Tennis Takes on Rugby's Hong Kong Sevens: Meet the New Beach Tournament Spreading the Word

The fast-paced competition strives to create a festive party environment at Hong Kong's inaugural full-scale international tournament in Discovery Bay. <p> The inaugural international beach tennis tournament in Hong Kong, approved by the sport’s worldwide regulatory authority, commenced on Friday, featuring participants from 28 different countries, drawing parallels to the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s famous rugby sevens event. </p> <p> The organizers aim for the inaugural event in Discovery Bay to spark enthusiasm for an accelerated version of a classic sport and serve as a launchpad for hosting more prestigious International Tennis Federation (ITF) competitions. </p> <p> Arnault Brac de la Perriere, who unofficially holds the title of the city’s top figure, facilitated the establishment of the ITF Beach Tennis World Tour in Hong Kong. According to him, their objective was to create an event with some of the festive spirit and ease of access associated with the abbreviated version of rugby, similar to what had been witnessed just days before at the Hong Kong Sevens held at Kai Tak Stadium. </p> <p> Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all presented by our acclaimed team. </p> <p> He mentioned, 'The happiness people experience is akin to attending a Rugby Sevens tournament,' adding that it involves hosting the event at a stadium with festivities and top athletes participating from around the globe. </p> <div class="image-inline-container"> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Ckace" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Ckace.jpg"/> </div> <p> Securing this event took three years of effort, with the ultimate aim of introducing a Grand Slam tournament to our city, explained Brac de la Perriere, originally from the Indian Ocean island of Réunion but has been residing in Hong Kong for two decades now. </p> <p> On the opening day, it was a BT10 event—the entry-level competition designed for newcomers and amateur players. Professional gamers will join on Saturday to compete in the BT50 tournament, with a top prize of US$4,000 awaiting the victor. </p> <p> A total of 140 participants have signed up, representing 28 different countries, including five who are ranked within the top 100 globally. Notable competitors include men’s world No. 35 Niklass Andersons from Latvia and women’s world No. 34 Erina Otsuka from Japan. </p> <p> The BT50 event kicks off at 8 am on Saturday, featuring the initial round, followed by the subsequent rounds and quarters. The semifinals are set for 9 am on Sunday, succeeded by the finals which will commence at 2 pm. </p> <p> Brac de la Perriere mentioned he anticipated over 200 individuals would attend to view the final segments. </p> <p> More Articles from SCMP </p> <p> Why Trump’s tariffs might increase costs of Asian-made sporting equipment for Americans </p> <p> The Hong Kong customs intends to completely implement tobacco laser labeling by June 2027. </p> <p> The US is exerting pressure on Argentina's Milei to cancel the currency swap agreement with China. </p> <p> Trump prolongs TikTok's deadline for divestment, claims China is 'dissatisfied' with tariffs. </p> <p> The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia. </p> <p> Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. </p>

Tennis Takes on Rugby's Hong Kong Sevens: Meet the New Beach Tournament Spreading the Word

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The fast-paced competition strives to create a festive party environment at Hong Kong's inaugural full-scale international tournament in Discovery Bay. The inaugural international beach tennis tourna…

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Rafael Nadal Raises Alarms in Tennis with Novak Djokovic Comment

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CkaOe" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CkaOe.jpg"/> <p> Rafael Nadal insists that tennis authorities must alter the game’s regulations to prevent powerful servers from dominating matches due to their height advantage moving forward. This Spanish legend, one of the most renowned athletes in tennis history, claimed 22 Grand Slam championships prior to his retirement last year. </p> <p> Nadal was not renowned as one of the leading servers in the game but built his career on unwavering intensity and exceptional physical durability. These attributes enabled him to claim all four Grand Slam titles, with his peak success occurring at the French Open. French Open , where he claimed 14 titles. However, he has admitted that present-day players might find it challenging to keep up with a taller competitor equipped with a powerful serve and exceptional agility on the court in the future. </p> <p> At an event organised in partnership with Spanish sports daily As during Eurosport, Nadal stated: “Over its entire history, tennis hasn’t altered any rules.” </p> <p> Individuals are growing taller and moving more efficiently—the serve plays a crucial role. </p> <p> If that capability remains unchecked, eventually someone taller than two meters with great agility will show up, and you won’t stand a chance of keeping up with them or getting an advantage. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CjZ4Z" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CjZ4Z.jpg"/> <p> Even though the comment was concerning, the 38-year-old maintained that this situation isn't upon us just yet. He highlighted Novak Djokovic’s ongoing achievements at 37 years old as evidence that the transition is still pending. </p> <p> Nadal stated: "At this time, that particular day has not come yet. Djokovic" got to the finale two days ago At the Miami Open, I was participating about a year and a half ago. </p> <p> This makes me believe that the shift hasn’t been entirely sudden since we still retain an opportunity for victory. </p> <p> During his remarkable career, Nadal participated in 30 Grand Slam finals. Besides his outstanding achievements at the French Open, he secured four victories at the US Open, two at Wimbledon, and another pair at the Australian Open. Towards the end of his time on the tennis court, injuries plagued him; his final major tournament appearance was at Roland Garros in 2024 shortly before he retired. </p> <p> Reflecting on his career, he commented: "I've never been driven by arrogance. Numbers have never mattered to me. It brings me contentment to finish knowing I gave my all." </p> <p> The sense of not giving my all after a tournament left me devastated. I typically come back with a clear conscience. </p>

