The unusuals of the US Open

The US Open officially ended on Sunday in New York. And, as with every Grand Slam tournament, many unusual news have made the headlines of the media. A brief overview.

Medvedev's already cult celebration

Daniil Medvedev (ATP 2) did the unthinkable by beating Novak Djokovic (ATP 1) in three sets (6-4 6-4 6- 4) Sunday night in the US Open final. And the Russian has not only shone on the tennis level since the celebration of his success has quickly made the rounds of social networks. After the match point, the world number 2 indeed collapsed full length, mouth wide open in "O".

"Only legends will understand: what I did after the match was L2 + left. Thank you!", He said at the end of his speech on the court. Asked in a post-match press conference about his celebration, the Moscow native cleared up the mystery: "I like playing FIFA, I like playing PlayStation. It's called the dead fish celebration. If you know the guy you're playing FIFA against, you're going to do that a lot. You score, you're 5-0 up, you have this celebration. I wanted to make this moment special for my friends who I play FIFA with. I'm I'm a little hurt, it's not easy to do on hard, but I'm happy. I made this moment legendary."

Strong images: Djokovic overwhelmed with emotion

Supported by the American public in the final of the US Open while he was losing against a Daniil Medvedev (ATP 2) in a state of grace, Novak Djokovic (ATP 1) could not hold back his tears at the end of the meeting. The Serb first cried during the last change of sides as the spectators urged him to still believe in his chances. Medvedev led 6-4 6-4 5-4...

Then, “Nole” once again burst into tears as he thanked his fans for their support. "The audience made me feel very special. I wouldn't say I didn't expect anything, but the amount of support, energy and love I received from the audience... is something I will remember forever," he said after the match.

When the "Djoker" loses it

Novak Djokovic (ATP 1) will not win a 21st Grand Slam title this year in New York. The Serb was sharply beaten by Daniil Medvedev in three sets (6-4 6-4 6-4). Overwhelmed by the pressure, the world number 1 made too many errors (38 unforced errors for 27 winning shots) during this final. What makes him mad with rage...

Thus, "Nole" flew into a rage and smashed his racket at the start of the second set. Unfortunately for him, this gesture of humor did not allow him to evacuate all his nervousness and reverse the course of the match.

The tears of Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez

Saturday evening, Emma Raducanu (WTA 150) won her first Grand Slam title against Leylah Fernandez (WTA 73) in the final of the US Open (6-4 6-3). And inevitably the emotion was there at the end of the meeting, both on the side of the winner and the loser.

If she managed to control her emotions when lifting the trophy, the 18-year-old Briton let out a few tears when she found her loved ones in the stands.

For her part, Fernandez was much more sensitive than her opponent. The 19-year-old Canadian immediately cracked after the match point. She also broke down in tears when she received a well-deserved "standing ovation" from the crowd at Arthur-Ashe Stadium.

It must be said that, despite the defeat, the native of Montreal achieved a performance of choice to reach the final. She thus dismissed three players from the world's top 5, namely Aryna Sabalenka (WTA 2), defending champion Naomi Osaka (WTA 3) and Elina Svitolina (WTA 5), during the New York fortnight. It deserved some applause.

An injury and a fit of anger at the worst time

Emma Raducanu (WTA 150) signed one of the greatest feats in the history of sport by winning the US on Saturday Open against Leylah Fernandez (WTA 73). However, this final (6-4 6-3) could have been another outcome if the young Briton had not inherited a small twist of fate on her decisive serve.

While her competitor benefited from a break point (30-40) and could pick up at 5-4, the new queen of New York was forced to take a medical time-out at the worst of times. She thus opened her left knee after a poorly controlled slip on the Arthur-Ashe court (to see in the video below).

A confusing game that did not really please Fernandez, who may have just taken over his opponent. Angry, the 19-year-old Canadian then debated at length with a tournament official while Raducanu was treated. This break, which lasted less than 5 minutes, was enough for the latter to reverse the situation and conclude on this game to win the title.

In tears, Leylah Fernandez once again expressed her frustration to those responsible for the American fortnight while her 18-year-old opponent celebrated her coronation. The unfortunate finalist nevertheless made amends afterwards during her press conference.

"I just didn't know what was going on with Emma. I had no idea how serious his downfall was. That's why I had a discussion with the official. It was in the heat of the moment. I was unlucky that it hit me right when I had the 'momentum'. It's sport, it's tennis. We have to move forward,” she then declared, very sportingly, in front of the media.

Djokovic still dethrones Federer a little more

Sunday, Novak Djokovic will have the opportunity to write a new page in the history of men's tennis. The Serb is thus one success away from achieving the calendar Grand Slam, namely winning the four major tournaments in the same year. This title would also be the 21st in the category for the world number one, who would then exceed Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (20 coronations).

But before you think about that, “Nole” has already become a bit more legendary after his victory against Alexander Zverev (4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2). He has indeed qualified for the 31st Grand Slam final of his rich career. He is equal as well Federer, who continues to see his records fall into the hands of his rival.

Zverev and Djokovic have the craziest exchange of the tournament!

Novak Djokovic has advanced to the final of the US Open after his victory on Friday night at Saturday against Alexander Zverev (4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2). However, the Serb did not have it easy against the German, as evidenced by the totally mind-blowing point of the 10th game of the 3rd round.

While the world number one enjoyed a second set point on his serve, his opponent postponed the deadline after an incredible rally of... 53 racquet strokes! A completely crazy exchange which will be - without a doubt - the most beautiful of the New York fortnight, even of the year. To be enjoyed without moderation.

"I don't like to choose one of the three" - Berrettini in embarrassment

Defeated in four sets (7-5 ​​2-6 2-6 3-6) in the quarter-finals of the US Open by Novak Djokovic, Matteo Berrettini was questioned in a press conference on the place occupied by the Serb in the history of tennis compared, in particular, to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"It's always a delicate question for me because there are personal opinions and then there are the statistics", first warned the Italian, who had bowed against the world number one in the Wimbledon final on July 11.

With now 26 victories in as many Grand Slam outings, the "Djoker" has, indeed, mind-blowing figures in 2021. "I just know that we are experiencing something that has not happened in recent years. Just looking at the stats, just looking at the numbers, he's doing something that the other two haven't done," said the Transalpine.

Words that do not mean, however, that the 8th player in the world has a preference for "Nole". "Everyone can say that the GOAT is such and such a player. There are still people who think that McEnroe, Sampras or Agassi were just better than him (note: Novak Djokovic). It's a personal feeling and it is what's great about sports. For example, for me, LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan, but they're not going to kill me for that. It's just my personal feeling, because I wasn't born when Jordan was playing. It's just different," continued the Roman player.

