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Alcaraz US Open Title Chances Rise After Djokovic and Sinner Exits

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Alcaraz US Open title chances didn’t need the draw to open up for him. But it did anyway, and now the conversation sounds less like speculation and more like inevitability.

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates as his US Open title chances rise after Djokovic and Sinner exits

A Field That Cleared Itself

Novak Djokovic’s five-set collapse against Mariano Navone wasn’t just an upset — it’s the single biggest reason Alcaraz US Open title chances look as strong as they do heading into week two. Djokovic came into Flushing Meadows with 78 consecutive first-round wins at majors, the longest such streak in the Open era, and left in the first round for the first time in his US Open career, visibly worn down and battling illness by the fifth set. At 39, and now 12 majors deep into his longest title drought since 2005–07, it raises real questions about how much longer he keeps chasing No. 25.

Layer in Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal with a knee injury — his first missed major since 2019 Wimbledon — and you get something tennis hasn’t seen since the 2003 French Open: none of the sport’s Big Three reaching the second round of a Grand Slam. That’s not background noise. That’s the story shaping the back half of this tournament, and it’s exactly why Alcaraz US Open title chances are worth discussing seriously rather than hopefully.

Alcaraz Looks the Part

None of this matters if Alcaraz isn’t playing well, and right now he is. His 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Roman Safiullin was the first real test of the wrist that sidelined him since April, and he passed it comfortably — controlled ball-striking, no visible hesitation, no sign of the injury lingering into his movement or shot selection. By his own admission postmatch, the only piece still catching up is his serve speed, which he’s keeping deliberately conservative against returners who thrive on pace. He explained that some opponents prefer returning serves clocked above 130 mph, and that serving a touch slower can actually throw their timing off — a small tactical wrinkle that doubles as evidence he’s still managing the wrist rather than trusting it fully.

Expect that serve speed to climb as the tournament progresses and his confidence compounds round to round. That combination — clean movement, sharp groundstrokes, a serve with obvious room to grow — is the shape of a player peaking at the right time, not limping through a comeback.

The Serena Factor

There’s a smaller subplot worth folding into Alcaraz US Open title chances: his mixed doubles run alongside Serena Williams, which ended in the quarterfinals against Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. On paper it’s a footnote. In practice, it was his first live match reps in months, against elite opposition, in a lower-pressure format — exactly the kind of tune-up a player easing back from injury wants before a two-week singles slog.

Alcaraz admitted afterward he was nervous going in but enjoyed being back on court competing, which tracks with how much sharper he looked days later against Safiullin. Bencic herself noted the occasion, saying it was an honor to share the court with two players carrying that combined résumé between them. Call it a dress rehearsal that worked better than the scoreline suggested — rust visible against a sharp doubles pairing, but conditioning and nerves both restored ahead of the singles draw that actually matters to him.

Where This Leaves Him

Two-time champion, healthy, and now navigating a draw missing its two most dangerous obstacles — that’s the current shape of Alcaraz US Open title chances. It doesn’t hand him the trophy outright. Zverev, Medvedev, and a stacked chasing pack are still very much alive, and a wrist that’s only had one competitive test can still ask questions in a best-of-five format deep into the second week. But the standard has shifted. Alcaraz isn’t playing catch-up to the field anymore. The field is playing catch-up to him.

Sinner Withdraws From US Open as Fils Crashes the Cincinnati Party

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Tennis handed us a week that felt like three separate storylines colliding at a four-way stop, and somehow nobody walked away unscathered. The world No. 1 packed it in for New York before he’d even unpacked his bags. His closest rival strolled back through the door like he’d never left. And in Ohio, two guys nobody had circled on their US Open bingo card played a final so lopsided in three different directions it needs its own currency exchange rate. Buckle in — this is the week the hard-court summer stopped behaving itself.

Sinner withdraws from US Open

Sinner Withdraws From US Open — and Everything Changes

Let’s start with the gut punch. Jannik Sinner withdraws from US Open with a right knee issue that’s been quietly wrecking his summer since the moment he lifted the Wimbledon trophy in July. He hasn’t played a competitive point since SW19, missed Montreal, missed Cincinnati, tried to get back on court in Monte Carlo last week, and came away knowing it wasn’t there yet. “We have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” he wrote, and for a guy who has not skipped a Grand Slam since his 2019 debut in New York, that sentence carries some real weight.

The number that should stop you cold: Sinner is the twelfth player to withdraw from this year’s field. Twelve. New York’s severance package this year reads like a war casualty report. And because Sinner arrives as the reigning runner-up, he’s about to hemorrhage a mountain of ranking points without hitting a single ball — which means the World No. 1 conversation gets a lot more interesting by mid-September, whether he likes it or not.

Alcaraz Returns to Defend, Right on Cue

If Sinner’s exit was the week’s gut punch, Carlos Alcaraz’s return was the plot twist nobody saw timed quite this well. The Spaniard missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon entirely with a wrist injury — four months on the shelf, defending champion or not — and confirmed his comeback the day before Sinner confirmed his exit. “Here we go,” he posted, and just like that, the draw’s biggest variable walked back onto the biggest stage with essentially zero match play under his belt since the spring.

There’s a bonus subplot here too: Alcaraz and Serena Williams were handed a wild card into the US Open mixed doubles, marking Serena’s first appearance at Flushing Meadows since she retired back in 2022. Whether that’s a fun sideshow or an actual competitive threat is almost beside the point — it’s going to be must-watch television regardless.

