Amanda Anisimova is back to tennis, but she will quickly want to forget her second match at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland against Marie Bouzkova.
In her first match at the Wta 250 tournament in New Zealand, the American player overcame Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, but it wasn't without injury struggles, as the 22-year-old received treatment between the sets.
After the match, she admitted that she had muscle spasms, and that's something that may have contributed to her second-round loss to the fifth-seeded Marie Bouzkova at the tournament.
From the start of the match, Anisimova just couldn't find her rhythm, and despite having two chances to break back after initially losing her serve in the second game of the match, she never did, and lost all of her serves in the opening set.
As a result, the American player lost the first set 0-6, and things were not looking any better in the second set of the match,...
In her first match at the Wta 250 tournament in New Zealand, the American player overcame Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, but it wasn't without injury struggles, as the 22-year-old received treatment between the sets.
After the match, she admitted that she had muscle spasms, and that's something that may have contributed to her second-round loss to the fifth-seeded Marie Bouzkova at the tournament.
From the start of the match, Anisimova just couldn't find her rhythm, and despite having two chances to break back after initially losing her serve in the second game of the match, she never did, and lost all of her serves in the opening set.
As a result, the American player lost the first set 0-6, and things were not looking any better in the second set of the match,...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Amanda Anisimova is feeling positive after winning return to tennis after overcoming an injury knock to progress at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland.
Anisimova returned to the courts for the first time since April 2023 after the American player announced that she was taking an indefinite break from the sport due to mental health reasons.
However, the 22-year-old showed no signs of rustiness at the Asb Classic as she cruised to a first-round straight-sets victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Auckland.
It was the ideal return for Anisimova, who set up a second-round tie against Marie Bouzkova at the Asb Classic following her victory.
When reflecting on the win, and her eight-month layoff from tennis, the American player admitted to feeling delighted about playing again, despite some injury concerns ahead of her match with Pavlyuchenkova.
"I’m so happy to be here. I love this tournament. It’s so nice to start the year out here.
Anisimova returned to the courts for the first time since April 2023 after the American player announced that she was taking an indefinite break from the sport due to mental health reasons.
However, the 22-year-old showed no signs of rustiness at the Asb Classic as she cruised to a first-round straight-sets victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Auckland.
It was the ideal return for Anisimova, who set up a second-round tie against Marie Bouzkova at the Asb Classic following her victory.
When reflecting on the win, and her eight-month layoff from tennis, the American player admitted to feeling delighted about playing again, despite some injury concerns ahead of her match with Pavlyuchenkova.
"I’m so happy to be here. I love this tournament. It’s so nice to start the year out here.
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Amanda Anisimova has been away from the Wta Tour for over eight months, but she returned at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland, and she returned in style.
In May 2023, the American player announced that she would be taking a mental health break. However, by the end of the year, she started signing up for tournaments for the new season, and now she's back.
Anisimova received a wild card for the 2024 Asb Classic, and in the first round of the tournament, she took on an experienced opponent, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova from Russia.
The Russian is a former world no. 11 and a Grand Slam finalist, but in this match, she couldn't match her opponent's qualities, as Anisimova showed why she was regarded as one of the biggest talents of her generation.
The 22-year-old started the match with a break of serve, but that soon didn't mean a lot as both players broke each...
In May 2023, the American player announced that she would be taking a mental health break. However, by the end of the year, she started signing up for tournaments for the new season, and now she's back.
Anisimova received a wild card for the 2024 Asb Classic, and in the first round of the tournament, she took on an experienced opponent, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova from Russia.
The Russian is a former world no. 11 and a Grand Slam finalist, but in this match, she couldn't match her opponent's qualities, as Anisimova showed why she was regarded as one of the biggest talents of her generation.
The 22-year-old started the match with a break of serve, but that soon didn't mean a lot as both players broke each...
- 1/1/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland is the first Wta 250 event of the brand-new season, featuring a stack of top-class talent.
The draw for the 37th edition of the women's tournament has been released, and it has thrown up some exciting matches as early as the opening round. Main draw action will begin on New Year's Day and run till January 7, 2024.
In the top half of the draw, we locate the defending champion and outright favorite to reign at this Wta 250 tournament. American women have excelled playing this event. Five of the past seven champions have come from the United States.
The top seed, Coco Gauff, will look to complete a first successful title defense since Julia Goerges back in 2019. She begins her campaign against fellow American Claire Liu. On paper, the 19-year-old has a relatively comfortable draw.
Her biggest danger in the top half is seventh seed Petra Martic, whom...
The draw for the 37th edition of the women's tournament has been released, and it has thrown up some exciting matches as early as the opening round. Main draw action will begin on New Year's Day and run till January 7, 2024.
In the top half of the draw, we locate the defending champion and outright favorite to reign at this Wta 250 tournament. American women have excelled playing this event. Five of the past seven champions have come from the United States.
The top seed, Coco Gauff, will look to complete a first successful title defense since Julia Goerges back in 2019. She begins her campaign against fellow American Claire Liu. On paper, the 19-year-old has a relatively comfortable draw.
Her biggest danger in the top half is seventh seed Petra Martic, whom...
- 12/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Mirra Andreeva was the Wta's biggest mover in the year-end Top 100 rankings thanks to her explosive 2023 season, in which she demonstrated her vast battery of skills despite being only 16.
Before 2023, Andreeva had played once on the Wta main draw stage, and she performed admirably in a first-round defeat to compatriot Anastasia Potapova in Monastir, Tunisia. But she patiently waited for a proper introduction.
This season, Andreeva began the year ranked outside the world's Top 300 spots and virtually unknown outside the confines of the Itf level. With her fearless attitude, tactical acumen that belies her age, and charming personality - Andreeva's name was soon on everyone's lips.
Having turned 16 in late April, Andreeva had a dream start to life on the Wta 1000 stage in Madrid, where she reached the fourth round, earning high-quality wins over the tour's established duo of Beatriz Haddad Maia (maiden Top 20 win) and Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette.
Before 2023, Andreeva had played once on the Wta main draw stage, and she performed admirably in a first-round defeat to compatriot Anastasia Potapova in Monastir, Tunisia. But she patiently waited for a proper introduction.
This season, Andreeva began the year ranked outside the world's Top 300 spots and virtually unknown outside the confines of the Itf level. With her fearless attitude, tactical acumen that belies her age, and charming personality - Andreeva's name was soon on everyone's lips.
Having turned 16 in late April, Andreeva had a dream start to life on the Wta 1000 stage in Madrid, where she reached the fourth round, earning high-quality wins over the tour's established duo of Beatriz Haddad Maia (maiden Top 20 win) and Australian Open semifinalist Magda Linette.
- 12/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Tennis returns to New Zealand in the opening week of the 2024 Wta season as the Asb Classic pools together one of the most competitive fields for a 250 tournament.
The Asb Classic is played on outdoor hard courts at the Asb Tennis Centre - one of the country's oldest tennis facilities - and will serve as a preliminary tournament for the stars of the women's tour before they head to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
A 32-player singles field will fly to Auckland, with main draw action set to begin on New Year's Day and running till January 7, 2024. The attention in the first week of the tennis calendar will be diverted to more prestigious events like the United Cup and Brisbane.
However, there is no shortage of star presence in the field in Auckland, judging by the entry list released by the tournament. The reigning champion, Coco Gauff, is returning to...
The Asb Classic is played on outdoor hard courts at the Asb Tennis Centre - one of the country's oldest tennis facilities - and will serve as a preliminary tournament for the stars of the women's tour before they head to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
A 32-player singles field will fly to Auckland, with main draw action set to begin on New Year's Day and running till January 7, 2024. The attention in the first week of the tennis calendar will be diverted to more prestigious events like the United Cup and Brisbane.
However, there is no shortage of star presence in the field in Auckland, judging by the entry list released by the tournament. The reigning champion, Coco Gauff, is returning to...
- 12/7/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Marketa Vondrousova and Elina Svitolina are the biggest favorites to win the prestigious Wta Comeback Player of the Year award after the list of nominees was released.
