I also felt much better at net. I had my balance. This is the result of playing a week on clay.”

1995-1996: The Magic Of Muster
Just six weeks after a freak accident damaged left knee ligaments in Miami, Thomas Muster put in an appearance at the Foro Italico, where he told then-Tournament Director Franco Bartoni, “I’ll be back next year and win.” Few believed him, but Muster was true to his word. In the first year of Masters 1000 tournaments, the Austrian ironman beat Andrei Chesnokov 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in the 1990 final. Five years on, having waited a long time for the rain to stop, Muster dismissed Sergi Bruguera 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 6-3 for his 28th straight win on red dirt. A few weeks later, the 27-year-old completed the title hat-trick of Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros title in the same year, a feat only achieved by Ilie Nastase (at the time) in 1973. The following year, the supremely fit Muster, not quite at the peak of his powers, mastered a swirling wind and wet conditions to beat the serve-volleyer Richard Krajicek 6-2, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 for his fifth title of 1995. It extended his record on clay over the past two years to 95-3. He joined Jaroslav Drobny (1950-51, 1953) and Marty Mulligan (1963, 1965 and 1967) — at the time — as the only men to win the Italian Open three times.

1999: Guga Reigns, Denies Rafter No. 1
Gustavo Kuerten, the charismatic Brazilian, ended the hope of Patrick Rafter rising to No. 1 in the FedEx ATP Rankings with a fine all-court display against the traditional serve-volleyer, the first Australian in the Rome final since fellow Queenslander Rod Laver in 1971. Kuerten moved back into the Top 10 with a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(6) victory over Rafter in two hours and 39 minutes. “I didn’t get my serve together the whole match,” he lamented, adding, “I would always struggle against Kuerten on clay.” Rafter saved break points in the fifth, ninth and 11 games prior to a tense third-set tie-break, which ended his hopes of joining John Newcombe as World No. 1. Kuerten, the No. 16 seed, who beat Fernando Vicente, Francisco Clavet, No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Karol Kucera and Alex Corretja en route to the 1999 final, completed the win with a backhand return and angled backhand volley winner. Kuerten, who made his Rome debut in 1998, compiled a 19-3 record at the tournament in his first four appearances. He also finished runner-up in 2000 to Magnus Norman and 2001 to Juan Carlos Ferrero.

2002: Agassi Wins, At Last!
Andre Agassi, with his two-toned shoulder length hair and denim shorts, could only smile, when he captured the 2002 crown, 13 years after first reaching the Rome final. The recently turned 19-year-old had not dropped a set en route to the 1989 championship match, the biggest final of his four-season career to-date. But he lost to Alberto Mancini in five sets. The American then skipped the event in seven of the next 12 seasons, but prior to 2002, when he arrived at the Foro Italico on the back of a right wrist injury, Agassi was in top form, reaching three finals. With Lleyton Hewitt and Kuerten leading every member of the Top 10 in the field, Agassi didn’t drop a set once more to the final, where he beat Tommy Haas 6-3, 6-3, 6-0. Acknowledging Mancini, Agassi said, “Hopefully, wherever Alberto Mancini is, he has a smile on his face for me.” Agassi’s 2002 Rome title remains the last ATP Masters 1000 crown won my an American on clay.

2005: Nadal Wins Battle For The Ages
Three weeks on from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Rafael Nadal met Guillermo Coria, the most dangerous clay-court player of the past 12 months, once more in a highly anticipated final. In one of the greatest finals in ATP Tour history, 18-year-old Nadal recovered from 0-3 down in the deciding set to beat Coria 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 to extend his winning streak to 17 matches. “This was the best match of my career,” said Nadal. “It was such a tough match. I’m so happy to have won, it’s unbelievable. I have won three consecutive titles, I don’t know how to explain that.” The win maintained Spain’s hold on the Rome title, following triumphs for Ferrero in 2001, Felix Mantilla in 2003 and Carlos Moya in 2004. Devastated by the loss, Coria said, “I’m a little bit disappointed because I ran for five hours just to lose with two points. Actually, I am very disappointed. It’s normal, but I lost to a top player who played a great match. So that’s it, now I have to move on. I think I was pretty close to beating him today, but he’s very confident. He has won a lot of matches lately and he’s making some incredible shots.”

