Novak Djokovic can now add the "Comeback Player of the Year" award to his vast collection of honours and the Serb can complete his remarkable resurgence by winning a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP Finals next week.

When Djokovic began the year outside the top 10 in the ATP rankings and battling the elbow injury that sidelined him for the second half of 2017, few imagined he would arrive for the season-ender in London back as leader of the pack.

But the 31-year-old will end the year as number one, having slumped to a 12-year low of 22 in May.

Rafael Nadal's hopes of clinging to top spot ended when he pulled out of the ATP Finals with abdominal and ankle injuries while Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro misses out with a knee injury having qualified for the first time since 2013.

Six of the world's top eight are present though including perennial London favourite Roger Federer who, aged 37, will be appearing at the ATP showpiece for the 16th time looking for a seventh title and a first since 2011.

He marked down Djokovic as the favourite during his pre-tournament news conference on Friday.

"It's really only Novak who can say 'If I play as well as I have the last three months then maybe I can win the ATP Finals as well'," the Swiss, who begins in Lleyton Hewitt group against Japan's Kei Nishikori on Sunday, told reporters.

"But that's never a given because best-of-three-set matches indoors, the margins are slimmer and it can slip fast."

Djokovic looks the man most likely to deny Federer a 100th Tour title, having resumed the dominance he displayed in 2011, 2015 and 2016.

After admitting he returned too soon from elbow surgery in February, his game clicked into gear at Wimbledon where he beat Nadal in a classic semi-final then swept past Kevin Anderson to the title.

'ULTIMATE CHALLENGE'

He posted a 22-match winning streak from Cincinatti to the Paris Masters, taking in the U.S. Open where he beat Del Potro to earn his 14th Grand Slam title and go equal third on the all-time list with Pete Sampras, behind only Nadal and Federer.

"Being (ranked) number one is probably the ultimate challenge in our sport and the pinnacle of the season," Djokovic, voted by his fellow professionals as the Comeback Player of the Year, told reporters.

"It's extra special this season because of the whole journey I've been through the past 15 months, particularly the last eight months, after surgery in February.

"Quite incredible, not just that I was ranked 22. I never thought it was impossible but I thought it might take more time. It turned out to be a perfect five months."

Djokovic heads the Gustavo Kuerten group and will begin against big-serving American debutant John Isner on Monday before tackling German wunderkind Alexander Zverev, making his second appearance, and Croatian powerhouse Marin Cilic.

Isner hopes to make a similar impact to compatriot Jack Sock, who reached the semis on his debut last year before losing to eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov.

"It means a lot to be here," Isner said. "Been pretty close throughout my career, but it never happened."

On facing Djokovic first up, he said: "I'm up against it for sure. He's had an incredible second half to the year. I don't have much to lose, so I'll play loose and free."

Anderson is the other debutant and will become the first South African in 23 years to grace the season-ender.

He opens play in Hewitt group on Sunday against French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem.

Novak Djokovic can now add the "Comeback Player of the Year" award to his vast collection of honours and the Serb can complete his remarkable resurgence by winning a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP Finals next week.

Novak Djokovic can now add the "Comeback Player of the Year" award to his vast collection of honours and the Serb can complete his remarkable resurgence by winning a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP Finals next week. When Djokovic began the year outside the top 10 in the ATP rankings and battling the elbow injury that sidelined him for the second half of 2017, few imagined he would arrive for the season-ender in London back as leader of the pack. But the 31-year-old will end the year as number one, having slumped to a 12-year low of 22 in May. Rafael Nadal's hopes of clinging to top spot ended when he pulled out of the ATP Finals with abdominal and ankle injuries while Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro misses out with a knee injury having qualified for the first time since 2013. Six of the world's top eight are present though including perennial London favourite Roger Federer who, aged 37, will be appearing at the ATP showpiece for the 16th time looking for a seventh title and a first since 2011. He marked down Djokovic as the favourite during his pre-tournament news conference on Friday. "It's really only Novak who can say 'If I play as well as I have the last three months then maybe I can win the ATP Finals as well'," the Swiss, who begins in Lleyton Hewitt group against Japan's Kei Nishikori on Sunday, told reporters. "But that's never a given because best-of-three-set matches indoors, the margins are slimmer and it can slip fast." Djokovic looks the man most likely to deny Federer a 100th Tour title, having resumed the dominance he displayed in 2011, 2015 and 2016. After admitting he returned too soon from elbow surgery in February, his game clicked into gear at Wimbledon where he beat Nadal in a classic semi-final then swept past Kevin Anderson to the title. 'ULTIMATE CHALLENGE' He posted a 22-match winning streak from Cincinatti to the Paris Masters, taking in the U.S. Open where he beat Del Potro to earn his 14th Grand Slam title and go equal third on the all-time list with Pete Sampras, behind only Nadal and Federer. "Being (ranked) number one is probably the ultimate challenge in our sport and the pinnacle of the season," Djokovic, voted by his fellow professionals as the Comeback Player of the Year, told reporters. "It's extra special this season because of the whole journey I've been through the past 15 months, particularly the last eight months, after surgery in February. "Quite incredible, not just that I was ranked 22. I never thought it was impossible but I thought it might take more time. It turned out to be a perfect five months." Djokovic heads the Gustavo Kuerten group and will begin against big-serving American debutant John Isner on Monday before tackling German wunderkind Alexander Zverev, making his second appearance, and Croatian powerhouse Marin Cilic. Isner hopes to make a similar impact to compatriot Jack Sock, who reached the semis on his debut last year before losing to eventual champion Grigor Dimitrov. "It means a lot to be here," Isner said. "Been pretty close throughout my career, but it never happened." On facing Djokovic first up, he said: "I'm up against it for sure. He's had an incredible second half to the year. I don't have much to lose, so I'll play loose and free." Anderson is the other debutant and will become the first South African in 23 years to grace the season-ender. He opens play in Hewitt group on Sunday against French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic eyes sixth ATP Finals crown

