Archive of posts tagged Sports

Joaquin Niemann shares insights on Tom McKibbin’s game

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confident player

Joaquin Niemann is, for many, the main face of LIV Golf. After a great round at LIV Golf UK, where he holds the lead by six shots, Niemann received some interesting questions from reporters.

In addition to Niemann, LIV Golf consists of many quality golfers, with Tom McKibbin being one of them. 

The Northern Irish golfer did not cause positive reactions in the public by joining the Saudi-backed Tour. Despite this, the young golfer took an unpopular path, wanting to build a story in a slightly different way. 

There are many who believe that McKibbin is one of the greatest potentials on the golf scene. 

After the end of the second round, Niemann answered the reporter's question about what impresses him the most about the Northern Irish golfer. 

Niemann is convinced that McKibbin can write history at LIV Golf, although he wasn't as dominant as expected.

"Yeah, it was the first time that I played with Tom since he joined. I never played with him.

I enjoyed playing with him. I think he's a great golfer. Obviously he's had the results before. He was in the top 10 on DP World. He probably hasn't had the results he wants to on LIV so far, but I think he's going to be all right. He's really young. You can tell coming from Ireland, I think they build pretty good golfers there, and the way he controls the ball into the wind and his short game, yeah, he's going to be great.

It was good fun playing with him, and you can tell he's a confident player."- he said.

Tom McKibbin's path

It is difficult to give the right answer in which direction Tom McKibbin's career will go, but it is clear that he has a strong potential to do great things on the golf scene in the future.

Experience will certainly be the key to his success in the future, no doubt.

Washington: Leylah Fernandez destroys Anna Kalinskaya for fourth WTA title

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Anna Kalinskaya

Leylah Fernandez claimed the Washington title in style after destroying Anna Kalinskaya 6-1 6-2 in just an hour and nine minutes of play. 

Early in the match, it was actually world No. 48 Kalinskaya who had two break points in the third game. But after saving those two break points and opening a 2-1 lead, Fernandez went on to also win the next four games and bag the opener.

After dropping the first set, Kalinskaya served out the opening game of the second set. But just as she did in the first set, the Canadian went on a five-game run and opened a 5-1 lead before serving out for the match in the eighth game.

For Fernandez, this was her first Washington title and overall her fourth WTA title. Also, this was her first WTA main glory since she made it all the way in Hong Kong in late 2023.

Fernandez dedicated her Washington title to her family and her team

"I want to dedicate this trophy to my mom, my oldest sister, and my fitness trainer. You guys have been fighting all year round and still are fighting. Thank you so much for never giving up on me. Don’t give up on yourselves. This trophy is for you guys. Hopefully we can celebrate all together very very soon," the Canadian tennis star said.

Fernandez will now fly to Montreal, where she is as the home star will take on Maya Joint in the first round of the Canadian WTA 1000 tournament.

Padraig Harrington fires 65 to take command at Senior Open

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Bob Charles

Padraig Harrington showed his superiority in yet another tournament, playing a brilliant third round with five birdies and one bogey for a total of 65 shots, finishing the day 13 shots under par. 

While Harrington has impressed the public with his qualities for the umpteenth time, it seems that he is a bit scared by the bad feeling on the golf course. 

The experienced golfer hopes to keep the lead and finish the final day in style.

“I don’t feel very good about how I’m hitting the ball,” he said, as quoted by Golf Today.

“So trying to get away from that and not worry so much about that because clearly I’m scoring well.

Better off shooting 13-under par and not feeling so good about it than thinking you’re swinging it great and being level par.”

The 53-year-old is motivated to do great things at this tournament, aware that a serious task awaits him. The Irish golfer last celebrated at the US Senior Open last month, and it seems that he is currently the most dominant figure on the senior Tour. 

The Irish golfer hopes to win this tournament and join legends like Gary Player, Tom Watson, Darren Clark and Bob Charles, who won both the Open Championship and the ISPS HANDA Senior Open.

During his career, Padraig has shown that he is a golfer who really belongs at the very top, but many are amazed by his dedication and desire, as he is in his serious years, when many play this sport recreationally. 

Justin Leonard

Justin Leonard is a golfer breathing down his neck, taking second place with a score of 11 under par. 

Leonard is motivated to win this tournament, and such a victory would go down in the sport's history.

“To be in contention is something I shoot for every week, and I think we all do,” said Leonard. 

