Category: Tennis

Rückkehr nach Zwangspause glückt: Struff erreicht Viertelfinale

September 22, 2023

Jan-Lennard Struff ist nach einer rund dreimonatigen Verletzungspause ein erfolgreiches Comeback auf der ATP-Tour gelungen.

Siegreich nach längerer Pause: Jan-Lennard Struff.

Siegreich nach längerer Pause: Jan-Lennard Struff.

Getty Images

Sein erstes Match nach seiner Hüftverletzung gewann der Sauerländer am Freitag im chinesischen Zhuhai gegen den Chilenen Cristian Garin 6:3, 1:6, 6:4. Damit zog der 33-Jährige bei der Hartplatzveranstaltung ins Viertelfinale ein, in dem er auf den Japaner Yoshihito Nishioka trifft. Struff ist an Position drei gesetzt und hatte in der ersten Runde ein Freilos.

Wegen einer Hüftverletzung hatte die deutsche Nummer zwei seit Juni keine Partie mehr bestritten und unter anderem Wimbledon und die US Open verpasst. Auch für das Davis-Cup-Relegationsspiel der deutschen Tennis-Herren am vergangenen Wochenende in Bosnien-Herzegowina stand Struff noch nicht zur Verfügung.

Der Weltranglisten-23. unterzog sich stattdessen bei einem Showevent in Frankfurt einem kleineren Belastungstest.

In Zhuhai ist Struff einziger deutscher Teilnehmer. Top-Ten Spieler Alexander Zverev tritt nach seiner Muskelverletzung von den US Open beim parallel ausgetragenen Turnier in Chengdu an.

A ‘really noticeable’ generational change is happening in tennis – Federer

September 22, 2023

Roger Federer says there is a “really noticeable” generational change happening in men’s and women’s tennis.

This year, two of tennis young stars have won Grand Slam titles. Carlos Alcaraz, 20, beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final while USA’s Coco Gauff, 19, lifted her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open by overcoming Australian Open 2023 champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (25).

Federer, who won 22 Grand Slam titles and 103 in total in his decorated career, believes the “records will always tumble”.

“A lot still going on in tennis of course, as always,” he said.

“The records will always tumble. Or just the stories always rewritten. And just for example the US Open was great with the record [24 Grand Slam titles] of course by Novak Djokovic.

“And of course I was also very happy about Coco Gauff’s victory. I’ve known her for five years, when she was very young, and this was a great victory for her.

“We have a new world No.1 in women’s tennis [Sabalenka], Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon.

“And just the new generational change is really noticeable. It’s a bit of a shame for me that I haven’t been able to play against a few in the last couple of years.

“But I think it’s great what’s going on in tennis at the moment and I still follow it very, very closely.”

Federer says tennis is in a healthy place right now and that more new players will continue to break up the dominance previously maintained by himself, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the men’s game.

Federer said: “I think it’s still going well, not that there would somehow be a slump after I retired or that Rafa is injured at the moment.

“The story continues and that will always be the case. Tennis will always be played by new players but at the same time, the way I see these players moving on the court now is unbelievable. And I think many more will come.

“The new players have interesting personalities and tennis is still right up there in the world of sport, and that is beautiful for me to see.”

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Eight Wimbledon titles? Most weeks in a row as No. 1? Wilander ranks Federer’s achievements

Federer also reveals what he has been up to during his retirement.

“I’m surprised how much I actually still have going on,” he said.

“I was thinking, so okay, you stop and then there’s nothing left to do. But it’s not like that at all. I’m still very busy with all my partners together or then also for the foundation I’m travelling a lot, was also in Africa for the first time, in Lesotho, with the family. That was absolutely great.

“Then, of course, I was also at the UN right now, working for early learning in the world and especially in southern Africa, so that hopefully more children can go to school, because that needs a lot more money and a lot more opportunities from the big countries. And I’m committed to that and then I’m designing shoes, clothes, tennis racquets.

“So I’m still fully involved and I’m always very happy when there’s a new project for me.”

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‘I want to learn from the best’ – Alcaraz on watching videos of Federer and Murray

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+.

A ‘really noticeable’ generational change is happening in tennis – Federer

September 22, 2023

Roger Federer says there is a “really noticeable” generational change happening in men’s and women’s tennis.