Arthur Fils Crashes the Cincinnati Party

While New York’s storylines were rearranging themselves, Cincinnati quietly produced the most entertaining final of the summer. Arthur Fils and Frances Tiafoe, seeded 21st and 17th respectively, met in a final that guaranteed a first-time Masters 1000 champion — and then proceeded to play three sets that each seemed to belong to a different match. Fils took the first 6-3. Tiafoe, playing with the hometown crowd fully behind him, ripped off the second 6-1 like he’d flipped a switch. And then Fils, to his enormous credit, simply didn’t blink, closing it out 6-0 in a third set that had the Lindner Family Tennis Center searching for its jaw on the floor.

Final score: Fils def. Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0. It’s the Frenchman’s first Masters 1000 title, and it comes on the back of a run that also took down Alex de Minaur and Flavio Cobolli — the kind of week that turns a solid season into a genuinely dangerous US Open dark horse. At 22, he’s the youngest French champion in Masters 1000 history, and just the second Frenchman to win Cincinnati since Guy Forget did it in 1991. Tiafoe, for his part, leaves Ohio 0-for-2 in Cincinnati finals now, but a runner-up finish to a rising talent after this kind of tournament is nothing to sulk about — and both men know they’re taking real momentum into New York.

Worth sitting with for a second, too: this was the first Masters 1000 final in tour history between two Black players, and Fils’s win makes him the third Black man to lift a Masters 1000 trophy, joining Ben Shelton (twice in Canada) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Paris 2008, Canada 2014). Fils himself didn’t undersell the moment afterward, either on the scoreline or the year that preceded it: “It’s been a tough last year. I didn’t play the French Open. I lost early in Washington. People think that I’m done. But here we are. I got the title.”

History in Ohio: An All-American Final for the Ages

The women’s final was its own kind of history lesson before a ball was even struck. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula met for the Cincinnati title in the first all-American women’s final at the tournament since 1970, when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey — fifty-six years is a genuinely absurd gap for two of the most decorated Americans on tour to be closing.

Both earned it the hard way. Pegula dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek in a three-set slugfest, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, snapping Swiatek’s ten-match winning streak and picking up the 300th tour-level win of her career in the process — not a bad Saturday’s work. Gauff, meanwhile, dispatched giant-killer Sara Bejlek 6-4, 6-1, closing the book on a run that had already claimed Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys.

Sunday night belonged to Gauff. She jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first set, eventually closing it 6-2, then held off a late Pegula surge to 5-4 in the second before serving it out, 6-2, 6-4, in a tidy hour and fourteen minutes. It’s Gauff’s second Cincinnati title (she also won in 2023) and her fourth WTA 1000 trophy, and it squares the career head-to-head with Pegula at 5-5. The two stayed classy about it, too — Gauff, in her on-court interview, telling Pegula directly: “I don’t like seeing you on the other side of the court. But I like playing with you. You’re an incredible person and player.” Worth noting for New York: Gauff’s last Cincinnati title, in 2023, came one week before she won her first Grand Slam at the US Open. She was careful not to call it an omen — “I don’t think that this is an indicator that I’m going to do well in New York” — but nobody in Ohio needed much convincing.

The Kyrgios Fallout Isn’t Going Anywhere

We covered the actual suspension in detail already, so we won’t re-litigate it here — but the ripple effects kept rolling all week regardless. Andy Roddick used his podcast to call out Kyrgios directly, dredging up years of the Australian’s public criticism of Sinner’s and Swiatek’s own doping cases and calling the double standard “purely hypocritical.” It’s the kind of feud that writes itself, and given how much oxygen Kyrgios has occupied in tennis media for years now, don’t expect this one to quiet down just because he’s stepped back from social media for a month.

The Seeds Just Locked In, and Sinner’s Absence Is Already Reshaping Things

As if on cue, Monday brought the last piece of the puzzle: today is the ATP and WTA ranking cutoff for US Open seeding, meaning the numbers next to every name in Thursday’s draw ceremony are now essentially set. Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev head the two lists as the top seeds, but the real story is who moved up because Sinner didn’t show up at all — Alcaraz and Djokovic both climb as a direct result of the No. 1’s absence, landing them friendlier paths than they’d have drawn with Sinner still occupying his usual real estate in the bracket. Six men have withdrawn from the field in total, with Sinner and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina the only two who would have actually been seeded.

The USTA also confirmed the tournament will hand out a record $108 million in player compensation this year — the largest package in tennis history — so however the seeding shakes out, nobody’s leaving Flushing Meadows underpaid for their trouble.

What It All Means for New York

Zoom out and the picture gets messy in the best possible way. Fan Week is already underway in Queens, qualifying started Monday, the mixed doubles championship runs Tuesday and Wednesday, and Roger Federer is making his first Ashe Stadium appearance since 2019 for an exhibition on Tuesday night. The main draw doesn’t start until August 30th and the official ceremony isn’t until Thursday, but the storylines are already stacked three deep: a No. 1 seed who won’t be there, a former champion returning on fumes and a friendlier draw, and a fresh crop of Masters 1000 finalists — Fils chief among them — who suddenly look like they belong in the conversation.

Throw in Winston-Salem and Guadalajara quietly wrapping their own tune-up draws this week, and it’s clear the entire tour spent the last seven days recalibrating exactly who the favorites are heading into Flushing Meadows. Buckle up — this US Open was already going to be unpredictable. Now it’s practically daring us to guess right.

