Sports
John Isner Heads To Retirement After US Open Last-Set Tiebreaker Losses In Singles And Doubles
NEW YORK – As he spoke during a news conference at the U.S. Open on Thursday, his final day as a professional tennis player, John Isner rested his chin on clasped hands, the words coming slowly, tears welling in his eyes.
“It’s played a significant role in my life.” It’s difficult to say good-bye. “It’s not easy,” remarked the 38-year-old American. “However, this day would arrive. It’s difficult to prepare for the feelings.”
As far as career-ending days go, it’s difficult to imagine a more fitting way for Isner to go out than with a pair of final-set tiebreakers — one in singles, one in doubles — and, while he would have preferred a victory or two, he did appreciate the raucous crowd support and standing ovations he received at each defeat.
The 6-foot-10 (2.08-meter) Isner announced a week before the start of play at Flushing Meadows that this Grand Slam tournament would be his last, and the guy who had long been his country’s best male player bowed out in the second round of the singles bracket, losing to another American wild-card entry, Michael Mmoh, at the Grandstand.
A few hours later, Isner announced his retirement by losing a doubles match with Jack Sock, another American who had stated that the US Open would be his final tournament. At Court 12, they were defeated 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (10-3) by Robert Galloway and Albano Olivetti.
“Of course, there’s a lot of disappointment with the outcome of my singles match today, but there’s also a lot of gratitude just to have one last time playing in an atmosphere like that.” It was fantastic. “That’s why, as I said on the court, I work so hard,” Isner added. “It’s difficult to explain how bad my body feels — I’m not (about) talking right now because it does, but just lately.” So, a lot goes into everything I do to prepare it for play. I wanted another US Open and was able to obtain it.”
On his final day as a professional tennis player, John Isner rested his chin on clasped hands, the words coming slowly, tears welling in his eyes.
The two opponents hugged after Isner scored on a volley after a dipping passing shot by Mmoh.
Then Isner, one point away from winning the fifth set at 5-4, slumped on his sideline chair and covered his face with a white towel.
“In that tiebreaker, you’re not thinking about the fact that it’s his final match.” Maybe before you start the match, but not in that tiebreaker and not when you’re down match point,” said Mmoh, a 25-year-old who had only won a match after dropping the first two sets once previously.
“I had a lot of positive emotions, and I was happy when I won the match.” But then I felt awful for a split second. “I genuinely did,” Mmoh remarked of his next role as Jack Draper, a 21-year-old British actor. “I genuinely felt for him when I saw him get emotional in that interview.” So that wasn’t easy. It tasted nearly bittersweet. We’re all competitors, and we’re all here for the same objective, so I’m pleased to receive the ‘W.'”
Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, 2017 U.S. Open runner-up Madison Keys, three-time major semifinals Elina Svitolina, and No. 13 seed Daria Kasatkina were among the women who advanced.
The third seed Jessica Pegula, the top-ranked American woman, took control early and beat Patricia Maria Tig 6-3, 6-1 in 72 minutes in Arthur Ashe Stadium at night after defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the third round by defeating Lloyd Harris 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (4) in a match that some viewers in New York, Los Angeles, and other cities couldn’t watch on ESPN2 due to a dispute between Disney and the Charter Spectrum cable system.
“I played a great match from the beginning to the end,” Alcaraz remarked.
On his final day as a professional tennis player, John Isner rested his chin on clasped hands, the words coming slowly, tears welling in his eyes.
Daniil Medvedev defeated Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-2 in the day’s final match, which ended around 1 a.m.
In other news, Stan Wawrinka, the 38-year-old winner of three major titles, including the 2016 U.S. Open, advanced to the third round, while Andy Murray, the 36-year-old winner of three major titles, including the 2012 U.S. Open, was knocked out.
No. 30 seed Tomás Martn Etcheverry was defeated by Wawrinka 7-6 (6), 6-7 (7), 6-3, 6-2. Murray was defeated 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 by No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov.
Isner, famed for his difficult-to-read and difficult-to-reach huge serves, slammed 48 aces against Mmoh, increasing his ATP-record career total to 14,470. His final serve clocked up at 134 mph.
