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ATP World Tour Finals breakdown

The final eight are ready to do battle at the season-ending World Tour Finals this week in London. The field is divided into two round-robin groups, with the two most successful players from each group advancing to the semifinals. Group A consists of Rafael Nadal , David Ferrer , Tomas Berdych and Stanislas Wawrinka . Group B consists of Novak Djokovic , Juan Martin del Potro , Roger Federer and Richard Gasquet .

They're coming fresh -- or not-so-fresh -- off last week's Paris Masters, where all eight also made the quarterfinals. That means some familiar matchups are in store over the next few days. Four of the round-robin encounters will be rematches from last week. Here's how each looks entering the event.

Rafael Nadal

Why he'll win: Who's won more than Nadal this season? The Spaniard has won a tour-leading 10 titles this season and has a 71-6 record since returning in February after a seven-month injury layoff. He's also been dominant on the hard courts (outdoors, anyway), and his head-to-head against the rest of the field at this event is 20-4 this year. If he plays the way he did against Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals of Paris last week, it's hard to see anyone stopping him.

Why he won't : Where hasn't Nadal won so far in his career? This is one of the few places -- his best result was a final in 2010. There are no big reasons that can't change this year, but there are a few small ones. There's the time of year -- Nadal has only twice lifted a trophy after the US Open is over. There are the conditions -- Nadal has only once won a title indoors. And there's the location -- with his first-round loss at Wimbledon, Nadal is currently 0-1 in Britain. That last one isn't much to go on, but after the year he's had, the others will take what they can get.

His amazing season, however, may finally be starting to catch up to him. He's just 3-3 against the rest of the field since the US Open. Novak Djokovic, his biggest rival, looks much more comfortable at the moment, and the other players will also feel they have a better chance because of the quicker, lower-bouncing court and the struggles Nadal has had at this tournament. If he plays the way he did while losing to David Ferrer in the semifinals of Paris -- a day after beating Gasquet -- it's hard to see him lifting the trophy.

Novak Djokovic

Why he'll win: Unlike Nadal, Djokovic tends to do well at this time of year and is coming in 17-0 since the US Open. He's also the defending champion at this event and is 15-4 against the rest of the tournament field this season. Perhaps most importantly, the Serb has also started turning the tables on Nadal. He's lost two of their three hard-court meetings this year, but won their last encounter in Beijing and should benefit from the indoor conditions at the O2 arena if the two meet again this week.

Why he won't: Winning is good, but it can also be tiring. Djokovic has racked up a lot of matches since the US Open, and has just a day off between playing the final in Paris and his first round-robin match. And his season doesn't even end there. Serbia takes on the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final next week, and the patriotic Djokovic will want to be fit and prepared to play in front of his hometown crowds. There's also the slight prospect of taking the No. 1 ranking from Nadal to think about, though Djokovic says the chances are so small that he's more focused on gaining ground for next year. All this added pressure, together with all the matches he's played coming in, could start to have an effect as the week goes on.

David Ferrer

Why he'll win: Everyone's got a chance, right? And those chances look a lot better after he defeated Nadal last week to score his biggest win of the season. His results had dropped off since reaching the French Open final, but last week's run suggests the 31-year-old may be ready for another charge. Though Ferrer is at his best on clay, he's shown his indoor credentials by winning the Paris Masters last year and reaching the final again this year, this time on the same surface that will be used in London. He makes players beat him, and outgrinding Ferrer isn't an easy ask at this point in a long and winding season.

Why he won't: This tournament is about beating top players, and that's Ferrer's sticking point. His record against everyone else at this event is 3-9 this season, and two of those wins -- Nadal and Berdych -- came last week. He's also worried about having less rest after reaching the final in Paris, noting that Nadal will have had one more day off when the two meet again in their first round-robin match. He has a shot at the semis after beating everyone in his round-robin group at some point during the season. But getting more wins against the field this week than he has all year? It's a tall order.

