Swiatek, Sinner roll on, but what's up with Alcaraz?
Feb 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Topics include Iga Swiatek's win in Doha, Pliskova's dash to Cluj, Azarenka vs Ostapenko, Sinner's success, Alcaraz's concern, the one-handed backhand, and more in this eventful podcast episode.
Yannick Cine's unbeaten streak and mental fortitude cement his standing as a top tennis player.
Nicholas Jerry's unexpected title win in Buenos Aires showcases his determination and future potential.
Frances Tiafoe's concerning performance and need for reevaluation raise doubts about his current state.
Deep dives
Yannick Cine conquers Rotterdam, remains unbeaten in 2024
Yannick Cine continued his impressive form by winning the Rotterdam 500 event, defeating Alex de Minaur in the final. Cine's unbeaten streak in 2024 has catapulted him to the top of the tennis world. The match against de Minaur was closely contested, with Cine showcasing his strong mental game and ability to excel under pressure. His victory solidifies his position as one of the top players in the game.
Nicholas Jerry's remarkable run to victory in Buenos Aires
Nicholas Jerry, a relatively unknown player from Buenos Aires, achieved an incredible feat by winning his first title in front of his home crowd. Jerry's run to the final was unexpected, as he had only two ATP wins prior to the tournament. However, he displayed determination and resilience throughout the event, particularly in his match against Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. Jerry's victory provides him with a significant boost in the rankings, ensuring direct entry into bigger ATP events and establishing him as a player to watch in the future.
Frances Tiafoe's disappointing performance at Delray Beach
Frances Tiafoe suffered a disheartening loss to Tommy Paul at the Delray Beach tournament. In a match marked by poor performance, Tiafoe's lackluster play and energy were evident. This defeat adds to a series of underwhelming results for Tiafoe, causing concern among fans and spectators alike. His unorthodox technique, which can be captivating when executed well, seemed to falter in this match. Tiafoe's recent struggles raise questions about his current state and the need to reevaluate his approach to regain his previous form.
Yannick Sinner's Impressive Performance and Development
Yannick Sinner showcased exceptional tennis skills and mental strength in his recent matches, including the finals. Despite not playing his best, Sinner managed to win crucial points and matches, breaking back immediately after being broken by his opponents. This ability to win without his best performance is a significant milestone in the development of top players, similar to Novak Djokovic's style of play.
Fucundo Diaz Acosta's Surprising Victory in Buenos Aires
Fucundo Diaz Acosta emerged as the unexpected champion in the Buenos Aires tournament, displaying remarkable skills throughout the event. Despite not being a well-known player, Diaz Acosta defeated some tough opponents in straight sets, including Altmire, Sarundalo, and Nicholas Jerry. Though Jerry didn't perform at his best, Diaz Acosta's consistent performance and ability to win crucial points solidified his well-deserved victory in the tournament.
Catherine, David and Matt are together to look back on an eventful week, headlined by Iga Swiatek's third straight title in Doha. We discuss the significance of her victory over Elena Rybakina in Doha, an extraordinary week for Karolina Pliskova as she dashed from Cluj, and the latest instalment of Victoria Azarenka beating Jelena Ostapenko which came with delicious handshake aggro.
On the men's side, there's chat about Jannik Sinner backing up his Australian Open title, Alex de Minaur's improvements, a first title for Facundo Diaz Acosta in Buenos Aires, current concern levels for Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe, and the dying art of the one-handed backhand.
Finally, shout out to Reuben Greeph for this episode's outro...a Tennis Podcast classic.
OUR LINKS:
Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, as well as monthly live shows on YouTube.
Sign up to receive our Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)
