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Wawrinka's Big Night, Fognini's Rivalry: Tennis At Home Roundup

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2020

Wawrinka’s Big Night, Fognini’s Rivalry: Tennis At Home Roundup

ATPTour.com looks at what your favourite players have been up to

Your favourite players are all back at home, but they’re finding plenty of ways to stay active. From Stan Wawrinka’s clones to Fabio Fognini’s backyard point, find out how the biggest names in tennis are keeping busy.

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Fognini found a creative net to take on his wife and former US Open champion Flavia Pennetta.

Wawrinka never has a moment alone at home. 

Jannik Sinner made a generous donation for COVID-19 relief efforts.

Stefanos Tsitsipas found a unique way to get fans involved on his social media.

Diego Schwartzman is enjoying plenty of bonding time with his dog.

James Duckworth got his sister to contribute vocals in this epic video.

Casper Ruud served up impressions of several ATP Tour legends.

Roberto Bautista Agut has no days off when it comes to working on fitness.

Leonardo Mayer is getting creative for weight training.

Santiago Gonzalez’s boundless energy appears to be wearing his family down.

Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

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Shapovalov: 'Let’s Get Through It Together'

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2020

Shapovalov: ‘Let’s Get Through It Together’

Canadian praises work of those on the front lines

Denis Shapovalov sent his fans an encouraging message on Tuesday to help them maintain positivity during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, promoting the importance of unity.

“Just wanted to reach out to the fans. I know it’s a tough time. A lot of people [are] stuck inside their homes. I hope everyone is social distancing, staying inside,” Shapovalov said. “I know it’s tough for everyone, but let’s get through it together.”

Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

The 20-year-old Canadian spent time to thank those on the front lines battling against virus.

“I just want to thank all the first responders, all the people: firefighters, policemen, people working at the hospitals, doctors, everyone just putting their lives at risk every day trying to take care of this and manage it as much as possible,” Shapovalov said. “It is heroes like this who truly inspire me and I’m sure a lot more people. Thank you to them.”

Shapovalov admitted he hasn’t been posting much on social media, with his most recent post coming on 29 March. But the lefty promised fans they will hear from him sooner rather than later.

“Honestly I’ve been locked down, just doing my own thing, working on some stuff for myself,” Shapovalov said. “I promise to be posting some more content shortly.”

Watch over 165 classic ATP Tour matches from the 90s

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Venus & Grigor's Group Workout On Instagram Live

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2020

Venus & Grigor’s Group Workout On Instagram Live

Learn how Williams put Dimitrov on the spot before their workout

Fans got a special Instagram Live surprise on Tuesday, as 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov and former WTA World No. 1 Venus Williams joined forces for a special workout session.

Dimitrov and Williams did a variety of exercises, from skipping rope to footwork drills. Before they got started, Williams put on her reporter hat and asked the Bulgarian some questions about how he’s holding up.

“Life on the west coast is pretty good,” said Dimitrov, who is in California. “Making the most that we can out of the situation. Enjoying the early mornings and a little bit of workouts as well.”

Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

Dimitrov admitted that he misses playing tennis while staying at home.

“[I miss it] a lot. I know it’s not easy. It’s been quite a few days that you’ve been away from the court. You just want to step on [to a court] and try some things that you have worked on. But at the end of the day you’ve got to make the most out of it and try to focus on all the positivity,” Dimitrov said. “We’re all in this together and I think it’s just going to make us stronger and look at things a little bit different. I think it puts everything in perspective from now on.”

The World No. 19 has been keeping busy to try to keep himself in shape for when the ATP Tour is able to get rolling again.

“I’ve been doing a lot of runs lately, to be honest, every time we go out. Doing a lot of shoulder prevention exercises. Working on little specific drills that I like to keep my feet activated. Just small details that we often neglect, especially when we’re competing throughout all the weeks,” Dimitrov said. “Now is the time that you can really emphasise on those things. We have a few exercises to show the fans. I’m sure we’re going to do something nice.”

Watch over 165 classic ATP Tour matches from the 90s

Right before their workout began, Williams put Dimitrov on the spot.

“When are we playing mixed doubles?” she asked.

