Archive of posts tagged Sports

Struggling Jessica Pegula voices frustration, rips her tennis as 'sloppy'

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Anastasija Sevastova

Jessica Pegula admits she feels her tennis has been "sloppy" lately and isn't hiding that she is "bothered" by her results. 

In late June, the American tennis star captured her third title of the year after beating Iga Swiatek in the Bad Homburg final. Since then, the world No. 4 has stunningly gone 1-3. 

After picking up shock first-round losses at Wimbledon (Elisabetta Cocciaretto) and Washington (Leylah Fernandez), Pegula snapped her mini losing streak at the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal by beating Maria Sakkari after a first-round bye. In the Montreal third round, the American was 6-3 2-0 up against Anastasija Sevastova. But then, she inexplicably shut down and world No. 386 Sevastova stormed back to win 3-6 6-3 6-1. 

Pegula: My tennis has been kind of sloppy… I don't like it and it bothers me

“It hasn’t been great, to be honest. I don’t really feel like I’m playing great tennis. At times I am, but I feel very up and down, kind of sloppy, which I don’t like. It really bothers me. You have to figure out how to get out of it and not feel sorry for yourself or make excuses. I’ve got figure it out. I feel like I felt pretty confident knowing I like playing here. I’ve always had good results here. … Did I win DC coming into here? No, but at the same time I’ve won tournaments and lost first round. Nothing in tennis makes sense sometimes," the world No. 4 said. 

While Pegula is set to lose a good chunk of points by not defending her Montreal title, she will still stay at No. 4 after the tournament. However, that's not the end of troubles for the 31-year-old since she still has a good chunk of points to defend in the rest of the North American hard-court swing – she reached the finals of the US Open and Cincinnati last year.

Unless Pegula quickly figures out something, her North American hard-court swing could turn into a complete disaster.

Eva Lys roasts herself and drops hilarious Iga Swiatek comment after Montreal loss

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Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Eva Lys kept it light after being routed by Iga Swiatek in Montreal as the 69th-ranked German teased herself and also funnily blamed the Pole for always ending her good runs. 

The 23-year-old German, who broke into the top-100 for the first time earlier this year, only this year made her maiden appearance at the Canadian Open. And the world No. 69 started solidly, beating Leolia Jeanjean and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova before Swiatek handed her a 6-2 6-2 third-round loss.

On X, a fan posted a video of how the third-seeded Pole saved a game point in the opening game by making Lys run from side to side. The six-time Grand Slam champion also got her first break of the match in that game. 

The X video in question was captioned: "Iga has Eva running marathons already." After the match, the German noticed the post and hilariously stated that she thought the same on the court: "Legit what I said to my box 20 mins into the match."

Lys jokes: Swiatek always ending my good runs…

If you can recall, Lys was one of the best stories of this year's Australian Open as she stayed in Melbourne for a couple of days after losing in the qualifying final round before literally entering the draw as a lucky loser at the last moment. The rest is history as the 23-year-old ended up making the round-of-16 and becoming the first lucky loser since 1988 to make the second week at Melbourne Park. Her fairytale run was ended by Swiatek, who beat her 6-0 6-1.

"@iga.swiatek always ending my good runs lol. tried my best, came a little closer this time. we appreciate the small steps. BIGGEST thank you to the amazing fans in Montreal. you made me feel loved. until next year," the German wrote on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eva Lys (@eva.lys)

Lys also played against Swiatek in 2022 Stuttgart and picked up a 1-6 1-6 loss.

Iga Swiatek slams Polish media in brutally honest rant: Weird and ridiculous stuff

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Clara Tauson

Iga Swiatek says she doesn't read a lot of Polish media simply because she finds "ridiculous" some of the stuff that has been written about her over the years.

When the Polish tennis star became one of the best in the women's game, she also instantly became one of the most popular and most recognizable athletes in her country. And as you can correctly guess, that put her every move and result under the extra loop. 

When Swiatek missed some of the Billie Jean King Cup action, she was heavily criticized by the media back home. Also, the former world No. 1 went through some heavy scrutiny before ending her 13-month title drought at Wimbledon. 

Swiatek: Some stuff written about me was weird and ridiculous… I didn't believe people until I read it myself

"Overall, I don't read. I only did when I had, like, two months off from tournaments just because I was kind of bored, and there was a lot of weird things that totally didn't make sense. So I wanted to actually see that because it was so ridiculous that I didn't believe people around me saying that what media wrote. I wanted to have that proof. But besides that, I don't read at all. Doesn't make sense. Sorry, guys," the 24-year-old explained when asked about the Polish press in Montreal.