“To do it in a major championship then is another thing, and then to do it at the Senior Open here at Sunningdale, it’s been a special three days.”

Washington: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina bests Ben Shelton

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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina will chase his first ATP title in a career in Washngton. The Spaniard bested Ben Shelton 6-2, 7-5 in the semi-final in an hour and 19 minutes, advancing to his fourth ATP final and the third of the season.

Davidovich Fokina left the home star behind in the opening set and grabbed three straight games in the closing stages of the second set for a notable victory. Alejandro will crack the top-20 with these points, regardless of the final outcome.

The Spaniard is 8-0 against left-handers in 2025. He is also the fourth player with five top-10 victories this season, joining Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti on the exclusive list.

Ben could not produce the magic behind the initial shot from the previous matches. He served at 55% and dropped42% of the points in his games. The home player faced six break points and got broken four times. 

Alejandro dropped 14 points in ten service games, suffering one break in the second set and outplaying his rival. They sprayed too many unforced errors. The Spaniard tamed his strokes more efficiently and bested the top-10 star from the baseline. 

They stayed neck and neck in the quickest exchange up to four strokes, and the lower-ranked player had the upper hand in the more advanced ones. Davidovich Fokina made a reliable start.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina & Ben Shelton, Washington 2025

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina & Ben Shelton, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

He served well in the opener and kept the pressure on the other side. Shelton sprayed a forehand error in the fifth game, losing serve and falling behind. The Spaniard cemented the lead with a forehand down the line winner in the next one.

A left-hander struggled again on serve in game seven and netted a forehand to experience another break and fall 5-2 behind. Alejandro landed an ace in the eighth game, wrapping up the opening set 6-2 in 27 minutes.

Ben played against a break point at 2-2 in the second set and saved it with a service winner. However, he played a loose drop shot two games later, losing serve and sending his rival 4-3 in front.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Spaniard played his only loose service game in the next one, placing a forehand wide and losing serve to bring the home favorite back to the positive side. 

Shelton sprayed a backhand error in the 11th game and got broken when his opponent painted a forehand down the line winner. Davidovich Fokina served for the win at 6-5 and fired a powerful serve for a hold at 15 and his fourth ATP final, the third of the season.

Elena Rybakina has had three shocking collapses since French Open

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ANNIE FERNANDEZ

Elena Rybakina has had a couple of concerning collapses this year and the latest came this past on Saturday, when the Kazakh blew a big lead and suffered a shock Washington semifinal loss.

After sealing a tight first set versus world No. 36 Leylah Fernandez, the No. 3 seed also went 3-1 up in the second set and had three consecutive break points to open a double-break second-set lead. 

But then, Rybakina's troubles started. First, the Kazakh didn't manage to get a break in the fifth game. Then, the 2022 Wimbledon champion got broken for the very first time in the match when she was serving to seal the win in the 10th game. To make it all worse, she completely disappeared in the second-set tie-break and won only three points there.

The third set was an extremely tight contest as not a single break point was seen. But then, the tie-break quickly turned into a one-sided battle as Fernandez took the opening four points before completing a 6-7 (2) 7-6 (3) 7-6 (3) comeback win.

It is not the first time this has happened to Rybakina this year

Over the last two months, Rybakina – ranked at No. 12 – has had three baffling losses. 

In the French Open round-of-16, the Kazakh was all over Iga Swiatek early on and opened a dominant 6-1 2-0 lead before allowing the Pole to come back and win 1-6 6-3 7-5. In the Berlin quarterfinal, the 2022 Wimbledon champion had four consecutive match points in the third-set tie-break against Aryna Sabalenka before stunningly losing the next six points and seeing the Belarusian win 7-6 (6) 3-6 7-6 (6).

In Washington, Rybakina had yet another collapse and lost herself when the time came for her to get over the finish line. 

Rybakina is now 33-14 on the year. She has been ranked outside the top-10 since April and that won't change on Monday. 

Joaquin Niemann shares how he bounced back after a tough week at The Open

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actor

LIV Golf UK attracted the attention of the public, and the main actor of the second day was the Chilean golfer, Joaquin Niemann, with 8 under par (63 strokes). Niemann thus took the leading position with a score of 14 under par. 

Niemann gained a huge lead, with the second-place player trailing him by as much as six strokes.

Niemann started the round with three consecutive birdies, ending the day with as many as nine birdies and one bogey. 

