Category: TENNIS

Russian-born tennis player Daria Kasatkina made a winning French Open debut representing Australia, defeating Katherina Siniakova 6-1, 3-6, 6-2. The world number 17, who switched nationalities in March citing freedom to live openly as a gay woman, said she feels “free and happy” under the Australian flag despite criticism of Russia’s stance on homosexuality and the Ukraine war.READ FULL

Rafael Nadal, the 38-year-old Spanish tennis legend, has announced his retirement after the Davis Cup Finals in November. Known as the ‘King of Clay’ with 14 French Open titles and a total of 22 Grand Slams, Nadal dominated tennis for nearly two decades. His remarkable career includes 63 clay court titles, 209 weeks as world No. 1, and completing a career Grand Slam by age 24. He follows Roger Federer and Andy Murray in retirement.READ FULL

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the upcoming Laver Cup in Berlin, citing the need to prioritize Team Europe’s success. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, expressed disappointment at not being able to participate in the event scheduled for September 20-22. Nadal’s replacement for Team Europe will be announced soon, joining stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. The Spanish player is expected to return to action at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia in October.READ FULL

Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to reach the US Open final, defeating Jack Draper 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in a challenging match. Draper struggled with heat, vomiting three times, while Sinner overcame a potential wrist injury. Sinner will face the winner of an all-American semifinal between Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe in the final. In women’s doubles, Jelena Ostapenko and Lyudmyla Kichenok claimed the title, beating Zhang Shuai and Kristina Mladenovic 6-4, 6-3.READ FULL

At the US Open, Jessica Pegula upset world No. 1 Iga Swiatek to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal. She’ll face Karolina Muchova, who defeated Beatriz Haddad Maia. In men’s action, Jack Draper became the first British semifinalist since Andy Murray, beating Alex de Minaur. Draper will play either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev next. With Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz also in the semifinals, there’s potential for an all-American title sweep. The tournament continues with more exciting matches ahead.READ FULL

Former champions Iga Swiatek and Daniil Medvedev advanced to the U.S. Open quarter-finals with ease. Swiatek defeated Samsonova, while Medvedev overcame Borges despite a fire alarm delay. Jessica Pegula also progressed, beating Shnaider. Karolina Muchova upset Jasmine Paolini, and Jack Draper became the first British man since 2016 to reach the quarter-finals. Alex de Minaur defeated fellow Australian Jordan Thompson to advance.READ FULL

Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory over Radu Albot at the US Open. The four-time champion defeated the Moldovan qualifier 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in his 40th career night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic, fresh from winning Olympic gold, faced little challenge from the 138th-ranked Albot. The second-seeded Serb praised the night session atmosphere and secured his 78th win on the tournament’s biggest court. AFP

US Open 2024 kicked off with defending champion Coco Gauff advancing to the second round after a dominant 6-2, 6-0 victory over Varvara Gracheva. Novak Djokovic, seeking his first Grand Slam title of the year, is set to play under the lights. Other notable wins include Ben Shelton defeating Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev overcoming Maximilian Marterer, and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova advancing. Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen also progressed after a comeback victory against Amanda Anisimova. AFP

Novak Djokovic aims for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, following his Olympic gold medal win. Despite recent losses to younger rivals like Alcaraz and Sinner, Djokovic remains a top contender. World No. 1 Alcaraz and Australian Open champion Sinner are key challengers. Other contenders include Zverev, Rublev, and Ruud. American players hope to end their 21-year Grand Slam drought. The tournament runs from August 26 to September 8, with players making final preparations. Reuters

Novak Djokovic called for clearer protocols in tennis doping cases, responding to Jannik Sinner’s recent exoneration. Djokovic highlighted inconsistencies in the system and a lack of transparency, understanding players’ frustrations. He suggested the need for standardized approaches, regardless of a player’s ranking or status. The case has raised questions about fairness in treatment and the need for better investigative processes in tennis doping incidents. AFP

