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Chung Crowned First Next Gen Champ!

  • Posted: Nov 12, 2017

Chung Crowned First Next Gen Champ!

Korea’s Hyeon Chung is crowned the first Next Gen ATP Finals Champion

“The Professor” is now at the top of the #NextGenATP class.

South Korea’s Hyeon Chung won the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals championship on Saturday night, beating top seed Andrey Rublev of Russia 3-4(5), 4-3(2), 4-2, 4-2 to celebrate his maiden ATP World Tour crown in Milan.

I’m just really, really happy, because, I don’t know, I really don’t know how I won here in Milan,” Chung said. “[It was a] really tough match tonight against Rublev. He was better than the last time [we played]. So I was just trying to play my best.” 

The 21-year-old Chung became the first South Korean to hoist an ATP World Tour singles trophy since Hyung-Taik Lee captured the 2003 Sydney title (d. Ferrero), and he did it by racing through the #NextGenATP field.

Chung won all three matches in group play, including an earlier straight-sets win against Rublev, and the Korean dismissed Russian Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals to reach his first tour-level final.

In Chung’s third FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting against Rublev, he was as steady as ever to finish the tournament a perfect 5-0.

The sixth-seeded Chung had reached only a tour-level semi-final before Saturday, while Rublev had already hoisted an ATP World Tour trophy, having won in Umag in July. But despite Rublev having the experience edge in finals, Chung was the calmer of the two, especially when under pressure inside a packed Fiera Milano.

All week, Chung, who earned “The Professor” nickname because of his glasses, had scraped himself out of holes on his serve. Heading into the inaugural final, the South Korean had saved 77 per cent of his break points (27/35), best among all eight #NextGenATP finalists.

And the 21-year-old dug himself out of more holes in the early going, saving all five break points in the first set. But Rublev eventually overpowered Chung in an even set, taking the tie-break with a service winner.

Perhaps the Russian eyed the finish line, though, a bit too soon in the second set. He tightened up and grew frustrated, and his play suffered. The Russian landed only 27 per cent of his first serves and hit 15 unforced errors as Chung evened the match.

“I was playing much better than him. I was dictating the match, and then just because I let my emotion go out and everything changed, because Chung, he was always there. He was always focused. He was always in the match. No matter if something went wrong, he was still fighting,” Rublev said.

The pivotal third set saw a too-solid Chung withstand a barrage of forehands from Rublev, who grew more and more frustrated with Chung’s relentless defence. The pattern continued in the fourth set as well, as Chung tracked down ball after ball from feet behind the baseline, and Rublev couldn’t find a Plan B.

The tournament featured a number of innovations, including a shorter format – best of five sets, first to four games sets and no-ad scoring. Fittingly enough, Chung won the title on a deciding deuce point. After dropping his first two championship points, Chung served at 40/40, 3-2 in the fourth set.

His first serve set up a sitting forehand, and Chung crushed a winner to win his first title on the final day of his season. He leaves Milan with a cheque for $390,000 in prize money; Rublev will receive $235,000.

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Goffin Set For Nadal Showdown

  • Posted: Nov 11, 2017

Goffin Set For Nadal Showdown

In a season full of twists and turns, Goffin hopes his best is yet to come

David Goffin started 2017 with every indication of reaching the Nitto ATP Finals.

As of 15 May, the nimble Belgian was fourth in the Emirates ATP Race to London as a result of an early-season run of form. Reaching the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, finals in Sofia and Rotterdam and further strong results on clay in Monte-Carlo and Madrid, Goffin seemed en route to qualifying for the season-ending championships for the first time, having played one match as an alternate last year (l. to Djokovic.)

But at Roland Garros, his season – and his ankle – took a turn. 

After an unfortunate slip on the backcourt rain tarps in his third-round encounter with Horacio Zeballos, Goffin’s season stalled, forcing him to miss Wimbledon before making a comeback on North American hard courts later in the summer. Following the US Open, it was difficult to tell if the 26 year old would be able to reclaim his early-season form.

“It was not easy to come back from my injury, that’s why I decided to play a lot of tournaments, a lot of weeks, “ said Goffin.