Rafael Nadal Raises Alarms in Tennis with Novak Djokovic Comment

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Rafael Nadal insists that tennis authorities must alter the game’s regulations to prevent powerful servers from dominating matches due to their height advantage moving forward. This Spanish legend,…

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Navarro Argues Players’ Push for Higher Major Prizes is All About Fair Play

<span> Asharq Al Awsat </span> <div class="entry-content first-article-node"> <p> American player Emma Navarro stated that she has endorsed a letter co-signed by leading tennis athletes worldwide, urging substantial enhancements in prize money across all four major Grand Slam tournaments. This initiative aims to guarantee fair and equitable treatment of players. </p> <p> The sports newspaper L'Equipe from France stated on Wednesday evening that the top 20 male and female tennis players have recently addressed letters to the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, requesting a fairer allocation of prize money. </p> <p> While those at top of the game are able to benefit from increased prize money, players at the lower levels often struggle due to a lack of steady sponsorship as well as expensive coaching, travel and accommodation. </p> <p> The world’s eleventh-ranked player mentioned they discussed it briefly with the other players and believed signing would be beneficial,” he stated to journalists at the Charleston Open on Wednesday. </p> <p> I believe there were certain inequitable salary discrepancies – though I’m not sure about the precise terms – in previous years. </p> <p> I believe it's a noble effort for us as players to unite and ensure we receive fair treatment. </p> <p> The United States Tennis Association, responsible for organizing the US Open, verified that they had received the letter and stated they “welcome open and direct discussions with athletes.” They also highlighted their pride in leading the way regarding player remuneration throughout their history. </p> <p> The USTA stated in a Reuters interview that this involves providing identical prize money to both men and women for over five decades, along with granting the biggest-ever payout in tennis history during the 2024 US Open, </p> <p> Being the national authority for tennis in the US, we are dedicated to making sure that we effectively support and finance our initiative to expand tennis with the aim of inspiring healthier individuals and communities across the nation. </p> <p> Reuters has similarly reached out to the remaining three Grand Slam events for their input. </p> <p> In 2024, an all-time high of $254 million was allocated for athlete payouts across the Grand Slam tournaments, marking an increase of $23 million compared to 2023. This upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down as the Australian Open, scheduled for January, has announced a rise in prize money by 11.56% over last year’s figures. </p> <p> This year at Melbourne Park, the winners took home approximately $2.2 million, whereas those who were eliminated after the first round received about $83,000. </p> <p> The world No. 8 player, Zheng Qinwen, stated to journalists that she believes increased prize money from the Grand Slam events should be distributed among players with lower rankings. </p> <p> "I believe this will be advantageous for all players, not just the top ones, particularly those who put in significant effort throughout the year and rely on earnings from the Grand Slams to make ends meet," she said. </p> <p> Zheng suggested that tennis ought to emulate the NBA model, wherein athletes receive approximately half of all revenue generated from basketball activities. </p> <p> "Indeed, this is quite positive since when you consider basketball, everyone receives an equal split of 50-50. As for us athletes, we put in tremendous effort; as someone who plays tennis, I can attest to just how much work it takes to reach this level," remarked the Olympic winner. </p> <p> Zheng expressed doubt that the Grand Slam tournaments would heed the requests made by the players. </p> <p> We attempt to do our best, and then let’s observe what fate has in store for us. However, at the very least, we’re making an effort. </p> Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ). </div>

