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Alexander Zverev Wins Chengdu Open In China

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In a thrilling final match played out in front of a capacity crowd, tournament number one seed and world No. 10 Alexander Zverev survived a robust challenge from Roman Safiullin to win 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in two hours and 59 minutes and lift the 21st ATP Tour-level title of his career.

The German was made to work hard for the win, with Safiullin showing incredible composure and grit to save break points in vital moments to keep the former world No. 3 at bay in the first set. The world No. 55 Safiullin then got an early mini-break to race to a 3-0 lead in the tie-break, before securing two more mini-breaks in the final two points to take a one set lead.

In the second set, the two players exchanged breaks in the second and third games, before holding serve strongly until a pulsating tie-break, in which neither player could capitalise on their service points. Three mini-breaks each were traded before Zverev scored the telling mini-break at 6-5 up to force a deciding set.

The German’s far greater experience of playing big finals began to show in the third set, as the 26-year-old appeared more relaxed while mistakes began creeping into Safiullin’s game, allowing Zverev to secure the necessary break in the fourth game that would seal his first Chengdu Open crown.

“He’s playing the best tennis of his life and he’s beaten a lot of great players this week, so I knew he was playing well. I’m happy to have been able to come back and win this title. This week has been amazing and it’s even better that I won the title,” said Zverev, who paid tribute to the throngs of fans that turned up throughout the week to watch him play.

“I feel like I always have a lot of fans in China and I feel Chinese people are very giving, they always bring gifts and give something in return for pictures and autographs, so that is very nice of them. I have never been here before so I didn’t know what to expect coming here, but it has surprised me in a nice way to see so many fans,” added the 26-year-old German, who will solidify his position at No. 7 in the Race to Turin with the 250 points picked up here today.

In a similarly electrifying finale to the doubles, top seeded French tandem Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul reversed a one set deficit to overcome second seeded Portuguese-Brazilian duo Francisco Cabral and Rafael Matos 4-6, 7-5, 10-7 in one hour and 51 minutes.

Cabral and Matos notched four points in a row against serve in the ninth game to secure the first break of the encounter, going 5-4 up and securing the first set in the next game. However, Doumbia and Reboul returned the favour in the second set, taking four points on the trot at 6-5 up against serve to force a super tiebreaker.

In the super tiebreaker, the Portuguese-Brazilian twosome seemed to have the upper hand when they went one mini-break up to take a 7-5 lead, but the French pair rallied instantly, upping their game to take five points on the trot and secure the unforgettable victory.

The pair have won 15 challenger titles and nine ITF Tour titles since teaming up in 2015, but the Chengdu Open title is their maiden Tour-level triumph as a pair, as well as individuals.

“We have been waiting for this moment for such a long time. We have won Challengers before, but it was a big goal for us to win an ATP Tour event. To do it here in China is special – it’s amazing for us,” said the 33-year-old Doumbia.

“I’m very happy to share this title with Sadio. We started playing doubles full time two or three years ago and we have been working hard every day to win these kinds of matches. We are very happy and hopefully we will win a lot of titles,” said the 28-year-old Reboul.

The duo credited their strong performance this week to feeling comfortable and at home in Chengdu, with Reboul adding: “I would say what is important is to feel good in a place. We have always felt very good here because the people are very nice. We were very excited to come back to China. I think when you feel at home, you can play your best tennis.”

The tournament is owned by IMG and is organised by the Chinese Tennis Association and Chengdu Municipal Government, is co-organised by Chengdu Sports Bureau, Shuangliu District Government and Chengdu Culture Tourism Group, and is promoted by Sichuan Investment International Tennis Centre Development Co., Ltd., CCTV IMG (Beijing) Sports Management Co. Ltd. and WME IMG China Culture Development Co. Ltd.

