Musetti was unable to overcome Fritz in Stockholm, admitting that he simply did not have enough energy to compete at his best. However, the Italian remains optimistic about his future and believes he finished the season with positive signs, despite the difficulties he experienced throughout the year.

With the Davis Cup Finals approaching in November, Musetti will now turn his attention to representing Italy as they look to defend their title. Although he acknowledged that Sinner’s absence would be a significant loss, he remains confident in the quality and determination of the Italian team.

Musetti looks ahead to next season after Stockholm defeat

Musetti admitted that he was disappointed with his performance against Fritz in the Stockholm semifinals, explaining that physical fatigue prevented him from competing at the level he wanted. Nevertheless, the Italian is already looking ahead to the next season, with the Hong Kong tournament and the Australian Open set to be his first major objectives.

“I am really pumped to do well in the next season. Today, I simply didn’t have the energy and the legs to compete, but I am looking so much forward to next season, where the first step will be Hong Kong and then the Australian Open,” Musetti told Bolavip exclusively.

Despite the defeat in Stockholm, the Italian believes there were encouraging signs in his performances toward the end of the season. He feels that his level improved and is determined to recover the ground he believes he lost during a challenging year: “I finished the season well with a good level and improvements. I am looking forward to regaining what I have lost this year.”.

Musetti: It is a pity not having Sinner on the team

One of the biggest topics surrounding Italy ahead of the Davis Cup Finals is the absence of Jannik Sinner, and Musetti acknowledged that not having him available would be a significant blow to the team’s chances, even though Italy managed to win last year’s edition without Sinner.

The Italian also highlighted Sinner’s importance to men’s tennis in general, describing him as the leading figure on the ATP Tour and recognizing how much his presence is missed by both his teammates and the sport.

“Well, it is a pity not to have Jannik on the team for the Davis Cup Finals, because he is probably the best player in the world, especially on that surface. It’s a pity in general not to have him on the Tour, because he is the leader of the Tour,” said Musetti, who had previously explained to Bolavip how Sinner is still better than Alexander Zverev despite the current ATP world ranking.

However, the Italian insisted that his country still has enough quality to compete for another Davis Cup title. Musetti believes the team’s mentality and willingness to fight for every point will be crucial as they attempt to defend their crown in front of their home fans.

“We still have a strong group of players, so I have high expectations. We never give up, which will be the key to win the Davis Cup again. All the guys in the team will do their best to defend the title and make the fans happy on our home soil.”

Musetti sends message to Sinner amid injury concerns

Musetti also addressed the physical problems that have affected several top players throughout the season, explaining that injuries have become a major concern across professional tennis. The Italian made it clear that everyone would welcome Sinner’s return and wished his compatriot the best as he continues dealing with his situation.

“I think we saw this year that a lot of top players have been dealing with injuries, which is always a tough situation. Everyone would love to have Jannik back, so I am wishing him all the best, and then we will see when he returns to the court.”

The Italian also expressed confidence in Sinner’s ability to manage his recovery, pointing to his professionalism and experience as reasons why he believes the world No. 2 knows how to approach the situation.

Musetti suggested that Sinner has been careful not to rush his return because he understands the importance of protecting his long-term career. With many more years potentially ahead of him on the Tour, the Italian believes taking a conservative approach is understandable.

“I am pretty sure that he knows the way to come back. He is a true professional and knows how to deal with the situation. It is no secret that he has been kind of conservative, simply because he didn’t want to rush anything, because he is still looking at the many years he has left on the Tour.”

For Musetti, the priority now is to finish the season strongly with Italy before turning his attention to the challenges of 2027. Despite his disappointing exit in Stockholm, the Italian remains motivated and believes he has plenty of room to improve as he prepares for another opportunity to compete among the best players in the world.

Fritz has been encouraged by his recent performances after spending around a year and a half struggling with his knee. The American believes he is finally moving in the right direction and feels he can now focus on developing the areas of his game that could help him compete for the biggest titles in tennis.

His victory over Musetti represents another positive step for Fritz, who will now have the opportunity to fight for another ATP title in Stockholm. However, his comments also touched on the differences between competing against the best players in the world and the personal challenges of spending so much time on the professional circuit.

Fritz finally sees improvement after difficult knee problems

Fritz explained that his performances toward the end of the year have given him renewed confidence in his ability to keep improving. After an extended period in which his knee problems made it difficult to develop his game, the American is finally feeling positive about his progress and believes he can now focus on reaching another level.

“The level I have played at the end of the year is giving me a lot of confidence that I am still improving a lot and moving in the right direction. For the last year and a half I have dealt so much with my knee and it’s been really tough for me to actually improve. That has definitely been very tough for me,” Fritz said.

The American also explained that the last couple of months have been particularly encouraging, as he is beginning to feel that he can play regularly without being held back by his physical problems. That has allowed him to think more about the technical improvements needed to compete for the biggest trophies in the sport.

“The last couple of months have been encouraging, and I finally see improvement in my game. I am really excited for what’s to come, because I finally have the feeling I can play a lot. I can finally start fixing the things in my game that I need to fix to win a Grand Slam.”

Fritz identifies what he needs to improve to win a Grand Slam

One of the areas Fritz wants to develop is his transition game, particularly his ability to move forward and finish points at the net. However, the American believes that simply improving his volleys is not enough against the level of opposition he faces on the ATP Tour today.

He explained that approaching the net requires more than just being comfortable at the front of the court, as players need to create the right opportunities and put their opponents under enough pressure with their approach shots.

“A lot of what I want to improve is transitioning, you know, coming forward to the net. Also, one thing is coming forward, but I need to be able to generate enough power with the dead balls and make a good enough approach shot to come forward.”

Fritz also highlighted how difficult it has become to attack the net against modern players, who possess incredible speed and the ability to produce passing shots from almost any position. For him, the key is understanding when to come forward rather than simply trying to become a better volleyer.

“It’s too easy to say I just need to volley better, because the guys today are so fast and have so amazing passing shots, so it doesn’t really matter how good you volley if you don’t come in at the right time.”

Fritz explains what separates him from Sinner and Alcaraz

Fritz was also asked to assess the differences between his game and those of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the two players who have established themselves as the dominant forces in men’s tennis. The American admitted that it is difficult to make a direct comparison with Sinner, particularly because he has not faced the Italian in some time.

“It’s tough to say what separates me from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, actually. I haven’t played Jannik for a while, so it’s tough to say, because I don’t really watch a lot of tennis to be honest. He is an amazing returner and mover and just such an elite ball striker of course.”

When it comes to Alcaraz, Fritz believes there are occasions when he can compete at the same level as the Spaniard. He pointed to their meeting in Paris as an example, explaining that he felt he had the opportunity to win and was capable of matching the level required to challenge one of the best players in the world.

“With Carlos, I feel like there are days where I can play on that level, basically like I did in Paris, where I was in a position to beat him. I was on the same level as him in that match, so it’s definitely more in terms of the consistency.”

According to Fritz, the biggest challenge is reproducing that level consistently, particularly when facing elite opponents in high-pressure situations. He believes that playing aggressively becomes easier when there is little expectation to win, but the real test is maintaining that mentality regardless of the circumstances.

“Playing like that all the time is easy to do when there is no pressure on you against such a good player, so I think it taught me to play with no pressure and an aggressive style where I feel like I have nothing to lose, and then I just need to do it all the time.”

Fritz also explained that Sinner and Alcaraz present very different challenges on the court. While he feels that Alcaraz’s unpredictable and varied style makes him uncomfortable, Sinner is capable of beating him while playing in a way that is much closer to his own approach.

“I think Carlos is very uncomfortable playing due to his way of playing. He makes me more uncomfortable than Jannik, but Jannik will beat me more by playing my own game, which means that I feel comfortable against Jannik, but he still beats me doing it.”

Fritz understands Tirante: It can be pretty lonely

Beyond his tennis ambitions, Fritz also shared some thoughts about his relationships with other players and the personal challenges of spending so much time on the professional circuit.

The American described himself as a naturally shy person and admitted that he generally keeps to himself rather than regularly socializing with his colleagues: “I am pretty shy in general, so I don’t really talk to the other guys in the locker room, except for my very close friends on the Tour.”

Fritz also addressed the comments made by Thiago Agustin Tirante about the difficulties of life on the ATP Tour. Although he described himself as a relaxed and laid-back person who prefers to focus on his own routine, he understands why other players can struggle with the constant demands of professional tennis.

“I am pretty chill and laid back, so I just do my own thing, but I get what Tirante is saying, because it really is tough to be on the Tour all the time, there is no doubt about that.”

The American believes that the tennis calendar is one of the biggest challenges players have to deal with, particularly because of the amount of time they are expected to remain focused and competitive throughout the season. He also revealed that he has been advocating for a longer off-season for quite some time, believing that players need more opportunities to rest and recover.

“I have been campaigning for a very long time that we should have more time off. The season is very long and you have to be very focused all the time and you never get a break.

“It can be pretty lonely being on the Tour, so I think a lot of people are feeling the same way as Tirante to be honest. A lot of players understand where he is coming from.”

Fritz to face Tirante in Stockholm Open final

Fritz will now turn his attention to the Stockholm Open final, where he will face Tirante for the title on Saturday. The Argentine has also enjoyed an impressive run in Sweden, making the championship match after a strong week at the ATP 250 tournament.

The final will present Fritz with another opportunity to turn his recent improvement into silverware. After overcoming his physical difficulties and finding greater confidence in his game, the American will be hoping to finish his Stockholm campaign with a title and continue building momentum toward his bigger ambitions.