Russia's Karen Khachanov demolished fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Friday to power into the last four of the Paris Masters.

Khachanov, the winner at last month's Kremlin Cup in Moscow, will meet either defending champion Jack Sock or Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the final.

World number 18 Khachanov saved two match points against John Isner in the last 16 but needed just over an hour to dispatch an out-of-sorts Zverev, who dropped his serve six times in eight games.&nbsp;

Four-time Paris champion Novak Djokovic takes on Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals later on Friday, while Roger Federer will meet Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Djokovic will replace Rafael Nadal as the world's top player on Monday after a two-year absence.

Meanwhile, Federer, 37, is three wins away from his 100th career title after triumphing on home ground in Basel last week.

Russia's Karen Khachanov demolished fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Friday to power into the last four of the Paris Masters. Khachanov, the winner at last month's Kremlin Cup in Moscow, will meet either defending champion Jack Sock or Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the final.

Russia's Karen Khachanov demolished fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Friday to power into the last four of the Paris Masters. Khachanov, the winner at last month's Kremlin Cup in Moscow, will meet either defending champion Jack Sock or Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the final. World number 18 Khachanov saved two match points against John Isner in the last 16 but needed just over an hour to dispatch an out-of-sorts Zverev, who dropped his serve six times in eight games. Four-time Paris champion Novak Djokovic takes on Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals later on Friday, while Roger Federer will meet Japan's Kei Nishikori. Djokovic will replace Rafael Nadal as the world's top player on Monday after a two-year absence. Meanwhile, Federer, 37, is three wins away from his 100th career title after triumphing on home ground in Basel last week.

Karen Khachanov defeats Alexander Zverev to enter Paris semis

World number three Roger Federer beat Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 7-6(5), 6-4 to win the Swiss Indoors on Sunday and claim his 99th career title in front of his home crowd in Basel.

Federer began the year by winning the Australian Open and his ninth Basel title was his fourth of the season but the first since his victory in Stuttgart in June.

The Swiss top seed was made to work hard by the fearless Copil, whose path to the final included wins over world number six Marin Cilic and number five Alexander Zverev.

The 28-year-old broke Federer's serve early in the match but the Swiss recovered to force a tiebreak that he needed every bit of his vast experience to win.

Copil stormed out of the blocks in the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead before Federer got on the scoreboard, but the Swiss kept a level head to reel his opponent back in before breaking serve to take a 5-4 lead in the second set.

He closed out the victory in one hour, 34 minutes for his fourth consecutive title in Basel to draw within one of his century.

American Jimmy Connors (109) is the only player to have won more than 100 career titles in the professional era.

Despite being broken twice by world number 93 Copil, Federer was never truly in danger, striking 22 winners and winning 32 out of 34 first-serve points.

Copil made 31 unforced errors and crumbled when the pressure was highest, allowing Federer to recover from a break down in the second set and win the last five games as the Romanian's challenge ran out of steam.

World number three Roger Federer beat Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 7-6(5), 6-4 to win the Swiss Indoors on Sunday and claim his 99th career title in front of his home crowd in Basel.

World number three Roger Federer beat Romanian qualifier Marius Copil 7-6(5), 6-4 to win the Swiss Indoors on Sunday and claim his 99th career title in front of his home crowd in Basel. Federer began the year by winning the Australian Open and his ninth Basel title was his fourth of the season but the first since his victory in Stuttgart in June. The Swiss top seed was made to work hard by the fearless Copil, whose path to the final included wins over world number six Marin Cilic and number five Alexander Zverev. The 28-year-old broke Federer's serve early in the match but the Swiss recovered to force a tiebreak that he needed every bit of his vast experience to win. Copil stormed out of the blocks in the second set, racing into a 3-0 lead before Federer got on the scoreboard, but the Swiss kept a level head to reel his opponent back in before breaking serve to take a 5-4 lead in the second set. He closed out the victory in one hour, 34 minutes for his fourth consecutive title in Basel to draw within one of his century. American Jimmy Connors (109) is the only player to have won more than 100 career titles in the professional era. Despite being broken twice by world number 93 Copil, Federer was never truly in danger, striking 22 winners and winning 32 out of 34 first-serve points. Copil made 31 unforced errors and crumbled when the pressure was highest, allowing Federer to recover from a break down in the second set and win the last five games as the Romanian's challenge ran out of steam.

