Swiatek had a bizarre exchange with a journalist following her US Open quarterfinal exit.
Archive of posts tagged ITF World Champions
Venus Williams Returns To U.S. Open At 45 With Wild Card Entry
At 45, Venus Williams has received a wild card entry into the 2025 U.S. Open, marking her return to Grand Slam singles competition after a two-year hiatus. Williams, a two-time U.S. Open singles champion, last competed in a major tournament at the 2023 U.S. Open and hasn't secured a singles win there since 2019.
This wild card entry makes Williams the oldest player in the singles draw since Renee Richards in 1981. Her return follows a 16-month absence from the tour, during which she made a comeback at the DC Open, becoming the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since 2004.
In addition to her singles participation, Williams will compete in the newly introduced mixed doubles event alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka. The mixed doubles tournament, offering a $1 million prize, is scheduled for August 19-20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Williams' return has garnered significant public interest, not only for her on-court achievements but also due to her recent engagement to Italian actor Nicholas Hammond. Her participation in the U.S. Open adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament, as fans eagerly anticipate her performance on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
The 2025 U.S. Open is shaping up to be a memorable event, with Williams' return adding to the rich history of the tournament. As the competition approaches, tennis enthusiasts are looking forward to witnessing the resurgence of a legend in the sport.
Former ATP stars discuss Novak Djokovic's future
Novak Djokovic's next tournament will be the US Open – the last Major of the season – which will take place in New York from August 24 to September 7, preceded by the mixed doubles tournament in which the former world number 1 (together with Olga Danilovic) will also participate.
Against all odds, the Serbian legend has decided not to play either the 'Canadian Open' in Toronto or the Cincinnati Masters 1000 before the US Open and fans are wondering what his level will be in the Big Apple at the end of August. The 38-year-old from Belgrade had also made this decision last season, when he needed time to recharge his batteries after the Paris Olympics, but he was unable to give his best in NY and was eliminated already in the first week.
It is clear to everyone that Nole directs his schedule mainly towards Grand Slam tournaments and has been able to raise his level in those four tournaments this year, but he has never gone beyond the semifinals. In addition, he is starting to have more injuries than in the past and he has not hidden that it will be very hard to become the oldest player ever to lift a Major.
Nole is 38 years of age
Most experts and former players are convinced that Novak's career is not far from over, although he has repeatedly stated that he wants to try to continue until the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
On the latest edition of the 'Nothing Major' podcast, former American ace Sam Querrey asked John Isner when he thinks Djokovic will retire: “Do you think Djokovic is going to be a guy who announces his retirement like 2026 will be my last year?” Isner replied: “I think you’re right. I guess when you know you know. He might just reach that point where he wakes up one morning and it’s like man, I have had enough. Hopefully that is four years from now.”
Nole has not triumphed in a Major since the 2023 edition of the US Open.
Patrick Mouratoglou tells very interesting story from Serena Williams' 2013 RG win
Patrick Mouratoglou decided to tell a little story about the time when one of Serena Williams' comments made him realize the best with what type of champion mindset the American had.
In 2002, Williams lifted her maiden French Open title. Although she had been one of the most dominant players in the next decade, the American's next triumph at Roland Garros didn't come until 2013, when she defeated Maria Sharapova in the final. At the time, she was working with Mouratoglou and it was her 16th Grand Slam title.
After Williams triumphed at the French Open for the first time in 11 years, her team was ready to celebrate heavily. And while the American tennis star dressed and was ready to hit the club, she changed her mind at the last moment and just told Mouratoglou that she wanted to get back and already start preparing for Wimbledon.
Mouratoglou: Williams never celebrated her 2013 French Open win, she was already thinking about Wimbledon
"In the evening, everybody wanted to go dancing, and when we arrived in front of the night club, she looked at me and she said, 'Let's go back home,' she never celebrated. She was already thinking about Wimbledon," the French coach recalled in a video uploaded on his Instagram.
"There is a trophy ceremony, and when she gets out of the court, she comes to me and she says, 'OK, let's do the cool down.' So we go in the fitness room, and after five minutes, she looks at me and she says, 'Now we have to win Wimbledon.' This is the mindset of the champion. As soon as they achieve something, they immediately think about a new goal, another one."
Pogledajte ovu objavu na Instagramu.
While Williams was determined and locked in on making it all the way at 2013 Wimbledon, it didn't happen for her that year after she was upset by Sabine Lisicki in the round-of-16.
However, Williams and Mouratoglou went on to enjoy much more success since their partnership brought seven more Grand Slams before the American retired.
Cincinnati: Iga Swiatek wins opener e makes admission about early Montreal loss
Iga Swiatek is off to a strong start to her Cincinnati campaign after ousting world No. 44 Anastasija Potapova 6-1 6-4.
The Pole, who is seeded at No. 3 at the American WTA 1000 tournament, dominated the start of the match after claiming two breaks and not facing a single break point on her serve.