While reaching the semifinals was undoubtedly an important achievement, Tirante made it clear that his recent results are not what matters most to him right now. Instead, the Argentine is finding happiness in tennis again after a difficult period in his life, during which he struggled to feel comfortable with the demands and lifestyle of professional tennis.

His comments also highlighted a wider issue on the ATP Tour, where players can find it difficult to open up about their mental health. Tirante believes that the lack of communication between competitors, combined with what he describes as the big egos of some players, makes it harder to find the support they need.

Tirante: ‘I haven’t been happy for a long time’

Tirante explained that his victory against Alexander Shevchenko was far from the most important thing for him at the moment. After spending several years struggling mentally, he is now enjoying tennis again and learning to appreciate the positive moments in his career, regardless of the results he achieves on the court.

“The most important thing for me at the moment is not the win or the good results, but that I am enjoying playing tennis and feeling happy again. I haven’t really been happy for the last couple of years, but I am happy now.”

The Argentine also emphasized that improving his mental health has been more important than developing his tennis or achieving better results. Although he has always believed in his abilities as a player, his mental struggles previously prevented him from enjoying the sport and making the most of his potential.

“I am starting to understand what tennis means and the most important thing for me has definitely been to improve my mental health. I have always had the game, but I wasn’t feeling mentally well.”

Traveling alone is tough

One of the biggest challenges Tirante has faced throughout his professional career has been traveling alone on the ATP Tour. While the lifestyle of professional tennis might look glamorous from the outside, the reality can be very different, particularly for lower-ranked players who cannot afford to travel with a full support team consisting of coaches, physiotherapists and other staff members.

“It’s very tough to travel alone on the Tour. There are so many things that people don’t see, especially outside of the court. I think people always think we are on vacation, but we are going to so many tournaments, taking care of flights, hotels and all this.”

Tirante also explained how difficult it has been to adjust to a lifestyle that is completely different from the one he experienced growing up in Argentina. Moving away from his family and familiar surroundings has meant adapting to a new reality, where travelling, organising tournaments and managing everyday responsibilities have become part of his professional life.

“It is a part of our life, but I just didn’t realize that in the past. Now, I know that this is my life. I have been through so many changes in my life, because I am just a very humble guy from Argentina, where I grew up with my family.

“The difference between the life I grew up with and the life I have now just living in a bubble compared to the life and the house I grew up with in Argentina is big. It is a very different life now. It took me a lot of difficult years to realize.”

‘The other players’ egos are very big’

Beyond his personal struggles, Tirante also addressed the lack of communication between players when it comes to mental health. Asked whether he believes competitors are doing enough to support each other and speak openly about their difficulties, the Argentine was critical of the current atmosphere on the ATP Tour, suggesting that players’ egos are part of the problem.

“No, no, no, we are not good enough at speaking to each other about it between the players, but I think so many players have a very big ego, which is a big problem that the Tour has. The top players are very closed people and they have their own team.”

Tirante believes that opening up to fellow competitors is not always easy, particularly when it comes to players from different backgrounds. He explained that he finds it easier to connect with other Argentinians, whom he considers more open and approachable, while he has found it more difficult to establish the same kind of connection with European players.

“It is quite difficult to speak to other players about it. Maybe, I can speak to players from Argentina but not to other players, because they are not that open. I am a very warm person, I think Argentinians are just like that, but not the European players. The Europeans are not like that. So, it’s very difficult to open up to other players, because they don’t really give you the answer you need.”

Tirante has more reasons to smile in Stockholm

Despite the difficult years he has experienced, Tirante now appears to be in a much better place mentally and is enjoying his tennis again. His comments offer a reminder that professional players face challenges that are rarely visible during matches, particularly those competing without the financial and personal support available to some of the biggest names on the Tour.

Lorenzo Musetti addresses Tirante’s comments

Following Tirante’s comments on his mental health struggles and the lack of communication with European colleagues, Bolavip approached Lorenzo Musetti — who recently weighed in on Alexander Zverev’s world ranking — to learn his perspective.

“Well, I hope I am not in that list of the European players he talks about. Hopefully not,” Musetti said. “I have known him since we were young, he is just one year older than me.

“I speak Spanish and he is Argentinian, so maybe we open up a little bit more, but I actually didn’t know personally that he has been facing these problems.

“I would be more than happy to listen and talk to him, if he wants any feedback on what he has been dealing with.”

Tirante will face Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the Stockholm Open semifinals on Friday, with a place in the final at stake. A victory would give the Argentine another reason to smile, as he would reach his first ATP Tour-level final of his career.

The exhibition in Saudi Arabia has faced heavy criticism amid growing debate surrounding the country’s involvement in international sports. More recently, the event was postponed amid security concerns following attacks in Riyadh.

Despite the controversy, several of the world’s biggest tennis stars have participated in the exhibition and are expected to return. Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are among the leading names associated with the event, while Fritz will also be taking part.

We asked the American star about his decision to play in Saudi Arabia, whether money was a major motivation and what he thinks about the reported participation fees. His response challenged some of the figures that have circulated in the media.

Fritz: The participation fee isn’t that much

First, we asked Fritz why he had decided to participate in this year’s edition of the Six Kings Slam. According to the American, the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the world is one of the main attractions. He also believes the event’s new position in the calendar could make it an important part of his preparation for the upcoming season.

“I mean, I think the Six Kings Slam is an opportunity to play against the best players in the world in a big event, and I think it’s even better now that it’s been moved and going forward it will also be at the start of the season, so I think it’s a great warm up before the season starts,” Fritz starts the interview with Bolavip.

The security situation in Saudi Arabia has also attracted attention following the recent attacks in Riyadh and the subsequent postponement of the exhibition. However, Fritz explained that he has not spent much time considering the potential safety concerns at this stage. Instead, he intends to follow the decisions and experiences of the other players when the event approaches.

“In terms of safety, I think I will just pretty much follow the other players. There is no point in really talking about it now, because there is a good amount of time until then, but mostly I will be trusting the vibe from the other players.”

However, the most interesting part of our conversation came when we asked Fritz about the financial incentives surrounding the Six Kings Slam.

Reports have suggested that players receive approximately $1,500,000 simply for participating, but the American pushed back against those figures. While he acknowledged that there is substantial prize money available for winning the event, he insisted that the reported participation payments have been exaggerated.

“It’s not as much money to participate as the news outlets and rumours have reported. It’s not that much at all, but it is a lot for winning, there is a lot of prize money just like every other tournament, so it doesn’t really feel like an exhibition, it feels like a real event with a lot of pressure.”

Fritz further emphasised that the difference between participation payments and the prize money available for winning is important when discussing the financial side of the exhibition. According to the American, the figures reported by various media outlets regarding how much players receive simply for showing up have become significantly exaggerated.

“A lot of money for winning, for sure, but a lot of the numbers of what players are getting to show up has blown up to be honest with you,” Fritz explains to Bolavip after defeating Cameron Norrie to reach the Stockholm Open quarterfinals.

Casper Ruud: Saudi Arabia’s Masters 1000 event will benefit players financially

While Fritz discussed the financial incentives surrounding the Six Kings Slam, we also spoke to Casper Ruud about Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in professional tennis and the potential changes coming to the ATP Tour.

The Norwegian shared his thoughts on an open letter recently sent out by ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi, which outlined some of the plans being considered for the future of men’s tennis. Although the full details have not yet been presented, Ruud suggested that some players have already been informed about parts of the proposed changes.

“I think the plan is, as some of the players have been told about, that first of all, there will be a new Masters event in Saudi Arabia from 2028 as we all know,” says Ruud to Bolavip.

The new Saudi Arabian Masters 1000 event is planned to become part of the ATP calendar in 2028. According to Ruud, one of the main objectives behind the investment is to improve the financial compensation received by players. He believes that the substantial financial commitment could eventually translate into increased prize money and better financial conditions across the tour.

“The plan is that the players will be compensated better financially because Saudi Arabia has bought the rights to the Masters tournament and has paid a huge amount of money, which will benefit the players in the end.”

The plan is complicated, but Ruud is a fan of it

The proposed changes go beyond simply introducing another major tournament to the calendar. The ATP is also considering giving greater importance to its biggest events, with increased prize money and more ranking points potentially making the leading tournaments even more significant. Another important part of the discussion concerns the number of smaller tournaments and whether the overall tennis season could eventually become shorter.

Ruud explained that one of the ideas being discussed is to buy out licences for some ATP 500 tournaments, potentially allowing the season to finish several weeks earlier. Such a change would represent a significant restructuring of the calendar, although the Norwegian acknowledged that the process would be complicated because of existing tournament agreements and rights.

“There is also a plan to buy out some of the ATP 500s, so the season can end a few weeks before. I think that’s their plan. It is quite a big plan from the ATP, and they hope they can move tennis even more forward with this plan and have more big and important tournaments than now.”

Despite the complexity of the proposal, Ruud indicated that many players are supportive of the general direction. He also acknowledged that changing the tournament structure would not be straightforward, particularly because several tournaments hold existing licences and commercial rights. Nevertheless, he believes the overall idea could be positive for the sport.

“It is quite complicated, because a lot of the tournaments have a license, rights and so on, but it is a plan that many of the players are supporting. I can’t speak for all the players ,but I think it looks quite good.”

Another interesting aspect of the proposed financial changes concerns how prize money could be distributed among players. Ruud suggested that those occupying higher positions in the world rankings could receive even greater financial benefits, particularly through increased prize money at the biggest tournaments. This could create additional motivation for players to reach the top of the rankings, although the precise financial structure has yet to be confirmed.

“Apparently, it helps being in a high ranking spot, because then you will get compensated even more financially, especially with the prize money, so now there will be an even higher motivation of being high up in the rankings.”