Juan Martin del Potro

Why he'll win: When del Potro gets going, he and his gigantic forehand are tough to stop. Beating Djokovic, Andy Murray and then taking Nadal to three sets, as del Potro did in Indian Wells, may be the best showing by anyone this season apart from those three themselves. And the 2009 US Open champion has also been in good form recently, defeating Nadal in Shanghai and beating Federer to win Basel two weeks ago.

Why he won't: Del Potro may get going, but hasn't been able to keep going for very long. His Indian Wells was followed by an opening-round loss in Miami, not helped by some family distraction back home. A good run at Wimbledon and the hard-court season culminated in an early loss to Lleyton Hewitt at the US Open. He's played a lot of matches in the past two months, making fatigue a possible concern. And while on his way to London, del Potro had his personal belongings stolen, which again could leave him unsettled coming into this week.

Tomas Berdych

Why he'll win: (Long pause.) Maybe he's saving his best for last? The Czech with big firepower has been underwhelming most of this year but did manage to lead the Czechs back to the Davis Cup final. With the tie against the Serbs coming up next week, maybe he can find inspiration a few days early. And if there's any advantage to losing in the first round of Basel and playing only three matches in Paris last week -- like Berdych, Gasquet and Wawrinka all did -- it's that they come in a bit more rested.

Why he won't: He's the only member of the top 10 not to win a title this year and is 2-10 against the rest of the field in London. Though he's got the game to beat anyone, Berdych hasn't capitalized on a lot of opportunities he's had this year, like playing a tired Djokovic in the Australian Open quarterfinals or facing a tired Nadal after beating Djokovic in the Rome quarterfinals. As a result, he doesn't seem confident enough to suddenly start scoring win after win against the top guys this week.

Roger Federer

Why he'll win: After a tough season, he's finally starting to resemble his old self. Federer made the final of his hometown tournament in Basel two weeks ago, losing to del Potro, and then beat del Potro last week before losing his semifinal to Djokovic in three sets. In the process, the pieces of his game have begun coming together over the past week -- better movement, more consistent first serve, more effective returns. If he can keep that momentum going, the 17-time Grand Slam champ could quickly become very dangerous. He's won his event six times and the conditions at the O2 arena suit his game well.

Why he won't: Though Federer is playing better, he's still making uncharacteristic errors at important moments. That's a sign his confidence has not yet fully returned, and those types of mistakes are especially costly against the elite players. His win against del Potro in Paris last week was just his second top-10 win of the year (and the other came all the way back at the Australian Open), showing how far he's been from the upper reaches for most of the season.

Stanislas Wawrinka

Why he'll win: Wawrinka has given Djokovic all he can handle at two Grand Slams this year, which means he can stay on the court with anyone at this point. Qualifying for his first Tour Finals has given him a big boost, and he should be able to play freely after exceeding his expectations for this season. Just like his more famous compatriot, Wawrinka struggles against Nadal and finds himself in the same round-robin group as the Spaniard. Still, he feels he might have a shot at beating the No.1 on this surface because Nadal's topspin won't trouble him as much.

Why he won't: Despite some big improvements, Wawrinka's season has still been more notable for good losses rather than good wins. His results have also tailed off since reaching the US Open semifinals, and he lost fairly tamely to Djokovic in Paris last week. He still struggles with self-belief on big occasions, and it's a big jump to now go and win this tournament.

Richard Gasquet

Why he'll win: Gasquet is having arguably his best season yet, and certainly his best since 2007. His shot-making talent stands out even in this field, and he's now physically stronger and competing better. It's not unusual to see players now start hitting their stride at 27, and he could well be one of them.

Why he won't: He's scored some good wins against the likes of Ferrer and Berdych and won three small titles, but hasn't made a dent against Nadal or Djokovic (or Murray) when he's run into them. Going from that to winning most of his matches against the top eight this week? That's a long way away.