As mentioned above, Swiatek endured some major criticism during her struggling period as the Polish media heavily speculated reasons behind her dip in results.

After putting up an impressive Wimbledon run and ending her title drought in the best way possible, the current world No. 3 had a message for the Polish media – she ripped their treatment of her as "unpleasant" and asked them to leave her alone.

Meanwhile, Swiatek is also off to a promising start in Montreal, where she will look to extend her winning streak to 10 matches when she takes on Clara Tauson in the round-of-16.

Statisfaction: Zverev joins ATP 500 Club

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Alexander Zverev has had a difficult season in 2025, but if we take a step back and look at the body of work of the German, we can see that he’s in the process of putting together a legendary career.

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Tennis Express player gear

On Thursday in Toronto the 28-year-old became the fifth active player to record 500 ATP wins with his 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2 over Matteo Arnaldi at the National Back Open.

Zverev is the fifth active player to have reached the mark, joining:

  • Novak Djokovic (1,150)
  • Marin Cilic (593)
  • Gael Monfils (583)
  • Stan Wawrinka (580)

And he’s the third German man to hit 500 wins, along with Boris Becker (713) and Tommy Haas (569).

Perhaps most impressively is the fact that Zverev is the first man born 1990 or later to achieve the feat.

The German, who improved to 37-14 on the season with the win, will face Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 16 in Toronto.

Sevastova Stuns Two-Time Defending Champion Pegula in Montreal

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Anastasija Sevastova flipped the script and bounced two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula from the draw on Friday in Montreal, the new mother notching her first Top-10 win since 2020, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

The victory is Sevastova’s first Top-5 win since she defeated then-third-ranked Sloane Stephens in the quarterfinals at the 2018 US Open.

The 386-ranked Latvian is appearing in Montreal for the first time since 2021 due to maternity leave and an ACL tear to her left knee early in her comeback.

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Today the 35-year-old rallied back for her second career win over Pegula, winning 12 of the final 15 games to book her spot in the round of 16 alongside Naomi Osaka.

Earlier on Friday Osaka raced past Jelena Ostapenko, 6-2, 6-4.

“It was tough in the first set,” the former World No.11 said. “I didn’t think I played that great. I was down 2-0 in the second set and I started playing better and better. In the third set I played really well.

“Mentally just finding my game in the second set, just trying to stay on court as long as possible, and fighting for every point.”

Pegula, ranked fourth, has now lost three of four since the start of Wimbledon. She drops to 36-14 on the year.

Why Billy Horschel feels uneasy at Augusta National

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Augusta

Talking about the importance of the Masters is redundant, as for many it is the most prestigious golf competition in the world. Most golfers are highly motivated to participate in this tournament, fully aware of its importance and prestigious reputation.

Billy Horschel is one of the golfers who has played in this tournament for years, but has never excelled in this tournament. 

Fans wondered what was the reason for Horschel's lackluster games, and the experienced golfer revealed what it was all about in an interview with the media. 

Billy admits that he feels quite anxious playing in this tournament, admitting that he does not feel comfortable at Augusta National.

“I get excited, I get anxious. The most nervous I ever get is the four tees shots, rounds one, two, three and four at Augusta. That first tee shot is the most nervous I am anywhere, ever.

I was nowhere near as nervous at The open Championship last year at Royal Troon on Sunday when I was leading waiting to tee off as I am at Augusta.

Me and Augusta have never got on very well, I’ve never shot sub-70 there and I just feel like one swing at the wrong time you’re in the worst spot you could possibly be.

I just think the comfort level, I’m not nearly as comfortable on that golf course.”- he said.

Modifications

As a golfer who belongs to the very top, it is clear that he will have to change something in his game, but it seems that it would be even more necessary to have a different mindset when it comes to this tournament. 

It is obvious that the strong pressure before this tournament, as well as the expectations, bring negative consequences for Horschel. 

In his words, you can feel that Billy has given up on this prestigious competition, which he admits is of great importance.

Montreal: Defending champ Jessica Pegula shocked by No. 386 after blowing big lead

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Anastasija Sevastova

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.

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. 

Cameron Smith admits frustration despite hard work in 2025

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Cameron

Cameron Smith, once the main face of the PGA Tour, and today a member of LIV Golf, is not excelling this season. It seems that this is the worst season in the career of the experienced Australian, and his performances at Major tournaments this year are especially disappointing. 

Smith did not make the cut at any of the 4 Majors, and such performances are sure to cause pessimism among fans. 

At one of the press conferences, Cameron shared his frustrations mainly because he worked hard and the results did not come. 