As the Wta Tour rests after 11 months of intense competition, it's time to hand out the post-season accolades. The Wta does a good job of honoring some of the players in its customary annual awards in five categories.
One of those is the Wta Comeback Player of the Year award which recognizes the forgotten women on tour who enjoyed a resurgence this season. The five-woman shortlist has been determined and it is led by Vondrousova.
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the 24-year-old Czech had just won a W100 title in Shrewsbury. It was her breakthrough comeback tournament after a torrid year was hindered by a wrist injury.
Nobody doubted her talent, but could Vondrousova stay fit for a whole season?...
As the Wta Tour rests after 11 months of intense competition, it's time to hand out the post-season accolades. The Wta does a good job of honoring some of the players in its customary annual awards in five categories.
One of those is the Wta Comeback Player of the Year award which recognizes the forgotten women on tour who enjoyed a resurgence this season. The five-woman shortlist has been determined and it is led by Vondrousova.
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the 24-year-old Czech had just won a W100 title in Shrewsbury. It was her breakthrough comeback tournament after a torrid year was hindered by a wrist injury.
Nobody doubted her talent, but could Vondrousova stay fit for a whole season?...
- 11/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Leylah Fernandez won her first Wta title in 18 months after beating Katerina Siniakova in the 2023 Hong Kong Open final.
After playing in the biggest final of her career at the 2021 US Open, the Canadian struggled with her tennis for some time, but it seems that she finally found her best level at the Wta 250 tournament in Hong Kong.
After besting teenage talent Mirra Andreeva , and also overcoming a challenge from another teenager, Linda Fruhvirtova, and beating also Anna Blinkova , Fernandez set up a final clash with Katerina Siniakova .
The Czech player best the likes of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Martina Trevisan on her way to the final, and she wanted to challenge also the Canadian, despite seemingly not being 100% fit.
The match started better for Siniakova, who had five break points in the opening set, while allowing her opponent to have only one. The Czech player used her chances twice, winning...
After playing in the biggest final of her career at the 2021 US Open, the Canadian struggled with her tennis for some time, but it seems that she finally found her best level at the Wta 250 tournament in Hong Kong.
After besting teenage talent Mirra Andreeva , and also overcoming a challenge from another teenager, Linda Fruhvirtova, and beating also Anna Blinkova , Fernandez set up a final clash with Katerina Siniakova .
The Czech player best the likes of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Martina Trevisan on her way to the final, and she wanted to challenge also the Canadian, despite seemingly not being 100% fit.
The match started better for Siniakova, who had five break points in the opening set, while allowing her opponent to have only one. The Czech player used her chances twice, winning...
- 10/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Hong Kong Open will run from October 9th to 15th, offering an opportunity for the Wta 's unheralded players to win a title as the season draw s to a close.
The draw for this year's tournament has been released, which features a plethora of intriguing matches right from the get-go, and perhaps none bigger than a meeting between a former Grand Slam champion and a Grand Slam finalist. On that note, let us take an in-depth look at this year's draw.
In the top half of the draw, top seed Victoria Azarenka will start her campaign against Leylah Fernandez - the marquee match of the first round in Hong Kong. The Canadian lefty has shown signs of life in recent weeks after a tough season, while the Belarusian struggled with her fitness in a first-round defeat to Magda Linette in Beijing.
Another first-round match that is a must-see...
The draw for this year's tournament has been released, which features a plethora of intriguing matches right from the get-go, and perhaps none bigger than a meeting between a former Grand Slam champion and a Grand Slam finalist. On that note, let us take an in-depth look at this year's draw.
In the top half of the draw, top seed Victoria Azarenka will start her campaign against Leylah Fernandez - the marquee match of the first round in Hong Kong. The Canadian lefty has shown signs of life in recent weeks after a tough season, while the Belarusian struggled with her fitness in a first-round defeat to Magda Linette in Beijing.
Another first-round match that is a must-see...
- 10/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Mirra Andreeva will take on Elena Rybakina at the 2023 China Open , and it's a match she wants to play feeling confident.
Mirra Andreeva is not a player who shies away from a challenge, and we've seen that a couple of times already. She is excited about the chance to take on Elena Rybakina at a Wta 1000 tournament, as she's been one of the best players in the world right now.
Andreeva played at a very high level so far in Beijing. She easily won her first-round match against Barbora Krejcikova and then added another easy win over compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova . Having had that type of success in the previous days, it's no wonder Andreeva feels confident in her tennis.
I wanted to play her actually. I like how she plays. I know she's a good server. I will try to break her a few times, if possible. I will give...
Mirra Andreeva is not a player who shies away from a challenge, and we've seen that a couple of times already. She is excited about the chance to take on Elena Rybakina at a Wta 1000 tournament, as she's been one of the best players in the world right now.
Andreeva played at a very high level so far in Beijing. She easily won her first-round match against Barbora Krejcikova and then added another easy win over compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova . Having had that type of success in the previous days, it's no wonder Andreeva feels confident in her tennis.
I wanted to play her actually. I like how she plays. I know she's a good server. I will try to break her a few times, if possible. I will give...
- 10/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
16-year-old Mirra Andreeva is putting together some amazing performances at the 2023 China Open in Beijing and it's ensured her a Top 50 debut on the Wta Tour.
The Russian teenager emerged earlier this year during the clay season with a surprise run at the Madrid Open . She followed that up with amazing play at Roland Garros and added a good run at Wimbledon as well. Some regression followed in the coming weeks, but Andreeva left a solid impression at the US Open as well.
All of the previous success gave her enough points to make a Top 100 debut, which was well deserved, but she wasn't content with that. She wanted to secure a debut in the Top 50 , and she's done it this week with a very solid run in Beijing.
Due to the strength of the event, Andreeva had to play the qualifiers but handled it really well, winning her first match easily.
The Russian teenager emerged earlier this year during the clay season with a surprise run at the Madrid Open . She followed that up with amazing play at Roland Garros and added a good run at Wimbledon as well. Some regression followed in the coming weeks, but Andreeva left a solid impression at the US Open as well.
All of the previous success gave her enough points to make a Top 100 debut, which was well deserved, but she wasn't content with that. She wanted to secure a debut in the Top 50 , and she's done it this week with a very solid run in Beijing.
Due to the strength of the event, Andreeva had to play the qualifiers but handled it really well, winning her first match easily.
- 10/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Mirra Andreeva has been utterly spectacular so far this week, but she needs a bit more to take down Elena Rybakina at the 2023 China Open .
It's really hard to pinpoint who has been more impressive in Beijing so far. Andreeva secured the main draw of the China Open by winning two qualifying matches and then followed that up with a win over Barbora Krejcikova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova .
Rybakina was no less impressive with her two wins, which were both brutal in the sense of how badly she beat her opponent. She's the favourite for this one, but will she run into any kind of trouble against the rising star? Let's see.
Head-to-head:
As Andreeva only started to play on the Wta Tour this year, the teenager has never faced Elena Rybakina before. She's faced Grand Slam champions before and beat them. Now, the Russian player will want to record also a Top 5 win.
It's really hard to pinpoint who has been more impressive in Beijing so far. Andreeva secured the main draw of the China Open by winning two qualifying matches and then followed that up with a win over Barbora Krejcikova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova .
Rybakina was no less impressive with her two wins, which were both brutal in the sense of how badly she beat her opponent. She's the favourite for this one, but will she run into any kind of trouble against the rising star? Let's see.
Head-to-head:
As Andreeva only started to play on the Wta Tour this year, the teenager has never faced Elena Rybakina before. She's faced Grand Slam champions before and beat them. Now, the Russian player will want to record also a Top 5 win.
- 10/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Tennis phenom Mirra Andreeva keeps adding wins to her tally as she easily outplayed her compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at the 2023 China Open .
The 16-year-old was slightly favoured coming into the match, but certainly didn't expect it to come so easily. There was an obvious matchup problem for Pavlyuchenkova here, especially after the teenager smashed Barbora Krejcikova in the previous round.
The Russian and the Czech play somewhat similarly because they both like to attack and play aggressively but are quite prone to missing a lot of balls, which is what happened to both. Andreeva is really good at putting you in uncomfortable positions on the court, aiding the propensity to commit mistakes, and it's worked super well so far.
