tennis

The Original Article is Posted at JNS.org

Israeli doubles team Daniel Cukierman and Edan Leshem retired against the Czech team of Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek due to an injury to Cukierman’s hamstring.

Israel’s hopes for a dramatic comeback from a 2-0 deficit against Czechia on day 2 of the 2024 Davis Cup World Group in Trinec, Czechia were quickly dashed after only five games on Sunday when the Israeli doubles team of Daniel Cukierman and Edan Leshem retired against the Czech team of Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek due to an injury to Cukierman’s hamstring. Czechia advances to September’s Group Stage Finals for the second year in a row. Israel returns to Group I and will be in action in September.

The Czech team got off to a fast start, breaking the Israelis in the first game of the set and holding serve in the second game. In game three, Cukierman grasped his hamstring in pain after trying to chase down a Machac lob. He returned from a medical time out with his hamstring taped and briefly continued the match. The Israelis, now down 4-0, won their first game as Cukierman held serve. He was in obvious pain and retired, giving the Czechs a 4-1 win and a sweep of the best of five series.  

The fourth match, no longer necessary to determine the series outcome, was played with Israel’s Orel Kimhi (#456) losing to Czechia’s Vit Kopriva  (#115) 3-6, 6-3, 11-9. Kimhi was the only Israeli in the two-day affair to win a set versus the Czechs.

In Saturday’s contest, Israel’s 24-year-old lefty Yshai Oliel (#415) battled 18-year-old Jacob Menshik (#127), losing the 1 hour, 34 minute match 6-1, 7-5. Oliel, up 6-5 in the second set, nearly managed to take the match to a third set.

In the Saturday’s second match, Cukierman (#465) faced Jiri Lehecka, current #31 and former world #23, fresh off a 2nd round appearance in last month’s Australian Open. Cukierman lost the first set 6-1 and battled back down 6-5 to take the second set to a tie-breaker; he went on to lose 7-6.

“It was very difficult for me, I felt like I lost timing and confidence in the first set, but with the help of the team I managed to come back in the second set and play my game, put more balls into the field and try to attack as much as possible,” said Cukierman. “We were close throughout the whole process,” he added.

In commenting on both of Saturday’s matches, former Israel tennis great and current Team Captain Jonathan (“Yoni”) Erlich noted, “The games were quite similar. The Czech players started the game by storm and our players started defensively. They had chances to turn the score around but the Czech players played excellently and knew how to close the game. It’s definitely a tough mission to come back from 2:0 but we will try to focus on our next game [doubles] and hopefully the momentum will change.  We must prepare ourselves and believe that it can be done.”

Due to Cukierman’s impressive performance on Saturday, Erlich decided to substitute Cukierman for Roy Stepanov to team up with Leshem for Sunday’s doubles match. The extent of Cukierman’s injuries will be determined upon the team’s return to Israel.  

While Israel’s team members anticipated tough competition, they were not intimidated by the Czech team. Cukierman noted before the tournament, “We have played against the Czech players before and we know them well. They are very strong and there are clear differences in the ranking between the two teams. Of course we are the underdogs, but at the Davis Cup, you can’t tell and we will fight and try to surprise.” 

Oliel added, “Me and Tomas Machac—we grew up together and I know him well. He of course made an amazing jump. They are a great and strong team and we will have some tough games. We train very well and hope that we will be able to bring our abilities to fruition and win.”

While Erlich knew the Israeli team was facing stiff competition, playing the Czech team has special meaning for him.

“The last match against the Czech Republic was also the last in my career, so the memories are pleasant and exciting also thanks to the victory in the doubles game and on the other hand less happy than we lost in the end. I hope this time we can do a better result,” he said.

In 2022, the Czech team beat Israel 3-1 with Erlich and Cukierman scoring an impressive 6-3, 6-4 victory over Jiri Lehecka and Tomas Machac.

The 12 winning nations (out of the 24 in action around the world this weekend) will secure a place in the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage in September—alongside 2023 champions Italy, 2023 runners-up Australia and wild cards Great Britain and Spain.  

