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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on the other side of the net to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? According to Luca Van Assche, the pace of the ball, the explosive movement and clean timing make it one of sports biggest tests.

As part of our Next Gen 'My Influences' series, the Frenchman opened the lid on his encounters with Alcaraz and Sinner, having hit with the former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champions this year.

Van Assche, currently fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, also discusses his memories of facing 2018 champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in Melbourne, the support from his family and early Roland Garros memories.

Which former Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion do you most identify with?
It's difficult because there are a lot of different players. But out of my game, I think I connect [most] with the first [champion], Hyeon Chung. He's very solid. Physically very good. He can hit a lot from the baseline with a very good backhand. I think the other guys are not really my type of game. 

What memorable interactions have you had with the former Next Gen champions?
I played against [Stefanos] Tsitsipas this year at the Australian Open. It was my first time in the third round. It was nice. I practised with him also. I played Medjedovic last year and the others, I think I've just practised with Sinner, Alcaraz and Nakashima. 

I first met Rafa when he was 11 years old, in Stuttgart. He was playing in a tournament on the Nike Junior Tour, in the under-12 category, and I was playing in the Masters 1000 in the same city. I think that at that time it was part of the Super 9 or Masters Series category, I can’t remember now. I was playing with Becker and Rafa came to the practice the day before with someone from Nike, who introduced him to me. They asked me to play 10 minutes with him, and we knocked up for a bit. That was the first time we crossed paths. I thought he was a very shy and well-mannered boy, who barely spoke. Then on court he was transformed and his intensity was so high for someone of his age.

Later, in 2016, it was such a joy to receive the call from the team, but first I wanted to have a conversation alone with him. He was coming off the back of two seasons where things had not gone well for him, he was 30 years old and didn’t know what to do going forward. We sat down to talk at my house and he laid out his goals for me. I didn't hesitate in the slightest to accept because I could see he’d be able to achieve them. I was hugely confident and when I saw his desire to try to get back to where he deserved to be, which was at the top and winning Grand Slam titles, I didn’t hesitate to join the project.

With that desire, I knew that he’d be perfectly capable of achieving it.

Honestly, I thought my new role would be more difficult because it was a big change. We’d been friends for over 20 years, shared a lot together, both on and off the court, and becoming his coach... I was doubtful about how it might work. It’s true that Rafa is very well-mannered and respectful, I’ve never heard him say a single word against his team or his family. That’s something I also valued and it helped me when it came to working with him. I don’t like the word ‘boss’, but sometimes you make decisions or you have conversations that aren’t easy and it’s hard travelling and spending so much time together. I was scared that that could erode the friendship side of it, but it wasn’t the case.

Wesley Koolhof made sure to remind everyone that Rafael Nadal wasn’t the only one retiring from professional tennis this week at the Davis Cup in Malaga.

The 35-year-old, competing in his final tour-level event, teamed up with Botic van de Zandschulp to secure a vital 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers on Tuesday evening to book The Netherland’s spot in the semi-finals. Defeat for Spain ensured that Nadal’s straight-sets loss to Van de Zandschulp in the first singles rubber was the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s final match as a pro.

“I reached a very, very high level today, which I am very happy about,” said Koolhof. “I think we, as a team, did an amazing job again. Botic told me he struggled on returns, but as long as he made it on match point, I’m happy. This was one of my best matches of the year. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

A bullet return from @wesleykoolhof ?@DavisCup | #DavisCuppic.twitter.com/ty0nr0Re3T

Producing assured tennis on both serve and return to keep his playing career alive, Koolhof was at the heart of their two-hour, 12-minute victory. A string of sizzling return winners and classy net play in key moments sent the Dutch duo on their way to reaching the last four in the Davis Cup for the first time since 2001.

“Gracias, Rafa!”

The thousands of fans packing out Malaga’s Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena chanted in unison on Tuesday evening, vocalising the feelings of the entire sporting world to become a wall of affection for Rafael Nadal, whose glittering career had just concluded.

