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We last seen Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at the Olympic Games where he was paired with the No 3 in the world: Carlos Alcaraz.

While the pair delighted the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, they did not manage to achieve a medal for Spain. In singles, the Mallorcan was eliminated in the 2nd round by the gold medalist: Novak Djokovic. Since then, he has left us with little or no news. Rafa announced his withdrawal from the US Open, which did not fail to worry fans who are impatiently waiting for the date of his retirement, while hoping that it will be as late as possible.

On Sunday, August 18, the Bull of Manacor spoke to MARCA, announcing that he has not yet made a decision, and that he is not in a hurry: “I will warn you. When I know, you will know, I am not in a hurry to make a decision about my future. What is certain is that I will be at the Laver Cup and then we will see“.

RAFA BACK TO TRAINING WITH A SMILE

This Wednesday, Rafael Nadal once again stirred up the tennis world by posting a photo of himself returning to training on his social media accounts.

No one knows what the Spaniard’s future holds, but he is still there, preparing for the competition that saw Roger Federer’s career end alongside him in a doubles loss to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal brandishes the spoils of his U.S. Open final victory over Russian Daniil Medvedev on Sunday. The Spaniard’s win in New York City — his fourth U.S. Open title — gives him 19 career individual grand slam wins, just one shy of rival Roger Federer’s record.

 

THE TEAMS OF THE LAVER CUP

Below are the teams that will compete in the Laver Cup.

Team Europe:

  • Rafael Nadal (ESP)
  • Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
  • Daniil Medvedev
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)
  • Casper Ruud (NOR)
  • Alexander Zverev (GER)

Team World:

  • Taylor Fritz (USA)
  • Ben Shelton (USA)
  • Tommy Paul (USA)
  • Frances Tiafoe (USA)
  • Alex De Minaur (AUS)
  • Alejandro Tabilo (CHI)

Aryna Sabalenka has called for equal pay in tennis after she won the Cincinnati Masters but both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have previously spoken out against it

Aryna Sabalenka has reignited the debate over equal pay in tennis after lifting the Cincinnati Masters trophy with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal previously having their say on the matter.

While enjoying a stellar 2024 season and heading into the US Open full of confidence, Sabalenka made headlines on Monday not solely for her on-court heroics but also for challenging the ongoing disparity in prize money between male and female players after her tournament triumph over Jessica Pegula.

The Belarusian sensation highlighted the glaring gap as she took home half of what Jannik Sinner earned for his concurrent men’s final victory with Sabalenka’s $524,730 (£400,000) paling in comparison to Sinner’s $1,049,460 (£775,000).

The 26-year-old brought attention to the issue stating: “From the TV point of view, from the ticket selling, from every point of view, it’s unfair. Of course, guys are always going to be physically stronger than women but it doesn’t mean we’re not working as hard as they do. Women deserve to be paid an equal amount of money that men do.”

With this statement, she joins an enduring dialogue on gender pay equality in the sports conversation previously marked by contrasting views from heavyweights such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The pair notably voiced their opposition to equal pay; back in 2016 at Indian Wells, Djokovic contended that male players should campaign for more money.

The Serbian stirred up quite the storm with his comments following then-tournament CEO Raymond Moore’s controversial claim that women players “ride on coattails of the men” and should “get on their knees and thank God” for top male stars like Nadal and Federer.

The 37-year-old initially argued: “I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches, I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more”, but he swiftly shifted his opinion saying: “I never had an issue with equality in gender or sport or other areas of life.”

His retraction continued with a heartfelt acknowledgement: “I feel very sorry if, in any way, I hurt my female colleague tennis players. I have a very good relationship with all of them. I have a huge respect for all of them.”

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, who once appeared to suggest that men deserve higher pay in tennis, has since become a proponent for equal prize money and enhanced earnings for those lower down the rankings, even setting up the Professional Tennis Players Association with Vasek Pospisil in 2020.

Nadal was another major force opposing equal pay in tennis, telling Italian magazine Lo Donna in 2018: “Female models earn more than male models, and nobody says anything. Why? Because they have a larger following. In tennis, too, who gathers a larger audience earns more.”