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Original Article Posted on The Jerusalem Post

After war-related cancellation of tournaments and battling on the PR front, blue-and-white players back winning on the court as the Davis Cup nears.

When the war against Hamas started, the outlook for Israeli tennis looked bleak.

A major men’s tournament set to attract top players to Tel Aviv as well as six lower-level professional tournaments were canceled, a high-profile women’s tennis player offered negative comments about Israel, Israel Tennis Education Centers were unable to offer programs to hundreds of children, and Israel’s come-from-behind Davis Cup victory over favored Japan on September 17, just three weeks before the war, seemed a distant memory.

But thanks to the quick action and commitment of the Israeli tennis community, Israeli tennis is up and running, in the Holy Land and around the world, albeit with some caution and modifications.

The indoor hard-court Tel Aviv Watergen Open, scheduled for November 5-11 at the Expo Tel Aviv was abruptly called off due to the war. In a supportive statement, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “The violence and acts of terror witnessed in Israel are beyond comprehension. We strongly condemn any form of terrorism and mourn the loss of innocent lives across this conflict. We hope and pray for peace in the region.”

Two-time Wimbledon finalist and current world No. 6 women’s tennis player, Ons Jabeur, was less sympathetic.

Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has condemned acts of violence on social media, but also included the hashtag #FreePalestine in her post. (credit: REUTERS)

The 29-year-old Tunisian Muslim wrote on Instagram: “What Palestinians have been going through during the last 75 years is indescribable. What innocent civilians are going through is indescribable; no matter what their religion is, or what their origin is. Violence will never bring peace; I cannot stand with violence but I also cannot stand with people having their lands taken.” She ended her post with the #FreePalestine hashtag.

Israel Tennis Association registers a complaint

The ITA (Israel Tennis Association), via the ITF (International Tennis Federation), approached the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the main organizing body of professional women’s tennis to complain about Jabeur’s post. Following a win at the WTA finals in Mexico in November, Jabeur continued to comment on the war.

“It’s very tough seeing children, babies dying every day,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking, so I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians.”

Avi Peretz, ITA chairperson, wrote in an ITA Facebook post: “This tennis player fights, incites and supports a murderous terrorist Nazi organization. We’re glad she’s in the minority…”

ITF President David Haggerty shared heartfelt condolences for the plight of Israel and Israelis.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of life. Our hearts go out to all those affected by the violence in Israel in recent days.”

Haggerty also thanked the ITA for the help and quick actions it took regarding the evacuation of the dozens of players, coaches and judges who were present in Israel ahead of international tournaments that were to take place in Israel. He added that the ITF “strongly condemns the violence we have witnessed in Israel. It is our fervent hope that peace and security in the region can be found.”

When the Watergen Tel Aviv Open was relocated to Sofia, Bulgaria, on short notice, Peretz played an important role in the tournament.

“My father is from Bulgaria,” he noted. “This is his hometown, and for me this is a very emotional moment.

“I hope that the situation in Israel will normalize and next year we will be able to invite Stefan Tsvetkov [President of the Bulgarian Tennis Federation] to the tournament with us.”

Tsvetkov offered support for Israel.

“We sympathize with our friends from Israel who at the moment cannot have a normal life and sports calendar. I hope that there will be peace in the region again soon.”

At the Sofia Open, Adriana Mannarino of France defeated Jack Draper of England in the Finals, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3.

Back home, meanwhile, former Israel tennis great, Jonathan (Yoni) Erlich, current director of the high-performance program at ITEC, reports on their countrywide efforts to meet the needs of children in need throughout Israel during these difficult times.

“For the first 10 days, the whole country was in shock and all of the tennis centers were shut down,” Erlich said. “But right away, we were in communication with our kids – through chat, Zoom and WhatsApp. Since there was no school, we gave them videos for homework, and encouraged them to keep active and exercise.”

ITEC has helped over 500,000 children, many of whom live in underserved towns throughout Israel, since opening its first center in 1976. ITEC currently serves nearly 7,000 children weekly throughout 24 Israeli communities.

