#us_open

Boris Becker Advises Carlos Alcaraz to Prioritize Recovery Over Return to Tennis Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis star, has been sidelined from competition since April due to a wrist injury that has disrupted his season. The 22-year-old, who was also absent from the Masters 1000 event in Canada, plans to make his comeback at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament. However, former world number one Boris Becker has urged Alcaraz to take his time to fully recover, emphasizing that his health should take precedence over rushing back to play. Becker, speaking to Sky Sports, highlighted the severity of Alcaraz’s injury, which occurred during the second week of April in Monte Carlo. Alcaraz won his match on Thursday before being hospitalized, and as of mid-July, three months later, he remains away from competition. Becker described the situation as a critical moment for the young player, noting that the wrist is one of the most delicate areas for a tennis player. A recurrence of the injury could jeopardize Alcaraz’s ability to compete at the highest level. “Carlos has been away for three months, and the wrist is an extremely fragile part of the body because it’s essential for every stroke,” Becker warned. He advised Alcaraz to “take all the time he needs” to ensure his wrist is fully healed before returning to competition. Becker’s comments reflect his concern for Alcaraz’s long-term career, as the injury has already impacted his season significantly. The Spanish player’s absence has been a major blow to the tennis circuit, with Becker acknowledging the difficulty of coping with such a loss. However, he stressed that Alcaraz’s recovery should not be rushed, even as the upcoming US Open approaches.#carlos_alcaraz #us_open #boris_becker #monte_carlo #cincinnati_masters_1000

Djokovic Reflects on Wimbledon Loss, Eyes Future Competitions Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, emerged from his Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner with a mix of resilience and optimism, emphasizing his determination to remain competitive in the sport despite the challenges of age and the evolving ATP ranking system. The match, which ended in a decisive 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory for Sinner in two hours and 20 minutes, marked a significant moment in Djokovic’s career. While the loss was stark, the Serbian star reframed it as an opportunity to reassess his game and reaffirm his commitment to the sport. Djokovic’s ability to process defeat with composure stood in contrast to the typical reactions of many players facing such a crushing loss. Instead of dwelling on self-doubt, he acknowledged his shortcomings while highlighting the positives. “I accepted my inadequacies and located a few green shoots in my own game,” he said, expressing confidence in his ability to adapt and improve. This mindset was crucial as he navigated the delicate balance between maintaining his elite status and addressing the physical and mental demands of competing at the highest level. The 39-year-old’s optimism was partly rooted in his physical performance during the tournament. Djokovic had endured a grueling five-hour, 15-minute quarterfinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime, a match that tested his endurance and resilience. His recovery in time for the semifinal against Sinner was a testament to the effectiveness of his training regimen and support team. “The principal reason behind my optimism is how I held up physically during the quarterfinal and recovered before the semifinal,” he explained. This physical readiness, he argued, was a critical factor in his ability to compete at the top level.#novak_djokovic #jannik_sinner #wimbledon #us_open #atp_ranking_system

Taylor Fritz Loses Wimbledon Quarterfinal to Zverev Amid Knee Tendinitis Flare-Up Taylor Fritz’s Wimbledon quarterfinal against Alexander Zverev ended in a decisive defeat for the American, as his knee tendinitis flared up during the match, leaving him unable to compete effectively. The sixth-seeded Fritz, who had reached the 2024 US Open final by defeating Zverev in a quarterfinal showdown, faced a significant setback on Wednesday as he fell 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 on No. 1 Court. The loss marked the end of the last American man remaining in the singles tournament, with Zverev advancing to the semifinals. Fritz’s injury issue began early in the match, as he was three games into the first set when the pain in his right knee intensified. “I was just, like, panicking, ‘What am I going to do?’” Fritz said, expressing his frustration at the sudden flare-up. He had not anticipated the problem, despite experiencing mild discomfort after his fourth-round victory over Alexander Bublik. “I expected, after a light day yesterday, to feel fine today,” he explained. “Felt like my warmup was great. Then, yeah, I have no answers as to why three games in it was like that.” During the second set, Fritz took a medical timeout to have his knee addressed, but the intervention did not halt the progression of the injury. Zverev, the French Open champion, capitalized on Fritz’s struggles, ending a seven-match losing streak against the American. “He’s beaten me for two years straight,” Zverev said after the match. “I played a fantastic match.” The German’s powerful serve and consistent play proved too much for Fritz, who struggled to maintain focus due to his physical condition. Fritz acknowledged that Zverev’s dominance was a key factor in the outcome, though he also noted the impact of his knee issue on his performance.#alexander_zverev #taylor_fritz #wimbledon #us_open #knee_tendinitis