This year, two of tennis young stars have won Grand Slam titles. Carlos Alcaraz, 20, beat Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final while USA’s Coco Gauff, 19, lifted her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open by overcoming Australian Open 2023 champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (25).

Federer, who won 22 Grand Slam titles and 103 in total in his decorated career, believes the “records will always tumble”.

“A lot still going on in tennis of course, as always,” he said.

“The records will always tumble. Or just the stories always rewritten. And just for example the US Open was great with the record [24 Grand Slam titles] of course by Novak Djokovic.

“And of course I was also very happy about Coco Gauff’s victory. I’ve known her for five years, when she was very young, and this was a great victory for her.

“We have a new world No.1 in women’s tennis [Sabalenka], Alcaraz, who won Wimbledon.

“And just the new generational change is really noticeable. It’s a bit of a shame for me that I haven’t been able to play against a few in the last couple of years.

“But I think it’s great what’s going on in tennis at the moment and I still follow it very, very closely.”

Federer says tennis is in a healthy place right now and that more new players will continue to break up the dominance previously maintained by himself, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the men’s game.

Federer said: “I think it’s still going well, not that there would somehow be a slump after I retired or that Rafa is injured at the moment.

“The story continues and that will always be the case. Tennis will always be played by new players but at the same time, the way I see these players moving on the court now is unbelievable. And I think many more will come.

“The new players have interesting personalities and tennis is still right up there in the world of sport, and that is beautiful for me to see.”

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Eight Wimbledon titles? Most weeks in a row as No. 1? Wilander ranks Federer’s achievements

Federer also reveals what he has been up to during his retirement.

“I’m surprised how much I actually still have going on,” he said.

“I was thinking, so okay, you stop and then there’s nothing left to do. But it’s not like that at all. I’m still very busy with all my partners together or then also for the foundation I’m travelling a lot, was also in Africa for the first time, in Lesotho, with the family. That was absolutely great.

“Then, of course, I was also at the UN right now, working for early learning in the world and especially in southern Africa, so that hopefully more children can go to school, because that needs a lot more money and a lot more opportunities from the big countries. And I’m committed to that and then I’m designing shoes, clothes, tennis racquets.

“So I’m still fully involved and I’m always very happy when there’s a new project for me.”

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‘I want to learn from the best’ – Alcaraz on watching videos of Federer and Murray

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+.

Novak Djokovic reveals most important thing he learned from Roger Federer

September 21, 2023

Novak Djokovic took major inspiration from Roger Federer’s schedule organization.

Djokovic and Federer were natural rivals until the latter’s retirement last year as they formed two thirds of the traditional Big Three in tennis.

Although Federer got the better of Djokovic early on in their head-to-head record, the Serbian superstar eventually got the upper hand winning 10 of their last 13 meetings to have a 27-23 record. Djokovic also boasts four more Grand Slam titles following his US Open victory over Daniil Medvedev earlier this month.

A key reason for Djokovic’s success, however, was taking a page out of Federer’s book when it came to organizing his schedule so he could be at his very best during the Grand Slams.

Djokovic even went on to label that as the most important thing he learned from the Swiss legend.

“The most important thing I learned from Roger Federer is how to organize my schedule to be at my best at the Grand Slams,” Djokovic said (via The Tennis Letter). “He was one of the first to take organization and preparation to the next level.

“That inspired me, I took notes with my team. I took a lot of inspiration from his schedule and observed his team and the way they did things.”

Safe to say, things have worked out for the 36-year-old as he is now the all-time men’s leader with 24 Grand Slam titles, having impressively won 12 of the last 21 majors.

Djokovic is only targeting further Grand Slam titles, especially since holding the No. 1 ranking — and having the record for most weeks held with 392 at the time of writing — is no longer a major priority for him.

“After achieving the historic number one ranking for the longest weeks at number one, it’s going to be a relief for me because I’m going to focus all my attention on Slams, mostly,” Djokovic said. “When you are going for number one rankings, you kind of have to be playing the entire season.

“My goals will adapt and will shift a little bit, which means that I will have an opportunity to do that which, as a father and a husband, I’m really looking forward to. The focus now is the Slams, I have said that many times. Having family on the road with me will be a very difficult task, so I will play the tournaments that are right for me.”

