The Top 5 ATP Masters 1000 Hard-Court Match Winners
Of all the four majors of tennis, the ATP Masters 1000 is the highest level of tennis that is outside the Grand Slams. The surface to the hard-court event is the hard courts and these tournaments will shape the kind of season the best players are going to have. In a way, it is a battlefield where the talented ones test their skills against the world’s iconic arenas. In terms of pure hard-court dominance, five men stand out as having incredible match win records at these prestigious events. Here’s a look at the five players with the most ATP Masters 1000 hard-court match victories. 5. Andre Agassi – 168 Wins One of the greatest personalities in tennis history is Andre Agassi, and he scored his 168th victory on hard courts, entering the annals of Masters 1000 victory history. Agassi’s playing career spanned an era marked by the appearance of many talented competitors for this sport, and he was always one to be reckoned with, particularly in Masters 1000 tournaments. His first Masters 1000 match victory was recorded at Indian Wells in 1990, while his last was there too, 16 years later, in 2006. Agassi’s finest performance throughout his career happened in the Miami Open tournament. There, he had 59 wins and a perfect win percentage of 85.5%, with Miami being Agassi’s real fortress in his whole career. 4. Andy Murray – 177 Wins Britain’s Andy Murray is one of the finest hard-court players ever, whose defensive abilities are unmatched. He has 177 hard-court Masters 1000 triumphs and ranks fourth on that list. Like Agassi, Murray produced his first win on this level in Cincinnati way back in 2005, then again and again proved to be a persistent grass-court opponent on hard courts during his career. He last featured at the hard-court Masters 1000 level at the 2024 Miami Open after advancing to the third round. Murray’s best play came at the Shanghai Masters. He had 25 wins with an incredible win percentage of 82.1%. His great play on Shanghai’s fast hard courts made him winner of several editions of the title. 3. Rafael Nadal – 210 Wins Although clay courses through his veins, Nadal never did forget about his success on the hard courts. His ATP Masters 1000 titles there stood at 210. Nadal entered Masters 1000 hard court competition at the Madrid Open in 2003 and concluded it first at Indian Wells in 2004. His last appearance was in a hard court Master was at the Paris Masters in 2022. Nadal was at his best at Indian Wells; he has 59 wins with a fantastic win percentage of 84.3%. The only place he is not known as a clay-court specialist is on hard courts. His fighting spirit and adaptability have garnered him huge success on hard courts. 2. Roger Federer – 264 Wins Roger Federer stands in second position on this elite list, with 264 match wins on hard courts within ATP Masters 1000 tournaments. Federer made his Masters 1000 debut at the 1999 Miami Open, where he lost, but he won his maiden Master 1000 on a hard court at the Miami Open, the following year. His latest appearance in a Masters 1000 tournament was in 2019 when he reached the quarterfinal stage in the Shanghai Masters. Elegant and flexible, Federer dominated the Masters 1000 events for two complete decades. The ongoing rivalry of the player with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal only added more glamour to these tournaments, and his unparalleled longevity is reflected in his win count. 1. Novak Djokovic – 267 Wins At the top of that is Novak Djokovic, a man whose dominance of hard courts has never been seen before. With 267 match wins up to his latest titles at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, Djokovic fashioned a record that only continues growing even stronger. Serbian sensation Novak Djokovic made his Cincinnati Open debut in 2005 and earned his initial on hard courts Masters 1000 victories later in the same year at the Paris Masters. Djokovic was brilliant at the Miami Open where he notched a fantastic 86.3% win rate, his best performance at any Masters 1000 event in such terms, and took his record to 51 hard-court wins at Indian Wells. At 37, the Serbian maestro appears to be getting no closer to the slow lane as he demonstrates why he is part and parcel of the pantheon of all-time great players. The ATP Masters 1000 tournaments on hard courts have been defined through the contributions of these five players to the long history of the game in their respective ways. The struggle to become the best on the hard courts may very well be fought out by new faces down the line, however one thing is sure, these five legends will always be at the top. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic Knocked Out Of Third Round By Popyrin