Isner also holds the single-match record with 113 aces, which he achieved during his 11-hour, 5-minute triumph over Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010 that ended 70-68 in the fifth set – the longest match in tennis history.
He’ll be known for that marathon for the rest of his life. His finest Grand Slam performance came at the All England Club, where he reached the quarterfinals in 2018 before losing to Kevin Anderson in the fifth set, 26-24.
Those two lengthy final sets had a significant role in the sport’s decision to implement tiebreakers in the deciding sets at all Grand Slam tournaments.
Isner was asked to convey his emotions to the audience, who screamed his last name after losing the first-to-10 tiebreaker versus Mmoh.
“Yeah, it’s tough,” Isner admitted, sniffling.
Later, as he offered a summary of his career, he was struck by the finality of it all once more.
“I’m not going to win every match, that’s for sure.” I’m afraid I’ll lose a lot of close matches. On the court, I could get tense and choke a little. That occurs. “But I also care,” added Isner, who won 16 singles titles and peaked at No. 8 in the ATP rankings. “I definitely enjoy this sport. I want to be remembered as a fierce competitor on the court. I believe I did. But, off the court, having the respect of my teammates is the most essential thing.”
SOURCE – (AP)
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics promises to be unlike any other.
In a novelty for the Games, the show will be held on Paris’ famed River Seine rather than in a stadium.
Here is everything you need know about the ceremony…
What to expect from the spectacular opening ceremony.
The eye-catching celebration will take place over a 6km stretch of the Seine. It will start at Austerlitz Bridge and culminate among the gardens, fountains, and palaces in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower at Trocadero.
Almost 100 boats will carry over 10,000 athletes and dignitaries as they cruise past Paris’ prominent monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Pont Neuf.
The boats will transport the parade’s participants as well as the artistic portion of the celebration, which will highlight Paris and France’s history and culture.
The performers’ identities, however, have been kept a mystery.
Thousands of people are still expected to line the river and streets, with millions more watching on television all over the world.
“I’d like to show France in all its diversity,” said Thomas Jolly, the French actor and theatre director appointed as the ceremony’s creative director, a post previously played by Danny Boyle in London 2012.
“Illustrate the richness and plurality shaped by its history, which has been influenced and inspired by the diverse cultures that have passed through it, while itself serving as a source of inspiration.”
The ceremony will also involve the ceremonial opening of the Games, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.
Many of the finer elements have been maintained as a surprise.
What is the date and time of the opening ceremony?
The ceremony will commence at 19:30 local time (18:30 BST) on Friday, July 26.
It is scheduled to take little under four hours, with the last parts taking place as the sun sets over the French city.
Fortunately, the Paris weather forecast for Friday evening is positive.
In what sequence will the nations be introduced?
In accordance with tradition, Greece will be the first nation introduced during the ceremony.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, an NBA star, is one of their flagbearers for the games.
Greece will be followed by the Refugee Olympic Team, with hosts France being the last to be unveiled.
Because of their countries’ involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, Russian and Belarussian athletes participating as individuals will not participate.
How to follow the opening ceremony on BBC.
The opening ceremony will begin live at 17:45 BST on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.
BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will provide radio coverage beginning at 19:00 BST.
There will also be live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app, bringing you all the action from Paris.
Source: BBC
Sports
Coco Gauff To Be Female Flag Bearer For US Team At Olympic Opening Ceremony, Joining LeBron James
PARIS — Coco Gauff, a tennis player, will join LeBron James as a flag bearer for the United States Olympic team at Friday’s opening ceremony.
Coco, the reigning US Open winner, is ready to make her Olympic debut at the Paris Games, becoming the first tennis player to carry the American flag. Team USA athletes selected her and James.
“I believe the Olympics are the priority. It’s equal to the Grand Slams. I wouldn’t put it above or below because I’d never played before. “This is my first time,” Gauff explained earlier this year. “I always want to do well and get a medal.”
Coco Gauff | AP News Image
Coco Gauff To Be Female Flag Bearer For US Team At Olympic Opening Ceremony, Joining LeBron James
Coco and James, the 39-year-old NBA’s all-time top scorer, engage in sports outside the traditional Olympic realm and receive media attention year-round rather than every four years.
