ATP has imposed Alexander Zverev an eight-week suspension after his omission from last month's ATP 500 event in Acapulco after slamming his racquet on the umpire's chair. He already received the fine at the Mexican Open in Acapulco for his behaviour. He received $40,000 for verbal abuse and unsportsmanlike conduct. Zverev also gave up the entire $31,570 prize pool as well as all ATP Rankings points from the tournament.

An ATP statement on Tuesday unveiled:

"The review determined that Zverev committed Aggravated Behaviour under the Player Major Offense section of ATP Rules. As a result, Zverev has been issued an additional fine of 25,000 US dollars. And a suspension for a period of eight weeks from any ATP-sanctioned event."

"However, the fine and suspension are withheld on the condition that, over a probation period ending 22 February 2023 the player does not incur a further Code Violation."

It means Zverev will walk a tightrope with a new code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct or verbal or physical abuse towards "an official, opponent, spectator, or any other person" on-court. Which will result in an eight-week penalty, subject to any appeals.

Read more: Indian Wells 2022: Magdalena Frech vs Daria Saville Match Prediction, Head-To-Head, Preview And Livestream

So, What Exactly Did Alexander Zverev do in Acapulco?

After losing a doubles match, the 24-year-old German misbehaved. He slammed the umpire's chair numerous times with his racket after the last run. He was also furiously criticising the officials. However, Zverev expressed contrition after the event, but he was unable to avoid the harsh penalties.

Read more: Mexican Open 2022: Alexander Zverev fined $40,000 for the outburst

He has a twelve-month probationary period before receiving the suspension. However, the eight-week suspension will begin if the Olympic champion misbehaves again in the next year.

Novak Djokovic moved one win closer to capturing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title when he ended 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti's dream in straight sets and sought revenge on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz match will be the rematch of last year's final which the Spaniard won in five sets.

Also Read: Most Grand Slam finals in tennis history

If the 37-year-old Serbian wins a record-tying 25th major on Sunday, he will become the oldest champion in Wimbledon history. Djokovic, leading Alcaraz 3-2 in the ATP head2head series, will be eager to avenge that defeat and equal Roger Federer's record eight Wimbledon crowns.

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz Match Info

• Men's Singles Final: July 14, Sunday
• Venue: AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Ground
• Location: London, England
• Court Surface: Grass

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz: Form against each other

In the past two years against one another, Djokovic has three wins and Alcaraz has one. In their last match, on November 18, 2023, Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2. Djokovic has clinched nine sets against Alcaraz (64.3%), while Alcaraz has taken five. In 136 total games against one another, Djokovic has taken 77, while Alcaraz has claimed 59. When going head-to-head, Alcaraz and Djokovic have averaged 34 games and 3.5 sets in their four matches against each other.

Djokovic's 2024 performance

Djokovic has captured zero tournament victories on the year, with an overall record of 16-6. In 2024, Djokovic hasn't yet played a match on grass. He is averaging 27.3 games per match (33.2 in best-of-five matches) through his 22 matches played this year across all court surfaces, posting a 57.7% game-winning percentage. Djokovic has put up a service game-winning percentage of 82.1% on all surfaces (247-for-301 in service games) and a return game-winning percentage of 33.1% (99-for-299 in return games).

Also Read: Most Matches Played in Grand Slam

Alcaraz's 2024 performance

Alcaraz has won two of his nine tournaments this year, with an overall match record of 32-6. He has a match record of 7-1 on grass courts so far this year. Alcaraz has competed in 38 matches this year (across all court types), and 26.6 games per match (34.4 in best-of-five matches). The World No. 3 has won 35.6% of his return games this year, while also winning 83.5% of his service games.

Tennis in India is not as popular as cricket. But Indian tennis has been enjoying a good run of late. No doubt, the athletes have been neglected for many years. But thanks to their constant efforts, tennis is already set to be a revolution in the near future. In this article, we will explore the players who have achieved positions in the top 100 ATP rankings in the category of men’s singles since its inception in 1973. So Let's take a look at the 'Highest Ranked Indian Tennis Player'.