The fans expect that the Chilean golfer will keep the lead, and in the interview with the media, Niemann referred to something worse last week, revealing a recipe for dominance in this tournament. 

The popular golfer knew that he had to take concrete steps if he wanted to celebrate in this tournament.

"Yeah, you know what, to be honest, at the beginning of the week I was not feeling bad. I was going to say another word. But I was feeling a little bit weird after a bad week at The Open. Obviously the expectations were pretty high, and the way I played wasn't my best. On the greens wasn't the best.

Just positive talk, having a nice team around, that support group that I have, I love them, so it's great to have that group behind, and I'm able to go out and play golf freely and have the game of Seve and how he plays."- he said.

Joaquin Niemann's goals: What can we expect?

Fans expect that the Chilean golfer will have an easy task in the last round, having strong foundations to record another victory at LIV Golf.

Joaquin is certainly one of the more famous names on the controversial Tour, and a golfer who has great potential to achieve many more victories by the end of the season.

While a lead of six strokes is very optimistic, it is difficult to give a real answer as to whether Joaquin will be equally dominant in the final round.

Watch: Daniil Medvedev hurles racket, destroys bottle after losing epic match point

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Alex de Minaur

Daniil Medvedev had a very hard time accepting a Washington quarterfinal loss as the former world No. 1 hurled his racket and then also violently hit a metal water bottle against the court moments after his defeat.

With French lucky loser Corentin Moutet up 5-4 up in the third set and Medvedev serving to stay in the match, the No. 8 seed sprayed three double faults. After saving two match points, the Russian faced a third – and it was one of the most insane match points you will ever see as it pretty much featured everything and several stunning shots and escaped. Unfortunately for the 2021 US Open champion, it was the Frenchman who took the point and completed a 1-6 6-4 6-4 upset win.

It wasn't shown on the video above but Medvedev threw his racket after losing the match. Then, when he came to his chair, he further took out his frustration on a water bottle.

Medvedev's title drought continues

Had Medvedev defeated Moutet, he would have played Alex de Minaur in the Washington semifinal and come two wins away from finally winning his first ATP title since 2023 May. When the Russian claimed the 2023 Rome Masters title, he improved to 20 titles. Since then, he hasn't lifted a title.

This year, Medvedev came close to winning a title on a few occasions – his best chance came in Halle last month, where he finished as runner-up to Alexander Bublik. The Russian former world No. 1 was also a semifinalist at the Indian Wells Masters and Montpellier.

Medvedev now turns his focus to next week's Toronto Masters, where he has a first-round bye.

The truth behind Cam Smith’s missed cuts at all Majors in 2025

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Cam

Until a few years ago, Cameron Smith was a leading name on the golf scene. However, by joining LIV Golf, his career went in a different direction, and fans loudly share their dissatisfaction. 

The Australian golfer excelled in many aspects of the game during his adventure on the PGA Tour, and it seemed that he would remain at the very top of the golf scene for a long time. 

However, after joining LIV Golf, a lot has changed in the life of this golfer. 

The Australian missed the cut at all four Majors, and in a media interview, Smith shared the main reasons behind his somewhat lackluster performance.

The Australian believes that the problem is more mental than technique. 

When it comes to his motivation, Cameron does not hide that he has a strong desire to win.

“Yes, it sucks to play bad in tournaments that probably mean a little bit more than others,” Smith told Australian Golf Digest.

“I think it’s probably more of a mental issue than actual technique. But yeah, the major results weren’t good.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I’ve been motivated, I think, all year, to try and get a result, and maybe that’s part of the problem, I feel like I’ve done everything right, and not really got much out of it.

My swing feels the best it’s ever felt and to go out there and perform like that isn’t something I want to do, and it’s something that I shouldn’t do.”

His future

It is difficult to give the right answer and predictions when it comes to the future of the 29-year-old golfer.

Smith has shown throughout his career that he really is a golfer who has potential, but if he really wants to show that he belongs to the very top, it is clear that he will have to make rapid changes.

Music on course? Westwood says he’s comfortable with LIV Golf’s new vibe

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experienced golfer

Lee Westwood is currently playing at LIV Golf UK, and after the second day the experienced golfer finished with five strokes under par, 66.

The 52-year-old has been playing great lately, and it seems that with such performances many paths are opening up for him. Westwood has repeatedly emphasized his satisfaction with LIV Golf, the vision of this Tour, as well as his ambitions for the future.