In Asia, Goffin put himself back in contention for a spot in London by winning his first two titles since 2014 at the Shenzhen Open and the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships, ultimately compiling a 54-22 win-loss record to reach a career-high ranking of No.8 in the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“I didn’t expect to be here at this tournament but as soon as I won two titles … I decided to continue to try to be in the tournament and that’s the case,” said the Belgian. “That was the challenge: to be part of this tournament – and I made it, so I’m happy to be here. The season is not over yet and I’m going to try to play one more week and try to do my best.”

Goffin’s focus now shifts to his opening match against Rafael Nadal, twice his conqueror in 2017.

“It’s the toughest opponent to start this campaign here at the ATP Finals,” said Goffin of Nadal. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s our first meeting on hard courts indoors; we played some good matches on clay, in Madrid for example … I’m sure I can play some good tennis against him.”

Despite only going two sets, their Madrid encounter was of the highest quality, which included several memorable highlight-reel points in the second set. Goffin remarked that playing Nadal on hard courts compared to clay courts is a completely different challenge.

“First of all, it’s faster on hard courts and the [bounce] is lower indoors. Rafa, he cannot slide on this surface. He’s more comfortable on clay and can play higher, he can play deeper; it’s really heavy when he’s hitting the ball on clay so it’s not easy to take the ball really early. 

“Here there is no bad bounce – you can take the ball early, earlier than on other surfaces,” added Goffin. “You can do a lot more winners, so that’s what I’m going to try against him in my first match. But it’s not easy, he’s such a great fighter, such a great defender and as soon as you give him a short ball it’s a winner for him. It’s never easy to play against him.”

Goffin is set to play Nadal at the Nitto ATP Finals in Monday’s evening singles.

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Nitto ATP Finals Day 1 Preview: Federer Vs. Sock

  • Posted: Nov 11, 2017

Nitto ATP Finals Day 1 Preview: Federer Vs. Sock

ATPWorldTour.com looks ahead to the Group Boris Becker opener between Roger Federer and Jack Sock

Fans attending the Nitto ATP Finals on Sunday will be treated with a historic moment as the day session gets underway. The season finale in London is set to open with a clash between second seed Roger Federer and debutante Jack Sock, marking a record 15th tournament appearance for the Swiss.

Federer saw his streak of 14 consecutive appearances snapped last year due to injury, but the six-time champion will be eager to make an emphatic statement to conclude a dominant 2017 campaign. Looking to neutralise Sock’s power game, Federer will take confidence from a 3-0 FedEx ATP Head2Head mark against the American. He did not drop a set in those three encounters, most recently prevailing 6-1, 7-6(4) in this year’s BNP Paribas Open semi-finals.

“I don’t look at the other 12 matches I won against these guys [in Group Boris Becker], my focus is solely on Jack Sock,” said Federer. “He had a wonderful week in Paris. He was almost out in the first round against Kyle Edmund and then ends up winning the whole thing. He’s confident and likes the big stage. I know that from the good match we had in Indian Wells. I can expect a tough one.”

Focused Federer Ready For London

In total, Federer has a 12-3 head-to-head record against the other three players in his group and he is 11-3 in opening matches at the Nitto ATP Finals, with losses coming in 2007 to Fernando Gonzalez, 2008 to Gilles Simon and 2013 to Novak Djokovic. The 36-year-old, who has secured the year-end No. 2 position in the Emirates ATP Rankings, will be bolstered by a 49-4 win-loss mark this year, including an 11-1 record against fellow Top 10 opponents.

While Federer looks to reach 50 match wins for the 14th time in his illustrious career, Sock will be bidding to match a personal best with his 37th victory of the season. The Swiss and the American are the only players to enter the tournament on the heels of clinching titles. Federer is streaking into Sunday’s showdown after lifting trophies at the Shanghai Rolex Masters and Swiss Indoors Basel, while Sock has won five matches in a row after claiming his maiden ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Paris.

Sock Flying The Flag For America In London

The Nebraska native is the first American in the season finale since Mardy Fish in 2011, and is looking to become the first to win a group stage match since Andy Roddick in 2007. Also the champion at the ATP World Tour 250 events in Auckland and Delray Beach, Sock joins Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Alexander Zverev as Nitto ATP Finals debutantes this week.