Ruud also explained that one of the objectives is to ensure that leading players can still receive substantial financial compensation even when they lose in the opening round of a tournament. He admitted that he does not yet know all the details of the proposed changes, but confirmed that the ATP calendar is expected to undergo adjustments, with certain tournaments potentially being moved or disappearing altogether.

“So, of course, the goal is that the top players will be paid more, so even if you lose the first round, you will still get some good prize money. I don’t have all the details yet, but there will for sure be a change in the schedule, some tournaments will be moved around and some tournaments will disappear,” Ruud concludes the interview with Bolavip.

Both Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz were competing at the Stockholm Open, where Bolavip had the opportunity to speak with the two players about the future of professional tennis.

While Fritz addressed the financial rumours surrounding the Six Kings Slam, Ruud offered insight into the potential restructuring of the ATP Tour and Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the sport. Their comments provide two different perspectives on a development that could have significant consequences for the financial landscape and future direction of men’s tennis.

Ruud has worked with his father, Christian Ruud, throughout his professional career. His father will remain part of his team, although he will be based in Norway going forward.

Ferrer will be the new addition to Ruud’s coaching box. The former world No. 3 joins the Norwegian after serving as Spain’s Davis Cup captain. He is now returning to the ATP Tour, seven years after retiring from professional tennis as a player.

Ferrer has a fantastic eye for the game

Ruud made it clear that he is happy to have Ferrer on board, expressing his excitement about beginning their partnership, saying the two of them can push each other to their limits.

“I am looking very much forward to working with David Ferrer. It is going to be really exciting and fun to be challenged in a new way. I am really hoping it can be a fantastic partnership. David is an amazing guy and we all know how good of a tennis player he was when I played, so I am really excited and I am looking forward to it,” Casper Ruud says to Bolavip.

The Norwegian also explained that he is looking forward to having the former Spanish star alongside him on the tour and learning from his experience and approach to the game: “It is going to be really cool having him in my team and to see up close how he is working and how we can push each other to the limit.”

Ruud also explained why Ferrer was the right choice for the position. He wanted someone with first-hand experience of life on the professional tour, while highlighting the Spaniard’s impressive work ethic and understanding of the game as important factors behind the decision.

“Obviously, David has played professionally, also quite recently actually because it’s only 6-7 years ago, and he has seen tennis develop and he has seen me develop as well, we have even played against each other.”

Ferrer also made a strong impression on Ruud through his approach to training and his playing style. The Norwegian believes those qualities could be particularly valuable given the type of player he is.

“He has a fantastic eye for the game and his work ethic is massive as well, which is going to be super important for me. The type of player I am is more about repetition and working hard rather than hitting winners all the time, and I have watched David Ferrer when I grew up and he was very much an inspiration to me.”

Ruud still aiming to win Grand Slams

Casper Ruud has reached three Grand Slam finals during his career but has yet to lift a major trophy. He finished runner-up twice at the French Open and once at the US Open.

The former world No. 2 did, however, secure the biggest title of his career last year when he won the Madrid Masters 1000 tournament. Despite experiencing a drop in the rankings, his ambitions remain high.

One of his immediate goals is to return to the top 10 and qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin next year. Ruud has already competed at the season-ending tournament several times and knows how important it is for the players on the tour.

“I am hoping that I can get back into the top ten very quickly and not least reaching the ATP Finals in Turin next year, which is a big goal. I have been playing there already a few times and for many players it is one of their biggest goals of the season.”

While returning to the top 10 and securing a place at the ATP Finals are among his immediate priorities, Ruud has certainly not given up on his biggest ambition: winning a Grand Slam title.

Despite having fallen short in three major finals, the Norwegian remains convinced that he still has time to achieve his dream, especially with Ferrer now joining his coaching team.

“I hope and believe that David can get the best out of me as a player in the coming years, and I also have to say that the opportunity of winning Grand Slams is still there. I want to give it an honest try for the next 5-6-7 years. I want to see if I can win a Grand Slam, even though it would be a bit later than what it normally would be for a tennis player,” Ruud ends his interview with Bolavip.

Ruud at the Stockholm Open

Ruud will next face Alexander Shevchenko in his opening match at the Stockholm Open. The match will be played in the second round, as the Norwegian received a first-round bye due to his ranking.

Shevchenko, meanwhile, has already played one match in Stockholm, defeating Frenchman Adrian Mannarino on Tuesday to secure his place in the second round.

Zverev has faced considerable criticism despite claiming the world number one spot and winning two Grand Slam titles, with his record against top-10 opponents raising questions about his credentials. Some have also argued that he only achieved these accomplishments because Sinner and Alcaraz were sidelined by injuries.

It is a debate that both Musetti and Holger Rune addressed in their interviews with Bolavip. The Danish star even admitted that he feels slightly bitter about missing out on opportunities during a year in which both Alcaraz and Sinner have been absent for significant periods.

Musetti: Zverev deserves it, but Sinner and Alcaraz are better

Musetti began the interview by making it clear that he believes Zverev deserves the world number one spot in the rankings: “I think Sasha deserves the world number one spot, for sure, and I am happy for him that he finally achieved two Grand Slam titles and the number one spot.”

The Italian star, however, acknowledged that injuries to both Sinner and Alcaraz have created opportunities for other players to make deep runs in major tournaments. Nevertheless, he pointed to consistency as an important factor, noting that injuries have prevented the two stars from maintaining the consistency required to compete throughout the season.

“Of course, the injuries to Sinner and Alcaraz have affected the rankings and most of the top players, but the physical aspect is a part of the game and whoever is the most consistent and fit enough to play is the one that can get the number one spot.”

Musetti continued by making it clear that he still considers Sinner and Alcaraz the best players in the world and believes they remain the ones to beat when everyone is fully fit: “But of course, in terms of level I think there is no doubt that if everyone is at their best, Sinner and Alcaraz are still better than anyone else. They are still demonstrating that they are the ones to beat.”

Rune weighs in on the debate: ‘Of course, I am bitter’

Rune ruptured his Achilles tendon in Stockholm last year and was subsequently sidelined for 11 months before making his comeback in the Davis Cup. The Dane has now returned to the ATP Tour, but admitted that part of him feels bitter about not being able to compete during a period when both Sinner and Alcaraz were dealing with injuries.

“For sure, a part of me is bitter. 100%. When you look at it, it`s a really tough year to be injured in, because there have been so many opportunities on the Tour with Alcaraz and Sinner being injured.”

However, Rune also acknowledged that his recent defeats have not necessarily been against the two leading stars. He explained that, although he has lost to both players in the past, those matches have not been the deciding factor in his career.

“But on the flip side, the matches I have lost haven’t really been against Sinner and Alcaraz. Of course, I have lost against them, but it’s not these matches that have made the difference in my career.”

Rune also pointed to some of his biggest victories against the sport’s leading players, explaining that he has already proven he can compete with the best. He highlighted his victory over Alcaraz in the Barcelona final, as well as wins against Djokovic and Sinner, while insisting that he would rather face both rivals on the Tour than see them sidelined.

“When I played the final against Alcaraz in Barcelona I beat him and it was the same against both Djokovic, and I also beat Sinner in a semifinal, so I can’t really say that it would have changed much. Actually, I prefer that both Sinner and Alcaraz are playing the tournaments I am playing because it gives me a lot of motivation.”

Rune concluded by agreeing that Zverev deserves the world number one ranking and the success he has achieved, while also acknowledging that the German has benefited from the absences of Sinner and Alcaraz. Nevertheless, he believes Zverev’s consistency throughout the season should be recognised.

“We also have to say that Zverev 100% has taken advantage of Sinner and Alcaraz being injured. Hats off to Zverev, because he has been incredibly consistent and it`s well deserved that he ends the year as the world number one.”

Bolavip is in Stockholm covering the ATP 250 tournament and will continue producing exclusive interviews and reports from press conferences throughout the week, having already spoken to Alex Michelsen in an exclusive interview.

The American star reflected on his season and the areas he needs to improve ahead of the next one, while also sharing his thoughts on some of his biggest rivals on the ATP Tour.

He also discussed when he believes an American man could lift a Grand Slam trophy again, before addressing the lack of privacy that comes with life as a professional tennis player. The topic has recently sparked debate following a viral clip of Jessica Pegula being filmed after a practice session while discussing Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva.

Michelsen names the three things he wants to improve

The American is looking to give his season one final push in Stockholm, although he admits that it would not be the end of the world if he lost, as he is also looking forward to returning home to America.

“I am feeling good. Now, it’s the last tournament of the year and it has been a long year, now I am just trying to give it one more push. This week is a win-win. If you lose, I can go home to America and that would be okay, but of course I want to win my matches,” Michelsen starts the interview with Bolavip.

“After the tournament I am just going straight back to America, I just want to chill out for a bit, and then I have to train very hard again soon, so I can come back strong for Australia.”

Michelsen suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals of the US Open, losing in a match tiebreak. Despite experiencing such disappointment on the court, the American explained that he tries to maintain a stable mindset, avoiding both extreme highs and lows throughout the season.

“For me personally, it is important not to get too high or too low. I know it’s pretty cliche, but it is about the process because I will hopefully be playing for the next 15 years. The US Open was heartbreaking, a very tough one, but I still think I have been playing well since that moment, I have played and lost against some very good players.”

Currently ranked No. 35 in the world, Michelsen is still fighting to secure a position that would guarantee him a seeding at the Australian Open. However, his ranking targets are something he prefers to keep private. Instead, he revealed the three main areas he wants to focus on improving ahead of next season.