After easily winning the first set, Swiatek also claimed the first break of the second set. Down by a set and a break, Potapova refused to quit and managed to get the break back in the fourth game. However, the six-time Grand Slam champion didn't panic as she earned herself another break in the seventh game and then held on to her serve for the rest of the match to complete a straight-set win.
For Swiatek, this was her first match since stunningly losing to Clara Tauson in the Montreal third round. In her next Cincinnati match, the world No. 3 plays against No. 25 seed Marta Kostyuk.
Swiatek's honest admission about an early Montreal defeat
After winning seven matches at Wimbledon to become a champion at The All England Club, the Pole also triumphed in her opening two Montreal matches before Tauson ended her nine-match winning streak by handing her a 7-6 (1) 6-3 defeat. In Cincinnati, the 24-year-old admitted that she relaxed more than she should have following her Wimbledon win.
“Winning Wimbledon is a thing that is going to be with you the rest of your life. I let myself be happy a little bit longer, maybe that’s why I wasn’t so sharp in [Montreal],” Swiatek admitted in her pre-tournament presser in Cincinnati.
After Wimbledon, the Polish tennis giant relaxed by going to the Baltic sea.
“I was on a boat, I slept there and everything. I could see the shore and every big city that we have there from the water point of view. My friends were there. It was all super fun and I loved it," Swiatek said.
Jimmy Connors identifies 'worrying' thing about Novak Djokovic ahead of US Open
Jimmy Connors believes Novak Djokovic could still make a run for the US Open main glory but the former eight-time Grand Slam champion admits he is "worried" over the Serb not playing a single match leading up to the final Major of the year.
After losing in straight sets to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinal – in a match where he appeared to be bothered by a leg injury he picked up a round earlier – the current world No. 6 decided to skip the Toronto Masters. Last week, the 38-year-old also pulled out of the ongoing Cincinnati Masters.
The moment Djokovic withdrew from Cincinnati, that meant he would enter a second Grand Slam in a row without playing any official tournaments leading up to it. During this past grass swing, the former world No. 1 played only one exhibition match in Hurlingham before going to Wimbledon.
Connors: One thing worries me… I wish Djokovic went to Cincinnati and played a few matches there
"You can’t count him out. The only thing that is worrying me, is I wish he would go to Cincinnati and just go and play two or three matches. That is the only thing that worries me that he left Wimbledon in the semis, which was a pretty good result, but he didn’t play in that match like he wanted to and lost in three straight. Then to take two and a half months off, he has a family, going on vacation and getting away. But you never know," the American tennis legend said on the Advantage Connors podcast.
Djokovic not playing much before a Grand Slam isn't anything unusual – he did it many times in the past and you know how that usually went for the Serb. However, it has been a completely different story the past two years with the rise of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Last year, Djokovic stunningly lost in the US Open third round to Alexei Popyrin, but he was tired and exhausted following his Paris Olympics win. This year, the 38-year-old Serb is at least guaranteed to enter the last Grand Slam of the year fresh.
USTA Foundation to Honor Andre Agassi with Serving Up Dreams Award
By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025
Photo credit: USTA Foundation
Andre Agassi has been a dream-maker for students and players.
This month, Hall of Famer Agassi will be honored for his efforts.
The USTA Foundation announced former World No. 1 Agassi will be honored with the Serving Up Dreams Award at its annual Opening Night Gala on Sunday, August 24th, at the US Open.
The Serving Up Dreams Award is presented “to an individual who embodies the values of dedicated service to advance the USTA Foundation’s work to prepare young people for the life challenges they will face, both on and off the court, through the powerful combination of tennis, education, and life skills development,” the Foundation said in a statement.
Agassi is among the few professional tennis players to establish a foundation during their playing careers, and he approaches his philanthropy with the same unflagging drive and focus as he demonstrated on the court. In 2001, Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education to improve public schools and invest in communities. His efforts have raised over $180 million to date. He founded and operated the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a free public charter school in his hometown of Las Vegas, which graduated nine senior classes under Agassi’s leadership, and still remains open today. He also co-founded the Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund, which helps build schools in low-income areas across the nation. Agassi has dedicated much of his post-tennis life to education reform, particularly for young people from under-resourced communities.
Agassi also personally funded a Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas.
One of only five men to achieve a career Grand Slam in the Open Era, Agassi transformed the sport of tennis in the 1990s, becoming a global legend with his charismatic personality and bold playing style. Alongside his eight major singles titles, he won an Olympic singles gold medal in Atlanta and 60 tour-level titles during his 21-year professional career, before retiring at the 2006 US Open.
“Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways you can transform lives and communities. While my career may have been in tennis, I believe my true calling is to help create quality academic opportunities for young people that I frankly didn’t have,” said Agassi. “It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference and help give kids the chance to choose their own path. This honor serves as a reminder that when you put in the hard work and hold yourself accountable for achieving real outcomes, you can change lives. That’s the only result that truly matters.”
To learn more about the USTA Foundation, please visit ustafoundation.com
Humble & Hungry – Shelton Is Youngest American to Reach Masters Final in 21 Years
By Chris Oddo | Wednesday August 6, 2025
Ben Shelton broke new ground on Wednesday night in Toronto, defeating Taylor Fritz to become the youngest American to reach a Masters 1000 final since Andy Roddick in 2004.