Although there are some shortcomings, such as the lack of OWGR ranking points, optimism remains high among LIV officials and players.

In a media interview, Westwood, however, emphasized the music that was playing on the golf course yesterday, stressing that he has no problem with it.

Regardless of the fact that he is an experienced golfer, Westwood admits that his persona is open to change and adaptation. 

Lee is someone who puts an accent on innovations in the world of golf.

“Seemed appropriate, right?

Am I comfortable with it? Yeah, I don’t mind change and adapting. It’s people in general that don’t like change and adapting. People are used to the traditions and staying in their ways, their comfort.

But all sports have to adapt and change. I think golf is doing a great job of it through LIV, yeah.“- he said, as quoted by the Golfing Gazette.

Lee's future

Westwood has played solidly this season with 3 top 40 finishes, 3 top 25 finishes, and 1 top 10 finish. 

An experienced golfer can be delighted with this kind of performances, and there is no doubt that he will give his maximum to use the momentum. 

Regardless of his advanced age, his hunger and desire for success can be an example to others. 

He has a bright future ahead of him, and it will be interesting to see whether he can be a serious threat to his opponents at LIV Golf in the coming weeks.

Washington: Daniil Medvedev sweeps Yibing Wu, sails into QF

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Australian Open Men's singles final

Daniil Medvedev enjoyed a relaxed day at the office at the ATP 500 event in Washington. The 2019 finalist faced Yibing Wu in the third round and scored a convincing 6-3, 6-2 triumph in 69 minutes.

The Russian fired 11 aces and barely lost a point after landing in the first serve. He dropped six points in eight service games and kept the pressure on the other side. 

Yibing played well to pass the qualifying stage and earn two main-draw wins. However, he stood no chance against the former world no. 1, struggling on serve and return and hitting the exit door.

The Chinese dropped half of the points hi his games and played against 13 break points. Wu did a fine job in denying nine. However, he got broken four times and propelled Medvedev through. 

Daniil landed 18 winners and 13 unforced errors. He had the upper hand in service winners and from the baseline, outplaying his rival in the shortest and more advanced rallies en route to a comfortable victory. 

Yibing squandered game points in the first game of the duel and placed a forehand wide to suffer an early break. They served well in the next seven games, and Medvedev held at love in game eight with a forehand crosscourt winner for 5-3.

Wu played another loose service game and faced issues while serving to stay in the set. He sprayed a forehand error, losing serve for the second time and allowing Daniil to wrap up the opener in 31 minutes.

Daniil Medvedev & Yibing Wu, Washington 2025

Daniil Medvedev & Yibing Wu, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The Chinese denied five break points at the beginning of the second set. However, he played a terrible forehand in the fourth game to suffer a break and push his rival closer to the finish line. 

Wu saved three more break points in the sixth game, remaining within one break deficit and extending the battle. Medvedev held at 15 in game seven for 5-2 and made a push on the return in the next one. 

The Russian welcomed the rival's loose forehand, providing another break and sealing the deal in under 70 minutes.

Washington: Ben Shelton aces his way through. Frances Tiafoe is next

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ATP Tour

Ben Shelton produced a statement victory in the third round of the ATP 500 event in Washington. World no. 8 faced Gabriel Diallo in the third round and notched a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory in 61 minutes.

The 4th seed dominated from start to finish, making the difference with his booming initial shot and outplaying the Canadian in every department. Shelton took 22 points more than his rival.

Ben blasted 16 aces and as many service winners, dropping six points in nine service games and facing no break points. Diallo felt the pressure and cracked under it. 

The lower-ranked player struggled behind the second serve and got broken three times from four chances offered to his rival. The American landed 22 winners and seven unforced errors. 

They split the 14 most extended points, and a left-hander dominated those up to four strokes, building a 47-25 advantage. The home favorite provided five comfortable holds in the first set. 

He made a push on the return in the second game and caused the rival's mistake with a sharp return for an early advantage. Ben fired an ace in the third game and forged a 3-0 advantage after only eight minutes. 

The 4th seed held at love for 4-1 and landed a service winner two games later to maintain the advantage. Diallo served well after that early setback. He held in game eight to reduce the deficit to 5-3 and prolong the battle.

Ben Shelton, Washington 2025

Ben Shelton, Washington 2025© Stream screenshot

 

However, Shelton painted an ace in game nine for a hold at love and 6-3 in half an hour. The Canadian hit a double fault in the third game of the second set, losing serve and moving closer to the exit door.

