2025 ATP General News

[El Dude]

That was the 1st big explosion of talent outside of the US & Australia! Those 2 countries ruled tennis for yrs. w/ Budge in GB & The 4 Musk. in France intervening! Hopman really turned things around in the Penal Colony "down under!" OTTH, the Pro Era grew from just a handful of countries dominating to small nations taking over like Borg heralding Wilander, Edberg, Nystrom, Jarryd, etc., then Martina Navratilova, Jan Kodes, & Ivan Lendl pushing Czech. to the fore w/ Mandlikova, Sukova, Mecir, & Novotna.! Russia had a little ripple of success w/ Morozova & Metreveli & the Russian Fed. producing Zvereva, Kafelnikov, Safin, Safina (sister), etc.! Vilas started a revolution in Argentina, Orantes in Spain, .... I better stop before my head explodes testing it so much at 68 yo! Memories!

I like this kind of reminiscence. It would be interesting to figure out when every country had its best year, or years. It is weird how a nation can be so dominant, then disappear. Think of Australia - a top tennis nation going back to the early 20th century, then totally dominant on the men's and women's side, pro and amateur, in the 60s and deep into the 70s. But then...Cash, Rafter, and Hewitt, and that's about it. Oh, and Barty, with a one-off from Stosur.

And don't get me started about the US: powerhouse from the beginning and into the early 2000s, but then US men's tennis collapses after Agassi hung up his racket. In 2003 Agassi won his last and Roddick his first and only...and no Slams since.

Spain had some good players going back to Manuel Santana and Andres Gimeno, and then Manuel Orantes, then saw a rise in the 90s, and then of course supernova that was Rafa followed by a second supernova in Carlos. If you love Spanish tennis, the last two decades--and the next decade plus to come--is a grand old time.

The Nordic countries in general have really kind of sucked since Edberg retired. I mean, Thomas Johansson? For a tiny moment, I thought the Ymer brothers would be something, but I'm not even sure if Elias made it into the top 100 and Mikael ended up getting suspended for doping. He retired in 2023 but I think tried to make a comeback this year. He was/is a headcase. I think Elias is still plodding along in the Challengers, but is now almost 30.

Another thought...what are the largest countries without Slam winners? China on the men's side, but there's Li Na. India. I think the only African country with a Slam winner is South Africa, with Johan Kriek. Indonesia, and a bunch of other countries. But India is the easy choice, as the most populated country in the world. I believe the best Indian player of all time is probably Ramesh Krishnan who won a bunch of low level titles and was a fixture in the top 100 for over a decade, but peaked out at #23.

 

[Jelenafan]

….
Another thought...what are the largest countries without Slam winners? China on the men's side, but there's Li Na. India. I think the only African country with a Slam winner is South Africa, with Johan Kriek. Indonesia, and a bunch of other countries. But India is the easy choice, as the most populated country in the world. I believe the best Indian player of all time is probably Ramesh Krishnan who won a bunch of low level titles and was a fixture in the top 100 for over a decade, but peaked out at #23.

How they forget:
India: Vijay Amritraj

His style was so smooth & silky he made Federer look like a clodhopper. I remember he once upset all time great Rod Laver in a slam.

Extra trivia: only top player to act in a James Bond Film and be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame

 

[Fiero425]

I like this kind of reminiscence. It would be interesting to figure out when every country had its best year, or years. It is weird how a nation can be so dominant, then disappear. Think of Australia - a top tennis nation going back to the early 20th century, then totally dominant on the men's and women's side, pro and amateur, in the 60s and deep into the 70s. But then...Cash, Rafter, and Hewitt, and that's about it. Oh, and Barty, with a one-off from Stosur.

And don't get me started about the US: powerhouse from the beginning and into the early 2000s, but then US men's tennis collapses after Agassi hung up his racket. In 2003 Agassi won his last and Roddick his first and only...and no Slams since.

Spain had some good players going back to Manuel Santana and Andres Gimeno, and then Manuel Orantes, then saw a rise in the 90s, and then of course supernova that was Rafa followed by a second supernova in Carlos. If you love Spanish tennis, the last two decades--and the next decade plus to come--is a grand old time.