For the first time since 2002, none of the “Big Three” of men’s tennis – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – claimed a Grand Slam title. Biggest Victory for Popyrin An angry Novak Djokovic failed in his bid to create a record 25th Grand Slam title as he lost to Alexei Popyrin. Australian Popyrin secured the biggest win of his career as he defeated the second-seeded Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the US Open on Friday. Third Time’s the Charm “Third time lucky, I guess,” said Popyrin in his on-court interview, having been beaten by Djokovic at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon earlier in the season. The 24-year-old Australian took full advantage of a stunning collapse from the top-seeded Serb, who has rarely been as sloppy with 14 double faults a record for him in a Grand Slam match. Djokovic labors in wake of Olympic triumph Djokovic, who arrived in New York with a gold medal from Paris, never looked energetic and failed to jump at his opponent throughout the match. The Serbian showed glimpses of his spirit in the third set after going down two sets, but the Australian managed to snap out of it quickly. A beautiful forehand winner finally sealed the deal in the fourth set for Popyrin. This was Djokovic’s earliest U.S Open defeat since 2006. Djokovic later admitted this as an ‘awful’ U.S Open loss. Popyrin Advances to the Next Round With the victory, Popyrin moves into the round of 16, where he will face American Frances Tiafoe. Djokovic’s defeat also guarantees that, for the first time since 2002, one of the so-called “Big Three” of men’s tennis-Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer-will not capture a Grand Slam title this year. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
US Open 2024: Milestones On Radar For Novak Djokovic
With the US Open 2024, Novak Djokovic gets ready to enter his first Grand Slam of the season. Fresh from a career-defining Olympic gold medal victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the final, at the Paris Olympics 2024, the Serbian maestro is right back in the thick of things, with his eyes on more history waiting to be scripted. Milestones Await at Flushing Meadows The 37-year-old pulled out of the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens following his Olympic victory to concentrate on defending his US Open title. Djokovic has a very strong record of 88-13 in career at Flushing Meadows and is defending champion after winning last year. But the rewards are much greater than ever this time around, with several big milestones up for grabs. A Record-Breaking 25th Grand Slam Title? Djokovic will have the opportunity to notch his 25th Grand Slam title, surpassing Margaret Court’s long-standing record of 24 Major titles that has prevailed since ’73. If he does manage to win in New York, he would then be the overall leader in Grand Slam wins—quite a history created then in tennis. 100 Career Titles Within Reach A win at the US Open would also mean Djokovic’s 100th career title, making him the third player in history, alongside legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. Not only that, but he is also eyeing a first defense of his US Open title, which he has been unable to do despite winning the tournament four times. Chasing History at 37 This would be an addition to the list of probable records: Djokovic would be the oldest singles Grand Slam champion ever, breaking the record set by Ken Rosewall in 1972. He will also be able to equal the record of Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and Jimmy Connors for the number of US Open titles. A Legendary Campaign on the Horizon With history knocking, Novak Djokovic’s show at the US Open 2024 is just going to be truly one for the ages. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Djokovic Among Tennis Legends Reaching the Height Career Golden Slam
Novak Djokovic scripted history at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Sunday as he added another feather to his cap. The Siberian found and conquered the missing piece in his illustrious tennis career puzzle. Djokovic went on beating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz by 7-6[3], 7-6[2] in the final of Men’s Singles at the Paris Olympics 2024, achieving Career Golden Slam. This surely is a feat very few have achieved. Here’s a list of the tennis stars who have reached the height of a career golden slam. Steffi Graf In 1988, Steffi Graf became the first player ever to win both a golden slam and the Career Golden Slam—a feat accomplished when one player wins all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold medal in their career. Only 19 at that time, Graf’s magnificent season was topped off by her unforgettable Wimbledon victory over Martina Navratilova, which proved that she was capable of performing on any surface. Andre Agassi In 1999, Andre Agassi finally won his first French Open title to achieve his Career Golden Slam set. The American took Olympic gold in Atlanta back in 1996. It showed he had battled hard through a frustrating few years of injuries and controversy to make it through, topped off by an amazing comeback win over Andriy Medvedev. Rafael Nadal In 2008, Rafael Nadal made history as he became the first player to join that prestigious club, all while being the youngest male in Open Era history to win a Career Golden Slam, and he did it at the age of 24. His win at the Beijing Olympics gave him Olympic gold to go with his 14 French Open titles, testament to his supremacy on clay but also his all-around ability to shine on other surfaces. Serena Williams Serena Williams is the only one who has managed to attain a Career Golden Slam in singles and doubles. She completed her Golden Slam in singles in 2012, but she had already swept all Grand Slam tournaments as early as 2003. With a final Olympic gold to London, to add to her 23 Grand Slams, her place among the greatest tennis players in history has been quite solidified. Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic sealed the Career Golden Slam with an Olympic gold at Paris 2024 to add to his record 24 Grand Slam titles. He did this at age 37, defeating the current world champion Carlos Alcaraz. His achievement justifies his position as one of the all-time greats in tennis. These five players, with each of their stories and careers almost like a resume from the heavens themselves, represent the best the game of tennis has to offer. In their dedication and talent, they have set new standards within the game that will be self-inspiring to young generations who seek the Career Golden Slam. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Novak Djokovic Strikes Gold in Men’s Singles
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic won the gold medal in the men’s singles at the Paris Olympics 2024 following his victory over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6[3], 7-6[2], in a pulsating final on Sunday, 04th July, 2024. The game was contested on Court Philippe Chatrier and ended up being an advertisement for Djokovic, who once again put on a truly impressive display of brio under pressure. Dramatic Battle and Triumph in Tiebreak The Paris Olympics 2024 Tennis – Men’s Singles Final was a rematch of their Wimbledon 2024 final, which Alcaraz had won. Djokovic showed good fighting spirit as he saved five breakpoints late in the first set before winning it in a tiebreak. He carried this momentum into the second set, where he would never drop his serve, finally claiming the win when a forehand winner sailed past Alcaraz out of reach during the second tiebreak. Celebrations and Emotional Moments It was clear to many that Djokovic was ecstatic, roaring up at the sky before falling to his knees at the center of the court. He then climbed into the stands to be embraced by his family and team. On the other side, Alcaraz, who had been seeking to add Olympic gold to his French Open and Wimbledon titles, was in tears as the match finally came to an end. Historic Achievement The win at Paris Olympics 2024 made Djokovic the fifth player, along the likes of Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, who won all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in singles, therefore attaining a Career Golden Slam. It also meant he became the oldest man to win an Olympic singles gold since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Paris 2024: Novak Djokovic Set To Play His First Olympic Final
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic turned in a great performance to finally make an Olympic final, beating Lorenzo Musetti of Italy 6-4, 6-2 at Paris Olympics 2024 to set up a highly anticipated showdown for the gold medal. The Missing Piece: Olympic Gold With 24 Grand Slams under his belt, Djokovic is still wrestling to bring home that elusive Olympic Gold medal throughout his illustrious career. He still lacks a gold medal as the missing pinnacle of an otherwise exquisite set of achievements. Djokovic’s journey to the final made for a big milestone in the quest for the Paris Olympics 2024 glory. DJOKOVIC’S ROAD TO THE FINAL Round Opponent Score Winner 1st Round Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-0, 6-1 Djokovic 2nd Round Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-1, 6-4 Djokovic 3rd Round Dominik Koepfer (GER) 7-5, 6-3 Djokovic Quarter Final Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-3, 7-6 Djokovic Semi Final Lorenzo Musetti (ITL) 6-4, 6-2 Djokovic ALCARAZ’S ROAD TO THE FINAL Round Opponent Score Winner 1st Round Hady Habib (LEB) 6-3, 6-1 Alcaraz 2nd Round Tallon Griekspoor (NED) 6-1, 7-6 Alcaraz 3rd Round Roman Safiullin (AIN) 6-4, 6-2 Alcaraz Quarter Final Tommy Paul (USA) 6-3, 7-6 Alcaraz Semi Final Felix Auger Aliassime (CAN) 6-1, 6-1 Alcaraz Final Face-off with Carlos Alcaraz for the Gold Djokovic is set to meet Carlos Alcaraz, Spain’s rising star, in a Sunday blockbuster final. If one player in the draw has the same level of raw talent and youthful energy as Djokovic, it is Alcaraz, and he will provide a strong challenge to the experienced Serb. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Wimbledon 2024: Carlos Alcaraz Makes Grand Slam History; Faster Than Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz is making Grand Slam history quicker than the legendary Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. By winning his fourth major title on Sunday, defeating Djokovic 6-2, 6-2 7-6(4) in the Wimbledon 2024 Final, Alcaraz has lifted four Slam trophies at the age of 21. Neither Djokovic, Federer, nor Nadal accomplished this feat at such a young age. ALCARAZ & THE BIG THREE’S FOURTH MAJOR TITLE PLAYER 4TH MAJOR TITLE AGE RECORD Roger Federer 2004 US Open 23 4-0 Rafael Nadal 2008 Roland Garros 22 4-2 Novak Djokovic 2011 US Open 24 4-2 Carlos Alcaraz 2024 Wimbledon 21 4-0 Djokovic, a record 24-time major champion, did not win his fourth Slam until the 2011 US Open, when he was 24. Nadal was 22 when he earned his fourth Slam crown at Roland Garros in 2008, and Federer was 23 when he reached the four-major mark at the 2004 US Open. Not only did