Here’s the article translated into Polish:

NOWY JORK — Jest wiele rzeczy, w których Iga Świątek, światowa numer jeden i królowa tenisa ostatnich dwóch lat, jest bardzo dobra.

Czy potrafi powstrzymać stres i frustracje od przenikania do swojej gry? Sama przyznaje, że ta część wciąż jest w trakcie doskonalenia. Życie w głowie Świątek w ostatnich dniach może przypominać jazdę po krawędzi noża z dużą prędkością.

W dzień taki jak pierwszy wtorek na US Open 2024, potrzeba było całej jej woli, aby pozostać na nogach. Popełniła 41 niewymuszonych błędów, przetrwając bitwę 6-4, 7-6(6) z Rosjanką Kamillą Rachimową, która prowadziła 6-3 w tiebreaku drugiego seta.

Zwycięstwo nie przyniosło wiele radości ani celebracji. Tylko bardzo gorąca, czerwona twarz i zbyt wiele myśli o tym, co się wydarzyło.

Dwa dni później, na tym samym korcie, przeciwko podobnie przewyższanej przeciwniczce z Japonii, Enie Shibaharze, Świątek z łatwością zdobyła jedno ze swoich charakterystycznych zwycięstw “bagel-and-breadstick”, rodzaj swobodnego zwycięstwa, które utrzymało ją na szczycie kobiecego tenisa przez niemal 120 tygodni.

Co się zmienia?

W ostatnich latach Świątek stała się bardziej skryta, jeśli chodzi o wewnętrzne procesy w jej umyśle. To ta część osobowości tenisistki, która nigdy nie przychodziła jej naturalnie. Jej mózg jest zbyt aktywny. Nie jest jedną z tych dusz, które mają szczęście istnieć bez wewnętrznego monologu. Słyszy każde słowo, które myśli.

„Zwykle nie czuję się dobrze na korcie, kiedy mam zbyt wielkie oczekiwania,” powiedziała w czwartek, wyjaśniając swoje zmieniające się podejście do obu meczów. „Z tego powodu podejmuję złe decyzje na korcie. Więc staram się zresetować i pamiętać, że nie muszę grać perfekcyjnie przez cały czas. Dobrze, jeśli popełnię kilka błędów, ale powinnam po prostu skupić się na poprawie, i to wszystko.”

Ta psychologiczna walka między oczekiwaniami a doskonaleniem się objawiła się w pełni podczas tych dwóch dni.

Wtorkowa Świątek była zawodniczką zdesperowaną, by pokazać, jak doskonała może być, starając się wygrywać punkt po punkcie, strzelając laserami w linie. Gdy uderzyła zbyt mocno i straciła punkt, często próbowała uderzyć piłkę jeszcze mocniej w kolejnym uderzeniu, celując prosto w linię zamiast blisko niej przy pierwszej okazji. Rachimowa nie ułatwiała jej zadania. Świątek odpowiadała na krótkie zaproszenia do ataku i wysokiej jakości, głębokie forhendy z równą i bezwzględną siłą.

To lekceważenie jakości przeciwnika i całkowita wiara we własną doskonałość doprowadziły Świątek do tego, gdzie jest teraz. W ostatnich miesiącach to również powstrzymywało ją przed dalszym rozwojem.

„Bycie pierwszym przy piłce” to wyrażenie, którego zawodnicy czasami używają, aby opisać taki agresywny styl. Jest jednak cienka linia między agresją a niecierpliwością. Agresja to strategia. Niecierpliwość to reakcja emocjonalna — taka, która często ma swoje źródło w chęci ucieczki z nieprzyjemnej sytuacji.

Świątek mówiła o uczuciu rozdrażnienia przez większość ostatnich dwóch miesięcy. Odkąd opuściła Paryż w czerwcu, gdzie zdobyła swój czwarty tytuł French Open i piąty tytuł Wielkiego Szlema w swojej wciąż młodej karierze, nie czuła się do końca dobrze.

Już wtedy działała na oparach, wygrywając oba turnieje Masters w Madrycie i Rzymie przed French Open. Przyznała, że źle radziła sobie z regeneracją przed Wimbledonem, który odbywa się na trawie, jej najmniej lubianej nawierzchni, na której gra najgorzej. Tam odpadła w trzeciej rundzie — była to Świątek, która widzi, jak przeciwnik szczytuje i nie zmienia swojej strategii, zanim będzie za późno, by coś z tym zrobić.

Po krótkim odpoczynku wróciła do Paryża na turniej olimpijski, również na Roland Garros, gdzie była zdecydowaną faworytką. Grała i funkcjonowała tak, jakby miała na swoich barkach ciężar Jowisza, a potem zalała się łzami, gdy przegrała w półfinale z późniejszą złotą medalistką Zheng Qinwen z Chin, ledwie będąc w stanie mówić o festiwalu błędów, jakiego doświadczyła na swoim ulubionym korcie.