“I’ve never played a format like this, but it’s nice having the guaranteed matches,” said Sock. “If the first one doesn’t go well, you have your next two to make the semis. It’s nice for sure. I think I have a fairly entertaining game, so I’m definitely looking forward to showcasing it and getting out there this weekend and into next week.”

Sunday’s evening session will feature Zverev against Marin Cilic, as Day 1 in Group Boris Becker comes to a close under the lights at The O2.

View FedEx ATP Head2Head matchup for the Group Boris Becker matches to be played Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals and vote for who you think will win!
Federer vs. Sock | Zverev vs. Cilic

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Dimitrov: "I Can't Hide My Smile"

  • Posted: Nov 11, 2017

Dimitrov: "I Can't Hide My Smile"

Following a career year on the ATP World Tour, Grigor Dimitrov looks ahead to his debut appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals

Take a look around The O2 this week and you’d be hard-pressed to find a player more exuberant and wide-eyed than Grigor Dimitrov.

Can you blame him?

After 10 seasons competing as a pro and pursuing his dreams on the ATP World Tour, Dimitrov has compiled his best campaign in 2017. The 26-year-old was rewarded with his first trip to the Nitto ATP Finals in London. In a season filled with new experiences, he admits he is relishing his debut appearance at the season finale.

“I can’t hide my smile,” Dimitrov told the assembled media ahead of the tournament. “I’m pretty pleased to be out here. For sure it’s a dream come true for me. In the past I’ve missed qualifying by one spot. It’s always been a goal of mine to come out here and perform. The arena is pretty special and they take such good care of you here. It’s a great reward. I’m so happy and super humbled.”

It’s the philosophy that every successful player on the ATP World Tour attributes to achieving their goals: hard work and dedication pay off. With the addition of Dani Vallverdu as coach, Dimitrov discovered a change in mentality and discipline both on and off the court. Up to a career-high No. 6 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, this personal growth and maturation has seen the Bulgarian soar in his quest to realise his full potential.

A dominant January and February, which saw Dimitrov post a 16-1 record en route to the Australian Open semi-finals and ATP World Tour 250 crowns in Brisbane and Sofia, was just the start. He would claim his biggest title in August at the Western & Southern Open, lifting his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy. The triumph in Cincinnati would see him return to the Top 10 for the first time in more than two years, and he would proceed to reach his 13th ATP World Tour final last month in Stockholm (l. to Del Potro).

It’s this enhanced focus and determination that Dimitrov credits for his success, as he looks forward to London and beyond.

“My overall performance the whole year has been pretty good. I have been more consistent, which is the key for me. Also, winning Cincinnati propelled me to do even better and I was fighting throughout every tournament I played. I had good discipline the whole year and ultimately I reached this goal. But I didn’t change anything major. Not too much.

“It’s mid-November and I’m already excited for next year and looking forward to the work during the offseason. It’s a good sign… With the right attitude, the good work ethic, just staying healthy, being as close as possible to your team and following your goals, everything can only get better. One of my most important goals is be better than I was yesterday whenever I get out on the court. Age doesn’t mean anything to me anymore.

Paired with top seed Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and fellow debutant David Goffin in Group Pete Sampras, Dimitrov will look to build on a 44-19 record in 2017.

He opens against Thiem in Monday’s day session, in what will be their third FedEx ATP Head2Head encounter of the year. Dimitrov kicked off the season with a three-set victory over the Austrian in Brisbane, but Thiem reciprocated with a win in a deciding tie-break at the Mutua Madrid Open in May.

“I’ve played a few times against Dominic. He’s one of the best players. To be here, you’ve obviously done something right. I’m looking forward to the match. It’s cool to be here at the end of the year and play your last matches against the top players. I already had my first hit on the court and I think it’s going to be a great match.”

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Sabalenka beats Stephens to level Fed Cup final

  • Posted: Nov 11, 2017

Belarus drew level with the United States in the Fed Cup final after Aryna Sabalenka beat Sloane Stephens 6-3 3-6 6-4 in front of a home crowd in Minsk.