Alcaraz accomplish the feat at a younger age than Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, but the Spaniard did so in significantly fewer Grand Slam matches. The 21-year-old has taken just 69 Slam matches (59-10) to win his fourth trophy at this level. ALCARAZ & THE BIG THREE: SLAM MATCHES TO EARN 4TH MAJOR TITLE PLAYER Slam Matches At 4th Major Grand Slam Winning % Roger Federer 79 77.2% (61-18) Rafael Nadal 81 84% (68-13) Novak Djokovic 134 82.1% (110-24) Carlos Alcaraz 69 85.5% (59-10) Federer needed 79 matches (61-18), Nadal took 81 matches (68-13), and Djokovic played 134 Grand Slam matches (110-24) before he claimed his fourth major title. Alcaraz’s winning percentage at the majors at the time of his fourth major triumph (85.5%) is better than Nadal’s (84%), Djokovic’s (82.1%), and Federer’s (77.2%) according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. Alcaraz has won his first four Grand Slam finals, becoming just the second player in the Open Era to claim his first four major men’s singles finals. The only other player who did so was Federer, who was victorious in his first seven major finals. The Spaniard is just the sixth man in the Open Era to complete the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double, joining Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Novak Djokovic Offers Crucial Injury Update Post-French Open 2024 HeartBreak
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has provided a crucial injury updates to all his fans, through X. Djokovic in his recent post has stated that he will return to the court as soon as possible. In his X (Twitter) post, he said, “In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match. I’m still processing it all but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well. I am so appreciative of the team of doctors who have been by my side…… as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans. I’m going to do my best to be healthy and fit to return to the court as soon as possible.My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going. Idemooo ” Djokovic may skip Wimbledon and aim to recover fully for the Olympic Games in Paris, beginning on July 26th. Djokovic, in his twitter post also mentioned about his love for the sport and his desire to step out onto the court again. The Serb also ensured to his fans that he won’t be leaving the court soon. What happened to Novak Djokovic? Novak Djokovic had to withdraw from the 2024 French Open right before his quarter-final match against Casper Ruud. He sustained a knee injury, during a tough five-set match against Francisco Cerundolo. Djokovic blamed the ‘slippery’ clay courts at Roland Garros, as he needed a medical timeout and painkillers to continue playing. An MRI scan showed he had a torn meniscus, so the world No. 1 decided to pull out of the tournament and had surgery in Paris on Wednesday. He is expected to be out for at least three weeks, making it unlikely he will be ready for the next Grand Slam at Wimbledon, which starts on July 1 at the All England Club. Djokovic might miss Wimbledon and instead focus on being fully fit for the Olympic Games in Paris, which start on July 26. In a new update on social media on Thursday, Djokovic confirmed that he had surgery and said it was successful. He is now trying to get back to playing as soon as possible. However, he did not give a specific time for his return or say if he would be able to play at Wimbledon, where he has won seven singles titles. You may also like: The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Novak Djokovic’s Roland Garros’ Withdrawal: Everything You Need To Know
Novak Djokovic’s run in Paris has come to an abrupt end. The Serb has confirmed that he is withdrawing from the Roland Garros tournament. Reason – a Meniscus tear that led to knee injury. He was due to play the Quarter-Final against Norwegian Casper Ruud. However, the 37-year-old never took to the court. “I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from the #RolandGarros,” read Novak’s official statement. Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal meant Italian Jannik Sinner will now become the world number one player come Monday, June 10th. This comes as a triple blow for Djokovic’s fans. First, the injury, second the French Open title defense, and now vacating the world number one spot. The injury looks really bad, at least for someone at 37. Remember, the great Roger Federer could never recover after suffering from them. Despite winning the Roland Garros title three times, Djokovic has always found clay courts to be challenging. This time, the challenge was on and off the court too. In the game against Francisco Cerundolo, Novak kept complaining to the chair umpire, the organisers, that the court is slippery. However, none of them heard his plea. The moment was recorded on camera, and the post went viral. The Serb can be seen mocking the chair umpire and the on-court staff for continuing the match, despite unfavourable conditions. The result – Djokovic’s injury forced him to quit the Roland Garros, right at the business end. What Happens When a Player Withdraws Due to Injury?When a player withdraws from the French Open due to injury, the consequences are immediate and significant. In Djokovic’s case, he sustained