The post Novak Djokovic reveals most important thing he learned from Roger Federer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Daniil Medvedev creates tennis Frankenstein using Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer

September 21, 2023

Daniil Medvedev built his perfect tennis player with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer featuring a number of times.

Medvedev, who recently suffered defeat to Djokovic in the US Open final earlier this month, picked from players past and present in certain tennis characteristics to build the best possible player in a video for the ATP Tour (via Tennis 365).

He notably picked Djokovic and Federer three times which only speaks further of their ability. Nadal, meanwhile, was picked two times and so was Australian enigma Nick Kyrgios.

Daniil Medvedev also picked himself for two attributes and had some surprising inclusions as well.

Forehand

“I’ll go for Roger. Just because is so good, I think that was his best shot. Also the way he sets up with the slice for his forehand. As soon as you go to his forehand you are in trouble.”

Backhand

“I would go with Thiem, just because I love when he smashes his backhand down the line or cross court. I think he does it really great.”

Serve

“I go with Kyrgios. Especially for his height, he has one of the best serves ever. Nick, regarding the height, power that he has, and the precision – is probably the best.”

Return

“Return has to be Novak because just, yeah, the way he returns throughout his career is unreal.”

Slice

“I’m thinking – I will say two choices. First, Steve Johnson just because throughout his career I don’t feel like he played a lot of spin backhands and his slice in my opinion was really, really good. And Roger, just because his slice is also unbelievable.”

Net game

“I’ll go with two people – Kyrgios and Federer. I played both Roger and Nick and when they go to the net, it’s just so tough to do anything against them.”

Touch

“His [Corentin Moutet] touch is really good.”

Speed

“I’ll stay with myself. I mean Carlos [Alcaraz] is unbelievably fast. I think maybe the fastest I have seen in my life. Carlos is pure speed. But I love the way I run so I will go with myself.”

Flexibility

“Oh Novak, straight away. I mean the way he slides sometimes on the big stretch and then [is] able still to hit a shot – unbelievable.”

Mental toughness

“Rafa for sure. With some of the matches he won, to be honest all of them – Roger, Rafa and Novak – but I will go with Rafa.”

Competitiveness

“We are all competitive, but I put Rafa and Novak there because what they were able to achieve throughout their career in some of the matches that we witnessed, watching them play – I put both of them there, they are both amazing.”

Celebration

“I’ll stay with myself, I like my celebrations. Well because I try to laugh about it either with myself or with my friends or with someone of my team.”

What do you think of Medvedev’s picks?

The post Daniil Medvedev creates tennis Frankenstein using Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Daniil Medvedev creates tennis Frankenstein using Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer

September 21, 2023

Daniil Medvedev built his perfect tennis player with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer featuring a number of times.

Medvedev, who recently suffered defeat to Djokovic in the US Open final earlier this month, picked from players past and present in certain tennis characteristics to build the best possible player in a video for the ATP Tour (via Tennis 365).

He notably picked Djokovic and Federer three times which only speaks further of their ability. Nadal, meanwhile, was picked two times and so was Australian enigma Nick Kyrgios.

Daniil Medvedev also picked himself for two attributes and had some surprising inclusions as well.

Forehand

“I’ll go for Roger. Just because is so good, I think that was his best shot. Also the way he sets up with the slice for his forehand. As soon as you go to his forehand you are in trouble.”

Backhand

“I would go with Thiem, just because I love when he smashes his backhand down the line or cross court. I think he does it really great.”

Serve

“I go with Kyrgios. Especially for his height, he has one of the best serves ever. Nick, regarding the height, power that he has, and the precision – is probably the best.”

Return

“Return has to be Novak because just, yeah, the way he returns throughout his career is unreal.”

Slice

“I’m thinking – I will say two choices. First, Steve Johnson just because throughout his career I don’t feel like he played a lot of spin backhands and his slice in my opinion was really, really good. And Roger, just because his slice is also unbelievable.”

Net game

“I’ll go with two people – Kyrgios and Federer. I played both Roger and Nick and when they go to the net, it’s just so tough to do anything against them.”

Touch

“His [Corentin Moutet] touch is really good.”

Speed

“I’ll stay with myself. I mean Carlos [Alcaraz] is unbelievably fast. I think maybe the fastest I have seen in my life. Carlos is pure speed. But I love the way I run so I will go with myself.”