Also Read: Rohan Bopanna qualifies for Paris Olympics 2024

Highest Ranked Indian Tennis Player

10. Jasjit Singh | 89

Jasjit Singh was the first Sikh player to represent the Indian Davis Cup team. Notably, India advanced to the final in his inaugural Davis Cup appearance. Furthermore, he finished second in the 1975 Australian Open and the 1969 US Open. Jasjit achieved the world ranking of 89 in the men’s singles category on June 3, 1974.

9. Yuki Bhambri | 83

Yuki Bhambri achieved the junior no. 1 ranking in February 2009. During the same year, he secured the Junior Australian Open Boys singles title, thus becoming the fourth Indian in history to achieve such a feat at a Grand Slam championship. In 2015, Bhambri achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 100 ranking in the men’s singles division.

After that, Yuki qualified for the 2015 Australian Open, losing to Andy Murray in the first round. On April 16, 2018, Yuki reached his highest men’s singles ranking, attaining the 83rd position. In 2018, Yuki reached the third-round of the Indian Wells Masters and second round in the Miami Open, both was prestigious ATP Masters 1000 events.

8. Prajnesh Gunneswaran | 75

Prajnesh Gunneswaran turned professional towards the end of 2018. Entering the 2018 season ranked at 243, he consistently performed well, finishing the season with a career-best ranking of 104. On February 11, 2019, Prajnesh achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 100 ranking in the men’s singles division for the first time in his career. Prajnesh attained his highest career ranking of 75 on April 22, 2019. His most notable accomplishment remains the winning of a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

Also Read: [Updated] Most weeks at no.1 in tennis (male)

7. Anand Amritraj | 74

Vijay Amritraj’s younger brother Anand Amritraj has a win-loss record of 195-170. Anand secured seven singles titles throughout his career. He also contributed to India’s 1987 Davis Cup team, which advanced to the final. On November 6, 1974, he attained his highest ranking in the men’s singles division, reaching the 74th position. His most notable performance in a Grand Slam was reaching the third round of the US Open in 1974.

6. Leander Paes | 73

Leander Paes has emerged victorious in 101 matches throughout his career. His most notable performance in a Grand Slam tournament occurred in 1997, when he advanced to the third round of the US Open. Moreover, his highest singles ranking was 73. He reached that position on October 24, 1998. Leander has clinched eight Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and 10 in the mixed doubles category.

5. Sashi Menon | 71

Sashi Menon actively participated in over 700 matches from 1970 to 1984, 15 years of his career. With a career win percentage of 46.4%, he secured four singles titles. His highest ranking in the men’s singles division was 71, achieved on October 21, 1975. 

4. Sumit Nagal | 71 

The 4th Indian men’s singles player to enter the highest ranked Indian tennis player list is Sumit Nagal. He achieved this milestone on June 17, 2024, by finishing runner-up at the Perugia ATP Challenger tournament. This performance moved him 6 spots up in the rankings. Nagal was ranked 77th last week. 

In 2024, Nagal made it to the second round of the Australian Open. He also won the men's singles title at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany in June and the Chennai Open in February. Nagal has won four ATP Challenger titles since 2023 and Heilbronn was his fourth title on clay.

Also Read: Sumit Nagal reaches highest ranking of his career ahead of Wimbledon 2024

3. Somdev Devvarman | 62

Somdev Devvarman did not attain any accolades in Grand Slam tournaments, but he secured a gold medal in the men’s singles event at both the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2010 Asian Games. On July 25, 2011, Devvarman achieved his career-high ranking, reaching 62nd in the ATP Men’s Singles. Regarding his ATP titles, he attained two runner-up titles in the ATP World Tour 250 series.

2. Ramesh Krishnan | 23

Ramesh Krishnan emerged as a notable figure in the world of tennis during the era of Vijay Amritraj. With a career win-loss record of 319-285, Ramesh attained his highest individual ranking of 23 in the men’s singles category on January 28, 1985. His most notable performances at Grand Slam events include reaching the quarterfinals twice at the US Open and once at Wimbledon. Additionally, he was part of the Indian team that advanced to the Davis Cup final in 1987 and also secured eight ATP 250 series titles throughout his career.