Before emphasizing the immense privilege of having been able to evolve during this prosperous period of tennis. "I think playing against him is such an honor, because we are going through something great. I told him that I wished him good luck for what he is aiming for (note: the calendar Grand Slam). At the end of his career , we can compare. But I like them, I like what they do. I don't like to choose one of the three," concluded the 25-year-old right-hander.

"I was told to quit tennis" - Fernandez's revenge

At only 19 years old, Leylah Fernandez (WTA 73) is writing one of the most beautiful pages in the history of tennis at the US Open. Almost unknown so far, the Canadian has made it to the singles final where she will face the other sensation of the 2021 edition on Saturday: the British Emma Raducanu (WTA 150), from the qualifications.

The two young players will face off in an unexpected and undecided duel. And inevitably, Fernandez was in heaven after his new exploit on the night of Thursday to Friday against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (WTA 2) on the Arthur-Ashe court (7-6 4-6 6-4).

“As my father always told me, there are no limits to my potential, to what I can do. We just have to keep moving forward. Nothing is impossible. I'm just happy that so far everything is going well, and I think I'm doing something incredible, I don't know what to say," she said at a press conference.

However, not everything was rosy during the young career of the Montreal native. Indeed, few people believed in her. “A lot of people doubted me, my family and my dreams. They kept saying I would never be a professional tennis player,” she revealed after her victory.

"I remember a teacher - I find it funny now but not then - who told me 'you should quit tennis, you won't make it and focus on school '. I'm happy that she told me that because every day I have this phrase in my head, and I'm going to continue, go even further, and prove to her that everything I've dreamed of, I'm going to accomplish. » A nice revenge.

Medvedev: "I don't care whether Federer and Nadal are there or not"

Qualified since Tuesday for the semi-finals where he will face Felix Auger-Aliassime (ATP 15), Daniil Medvedev was asked to react to recent comments by Frances Tiafoe (ATP 50). The latter had claimed that the absence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in New York was "drooling" the players of the new generation, who were more motivated on the court knowing that they would not cross paths with the two tennis legends. .

But obviously the withdrawal of the Swiss and the Spaniard does not interest Medvedev in the least. Without jargon, the Russian said he preferred to focus on himself and his own game.

"Honestly, I don't feel any change in the energy. Again, speaking for myself, I always try to do my best. I don't care if Roger or Rafa are present or not. I want to win the tournament”, he then dropped in front of the press, according to comments relayed by several media.

Before we expand a bit more on the subject. “It would be more difficult if they were there, and of course it would be more difficult if they were 30. But I just want to do my best, so I don't care if they're there or not." It has the merit of being clear.

Sabalenka's nerves let go in the middle of a match

Aryna Sabalenka (WTA 2) saw her fortnight in New York come to an end overnight from Thursday to Friday. Belarus has indeed become the new victim of the Canadian tornado Leylah Fernandez (WTA 73).

And the turn of events on the Arthur-Ashe logically did not really please the player from Minsk. When she had just lost the first set and her opponent was already in control in the second, she vented her frustration by smashing her racket on the ground.

A stroke of blood which obviously did her good since she then won the second round. Insufficient, however, to prevent Fernandez from winning his ticket for the final after 2h21 of combat (7-6 4-6 6-4). The young prodigy will face the other sensation of the tournament on Saturday, namely the Briton Emma Raducanu (WTA 150) who crushed the Greek Maria Sakkari (WTA 18) in her semi-final (6-1 6-4).

The tender moment of the tournament is offered to you by Soares

Bruno Soares will play in the men's doubles final! The 39-year-old Brazilian and his partner Jamie Murray sweated this Thursday in the semi-finals to overcome the pair of Filip Polasek and John Peers (6-3 3-6 6-4).

A qualification that the doubles specialist, former world number 2 in the specialty, celebrated with his son Noah, who rushed to the Louis-Armstrong court after the victorious match point.

This nice moment of tenderness between the Belo Horizonte player and his offspring is about to become a tradition since the scene had already taken place in the previous round. We bet that Soares still hopes to embrace his child on Friday after his meeting against the duo Joe Salisbury / Rajeev Ram.

"My plane tickets were booked" - Raducanu's revelations

Tall in two sets (6-3 6-4) by Belinda Bencic (WTA 12) on Wednesday in the quarterfinals US Open final, Emma Raducanu (WTA 150) is living a waking dream at Flushing Meadows. After qualifying, the young Briton, who still hasn't lost a single set in the main draw, looked back on her completely crazy stay in New York.

"I didn't expect to get this far at all. My plane tickets were booked for the end of qualifying," the Toronto-born player first joked. "I'm really happy to have come out of this really difficult game."

Eighth of a finalist at Wimbledon last July on the occasion of her first participation in a Grand Slam, the 18-year-old right-hander then spoke to the media about her little secret that allows her to perform so much.

"Calmness and mental strength. These assets come from the education of my parents", she slipped, before concluding on an aspect of her game that she had not known she possessed until then. "I'm not 100% physically developed yet, but my ability to go for certain balls really surprised me."

This new string to her bow will also allow Emma Raducanu to officially become the best British player at the end of the American fortnight. It now remains to be seen where the prodigy trained by Nigel Sears will stop.

"I don't want to talk about it!" - Djokovic rebuffs McEnroe

Qualified for the semi-finals overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, Novak Djokovic is only two successes away from a historic Grand Slam calendar, namely winning all four tournaments adults in the same season. But obviously, the Serb does not want to hear about it yet.

Interviewed on the subject after his victory against Matteo Berrettini (5-7 6-2 6-2 6-3), the world number one indeed brutally cut off his interlocutor, Patrick McEnroe, who could not finish ask his question. “I'm only focused on the next match (against Alexander Zverev). The rest, I don't want to think about it, I don't want to talk about it!", Then dryly replied "Djoko" to John McEnroe's younger brother, before leaving.

The Belgrade player then explained his attitude at a press conference. “I have been asked this question many times lately. Which is understandable... But I'm tired of answering it. I've said a million times that, of course, I'm aware that I can make history and how much that motivates me. However, if I start to think about it too much, it weighs on me mentally, ”Djokovic was thus justified. Atmosphere...