The 22-year-old notched a 6-4, 6-3 over the top-ranked American, and has now earned back-to-back Top-10 wins for the first time in his career.
“I’m just looking for things in my game to steadily improve and I’ve seen so many big improvements in my game this week,” said Shelton. “That’s what I’m most happy about. The way that I’m playing, how I’m executing and how little I’m hesitating.”
Shelton saved both break points he faced in a flawless performance, and converted three of ten to pull away from the fourth-ranked American.
He cracked seven aces and won 25 of 29 first-serve points.
“When he is standing in one corner, he’s one of the best in the world at being behind the ball and hitting it harder and harder every time,” Shelton said of the 2024 US Open runner-up. “You have to keep him moving and I did a great job of that, moving the ball around the court today.”
In the first all-American Masters semifinal in 15 years Shelton improved to 1-1 vs Fritz and became the eighth player born in the 2000s to play a Masters final.
“It’s huge,” Shelton said. “Talked about how the Masters were the one level of tournaments that I’ve been struggling with, and my next step is being able to excel in these tournaments. So taking that first step and getting my first deep run under my belt is exciting.”
He’ll face Karen Khachanov for the title on Thursday evening.
Venus Williams shares how she would raise her kid if she ever became mother
Venus Williams says if she were ever to become a parent, she would definitely raise them the way she and her sister Serena were raised.
In the game of tennis, the Williams sisters left a major mark and paved the path for future generations of Black players to have success in the game. However, their journey wasn't the easiest as they have been open over the years about how challenging it was to succeed or be accepted just because of the colors of their skin.
Since 2017, Serena has welcomed two kids. On the other side, Venus hasn't achieved her motherhood dreams. However, if the moments comes for that to happen, the 45-year-old knows how she will want her kids to be raised.
Venus Williams: I'd want my kid to be proud of out African American heritage
“I was thinking, gosh, if I have kids, I really have to raise them the way my parents raised us – just to be proud of who we were, to know our history as African Americans. So, me being there was not necessarily even special. It was like, I am who I am. Looking back, I'm glad I had that level of oblivion," the seven-time Grand Slam champion told Marie Claire UK.
Just last week, Williams revealed in an Instagram post that a year ago, she had surgery to remove fibroids and a large focal adenomyoma from her uterus. In her message, the former world No. 1 also said that she was misdiagnosed for years and that she was also told by the doctors that conceiving her own child was impossible. But after finding the right doctor, she solved her problem.
"I was told I was inoperable. I was told I could bleed to death on the table. I was told to get a surrogate and forget the hope to carry my own children. I was misdiagnosed. I went untreated for years and years and years," Williams wrote.
Recently, Williams also confirmed that she is in a happy relationship and engaged to Italian actor Andre Pretti.
Naomi Osaka mentions Serena Williams when addressing her 'biggest weapon'
Naomi Osaka mentioned Serena Williams when asked about her powerful first serve as the Japanese suggested that seeing how the American tennis icon served even in tense moments helped her always believe that her own serve would be there for her.
On Sunday, the Japanese delivered a masterpiece performance and annihilated former world No. 11 Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 6-0 in the Montreal round-of-16.
From start to finish, it was all Osaka. One of the things that stood was the four-time Grand Slam champion's serve as she fired five aces – zero double faults – won 72 percent of her first serve points – faced three break points across two separate games but saved them all.
Overall, it has been an outstanding week for Osaka in Montreal, who has dropped just one set in four matches played. Her serve has been a major factor behind her promising run at the Canadian WTA 1000 tournament.
Osaka asked how it is possible that she 'never loses her first serve' and that it always remains her 'biggest weapon
The 27-year-old responded: "I don't know. I think for me I just grew up in an era of watching Serena, and she would be down Love 40 and hit four aces. I still think about that sometimes when I play. I also feel like it doesn't have to be an ace. I just have to hit a really good serve and see what happens, because off the baseline, I still think I'm one of the better players, so…"
Per the WTA website, Osaka has fired 200 aces so far in 2025 – won 74 percent of her first serve points – and owns a 78.7 percent when it comes to holding her own serve.
Considering that Osaka plays next against Svitolina in Montreal, there is no doubt that the four-time Grand Slam winner will need her serve to click exceptionally.
Montreal: Defending champ Jessica Pegula shocked by No. 386 after blowing big lead
Defending Canadian Open champion Jessica Pegula is out of the Montreal third round after blowing a big lead and picking up a shock 6-3 4-6 1-6 loss to world No. 386 Anastasija Sevastova.
The American, seeded at No. 3 in Montreal, made a strong start as she claimed breaks in the first and ninth games to routinely take the opening set. Up by a set, the defending champion also won the first two games of the second set.
Leading by a set and a break, Pegula appeared to be heading toward a routine straight-set win. But then, Sevastova responded by stunningly winning the next four games. While the American managed to get the break back and level the set to four games apiece, she lost her serve again in the ninth game as the Latvian went 5-4 up before serving out for a decider in the following game.
