Tennis
US OPEN CHAMPIONS, DOMINIC THIEM DREAMS MORE GRAND SLAMS
Dominic Thiem produced a remarkable fightback to beat German fifth seed Alexander Zverev 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6 (6) to win the US Open for the first time on Sunday (Sept 13).
The second seed became the first Austrian to claim a singles title at Flushing Meadows, albeit in unique circumstances as no fans were present at the hardcourt major due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 4hr 2min match inside a near-empty Arthur Ashe Stadium marked the first time in the US Open’s Open Era
history that a player had recovered from losing the opening two sets to win the title.
It was also the first time the final had been settled by a tie-break.
The title marks Thiem’s maiden Grand Slam trophy after three previous defeats in finals of tennis majors.
“It’s amazing how far our journeys brought us to share this moment and I wish – really I wish – we could have two winners today, I think we both deserved it,” Thiem said on court after a tearful speech from his crestfallen opponent and close friend.
“It’s going to be or I expect that it’s going to be easier for me now in the biggest tournaments,” Thiem told reporters.
“Because, of course, I had it in the back of my head that I had a great career so far, way better career than I could ever dreamt of, but until today there was still a big part, a big goal missing.
“With this goal achieved, I think and I hope that I’m going to be a little bit more relaxed and play a little bit more freely at the biggest events,” he added.
Zverev cried as he tried to thank his parents Alexander – also his coach – and Irina who were not in New York after testing positive for coronavirus.
“I miss them. I’m sure they are sitting at home pretty proud even though I lost. I wish one day I can bring the trophy home,” he said.
Thiem was runner-up at the Australian Open earlier this year and also lost in the last-two showdowns at the French Open in 2018 and 2019.
He also becomes the first new Grand Slam champion since Croatian Marin Cilic won at Flushing Meadows in 2014.
Thiem is also the first Grand Slam champion other than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer since Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka won the third of his majors at the 2016 US Open.
Zverev smashed four aces and 16 winners in the first set as he displayed an impressive serve and volley game to take a 1-0 lead in just 30 minutes.
The German was helped by some sloppy serving from Thiem, who hit three double faults as he was broken twice, in games three and seven.
In set two, Zverev wasted three set points while 5-1 up but held on to take a 2-0 lead on his fifth set point.
The tide was beginning to turn though as Zverev’s play became increasingly cagey as his suspect second serve got slower and his forehand, another weakness, became more defensive.
After Thiem easily took set four, Zverev found himself serving for the championship at 5-3 in the fifth set.
But he could not hold and soon Thiem found himself 6-5 ahead. He took a medical timeout before it was his turn to serve for the championship.
However, like Zverev moments earlier, Thiem failed to clinch the match and it went to a tie-break.
He found himself 5-3 up after two double faults by Zverev but Thiem, by now exhausted and limping, blew two championship points.
He won the title on his third and collapsed to the court with his head in his hands.
“Honestly, I think it didn’t help me at all because I was so tight in the beginning,” he explained.
“I mean, I wanted this title so much, and of course there was also in my head that if I lose this one, it’s 0-4.
“It’s always in your head. Is this chance ever coming back again? All these thoughts, which are not great to play your best tennis, to play free,” he added
Thiem said lifting the US Open was a dream come true.
“I achieved a life goal, a dream of myself, which I had for many, many years. Of course, as a kid, as well, when I started to play tennis. But back then it’s so far away,” he told reporters.
“Then I got closer and closer to the top. At one point I realized that, ‘Wow, maybe one day I can really win one of the four biggest titles in tennis.’
“I put a lot of work in. I dedicated basically my whole life until this point to win one of the four majors. Now I did it. That’s also for myself a great accomplishment.”
The match was watched by just a few dozen people, mostly officials, journalists and event staff after the coronavirus pandemic forced the tournament to be held behind closed doors.
This year’s field at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center in New York was depleted by the absence of Swiss legend Federer and defending champion Nadal.
The tournament was also blown wide open by the disqualification of world No. 1 and heavy favorite Djokovic in the last 16 for hitting a line judge with the ball.
–REUTERS/AFP
Serena Williams has been listed as eligible to return to tennis by the sport’s drug-testing body (ITIA) as of February 22, though it remains unclear whether the 23-time Grand Slam champion will make a stunning comeback to the women’s tour.