An Alexander Zverev Stumble And A Jannik Sinner Dance

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BY JAMES BECK

CHARLESTON, S.C. – – This Wimbledon men’s championship’s final score looked much closer than its final score.

One mere stumble in the third set might have been the difference in the match.

Alexander Zverev had his foot on the pedal chasing a ball behind the baseline when he lost his footage  and hit the grass as Jannik Sinner directed the ball to a soft shot near the other sideline. Zverev quickly grabbed his right knee as Sinner headed to his side.

SINNER COMES TO THE RESCUE

Sinner helped his opponent to his feet, and all of a sudden Zverev’s break point was now a deuce. Two shots later, the tall Italian had jumped ahead, 4-3, in his favor rather than Zverev’s.

The next point was just as wild as Zverev nailed an ace and appeared again ready to even the game score at  4-4 with a double game point. But two shots later, it was deuce and anybody’s game, even though Zverev was still alive in the game with his 130 mph serves. Zverev gained another ad-point, but then double-faulted his edge away. Two points later, Zverev was throwing his racket and looking at a 5-3 deficit in a third set that put Sinner within one set of winning a second straight Wimbledon title.

ZVEREV WILTS WITH SECOND-SET TIEBREAKER

The fourth set went rather quickly after Sinner took a 5-3 lead, and was headed to a 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 victory.

Zverev lost it with a second-set tiebreaker in which he won only two points. And for all practical purposes Sinner was in control, at least with those third-set scrambles by Zverev.

The biggest difference appeared to be Zverev’s inability to close important games the last three sets.

NEW YORK’S U.S. OPEN IS NEXT

Maybe things will change when the 2026 Grand Slams end in New York’s U.S. Open.

But right now it looks like there will be another Grand Slam title for the 24-year-old Sinner to add to his now total of five and go into next year with two titles each at three of the Grand Slams, leaving only the French Open without a title.

And, of course, the French has now become the 6-6 Zverev’s kingdom. After all, he’s five years older and three inches taller than Sinner.

—

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

King of the Rock: Jannik Sinner Conquers Monte-Carlo and Reclaims His Throne

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by Bob Stockton

April 12, 2026 | Monte-Carlo Country Club

The principality of Monaco has seen its share of royalty, but on a breezy Sunday afternoon on the terracotta courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, a new champion was crowned. Jannik Sinner captured his first clay-court ATP Masters 1000 trophy at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, overcoming great rival Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-3 in swirling, windy conditions.

This was no ordinary final. Both players knew that whoever triumphed on Court Rainier III would also secure the World No. 1 ranking on Monday. Title, ranking, bragging rights — all of it on the line in a single afternoon. The tennis gods couldn’t have scripted it better.

A Rivalry Like No Other

Alcaraz led their ATP Head2Head series 10-6 heading into the final, yet in a remarkable statistical quirk, both players had won exactly 1,651 tour-level points against each other — a dead heat of excellence built across years of fierce, breathtaking competition.

Their blockbuster clash was the pair’s first meeting since November, when Sinner had triumphed in the Nitto ATP Finals title match. Five months apart, but it felt like no time at all. The old tension, the familiar intensity — it was all right there from the first game.

Wind, Nerves, and a Tiebreak for the Ages

The conditions were far from ideal. The Mediterranean breeze that makes Monte-Carlo so picturesque also makes tennis maddening — balls floating, kick serves dying, rhythm constantly disrupted. But Sinner thrives in chaos.

Alcaraz struggled to generate his usual damage on second serve, with the cooler conditions limiting the impact of his kick serve into Sinner’s backhand. However, the Spaniard responded under pressure, saving a crucial break point in the ninth game when Sinner misfired on the forehand.

The first set went the distance. Sinner managed the swirling conditions more effectively in the tiebreak, finding his spots on serve and reading the Alcaraz drop shot to seize control of the breaker. The Italian clinched the set when Alcaraz hit a double fault — the cruelest of endings for a set that deserved to go on forever.

Alcaraz Fights Back, Sinner Fights Harder

Alcaraz claimed an early break in the second set with a piece of athletic brilliance — forced deep and wide behind the baseline, he replied with a dipping crosscourt backhand, then slid into a forehand pass that caught the near sideline. The crowd roared. The defending champion wasn’t going quietly.

But Sinner answered. He claimed his second consecutive break to go ahead 5-3 with a forceful forehand passing shot that drew an Alcaraz forehand volley error, before confidently serving out the match — avenging his five-set loss to the Spaniard when they last met on clay in the 2025 Roland Garros final.

Two hours and fifteen minutes. Done.

History Written in Red Clay

The magnitude of what Sinner has achieved this season is only now fully coming into focus. He became just the second player, alongside Novak Djokovic in 2015, to win Miami and Monte-Carlo back to back. And incredibly, Sinner joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the only players to win four consecutive Masters 1000 titles — a lineage of greatness that speaks for itself.

The 24-year-old will return to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday for the first time this year, beginning his 67th week as World No. 1.

Even Alcaraz, gracious in defeat, acknowledged what he’d witnessed. “It is impressive what you are achieving right now,” the Spaniard told Sinner during the trophy ceremony. “Just one man had won the Sunshine Double and Monte-Carlo and you are now the second. It is something incredible.”