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner, world number one, narrowly avoided a doping ban after testing positive for clostebol. The International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared him, accepting that the substance entered his system via a spray used by his physiotherapist. Sinner expressed relief but has cut ties with his physio and trainer. He lost ranking points and prize money from Indian Wells but can continue playing. AFP

Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has announced that he will not compete in the upcoming US Open. The 38-year-old Spaniard cited his inability to perform at his best as the reason for his withdrawal. Nadal’s next tournament will be the Laver Cup next month in Berlin. This marks his sixth absence from the past seven Grand Slam tournaments. AFP

Serbia plans to build a museum dedicated to Novak Djokovic following his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. President Vucic announced the project, aiming to showcase Djokovic’s achievements and attract tourists. The museum is expected to be completed before Belgrade hosts the 2027 World Expo. Djokovic’s victory in Paris made him one of only five players to win all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold in singles. AFP

Carlos Alcaraz, 21, defended his Wimbledon title by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) in the final. This marks Alcaraz’s fourth Grand Slam victory, including two Wimbledon titles, one U.S. Open, and one French Open. He now has a perfect 4-0 record in major finals. The win denied Djokovic his 25th Grand Slam title and the chance to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles. Reuters

Novak Djokovic aims for his eighth Wimbledon title and a record 25th Grand Slam in Sunday’s final against Carlos Alcaraz. At 37, Djokovic seeks to become the oldest Wimbledon champion of the modern era, just five weeks after knee surgery. He acknowledges the pressure and expectations but uses the prospect of making history as motivation. The Princess of Wales is expected to attend and present the trophy.Source:Daily Star

Novak Djokovic reached his 10th Wimbledon final, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 7-6, 6-4 in the semifinal. The seven-time champion will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final on Sunday. Alcaraz beat Daniil Medvedev 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in the other semifinal. Djokovic, 37, aims to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles and become the tournament’s oldest modern-era champion. The final will be a rematch of last year’s five-set thriller won by Alcaraz. NDTV

Czech player Barbora Krejcikova upset former champion Elena Rybakina to reach the Wimbledon final, where she’ll face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. Krejcikova battled back from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Earlier, Paolini defeated Donna Vekic in a marathon semi-final. This marks Krejcikova’s second Grand Slam final appearance and Paolini’s first Wimbledon final. The women’s final is set for Saturday. AFP

World No.1 Iga Swiatek was upset by Yulia Putintseva in the third round of Wimbledon, ending her 21-match win streak. Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round for the 16th time. Elena Rybakina easily defeated Caroline Wozniacki. Alexander Zverev continued his strong serving performance to reach the last 16. Lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Arthur Fils advanced, marking a successful day for French players at the tournament. Source:Daily Star

Top seeds Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz advanced to Wimbledon’s third round, while Naomi Osaka was eliminated in her Centre Court return. Sinner defeated Berrettini in a tough four-set match, and Alcaraz overcame Vukic. Osaka lost to Navarro in straight sets. Other notable results include Fognini upsetting Ruud, Medvedev recovering to win, and Gauff easily progressing. Several comebacks from two sets down were recorded, tying a Grand Slam record. Rain delays pushed some matches to the next day. AFP

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has tested his surgically repaired knee extensively since arriving in London and is confident he’ll be ready for his opening match on Tuesday. After withdrawing from the French Open due to a torn meniscus, Djokovic underwent surgery and has since trained intensively with top players. He’s bidding for a record 25th Grand Slam title and will face Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva in the first round. Reuters

Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his French Open victory, is set to defend his Wimbledon title. The 21-year-old Spaniard has now won majors on all surfaces, joining an elite group of players. Despite a recent loss at Queen’s Club, Alcaraz remains confident about his grass court abilities. With a 17-3 record on grass, he’s eager to start Wimbledon and potentially cement his place among tennis greats by successfully defending a major title for the first time. Source Reuters