Navarro Argues Players’ Push for Higher Major Prizes is All About Fair Play

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Asharq Al Awsat American player Emma Navarro stated that she has endorsed a letter co-signed by leading tennis athletes worldwide, urging substantial enhancements in prize money across all four …

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Djokovic Advances to Miami Open Semifinals; Sabalenka Heads for Final

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BNIw7" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BNIw7.jpg"/> <p> MIAMI (DIWIDA) - Novak Djokovic is just two victories shy of securing his 100th career title following his 6-3, 7-6(4) win against Sebastian Korda. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her maiden Miami Open final with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Jasmine Paolini on Thursday. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BNNyt" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BNNyt.jpg"/> <p> After delivering an ace on match point, Djokovic unleashed a victorious scream, prompting his ex-rival turned coach, Andy Murray, to leap from his chair and celebrate alongside him. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BNQfP" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BNQfP.jpg"/> <p> The Serbian player, who has won 24 Grand Slams, fell behind Korda 5-2 in the second set but managed to break the American when he was serving for 5-3. His accurate and strong serving then propelled him towards victory. </p> <p> "I have been performing exceptionally throughout the tournament, but especially today, I really needed this effort in the second set to attempt a comeback," Djokovic said to Tennis Channel. </p> <p> In the tiebreaker, a few key points determined the victor: a service winner at 5-4 followed by an ace at 6-4 to seal the game. Therefore, I’ll consider those moments as the highlights. </p> <p> The game was initially set for Wednesday but got delayed following ATP guidelines designed to prevent matches from extending deep into the night. </p> <p> The fourth-ranked Novak Djokovic, who aims for his seventh victory at the Miami Open and career milestone of 100 titles, is set to compete against the 14th-seed Grigor Dimitrov from Bulgaria in the semifinals on Friday. </p> <p> Previously, unseeded Czech player Jakub Mensik secured a place in the semifinals after defeating 17th-seeded French competitor Arthur Fils with scores of 7-6(5), 6-1. He will now face either Italy’s 29th-seeded Matteo Berrettini or America’s Taylor Fritz, who are set to compete later in the day. </p> <p> In the women's category, Sabalenka secured 77% of her first-serve points, delivered six aces, successfully defended all four break points she encountered, and seized four out of her five break point opportunities against Italian sixth-seeded player Paolini throughout the 71-minute encounter. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BNWOY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BNWOY.jpg"/> <p> The leading player from Belarus, who lives in South Florida and came into Miami right after securing second place at Indian Wells, hasn't lost a single set in her five encounters so far. </p> <p> The upcoming match for Sabalenka will be against the victor of Thursday’s semifinal between American fourth-seeded player Jessica Pegula and Filipino wild card Alexandra Eala. Notably, Eala pulled off an impressive upset by defeating Polish World No. 2 Iga Świątek. </p> <p> (Reported by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles and Frank Pingue in Toronto, edited by Ed Osmond) </p>

Djokovic Advances to Miami Open Semifinals; Sabalenka Heads for Final

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MIAMI (DIWIDA) - Novak Djokovic is just two victories shy of securing his 100th career title following his 6-3, 7-6(4) win against Sebastian Korda. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to…

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Sabanka Surges Past Paolini to Claim Miami Final Spot

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BNC2R" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BNC2R.jpg"/> <p> Aryna Sabalenka, ranked first globally, secured her place in the Miami Open finals after dominating Jasmine Paolini from Italy in straight sets. </p> <p> The 26-year-old Belarusian player has not dropped a single set throughout the tournament and demonstrated impressive play as she cruised to a 6-2 6-1 victory over the sixth-seeded Paolini. </p> <p> Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, has recently made it to back-to-back finals, though she was defeated by Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells earlier this month. </p> <p> It’s her maiden appearance at the Miami final, where Sabalenka will compete against either the young wild card from the Philippines, Alexandra Eala, or the American fourth-seed player, Jessica Pegula, for the championship on Saturday. </p> <p> They will meet in the second semifinal on Friday. </p> <p> The top-seeded Sabalenka put on a masterclass on Thursday, overpowering Paolini with her strong serving and aggressive baseline play. </p> <p> Apart from two misjudged smashes and a overly ambitious drop shot that lacked sufficient force to challenge her rival, Sabalenka scarcely made a mistake as she powered through to triumph in merely one hour and 13 minutes. </p> <p> "SUPER-happy that I managed to give myself yet another chance, another ultimate match, and another opportunity to lift a trophy," Sabalenka stated. </p> <p> He or she is an amazing competitor, which means I understood that I'd have to fight for each point. </p> <p> I concentrated on my serve and aimed to keep it as low as possible since she serves flat. Really pleased with how well I performed. </p> <p> Sabalenka has made it to her fourth final of 2025 after securing victory in Brisbane back in January. She faced losses subsequently against American player Madison Keys at the Australian Open and later against Andreeva at Indian Wells just two weeks prior. </p> <ul> <li> 'Raducanu requires an swift strategy to capitalize on her Miami advancement.' </li> </ul> <ul> <li> Up-to-date scores, outcomes, and schedule of matches </li> <li> Receive tennis updates directly on your mobile device. </li> </ul>

