Sports

New Kids on the Court: The Next Generation of Tennis Legends

December 1, 2020 By Aaron Umen Leave a Comment

Make no mistake: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still the leading legends out on the court. But there are quite a few young tennis stars in the making who are already making waves. Aaron Umen shares some insight on who’s who in men’s tennis:

The Next Four vs. The Big Three

There are plenty of talented tennis players performing at the pro level. But no matter the season, there are always shining stars who burn brighter than the rest. For years, the Big Three have dominated the tennis world.

You know Federer (because how could you not?!), your eyes are transfixed on the performance of Nadal and you either love or loathe Djokovic. But the truth is, the Big Three are on their respective tracks to retire (though fans like Aaron Umen certainly hope that isn’t soon).

Who will replace these leading legends? Some speculate that these four will take the court:

Dominic Thiem

Age 27, Austrian

Highlight: recently won the 2020 United States Open

Daniil Medvedev

Age 24, Russian

Highlight: won the 2020 Paris Masters

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Age 22, Greek

Highlight: will be playing the ATP Finals for his second year straight

Dominic Thiem Ranks Among The Best

November 13, 2020 By Aaron Umen Leave a Comment

Is Dominic Thiem the 3rd greatest tennis player in the world? Tim Henman believes so! Case Western Reserve men’s tennis player, Aaron Umen sheds some light on the ranking:

After embracing the sweet victory of his US Open title, Dominic Thiem’s tennis career is more solid than ever before. In fact, living legends, like Tim Henman, are even going so far as to say that Thiem is one of the best players of the sport — worldwide. According to Henman, Thiem’s mastery out on the court has earned him a place among the top three best current players. Who else is on the list? None other than Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Only time will tell whose skill will outlive their performance on the court. With how much his skill has steadily improved recently, Aaron Umen has his bets on Dominic Thiem — for the long haul!

Rafael Nadal to Retire in 2021… Maybe

October 23, 2020 By Aaron Umen Leave a Comment

According to the 34 year old who now levels with Roger Federer as the most successful male tennis player in the history of the sport, retirement may be on the horizon. Emphasis on may be.

Recently, Rafael Nadal told El Periodico that he may retire by this time next year. Having recently achieved his 20th major title, Nadal now levels with Roger Federer. This is particularly noteworthy as it means the two are now tied as the most successful male tennis players in the history of tennis. At the prime age of 34, Nadal is far from denying that this year may be the climax of his career.

In his recent interview on the matter, Rafael Nadal admitted that there are more days behind him in his career than there are on the road ahead. A down-to-earth individual both on and off the court, he sees no reason in denying or hiding from that reality. Instead, he embraces it. While he isn’t making any cemented statements in regards to retirement by next year, he expressed that it could happen.

“I can’t guess when I’ll retire,” Rafael Nadal told the Spanish newspaper. Level-headed and reasonable, the living legend isn’t wrong! Fellow tennis player, Aaron Umen questions, will Rafael Nadal opt to finish on a high note? Or will he push on to break even more records? Only time will tell!

French Open 2020 Men’s Doubles Final (10/6)

October 7, 2020 By Aaron Umen Leave a Comment

As the French Open 2020 rages on, things are heating up! This week, Aaron Umen shares the final results of the Men’s Doubles matches played on October 6^th 2020:

The semi-final Men’s Doubles matches of the French Open cut pretty close. Each player demonstrated incredible command on the court – but of course, a match can only be won by one pair!

Today, Nikola Mektic of Croatia and Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands defeated Americans Nicholas Monroe and Tommy Paul with a final score of 6 – 4. In a separate Quarterfinal match, Germans Andreas Mies and Kevin Krawietz defeated Brits Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski with the exact same final score of 6 – 4.

The 2020 French Open takes place from September 21^st to October 11^th 2020.

Will Serena Williams Play at Italian Open 2020?

September 17, 2020 By Aaron Umen Leave a Comment

During these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, sports fans have found excitement and escape in keeping up with their favorite athletes and teams. Tennis fans like Aaaron Umen have turned to big events, like the 2020 Italian Open. But after her recent announcement, fans are wondering why isn’t Serena Williams playing Italian Open 2020?

The US Open was a thriller this year, with Dominic Thiem and Naomi Osaka coming out on top. The matches were filled with heat to say the least. With Italian Open 2020 almost here, fans are looking forward to what will come of the events. One thing’s for certain, after an announcement released online this week, Serena Williams will not play at the Italian Open this year.

The announcement comes much to the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s dismay. The athlete expressed her gratitude for “continuous support from fans in Rome” and she looks forward to returning as soon as possible. The reason for her decline in playing the events? Unfortunately, Serena will be nursing a recently acquired achilles strain. Tennis fans, including Aaron Umen of Case Western Reserve’s Men’s Tennis team, wish her a speedy recovery!

The 2020 US Open in a COVID-19 World

August 26, 2020 By Aaron Umen Leave a Comment

Despite the pandemic, the 2020 US Open is still set to serve up something interesting for the tennis world! For fans of the sport, this is exciting news — to say the least. But, just like almost anything else these days, the events will be matched with unique changes, courtesy of COVID.

The US Open will look a little different to tennis players and spectators alike. Due to the pandemic, no spectators will be allowed to watch the Westen & Southern Open or the US Open on location. Instead, ESPN will act as the vessel for viewing the matches. This comes as little surprise though, as virtually every sport has been shaken up by the pandemic this year. Still, tennis fans, like Aaron Umen, are happy to at least know that for the 2020 US Open, the show will go on!

So, mark your calendars for August 31, 2020 — and don’t forget to switch on ESPN!