The Chengdu Open is also very proud to have the support of our distinguished partners, including the ATP Tour’s Premier Partner Emirates, the official ball and stringer Yonex, the official car FAW-Volkswagen, the Sichuan Tennis International Hotel, which is conveniently located adjacent to the courts and provides efficient services to the tournament, the official timer Luminox, the official player hotel Intercontinental Chengdu Global Center, the official coffee provider Wood & Coffee, the official gym equipment Impulse and the official water Su Lao Quan. The official tournament website www.ChengduOpenTennis.com has additional information about the tournament

Alexander Zverev

A Look At The Favourites For the 2024 Grand Slams

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The US Open provided plenty of drama across the last few weeks, culminating in a new Grand Slam record for Novak Djokovic and an exciting new dawn for the women’s game, as Coco Gauff secured her first major honour, opening up what could be a brilliant 2024 in tennis.

While there’s still plenty of tennis to play across the ATP and WTA, with the dust settling on the Grand Slams, we thought it provided the perfect opportunity to take a look at the odds for the coming year, starting with the Australian Open in January…

The Australian Open: No. 25 for Novak, Swiatek to claim her first in Melbourne?

Novak is hotly tipped to pick up a second straight Grand Slam and 11th Australian Open, priced at 13/10 with most bookmakers. The stars of this year follow behind him, with Carlos Alcaraz priced at 2/1 and Daniil Medvedev, 4/1. A win for Alcaraz would perhaps mark the beginning of a new dynasty after lifing the Wimbledon title this year, and a changing of the guard for 2024.

In the women’s game it’s really hotting up. There are a host of players that could win the Aussie Open, and continuing the gambling theme it’s almost like you could spin the reels of something like the 777 slots and get just as a determined answer than any pundit.

The oddsmakers are suggesting the title may sway towards Iga Swiatek, who reached the semi-finals in 2022. She’s at 3/1, but Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka aren’t far behind at 5/1. Ons Jabeur is priced at 8/1 while Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka are at 10/1, all of whom are realistic contenders. You’ve then got Carolina Garcia as a potential winner too. It could set up an incredibly exciting year in the Women’s Singles.

French Open: Alcaraz and Swiatek to prove solid opposition

Iga Swiatek is proving to be the female equivalent of Rafa Nadal of late on the clay, having lifted the last two French Open titles. She’s a heavy favourite again at 10/11 with most bookies, and is certainly the player to beat.

Aryna Sabalenka comes closest with the bookmakers at 13/2, but it’s seemingly the 22-year-old Polish star’s to lose at present.

Alcaraz takes the favourite tag in the French Open at 11/8, and it’s no surprise to see Djokovic and Nadal just behind him in the stakes. However, the Spaniard is great on clay and he’ll be tough to get past after reaching the Semi Finals this year. Win the Aussie Open, and this one would complete the set.

Wimbledon: Alcaraz and Swiatek to take clay form onto grass?

It’s going to be a similar story at Wimbledon according to the bookies, with Alcaraz and Swiatek both favourites for the title. Alcaraz beat Djokovic in a real classic this year and he’s just ahead of the Serbian at 6/4 compared to 7/4.

Medvedev is priced at 12/1, with Rafa at 10/1, and it’s a little difficult to look any further than that in the Men’s Singles.

In the women’s the current World Number Two is once again favourite at 5/1. She’s never won the Wimbledon title, reaching the quarter finals in her best year. Sabalenka, who reached the semi finals in 2023 is just behind her at 9/2, but would you write of Coco Gauff at 10/1 after getting a taste of Grand Slam success just a few weeks ago? It’s wide open.

US Open: A year on, Novak to do it again

It could be a difficult year for the Serbian superstar, with Alcaraz likely to prove a difficult opponent, but the hard court is his domain and he’s tipped to come back and be successful in New York once again in 2024.

Djokovic is priced at 5/4 with many bookies to win the title, with Carlos just behind him at 6/4. Medvedev and Jannik Sinner are the names most likely to break that duo duel, but all eyes will be on this year’s Wimbledon finalists right across the year.