Zverev is out of his mind for an astonishing reason

But what has stung Alexander Zverev (ATP 4)? The latter climbed on Wednesday without too many problems in the semi-finals of the US Open, where he will find Novak Djokovic. However, the German was put under pressure in the opening set by his opponent Lloyd Harris (ATP 46), who led 5-3 and served to win the set.

Even if Zverev managed to extricate himself from this delicate situation and join his opponent in the score, the tension rose another notch in the tie break of this disputed first set. The Hamburg player was thus annoyed – unexpectedly and for an unknown reason – against what was broadcast on … the giant screen of the Arthur-Ashe stadium.

"It's the same thing every game!", He then launched, annoyed, in the direction of the chair umpire. This small moment of agitation did not however disturb the main interested party, who finally won this decisive game, before unwinding (7-6 6-3 6-4) and offering his ticket for the last four.

Frustrated, Harris sows discord against Zverev

Unbeatable for 16 games, Alexander Zverev leaves only crumbs to his opponents. Victim of the German in the quarter-finals (7-6 6-3 6-4), Llyod Harris (ATP 46) had the bitter experience of it. And the turn of events on Wednesday on the Arthur-Ashe didn't really sit well with him.

Frustrated, the South African got on his nerves by throwing two full water bottles, which exploded on the court. Result ? The ballboys, the officials and even... Zverev had to work hard to dry the pitch. A scene that gave rise to rather comical images…

The abandonment of Alcaraz casts a chill over New York

The long-awaited duel between the two young talents of the future generation of world tennis came to an end on Tuesday night in Wednesday in New York. Hit in the adductor of the right leg, Carlos Alcaraz (ATP 55) had to throw in the towel against Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP 15), when he was trailing 6-3 3-1.

The abandonment of the promising Spaniard then cast a chill over the Arthur-Ashe stadium and caused amazement among the public present. “It's really hard to end this tournament like this. I had no choice. I have to take care of my body to be healthy, right? I didn't feel good enough to continue playing so I had to give up,” the 18-year-old said after his elimination.

Author of a magnificent tournament, Alcaraz is nevertheless "not disappointed" with the turn of events. “It was a great tournament for me. These matches allowed me to gain a lot of experience. I think it made me more mature,” he said. Fans of the little yellow ball are - no doubt - already salivating about the upcoming exploits of the young Hispanic prodigy.

Shelby Rogers: "I'm probably a big slut"

Swept away by the surprising Emma Raducanu (WTA 150) on Monday in the round of 16 (6-2 6-1), Shelby Rogers (WTA 43) saw their 2021 US Open come to an abrupt end. But according to the American herself, she is not at the end of her troubles.

At a press conference, she denounced the many hate messages that awaited her on social networks after her crushing defeat. "Obviously we appreciate the spotlight at times like this, but today (Monday) I'm going to get nine million death threats and everything. It's very polarizing, we go very quickly from one extreme to the other”, then dropped the 28-year-old player in front of the press.

His statements inevitably echo the outpouring of insults to which his compatriot Sloane Stephens (WTA 66) fell victim after his elimination in the 3rd round (see below). The latter had thus received more than 2,000 insulting messages on the web.

While Stephens has shared the threats she received, Rogers tries to brush it all off, even if it "goes to your head sometimes." The Mount Pleasant native also added that she knows how important various social platforms are these days, especially when it comes to marketing.

However, she wishes these never existed. “Social media cannot control what I do and how my training is going to go in the future. I wish it didn't exist. It's really hard,” she said.

“You could check out my profile right now. I'm probably a big slut and words I can't say right now. But, it is what it is. You try not to take it to heart. That's the unfortunate side of any sport and what we do,” said Shelby Rogers. She then justified herself on her Twitter, assuring that she “always tries to respond honestly to the press”.

When the players put on a show in front of the press

At each Grand Slam tournament, press conferences give rise to many unusual moments. And the 2021 edition of the US Open is no exception to the rule.

From the tackle of Alexander Zverev (ATP 4) to the anecdote of Iga Swiatek (WTA 8), passing by the joke of Novak Djokovic (ATP 1), find below a compilation (concocted by Eurosport. fr) of the best statements made by the players in front of the press during this New York fortnight. Tasty.

The most unlikely point of the men's doubles tournament

The men's doubles US Open 1st round match between Marcus Daniell and Marcelo Demoliner against the pair Lloyd Glasspool / Daniel Evans gave a completely crazy show.

While the score was 7-6 3-5 in favor of the British pair, the latter certainly managed the most unlikely point of the tournament by hitting a backhand... from the other side of the net!

Despite this superb winning move, the two English players were forced to throw in the towel at the start of the third set (7-6 4-6 1-2).

When Djokovic completely fails his smash

Novak Djokovic suffered against Jenson Brooksby (ATP 99) in the round of 16 of the US Open, but the Serb ended up passing the shoulder in four sets (1-6 6-3 6-2 6-2). Off-topic at the start of the match, the world number one accumulated unforced errors (41 in total), like his completely missed smash at the very end of the initial round.

While his American opponent served to win the first set and had just struck a superb defensive shot, the "Djoker" found himself in trouble following a first mid-court smash that was too timid. Badly embarked on the exchange, the man with 20 Grand Slam titles thus found himself playing a second smash while moving back … And, as often, “Nole” missed. Like what, it even happens to the best!

When Frances Tiafoe starts "hitting" the chair umpire

The round of 16 between Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP 15) and Frances Tiafoe (ATP 50) overnight from Sunday to Monday gave rise to a comical scene. In the 5th game of the 3rd set, the 21-year-old Canadian unintentionally dropped a ball from his pocket on the court during a rally.

The chair umpire immediately stopped the point to replay it, when Tiafoe had taken over his opponent and had just pushed him into a fault. A decision that made the 23-year-old American showman jump, furious with the official.

The latter however quickly backtracked, believing that the "intruder" had not interfered with the game. He thus logically awarded the point to Tiafoe, who thanked him by addressing him energetically... three pats on the leg. This passion was ultimately not enough for the player from Maryland, eliminated in 4 sets (4-6 6-2 7-6 6-4) by "F2A", who reached the quarter-finals for the first time in New York.

Frances Tiafoe: "Roger and Rafa not there, I see some with drool on their lips"

Defeated 6-4 2-6 6-7 4-6 by Félix Auger- Aliassime (ATP 15) in the round of 16 of the US Open, Frances Tiafoe (ATP 50) had a suspenseful New York tournament with three of her meetings going into four or five rounds. Like the American's thrillers, many meetings offered unbridled scenarios. Thus, since the start of the fortnight, 33 games have ended in five sets.