Gdy zdobyła brązowy medal dzień później, mówiła o tym, jak intensywność harmonogramu i presja grania dla Polski, z szansą na zdobycie czegoś, co zdarza się tylko raz na cztery lata, zniszczyły jej nerwy. „Wciąż mam wiele pracy do wykonania, aby zrozumieć siebie i to, co się ze mną czasem dzieje,” powiedziała.

Świątek wzięła tydzień wolnego, ale gdy pojawiła się w Cincinnati na amerykańskim cyklu twardych kortów, zmęczenie i wyczerpanie związane z harmonogramem oraz jego wpływem na nią i wielu innych zawodników wciąż były na pierwszym planie. Sport musi się zmienić, mówi ciągle. Przestańcie robić tyle turniejów tak długimi i obowiązkowymi. Jeśli tego nie zrobimy, wypalenie jest nieuniknione.

To spotkało jej poprzedniczkę na szczycie sportu, Ash Barty, która zakończyła karierę w marcu 2022 roku w wieku 25 lat. Świątek powiedziała w czerwcu, że nie wie, jak długo wytrzyma. Rzuciła liczbę 28 lat. Teraz ma 23.

Więcej dni jak czwartek pomoże.

Więcej meczów, kiedy pamięta, że gra na szczycie swoich możliwości nie zawsze jest możliwa ani konieczna — i kiedy pamięta, że szczyt jej możliwości jest i tak wyższy niż u kogokolwiek innego. Więcej meczów, kiedy akceptuje, że może być najlepsza, gdy nie stara się, by każde uderzenie było ostatnie, grając punkty zamiast próbować nimi dominować.

Jej bohaterem jest Rafael Nadal — król wygrywania punktu po sześciu uderzeniach, a nie jednym.

W czwartek po południu nie starała się zbytnio zdominować Shibahary w szczególnie oczywisty sposób. Ale i tak to zrobiła, wchodząc w punkty, opierając się na ogromnym topspinie, który tylko ona posiada w kobiecym tenisie. Za każdym razem, gdy gra w ten sposób, sprawia, że te chwile, kiedy tego nie robi, wydają się jeszcze dziwniejsze.

Dwa lata temu, gdy wygrała ten turniej, swój jedyny tytuł Wielkiego Szlema poza tymi czterema w Paryżu, powiedziała, że nauczyła się wygrywać bez grania perfekcyjnego tenisa. Przez cały ten turniej ledwo czuła się komfortowo w którymkolwiek z siedmiu meczów. Świątek lubi naturę i ciszę. Więc Nowy Jork nie jest tak naprawdę jej miejscem. Za dużo ludzi. Za dużo hałasu.

W tym roku zatrzymuje się w hotelu blisko Central Parku. Może to pomogło.

Cokolwiek zrobiła w ciągu tych 48 godzin między wtorkiem a czwartkiem, zadziałało. Tylko ona wie, czy może to utrzymać przez kolejne dziewięć dni i pięć meczów. W ostatnim w tym roku turnieju Wielkiego Szlema niemal wszyscy są zmęczeni długim sezonem, który wciąż ma przed sobą kilka miesięcy.

All eyes are on Jannik Sinner‘s girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya, as she steps into the spotlight in more ways than one. Fresh off her impressive run to the third round of the US Open, Anna is turning heads not just on the court but on the streets of New York as well. Decked out in a glamorous avatar, she’s making waves thanks to her newfound partnership with Naomi Osaka’s media agency.

Ahead of her third-round clash, the official Instagram account of Evolve, shared a series of Kalinskaya’s pictures, from the streets of New York. Following that, the caption read, “Spotted in the city 👀🔥 NY ❤️ AK.” In those pictures, there were various black-and-white photos of Kalinskaya with ‘Open’ mentioned in a bright yellow color.

Kalinskaya’s stunning photos were also on the truck cover and even on a billboard, which was easily visible from a far distance. With a confident public image, Anna Kalinskaya is demonstrating that her skill and sense of style make her quite the star and she is actively embracing the stardom.

Before the US Open started, Kalinskaya was ecstatically holding the court net and she looked effortlessly stylish in a white overcoat, blue trousers, and a cropped t-shirt. She looked quite stunning in this ensemble of stark white photos. Beyond the court, Kalinskaya showed off her glam side by dressing in an oversized tank top, comfortable white shorts, and a sleeveless white top.

Her images are now a source of inspiration for anyone looking for the ideal example of comfortable yet fashionable apparel. Partnering with Naomi Osaka’s co-founded media agency Evolve on May 24 has been beneficial for Kalinskaya. Her influence is now visible on the cover of Open, the latest print magazine from Evolve, further cementing her status as a rising star in both the tennis and fashion worlds.

However, did you know that Anna Kalinskaya isn’t the only tennis star with ties to Naomi Osaka’s brand? Interestingly, the enigmatic Nick Kyrgios also shares a link with the same brand.