The Spaniard, reflecting on the gender equality debate, delivered a bold message to the tennis world, speaking earlier this year during a TV interview with La Sexta. He asserted that both male and female players should indeed be given the same opportunities but insisted prize money should reflect the revenue they generate: “I don’t want to be hypocritical and say things that are easy to say and that I don’t feel.

“What do you want me to say? For me, the investment for women should be the same as for men,” stated the 22-time major champion. “The opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity.

“I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course, I want equality.”

The celebrated tennis star revealed his frustration over calls for identical prize payouts: “For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men.

“What bothers me is when people tell me that income and earnings should be equal. In tennis, for some reason, the payouts are almost equal in most events because at the time there was an opportunity for women’s tennis to be seen.”

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the all-time leader in Roland Garros titles picked the best player among Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and himself.

According to the ATP rankings, Jannik Sinner currently holds the title of world No. 1. However, even the Italian acknowledges that when it comes to historical significance, he trails behind the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. These two, along with Roger Federer, have dominated the conversation around the GOAT debate.

Each player has their unique accomplishments, but Djokovic seems to have made a compelling case, especially after securing the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games—one of the few accolades that had eluded him. In a recent interview, Nadal decisively ended the GOAT debate, offering his own pick.

Speaking on the Spanish program ‘El Objetivo,’ Nadal did not hesitate to name Novak Djokovic as the best player in history“I would say Djokovic is the greatest of all time. The numbers say so, and to me, he is the best,” the Spaniard stated. It’s worth noting that Djokovic has surpassed both Nadal and Federer in Grand Slam titles, with 24 to his name, and recently clinched his first Olympic gold in Paris.

Nadal also commented on Djokovic’s temperament, saying, “When I see someone with so much success get so angry, I don’t like it. However, I think the image he projects is worse than what he truly is. He’s a good person with his flaws. His frustration lasts as long as it takes to break a racket. After that, he’s ready to play at 100% again.” Nadal concluded, “He’s the best I’ve seen. He’s had the better physicality, and that counts.”

Nadal reflects on his rivalry with Federer

For many years, the most anticipated match in tennis was Nadal versus Federer, a clash of styles that often defined the biggest tournaments. Reflecting on this period, Nadal said, “We pushed each other to new heights. We also took a lot from each other. We achieved a level of self-demand that is hard to replicate because we knew we couldn’t afford to fail. That competition pushed us to the limit.” He added, “I wouldn’t call him a friend, but he’s someone I have a deep familiarity with, and we share a great relationship.”

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Grand Slam record

  • Novak Djokovic: 24
  • Rafael Nadal: 22
  • Roger Federer: 20
  • Pete Sampras: 14
  • Roy Emerson: 12
  • Rod Laver: 11
  • Bjorn Borg: 11

    Novak Djokovic: How many players have won the career Golden Slam in tennis?

    Novak Djokovic just completed the career Golden Slam in Paris 2024 Olympics. The big question is how many players have done that in tennis history.

    • How many sets are played in tennis matches at the 2024 Olympic Games?
    • Who was the masked man in the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony?

      Novak Djokovic has finally won the career Golden Slam after a brilliant performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was an amazing run knocking out in his way to the title many big names such as Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

      Now, the Serbian legend holds the most impressive trophy case in tennis history. Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, individual gold medal, Davis Cup, ATP Finals and all the Masters 1000.

      As a consequence, one of the biggest questions in the tennis world is how many players have achieved the Golden Slam in history. It’s a very surprising answer which, by the way, doesn’t include Roger Federer.

      Which tennis players have won a career Golden Slam?

      Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are the five players with a career Golden Slam. It’s important to emphasize that, in a career Golden Slam, it doesn’t matter if you win all trophies in different years.

      Has anyone done the Golden Slam?

      Steffi Graf is the only player in history who has conquered the true Golden Slam in history. That milestone is different from the career Golden Slam as you must win everything in the same year to achieve it.