“I have a ranking goal for next season but I would like to keep that for myself, my goal is to improve in general. I want to improve my serve, my forehand and my movement. All three of those things are no secret I can get better at, so I hope to get better in those areas next season.”

Alcaraz is just built different

Carlos Alcaraz is only 23 years old but has already won seven Grand Slam titles. Earlier this week, Michelsen experienced the Spaniard’s quality firsthand when the two met in the second round of the Paris Masters. The American ultimately suffered a defeat, and his assessment of Alcaraz was straightforward: the Spaniard is simply better in the crucial moments.

“I just think on the key moments, he is playing better. I was up 4-1 in the tiebreaker and I missed a ball I shouldn’t have missed and he hit like three winners and all of a sudden it was 6-4. It just happens so fast and that’s what he can do. He can take the racket out of your hands in those big moments.”

Michelsen also highlighted Alcaraz’s exceptional athleticism and natural talent, explaining that the combination makes him an incredibly difficult opponent to face. While acknowledging that some of the Spaniard’s skills are beyond his own reach, the American remains determined to keep working hard to improve his game.

“I think athletically, he is built differently, but then he also has the talent. The talent he possesses is unbelievable. The stuff he can do with his hands is really incredible, and I will never be able to do that but I will work my a– off to try to.”

Fritz, Shelton or Tien most likely to become the next American Grand Slam champion

It has been more than two decades since an American man last won a Grand Slam title, with Andy Roddick’s triumph at the 2003 US Open remaining the most recent. However, American men’s tennis has come closer to ending that drought in recent years, with Taylor Fritz reaching the US Open final in 2024 and Ben Shelton also making a Grand Slam final in 2026. Both players ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy.

Michelsen believes that Fritz, Shelton and Learner Tien are among the most likely candidates to become the next American men’s Grand Slam champion. He also highlighted the potential of the younger generation, particularly Tien, who he believes could become a difficult opponent for anyone at the biggest tournaments.

“I think there are a lot of guys who can do it. Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have made finals, so they are going to be in the running, especially Ben for the next 7-8-9 years, but I also think Learner Tien is a very good player. He is an all-court player and I think he is going to be a very tough draw for anyone at a Grand Slam.”

Michelsen’s best Grand Slam result came this season at the US Open, where he reached the quarterfinals. Although he hopes to eventually establish himself among the leading contenders for a major title, he admits that he still has work to do before reaching the level of the players he mentioned.

“Hopefully, I can soon throw myself into that discussion, but I am not at the same level as the guys I just named, but I will keep working and trying to be up there and then we will see. I made it to the quarterfinals, so I am getting closer. I think American tennis is in a good place right now.”

One of the players Michelsen mentioned was Shelton, who is set to welcome a major addition to his coaching team from 2027 onwards. Former Carlos Alcaraz coach Juan Carlos Ferrero will join the American’s team, and Michelsen is particularly excited to see what the two can achieve together.

“It’s really going to be interesting. Obviously, I knew that Juan Carlos Ferrero would coach a new player, but I didn’t think it was going to be Ben or another American, so I think it can be very interesting.”

Michelsen believes Ferrero could be particularly valuable in helping Shelton improve on clay courts. Having a former Grand Slam champion in his corner could also prove to be a significant advantage as the American continues his development and looks to challenge for the biggest titles in tennis.

“I think he will be able to help Ben a lot on the clay. I haven’t talked to Ben, so I don’t know what the thought process has been behind it, but Ferrero won a Grand Slam at the French Open and having a Grand Slam champion in your corner is a very good hire.”

Less cameras and microphones, please

Over the past week, a clip of Jessica Pegula referring to Mirra Andreeva as a diva has attracted significant attention on social media. The video quickly went viral and sparked a wider discussion about whether cameras should be allowed to film players in situations where they may not realise they are being recorded.

Michelsen was also asked to share his thoughts on the ongoing privacy debate among professional tennis players. The American made his position clear, explaining that he believes players would benefit from having fewer cameras and microphones around them, particularly during practice sessions and other private moments.

“Someone will always have something to say, but in general I think that the less microphones and cameras there are around the better.”

Michelsen also revealed that his coach, who played professional tennis many years ago, has spoken about how different the environment used to be before cameras and mobile phones became such a constant presence around the sport. While Michelsen does not believe phones should disappear, he understands why players might miss the privacy they once had.

“My coach played many years ago and he said it was a little bit more fun with no cameras or phones around you. I am not saying we should get rid of phones obviously, but I think there was a bit more privacy back then, also when you were practising on the court.”

The American also suggested that players should at least be made aware when they are being filmed, arguing that a simple warning could help prevent similar situations from happening again. He acknowledged that the Pegula incident was unfortunate but did not wish to elaborate further.

“I mean, yeah, at least if there is a camera, please put a sign up or anything. It was an unfortunate situation with Jessica, but there is not much else I can say”, Michelsen concludes the interview with Bolavip.

Alex Michelsen is scheduled to face Yannick Hanfmann in the first round of the Stockholm Open on Monday. Bolavip will be present at the Royal Tennis Hall in Sweden to cover that match, as well as the rest of the tournament.

Dimitrov, who also talked to Bolavip about Novak Djokovic, has had a big career in tennis. He has been ranked as high as world No. 3, won a Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati and lifted the ATP Finals trophy in 2017, and in this interview with Bolavip, he describes his own route into the sport as a genuinely unusual one.

The Bulgarian also reflects on the mark he has left on tennis fans around the world, explaining why being so emotional has been both a strength and a weakness.

Emotional Dimitrov wears his heart on his sleeve

In the Davis Cup tie against Denmark, Holger Rune drew the loudest cheer of the weekend, which was no surprise given that he had been off the court for 11 months. But even with the tie played on Danish soil, it was Dimitrov who, without a doubt, drew the second-loudest reception, and that support means a great deal to a player who has established himself as a fan favorite around the world, not just in Denmark.

“You know, the reception I get from the fans all over the world means a lot to me. I am a very emotional person and I don’t shy away from it. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve and that is both one of my biggest strengths but also one of my biggest weaknesses,” Dimitrov told Bolavip.

“The reaction from the fans all over the world shows me that I left a mark in people and I think my goal has always been to be a good person. I want to be a better person every day. This has always been in my roots. My mom raised me that way, even before I started playing tennis.”

Dimitrov, who has spoken publicly in the past about the anxiety and panic attacks he has dealt with during his career, says the full story of how he found his way into tennis may eventually end up in print: “I think I have been able to have a very unique path into this sport. One day I will write a book about it. The older I get, the more fascinating I become, also with the crowd and the other players.”

Dimitrov has never been the type to rush out of an interview – quite the opposite, in fact – and he explains that his relationship with the journalists who cover him matters to him: “Even with people like you who work in the media. Throughout the years it has been very special for me to talk to guys like you, no doubt about that.”

Dimitrov: ‘I still have some years left in me’

The Bulgarian turned 35 in May, but he has no plans to retire any time soon, despite the injuries and the fall down the rankings that currently prevent him from entering the biggest tournaments. He says he is grateful simply to still be out there competing at all.

“I am just super grateful about that and I am trying to stay in the present moment, which is the most important thing for me right now. Of course, I still have some years left in me to play, but for me being able to still do what I do and giving myself that chance is huge for me,” he said.

“Of course, I want to do all this for myself, but more than anything I want to do it for everyone else who has stuck with me throughout this time. I want to do it for the crowd and the kids as well,” added Dimitrov, who missed out on the chance to travel to Asia for the big tournaments there, and who will instead play a run of Challenger events in the hope of rebuilding his ranking.

‘Running my own race now’

Dimitrov is no longer thinking about Grand Slam titles or the world No. 1 ranking, but that has not made him any less grateful to still be part of the sport. Instead, he talks about entering his own era and running his own race.

“This is really unique. I am in a unique position. I am very gracious about the position I am in,” Dimitrov explained. “I am truly grateful for it. I am very self-aware of how I am developing and how my body is feeling, but the tournaments and traveling are hard of course. I feel like I am just entering my own era now.”

Winning and losing, he says, no longer carries the weight they once did: “It is so humbling to be a part of tennis still and it gives me the confidence to stay happy, regardless if I win or lose. That comes with maturity and getting old. Tennis has made me the person I am today.”

He is clear that the comparisons which once shaped his career no longer apply, and that the freedom to choose his own schedule is a privilege rather than a compromise: “I cannot emphasize enough that I am running my own race now. I feel like I have the privilege to be more selective with the tournaments I am playing,” Dimitrov concluded.

Dimitrov is currently ranked No. 127 in the world, yet it is only a little over a year since he was two sets up on Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon fourth round before a pectoral muscle injury forced Dimitrov to retire. That defeat was the fifth Grand Slam in a row he had been unable to finish, a run of misfortune almost without parallel in the modern game.

Since returning he has lost far more often than he has won, but he did find a measure of form over the summer, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon as a wild card before going out in a deciding-set tie-break to British wild card Arthur Fery, who went on to reach the semifinals and has since become the British No. 1.

Dimitrov’s comments for Bolavip came as Bulgaria faced Denmark in the Davis Cup, admitting that watching Djokovic fade is difficult to take, even if it is entirely inevitable. The 35-year-old argued that father time catches up with everybody in the end, and no amount of professionalism or preparation can hold it off forever.

Dimitrov also said the process is a natural part of any athlete’s career. The younger generation will keep improving and eventually push you off the throne, he explained, and at some point, the body simply refuses to do what it once did.

Not easy to watch Djokovic struggle, Dimitrov says

Djokovic broke into the top 10 in March 2007 and, apart from a brief spell outside it between November 2017 and July 2018 due to injury, he has been a permanent fixture there ever since. Much of that time was spent as the world No. 1, a position he has held for a record 428 weeks in total, while he also collected 24 Grand Slam titles along the way.