The Nordic countries in general have really kind of sucked since Edberg retired. I mean, Thomas Johansson? For a tiny moment, I thought the Ymer brothers would be something, but I'm not even sure if Elias made it into the top 100 and Mikael ended up getting suspended for doping. He retired in 2023 but I think tried to make a comeback this year. He was/is a headcase. I think Elias is still plodding along in the Challengers, but is now almost 30.

Another thought...what are the largest countries without Slam winners? China on the men's side, but there's Li Na. India. I think the only African country with a Slam winner is South Africa, with Johan Kriek. Indonesia, and a bunch of other countries. But India is the easy choice, as the most populated country in the world. I believe the best Indian player of all time is probably Ramesh Krishnan who won a bunch of low level titles and was a fixture in the top 100 for over a decade, but peaked out at #23.

Starting at the end w/ India, you forgot about the flying Armitraj brothers; Vijay becoming a James Bond agent in "Octopussy!" Then you have a country w/ nothng; war torn, impoverished, but is now almost ICONIC w/ The GOAT coming from Serbia! They're at the top of the list when it comes to individual sports' performance & record! Djokovic owns his sport like no other; closing all doubt w/ OGM last Summer! How the mighty have fallen w/ Australia & The USA drowing in Int'l obscurity since the Williams' sisters retired! The ladies have at least had a couple major wins w/ Sloane & Keyes, but that's a big letdown after King, Evert, Navartilova, Capriati, Venus, & Serena! Australia's been in even worse straits! Going back to Court, Goolagong, Turnbill, & Fromholtz-Bal., nee Stosur & Barty, I can only think ????!

 

[El Dude]

Yes, of course - I did forget about Vijay Armitraj, who I think I mentioned at one point not long ago.

And don't forget about Coco Gauff, Fiero. I highly doubt she'll be anything like Serena, Evert, etc, but she's certainly a big step up over Stephens and Keys, and very well could be more accomplished than Capriati before all is said and done.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Yes, of course - I did forget about Vijay Armitraj, who I think I mentioned at one point not long ago.

And don't forget about Coco Gauff, Fiero. I highly doubt she'll be anything like Serena, Evert, etc, but she's certainly a big step up over Stephens and Keys, and very well could be more accomplished than Capriati before all is said and done.

Capriati missing out on a chunk of what should have been her prime years will always keep me up at night. She should have been an ATG, following in the lineage of great American tennis players like BJK, Evert, and Navratilova. There are so many great rivalries in the history of women's tennis, but the one that went unfulfilled was Capriati-Seles. That really should have been the premier rivalry of the 90s.

 

[Jelenafan]

Starting at the end w/ India, you forgot about the flying Armitraj brothers; Vijay becoming a James Bond agent in "Octopussy!" Then you have a country w/ nothng; war torn, impoverished, but is now almost ICONIC w/ The GOAT coming from Serbia! They're at the top of the list when it comes to individual sports' performance & record! Djokovic owns his sport like no other; closing all doubt w/ OGM last Summer! How the mighty have fallen w/ Australia & The USA drowing in Int'l obscurity since the Williams' sisters retired! The ladies have at least had a couple major wins w/ Sloane & Keyes, but that's a big letdown after King, Evert, Navartilova, Capriati, Venus, & Serena! Australia's been in even worse straits! Going back to Court, Goolagong, Turnbill, & Fromholtz-Bal., nee Stosur & Barty, I can only think ????!

For goodness sake Fiero the women have done quite well recently as they’ve won the last 2 slams & we have several contenders in every Major ( including now Gauff, Pegula, Keys, etc). Currently 4 American women are in the top 10 & 5 in the top 12, it’s a friggin golden age. ; )

As to the men, maybe El Dude can answer this question, Were there American men from the start of computer rankings (1973) for something like 30 consecutive years for every single calendar week? I mean with no dip somebody was always there, ie Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Dennis Ralston, Jimmy Connors, John Macenroe, Jimmy Arias, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, Michel Chang, Sampras, etc In the top ten?