the injury during his fourth-round win over Francisco Cerundolo. Despite efforts to continue, the pain and advice from doctors made it clear that he could not proceed. The tournament rules require an immediate withdrawal to protect the player’s health and ensure fair play for the remaining competitors. The audience could clearly see the disappointment on Djokovic’s face as he was forced to leave the court due to the injury. A Disastrous 2024 for DjokovicThe year 2024 has been tough so far for Djokovic. The French Open exit is his second Grand Slam loss of the year. The last time Djokovic faced such a challenging year was in 2017, when injuries plagued his performance and in 2022, when he missed tournaments due to not receiving a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. What is Meniscus Injury?Djokovic withdrew due to a tear in the medial meniscus of his right knee. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that can cause severe pain when torn. This type of injury is common among athletes and can result from either a sudden event or gradual wear and tear. Treatment options vary, ranging from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the tear. Djokovic and his team are currently considering the best course of action. What Djokovic and His Team Are Saying?Djokovic’s team has expressed frustration over the court conditions at Roland Garros. The constant rain followed by quick shifts to dry conditions made the courts slippery, which Djokovic believes contributed to his injury. He confirmed on Instagram that the decision to withdraw was made after careful consideration and consultation with his team. Implications for Djokovic and His ReturnIt is uncertain when Djokovic will return to tennis. Recovery from a meniscus tear can be lengthy, especially if surgery is required. Even if he recovers quickly, his performance might be affected. Djokovic’s focus will likely be on the upcoming Wimbledon and the Olympics, where he hopes to win his first gold medal. Impact on the French OpenDjokovic’s exit leaves the top half of the draw wide open, giving players like Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Alex de Minaur a better chance to advance. For the first time since 2016, there will be a new winner of the French Open. Jannik Sinner is set to become the new ATP Tour world No. 1, achieving this milestone for the first time in his career. Also Read: Challenges for the French Open OrganizersThe French Tennis Federation (FFT) faces criticism for the court conditions. Djokovic’s camp has expressed strong feelings about the lack of response to the dangerous playing conditions. The tournament must handle the potential PR nightmare if Zverev, who is facing legal issues, wins the championship. What the Players Think?Djokovic’s withdrawal has disrupted the tournament schedule, affecting players and spectators. Some argue for the reinstatement of Francisco Cerundolo, the player Djokovic defeated, to maintain the tournament’s integrity. However, this idea is controversial, as it contradicts the principle that matches are decided by performance on the court. Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from Roland Garros due to a torn meniscus has far-reaching implications for him, the tournament and the sport. As he focuses on recovery, the tennis world eagerly awaits his return and the resolution of the current French Open. Will Djokovic manage to recover on time for the Wimbledon in July? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Roland Garros: Novak Djokovic Captivates Paris Following Rafael Nadal’s Departure
Roland Garros can never get over Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard suffered his maiden Round 1 exit at the hands of Alexander Zverev at the French Open. Since then, all eyes have turned to world number one Novak Djokovic. The Serb has emerged as the number one contender to win his fourth title in Paris. Even though Novak Djokovic has endured a horrible 2024 season, he remains the fans favourite. The 36-year-old continues to be a terminator for his opponents on the tennis court, and off it is an entertainer par excellence. Novak Djokovic’s Tutorial in Paris Soon after registering a straight-sets win in Round 2, Novak Djokovic woos the Paris crowd, with a backhand passing shot tutorial. Here’s the video: When insisted by former Wimbledon Champion Marion Barotelli, Novak Djokovic displayed the backhand winner, much to the applause of the fans inside the centre court. Novak took the help of a ball girl, and was at his animated best, right through the video. Winning over the Paris fans hearts is nothing new for Novak Djokovic. Remember in 2016, when 29-year-old Novak won his first French Open title. His gesture towards former champion Gustavo Kuerten, a 3-time-winner in Paris, literally won everyone’s hearts. With Rafa no longer at the French Open, and Novak looking to end his listless 2024 season – the French Open title should possibly be the icing on the cake for the Serb. He is looking for his record 25th grand slam, and there is no better place than Paris to do it. Novak will also become only the second man after Rafael Nadal in the last 18 years to defend his title on red clay. There’s still a lot of work to be done, and Novak knows it better than anyone else.