Home, Trophy, Everything

For Sinner, this one carried a personal weight beyond the rankings and the records. “I don’t know where to start, honestly,” he said. “We came here just trying to get as many matches as possible. I’m very happy to win one big trophy on this surface, which I hadn’t done before.”

“Today was breezy, different conditions to what we had earlier in the tournament. Having the trophy means a lot to me. It’s a completely different tournament for me being able to sleep at home and everything.”

Sleep at home. It’s a small detail — but it tells the whole story. This wasn’t just a tennis player winning a tournament. This was a young man from the Italian Alps, competing practically in his own backyard, lifting a trophy he’d always dreamed of holding.

The clay swing is only just beginning. Roland Garros is coming. But right now, in Monte-Carlo, the King of the Rock has a name — and it’s Jannik Sinner.

🎾 Final score: Sinner def. Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-3

Australian Open: Timing Is Everything For Rolex Testimonees

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Timing is everything on the tennis court and the countdown to the first Grand Slam® event of 2026 is almost complete. A new year arrives full of promise, as the world’s leading players gather at Melbourne Park to compete at the Australian Open from Sunday 18 January to Sunday 1 February. The tournament marks the opening chapter of Rolex’s support for the international tennis calendar, with its vibrant atmosphere setting the tone for the season ahead. Adding to the heightened sense of anticipation, three of the sport’s leading lights arrive down under targeting their next crowning moment. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek will both have the opportunity to achieve the career Grand Slam® – the quest to win all four of the most coveted trophies – while Jannik Sinner is seeking a rare third consecutive triumph in Melbourne.

Since joining the Rolex family of Testimonees in 2022 and at just 22 years of age, Alcaraz has won six Grand Slam® titles, becoming the youngest man to do so on all three tennis surfaces. In a standout 2025 season, the Spaniard recorded 70 match wins for the first time, while reaching more finals and winning more titles than any other player on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour. Looking ahead to the Australian Open, the current World No. 1 Alcaraz says:

“Winning all four Grand Slams is one of the greatest achievements in our sport, and having the chance to fight for it already is a privilege. It would be something truly special, something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. But at the same time, I want to approach it with calm and focus. I’ll prepare as always, giving my best every day, and if the opportunity comes, I’ll try to enjoy it and embrace the moment.”

A triumph in Melbourne would elevate Alcaraz and Świątek into an elite group of 18 players who have completed the career Grand Slam®, including fellow Rolex Testimonees Rod Laver, Chris Evert and Roger Federer. It is Laver’s legacy in particular that continues to set a benchmark for generations of players, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the Australian Open in his home country. Fittingly, if either player were to claim the title, they would secure their place among tennis immortality on Rod Laver Arena, with the Rolex clocks keeping time courtside. Laver won 11 Grand Slam® singles titles during his remarkable career. In 1962 as an amateur, he won all four tournaments, culminating with the US national championships in New York at age 24. Laver reflects:

“I was very fortunate to play my best tennis at the right time, and to take the opportunities when they were presented to me. The four Grand Slams are the pinnacle of the calendar, they are the tournaments all players want to win and the ones that Rolex supports, which is wonderful for tennis. If you don’t give up and work hard, things beyond your wildest imagination can come true.”

Among those standing in the way of this milestone is Sinner, Alcaraz’s greatest rival and a four-time Grand Slam® champion. The Italian maestro has shared the past eight Grand Slam® titles with Alcaraz and could achieve his own historic feat at this year’s event. Should Sinner once again prevail, he would become only the second person to win three successive Australian Open men’s singles titles. Rolex Testimonee Sinner says:

“I was extremely happy with my 2025 season. Fortunately, there was some good success and not many losses, and in the losses, I always tried to see the positives and evolve my game. I believe that if you keep working hard and searching for ways to improve as a player, the results will come.”

Since first partnering with Wimbledon in 1978, Rolex has supported the journey to excellence across the tennis world, becoming Official Timekeeper of the Australian Open in 2008. The Swiss watchmaker stands alongside the sport’s elite talents, many of whom will be reaching for the heights in Melbourne over the course of the 15-day event. Joining Alcaraz and Sinner in their pursuit of the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup will be Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and João Fonseca, all looking to improve on impressive 2025 seasons. In the women’s draw, Mirra Andreeva, Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff are all vying for the Melbourne throne, as they compete alongside Świątek to etch their name on the Daphne Ackhurst Memorial Cup for the first time.

ESPN Announces 2026 Australian Open Broadcast Schedule

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It’s “Summer Down Under” as ESPN delivers comprehensive and expanded on-site coverage of the 2026 Australian Open. Tennis fans in North America can watch every match from all 15 courts across ESPN networks and platforms live from Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. 

With Melbourne 16 hours ahead of the U.S. ET, day matches will be presented on ESPN networks in primetime ET and local night session matches will begin at 3 a.m. ET. In all, ESPN will present more than 260 hours of live coverage.

Exclusive coverage kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 17, with first round coverage beginning live at 7 p.m. on the ESPN App and on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. New in 2026, match coverage continues seamlessly through the early rounds starting in primetime and ending at 7 a.m.

Daily three-hour encore presentations will be available on ESPN2 throughout the tournament. The Mixed Doubles Championship on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m., the Men’s and Women’s Doubles Championship on Friday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. as well as the Legend’s Championship at 5:30 a.m. and the Juniors Singles Championship at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, will stream exclusively on the ESPN App.