After failing to capitalize on her early lead, Pegula's game completely collapsed as the world No. 386 won five games in a row from 1-1 in the third set to complete her shock comeback.
386 – Anastasija Sevastova is the 3rd-lowest ranked since the Tier I/WTA-1000 format's introduction in 1990 to defeat a top-5 in such events
Capriati – Hilton Head 1990 (Unrk.)
Stephens – Toronto 2017 (934)
Sevastova – Montreal 2025 (386)✅Shock.#OBN25 | @OBNmontreal @WTA
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 1, 2025
Sevastova collects her first top-10 win since beating Serena Williams & And who is her next Montreal rival?
By beating world No. 4 Pegula, Sevastova – a former world No. 11 – registered her first top-10 win since upsetting Serena Williams in the Billie Jean King Cup.
For a place in the Montreal quarterfinal, Sevastova will play against Naomi Osaka, who defeated Jelena Ostapenko today.
So far, they have met five times and Osaka leads their head-to-head 3-2. However, it should be noted that their last match came more than six years ago during the 2019 Australian Open.
Caroline Garcia Plans Cincinnati Return Before US Open Farewell
By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, July 31, 2025
Photo credit: Brad Penner/USTA/US Open
Caroline Garcia plans a Queen City return before her final farewell in Queens.
The 31-year-old Garcia aims to plan next month’s Cincinnati WTA 1000 event in preparation for her final tournament at the 2025 US Open.
Garcia shared a brief video of her training with coach Bertrand Perret on Instagram Stories today. She captioned the video “Getting ready for Cincy tennis with my fave coach Bertrand Perret.”
It’s been a life-changing month for Garcia, who married long-time boyfriend Borja Durán in a beautiful and joyous ceremony earlier this month.
The happy couple shared exquisite images from their wedding ceremony on social media.
“The most beautiful day of our lives,” Garcia posted on social media.
The July 19th wedding comes nearly 13 months to the day after the couple announced their engagement.
Borja Durán is a Catalan university professor who has lived in Barcelona.
The couple launched their own podcast, The Tennis Insider Club, last year.
They’ve interviewed several stars, including Gael Monfils, Alize Cornet, Andrey Rublev and Victoria Azarenka for the podcast.
Former world No. 4 Garcia announced her intention to retire from the pro tour after the 2025 US Open in May. Garcia won 11 WTA singles titles, including defeating Aryna Sabalenka to capture the 2022 WTA Finals championship. Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic captured the Roland Garros doubles championship twice.
Zverev: Trying to Convince Toni Nadal to Join My Coaching Team
By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, July 27, 2025
Photo credit: Hannah Peters/Getty
Alexander Zverev tuned up for the North American summer hard-court season training with coach Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
Olympic gold-medal champion Zverev said he’d like to work with Toni Nadal on a more regular basis, but a prospective partnership depends on Uncle Toni’s schedule.
Speaking to the media in Toronto where he is top seed at this week’s National Bank Open, Zverev said “I’m trying to convince” Toni Nadal to join his coaching team.
“I mean, he spent quite a lot of time with me actually as well, so I’m very thankful for that,” Zverev told the media in Toronto. “I mean, the time in Mallorca was amazing. I spent about 10 days there, and worked really hard and enjoyed it as well. I think Toni enjoyed it probably as well.
“I’m trying to convince him (smiling) to do more weeks with me, and we’ll see how it goes, but he’s a very busy man. Also he has a lot of dates that he already committed to this year, so I’m not sure how much of him you’ll see this year, because he gave his word to a lot of events and a lot of speeches already. But we’re talking about what a potential partnership could look like, for sure, and, yeah, I can give you an update probably in a few weeks time when we know more. But, yeah, I enjoyed my time there, that’s for sure.”
In addition to working with Toni Nadal, Zverev said he gained “great insight” from Rafael Nadal on his game. King of Clay Rafa Nadal shared with Zverev what it was like for him to face the German.
“Yeah, they definitely spent a lot of hours talking to me, and they gave me some great insight. Rafa gave me some great insight of what it actually is like to play against me, because he saw me as a player, he saw me now as a spectator as well,” Zverev said. “It was very helpful, and again, we spent hours and hours talking, sometimes until past midnight in some dinners and stuff like that. So it was great to be there.”
Earlier this month, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech completed a five-set win over Zverev in the Wimbledon first round. Rinderknech won 44 of 55 trips to net and denied all nine break points he faced.
Afterward, Zverev said the prestigious Centre Court lawn felt like a deep hole he couldn’t escape.
Six months after his surge to the Australian Open final, Zverev suffered his second career Wimbledon first-round exit and opened up on the malaise he’s feeling.
“I would say more mental, probably. It’s funny, I feel very alone out there at times,” Zverev said. “I struggle mentally. I’ve been saying that since after the Australian Open. Yeah, just don’t know. I’m trying to find ways, trying to find ways to kind of get out of this hole. I keep kind of finding myself back in it in a way.