The opening set was a really interesting one because, judging by the result, you'd say that Andreeva crushed her opponent, and she kind of did, but not really. She was just incredibly precise,...
The 16-year-old was slightly favoured coming into the match, but certainly didn't expect it to come so easily. There was an obvious matchup problem for Pavlyuchenkova here, especially after the teenager smashed Barbora Krejcikova in the previous round.
The Russian and the Czech play somewhat similarly because they both like to attack and play aggressively but are quite prone to missing a lot of balls, which is what happened to both. Andreeva is really good at putting you in uncomfortable positions on the court, aiding the propensity to commit mistakes, and it's worked super well so far.
The opening set was a really interesting one because, judging by the result, you'd say that Andreeva crushed her opponent, and she kind of did, but not really. She was just incredibly precise,...
- 10/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka hasn't struck a ball since her US Open final loss, but she reigned over the rest of the field including Iga Swiatek , whom she replaced at the top of the rankings.
The Belarusian star has 9,266 points in top spot, maintaining a 1,071-point gap over second-placed Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka also leads the Pole in the Wta Race for year-end No. 1 ranking with a healthy lead of 1,305 points before the start of the China Open.
The rest of the Top 10 remains unchanged, but Jessica Pegula attained the cut-off points required to qualify for the 2023 Wta Finals after her runner-up finish at the Japan Open. Just three spots remain for the flight to Cancun, Mexico.
Marketa Vondrousova , Ons Jabeur , and Karolina Muchova are in prime position to join the eight-woman caravan, but that could change in Beijing depending on the progress of Maria Sakkari . Russia's Veronika Kudermetova rose three places to...
The Belarusian star has 9,266 points in top spot, maintaining a 1,071-point gap over second-placed Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka also leads the Pole in the Wta Race for year-end No. 1 ranking with a healthy lead of 1,305 points before the start of the China Open.
The rest of the Top 10 remains unchanged, but Jessica Pegula attained the cut-off points required to qualify for the 2023 Wta Finals after her runner-up finish at the Japan Open. Just three spots remain for the flight to Cancun, Mexico.
Marketa Vondrousova , Ons Jabeur , and Karolina Muchova are in prime position to join the eight-woman caravan, but that could change in Beijing depending on the progress of Maria Sakkari . Russia's Veronika Kudermetova rose three places to...
- 10/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Mirra Andreeva is not to be denied as the 16-year-old marching on at the 2023 China Open in Beijing, but can she overcome fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ?
Andreeva had to play the qualifiers to book a spot in the main draw of the China Open, and she did that comfortably . Her 1st round match also proved no issues , even though she was taking on experienced Barbora Krejcikova.
Next up is compatriot Anastasia Pavlychenkova, who should finally be a proper test for the youngster, so can she do it again? Can she once again overcome a much-experienced player who brings a lot of power to each rally?
Well, there is a lot of optimism regarding that because Andreeva proved herself quite adept at forcing her opponents into uncomfortable situations. If there is one thing we know about Pavlyuchenkova, it's the way she'll play - attacking.
Head-to-head:
Attacking play can work really well in Beijing,...
Andreeva had to play the qualifiers to book a spot in the main draw of the China Open, and she did that comfortably . Her 1st round match also proved no issues , even though she was taking on experienced Barbora Krejcikova.
Next up is compatriot Anastasia Pavlychenkova, who should finally be a proper test for the youngster, so can she do it again? Can she once again overcome a much-experienced player who brings a lot of power to each rally?
Well, there is a lot of optimism regarding that because Andreeva proved herself quite adept at forcing her opponents into uncomfortable situations. If there is one thing we know about Pavlyuchenkova, it's the way she'll play - attacking.
Head-to-head:
Attacking play can work really well in Beijing,...
- 10/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Performance byes are here to stay as several players will have them at the 2023 China Open , leaving Coco Gauff , Aryna Sabalenka , and others without byes.
Performance byes got to be one of the most controversial topics on the Wta Tour right now. They became prominent last week when Elena Rybakina accused the Wta of changing the rules at the last minute , which created a sequence of events.
Her coach defended her comments , explaining that players are the least to blame after she caught criticism for withdrawing from the event. Many assumed she withdrew because she had to play a round one thanks to the performance byes, which went to other players.
Her 'new rule' claims were refuted by several players who said that performance byes were a thing in the past and players were notified of it which kind of makes sense because it's something that has pretty big ramifications on the draw.
Performance byes got to be one of the most controversial topics on the Wta Tour right now. They became prominent last week when Elena Rybakina accused the Wta of changing the rules at the last minute , which created a sequence of events.
Her coach defended her comments , explaining that players are the least to blame after she caught criticism for withdrawing from the event. Many assumed she withdrew because she had to play a round one thanks to the performance byes, which went to other players.
Her 'new rule' claims were refuted by several players who said that performance byes were a thing in the past and players were notified of it which kind of makes sense because it's something that has pretty big ramifications on the draw.
- 9/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 China Open will run from September 30th to October 8th, and the draw for this women's event has been released.
Beijing will host the final Wta 1000 tournament of this season and it promises to be an absolute blockbuster. The field is packed with world-class athletes as the Wta's finest return to the National Tennis Centre for the first time since 2019.
The tournament will contain 60 names on the singles playing field. Four players will be the beneficiaries of performance byes. These will be Japan Open semifinalists who are still actively competing in Tokyo: Jessica Pegula , Maria Sakkari , Veronika Kudermetova , and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova .
The quartet will begin their campaigns in Beijing in the second round. The top half of the draw is led by Aryna Sabalenka who will play her first match as a freshly-minted World No. 1 . The Belarusian will take on her Rome conqueror Sofia Kenin who has enjoyed...
Beijing will host the final Wta 1000 tournament of this season and it promises to be an absolute blockbuster. The field is packed with world-class athletes as the Wta's finest return to the National Tennis Centre for the first time since 2019.
The tournament will contain 60 names on the singles playing field. Four players will be the beneficiaries of performance byes. These will be Japan Open semifinalists who are still actively competing in Tokyo: Jessica Pegula , Maria Sakkari , Veronika Kudermetova , and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova .
The quartet will begin their campaigns in Beijing in the second round. The top half of the draw is led by Aryna Sabalenka who will play her first match as a freshly-minted World No. 1 . The Belarusian will take on her Rome conqueror Sofia Kenin who has enjoyed...
- 9/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek lost already in her second match at the 2023 Japan Open in Tokyo, as she was upset by an inspired Veronika Kudermetova .
Only recently, Swiatek lost the world no. 1 spot to Aryna Sabalenka , but the Polish player certainly wants to reclaim the top spot on the Wta Tour. She will have a chance to do that in the coming weeks, but her Japan Open campaign at the Wta 500 tournament in Tokyo certainly didn't help it.
After winning her first match against Japan's Mai Hontama with major troubles , the 22-year-old faced a real challenge in the quarterfinals in the eighth-seeded Veronika Kudermetova. However, since the Polish player beat the Russian in all four of their previous meetings, even without losing a set, she was the favourite once again.
Yet, this time, the things were different. Kudermetova was determined to fight after two straight-sets wins over Harriet Dart and Kayla Day,...
Only recently, Swiatek lost the world no. 1 spot to Aryna Sabalenka , but the Polish player certainly wants to reclaim the top spot on the Wta Tour. She will have a chance to do that in the coming weeks, but her Japan Open campaign at the Wta 500 tournament in Tokyo certainly didn't help it.
After winning her first match against Japan's Mai Hontama with major troubles , the 22-year-old faced a real challenge in the quarterfinals in the eighth-seeded Veronika Kudermetova. However, since the Polish player beat the Russian in all four of their previous meetings, even without losing a set, she was the favourite once again.
Yet, this time, the things were different. Kudermetova was determined to fight after two straight-sets wins over Harriet Dart and Kayla Day,...
- 9/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Abuse on social media is, unfortunately, standard for any public figure, and tennis players in particular, and Linda Noskova was a recent victim.