Nick Kyrgios is also a part of Osaka’s ‘Evolve’
Kyrgios became the first client to sign with Naomi Osaka’s newly launched Evolve agency. Evolve manages the six-time ATP Tour winner’s brand partnerships, investments, and charitable endeavors, while also exploring opportunities for athlete-owned businesses.

Reflecting on his decision to join Evolve, Kyrgios stated, “When I learned that Stuart and Naomi were starting an agency focused on supporting athletes like me, it made complete sense to join.” He added, “I have consistently tried to do things differently throughout my career and bring my entire personality to the game of tennis. I’m excited to work with Stuart and Naomi to continue building on what we’ve started and push the game of tennis forward.”

Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka left IMG in May 2022 to start her own business with her agent, Stuart Duguid, to be in complete charge of her commercial endeavors and now Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Kalinskaya is associated with her brand.

What are your thoughts on Kalinskaya taking over the streets with her glamorous side? Let us know in the comment section below.

Nick Kyrgios has once again harshly attacked Jannik Sinner, regarding the issue of positivity to Clostebol that involved the young Italian in recent months and which came to light publicly only on August 20th.

The Australian player is continuing to attack his colleague for what happened, provoking the ATP No.1 and responding to the words that the winner of the Australian Open had reserved for Nick a couple of days ago.

“As athletes we use our platforms to make sure things are fair and equitable. That’s all I’ve done and some players are angry. We know that Sinner is incredible, a great tennis player and one of the main faces of the sport. But if you expect us to stay silent, we won’t,” explained the Australian tennis player.

"It is what it is." 🤷‍♂️

Jannik Sinner isn't worried about being interviewed by Nick Kyrgios after the Aussie had some things to say about the world No. 1 on social media.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/LsKLLnOI5f

— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 29, 2024

As mentioned, the Italian was asked what he thought of Kyrgios’ words, in a press conference after qualifying for the 3rd round of the US Open.

“I don’t want to respond to what he said, everyone is free to comment what they want. If he were to interview me on the court, I would definitely feel different, but I don’t know. I’m always very relaxed and I forget things quickly,” said Jannik.

On X, the 29-year-old Australian also reacted with surprise to Carlos Alcaraz’s surprising defeat in New York. Nick pushed and openly supported the young Spaniard, especially after his rather detached statements on the Sinner case. And instead Carlitos suffered the most important setback of the season against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, which made his race to finish the year as ATP number 1 quite complicated.

Jannik Sinner said he was quite satisfied with the improvements made to his game from the first to the second round of the US Open 2024 and explained that it will not be easy to replace two figures like Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara in his team, at the press conference following his qualification for the 3rd round of the New York Major.

The number 1 of the ATP ranking, however, did not focus only on the technical aspects and, a few hours after Caroline Garcia’s outburst, warned the new generations about social media, warning everyone about the presence of an evident dark side.

“It is clear that there is a good side to social media, but also a dark side. The truth is that I try to spend as little time as possible on social media. The important thing is to have a family that knows you well and shows you at all times the true values ​​that you need. When you are young you worry a lot about your reputation and everything they say seems important to you. That’s why I always advise all athletes to have people around them who love them and appreciate them for who they are,” he said.

On the match and the future of his team, Jannik analyzed:

“I noticed an improvement in my tennis compared to the first round. Having a day to train helped me a lot and I will continue to work hard to understand what is the best way to compete on these courts. It’s a strange moment and I don’t want to talk about it too much. We are trying to understand who can be the best option, to bring new members into the team. It’s not easy to find a fitness trainer and a physiotherapist in the middle of the season. We are doing our best to find the best people, we’ll see. I hope to have news at the end of the US Open.”

With Lexi Thompson set to retire at the end of this year, many players are starting to consider their own retirement plans. However, Meghan Khang believes she’s been lucky to find a family on the LPGA Tour that she can rely on during tough times. Living on tour means constantly being on the move, and as Khang describes it, it’s like “a travelling circus,” but she has revealed no plans of retiring anytime soon.

Speaking to reporters after finishing T12 in the second round of the FM Championship with a total of 3-under, Meghan Khang was asked if she found tour life challenging. She replied, “I’m very fortunate. I have a great group of friends, and a lot of times we like to get airbnbs together. It’s really cool to kind of have that tight-knit group of friends we consider family out here.”

Her close-knit group on tour reportedly includes World No. 1 Nelly Korda, Jessica Korda, and Alison Lee. They played junior golf together and have maintained a strong bond over the years. Nelly Korda has also spoken about their relationship, saying, “I hang out with usually the same girls: Megan Khang, Alison Lee, and Jess (Jessica Korda). We’ve been close for the past couple of years. We all played junior golf together and we’ve just grown closer as time went on.”

Khang also mentioned that there is always support available on the LPGA Tour for those who seek it, and she is always willing to help other pros. “I’m very much extroverted and very outgoing, and I am probably the first one to say hi to someone who’s a rookie out here. My phone is always open.”