“Yeah, I don’t know. I feel, generally speaking, quite alone in life at the moment, which is a feeling that is not very nice.”
In his parting presser at SW19, Zverev said it’s possible he could hire a new coach and conceded he’s out of answers on court.
“Possibly,” Zverev said when asked about a new coach. “As I said, yeah, it’s a different feeling right now for me. I can’t speak for the moment. But I think I’ll have answers by Canada.”
While Zverev has worked with high-profile coaches in the past—including David Ferrer, who helped guide him to the US Open final and former No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been exceptionally successful coaching Carlos Alcaraz—he continues to return to the familiarity of his father, Alexander Zverev, Sr., as coach.
Toni Nadal, known as a savvy and tough taskmaster, spent some time working with Felix Auger-Aliassime after stepping down as Rafa Nadal’s official coach. Zverev said his goal is to maximize his game to try to win Grand Slams.
“I mean, I think at this stage for me it’s about winning, and trying to maximize what I have, and
trying to maximize what I can become,” Zverev said. “Again, I think my team, but also Toni are exceptional in that, in maximizing what a player has. Of course, he was with Rafa before, which I’m never going to compare myself to Rafa, but if he can maximize what I have, and he can maximize the potential that I have, I’m sure that I can have a lot more success in my career.”
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz follow in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's footsteps
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the most notable tennis stage since 2024, having won the previous seven Major titles. Their first final came at Roland Garros this June, and they turned it into one of the most thrilling matches of all time.
We did not have to wait for too long to see the world's greatest players battle for another Major trophy, with the two favorites reaching the title clash at the All England Club.
The first-time Wimbledon finalist Sinner ousted the two-time champion Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, earning his first Major crown outside hard and providing the Spaniard's first loss in the Major finals.
It's time for the Gentlemen's Singles Final ✨
🇮🇹 Jannik vs Carlos Alcaraz 🇪🇸#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/VbJPU3Siwn
— Wimbledon July 13, 2025
At 22 years and two months (Alcaraz) and 23 years and ten months (Sinner), they evoked memories of the 2006 Wimbledon final, forging the youngest title clash at the All England Club since Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Eighteen years ago, the world's best players fought for the Wimbledon crown for the first time. Nadal turned 20 just a month ago, and Federer was still 24, celebrating his 25th birthday a month later.
Carlos and Jannik could not match them, but they still achieved a notable milestone, another in their growing joined CV. They could not revive the thrill and excitement from their Paris match.
Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot
However, their final reflected a shift in power and reaffirmed the bright future of men's tennis. Both players are hungry for more, and no one should be surprised if we see them in another title clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium in September.
Unlike in Paris, Jannik took charge in London and celebrated his fourth Major crown. The Spaniard claimed the opener before the Italian took charge, serving well and provided a single break in each of sets two, three and four to emerge at the top.
Thus, Sinner showed incredible mental strength following the Parisian heartbreak. He bounced back at Wimbledon and secured his third trophy at the previous four Majors.
Serena Williams' childhood coach has sage advice for struggling Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams' childhood coach Rick Macci still believes in Naomi Osaka but highlights to the former world No. 1 that she must find the right guidance and fix some technical stuff in her game.
On Sunday – just a day before her scheduled Montreal first-round match against Ariana Arseneault – the Japanese tennis player decided to end her partnership with coach Patrick Mouratoglou. While the Frenchman is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the game, he didn't manage to help the current world No. 49 rediscover her form that was once making her a Grand Slam contender and champion.
While Osaka and Mouratoglou had some positive moments and flashes – like when the Japanese reached the final at the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland and also won the WTA 125 (Challenger) tournament in Saint-Malo – overall their tenure didn't go as expected. This year, the four-time Grand Slam champion is only 21-12 and sits ranked just inside the top-50.
Macci: Osaka's split step and anticipation are not there… She can flip the script with the right choice
"Winning/losing is a fine line. Naomi can flip the script with the right choice and what she 100% needs and a proven voice. Her split step is way off and overall anticipation is on vacation. This can be corrected if it is explained in detail and no doubt her confidence will not bail," the 70-year-old coach wrote on X.
Winning/ losing is a fine line. Naomi can flip the script with the right choice and what she 100% needs and a proven voice. Her split step is way off and overall anticipation is on vacation. This can be corrected if it is explained in detail and no doubt her confidence will not…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) July 28, 2025
Osaka has now changed two coaches since starting her post-pregnancy comeback in 2024 January. In late 2023, she returned Wim Fissette to her team – the same coach with whom she won multiple Grand Slams in the past. Their partnership ended last September.
It will be interesting to see what Osaka will search in a new coach and who it will be.
Picture: Novak Djokovic takes paradise break in Mykonos with his family
After the semi-final run at Wimbledon and his fifth straight loss to Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic is enjoying a well-earned break with his family on the stunning Greek island of Mykonos.
The legend has embraced the summer sun, extending his vacation after previously spending time in Montenegro and Croatia, his regular July destinations.
Known for his intense dedication to outdoor activities with his kids, Novak is now fully embracing that mode – beaches, clear blue waters and quality time with his beloved ones away from the court.