      In 1988, the German star won the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. Furthermore, she got the individual gold medal in Seoul beating Gabriela Sabatini in the final. No man in singles has done that.

The 2024 US Open is set to take place without Rafael Nadal, with the Spaniard closing in on retirement.

The 22-time grand slam champion is coming towards the end of an incredible career, and as he winds down, he’s decided to withdraw from the US Open.

The Spaniard recently competed at the Paris Olympics and formed a dream doubles duo with Carlos Alcaraz.

However, Nadal was to have no Olympic glory, as he and Alcaraz failed to make it to a medal match.

And with the last grand slam of the year approaching, Nadal has elected to skip this one, with Mackenzie McDonald taking his place.

Why is Rafael Nadal not playing at the US Open?

Nadal was initially on the entry list for the men’s singles at Flushing Meadows.

He was set to enter as ranked player at No.9, but earlier in August, he announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he wouldn’t be competing.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

He said: “I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories.

“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.

“Thanks to all my U.S. fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time.”

So, it’s clear that Nadal doesn’t feel he would be able to do himself justice if he were to compete in this year’s US Open.

Despite withdrawing from the US Open this year, Nadal indicates he will return to America.

This doesn’t mean he will make the US Open next year, but he should play in at least one more US-based tournament before retiring.

Since winning the last of his 22 grand slam singles titles in New York, Nadal has only played at Flushing Meadows once.

A hip injury in 2023 robbed him of that whole season, while a muscle problem in January earlier this year saw him miss the hard-court campaign and Wimbledon.

However, despite all these injuries, Nadal has yet to decide when to retire.

He’s set to play in the Laver Cup in Berlin and might make a decision after that.

But what is clear is that the US Open will miss Nadal’s presence.

Speaking about the Spaniard pulling out, US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said: “We wish him all the best and look forward to having him back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.”

Certainly, they and tennis fans around the world will hope to see Nadal back at the US Open one last time, but that is far from guaranteed.

The US Open gets underway in a week. Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff will come to Flushing Meadows as the defending champions while world No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek look to add to their trophy cabinets.

But not everyone will be playing the last Grand Slam of the season, including Rafael Nadal. The four-time US Open champion is one of seven big names who have been forced to miss the tournament this year.

Express Sport takes a look at the key players who will be absent in New York.

Rafael Nadal

The 22-time Grand Slam winner put his name on the entry list but admitted this was just a formality in case he decided to play. Nadal has competed in just seven tournaments this year due to ongoing injury setbacks. He hasn’t played a match away from clay courts since January.

After the Olympics – where he reached the second round in singles and the quarter-final in doubles – he pulled out of the US Open. “I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100 per cent this time. Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time,” he wrote. Nadal’s next tournament will be the Laver Cup.

Cameron Norrie

The British No. 2 is carrying a forearm injury and has not played since losing to Nadal in Bastad a month ago. He travelled to the Olympics but withdrew hours before his match. Norrie then headed to Cincinnati but was also forced to pull out. He has since announced his US Open withdrawal, saying: “I have been working hard to get my body to full health – unfortunately my forearm injury is not recovering as soon as I would have hoped.”

Nick Kyrgios

The former Wimbledon finalist has played just one singles match since October 2022 after struggling with persistent knee and wrist injuries. He is set to make a comeback at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown exhibition tournament this week and will play another exho match in Flushing Meadows during US Open fan week but has not entered the main draw.

Simona Halep

Halep has barely played since having her four-year suspension reduced to nine months. She immediately returned at the Miami Open in March following a successful appeal but lost in the first round.

Rafael Nadal

The former world No. 1 then entered a WTA 125 event in Paris in May but retired during her opening match. She has been sidelined by a knee injury ever since. Halep also failed to receive a wildcard for the French Open and did not apply for a Wimbledon one due to her physical issues.

Marketa Vondrousova

The world No. 18 has been plagued by injuries this summer. She fell and retired with a hip injury during the Berlin Championships in June but prematurely rushed back for her Wimbledon title defence though she lost in the first round. Vondrousova pulled out of the Olympics with a hand injury and has since withdrawn from the US Open.