Coco, 20, joined the American team for the Tokyo Olympics as a youngster three years ago but had to withdraw because she tested positive for COVID-19 just before flying to Japan.
Coco, who now lives in Florida, has won Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles. She earned her first major triumph in New York in September, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the singles final of the U.S. Open, and then won her first Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open in June with Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova.
The Paris Olympics will be played on the same clay courts at Roland Garros used for the French Open. The bracket draw will take place on Thursday, and play will begin on Saturday.
Coco is seeded second in singles, matching her current WTA ranking behind Poland’s No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and will be one of the medal favorites.
Coco Gauff | AP news Image
Coco Gauff To Be Female Flag Bearer For US Team At Olympic Opening Ceremony, Joining LeBron James
She and her normal doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, are seeded first in the women’s doubles. Gauff may also compete in mixed doubles; however, those pairs have yet to be determined.
“I’m not putting too much pressure on it, because I want to fully enjoy the experience,” Gauff said of her Olympic debut. “Hopefully I can have the experience multiple times in my lifetime, (but) I’ll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
SOURCE | AP
When LeBron James was chosen for his first Olympics in 2004, he was unsure what the opening ceremony entailed.
This time, he’ll be a star of the show.
His fellow American Olympians chose James to be the male flagbearer for the United States at the opening ceremony of the Paris Games on Friday night. He is the third basketball player — and the first men’s player — to carry the United States flag at the start of an Olympics, following Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2021.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James told reporters. “As a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only me, but to my family, all the kids in my community, my teammates, other Olympians, and so many more people throughout the country with huge dreams. Sports have the capacity to unite us all, and I’m honored to be a part of this historic occasion.”
The 39-year-old James learned of the distinction Monday in London, just hours before the United States men’s team was supposed to play its final pre-Olympics exhibition game against World Cup champion Germany.
“We understand how much of an honor it is to be in that position and I think Bron’s entire career, on and off the court, speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honor,” Curry said on the video announcing his nomination.
“He has represented what it means to be excellent both on and off the court in his commitment to service and to uplifting the community in all ways that he knows how has been a lifelong passion,” Curry pointed out. “And the work speaks for itself.”
LeBron James Selected As Team USA Male Flagbearer For Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
The female U.S. flagbearer is anticipated to be revealed on Tuesday. In 2020, the International Olympic Committee announced that country delegations would have two flagbearers at the Olympics’ opening ceremony, one male and one female, to encourage gender equality. The United States is set to send around 600 competitors to the Paris Games, with approximately 53% women.
“Being chosen by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor—and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and dedication to his sport,” U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland said.
James, a global icon, four-time NBA champion, and the league’s all-time leading scorer about to begin his record-tying 22nd NBA season, is set to compete in the Olympics for the fourth time, having previously won bronze in 2004, gold in Beijing in 2008, and gold again in London in 2012. He participated in the opening ceremony at his previous three Olympics.
This will be an unprecedented Olympic opening ceremony, with thousands of participants sailing along the River Seine at nightfall toward the Eiffel Tower. According to Olympic officials, the route is a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) one, with some 320,000 spectators expected to watch from the river bank and an estimated 1 billion more watching on televisions around the world.
LeBron James Selected As Team USA Male Flagbearer For Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Not all Olympic athletes attend the opening ceremony; many miss it for logistical reasons, such as having to compete the next day. James and the four-time defending gold champion U.S. men shall begin Olympic competition on Sunday, when they face Serbia in Lille, France.
James and the American Olympians will have to wait longer than virtually any other nation for their voyage on the Seine. According to IOC protocol, Greece will lead the march, with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as one of its two flagbearers. The Refugee Olympic Team and over 200 more national delegations will follow. The United States is slated to be next-to-last in the procession because Los Angeles will host the next Summer Olympics in 2028.
As the host, France will be the last nation to participate in the opening ceremony procession. Its men’s basketball team, which includes reigning NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama, begins Olympic competition on Saturday and is not scheduled to attend the opening ceremony.
SOURCE | AP
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