Đokovići na Mikonosu pune baterije! 🔋
Ima li šta lepše nego sa porodicom provoditi slobodno vreme? ❤️
📸 Profimedia#novak #djokovic pic.twitter.com/Rhm8rDRhxG
— Sportal.rs (@SportalSrbija) July 28, 2025
Mykonos, with its idyllic landscapes and calm atmosphere, offers the perfect setting for Djokovic to recharge physically and mentally ahead of the upcoming challenges in Cincinnati and the US Open.
The 38-year-old should hit the court again in two weeks at the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. It will be Novak's first hard-court event since fighting for the Miami Masters crown at the end of March.
Djokovic defends only 100 points at the upcoming two notable events. That opens the window for him to reduce the gap to the rivals in front of him, especially if he embraces deep runs in Ohio and New York.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025© Stream screenshot
Novak is eager to play at his best at the US Open and extend his notable run at Majors, having reached three semi-finals in 2025. For now, the 24-time Major winner remains in vacation mode, soaking up the Aegean sun and preparing for the road ahead.
Despite his age, the 38-year-old is still the third-strongest link on the ATP Tour this season, miles behind Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner but still in front of much younger competitors.
The most accomplished player of all time is still eager to chase notable titles and extend his everlasting legacy for a few more years.
Rune Working with Andre Agassi Ahead of Citi Open
The pair will reportedly spend three days together, according to a report by Stephanie Myles.
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday July 19, 2025
Holger Rune and Andre Agassi are spending some quality time together at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C.
According to Stephanie Myles of Open Court, who shot the below video, the pair are to spend three days together prepping for the ATP 500 event.
According to Myles, the pair will spend three days together in the hopes that Rune can gain some insight from the eight-time Slam champion
The Dane has had both good and bad moments this season. Famously, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Barcelona final. But he's only 22-14 on the season with the one title. He reached the round of 16 at the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, but lost in the first round at Wimbledon.
Agassi has been on the scene a bit in recent months, commentating for TNT at Roland-Garros for four days, and appearing on the Andy Roddick First Serve Podcast for an in-depth interview.
Swiatek's Wimbledon Triumph, By the Numbers
The Pole is the only active woman to have reached major finals on all three surfaces.
.aspx "Ashleigh Barty")
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday July 15, 2025
Iga Swiatek was not known as a formidable grass-court player ahead of Wimbledon. Boy, did she ever change the narrative, as she went on a run for the ages to earn her sixth major title and first at Wimbledon.
Join us for a quick look inside the numbers of Iga’s latest triumph.
1 – Swiatek is the first Polish player to win a Wimbledon singles title in the Open Era.
2 – The Polish juggernaut dropped just two games across her semifinal and final rounds, which is the fewest in Open Era Grand Slam history.
3 – With a perfect 6-0 record in Grand Slam finals, Swiatek is the third player in Open Era history to have won her first six major finals, joining Monica Seles, 6, and Roger Federer, 7.
35 – Swiatek dropped just 35 games to win the title — the fewest since Martina Navratilova in 1990.
8 – Swiatek is the eighth woman in the Open Era to win Grand Slam singles titles on all three surfaces, joining Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Hana Mandlikova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Ashleigh Barty.
She is the only current active WTA player who has even reached the final at a Slam on all three surfaces.
100 – The Pole’s victory in the final was her 100th Grand Slam match-win in singles. She has lost just 20 of her Grand Slam matches to date, and is the fastest player to reach 100 wins since Serena Williams did it in 116 matches in 2004.
Swiatek is now a perfect 6-0 in Grand Slam singles finals — and she has beaten six different opponents in each of those finals.
6-0, 6-0 – She became the second woman in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam final with a 6-0 6-0 scoreline. Steffi Graf defeated Natasha Zvereva without losing a game in the 1988 Roland Garros final.
ESPN Wimbledon Audience Spikes for QF and SF
ESPN reports its Wimbleson quarterfinals and semifinals most viewed in six years.
By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Photo credit: Jon Buckle/ROLEX
Wimbledon quarterfinal and semifinal matches were ratings winners for ESPN.
ESPN reports the most viewed Wimbledon quarterfinals and semifinals of the past six years, the most viewed Ladies’ semifinals in a decade and the most viewed Wimbledon Day One ever on ESPN platforms.
ESPN stats from Wimbledon coverage:
The Finals:
Sunday’s Gentlemen’s Championship between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz averaged 2.9 million viewers, +31% vs. 2024 The viewership peaked at the end of the match with 4.0 million viewers.
The match only (excluding trophy ceremony and post-match analysis) averaged 3.2 million viewers, +26% vs. last year’s match.
The Finals, Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s, coverage averaged 2.2 million viewers, +19% vs. 2024
The Saturday’s Ladies’ Final averaged 1.3 million viewers
The match only (excluding trophy ceremony and post-match analysis) averaged 1.9 million viewers, up +18% vs. last year’s match. This was a lopsided match, with Iga Świątek delivering a dominant performance over Amanda Anisimova.