The 18-year-old took part in the Japan Open recently and lost in the second round to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. After losing the match, the Czech player didn't just have to cope with the loss, but also with social media hate which is rather common for tennis players.
Many have spoken up about what their social media inboxes look like after every loss, and the 18-year-old now experienced the same thing. She shared one of the messages, and it's quite disturbing, after one of the people on social media wished disgusting things to Noskova.
Betting and sports, or tennis, in this case, are intrinsically linked. It's a very profitable business that Novak Djokovic recently talked about . He mentioned that it would be good if players actually saw some of...
The 18-year-old took part in the Japan Open recently and lost in the second round to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. After losing the match, the Czech player didn't just have to cope with the loss, but also with social media hate which is rather common for tennis players.
Many have spoken up about what their social media inboxes look like after every loss, and the 18-year-old now experienced the same thing. She shared one of the messages, and it's quite disturbing, after one of the people on social media wished disgusting things to Noskova.
Betting and sports, or tennis, in this case, are intrinsically linked. It's a very profitable business that Novak Djokovic recently talked about . He mentioned that it would be good if players actually saw some of...
- 9/28/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 10th edition of the Hong Kong Open will run from October 9th to 15th on the outdoor hard courts of Victoria Park - a multisport public park in the Causeway Bay area.
For the first time since 2018, this Wta 250 event will return to the calendar. The entry list for this year's tournament was released. Two former Grand Slam singles champions have been confirmed among those in the front line in the 32-woman field.
The fans in Hong Kong will welcome Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens , two premier hard-court performers and among the most decorated tennis players of the past decade. They'll be joined by Brazil's No. 1 player Beatriz Haddad Maia .
Dayana Yastremska will not return to defend her crown which she won five years ago, but former champion Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will make the trip to Hong Kong. Some of the Wta's fastest-rising stars including Peyton Stearns , Linda Noskova , and...
For the first time since 2018, this Wta 250 event will return to the calendar. The entry list for this year's tournament was released. Two former Grand Slam singles champions have been confirmed among those in the front line in the 32-woman field.
The fans in Hong Kong will welcome Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens , two premier hard-court performers and among the most decorated tennis players of the past decade. They'll be joined by Brazil's No. 1 player Beatriz Haddad Maia .
Dayana Yastremska will not return to defend her crown which she won five years ago, but former champion Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will make the trip to Hong Kong. Some of the Wta's fastest-rising stars including Peyton Stearns , Linda Noskova , and...
- 9/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Japan Open will run from September 25th to October 1st, and the draw for the penultimate Wta 500 event has been released.
As many as 28 players in the main draw will vie to lift the prestigious title in Japan's capital city Tokyo, and attain 470 potentially valuable ranking points. The fans will be delighted at the star power that will be in town, with five of the world's Top 10 players making the trip.
Iga Swiatek leads the top half of the draw and the tournament. She has a bye in the first round and will play her first match against home player Nao Hibino or a qualifier. She is slated to face third seed Elena Rybakina in the semifinal.
But there are no guarantees the big-serving Kazakhstani will get that far. Rybakina has a tricky opener against Czech teenager Linda Noskova and could face World No. 21 Donna Vekic as early as the second round.
As many as 28 players in the main draw will vie to lift the prestigious title in Japan's capital city Tokyo, and attain 470 potentially valuable ranking points. The fans will be delighted at the star power that will be in town, with five of the world's Top 10 players making the trip.
Iga Swiatek leads the top half of the draw and the tournament. She has a bye in the first round and will play her first match against home player Nao Hibino or a qualifier. She is slated to face third seed Elena Rybakina in the semifinal.
But there are no guarantees the big-serving Kazakhstani will get that far. Rybakina has a tricky opener against Czech teenager Linda Noskova and could face World No. 21 Donna Vekic as early as the second round.
- 9/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 10th edition of the Hong Kong Open is one of a multitude of tennis tournaments taking place in China during the Asian and will run from October 9th to 15th.
The Hong Kong Open was last played in 2018 when a teenage Dayana Yastreka lifted her first career title on the Wta Tour. A 32-player singles field will contest the 2023 edition on the outdoor hard courts of Victoria Park, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong.
The initial entry list for the event which kicks off in under a month's time has been released, which boasts some impressive names including former Grand Slam champions. Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia is the highest-ranked player to sign up for this year's Hong Kong Open.
The Sao Paulo native is joined by fellow doubles partner and good friend Victoria Azarenka , a former No. 1 and a two-time Australian Open champion . Russia's Anastasia Potapova and Belgium's Elise Mertens...
The Hong Kong Open was last played in 2018 when a teenage Dayana Yastreka lifted her first career title on the Wta Tour. A 32-player singles field will contest the 2023 edition on the outdoor hard courts of Victoria Park, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong.
The initial entry list for the event which kicks off in under a month's time has been released, which boasts some impressive names including former Grand Slam champions. Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia is the highest-ranked player to sign up for this year's Hong Kong Open.
The Sao Paulo native is joined by fellow doubles partner and good friend Victoria Azarenka , a former No. 1 and a two-time Australian Open champion . Russia's Anastasia Potapova and Belgium's Elise Mertens...
- 9/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The stars of women's tennis will descend on Beijing for the first time in four years for the 17th edition of the China Open .
It will be the last Wta 1000 on the calendar and will run between September 30th and October 8th, featuring a 64-player singles field. With a prize money pot of $8,127,389, it is one the largest among the tournaments in this category.
The player list at the 2023 China Open in Beijing is headed by the world's top two players namely Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka . The Pole will vacate the No. 1 ranking she has held for the last 75 weeks on Monday after the conclusion of the US Open with Belarus' Sabalenka taking over the reins .
Elena Rybakina , who became the third player to qualify for the 2023 Wta Finals is also in the field. The Kazakh has played the most finals at Wta 1000 level this season (three) and won...
It will be the last Wta 1000 on the calendar and will run between September 30th and October 8th, featuring a 64-player singles field. With a prize money pot of $8,127,389, it is one the largest among the tournaments in this category.
The player list at the 2023 China Open in Beijing is headed by the world's top two players namely Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka . The Pole will vacate the No. 1 ranking she has held for the last 75 weeks on Monday after the conclusion of the US Open with Belarus' Sabalenka taking over the reins .
Elena Rybakina , who became the third player to qualify for the 2023 Wta Finals is also in the field. The Kazakh has played the most finals at Wta 1000 level this season (three) and won...
- 9/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Elina Svitolina is out of the 2023 US Open , and even though it's certainly a disappointing result for her, she can look ahead.
The Ukrainian returned to the Wta Tour only recently, after she made a comeback after a pregnancy. Almost immediately, Svitolina started winning again and showing the level that she once possessed.
After overcoming an early challenge from Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova , the Ukrainian took on the third-seeded Jessica Pegula, and this time around, it was a losing effort from Svitolina who was eliminated after three sets .
After the match, during her press conference, the Ukrainian admitted that she was struggling physically but also gave credit to her opponent, who played on a great level in the third set, winning it 6-3 to advance.
"I was a bit struggling also physically, was not as fresh as the matches before. Yeah, just mixture of everything. She strikes the ball well, important points,...
The Ukrainian returned to the Wta Tour only recently, after she made a comeback after a pregnancy. Almost immediately, Svitolina started winning again and showing the level that she once possessed.
After overcoming an early challenge from Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova , the Ukrainian took on the third-seeded Jessica Pegula, and this time around, it was a losing effort from Svitolina who was eliminated after three sets .
After the match, during her press conference, the Ukrainian admitted that she was struggling physically but also gave credit to her opponent, who played on a great level in the third set, winning it 6-3 to advance.
"I was a bit struggling also physically, was not as fresh as the matches before. Yeah, just mixture of everything. She strikes the ball well, important points,...
- 9/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Fiona Crawley progressed through the three qualifying rounds to reach the main draw at the 2023 US Open but was denied her prize money due to her amateur status.