2006: Two Stars Collide
Twelve months on and the Roman crowd watched another treat, this time the day Nadal and Federer cemented their rivalry in a superb 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5) final victory, which had taken eight minutes longer than the 2005 title match. At 19 years of age, Nadal had tied Guillermo Vilas’ Open Era record of 53 straight match wins on a clay. Nadal, who’d beaten Federer in the Monte Carlo final three weeks earlier, admitted, “Before each tournament, I’m always thinking, ‘This week I’m going to lose.’ But I have been lucky this year and won.” With no choice but to attack, Federer gained a stranglehold at 4-1 in the fifth set and held two championship points after Nadal hit the first double fault of the match at 5-6, 15/30. The Swiss squandered hit first opportunity with a backhand long, then rushed a forehand down the line to let Nadal off the hook. “I tried to hit a winner, why not?” said Federer, who finished on 89 unforced errors. “I didn’t try to totally hit a winner, but tried to play aggressive and I was a little late on it. I couldn’t get quite over the first point in time. I guess, the first match point cost me the match.” The win, Nadal’s 13th straight final triumph, also tied Bjorn Borg’s record for 16 titles won as a teenager. At 57 games, the 2006 encounter was the longest Rome final in terms of games. Read Feature

2008: Djokovic’s First Title, Rome Love Affair
While the surname Nadal dominates the roll of honour since 2005, Novak Djokovic has also been successful with four titles from nine finals. A few months after capturing his first major title, Djokovic battled hard to beat Stan Wawrinka 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the 2008 final for his fourth Masters 1000 crown and by 2011, amidst a 41-match winning streak for the season, the undisputed World No. 1 overcame Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in the Rome final. In 2014, having overcome a right wrist injury, Djokovic beat Nadal in a final for the fourth straight time, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, and the following year, recorded the 22nd of a 28-match winning streak to beat Federer 6-4, 6-3. On three occasions, Djokovic lost to Nadal in the Rome final (2009, 2012 and 2019), while he fell at the final hurdle to Andy Murray in 2016 and Alexander Zverev in 2017. Overall, the Serbian has not lost before the quarter-finals in 13 appearances (to date).

2019: Nadal On Cloud Nine
If he wasn’t quite in top form, Nadal was certainly close to it upon capturing a record-extending crown in Rome. His 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 victory over Djokovic after two hours and 25 minutes gave Nadal his ninth title (2005-07, 2009-10, 2012-13, 2018-19) in 11 Rome finals (also 2011, 2014). “What means most to me is this trophy,” said Nadal, who has recorded 84 match wins at the Masters 1000 tournament. “Rome is one of the most important tournaments of the year. [It’s a big] part of the history of our sport. To be able to win here again is the main thing.” The 39-minute opener was the first 6-0 set between the rivals, contesting their 54th meeting, in 141 previous sets. Read Final Match Report & Watch Highlights

Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev are well into their ATP Head2Head rivalry, one that promises to thrill fans for years to come.

The players have different games — Thiem wields heavier groundstrokes and a two-handed backhand, whereas Zverev is backed by one of the best two-handed backhands in the sport. Those differences have made for fun rallies and close, compelling matches. 

”We have no secrets from each other, we’ve played so many times, also on very special occasions. It’s a nice rivalry we have,” Thiem said.

ATPTour.com looks back at each of their previous matches, with Thiem leading their series 7-2. Only three of those matches have ended in straight sets.

2020 Australian Open SF, Hard, Thiem def. Zverev 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(4)
Zverev entered this match having broken through to his first Grand Slam semi-final, which was especially significant considering he had never made a major quarter-final outside of Roland Garros. The 2018 Nitto ATP Finals champion entered the match in devastating form, having lost only one set in his first five matches.

But Thiem relied on his heavy groundstrokes — especially his one-handed backhand — and big-match experience to battle through. Despite losing the first set and facing two set points in the third set, the Austrian earned his third straight win against Zverev with a three-hour, 42-minute victory. The win also helped Thiem climb to a career-high No. 3 in the FedEx ATP Rankings.

“I felt nerves, having put in so much energy,” said Thiem. “My stomach was rebelling a bit. I have it a little, when it’s close and a tough match. It’s not nice to play return games, when he’s hitting so many first serves. I didn’t have a look, really, in the fourth set… Thank goodness there is a tie-break in tennis, otherwise we’d still be playing.”

2019 Nitto ATP Finals SF, Hard, Thiem def. Zverev 7-5, 6-3
Zverev won the biggest title of his career at The O2 in 2018, and he put himself two wins from retaining the trophy in 2019. But Thiem, who won the BNP Paribas Open earlier in the year, enjoyed a breakthrough season on hard courts, and showed his improvement on the surface against the German.