Flexibility

“Oh Novak, straight away. I mean the way he slides sometimes on the big stretch and then [is] able still to hit a shot – unbelievable.”

Mental toughness

“Rafa for sure. With some of the matches he won, to be honest all of them – Roger, Rafa and Novak – but I will go with Rafa.”

Competitiveness

“We are all competitive, but I put Rafa and Novak there because what they were able to achieve throughout their career in some of the matches that we witnessed, watching them play – I put both of them there, they are both amazing.”

Celebration

“I’ll stay with myself, I like my celebrations. Well because I try to laugh about it either with myself or with my friends or with someone of my team.”

What do you think of Medvedev’s picks?

The post Daniil Medvedev creates tennis Frankenstein using Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

‘My hope is to play again, to be competitive again’ – Nadal

September 21, 2023

Rafael Nadal is hoping he can return to the tennis courts to be “competitive once again” as he recovers from several injuries that have seen him miss most of the 2023 season.

The 37-year-old has not played competitively since he was beaten in straight sets by Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner underwent hip surgery earlier this summer but has dropped out of the ATP Tour’s top 100 for the first time since 2003 due to his lack of playing time.

The Spaniard had previously hinted that 2024 could be his final competitive season on the ATP Tour circuit, but it remains to be seen when he could return, with Nadal once again curbing expectations that he will return to winning ways at Roland-Garros or Melbourne Park.
“My hope is to play again, to be competitive again,” Nadal said in an interview with Movistar+.

“The hope is not returning and winning at Roland-Garros again, or in Australia, let’s get that straight. I’m aware that at this point of my life, that is very far off. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’ve said it thousands of times, because things in sport change very quickly.”

Speaking on his injuries, the tennis superstar admitted that he had been getting bored during his day-to-day recovery, saying that he has had to be careful not to aggravate his injuries.

“I have to tread carefully and stay within myself at all times,” Nadal said. “I know that I have to be careful.

“I’ve been through many periods of recovery, and I always get bored, but that doesn’t take away from my focus and the care of doing it day in, day out. Luckily, since a few weeks ago, I’ve been able to play golf.

“That’s the only thing I can compete in at this point. It distracts me and competing is a necessity for me.”

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McDonald carries Shang back to his chair after gruelling match at Zhuhai Championships

Nadal has been sidelined for eight months but admitted he wasn’t getting frustrated about his lack of playing time.

He said: “I’m not frustrated for one simple reason; to the best of my ability, I’ve done everything so that things have gone as well as possible for me.

“[It is possible to] be frustrated with 22 Grand Slams. For example, for Novak it is more intense. To him, it would have been more frustrating not to get [the record for majors]. Maybe that’s why he’s achieved it.”

Opening up on his medical treatment, the Mallorcan, who clinched his 22nd Grand Slam at the French Open in 2022, admitted that he had endured a difficult year, revealing the true nature of his iliopsoas injury.

“As well as the iliopsoas, on June 2, I had a hip operation. It’s been a very tough year and a half since the rib injury in Indian Wells, despite the Roland-Garros title.

“The results sometimes belie the daily reality. My iliopsoas was very bad and the operation was a solution. They told me that if I didn’t have the operation I wouldn’t recover even if I stopped for a long time.

“I took the decision, and the operation went well, but it’s a long time. I’ve been on holiday for five weeks only doing gym. Now it’s a controllable pain, nothing I can’t handle.”

I take it day by day – Nadal

Nadal, who turned pro in 2001, was forced to withdraw from the French Open earlier this year, a tournament he has won 14 times, but isn’t putting a date on his return, stating that he hopes to be able to give an update in mid-November.

He also added that he was not sure what his goals for the upcoming season would be, with that depending on how well he can compete next year, hinting that he could even “decide to have a goodbye tour”.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do in 2024, because the way I approach the year completely changes depending on what my goals are,” he said.

“If I don’t recover, that’s one thing, if I can compete on a level that excites me, that’s another thing altogether… Of course, in that case, I would play. But not with the schedule I’d like to have.

“I still have no need to answer that [now]. If I can play, but I’m not at the level to win at Roland-Garros, maybe I will decide to have a goodbye tour.

“I can’t answer that right now. The Olympic Games would be the icing on the cake if I’m competitive. My schedule would change if I feel like I have a chance of playing and winning at Roland-Garros.