I think Spain has had someone in the top 10 for at least 1999 or 2000 until now, so they have a 25 year streak going. If Alcaraz’s stays healthy for the next 8-10 years I could see them shattering the US ATP consecutive week streak.

 

[Fiero425]

For goodness sake Fiero the women have done quite well recently as they’ve won the last 2 slams & we have several contenders in every Major ( including now Gauff, Pegula, Keys, etc). Currently 4 American women are in the top 10 & 5 in the top 12, it’s a friggin golden age. ; )

As to the men, maybe El Dude can answer this question, Were there American men from the start of computer rankings (1973) for something like 30 consecutive years for every single calendar week? I mean with no dip somebody was always there, ie Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Dennis Ralston, Jimmy Connors, John Macenroe, Jimmy Arias, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, Michel Chang, Sampras, etc In the top ten?

I think Spain has had someone in the top 10 for at least 1999 or 2000 until now, so they have a 25 year streak going. If Alcaraz’s stays healthy for the next 8-10 years I could see them shattering the US ATP consecutive week streak.

Sorry babe; you know I'm stuck in the past! I just don't watch enuf for today's results to stick! I can go into individual pts. from matches in the 80's b/c they're imbedded in my memory from watching them over & over from old Beta & VHS tapes! That's why I can be so specific about conditions, commentary, etc.! In today's game, I just don't care as much; esp. since the fall of Fedalovic, Henin, Hingis, Barty, & Osaka!

 

[El Dude]

For goodness sake Fiero the women have done quite well recently as they’ve won the last 2 slams & we have several contenders in every Major ( including now Gauff, Pegula, Keys, etc). Currently 4 American women are in the top 10 & 5 in the top 12, it’s a friggin golden age. ; )

As to the men, maybe El Dude can answer this question, Were there American men from the start of computer rankings (1973) for something like 30 consecutive years for every single calendar week? I mean with no dip somebody was always there, ie Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Dennis Ralston, Jimmy Connors, John Macenroe, Jimmy Arias, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, Michel Chang, Sampras, etc In the top ten?

I love that question but it would be timeconsuming to check every week. But I think its safe to say that there was always an American man in the top 10 from 1973 into the 2000s, probably even every week. I mean, just Jimmy Connors alone was #10 at the start of computerized rankings in August of 1973 and didn't leave the top 10 until 1989, and then you have Courier, Sampras, Agassi, Chang, Roddick all filling the gaps (and a few others).

Roddick exited the top 10 for a bit in 2006 from July to September, but James Blake was top 10 the whole time. Andy slipped out again August 16 of 2010, so that might have been the first time (and then for good in April of 2011), so August of 2010 might have been the first time in the Open Era that there wasn't an American man in the top 10.

After Roddick, Mardy Fish was top 10 for a bit in 2011-12 and then John Isner at various points in 2012, 2014, and 2018-19. Sam Querrey never made it. And then, of course, Taylor Fritz has been in the top 10 for most of the last three years, but not all of it.

I think Spain has had someone in the top 10 for at least 1999 or 2000 until now, so they have a 25 year streak going. If Alcaraz’s stays healthy for the next 8-10 years I could see them shattering the US ATP consecutive week streak.

The late 60s and 70s had Santana, Gimeno, and Orantes winning big titles for Spain, but then there was a lull in the 80s with pretty much only Juan Aguilera carrying the Spanish flag, at least among big title winners (he won two big title equivalents, Hamburg in 1984 and 1990...in 90 it was an official Masters). In the 1990s, you have an increase in Spanish big title winners: Aguilera in 90, Emilio Sanchez in 1991, and Sergei Bruguera two Slams and two Masters in 91-94, and then Roberto Carretero's lone title in 1996, and then Moya, Corretja, Costa, and Ferrero leading up to Rafa.