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World No 652 Rafael Nadal to face world No 224 in ‘blockbuster’ Indian Wells opener

• Shahida Jacobs
• March 5, 2024

Rafael Nadal has been handed an interesting opening clash at the 2024 Indian Wells Open as he faces another player who is on the comeback trail in Milos Raonic.

Former world No 1 Nadal is scheduled to play his first match since January after he pulled out of the Australian Open and the Qatar Open due to a muscle injury.

The Spaniard has played only three matches – all coming at the Brisbane International – since he made his return to competitive action following his 2023 injury-enforced layoff, resulting in him dropping to No 652 in the ATP Rankings.

But he will finally return to action on Thursday, March 7 with organisers confirming that he will play during the evening session, which starts at 18:00 local time (02:00 GMT).

Nadal, though, did play an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on Sunday and he came through unscathed.

His match against Raonic – described as a “blockbuster” by the official Indian Wells Open website – will be against world No 224 Raonic, who himself has struggled with injury in recent years.

But it will be only the fourth time since the ATP Masters 1000 series was launched in 1990 that two players ranked outside the top 200 will meet.

The former world No 3 played only nine matches in 2023 and has so far featured in only four matches this campaign with two of them finishing in retirements.

His most recent event was at the Rotterdam Open where he reached the quarter-final before retiring during the second set against eventual winner Jannik Sinner.

READ MORE: Netflix Slam draws Hollywood stars but Rafael Nadal’s son steals the show

According to the ATP, Nadal and Raonic have met 10 times in top-level tennis with the former leading the head-to-head 8-2.

The winner of the Nadal-Raonic match will meet seventh seed Holger Rune in the second round while 26th seed Lorenzo Musetti is a projected third-round opponent and 12th seed Taylor Fritz a likely fourth-round opponent.

The player who comes through Section 4 is projected to meet fourth seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-final and top seed Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.

Medvedev, though, will likely have to get past 13th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round while Djokovic is projected to meet the in-form Ugo Humbert in the fourth round and either eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz or ninth seed Casper Ruud in the quarter-final.

The bottom half of the draw is headlined by Carlos Alcaraz with the defending champion expected to meet 15th seed Karen Khachanov in the fourth round and Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final.

If he gets through the draw then fans could be in for a tasty semi-final clash against Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, who has Ben Shelton and Andrey Rublev in his path.

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Hitting the Links with Carlos Alcaraz

Yes, you read that correctly. Just before the tennis superstar returned to exospheric form at Indian Wells, Alcaraz swapped forehands for fairways and let us tag along for some golf in Sin City.

Alcaraz (officially Carlos Alcaraz Garfia)—the 20-year-old current No. 2 men’s tennis player in the world and, so far, two-time Grand Slam champion (the U.S. Open in 2022, Wimbledon in 2023)—steps up to the tee.

He’s wearing a Jordan snapback, a purple Nike pullover, fitted navy slacks, and black Nike golf shoes . Alcaraz has a great swing, and it has (mostly) worked for him as we’ve waded against the gales on Shadow Creek’s back nine. He hits a high ball. It’s cleanly struck, arcing through the wind. The ball lands within ten feet of the hole. Alcaraz turns on his heels, does a celebratory cha-cha dance, and flashes his famous ear-to-ear smile.

“I try to play as often as I can,” he tells me. “But it can be hard to find three or four hours of the day” when traveling during the season. Later, he’ll add that the sport helps him to disconnect from an increasingly—almost impossibly—busy life. “It’s good to, let’s say, forget about tennis a little bit,” he says.

Alcaraz is in Las Vegas for an exhibition tennis match against elder statesman Rafael Nadal, a fellow Spaniard. Dubbed The Netflix Slam , the live event was organized by the streamer with MGM Resorts and held at the latter’s Mandalay Bay complex. The Slam was flashy, glossy stuff—nearly reaching the fervor and decibel level of a major boxing match—that paired an established GOAT with a prospective GOAT.

As per, their meetup drew niceties.