“My hope is that in two months, mid-November, I’ll be able to say where I am. How I am physically well, and above all how the injury is. We haven’t set a time-frame.”

He added: “I’m prudent, when I know the answer, I’ll say something. I take it day by day with the hope of having the option to decide.”

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+.

‘My hope is to play again, to be competitive again’ – Nadal

September 21, 2023

Rafael Nadal is hoping he can return to the tennis courts to be “competitive once again” as he recovers from several injuries that have seen him miss most of the 2023 season.

The 37-year-old has not played competitively since he was beaten in straight sets by Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner underwent hip surgery earlier this summer but has dropped out of the ATP Tour’s top 100 for the first time since 2003 due to his lack of playing time.

The Spaniard had previously hinted that 2024 could be his final competitive season on the ATP Tour circuit, but it remains to be seen when he could return, with Nadal once again curbing expectations that he will return to winning ways at Roland-Garros or Melbourne Park.
“My hope is to play again, to be competitive again,” Nadal said in an interview with Movistar+.

“The hope is not returning and winning at Roland-Garros again, or in Australia, let’s get that straight. I’m aware that at this point of my life, that is very far off. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’ve said it thousands of times, because things in sport change very quickly.”

Speaking on his injuries, the tennis superstar admitted that he had been getting bored during his day-to-day recovery, saying that he has had to be careful not to aggravate his injuries.

“I have to tread carefully and stay within myself at all times,” Nadal said. “I know that I have to be careful.

“I’ve been through many periods of recovery, and I always get bored, but that doesn’t take away from my focus and the care of doing it day in, day out. Luckily, since a few weeks ago, I’ve been able to play golf.

“That’s the only thing I can compete in at this point. It distracts me and competing is a necessity for me.”

picture

McDonald carries Shang back to his chair after gruelling match at Zhuhai Championships

Nadal has been sidelined for eight months but admitted he wasn’t getting frustrated about his lack of playing time.

He said: “I’m not frustrated for one simple reason; to the best of my ability, I’ve done everything so that things have gone as well as possible for me.

“[It is possible to] be frustrated with 22 Grand Slams. For example, for Novak it is more intense. To him, it would have been more frustrating not to get [the record for majors]. Maybe that’s why he’s achieved it.”

Opening up on his medical treatment, the Mallorcan, who clinched his 22nd Grand Slam at the French Open in 2022, admitted that he had endured a difficult year, revealing the true nature of his iliopsoas injury.

“As well as the iliopsoas, on June 2, I had a hip operation. It’s been a very tough year and a half since the rib injury in Indian Wells, despite the Roland-Garros title.

“The results sometimes belie the daily reality. My iliopsoas was very bad and the operation was a solution. They told me that if I didn’t have the operation I wouldn’t recover even if I stopped for a long time.

“I took the decision, and the operation went well, but it’s a long time. I’ve been on holiday for five weeks only doing gym. Now it’s a controllable pain, nothing I can’t handle.”

I take it day by day – Nadal

Nadal, who turned pro in 2001, was forced to withdraw from the French Open earlier this year, a tournament he has won 14 times, but isn’t putting a date on his return, stating that he hopes to be able to give an update in mid-November.

He also added that he was not sure what his goals for the upcoming season would be, with that depending on how well he can compete next year, hinting that he could even “decide to have a goodbye tour”.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do in 2024, because the way I approach the year completely changes depending on what my goals are,” he said.

“If I don’t recover, that’s one thing, if I can compete on a level that excites me, that’s another thing altogether… Of course, in that case, I would play. But not with the schedule I’d like to have.

“I still have no need to answer that [now]. If I can play, but I’m not at the level to win at Roland-Garros, maybe I will decide to have a goodbye tour.

“I can’t answer that right now. The Olympic Games would be the icing on the cake if I’m competitive. My schedule would change if I feel like I have a chance of playing and winning at Roland-Garros.

“My hope is that in two months, mid-November, I’ll be able to say where I am. How I am physically well, and above all how the injury is. We haven’t set a time-frame.”

He added: “I’m prudent, when I know the answer, I’ll say something. I take it day by day with the hope of having the option to decide.”

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+.