Megan Khang can count on friends like the Korda sisters and Alison Lee inside the ropes during the LPGA Tour to help navigate its ever-changing nature. But she also has a famous friend who has always been an admirer and hopes to see her continue playing professionally for a long time.

Megan Khang’s Hollywood Connection
As a child, Meghan Khang was a golfing prodigy. During her junior years, she competed against the best and developed strong friendships that have lasted to this day. One of her close friends is now a famous Hollywood actress who also used to play junior golf—Kathryn Newton.

The Big Little Lies actress is an avid golfer and is said to play three times a week. Khang first met her at a junior event in Florida, and they quickly bonded. Newton mentioned that she would only play if Khang was playing, and they would stay in the same hotel and swim in the hotel pool after every round.

While Newton left golf to pursue her acting career, she still maintains her connection to the game, promoting women’s golf whenever she can and attending tournaments in person.

For Paige Spiranac, building her brand in the game of golf has been a long and arduous journey. It was a significant shift from being a professional golfer to becoming an influencer. But Spiranac stuck around despite the constant hate and sexism she encountered. As the original golf influencer, she faced criticism repeatedly. At one point, Spiranac had to call out a 1-time PGA Tour winner for his sexist remark about her using her s** appeal.

Regardless, the 31-year-old has come far and is doing better than ever. Her influence on the golf world was evident when she was selected as one of the 16 creators to participate in the PGA Tour’s Creator Classic at East Lake Golf Club. Spiranac was grateful, praising the PGA Tour in her latest YouTube video for investing in golf influencers and inaugurating a never-seen-before tournament.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I feel like I was really one of the OGs, the originals and so from when I first started and the reaction that I would get, now you know 7 years later to be here in this moment surrounded by I mean the best in the world on a world-class Golf Course is truly like a pinch me moment.” Indeed, Spiranac’s path has been one for the books, as she battled criticism and is now being rewarded for her perseverance.

Before the event, the 31-year-old golfer was worried about playing badly at East Lake GC, but she wasn’t as disappointed as she had expected. Spiranac did not win the event, but she was 2 over in 8 holes, which was better than half the field. From handling sexist remarks about her game to becoming one of the top influencers in the sport, it was a great feat for Spiranac. And although she gains a hater with each passing moment, the OG influencer holds no hostility toward anyone.

Paige Spiranac forgives her critics
The judgment is never-ending, but Paige Spiranac has moved past it. She has explained why she does what she does, but people still cannot wrap their heads around the former pro’s social media brand. However, the criticism doesn’t affect Spiranac anymore. After more than seven years in the industry, the 31-year-old golfer has learned to forgive those who can’t agree with her.

Spiranac revealed in an interview with Fox Business how she perceives outside opinions and said, “Over the years, I have realized that it’s OK. People are allowed to have their opinions.” Instead of getting enraged or discouraged by hateful words, the influencer shared that she tries to see it in a positive light. She said, “Even if I get a comment that criticizes me, I try to hear it out because maybe I can learn from it, I can better myself, or I can adjust.”

Whether it’s about her clothing choices or people criticizing her golf skills, Paige Spiranac has always been under constant scrutiny for most of her career. But now, it no longer deters her from making her choices, as Spiranac has learned to move on from anything that disturbs her peace.

La sconfitta di Carlos Alcaraz al secondo turno degli US Open ha completamente cambiato gli scenari per il ranking mondiale ATP e la lotta per terminare l’anno come ATP No.1. Tutto è cambiato in una partita semplice, perché anche questo può succedere nel tennis; il giovane spagnolo si è probabilmente autoescluso dalla corsa al trono del tennis maschile, con questo risultato, consegnando virtualmente il trono a Jannik Sinner fino alla fine del 2024.

Alexander Zverev, l’unico ancora in corsa per sfidare Sinner come ATP No.1, sarà secondo alla fine dello Slam di New York, se Novak Djokovic non riuscirà a riconfermare il suo titolo o se il serbo raggiungerà le semifinali. Un obiettivo già raggiunto circa due anni e mezzo fa, con il famoso infortunio alla caviglia al Roland Garros che gli ha impedito di spingersi ancora più avanti.

Un’opportunità importante è anche nelle mani del giovane italiano che guida il ranking, che può mettere fine alla corsa per il numero 1, almeno per questa stagione. In caso di quarti di finale e di una partita in più rispetto a Zverev a Flushing Meadows, il vincitore dell’Australian Open sarebbe sicuro di essere numero 1 fino al 27 ottobre, giorno della finale di Vienna, un torneo in cui dovrà difendere 500 punti e potrebbe essere matematicamente attaccabile da Alcaraz o Zverev.

Le proiezioni certificano un aspetto molto importante: lo spagnolo e il tedesco dovranno ottenere il massimo dei punti nel tour asiatico in Cina per poter pensare di minacciare l’italiano, che ha 1180 punti totali fino a Parigi-Bercy, ma un vantaggio molto rassicurante.