Comprehensive coverage will culminate with the Women’s and Men’s Championships on January 31 and February 1, respectively, at 3:30 a.m. on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

Debuting this year are two 30-minute pre-shows before each singles championship on ESPN beginning at 3 a.m.

Watch the Australian Open 2026 campaign spot here.

This is ESPN’s 42nd annual presentation of the Australian Open, representing its longest uninterrupted professional sports programming relationship. ESPN has held the rights to the event since 1984.

Comprehensive Platform Coverage:

ABC will air two one-hour highlight shows on the middle and final weekends.

ESPN App gives subscribers access to Multiview on mobile and connected TV devices to watch up to four matches simultaneously. Additionally, Catch Up To Live allows subscribers to watch quick-turn highlights of all the key plays they missed or replay the entire match with “Start from Beginning” at any time.

ESPN on Disney+ offers access for all Disney+ subscribers to select Day 1 action directly within the Disney+ app. Additionally, the entire tournament streams on Disney+ for all Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle subscribers.

ESPN.com will offer daily comprehensive tournament coverage, including previews, reviews, analysis, news, polls, and videos.

ESPN Radio will provide SiriusXM listeners access to Australian Open Radio broadcasts including daily live coverage of matches from the first round through the quarterfinals and will air all men’s and women’s matches in their entirety in the semifinal and championship rounds.

ESPN Deportes coverage in Spanish spans the First Round through the Championships, with a 30-minute pre-show preceding the Women’s and Men’s Championships. ESPNDeportes.com will feature news, results, recaps, and live chats.

Globally, ESPN’s affiliated networks will provide extensive coverage in Latin America (Spanish), Brazil (Portuguese), and the Caribbean (English), while Canadian viewers can tune in via TSN (English) and RDS (French).

The ESPN Commentator Team for the 2026 Australian Open

2026 Australian Open Schedule (all times ET)

Sat, Jan 17 

Time (ET) Network Event 
7:45 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) First Round   
7 p.m. – 7a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
10 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Sun, Jan 18 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 First Round   
3 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
7 a.m. – 10 a.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 3a.m.  ESPN2 
7 p.m. – 3a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)

Mon, Jan 19 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 First Round   
3 a.m. – 8 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 7a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
11 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
11:15 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Tue, Jan 20 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 First Round   
3 a.m. – 8 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
Noon– 3 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
7 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Second Round   
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
9 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Wed, Jan 21 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 Second Round   
3 a.m. – 8 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
9 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Thu, Jan 22 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
12 a.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Second Round   
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 
3 a.m. – 8 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
7 p.m. – 7a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)		Third Round   
7:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
9 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Fri, Jan 23 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 Third Round   
3 a.m. – 8 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
7:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
9 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Sat, Jan 24 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 Third Round   
3 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
7 a.m. – 10 a.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)
7 p.m. – 7 a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)		Round of 16   
8 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 
11 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 

Sun, Jan 25 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 Round of 16   
3 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.  ABC ABC Highlights Program 
7 p.m. – 7a.m. ESPN Unlimited (Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas)
ESPN+ (all other courts)		Round of 16   
7:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
8 p.m. – 3 a.m.  ESPN2 

Mon, Jan 26 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN2 Round of 16   
3 a.m. – 8 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
Noon – 3 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 5 a.m. ESPN+ Doubles, Wheelchair, Juniors + all remaining courts 
7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPNQuarterfinals   
7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPN2 

Tue, Jan 27 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN Quarterfinals   
3 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 5 a.m. ESPN+ Doubles, Wheelchair, Juniors + all remaining courts 
7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPNQuarterfinals 
7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPN2 

Wed, Jan 28 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPNQuarterfinals   
3 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 5 a.m. ESPN+ Doubles, Wheelchair, Juniors + all remaining courts 

Thu, Jan 29 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3:25 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Women’s Semifinals   
3:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.  ESPN
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 
7 p.m. – 5a.m. ESPN+ Doubles, Wheelchair, Juniors + all remaining courts 
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. ESPN+ Mixed Doubles Championship 
10 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.  ESPNMen’s Semifinals Pre-Show 
10:25 p.m. – 2 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Men’s Semifinals #1   
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.  ESPN 

Fri, Jan 30 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3:25 a.m. – 7 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Men’s Semifinals #2   
3:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.  ESPN
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) Men’s Semifinals 
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.  ESPN+ Men’s & Women’s Doubles Championship 
8 p.m. – 2 a.m. ESPN+ Juniors, Wheelchair, + all remaining courts 

Sat, Jan 31 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.  ESPNWomen’s Championship Pre-Show 
3 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Women’s Championship Pre-Show 
3:30 a.m. – 5:30 a.m.  ESPNWomen’s Championship   
3:30 a.m. – 6 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
5:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.  ESPN+ Legends Championship 
9 a.m. – Noon ESPN2 (Encore)Women’s Championship – Encore Presentation 
Noon– 1 p.m.  ABCABC Highlights Program 
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.  ESPN+ Juniors Singles Championship 

Sun, Feb 1 

Time (ET) Network  Event 
3 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.  ESPNMen’s Championship Pre-Show 
3 a.m. – 3:30 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) Men’s Championship Pre-Show 
3:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.  ESPNMen’s Championship   
3:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.  ESPN Deportes (Spanish) 
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) Men’s Championship – Encore Presentation   
9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.  ESPN2 (Encore) 

—30—

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Australian Open 2026: Rivalries Ignite And Legends Return

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Australian Open 2026: Rivalries ignite, legends return and the next generation arrives

The stage is set for a spectacular summer of tennis as the world’s best players descend on Melbourne Park for Australian Open 2026 – a tournament brimming with blockbuster rivalries, historic milestones, and the rise of a new generation of global stars.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley says this year’s AO could mark a defining moment in the sport’s history.