Semifinals:
The audience across both the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Semifinals was the most viewed of the past six years Semifinals coverage averaged 1.1 million viewers, +33% vs. 2024.
The July 10 Ladies’ Semifinals
This was the most viewed Ladies’ Semifinals in a decade (the 2015 edition featured Serena Williams), with No. 13 Anisimova defeating No. 1 Sabalenka and No. 8 Swiatek’s victory over Belinda Bencic.
Viewership averaged 897,000, +31% vs. 2024.
The July 11 Gentlemen’s Semifinals This was the most-viewed Gentlemen’s Semifinals in six years, and featured No. 2 Alcaraz vs. No. 5 Fritz and No. 1 Sinner vs. No. 6 Djokovic (the 2019 edition featured Nadal and Federer). Viewership averaged 1.3 million, an increase of 34% vs. 2024.
Quarterfinals: The July 8 and 9 Quarterfinals on ESPN and ESPN2 were the most viewed in six years Viewership averaged 488,000 viewers, +25% vs. 2024.
With her Wimbledon Runner-Up Speech, Amanda Anisimova Won Wimbledon in her Own Way
The American paid heartfelt tribute to her team and family after a difficult loss, but successful journey.
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday July 12, 2025
Amanda Anisimova was brutally swept aside by Iga Swiatek in Saturday’s women’s final at Wimbledon. She didn’t manage to capture a single game as the Polish juggernaut won her sixth major title, and first at the All England Club.
Swiatek’s 6-0, 6-0 triumph is the first double bagel victory in Grand Slam final history, and the Pole’s incredible level is further proof or her status as a legendary talent in our sport.
But Anisimova won hearts with her emotional runner-up speech as she gave the Centre Court crowd insight into her journey to the Wimbledon final, and how her mother played a pivotal role in her development.
“My mom has put in more work than I have honestly,” a teary-eyed Anisimova told the crowd as she paid tribute to her mother, who had flown in to see Saturday’s final. “My mom is the most selfless person I know. She’s done everything to get me to this point.”
Anisimova’s family has endured its share of hardship, as Konstantin Anisimova, the coach and father of Amanda died suddenly in 2017 when Amanda was just 17.
It was phenomenal to watch Anisimova pull herself together after a brutal loss and celebrate her journey.
"My mom's put in more work than I have, honestly." ❤️
Amanda Anisimova gave a shoutout to her mom after the Wimbledon final 🥺 pic.twitter.com/vm6W0w5F1u
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 12, 2025
She apologized to the crowd for talking too long, but in truth the audience was enraptured.
“I’m so happy that I get to share this moment, and for you to be here and witness this in person, you don’t get to see me live playing that much anymore, because you do so much for me and my sister, and you always have.
It would be foolish not to focus on Anisimova’s journey and the incredible effort she has put in to overcome her grief and subsequent mental health issues to become a Wimbledon finalist and a Top 10 player.
And we likely have not heard the last from the 23-year-old talent.
“I know I didn’t have enough today, but I’m gonna keep putting in the work. I always believe in myself and I hope to be back here again one day,” she concluded.
Wimbledon | Swiatek breezes past Bencic into The Championship Final
Iga Swiatek is on a roll, enjoying her recovered mojo as she breezed past Belinda Bencic, 6-2 6-0, in just 72 minutes in the second semi-final on Thursday, moving into her first Wimbledon final, while re-opening her bagel bakery and delivering a masterclass on the Centre Court in the process.
The post Wimbledon | Swiatek breezes past Bencic into The Championship Final appeared first on Tennis Threads Magazine.
Wimbledon | Mixed champions Verbeek & Siniakova lift first silverware of The Championships
Dutch Sem Verbeek & Katerina Siniakova from Czechia landed the first title of this year’s Championships, when they completed their dream Wimbledon run on Thursday, lifting the Mixed Doubles trophies after holding their nerve in a tight 7-6(3) 7-6(3) win in the final against home favourite Joe Salisbury & Luisa Stefani from Brazil.
The post Wimbledon | Mixed champions Verbeek & Siniakova lift first silverware of The Championships appeared first on Tennis Threads Magazine.
Alcaraz: Grass Game Most Beautiful Form of Tennis
"The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful," Carlos Alcaraz said.
By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, June 28, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
An old adage states beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Grass-court tennis is the game’s most alluring surface for Carlos Alcaraz.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz proclaims the lawn game is the most transcendent tennis for players and fans.
“I think the most beautiful tennis that we can watch is on grass,” Alcaraz told the media at Wimbledon today. “The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful.
“The sound of the ball. The movement is really tough, but when you get it, it's kind of you're flying (smiling).”
Grass rewards the five-time Grand Slam champion’s athleticism, aggression and all-court acumen, which are among the reasons Alcaraz loves lawns.
“It's just pretty well to me because I really want to hit slices, dropshots, going to the net all the time, playing aggressively,” Alcaraz said. “I think on grass it's the style that you have to play. So that's what I like the most.”