“Oh great, thanks,” he replied, cracking a laugh. “We should definitely do that. I’d be happy and excited to do this for sure. I’ve played I think a couple of times and for some reason I have a hard time hitting against the girl.”

Williams made a face that caught Dimitrov’s attention.

“We’re not going to play if you’re not going to play full out,” Venus said as they both laughed.

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Food Court: Chopping Up Nutrition With Milos Raonic

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2020

Food Court: Chopping Up Nutrition With Milos Raonic

Raonic dishes on nutrition, food he wishes he could eat, and more

Milos Raonic has long paid close attention to his nutrition, first bringing a nutritionist onto his team in 2013. The former World No. 3 says the personnel has changed, but he has always had guidance in that department since, and it has proven a key part of his career.

ATPTour.com caught up with the Canadian to discuss nutrition, the food that has become a major part of his diet, the dessert he wishes he could eat and more.

Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

 

What made you add a nutritionist to your team in 2013? Some players pay careful attention to that, others not as closely, so was there any specific reason?
Every single step [of my career] I’ve always asked myself, ‘What can I do better?’ I reached that point in 2013 when just before the season, that’s where I thought I could make the most impact. I asked the people I was working with, my team, they felt that’s something I could give attention to and I could reap benefits from.

How much has your diet and what you’ve avoided changed between where you started and now?
It’s probably changed every two to three years because every time I change it, I use that to solve certain issues. When I started it was, ‘How can I clean stuff up? How can I be more efficient?’ Then over the past few years when I’ve had a lot of injuries, it’s been, ‘What have I been lacking or what might I be missing or what do I need to do better to stay healthy?’

I think each time it’s been conformed to a specific issue that I’m trying to solve or I’m trying to fix or improve. I think that’s where it’s sort of stepped from the approach we take to the solution we are looking for.

Do you have a list of ‘no-no’s’ where you go into a restaurant and you know you can’t touch it?
Skipping desserts. I don’t eat red meat that often. Maybe once or twice every two weeks, and now a big part of it has been regimenting the times I eat. That is how quickly I’m eating after a match, and those kind of things. That’s what has changed a lot over the past period of time. It’s a lot more structured and so forth.

I’ve struggled with a lot of different types of injuries, different issues with my back, a couple muscle tears over the past few years. It was about how can we fuel you and how can we give you the right kind of food that you need to keep your tissues and your body healthy and also functioning properly. [It’s about] functioning efficiently to try to find a way to minimise those problems coming up.

Is there a food that you thought was gross or just didn’t eat that now you’re eating because of those things?
When I started on Tour I wasn’t a big fan of fish, probably back in 2010 or 2011. That’s something that I probably eat more than anything of. It’s something I go to quite often to have the source of protein throughout my day, pretty much almost daily. That’s one that’s changed quite a bit.

There are different kinds of veggies and things that I’ve added, but I’d say fish was the one, because it is such a big part of what I consume nowadays. It’s probably the most significant change.

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You mentioned how something you’ve adapted is how quickly after a match you eat, so what is that process like for you?
I think you try to get something in you right away within the first 45 minutes to an hour after a match. Before, sometimes I would stretch after a match, do my cooldown, do press and all those things. Now I’ll do my cooldown because that’s a priority right after, but then I’ll eat before I do press and all the other things that fall after it. It’s just been a shift in priorities in that sense.

When I do press doesn’t really change anybody’s life, but it will make a difference for me the next day or the accumulation of match after match, and it’ll start to make a difference in how soon I’m consuming something to start replenishing my body after the load of playing a match.

I know there are no desserts, but is there one you wish you could have?
I have it every once in a while, but much more rarely: tiramisu. It’s by far my favourite dessert.

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Resurfaced | Amazing Andujar: No. 1,824 To Titlist In Two Months

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2020

Resurfaced | Amazing Andujar: No. 1,824 To Titlist In Two Months

Spaniard wins fourth tour-level title

Editor’s Note: ATPTour.com is resurfacing features to bring fans closer to their favourite players during the current suspension in tournament play. This story was originally published on 15 April 2018.

Pablo Andujar became the lowest-ranked ATP World Tour champion in 20 years on Sunday, beating first-time finalist Kyle Edmund 6-2, 6-2 to win the Grand Prix Hassan II for a record third time.