That era is now over. Djokovic dropped out of the top 10 after the US Open and, although he reached the Australian Open final in January, he has not been the dominant force the tennis world had grown used to seeing week after week. Dimitrov says that shift is completely natural, a simple consequence of biology, and that it is still hard to watch.

“The players in today’s tennis are just bigger, stronger, faster, which is just a natural part of the evolution of tennis, but of course it is not easy to see Djokovic getting older, maybe struggling a bit. No matter how strong you are, it is inevitable that it will hit you eventually from a biological point of view,” Dimitrov told Bolavip.

There is more to life than tennis

For years, Djokovic aged like fine wine, but Dimitrov says that spending so long at the top of a professional sport, with everything the job quietly demands away from the court, eventually takes its toll: “Nature calls itself and it is going to happen, and when you have been in a competitive sport for so many years, with traveling, jet lag and all that stuff, it eventually catches up with you.”

Dimitrov also made it clear that seeing life as something larger than tennis matters to him, adding that still being able to live the dream as an older player leaves him feeling spoiled and privileged, and that he is certain Djokovic feels exactly the same way.

“In a way I also feel like it should, you know. There are also other parts to life than tennis. We have just been put in this position, a very privileged place. I feel spoiled and we should feel that way”, Dimitrov concludes the interview with Bolavip.

Now ranked No. 12, Djokovic has still produced high-quality tennis this season, reaching the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semifinals. He then crashed out of the US Open in the first round, beaten in five sets by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a match lasting four hours and 36 minutes, his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.

He has played only 21 matches in 2026, winning 14 and losing seven, and has yet to lift a trophy. He also finished 2024 without an ATP title, although Olympic gold in Paris rescued that campaign. If 2026 ends empty-handed, it will be the first year since 2005 in which Djokovic has won nothing at all. Back then he was a teenager breaking into the top 100, and he has won something in every season since.

Berrettini has dropped to No. 90 in the rankings, as the 29-year-old Italian has struggled with numerous injuries. However, the former world No. 6 and Wimbledon runner-up still has ambitions to rise in the rankings and find joy in playing tennis again, which led him to collaborate with Enqvist ahead of Indian Wells.

Enqvist, however, says in this interview that the plan is to continue working with Berrettini, and he also shares his first takeaway from how it has been working with the Italian since joining the team.

“Yes, it is the plan to continue working with Matteo. I have been in Monte Carlo with him this week as well. He is a super nice guy. He has also had a lot of injuries in the past, just like myself, but he is healthy now, which is amazing,” Enqvist told Bolavip.

Enqvist believes Berrettini is close to his best shape

Enqvist also explained how the first weeks with Berrettini have been, noting that the Italian is close to being where he wants to be, while pointing out some of his biggest wins this season.

“He is working super hard, and I think he is improving all the time. He has had some good wins already, beating Bublik this season and also Medvedev this week. He is finally getting back to where he wants to be.”

Berrettini actually double-bageled former US Open winner Daniil Medvedev in Monte Carlo, and that match got a lot of attention, especially when the Russian smashed his racket seven times, which caught the attention of tennis fans all over the world.

Berrettini has reached at least the quarterfinals at every Grand Slam throughout his career, even reaching the semifinals at both the Australian Open and the US Open, while he reached the final at Wimbledon back in 2021. Enqvist also highlighted the level Berrettini has when he plays at his best, saying: “He is obviously a very, very good player. He just has to make sure he stays healthy and is enjoying playing tennis again.“

However, to come back to this level requires hard work, but Enqvist is confident that Berrettini will put in all the work that is needed, as the Italian has given a very good first impression to the Swede: “He is a super hard worker and he is a very nice guy to work with. Everything has been great.”

Berrettini lost to Joao Fonseca in the Round of 16 in Monte Carlo, and will have two more Masters tournaments to look forward to during the clay season – Madrid and Rome – before heading to the French Open where his best finish has been a quarterfinal appearance.

De Minaur won the match comfortably against Felix Auger-Aliassime at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, and Bolavip had the chance to ask both finalists a couple of questions after the game.

The Australian was a happy man after winning his first indoor title, and claiming the trophy in Rotterdam after losing two consecutive finals in that tournament meant a lot to him.

“I am super happy I finally got the title here in Rotterdam. I mean, I have lost two finals in a row, but they were against (Jannik) Sinner and Carlos (Alcaraz), and they are not the worst to lose against. I was trying to tell myself that as well when I lost last year,” de Minaur said.

“I have not been playing my best tennis this week, but I played extremely well today. I stepped up to the occasion, so I am super proud of myself. I am really happy to get my first indoor title.”

Auger-Aliassime credits de Minaur after Rotterdam Open final

Auger-Aliassime acknowledged that his opponent on the other side of the net was simply too good on the day, which the scoreline also showed, as he suffered a straight-sets defeat of 6-3, 6-2.

“Big credit to Alex, he is a very tough competitor,” the Canadian said. “With my level today, it was simply not enough to beat him. I was aware of the challenge, but he was just too good today. There is a reason why he was the No. 1 seed. He is super consistent and you have to play at your best to beat him.”

During the second set, Auger-Aliassime received an off-court medical timeout, but he assured his fans that they do not have to worry: “No, no, there is no reason to be worried, it is not an injury. I was just feeling some tightness in my left leg, but I am definitely not worried about it. I have just played a lot of matches in a row now, but it is nothing to be worried about.”

De Minaur sets big Grand Slam goal

Neither de Minaur nor Auger-Aliassime have ever won a Masters 1000 or a Grand Slam title, despite consistently being among the best players on the ATP Tour. But they are hoping for that to change in the near future as they both chase glory at the Majors.

“My whole life and my whole career, I haven’t been one to speak with words out loud. I let my actions do the talking, but of course I am dreaming about winning Grand Slams. One hundred percent. That is the ultimate goal for me and every tennis player, and I will do everything in my power to win a Grand Slam,” said de Minaur, who elaborated that he is aiming to win one already this year.

“I suffered a very tough defeat at the Australian Open, but I got back up and the year is long. There are still three more Grand Slams and countless Masters, so I am hoping to step up and win some of those big titles.”

De Minaur names the key for him to succeed

The Australian revealed that his self-belief has increased significantly as he has learned more about his game over the past year, and he specifically pointed to his serve as being key when facing top players, as what used to be his weak spot has improved a lot, according to him. Curiously, his mobility also drew praise from Francisco Cerundolo when building the ideal ATP player.

“I think I have improved so much, so I believe I can compete for these titles. My serve has improved, which is super important for me. Everyone knows what I can do from the baseline, and if my serve can help me get more free points, then it makes my life a lot easier, and it will definitely be easier to win the big titles,” added de Minaur, who improved his first-serve percentage a lot this season, getting more first serves in and also winning more points behind his first serve, something he is aiming to keep focusing on.

“The key for me is to make a lot of first serves. This week I haven’t been bombing serves, because I don’t always need to do that. I need to hit a high percentage, and I am finally finding the balance so I am not jeopardizing that first serve.

“But it is a tough balance between having a high enough percentage and still doing enough with my serve. In the past, my percentage has been too low, which has cost me crucial matches against the best players in the world, like Sinner and Alcaraz. I have made it difficult for myself in the past.”

Auger-Aliassime eyes Grand Slam glory as well

Despite losing the match, Auger-Aliassime shared some big dreams for the rest of the season, as he revealed that he is chasing a top-eight spot so that he can qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, but more than that, he is going for the big titles, including a Grand Slam.

“First of all, my goal for this season is to be back in Turin. That would be great and that is my main goal for the season. If you qualify for Turin, that shows that you have been super consistent throughout the season,” Auger-Aliassime said.

“In terms of tournaments, I haven’t won a Masters 1000 or a Grand Slam yet, so I am really chasing these titles now. That is what I am trying to do, and I will do everything I can to achieve it soon. I have improved a lot in the last few years and I am serving much better now. I used to have a lot of ups and downs and be a bit more inconsistent.”

Auger-Aliassime believes Mboko can also chase Grand Slam success

Victoria Mboko reached the final in Doha and Denis Shapovalov reached the semifinal in Dallas, which made this week quite a good one for Canadian tennis players, despite not winning a single title, and that is something Auger-Aliassime is happy about:

“I am always happy when the other Canadian tennis players are doing well. Gabriel Diallo had a great year last year and he is a really good friend of mine. Shapovalov did well in Dallas, Mboko did amazing things in Doha, so I am really happy.

“The thing is, compared to American, French or Italian players, we do not have as many. Obviously, the population is a lot smaller than in the USA, but we really pride ourselves on every player we have.”

Mboko had a marvelous week despite losing to Karolina Muchova in the final of the Masters 1000 event in Doha, and her compatriot Auger-Aliassime had some very kind words to share about the 19-year-old, saying that she has the potential to win many Grand Slams.

“We all support each other so everyone can have the best career possible. We are all very good friends, and on the women’s side as well, it is amazing to see a girl like Mboko being so young and playing such amazing tennis. She is playing at an incredibly high level,” Auger-Aliassime said.

“She really has the chance to have an amazing career and win many Grand Slams, and I will be behind her if she ever needs me. She can take care of herself, she is already a great player, but I will always be here for her.”

Richard Krajicek is arguably the most successful Dutch tennis player ever. The former world No. 4 won Wimbledon in 1996, and in this exclusive interview Bolavip brings his view on some of the most interesting debates in tennis.