“[Rafa] has that fighting spirit; he never gives up on the ball,” says Alcaraz when I ask him what he’s learned from Nadal. “[I look to] the way he finds solutions when things are not going well.”

A day before, when we hit the links at Shadow Creek, I watched the two of them arrive and take a quick tour of the clubhouse, interacting with an almost fraternal banter and ease. Las Vegas native and multi-major winner Andre Agassi was there, too. He posted a photo of himself with Alcaraz and Nadal on Instagram, writing, “Champions in town.” (I grew up chasing Agassi for autographs on the U.S. Open grounds in Queens–it was surreal to see all of these guys together in such an uncrowded, non-tennis setting.) Later, when moderating a press conference between the two, Agassi would say of Alcaraz: “This guy is special.”

As March kicked off, there were signs that he was feeling the pressure—and rumblings in the press, on X, and in the grandstand that something might be off. In the quarterfinals of January's Australian Open, Alcaraz lost in four sets to the lower-seeded Alexander “Sasha” Zverev. Later that month, in Buenos Aires, Alcaraz lost in straight sets to Nicolas Jarry, who is a strong player, no doubt, but one with a notably lower ranking. In February, Alcaraz withdrew early from a tournament in Rio de Janeiro due to a rolled ankle. He hadn’t reached a final since last year’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, nor had he nabbed a title since Wimbledon in 2023. But his rival, Jannik Sinner? He’d won five trophies in the same timeframe.

Alcaraz’s mood seemed off, too. In Las Vegas, he told the former pro and current correspondent Mary Jo Fernandez, “A lot of the times I try to have a smile on the court, but it doesn’t mean I’m enjoying [the game] so much.” Just two weeks ago, he admitted to diminished “confidence” and “so many doubts” before going into March’s Sunshine Swing: a duo of high-profile tennis tourneys in Indian Wells, California, and Miami, Florida.

But all of that was about to change.

Out on the course, Alcaraz’s golf game betrayed exactly none of these insecurities. On another hole, his ball lies well below the green, which is raised high enough that we don’t see the pin. He hits an iron, this time directly into the harsh wind. It’s low and centered. He sprints up the hill to check, only to find that the ball stopped about eight feet out. “Sheeeeow!” Alcaraz yells, tracing the laser trajectory of the shot with a swift hand motion. (Turns out, he’s as animated on the greens as he is on the court.)

Throughout all of this, Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and his agent, Albert Molina, look on. They’re mostly quiet and cross-armed, but you can tell they’re proud of their mentee—and that they’re happy to see Alcaraz enjoying himself. I should add: Ferrero is a good golfer, too, as is Nadal, a scratch handicap, who teed off before us. Nadal has a peculiar swinging motion, which almost looks like a golf version of a backhand, if that makes any sense at all. He draws the club outward as he starts, adding wingspan, just before arcing it over his shoulders.

Just two weeks after his Vegas appearance, Alcaraz broke his slump by winning Indian Wells (formally the BNP Paribas Open) for the second year in a row, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final and fighting off the white-hot Sinner in the semis.

It was a return to apogee form, with wild speed and supernova shot-making in the way that only he can seem to execute when he’s on . Befitting Alcaraz and the attention he garners, his run wasn’t without off-court occurrences that provided social media with a whole slew of new material.

A delay due to a swarm of bees deciding to make a hawk-eye camera their new hive? Yep... at Alcaraz’s quarterfinal match. Zendaya (starring in the tennis-themed Challengers , out in April) and Tom Holland, plus tennis superfan Charlize Theron, cheering in the stands? Yep... at Alcaraz's championship match.

Even before he hoisted the trophy, there seemed to be a higher concentration of his trademark moments along the way—mostly the ones where he’s downright beaming. One example: A cat-and-mouse, highly-angled point between Alcaraz and Sinner yielded big laughs from both players. He was feeling it, again.