Anche Novak Djokovic è praticamente fuori dai giochi, anche se dovesse riconfermarsi tra i primi 2 con la vittoria agli US Open. Nole potrebbe anche volare a Shanghai e ottenere altri 1000 punti, ma il trionfo a Bercy da difendere, oltre alle ATP Finals, rende quasi impossibile il sorpasso entro la fine dell’anno.

Sinner potrebbe chiudere ogni discussione spingendosi fino alla finale degli US Open. Con i quarti di finale, Jannik eviterebbe un sorpasso di Alcaraz anche alla fine di ottobre, con le competizioni di Vienna e Basilea in programma, senza nemmeno contare i punti che l’italiano potrebbe guadagnare in Asia. Conquistando l’accesso alla sesta finale della stagione, Carlitos arriverebbe sicuramente dietro a Sinner all’inizio delle ATP Finals, anche se dovesse ottenere una serie di vittorie a Pechino, Shanghai, Vienna/Basilea e Parigi-Bercy mentre Sinner rimanesse a 0 in questi eventi.

Un aspetto che rende chiaro l’incredibile vantaggio attuale di Jannik sui suoi rivali. È una storia diversa per Zverev, che ha sicuramente bisogno di un risultato importante a New York. Se l’italiano dovesse sollevare il titolo al cielo, come successo all’Australian Open, potrebbero non esserci più possibilità per i suoi avversari.

It was the final major of the 2024 LPGA Tour season. Lydia Ko had finished her Sunday round with a score of 7-under overall after the four days of play. A last-minute choke by fellow LPGA Tour pro Nelly Korda on the 14th and a brilliant shot by the Kiwi on the 18th had set up her 3rd major victory. Soon after, the 27-year-old was spotted enjoying the win with her husband, Chung Jun. However, as soon as they hugged each other, the couple broke down in tears.

On a recent mini-episode of the LPGA podcast, ‘Catching Up With Lydia Ko After the AIG Women’s Open’, the AIG Women’s Open champ recounted the moment and explained why she and her partner were so emotional at the moment of victory. “One of the biggest factors was just my husband,” confessed the pro as she recalled her win at the Paris Games without him owing to the situation, “He really wanted to be at the Olympics, and you know, the Olympics is difficult with like accreditation and everything.”

A very wholesome moment between Lydia Ko and her husband after she won the AIG Women’s Open 🥹⛳️ pic.twitter.com/tiynYMimqx

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 25, 2024

Although the two had planned to just spend the AIG Women’s Open together instead of the quadrennial event, the news of her winning the latter had brought them to tears as well. “After I’d won the gold, you know, we called each other and we both started crying,” remembered Ko as she added how Chung Jun really wanted to be there owing to it being her last Olympics.

“I know he was really gutted,” admitted the 3-time major champ as she sympathized with her partner’s feelings for missing the Olympics gold. Couple that with the fact that the AIG Women’s Open was the first event where the two were together the whole week for one of her wins made it all the more special. “Cause when I won at the CME, he just came on the weekend,” said Ko.

The golfer’s husband had even once blamed himself for her losses at a point in time. “I remember somewhere in between, he told me,” quoted the New Zealand athlete, “You know I feel like sometimes I(sic) don’t play well when he comes and I was like ‘No, that’s not true. It’s just like coincidental that I may not have played well.’” But all that doubt seems to have been washed away after seeing his wife win the last major of the season at St. Andrews!

Lydia Ko claims her third major win at the AIG Women’s Open

The Kiwi was able to put up figures of 71-70-71-69 over the four rounds of play to clinch her third major win of her professional career. She did so by carding 13 birdies and six bogeys over the course of her performance at the Old Course in St. Andrews. Consequently, she was able to finish two strokes ahead of the golfers at T2, including Jiyai Shin, Lilia Vu, Ruoning Yin, and Nelly Korda.

Her win at the major was, interestingly, preceded by her clinching the gold medal at the Paris Games by beating the likes of Esther Henseleit and Xiyu Lin, the silver and bronze medalists, respectively. Back then, she had carded a 10-under 278 while dishing out 20 birdies and 6 bogeys, not to mention the two double bogeys she scored over the four rounds. It truly was an amazing couple of weeks for the golfer and her husband.

It wouldn’t be a tennis major without a sprinkle of controversy. While Novak Djokovic made headlines for becoming the only player to win 90 matches or more, his scheduling has brought in some conflict. Everyone wants to see top players competing at the foremost stadiums. But then those favorites differ for everyone. And if the latest social media chatter is to be believed, Djokovic is not on the list.