However, he does not want to give up his goals, aiming to pick up the pace and be significantly more dominant in the upcoming tournaments.

"I've been working hard and not getting results which isn't a good feeling and kind of ****** to be honest," Smith said, as quoted by Golf Magic.

"But we've got a few more events here before. We're in Chicago and [Indianapolis] before we get to Detroit. 

The goal is to finish it off strong and keep working it hard for those three events and then in the off season to have a better one next year.

You're constantly trying to figure stuff out whether you're playing great or bad."

Speculation: Why Cameron Smith isn't as dominant as he once was

Fans are speculating about the reasons for Smith's somewhat lackluster performances. As someone who dominated the PGA Tour and showed signs that he could be at the top of the golf scene, joining LIV Golf has taken his career in a completely different direction. 

Some will say the reason is the less competitive nature of LIV Golf, while others will say that Smith is expecting his first child, and it's natural to experience a slight dip at that moment. 

His colleagues are emphasizing that the Australian will return to real form and show his dominance.

Either way, the Australian golfer is focused on getting back into the game and trying to lift the trophy in the rest of the season.

Rickie Fowler admits he hasn’t done enough yet to secure a Ryder Cup spot

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captain of the US team

Rickie Fowler is playing at this week's Wyndham Championship, and many eyes are on him and his performance. The famous golfer has not been in great shape for years, and although some speculated that Fowler could make a breakthrough this season, it seems that Fowler has a lot of problems. 

In an interview with the media, the American golfer sent messages of reason, believing that he is far from his game. 

Rickie is not sure that he has done much to deserve to be part of the team, but he hopes to be at least a little more dominant in the coming weeks.

“I would say that I am definitely outside of consideration right now,” Fowler said. “There is still time to plead my case, but going back to executing, I need to go and play some good golf, and I need a really good stretch these next few weeks.

The team will be fine with or without me, but I haven’t quite done much of anything to say that I should be there. But it would be fun to go on a little run and see if that maybe sparks anyone’s interest.

But if we can’t, it’s part of it. You don’t make all of them. But they are fun to be a part of, and we will see if we can give ourselves a shot at it.”- Fowler concluded, as quoted by the Golfing Gazette.

What will happen?

It is hard to imagine that Rickie can be close to the US Ryder Cup, and it would take a miracle to perform at Bethpage Black. 

Rickie would probably have to celebrate at the next three events, but his only hope is Keegan Bradley, captain of the US team, whose pick could be Fowler. 

Fans are skeptical about it, but it is clear that Rickie certainly does not have serious expectations regarding the Ryder Cup.

Holger Rune sliding into Veronika Kudermetova DM mentioned during Russian's match

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Alexei Popyrin

Holger Rune was mentioned during the Coco Gauff and Veronika Kudermetova Montreal match after a Tennis Channel commentator brought up the Russian tennis player's recent claim that the Dane slid into her Instagram DM. 

Prior to the start of the Canadian Open, one of the things that made the headlines in the tennis world was an interesting but also fun one – during a recent podcast appearance, 28-year-old Kudermetova shared that Rune tried shooting his shot with her. According to the 42nd-ranked WTA player, she only pointed out to the Dane that she was married. 

"Rune recently texted me. I told him, 'Boy, I'm probably too old for you. If you looked at my Instagram, you’d see I have a husband.' He replied, 'Oh, sorry.' After that, he stopped saying hi to me," the Russian tennis player said.

A commentator brings up Kudermetova's Rune revelation live on air

On Thursday, the world No. 42 took on Gauff in the Montreal third round. And right at the start of the second game, one Tennis Channel commentator brought up the news that recently made all the headlines. 

“I don’t know if you heard about this tea… not tennis related, but there was news that Holger Rune apparently texted Kudermetova, and she said she was too old for him and married," a Tennis Channel commentator told her colleague on air. 

Unfortunately for the Russian, what looked like a big day for her ended in disappointment after she allowed Gauff to come back from a set and a break down and win 4-6 7-5 6-2. 

Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked Dane has been through to the Toronto Masters round-of-16, where he plays Alexei Popyrin.

Stefanos Tsitsipas slips in Toronto – Goran Ivanisevic out, struggles stay

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Apostolo

Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to search for answers as his difficult season rolls on. The Greek ended his brief collaboration with Goran Ivanisevic after two tournaments, returning to a more familiar setup with his father, Apostolo, as head coach.  

However, the change has not provided the desired results, at least not in Toronto. World no. 30 lost in the second round to Christopher O'Connell 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in two hours and one minutes.

