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.

The last American man to accomplish this in the singles category was Andy Roddick, who won the title in 2003 by defeating Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

That triumph not only represented his only Grand Slam title, but also made Roddick the last American male tennis player to win any Grand Slam tournament to date. In this way, Shelton could etch his name into the history of his country.

On the women’s side, the story of glory is a bit more recent. In 2023, Coco Gauff defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to claim her first Grand Slam title at just 19 years old, winning the US Open.

The greatest American tennis players

The history of successful American tennis players is extensive and diverse in terms of their strengths and qualities. Here is a list of the most successful U.S. players in Grand Slam tournaments:

• Pete Sampras: 14 titles (2 Australian Open, 7 Wimbledon, 5 US Open)
• Bill Tilden: 10 titles (3 Wimbledon, 7 US Open)
• Andre Agassi: 8 titles (4 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 Wimbledon, 2 US Open)
• Jimmy Connors: 8 titles (1 Australian Open, 2 Wimbledon, 5 US Open)
• John McEnroe: 7 titles (3 Wimbledon, 4 US Open)
• William Larned: 7 titles (7 US Open)
• Richard Sears: 7 titles (7 US Open)
• Don Budge: 6 titles (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 2 Wimbledon, 2 US Open)
• Arthur Ashe: 3 titles (1 Australian Open, 1 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)
• Bill Johnston: 3 titles (1 Wimbledon, 2 US Open)

A promising career ahead for Shelton

At just 23 years old, Ben Shelton has already built a pretty sweet trophy case on the ATP Tour. The American powerhouse burst onto the scene by capturing his first title at the 500-level Tokyo Open in 2023, and he proved his game works just as well on dirt by taking down the clay-court Houston Open in 2024.

His path to the top was not an overnight success. He developed through the lower levels of professional tennis before making his Grand Slam breakthrough, eventually reaching a career-high No. 22 in the world.

His results have also shown that he can trouble elite opposition, with notable wins over players such as Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. There is plenty to know about the Dutchman beyond his results on the court.

How old is Botic van de Zandschulp?

Botic van de Zandschulp is 30 years old. The Dutch tennis player was born on October 4, 1995, in Wageningen, Netherlands.

He has established himself as one of the leading Dutch players of his generation. His career has included a breakthrough run at the US Open, multiple deep Grand Slam appearances and victories over several of the biggest names in men’s tennis.

How tall is Botic van de Zandschulp?

Botic van de Zandschulp is 6 feet 3 inches tall (1.91 meters). His height gives him a significant advantage on serve and allows him to generate considerable power from both his first delivery and groundstrokes.

The Dutchman plays right-handed and uses a two-handed backhand. His combination of size, serving power and a strong baseline game has helped him compete successfully against top-ranked opponents on hard courts.

What is Botic van de Zandschulp’s ranking?

Botic van de Zandschulp is ranked No. 70 in the ATP singles rankings. His current position, however, does not represent the highest point of his career.

He reached a career-high No. 22 in the ATP rankings on August 29, 2022. That ranking came after a period in which he established himself as a consistent presence on the ATP Tour following his breakthrough at the 2021 US Open.

His 2026 season has included a notable resurgence. At the 2026 US Open, he reached the quarterfinals after defeating Jan Choinski, No. 6 seed Alex de Minaur, No. 31 seed Zizou Bergs and Arthur Gea before facing Alexander Zverev in the last eight.

Who is Botic van de Zandschulp’s coach?

Botic van de Zandschulp’s coach is Raemon Sluiter, the former Dutch ATP player who began working with him in 2025. Sluiter became his new coach after the Dutchman ended his partnership with Peter Lucassen in June 2025.

The partnership officially took shape toward the end of 2025, with Sluiter planning to work with him for at least 20 weeks per year, in addition to training periods in the Netherlands. During part of the 2025 Asian swing, Melvyn op der Heijde provided temporary coaching support before Sluiter took over more extensively.

The collaboration has coincided with a strong improvement in his form. At the 2026 ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, he reached the quarterfinals for the first time in his career, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas along the way. The tournament’s official site specifically highlighted Sluiter’s role in the Dutchman’s new phase.

How much prize money has Botic van de Zandschulp won?

Botic van de Zandschulp has earned $6.96 million in career prize money from singles and doubles, according to the ATP Tour. His earnings have increased substantially during his years on the ATP Tour.