The Spaniard, who also won the event in 2011 and 2012 in Casablanca, overcame the Australian Open semi-finalist in 82 minutes to become the most successful player in the history of the tournament, which began in 1990.

“I played very well during the whole match,” said Andujar. “Trying to make him move as much as I could. He attacks a lot and is a very strong player. I was very solid today and I’m very happy about that.”

The World No. 355 is the lowest-ranked tour-level titlist since Lleyton Hewitt, who lifted his maiden title in Adelaide at World No. 550 in 1998. Andujar has now won three of his four ATP World Tour titles in Morocco with his other victory coming in Gstaad four years ago.

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The 32-year-old raced out to a 5-1 lead, breaking Edmund in each of his opening three service games to establish control of the match, before taking a one-set advantage in the eighth game after saving two break points. Edmund had been broken just three times this week heading into the championship match.

The Spaniard continued to find success against the 23-year-old’s serve in the second set, winning 67 per cent of points while returning off the Edmund first serve. Andujar was once again clinical, breaking on all three break-point opportunities created before once again navigating his way through a tough eighth service game to clinch the title in Marrakech.

Ranked as low as World No. 1,824 on 12 February after three elbow surgeries had threatened his career, Andujar now finds himself on a ten-match winning streak after becoming the first man since Ryan Harrison in 2017 to win ATP Challenger Tour and ATP World Tour titles in consecutive weeks.

“I always believed that I could come back, otherwise I wouldn’t have tried,” reflected Andujar.

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World No. 26 Edmund was bidding to win his first ATP World Tour title in his maiden championship match at tour-level. With victory, he would also have become just the seventh player from Great Britain, in the history of the ATP Rankings, to reach the Top 20.

“For me it was a good tournament… it was great experience for me,” said Edmund. “It’s been a good year so far, it’s not the result I wanted, but nevertheless a good week for me.”

Andujar will receive 250 ATP Ranking points and €85,000 in prize money for clinching the crown. Edmund earns 150 ATP Rankings points and €44,770.

Did You Know?
Pablo Andujar is the third player to win ATP Challenger Tour and ATP World Tour titles in consecutive weeks in the past five years. In 2014, David Goffin won in Tampere, Finland and Kitzbuhel, and last year Ryan Harrison won in Dallas and Memphis.

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Roger Federer's Volleying At Home Challenge

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2020

Roger Federer’s Volleying At Home Challenge

Federer challenges fans and celebrities before giving them his feedback

Good morning, class. Volleying At Home 101 is in session with Professor Federer.

Roger Federer took to social media on Tuesday to challenge his fans to a volley challenge. The 38-year-old Swiss has been exploring new ways to embrace #tennisathome, and he found a fun method at the wall where he’d previously put on a trick-shot show on ice.

Federer stood just inches from the wall and hit rapid fire forehand volleys. The 103-time tour-level champion was already hitting volleys when the video began, and he was still doing so when the video ended. The shots were too quick to count, but he hit about 200 consecutive volleys in one minute without moving his feet.

Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

Fans will take notice that Federer was sporting a Panama hat, not the bandana people are used to seeing from him over the past two decades. “Choose your hat wisely,” Federer wrote.

The challenge was not only for fans, but for celebrities, too. Federer tagged the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, Bill Gates and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in his post.

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Sinner & Team Make Donation In Support Of Bergamo Coronavirus Battle

  • Posted: Apr 06, 2020

Sinner & Team Make Donation In Support Of Bergamo Coronavirus Battle

Learn about how the 18-year-old is doing his part

#NextGenATP Italian sensation Jannik Sinner is doing his part in the battle against coronavirus. The 18-year-old announced on his social media that in conjunction with his management company, StarWing Sports, and coach, Riccardo Piatti, he is donating €12,500 to Cesvi, a humanitarian organisation, to aid with medical emergencies in Bergamo.

“The unity in Italy throughout this crisis has been incredible. Among many thousands of Italians that have helped through this crisis, I want to applaud the 250 volunteers who came together in Bergamo recently to build a Field Hospital in just eight days,” Sinner wrote. “This unity is what will get us through this period. I want to do my part, as much as I can, to contribute in pulling us out of this.”

Sinner is currently in Monte-Carlo, but he has been monitoring the situation in Italy closely.