Kei Nishikori

Nishikori reached his only Grand Slam final at the US Open a decade ago. But he won’t be able to return this year after his injury-protected ranking ran out. The Japanese tennis star recently reached the Canadian Open quarter-final and upset Stefanos Tsitsipas en route. But he is not ranked high enough to get into the US Open main draw or the qualifying event and did not receive a wildcard. He will compete in a series of Challenger tournaments instead.

Milos Raonic

Another former Grand Slam finalist, Raonic reached the championship match at Wimbledon in 2016. But the Canadian has been plagued by injuries over the last few years. He recently missed his home tournament at the Masters 1000 in Montreal and has since pulled out of the qualifying event in Flushing Meadows, where he was set to fight for a US Open main draw spot.

Rafael Nadal is yet to confirm whether he will retire following his Olympic Games campaign but there is talk he could be set to follow Swiss legend Federer in his plan to call it quits

Rafael Nadal could be set to follow in the footsteps of fellow tennis legend Roger Federer and retire at this year’s Laver Cup.

The Spanish star has yet to confirm whether he will hang up his racket after his Olympic Games doubles tournament run with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz came to an end with a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in Paris. After the loss, Nadal, who also lost to Novak Djokovic in the singles, gave a heartfelt wave to the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, leading many fans to speculate that it could be the last time they see him grace the court.

However, the ‘King of Clay’ remained tight-lipped about his future plans post-match, sparking rumours that his last professional game could be at the Laver Cup in September due to a gap in his schedule. The Laver Cup holds special significance for Nadal as it was where his close friend and former rival, Federer, also decided to retire.

Nadal even partnered with the Swiss maestro for his final match – a doubles defeat to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. After his Paris defeat, he remained evasive about whether he would travel to the USA to gear up for the US Open, but the 38-year-old tennis legend was non-committal and indicated he needs a breather to plan ahead, reports the Express.

“It looks like not but I’m going to let you know soon. For me now, I can’t give you a clear answer, I need some time. But for me it looks difficult,” he said. “We’ll see if I keep playing the normal tour.”

Nadal, who has dominated Roland-Garros like no other player, also dropped a hint that his Olympic outing might have been his swansong while expressing deep love for the venue that witnessed his rise to greatness. “If that’s the last time, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions,” Nadal said.

“They give me the love and the support every single second that I have been on court. It’s super, super special to feel that in particular in this place.”

Federer, who called it quits at the Laver Cup two years prior, shares a close bond with Nadal. Their friendship has also sparked speculation that the Swiss icon could make a sensational return to play alongside Nadal at the tournament, mirroring the warm tribute Nadal paid him.

The event will take place at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany from September 20th to 22nd, and has many fans speculating that it could be the stage for the 22-time Grand Slam winner to end his career. Former world No 1 Andy Roddick also shares this belief.

 Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer 

 

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of Team Europe during the doubles match against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup in 2022 

Image:

Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

Speaking on his podcast, he said: “The Laver Cup could be a celebration. Hopefully we’ll see him in the big finals again. I don’t know. It feels like this could be the end.”

Whether Nadal will choose to retire in Berlin is yet to be seen. However, post-Olympics, he openly admitted that he’s no longer playing for results and titles as his career draws to a close. Instead, he’s seeking “experiences” and the emotions that competitive tennis brings him, rather than the glory of victory.

“At this stage of my career, I play for feelings, I play for emotions more than for results,” he said. “I won enough in my career, much more than what I ever dreamed. For me, it’s about enjoying different experiences.”

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Rafael Nadal could follow fellow tennis legend Roger Federer and retire from the sport at the Laver Cup this year.

The ‘King of Clay’ has yet to confirm whether he is to hang up his racket following his run in the Olympic Games doubles tournament with countryman Carlo Alcaraz. Nadal and Alcaraz’s adventure eventually came to an end with a 6-2, 6-4 loss to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in Paris.