Sabanka Surges Past Paolini to Claim Miami Final Spot

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Aryna Sabalenka, ranked first globally, secured her place in the Miami Open finals after dominating Jasmine Paolini from Italy in straight sets. The 26-year-old Belarusian player has not dropped a …

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Gwiazda tenisa już czeka na Świątek w czwartej rundzie w Miami

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BuZWt" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BuZWt.jpg"/> <b> Iga Świątek już wie, z kim może zagrać w czwartej rundzie turnieju w Miami. Jej potencjalną przeciwniczkę wyłoniło starcie pomiędzy Karoliną Muchovą i Eliną Switoliną. Te rozegrały trzysetowy mecz, w którym lepsza okazała się Ukrainka. Zwyciężyła ona 6:2, 3:6, 6:2 i niebawem może zmierzyć się z Polką. </b> <p class="art_paragraph"> Iga Świątek (2. WTA) w trzeciej rundzie turnieju WTA 1000 w Miami wpadła na Elise Mertens (28. WTA). Zanim Polka wyszła na kort, rozpoczęło się spotkanie, które wyłonił jej potencjalną przeciwniczkę w czwartej rundzie. </p> <h2 class="art_sub_title"> Iga Świątek poznała potencjalną rywalkę w czwartej rundzie turnieju WTA 1000 w Miami </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BuUQD" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BuUQD.jpg"/> <p class="art_paragraph"> Karolina Muchova (14. WTA) i Elina Switolina (22. WTA) to dwie świetnie tenisistki, zatem można było oczekiwać wyrównanej rywalizacji. Początek negatywnie zweryfikował te przypuszczenia, a wyraźnie przeważały serwujące - wyjątkiem był trzeci gem, w którym Czeszka została przełamana. Powtórnie spotkało ją to przy stanie 2:4, a mimo że zaraz miała break point, to Ukrainka się wybroniła, a następnie wykorzystała pierwszy setbol. To dało jej zwycięstwo 6:2. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BuZWA" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BuZWA.jpg"/> <ul> <li> <b> Było już 1:6, 1:4 i stało się to! Rollercoaster w meczu Polki </b> </li> </ul> <p class="art_paragraph"> Switolina poszła za ciosem i po zaciętym otwarciu drugiej partii (rozegrano 16 punktów) przełamała Muchovą. Ta odpowiedziała przełamaniem powrotnym, a następnie objęła prowadzenie (na które czekała od pierwszego gema całego meczu). </p> <ul> <li> <b> Collins wypaliła bez hamulców. Tego jej nie zapomną </b> </li> </ul> <h2 class="art_sub_title"> Karolina Muchova dogoniła Elinę Switolinę. W trzecim secie to Ukrainka była górą </h2> <p class="art_paragraph"> Problemem Czeszki były niewykorzystane break pointy, przez co nie mogła odskoczyć przeciwniczce. Udało jej się tego dokonać w ósmym gemie, a przy własnym serwisie potwierdziła przewagę w drugim secie, wygranym 6:3. </p> <p class="art_paragraph"> Zobacz też: <i> Niepokojące wieści z Miami tuż przed meczem. Godzina i koniec treningu </i> </p> <p class="art_paragraph"> W decydującej partii przełomowym momentem okazał się szósty gem, w którym Switolina przełamała Muchovą. Niedługo później miała nawet dwa meczbole, lecz Muchova skutecznie się obroniła. Za trzecim razem już nie dała rady, a Ukrainka zakończyła spotkanie po 123 minutach. I to ona będzie mogła zagrać z Igą Świątek o ćwierćfinał turnieju WTA 1000 w Miami. </p> <ul> <h3> Czytaj także </h3> <li> Świątek wywołała aferę, a tu takie słowa Collins. Poszło w świat! </li> <li> Było 5:1, gdy rywalka odpowiedziała. Takiego meczu Świątek jeszcze nie grała </li> <li> To dlatego Andriejewa nie wraca do Rosji. "Nie miałam pojęcia" </li> </ul>