The state of the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner

For more than a decade, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were competing for all the Grand Slams and had a big rivalry, but in recent years a new rivalry has appeared in tennis. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the two best players in the world and are currently sitting on the throne, which Krajicek didn’t expect to happen.

“Alcaraz and Sinner are both unbelievable players and they have an unbelievable rivalry. I certainly didn’t expect this to happen to tennis after Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. It is like a miracle,” Krajicek begins the interview with Bolavip in Rotterdam. He says he was a bit worried about what the state of tennis would be like in the new era after the Big Three.

“Of course, we still have Djokovic left. I want to say this is his last year, but with him you never know, probably he has three years left in him. But I was starting to think about what tennis is going to look like, even being a bit worried, and then these two guys arrived on the stage.”

Despite being different types of players and personalities, Krajicek enjoys watching both of them. He says: “Of course, they are very different. Alcaraz is very outgoing and has a lot of variety, whereas Sinner is more introverted and disciplined. Both of them are so popular and are playing amazing tennis, so I never expected this to happen so quickly after the Big Three.”

Krajicek explained further that Sinner, in his opinion, was better than Alcaraz last year, noting that he could just as well have won the French Open, as he had three match points before Alcaraz delivered a sensational comeback.

“Head to head Sinner is behind, but I have to say that in the middle of last year, Sinner was the better player. I mean, he basically won the French Open. I know he didn’t, but you know what I mean,” Krajicek said before explaining that he experienced a change, saying that Sinner played the US Open final completely wrong.

“But then something changed and at the US Open I think Sinner was playing the match completely wrong. He was going for way too many big shots. He was hitting so hard on his forehand and missing all the time. To me that was a sign of how much respect he has for Alcaraz.”

Alcaraz has seven Grand Slam titles, while Sinner has four, but despite this fact, Krajicek says that he considers the players to be on the same level: “For me, Alcaraz and Sinner are on the same level, but somehow I get the feeling Alcaraz is a bit ahead of him right now and Sinner is frustrated because he feels like he needs to go bigger and bigger to win points.”

The former Wimbledon champion believes Alcaraz and Sinner will keep battling each other for the major trophies, as they will constantly improve and push each other to become better players, while he also praised Alcaraz for his accomplishment of completing the career Grand Slam as the youngest player ever.

“I think it will continue to be like this all the time. At one point Alcaraz is better, then Sinner will become better and that continues happening, but in that way they can really push each other. I don’t see someone just running away with all the trophies all of a sudden.

“It was extremely important for Alcaraz to win the Australian Open because he needed those points and the way he did it was out of this world. Of course, it was amazing as well to see how he became the youngest ever to complete the Career Grand Slam. What he did physically and mentally was an amazing accomplishment.”

Federer is the greatest ever but Djokovic is the best

Many tennis fans around the world have probably already noticed that Alcaraz has multiple times in recent years changed his serve, and the most recent change came during the pre-season in 2026, where he changed his service motion in a way that is now very similar to the one Novak Djokovic has had for years, and Krajicek says that is something he particularly likes about the Spaniard.

“What I like about Alcaraz is that he is improving all the time, when he sees that he has to. He improved his serve because he had the feeling that he was chasing Sinner and needed to do that. That is very impressive to me. In that sense, he reminds me a lot of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, because they always found a way to improve and beat each other.”

Novak Djokovic has 24 Grand Slam titles, Rafael Nadal has 22 and Roger Federer has 20, but Krajicek believes that both Alcaraz and Sinner have the potential to beat Djokovic’s Grand Slam record. However, there is a small question in terms of longevity that they still have to prove.

“Both of them have the potential to beat Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam record, but the big question is whether they will have careers that last 15 years or longer. That is the only question, because level-wise and mentality-wise they are both able to do it. In my opinion, they are at that level. But the special thing with Djokovic, Federer and Nadal was that they all played more than 15 years at the top, and we don’t know if they are able to do that.”

One of the debates that always comes up in tennis is who the Greatest Of All Time is. Arguably, Djokovic has already closed this debate with his numbers, and some people are even calling him the greatest athlete of all time. However, Krajicek believes that the debate is not only about numbers when speaking about the greatest player.

“I was talking to a friend of mine and we discussed who the greatest and the best athlete of all time is. I think there is a big difference between being the greatest and the best. If we just talk about tennis, to be the greatest is something extra. That is about what somebody meant for the game and for me the greatest tennis player of all time is Roger Federer.”

“What he has done for the game and his popularity say it all, but the best tennis player in history is Novak Djokovic. Without a doubt, I actually think that debate is very clear,” Krajicek says on the GOAT debate.

Rune can come back and win Grand Slams

One of the players who was expected to compete for a top spot in the rankings and Grand Slams was Danish player Holger Rune, but he has yet to do either, and currently he is out with a serious injury, as he tore his Achilles tendon last year in October. Krajicek himself was sidelined for 20 months in the later stages of his career, and the Dutchman has a few pieces of advice for the Dane.

“Maybe my advice would be to stay patient. The biggest mistake I made after being sidelined for 20 months following my elbow surgery was that I came back too quickly. I should have waited at least one more year, at least until I was fully fit. If I could go back in time, I would change it. The stop and start is not good physically or mentally.”

“Mentally I was struggling a lot, because these injuries are horrible. It is better to break something, because then you can take three or six months off, then it will be healed and everything is okay. He has to listen to the doctors and not rush back to the court. Mentally, going back to zero again is the toughest part, so he needs to be 100 percent fit when coming back.”

Krajicek underlined that you lose more than you win by rushing a comeback. He has to trust his body and be 100 percent sure everything is working again. Again, he needs to be patient, maybe even take two months longer than needed, because you lose much more than you win by speeding up the process.

Rune has multiple times explicitly said that he has very good doctors around him and that people should not be worried about him rushing a comeback. He is currently doing his rehab at the Aspetar Hospital in Qatar after having had his surgery and parts of his rehabilitation in Denmark. The surgery was done by the famous Danish doctor Morten Boesen.

Krajicek was clear when speaking about what to expect from Rune when he returns to tennis: “It is not going to be any problem at all for him to come back into the top five and win Grand Slams. He has the level and of course it will take a little bit of time, but Holger is an incredibly hard worker, so for me that is not a problem for him at all.”

The Dutchman is clearly impressed with Rune. However, he can recognize what the Dane has said prior to his injury about him not always being sure about his shot selection, as he has so many shots to choose from due to his qualities as a player.

“Holger always has a lot of options on the court because of his amazing level, especially on the backhand side. You never know if he will go crosscourt, hit it hard down the line, make a dropshot or something else. Sometimes that can be difficult as a very talented player, because when you are able to hit so many shots, the decision making can be hard.

“That is definitely something he has to work on, but he will manage. It was simple for me, because I did not have as many qualities. I just had to serve and come to the net,” Krajicek said before giving Rune one last advice:

“I actually have one piece of advice for him, which might be the most important one. During his injury, he has to watch a lot of tennis. I know he might suffer doing it, but he has to watch a lot of videos, especially of himself, Alcaraz and Sinner. He needs to analyze what they are doing and how he can do it.”

“This is not about technique, because he is already so technically gifted, but it is about strategy on the court. That helped me a lot mentally. I was trying to visualise myself doing what they did,” Krajicek concludes the interview with Bolavip.

Whether Rune will come back and compete with Alcaraz and Sinner, only time will tell, but one thing is sure. Krajicek believes in him and he believes that the current state of tennis is very good, with especially Alcaraz and Sinner on top at the moment.

Bublik beat Hurkacz 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, and even though the scoreline alone was intense, it was Bublik’s on-court antics that drew the spotlight. His comments during the match quickly caught attention not only inside the arena but also across social media, where fans reacted strongly to his remarks.

The Kazakhstani repeatedly directed comments toward Hurkacz throughout the match. While tennis fans are accustomed to Bublik’s emotional outbursts, this time they seemed to resonate more widely than usual. After the match, Bolavip spoke to both players about the incidents and their perspectives.

Hurkacz shuts down: No comment

During the match, Bublik said there are 20 players in the Rotterdam draw who “can’t play tennis,” adding that he was frustrated to draw Hurkacz, against whom he had a negative head-to-head record, with the Polish serve specialist leading 6-1 before this encounter. Despite the pointed nature of the comment, Hurkacz did not want to respond. “I don’t have any comments on that,” he said.

Furthermore, Bublik remarked that Hurkacz’s game consists of “ace, ace, double fault, double fault, shank.” Once again, Hurkacz refused to engage in any back-and-forth regarding the statement, saying: “I don’t want to comment on it.”

A decisive moment in the match came when Hurkacz served for it in the second set and produced three double faults in a single game. It was clearly a disappointing stretch for the Pole, especially given the timing. Reflecting on that moment, Hurkacz said: “Obviously it was disappointing, but I was just trying to focus on the next game. It is always difficult to play against him. He is a great player and it is always a battle.”

Nothing positive to take away from this match

Despite coming away with the victory, Bublik was far from satisfied with his own performance. In fact, he was unusually critical of himself during his conversation with Bolavip. His assessment of the match was blunt from the very beginning.

“Today was a very low-level match. I was lucky to win, I didn’t deserve the win, but he just gave me the match. I didn’t do anything well, he just gave me the win,” Bublik began in his interview.

He continued by explaining how little confidence he had during the contest, even revealing that he mentally prepared for defeat before the turning point. “When I saw the draw I already thought, why should I come here? During the match, I already packed my stuff before he made three double faults, because I was 100% sure I was going to lose, but then he gave me the three double faults. There is nothing positive to take away from this match,” said Bublik, clearly unhappy with his level.

