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“He reminds me a lot [of me] when I was his age” : Carlos Alcaraz on Joao Fonseca

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“He reminds me a lot [of me] when I was his age” : Carlos Alcaraz on Joao Fonseca Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the third round of the 2026 Miami Open, as he defeated Joao Fonseca in straight sets. The Spaniard reserved some high praise for his opponent, who is still in the early days of his tennis career. Carlos Alcaraz stated that he sees glimpses of his younger self in Joao Fonseca, and backs the Brazilian to come out good in the upcoming years. The world number one stated that even he first faced Rafael Nadal almost five years ago, he learnt a lot from the encounter, and had plenty of talking points. The Spaniard believes that matches like these will help the Brazilian and his team, as he also faced Jannik Sinner at the Indian Wells last week. He also stated that the 19-year-old has several things to improve, such as making the right choice of shots, which he expects will develop over time. Carlos Alcaraz said: ”When I played the best tennis players in the world when I was coming out, it did really help me a lot,” Alcaraz said. ”Those matches gave me the feedback to know what I should improve in the practices. I’m pretty sure he and his team talk about that and then go into the practices and see what he should improve and how he should deal with some situations.” ”He reminds me a lot [of me] when I was his age and just coming up. I would say he should choose the better option. Sometimes he missed a few shots or sometimes he missed a lot of easy balls because he doesn’t choose the right shots, the right ball in certain situations. I’m pretty sure he’s going to get it.” Carlos Alcaraz on how he dealt with a hostile crowd during Fonseca clash Carlos Alcaraz faced a hostile atmosphere in Miami during his second round clash, as the stadium was packed with fans cheering on for Joao Fonseca. However, Alcaraz looks to see the better side of things, and stated that fans were cheering on for the Brazilian, rather than disrespecting him. Additionally, he also stated that he was grateful to enjoy such atmosphere in only the second round of the Miami Open. He also stated that he did not want to silence anybody, as he respected all fans who made it to the stadium. ”I would like to say it wasn’t against me, it was supporting him. So I think that’s a big difference, which I would say they were respectful, I would say most of the match, just supporting him when they have to. So it was great, and I just enjoyed the atmosphere so much that I just lived in the second round of a Masters 1000. I think it was incredible to be honest. I didn’t want to silence anybody. I just wanted to just [be] doing my stuff, doing my job and trying to play my best, because I know Joao, what he’s able to do,” Alcaraz added.

Novak Djokovic
Tennis

“He needs a bit more match play to put yourself out there” : Martina Navratilova believes Novak Djokovic has been too cautious in terms of picking his schedule

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“He needs a bit more match play to put yourself out there” : Martina Navratilova believes Novak Djokovic has been too cautious in terms of picking his schedule Novak Djokovic made a last-minute withdrawal from the 2026 Miami Open, as his participation apart from Grand Slam tournaments continues to remain limited. The Serb competed at the Indian Wells Masters last week, where he was defeated by Jack Draper in the third round. Former American tennis player Martina Navratilova believes Novak Djokovic needs to compete more outside of big events, which will also help him prepare for Grand Slams. The American legend stated that Novak Djokovic was not suffering from any injury, and it could have been the extreme heat conditions which could have prompted his withdrawal. However, she believes that the Serb has been a little too cautious with his schedule, and needs to play more often. “The weather is causing havoc with the tournament and it’s really too bad, Novak last year’s finalist and the greatest, not being able to play,” said Navratilova. “We did not see anything going on with his shoulder here, but the balls and everything is heavier in Miami, so who knows? Hopefully everything will be okay and we will see him soon again. I think he needs to have more matches before the big ones. I think he has pulled back so much that, even though he is as solid as he is, I think he needs a bit more match play to put yourself out there. But he knows better than me,” she added. Novak Djokovic has only competed in two events so far, as he also reached the finals of the 2026 Australian Open. The Serb would lose vital points due to his withdrawal from the Miami Open, as he finished as the runner-up last season. Novak Djokovic will also drop out of the top 3 in ATP Rankings, as Alexander Zverev is all set to replace him. It will be interesting to see if Novak Djokovic will return to action during the clay-court season, or he decides to focus on the grass court season and Wimbledon.