The American closed the next game at love, you guess, with an ace, and made another push on the return at 3-1. He cracked a forehand down the line winner for a break point and converted it with another forehand winner that sent him 4-1 in front. 

Shelton held with an unreturned serve in the sixth game, moving 5-1 up and serving for the win at 5-2. A left-hander sealed the deal with an ace, racing over the top and arranging a thrilling clash against Frances Tiafoe.

Washington: Emma Raducanu recovers from deficit in each set to reach semfinal

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Anna Kalinskaya

Emma Raducanu made her first semifinal of the year but it came all but an easy way after the British tennis star came from a break down in each set to beat Maria Sakkari 6-4 7-5 in the Washington quarterfinal.

Playing against former world No. 3 Sakkari, Raducanu made a slow start and lost the opening two games. But with three breaks in the remainder of the first set, the 2021 US Open champion managed to overturn the deficit and bag the opener.

After blowing a break in the first set, Sakkari also claimed a break in the sixth game of the second set and went on to open a 5-2 lead. But just when it seemed that their match would go three sets, the British tennis star won the next five games in a row to overturn the deficit once again and complete a two-set win.

In the Washington semifinal, Raducanu will battle against either No. 4 seed Clara Tauson or Anna Kalinskaya.

What Raducanu admitted after beating Sakkari?

After getting the job done against Sakkari in two sets, the 2021 US Open winner admitted that she didn't feel well at all after falling down by a break in the second set and that she just hoped the match wouldn't go three sets.

“I think you get to a point where you’re so tired that you don’t really know what you’re doing anymore, and I think maybe that helped. I just really had to be smooth and conserve energy. I was also thinking if this goes to three sets, I don't know how I’m going to do it. So just happy I toughed it out," the 22-year-old admitted after beating Sakkari.

For Raducanu, this is her first Washington semifinal. In her first two Washington appearances that came in 2022 and 2024, the Briton concluded her run in the quarterfinal.

Zheng Qinwen Undergoes Right Elbow Surgery

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"This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court," Olympic gold medal champion said.arthroscopic surgery

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, July 20, 2025
Photo credit: Zheng Qinwen Instagram

Zheng Qinwen is recovering after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow.

The Olympic gold-medal champion said on social media she's been suffering from elbow pain in recent months.

Tennis Express

"Over the past months, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches. Despite trying various treatments to manage it, the discomfort never fully went away," Zheng wrote in an Instagram post. "After consulting with elbow specialists and discussing thoroughly with my team, we decided that arthroscopic surgery was the best option to fully resolve the issue.

"Yesterday, I underwent the procedure successfully, and I’m grateful to have it behind me."

It is uncertain when the former Australian Open finalist can return though Zheng said she envisions "just a short break."

"Now begins the recovery journey. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab—doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier," Zheng said. "This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court."

The world No. 6 reached the quarterfinals or better in six of her last eight tournaments.

A Rome semifinalist, Zheng reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals and Queen's Club semifinals bowing to Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova before she suffered a first-round loss to Katerina Siniakova at Wimbledon.

"Why Not?" – Legendary Venus Williams Speaks Ahead of Citi Open Return

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The American icon doled out wisdom and inspiration in her pre-tournament press conference at the Citi Open. America

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 20, 2025

Venus Williams, 45, has a lot of reasons to move beyond professional tennis and take advantage of the many creative and entrepreneurial opportunities are now available to her. But she could not resist the pull to test herself against the sports’ elite at least one more time this week at the Mubadala Citi Open in Washington, D.C.

Tennis Express

Williams, who was granted a wild card into the main draw and will face American Peyton Stearns in her first match since the 2024 Miami Open, explains her decision to play as follows: “Why not?”

The American icon spoke to the media in a pre-tournament press conference on Sunday and doled out wisdom at a rapid clip.

“It's incredible,” she said, beaming from the podium, as she was asked what it felt like to inspire America’s next generation of talent. “Actually, that was not what I thought would happen in my life as a young person. I wanted to play the game, be a champion. I loved the game so much, I didn't realize that it would be so much bigger than myself, and seeing these young women doing positive things with their life, winning tournaments, inspiring the next generation too. It's like I could have never imagined that.”

She finished the declaration with a very Venus sentence:

“It's like icing on the cake, cherries on top, with the nuts and all the fixings. You know, it's beautiful.”