Thiem saved all four break points he faced, biding his time for the key moments in a straight-sets triumph.

“This is just a big, big dream coming true for me. It is one of the best tournaments all year, one of the most prestigious tournaments all year, and I’m getting the chance to play the final… It’s unreal to me,” Thiem said. “To beat the defending champion, a good player, an unbelievable player, this is always a great achievement and I’m very, very happy.”

2018 Roland Garros QF, Clay, Thiem def. Zverev 6-4, 6-2, 6-1
This was a breakthrough tournament for Zverev. Not only was it his first Grand Slam quarter-final, but he carried confidence into the match after beating Thiem just weeks earlier for the Madrid title. The question was: Did the German have the legs to take advantage of the opportunity?

It turns out he did not. Zverev won three consecutive five-setters to make the quarter-finals, while Thiem had only lost three sets in his first four matches. That combined with Thiem’s physical, heavy topspin-based game proved too tough for Zverev in a one-hour, 50-minute victory for the Austrian.

“He’s one of the fittest guys on Tour, and even for him it’s maybe a little bit too tough to play three five-setters in the first rounds of a Slam,” Thiem said. “I expected, somehow, that he [would be] a little bit tired, but still I’m happy how I finished the game. I let him run. I was doing what I had to do, and so I’m satisfied.”

2018 Madrid Final, Clay, Zverev def. Thiem 6-4, 6-4
Not only was this the biggest match of the pair’s ATP Head2Head rivalry — it doesn’t get much bigger than competing in the final of an ATP Masters 1000 event — but a lot had happened in the 15 months since their previous meeting.

Since their 2017 Rotterdam clash, Zverev won his first two Masters 1000 titles, and he was the higher-ranked player at World No. 3. The German was not broken in the entire tournament, nor did he lose a set. He used an impressive display of aggression to dismiss Thiem in straight sets for the trophy.

“All in all, I’m just really happy with how I played,” Zverev said. “Obviously the altitude fits me a little bit with my serve, with how I play, with me playing a little bit more aggressive than maybe others. That definitely fits me. But I just feel confident and comfortable right now.”

2017 Rotterdam R32, Hard, Thiem def. Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
World No. 8 Thiem arrived in Rotterdam after a disappointing opening-round defeat in Sofia, looking to gain momentum. Zverev, meanwhile, was fresh off a title in Montpellier and pushing Rafael Nadal to five sets at the Australian Open.

But Thiem was far better behind his first serve — winning 77 per cent of those points compared to 61 per cent for Zverev — to take a 4-1 lead in their ATP Head2Head rivalry.

“He’s one of the best players in the world right now. He played an amazing match at the Australian Open against Rafa (Nadal), just won his second title in Montpellier, so it was a horrible draw for me,” Thiem said. “Even though I was 0-4 down I felt pretty good from the start of the match, I was hitting my returns well, used my slice smartly. Overall it was my best performance in a long time. For my confidence this is exactly what I needed, a very good match against a really, really good player.”

2016 Beijing R32, Hard, Zverev def. Thiem 4-6, 6-1, 6-3
Zverev earned his first win against Thiem in their first hard-court clash, rallying from a set down to do it. Thiem appeared poised to extend his lead in their series to 4-0, but Zverev won the final four games to earn his fourth Top 10 victory of 2016.

The German broke five times from 14 chances to secure his triumph after one hour and 52 minutes, and he’d beat Jack Sock in the next round to reach his fourth ATP 500 quarter-final of 2016.

2016 Roland Garros R32, Clay, Thiem def. Zverev 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3, 6-3
Thiem and Zverev got to know each other’s games well in a very short period of time in 2016, playing three times in a month. Although none of those matches was completely one-sided, Thiem relied on his experience to win them all.

The Austrian was the favourite at Roland Garros, given this was Zverev’s first main draw appearance at clay-court major. The 22-year-old Thiem became the first man from his country to reach the fourth round on the Parisian clay since Jurgen Melzer in 2010 (SF).

“I knew already before the match that it was going to be a very tough one against such a great player like Sascha,” Thiem said. “I think the little difference today was probably the three years’ age difference.”

2016 Nice Final, Clay, Thiem def. Zverev 6-4, 3-6, 6-0
Just two weeks after their first clash, these rising stars met in Nice. This time, a trophy was on the line.