About that smile: It has become something of a signature for Alcaraz, whose affability and good sportsmanship have made him one of the most popular players on the men’s tour. Christopher Cleary, the multi-decade New York Times sports correspondent, wrote in his excellent newsletter, “Tennis & Beyond,” that Alcaraz is “tennis’s crowd pleaser in chief, filling stadiums and social media feeds.” Yet Cleary added (and this is another apprehension among some) that the player “sometimes makes things more spectacular than they need to be.” Alcaraz himself has said he can put on a bit of razzle-dazzle, knowing that the crowds want—and love—to see it.

What’s apparent, no matter how you feel about his melodrama, is that Alcaraz seems to know, reflexively, how to emit star power beyond his athleticism. He grins at the right moments, shouts when needed, and riles up audiences just when they want it most. It feels connective, and a far cry from some of the more tactical melodrama you’ll see on tour, like that of Medvedev or Novak Djokovic, who can almost incense the stands. It’s clear that Alcaraz has the God-given ability to nurture fame in addition to channeling his godlike physicality. “It’s an obligation we have to take, promoting our sport,” he says at Mandalay Bay. “We are not only tennis players. We need to take care of our sport, because it has given us so much.”

Speaking of tennis’s theatrical side: At Indian Wells, Netflix announced a docuseries solely around Alcaraz, with a premiere date in 2025. The company canceled Break Point (which featured multiple players), but the data gleaned from that vehicle undoubtedly informed the choice to green-light an Alcaraz-only project.

In Vegas, Netflix’s VP of sports, Gabe Spitzer, told me, “For us, the differentiator is that, with sports, we’re trying big to be an answer for casual fans or previously nonexistent fans.” MGM Resorts’ SVP of sports, Lance Evans, echoed the sentiment: “Carlos just has it, the it factor that appeals to a wider audience.” These sound bites underscore a broad belief in Carlos Alcaraz the celebrity as much as in Carlos Alcaraz the athlete. In fact, come to think of it, when we teed off at Shadow Creek, there were a number of cameras and crew filming us–they were there for the new doc, as it turns out.

After a few holes, I give up, as my godawful game is delaying the group. (Apparently, Alcaraz plays fast in every discipline.) Going into the day, I thought the outing would be pretty low-key, but I was clearly wrong. It’s actually pretty serious: Alcaraz is all boundless energy, hopping over boulders as he chases down the (very few) balls he hits wide of the fairway. When I try to make small talk, he mostly avoids it, saying he prefers to focus on the game. At one point, we talk about padel, the increasingly popular sport that’s taking the U.S. by storm but is well-established in Spain. (Think racquetball, tennis, and pickleball combined. Alcaraz has tried it.)

It’s clear that he’s there to contend, even if only against himself. This is where I see Alcaraz’s truest self shine through. It’s when he flashes his teeth—not in a friendly way, but as a glimpse of the mettle and compulsion therein. Golf may be the place where he tunes tennis out, but he does not turn off his inner competitor. He’s going for it, even if the stakes are merely talking points for when we’re back in the clubhouse.

It’s this intensity away from the lights that, I think, is the gas for Alcaraz’s engine on the court. Yes, he’s a charismatic, dazzling guy, yet beneath all of this is an instinctively vying, hyper-ambitious force of nature, as determined as the blizzard winds.

And if the result doesn’t go his way in the end?

“Well,” he says later, “it’s still hard to get rid of the smile.”

Nick Remsen is a Miami, FL-based writer covering fashion, culture, lifestyle and entertainment news for media outlets worldwide.

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Rafael Nadal shares message after practice session with Emil Ruusuvuori

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal continues to work on getting ready for his comeback as the former world No 1 thanked Emil Ruusuvuori for being his latest practice partner. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is returning to tennis in the first week of the new season at the Brisbane International.

After spending a week of training with Arthur Fils in Kuwait, Nadal returned home, where he has continued with his preparations for his comeback. Nadal's latest practice hit was 69th-ranked Ruusuvuori. "We continue with the training and thanks @EmilRuusuvuori for the practice," Nadal wrote on X.