Roger Federer wins Swiss Indoors, claims 99th tournament victory

Australian Nick Kyrgios has called time on his season after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup on Thursday with a recurrence of an elbow injury.

Kyrgios, seeded fifth at the Moscow event, had been due to face Bosnia-Herzegovina's Mirza Basic.

"Sorry guys, I won't be able to play today, this evening, it is obviously very unfortunate, dealing with ongoing elbow injury," he told the tournament website https://kremlincup.ru.

"It started to bother me a little bit this week. I am going to choose to wrap up my season and to go home. I will start a recovery and see you in 2019."

The return of Kyrgios' elbow injury marks a disappointing end to another eventful season for the 23-year-old who has slid to 37th in the ATP rankings.

He began the year by winning his first title on home soil in Brisbane and made a strong run at the Australian Open where he made the last 16, losing to Grigor Dimitrov.

Injury forced Kyrgios to miss the French Open while at the U.S. Open he was involved in a bizarre incident in which he received a "pep talk" over his performance from chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani during his second-round win over Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Kyrgios, who has been accused of 'tanking' in the past, was involved in another row at the Shanghai Masters this month when his display during a shock defeat by Bradley Klahn was branded "borderline" by umpire Damien Dumusois.

Australian Nick Kyrgios has called time on his season after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup on Thursday with a recurrence of an elbow injury. Kyrgios, seeded fifth at the Moscow event, had been due to face Bosnia-Herzegovina's Mirza Basic.

Australian Nick Kyrgios has called time on his season after pulling out of the Kremlin Cup on Thursday with a recurrence of an elbow injury. Kyrgios, seeded fifth at the Moscow event, had been due to face Bosnia-Herzegovina's Mirza Basic. "Sorry guys, I won't be able to play today, this evening, it is obviously very unfortunate, dealing with ongoing elbow injury," he told the tournament website https://kremlincup.ru. "It started to bother me a little bit this week. I am going to choose to wrap up my season and to go home. I will start a recovery and see you in 2019." The return of Kyrgios' elbow injury marks a disappointing end to another eventful season for the 23-year-old who has slid to 37th in the ATP rankings. He began the year by winning his first title on home soil in Brisbane and made a strong run at the Australian Open where he made the last 16, losing to Grigor Dimitrov. Injury forced Kyrgios to miss the French Open while at the U.S. Open he was involved in a bizarre incident in which he received a "pep talk" over his performance from chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani during his second-round win over Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Kyrgios, who has been accused of 'tanking' in the past, was involved in another row at the Shanghai Masters this month when his display during a shock defeat by Bradley Klahn was branded "borderline" by umpire Damien Dumusois.

Nick Kyrgios ends season after pulling out of Kremlin Cup

This week, Roger Federer became world number 1 in ATP ranking yet again, the fifth time in his career. He dethroned Rafael Nadal from the summit position. Earlier this year, Federer won Australian Open (his record 20th Grand Slam) and subsequently became world number one after a gap of more than five years.

When I look at these pieces of information, the mind goes numb. This is simply crazy as Federer won his first Grand Slam way back in 2003 and Nadal in 2005 and one-and-a-half decades down the line these two are still (or say again) ruling the roost.

Tennis is a demanding business and if you are even iota short of your best form and fitness, the downfall is imminent. In this scenario, the run of these two greats is no less than a miracle.

Actually, It has been a while now that men's Tennis is waiting for the next big superstar. Novak Djokovic was the last of the series (as I would not include Andy Murray and Sten Wawrinka in that top league).

In Tennis, legends mark their arrival with a big thud. The announcement of their arrival is usually loud, clear and unequivocal.

I remember in 1985, teenaged Boris Becker won Wimbledon. Similarly, Pete Sampras won US Open in 1990 - Andre Agassi won Wimbledon in 1992 - Federer announced his arrival by defeating Sampras in 2001 Wimbledon - Nadal as a 19-year-old boy won French Open in 2005.

These legends embarked upon an incredible journey after their first noticeable victory as mentioned above. Some though proved to a damp squib after their impressive start. Michael Chang, Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick are few such names.

Last time such thud was created by Djokovic in 2008 when he won Australian Open and certainly he is a legend of the game with 12 Grand Slams.

So it has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar. In the history of Tennis, this gap is truly unparalleled. It is well manifested in the arrival of legends in the past - John McEnroe (1981), Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg (1985), Pete Sampras (1990), Andre Agassi (1992), Roger Federer (2001), Nadal (2005) and Djokovic (2008) and then there is a wait since 2008.

Fraternity believed that German Alexander Zverev could be the next possible superstar but so far he hasn't delivered a decisive impact. When Juan Martín del Potro won US Open, he was a potential next big name but he couldn’t really deliver the punch. Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, who is just 19 years of age, can potentially be the next big name but time only will tell that how far he goes. As such Shapovalov was impressive in Australian Open this year. He is tough competitor, big server and like Federer possess a strong single handed backhand.