Erlich recounted ways in which ITEC families and staff have been pitching in during the war.

“When people were evacuated from the south and from the north, families in Tel Aviv, Ramat Hasharon, Jerusalem, Haifa, and other places opened their homes to players and their families. We really used our great and strong organization to take care of all of our kids.”

He noted that within two or three weeks, tennis centers with bomb shelters resumed tennis operations and children were welcomed to play in any open center.

ITEC has also hosted soldiers from Special Forces in their Ramat Hasharon center for what Erlich described as a day of “fun, tennis, lessons and lectures about motivation” by himself and his former longtime doubles partner, Andy Ram.

Erlich, who is also captain of Israel’s Davis Cup team, recently learned that his team will be playing its next round versus the Czech Republic in the Czech Republic in February.

Israel is one of 24 teams to play in the Davis Cup qualifiers on the road to the World Cup.

“It is huge! I feel very fortunate to lead the team and still be connected with the Davis Cup after 23 years.”

There have been some posts on social media calling on the ITF (International Tennis Federation) to not allow Israel to participate in the Davis Cup. They note the ban on Russian players in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, who have not been allowed to participate in team events in tennis since March 1, 2022.

Erlich is unfamiliar with such posts and looks forward to his work with the current team (he has not named the team members yet). He is also excited about the “next generation” he hopes will emerge in the next few years.

In the meantime, several potential Israeli Davis Cup team players continue to represent their country in tournaments around the world.

Yshai Oliel, No. 434 in the world, recently advanced to the quarterfinals and semifinals of several tournaments in Greece. Daniel Cukierman, No. 481, played several tournaments in Italy, advancing to the quarterfinals in Ortisei, Italy.

Erlich is looking forward to the very important upcoming Davis Cup tie.

“Now it is more urgent to do something great and show joy. We will go proudly to the tournament. If we usually give 100%, this year we will give 200%!”

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‘KNISHES FOR sale!’ Prime Kosher Sports offerings. (photo credit: HOWARD BLAS)

Original Article On The Jerusalem Post

The US Open Tennis Championships in Queens, New York, is as well known for its dining options as for its world-class tennis.

With names like Eataly; Fare by Chef Alex Guarnaschelli; Franks and Fries; King Souvlaki; Crabby Shack; and Korilla BBQ, tennis fans enjoyed a variety of foods at the recently concluded (August 22-September 10) Grand Slam event, while sipping drinks from Baseline Cocktails; Aperol Spritz Bar; and Heinekin Bar. The US Open even had an official drink, the Honey Deuce (Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur).

Thanks to PKS’s (Prime Kosher Sports) Kosher Grill, kosher-food-loving tennis fans enjoyed an assortment of hot and cold kosher foods, located in close proximity to non-kosher food, as well as great tennis. If their timing was right, observant fans were also able to participate in a Mincha and Maariv minyan.

“Having kosher food at the US Open means you don’t feel excluded. You are part of the crowd,” reported Eli Feit of Brooklyn, who was attending with two grandsons and their friend Chaim Fruchter of Passaic, New Jersey.

Feit, who enjoyed the brisket sandwich, was helping count to make sure there were enough men for Mincha, which was to take place at the exit to Court 12 as a four-hour, seven-minute five-set men’s singles match was letting out. Fruchter raved about his hot dog.

AT THE US Open: Tommy Paul (US) returns a shot against Roman Safiullin (Russia) during their Men’s Singles Second Round match, in Queens, New York, Aug. 30. (credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Steven Davidson of Stamford, Connecticut, carefully held two hot dogs (one dressed in sauerkraut), wrapped in US Open monogrammed paper, as he participated in the minyan.

“Having kosher food at sporting events is pretty standard. It is nice to have a minyan when you have to say Kaddish,” he added.

Israeli David Danino, who lives in Karnei Shomron and is in the US through Sukkot as part of his job with Sukkot Depot, approached when he saw the crowd gathering for Mincha. He was racing to Court 17 to see No. 14 Tommy Paul in action versus Roman Saflullin. He planned to return to the kosher stand later in the evening for dinner. While excited about having kosher food at his first US Open, he enjoyed a kosher hot dog a few years back at a New York Knicks pre-season basketball game.