“I urge you to help in any way you can to contribute in getting our great country out of this,” Sinner wrote. “I am proud to be Italian and proud of our unity. We will come out of this stronger. Stay safe ❤️”

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The Italian previously announced he would donate €10 for every photo shared on social media of a pizza pie that resembled him or any Italian figure.

“Hopefully, the Coronavirus will go away as soon as possible,” Sinner wrote in a blog for ATPTour.com. “I know every country is doing their best to lockdown.” 

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Hurkacz Q&A: Federer, Jigsaw Puzzles & Avoiding Boredom

  • Posted: Apr 06, 2020

Hurkacz Q&A: Federer, Jigsaw Puzzles & Avoiding Boredom

Pole answers fan questions on social media

From posting workout videos to taking part in the toilet paper challenge, Hubert Hurkacz has been active on social media to share what he’s been doing at home.

The rising 23-year-old held an impromptu Twitter Q&A this past weekend and spent an hour answering questions from fans. Hurkacz revealed his closest friends on Tour, favourite song of the moment and which player he’d like to trade places with for a day.

ATPTour.com highlights some of the Pole’s best answers from the Q&A.

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Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

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Five Things To Know About Houston

  • Posted: Apr 06, 2020

Five Things To Know About Houston

Learn more about the event that began in 1910

The Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship is a historic event, dating back to 1910 in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the only North American clay-court tournament on the ATP Tour.

From memorable moments to charitable giving, ATPTour.com looks at five things to know about the ATP 250, which has been held in Houston since 2001.

Isner Struck His 10,000th Ace In Houston
John Isner hit his 10,000th ace in the quarter-finals of the 2018 Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship, blasting a 138 mile-per-hour missile down the T past good friend Steve Johnson to start the fourth game of the deciding set (1-2).

“Ten thousand aces is an incredible achievement,” said Isner after losing the match, despite hitting 28 aces. “It is bittersweet to hit it in a loss tonight, but that’s just how it goes sometimes.”

The ace made Isner the fourth player in history to join the 10,000-ace club, and he is now second on the all-time list with 12,266 aces. After the history-making ace, there was a slight delay as the ball was passed to chair umpire Simon Cannavan for safekeeping. Isner eventually signed the ball and labelled it ‘10K’, and it was sent to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island to be put on display.

Isner

Unforgettable Players’ Party & More Fun
A staple of the The Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship is its players’ party. Every year, players, tournament staff and supporters gather at a thrilling party in which the dress code is all-white. Some players even pack a special outfit for the trip, and others go shopping once in Houston to make sure they fulfill the requirements.

It is a good opportunity for everyone to unwind before the action begins, with players mingling with those who will be out watching the matches throughout the week. The dancing and musical performances are always a hit.

“We are rocking everything head to toe white. It’s what makes this tournament so fun, events like this,” said John Isner in 2016. “People are so engaged and it promotes our tournament so well. All these people are going to be out watching us all week, so it’s great to see.”

That’s not all the players have enjoyed at the event, though. Sam Querrey, who played Houston each year from 2007-19 — has become a stalwart in the annual fashion show, Steve Johnson threw out the first pitch at a Houston Astros game last year, and Frances Tiafoe went to a Houston Rockets game last year and was thrilled to take a picture with an oversized head of superstar James Harden, who is known for his massive beard.

Bryan Brothers’ Have Enjoyed Plenty Of Success
From 1969 through 2008, only two teams lifted the Houston doubles title in consecutive years: Kevin Curren/Steve Denton (1980-81) and Ken Flach/Robert Seguso (1984-85). No duo had triumphed in three consecutive years.

But Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan accomplished the feat from 2009-2011, and they have won a tournament record six titles. The Bryan Brothers or the team they have lost to has won the Houston title in each of their past 12 appearances (2006-07, 2009-11, 2013-19).

“There’s no better place to do it than in Houston, where we’ve enjoyed so much success and had unbelievable fan support. Thanks to the River Oaks Country Club and its members for another fantastic tournament.”

The Bryan Brothers, known not just for their tennis, but their musical talents, perform an annual concert poolside after play on Thursday at the tournament, thrilling fans on and off the court.

