Before the 1970s, tennis balls were traditionally white or even black, depending on the playing surface. However, this changed due to the rise of television broadcasting and the need for better visibility. Why Did Tennis Balls Change to Yellow?In 1972, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) introduced optic yellow balls to make them more visible...
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Tennis courts come in all shapes, sizes, and locations! Here are some of the most unique and fascinating tennis courts in the world: 1. Highest Tennis Court – Burj Al Arab, DubaiThe highest tennis court in the world is on the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, sitting at 650 feet (200 meters) above the ground.In 2005, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi playe...
As of 2025, the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in tennis is held by Novak Djokovic in the men's category and Margaret Court in the women's category, both with 24 Grand Slam titles. Men's Singles Novak Djokovic has established himself as the most successful male tennis player in Grand Slam history. Over the years, he has consistently ...
The longest professional tennis match in history took place at Wimbledon 2010 between John Isner (USA) and Nicolas Mahut (France). Their epic first-round battle lasted a staggering 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days! Match Details: ? Tournament: Wimbledon (1st Round)? Dates: June 22–24, 2010⏳ Total Duration: 11 hours, 5 minutes? Final Score: Is...
The backhand is one of the most important shots in tennis, and some players have become famous for their incredible backhands. Here's a list of some of the best backhands in tennis history, known for their versatility, power, and precision: 1. Roger FedererStyle: One-handed backhandWhy it's the best:Federer's backhand is one of the most aesthetical...
Good footwork is essential to improve your movement, positioning, and shot quality on the tennis court. Here are some key footwork tips to help you move efficiently and play at your best: 1. Stay Low and BalancedKnee Bend: Always maintain a slight bend in your knees to lower your center of gravity. This helps with balance and quick reactions.Weight...
Objective: To improve serve placement, consistency, and the ability to target specific areas of the service box. Setup:Divide each service box into four quadrants using cones, chalk, or visual markers.Have several tennis balls ready for continuous practice.How to Perform:Stand behind the baseline and prepare to serve as you normally would.Aim to pl...
The Australian Open has delivered countless unforgettable moments over the years. From legendary comebacks to record-breaking performances, these highlights showcase the grit, talent, and drama that make the tournament so special. 1. Nadal's Marathon Win Over Medvedev (2022)What Happened: Rafael Nadal came back from two sets down to defeat Daniil M...
Drills are a crucial part of improving your tennis skills, as they focus on specific aspects of your game and build muscle memory. Here are some effective drills to incorporate into your training: 1. Cross-Court Rally DrillObjective: Improve consistency and control.How to Do It: Rally with a partner, keeping the ball cross-court. Focus on maintaini...
The approach shot is critical when transitioning from baseline play to the net. This drill helps improve your ability to move forward and execute a solid shot while preparing for a volley or overhead. Here's how to do it: Objective: To practice hitting an effective approach shot and transitioning to the net for a volley. How to Perform the Drill:St...
Racquetball Tips for Improving Your Game 1. Focus on Your Stance Stay in a low, athletic stance with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart to react quickly to shots.2. Master the Ceiling ShotUse ceiling shots to reset the rally and move your opponent to the back of the court. This buys you time to regain position.3. Learn to Serve StrategicallyM...
Your grip pressure directly influences your control, power, and feel on the court. Learning how to adjust it depending on the situation can elevate your game: Loose Grip for Spin and ControlKeep your grip relaxed when hitting shots that require finesse, such as slices, drop shots, or topspin-heavy strokes. A lighter grip allows the racquet to flow ...
Controlling the pace of the game is a crucial skill that can give you the upper hand over your opponent. Here's how you can manage the tempo effectively: 1. Vary Your ShotsChange the Speed: Alternate between fast smashes and slow drop shots to disrupt your opponent's rhythm.Mix High and Low: Use clears to push them to the backcourt, followed by a d...
The open stance is a modern tennis technique used primarily for forehands and sometimes backhands. It allows players to hit powerful and efficient shots while maintaining balance and preparing for quick recovery. Here's a breakdown of the open stance and tips to incorporate it into your game: What is the Open Stance?In the open stance, your body fa...
In pickleball, strategy and control often outweigh sheer power. Here's how to play smarter for better results: 1. Focus on PlacementAim for the open spaces or corners of the court to force your opponent to move.Hitting deep shots keeps opponents back, while angled shots can pull them out of position.2. Stay Patient in RalliesAvoid trying to win the...
Keeping your eyes on the ball is one of the most essential skills in tennis. It ensures accurate timing, better contact, and improved shot placement. Here's how to master this critical aspect of the game: 1. Focus From Start to FinishWatch the ball as it leaves your opponent's racket.Track its spin, speed, and trajectory as it moves toward you.Keep...
The Serve and Return Drill is a foundational exercise to enhance both serving accuracy and returning skills. It's a dynamic drill suitable for players of all skill levels, as it targets two of the most critical aspects of the game. Drill ObjectiveImprove serve placement and consistency.Practice reading and effectively returning serves.Develop match...
The seventh edition of the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF get underway Wednesday in Jeddah, pitting the world’s eight best 20-and-under players against each other in a fight for glory.
With the aim of showcasing the promising talent on offer in the tennis world, the innovative event has acted as a stepping stone for some of the sport’s brightest stars. Ahead of the tournament, ATPTour.com revisits the six previous champions and examines where they are now.
[ATP APP]2017 Hyeon Chung
Hyeon Chung took the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF by storm with his undefeated run to the title. After a short offseason, it felt as if the South Korean was already headed for further stardom when he produced an inspired campaign at the Australian Open, notching a momentous win over Novak Djokovic en route to the semi-finals.
Yet Chung’s promising form was cut short as he grappled with injury in the years that followed, ultimately leading to a two-year hiatus between 2020 and 2023. Last year, Chung returned to action on the ATP Challenger Tour and ITF Tours.
2018 Stefanos Tsitsipas
Having already made a name for himself by climbing inside the Top 15 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Stefanos Tsitsipas further cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest prospects with his performance at the 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
American tennis is experiencing a renaissance, with the current generation of talent making waves on the global stage. Taylor Fritz capped off a stellar year by finishing No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings, highlighted by a career-best run to the US Open final. Meanwhile, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Sebastian Korda all finished the season in the Top 25, solidifying the U.S.'s presence at the top of the men's game.
This week, the spotlight shifts to the next wave of American men as three rising stars — Alex Michelsen, Learner Tien, and Nishesh Basavareddy — take centre stage at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah. For the first time in tournament history, three American players are set to compete together at this prestigious event.
While this marks the trio’s first appearance together at a tour-level event, they are far from strangers. All three players grew up in California, where their paths crossed frequently in junior competitions. Over the years, they developed fierce rivalries, but also built strong friendships that have stood the test of time.
“I remember playing Nishesh when I was 10, and he lived just 20 minutes from me,” Michelsen recalled with a smile to ATPTour.com. “We would play a lot, and it was always tight—either I’d win or he’d beat me in a match tie-break. With Learner, it was a different story. He was always a step ahead, even when he was younger. When he showed up at tournaments, we all knew he was the one to beat.”
Basavareddy has similar memories of his early encounters with Tien.

Before the eight 20-and-under players compete in the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, they participated in a fun-filled media day. All photo credits belong to Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour.
The field of eight gathers for the official group photo for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
Close friends Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen share a laugh.
China's Shang Juncheng is seeded fourth in Jeddah.
Arthur Fils and Nishesh Basavareddy during Media Day.