Julie Feinberg of Woodmere, New York, spoke with The Jerusalem Post as she balanced two cardboard containers of kosher sausage with peppers and onions, as well as a brisket sandwich, which she noted was “new this year.”

“I know we are spoiled New Yorkers [since kosher food is so plentiful], but having kosher food here makes the whole day easier and more enjoyable, – and you don’t get jealous of others [who don’t keep kosher] who have hundreds of choices.”

She was excited to sit and enjoy dinner before watching more tennis. “My daughter and I are starving!”

While the kosher items were tasty, they came at a price. A BBQ brisket sandwich or a hot pastrami sandwich set fans back $23, while wraps and sandwiches cost $19; Italian sausage with peppers and onions were $13.50; and a potato knish – $8.

Kosher food, and affordable too!

But for the first time in most kosher consumers’ lives, the kosher food prices were actually comparable to the prices of non-kosher food at the Open: Crispy chicken sandwich at Crown Say was $19.50; a gyro sandwich at King Soulvaki was $20, and spanakopita cost $18. The signature chicken and eggnog waffle cone at Melba’s American Comfort was a whopping $26; a single scoop of ice cream at Van Leeuwen was $9.50; and a Heineken or Amstel Light draught beer was $15. The US Open’s signature Honey Deuce was $22 – keep the glass!

ELI ARJE, in his second year operating Kosher Grill at the US Open (though there was a kosher vendor for several years before he took over), loves the opportunity to provide kosher food at this and other sports venues. “The experience is amazing. To see how many people are in and out of the venue all day is remarkable. Our line is always consistent. We serve over 2,500 products per day.”

Arje believes that all stadiums should offer kosher options, and noted that he is currently located in Maimonides Park (Brooklyn Cyclones), Citi Field (New York Mets), Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees), and Prudential Center (New Jersey Devils). “Baruch Hashem, we have [Jewsih] communities everywhere, and I think it’s so important to follow the laws of kashrut and give the Jewish fan an outlet to enjoy the full ballpark experience. We have a passion for sports, food, and seeing smiles on faces enjoying. I feel blessed that I am able to make a dream into reality. Every time I walk into a stadium, I feel like I’m a kid again, and I’m in awe of everything around me.”

Kosher consumers not willing to pay the steep prices for prepared food were able bring in sandwiches and other food items in a single-compartment drawstring knapsack or bag or they were able to enjoy small containers of kosher-certified yogurt, given out as free samples by Fage, a US Open sponsor.

Other kosher-certified, though pricey, items available throughout the grounds included bags of potato chips, popcorn, and bars of Van Leeuwen ice cream. Lavazza coffee was also on hand, along with soda and water.  

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GUY SASSON of Israel competes with doubles partner Koji Sugeno of Japan during their first-round match at the US Open Quads event in Queens, New York. (photo credit: USTA/COURTESY)

Original Article On The Jerusalem Post

The 43-year-old Sasson shared the very emotional experience of playing on such a big stage as equals with such tennis greats as US Open finalists Djokovic and Danil Medvedev.

On the same day that tennis greats Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic were battling it out against opponents in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open, other tennis greats, including Alfie Hewitt, Diede De Groot, Niels Vink, David Wagner and Israeli Guy Sasson were competing fiercely on Courts 4, 5 and 6.

These lesser-known, but similarly talented and determined, athletes competed in the expanded wheelchairs tennis events at this year’s US Open Tennis Championships. Many tennis fans and sports fans in general are unfamiliar with this highly competitive event.

Wheelchair tennis has been a part of all four Grand Slams since 2007, and at the Summer Paralympics. There are two divisions – open and quads. Quads is for players who use wheelchairs and also have loss of function in at least one upper limb.

Israel’s only tennis player in any main draw event at this year’s US Open, Guy Sasson, was recently reclassified and participated in the mens’ singles and doubles quads division. Sasson spoke with The Jerusalem Post in the media garden at the US Open following what appeared to be an easy 55-minute first-round win where defeated Tomas Masaryk of Slovakia 6-1, 6-2.