US player Cralwey began her US Open campaign on August 22 in the qualifying rounds and defeated Reka Luca Jani, Timea Babos, and Kimberly Birrell en route to her Grand Slam debut. However, the amateur player's experience would end with a round-one defeat after Crawley lost in straight sets against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
However, Crawley was left frustrated after she was unable to receive her funds for reaching the first round, estimated to be around $81,500, due to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) law that states amateurs can only collect $10,000 in prize funds per calendar year.
When speaking to the News and Observer , Crawley expressed her outrage and felt tennis players are treated unfairly compared to amateurs from other sports.
“I would never take...
US player Cralwey began her US Open campaign on August 22 in the qualifying rounds and defeated Reka Luca Jani, Timea Babos, and Kimberly Birrell en route to her Grand Slam debut. However, the amateur player's experience would end with a round-one defeat after Crawley lost in straight sets against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
However, Crawley was left frustrated after she was unable to receive her funds for reaching the first round, estimated to be around $81,500, due to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) law that states amateurs can only collect $10,000 in prize funds per calendar year.
When speaking to the News and Observer , Crawley expressed her outrage and felt tennis players are treated unfairly compared to amateurs from other sports.
“I would never take...
- 9/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
They may have been on separate courts, but love was certainly in the air as Elina Svitolina asked the chair umpire the whereabouts of Gael Monfils during her own match.
Svitolina who was in a tussle against Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Louis Armstrong Stadium at the 2023 US Open inquired from the chair umpire on how her husband Gael Monfils was getting on at Grandstand court. Monfils was scheduled to face Andrey Rublev during the night session.
The 26th seed Svitolina had dropped a tight opening set 7-5 to Pavlyuchenkova. With the match in the balance in the second set, she made the lighthearted gesture to check in on Monfils. Svitolina appeared to get her answer from the umpire judging by her response possibly looking at the on-court screen and saying, 'Okay he's playing now'.
The Ukrainian's gesture won many hearts from those watching on TV and only after the match...
Svitolina who was in a tussle against Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Louis Armstrong Stadium at the 2023 US Open inquired from the chair umpire on how her husband Gael Monfils was getting on at Grandstand court. Monfils was scheduled to face Andrey Rublev during the night session.
The 26th seed Svitolina had dropped a tight opening set 7-5 to Pavlyuchenkova. With the match in the balance in the second set, she made the lighthearted gesture to check in on Monfils. Svitolina appeared to get her answer from the umpire judging by her response possibly looking at the on-court screen and saying, 'Okay he's playing now'.
The Ukrainian's gesture won many hearts from those watching on TV and only after the match...
- 9/1/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
New York, Sept 1 (Ians) Last year’s finalist Ons Jabeur of Tunisia pulled off another close call at this year’s US Open, staging a third-set comeback to hold off rising Czech teenager Linda Noskova 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-3 in a gripping second-round encounter.
The Tunisian had survived two tight sets against Camila Osorio in the first round and overcame physical distress in her opening-round win on Tuesday, and she was pushed even further by 18-year-old Noskova on Thursday night.
Jabeur was down a break at 2-3 in the third set, but she won the next four games in succession, prevailing after 2 hours and 8 minutes of play on the Grandstand court.
With the victory, Jabeur has won 13 Grand Slam matches so far in 2023, which is the most Grand Slam matches she has won in a single year. The total surpasses her 12 Grand Slam match-wins from last year, when she reached the...
The Tunisian had survived two tight sets against Camila Osorio in the first round and overcame physical distress in her opening-round win on Tuesday, and she was pushed even further by 18-year-old Noskova on Thursday night.
Jabeur was down a break at 2-3 in the third set, but she won the next four games in succession, prevailing after 2 hours and 8 minutes of play on the Grandstand court.
With the victory, Jabeur has won 13 Grand Slam matches so far in 2023, which is the most Grand Slam matches she has won in a single year. The total surpasses her 12 Grand Slam match-wins from last year, when she reached the...
- 9/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Elina Svitolina had to dig really dip in her second-round match at the 2023 US Open , beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets.
Grand Slam matches are never easy, and the two Wta veterans know a lot about that, as they both experienced many battles on the major level throughout their careers. Now, they met already in the second round of the event, after the Ukrainian won her first match at Flushing Meadows since 2021 .
On the other hand, Pavlyuchenkova is still trying to find a way to navigate the challenges of returning to the Wta Tour, but in the second-round clash at the 2023 US Open, the Russian certainly showed that she's got what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.
Having met five times before, Pavlyuchenkova led the head-to-head 3-2, but this time Svitolina was determined to change that. But the Russian player had the better start into the match, even...
Grand Slam matches are never easy, and the two Wta veterans know a lot about that, as they both experienced many battles on the major level throughout their careers. Now, they met already in the second round of the event, after the Ukrainian won her first match at Flushing Meadows since 2021 .
On the other hand, Pavlyuchenkova is still trying to find a way to navigate the challenges of returning to the Wta Tour, but in the second-round clash at the 2023 US Open, the Russian certainly showed that she's got what it takes to perform on the biggest stage.
Having met five times before, Pavlyuchenkova led the head-to-head 3-2, but this time Svitolina was determined to change that. But the Russian player had the better start into the match, even...
- 8/31/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek played Danielle Collins last week in Montreal, and she's going to play her this week at the Cincinnati Masters as well.
Danielle Collins is back to playing solid tennis as the American puts forward more great performances. After a great effort last week at the Wta 1000 event in Montreal, Collins ousted Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to earn another chance to take on Iga Swiatek.
They played last week, and it was a win for Swiatek though the American battled fatigue for much of it because of many matches in a short period. More broadly, they played a handful of times so far, and Collins won once. It happened during her Australian Open run to the final, and the world number one has improved dramatically since then.
Head-to-head:
The two have played four times so far, with Swiatek leading 3-1. The most recent one happened last week in Montreal, with Swiatek winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Overall,...
Danielle Collins is back to playing solid tennis as the American puts forward more great performances. After a great effort last week at the Wta 1000 event in Montreal, Collins ousted Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to earn another chance to take on Iga Swiatek.
They played last week, and it was a win for Swiatek though the American battled fatigue for much of it because of many matches in a short period. More broadly, they played a handful of times so far, and Collins won once. It happened during her Australian Open run to the final, and the world number one has improved dramatically since then.
Head-to-head:
The two have played four times so far, with Swiatek leading 3-1. The most recent one happened last week in Montreal, with Swiatek winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Overall,...
- 8/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek says she has 'some work to do' regarding the change of physical tennis balls at tournaments in the wake of her three-set defeat to Jessica Pegula at the Canadian Open .
The top-seeded Swiatek was second best for much of the afternoon on Saturday , losing 2-6, 7-6, 4-6. Swiatek set an unwanted record for herself this season, ceding the most breaks in a match with 11. The only other time her serve was broken so many times in the past year was nine when she lost to Jelena Ostapenko in Dubai last season.
Nevertheless, Swiatek's loss doesn't harm her chances of being the No. 1 seed at the US Open in two weeks' time. Her closest challenger Sabalenka was also sent packing much earlier in Montreal , giving her a free pass in that regard.
While it was pointed out to Swiatek that a few players have noticed a massive difference in...
The top-seeded Swiatek was second best for much of the afternoon on Saturday , losing 2-6, 7-6, 4-6. Swiatek set an unwanted record for herself this season, ceding the most breaks in a match with 11. The only other time her serve was broken so many times in the past year was nine when she lost to Jelena Ostapenko in Dubai last season.
Nevertheless, Swiatek's loss doesn't harm her chances of being the No. 1 seed at the US Open in two weeks' time. Her closest challenger Sabalenka was also sent packing much earlier in Montreal , giving her a free pass in that regard.
While it was pointed out to Swiatek that a few players have noticed a massive difference in...
- 8/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Cincinnati Masters promises to be another interesting Wta 1000 tournament, and the draw just confirmed that.
After an interesting event in Montreal, another Wta 1000 tournament will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States from August 14th to 20th, and once again, the top seed at the tournament will be Iga Swiatek from Poland.
Already ahead of the Western & Southern Open, the Pole knows that she'll enter the 2023 US Open as the top seed , and like all the top eight-seeded players, she has a bye in the first round. But in the second round, she'll face a difficult test, taking on either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Danielle Collins , who she defeated in Montreal as the draw was made .