The Serbian is looking for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam, which would make him break his own record of 24. Even though the season has so far been disappointing, Djokovic is still riding high on the Olympic gold glory. Having defeated Radu Albert and his countryman Laslo Djere who withdrew in the second set, Djokovic will now face Alexei Popyrin in round three. But for many, a Djoker match is much less valuable than two of the country’s biggest stars clashing – Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe.

https://x.com/i/status/1828310352091611570

Both matches will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium today and their drastically different timings have dismayed many. While late-night matches might be preferable for the audience, Djokovic contrastingly spoke against it after he cleared the first round. “Well, I don’t think that aging helps really staying so late and playing very late,” he said after defeating Albert. “I can feel, you know, my batteries are low now. I’m shutting down.” Nevertheless, many feel like the former World No. 1 is still receiving preferential treatment.

Tennis fans in disbelief as US Open favors Novak Djokovic over home favorites

When an angry fan pointed out on a tennis forum, “All 3 of Djokovic’s U.S. Open matches have been evening matches including the Friday night match scheduled for August 30th. This is blatant favoritism – giving the 37-year-old matches at the coolest part of the day,” the main issue wasn’t Djokovic. But who his matches were uprooting. “Meantime, the match between Americans Tiafoe and Shelton has been given a daytime slot when fewer people can watch. The match scheduling at the US Open this year has been very disappointing. Will Djokovic play any day matches at all?”

So far, no. His third-round match against Popyrin is also scheduled for the evening at 7 PM ET, while Tiafoe vs Shelton will take place at 1.15 PM ET. “Djokovic is playing 3 nights in a row and there are other marquee matches I’d rather see at night like Shelton vs. Tiafoe. Djokovic vs. Djere was a dud of a match that ended early in retirement. Make Djokovic play during the day. End the favoritism,” another fan wrote.

Djokovic vs. Djere started as a thriller. The first set took almost an hour, as Djokovic clinched it 6-4, but by the second set, Djere was struggling with pain in the lower abdomen. He ultimately retired after two hours, and 16 minutes of play. Even Nole was disappointed, “It’s not what we want. It’s not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover. He’s such a good player, especially in these conditions.”

One fan pointed out how the next match-up of the Serbinator could bring in some much-needed excitement. “Popyrin won Canada. Djokovic took a month off and is serving below 50%. The USO smells an upset or dramatic 5-setter that will deliver great box office.”

It’s a popcorn match for many whenever the Serbian takes the court. But for those without a bias, another player, preferably American, would be more watched. “Excuse me, I’m just a tennis fan. Djokovic has already been in prime time twice this U.S. Open. Three times is overkill. The prime-time fans want to see someone else play.”

Now Djokovic winning another Grand Slam is anyone’s guess. But while it’s a 50/50 chance, Tiafoe vs. Shelton is much more interesting. “They should schedule Tiafoe-Shelton at night. That might be the first electric match between Americans,” wrote one fan.

While both Tiafoe and Shelton have come close to Grand Slams before and usually advance to the latter stages of the tournament, only one can emerge victorious this time. Who are you rooting for at the US Open extravaganza? Let us know in the comments below.

Tennis corridors are filled with stories that evoke nostalgia and surprise, and the latest tale comes from Russian star Daniil Medvedev. In a candid moment, Medvedev shared a surprising story about his fellow competitor, Taylor Fritz. The memory, which has resurfaced just as they advance further at the US Open, left Medvedev in shock, reminding us all of the unexpected twists that make tennis so captivating. Curious to know what left him so astonished?

Medvedev engaged in an interview ahead of his third-round clash with Flavio Cobolli, Medvedev revealed a story revolving around his Wimbledon Campaign. He claimed that he was shocked to hear a claim statement about Taylor Fritz, that was confirmed by his then-girlfriend, Daria Medvedeva.

Speaking at the interview, the Russian recalled an incident from 2018. “We played Wimbledon, would be probably 2018 and I’ll be brutally honest I don’t wanna cheat on practice but yeah sometimes you don’t see the ball, it’s like a challenge. And so we were playing and I don’t remember exactly what it was but I called some out where I thought the ball was out.” 2018 was quite a fantastic year for the star player.

This Fritz story 😭😭😭

And this: "Tennis U12 is brutal. It prepares you mentally. It's much tougher than ATP Tour" 🤣

(H/t @tumcarayol whose question prompted this gem of an answer)

🎥 @usopen #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xWQ4dfdJXS

— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) August 30, 2024

He won his first ATP title in the same year and never looked back. The star player also clinched his second and third ATP titles which also established him as the No. 1 player from Russia. Medvedev also finished 2018 with the most hard-court match wins of any player on the ATP Tour. However, his call during the practice session was not received well by Fritz.

Continuing further in the interview, the Russian star recalled what Daria told him after the match. “She says he was talking to his coach and he was like, ‘Damn this guy! He cheats all the time.’ and I was so shocked.” Interestingly, Medvedev is known for his fearlessness and honest actions in the courts. Besides, he has never shied from expressing his emotions, and the latest admission reveals the same yet again. However, there was a time when Medvedev admitted playing ugly during the matches.

“There Are Times When I Behave Ugly” – When Daniil Medvedev made a shocking admission about his behavior
Medvedev has risen to the ranks not just because of his sensational skills, but also due to his demeanor on the court, which has made him the favorite of many tennis enthusiasts across the globe. However, the star player has faced his own share of struggles that have behaved him in a way that he thinks is not appropriate.