An exciting and undecided Grand Slam that the 23-year-old tried to explain at a press conference. "I think there are several reasons. Roger and Rafa aren't there so the guys are hungry. They're like, 'For this fucking US Open, I have to give it my all.' I really think it plays a role. The level is very high, everyone can beat everyone. I'm ranked 50th but I can beat all these guys ", first confided the Hyattsville player, also showman behind the microphone with racket in hand.

Before backing up his remarks. "I think the guys are trying to push as much as they can. Roger and Rafa aren't there so I'm drooling over it. It's funny to watch, I'm in the locker room and I'm laughing at this. "

Then to conclude by taking as an example the attitude of Andreas Seppi (ATP 89), who beat Marton Fucsovics (ATP 41) during a crazy first round. "You have Seppi, who must be 37, playing until 15-13 in the fifth set tie-break. What is that? It's crazy. It's his 19th US Open and he's putting his heart on the table. He probably wouldn't have done it if he knew he was playing Rafa in the second round, surely thinking it's over. It's unreal what's going on."

"I promise to destroy your leg" - Outpouring of hatred against Stephens

Defeated by Angelique Kerber (WTA 17) in the 3rd round of the US Open, Sloane Stephens (WTA 66) received more than 2,000 insulting messages on social networks because of this elimination.

On Sunday, the American decided to go public with the outpouring of hatred she suffered. "I'm a human being. It's too hard to read such messages, but I'll post a few so you can see what it is," said the New York Grand Slam winner in 2017.

For losing in three sets (7-5 ​​2-6 3-6) against the German, the 28-year-old right-hander was notably threatened by some internet users. "I promise to find you and destroy your leg so badly that you can never walk again! Hope you enjoyed your last moments on the court today," one individual wrote.

Inevitably affected by such verbal violence, the former world number 3 nevertheless tried to hold her head high. "This kind of hate is exhausting and never-ending. It's not talked about enough and it sucks, but I favor positive vibes over negative ones… but not everything is always rosy," she said on the channel "CNN".

Sloane Stephens is unfortunately not the first athlete to suffer such horrors, usually from frustrated bettors.

A medical timeout sets New York on fire

The round of 16 of the US Open between Barbora Krejcikova (WTA 9) and Garbine Muguruza (WTA 10) in the Sunday night into Monday ended in confusion and anger.

While she had the "momentum" and was leading 6-5 in the second set, the Spaniard saw her momentum shattered by a medical timeout taken by her opponent. The latter, who said she suffered from dizziness, respiratory problems and pain in the abdomen, thus benefited from a long medical treatment.

After almost ten minutes of interruption, the Czech finally returned to the court. Completely transformed, she immediately won her service game, the tie-break and therefore the match (6-3 7-6). What inevitably lead to a very cold handshake at the net and a tense verbal exchange, Muguruza reproaching the winner of the last Roland-Garros for having sabotaged the end of the game.

Krejcikova, who has apologized to the former world number 1, will challenge Aryna Sabalenka (WTA 2) in the quarterfinals. If his body wants it.

"It's a joke" - Amended, Opelka sees... rosy!

After the IKEA bag used by the young Danish Holger Rune (ATP 145) at the start of the tournament against to Novak Djokovic (ATP 1), here is the pink bag of Reilly Opelka (ATP 24)!

A great art lover, the American giant signed a partnership last May with the "Tim Van Laere Gallery" whose color code is pink. "This gallery is home to many of my favorite artists and that's where my passion for art really started," he explained on the sidelines of the Masters 1000 in Rome.

A few months later, at the US Open, the 24-year-old continues to grace the Antwerp-based art gallery founded by art and tennis lover Tim Van Laere. The problem? The American Tennis Federation, whose rules are authentic to Flushing Meadows, obviously does not share the passion of the right-hander of Saint-Joseph.

Thus, the latter imposed a hefty fine on Opelka because of a logo on the bag in question considered to be too large and therefore contrary to the regulations. An offense entitled “unapproved bag” (invalid bag, in French) which hardly made the main interested party smile.

The 2m11 giant has therefore decided to take the American Tennis Federation on the wrong foot. During the match following this case, the Michigan player took pleasure in arriving on the court with the same pink bag, this time labeled "unapproved". A spirit of contradiction which gave wings to the American since he easily beat Nikoloz Basilashvili (ATP 39).

“It’s a joke on the part of the US Open to do that. $10,000 for a pink bag? elsewhere than in a big company. We have had a few tragedies in the United States in recent weeks, I would prefer it to go elsewhere, "reacted Opelka.

Then to conclude on a new spade. "My job is not to measure logos, it's to win tennis matches!" Lloyd Harris, his opponent in the round of 16 in New York, is warned.

Tennis legends support Naomi Osaka

Riddled with recurring anxiety issues, Naomi Osaka (WTA 3) broke down in tears at a press conference on Friday after her surprise loss to Canadian Leylah Fernandez (WTA 73) in the 3rd round of the US Open. The Japanese has also admitted to wanting to take a break, she who also added that she had lost the taste for competition.

The distress of the 23-year-old player has affected several former tennis glories. Winner of 12 Grand Slam titles, Billie Jean King wanted to support the former world number 1. "Take all the time you need to recover, rest and heal, Naomi Osaka. Sending you all my love and support," the legendary American player wrote on Twitter.

Same story with his compatriot James Blake. "Do what's best for you. We want to see your amazing tennis again and, much more importantly, we want to see you happy," he posted on social media. A message approved by the former German star Boris Becker, who soberly said: "It's fair".

As a reminder, Naomi Osaka had admitted a few months ago to have suffered from depression. She had also withdrawn from the Roland-Garros tournament to protect herself, creating controversy and sparking a vast debate on the mental health of athletes.

A first since... 1890: France has hit rock bottom!

Last French representative at the US Open, Gaël Monfils (ATP 20) was not unworthy against Jannik Sinner (ATP 16) on the night of Saturday to Sunday but ended up losing at the end of the suspense (7-6 6-2 4-6 4-6 6-4). The 35-year-old Parisian will therefore not play in the round of 16 in New York, like all his compatriots.

Although announced, even predictable, this poor performance is perceived as a real disaster in France. Because after the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, no blue-white-red representative will therefore see the second week of the last Grand Slam of the year.

A statistic illustrates the slump in which French tennis currently finds itself: it is the first time since... 1890 (!) that no French player has managed to qualify for the round of 16 of one of the four major tournaments.

