author

 
 

Meta

Christopher Clarey
For Christopher Clarey's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
TENNIS
May 20, 2023
Rafael Nadal will always be part of French Open
Nadal has become as much a part of the Roland Garros landscape as the red clay beneath everyone’s feet, but it will be someone else’s domain this spring.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 29, 2023
Big risks and big rewards for Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open
The Belarusian put her name on the trophy and secured her first Grand Slam women’s singles title with a brilliant and bold performance.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 27, 2023
Australian Open women’s final will be all strength and power
There will be a first-time champion at Melbourne Park, and there will be no shortage of full-cut, high-velocity tennis along the way.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 13, 2023
Rafael Nadal's struggles in spotlight before Australian Open
Some observers feel Rafael Nadal looks vulnerable ahead of the Australian Open.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 24, 2022
Roger Federer, even in defeat, gets fitting end to storied career
Federer, 41, smiled often and cracked jokes with his doubles partner Rafael Nadal as they lost to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock in the final match of the Swiss great's career.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jun 29, 2022
Serena Williams exits Wimbledon in the first round, again
The narrow defeat to Harmony Tan in three hours on Center Court will re-pose the question of how much more professional tennis Williams, who will turn 41 in September, intends to play.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jun 19, 2022
Naomi Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon, citing Achilles injury
The former world No. 1 and her team indicated that the withdrawal was due to tendinitis in her left Achilles tendon and that she would have played if healthy.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Apr 20, 2022
Wimbledon plans to bar Russian and Belarusian players
The ban, which would make Wimbledon the first tennis event to restrict individual Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing, would exclude a number of highly ranked players.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 29, 2022
The spotlight shifted away from Peng Shuai and some players and fans want it back
By posting pictures of their protest in support of Peng at the tournament on social media, local activists are keeping the conversation going.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 22, 2022
Naomi Osaka is out at Australian Open, but looking ahead
Upset again in the third round by a young unseeded talent on the rise, Naomi Osaka was in a different mood and better place at this Grand Slam tournament.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Nov 22, 2021
With a second ATP Finals win, Alexander Zverev proves his star is rising
He has one of the best first serves and backhands in the world. His improved court positioning and a shored-up forehand was often a decisive punch down the stretch in Turin.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Nov 20, 2021
Concern and anger build over missing Chinese athlete Peng Shuai’s sexual assault allegations
The case has prompted the women's tennis tour to rethink its focus in China, where it has threatened to pull events if it cannot verify her safety and that her allegations are investigated.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 6, 2021
Former tennis star can relate to what Naomi Osaka is going through
Mardy Fish now acts as a mentor, sharing his experience as a prominent athlete who had to deal with mental health problems when the subject was close to taboo in pro sports.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jun 28, 2021
Serena Williams won’t play at the Tokyo Olympics
Williams has been one of the most successful Olympians in tennis, winning gold medals in doubles with her 41-year-old sister, Venus, in 2000, 2008 and 2012.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jun 1, 2021
A shocking exit and a sad day for tennis
Naomi Osaka, a superstar in the sport, pulled out of the French Open after she was fined for skipping a news conference. Did it have to end this way?
Japan Times
TENNIS
May 31, 2021
Osaka told to speak to media or risk expulsion from French Open
The surprisingly stern warning was delivered in a statement signed by the leaders of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Longform

High-end tourism is becoming more about the kinds of experiences that Japan's lesser-known places can provide.
Can Japan lure the jet-set class off the beaten path?