But the whole credit of the situation goes to Federer & Nadal (and Djokovic as well). In a sport like Tennis, which evolves very fast it is simply incredible to compete and rule among players of different generations. The best of Tennis players in the past could hold their sway normally for a decade but Federer and Nadal are on the horizon for 15 years now. If Federer won the first Grand Slam of the year, it is Nadal who is favourite for the second Grand Slam of the year. It is French Open which would start in two weeks' time.

As two of the greatest players of all times are still ruling the scene after 12-15 years, time is ripe for men's tennis to have its next superstar.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar.

This week, Roger Federer became world number 1 in ATP ranking yet again, the fifth time in his career. He dethroned Rafael Nadal from the summit position. Earlier this year, Federer won Australian Open (his record 20th Grand Slam) and subsequently became world number one after a gap of more than five years. When I look at these pieces of information, the mind goes numb. This is simply crazy as Federer won his first Grand Slam way back in 2003 and Nadal in 2005 and one-and-a-half decades down the line these two are still (or say again) ruling the roost. Tennis is a demanding business and if you are even iota short of your best form and fitness, the downfall is imminent. In this scenario, the run of these two greats is no less than a miracle. Actually, It has been a while now that men's Tennis is waiting for the next big superstar. Novak Djokovic was the last of the series (as I would not include Andy Murray and Sten Wawrinka in that top league). In Tennis, legends mark their arrival with a big thud. The announcement of their arrival is usually loud, clear and unequivocal. I remember in 1985, teenaged Boris Becker won Wimbledon. Similarly, Pete Sampras won US Open in 1990 - Andre Agassi won Wimbledon in 1992 - Federer announced his arrival by defeating Sampras in 2001 Wimbledon - Nadal as a 19-year-old boy won French Open in 2005. These legends embarked upon an incredible journey after their first noticeable victory as mentioned above. Some though proved to a damp squib after their impressive start. Michael Chang, Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick are few such names. Last time such thud was created by Djokovic in 2008 when he won Australian Open and certainly he is a legend of the game with 12 Grand Slams. So it has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar. In the history of Tennis, this gap is truly unparalleled. It is well manifested in the arrival of legends in the past - John McEnroe (1981), Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg (1985), Pete Sampras (1990), Andre Agassi (1992), Roger Federer (2001), Nadal (2005) and Djokovic (2008) and then there is a wait since 2008. Fraternity believed that German Alexander Zverev could be the next possible superstar but so far he hasn't delivered a decisive impact. When Juan Martín del Potro won US Open, he was a potential next big name but he couldn’t really deliver the punch. Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, who is just 19 years of age, can potentially be the next big name but time only will tell that how far he goes. As such Shapovalov was impressive in Australian Open this year. He is tough competitor, big server and like Federer possess a strong single handed backhand. But the whole credit of the situation goes to Federer & Nadal (and Djokovic as well). In a sport like Tennis, which evolves very fast it is simply incredible to compete and rule among players of different generations. The best of Tennis players in the past could hold their sway normally for a decade but Federer and Nadal are on the horizon for 15 years now. If Federer won the first Grand Slam of the year, it is Nadal who is favourite for the second Grand Slam of the year. It is French Open which would start in two weeks' time. As two of the greatest players of all times are still ruling the scene after 12-15 years, time is ripe for men's tennis to have its next superstar. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: After Nadal & Federer, who will be the next ATP superstar?

Roberto Bautista Agut his second Auckland title and&nbsp;received a big confidence boost going into the Australian Open when he beat Juan Martin del Potro in three sets in the ATP Auckland Classic final on Saturday.

The Spanish fifth seed added to his 2016 crown with a 6-1 4-6 7-5 success over Del Potro in two hours, seven minutes.

Del Potro, who had not dropped a set all week, was unable to hold serve once in the first set as the Spaniard fought his way to a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 win.

Both players are seeded in the Australian Open with del Potro 12th and Bautista Agut 20th but it was the Spaniard who was in command in Auckland.

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Make that two-time ASB Classic ????! Roberto Bautista Agut wins his third consecutive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATP</a> final, d. Del Potro in Auckland. 
 
Read More: <a href="https://t.co/hVdIe5nvUg">https://t.co/hVdIe5nvUg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATP</a> <a href="https://t.co/RjWaKkT9bb">pic.twitter.com/RjWaKkT9bb</a>
&mdash; ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPWorldTour/status/952040826653245440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He targeted the Argentinian&#39;s backhand with confidence and when he switched to the forehand court del Potro&#39;s return placement was off in the first set.

But in the second set, Del Potro regained his touch and broke Bautista Agut for the first time at 5-4 to take the set.

The final set remained with serve until Bautista Agut broke at 5-5 and then served for the match.