“We’re witnessing the birth of what could be the greatest rivalry tennis has ever seen,” Tiley said.

“Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are pushing each other to extraordinary levels. They force each other to new heights every time they compete; their contrasting styles make for electric matches and they both fight to the final point. This is a rivalry that could define the sport for years to come.”

World No.2 Sinner returns to Melbourne as the defending champion, fresh off a Wimbledon title and runner-up finishes at Roland Garros and the US Open. He’s chasing a rare three-peat at the Australian Open, a feat only achieved in the Open era by Novak Djokovic.

“If Jannik wins again, he joins Novak in an elite club. That’s the level he’s playing at. But Carlos (Alcaraz) is right there. He’s the world No.1, he’s chasing his first Australian Open title, and with it, a career Grand Slam. That’s a huge motivator.”

And then there’s Novak. The 10-time AO champion. The man who has defined greatness in Melbourne for nearly two decades. Still ranked No.4, still a force at the top of the game, and underestimated at peril.

“Novak thrives on defying expectations and adding to his extraordinary legacy. If he wins here, he becomes the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era, surpassing the legendary Ken Rosewall, and claims a record 25th major. That’s not just adding to his already incredible honour role, it’s creating history.”

The women’s draw is equally tantalising. World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, No.2 Iga Swiatek and No.3 Coco Gauff are locked in a fierce battle for supremacy, with Swiatek also chasing a career Grand Slam in Melbourne.

“There’s no clear favourite. Sabalenka’s power, Gauff’s athleticism, Swiatek’s precision – it’s a fascinating mix. Any one of them could dominate 2026,” Tiley said.

Two-time AO champion Naomi Osaka has also surged back into the top 20 and loves the surface at Melbourne Park. World No.4 Amanda Anisimova reached the final at both the US Open and Wimbledon and Emma Raducanu, currently ranked 32, has a chance to be seeded come January.

AO2026 will also showcase the sport’s brightest young stars, such as Brazil’s excitement machine, Joao Fonseca, powerful young Brit Jack Draper, sensational teenagers Mirra Andreeva and Maya Joint, along with Jakub Mensik and Victoria Mboko, all making waves.

“These players aren’t just talented – they’re building new fan bases around the world,” said Tiley. “Fonseca in Brazil, Eala in the Philippines, even Janice Tjen in Indonesia – they’re inspiring the next generation.”

The resurgence of American tennis continues, with 15 men in the top 100, led by Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen, Brandon Nakashima and Marcos Giron, all inside the top 50.

The women’s field is just as strong, led by world No.3 Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova at No.4, and defending AO champion Madison Keys at No.6.

“The depth in American tennis is phenomenal. They’re not just competing, they’re contending for titles,” Tiley said.

Italy’s tennis renaissance continues, led by defending AO champ Sinner, with Lorenzo Musetti at No.9, Flavio Cobolli rising at No.25, and Matteo Berrettini returning to form. On the women’s side, two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini is leading the charge.

“Italian tennis is having a moment. They’ve got flair, fight, and a real belief they can win on the biggest stages,” Tiley said.

Australia’s own Alex de Minaur is coming off a career-best season, reaching the quarterfinals at all four majors and playing a starring role at the Laver Cup where he was instrumental in Team World’s victory. He’ll be joined by Alexei Popyrin, coming back from injury and ranked inside the top 40, rising stars Adam Walton and Tristan Schoolkate, along with Jordan Thompson and Aleksandar Vukic.

On the women’s side, world No.20 Daria Kasatkina is set to be seeded, while teenager Maya Joint, currently ranked 36, is on the cusp of a top-32 seeding following a stellar year. Priscilla Hon has also just cracked the top 100 and is showing strong form heading into summer, along with fan favourites [85] Kim Birrell and [94] Ajla Tomljanovic.

“We could see multiple Aussies seeded in singles this year, which is a huge boost. The Demon is leading the charge, but there’s real depth coming through and we know the fans will come out in force to cheer the Aussies on.

“AO 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and compelling in recent memory. With rivalries heating up, legends of the game chasing records, and fresh talent breaking through, fans can expect world-class tennis and more unforgettable moments at Melbourne Park this summer,” Tiley continued.


The Men’s Grand Slam Scene So Far – And What To Look For At The U.S. Open

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We are now three-quarters of the way through the tennis Grand Slam calendar. With Wimbledon still fresh in our minds, there is still more than enough top-quality tennis going on around the world. But it is only natural that fans are now starting to think about the US Open scheduled for two weeks at the end of August and the beginning of September.

Although all the competitions have been fascinating at every Grand Slam event so far in 2025, the men’s singles is throwing up what has become just the latest in a long history of elite duels. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been winning the biggest tournaments for a few years now, and if you check the Bodog sports betting markets, you will see that those two are favored to battle it out again in New York.