When asked specifically about the comments he made during the match, the world No. 10 insisted they were not meant as criticism but rather as a description of what he felt was happening on court. He emphasized that he was simply stating what he observed about Hurkacz’s playing style.

“I was not criticizing him, I was just stating the fact that he only made aces, double faults and a shank. I looked like Djokovic because I actually had a rhythm, that is it,” Bublik added, making his stance very clear regarding his earlier remarks.

“Well about the comment on the draw, I just meant what I said about getting him in my draw. He is the only player in the draw I have that bad of a head-to-head against. Except for Daniil, but he was seeded, so I couldn’t play him in the first round. I guess that was what I meant.”

Another topic that has sparked a debate in Rotterdam is the balls. Recently, we spoke to Alex de Minaur and Arthur Fils, both of whom expressed frustration with the balls. However, Bublik does not share those concerns and offered a different perspective: “Compared to what we played in Astana, this is a beautiful ball and a beautiful fast court,” implying that he has definitely seen worse in his career.

Last year was unlike anything he had experienced before. Battling a serious back injury, Tsitsipas endured a difficult season that saw him drop out of the top ten, now being ranked just 32 in the world.

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip at the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam, Tsitsipas opened up about the toll the past year has taken on him, sharing his honest feelings about injury, uncertainty, and how it affected his love for the game. The Greek star began the interview on a light note, joking: “Did it look like I was moving well on the court? It didn’t always feel like that.”

Feeling like an observer

From September onward, Tsitsipas only participated in one tournament—the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. Aside from that single match, he was sidelined with injury, something he had never experienced before.

“I had a long period without playing tennis, which I had never had before during my career. I felt like I was away from the court and the competition. Suddenly, I was just an observer of tennis and the ATP Tour, rather than an active participant,” Tsitsipas told Bolavip.

Despite feeling relatively fit during his match against Arthur Rinderknech, Tsitsipas admitted that his back is still giving him trouble, and he’s trying to manage it: “It felt very odd and frustrating because I couldn’t do much. My back is like it is, and there are only so many things I can do. If it refuses to heal, all I can do is wait and consult as many specialists as possible.”

Uncertainty and priorities

Tsitsipas also revealed the emotional toll of his struggles. “I experienced a lot of uncertainty for many months. Even when I won the tournament in Dubai, I wasn’t sure if I could sustain that level or even continue playing. It kept getting worse during the spring, and eventually, I stopped enjoying the game.

“The game becomes less important, and health becomes the most important thing in your life. Even earlier this year, I still had a lot of uncertainty about my future,” Tsitsipas concluded the interview with Bolavip.

Tsitsipas won his match against Arthur Rinderknech and will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp next. Given his recent revelations, it will be fascinating to see whether his body can keep up with the demands of the matches.

Medvedev was visibly frustrated with the balls throughout his encounter with the Frenchman, repeatedly stating that tournaments should not buy or promote Head balls. He even claimed that the balls were not properly round.

Now, Alex de Minaur and Arthur Fils have publicly supported Medvedev’s stance, offering a frank assessment of the balls after their match against each other and voicing their clear frustration.

“I have struggled a lot in practice. I have actually been quite frustrated with the balls in practice, which is not like me. I do get what Daniil says about the balls,” de Minaur said in an interview with Bolavip.

It suits the big hitters

Alexander Zverev has previously pointed out that an increasing number of balls used on the ATP Tour favor certain playing styles, and de Minaur agrees with that view.

“They are definitely not my favourite. I don’t think they are anyone’s favourite balls. They are very difficult to control,” the Australian explained to Bolavip before elaborating further:

“It is tough to explain it, but it is a very dead ball. It does suit the big hitters, the players that have a big revolution on the ball and are able to hit through that.”

Despite his criticism, de Minaur emphasized the importance of adapting rather than complaining. “But again, it is what it is. The ball or the court is not going to change and my job is to adapt and do my best and continue doing that.”

ATP has to do better

Arthur Fils was even more direct in his evaluation, stating that the balls fall well below the standards expected at the highest level of professional tennis, something that could impact the course of a game. “They are terrible. Really terrible. The ball is very bad. It is unbelievable.”

“When we are playing at this level, literally playing professionally, very good players, then watching the balls after two games getting bigger and very slow, that is not normal.”

Fils called on the ATP to take responsibility and address the issue. “I don’t know who is in charge of it, maybe ATP or whatever, but they have to do better, because it is not normal to play with these balls at our level,” he said.

Alex de Minaur won the match 7-6, 6-2 against Arthur Fils and will be playing the winner of Aleksandar Vukic and Stan Wawrinka, still with the same controversial balls, though.

When looking at the ATP leaderboard, which shows stats from the different seasons, Rune’s return rating has gone significantly up and in that aspect of the game he ranks as number 27 in the last 52 weeks compared to number 63 in 2024.

That is something that Rune has noticed as well, and now he says that Andre Agassi loved the Dane’s return when they practised together in Washington during the summer.

‘Agassi loved my return’

Rune points out that he knew he was underperforming on his return last season, which is why he and his team were putting a lot of effort into that part of his game in the pre-season.

“I’ve always felt that my return has been really good and one of my biggest strengths. It had a bit of a downfall last year, where I didn’t return as well as I know I can. But especially in the last pre-season, we put a lot of work into the return game to improve the statistics, as you also pointed out,” Rune says and continues:

“It’s always nice to see that the things you work on are improving. I’m also starting to gain more and more confidence to put a bit more weight into my returns and try to put more pressure on the opponent’s second serve.”

Agassi was arguably the best returner of his time and still stands as one of the greatest ever in that discipline, and Rune revealed that the American in particular liked that part of his game.

“Agassi and I talked a lot about my return when we trained together. He really loved it,” he added. “As you say, he had an absolutely insane return, so we could really have some good conversations. Right now, though, I’m mostly in contact with my own team and the people who are close to me.”

Nick Kyrgios coming back would be good for tennis

“Nick Kyrgios has always been very nice to me, so we’ve always had a really good relationship. I don’t know if he’s coming back, but it would be good for tennis because he’s always had some very exciting matches.”

“His top level, back when he played against Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, was insanely high, so you have to respect that,” Rune said. “I know he’s struggling a lot with his body, so that’s probably the biggest thing he has to overcome. Whether he does or not, time will tell.”

In 2023 the two of them had an exhibition match planned, however Kyrgios was forced to cancel as he got an injury in his foot. For now, a new exhibition match is not planned between the two, but Rune seems ready for the challenge.

“We haven’t talked about a new exhibition match, although that would be fun. I ended up playing one against Monfils instead. Insanely cool guy, whom unfortunately we’ll only get to see for one more year on the Tour,” Rune ends to Bolavip.

On Friday, the Dane is facing Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry. They have faced each other three times, but only one time on the ATP Tour, which Rune won in a very close match in Basel.

The Swede was given an 18-month suspension back in 2023, when he missed out on three whereabouts, which is another term for unannounced doping tests.

Back then, he called his punishment unfair. But eventually, the tennis world has seen other cases with different types of violations where the punishment has been shorter than the one Ymer received.

‘A lot could be said, but I don’t want to get suspended again’

During his postgame press conference, Bolavip asked Ymer about the consistency in doping cases after today’s match, but he didn’t want to comment on the case, as he implied he could get suspended again.

“There is a lot to be said and that could be said, but I don’t want to become suspended again, so I am gonna keep my mouth closed,” Ymer said.

Bolavip then asked Ymer the following question as a follow-up: “Do you fear you would be suspended if you say what you really think?”

“I do not want to comment further on it. I don’t want to put myself in a situation where people that I don’t… Yeah, I do not want to answer,” Ymer replied.

Bolavip would have liked to ask more questions about what Ymer meant and the transparency in these cases, but the interview ended on that note.

Korda has been dealing with a lot of injuries over the past year, and the former world No. 15 has dropped drastically in the rankings. The American revealed that he wasn’t practicing at all before he took a break from tennis following the French Open.

Despite the tough period, Korda produced a very high level on Monday against Popyrin, and the American was happy with the win when we talked to him immediately after the match.

Tough match against ‘tricky’ Popyrin

Popyrin is a former Masters 1000 winner, and the Australian always seems to be a tricky opponent, which Korda also mentioned after the match.

“It was very tough. It is always tough to play Popyrin. We have played three times and the last time we played was in a semi of a Masters 1000, and he is just an extremely highly skilled tennis player,” Korda told Bolavip after the match.

“He has an incredible serve, he is a good mover and has a good forehand. It was very tricky and I was lucky at some moments. I served horrendously. It’s pretty tough when you don’t have a first serve, but I am happy.”

Korda admits he didn’t train for a long period

The former world No. 15 took almost three months off after the French Open this year, as he had struggled a lot with injuries. Korda now admits that he didn’t train at all during the entire year leading up to the French Open.

“I am feeling pretty good,” he said. “I have had a lot of injuries, but now its more mental than anything. It’s about starting up the machine again and trying to win some ugly matches.”

Korda makes it clear that he is still motivated to improve. However, it has been very tough off the court in 2025: “I think the motivation is still there, more so just getting down on yourself all the time. That hurts a little bit but I have definitely gone through a lot of different emotions in the last year, but I am definitely motivated and I want to keep playing and hopefully raise my level.

“I mean.. Practicing… Honestly, before I took those months off, honestly I didn’t practice the whole year. It has been like an hour on the court every single day, no fitness really. I was not feeling great, it was definitely not a good feeling. Hopefully it is past me now.”

Korda faces either Kamil Majchrzak or Filip Misolic in the second round in Stockholm, where Bolavip also interviewed Casper Ruud this week.