Thus, Stefanos extended a concerning trend: he has not managed to win back-to-back ATP matches since the ATP 500 event in Barcelona in April. For the moment, he remains in the top-30, although that may change quickly. 

The most recent loss at the sixth Masters 1000 event of the season further highlights the ongoing challenges Stefanos is facing. Despite efforts to reset his team and regain momentum, the Greek is playing miles below his best.

Tsitsipas worked with Ivanisevic during two early exits in Halle and Wimbledon. The question lingered about his openness to bring necessary changes and integrate new coaching voices.

While Goran could not stay his coach following his remarks about Stefanos' lack of will and his terrible physical shape, many questioned his decision to reunite with his father, as they had issues before.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Toronto 2025

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Tsitsipas will seek deeper runs in Cincinnati and New York, although it remains unclear how much can he offer with low confidence and ongoing back issues that threaten to end his career way before the 30th birthday.

Stefanos and Christopher struggled to find the first serve. The Greek stayed behind his rival on the second serve and gave serve away four times, three in the decider. The Aussie denied six of eight break points and sent the 2018 runner-up packing.

Ex-Slam finalist lays out one strong reason why Emma Raducanu can win Major again

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Anna Kalinskaya

Pam Shriver is not ruling out the possibility of Emma Raducanu winning a Grand Slam once again as the 1978 US Open runner-up suggests that if a player has done it once, they certainly have the mindset to do it at least one more time.

How the British tennis player became a Grand Slam winner in a historic way and the criticism she faced after failing to keep up with the same level in the aftermath of her win is well-documented. 

Last week, Raducanu came very close to making her first final of any sort since the 2022 US Open. Sadly for the 22-year-old, she fell just short in her bid after Anna Kalinskaya handed her a 6-4 6-3 loss in the Washington semifinal. 

Overall, Raducanu is 23-15 this year and ranked at No. 33 in the world. Over the past year, the Briton has improved certain areas in her game – she has managed to stay healthier – and it is positively reflecting on her results. However, she still remains without a really big result or something that could propel her to the top of the game. 

While Shriver – who has one Grand Slam final on her resume and multiple semifinals – acknowledges that Raducanu's results haven't been the best for the past four years, she still believes it is possible for the 22-year-old to lift a Grand Slam glory.

Shriver on Raducanu's future Slam chances

"Obviously, in the last say three and a half years, four years she’s kind of fallen back into kind of like a solid player with some good results during the year. But if you just took her resume, take that US Open out, that one tournament out, you would probably say no she’s not going to win one. She might have some quarterfinals, semifinals, but when you know that somebody’s had the mindset to do it once you always think sure, they can do it again," Shriver said on Talking Tennis. 

Last year, Raducanu confidently said in one of her interviews that she was "going to win Wimbledon one day."

This year, the British tennis player had a third-round outings at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while she exited the French Open in the second round.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina blasts ATP scheduling in Toronto – Frustration at 11

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Alejandro

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has publicly criticized the ATP for what he sees as unfair and inconsiderate scheduling. The Spaniard expressed frustration after being assigned an 11:00 a.m. match at the Canada Masters in Toronto. 

The recently-crowned top-20 player will open Friday's action alongside Jakub Mensik, an hour and a half earlier that all other matches that day, which are scheduled to begin at 12:30 or later!

Staying an hour away from the tournament venue, Alejandro emphasized the difficulty of preparing properly under such conditions. Davidovich Fokina's attempts to adjust the schedule were rejected.

The ATP cited tickets, TV rights and other logistical factors that prevent them from changing the schedule. The Spaniard argued that player well-being continues to be ignored, stating they are not taken into consideration. 

The Washington finalist pointed out the inconsistency in scheduling, highlighting that he and his rival have to start the match at 11:00 while there are many courts available to make the schedule more even and flexible.

In a strong closing lines of his statement, Alejandro claimed the ATP regularly makes empty promises to fix issues. However, they remain only on paper, as nothing ever changes.

His post offers a rare glimpse into the frustrations competitors face behind the scenes and major stadiums, admitting it's not as great at t looks from the outside!

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Alejandro wasted three match points against Alex de Minaur in a heartbreaking Washington final. The Spaniard cracked the top-20 with those points and defeated Corentin Moutet in the first match in Toronto. 

Davidovich Fokina will seek his spot in the last 16 against the Miami Open champion, Jakub Mensik.

"Today, I want to share my disappointment and frustration with ATP. Tomorrow, every match starts at 12:30 except ours, which has been scheduled at 11:00.

We are staying one hour away from the club, which means we have to wake up extremely early to arrive in good condition. We have asked for a change, but the answer was that everything has already been sold, including tickets and TV rights.