Del Potro ready for Melbourne despite Auckland loss he said after the match, &quot;I played well and I&#39;m looking forward to doing well in Melbourne. It&#39;s a big event for me, another Grand Slam which is amazing after all my wrist problems,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Spanish fifth seed Roberto Bautista Agut claimed his second Auckland Open title with a win over Juan Martin del Potro in the finals

Roberto Bautista Agut his second Auckland title and received a big confidence boost going into the Australian Open when he beat Juan Martin del Potro in three sets in the ATP Auckland Classic final on Saturday. The Spanish fifth seed added to his 2016 crown with a 6-1 4-6 7-5 success over Del Potro in two hours, seven minutes. Del Potro, who had not dropped a set all week, was unable to hold serve once in the first set as the Spaniard fought his way to a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 win. Both players are seeded in the Australian Open with del Potro 12th and Bautista Agut 20th but it was the Spaniard who was in command in Auckland. Make that two-time ASB Classic ????! Roberto Bautista Agut wins his third consecutive #ATP final, d. Del Potro in Auckland. Read More: https://t.co/hVdIe5nvUg #ATP pic.twitter.com/RjWaKkT9bb — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) January 13, 2018 × He targeted the Argentinian's backhand with confidence and when he switched to the forehand court del Potro's return placement was off in the first set. But in the second set, Del Potro regained his touch and broke Bautista Agut for the first time at 5-4 to take the set. The final set remained with serve until Bautista Agut broke at 5-5 and then served for the match. Del Potro ready for Melbourne despite Auckland loss he said after the match, "I played well and I'm looking forward to doing well in Melbourne. It's a big event for me, another Grand Slam which is amazing after all my wrist problems," he said.

Tennis player Roberto Bautista claims Auckland title after defeating Juan del Porto

Injured Japanese star Kei Nishikori pulled out of the Australian Open, while Novak Djokovic says he will test his problem elbow&nbsp;before deciding whether to play.

Asian number one Nishikori has been struggling because&nbsp;of a&nbsp;torn tendon in his right wrist.

&quot;I am very sorry to announce that I will miss the Aussie Open this year, The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam ... it&#39;s my &#39;home&#39; Slam,&quot; said&nbsp;Nishikori.

&quot;It&#39;s the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams, and it hurts that I will have to miss it this year. My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100 percent to come back yet in best of five set matches.&quot;

Nishikori is not the only leading player struggling with injury, with a who&#39;s who of the top names in the game battling to be fit for Melbourne Park.

Former world number one Djokovic hasn&#39;t played since a right elbow issue forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals in July,&nbsp;Svetlana Kuznetsova is already out.

Another former number one, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-murray-out-of-brisbane-event-with-hip-injury-28326">Andy Murray, is also struggling and withdrew</a> from this week&#39;s Brisbane International as he works to overcome a right hip injury which has sidelined him since Wimbledon.

&quot;Sadly I won&#39;t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,&quot; Murray said in a statement.

Also returning from injury but set to play at the Grand Slam are Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic.

World number one Rafael Nadal, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, pulled out of Brisbane with a knee injury, but the Spaniard has said he still intends to be on the court at the Australian Open.

&nbsp;

Earlier, Andy Murry and Svetlana Kuznetsova was out and now, Kei Nishikori pulled out of Aussie Open and Djokovic is struggling

Injured Japanese star Kei Nishikori pulled out of the Australian Open, while Novak Djokovic says he will test his problem elbow before deciding whether to play. Asian number one Nishikori has been struggling because of a torn tendon in his right wrist. "I am very sorry to announce that I will miss the Aussie Open this year, The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam ... it's my 'home' Slam," said Nishikori. "It's the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams, and it hurts that I will have to miss it this year. My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100 percent to come back yet in best of five set matches." Nishikori is not the only leading player struggling with injury, with a who's who of the top names in the game battling to be fit for Melbourne Park. Former world number one Djokovic hasn't played since a right elbow issue forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals in July, Svetlana Kuznetsova is already out. Another former number one, Andy Murray, is also struggling and withdrew from this week's Brisbane International as he works to overcome a right hip injury which has sidelined him since Wimbledon. "Sadly I won't be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete," Murray said in a statement. Also returning from injury but set to play at the Grand Slam are Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic. World number one Rafael Nadal, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, pulled out of Brisbane with a knee injury, but the Spaniard has said he still intends to be on the court at the Australian Open.

Australian Open: Tennis 'stars' not shining brightly due to injuries

John&nbsp;McEnroe&nbsp;says the ATP Tour must consider reviewing its schedule in a bid to cut down on injuries after Canadian Milos Raonic joined the list of top players sitting out the U.S. Open.

While Raonic (wrist) is expected to rejoin the Tour later in the year, the three other high-profile absentees from Flushing Meadows, Novak Djokovic (elbow), Kei Nishikori (wrist) and Stan Wawrinka (knee), have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Seven-time grand slam winner&nbsp;McEnroe&nbsp;said players had become more prone to injuries as the game evolved over the years and said officials should take another look at the schedule to see if they can lighten the load.

&quot;They have worked over the years to get it down to nine or 10 months,&quot;&nbsp;McEnroe&nbsp;told ESPN. &quot;I think perhaps they would be better served to continue to look at that.