Jannik Sinner
Tennis

“Roland Garros is very long way” : Jannik Sinner reaffirms his focus on Miami as he brushes aside Career Grand Slam talk

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“Roland Garros is very long way” : Jannik Sinner reaffirms his focus on Miami as he brushes aside Career Grand Slam talk Jannik Sinner claimed his first title of the season, as he defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the finals of the Indian Wells Masters. The Italian had to toil hard in the scorching heat, as he won both sets in the tiebreaker. The four-time Grand Slam champion has revealed his next target, which is the Miami Open starting this week. Jannik Sinner quickly brushed away talks of redirecting his focus on the 2026 Roland Garros, where a triumph could mean that he completes his Career Grand Slam. The Italian stated that there are many important tournaments to go before the second Major of the year, which also includes an entire European clay court season.  “First of all, Roland Garros is very long way. There are big, big tournaments. I know what’s also on the line, you know, before that. I’m very focused already for Miami. Now, a couple of days, it’s good also to not think about tennis so much, but, you know, when you have this rhythm, I also don’t want to lose it, you know. It’s very important now. Miami, it’s going to be very important. That’s the last hard court event before the clay starts,” Sinner said. Jannik Sinner was agonizingly close to winning the French Open last year, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the finals in five sets. In the fourth set, the Italian held three match points, and was also a break up. Jannik Sinner stated that after the Miami Open, the focus will move onto the clay court swing, as he hopes to perform well.  “And after, we are back in Europe, completely different conditions, clay, and you never know what’s happening there. I’m looking forward to it. We will try to perform in the best possible way, and then we will see how it goes,” he added. Jannik Sinner will look to complete the Sunshine Double, as he looks to claim the Miami Masters title. The Italian claimed the title in Miami in 2024, when he defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the finals in straight sets.

Jack Draper
Tennis

“Wimbledon is obviously the tournament I want to win more than anything” : Jack Draper confident about reaching the very top of the game

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“Wimbledon is obviously the tournament I want to win more than anything” : Jack Draper confident about reaching the very top of the game Jack Draper finally return to action at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week. He recorded his first ATP Tour victory in over six months, as he defeated Quentin Halys in straight sets in the first round. The Briton has been out of action since the 2025 US Open owing to an arm injury. Jack Draper had a great start to the 2025 season, where he won the Indian Wells title, and also reached the finals of the Madrid Masters. His consistency helped him in claiming his best ranking of world number four. However, midway through the season, Draper had to deal with an arm injury which kept him out of action for six months. Jack Draper also stated that he was confident of reaching the top of tennis once again, and stated that he will reach his best level in the next 18-24 months. “So I think the next year and a half, two years, is going to be very interesting for me because I feel like I have a lot to improve, a lot to develop, and a lot of experience still to come, which maybe they have over me. But I have full belief in myself that I can reach the very top of the game,” said Draper. Jack Draper also stated that he dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal, and the Wimbledon title. He cited the example of Novak Djokovic’s victory in the finals of Paris Olympics, when he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. He also stated that it is incredibly special to win the singles gold medal twice like his countryman Andy Murray did. “You saw what it meant to Djokovic. To win the Olympic gold the way he did was incredible. And what Andy did, winning two golds, is something very special. I think if you ask him, it was one of his biggest achievements. I think Wimbledon is obviously the tournament I want to win more than anything,” said Draper.

Tennis

“I’m not feeling any pressure” : Arthur Fils relishes opportunity of facing world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Doha Open final

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“I’m not feeling any pressure” : Arthur Fils relishes opportunity of facing world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Doha Open final Arthur Fils has made an exceptional return to the ATP Tour, as he has managed to reach the finals of the 2026 Doha Open. The Frenchman will now face the world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the finals. Arthur Fils missed the majority of the 2025 season owing to an injury which kept him out of action since August 2025. Arthur Fils defeated Jakub Mensik in the semifinals in straight sets. This was a big victory for the Frenchman, given that his opponent had already defeated Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals. Arthur Fils stated that he relishes the opportunity of facing the world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the finals. Arthur Fils stated that the two players clashed in the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters last year, where the Frenchman lost in three sets after winning the first set. He stated that he is confident about his chances given that their last encounter was a close one. “I have my strengths and weaknesses, and it’s the same for Carlos. He will prepare well for the match, and I will try to do the same. We will see how it goes tomorrow. Our Monte Carlo match was quite encouraging because I was not far off. However, Carlos is a champion, and he did not let the match slip away. I have not played for eight months, and I’m not feeling any pressure. I’m in the final, facing world no. 1, and I love it,” Arthur Fils said. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz is in the form of his life at the moment, claiming the 2026 Australian Open title. He completed his Career Grand Slam with this victory, as he defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals in four sets. He has an opportunity to claim his 26th ATP Title in Doha this Saturday, which would be his 12th consecutive victory this season.