In an interview in 2021, Medvedev spoke on this subject and stated, “Believe me, it’s still much more pleasant for me when I am supported, and not booed. And this happens in most tournaments. Yes, there are times when I behave ugly, but I always remain myself. People see that I do not want to deceive anyone, to invent something, to cheat.”

As he advances further in his current campaign, it would be interesting to see if Daniil Medvedev can re-create a journey for himself like that of 2021 and win big at the US Open yet again.

Na terenu na kojem je redovno igrao ulogu negativca, Đoković je uživao u obožavanju navijača dok je pobedio Danila Medvedeva u tri seta.

Novak Đoković je osvojio toliko Grand Slam singl titula na toliko različitih načina da je postalo ekstremno teško pratiti ih sve.

Đoković, Srbin, dodatno je učvrstio svoju reputaciju kao najbolji igrač modernog doba u nedelju, klinikom pobedom u tri seta protiv Danila Medvedeva iz Rusije. Ploveći po terenu i mašući reketom s lakoćom i gracijom koju najbolji igrači deset godina mlađi, pa čak i manje iskusni, mogu uglavnom samo da sanjaju, Đoković je iskoristio loš početak Medvedeva, zatim je izdržao svog prijatelja u epskom drugom setu i konačno savladao svog suseda iz Monte Karla, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

To je učinio na terenu Arthur Ashe Stadionu gde je većinu svoje karijere provodio igrajući negativca u mečevima protiv autsajdera ili dugogodišnjih omiljenih igrača kao što su Rafael Nadal i Rodžer Federer. Nedelja je bila sasvim drugačija. Skoro 24.000 gledalaca dočekalo ga je ogromnim ovacijama, a zatim su ga zasuli najvećim aplauzom kada je Medvedev poslao lopticu u mrežu i dao Đokoviću titulu koja je iznenađujuće teško došla najvećem igraču na tvrdoj podlozi u istoriji sporta.

“Ovo mi znači ceo svet,” rekao je publici neposredno pre nego što je podigao trofej po četvrti put u svojoj karijeri.

Njegov prelazak iz uloge negativca u protagonist počeo je pre dve godine, blizu kraja veoma različitog finala protiv istog protivnika. Tog dana, Đoković je izašao na teren pokušavajući da postane prvi muškarac u više od 50 godina koji je osvojio svih četiri Grand Slam turnirskih titula u jednoj kalendarskoj godini.

Medvedevov trijumf u tri seta bio je skoro zapečaćen tog dana kada je Đoković bio nekarakterističan za sebe, ali stadion ispunjen da bude svedok istorije obasjao je Đokovića ljubavlju koju nikada nije osećao u Njujorku. Plakao je u svom sedištu dok ga je ta ljubav preplavila pre finalne igre.

Đoković je propustio US Open prošle godine zbog pravila federalne vlade koja je zabranjivala stranim posetiocima koji nisu bili vakcinisani protiv Covid-19 da uđu u zemlju. Prvi put nakon skoro dve godine kročio je na američko tlo sredinom avgusta kako bi igrao na Western & Southern Openu blizu Sinsinatija. Brzo je shvatio da ljubav koju je osećao tokom finala US Opena 2021. godine nije izbledela.

Đoković je u nedelju trebao svu tu podršku kada je, dok je izgledao kao da kontrolira situaciju sredinom drugog seta, Medvedev ponovo pronašao svoju formu. Nakon seta i po punih grešaka, Rus sa rukama poput hobotnice i nogama gazele očistio je greške iz svoje igre, poboljšao svoj servis i izveo vrlo efikasnu imitaciju odbojnika koja ga je ranije dovela do vrha sporta.

Poeni koji su trajali duže od 20 udaraca postali su rutina u meču sa mnoštvom 30-udaraca razmena, a odjednom su Đokovićeve noge počele da otkazuju, kao bokser pogođen udarcem u vilicu. Oslanjao se na svoj reket između poena, teško dišući. Brisao je glavu sa kesom leda između gemova.

“Gubio sam vazduh na toliko mnogo mesta,” rekao je. “Ne sećam se da sam ikada bio toliko iscrpljen nakon razmena.”

Servirajući da ostane u drugom setu pri 5-6, istegnuo je noge pre nego što je bacio lopte u vazduh. Napravio je napor dok je trčao za lopticama, spasivši set loptu sa dva mekana voleja.

“Bio je umoran,” rekao je Medvedev. “Bio sam svuda oko njega.”

Prešli su na odlučujući taj-brejk, i čak je i taj, kao mnogi poeni u ovom video igračkom meču, išao napred-nazad. Medvedev se približio na dva poena od izjednačenja, pobedivši u iscrpljujućoj razmeni drop šotova. Ali zatim, kao što je to često činio, Đoković je odigrao tri uzastopna poena bez greške.