ESPN lists his season-by-season prize money at $1.10 million in 2026, $928,607 in 2025, $984,484 in 2024, $1.29 million in 2023, $1.47 million in 2022 and $855,362 in 2021.

His biggest season by tournament earnings among those years was 2022, when he collected $1,474,274. That season followed his breakthrough year and included a run to the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Botic van de Zandschulp’s career highlights

2021 — Breakthrough at the US Open: Van de Zandschulp made his Grand Slam breakthrough in New York after coming through qualifying. He became the third men’s qualifier in the Open Era to reach the US Open quarterfinals and the first Dutchman to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2004. His run included victories over No. 20 seed Casper Ruud and Diego Schwartzman before he lost to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in four sets. He was also the only player to take a set from Medvedev during that tournament.

2021 — First ATP Tour semifinal: Before his US Open run, Van de Zandschulp reached his first ATP Tour semifinal at the St. Petersburg Open. He defeated then-No. 6 Andrey Rublev, which was his biggest win at the time, before losing to eventual champion Marin Cilic.

2022 — Career-high ranking: Van de Zandschulp continued his rise in 2022, reaching a career-high No. 22 in the ATP rankings on August 29. ATP notes that he achieved a new career-best ranking 14 times during the season. He finished the year as the No. 1 Dutchman for the second consecutive season.

2022 — First ATP Tour final: He reached his first ATP Tour final in Munich, defeating Casper Ruud, then ranked No. 7 in the world, on the way to the championship match. Van de Zandschulp ultimately lost the final to Holger Rune.

2022 — Best Wimbledon run: At Wimbledon, Van de Zandschulp advanced to the fourth round, which remains one of his strongest Grand Slam performances. His 2022 season also included third-round appearances at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, while he collected a personal-best 38 wins across all competitions according to ATP’s 2026 player biography.

2023 — Second ATP Tour final: Van de Zandschulp returned to an ATP Tour final in Munich, reaching the championship match for the second consecutive year. He defeated No. 10 Taylor Fritz during the tournament but was unable to win the title, falling to Holger Rune again. ATP notes that he had four championship points in the 2023 final before losing.

2024 — Major upset against Carlos Alcaraz: One of the biggest victories of Van de Zandschulp’s career came at the 2024 US Open, when he defeated No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the second round. It remains listed by ATP as the Dutchman’s biggest career win.

2024 — Defeated Rafael Nadal: Later that year, Van de Zandschulp defeated Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga. The victory was particularly significant because it came in what became Nadal’s final professional tournament. Van de Zandschulp’s win helped the Netherlands eliminate Spain and reach the Davis Cup final for the first time in the competition’s history.

2024 — Historic Davis Cup campaign: His victory over Nadal was part of a memorable Netherlands run at the Davis Cup Finals. Van de Zandschulp helped his country reach its first-ever Davis Cup final, dating back to the nation’s debut in the competition in 1920.

2025 — Victory over Novak Djokovic: Van de Zandschulp added another legendary name to his list of major victories by defeating Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells. The result was another significant milestone in his career, following his wins over Alcaraz and Nadal. ATP now lists both Alcaraz and Djokovic among his standout Head2Head victories.

2026 — A return to the spotlight: Van de Zandschulp’s career has continued to be defined by his ability to challenge elite opponents and produce unexpected results. ATP’s 2026 profile highlights his progression from the 2021 US Open breakthrough to his victories over Alcaraz and Djokovic, describing that period as part of the career-defining arc of his career.

Three ATP Tour finals, but no singles title: Despite reaching three ATP Tour singles finals—Munich in 2022, Munich again in 2023 and Winston-Salem in 2025—Van de Zandschulp has yet to win an ATP Tour singles title. ATP currently lists him with 0 career singles titles.

A career built on major upsets: Perhaps the most distinctive part of Van de Zandschulp’s résumé is his record against elite opposition. His career highlights include victories over Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz, demonstrating his ability to compete with some of the biggest names in the sport.

2021–2022 — From qualifier to Top 25 player: His rise was particularly rapid. At the 2021 US Open, Van de Zandschulp entered the tournament ranked No. 117 and left New York having climbed to No. 62. Less than a year later, he had broken into the world’s Top 25 and eventually reached No. 22. ATP describes that 2021 US Open run as the pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his career.