Once again, it's clear that players are not taken into consideration. Today, it happens to others, tomorrow it's me, and from the day after, all matches return to 12:30. There are plenty of available courts, and yet we are the only ones playing at 11:00.

The ATP always promises they will fix things, but nothing ever changes. This is not the first time it has happened, and when you are inside, you realize it's not as great as it looks from the outside," Alejandro Davidovich Fokina wrote.

Joel Dahmen fires 9-under 61 to grab Wyndham Championship lead

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Alex Noren

Joel Dahmen, a 37-year-old US player, has a serious challenge ahead of him, as he wants to qualify for the PGA Tour playoffs. The seasoned golfer had an impressive day, finishing the round with three consecutive birdies for a 9-under 61. 

The American golfer has a one-shot lead over Alex Noren. 

The popular golfer is motivated to jump another step in his career, aware that the first 70 on the FexExCup list will have many privileges. 

After the end of the first round, the experienced golfer shared positive emoticons, aware of what such a great result would bring him.

Joel Dahmen's ambitions 

However, Dahmen does not want to focus too much on the next days or think about the result, as he wants to primarily play a great tournament.

“I mean, I've had like three top twos in my career — I don't know, four of them, maybe? I mean, it's not even a thing, right? Yeah, great to make the Playoffs, that would be unbelievable, give me a lot of time off this fall. We’ve got a baby coming so that would take some pressure off of that.

The Playoffs are a bonus for me. I’m just going to go out and try to play good golf, and I guess if I play really well, then I get to play another week.”- he concluded, as quoted by the PGA Tour.

The first 50 after the first Playoff tournament will have a guaranteed entry into all Signature events worth 20 million dollars, and there are many who have a strong motive to reach such a position. 

This tournament also brought disappointment for some more experienced names, but today they will have the opportunity to improve their impression.

It will be interesting to follow Dahmen and see if he can really maintain his leadership position at one of the important PGA tournaments.

Will Charlie Woods secure a spot on the Junior Ryder Cup team?

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Birck Boilermaker

Charlie Woods is a golfer who has been filling the covers of golf magazines for days, even though he still competes in junior tournaments. Before the start of the last tournament, the 16-year-old golfer had strong ambitions to win a place in the junior Ryder Cup team, and it seems that he is well on his way to that. 

With an impressive performance on the Ackerman-Allen course at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, the teenager finished in second place with a score of 12 under par, totaling 202.

While on the one hand, he will have an extremely difficult task to dethrone Lunden Esterline, who has a seven-shot advantage, it seems that the 16-year-old is not burdened by it. 

Although he is still a young golfer who lacks the necessary experience, there is no doubt that Tiger was an important figure in shaping his personality. This is also the reason why many expect calmness and focus from Charlie in the final round.

Ryder Cup place

The players are strongly motivated when it comes to these tournaments, as the first two in this tournament get an automatic spot in the Junior Ryder Cup team. 

It seems that the young golfer is on the right track, but it will be necessary for him to show his superiority even during the last day. 

The final round could bring pressure for Charlie Woods, but there is no doubt that the young golfer has the techniques and methods to deal with it. The stakes are high, and moments like these can serve as a powerful way to silence the critics and gain additional self-confidence.

It’s interesting that the young golfer is accompanied by Tiger Woods, who will surely have valuable advice for his son as he prepares to step into the professional waters.

It is clear that Charlie's every step is under scrutiny, mostly because of his father, and whether this will be a hindering factor for him in his career remains to be seen.

All eyes are focused on this tournament and the 16-year-old who wants to take an important step.

Coco Gauff 'disappointed' in herself after another painful Montreal serving display

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Coco

Coco Gauff admits she is disappointed in herself when it comes to her serving display in Montreal but also adds she is happy with the fact that so far she has managed to find ways to win ugly.

In the Montreal third round, the American – who is seeded at No. 1 in the absence of Aryna Sabalenka – sprayed 14 double faults against Veronika Kudermetova and she was down by a set and a break at one point. With her back turned against the wall and her serve not working, the two-time Grand Slam champion pulled off a big second-set comeback – gradually improved her serve as the match went on – and avoided a shock loss by beating world No. 42 Kudermetova 4-6 7-5 6-2.

Gauff, who had a first-round bye, also double-faulted 23 times during her opening Montreal win over Danielle Collins – that makes it 37 double faults across two matches played at the Canadian Open.

Gauff: I'm disappointed in myself when it comes to the serve part

"Yeah, I mean, there's positives and there's negatives. Obviously, I am so disappointed in myself when it comes to that part of the game just because I didn't play DC to work on that and made changes to that and doing well in practice and serving really well in practice. Yeah, so I just would like for it to transfer to the match. It does give positives that," the top seed said.