‘It’s been up and down’ – Murray admits frustration but targets strong end to 2023

September 21, 2023

Andy Murray has admitted that he would have liked his “up and down” year on the court to have gone better, but found reasons to be optimistic as he targets a strong end to the season.

Murray is hoping he can put together a strong end to 2023, a year that he admitted he wished had “gone better”.

The former world No. 1 has endured a long and frustrating road to recovery in recent years after undergoing a hip resurfacing operation in 2019.

The Scotsman almost retired from tennis that year, with nobody expecting him to be playing in Grand Slams four years later.

Murray achieved impressive back-to-back five-set wins at the Australian Open in January, although he could not make it beyond the third round.

Defeats in the second rounds of Wimbledon and the US Open mean the three-time Grand Slam champion has not progressed beyond the third round of his last 12 majors, stretching back to 2017.

The world No. 41 was candid about his frustration, but also his belief that he is moving in the right direction.

“Look, I would like the year to have gone better, for sure,” Murray said. “There have been some good moments, but also some tough losses as well. It’s been up and down.

“I got up to my highest ranking a few weeks ago since I had the hip operation so that’s positive and shows that although it’s not as fast a trajectory as I would have liked, I’m still going in the right direction.”

Starting with Zhuhai, Murray is hoping that he can finish the year on a high.

“I’ve got an opportunity with these last five or six tournaments at the end of the year to have a strong finish, so that’s what I’m hoping for here,” he said.

“I really enjoyed my last visit to Zhuhai. It’s a beautiful city and a great city with great fans. It’s great to be playing tennis in China again and I am really looking forward to coming back to play at the Hengqin International Tennis Centre.”

Murray headed over to China after representing Great Britain in the group stage of the Davis Cup in Manchester last week.

In the second round in Zhuhai he will face world No. 63 Aslan Karatsev.

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+.

What are the ‘superstar combinations’ in doubles at the 2023 Laver Cup?

September 21, 2023

Among the highlights of every Laver Cup are the doubles pairings.

Last year saw Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal team up in London in Federer’s last-ever match before retiring. Federer and Novak Djokovic have also played together, while Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock has been a fun pairing.

With that in mind, we pick our top five doubles pairings we’d like to see at the 2023 Laver Cup.

Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe

You want to get the home crowd pumped up, this is the combination to do it for Team World.

Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are both big, fun personalities who bring lots of energy to the court, as they demonstrated in their thrilling US Open quarter-final earlier this month.

Tiafoe clinched the decisive win at last year’s Laver Cup in London and will be a player Team World captain John McEnroe is looking to for some points this time around.

Shelton is coming off the back of his US Open semi-final run and with his huge serve could be a threat in doubles as well as singles.

Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev

It’s not a team that you would expect to see together, which is partly why Federer went for it.

Both, though, have played a bit of doubles this year.

Hurkacz, who has one of the biggest serves on tour, actually reached No. 30 in the doubles rankings in 2022, while both he and Rublev have won four career doubles titles.

It would be intriguing to see how they work together on court.

Gael Monfils and Arthur Fils

Could we see an all-French doubles pairing?

At 37, Gael Monfils is coming to the end of his career but remains one of the sport’s biggest entertainers and can still kick it with the best as he showed with wins over Cameron Norrie, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alex de Minaur over the summer.

Fils, 19, could be the future of French tennis after breaking into the top 50 and winning his first career ATP title this year.

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Arthur Fils replaced Stefanos Tsitsipas in the team

Image credit: Getty Images

Fils has played already played doubles this year with a couple of other Frenchman in Luca Van Assche and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

A pairing with Monfils at the Laver Cup could be fun.

Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul

Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul go way back.

They were dorm mates as juniors when they trained together in Florida and played each other in the finals of the boys’ singles at the French Open and US Open in 2015.

They have teamed up several times in doubles on the ATP Tour, including in Rome and Indian Wells earlier this year.

With their history together, this could be a winning combination for Team World.

Andrey Rublev and Gael Monfils

You don’t have to look far back to see the kind of entertainment that Andrey Rublev and Gael Monfils can provide.

There appeared genuine chemistry between the pair during a very warm embrace after the match, and when they seen jumping into a chest bump during practice.

Expect plenty of smiles again if they are paired together in Vancouver.

Stream and watch the 2023 Laver Cup exclusively live across Europe on Eurosport and discovery+