On the other side of the draw is Aryna Sabalenka , who will want to forget an early Montreal exit . She'll have a good chance to do that already in the second round,...
After an interesting event in Montreal, another Wta 1000 tournament will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States from August 14th to 20th, and once again, the top seed at the tournament will be Iga Swiatek from Poland.
Already ahead of the Western & Southern Open, the Pole knows that she'll enter the 2023 US Open as the top seed , and like all the top eight-seeded players, she has a bye in the first round. But in the second round, she'll face a difficult test, taking on either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Danielle Collins , who she defeated in Montreal as the draw was made .
On the other side of the draw is Aryna Sabalenka , who will want to forget an early Montreal exit . She'll have a good chance to do that already in the second round,...
- 8/12/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Kei Nishikori returned to tennis and it was a really triumphant return for the former World No. 4.
After previously announcing his comeback in 2022 , and postponing it multiple times , Nishikori finally made his comeback at an Atp Challenger 75 tournament called the 2023 Caribbean Open in Palmas Del Mar in Puerto Rico.
The Japanese player entered the tournament thanks to a wild card, but quite soon it was obvious that he will be one of the favourites at the tournament, despite facing a tough opposition of some talented players.
In the first round, Nishikori easily cruised past Christian Langmo, winning 6-2, 6-4. His biggest challenge, at least result-wise, came in the second round when the former World No. 4 needed to come back from a one-set deficit, beating the seventh-seeded Mitchell Krueger 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Then, Nishikori comfortably navigated matches against Adam Walton and Gustavo Heide, winning both 6-4, 6-2, before setting up the...
After previously announcing his comeback in 2022 , and postponing it multiple times , Nishikori finally made his comeback at an Atp Challenger 75 tournament called the 2023 Caribbean Open in Palmas Del Mar in Puerto Rico.
The Japanese player entered the tournament thanks to a wild card, but quite soon it was obvious that he will be one of the favourites at the tournament, despite facing a tough opposition of some talented players.
In the first round, Nishikori easily cruised past Christian Langmo, winning 6-2, 6-4. His biggest challenge, at least result-wise, came in the second round when the former World No. 4 needed to come back from a one-set deficit, beating the seventh-seeded Mitchell Krueger 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Then, Nishikori comfortably navigated matches against Adam Walton and Gustavo Heide, winning both 6-4, 6-2, before setting up the...
- 6/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova made an announcement of stepping away from the 2023 grass court season.
It comes as a consequence of not being able to secure a wildcard for the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. After a notable hiatus of nine months owing to an injury , Pavlyuchenkova had reappeared on the Wta Tour with a bang, at the start of this year.
The sizzling comeback of the 31-year-old Russian, marked by her reaching the quarterfinals in the 2023 Roland Garros, had rekindled the spirits of her fans. However, she was defeated by the eventual finalist Karolina Muchova.
Despite her impressive resurgence and indomitable fighting spirit, it has recently emerged that Pavlyuchenkova failed to garner a wildcard to partake in the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, as she expected already in Paris . She took to social media to express her disappointment and clarify her ensuing decision to the world.
"Hi all, I want to announce that I will skip grass season this year.
It comes as a consequence of not being able to secure a wildcard for the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. After a notable hiatus of nine months owing to an injury , Pavlyuchenkova had reappeared on the Wta Tour with a bang, at the start of this year.
The sizzling comeback of the 31-year-old Russian, marked by her reaching the quarterfinals in the 2023 Roland Garros, had rekindled the spirits of her fans. However, she was defeated by the eventual finalist Karolina Muchova.
Despite her impressive resurgence and indomitable fighting spirit, it has recently emerged that Pavlyuchenkova failed to garner a wildcard to partake in the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, as she expected already in Paris . She took to social media to express her disappointment and clarify her ensuing decision to the world.
"Hi all, I want to announce that I will skip grass season this year.
- 6/17/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
While she hasn't been in the sport for a while, Maria Sharapova still continues to be one of the most recognizable tennis faces in the world.
That's not by chance because for much of her career, Maria Sharapova was truly a superstar. From her early breakout in style to her off-court ventures, Sharapova kept the public interest going strong for pretty much a decade which is rare.
There are many great players right now on the Wta Tour and plenty of in history but very few could be considered superstars. Sharapova is certainly one of them and that's why recently her compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova said that there will never be another Sharapova .
Well, first of all, Maria Sharapova, she's Maria Sharapova. For me it's just like in tennis or every sport, there are some special athletes who you have, and they will never be replaced or copied or, you know.
That's not by chance because for much of her career, Maria Sharapova was truly a superstar. From her early breakout in style to her off-court ventures, Sharapova kept the public interest going strong for pretty much a decade which is rare.
There are many great players right now on the Wta Tour and plenty of in history but very few could be considered superstars. Sharapova is certainly one of them and that's why recently her compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova said that there will never be another Sharapova .
Well, first of all, Maria Sharapova, she's Maria Sharapova. For me it's just like in tennis or every sport, there are some special athletes who you have, and they will never be replaced or copied or, you know.
- 6/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Paris, June 9 (Ians) The women’s singles final of the French Open 2023 on Saturday will be fought between two players on the opposite end of the spectrum — the defending champion against the giant-killer.
The summit clash of the clay court Grand Slam will have Iga Swiatek, who is hoping to win her fourth title taking on Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova, who is chasing her maiden Grand Slam title.
Bidding to win her third French Open title, World No.1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland is the player in form, who has reached the summit clash without losing a single set.
In contrast, No.43 Karolina Muchova has already scored upset after upset in Paris, including her three-set win against No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
The question, the fans will be asking on Saturday is: Can the 26-year-old Czech maintain her perfect record against Top 3 opposition to stop Swiatek...
The summit clash of the clay court Grand Slam will have Iga Swiatek, who is hoping to win her fourth title taking on Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova, who is chasing her maiden Grand Slam title.
Bidding to win her third French Open title, World No.1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland is the player in form, who has reached the summit clash without losing a single set.
In contrast, No.43 Karolina Muchova has already scored upset after upset in Paris, including her three-set win against No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
The question, the fans will be asking on Saturday is: Can the 26-year-old Czech maintain her perfect record against Top 3 opposition to stop Swiatek...
- 6/9/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Paris, June 6 (Ians) World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka ended the brilliant resurgence of former World No.3 Elina Svitolina in straight games to book her maiden entry into the women’s singles semifinals at the French Open on Tuesday.
Australian Open winner Sabalenka, who had never been past the third round in Paris in five prior appearances, defeated Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals at the Roland Garros.
For a place in her second Grand Slam final of the year, she’ll next face unseeded Karolina Muchova, herself a former Top 20 player, as the Czech beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Tuesday’s other quarterfinal.
Facing Svitolina for the third time overall, and for the first time in three years, Sabalenka earned control of the match in the middle of each set. She won three straight games from 4-3 in the opener, after those seven went with serve, and won four in a row...
Australian Open winner Sabalenka, who had never been past the third round in Paris in five prior appearances, defeated Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals at the Roland Garros.
For a place in her second Grand Slam final of the year, she’ll next face unseeded Karolina Muchova, herself a former Top 20 player, as the Czech beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Tuesday’s other quarterfinal.
Facing Svitolina for the third time overall, and for the first time in three years, Sabalenka earned control of the match in the middle of each set. She won three straight games from 4-3 in the opener, after those seven went with serve, and won four in a row...
- 6/6/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova got a great laugh when she was asked about possibly asking Wimbledon for a wild card entry.
Tennis media generally does a really good job, kinda, but they made a faux pas when they asked Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova about getting a Wimbledon wild card at this year's event. The Russian is enjoying a really good run at this year's Roland Garros beating Elise Mertens on Sunday.
She's looking to continue her good run hopefully getting as close to her career-best at the event which is a final a few years ago. That good form could certainly get her far at Wimbledon but she won't play it, unfortunately.
Last year's edition saw her banned from it due to being Russian. This year will see her unable to compete at the event due to her ranking. She wasn't ranked high enough to enter the event and explained her situation during the post-match press conference.