I have a chart of big titles color-coded by country that I can dig up, but would have to update it.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I forget to post this yesterday I was having computer problems, thankfully fixed today,

Novak Djokovic has hired a new conditioning and strength trainer, Dalibot Sirola, he worked with Jannik Sinner as a teenager, Milos Raonic and Sharapova at the end of her career, he got his first break in the sport thanks to Richard Piatti and Ivan Ljubicic, coming from basketball and football among other sports, he is one of the most experienced strength and conditioning trainers in our sport, Novak wanted him to work with him at Roland Garros this year, he was already engaged with another player

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Hubert Hurkacz who withdrew on the day when the Wimbledon draw came out has undergone an arthroscopy on his knee.
During the procedure, the overgrown membrane causing inflammation,pain and related issues were removed
Hurkacz is now starting recovery and will come back when he is 110% to compete again

 

[Kieran]

Dunno if this was posted before, just saw it now, very interesting, Rafa giving advice to young players Fonseca, Mensik and Michelsen:

Listen in as Rafa Nadal gives advice to Next Gen stars Joao Fonseca, Jakub Mensik and Alex Michelsen in Jeddah | By ATP | Facebook

Listen in as Rafa Nadal gives advice to Next Gen stars Joao Fonseca, Jakub Mensik and Alex Michelsen in Jeddah

www.facebook.com

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Exhibition match at Rothenbaum Hamburg, Tommy Haas vs Dominic Thiem on Sunday 20th July at 12.00

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Goran Ivanisevic spoke to Sport Klup and he shockingly revealed that, in his eyes, Tsitsipas is the ' most unprepared player' that he has ever seen.The 53 yo Croatian even claimed that he is currently in better shape than the world No 26.
"Its simple and its not easy. I've talked to him a lot of times .If he resolves some things outside of tennis, then he has a chance and will return to where he belongs, because he's too good of a player to be out of the Top Ten".
"He wants to, but dosent do anything.All the " I want, I want, but I dont see any progress".
Tsitsipas is on the entry list at the Croatia Open in Umag next which is a clay tournament before the hard court season.
( BTW Tsitispas and his girl friend Paula Badosa, have broken up for the second time,just after they both went out at Wimbledon this year)

 

[El Dude]

Goran Ivanisevic spoke to Sport Klup and he shockingly revealed that, in his eyes, Tsitsipas is the ' most unprepared player' that he has ever seen.The 53 yo Croatian even claimed that he is currently in better shape than the world No 26.
"Its simple and its not easy. I've talked to him a lot of times .If he resolves some things outside of tennis, then he has a chance and will return to where he belongs, because he's too good of a player to be out of the Top Ten".
"He wants to, but dosent do anything.All the " I want, I want, but I dont see any progress".
Tsitsipas is on the entry list at the Croatia Open in Umag next which is a clay tournament before the hard court season.
( BTW Tsitispas and his girl friend Paula Badosa, have broken up for the second time,just after they both went out at Wimbledon this year)

Par for the course with this guy. Again, it fits that entitlement mentality that he and Zverev seem to have and a far cry from the mentality of the Big Three. I don't know if this is fixable, at least not at this point. Maybe if he was 21-22 but he turns 27 soon.

at this point, Tstsipas hasn't reached a Slam SF in 2 1/2 years. Someone he managed to win Monte-Carlo last year, but that's fading in the rearview.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

I wonder if Tsitsipas's career turns out differently if he had held on to win the 2021 French Open. I feel like that was the point when the public turned on him, and Tsitsipas (being 22) just didn't know how to handle it, so he just broke mentally. It's clear that Tsitspas isn't the same player as 2021. In fact, he has gotten worse with each passing year. I don't think Tsitsipas really loves the game of tennis. I think he likes the lifestyle, as it gives him money, but making improvements to his game is not really a top priority. As long as enough money keeps rolling in, Tsitsipas seems content where he is. It's when his game completely falls apart and the money stops rolling in is when I really start to worry about him. When that happens, I hope Tsitsipas finds something he truly loves because I don't think he's a rotten person (like Zverev).