The 44-year-old raised eyebrows late last year after rejoining the tennis anti-doping testing pool, though she denied at the time the move signalled she was preparing to return to the sport she dominated for nearly two decades.
She reignited speculation last month when she deflected questions about a possible return during an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show.
The Women’s Tennis Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.
Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017, has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open.
-Reuters
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Serena Williams has re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool but the 23-times Grand Slam champion denied on Tuesday that the move had anything to do with her making a return to the sport she dominated for nearly two decades.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed to Reuters that Williams, who has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open, was among the list of players in its testing pool, which requires individuals to provide their whereabouts at any given time, every day, and participate in random testing
But as the story of 44-year-old Williams’ inclusion on the list, first reported earlier on Tuesday by The Athletic, gained traction and sparked talk about her potential return, the tennis great took to social media to deny a comeback was in her plans.
“Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” Williams wrote on X.
Her agent did not immediately respond to an email from Reuters asking why the player had re-entered the testing pool.
Williams’ name appears on the ITIA website’s list of retired players and would be able to return to a sanctioned event after making herself available for out-of-competition testing for at least six months.
Last week former world number one Williams posted a series of photos on Instagram showing herself on a tennis court with her youngest daughter, Adira River, whom she gave birth to in August 2023.
In August 2022, ahead of her final U.S. Open, Williams announced in a Vogue article that she was “evolving away from tennis.”
Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017, had been chasing an elusive 24th crown that would have drawn her level with Australian Margaret Court, who holds the record.
The American came tantalisingly close to achieving that feat, featuring in four major finals since giving birth to her first daughter, Olympia, in 2017.
-Reuters
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Tennis
Victor Ochei Elected Nigeria Tennis Federation President, Promises New Era of Growth and Unity
A new chapter has opened for Nigerian tennis following the election of Victor Ochei as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), ushering in optimism for revival and reform in a sport long in need of renewed structure and vision.
The former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly emerged victorious in an election held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, securing 11 votes to defeat Ifekuo Omogui Okauru, who garnered one. Mr. Datti was elected Vice President unopposed, in what stakeholders have hailed as a “unity election” for Nigerian tennis.
In his acceptance speech, Ochei struck a conciliatory and forward-looking tone, describing his victory as one for all stakeholders in Nigerian tennis.
“To the glory of God, it was an election where we all campaigned and we all won together,” he said. “It’s a clear demonstration that the Federation is one body. Regardless of the fact that there’s a winner, for me there’s no victor, no vanquished.”
He emphasized that the real work begins after the election — rebuilding the sport’s ecosystem, strengthening grassroots structures, and ensuring inclusion across all levels.
“What’s important is what we do going forward,” he continued. “By God’s grace, we’ll activate the entire tennis ecosystem. Everyone has something to contribute, and our focus is to bring all efforts to the optimal level so that no constituency within the Federation is left behind.”
Plans for Reform and Revival
Ochei outlined an ambitious plan to restructure the Federation for better performance, transparency, and sustainability.
“We intend to dismantle the existing structure, repackage it, and ensure seamless operation across every organ of the Federation,” he declared.
“When we bring in the right influence, sponsorships, and funding, and create career paths for players and coaches, you’ll begin to see the difference. The changes will be visible in the short term — that’s a promise.”
Observers say his commitment to institutional reform and partnership with corporate sponsors could be the catalyst Nigerian tennis needs to regain relevance regionally and globally.
A Proven Leader with Passion for Sports
Beyond politics, Victor Ochei is known for his deep involvement in sports development. A barrister, engineer, and philanthropist, he has sponsored several national and international competitions, including the Davnotch Tennis Tournament and Wheelchair Basketball Championship.
He also built a mini football stadium in his hometown of Onicha Olona, Delta State, to promote grassroots sports.
Ochei has long championed the idea that sports can be a vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and national pride. His entry into tennis administration is seen by many as a natural extension of his passion for development and service.
As Ochei begins his tenure, optimism runs high within the tennis community. Stakeholders believe his inclusive leadership style, political experience, and managerial competence could help reposition Nigerian tennis, attract private sector investment, and nurture a new generation of players.
With Victor Ochei at the helm, Nigerian tennis appears poised for a new serve — one defined by structure, unity, and sustainable progress.
“This is not just about winning elections,” said one Federation official. “It’s about winning the future of Nigerian tennis.”
If his words and track record are anything to go by, the game may just be entering its most promising era yet.
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