Gauff is 8/1 to retain her US Open crown, with Swiatek the favourite across all four Grand Slams. She’s priced just ahead of Aryna Sabalenka at 3/1 and 4/1 respectively, while Elena Rybakina, who reached the third round this year, is third favourite.

Carlos Alcaraz (Photo by Justin Cohen Photography)

Coco Gauff Does Rolex Proud With U.S. Open Victory

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After two weeks of world-class tennis, Rolex Testimonee Coco Gauff triumphed in New York to claim the 2023 US Open women’s singles crown and her first Grand Slam® title. In doing so, the 19-year-old becomes the youngest American player to win the US Open since 1999 and rises to a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
The fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the calendar year is seen as one of the highlights of the season by both players and spectators. Renowned for its electric atmosphere and impassioned fans, this year’s edition was no exception with Gauff feeding off the exuberant energy in the stands throughout the tournament and, in particular, during the final where she staged a thrilling 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback victory.

With origins dating back to 1881, the US Open is one of the oldest tennis championships in the world. Rolex’s special relationship with the tournament as Official Timekeeper was inaugurated in 2018, further strengthening the Swiss watchmaker’s presence at the heart of the game with the support of all four Grand Slam tournaments. As part of its pivotal partnerships in sport, the brand helps to foster the development of tennis by strengthening its commitment to young talent and the most iconic athletes whose exceptional feats have brought excellence and greatness to the game.

Gauff displayed peerless composure in the final to withstand the challenge of her powerful opponent and it was the American’s unwavering determination that saw her reign supreme on one of tennis’ biggest stages. As the match went on, Gauff grew in confidence and showed no sign of nerves in the closing exchanges, sealing the historic victory with a superb backhand winner on her first match point. Overcome with emotion, she immediately fell to the floor and sat on the sideline with her head in her hands before making a heart sign to the cheering fans. Almost the entirety of the star-studded, partisan crowd inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the US Open’s iconic centerpiece arena with a seating capacity of close to 23,800 – by far the largest court in Grand Slam tennis – leapt to their feet and erupted in a frenzied celebration of the new champion that they had willed to victory.

Winning a Grand Slam title in one’s home country is often regarded as a crowning moment for tennis players and to achieve this feat at such a young age speaks volumes of Gauff’s committed spirit and dedication. Before lifting the coveted trophy, Gauff climbed the stands to share an emotional moment with her parents, Corey and Candi Gauff, who used to take her to the US Open as a child to watch her idols play. All three embraced and cried tears of joy in recognition that their sacrifices had resulted in one of the sport’s greatest prizes.

Reflecting on the significance of her achievement, Coco Gauff said: “I feel like I’m in a little bit of shock at the moment. I feel like God puts you through trials and tribulations, and that makes this even sweeter. I’m thankful for this moment. I don’t have any words.”

With this victory, Gauff joins an illustrious list of Rolex Testimonees to have triumphed in New York, which includes Rod Laver, Chris Evert, Stefan Edberg, Pat Rafter, Justine Henin, Roger Federer, Juan Martín del Potro, Angelique Kerber, Sloane Stephens, Bianca Andreescu, Dominic Thiem, Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz.

The US Open Women��s Singles Championship Trophy is made from sterling silver; across the front of the Trophy features the engravings of some of the most famous names in tennis history, alongside which Gauff now belongs. Whilst they cannot take the original trophies home, champions are given a replica with the same dimensions as the original trophy – unlike at the other three Grand Slam tournaments.

While glory belonged to Gauff this year, several other members of the Rolex family delivered strong performances, including Alcaraz, who reached the men’s singles semi-finals. Fellow Testimonees Qinwen Zheng and Taylor Fritz both reached the quarter-finals; and Caroline Wozniacki displayed her relentless pursuit of excellence and resilience with a remarkable run at her third tournament since coming out of retirement. After a three-and-a-half year absence from the game, the former World No. 1 from Denmark captivated crowds and reached the fourth round.