Tennis media generally does a really good job, kinda, but they made a faux pas when they asked Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova about getting a Wimbledon wild card at this year's event. The Russian is enjoying a really good run at this year's Roland Garros beating Elise Mertens on Sunday.
She's looking to continue her good run hopefully getting as close to her career-best at the event which is a final a few years ago. That good form could certainly get her far at Wimbledon but she won't play it, unfortunately.
Last year's edition saw her banned from it due to being Russian. This year will see her unable to compete at the event due to her ranking. She wasn't ranked high enough to enter the event and explained her situation during the post-match press conference.
- 6/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Paris, June 5 (Ians) Former World No.3 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and former Roland Garros runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova advanced to the women’s singles quarterfinals at the French Open on Sunday, scoring contrasting wins here.
Svitoline continued her remarkable run in Paris, defeating No.9 seed Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 7-5(5) to advance to the quarterfinals. The victory put the 28-year-old Ukrainian into her first Slam quarterfinal in just her fifth tour-level event since her return from maternity leave.
Pavlyuchenkova became the lowest-ranked French Open quarterfinalist in the Open Era after defeating Elise Mertens, coming back from a set and a break down.
After giving birth to her daughter Skai last October, Svitolina returned to competition earlier this spring in Charleston. After starting her season 0-3 at the tour level, Svitolina caught fire in her fourth tournament back, storming to her 17th career title in Strasbourg. By making her fourth French Open quarterfinal and first,...
Svitoline continued her remarkable run in Paris, defeating No.9 seed Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 7-5(5) to advance to the quarterfinals. The victory put the 28-year-old Ukrainian into her first Slam quarterfinal in just her fifth tour-level event since her return from maternity leave.
Pavlyuchenkova became the lowest-ranked French Open quarterfinalist in the Open Era after defeating Elise Mertens, coming back from a set and a break down.
After giving birth to her daughter Skai last October, Svitolina returned to competition earlier this spring in Charleston. After starting her season 0-3 at the tour level, Svitolina caught fire in her fourth tournament back, storming to her 17th career title in Strasbourg. By making her fourth French Open quarterfinal and first,...
- 6/4/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Jessica Pegula became the highest seed in the Wta draw to crash out of the 2023 Roland Garros after losing to Elise Mertens.
In the Atp draw, fans in Paris already saw a loss of the second-seeded Daniil Medvedev, but among women, the top four were all still in play ahead of the third round of the competition. And it was Pegula who took the court as the first of those players on Friday.
In her third-round match, the American opened the action on Court Philippe-Chatrier and her opponent was certainly a tricky one as Mertens managed to beat the highest-ranked American twice in their previous two meetings on the Wta Tour.
But Pegula, who revealed that she had food poisoning before the tournament started, didn't give herself many chances early in the match. To overcome the two previous losses, she needed a good start against the Belgian, but the opposite happened.
In the Atp draw, fans in Paris already saw a loss of the second-seeded Daniil Medvedev, but among women, the top four were all still in play ahead of the third round of the competition. And it was Pegula who took the court as the first of those players on Friday.
In her third-round match, the American opened the action on Court Philippe-Chatrier and her opponent was certainly a tricky one as Mertens managed to beat the highest-ranked American twice in their previous two meetings on the Wta Tour.
But Pegula, who revealed that she had food poisoning before the tournament started, didn't give herself many chances early in the match. To overcome the two previous losses, she needed a good start against the Belgian, but the opposite happened.
- 6/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
During the 2023 Roland Garros, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova expressed her admiration for fellow Russian Wta tennis player Maria Sharapova.
In the first round of the tournament, the Russian played against 18-year-old prodigy Linda Fruhvirtova, but experience prevailed over youth as Pavlyuchenkova won the match 6-2, 6-2 to book a second-round spot.
After her victory, Pavlyuchenkova was asked a question about former world no. 1 Sharapova, who recently made an appearance at an F1 Monaco Grand Prix. The Russian was quizzed about how her compatriot's game evolved on clay as Pavlyuchenkova hailed Sharapova's strength of character and her fighting spirit, referring to her as a 'special athlete'.
"Well, first of all, Maria Sharapova, she's Maria Sharapova. For me it's just like in tennis or every sport, there are some special athletes who you have, and they will never be replaced or copied or, you know. So she's one of them for me for sure.
In the first round of the tournament, the Russian played against 18-year-old prodigy Linda Fruhvirtova, but experience prevailed over youth as Pavlyuchenkova won the match 6-2, 6-2 to book a second-round spot.
After her victory, Pavlyuchenkova was asked a question about former world no. 1 Sharapova, who recently made an appearance at an F1 Monaco Grand Prix. The Russian was quizzed about how her compatriot's game evolved on clay as Pavlyuchenkova hailed Sharapova's strength of character and her fighting spirit, referring to her as a 'special athlete'.
"Well, first of all, Maria Sharapova, she's Maria Sharapova. For me it's just like in tennis or every sport, there are some special athletes who you have, and they will never be replaced or copied or, you know. So she's one of them for me for sure.
- 5/30/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Paris, May 29 (Ians) Former finalists Sloane Stephens, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Marketa Vondrousova started their respective campaigns on a winning note while Ukraines Elina Svitolina made a victorious comeback to Grand Slam action at the French Open on Monday.
The 2018 finalist Sloane Stephens took out No.16 seed Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-4 in 1 hour and 24 minutes in a first-round matchup between two former Top 3 players in women’s singles.
The 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova soon joined her in the second round, racing past Linda Fruhvirtova 6-2, 6-2 in 70 minutes while the 2019 finalist Marketa Vondrousova dismissed Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-0 in 71 minutes to start her campaign on a positive note.
The former World No.3 Svitolina made a victorious comeback to Grand Slam action by toppling No.26 seed Martina Trevisan of Italy 6-2, 6-2 to book a spot in the second round of the clay-court major.
In her first Grand Slam event since the 2022 Australian Open,...
The 2018 finalist Sloane Stephens took out No.16 seed Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-4 in 1 hour and 24 minutes in a first-round matchup between two former Top 3 players in women’s singles.
The 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova soon joined her in the second round, racing past Linda Fruhvirtova 6-2, 6-2 in 70 minutes while the 2019 finalist Marketa Vondrousova dismissed Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-0 in 71 minutes to start her campaign on a positive note.
The former World No.3 Svitolina made a victorious comeback to Grand Slam action by toppling No.26 seed Martina Trevisan of Italy 6-2, 6-2 to book a spot in the second round of the clay-court major.
In her first Grand Slam event since the 2022 Australian Open,...
- 5/29/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The 2023 Strasbourg Open, an important prelude to the Roland Garros, promises a lot of action as the draw was released.
From May 21st to 27th, players meet at the Wta 250 event in Strasbourg, which gives them the last chance to improve their form ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season. Last year, Angelique Kerber won the title, but since she has recently welcomed her first child, she won't be able to attend the tournament.
Instead, the top seed at the 2023 Strasbourg Open, also referred to as the Internationaux de Strasbourg, is Magda Linette who has had an impressive 2023 season so far.
She began the year by representing Poland at the United Cup in Brisbane, where her country reached the semifinals as she helped by defeating players like Jil Teichmann and Lucia Bronzetti along the way before losing to Madison Keys.
Following the successful start at the United Cup,...
From May 21st to 27th, players meet at the Wta 250 event in Strasbourg, which gives them the last chance to improve their form ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season. Last year, Angelique Kerber won the title, but since she has recently welcomed her first child, she won't be able to attend the tournament.
Instead, the top seed at the 2023 Strasbourg Open, also referred to as the Internationaux de Strasbourg, is Magda Linette who has had an impressive 2023 season so far.
She began the year by representing Poland at the United Cup in Brisbane, where her country reached the semifinals as she helped by defeating players like Jil Teichmann and Lucia Bronzetti along the way before losing to Madison Keys.
Following the successful start at the United Cup,...
- 5/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek keeps cruising at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome after she defeated Donna Vekic in the fourth round.