"'Okay, I'm winning these matches having literally like one part of my game on a crutch.' So it's like if I can stand on both feet, then I can only imagine that it would be a lot more straightforward and a lot more easier for me."

Gauff plays next against rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko. They met three months ago in Rome for the first time and the American was tested by the world No. 85 before coming back to win 3-6 6-2 6-1.

Gauff is evidently not happy with how she has served so far in Montreal and she will definitely emphasize doing much better in that department against Mboko.

Dan Evans rips 'pathetic' Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: World wakes up early and works

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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Dan Evans had no sympathy at all for Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and his issues at the Toronto Masters, ripping his complaints about an early match schedule as "pathetic."

While Thursday action was ongoing in Toronto, the tournament organizers released their schedule for the next day.

And Davidovich Fokina, who is seeded at No. 20 and slated to play Jakub Mensik in the third round, wasn't happy a bit after seeing that his clash was scheduled for 11 AM local time – which is the earliest possible match schedule. The 26-year-old Spaniard took to social media to blast the ATP authorities. 

“Today I want to share my disappointment and frustration with the ATP. Tomorrow, every match starts at 12:30, except ours, which has been scheduled at 11:00. We’re staying one hour away from the club, which means we have to wake up extremely early to arrive in good condition. The ATP always promises they’ll fix things, but nothing ever changes. This isn’t the first time it happens, and when you’re inside, you realize that it is not as great as it looks from the outside," Davidovich Fokina wrote in the message.

Evans on Davidovich Fokina complaining about getting up very early: Pathetic

Evans, who is nine years older than Davidovich Fokina, literally had zero sympathy for the Spanish tennis player. Reacting to it through his Instagram account, the 35-year-old Briton pretty much told the 26-year-old he is in a privileged position and still complains. 

“Wake up and play. The world wakes up and works 9-5, even 8-6. Pathetic," Evans wrote.

This is not the first time that Evans has blasted players' complaints about the tennis schedule and calendar. In one of his interviews conducted earlier this summer, the two-time ATP champion suggested that some of his colleagues are hypocrites because they want to earn as much as possible but still complain about playing a lot. 

Meanwhile, Evans played at the Lexington Challenger this week, where he lost to Michael Zheng in the round-of-16. The 35-year-old has already appeared in 21 tournaments this year.

Caroline Garcia Plans Cincinnati Return Before US Open Farewell

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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.

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Tennis Express player gear

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.

VAR Corrects Call on Ball Through the Net

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By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, July 31, 2025
Photo credit: Tennis TV

The Toronto net gave way to a squeeze play.

A rare shot through the net escaped the chair umpire’s attention, but not the sharp eyes of Video Assistant Review.

During Gabriel Diallo’s 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Matteo Gigante at the National Bank Open on Wednesday, one of the Canadian’s drives went through the net and undetected by the chair umpire.

Watch Gigante successfully challenge the no-call and win the point when VAR showed the ball had indeed passed through the net right below the tape. Gigante won the call but ultimately lost the match.

Fans concerned as Lydia Ko hints her career could end sooner than expected

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golf

Lydia Ko is a golfer who amazed the public many times with her performances, but also with her maturity even when she was a teenager and world number 1. 

Her career had an interesting trajectory, as she became extremely popular as an 18-year-old. 

Some wonder if Ko will experience saturation and end her career much earlier than expected. 

In an interview with the media before the start of one of the tournaments, the 28-year-old golfer shared her visions regarding the future, still not knowing when she will put an end to everything. 

Ko has much more freedom in this period of her career than when she was taking her first steps on the golf scene.

“I honestly don't know when my last event is going to be,” she told talkSPORT. 

“I do have more of the freedom of what tournaments I want to play versus when I was a rookie 12 years ago."

Lydia Ko: I've always wanted to leave the game while I still love it or still enjoy it

Lydia Ko is a member of the Hall of Fame, but she stresses that regardless of that, she got to know her body and herself better every year. 

Having a great career, it is natural that questions arise as to how long you want to be a part of this sport and whether you enjoy it at all. 

The New Zealand golfer clearly enjoys golf, admitting that she does not want to leave golf the moment she no longer has passion for the sport.

“But I think even if I wasn't a Hall of Famer, over time, you just realise and understand your body a little bit more. I think it just comes with time outside of just my career as a whole.

I've always wanted to leave the game while I still love it or still enjoy it. Because I don't want to stop playing because I just purely don't like it anymore. 