Gauff has long been destined to reach the highest heights in tennis. After bursting onto the scene with an extraordinary performance at The Championships, Wimbledon in 2019, where she made history by becoming the tournament’s youngest qualifier, aged 15, and making it to the fourth round in her Grand Slam debut, her emergence and career to date has captured the world’s attention.

Always a prodigious talent, Gauff’s triumph provides a fitting conclusion to the 2023 Grand Slam season and adds another memorable chapter in the tournament’s rich history. The focus of the tennis world now turns to the annual team competitions including the Davis Cup and the Laver Cup, which takes place for the first time in Vancouver, Canada from 22–24 September, at which Rolex is a Founding Partner and Official Timekeeper.


Novak Djokovic Looks To Add On His 24 Major Singles Titles

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With his win over Daniil Medvedev in the U.S. Open singles final, Novak Djokovic cemented his claim as the most accomplished tennis player — winning his 24th major singles title to equal the record held by Australian Margaret Court in the all-time count.

With the win, Djokovic became the oldest US Open men’s singles champion in the Open Era. In all, he has 10 Australian Opens, seven Wimbledons, four US Opens and three Roland Garros titles, making him the only man to win all four majors at least three times.

The Serb has long since realized his childhood dream — winning Wimbledon and being No.1 in the world. “When I realized that, I started to dream new dreams and set new objectives, new goals,” Djokovic said. “I never imagined that I would be here talking about 24 Slams.”

Djokovic reached all four major finals in 2023, and the only loss came at Wimbledon, when Carlos Alcaraz beat him in five sets in the final.

That defeat once again aroused the discussion of the generation shift from the Big Three — Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — to the younger players.

Federer announced his retirement last year, and 37-year-old Nadal has been absent from matches due to a hip injury at this year’s Australian Open.

Djokovic, at 36, shows few signs of losing physical edge. He stays healthy, maintains exceptional skills and always desires to win more. “I see this every Grand Slam that I play right now as really a golden opportunity to make more history,” he said.

Capturing his first major title in Australia in 2008, Djokovic bagged half of his 24 major titles after he turned 30. And a prolonged career requires stricter self-discipline.

“One of the biggest lessons I have learned probably mentally throughout my career is that even if you find a formula that works, it’s not a guarantee, and actually most likely it’s not going to work the next year,” said the Serb who keeps reinventing himself.

“As a 36-year-old competing with 20-year-olds, I probably have to do it more than I have ever done it in order to keep my body in shape, in order to be able to recover so that I can perform on the highest level consistently,” the Serbian said.

For Djokovic, who always gets tough when the going gets tough, 24 is just a number that he can go beyond.

“I’ll continue to prioritize them [Grand Slams] as my most important tournaments and where I want to play the best tennis,” he said. “So that will not change. That will stay the same in the next season, or I don’t know how many more seasons I have in my legs. So, let’s see.”

John McEnroe Charity Raises Record $625,000

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The John McEnroe Foundation’s Johnny Mac Tennis Project today announced that Saturday’s PRO AM event at SPORTIME Amagansett raised a record $650,000 in one day, besting the previous record of $600,000. It is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going towards the foundation’s mission of transforming young lives by removing the economic, racial and social barriers to success through tennis.

Founded by tennis hall of famer John McEnroe, JMTP introduces tennis to thousands of under-resourced New York City area children, particularly those living in East Harlem and the South Bronx.

There were 75 teams competing in the event alongside legends:  John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, James Blake, Reilly Opelka, Jim Courier, Rennae Stubbs, Andrea Petkovic, Luke Jensen and Richey Renenberg.