Wyndham Clark Made Amends at Oakmont; Club Created New Trophy with Locker Mesh The Spring Ringer at famed Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh presented one of the more unique prizes to its champions this year: a trophy that used some of the leftover mesh to repair the locker destroyed by Wyndham Clark at the 125th U.S. Open after he missed the 36-hole cut a year ago. The incident occurred during the 2023 U.S. Open, when Clark damaged a locker at Oakmont, a historic venue known for its strict traditions and high standards. The club’s pro emeritus, Bob Ford, who played in the two-man team event with his son, remarked that the repaired locker—miniature replicas of the original—were “adorable” but noted that their creation had nothing to do with Clark. Members joked about sending one of the replicas to Clark as a form of retribution. In a letter to Oakmont membership, club president John Lynch outlined the conditions for Clark’s reinstatement, which included full repayment for damages, a meaningful contribution to a charity of the board’s choosing, and the completion of counseling or anger management sessions. Lynch’s message emphasized that Clark’s return to the club would depend on meeting these requirements, which he described as a “number of specific conditions.” The club’s stance reflected a balance between accountability and the desire to move past the incident. Rumors about Clark’s progress had circulated among members, with some stories distorted over time. However, Ford, who serves as the U.S. Open first tee starter, clarified the situation. “Wyndham has done everything that was asked of him by both the USGA and Oakmont together,” Ford stated. He confirmed that the locker had been repaired and that Clark had paid for the damages.#wyndham_clark #us_open #john_lynch #oakmont_country_club #bob_ford

Clark maintains six-shot lead heading into U.S. Open final round Wyndham Clark dominated the U.S. Open with a commanding performance at Shinnecock Hills, securing a six-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler heading into the final round. The 27-year-old golfer showcased resilience with four pivotal par saves in a five-hole stretch and a remarkable 3-wood shot that set up the only eagle of the tournament on the par-5 16th hole. Despite a bogey on the final hole, Clark finished with an even-par 70, leaving him at 7-under 203—the lowest 54-hole score ever recorded at Shinnecock Hills. Scheffler, ranked No. 1 in the world, remained in contention after a strong back nine that included three consecutive birdies, propelling him to a 69. The Texas native, who has won all four of his major titles from the front, now trails by six strokes after expanding his lead from four shots on Friday. Clark’s dominance was evident throughout the tournament, with his lead growing steadily each day: two shots on Thursday, four on Friday, and now six entering Sunday. Clark’s performance was marked by calculated risk-taking, particularly on the 10th hole, where he opted to bump his ball into a hill to let it trickle down to 5 feet rather than playing a safer shot. He also navigated challenging situations, including a 75-foot putt on the downwind ninth hole and a bunker on the par-3 11th, all while maintaining composure. “I’ve hit some terrible shots today,” Clark admitted to his caddie after a difficult stretch on the 18th hole, but he emphasized his focus on the task at hand. The tournament’s final round presented unique challenges, with leaders teeing off at 3:45 p.m. and the course’s late afternoon conditions affecting play.#scottie_scheffler #wyndham_clark #associated_press #us_open #shinnecock_hills