Seguimos con los entrenamientos 💪🏻 and thanks @EmilRuusuvuori for the practice 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/hvNIrYlE5z — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 21, 2023

Coach on Nadal's return

After concluding their Kuwait trip, coach Carlos Moya revealed that Nadal looked much better than expected during his training block with Fils.

"He obviously knows that now he himself is still not at his best level, but that little by little he is going to acquire it. That's part of our job too. These days in Kuwait we have trained with Fils, and the truth is that it was very good, much better than he could have expected.

Rafa came there thinking that he was not going to be competitive, that he was not going to be up to the task and he leaves convinced that he may be," Moya told ATP Tour Espanol. Nadal may be looking great in practice but Moya admits he has certain concerns how things will look when the 37-year-old returns to playing actual matches. "Rafa's going to go from training, which he's doing very well, to competing.

It's impossible to have the same conditions in training as in a match. Playing the best of five sets, win, rest, return to court two days later ... That's the doubt I have right now, especially for a grand slam. But we have time.

If the Australian Open started tomorrow, it would be a real fear. There's still a month left, a tournament before in Brisbane, demanding training ... I think all of this will put him in a position to be able to endure it. But now that's my fear," Moya said.

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Rafael Nadal withdraws from BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells: What this means for his comeback

Just when it appeared Rafael Nadal really might return to competitive tennis before the clay court season, the 22-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells .

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament,” Nadal said in a statement released through the tournament. “Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here at Indian Wells. That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready.”

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In an accompanying statement, Tommy Haas, the tournament director, said, “We are disappointed that Rafa is unable to play in the BNP Paribas Open, but we wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon. He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future.”

That may be asking a lot given the tenuous nature of Nadal’s health.

On Sunday in Las Vegas, he played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz, collecting what tennis insiders estimate was a seven-figure fee to play in a match billed as the Netflix Slam at the MGM Resort. The Spanish duo played for the better part of two hours, and Nadal showed no outward signs of an injury, but exhibitions are exhibitions played at three-quarter speed at best.

The question remained whether Nadal would play his first-round match at Indian Wells against Milos Raonic of Canada on Thursday night.

That answer came Wednesday night, after more than a week of practice in California and plenty of golf in the desert.

It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells. Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here. That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practice and try to get ready. pic.twitter.com/gmvs5kfGO2 — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 7, 2024

“I have been working hard and practicing and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event,” Nadal said. “It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans. I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”

For more than a month, the smoke signals out of his camp have been all over the map, sparking predictions of everything from a triumphant spring on the red clay of Paris to him never playing another competitive match again following yet another hip injury in Australia in January.

Nadal appeared to be prioritizing the clay court season in Europe this spring, which he suggested was the case when he returned following a year-long layoff because of hip surgery.

He skipped the Australian Open once he suffered a small muscle tear near his hip three matches into his latest comeback. Logic suggested Nadal would wait until tennis returned to the organic surfaces that are far less taxing on the body and where a brittle, aging player like Nadal, who is 37, would have the best chance of staying healthy.

In the end, logic appears to have prevailed, after he fulfilled his contract with MGM and played the exhibition that was set up for last year, before he suffered the debilitating injury that sidelined him for nearly a year and may yet doom what he once hoped would be a kind of farewell tour throughout the tennis world.

Now the focus turns to the clay, Nadal’s best surface. He has won the French Open 14 times. There is a statue of him swatting his bull-whip forehand outside the main stadium. In recent years, Nadal has shut himself down after Indian Wells for roughly three weeks, to begin honing his timing and conditioning for two months of clay court tennis, where the timing and style of play is markedly different from hard courts. He will have a little extra time this year if in fact he can make it back for the first important clay tournament in Monte Carlo in early April.