Following the defeat, the 14-time French Open champion gave a heartfelt wave to the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd with many fans believing the Olympic Games loss could be the last time they see Nadal grace the court. However, after the match, Nadal was evasive on his future, and a gap in his schedule is now fuelling chatter that an appearance at the Laver Cup in September may be his last game on the pro circuit.

The Laver Cup is significant for Nadal in more ways than one as it is where his great friend, and one-time rival, Federer also called it a day on his career. Nadal also teamed up with the Swiss star for the final match – a doubles loss to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

After the defeat in Paris, Nadal was asked whether he would head to the USA in order to prepare for the US Open. However, the 38-year-old declined to confirm what his next steps will be and suggested that he needs some time to consider his next move.

“It looks like not but I’m going to let you know soon. For me now, I can’t give you a clear answer, I need some time. But for me it looks difficult,” he said. “We’ll see if I keep playing the normal tour.”

The Spanish star, who has claimed the title at Roland-Garros more than any other player, then briefly hinted that the Olympic loss could be his final time competing and expressed his affection for the arena where he cemented his greatness.

“If that’s the last time, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions,” he said. “They give me the love and the support every single second that I have been on court. It’s super, super special to feel that in particular in this place.”

Federer called time on his iconic career at the Laver Cup two years ago, and with the pair’s strong relationship, there could even be a scenario where the great man himself comes out of retirement to play alongside Nadal at the tournament – returning the gesture Nadal graciously carried out for him.

This year’s Laver Cup takes place at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany from September 20th-22nd and, as well as many fans who think the 22-Grand Slam winner will end his career there, former world No 1 Andy Roddick also believes the event could be a fitting stage for Nadal to exit the sport.

Speaking on his podcast he said: “The Laver Cup could be a celebration. Hopefully we’ll see him in the big finals again. I don’t know. It feels like this could be the end.”

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Whether Nadal decides to drop the curtain in Berlin remains to be seen, however, he did candidly reveal post-Olympics that he is no longer playing for results and titles as the twilight of his career closes in. Nadal also insisted he is now courting “experiences” and the emotions competitive tennis brings him rather than the glory of winning.

“At this stage of my career, I play for feelings, I play for emotions more than for results,” he said. “I won enough in my career, much more than what I ever dreamed. For me, it’s about enjoying different experiences”

Nick Kyrgios defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets in Cincinnati seven years ago

Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios embraced nine duels between 2014 and 2022, with the Spaniard scoring six wins. Kyrgios knew how to play against the legend, stunning him at Wimbledon 2014 and earning another triumph three years later in Cincinnati.

You can watch the extended highlights of Nick’s commanding 6-2, 7-5 victory over Rafa in the 2017 Cincinnati quarter-final, overpowering the 2013 champion in 80 minutes. Nadal embraced two early exits in Ohio after lifting the trophy in 2013, hoping for a better run during the 2017 campaign after a stunning loss to Denis Shapovalov in Montreal.

Rafa took down Richard Gasquet and Albert Ramos-Vinolas, reaching his seventh Cincinnati quarter-final and arranging his fourth clash against Nick Kyrgios. The Aussie outplayed the Spaniard in the opening set and delivered a late break in the second set for a convincing triumph, firing from all cylinders, as seen in the video below.

Due to the rain, both players competed for the second time that day, and Nick preserved more energy for a high-quality performance. Instead of his usual tantrums and focus drops, Kyrgios remained composed from start to finish, attacking world no.

2 and taming his strokes nicely. The Aussie dropped 15 points in ten service games, defending two out of three break points and forcing the Spaniard to follow that pace. Nadal struggled behind the first and second serve. He dropped 45% of the points in his games on the fast hard court and experienced four breaks from seven chances offered to his opponent.

Kyrgios controlled his backhand and played only 16 loose strokes in the entire clash. He embraced deep and potent shots and made Nadal vulnerable. Also, the Aussie produced a break at love following his only loose service game, showing his determination and resilience.

Rafa could not impose his strokes, feeling constant pressure and spraying too many errors.