Longest match in US Open history
Tennis

“I admire Djokovic for his aura” : Mirra Andreeva reveals why she identified herself more with the Serbian than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

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“I admire Djokovic for his aura” : Mirra Andreeva reveals why she identified herself more with the Serbian than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Mirra Andreeva is all set to defend her title at the WTA Dubai Championships this week. In the first round, she received a bye from Daria Kasatkina, and is all set to face Jaqueline Cristian in the second round clash. Recently, Mirra Andreeva revealed that she identified herself more with Novak Djokovic’s style of tennis during her early playing days. The Russian admires the Serb’s personality, and stated that he was the one he looked up to during the Big Three Era involving the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Russian stated that she felt she did not have the fighting spirit of Rafael Nadal or as was gracious as someone like Roger Federer. However, she admired Novak Djokovic for his sense of discipline, and overcoming difficulties to find a solution. “I admire Djokovic for his aura, his ability to overcome difficulties, his discipline, and his adaptability to any situation. Even during the [Rafael] Nadal and [Roger] Federer era, I identified more with Djokovic. Admittedly, I didn’t feel as elegant as Roger, nor as competitive as Rafa, but I had a strong sense of discipline, the ability to find solutions, and to rise to every challenge,” said Andreeva. Novak Djokovic is arguably the greatest tennis player of all-time, having won 24 Grand Slam titles, followed by Rafael Nadal with 22 Majors, and Roger Federer with 20 Major titles. The Serbian is still fighting for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, as he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the finals of the 2026 Australian Open in four sets. Novak Djokovic last won a Grand Slam title back at the 2023 US Open, when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in the finals. The Serbian is expected to continue playing for the next couple of seasons, as he has stated that he intends to defend his Olympic gold medal at the 2028 LA Olympics.

Tommy Paul
Tennis

“I’m just happy he’s not in this draw” : Tommy Paul admits being haunted by defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at 2026 Australian Open

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“I’m just happy he’s not in this draw” : Tommy Paul admits being haunted by defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at 2026 Australian Open Tommy Paul kickstarted his 2026 Dallas Open campaign with a hard fought victory over Jenson Brooksby. The American won in the third set tiebreaker, after losing the first set. Seeded fifth at the tournament, Tommy Paul admitted that he was happy that the world number one Carlos Alcaraz is not competing in Dallas. Tommy Paul was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the fourth round of the 2026 Australian Open last month. He stated that the loss still haunts him, given how the Spaniard tormented him in Melbourne. Tommy Paul stated that Carlos Alcaraz was attacking his forehand in the fourth round clash. The American faced his fifth consecutive defeat to the Spaniard, a feat that he is not too proud of. “Oh, I mean, he was attacking so much on my forehand. He was, obviously you can’t really give him too much time on anything. Depth is everything. Power is everything. Um, but I mean, I’m just happy he’s not in this draw, you know,” Paul said. So far, Tommy Paul has had an inconsistent start to the season. He was defeated in the first round in Brisbane, then going on to the semifinals in Adelaide. His Australian Open run was cut short by Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round, who would also go on to win the title. Tommy Paul will now face Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round clash at the Dallas Open. Meanwhile, as for Carlos Alcaraz, he pulled out of the Rotterdam Open this week following his title-winning run at the 226 Australian Open. He will now return to action at the Doha Open next week, where nine of the top 20 ATP ranked players will be competing.

Tennis

“The ATP Finals and the Davis Cup are the main ones” : Carlos Alcaraz talks about his next big goals in tennis 

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“The ATP Finals and the Davis Cup are the main ones” : Carlos Alcaraz talks about his next big goals in tennis  At the age of 22, Carlos Alcaraz has redefined the tennis history books. The Spaniard claimed the 2026 Australian Open title on Sunday, as he defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals in four sets. This victory has made Carlos Alcaraz the youngest player in men’s tennis to complete a Career Grand Slam. The Australian Open was not a happy hunting ground for the Spaniard who struggled here in the last two years. However, the Spaniard was on a mission this time around, to win his seventh Major title, and the only one missing from his cabinet. Novak Djokovic started off the finals on the front foot, winning the first set 6-2. However, it was all Alcaraz from there onwards, as he glided past the Serbian in four sets. In his interview in the day following his triumph, the Spaniard revealed that his next goals involve winning the Davis Cup, the Nitto ATP Finals, and the Olympic gold medal. Carlos Alcaraz eyes Davis Cup and Nitto ATP Finals in 2026 Carlos Alcaraz has set his sights on winning the Davis Cup and Nitto ATP Finals in 2026. The Spaniard was defeated in the finale of the ATP Finals by Jannik Sinner in straight sets last season. He has also never won the Davis Cup with Spain, and he hopes to win one with the team soon. Carlos Alcaraz also revealed that he would also look forward to win the Olympic Singles gold medal at the 2028 LA Olympics. The 22-year-old was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Paris Olympics in straight sets. “Just one? Well… or several Grand Slams are always there. The ATP Finals and the Davis Cup are the main ones. And the Olympics? But we’re talking about this year, right? Well then, the Olympics too, Davis Cup, Finals – and that’s about it,” said Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner
Tennis