Golf has given me a lot in my life and made me experience so many different things that I probably wouldn't have if I wasn't a golfer. So I don't want to step away because I don't even want to see my golf clubs anymore."- she continued.

The 28-year-old golfer worried some, saying that she is still not sure when she will finish her career, but she feels that it is closer than some think. 

Whether Ko feels that it is time for the end or has certain visions regarding the future is still not certain. 

She wants to enjoy this phase of her career, planning to be an important figure in the coming period.

Charlie Woods shows promising progress, ranks 43rd out of 156 in junior competition

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43rd (Wessex) Reconnaissance Regiment

Charlie Woods met with disappointment at the last junior tournament, the US Junior Amateur Championship, not making the cut and thus causing strong reactions from the public. In the first round, one could feel that the 16-year-old had a strong motive, and in some moments he reminded the fans of Tiger Woods. 

However, Charlie was not consistent in this tournament, and he was ultimately disappointed with his last performance. 

Tiger was also in the stands, supporting his son, but even that didn't help Charlie to take a step further in this tournament.

New challenge

After an infamous adventure at one tournament, Charlie returned to the golf courses, playing at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

The young golfer impressed the public with a round of one under par (70), ending the day as 43rd out of 156 competitors. 

Charlie shows signs that he is making more and more progress, and that he could be an important name in the world of golf. 

Joe Couch reacts

Joe Couch, a man who has followed Tiger Woods' progress and great performances for years, was delighted with young Charlie's game, and he put special emphasis on the teenager's emotions. 

Being calm in tense situations is very difficult for such a young golfer, but Tiger's son obviously knows how to deal with intense emotions.

"Tiger was the reason why I played golf and it's a cool experience to see everything and see Charlie play. It's surreal watching Charlie play at a course I play at every day.

There's a couple of shots I think he'd want back but I also feel like he's playing well. He's handling his emotions and there was a lot of commotion but I thought he was playing well."- he said, as quoted by Express.

Couch is not the only one who had positive emotions after Charlie's performance. 

Many fans also shared the same emotions, believing that the 16-year-old is a huge talent, having the potential to make a career at least partially as big as Tiger Woods.

Tom Brady challenges Scottie Scheffler’s view on golf versus family priorities

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Brady

Dominating in one sport, no matter what it was, is very challenging nowadays. The competition is fierce, there are more and more athletes and it is getting harder to reach the top. 

Scottie Scheffler seems to be the first name after Tiger Woods to show dominance in golf, winning two Majors this year, but being equally dominant last season. 

In an interview with the media, the 29-year-old often emphasizes that the biggest credit for his success goes to his family. 

However, Scheffler surprised many at the last press conference, where he pointed out that his family is his priority, and that playing golf is not a priority for him.

"That's why I talk about family being my priority because it really is. … Because I'd much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer. At the end of the day, that's what's more important to me."- Scottie said.

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler© KSRonX / X / Fair Use

 

Tom Brady reacts

While his statements caused positive emotions among golf fans, there are also those who are not quite delighted with the statements of the 29-year-old golfer. 

Tom Brady, the legend of American football, had an interesting reaction to Scheffler's statements, a bit confused why Scottie excludes golf and family, considering that they can go together. 

Brady drew a parallel between Scottie's career and his own, stressing that through playing sports he was also an example for children and family.

"Scottie said he'd rather be a better father and husband than a good golfer. And my question is: why are those mutually exclusive?" Brady wrote. 

"Sure, they're different blocks on the pyramid, but they're part of the same pyramid. They're connected! For instance, I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family. I chose to do it by playing football."

Brady believes that by playing American football and making sacrifices to make his career, he was also making a sacrifice for his family. Tom wanted to show his family by his example how much he fights for them, but also show them what discipline, work and passion for a sport can bring. 

Brady does not want sports and family to be mutually exclusive, combining one with the other, and at the same time emphasizing that this combination can be a win-win for one person.

"My dedication to the sport, the hours of practice, the moments when I was laser focused — those were times when I believe I was doing the best possible thing for my family and my kids, by prioritizing my profession and teaching, by example, what it takes to be really good at your job, what it takes to follow through on commitments, what it takes to be a great teammate; and showing them, also by example, that work is a big part of all of our lives."- he concluded.

Fourth Gear: Fernandez Crushes Kalinskaya for Fourth Title in Washington, DC

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By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, July 27, 2025
Photo credit: Mubadala Citi DC Open Facebook

Pushed into the doubles alley, Leylah Fernandez fired a forehand strike.

Even when she was operating from defensive positions, Fernandez conjured offensive magic.