Surrounded by his teammates, with whom he had just bowed out of the battle for the famous Salad Bowl in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup, the Spaniard addressed the centre court with his final farewell to professional tennis.

“I’m the one who should be thankful... to so many people that it’s difficult to know where to start,” began Nadal, while the universally unmistakable “Vamos, Rafa!” chant rang out.

It was not an easy situation to handle, even for Rafael Nadal, who has proven throughout his career that he has an extraordinary ability to manage his emotions. Before taking to the court on Tuesday, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings was unable to hold back the tears as he listened to his country’s anthem, knowing that it might be the last time he did so before going to battle on court.

“It’s been an emotional day,” said Nadal later after falling to a straight-sets defeat in his Davis Cup Final 8 clash with Botic van de Zandschulp. “I knew it could be my last match as a professional tennis player. The moments leading up to it were emotional, kind of difficult to handle, in general. So many emotions. I tried to do it as well as possible.”

Seeing the humour even on times like this… only Rafa ?@RafaelNadal | @DavisCup | #RafaSiempre | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/mv5WVKcxvU

The Spanish legend’s best effort was unable to see off the Netherlands’ Van de Zandschulp, who earned his country a 1-0 lead in the quarter-final tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win after one hour and 51 minutes. Carlos Alcaraz then downed Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets to force a deciding doubles rubber in Malaga, but Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp later clinched a 2-1 win that ended Nadal's career with a straight-sets doubles triumph against Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.

“I tried to have the best attitude possible, with the necessary energy, whatever the result,” continued Nadal after his singles defeat. “There was a glimmer of hope at the end, but it wasn’t to be. My opponent was better than me today and that’s that.”

CINCINNATI (November 19, 2024) – The Cincinnati Open reached a pivotal moment in its $260 million campus transformation with a topping-out ceremony this week, marking the completion of the structural framework for several major projects. This milestone, which comes just 85 days after the conclusion of the 2024 tournament, was celebrated as one of the final steel beams was signed and installed on the new Clubhouse building, symbolizing progress toward a reimagined venue for one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments.

“This is an exciting milestone for the Cincinnati Open,” said Beemok Sports & Entertainment President Bob Moran. “We are grateful for the dedication of Barton Malow and all of the contractors on site who are bringing our vision of a world-class, year-round campus to life. As we approach the 2025 tournament, these developments will significantly enhance the experience for players, fans and the local community.”

Photo Credit: Cincinnati Open

Over the past 12 weeks, crews have already worked more than 130,000 hours, placing more than 260 tons of steel and pouring 2,000 cubic yards of concrete. When completed, the renovation will nearly double the campus size to 40.5 acres, adding key features such as a 55,000-square-foot Clubhouse with a year-round restaurant, a six-court indoor tennis facility, and a 19,000-square-foot Pavilion designed as a central fan gathering space.

Posing with the signed beam are (L to R) State Representative Adam Mathews, Mason Vice Mayor Ashley Chance, Warren County Commissioner Dave Young, Beemok Sports & Entertainment President Bob Moran, Cincinnati Open Capital Projects Director Jansen Dell and Barton Malow Senior Vice President Sean Hollister. Photo Credit: Cincinnati Open.

When the pressure peaks and the moment demands brilliance, Carlos Alcaraz almost never falters.

The 21-year-old powered past Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 on Tuesday evening to level Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final tie with the Netherlands at 1-1. After Rafael Nadal, competing in his final tour-level event, had fallen to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight-sets, it was down to Alcaraz to prolong his idol’s career.

“It’s an emotional day, but once you step on the court you have to forget everything and show your best tennis,” said Alcaraz. “It’s the Davis Cup, it's a really important tournament for me, I think for everyone. I try to play my best tennis, get the win, and give Spain the chance to qualify and win. I did it for Rafa.

“I started the match pretty well, it was just that one game that I lost the focus a little bit. I missed some easy forehands and let him get the break, so I had to stay there, it was just one game. I tried to stay positive. I’m really happy that I got it in two sets.”