With only two players (Gaël Monfils and Ugo Humbert) in the World Top 30 and no representatives among the top 50 of the WTA rankings, France could not have hoped for much better. It now remains to be seen when the latter will manage to come out of the trough.

Sock treats the crowd with an extraordinary half-volley

Forced to retire against Alexander Zverev (ATP 4) in the 3rd round of the US Open when he was trailing 6-3 2-6 3-6 1-2, Jack Sock (ATP 184) still had time to entertain the public at the Arthur-Ashe stadium.

Winner of the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 in 2017, the 28-year-old American notably scored the point of the match at the very end of the third set by scoring an extraordinary backhand half-volley. An exchange that he also ended on the buttocks!

With his spectacular points and high level of play, the doubles specialist, winner of the New York Grand Slam in 2018 alongside Mike Bryan, made his opponent doubt until he injured his right thigh in the second set.

"If Jack had continued to play like in the 1st set, I would have been out after 1h30 and I would be on vacation...", admitted the German. Still, it is the latter who will face the Italian Jannik Sinner (ATP 16) in the round of 16.

When the young wolves eclipse Nadal and Federer

Like all tennis fans, Patrick McEnroe obviously got off on Friday in New York watching the first matches of the 3rd round of the men's draw of the US Open.

It must be said that the duels between Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-3 4-6 7-6 0-6 7-6), Felix Auger-Aliassime and Roberto Bautista Agut (6-3 6-4 4- 6 3-6 6-3) and Frances Tiafoe to Andrey Rublev (6-4 3-6 6-7 6-4 6-1) all produced a breathtaking scenario. What keep the brother of the legendary John in suspense.

"We all miss Nadal and Federer, but the future of men's tennis looks very very bright," the American tweeted. It is indeed difficult to contradict the former 28th player in the world since, with the exception of Bautista Agut, all the protagonists of these thrillers are between 18 and 23 years old.

The good publicity for tennis offered by the latter would almost make us forget the joint absences of the Spanish and Swiss legends from Flushing Meadows...

"A dream come true" - Alcaraz on a cloud

Carlos Alcaraz (ATP 55) won the best victory of his young career on the night of Friday to Saturday at the US Open. The 18-year-old Spaniard beat Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 3) at the end of the suspense (6-3 4-6 7-6 0-6 7-6), thus qualifying for the round of 16.

The player from Murcia was obviously always on his little cloud when it came time to appear in front of the media. "I have no words to explain how I feel now. I just don't know what happened on the court. I can't believe I beat Tsitsipas in a big game. It's a dream that comes true", exclaimed the Iberian first.

The latter then returned to his state of mind during the decisive game of the fifth round, a tie-break under high tension.

"When I missed the last two points on my serve (note: his first two match points), I did not give up, I believed in myself. When I fell to the ground at the end of the match , I was thinking of my family, my friends and all the people who have supported me all the time, from the start," added Carlos Alcaraz, not without some emotion.

A moment celebrated by an entire stadium, the New York public being totally committed to the cause of the Spanish prodigy. "It surprised me, really. They were behind me all the time and always pushed me. It was very important to me. I think without them I couldn't have had the opportunity to play. a great fifth set and beating Stefanos. It was amazing, I loved it," concluded the Spanish right-hander.

In the next round, the latter will have a great opportunity to continue his journey at Flushing Meadows since he will face Peter Gojowczyk (ATP 141), the crusher of Henri Laaksonen (ATP 130).

When Frances Tiafoe celebrates like LeBron James

Author of a superb performance, Frances Tiafoe (ATP 50) eliminated the Russian Andrey Rublev (ATP 7) on Saturday morning in the 3rd round of the 'US Open. The American overcame the No. 5 seed in five sets (6-4 3-6 6-7 6-4 6-1) after a magnificent spectacle and breathtaking suspense .

The 23-year-old right-hander was able to release all his tension after the match point. Shirtless and a true showman, Tiafoe celebrated his achievement with the New York public in the manner of his glorious compatriot LeBron James.

In the next round, the player from Hyattsville, Maryland will challenge another prodigy in the person of Félix Auger-Aliassime (ATP 15).

Tsitsipas settles his accounts... and knocks out Zverev

Eliminated in the night from Friday to Saturday by the young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (ATP 55) in the 3rd round of the US Open , Stefanos Tsitsipas confided in particular, after the meeting, on the whistles of the New York public against him.

"It surprised me, but I don't let it get you down because I'm here to play my game (...) I don't pretend that everyone likes me. That's not not my goal and I do not intend to be loved by everyone. Each person can choose their favorite player, choose their side", first underlined the world number 3 in a press conference.

Before evoking the controversy born of his long and repeated visits to the toilet. "I kind of ignored the criticism because people don't know. When you're not in sports, you don't know what's going on. I just took my bathroom break like a normal athlete and I haven't done anything but replace wet clothes with dry clothes. But, apparently, that's a huge problem. I don't know why everyone is suddenly against me," added the Athenian from 23 years.

Visibly annoyed by this story, the latter then attacked Alexander Zverev, who had put forward the hypothesis that the Greek was abusing "toilet breaks" to exchange with his father on the phone (see below).

“All of these accusations are completely false. The accusation in Cincinnati is the most ridiculous thing I have heard in my life. It shows the level of the person who said that,” concluded Tsitsipas .

She misses her spike...because of a parasol

The 1st round of the women's doubles against Varvara Gracheva and Zarina Diyas against the pair Misako Doi/Anna-Lena Friedsam was the scene of a totally unusual point at the end of the third round.

While playing a very important point, the 27-year-old German completely missed her spike... due to a cumbersome parasol. In position to arm her attack, the player from Neuwied saw her racquet caught in the web of the umbrella.

This improbable misadventure precipitated the defeat of the Doi / Friedsam duo, finally beaten in three sets (7-6 4-6 6-2).

"It's beyond my level of tolerance" - Djokovic gets angry!

If Novak Djokovic easily qualified for the 3rd round of the US Open on Thursday night in Friday by beating in three sets (6-2 6-3 6-2) Tallon Griekspoor (ATP 121), the world number one still encountered some annoyances.

The Serb complained vigorously to the referee about the attitude of a spectator present in the stands of the Arthur-Ashe stadium. "This guy was screaming on every point. For example, just before an important smash, he started screaming. He also did it before", first explained the "Djoker" after his victory .

Before detailing his remarks at a press conference. "That kind of behavior is just plain nasty. Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against noise and music. It's important for the entertainment of the public. I understand that. But when someone makes noise just to bother us is beyond my level of tolerance. It's just not fair and not good for us, the players", added, irritated, the player from Belgrade.