Did she miss tennis? Is that why she’s returning this week? Not necessarily.

“I'm not a person that misses a lot,” she said. “I have so much I'm doing off of the court that kept me so busy that I don't know if I had time to miss anything, but I do know that when I went to Wimbledon this year, I was there for a day, and it was so beautiful and exciting, and I remembered all the times that I had, of course, the adrenaline, all those things, I think just the pure fun of playing the game, the fun of the challenge, overcoming – when you play, you have to overcome so many challenges, your opponents, the conditions, a lot of times you have to overcome yourself.

“Those things are very exciting. So I think maybe just the challenge of it all.”

Williams may want to catch a wild card at the US Open, but as she said numerous times during her press conference, she prefers to keep her cards tight to her vest.

“I'm just here for now, and who knows, maybe there's more,” she said. “Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment I'm focused just on this, and I haven't played in a year. There's no doubt I can play tennis, but obviously, coming back to play matches, it takes time to get in the swing of things.”

Which takes us to our next question. Can she be effective on the tennis court, at her age, after so many health issues? Williams has not won a match since 2023 in Cincinnati, and she has won just six of 26 matches since the start of 2021.

Not that it really matters to fans who just want to catch a glimpse of this legend up close and personal, but Williams feels she has what it takes to play winning tennis.

“I definitely feel I'll play well. I'm still the same player. I hit big,” she said with a smile. “This is my brand. So it's about hitting big and actually putting it in. So this will be my effort. Put it in the court. That's my main goal.

More important, is being a part of the game that she loves, and continuing to fly the flag for women’s tennis. Remember that Venus played a pivotal role in garnering equal prize money for women at Wimbledon nearly two decades ago. She’s been championing the women’s game ever since, and she’s not ready to stop – at least not yet.

“I always felt a big responsibility towards promoting tennis and also promoting women’s sports. I think that this generation can't forget that women, we still have lots to fight for and having an example to set is so important.

“And of course, I'm in love with tennis, so to have the opportunity, to have this platform, to promote the game, even now, is a great opportunity.”

Recovering from Surgery, Zheng Qinwen Out of US Open

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Olympic gold-medal champion officially withdraws from US Open.arthroscopic surgery

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 21, 2025
Photo credit: Zheng Qinwen Instagram

Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the US Open.

The Olympic gold-medal champion is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow and will be sidelined as she heals from surgery.

Tennis Express

Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean moves into the US Open main draw with Zheng's departure.

Zheng reached the US Open quarterfinals last September losing to eventual-champion Aryna Sabalenka.

The Chinese power player's Flushing Meadows quarterfinal result was part of a strong surge to end the season that saw Zheng reach three finals in her last five tournaments of 2024 as she lost to Sabalenka in the Wuhan final, defeated Sofia Kenin to win the Tokyo title and reached the final of the WTA Finals in Riyadh bowing to Coco Gauff.

"Over the past months, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches. Despite trying various treatments to manage it, the discomfort never fully went away," Zheng wrote in an Instagram post over the weekend. "After consulting with elbow specialists and discussing thoroughly with my team, we decided that arthroscopic surgery was the best option to fully resolve the issue.

"Yesterday, I underwent the procedure successfully, and I’m grateful to have it behind me."

It is uncertain when the former Australian Open finalist can return though Zheng said she envisions "just a short break."

"Now begins the recovery journey. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab—doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier," Zheng said. "This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court."

The world No. 6 reached the quarterfinals or better in six of her last eight tournaments.

A Rome semifinalist, Zheng reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals and Queen's Club semifinals bowing to Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova before she suffered a first-round loss to Katerina Siniakova at Wimbledon.

For Sale: Maria Sharapova's California Home

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You can buy the former world No. 1's home, but it will cost you.Birmingham Classic

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, July 19, 2025
Photo credit: Corleve-Mark Peterson

Maria Sharapova played her final professional match in 2020. The former world No. 1 remains a big winner this year.

Tennis Express

In addition to her impending induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this summer, Sharapova stands to cash in big on the sale of her California home.

DFS Classic
Photo credit: Josh Bustos/Wall Street Journal

Tennis fans, you can now buy Sharapova's Manhattan Beach, California home, but it will cost you.

The tennis superstar has listed her custom-built home, featuring Japanese-inspired landscaping for $24.95 Million, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The 38-year-old Sharapova is selling her California home because she's spending more time working and living in Europe.