In a brilliant performance, Fernandez crushed Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 to roll to her fourth career championship at the Mubadala Citi DC Open final today.

The 22-year-old Fernandez made history as the first Canadian to rule Washington, DC. Unleashing a 69-minute thrashing, Fernandez soared to the biggest title of her career—and first since she won 2023 Hong Kong.

“Wow. First of all I want to congratulate Anna and her team,” Fernandez said after winning her first WTA 500 championship. “You’re a tough opponent to play against so congratulations and hope for the best for the future. 

“Secondly, I want to thank the DC crowd, give yourself a round of applause. Thank you for being there all week. You guys have been amazing for cheering us on all week through the heat, the humidity the rain so thank you for being here all week.”

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Tennis Express player gear

Former world No. 13 Fernandez capped a spectacular week that saw her knock off Aussie talent Maya Joint, top-seeded and 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, new WTA doubles No. 1 and home hero Taylor Townsend and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in a grueling triple tiebreaker test in the height of the DC heat yesterday.

Fernandez posted four Top 50 wins this week in a stirring triumph that thrusts her back into the Top 25 at No. 24 in the Live Rankings.

World No. 48 Kalinskaya swept 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu yesterday, denying DC fans the prospect of a 2021 US Open final rematch.

The Russian, who had not surrendered a set en route to the final, looked overwhelmed playing for her maiden title today.

“I want to congratulate Leylah, an amazing fighter this week,” Kalinskaya said. “You truly deserve it. I’ll see you soon, maybe we’ll play each other next week you never know.”

Though Kalinskaya’s second serve is usually a sturdy shot, Fernandez won 10 of 12 points played on the Russian’s second serve and converted four of six break points today.

The left-handed Canadian cracked 16 winners, which is seven more than Kalinskaya hit.

Despite her draining three hour, 12-minute triumph over WTA ace leader Rybakina in sweltering heat yesterday, Fernandez exuded more energy and urgency from the opening point today.

Deadlocked after two games, Fernandez surged through five games in a row for a one-set lead.

Belting a backhand down the line brought Fernandez a third set point. Sprinting to her right, Fernandez flicked a drop shot winner to snatch a one-set lead.

Striking a rousing running forehand strike helped Fernandez stretch her lead to 6-1, 3-1.

Straddling the baseline, Fernandez attacked and blocked a forehand volley winner for two more break points.

Cracking a clean backhand return winner down the line, Fernandez stamped her fourth break of the match for a 4-1 second set lead.

Kalinskaya made a brief push going up love-30 in the next game, but Fernandez fired through four points in a row. Flashing a serve winner down the T, Fernandez threw a clenched fist to her father in the support box extending to 6-1, 5-1 after just 61 minutes of play.

On her third championship point, Fernandez closed on Kalinskaya’s 24th unforced error.

Monfils: It Was the Last Time I Play Toronto

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By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, July 28, 2025
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis

Gael Monfils reached down to touch the Toronto baseline signaling he’d reached the end of the line at the National Bank Open.

The 38-year-old Frenchman failed to convert match points bowing to Chilean qualifier Tomas Barrios Vera 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3) in Toronto on Sunday.

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Tennis Express player gear

Afterward, a disconsolate Monfils said his first-round exit was his final Toronto appearance.

“It was the last time I play in Toronto, for sure, yeah,” Monfils told the media in Toronto.

The National Bank Open alternates between Toronto and Montreal each year. Monfils will be 40 years old when the tournament returns to Toronto in 2027 and he made it clear he won’t be competing.

“There’s no explanation, you know, it’s the last one,” Monfils said. “It will be two years to play in Toronto, so pretty much I won’t be able to play it. Obviously I think the next one is too old for me, so I think it was the last time I play here.

“So, you know, I actually thought at the end, and I was like, Well, I think it’s, unfortunately, but the last time I think I would play here.”

Monfils opened the 2025 season winning his 13th career title in Auckland and went on to reach the round of 16 at the Australian Open. Since then, he’s posted a 9-11 record with opening exits in four of his last five events.

A two-time semifinalist at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada, Monfils reached the Toronto quarterfinals two years ago pushing Jannik Sinner to three sets. The end of his opener on Sunday marked the end of an era.

“In Toronto, I think I played a semifinal here, had a great year here, great run,” Monfils said. “I remember a great match against Milos, a few other great matches here. Even two years ago I played quarterfinal with Jannik, it was a quite high level. But then it was too far.

“I remember I think I played Radek Stepanek, it was quite fun. I mean, I had fun matches in Toronto since I played here. So, it’s something, but at the end of the day, you know, it is natural and normal.”