Czech tennis has a new top-ranked player, as Tomáš Macháč climbs to a career-high ATP ranking of 24, surpassing Jiří Lehečka to become the country’s new number one. His strong run to the Dallas Open quarter-finals helped him achieve this milestone, while Lehečka, who missed Rotterdam due to injury, now sits just behind him at 25th. Meanwhile, Jakub Menšík continues his rise, reaching a personal best of 45th.

On the WTA side, Barbora Krejčíková remains the highest-ranked Czech woman, holding steady at 14th. She is followed by Karolína Muchová (17th), Linda Nosková (33rd), Markéta Vondroušová (34th), and Marie Bouzková (45th), keeping Czech tennis well-represented in the top 50.

In doubles, Kateřina Siniaková is still the world number one, but an injury forced her to withdraw from a singles semi-final in Cluj. Meanwhile, at the top of the global rankings, Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner continue to dominate in singles.

With Macháč’s rise and the depth of Czech talent across both tours, it’s shaping up to be another exciting season for Czech tennis fans.

When Roger Federer retired from tennis in 2022, many wondered how the Swiss maestro would keep himself occupied. Would he take up golf? Perhaps a quiet life in the Swiss Alps? Well, as it turns out, Federer has found another way to stay in the spotlight by starring in a primetime Super Bowl commercial alongside none other than Elmo.

Yes, you read that right. The 20-time Grand Slam champion and everyone’s favorite red Muppet are teaming up in a cheeky new ad for Swiss sportswear brand On, set to air during Super Bowl LIX. As millions tune in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, Federer will be trading volleys of words, that is with Elmo, tackling a rather unusual branding issue.

The ‘QC’ Confusion: Federer and Elmo to the Rescue

In the ad, Federer and Elmo engage in a lively debate about the On logo. The Sesame Street icon, with his usual innocent curiosity, points out that the On logo might be a little too ambiguous suggesting it looks more like ‘QC’ than ‘On.’ Cue Federer’s bewildered expression as he suddenly questions whether his multi-million-dollar investment has a branding problem.

“As On continues to grow, we are always looking for new and inspiring ways to stand out as a sportswear brand. This starts with our logo, which, while simple, is often amusingly misread as ‘QC’ something we’ve long wanted to clear up in a fun and memorable way,” explained Alex Griffin, On’s Chief Marketing Officer.

Griffin further noted that the Super Bowl’s massive viewership presented a golden opportunity to clear up the confusion. “What better way to do this than during one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, alongside our longtime partner Roger Federer and Sesame Street’s Elmo a beloved icon we’ve also been working with on our next run campaign centered around softness. Stay tuned for more.”

Federer’s Business Ace: A Multi-Million Dollar Slam Dunk

Federer’s involvement with On has been nothing short of a financial grand slam. The former world No. 1 was granted a stake in the company in exchange for his endorsement, a deal that has since turned into an absolute jackpot. On Running was valued at a staggering $11 billion last year, and with its ever-growing popularity, that figure is only expected to climb.

Federer, who earned over $130 million in prize money throughout his career, has seen his real financial success come from savvy business deals. From lucrative sponsorships with Nike, Uniqlo, and Wilson to his ownership stake in On, the Swiss legend has proven that his precision extends beyond the tennis court and into the boardroom.

Reports suggest Federer owns around 3% of On’s shares, and with the company’s meteoric rise especially during the COVID-19 lockdown when online shopping skyrocketed—his investment has ballooned into an astronomical sum. If there were a Grand Slam for business acumen, Federer would have a trophy case full of them.

Reflecting on his decision to partner with On, Federer shared his motivation: “I wanted to help a Swiss brand create something cool. Do something different and make something meaningful.”

And meaningful it has certainly been. His move away from Nike to align with Uniqlo and then take an ownership stake in On is widely regarded as one of the smartest business moves by any athlete in recent history.

So, while Federer may no longer be hitting aces on the tennis court, he’s certainly serving up winning shots in the world of business. And with Elmo as his doubles partner, it’s safe to say he’s still having plenty of fun along the way.

Tennis fans worldwide have received an unexpected but thrilling update Novak Djokovic is set to make an early return to the court at the Qatar Open in Doha. The Serbian tennis legend has managed a remarkable recovery from an injury that was initially expected to sideline him for a much longer period.

The prestigious tournament, which commences on February 17, will now have one of the sport’s greatest figures in attendance.

Unexpected Recovery from Hamstring Injury

Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, faced an injury scare during the Australian Open. He suffered a significant hamstring muscle rupture in the quarter-finals, leading to serious concerns about his fitness and availability for upcoming tournaments. Following his exit from Melbourne, he returned to his hometown of Belgrade, where he underwent thorough medical examinations and received intensive treatment to aid his recovery.

Given the severity of his injury, many believed that Djokovic would be out of action until at least the clay court season. However, his resilience and determination have once again shone through, allowing him to recover at a pace that has surprised even medical experts. His return to Qatar signifies not only his physical readiness but also his intent to build momentum for a demanding season ahead.

Aiming for Success in Doha and Beyond

While Djokovic’s participation in the Qatar Open is confirmed, his training schedule remains a crucial factor. He has yet to return to full training, which could impact his performance. Despite this, reports from Sportal suggest that he is set to depart for Doha earlier than expected to ensure he has sufficient time to regain match fitness and adapt to the conditions.

Djokovic has a strong history at the Qatar Open, having won the tournament in 2016 and 2017. His return will certainly add excitement to the event, as he looks to reclaim the title and gain valuable match practice ahead of major competitions, including Roland Garros and the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and Miami.

Doubts Over Andy Murray’s Presence in Djokovic’s Camp

As Djokovic prepares for his return, questions remain about whether Andy Murray will accompany him to Doha. The two have recently been linked in terms of professional collaboration, but Murray’s own injury struggles cast doubt over his participation in Djokovic’s training or match preparations.

However, what is certain is that Djokovic will have key members of his support team with him. While his long-time physiotherapist Miljan Amanović will not be making the trip, Claudio Cimalja, another integral figure in Djokovic’s camp, will be by his side to ensure he remains in peak condition.

Djokovic Addresses Retirement Speculation

In a recent interview, Djokovic acknowledged that his career will eventually come to an end, but he sees no reason to step away from the game just yet. Addressing the topic, he shared a humorous anecdote about his father’s thoughts on his retirement.

“Dad has been trying to retire me for a while. No, really. But he hasn’t pressured me. He respects my decision to continue. And of course, he understands why I want to continue, but of course, he asks me like, ‘What else do you want to do?'”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about the widespread belief that he should retire at his peak. However, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level.

“Publicly and privately, many people have told me that they think it’s best for me to leave when I’m at my peak, which I understand, don’t get me wrong, I understand. But if I’m still physically fit and I feel like I can beat the best players at a Grand Slam – why would I want to stop now?”

Looking Ahead to an Eventful Season

As Djokovic prepares to step back onto the court, the tennis world eagerly anticipates how he will perform in Doha. His return not only brings star power to the tournament but also serves as an indicator of his preparedness for upcoming Grand Slam battles.

With the French Open and Wimbledon on the horizon, Djokovic’s return to competitive play in Qatar will be a crucial step in his journey this season. Whether he lifts the trophy in Doha or simply uses the tournament to test his fitness, one thing is clear Novak Djokovic is not done yet.