&quot;Sometimes it&#39;s unpredictable. But certainly, the wear and tear are there because the ball is being hit harder so you have to react quicker. So things happen more often than they did in the past. That&#39;s part of why you&#39;re seeing a lot of injuries.

&quot;But let&#39;s face it, there have been injuries for a long time. This is nothing new. They are going to continue to look at it... we should continue to try to figure out ways to get the maximum out of all the players.&quot;

Swiss ace Roger Federer and world number one Rafa Nadal were sidelined for the latter stages of last season as they sought to recover from long-term problems.

Federer withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month due to a back injury while world number two Andy Murray has struggled with a hip problem since the French Open but both have said that they would play in New York.

The US Open, the final grand slam of the season, is being held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10.

While Raonic (wrist) is expected to rejoin the Tour later in the year, the three other high-profile absentees from Flushing Meadows

John McEnroe says the ATP Tour must consider reviewing its schedule in a bid to cut down on injuries after Canadian Milos Raonic joined the list of top players sitting out the U.S. Open. While Raonic (wrist) is expected to rejoin the Tour later in the year, the three other high-profile absentees from Flushing Meadows, Novak Djokovic (elbow), Kei Nishikori (wrist) and Stan Wawrinka (knee), have been ruled out for the rest of the season. Seven-time grand slam winner McEnroe said players had become more prone to injuries as the game evolved over the years and said officials should take another look at the schedule to see if they can lighten the load. "They have worked over the years to get it down to nine or 10 months," McEnroe told ESPN. "I think perhaps they would be better served to continue to look at that. "Sometimes it's unpredictable. But certainly, the wear and tear are there because the ball is being hit harder so you have to react quicker. So things happen more often than they did in the past. That's part of why you're seeing a lot of injuries. "But let's face it, there have been injuries for a long time. This is nothing new. They are going to continue to look at it... we should continue to try to figure out ways to get the maximum out of all the players." Swiss ace Roger Federer and world number one Rafa Nadal were sidelined for the latter stages of last season as they sought to recover from long-term problems. Federer withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month due to a back injury while world number two Andy Murray has struggled with a hip problem since the French Open but both have said that they would play in New York. The US Open, the final grand slam of the season, is being held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10.

McEnroe calls for tennis schedule review as injuries mount

Wayward tennis star Nick Kyrgios will seek psychological help to avoid an eight week ban ordered by the ATP for a tantrum at the Shanghai Masters, Tennis Australia said Monday.

The ATP ordered a $25,000 (22,700 euros) fine and said a three week ban would be increased to eight weeks if the 21-year-old Kyrgios did not seek help for his temper.

The world number 14 gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Mischa Zverev in his second round match last week.

&quot;Nick&#39;s conduct in Shanghai was unacceptable, disrespectful to the sport and its fans,&quot; said ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode.

Tennis Australia said in a statement that it would support Kyrgios. &quot;Nick&rsquo;s health and wellbeing is a priority and the ATP has offered a reduced penalty on the provision that he seeks appropriate professional advice, which he has agreed to do,&quot; said a statement by the Australian body.

Kyrgios apologised again for his behaviour in Shanghai. &quot;The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer,&quot; he said in a statement. &quot;My body finally just gave out in

Shanghai both physically and mentally. This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans - in Shanghai and other parts of the world - as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job.&quot;

Kyrgios said he &quot;regretted how his year was ending. I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court.&quot;

The Shanghai outburst was the latest in a long line of incidents involving the Australian. Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Stan Wawrinka about his wife.

If Kyrgios agrees to see a psychologist he could return to the tour on November 7, after the three week ban.

As he would have no more tournaments to play, even the three week ban means that Kyrgios&#39;s year is effectively over.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

In view of the tennis star's tantrum at the Shanghai Masters, ATP ordered a three week ban that could be raised if Kyrgios did not seek help

Wayward tennis star Nick Kyrgios will seek psychological help to avoid an eight week ban ordered by the ATP for a tantrum at the Shanghai Masters, Tennis Australia said Monday. The ATP ordered a $25,000 (22,700 euros) fine and said a three week ban would be increased to eight weeks if the 21-year-old Kyrgios did not seek help for his temper. The world number 14 gave away points and swore and argued with fans before being booed off court after his 6-3, 6-1 defeat by Mischa Zverev in his second round match last week. "Nick's conduct in Shanghai was unacceptable, disrespectful to the sport and its fans," said ATP executive chairman Chris Kermode. Tennis Australia said in a statement that it would support Kyrgios. "Nick’s health and wellbeing is a priority and the ATP has offered a reduced penalty on the provision that he seeks appropriate professional advice, which he has agreed to do," said a statement by the Australian body. Kyrgios apologised again for his behaviour in Shanghai. "The season has been a long one as I battled several injuries and other challenges towards the end of the summer," he said in a statement. "My body finally just gave out in Shanghai both physically and mentally. This is no excuse, and I know very well that I need to apologise to the fans - in Shanghai and other parts of the world - as well as the tournament organisers in Shanghai who do an amazing job." Kyrgios said he "regretted how his year was ending. I do understand and respect the decision by the ATP and I will use this time off to improve on and off the court." The Shanghai outburst was the latest in a long line of incidents involving the Australian. Last year he was given a suspended one-month ban for making comments to Stan Wawrinka about his wife. If Kyrgios agrees to see a psychologist he could return to the tour on November 7, after the three week ban. As he would have no more tournaments to play, even the three week ban means that Kyrgios's year is effectively over. (AFP)