Thiem was the defending champion, and he had no intention of relinquishing his crown, using his fitness to battle past the German.

“I spent about 12.5 hours on court this week, so I’m a bit tired,” Zverev said. “Against a player like Dominic, who is one of the best clay-court players right now, you have to be at your best to beat him. There’s not a lot of chances.”

2016 Munich SF, Clay, Thiem def. Zverev 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
World No. 49 Zverev, only 19, had a lot at stake in his first meeting against Thiem, who was World No. 15. The German was trying to reach his first ATP Tour final on home soil, and he was just two wins from claiming his first tour-level title.

But the Austrian erased eight of 11 break points faced and broke the teen six times to prevail in three sets.

“It’s unbelievable how he plays at 19 years old,” Thiem said. “I lost the first set and then I changed a little bit… more slice, more drop shots, and I think this was one of the key points to win it.”

John Millman will be ready to hit the ground running when action resumes on Tour.

The Aussie is at home in Brisbane and has remained devoted to his off-court training. Although not having access to his normal equipment has forced him to get creative, the 30-year-old believes he could return stronger than ever.

“I’ve got the home gym setup, every app under the sun with the indoor training bikes. I’m connecting to a few of the Aussie players who also have those apps and am just trying to stay fit,” Millman said to former doubles World No. 1 Todd Woodbridge in a recent video interview for Tennis Australia. “A big part of my game is my physicality and I don’t want to lose that, but it’s quite easy to when you’re spending a fair bit of time away from the day-in, day-out grind of the Tour.

“There are little things that you’re always looking to improve and I think that’s helped me throughout my career. I’ve never wanted to stagnate. I’m a big believer that the game of tennis is constantly evolving and you have to evolve with it or you get left behind. It’s tough to get the on-court time now, but you can get stronger in the legs and upper body.”

Teamwork makes the dreamwork.

?: @johnhmillman (IG) #tennisathome ?? pic.twitter.com/zuvIACajAn

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 19, 2020

Millman isn’t a stranger to long stretches of time at home. He’s endured extended periods of rehab throughout his career after two significant shoulder surgeries and a groin surgery. But the baseliner admitted that time away from competition due to the current pandemic has posed a different mental challenge to overcome.

“The tough thing about this is that motivation and not having an end date in mind,” Millman said. “With the surgeries, you could earmark tournaments where you thought you could get back… I think setting daily goals and daily routines can help with keeping that motivation nice and high.”

Millman has also increased his presence on social media in recent weeks, reflecting on past moments in his career and sharing his views on the sport. His clear passion for the game has led many fans to suggest that he should become an advocate for his fellow players and the Aussie said he would welcome the opportunity.

“I’ve been approached a couple of times to run [for ATP Player Council], but my biggest problem is that you have to commit to a three-year term as a player. With all of my injury history… There was never a point in my career where I thought I had three years left,” Millman said. “But I’m very interested in the governance of the game… In the future, even if it’s post-tennis, being involved in the administration side of the game is something that greatly interests me.”

Lucas Pouille is a five-time ATP Tour titlist and a former Top 10 player in the FedEx ATP Rankings.

ATPTour.com looks at five things you should know about the Frenchman.

1) He Does Not Fear Match Points
From April 2017 to February 2018, Pouille lifted three titles on the ATP Tour after saving match point.

In his opening match at the 2017 Hungarian Open in Budapest, the Frenchman saved two match points before lifting the trophy. He repeated the feat two months later, saving one match point in the second round during his title run at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart.

In front of home support at the 2018 Open Sud de France in Montpellier, Pouille completed a hattrick of unlikely titles. The 6’1” right-hander saved two match points during a semi-final clash against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and beat three-time champion Richard Gasquet in straight sets to claim his fifth ATP Tour title.

2) He Stood Alone In 2017
Alongside trophies in Budapest and Stuttgart, Pouille captured the biggest title of his career at the 2017 Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The title run placed Pouille ahead of his peers in 2017 as the only man to win a tour-level trophy on each of the ATP Tour’s three surfaces: hard (Vienna), clay (Budapest) and grass (Stuttgart).

It is the only season when Pouille has won multiple ATP Tour trophies. The former World No. 10 also lifted tour-level crowns at home in Metz (2016) and Montpellier (2018).

