Flashback Series – Pete Sampras vs Lleyton Hewitt 2000 US Open Semifinal

 

Today, we review the 2000 semifinal US Open semifinal: Pete Sampras vs Lleyton Hewitt. Two players who provided a great contrast in styles of play, an era where this was possible; and welcomed. Hewitt was the precocious teenager possessing bundles of energy, with the knack of annoying senior pros. Hewitt was loud and in the face of his opponents a lot. In fact, it was reported in 2000 that several Spanish players had threatened to punch him out in the locker room.

 

https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/09/09/sampras-vs-hewitt-2000-us-open-semifinal/

The Story Behind The Big Three’s Grand Slam Race

The last three Grand Slam winners have a familiar ring to it. Rafael Nadal won the first two (Australian and French Open), whilst Novak Djokovic recently won Wimbledon. To put this is in perspective; Nadal won his first French Open in 2005 and Djokovic his first Australian Open in 2008. This is unprecedented domination and despite the fact that they are currently 35 and 36 years old, there is no sign of this coming to an end, with their ‘Grand Slam Race’ only hotting up.

https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/07/30/big-three-grand-slam-race/

The 2022 Wimbledon Contenders

The French Open is over for another year. A familiar winner was crowned in Rafael Nadal and now all eyes turn to Wimbledon. This year, Russian and Belarusian players are banned from Wimbledon, with the ITF, ATP and WTA removing ranking points from the event as a result. This puts Wimbledon in new territory, leaving players to play for prize money and prestige, but not the all-important ranking points. But, unsurprisingly, the field will still be very strong. Here’s a look at some of the leading contenders.

https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/06/14/2022-wimbledon-contenders/

The 2022 French Open contenders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s that time of year again. Spring is here, COVID restrictions are loosening, and the 2022 French Open is almost upon us! A perfect time to take a look at the contenders.

 https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2022/05/21/the-2022-french-open-contenders/

Five Crazy WTA Moments in 2021

 

The tennis season is over and 2022 is around the corner. The WTA Tour was, as usual, full of flux and drama this year. Here’s a look back at five of the most surprising and shocking moments of the season:

https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2021/12/22/five-crazy-wta-moments-2021/

Pete Sampras – The Right Hander who Played like a Left Hander

 

There were some fantastic matches during the 2021 US Open. One of the stars of the tournament was Leylah Fernandez, who wowed crowds with her crafty game and competitive spirit.  Every match Fernandez was involved in had drama, including the final.

The quarterfinal match against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina caught my eye. However, not for reasons I imagined. Fernandez’s running crosscourt forehand in particular left me thinking, the shot reminds me of another player. Then it dawned, Leylah Fernandez’s crosscourt forehand reminded me of Pete Sampras’ crosscourt forehand!

https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2021/10/06/pete-sampras-the-right-hander-who-played-like-a-left-hander/

Crossroads for Stefanos Tsitsipas

 

It has been a strange week for Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open.

 In three rounds of tennis, Tsitsipas played two five-set blockbusters lasting over four hours each, sandwiched by a four setter. The way those matches played out and ultimate defeat to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz leaves Tsitsipas at an undoubted crossroads.

Read on....https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/2021/09/05/crossroads-for-stefanos-tsitsipas/