Nick Kyrgios outplayed Rafael Nadal in Cincinnati 2017.

Nadal tried to tame Kyrgios’ booming serves while standing way behind the baseline.

It only brought him a little while making his point construction much tougher. Nick blasted 21 service winners and generated a 16-12 lead in the direct points from the court. The Aussie stayed on 11 unforced errors, and the Spaniard counted 20, spraying 13 from his forehand wing.

As was expected, Kyrgios kept the points short, with two-thirds landing in the area of up to four strokes. The Aussie forged a 45-29 advantage, hitting more service winners and attacking first. To make things even better, Nick outplayed Rafa 21-17 in the most extended exchanges, rounding up his performance and scoring a notable victory.

Kyrgios was off to a dream start, rattling off four games in 13 minutes while committing only one error! Nadal felt issues right from the start, spraying a forehand error and getting broken at 15. Kyrgios cemented the lead with a powerful serve in the second game and made another push on the return in the next one.

The Aussie welcomed the Spaniard’s mistake and secured another break with a forehand winner, moving 3-0 in front and gathering a boost. Firing from all cylinders, Nick landed four winners in the fourth game, extending the gap and outplaying world no.

2. Nadal got his name on the scoreboard with a hold at love in game five, and Kyrgios mirrored that in the next one for 5-1. Rafa landed three winners in the seventh game, extending the battle before Nick wrapped up the opener with a powerful serve in the next one for 6-2 after 25 minutes.

Rafael Nadal

The Aussie did everything right in the first set, hoping for more in the second. Nadal held at 15 at the beginning of the second set, and Kyrgios delivered four winners in the next one for 1-1, standing supreme behind the initial shot.

Rafa responded with four winners in the third game, looking much better on the court than in the opener. The Spaniard welcomed the rival’s two double fault faults in the fourth game, generating his first break chance.

Nadal squandered it with a loose forehand, allowing Kyrgios to wrap up the game with two powerful serves and lock the result at 2-2.

A missed opportunity took the focus away from Rafa, who made four mistakes in the fifth game and suffered a break at 15, sending Nick closer to the finish line. The Aussie cemented the advantage with an ace in game six, moving 6-2, 4-2 in front and closer to the finish line.

Nadal grabbed the seventh game after a deuce, remaining within one break deficit before Kyrgios slammed four winners in the next one for a 5-3 lead. Nick attacked on the return in game nine, firing a forehand winner and creating two match points.

Roger Federer holds the record for the most ATP matches won on hard courts, while his great rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both make the top four of the list. 

Five men have won over 500 matches on hard courts, with Federer and Djokovic the only two to break the 700 mark.

Here, we look at the 10 men with the most hard-court match wins in the Open Era

10. Tomas Berdych – 401

Tomas Berdych earned 401 wins from the 617 matches he contested on hard courts and collected nine titles on the surface.

The Czech compiled 79 of his hard-court victories at Grand Slams, with 47 coming at the Australian Open and 32 at the US Open.

9. Michael Chang – 415

Michael Chang compiled 415 career victories on hard courts and won 21 ATP tournaments on the surface.

Of the American’s match triumphs on hard courts, 64 were at major tournaments: 43 at the US Open and 21 at the Australian Open.

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8. Andy Roddick – 426

Andy Roddick won 426 of the 564 matches he played on hard courts and secured 21 ATP titles on the surface.

The American earned 81 of his hard-court match wins at Grand Slams, with 43 coming at the US Open and 38 at the Australian Open.

7. Pete Sampras – 429

Pete Sampras amassed 429 victories from 532 matches on hard courts, while he claimed 35 titles on the surface.

The American earned 116 of his career hard-court wins at majors: 71 at the US Open and 45 at the Australian Open.

6. Jimmy Connors – 489

Jimmy Connors earned 489 triumphs from his 588 hard-court matches and won 43 tournaments on the surface.

Of the American’s match wins on hard courts, 109 were at Grand Slams, with 98 coming at the US Open and 11 at the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

5. Andy Murray – 503

Andy Murray won 503 of the 680 matches he contested on hard courts and secured 34 titles on the surface.