1. Vijay Amritraj | 18

The leading figure in men’s singles tennis in India is Vijay Amritraj. Throughout his illustrious 23-year professional career, he achieved a win-loss record of 399-308. On July 7, 1980, he reached his career-high ranking of 18, a record that still stands as the highest ranked Indian tennis player in the men’s singles category. Furthermore, his notable Grand Slam performances include two quarter-final finishes at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Indian tennis star Sumit Nagal on Monday continued his improvement in the ATP singles rankings and reached the 71st position, the highest ranking of his career.

Also Read: Naomi Osaka loses to Bianca Andreescu in Wimbledon warm-up

Sumit Nagal, who was preparing for the Paris Olympics 2024, was ranked 77th last week. He managed to move up six places by finishing runner-up at the Perugia ATP Challenger tournament. Nagal now has 777 ATP points.

Nagal surpasses Leander Paes

Sumit Nagal also goes past Leander Paes by becoming the joint-fourth highest-ranked Indian man in ATP Rankings history. Paes had a career-high singles ranking of 73 in 1998. Ahead of Nagal and Menon, who were ranked 71st in the world in 1975, are Somdev Devvarman (62), Ramesh Krishnan (23), and Vijay Amritraj (18).

Only Indian to make it to the Paris Olympics in men's singles

By performing well recently, Sumit Nagal not only improved his ranking but also managed to secure a place in the men's singles of the Olympic Games. He is the only Indian player to make it into the men's singles draw of the Paris Olympics.

Nagal won Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event

Nagal made it to the second round of the Australian Open at the beginning of the year but was eliminated in the first round at the French Open. Matches in the Paris Games will also be held at Roland Garros where the French Open is played.

Also Read: Rohan Bopanna qualifies for Paris Olympics 2024

Nagal had won the men's singles title at the Heilbronn Neckarcup 2024 Challenger event in Germany earlier this month and the Chennai Open in February. Nagal, who is currently the best-ranked Indian singles player, has won four ATP Challenger titles since 2023 and Heilbronn was his fourth title on clay.

World No. 4 doubles tennis player Rohan Bopanna secured an automatic quota place for the Paris Olympics 2024 through his ATP rankings in doubles on Tuesday.

Also Read: Rohan Bopanna chooses N Sriram Balaji as his partner for the Paris Olympics 2024

Bopanna maintained his position in top 10

Rohan Bopanna represented India in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics but missed out on a place at the Tokyo Olympics. He secured the quota for India by maintaining his position in the top 10 in the doubles rankings since November last year. 

The 44-year-old Rohan Bopanna won the Australian Open Grand Slam at the beginning of the year and reached the semi-finals of the French Open last week.

Rohan Bopanna will reportedly partner with world no 67 Sriram Balaji for the 2024 Olympics.

Each country can achieve a maximum of four quotas

64 players each will participate in the men's and women's singles events at Paris 2024. According to the ATP rankings released on June 10, the top 56 men's singles players have secured quotas for their respective countries. However, each country can achieve a maximum of four quotas.

The men's and women's doubles draw at Paris 2024 will consist of 32 teams, with one team being a pair of athletes from the same country, i.e. a maximum of two teams from each country.

The tennis qualification window for Paris 2024 ended on Monday. National Olympic Committees have until June 19 to confirm the use of their quota.

Sumit Nagal made the cut a day before

India's Sumit Nagal has also secured quota places for the Paris Games a day before. Nagal made the cut-off after rising 18 places in the singles rankings last week, according to Olympics.com, making him the last player to earn a quota through the world rankings.

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Indian athletes who qualified for the Paris 2024

Nagal, who was ranked 95th last week, achieved his career-high ranking of 77th after winning the ATP Challenger title at the Heilbronn Challenger Cup in Germany on Sunday. He defeated Switzerland's world number 184 Alexander Ritschard 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 to clinch the title.

Although Nagal is ranked 77th, he is last among the eligible players to get quota through world rankings.

Carlos Alcaraz won his first Roland Garros title in the 2024 French Open defeating Alexander Zverev in a 5-set thriller. Alcaraz wins the game by (6-3),(2-6),(5-7),(6-1),(6-2). Alcaraz's prowess was visible through his monumental comeback after losing the second and the third set. With this win, Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest champion to win championships in three courts defeating Rafael Nadal who previously held this record.

In the post-presentation of the 2024 French Open, Alcaraz addresses the crowd by congratulating Alexander Zverev.He said, “First of all I want to congratulate Sasha (Zverev). I know about everything you have been through over the past year and I know how much of a warrior you are. I wish you all the best for the future.”