In this article, we will be looking at the grand slam men’s singles season so far and share our thoughts on what might happen at the US Open. Can Sinner win back-to-back titles? Or will Alcaraz even up the honors for 2025? Or will someone else come through to snatch a title away from those two giants of the game?

Grand Slams in 2025 So Far

There is no doubt that the old guard has been swept aside by the new young talents of men’s tennis. Only two years ago, Novak Djokovic was still winning the majority of Grand Slam titles and Rafael Nadal managed to win two as recently as 2022. Other top players, like Dannii Medvedev were also claiming titles when the big two couldn’t keep their own impressive records intact.

The year started with the Australian Open, as usual, with a possible sign of things to come as Djokovic was forced to retire in his semifinal against Alexander Sverez. Jannik Sinner was then able to become the youngest man to ever defend his title Down Under, winning in straight sets. Carlos Alcaraz could only make it to the quarterfinals stage.

Next up was the French Open, where Alcaraz continued the recent history of Spanish dominance. It was his second consecutive title in Paris and he managed to battle from two sets down – and survived three championship points – to come back and beat Sinner by three sets to two.

Alcaraz came into Wimbledon as the pre-tournament favorite, thanks to winning the singles title for the last two years and his performance at the French Open. The two big names in men’s tennis met each other in the final once again, with Alcaraz managing to take the first set. But Sinner came back strongly and won the next three to claim his second Grand Slam title of the year.

US Open 2025

Now our attention is focused on the final Grand Slam of the year in New York in August. Sinner and Alcaraz are the big favorites to meet in the final again, with the Italian fancied to win his third title of the year after that stirring performance at Wimbledon. It just shows how far ahead these two are now in the world of men’s tennis that even legends like Djokovic are just an afterthought when it comes to predicting who might lift the trophy.

Sinner and Alcaraz are so far ahead of the rest when it comes to the men’s singles tournament these days and the fans are eagerly anticipating yet another battle between two of the best. They have now faced each other in back-to-back Grand Slam finals and Sinner is also the defending champion. In a personal battle between the two, the Italian player has also managed to win three of the last four Grand Slam events and must feel like he is the one that everyone thinks they must beat to break into the elite level of men’s tennis.

Sinner winning the US Open in 2025 is not a foregone conclusion, however. Carlos Alcaraz announced himself to the tennis world when he claimed his first-ever Grand Slam title with the US Open in 2022. The Spaniard made it to the semifinals the year after but suffered a huge shock defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp last year. That defeat – and the recent loss to Sinner at Wimbledon – should spur Alcaraz to come back strongly in New York.

Sinner vs. Alcaraz: The Latest Great Men’s Tennis Duel

For a while, we had “the big three”, but the men’s singles tennis tournament has a long history of famous rivalries. Back in the late 1970s, it was Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe – for much of the 1990s and 2000s, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal battled each other, with Novak Djokovic also enjoying intense rivalries with both of those players during the same period of time.

Now, we are being treated to the intense battles between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Even though the Italian player seems to have the upper hand in 2025 so far, the competition between the two is enthralling and always hard to call. At times both players seem unbeatable but the meetings between the two are never predictable.

There is a chance, of course, that someone else aside from Alcaraz and Sinner will end up winning the US Open this year. But at the moment, that eventuality would seem to be very unlikely. We are currently living at a time when the men’s singles division is dominated by these two excellent players – and the best thing to do is just sit back and enjoy the action.

What’s Next For Jannik Sinner After Wimbledon?

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In a stunning display of talent and determination, Jannik Sinner, the young Italian tennis sensation, captured the coveted Wimbledon title in 2025, marking a historic milestone in his burgeoning career. The All England Club was electrified as the 23-year-old demonstrated poise and skill, defeating seasoned opponents and ultimately triumphing in the final match against the reigning champion.

The path to victory was anything but easy. Sinner faced formidable challenges throughout the tournament, showcasing his remarkable agility, powerful groundstrokes, and strategic acumen. From the very first round, it was clear that this was Sinner’s moment to shine. The grass courts of Wimbledon seemed to amplify his already impressive game, allowing him to express his full potential.

In the final, under the iconic Centre Court roof, Sinner battled fiercely against a seasoned competitor, displaying not only his physical prowess but also his mental fortitude. With every serve and volley, he captivated the audience, eventually clinching the title in a thrilling five-set match. The moment he raised the trophy above his head, the crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and applause, solidifying his place in tennis history.

What’s Next for Jannik Sinner?

With the Wimbledon trophy now in his possession, the world eagerly anticipates what’s next for this rising star. Sinner’s victory has not only boosted his ranking but also elevated his status within the tennis community. As he prepares for the next season, several avenues and opportunities lie ahead.

1. **Defending His Title**: The immediate focus for Sinner will be the upcoming tournaments, including the US Open, where he will aim to defend his championship title. The pressure will be on, but with his newfound confidence, he is poised to tackle any challenge that comes his way.

2. **Continued Development**: Sinner is known for his work ethic and dedication to improvement. In the wake of his Wimbledon success, he will likely continue refining his game, working closely with his coaching team to address any areas for growth. Fans can expect to see a more versatile player as he adapts his strategy to different surfaces and opponents.

3. **Global Ambassador for Tennis**: With his victory, Sinner has emerged as a role model for aspiring athletes, especially in Italy, where tennis is gaining popularity. He may take on a more active role in promoting the sport, participating in exhibitions, and engaging with fans through social media and public appearances.