Pro Am Winners: Adam Sklar and Gui Medeiros

Pro Am Runners up: Dave Eisenberg and Dylan Breen

Pro Am Rose Flight Winners (Rose Flight is the Non-advancing flight): Amy Kline and Josep Baro

About the John McEnroe Tennis Academy In September 2010, tennis legend John McEnroe and SPORTIME partnered to launch the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, in John’s hometown of New York City, at the SPORTIME Randall’s Island Tennis Center in Manhattan. SPORTIME Randall’s Island is SPORTIME’s flagship location, and the flagship location of the Academy. In September 2012, JMTA expanded to SPORTIME Lake Isle, an 8-court, state-of-the-art, year-round facility in lower Westchester, and to SPORTIME Syosset in central Long Island, an 11-court indoor facility that has long served as SPORTIME’s high performance training center on Long Island. In 2013, JMTA Summer Tennis Training was added in the Hamptons, at SPORTIME Amagansett, SPORTIME’s 34-court, seasonal, outdoor tennis facility in the Town of East Hampton. With the satellite locations, the JMTA brand is currently featured at 4 sites with a total of 77 tennis courts, serving approximately 1,500 players annually and, as of September 2023, will be featured at 5 sites with a total of 96 courts, serving more than 2,000 players annually. Learn more: www.sportimeny.com/jmta

Evert and Navratilova Against WTA Finals In Saudi Arabia

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Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have spoken out against tennis masters in Saudi Arabia. In late June, WTA Chairman Steve Simon proposed the Year End WTA Tournament, where the best 8 performing women of the season are invited, in Saudi-Arabia. However, he was the first to admit that it is a complex undertaking.

Navratilova responded on social media with the following message:

“Women essentially have no rights there. Let them change a lot more, then we can interact more. Now is way too soon,” Martina Navratilova wrote.

Chris Evert responded similarly and said the following:

“I didn’t read that. I don’t know … really?” Evert said incredulously. “I mean, for me, I would prefer not to go to Saudi Arabia to play the WTA Finals. Not that I’m going to go play, but for me, I would prefer the WTA not go to Saudi Arabia. Obviously they have the human rights issues and everything, just the way they treat women. I would be against it. But I don’t have a vote.”

Saudi Arabia continues to rise in the world of sports

Saudi Arabia continues to rise in the world of sports. After Formula 1 and many football players transferred to the Arabian football league, the country now gets the Next Gen ATP Finals later this year.

The Association of Tennis Players (ATP) has designated Jeddah as the organizer of the tournament until 2027. This looks to be the first step for professional tennis in the country. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi spoke with several investors about possibilities for more tennis tournaments in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah is the successor of Milan, where the Next Gen Tournament originated. The Next Gen ATP Finals were won by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are both on top of their game at the moment.

There is much money to be earned for young players at the Next Gen ATP Finals. The winner takes home 1.8 million dollar, which is a lot.

The world of tennis is divided about Saudi Arabia

But what about the top players, are they going to Saudi Arabia for tennis tournaments? Opinions about that are divided among younger and older and even former tennis players. That is because Saudi Arabia is known as a country to that violates human rights.

John McEnroe said that he isn’t exactly happy about tennis tournaments in Saudi Arabia. He said wouldn’t support it and thinks that tennis should stay far away from the country.

But tennis legend, Billie Jean King, supports a tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia as a lesbian woman. She said that if you want to make changes then you need to be involved. And if you don’t meet people and avoid discussion to change things, then nothing will change.

Latine Tennis History To Be Celebrated At 2023 U.S. Open Highlighted By Ceremony On September 5

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During the 2023 US Open, the tournament will celebrate the impact of Latine culture on society, including recognizing the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latine players to the sport of tennis.

The newly formed Latin American Tennis Foundation (LATF) will take part in this celebration, which aims to honor the past, present and future of Latine representation in tennis and beyond. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the US Open Equity Talk: Latine Influence on American Pop Culture & Sports, a networking event and panel discussion taking place September 5th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the home of the US Open. The event will bring together influential Latine leaders across sports, business, and entertainment to engage in a dialogue about the community’s challenges, achievements, and aspirations. As part of the event, and in conjunction with the 2023 US Open’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of equal prize money, Rosie Casals will be recognized for her role in advocating for pay equality in 1973.