The five-time Grand Slam champion has been in a relationship with British businessman Alexander Gilkes since 2018. On July 1, 2022, Sharapova gave birth to the couple's son.

Sharapova was recently in London during Wimbledon for an appearance on behalf of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Aryna Sabalenka, Citing Fatigue, Pulls out of Montreal

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The World No.1 is choosing rest at the moment. Amanda Anisimova

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday July 16, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka will take a little more time before she starts her North American hard court season. The American announced that she’ll skip the National Bank Open in Montreal, citing fatigue.

Tennis Express

She joins Paula Badosa [injury] on the sidelines, which means that Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima will enter the main draw.

“I’m looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal,” a statement from Sabalenka read.


No.1-ranked Sabalenka recently lost in the semifinals at Wimbledon, falling to Amanda Anisimova, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. The three-time major champion is 47-9 on the season with three titles, but has yet tot win a major.

The National Bank Open will move to a 12-day tournament this year, taking place from July 25 to August 6, with main draw play commencing on the 27th.

See the 2025 US Open Player Entry Lists

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Player entry lists are based on the July 14 ATP and WTA rankings. Alexander Shevchenko

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday July 15, 2025

The US Open has released the men's and women's singles entry lists for the 2025 US Open.

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Click the links to view the full entry lists: Men's Singles | Women's Singles

World No. 1s and reigning US Open singles champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner lead their respective fields, with 18 total former Grand Slam singles champions, including 10 former US Open champions on the list.

The United States leads all nations with 30 players (16 women and 14 men) earning direct entry into the tournament.

Nine players are using special or protected rankings, including Petra Kvitova (No. 14), Nick Kyrgios (No. 21) and Sorana Cirstea (No. 37).

Both the men's and women's entries were based on the July 14 rankings. The women's cutoff was No. 99 Mayar Sherif, while the men's cutoff was No. 101, Alexander Shevchenko.

Main draw play begins on August 24 in Flushing Meadows, while qualifying week kicks off on August 18.

ESPN Wimbledon Audience Spikes for QF and SF

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ESPN reports its Wimbleson quarterfinals and semifinals most viewed in six years.Amanda Anisimova

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.

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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.

Sinner Wins Maiden Wimbledon Title

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Jannik Sinner exacted his revenge on Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, defeating the two-time defending champion 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Wimbledon final to capture his fourth major and become the first Italian man to win the singles crown. The world No. 1, who fell to Alcaraz in a five-hour, 29-minute Roland Garros epic last …

Alcaraz on Rivalry: We Don't See A Level Like This

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"It's going to be better and better," Carlos Alcaraz said of his rivalry with Jannik Sinner.Alcaraz

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, July 13, 2025
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty

The world's top two players share a major mission—and their rivalry will produce more massive moments, Carlos Alcaraz said.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner dethroned two-time champion Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to make history as the first Italian to capture a Wimbledon singles crown today.

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Afterward, Alcaraz praised Sinner for an "unbelievable" performance.

The second-ranked Spaniard, who suffered his first major final loss after going 5-0 in his five prior Slam finals, says this Wimbledon showdown is only the beginning.

Alcaraz said the rivalry between the pair is unprecedented on the ATP Tour, they've combined to collect seven straight Grand Slam championships, and will only get stronger as they square off in more finals.

"First of all, I [am] just really, really happy about having this rivalry with him. I think it's great for us, and it is great for the tennis," Alcaraz said after seeing his 20-match Wimbledon winning streak snapped. "Every time we playing against each other, I think our level is really high.

"I think we don't watch a level like this, if I'm honest with you. I don't see any player playing against each other, you know, having the level that we are playing when we face each other.

"I think, as I said many, many times, this rivalry, it's coming better and better. We're building really great rivalry because we're playing final of a Grand Slam, final of Master mills, the best tournament in the world. It's going to be better and better."

The pair produced transcendent tennis with Alcaraz saving three championship points to prevail in record-setting five hour, 29-minute Roland Garros final last month.

The 22-year-old Spaniard said Sinner's ultra-high level of play did not surprise him.

Alcaraz said ultimately the key to the match was Sinner's superior second serve—and the fact the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion repeatedly attacked Alcaraz's second serve sometimes ripping backhand strikes down the line.

Overall, Sinner served a higher percentage—62 percent to 53 percent), won 49 percent of second-serve points played on the Spaniard's second serve and flipped the script on the superior net player. Sinner won 30 of 40 trips to net, compared to 17 of 23 net points for Alcaraz.