VAMOS CARLITOS ?? @carlosalcaraz keeps Spain alive, leveling the tie against the Netherlands! 1⃣ - 1⃣@DavisCup | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/XOpAPNPQqf

Alex Michelsen is set to return to the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF armed with an extra year of experience, another inch of height and 20 more pounds of muscle. Having entered Jeddah shortly after his Top 100 breakthrough in the PIF ATP Rankings last year, the American has been in the Top 50 since August.

Not bad for a young man who thought professional tennis was a pipe dream until he recently burst onto the scene.

"Two years ago this time I never thought I would be a professional tennis player," said the 20-year-old. "I was always solid. I was never too good. I wasn't like a Carlos [Alcaraz] or a Holger [Rune], who everyone knew was good. I was good, but I wasn't great."

Following a breakout run to the Newport final last season, Michelsen was seeded fourth in Jeddah, where he lost two fifth-set tie-breaks and missed out on the knockout rounds. After reaching the Newport final again this season — making him the youngest player since Alcaraz to reach consecutive finals at an ATP Tour event — he returns this year as the second seed. Facing the 6-foot-5 Michelsen will be a tall task for any opponent.

"It's a big stage. The top eight 20-and-under players in the world," Michelsen previewed. "It's tough, but I think I'll know to handle it a little better this year."

"Play to Your Strengths" is a key tennis tip that focuses on leveraging your best skills and strategies during a match to maximize your chances of winning. Here's how you can apply this concept effectively: 1. Know Your StrengthsIdentify Your Best Shots: Whether it's your powerful forehand, consistent backhand, effective serve, or exceptional volle...

Botic van de Zandschulp had no intention of following the script on Tuesday in his Davis Cup Final 8 clash with Rafael Nadal.

The 29-year-old eased to a 6-4, 6-4 win to put Netherlands 1-0 ahead in their quarter-final tie against Spain. Unfazed by the magnitude of the occasion, Van de Zandschulp delivered an initial blow to Nadal’s hopes of drawing the curtain on his life as a pro with a sixth Davis Cup crown.

Later in the day, Van de Zandschulp teamed with Wesley Koolhof for a 7-6(4), 7-6(3) doubles victory against Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers that ended Nadal’s career. The Dutch duo stayed clutch at key moments to earn their country a 2-1 victory after Carlos Alcaraz had downed Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles rubber.

Botic van de Zandschulp in action against Rafael Nadal on Tuesday in Malaga. Photo Credit: Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images

“In the beginning, I think we were both nervous,” said Van de Zandschulp after his singles win against Nadal. “The first set didn’t go too smoothly, the crowd was tough, understandably. That’s what it’s like to play in Spain against Rafa. He’s the biggest sportsman that [has] ever lived here in Spain. It was a really special event.

To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.

When Rafael Nadal stepped onto Wimbledon's hallowed courts in 2003, a buzz surrounded the young Spaniard, hinting at his potential to dominate on the grandest stages.

At just 17, Nadal, though slight in stature with his Nike shirt draping loosely, showcased tenacity that belied his age. He battled past former World No. 7 Mario Ancic in four sets, marking his debut main-draw victory at a major. Nadal's journey to the third round at SW19 in 2003 made him the youngest man since Boris Becker in 1984 to reach the last 32 at Wimbledon.

Leaving London that summer, Nadal carried with him heightened expectations, but hard work lay ahead. Little did anyone suspect the monumental Grand Slam career that would follow.

With 314 Grand Slam match wins and an astounding 22 major titles to his name, ATPTour.com revisits Nadal’s pivotal moments across all four majors, tracing his journey from promising newcomer to history maker.

To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.

Rafael Nadal’s career was defined by an almost unrivalled ability to keep on winning.

The Spaniard rarely endured slow periods across his 24 years as a pro. From the moment Nadal lifted his maiden ATP Tour crown as a slight 18-year-old in Sopot in 2004, his title-winning expectations at every tournament were clear to all who watched him compete.

Nadal’s tenacity and unwillingness to stop working contributed to him putting together some of the most outstanding seasons in the history of tennis. Here, ATPTour.com reflects on seven of the legendary Spaniard’s most prolific years on Tour.