Kada je Medvedev poslao bekhend u mrežu, 104 minuta nakon što je set počeo, Đoković je stekao prednost od dva seta, prednost koju je izgubio samo jednom u svojoj karijeri, pre 13 godina, pre nego što je postao skoro nepobediv igrač kakav je danas.

Polako je otišao do svog sedišta, uzeo torbu i otišao sa terena na pauzu za toalet. Medvedev je skinuo majicu i pozvao fizioterapeuta, koji je masirao njegova ramena, iako je, nakon onoga što je izdržao tokom prethodnih sat i po, zaista trebao masažu mozga.

Kada se vratio na teren, Đoković je ponovo plovio, adrenalin od još jednog šampionata i rekorda davao je ponovno otkriće u njegovom koraku. Požurio je ka mreži, koristeći se protivnikom koji igra tako duboko na terenu da često izgleda kao da će udariti u zadnji zid tokom svog zamaha. Niko ovog puta nije mogao da oduzme Đokoviću ovu slatku povratak u Ameriku.

Čini se da svaki put kada igra turnir ovih dana postavlja rekord u muškom tenisu, i obično nadmašuje jedan od svojih. Đoković je godinu započeo u Melburnu, gde je osvojio rekordnu 10. titulu na Australian Openu. Nedelja je donela njegovu 24. Grand Slam singl titulu, povećavajući njegov rekord u muškom tenisu od 23 koji je postavio na French Openu u junu.

U petak je igrao u rekordnom 47. Grand Slam polufinalu, jednom više od Federera. Pre tri nedelje je osvojio rekordnu 39. titulu na Masters 1000 turniru, događajima odmah ispod nivoa Grand Slamova. U nedelju je igrao u svom 36. Grand Slam finalu.

Njegov nastup na US Openu je garantovao, čak i pre nego što je izašao na teren za finalne mečeve, da će se u ponedeljak ujutru probuditi kao broj 1 igrač na svetu, preuzimajući vrh od Karlosa Alkaraza, 20-godišnjeg španskog senzacije. To će označiti njegovu 390. nedelju na vrhu sporta. Već je imao taj rekord, takođe.

“Šta još radiš ovde,” rekao je Medvedev, 27, Đokoviću, 36, koji ga je sprečavao da osvaja titule još od prvog puta kada je ušao u vrhove tenisa pre šest godina.

Obrišući se u uglu terena pre nego što je servirao za meč loptu, hvatajući poslednji put dah, Đoković je pogledao u navijače u prvom redu i klimnuo glavom, oči su mu bile širom otvorene. Nekoliko trenutaka kasnije kleknuo je na teren, ramena su mu se tresla dok su suze ponovo tekle. Kada je ustao, otišao je do tribina i podigao svoju ćerku Taru, koja ima 6 godina i jedva može da sedi tokom teniskog meča. Često boji u knjigama na podovima stadiona dok njen otac igra.

“Tennis nije baš njena stvar,” rekao je s osmehom i zbunjenim izrazom ranije ove godine.

Sada jeste. Gledala je sa strane terena u nedelju, i Đoković je rekao da kad god je trebao podsticaj, pogledao je prema njoj i video je kako se smeška i podiže pesnicu, i verovao je da će sve biti u redu.

Zatim su usledili zagrljaji s ostatkom njegove porodice u tribinama. Kada se vratio na teren, zamenio je svoju znojnu opremu za majicu sa slikom njega i Kobea Brajanta, njegovog sportskog heroja, prijatelja i ponekad mentora, čiji je broj na dresu bio 24 kada je završio svoju NBA karijeru. Taj broj bio je na leđima Đokovićeve majice.

“Šteta zbog Wimbledona, par poena na jednu ili drugu stranu,” rekao je njegov trener, Goran Ivanišević, žaleći zbog Đokovićevog jedinog poraza u 28 Grand Slam mečeva ove godine, u pet setova protiv Alkaraza u julu. Ivanišević je rekao da on i Đoković nikada nisu razgovarali o tom porazu nakon tog dana. “To je ono što ga čini velikim.”

Nekoliko dana pre ovog turnira, Đoković je razmišljao o dirljivom, ali srčanom danu pre dve godine kada ga je Medvedev zaustavio samo jednu utakmicu od možda najvažnijeg teniskog postignuća. Još uvek je osećao toplinu od njujorške publike koja ga je konačno prihvatila.

“Obožavaju sport i takođe vole kada dožive nešto posebno,” rekao je. “Iskreno su me podržavali i želeli da pobedim i da napravim istoriju.”

U retrospektivi, rekao je, podlegao je težini toga, kao što je retko radio.

Ovog puta, Đoković je zabranio svojoj porodici da spominje bilo šta o istoriji, odlučivši da ovaj meč drži što jednostavnijim i jasnijim.

Njujorčani su morali da čekaju dve godine da vide to, ali u nedelju su konačno i videli. Šanse su da će to možda ponovo videti.