He then concludes by appreciating his team and the crowd, 
“I want to thank my team who has been a big part of this journey. I know we say we are a team but we are one family,”

“The crowd has been great since the first match. Not only in the matches but also in the practice sessions as well. You guys made me feel right at home. I will see you all soon,” concluded Alcaraz.

Zverev addresses the crowd congratulating Carlos Alcaraz,

" Congratulations Carlos (Alcaraz). Winning three different slams on three different courts at 21 years old is amazing. You are already a hall of famer and this is not going to be your final trophy at this court,”

He concluded by saying “The atmosphere has been amazing and this is one of my favourite courts on the tour and I’ll be back next year,"

Read more: Youngest Grand Slam Champion (Men) | Top 10 List

SET ANALYSIS

FIRST SET: Alcaraz 6-3 Zverev*

Carlos Alcaraz won the opening set 6-3 against Alexander Zverev. Despite an opening exchange of breaks, Alcaraz quickly capitalized on Zverev's blunders, scoring two break points to take a 4-2 lead. The Spaniard's aggressive playing style and fast drop shots regularly challenged Zverev, who was trying to find his rhythm. Alcaraz's powerful forehand shots and effective play through the netting enabled him to frequently retain his serve.

At 5-3, Alcaraz won convincingly with a volley across the court, demonstrating his superior court coverage and tactical ability. Alcaraz's momentum kept him in charge throughout the contest. He advanced to the second set with a 60-3 win-loss record after winning the first Zverev managed to save several break points, but couldn’t maintain consistency. 

SECOND SET: Alcaraz 2-6 Zverev*

Alexander Zverev won the second set, 6-2, over Carlos Alcaraz. Despite Alcaraz's early dominance and 2-1 lead, Zverev regained his rhythm. Zverev kept Alcaraz on the defensive with strong serves and crisp volleys. Zverev broke Alcaraz's serve to go up 3-2, and he maintained his lead by winning critical rallies and securing a double break.

Alcaraz's trouble with consistency revealed his frustrations, which resulted in a key double fault, giving Zverev another break point. Zverev was confident in ending the set with an ace that led to a commanding net volley, demonstrating his tactical supremacy and laying the groundwork for an intriguing third set.

THIRD SET: Alcaraz 5-7 Zverev*

Alexander Zverev overcame an early deficit to defeat Alcaraz 7-5 in the final set. Alcaraz, who led 5-2 at the time, demonstrated his power with tactical volleys. However, it was Zverev's resilience that paid off, as he saved multiple break points and capitalized on Alcaraz's blunders after taking an early lead in the set.

Zverev earned two break points to reclaim the lead at 6-5. Alcaraz's brave attempt to reclaim the set failed because of Zverev's calmness in vital situations Zverev's critical ace and crisp volley drove him to the set win, setting up an exciting finish.

FOURTH SET: Alcaraz* 6-1 Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-1, reversing the momentum. Alcaraz broke Zverev's serve twice early on, taking advantage of Zverev's inconsistent play. Despite a lengthy medical stoppage for a hamstring injury, Alcaraz dominated the set, striking crisp wins and forcing Zverev to make more errors.

Zverev was successful in bouncing back after a breakpoint. But Alcaraz's strong forehands and excellent net play made him struggle to maintain momentum. Alcaraz was resilient under pressure, particularly at breakpoints, allowing him to finish out the set with ease. Alcaraz's strong effort paved the way for a crucial fifth set in this thrilling final.

FIFTH SET: Alcaraz* 6-2 Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev 6-2 in a dramatic final set at the 2024 French Open. Zverev started strong and won the first game. Alcaraz's attack was persistent, and it was his perseverance that eventually turned the tide. Alcaraz broke Zverev's serve early on, leading 3-1. 

Alcaraz kept his cool by saving multiple break points and recovering from 0-30 twice. Zverev struggled to maintain consistency, allowing Alcaraz to gain a critical double break. Serving for the championship at 5-2 Alcaraz used his characteristic strong groundstroke to finish with a cross-court forehand winner. 

Read here: Iga Siwatek wins her fourth Roland Garros title; her third in a row

Stats Table