ATP orders Kyrgios to see psychologist or face eight-week ban

Japan&#39;s Yoshihito Nishioka continued his remarkable run at the Atlanta Open, by stunning Horacio Zeballos 6-4, 6-4 to reach his maiden ATP Tour semi-final on Friday. 
 
Nishioka did not drop a serve as he posted his most dominant victory so far in a week that also saw him oust fourth seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov. 
 
The 20-year-old Nishioka advances to the semis where he will face second seeded Aussie Nick Kyrgios, who won a tight match against fifth seed Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-7 (7/5), 6-3. 
 
&quot;I`ve been working on my serve a lot. More percentage, more power,&quot; said Nishioka. 
 
&quot;And before I was very emotional, throwing racquets and getting frustrated. But I&#39;ve been more calm since Wimbledon. I think that&#39;s why I`m winning more now.&quot; 
 
Nishioka, who is ranked 97th in the world, opened the match by breaking Zeballos, and then maintained the lead throughout the remainder of the set. Nishioka lost just three points on serve in the opening set. 
 
The second set was identical to the first, with Nishioka breaking the Argentine in the opening game and only dropping three points on serve to clinch the match. 
 
Nishioka broke into the top 100 last month after winning the lower level ATP Challenger Tour event in Winnetka, Illinois. He also reached the quarter-finals of the Memphis Open five months ago. 
 
Kyrgios broke Verdasco to jump out to a 3-0 lead in the final set. He dropped just five points on his serve in the final set to win the match.&nbsp;With the victory, Kyrgios reaches his first semi-final since the Estoril Open in April. 
 
(AFP)

Nishioka served his most dominant victory so far in a week which led him to beat fourth seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov

Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka continued his remarkable run at the Atlanta Open, by stunning Horacio Zeballos 6-4, 6-4 to reach his maiden ATP Tour semi-final on Friday. Nishioka did not drop a serve as he posted his most dominant victory so far in a week that also saw him oust fourth seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov. The 20-year-old Nishioka advances to the semis where he will face second seeded Aussie Nick Kyrgios, who won a tight match against fifth seed Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-7 (7/5), 6-3. "I`ve been working on my serve a lot. More percentage, more power," said Nishioka. "And before I was very emotional, throwing racquets and getting frustrated. But I've been more calm since Wimbledon. I think that's why I`m winning more now." Nishioka, who is ranked 97th in the world, opened the match by breaking Zeballos, and then maintained the lead throughout the remainder of the set. Nishioka lost just three points on serve in the opening set. The second set was identical to the first, with Nishioka breaking the Argentine in the opening game and only dropping three points on serve to clinch the match. Nishioka broke into the top 100 last month after winning the lower level ATP Challenger Tour event in Winnetka, Illinois. He also reached the quarter-finals of the Memphis Open five months ago. Kyrgios broke Verdasco to jump out to a 3-0 lead in the final set. He dropped just five points on his serve in the final set to win the match. With the victory, Kyrgios reaches his first semi-final since the Estoril Open in April. (AFP)

Tennis: Japan's Nishioka advances to Atlanta Open semi-final

France&#39;s Gael Monfils, seeking his first ATP crown outside Europe, and Ivo Karlovic, nearing titles in consecutive weeks at age 37, advanced to the ATP and WTA Washington Open final in sweltering conditions Saturday. 
 
The 29-year-old Frenchman, whose most recent of five career titles came in 2014 at Montpellier, ripped ill German teen Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-0 in one hour. 
 
&quot;It was difficult conditions,&quot; Monfils said. &quot;It was very warm. It was very difficult to keep the ball in. I changed up the pace a little bit and it was tougher for him to handle it.&quot; 
 
Croatia&#39;s 35th-ranked Karlovic fired 14 aces to defeat US fifth seed Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-4 in a match where temperatures on the court reached 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 Celsius). 
 
&quot;There was this moment when I just wanted to lay down on the court. But I kept going,&quot; Karlovic said. &quot;It was difficult.&quot; 
 
Monfils has split four career ATP matches against Karlovic, winning their most recent meeting at Madrid in 2011 but losing their only prior hardcourt matchup in 2009 at Cincinnati. 
 
&quot;There&#39;s only one Ivo,&quot; Monfils said. &quot;Sometimes you only have one opportunity so you have to make the passing shot and then stick with the serve.&quot; 
 
Karlovic, averaging 20 aces a match, has not surrendered a service break this week. 
 