This year’s tournament will also bring to life a message of equity and inclusion for all US Open attendees through the US Open Equity Experience. This immersive display aims to educate, inspire and celebrate the continued evolution of tennis to become a more inclusive and equitable sport.

Through videos, images and inspiring examples of progress, the US Open Equity Experience features key milestones in US Open history, alongside profiles and quotes of tennis players who have been instrumental in driving change throughout the years. With the support of the LATF, the Equity Experience will feature the achievements made by legendary figures such as Pancho Gonzales, Pancho Segura, Rafael Osuna, Alex Olmedo, Gabriela Sabatini, Mary Joe Fernandez, Gigi Fernandez and others, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Other events celebrating Latine culture during the tournament will include a performance by New York dance group Ballet Hispanico on the opening day of Fan Week on August 22, as well as Hispanic and Latine tennis legends and influencers participating in pre-match coin toss ceremonies on September 5th.

The LATF strives to be the leading voice for Hispanic and Latine tennis in the U.S. and Latin America, with the goal of bringing awareness to current players, honoring past legends, and igniting a movement of participation and access.

LATF founders include Rosie Casals, an icon of women’s professional tennis, and Dan and Greg Gonzales, descendants of the legendary Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez. The Honorary and Advisory Board Members of LATF comprise Billie Jean King, a former World No. 1 tennis player and advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ equality; WTA President Mickey Lawler, Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a renowned neurosurgeon; Dolores Huerta, a civil rights and labor leader; and Raul Humberto Yzaguirre, a civil rights activist and former president of the National Council of La Raza.

The US Open will also commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and honor Rosie Casals for her pivotal role in its formation. As a member of “The Original Nine,” she played an important part in establishing the Virginia Slims circuit and advocating for pay equality.

“The LATF remains steadfast in its commitment to celebrating Latino icons within the game, with a special focus this year on Rafael Osuna and the 60th Anniversary of his historic 1963 US Open title victory. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change, promoting participation, access and inclusivity, while inspiring generations to come,” said Rosie Casals, co-founder of LATF.

For more information about the Latin American Tennis Foundation and its programs, please visit their
website at www.latinamericantennisfoundation.org.
Contact:
Name: Greg Gonzales
Phone: (623) 414- 1012
Email:info@latinamericantennisfoundation.org

Pancho Segura

Prudential Helps New Pro Ethan Quinn Plan For Retirement

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Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) announced today that it is partnering with the next generation of tennis talent – 19-year-old NCAA champ from the University of Georgia Ethan Quinn – in a brand deal that showcases Ethan at a new stage in his life: Preparing for competition as he makes his professional debut and thinking about…retirement.

Ethan will utilize Prudential Stages for Retirement and Prudential’s team of financial advisors to let his money work for him as he builds his tennis career. Through the power of compound interest, the investment could be worth as much as $2.6 million – nearly the value of winning a tennis title championship– when he is eligible for retirement.

“Ethan understands that the training and hard work pays off in more than one way, and is partnering with Prudential to inspire others to seize the moments when life goes right to plan for a better financial future,” said Susan Somersille Johnson, Prudential’s Chief Marketing Officer. “No matter what happens throughout his professional career – Ethan will be ready. And Prudential will be there to support him.”

This is important, says Prudential Financial Advisor and former professional football player Delvin Joyce. By planning now, Ethan can face his financial future with the same confidence he brings to the court.

“Earning a lot of money when young can create a false sense of security,” Joyce said. “Professional athletes are typically well compensated but are not taught how to manage their wealth. Ethan understands this, and wants to encourage young players to consider their financial future as their career begins, not when it is ending.”

As part of the brand deal, Ethan will star in an ad directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. The ad is the latest in Prudential’s ‘Now What?’ brand campaign and will premiere on national TV at the same time as the US Open Aug. 28-Sept. 10. It features a variety of inspiring moments: Ethan at center court of a large-scale stadium. Sitting on the sidelines. Walking down the tunnel. Preparing in the locker room. Near the end, he’s preparing for a serve, and hitting it across the net in what is now the exciting and defining moment of the rest of his life. The voice-over describes Ethan as an underdog, a long shot, a first timer. But it also describes him as ‘something that not too many people ever get to be. A professional.’