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I wonder if Tsitsipas's career turns out differently if he had held on to win the 2021 French Open. I feel like that was the point when the public turned on him, and Tsitsipas (being 22) just didn't know how to handle it, so he just broke mentally. It's clear that Tsitspas isn't the same player as 2021. In fact, he has gotten worse with each passing year. I don't think Tsitsipas really loves the game of tennis. I think he likes the lifestyle, as it gives him money, but making improvements to his game is not really a top priority. As long as enough money keeps rolling in, Tsitsipas seems content where he is. It's when his game completely falls apart and the money stops rolling in is when I really start to worry about him. When that happens, I hope Tsitsipas finds something he truly loves because I don't think he's a rotten person (like Zverev).

I tend to agree with you he loves the life style that money has given him, I have seen videos of him driving around MC in his new sports car, with then his GF Paula Basdosa by his side, always dressed in designer clothes etc. I dont think he has been a good trainer as Goran said he has never seen a player 'so unprepared'
I also think having his dad as his coach for soo long didnt help his game one bit, he still has a few technical issues, and with the right coach they should have been ironed out years ago.Tennis being an Individual sport at the end of the day it is up to any player to succeed, the ball is in Tsitsipas court if he does want to succeed in tennis or not.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The line up for the 2025
"Six Kings Slams" has been revealed
Sinner
Alcaraz
Djokovic
Zverev
Draper
Fritz

 

[El Dude]

The line up for the 2025
"Six Kings Slams" has been revealed
Sinner
Alcaraz
Djokovic
Zverev
Draper
Fritz

It is a bit of an odd-duck tournament, sort of like the Grand Slam Cup of the 90s - which had the highest payout of any event, even the Slams. Winners got a $1M bonus if they also won a Slam that year. It didn't offer ATP points and was only retroactively added as an official ATP title. The current tour finals is considered a merger of the ITF's Grand Slam Cup and the ATP's finals, but I sort of see it more as the continuation of the latter.

Anyhow, if this gains steam, I wonder if it will hold a similar place - or if Saudi Arabia will apply for official ATP status, perhaps even as a 1000 event, or maybe something unusual like a 750. It isn't quite the same thing as the GSC, which for one had 16 players, though reduced to 8 in 1998-99. It is also weird that Novak and Rafa got byes last year, despite Sinner and Alcaraz being the top players. I wonder if they'll give Novak a bye again, or if they'll adjust and give it to the top 2 ranked players (almost certainly Jannik and Carlos).

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

It is a bit of an odd-duck tournament, sort of like the Grand Slam Cup of the 90s - which had the highest payout of any event, even the Slams. Winners got a $1M bonus if they also won a Slam that year. It didn't offer ATP points and was only retroactively added as an official ATP title. The current tour finals is considered a merger of the ITF's Grand Slam Cup and the ATP's finals, but I sort of see it more as the continuation of the latter.

Anyhow, if this gains steam, I wonder if it will hold a similar place - or if Saudi Arabia will apply for official ATP status, perhaps even as a 1000 event, or maybe something unusual like a 750. It isn't quite the same thing as the GSC, which for one had 16 players, though reduced to 8 in 1998-99. It is also weird that Novak and Rafa got byes last year, despite Sinner and Alcaraz being the top players. I wonder if they'll give Novak a bye again, or if they'll adjust and give it to the top 2 ranked players (almost certainly Jannik and Carlos).

The organizers havent put out any further details eg giving Novak a bye again, or if they will adjust it to the 2 ranked players, Sinner and Carlos when they do I will post.

 

[kskate2]

Goran Ivanisevic spoke to Sport Klup and he shockingly revealed that, in his eyes, Tsitsipas is the ' most unprepared player' that he has ever seen.The 53 yo Croatian even claimed that he is currently in better shape than the world No 26.
"Its simple and its not easy. I've talked to him a lot of times .If he resolves some things outside of tennis, then he has a chance and will return to where he belongs, because he's too good of a player to be out of the Top Ten".
"He wants to, but dosent do anything.All the " I want, I want, but I dont see any progress".
Tsitsipas is on the entry list at the Croatia Open in Umag next which is a clay tournament before the hard court season.
( BTW Tsitispas and his girl friend Paula Badosa, have broken up for the second time,just after they both went out at Wimbledon this year)

Sounds like Goran is saying dump the chick, fast from shopping sprees, stop playing around w/ Daddio and get your lazy arse in the gym.