To succeed in his calendar Grand Slam, "Nole" will have to be able to manage his emotions. Everyone remembers, this was not the case last year...

When Djokovic talks about his rivalries with Federer and Nadal

Novak Djokovic can always dream of the calendar Grand Slam! The world number one qualified overnight from Thursday to Friday for the third round of the US Open by dominating Tallon Griekspoor (ATP 121) in three short sets (6-2 6-3 6-2).

The Serb, who could become the first player for 52 years and the legendary Rod Laver to achieve such a feat, explained in a press conference that his rivalries with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had certainly pulled him up.

"Their dominance on the circuit made me the player I am today (...) All three are so different. We have different styles, we took different trajectories to get where we we complement each other. I think the rivalry we have is phenomenal for our sport. So the more debate there is around the three of us about who the GOAT is, the better. is", explained the "Djoker" after his success against the Dutchman.

In the event of a final triumph in New York, in addition to the calendar Grand Slam, "Nole" would also become the most successful man in a Major with 21 crowns, one more than his best enemies Switzerland and Spain. A feat that would certainly make the Belgrade right-hander the best player of all time.

A crazy point for an equally crazy celebration!

The 100% American duel between Jenson Brooksby (ATP 99) and Taylor Fritz (ATP 42) offered a superb spectacle Thursday in Flushing Meadows. The highlight of this 2nd round is undoubtedly the winning shot, in bypassed net mode, from the Sacramento right-hander.

An exceptional point that the 20-year-old celebrated in a very demonstrative way. Overjoyed, Brooksby was again a few minutes later after the last point of a meeting finally won in four sets (6-7 7-6 7-5 6-2).

In difficulty, Iga Swiatek bursts into tears

Seed number 7 at Flushing Meadows, Iga Swiatek went through all the emotions during his second round on Thursday. Jostled by the French Fiona Ferro (WTA 74) and led a set to nothing, the Polish completely cracked after the loss of her serve at the start of the 2nd round.

The 2020 Roland-Garros winner thus burst into tears, before crouching down in front of her bench in full play. But instead of collapsing definitively on the court, Swiatek transformed and completely overturned the progress of the match. The 20-year-old player finally won in 3 sets, notably inflicting a bicycle wheel on her opponent in the decisive round (3-6 7-6 6-0). A resounding realization.

Tsitsipas counter-attacks and persists with his "toilet breaks"

Imperturbable Stefanos Tsitsipas. Under fire from critics after his repeated toilet breaks during his matches, the Greek insisted on explaining himself to the press after his victory in the second round (6-3 6-4 6-7 6-0) against the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino (ATP 44). The world number 3 said he needed these breaks to "cool down" and "get rid of the sweat to (feel) better".

"I didn't break the rules. I think there is a rule that doesn't really specify how much time you have to take to the bathroom. It is important to use it if you need it. Rid of all that sweat, I'm weightless. For me, it's important to take this break. This is probably not the case for everyone. I try to be as fast as possible. Sometimes I just need more time, that's all,” he explained to the media.

Not sure that this explanation suits Andy Murray, Adrian Mannarino or Alexander Zverev, all "victims" of the 23-year-old Athenian's "toilet breaks" in recent weeks. The three players had then vehemently expressed their anger at Flushing Meadows (see below). Criticisms that the main interested party struggles to accept.

"I didn't do anything wrong, so I don't understand. I am not influenced by anyone. It's just a personal need. Some players take more than 25 seconds between points on serve, we know that. It happened, it's true. I have nothing against anyone, and I never complain about what other players do. Ever since I was little, my parents taught me not to mind other people's business, and to concentrate on myself, on doing my job. I don't understand when some players criticize others," added Tsitsipas, who didn't really calm things down...

When two 5-year-old boys put on a show on Central

The US Open honored members of the LGBTQ+ community on Wednesday ahead of the matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium. On this occasion, Brian Vahal - former American professional tennis player in the early 2000s - came to watch the draw for the duel between Sloane Stephens and Cori Gauff (6-4 6-2), accompanied by her husband Bill Jones and their sons Parker and Bennett.

But the two little boys, twins and 5 years old, obviously didn't feel very concerned at the moment. If the photo with the two players did not really interest them, the coin used to determine the first waitress aroused their greatest curiosity.

A moment filled with innocence that made the protagonists of this 100% American match and the audience on New York's center court smile a lot...

Patrick Mouratoglou: "I can't accept hearing this kind of thing"

Heavily criticized by Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev and Adrian Mannarino for his numerous prolonged breaks in the bathroom, Stefanos Tsitsipas has received support from Patrick Mouratoglou. Regularly present in the box of the third player in the world, the latter regretted this "toilet gate" and castigated the criticisms suffered by his foal.

"It's true that Stefanos took a long time, but he didn't try to break the rhythm. In this case, it would have been stupid because he had just won the fourth set (note: against Andy Murray). So he was the one who had the 'momentum'. It would have been really stupid to do that for this purpose", railed the French coach on "Eurosport".

The French technician was then very annoyed by the rumor that the Athenian right-hander would take advantage of his "toilet breaks" to get help from his clan.

"I've heard a lot of stupid things, like that he was coached by his dad during that break. It's ridiculous. He doesn't even have his phone with him. His phone is on the phone. "hotel. All that makes no sense. We can't imagine Stefanos doing something like this. Stefanos is anything but a cheater and I can't accept hearing this kind of thing", swept Patrick Mouratoglou .

It remains to be seen whether this controversy will disturb Stefanos Tsitsipas in his New York quest.

The point of the tournament? Medvedev scores a crazy volley

Daniil Medvedev easily qualified for the 3rd round of the US Open by dominating Dominik Köpfer (ATP 57) on the night of Wednesday to Thursday in three dry runs (6 -4 6-1 6-2).

Unfortunate finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2019, the world number 2 took advantage of his alone against the German to ensure the spectacle and to delight the New York public. The 25-year-old Russian thus scored an exceptional point in the sixth game of the second set by scoring an unlikely volley after pretending to stop playing.

In the next round, the Muscovite will start as a big favorite against the Spaniard Pablo Andujar (ATP 74). Let's bet that Medvedev will be keen to delight American spectators again.

Dimitrov blows up his racquet... and gives it to a fan

New disappointment for Grigor Dimitrov (ATP 18)! At 30, the former world number 3 suffered a new poor performance in a major tournament against Alexei Popyrin (ATP 73). Beside his subject, the Bulgarian threw in the towel as he trailed the Australian 7-6 7-6 4-0.

Semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2019, the former "Baby Fed" appeared frustrated throughout his game, to the point of exploding his racket and offering it to a spectator during the first game of the third set. Certainly his most beautiful gesture of the day...

"It's unsportsmanlike" - Mannarino attacks Tsitsipas

After having abused several "toilet breaks" during his entry in the running against Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas has again on Wednesday against Adrian Mannarino (ATP 44) in the second round of the US Open.

Fallout in four sets (6-3 6-4 6-7 6-0) from the Frenchman, the Greek was absent from the court for more than eight minutes after losing the third set. An attitude that did not please the New York public, who booed the world number 3, nor his tricolor opponent.

"Stefanos said that the 'toilet break' was part of his routine. But if it's just to break the rhythm of the opponent, it's that the rules are badly made. Obviously, that help. It's unsportsmanlike. We should perhaps change things …", regretted the native of Soisy-sous-Montmorency.

Mannarino's frustration was understandable, the 33-year-old left-hander having suffered a bicycle wheel after this long enforced break...

Very tense end to the match between Moutet and Travaglia

This start to the US Open is decidedly tense! After friction between Andy Murray and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the meeting on court No. 15 between Corentin Moutet (ATP 88) and Stefano Travaglia (ATP 100) ended in confusion on Tuesday.

The French and the Italian thus had a lively explanation after a chilling handshake. "When you win, you don't talk, but as soon as you lose you start crying", notably dropped the Habs after his victory (6-4 7-5 7-6) against his transalpine opponent.

These frictions appeared following misinterpreted words on both sides. Travaglia thus launched a "bravo" to his competitor after a point won by the latter, who took it for a provocation. Moutet thus implied that the 29-year-old Italian accused him of having deliberately targeted him with a ball on his winning volley. An accusation denied by the principal concerned, ensuring that it was sincere congratulations.

Their next confrontation promises to be electric...

"I lost my cool" - Benoît Paire explains

Defeated in the 1st round on Monday by the Serbian Dusan Lajovic (6-3 7-5 2-6 6- 4), Benoît Paire stood out by completely breaking down at the end of the 2nd set. The 32-year-old Frenchman had thus freaked out and hurled insults on the court after complaining that a spectator was talking during an exchange (see below).

The Avignonnais then wanted to explain himself on social networks on Tuesday. He notably assured that his insults were not addressed to the person of the public who was a little too noisy.

"Just one thing: I was talking to myself and I didn't just say nice things in my head. That's true, so sorry for those comments. I wanted to do well so much that I lost my temper. But just one thing, in NO way was I talking to the viewer!” said Paire.

"Ridiculous" - Zverev attacks Tsitsipas in turn

The Stefanos Tsitsipas affair caused a stir at the US Open! For having abused during his 1st round against Andy Murray two "toilet breaks", these breaks allowing players to leave the court between two sets to go and satisfy a natural need or to change, the Greek has put himself quite well back to back at Flushing Meadows.

After the Scotsman's criticism (see below), it was Alexander Zverev who publicly regretted the behavior of the third player in the world. Asked Tuesday at a press conference about the forces present in New York, the German launched a small spade at the Athenian.

"Novak is the favorite. But other players are playing well and are hungry. Daniil is in great shape. I think Stefanos can be strong if he doesn't go to the moon and back to the toilet. It could help. Sorry, I had to do it", first laughed the Olympic champion

Before backing up his remarks more seriously. "In Hamburg against Krajinovic, against me in Cincinnati, it was already ridiculous. And, again here, it starts again. He is world number 3, he is one of the best in the world in his profession. He does not need to do that. You do that when you are in juniors, in challengers at a pinch, not when you are world number 3", lambasted the one who had reached the final of the New York Major last season.

Alexander Zverev then swept the defense of Stefanos Tsitsipas, who stresses not breaking any rules. "Yes, you have the right to do that, but there is a kind of unspoken rule between players (note: not to abuse it). Sometimes I will break a racket, go crazy, but there is one thing of which I am proud, and I will keep this course until the end of my career, it is that I win or I lose by playing tennis on a court, not outside", detailed the right-hander from Hamburg.

The latter finally commented on the rumor that the Greek takes advantage of "toilet breaks" to get coaching from his father via telephone.

"I was surprised that they didn't ask me the question in Cincinnati. Because I would have answered very frankly. He was gone for more than ten minutes. And when he came back, suddenly, he completely changed tactics. It's not just me, everyone saw it. His whole game plan changed. Either there was something magical about where he went or there was some form of communication “, concluded, bitter, the world number 4.

Placed in opposite parts of the table, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas could only face each other in the final. The two players therefore still have time to sharpen their rackets before their possible duel.

Federer is the highest paid tennis player in the world

On the sidelines of the US Open, the American business magazine "Forbes" published on Monday the ranking of tennis players and tenniswomen highest paid on the planet over the last twelve months.

Unsurprisingly, Roger Federer (40) comes out on top with a whopping $90.6 million in winnings, but with "only" $600,000 coming directly from tennis and "prizes". money".

Behind the Swiss, the podium is completed by two women, namely Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams. The Japanese (60.1 million dollars) and the American (41.8 million dollars) are ahead of Novak Djokovic (38 million dollars), winner of the three Grand Slam tournaments of the year, and Rafael Nadal (27 million of dollars).

Note that Ashleigh Barty, world number 1 at the WTA, is in tenth place in this ranking with 5.8 million dollars, 3.8 of which comes directly from tennis. Alas for the Australian, she does not compete with these colleagues in terms of notoriety and advertising revenue.

Murray adds a layer on Tsitsipas

Defeated in five sets (2-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-4) by Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 3) in the 1st round of the US Open, Andy Murray (ATP 112) castigated the attitude of his opponent both during and after the meeting.

The reason? The Greek played with the rules put in place by the ATP to break the rhythm of the game by being absent from the court for a long time on two occasions (see below).

Not necessarily very fair play, the behavior of the 23-year-old player greatly displeased the Scotsman. Always reassembled, the latter still wanted to react on social networks.

"Fact of the day: it takes twice as long for Stefanos Tsitipas to go to the bathroom as it takes for Jeff Bazos to go to space. Interesting", thus tweeted, full of irony , the former world number one. The next duel between the two men promises to be epic.

Dimitrov ends up in the... public after a superb shot!