"The way he played today, it was really, really high. I didn't surprise at all," Alcaraz said. "I knew he was going to play like this. So it was about some details.

Yeah, I mean, overall he didn't surprise me at all because I know he's a big champion…

"I think the big key was about the second serve. He was returning really well there the second serve that I was hitting. Thanks to that, he was in the position to attack in the second ball every time. So it was really difficult when you are feeling that you just defending all the time and running from side to side all the time."

Reflecting on his first major final loss, Alcaraz said he's "grateful" to Sinner because the No. 1 will force the No. 2 to improve his game.

"Just really grateful for that because it gives me the opportunity to just give my 100% every practice, every day," said Alcaraz, who leads the rivalry 8-5 after Sinner snapped a five-match losing streak vs. the Spaniard. "Just to be better, thanks to that. The level that I have to maintain and I have to raise if I want to beat Jannik is really high.

"So I just really grateful for that."

How Sinner Became Unstoppable on Grass

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The unflappable Italian went from unsure to commanding on the sports slickest surface. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 13, 2025

What made the difference for Jannik Sinner on Sunday at Wimbledon? How was he able to overcome his devastating loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland-Garros last month and snap a personal five-match losing streak to the Spaniard?

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So many reasons. But anybody who watched Sinner control the run of play against the two-time champion knows that his movement had a lot to do with it. Now comfortable with sliding on both sides, and able to use his speed to complement his breathtaking power game, Sinner has gone from a player who may never win Wimbledon, because Alcaraz is in his way, to a player that has what it takes to win multiple titles at the All England Club.

“I think that once he learned to feel more comfortable moving on grass, we believed that he had a game that was really good for grass,” his coach Darren Cahill said in a press conference after Sunday’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 takedown of Alcaraz on Centre Court. “His game has been improving all the time, and his results have shown that.”

Sinner agrees. And he adds that his naturally flat groundstrokes make him particularly difficult to contend with on grass.

“This year for sure I felt great on court,” he said. “I think we saw this also today how I started to move better every match I played,” he said. The beginning of my career I knew that I could potentially play well here because of my groundstrokes. They're quite flat, and the ball goes through.”

Another reason for Sinner’s rapid rise as a grass-court guru? His ability to watch and learn.

Cahill says that Sinner has been watching and learning from his rival as their rivalry has evolved. He may not surpass him in some areas, but he’s wise enough to recognize that he could implement some of the things that Alcaraz does well in his own game.

“I would say that Jannik watches more Carlos matches than he does anybody else because he's fascinated with the improvements that are coming in his game, and he's pushing us as coaches to make sure that he's improving also as a tennis player as well,” Cahill said. “So the rivalry is real. It's there. And hopefully it's going to be there and real for the next 10 or 12 years.”

Finally, we must factor in Sinner’s unflappability. How was he able to stay so on-mission after losing in the most heartbreaking fashion to Alcaraz in Paris. Triple match point in the fourth set? It would be understandable if he lost belief in himself temporarily after that harrowing experience.

“This I think is the part where I'm the proudest of because it really has not been easy,” Sinner admitted. “I always tried to be honest with myself, and I had the self-talk too – you know, what if, what if? I always tried to accept it, in a way.”

Sinner did more than accept it. He embraced it, and realized that he was so close rather than so far, from where he wanted to be. Then he did the work and pulled off a magical run on the grass.

Rivalry on…

With her Wimbledon Runner-Up Speech, Amanda Anisimova Won Wimbledon in her Own Way

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The American paid heartfelt tribute to her team and family after a difficult loss, but successful journey. All England Club

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.

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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.

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 2025 Day Twelve Recap

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Wimbledon’s final weekend is set, and it’s the showdown everyone hoped for. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the 2025 men’s final after both came through their semi-finals on Day Twelve, though in very different ways. Sinner produced a near-flawless performance to dispatch a hampered Novak Djokovic in straight sets, reaching his first …

Wimbledon | Anisimova upsets Sabalenka to reach final

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Amanda Anisimova, the 13th seed, produced the biggest upset of The Championships, taking out the World No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, to reach her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon on Thursday, stunning the Belarusian, 6-4 4-6 6-4, in 31C temperatures on the Centre Court.

The post Wimbledon | Anisimova upsets Sabalenka to reach final appeared first on Tennis Threads Magazine.