US Open champion Stephens, ranked 13th in the world, fought back from one set down to set up an entertaining decider.

Sabalenka, 19, had to break back twice in the third set on her way to victory.

The world number 78 leads the campaign for Belarus after twice Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka withdrew because of a custody battle.

Belarus, who are competing in the final for the first time, were 1-0 down after Coco Vandeweghe beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-4 6-4 in the first singles match.

They are now level on 1-1 with the United States, who are without Serena and Venus Williams as they chase a record 18th Fed Cup title.

Sabalenka will face world number 10 Vandeweghe next, while Stephens will look to bounce back against Sasnovich, ranked 87th in the world.

Should the tie go to a deciding fifth rubber, American 2016 French Open quarter-finalist Shelby Rogers and January’s Shenzhen Open runner-up Alison Riske will take on Belarus duo Vera Lapko and Lidziya Marozava in doubles.

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Rematch For The Title; Chung Seeks 1st Trophy, Rublev 2nd

  • Posted: Nov 11, 2017

Rematch For The Title; Chung Seeks 1st Trophy, Rublev 2nd

Chung and Rublev will play for the third time this year

From innovations to the #NextGenATP stars putting on a show all week in Milan, the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals has been a resounding success. But the tournament is not over quite yet, and a lot is at stake on Saturday.

Only one man can walk away with the ATP World Tour title — for Hyeon Chung, it would be his first, and Andrey Rublev, his second (Umag).

It will be the second time the pair meets this week alone. On Wednesday, Chung won 4-0, 4-1, 4-3(1) in the second match in Group A play. The 21-year-old South Korean comes into the final with a 4-0 record in the event after beating Daniil Medvedev in a five-set classic in the semi-finals, while the 20-year-old Russian is 3-1, suffering his only loss against Chung.

Overall this is their third FedEx ATP Head2Head battle. Chung won 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the Winston-Salem Open in August prior to the US Open, where Rublev reached the quarter-finals.

Chung is appearing in his first ATP World Tour final and is trying to become the first player from South Korea to win a tour-level singles title since Hyung-Taik Lee captured the 2003 Sydney title (d. Ferrero). He has won his last two matches in five sets (d. Quinzi, Medvedev) after dropping only one set in his first two Group A matches. Chung has a 28-18 match record on the season and his 28 wins is the most in the field. 

The right-hander has dominated on return of serve this week, breaking opponents a tournament-high 16 times (16 of 45 games). He also leads in break points saved (77%, 27 of 35). If Chung wins, he will take home $390,000 as an undefeated champion.

“I have to focus on the match,” Chung said. “After winning the match I can think about prize money and [the] trophy, [if] I get my first trophy in the ATP. So I have to finish the match first and nothing else.”

Rublev, who is the top seed in the tournament, needed only 62 minutes to beat Borna Coric in the semi-finals. Rublev has been broken 11 times in 42 service games this week (26%), but he saved the only break point faced on Friday. The Russian lifted his first ATP World Tour trophy in Umag in July (d. Lorenzi) as a lucky loser.

He beat third-seeded Denis Shapovalov 4-1, 3-4(8), 4-3(2), 0-4, 4-3(3) on Thursday in his final Group A match to earn a spot in the semi-finals. Rublev has a 21-17 match record on the season and he reached a career-high No. 35 in the Emirates ATP Rankings on 9 October. He is No. 37 this week, and can claim $335,000 if he earns the trophy.

“This was my best tennis in the whole week. I’m really happy, and I hope tomorrow I can show even better game,” Rublev said after beating Coric. “I’ll try, like always I will try to play my game to try to dictate, because the first match here, I wasn’t playing that aggressive. I didn’t play that good. I was missing a lot. So I hope tomorrow I can show a better game.”

In the third-place match, Medvedev and Coric square off for the second time this week. On Wednesday, Coric won 4-3(5), 2-4, 4-1, 4-2 in their second Group B match. Medvedev was a finalist in Chennai (l. to Bautista Agut) in the opening week of the year, while Coric won his first ATP World Tour title in Marrakech in April.

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