Green, a former college athlete who directed such iconic films as Monsters and Men, King Richard, and the upcoming Bob Marley: One Love, says his background in sports was one of the primary reasons he decided to sign on as director of the ad.

“I wish I understood the importance of saving my pennies when I was a young man starting out,” Green said. “Although I was raised to live in the moment, to be present, and that any day could be my last, I hope this ad inspires young people to save for the rainy and sunny days and create a plan for what’s to come.”

The brand deal with Ethan, which will also be supported by paid digital and social media, is in addition to a global campaign for Prudential’s global investment management division (PGIM) in partnership with Cam Norrie, the world’s #13 tennis player and the British #1. PGIM will be prominently featured on Cam’s shirt sleeve when he competes in the Australian Open, the French Open, the US Open and Wimbledon. Prudential and PGIM also will be featured on shirt sleeves for 40 matches at the US Open.

To learn more, please visit https://www.prudential.com/now-what

Ethan Quinn is a paid promoter and will be a customer of Prudential.  For more information about his partnership, go to prudential.com/nowwhat.

About Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better by creating financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise, and innovation for nearly 150 years. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

Ethan Quinn

Lesson Failed: Never Take A Legend For Granted

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BY JAMES BECK

Carlos Alcaraz should have learned at least one important lesson from his marathon loss to Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati final.

Never take anything for granted against a legend such as Djokovic.

Alcaraz paid a big price for ignoring that lesson in Sunday afternoon’s scorching heat on a blistering hard court.

NOVAK APPEARED TO BE HEADED FOR DEFEAT

Djokovic appeared to be a beaten man when Alcaraz served with a 4-3 lead in the second set. Djokovic was virtually wiped out, or so it appeared.

But the match really was just beginning. Alcaraz won the first point of that eighth game of the set, and everything appeared to be in order for the young Spaniard.

Boy, did things change quickly as Alcaraz carelessly committed four consecutive unforced errors. Suddenly, it was a new game with Novak looking alive and well. Four games later, they were in a tiebreaker and Alcaraz held his only match point of the day.

Djokovic was on fire then and on his way to a 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) victory.

LOSS IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD

Of course, this one really didn’t mean that much to either Djokovic or Alcaraz. They are after bigger goals.

The big one comes up in New York in almost three weeks, if both players can make it to the final of the U.S. Open.

Alcaraz can only get better. After all, he’s only 20 years old. He made a remarkable improvement over his performance in losing to Tommy Paul a week earlier in Toronto.

You wouldn’t think Djokovic can get much better than the game he played in the Cincinnati final. Yes, it should be steaming hot in Arthur Ashe Stadium, too.

FIVE SETS A TELLING STORY

This time it will be five sets, and there is no telling who will survive the heat best if Alcaraz gets another shot at Djokovic. For both players to make it through two weeks in New York to the Sunday final would be a major achievement for both Djokovic and defending champion Alcaraz.

Either way, it probably is just a matter of time before Djokovic gives up the chase for more Grand Slam titles. It is worth it at the end of other majors for Djokovic only if he can prevail through the final shot.

But anything short of other major titles wouldn’t be worth what Djokovic went through Sunday in Cincinnati for 229 minutes. Of course, Alcaraz went through similar circumstances at the French Open.

But he’s 16 years younger than Djokovic.

All of the great ones eventually have to surrender to time.

COCO: A STAR IN THE MAKING

Coco Gauff likely will become one of the great ones before she finishes. A Grand Slam title in New York would set her on her way to greatness.

The 19-year-old, much like Alcaraz, is loaded with weapons. First, she is a great athlete.