&quot;This is my game. This is my strength,&quot; Karlovic said. &quot;It is really working this week.&quot; 
 
Zverev, ranked a career-best 27th but sick with food poisoning, warned Monfils could test Karlovic with quick returns. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s the quickest player on tour,&quot; Zverev said of Monfils. &quot;He will get a lot of returns back.&quot; 
 
Monfils, who seeks his first outdoor crown since Sopot in 2005, is 5-19 in ATP finals, including a 2011 loss at Washington to Radek Stepanek. 
 
Karlovic, 7-8 in ATP finals, won his seventh career title last week on Newport grass to become the oldest tour singles champion since 1979. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m confident from winning last week,&quot; Karlovic said. &quot;In my old age, it&#39;s good when you can meet your goals still.&quot; 
 
Karlovic broke in the third game of the match and took the first set in 38 minutes, ending it like the second with back-to-back aces. 
 
In the third game of the second set, Karlovic rocketed a service return forehand winner past Johnson and then dropped a slice backhand winner on the line to break for a 2-1 lead. 
 
&quot;I tried to be as aggressive as I could and it paid off,&quot; Karlovic said. &quot;In all the crucial moments I was able to make a good shot.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Frenchman Monfils has split four career ATP matches against Croatian Karlovic, winning their most recent meeting at Madrid in 2011

France's Gael Monfils, seeking his first ATP crown outside Europe, and Ivo Karlovic, nearing titles in consecutive weeks at age 37, advanced to the ATP and WTA Washington Open final in sweltering conditions Saturday. The 29-year-old Frenchman, whose most recent of five career titles came in 2014 at Montpellier, ripped ill German teen Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-0 in one hour. "It was difficult conditions," Monfils said. "It was very warm. It was very difficult to keep the ball in. I changed up the pace a little bit and it was tougher for him to handle it." Croatia's 35th-ranked Karlovic fired 14 aces to defeat US fifth seed Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-4 in a match where temperatures on the court reached 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 Celsius). "There was this moment when I just wanted to lay down on the court. But I kept going," Karlovic said. "It was difficult." Monfils has split four career ATP matches against Karlovic, winning their most recent meeting at Madrid in 2011 but losing their only prior hardcourt matchup in 2009 at Cincinnati. "There's only one Ivo," Monfils said. "Sometimes you only have one opportunity so you have to make the passing shot and then stick with the serve." Karlovic, averaging 20 aces a match, has not surrendered a service break this week. "This is my game. This is my strength," Karlovic said. "It is really working this week." Zverev, ranked a career-best 27th but sick with food poisoning, warned Monfils could test Karlovic with quick returns. "He's the quickest player on tour," Zverev said of Monfils. "He will get a lot of returns back." Monfils, who seeks his first outdoor crown since Sopot in 2005, is 5-19 in ATP finals, including a 2011 loss at Washington to Radek Stepanek. Karlovic, 7-8 in ATP finals, won his seventh career title last week on Newport grass to become the oldest tour singles champion since 1979. "I'm confident from winning last week," Karlovic said. "In my old age, it's good when you can meet your goals still." Karlovic broke in the third game of the match and took the first set in 38 minutes, ending it like the second with back-to-back aces. In the third game of the second set, Karlovic rocketed a service return forehand winner past Johnson and then dropped a slice backhand winner on the line to break for a 2-1 lead. "I tried to be as aggressive as I could and it paid off," Karlovic said. "In all the crucial moments I was able to make a good shot." (AFP)

Monfils to face Karlovic in Washington Open final

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. 
 
But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn&#39;t going to Brazil because it just isn&#39;t that big a deal to him. 
 
Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. 
 
&quot;It`s not something you want to take lightly,&quot; Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. 
 
&quot;Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around.&quot; 
 
Several top NBA players, more than 20 men&#39;s golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK,&quot; said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. 
 
&quot;Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person.&quot; 
 
Canada&#39;s seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men&#39;s final to Britain&#39;s Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria&#39;s ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. 
 
So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men&#39;s top seed, and Querrey, who doesn&#39;t see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. 
 
&quot;For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn&#39;t a top priority,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. 
 
&quot;Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn&#39;t a priority of mine at all.&quot; 
 
That&#39;s a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. 
 
And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. 
 
&quot;I was at the US Open and something bit me,&quot; Zverev said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. 
 
&quot;You think about it, that&#39;s quite a serious thing. You don&#39;t want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. 
 
&quot;I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it&#39;s going to be a lot of fun.&quot; 
 
Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. 
 
Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. 
 
(AFP)

Alexander Zverev as become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn't going to Brazil because it just isn't that big a deal to him. Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. "It`s not something you want to take lightly," Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. "Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around." Several top NBA players, more than 20 men's golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. "I'm kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK," said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. "Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person." Canada's seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men's final to Britain's Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria's ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men's top seed, and Querrey, who doesn't see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. "For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn't a top priority," he said. "We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. "Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn't a priority of mine at all." That's a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. "I was at the US Open and something bit me," Zverev said. "I'm going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. "You think about it, that's quite a serious thing. You don't want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. "I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it's going to be a lot of fun." Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. (AFP)

No Zika bite fright for Rio-bound Stosur, Zverev

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