3) The Dubai Lifestyle Suits Him Well
When he isn’t travelling on the ATP Tour, Pouille lives in Dubai with his wife, Clemence. The 26-year-old enjoys life in the United Arab Emirates, where he practises during the off-season. The 2018 Dubai runner-up occasionally trains with Roger Federer in the city. Ahead of the 2017 ATP Tour season, Federer hosted a live practice session with Pouille in Dubai via Periscope.

“I do like my life here [in Dubai]. Where we live is very nice. Where we practise is great, the facilities,” said Pouille. “The normal life is very enjoyable. There are a lot of things to do.”

4) He Is Coached By A Former WTA Star
After dropping from No. 10 to No. 32 in the FedEx ATP Rankings in 2018, Pouille hired former WTA World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo as his coach at the start of the 2019 season.

“I thought Amelie was the perfect person to be part of my project and to make me improve in my tennis,” said Pouille. “I think I made the right choice.”

Mauresmo, who had previously worked with Andy Murray from 2014-2016, had an immediate impact. Pouille entered the 2019 Australian Open with a 0-5 tournament record, but battled through the draw with back-to-back four-set victories against Borna Coric and Milos Raonic to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.

“She is really motivated, focussed and ambitious,” said Pouille. “That is all I wanted. She is a hard worker. She used to be a hard worker when she was a player, that is all she is as a coach as well.”

5) Going The Distance Is Not An Issue
 Pouille proved his physical and mental strength at the 2016 US Open. The Frenchman played 19 sets in his first four matches to reach his second straight Grand Slam quarter-final.

After beating Mikhail Kukushkin in four sets, Pouille outlasted Marco Chiudinelli and Roberto Bautista Agut in five sets to book a meeting with Rafael Nadal under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite his fatigue and the bruising game style of his opponent, Pouille overcame Nadal for the first time in a dramatic final-set tie-break after four hours and seven minutes.

Your favourite players are all at home, but they’re finding plenty of ways to pass the time. From Karen Khachanov’s playful workouts, to Diego Schwartzman’s racquet skills, find out how the world’s best players are keeping at busy.

Khachanov enjoyed having a less demanding fitness trainer in the form of his infant son.

Me and my sweet fitness coach on quarantine 24/7 ???? pic.twitter.com/l8Vi1KNLo6

— Karen Khachanov (@karenkhachanov) May 8, 2020

Schwartzman added another racquet trick to his repertoire.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Lo hice los primeros días de cuarentena pero lo subo ahora ?, el que se prenda que mande este truco y los subo a mi perfil ????✅

A post shared by Diego Schwartzman (@dieschwartzman) on May 7, 2020 at 2:53pm PDT

Juan Sebastian Cabal and his wife, Juliana, welcomed a healthy baby boy. This is their second child along with three-year-old Jacobo.

 

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?? Solo puedo darle gracias a Dios por regalarme una bendición más en mi vida ?? No tengo palabras para expresar la felicidad tan pura que se siente!!!! Bienvenido al mundo JM ? tu familia te ama locamente ? . . . @jvasquezb @jacobocabal #familia

A post shared by Juan Sebastián Cabal (@jscabal) on May 8, 2020 at 12:58pm PDT

Stefanos Tsitsipas showed off his language abilities with former ATP Tour player Christopher Kas.

wie gefällt Euch das bayrisch von @StefTsitsipas ? #kasilive #tsitsipas #bayrisch pic.twitter.com/TGqFEisjwR

— Christopher Kas (@KasiTennis) May 8, 2020

Taylor Fritz clinched $25,000 for American charity No Kid Hungry by winning a FIFA tournament.

We did it again !!! This time playing FIFA⚽️ Thats 3 celeb/entertainer/athlete gaming tournaments won in 3 weeks ??? love winning for @nokidhungry pic.twitter.com/i2EfjRoGIS

— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) May 9, 2020

Andy Roddick showed support for one of his good friends.

Don’t give it the time @chrissyteigen . I’ve known you from before your fame and massive career. Through it all you’ve been the same thoughtful, considerate, and caring person. She may not aspire to have your career. I aspire to match your best qualities. That, and I like Pepper https://t.co/9Aw8F2X1KM

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) May 9, 2020

Corentin Moutet released a new rap song.

 

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Depuis un home studio un peu improvisé à Biarritz ?? Freestyle pour @1minute2rap X @tunecore Un EP est en préparation pour bientôt ? Je compte sur votre soutien en attendant ??? Force à tout les participants ?? #1minute2raptunecore#rap#freestyle#mai

A post shared by Corentin Moutet (@corentin.moutet) on May 4, 2020 at 11:04am PDT

Leander Paes posed a questions to fans by using a photo of his time on the doubles court with Rafael Nadal.