Grigor Dimitrov (ATP 18) put on a show on court n° 5 on Monday at the US Open. Opposed to the American Sam Riffice (ATP 542) for his 1st round, the Bulgarian was indeed the author of a very nice backhand passing in the 3rd set, before finishing his race... in the audience.

To celebrate his gesture and to thank those who held him back, Dimitrov then began to clap the hands of the spectators seated in the front row. Winner in three sets (6-1 7-6 6-3), the 30-year-old was visibly happy to find full stands at Flushing Meadows, after a 2020 edition disputed behind closed doors.

Trungeliti's magnificent gesture to Davidovich Fokina

The US Open is already over for Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ATP 32), beaten in 5 sets (5-7 6-3 7- 5 6-7 6-4) by the surprising Marco Trungelliti (ATP 198). Physically tested at the end of this marathon, the Spaniard ended the meeting with leg cramps.

The 22-year-old then received unexpected help from... his executioner of the day. His Argentinian opponent thus spontaneously put away his racquets, before carrying his bag outside the court after the game. A nice gesture of fair play.

Murray castigates Tsitsipas's attitude

Defeated in the first round of the US Open on the night of Monday to Tuesday after an epic duel (2-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-4) against Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 3), Andy Murray (ATP 112) did not really appreciate his opponent's attitude. Indeed, the Scot kept pestering the referee, considerably that the Greek was taking too much of a break.

It is true that the 23-year-old did not hesitate to break the rhythm of the meeting. Tsitsipas thus twice took a toilet break of about 10 minutes each. He also requested a medical time-out for his ankle at the end of the 3rd set and interrupted the game to change rackets when he was trailing 0-30 on his serve in the 4th set.

Facts of the game that greatly annoyed Murray, who reserved an icy handshake for his opponent at the end of the game. “He is cheating”, he notably launched during the match. Before calling out to the supervisor: “You know like me that it's an absolute shame. 20 minutes each time and the toilets are right next door. What is he doing in there? It's never taken me so long to go to the bathroom in my entire career."

The Briton then gave a layer in front of the press: “The problem is not the break in itself, it is the duration. I knew I had to expect that in front of him. But you can mentally prepare all you want, when you have to stop seven or eight minutes in the middle of such a brutal game, it affects you physically.

“It's disappointing because I think it all had an influence on the outcome of the game. I'm not saying that I would have won, far from it. But it worked. He's a great player, nothing to say. But I lost all respect in him,” then confessed the former world number one.

For his part, Tsitsipas, who had already done the same thing in Cincinnati against Alexander Zverev, wanted to defend himself. “If Murray has something to tell me, it's better to talk about it between us. I haven't broken any rules. As far as I know, we are entitled to two bathroom breaks in a match in five sets”, he then launched after his victory. The New York fortnight is well and truly launched!

Benoît Paire has completely cracked up

Benoît Paire fell back into his failings at the US Open. Beaten in the 1st round on Monday by the Serbian Dusan Lajovic in 4 sets (6-3 7-5 2-6 6-4), the 32-year-old Frenchman completely lost his mind.

When he was about to be down two sets to nothing, the 49th player in the world complained to the referee that someone from the public was talking during a rally. "So everyone can talk during the point and that's ok?", He thus launched to the official, impassive. Before copiously insulting the spectator: "Son of p... Big son of p... Do you understand?"

Far from being calmed down, Paire also lashed out at a parasol, slamming his racquet hard against it. Already warned earlier in the game for having thrown a ball in the stands, the Avignonnais then logically received a penalty point.

As a reminder, Paire had a complicated first half of the season. Chaining defeats and bloodshed, he admitted that he no longer found the necessary motivation to fight on a court, the fault in particular of health restrictions and … behind closed doors.

But obviously the public's return to Flushing Meadows doesn't suit him either. A peak...

Federer, Nadal and Serena absent: a first since 1997

Even before having officially started, the US Open 2021 will go down in history. Indeed, for the first time since the 1997 edition of the New York tournament, a Grand Slam will be played without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, all absent due to physical glitches.

It has been 24 years since a Major was played with at least the presence of one of these three tennis legends. The end of an incredible series that lasted... 94 Grand Slam tricks. For the record, the Swiss, the Spaniard and the American have so far won no less than 63 Major titles between them.

When Tsitsipas meets "the guy with a sign"

On the sidelines of the US Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 3) realized one of his dreams: collaborating with "Dude With Sign” (“the guy with a sign”). The Greek indeed had fun imitating the star of social networks, known for his quirky signs, in the Arthur-Ashe stadium.

Armed with cardboard posters, the two men thus addressed a few words full of derision on the central court of New York. “Win a Grand Slam”, then wrote the one who has 7.7 million subscribers on Instagram. To which Tsitsipas replied: "Get your hair cut."

“Seth Phillips (real name) is a really humble and nice guy. We had a good time with him yesterday (note: Thursday). I'm glad to have met him. My initial goal, when I started (to imitate him), was to meet him one day and do a collaboration with him. I'm glad it happened here (in New York), "said the 23-year-old during media day at Flushing Meadows.

Before adding: “He is someone I admire a lot. What it does, as simple as it sounds, is much more complex than it seems. The way he conveys messages, the way he entertains people is unique in itself.

This is not the first time that Stefanos Tsitsipas has copied “Dude With Sign”. In April 2020, the Athens native revealed Nick Kyrgios' phone number on the street using a similar sign.

Naomi Osaka: “I constantly tell myself that I suck”

After the Roland-Garros episode where she boycotted the media and confided in her mental health, Naomi Osaka (WTA 3) is back in Grand Slam at the US Open. And naturally, the defending champion in New York couldn't avoid discussing her recent personal problems during her pre-tournament press conference. She thus notably recognized that there had been “a lot of things” that she had “done badly”.

If she has already spoken at length on the subject in front of the journalists, the Japanese woman again delivered herself on Sunday in a long message published on social networks. "Recently I've been wondering why I feel like this and realized that one of the reasons is that inside I think I'm never good enough. I never said to myself that I had done a good job. I know that I constantly tell myself that I suck or that I could do better, ”she confessed.

Before I continue: "I know that in the past some people have called me humble, but if I think about it, I think I'm depreciating a lot. (…) I will try to celebrate myself and my accomplishments more often, I think we should all do it.

"I know I give my heart to everything I can and that's not enough for some, so I apologize, but I can't handle those expectations anymore. Seeing everything that is happening in the world, I feel like if I wake up in the morning, it's a victory. This is how I move forward, ”concluded the 23-year-old player, who must nevertheless be aware that she will be the center of attention at Flushing Meadows …