Seven Champions Reached World No. 1
In the Open Era, seven champions of this event have reached the top of the FedEx ATP Rankings. That list of titlists includes Jimmy Connors, who holds the record for most titles at the event during the Open Era with four.

The other World No. 1s to triumph are Andre Agassi (1988, 2003), Jim Courier (1998), Lleyton Hewitt (2009), Ivan Lendl (1985), Andy Roddick (2001-02, 2005) and Mats Wilander (1987). Michael Chang (1997), Tommy Haas (2004), Magnus Norman (1999) and Manuel Orantes (1973, 1975, 1977) are all former World No. 2s who lifted the trophy at the only American clay-court event held at tour-level.

Watch over 165 classic ATP Tour matches from the 90s

Sportsmanship First: The Langston Trophy
The Langston Trophy, named in honour of Ernest Langston, who was the general chairman of the River Oaks tennis tournament for eight years, is annually awarded to a player or players who exemplify great sportsmanship.

In 2018, the trophy was awarded to seven players: Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, John Isner, Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey, Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. The Americans made personal donations toward resurfacing the two tennis courts at Sunnyside Park, which were affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Other players who have received the Langston Trophy are Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and Pete Sampras. The 2019 recipient was doubles champion Santiago Gonzalez.

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Grigor Reveals: I'm A Laundry Fanatic & Compulsive Note-Taker

  • Posted: Apr 06, 2020

Grigor Reveals: I’m A Laundry Fanatic & Compulsive Note-Taker

Bulgarian shares what he’s been up to while staying home

Hello everyone from sunny California! I hope you are all staying safe and doing your part to stop the spread of coronavirus.

I decided to stay on the west coast of the U.S. once it was announced that Indian Wells was cancelled. The days have pretty much been the same, but to be honest, I’m in really good spirits now. It’s been a bit of an adjustment, but I think it’s good to let loose, let your beard grow or whatever you want to do.

Tennis players are creatures of habit, so I still make sure to structure my day. Go to bed on time, wake up early, be productive in the morning. There’s a reason why some of the greatest minds of our time wake up early. I think structure is needed for your mental thoughts. Also washing our hands as much as possible. I’m a crazy fanatic when it comes to laundry and have been doing that twice a day.

I’m lucky because I have a small gym on the property where I’m staying and can access it every day. I have a little basketball court to run around on or can go for walks. Maintaining my physicality on a daily basis is key. You can always find a way to exercise, even at home. It’s not easy, but reveals a lot about your own character and lets you learn more about yourself.

Tennis At Home | How ATP Players Make The Most Of Stay At Home

Eating well is just as important now, but I’m letting myself be a little bit loose and sometimes have things that I wouldn’t necessarily eat while competing. I’ve been really good at making chocolate chip cookies lately!

I’ve been in contact with friends and family a lot during this time. With the sacrifices we make as athletes, it’s sometimes hard to be the best friend that you’d like to be for loved ones. Now is the chance to reconnect and really just listen.

The time off has been great in some ways because it’s given me perspective about what I want to do in the future, after tennis, and some things I want to do off the court. We now have a pause where you can let yourself be, put your guard down and let your mind wander. I have notepads lying around everywhere in case a thought or idea comes into my head and I want to explore it later with my agents or family.

I’m starting a course at Harvard Business School in a few weeks. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I loved being in school, but haven’t had the chance to experience it to the extent that I would have wanted to. Now I have the time to do something new and different.

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I recently donated some ventilators to the hospital in my hometown of Haskovo to help those affected by the coronavirus. I’ve always been very aware of what’s happening in Bulgaria. I’ve been playing for Bulgaria all my life. I really appreciate the people and all the support throughout the years. This is not only a way of giving something back to my country, but deeply moves me and makes me feel alive.

In the future, hopefully I can have the right opportunities, right partners and the right structure to do the things I’ve always wanted to do, whether it’s in the medical field or education or something like that. I just know there are bigger things and I’d really like to not only be heavily involved, but give a part of myself for it.

For now, staying mentally strong is the most important thing. Hopefully we only have a little bit more of this to go. I hope everyone can get out of this safely. I’m sure that we’re all going to resume what we love doing soon, but health is the most important thing right now.

As told to McCarton Ackerman

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