“The longer he can stay in the match, the higher the chance he can win” : Boris Becker on how Novak Djokovic can defeat Jannik Sinner

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“The longer he can stay in the match, the higher the chance he can win” : Boris Becker on how Novak Djokovic can defeat Jannik Sinner Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic would square off against each other in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open. The Serbian’s former coach Boris Becker highlighted a couple of key points which could help Novak Djokovic defeat Jannik Sinner on Friday. Jannik Sinner, who is the reigning champion in Melbourne, enters as the overwhelming favorite to claim the victory in the semifinals. However, Becker who helped the Serb win six Grand Slam titles between 2013-2016 stated that he would never bet against Djokovic. Boris Becker stated that if there is one player who knows how to win this tournament, then it is Novak Djokovic. The German stated that the Serb will give it his everything in the semifinals to claim his 25th Grand Slam title, and 11th Australian Open title. “I would never bet against him, but playing Sinner is the toughest thing to do in Australia,” Becker, who helped Djokovic win six Grand Slam titles as his coach between 2013 and 2016, told TNT Sports. “He has won two times in a row and Djokovic lost to him two years ago in the semis. But Novak has won the tournament 10 times; if there is one man that knows how to win the Australian Open it’s him.” “The only reason Djokovic plays tennis is to win Grand Slams, to get to that 25 and get to that 11 in Australia. He has done everything else in tennis. He will push himself as much as he can.” Boris Becker stated that Novak Djokovic can exploit Jannik Sinner in terms of his physicality as the Italian was seen struggling due to heat in his earlier round game. Hence, Becker believes that if the match goes on beyond 3 hours, it would favor Novak Djokovic rather than hurt him. Additionally, he also believes that the Serb needs to dictate play in the semifinals, and be aggressive on Jannik Sinner’s second serve. “Let it all out,” urged Becker. “If you hope that Sinner will give it to you, then you are mistaken. “You have to be the first one that goes for the corners, you have to decide the tempo of the match and control the centre of the court and get your free points on the first serve. Take a bit of a chance on Sinner’s second serve, and also Sinner struggled physically a few days ago, so once you get to the three-hour mark, I don’t think it’s a disadvantage for Djokovic, even though he is much older. The longer he can stay in the match, the higher the chance he can win.”

Ben Shelton Tennis
Tennis

“It’s a matter of time and work” : Ben Shelton says he feels closer to being a more complete player despite defeat to Jannik Sinner

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“It’s a matter of time and work” : Ben Shelton says he feels closer to being a more complete player despite defeat to Jannik Sinner Ben Shelton faced a quarterfinal defeat at the hands of Jannik Sinner at the 2026 Australian Open. The American was defeated in straight sets, as the four-time Grand Slam champion stormed into his third consecutive Australian Open semifinals. Ben Shelton was terrific in leadup to the quarterfinals, dropping only set before his battle against Jannik Sinner. The American remains optimistic despite his defeat, stating that he now needs to take the big step and defeat the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Ben Shelton stated that he needs to put in more work, and it is only a matter of time until he becomes a complete player. The American was optimistic about his chances in the future, and vowed to take the next step at Major events. “You know, I’m getting to the point now where I’m getting stopped by the toughest challenge in the game for the most part, and I do think that I’m close to bringing it all together. I think it’s just going to take that one time where I do do it to kind of get me over the hump. It’s always been that way for me. Certainly not discouraged from a performance like this, but you know, I want to see myself get out in front and see what I can do from there in a match rather than falling behind just because I know how I feel when I get out in front at slams. “So, for me, I think that, you know, it’s a matter of time and work just trying to put all the pieces together, because I’m not complete yet, but I feel myself becoming more complete.” Ben Shelton also highlighted a big miss in his game against Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals. He stated that he felt he was too conservative and inconsistent on his second serve, which someone of the Italian’s quality would certainly capitalize on. He also felt that he needed to be more aggressive against the reigning Australian Open champion. “But I just think that I needed to be a little bit more aggressive and intentional with what I did with the second serve. I think that with other guys, I can get away with putting in the court and either being at neutral or having to scramble a little bit at the first ball and then getting back to neutral or getting on offense. I was doing a really good job of that.“

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