 

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Rafa got the volley spot on. Can you guess which ball he hit? Let me know in the comments below what you think is the exact position of the ball. #SpotTheBall #Trivia #Quiz #Tennis #RafaelNadal #ATPMasters #Guess #Volley #Challenge #WednesdayWisdom

A post shared by Leander Paes (@leanderpaes) on May 6, 2020 at 2:13am PDT

Ivo Karlovic found the humour in his current situation.

I watched 5 seasons of Braking Bad in 4 days. Amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t sleep

— ivo karlovic (@ivokarlovic) May 7, 2020

Casper Ruud established himself as one of the fastest-rising players at the start of this year and made it clear that he intends to pick up where he left off when action resumes on Tour.

The 21-year-old Norwegian held a Twitter Q&A earlier this week and shared what he’s been adding to his game, his favourite ATP Tour events and why he continues to take part in the Golden Swing each February in South America. ATPTour.com takes a look at some of his best responses.

250 @ArgentinaOpen & GS RG

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

Intensity on court

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

I hope so! He’s one of the hardest working players out there??

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

I was looking so forward to play the @ROLEXMCMASTERS this year?

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

I try to flatten out my shots more on hard courts and grass! I’m working a lot on it these days?

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

Liverpool FC

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

The food, people and weather???

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

I played very good against Paire last year in Madrid quailes, but it surely wasn’t his best day?

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

??

— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) May 5, 2020

If there were video game rankings for tennis players, Taylor Fritz would be an undisputed No. 1. The American won his third celebrity video game event in as many weeks by defeating musician Niles Hollowell-Dhar (stage name: KSHMR) 5-1 on Thursday in the final of the State Farm Play Apart Together charity FIFA tournament.

Watch Fritz’s championship FIFA match

Fritz’s victory clinched $25,000 for No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit organisation which works to end child hunger in America. He teamed with Addison Rae last week to win $1 million for No Kid Hungry by prevailing in the Stay at Home Slam, a live virtual tennis tournament on Nintendo Switch’s Mario Tennis Aces. The 23-year-old also won $25,000 for charity in another Play Apart Together tournament that featured Riot Games’ Valorant.

Fritz is an avid gamer and played a FIFA match against professional Fortnite player Nate Hill during last year’s US Open. He became the first professional tennis player to invest in the eSports industry last December by teaming with ReKTGlobal.

Between a rising star’s stunner and a legend’s resurgence, nobody will soon forget semi-final Saturday from the 2019 Mutua Madrid Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, arrived in Spain fresh off his first ATP Tour clay-court title in Estoril. The Greek made an ATP Masters 1000 semi-final on the surface for the first time, beating Alexander Zverev in three sets to do so. But in the last four, he had to face a five-time Madrid champion: Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard took a 3-0 lead in their ATP Head2Head series into that match, claiming all seven of their previous sets. Only two of those sets went past 6-2. But Tsitsipas immediately broke serve and never looked back, upsetting Nadal 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.

“It means the world. I’m really happy that I proved myself today. I played one of my best games this year,” Tsitsipas said. “I’m really happy that I’m fighting, I’m in the zone. I’m enjoying tennis at its fullest potential. It’s really nice to be able to play this way. Today’s victory is just an unbelievable feeling.”

In the final, Tsitsipas would meet a player who was no stranger to Masters 1000 finals: Novak Djokovic. The Serbian was World No. 1, but struggling for form entering Madrid. In his three events since the 2019 Australian Open, he had made just one quarter-final. Dominic Thiem had won five of their past six sets, and he had just won Barcelona — where he upset Nadal — before defeating Roger Federer in the Madrid quarter-finals.

But Djokovic saved seven of 10 break points while converting all three of his chances against Thiem. That proved the difference as Djokovic advanced to the championship match with a tight 7-6(2), 7-6(4) victory, snapping the Austrian’s eight-match winning streak.

“I played the best match of the clay-court season so far, for me, against arguably the best tennis player in the world on this surface, so far [this season],” said Djokovic. “[Dominic] had an amazing tournament in Barcelona and here he beat Roger yesterday in a thrilling match. He was in form… I just managed to hold my nerves and play the best when it was most needed.”

Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 for his third Madrid title.