2005
Win-Loss Record: 79-10 (88.8%)
Tour-level Titles: 11
Grand Slam Titles: 1

Rafael Nadal is on court in Malaga as Spain kicks off its Davis Cup Final 8 campaign against the Netherlands.

The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings and 22-time Grand Slam champion, who is competing in the final event of his career, is playing Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening rubber of the quarter-final tie.

All the emotions ❤️??@RafaelNadal | @DavisCup

pic.twitter.com/kqxqUc7iB3

Nadal, who has not competed in a tour-level match since his second-round loss to Novak Djokovic in late July at the Paris Olympics, is chasing his sixth Davis Cup title with Spain. The second singles rubber of Tuesday’s tie will feature Carlos Alcaraz taking on Tallon Griekspoor. Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers are currently scheduled to meet Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp in the doubles rubber, should it be required.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

Millions of tennis fans will this week say goodbye to Rafael Nadal as a professional tennis player. One of them is Roger Federer.

The Swiss great on Tuesday published an emotional tribute ahead of the final event of Nadal’s historic career, the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga. Federer, whose Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry with Nadal lit up tennis’ biggest stages for nearly two decades, took to social media to salute both the Spaniard’s on-court achievements and his work as one of the game’s great off-court ambassadors.

Nadal’s fellow former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Federer wrote:

Vamos, @RafaelNadal!

As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.

#NextGenATP stars Alexander Blockx and Ethan Quinn each enjoyed dominant runs to capture their maiden ATP Challenger Tour title Sunday.

The 19-year-old Blockx, who is the third-youngest champion from Belgium in Challenger history, dropped just one set en route to the title and downed Austrian Jurij Rodionov 6-3, 6-1 in the Hyogo Noah Challenger final.

Following his triumph, the 2023 Australian Open boys’ singles champion is up to a career-high No. 205 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Quinn, 20, won the #NextGenATP all-American championship clash against Nishesh Basavareddy with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory, in which the 2023 NCAA singles titlist saved all 10 of the break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“It means a lot to finally be able to get that reward for the hard work and the struggles I've gone through this year,” Quinn told commentator Mike Cation at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger.

Topspin is an essential technique in tennis that enhances control, consistency, and effectiveness in your shots. Here's how to effectively use topspin: Grip ChoiceUse a semi-western or western grip for forehands to generate more topspin. For backhands, adjust your grip to ensure you can brush up on the ball.Brush Upward on the BallSwing your racket...

To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard.

Rafael Nadal lit up courts around the world during his 21-year career, with the Spaniard one of the top competitors in the history of the game.

The 37-year-old relished a battle and so often came out on top due to his unparalleled fighting spirit, relentless determination and unwavering commitment to every point. As he prepares for his final tour-level event, the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8, he has stepped onto court 1,307 times, coming out as the winner on 1,080 occasions.

ATPTour.com looks back at 10 of Nadal’s most memorable matches, featuring Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Guillermo Coria, Ivan Ljubicic, Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco and Daniil Medvedev.

2004 Davis Cup Final
Rafael Nadal d. Andy Roddick 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-6 (6), 6-2

To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal's historic career at this week's Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard.

As Rafael Nadal retires, fans will remember one of the ATP Tour’s greatest competitors. They will also reflect on one of tennis’ most iconic ambassadors, both on and off the court.

The Spaniard was a hugely popular presence at tournaments around the world throughout his career. His on-court exploits earned him millions of fans globally, and his humble and gracious conduct off the court ensured he kept them.

To celebrate the end of Nadal’s illustrious career, ATPTour.com looks back at some of the light-hearted, unique, and fun moments provided by the Spaniard over the past two decades.

The Superstitious Spaniard?
When Nadal arrived on the scene as a teenage prodigy from Mallorca in 2004, some of his on-court behaviours caught the eye. They included him being meticulous with the placement of his water bottles by his chair, always letting his opponent cross the net before he did during a changeover, and always pushing his hair behind his ear before each serve.