The 26-year-old won his biggest title this season when he secured the Masters 1000 title in Madrid, and the tennis star calls it a memorable year. However, he is not fully satisfied with the way he has performed in 2025 so far.

But Ruud is still aiming to end a long season with a spot in the ATP Finals, despite currently being nearly 1,000 points away from the number eight spot in the live race to Turin.

Speaking of ending a long season, Ruud pointed out the fact that the ATP calendar is still too long, specifically mentioning the Paris Masters as an issue. He also commented on the economic motivation to play as many tournaments as possible, as the players get a cut in the bonus if they miss out on a mandatory event.

A season of highs and lows for Ruud

As mentioned earlier, Ruud won the biggest title of his career, but on the other hand, the Norwegian failed to win back-to-back matches in the Grand Slams this season. Hence, Ruud is not super satisfied with his 2025 season.

“It has been a mixture of highs and lows,” Ruud tells Bolavip. “This is the first season where I have experienced being out a few weeks in a row with my knee. That was a new challenge, obviously.

“It was a memorable season because of the Madrid title, but I am not sitting here being super satisfied overall. There were too many early losses in tournaments, but I try to learn from those. Like I said, it will be memorable because I won the biggest title in my career this year, and I was playing some really good tennis during that time.”

All or nothing mentality

The 26-year-old still has a chance of reaching the ATP Finals, however, it will require some massive results at the end of the season. He says that he is still hoping to qualify for the prestigious event.

“The season is not over yet, and I hope I can finish it strong and maybe climb my way towards having a chance to reach the ATP Finals. But it is going to be really tough, so I am just trying to play well these last three weeks, and then we will see after Paris,” Ruud adds.

“If you are finishing 11 or 15, I mean, what is going to make the difference? Nothing, in my opinion, so it is kind of all or nothing at this point. I am going to try to use that as a motivation and give it a final push.

“There are other players in the same situation. The race is always like this. I will focus on one match at a time and not on points and that stuff, because last year I was thinking too much about points.”

Ruud understands Djokovic

Novak Djokovic recently made a comment about the scheduling, which got a lot of attention, with one of the things being said that the players are not united enough and investing enough time into changing things.

Multiple players have recently criticized the number of tournaments and matches, and Ruud, who has played 47 matches this season and dealt with an injury, backs Djokovic.

“Of course, Novak has a point,” Ruud explains. “He has more experience than any other player. Sure, you can pick and choose in a way, because we are not hired by the ATP, we are bosses of our own schedule. What I criticized and talked about at the French Open was that there is an economic motivation to play and not skip any Masters 1000s with the bonus and everything.

“But yeah, sure, if you are in the top 10, top 15, you make a lot of money, but you also spend a lot of money with all the expenses that you have, so you don’t want to miss out on any money if you don’t need to.”

Ruud continues by saying that there is an economic motivation to play, as the players will be punished financially if they don’t play the mandatory events.

“I know that if you are not healthy or not eligible to play, you won’t be put in jail if you don’t play, but there is also an economic incentive to play, and some people care more about it than others. But I think the season is long,” he says.

Planning changes

While the schedule has been demanding for Ruud, the Norwegian is taking it as a lesson to prepare things differently next season, hoping to find more consistencty throughout the year.

“To have a mandatory event like Paris that late in the season makes the season really, really long. It’s the same for everyone, but going forward I will plan the schedule a bit differently, maybe skipping a few events here and there.

“I had a very hectic 3–4 years since I reached the top 10. I played a lot of events, and I played some exhibitions in the preseason, so those are some choices that I have made, which I look back on and think I shouldn’t have done. For the future, that is something I will take into consideration.”

Ruud is seeded as number two, with Holger Rune being the top-seeded player in Stockholm, where Bolavip will be present all week.

During the coverage of the Davis Cup in Marbella, Bolavip was invited to an event in where representatives from Spain’s 2000 Davis Cup team was there to show the original, and after that we talked exclusively to Alex Corretja.

During the interview, Corretja discussed Carlos Alcaraz’s phenomonal season, just as he also commented on the importance of having a player like him in Spain.

Corretja calls Alcaraz “a blessing, nearly a miracle”

Corretja smiles as he mentions Alcaraz as a true blessing and gift to the country. He even compares the Spaniard to Rafael Nadal.

“It’s a blessing to have a player like Carlos Alcaraz. He is truly a gift to the sport. It is nearly a miracle to be honest. We have had so many great players in the past, but after Rafael Nadal, our legend of the sport, all of a sudden we have Carlos who is comparable,” Corretja tells Bolavip and continues:

“He is winning Grand Slams, he is the world No. 1. It is something very unexpected and very fortunate for us to have him.”

Corretja: “Everybody loves Alcaraz”

Many people would probably argue that Alcaraz, at this moment in time, is among the most popular players, and Corretja says that his impression is as well that everyone loves Alcaraz.

“It is good for our sport and our country. I think we really need to appreciate it, because what he is doing is very, very difficult and he is only 22 years old and has already won six Grand Slams,” he adds.

Corretja is certain that Alcaraz will go on to win many more Grand Slams: “He will win many more Grand Slams in the future. Everybody loves him, because he is so natural. He is so humble and simple, and he says whatever he feels. He is very straightforward and acts very well. He is very unique.”

Carlos Alcaraz is currently preparing for the Laver Cup as he pulled out of the Davis Cup for Spain.

Holger Rune’s season has been full of ups and downs. On one hand, he won the title in Barcelona and reached the final at the Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.

On the other hand, the season has also included several setbacks, among them two early exits at the latest Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon and the US Open.

The lack of consistency has prompted the Dane to test the waters and try out a new racket. But when Bolavip asked him about it, he didn’t want to reveal too much although he did confirm that he is currently testing different rackets.

“That’s true… It’s a good question… I need to think about how I want to answer that. It’s fine, you’re allowed to ask, but yeah… I’ve tried a few different rackets to see what suits me best. That’s all I have to say about it,” Rune told Bolavip.

‘I know I can beat Alcaraz and Sinner’

Holger Rune has been very clear about what he desires. The former junior Grand Slam winner wants to be world No. 1 and win Grand Slam titles.

That hasn’t happened yet, and speaking to BolaVip, the Dane admits that he sometimes feels a bit lost on the court when it comes to finding his identity.

“I feel like I’m lacking some consistency in my identity as a tennis player. Often, I go into matches with a relatively offensive mindset, while other times I come in with a grinder’s mindset,” Rune told Bolavip, and continued:

“That’s the danger. When I’m able to hit so many different shots on a tennis court, it can also be a bit confusing. I try to keep it as simple as possible.”

Still, this doesn’t shake his belief that he can dethrone Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

“Of course it’s inspiring to see Carlos (Alcaraz, ed.) and Jannik (Sinner, ed.) play at that level, but I also know that I can beat them,” the Dane concluded to Bolavip.

Davis Cup without Alcaraz

For now, however, Holger Rune won’t be facing the world No. 1, as the Spaniard withdrew from the Davis Cup. This makes the Dane the highest-ranked player across both teams from Spain and Denmark.

The first match will be played on Saturday, with Holger Rune opening against Pablo Carreno Busta.

Bolavip are present in Copenhagen, where the Davis Cup clash between Denmark and Serbia takes place Friday and Saturday. Ahead of that series, we had the opportunity to speak to former No. 12 in the world and current coach for the Serbian Davis Cup team, Viktor Troicki.

Here, he shared his thoughts on the drama that circulated around Djokovic during the Australian Open. Djokovic picked up an injury during his match against Carlos Alcaraz, and despite winning that match, he couldn’t finish the following match against Alexander Zverev, where he was forced to retire due to a muscle tear injury.

Troicki slams ‘disrespectful and disappointing’ behavior towards Djokovic

Immediately after the Serbian’s retirement against Zverev, the crowd were booing Djokovic, which Viktor Troicki noticed and found very disrespectful and disappointing.

“They were booing him after the injury, which I don’t think happens in any sport. Not even in soccer, where the crowd is normally more wild. When someone gets injured in soccer, even an opponent, they will applaud you and wish you to get better,” he initially says to Bolavip and continues by saying:

“That’s why it was surprising to see, especially in a place where he has played his best tennis and has won 10 titles, that he got booed after the injury. It was really disrespectful and disappointing.

“They are booing him in the crowd, which was not happening before in Australia. I think they were admiring his results more and greeting the champion with more respect in the past.”

Troicki claims Channel 9 reporter should be ‘fired’ and ‘banned’ from covering tennis

The famous Channel Nine reporter Tony Jones was a part of one of the most widely covered situations, after he claimed in the studio that Djokovic has been and is overrated, just as he ended his comments by saying “kick him out”. Something he said in front of a big Serbian crowd, which Djokovic found insultive and offensive.

“There was the situation around channel nine, which I noticed as well. If I had hired that journalist (Tony Jones, ed.), I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again,” says Viktor Troicki.

“I think they are treating Novak worse and worse. It is surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time experiencing so many bad things happening in Australia again. After Covid and what they did to him a few years ago, it has never been the same.”

Later on, Tony Jones has given Djokovic an official apology, however Serbian coach Viktor Troicki thinks the reporter should face bigger consequences.

“To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don´t think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis”, he ends the interview with Bolavip.

Davis Cup will be without Djokovic

Despite being the name who got the most attention at the media day in Copenhagen, Djokovic won’t actually play for Serbia in Denmark, due to the injury he picked up against Zverev.

The matches take place both Friday and Saturday in the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, where Denmark have seen their chances increase due to the absence of Novak Djokovic.

This round in Davis Cup is the 1st qualifier round and the winner qualifies for 2nd qualifiers, where it is going to be decided, which eight teams will play in the Davis Cup finals.