That was obvious to me as early as May 2019 when I spotted Gauff resting on a bench at the courtside after a long workout at LTP Tennis in Charleston. She already qualified for the $100K ITF tournament there.

I interviewed Coco for just a few minutes before she was called back to the court. A month later she was in the round of 16 at the French Open.

JUST A MATTER OF TIME FOR GAUFF

 Just 15 years old, it was just a matter of time before Gauff would become a superstar.

She isn’t quite there yet, but after winning titles in Washington as well as her first Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, Gauff is getting close. She still has two more chances to win a Grand Slam title as a teenager, and the next step could be New York. She already has the experience of a runner-up finish at last year’s French Open.

Gauff really didn’t have much trouble upending Karolina Muchova, 6-3, 6-4, at Cincinnati’s Western & Southern Open on Sunday.

But again, the draw for the U.S. Open will be filled with players capable of winning a Grand Slam title, even including the likes of Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, ranked just ninth in the world. As a left-hander, she already has the edge over most of the players on the field.

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James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award. 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

Maestro Dobel Becomes U.S. Open’s “Official Tequila”

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The USTA announced that it has partnered with Maestro Dobel® Tequila to make the world’s first Cristalino the first “Official Tequila” of the US Open, beginning with the 2023 event.

Maestro Dobel Tequila’s partnership with the US Open further cements its position as a supporter of professional tennis in the United States, as Dobel also serves as the “Official Tequila” across key tournaments including the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open and Western & Southern Open.

A champion of maestros in their respective crafts, Maestro Dobel has also partnered with players Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka and Dana Mathewson, the highest-ranked American wheelchair tennis player, to support the brand’s US Open debut.

“The US Open has a storied and rich history driven by passion for the sport of tennis and a commitment to excellence,” said Deanne Pownall, USTA Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships. “These attributes are shared with Maestro Dobel Tequila and we are excited to introduce this legacy brand to our fans on-site, and showcase the partnership to fans around the world.”

A cornerstone of the partnership is the placement of “Dobel Tequila” branding in on-court signage that will be visible to fans on-site and around the world. Fans attending the US Open will have the opportunity to experience the portfolio of Maestro Dobel’s smooth tequilas that will be available at concession stands, restaurants and private hospitality spaces.


“As an 11th generation tequila maker, I take great pride in the mastery and precision with which we craft our award-winning Maestro Dobel tequilas. Each year, we see that same passion and dedication on display in the competition at the US Open, so we are incredibly proud to announce Maestro Dobel – creator of the world’s first Cristalino – as the first ‘Official Tequila’ of this iconic tournament,” said Juan Dobel, Founder of Maestro Dobel Tequila. “As the number one ultra-premium tequila in Mexico and one of the fastest-growing globally, we are excited to share our range of extraordinary tequilas with tennis fans in New York, and continue the acceleration of the tequila category with an international audience.”

Maestro Dobel will be featured at a branded, full-service bar inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and branded, mobile carts across the tournament grounds, which will offer smooth and refreshing tequila cocktails, including the Maestro Dobel Ace Paloma, poured in a co-branded souvenir cup. 

Maestro Dobel will also participate in the “Flavors of the Open” ticketed food and beverage event on the evening of Thursday, August 24, and is supporting the annual USTA Foundation Gala on Monday, August 28.

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The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 120 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

About Maestro Dobel Tequila

Maestro Dobel® Tequila was born from 11 generations of tequila mastery in Jalisco, Mexico in 2003 and introduced to the American market in 2009. With deep respect for legacy, founded by 11th generation tequila maker Juan Dobel, Maestro Dobel is a modern expression of tequila, with a heritage and refined craft that spans over 250 years. Maestro Dobel is an innovator in the category – having introduced to the global market the first Cristalino tequila with Dobel Diamante, the first Smoked Tequila with Humito and the first Pechuga Tequila with Pavito – and has produced some of the finest and smoothest range of tequilas.

For more information, please visit www.maestrodobel.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook at @dobeltequila.