Nadal had other incentives to come to Indian Wells. Larry Ellison, the billionaire founder of Oracle who owns the tournament, has become a friend and hosts Nadal at his private resort. That allows him to pursue his other passion, golf. He has been known to play 18 or even 36 holes a day during his time in the desert.

Now that he has pulled out of yet another tournament, there will be renewed discussion of when Nadal might call it quits for good. Last year, he seemed to have decided this season would be his last. Then he showed flashes of his old self during his three matches in Australia and got a taste of the competition he craves.

He has not committed to any hard-and-fast timetable since but he appears to want to play in the Olympic tournament at Roland Garros this summer, the site of the French Open. But he has also signed on to play an exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October with Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune. That setting would seem like an odd choice for his final matches.

The Davis Cup finals will take place in Spain one month later. Perhaps then? That is, assuming he can make it that far without risking another serious injury. So far, that has proven to be too big an ask.

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• Rafael Nadal is ready to play again. In America. On hard courts. Should he?

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Matthew Futterman is an award-winning veteran sports journalist and the author of two books, “Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed” and “Players: How Sports Became a Business.”Before coming to The Athletic in 2023, he worked for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Star-Ledger of New Jersey and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He is currently writing a book about tennis, "The Cruelest Game: Agony, Ecstasy and Near Death Experiences on the Pro Tennis Tour," to be published by Doubleday in 2026. Follow Matthew on Twitter @ mattfutterman

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Retegui's double earns Italy a 2-1 win over Venezuela

Two goals from Mateo Retegui gave Italy a 2-1 victory against Venezuela on Thursday in a friendly match at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

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Field hockey - Dinamo Elektrostal Moscow

Hockey Club Dinamo Elektrostal is a field hockey team from Russia, based in Moscow. The club was founded in 1994.

Dinamo Elektrostal Moscow - Results

2021/2022 2018/2019 2017/2018 2017 2015/2016 2013/2014 2011/2012 2007/2008

Men's Euro Hockey League - Final Round - 2021/2022

Dinamo elektrostal moscow - identity.

• Official name : Hockey Club Dinamo Elektrostal
• Country : Russia
• Location : Moscow
• Founded : 1994
• Wikipedia link : http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinamo_Elektrostal

Dinamo Elektrostal Moscow - Titles, trophies and places of honor

• Best result : First Round in 2021/2022
• Best result : 1st
• 1 times first in 2010
• 1 times second in 2009
• 1 times third in 2017

Postal Address

• © Info Média Conseil : 419 Rue Lemelin, St-François QC G0A3S0, Canada

Putin taunts the West with 'first ever' visit to remote ice-covered 'frontier region' just 55 miles from the US - as Zelensky tries to drum up war support in Lithuania

• Chukotka is Russia's easternmost region, sharing a maritime border with Alaska

President Vladimir Putin  has arrived for his first-ever presidential visit to Chukotka in Russia 's Far East - just 55 miles from the US state of Alaska . 

Putin arrived in Anadyr, the local capital of the Chukotka region this morning after flying from Moscow some nine time zones away. 

Chukotka is the easternmost region of Russia, with a maritime border on the Bering Strait with Alaska.

The Russian president was met in Anadyr by a motorcade and was whisked away in a limousine amid frigid temperatures of -28C. 

It's the closest he has come to US soil since he met with President  Barack Obama in New York City in 2015.

Chukotka is so close to Alaska that Roman Abramovich - the ex-Chelsea FC owner - was reported to fly to Anchorage in Alaska for lunch when he was the governor of the region from 2001 - 2008.

Putin's visit comes at a time when US-Russian relations are at their lowest ebb in decades amid the war in Ukraine and a growing East-West divide. 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today landed in Lithuania as part of an unannounced trip to the Baltic states to drum up more support for the conflict. 

Global war for control of the ARCTIC: Climate change is unlocking untapped natural resources, new trade routes... and a new international conflict that RUSSIA is already winning  

The three Baltic states - all former Soviet republics which are now EU and NATO members - are among Ukraine's staunchest allies.

'Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners. Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga,' Zelensky said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

'Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,' he said.

The Baltic tour marks Zelensky's first official trip abroad this year.

In Lithuania, a key donor to Ukraine, Zelensky said he will hold talks with the president, prime minister and the speaker of parliament, and meet with the Ukrainian community.

The visit comes as other Kyiv allies waver on fresh aid, nearly two years into Russia's invasion.

Ukraine has come under intense Russian shelling in recent weeks, retaliating with strikes on Russia's border city of Belgorod.

Zelensky has urged allies to keep military support flowing and held in-person talks with officials from the United States, Germany and Norway last month.

But an EU aid package worth 50 billion euros ($55 billion) has been stuck in Brussels following a veto by Hungary, while the US Congress remains divided on sending additional aid to Ukraine.

Following his trip to Chukotka, Putin is expected to visit several regions in the Russian Far East to boost his re-election campaign amid the war with Ukraine, which has seen more than 300,000 Russians killed or maimed.

He is due to stand in March, seeking another six years in the Kremlin.

The only Kremlin leader ever to travel to Chukotka previously was Dmitry Medvedev in 2008.

Putin's trip sees him escape a wave of ugly protests in western Russia over hundreds of thousands of people scraping by in freezing conditions due to breakdowns in communal heating supplies.

In Elektrostal, Moscow region, desperate residents say they have had no communal heating - which Russians routinely expect the state to supply usually through piped hot water - for the entire winter so far.

'We have been without heating since [9 October],' one resident said in a video circulating on Telegram.

'It is impossible to be in our homes… We are freezing! We are freezing! We are freezing!' they said. 

• Preplanned tours
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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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‘I can’t lie to myself’: Rafael Nadal forced to withdraw from Indian Wells

• Spaniard still not fit enough to compete ‘at highest level’
• Andy Murray breezes past David Goffin in the first round

Rafael Nadal says he has made the “tough” decision to withdraw from Indian Wells as he is not yet “ready to play at the highest level”.

The 22-time grand slam singles winner has been off the tour since suffering a muscle injury in Brisbane in January . He was set to mark his return with a first-round match at Indian Wells against Canada’s Milos Raonic on Friday. However, in a post on social media, the 37-year-old said he is not yet ready to compete.

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” he said. “Everyone knows how much I love this place and how much I love to play here. That’s also one of the reasons why I came very early to the desert to practise and try to get ready.

“I have been working hard and practising and you all know I took a test this weekend but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event. It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans. I will miss you all and I am sure the tournament will be a great success.”

Nadal has been replaced in the draw by India’s world No 101 Sumit Nagal. The Spaniard made his comeback at the Brisbane International in January after spending a year on the sidelines due to a long-term hip problem. The Spaniard sustained a muscle tear near his hip in his quarter-final defeat to Jordan Thompson , but scans revealed it was not in the same area.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray produced an accomplished display to beat David Goffin in straight sets and progress to the second round in Indian Wells. Murray had won his previous seven meetings with the Belgian, but entered this clash in poor form and revealed last week it was likely he would end his decorated tennis career this summer. The three-time grand-slam champion appeared rejuvenated after his announcement in Dubai and put in one of his best displays of the year to claim a routine 6-3 6-2 victory, which sets up a last-64 clash with Andrey Rublev.

In a nip-and-tuck first set, Murray had to be patient after a break point in Goffin’s opening service game was held before he was able to strike when 4-3 up. Murray claimed his first break of the match in the eighth game and sent down two aces to seal a 34-minute opener where he won the final 10 points.

The momentum was with the Briton and a double-fault by Goffin handed him an early advantage in the second set. The world No 61 continued to ask questions of Goffin’s serve and a second break arrived to put him on the verge of victory, which was sealed with an ace.

Compatriot Jack Draper suffered disappointment as he lost in three sets to Chris O’Connell.

• Rafael Nadal
• Andy Murray

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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