Riding a career-best 18-match winning streak into his Wimbledon title defense, Alcaraz opens Centre Court play against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
It’s Alcaraz's first match since he beat Jiri Lehecka to win Queen’s Club—his fourth career grass-court championship equaling Rafa Nadal and Feliciano Lopez for most by a Spanish man in the Oepn Era.
The two-time reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner is aiming to join Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in capturing three consecutive Wimbledon crowns in the Open Era.
Alcaraz said today he’s hunting the title—not necessarily that legacy list.
“I'm coming here thinking that, yeah, I really want to win the title. I really want to lift the trophy,” Alcaraz said. “Not thinking about how much players have done it, you know, winning three Wimbledons in a row.
“I'm just thinking about, okay, I just want to be ready and just want to prepare myself in the best way possible, just to start the tournament with a lot of confident. Obviously I feel a lot of confident right now (smiling).
"But just thinking about still going forward, it's still doing the good things, and start the tournament. So two weeks could be really long on a Grand Slam, but right now I'm not thinking about who I could join if I win three Wimbledons in a row.”
While media and fan speculation over Alcaraz’s relationship with US Open mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu has run rampant since his UK return, the five-time Grand Slam champion has been busy teeing off with another British major winner.
“I play some golf. Actually, I play with Andy Murray on Monday and a few more players,” Alcaraz said of post Queen’s Club activity. “Just went to the center a little bit. Just wanted to go to the center a little bit, walk around, have a good food, and just having quality time with them doing some stuff that probably I wouldn't be able to do it while the tournament is on.”
Djokovic's Last Wimbledon Dance?
The Grand Slam king talks up his chances ahead of his
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday June 28, 2025
He’s 38. He’s done everything there is to do in the sport. Well, almost everything…
Novak Djokovic doesn’t stand atop the all-time Wimbledon men’s singles titles list, and he isn’t the oldest man to ever win a major singles title. If he can somehow find a way to be the last man standing at the end of this Wimbledon fortnight, he could add a few select chapters to his voluminous legacy.
At Wimbledon, most agree that it is Djokovic’s best chance. The Serbian legend himself said so on Saturday during his pre-tournament media conference. Maybe it’s even his last chance?
“I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance [for a 25th Grand Slam title] because of the results I have had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level,” he said.
Djokovic, who enters these Championships with a 97-12 record on his hallowed Wimbledon grass, hopes it isn’t his last dance at Wimbledon, but he admits it is a possibility.
“Whether it could be my last dance, I'm not sure,” he said. “My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That's the goal, but you never know at this stage.”
Djokovic has been defeated in the final by Carlos Alcaraz in successive years, in five sets in 2023 and in straight sets last year.
He hopes that his form at the majors means he’ll be able to find his way back to another final, and maybe even win it.
Grand Slams stay quite consistent, quarters or semi-finals except for the US Open. That's a good sign. These tournaments give me the biggest drive still. Australia and at Roland-Garros showed me that I can still play on a very high level at the later stages.”
Djokovic will face France’s Alexandre Muller in the first round at Wimbledon.
WTA Post-RG Rankings: Boisson's Surge, Swiatek out of Top 5
The biggest climbers in this week's post Roland-Garros rankings.
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday June 10, 2025
The post-Roland-Garros WTA rankings are full of big moves, as the Race to Riyadh takes shape and we get a more accurate picture of who is in the best shape with the second major of the year now in the rearview.
Scroll down to find out who made the biggest jump, and how the Race shapes up as of Monday’s new rankings.
Swiatek Drops to No.7
By not defending her title in Paris, Iga Swiatek drops a few spots and ends up out of the Top 5 for the first time since for the first time since February 2022. She’s still No.4 in the race so it isn’t all bad news for the five-time major champion.
Boisson’s Giant Leap
After thrilling her home country by reaching the semifinals in Paris in just her second WTA level event, Laurent Boisson enters the Top 100. She rises to No. 65, shattering her previous high of No. 152, after starting Roland-Garros at 361.
The WTA race to Riyadh standings: pic.twitter.com/Ee22DmkOKb
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) June 11, 2025
Zheng Top 5
Zheng Qinwen leapfrogs two spots to replace Swiatek in the Top 5. The Chinese star is back in the Top 5 for the first time since January, at her career-high.
Mboko Top 100, Anisimova Top 15
18-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, who came through qualifying to reach the third round on her Grand Slam main draw debut, cracks the Top 100, jumping from No. 120 to No. 91.
American Amanda Anisimova—who made her Top 20 debut in February after winning the Doha title—powers into the Top 15 this week, rising one spot for a new career high after reaching the second week in Paris.
Other Notable Risers
No. 33 Ashley Kreuger, +2 (Career High)
No. 49 Jaqueline Cristian, +11 (Career High)
No. 50 Sonay Kartal, +6 (Career High)
No. 67 Yulia Starodubtseva +14 (Career High)
No. 78 Emiliana Arango +7 (Career High)
No.92 Leolia JeanJean +8 (Career High)
No.95 Robin Montgomery +20 (Career High)
No.98 Antonia Ruzic + 3 (Career High) No.100 Mananchay Sawangkaew +9 (Career High)