Wyndham Clark Holds Four-Stroke Lead at Shinnecock After 36 Holes Wyndham Clark entered the final two rounds of the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club with a commanding four-stroke advantage, setting a new 36-hole record for the tournament at 7 under par. The 28-year-old American, who previously won the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, now faces the challenge of maintaining his momentum as the course is expected to become significantly more difficult over the weekend. With the U.S. Open’s reputation for dramatic comebacks and unpredictable conditions, Clark’s lead, while substantial, is not guaranteed to hold. Clark’s performance in the first two rounds was marked by a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. He opened with a 6-under 64, capitalizing on the relatively soft conditions, but followed with a 1-under 69. While his overall score of 13 under par was the lowest among the leaders, his statistical performance in the second round was less impressive. He gained nearly four strokes on the greens in the first round but only about half that in the second, and his approach shots, which had been a key strength, saw a slight decline. Despite this, Clark remains confident in his ability to close out the tournament. The field behind him includes several major champions and top-ranked players who could challenge his lead. Rory McIlroy, who finished seven strokes back after a 1-over 71 in the second round, remains optimistic about his chances. “If there’s a course where you feel like you still have a chance if you’re seven back going into the weekend like I am, it’s definitely this one,” McIlroy said. Other contenders include Xander Schauffele (3 under), Collin Morikawa (2 under), and Justin Thomas (1 under), all of whom are within striking distance.#rory_mcilroy #xander_schauffele #wyndham_clark #us_open #shinnecock_hills_golf_club

Kalshi U.S. Open Odds: Everything You Need to Know to Bet on Golf Using Prediction Markets With less than a month remaining until the U.S. Open, prediction markets on Kalshi have begun to reflect the current state of the golfing landscape. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the field with a 15% chance of securing his first U.S. Open title and fifth major championship, which would complete his career grand slam. This figure has slightly decreased from his initial 18% odds posted on May 18, though he remains the sole player listed with a probability exceeding 10%. A $10 bet on Scheffler would yield $8.41 in profit if he wins. Scheffler’s recent form includes a second-place finish at the Masters and a T14 result at the PGA Championship. He also has two other runner-up finishes and two third-place results this season, alongside a victory at the American Express in January. His performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, where he placed third, further underscores his consistency. Despite his strong track record, the U.S. Open presents a unique challenge, as the course at Shinnecock Hills is renowned for its difficulty. Only three players have ever finished under par in five events at the venue, highlighting the competition’s intensity. Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are the only other golfers with odds above 5% for victory. McIlroy, a former U.S. Open champion, has shown strong form in majors this season, including a win at the Masters and a T7 finish at the PGA Championship. Rahm, who has dominated on the LIV circuit, finished T2 at the PGA Championship but failed to mount a decisive Sunday charge. Both players have a history of strong performances at the U.S. Open, with Rahm previously winning at Torey Pines and finishing in the top 10 three other times. A $10 bet on McIlroy would result in a $8.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #kalshi #us_open #shinnecock_hills

Ryan Gerard’s First Masters Round Ryan Gerard stepped onto the first tee at 9:25 a.m. ET on Thursday, six minutes before his first-ever Masters tee time. The moment marked a significant milestone for the 30-year-old golfer, who had never before competed in one of golf’s four major championships. Gerard admitted he was more nervous than he anticipated, despite his experience in previous majors. “I was like, ‘Oh, it's not that bad. I've played majors before. This isn't too crazy,’ but then I got up there and we were sitting there for a little bit longer,” he said. “I probably got to the tee a little bit earlier than I should have because then I was waiting for a while.” Gerard’s first shot of the round was a quick hook left, landing just a few feet from the ninth fairway, which runs in the opposite direction of the hole. Reflecting on the moment, he recalled a similar situation from his professional debut at the 2021 U.S. Open at Brookline. “My first-ever tee shot in a major was the 10th hole at the Country Club at Brookline. It was my first shot as a professional. Most nervous I've ever been in my life, and that probably comes close to this right here,” he said. The round began with a bogey on the first hole, but Gerard steadied himself with a 13-foot birdie on the second and a 35-foot bomb to birdie the third. However, the early momentum was short-lived. After four consecutive bogeys from holes 6 through 9, Gerard found himself in trouble on the dogleg-left 10th hole, hitting the ball into the right trees. The situation threatened to derail his round, but he managed to chip out and save par. “I ended up hitting a good third shot in there and making a putt,” he said. “That was kind of where I felt like the momentum changed a little bit.#masters_tournament #us_open #ryan_gerard #brookline_country_club #17th_hole