The 43-year-old Sasson shared the very emotional experience of playing on such a big stage as equals with such tennis greats as US Open finalists Djokovic and Danil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a forehand against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in Flushing, New York, on September 12, 2021. (credit: DANIELLE PARHIZKARAN-USA TODAY SPORTS)

“It may have looked easy but it wasn’t! This is the biggest tournament I’ve ever been in. This tournament is different since we are involved with able-bodied tennis players and they treat us as equals with the able-bodied players. We are in the same locker room. You sit in the locker room and Djokovic is coming your way and says, ‘hi, how are you doing? How did you do today?’ Or Medvedev says, ‘sorry I am in your way. Or [Frances] Tiafoe – I almost ran over Tiafoe with my wheelchair.”

Sasson was also impressed with the organization of the tournament and stressed the incredible feeling of being included as equals with world-class pros.  

“The chance to do it altogether with the able-bodied – keeping in mind that there are 50,000 people inside watching – even if they are not here to watch me – is incredible.”

A long journey

It has been a long journey for Sasson who grew up non-disabled and became a reluctant wheelchair tennis player. Sasson grew up in Ramat Gan, served in the IDF, traveled after his army service and attended the University of Michigan for college. While in the US, Sasson started and sold several businesses. He returned to Israel, married Aya Mohr, and founded a real estate company.

In 2015, the father of two young children at the time, went snowboarding in France.

“I didn’t see the cliff. I fell off the cliff and hurt my spine,” Sasson recounts. “They flew me to Tel Hashomer Hospital in Israel, I had a big surgery on my spine and hand, and the doctors told me I won’t walk again. It didn’t sound real. Of course I will — I’ll be out of here in two weeks. It turns out, I was in a rehab hospital at Tel Hashomer for one year and did walk out – with braces and canes.

Sasson knew he would need to find something to keep physically active.

“I promised my kids I would get out of the chair,” said Sasson. His initial choice was swimming.

When Sasson viewed tennis, he met a new Israeli coach, Ofri Lankri, an Israeli professional tennis player who played on Israel’s 2014 Fed Cup team. Sasson began to quietly consider it.

The two hit it off and Sasson’s love for wheelchair tennis began to blossom.

“At first, I didn’t tell anyone – not even my wife. No one! When I started to get better, I had to tell my wife!”

Lakri, who coached Sasson during all of his US Open matches, feels similarly connected to Sasson. She is proud of his progress and has high hopes for his future.

“Guy always loved individual sports and tennis was a good fit for him. He got good quickly.  He is super serious and loves the mentality of tennis”

Sasson began competing in 2007 and aspired to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (which were rescheduled to 2021 due to COVID-19).

He reports that he began to experience some changes in his upper body and was recently reclassified for the quads wheelchair division.

Sasson is currently ranked No. 7 in the world for quads singles and 40th for doubles.

Sasson got off to a good start with his first-round win at the US Open.  A few fans and family members of both players cheered on the players. Sasson’s four children – ages 13, 11, 7 and 5 – were in the first row waving mini Israel flags and calling for their “Abba.” Sasson’s parents were also there cheering.

Sasson’s wife and children did not have to make the long flight from Israel as they are spending several years in Houston Aya’s medical fellowship.

One day after his singles victory, Sasson played doubles with partner Koji Sugeno. The match was against top-seeded Sam Schroder and Niels Vink, and Sasson and Sugeno lost 3-6, 6-1, 10-6.

One day later, Sasson had one more opportunity to advance in quads singles. He lost to the world’s No. 2 seed, Schroder of the Netherlands, 7-5, 6-2.

For now, Sasson and family will return to Houston. The children are back to school, Aya is back to her fellowship and Guy will be up at 3 a.m. each morning to work with his real estate team in Israel.

From October 9-13, Sasson will have a chance to play in front of friends, family and Israeli fans at the Israel Open in Ramat Hasharon.

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