Gwiazda tenisa już czeka na Świątek w czwartej rundzie w Miami

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Iga Świątek już wie, z kim może zagrać w czwartej rundzie turnieju w Miami. Jej potencjalną przeciwniczkę wyłoniło starcie pomiędzy Karoliną Muchovą i Eliną Switoliną. Te rozegrały trzysetowy mecz, …

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Did Carlos Alcaraz's Post-Match Comments Spark Controversy After Losing to Jack Draper?

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B0ExC" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B0ExC.jpg"/> <p> Carlos Alcaraz might have conveyed an unwelcome message to his primary competitors through his candid assessment of his loss against Jack Draper in the thrilling Indian Wells semifinal. </p> <p> Falling short against the emerging talent in men's tennis was not considered an embarrassment for the two-time consecutive winner of the Indian Wells tournament. Alcaraz However, top athletes seldom provide remarks like those made by the 21-year-old Spanish tennis player during his interaction with the press. </p> <p> Athletes often conceal their uncertainties to prevent giving their competitors an edge, yet it would be challenging not to find extra motivation from Alcaraz’s remarks when you're part of Draper’s team. </p> <p> The young British player defeated Alcaraz on a grass court at the Queen’s Club last June, so his three-set victory over the four-time Grand Slam champion in Indian Wells wasn’t particularly shocking. </p> <p> It was still astonishing to hear Alcaraz admit that he felt 'nervous throughout the entire day' leading up to his most recent encounter with a player who seems to unsettle him considerably. </p> <p> He also shared specifics from a discussion he had with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, before the game, which gave insight into his mental state leading up to the showdown against Draper. </p> <p> "I believe today was a challenging day for me. My practice wasn't up to par, and I didn't feel comfortable on the court," stated Alcaraz during the press conference. </p> <p> You know, during warm-up on the court, I wasn't hitting many shots accurately. I just didn't feel right. That's why I had a conversation with Juan Carlos while we were riding bikes, as I was somewhat frustrated with how poorly I performed during my warm-up. </p> <p> As I mentioned earlier, I didn't handle the preparation for the game as effectively as I should have. This caused me to feel anxious throughout the entire day, even during the warm-up session prior to the match, which likely impacted my performance. That's why I ended up discussing things with Juan Carlos while we were riding stationary bikes." </p> <p> I often mention that I need to concentrate on myself and my own performance. Today, however, I found myself more concerned with his skill level and how he plays rather than staying true to my own strategy. </p> <p> So I believe that was a significant issue for me because I found myself constantly focusing on his weaknesses rather than bringing out my own strengths. When your attention is more directed towards your adversary instead of yourself, it becomes quite problematic. </p> <p> That's how the events unfolded today. From early morning onwards, I kept pondering over his gameplay as he is notably strong and sturdy, which indicates an intensely physical contest ahead. These thoughts have been with me throughout the day, making this seem like quite a significant issue. </p> <h3> More Tennis News </h3> <p> Jannik Sinner emerges victorious as Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz come up short with world No. 1 not participating. </p> <p> Is Jannik Sinner's absence noticeable at Indian Wells? The stark truth. </p> <p> One of the reasons Alcaraz is so relatable for tennis fans is his candor, whereas you wouldn’t typically hear Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal admitting to feeling nervous before a match or particularly after losing. </p> <p> It's clear that Alcaraz was filled with anxiety when he lost badly to Draper in the first set of his match, which ended 6-1, 0-6, 6-4. However, this statement from Alcaraz might also provide extra assurance for both his rivals and other players sharing the locker room. </p> <p> Great champions often create an atmosphere that makes their opponents believe they are unbeatable. However, Alcaraz revealed his weaknesses during his post-match press conference following his first loss at Indian Wells in three years, and this observation has likely not gone unnoticed by those aiming to dethrone him. </p> <p> <strong> READ NEXT: Carlos Alcaraz is eliminated from Indian Wells following a contentious double fault video review. </strong> </p>

Did Carlos Alcaraz's Post-Match Comments Spark Controversy After Losing to Jack Draper?

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Carlos Alcaraz might have conveyed an unwelcome message to his primary competitors through his candid assessment of his loss against Jack Draper in the thrilling Indian Wells semifinal. Falling sho…

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