Coco Gauff's Social Media Return Sparks Conversation on Hair Diversity and Self-Confidence Coco Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion and reigning French Open finalist, made a notable return to social media after a month-long hiatus, sharing a heartfelt message on TikTok that sparked widespread discussion. In the post, Gauff addressed the ongoing conversations about her natural hair texture, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and representation for Black girls. "There are thousands of people talking about the way that I look, and not in a positive way," she began, reflecting on the criticism she has faced throughout her career. Gauff, who has openly discussed her journey with natural hair, highlighted her confidence in her appearance, stating, "I’m not gonna apologize for the way that my hair looked, because there are other girls who had the exact same hair as me, and I just wanted them to feel represented that your hair is literally fine the way it is." She further noted that her 4C hair was deemed "good enough" for a high-fashion brand like Miu Miu to feature in a campaign, urging others to embrace their natural features. "If my 4C hair is good enough for that, yours is good enough to do whatever it is you need it to do," she asserted. The athlete also addressed the broader issue of societal insecurity, stating that those who criticize others' appearances often do so out of their own insecurities. "The only reason people comment on people's looks, especially people who present themselves in their most natural sense, have something deeply wrong with them. And they're insecure about themselves, so they feel the need to put someone else down to make themselves feel better," Gauff explained.#tennis #coco_gauff #french_open #us_open #miu_miu

Coco Gauff Rebounds After Serve Criticism Amid Rising Support from Former Rival Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion, continues to navigate a mix of praise and scrutiny as she advances in her career. At just 22 years old, the American star has become a focal point of debate in the tennis world, with critics and former players frequently highlighting her serve as a potential weakness. Despite her recent success, including a hard-fought loss to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 Miami Open final, Gauff’s performance has drawn sharp attention to her double-fault statistics, which have totaled 162 in 22 matches this season. The scrutiny intensified after Belinda Bencic, a former top-10 player, publicly criticized Gauff during the 2025 China Open. Bencic accused Gauff’s team of employing “mind games” and told her to “shut up” during a changeover. However, Bencic’s recent comments have shifted dramatically. After Gauff defeated her 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a Miami match, Bencic praised the American’s speed and court coverage, acknowledging that Gauff’s ability to shrink the court creates challenges that aren’t reflected in simple serve metrics. “I think her serve is very good... very fast,” Bencic said, reflecting a rare moment of public support for Gauff. This shift in Bencic’s stance isn’t entirely new. Earlier in 2026, she had criticized the release of emotional footage of Gauff following a loss, arguing that players deserve privacy in such moments. Bencic’s frustration with Gauff’s serve has roots in her own experiences. During the 2025 Australian Open, Bencic smashed her racket after a quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina, where she recorded five double faults in the first set. Despite her own struggles with serve consistency, Bencic has remained vocal about Gauff’s perceived flaws.#tennis #aryna_sabalenka #coco_gauff #belinda_bencic #us_open

Daniil Medvedev’s Miami Open Performance Signals Strong Return Daniil Medvedev showcased his renewed form during the second round of the Miami Open, defeating 19-year-old Japanese player Rei Sakamoto in a closely contested match. The Russian, who had previously reached the ATP No. 1 ranking, demonstrated his return to peak competitiveness by outlasting Sakamoto, a rising talent with significant potential. The match highlighted Medvedev’s resilience and technical adjustments, while also underscoring Sakamoto’s emerging capabilities on the ATP tour. Sakamoto, who had matched Medvedev shot for shot during the first set, took an early lead in the tie-break, eventually securing the first set 11-9. The Japanese player’s composure under pressure suggested he was ready to make a strong impression on the global stage. However, his energy waned in the second set, allowing Medvedev to capitalize on key opportunities. The Russian’s ability to adapt his game, particularly his backhand, proved decisive as Sakamoto struggled to counter his aggressive play. Medvedev’s victory in the third set was decisive, with the Russian taking it 6-1 after a dominant display. The match revealed significant improvements in Medvedev’s serve, including a heightened jump and a longer reach at the point of contact. These adjustments boosted his first-serve percentage and increased the success rate of his service games by five percent, marking a critical step in his resurgence. His defensive skills, which have long been a hallmark of his game, now complemented by enhanced serve efficiency, position him as a formidable contender on hard courts. The outcome of the match also provided insights into Sakamoto’s development.#miami_open #daniil_medvedev #atp_tour #rei_sakamoto #us_open