2026 ATP General News

[El Dude]

El Dude Safin is much more accomplished than Nalbandian , Is this Correct. Two Slams should get you in the Tennis HOF is the new criteria?

Yeah, Safin accomplished more - but I compared them as guys who were both underachievers. Super talented, but with careers somewhat less than their respective talents.

To be honest, I don't really follow the HOF or have a clear idea as to what constitutes a "Hall of Fame career." I know it is somewhere between Goran Ivanisevic (yes) and Pat Cash (no). But I also know it is very subjective, with lots of dubious calls. Ivanisevic but no Thomas Muster? Muster reached #1 and won a Slam, plus a ton of other titles. Yes, he was a clay-mostly guy, but still. he was comparable to Ivanisevic or Noah, in terms of career accomplishments.

 

[lomaha]

I guess few really care about DC! The US's play Czechia & we're 1-1; Shelton lost to Lehečka, but Tien defeated Menšík! Shelton, Shelton, Shelton! ;-)

I do... a crazy match between Holger and Grigor just ended in a tiebreaker in the final set. Holger really had to dig deep and was really tired in the end.
So now 2-2 and a final match between two youngsters.

 

[lomaha]

I do... a crazy match between Holger and Grigor just ended in a tiebreaker in the final set. Holger really had to dig deep and was really tired in the end.
So now 2-2 and a final match between two youngsters.

Mensik against Shelton is an exiting match... Denmark beat Bulgaria 3-2. Let's see if the Czechia can beat the US

 

[kskate2]

Mensik against Shelton is an exiting match... Denmark beat Bulgaria 3-2. Let's see if the Czechia can beat the US

They probably will. They have 2 pts because Ben is out there in his USO hangover losing winnable matches. 2-2. It will come down to Tien vs Lehecka in the live rubber.

 

[Fiero425]

They probably will. They have 2 pts because Ben is out there in his USO hangover losing winnable matches. 2-2. It will come down to Tien vs Lehecka in the live rubber.

Well it's over! I didn't see it, but Lehečka took care of Tien! So much pressure on this kid who's overperformed! Threw him to the wolves in DC.

 

[don_fabio]

I do... a crazy match between Holger and Grigor just ended in a tiebreaker in the final set. Holger really had to dig deep and was really tired in the end.
So now 2-2 and a final match between two youngsters.

It was really good to see Holger back. I watched most of the match and thought Holger is on a decent level after such a difficult injury and long lay off. Happy for him and hope he gets back to where he belongs, in the top 10.

 

[the AntiPusher]

They probably will. They have 2 pts because Ben is out there in his USO hangover losing winnable matches. 2-2. It will come down to Tien vs Lehecka in the live rubber.

The US had way too many other players like Paul and Frirz instead of running out two US Open worn about players like the two that played.

 

[Jelenafan]

Safin is an underachiever considering that with his skills/talents half a dozen Slam champs would not have been shocking.

 

[Jelenafan]

Interesting article post Rune/Dimitrov DC match:

Grigor Dimitrov has some advice for Holger Rune after he wins on his return to tennis after 11 months out

Holger Rune played in his first match in 11 months this week and won. It marked a triumphant moment for the Danish star, who was...

sports.yahoo.com

Dimitrov:

“In a way, I… This is f——- up, what I am going to say about myself, but I have been so fortunate throughout my career to never have anything major, up until some years ago and sometimes I kind of wish that I had a bigger obstacle earlier on in my career, just like Holger now.

"That's really my advice for him: to learn and grow from this experience. We learn and grow from pain; that's just life unfortunately, both on and off the court. That's why I tell you that I have no doubt that he will be a fantastic player. No doubt. The rest is entirely up to him."

Rune:

"I also think I appreciate playing tennis more now. I appreciate the life I have more. I have a unique opportunity to make a living from my dream simply by playing tennis. That also makes you mentally stronger, because if this can't break me, then nothing can.

"If I can come back stronger from this, then I can handle anything. There are no opponents on the court who can be as difficult as what I've just been through."

It’s weird, Grigor IMO has a point, but it’s not really something that is a predicator because there are so many cases of young players who get injured and never fully recover.

Of course as a huge Holger fan I’ve always thought he had the tools to be a champion….so
IF Rune has recovered and his priorities & perspectives have truly changed , then this can help him mentally, but again, time will tell.

 

[don_fabio]

IF Rune has recovered and his priorities & perspectives have truly changed , then this can help him mentally, but again, time will tell.

I can't agree more.

Pre-injury he looked like he wasn't trying hard enough and maybe this situation sparks something in him and his mindset. Grigor words make sense. Weird to hear a player say "I wished I had bigger injury earlier in my career". I guess what doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. A blessing in disguise.

Grigor's career does look more or less finished, but Holger might have plenty of bright days ahead. As you say, time will tell and his favorite part of the season (indoor) is approaching.