The Brit collected 100 of his hard-court match victories at majors: 51 at the Australian Open and 49 at the US Open.

4. Rafael Nadal – 518

Rafael Nadal has earned 518 wins from 668 matches on hard courts in his career, while he has claimed 25 titles on the surface.

The Spaniard has won 144 of his hard-court matches at Grand Slam tournaments, with 77 coming at the Australian Open and 67 at the US Open.

3. Andre Agassi – 592

Andre Agassi amassed 592 victories on hard courts from 750 matches and won 46 tournaments on the surface.

Of the American’s hard-court wins, 127 came at Grand Slam events: 79 at the US Open and 48 at the Australian Open.

2. Novak Djokovic – 701

Djokovic has won 701 of the 828 hard-court matches he has played in his career so far and has collected 71 title on the surface.

The Serbian has earned 182 of his match wins on hard courts at majors, with 94 at the Australian Open and 88 at the US Open.

1. Roger Federer – 783

Federer won 783 of the 938 matches he played on hard courts and holds the men’s records for both matches played and won on the surface. He won 71 ATP title on hard courts.

Of the Swiss’ hard-court victories, 191 were at Grand Slams, with 102 coming at the Australian Open and 89 at the US Open.

Sometimes dreams come true: not always and not for everyone, but Carlos Alcaraz knows a thing or two about making your dreams come true. The Spaniard had the chance to team up with his idol Rafael Nadal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and it was a dream experience.

The Spaniard shared the court with his legendary countryman in the men’s doubles tournament: a partnership that has enthralled many fans, as demonstrated by the number of spectators present during their matches.

“It was a great experience. We got to know each other more off the court. Playing doubles with him was great. Something I will never forget, that’s for sure. I learned a lot from talking to him, both on and off the court. I think we played great tennis together, even though we don’t play doubles very often. In the end it was a shame because we thought we could do better, but personally my dream of playing with him came true,” said Carlitos, in the words reported by Punto de Break, with which Alcaraz tried to describe the emotions he felt playing with Nadal.

Alcaraz and Nadal won their first two matches against Maximo Gonzalez/Andres Molteni and Tallon Griekspoor/Wesley Koolhof, but stopped in the quarterfinals. Their journey was ended by Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, who went on to win a silver medal. Alcaraz, in the Media Day of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, revealed that one of his main goals is to return to ATP No. 1 and, to achieve his dream, he will have to beat the competition of Jannik Sinner. There are 820 points that separate Sinner and Alcaraz in the rankings, 450 of which are distant in the Race to Turin.

“I am fighting to be first in the Race, it is something I want to achieve as soon as possible. Cincinnati is a very important tournament, so I will try to play good tennis and we will see how things go. I have probably won most of my matches this year without playing great tennis. Mentally I have been strong in some situations and I am really happy about that. I am excited about the way I handle certain situations: I always stay there, even when I know I am not playing great tennis. I always keep a positive attitude and try to find solutions,” he said.

On last year’s incredible final loss to Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz said: “I can’t wait to compete here again and I’m happy to be back. I have great memories: I reached the final and lost an epic match.”

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Speaking to Eurosport after the Paris Olympic tournament, the young Spaniard explained: “I already appreciate the silver medal a lot, because I know how difficult it is and I’m enjoying the moment. Now I feel good and I enjoy wearing it. Of course when I left the court it was difficult for me because of my strong ambition. But you have to put everything into perspective, think about how complicated it is to win an Olympic medal. During the award ceremony, on the podium, I said to myself: You have to appreciate this moment, you don’t know if it will happen again.

In four years a lot can happen and I hope to be able to compete in Los Angeles 2028. The Olympic Games are one of the most special competitions there is. Being able to represent your country at the Olympics is one of the most beautiful things about sport in general. And for me it was really exciting to be able to compete and try to bring joy to all the Spanish people. Doubles with Rafael Nadal? There were moments when I had goosebumps during the matches with him. It’s something I will always remember and that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

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