4. **Endorsements and Sponsorships**: A Wimbledon victory typically opens the floodgates for lucrative endorsement deals. Sinner’s marketability is likely to soar, and he may partner with leading brands to expand his influence beyond the tennis court. This could lead to collaborations in fashion, sports equipment, and lifestyle brands.

5. **Long-Term Goals**: As he looks further into the future, Sinner will undoubtedly set ambitious goals for himself. Whether it’s aiming for a Grand Slam career or becoming the world number one, his determination and talent suggest that he will continue to reach for the stars.

In conclusion, Jannik Sinner’s triumph at Wimbledon 2025 is not just a personal victory; it signifies a new chapter in the world of tennis. As he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, fans can only watch in awe as this young champion continues to carve his legacy on the court. His journey is just beginning, and if his performance at Wimbledon is any indication, the sky’s the limit for this Italian star.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Roland Garros Classic – Jim Courier, Patrick & John McEnroe, Sam Querrey Discuss On TNT

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The Carlos Alcaraz victory over Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller was one of the greatest tennis matches of all time and capped the first of 10 years of coverage of Roland Garros to American audiences by TNT Sports. Read about some of the specifics and the history that was made here: https://worldtennismagazine.com/heres-the-history-carlos-alcaraz-and-jannik-sinner-made-in-their-epic-roland-garros-final/25069

The following is the commentary that TNT host Adam Lefkoe had immediately after the final, then followed by the post-match panel comments from John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Patrick McEnroe and Sam Querrey on the instant classic.

Adam Lefkoe

An absolute marathon thriller. Gladiators in the Cathedral of Clay. The longest championship match in the history of Roland-Garros. Every shot, the greatest you’ve seen until the next one. White-knuckle exhaustion while maintaining hall of Fame skill. An epic first final between the two brightest stars in tennis. He was down two sets. A deficit he has never overcome. Three championship points. The defending champion didn’t just survive, he ascended. Carlos Alcaraz retains his crown as the king of the Roland-Garros play. His fifth major title final at just 22 years old. If this is a sign of what’s to come, we are blessed beyond belief.

John McEnroe

I can’t think of a better Roland Garros final than what we just witnessed. And you’re after all the talk over the course of the last couple years. Where’s tennis going to go from here? Because we’re losing Federer, we lost Nadal and Djokovic. What’s going to happen with him? It seems like we’re in pretty good hands with these two guys. So many things happen. We always talk about the French Open being a roller coaster, but I mean in two sets of break early in the third you’re like, okay, it’s like it’s going to be Sinner’s days going to win in three. He doesn’t capitalize. He goes to a four set. You’re thinking, okay, he hasn’t played a four or five set match since Australia and he didn’t play too many long ones there either five-three-forty Love or three-five Love forty on serve. You’re like, okay, you know this is a reality is set in somehow. I mean, he tightens up a little bit, but nonetheless, he forces,- And then Jannik he gets to serve for it after he lost that.

Adam Lefkoe

What we were marveling at here was they were so tired, yet the level of their play never decreased. Not once.

Jim Courier

I mean that level from Carlos in that tiebreaker was as close to heavenly tennis as I can possibly imagine. I cannot, still cannot rack my head around the shots that he was able to come up with at that moment. The pressure, the moment, the fatigue, all of it, and Jannik, I mean, to come back from all of that disappointment and nearly two hours later he’s still fighting and grinding and scraping. He’s down the entire fifth set and somehow gets back and into a tiebreaker. It was just an absolute pleasure to be able to see this in any way, shape or form. And I got to tell you, people talk about the future to us. The future is already happening people we just may not have realized it. This is a sixth straight major one by one of these two guys. This is their, we’re living in their time right now. It happened a year and a half ago. It started. The clock is already moving forward, but they’re so young. We might have another decade if we’re lucky of all these guys. I mean, this is the very first time they’ve met in the major final. And it did not disappoint quite the contrary.

Adam Lefkoe

Jim, before the match, you urge us to enjoy the present because you don’t know how many of these you’re going to get. If it is an appetizer I can’t wait for the meal. If it’s the meal, feed me dessert. But at five hours and twenty-nine minutes, it is the second-longest slam that we’ve ever seen. And every single second is action packed.

Sam Querrey

I mean, I don’t know how you watch that match and not think to yourself, tennis isn’t the hardest sport in the world. There’s no end cost for you to know that the end is coming up. There’s no, there’s no timeouts. There’s no substitution. And these guys just played for five hours and twenty-nine minutes. And as Jim just said, the fifth set tiebreaker from Alcaraz was borderline perfect and credit to Jannik Sinner as well. Looked like he was down and out in the fifth set. He found a second gear and brought it back. It was just such a pleasure.

John McEnroe

You know what’s also nice that they didn’t leave the court and they stayed on the entire time. In like five and a half hours. Maybe these bathroom breaks are a bit overrated. What do you think, Bro?

Patrick McEnroe:

No medical time timeouts, no physios visited the court. This is an old-fashioned street fight, but played with incredible sportsmanship from both players. Incredible grace from Jannik Sinner and his comments on court after the match and the only match in major in the open era, and the major final that has been longer was the Australian Open final when Djokovic beat Nadal when both guys were cramping during the ceremony, and you see he’s not cramping, I don’t think, but he’s pretty exhausted. But it was, I said it was going to be an epic five set of win for Alcaraz. I didn’t realize it was going to be this epic.