The World No. 1 is a favourite at almost every event that she enters, but especially those played on the red dirt. The Wta 1000 tournament in Rome is one of those, so it's not a surprise that Swiatek is a two-time defending champion, having won the event in 2021 and 2022.
She started with a double bagel in the second round, beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-0, 6-0, before thrashing also Lesia Tsurenko, 6-2, 6-0. In the fourth round, the Pole met Donna Vekic from Croatia, a player she beat three times before. However, all of their previous matches were on the hard courts, with the 2023 Italian Open meeting being first on clay.
Vekic had two difficult three-set matches behind her, beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Liudmila Samsonova. And maybe it was fatigue that resulted in a...
The World No. 1 is a favourite at almost every event that she enters, but especially those played on the red dirt. The Wta 1000 tournament in Rome is one of those, so it's not a surprise that Swiatek is a two-time defending champion, having won the event in 2021 and 2022.
She started with a double bagel in the second round, beating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-0, 6-0, before thrashing also Lesia Tsurenko, 6-2, 6-0. In the fourth round, the Pole met Donna Vekic from Croatia, a player she beat three times before. However, all of their previous matches were on the hard courts, with the 2023 Italian Open meeting being first on clay.
Vekic had two difficult three-set matches behind her, beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Liudmila Samsonova. And maybe it was fatigue that resulted in a...
- 5/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Between May 28th and June 11th, 2023, the Roland Garros will host the second Grand Slam tournament, the French Open, and the entry list has been announced.
Iga Swiatek lifted her second Grand Slam title in Paris last year after a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 win in the final. The young Pole played against Coco Gauff in the final and both players will be back to defend their hard-earned ranking points also in 2023. But as always, anyone can win at the Roland Garros and this year will be no different.
Two more former champions of this event are on the entry list. Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 champion, and Jelena Ostapenko who won the event in 2017. But also the likes of Marketa Vondrousova, who played the final in 2019, or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the 2021 finalist will compete at the French Open.
But the list of favourites can be very long, as with many Wta events. Aryna Sabalenka...
Iga Swiatek lifted her second Grand Slam title in Paris last year after a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 win in the final. The young Pole played against Coco Gauff in the final and both players will be back to defend their hard-earned ranking points also in 2023. But as always, anyone can win at the Roland Garros and this year will be no different.
Two more former champions of this event are on the entry list. Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 champion, and Jelena Ostapenko who won the event in 2017. But also the likes of Marketa Vondrousova, who played the final in 2019, or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the 2021 finalist will compete at the French Open.
But the list of favourites can be very long, as with many Wta events. Aryna Sabalenka...
- 5/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek served another double bagel at the Italian Open after beating Karolina Pliskova 6-0 6-0 in the 2021 final.
The Polish player started off her Italian Open title defence with an impressive beatdown of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. She didn't lose a set, or a game, saving the only break point she allowed in the whole 12 games.
It was another double bagel, something she already did in Rome once. It was a final no less but it's something she actively tries to do. It doesn't matter if it's 6-0 or some other score because winning is what matters. That desire to win and the competitive spirit don't allow her to relax even when she's up big in a match.
I mean, even if I would, I don't want to lose points on purpose. It doesn't make sense. So I'm always going to be that kind of player who wants to win the next point.
The Polish player started off her Italian Open title defence with an impressive beatdown of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. She didn't lose a set, or a game, saving the only break point she allowed in the whole 12 games.
It was another double bagel, something she already did in Rome once. It was a final no less but it's something she actively tries to do. It doesn't matter if it's 6-0 or some other score because winning is what matters. That desire to win and the competitive spirit don't allow her to relax even when she's up big in a match.
I mean, even if I would, I don't want to lose points on purpose. It doesn't make sense. So I'm always going to be that kind of player who wants to win the next point.
- 5/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek revealed that a severe ankle injury in 2017 could have ruined her professional tennis career.
Over the last two years 21-year-old Swiatek has shot to the top of the Wta rankings following a French Open and the US Open double in 2022. Swiatek has shown no signs of letting up in 2023 either as she has already won the Qatar Open and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and now has her sights set on a victory at the upcoming Italian Open.
However, it has not always been plain sailing for the young Polish superstar and she suffered a potentially life-changing ankle injury during her junior career. The injury ruled Swiatek out for eight months and the three-time Grand Slam winner thought she would never play tennis again following surgery on her ankle.
"Well, at that point of my life, basically the problem was that I thought I'm not going to, like,...
Over the last two years 21-year-old Swiatek has shot to the top of the Wta rankings following a French Open and the US Open double in 2022. Swiatek has shown no signs of letting up in 2023 either as she has already won the Qatar Open and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and now has her sights set on a victory at the upcoming Italian Open.
However, it has not always been plain sailing for the young Polish superstar and she suffered a potentially life-changing ankle injury during her junior career. The injury ruled Swiatek out for eight months and the three-time Grand Slam winner thought she would never play tennis again following surgery on her ankle.
"Well, at that point of my life, basically the problem was that I thought I'm not going to, like,...
- 5/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The Wta event of the 2023 Italian Open in Rome will run from May 9th to 20th and the draw was already released.
After a successful event in Madrid which ended in a spectacular final between the two highest-ranked players, players move to Rome for the 2023 Italian Open where they will attend the last Wta 1000 event before eventually moving to Paris for the second major of the season.
Last year, Iga Swiatek won the event after a dominant performance, and she will enter the tournament once again as the top seed. This time, the young Pole will begin her journey against the winner of the match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sara Errani, since all the seeded players have a bye in the first round in a new 96-player format.
The second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka will be also looking to use her first-round bye to rest after the demanding week in the Spanish capital.
After a successful event in Madrid which ended in a spectacular final between the two highest-ranked players, players move to Rome for the 2023 Italian Open where they will attend the last Wta 1000 event before eventually moving to Paris for the second major of the season.
Last year, Iga Swiatek won the event after a dominant performance, and she will enter the tournament once again as the top seed. This time, the young Pole will begin her journey against the winner of the match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sara Errani, since all the seeded players have a bye in the first round in a new 96-player format.
The second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka will be also looking to use her first-round bye to rest after the demanding week in the Spanish capital.
- 5/7/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Madrid Open is the first Wta 1000 clay-court event of the season and the entry list is already known.
From April 25th to May 7th, the Madrid Open will be played in an extended format with 96 players at the La Caja Mágica. Last year, Ons Jabeur beat Jessica Pegula in the final to lift the trophy, and both players will compete at the tournament also in 2023.
The entry list is led by the World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who withdrew from the last year's tournament, and she will hope to capitalize on that this year and add some valuable ranking points. But as always, the competition will be strong.
The most-recent Grand Slam champion, Aryna Sabalenka will play in Madrid as well as the player with most victories in 2023, Elena Rybakina. The likes of Caroline Garcia, Coco Gauff, Daria Kasatkina, Belinda Bencic, and Maria Sakkari will also play in Madrid.
Emma Raducanu,...
From April 25th to May 7th, the Madrid Open will be played in an extended format with 96 players at the La Caja Mágica. Last year, Ons Jabeur beat Jessica Pegula in the final to lift the trophy, and both players will compete at the tournament also in 2023.
The entry list is led by the World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who withdrew from the last year's tournament, and she will hope to capitalize on that this year and add some valuable ranking points. But as always, the competition will be strong.
The most-recent Grand Slam champion, Aryna Sabalenka will play in Madrid as well as the player with most victories in 2023, Elena Rybakina. The likes of Caroline Garcia, Coco Gauff, Daria Kasatkina, Belinda Bencic, and Maria Sakkari will also play in Madrid.
Emma Raducanu,...
- 4/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Melbourne, Jan 21 (Ians) Switzerland’s 12th seed Belinda Bencic on Saturday stormed into the women’s singles fourth round at the Australian Open with a hard-fought 6-2 7-5 victory over Camila Giorgi of Italy.
The two players have not met since 2019 but Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallist, enjoyed a 3-2 head-to-head advantage going into their sixth clash. She is also on an unbeaten run in January, having begun the 2023 season with a bang, defeating players like Garbine Muguruza, Caroline Garcia and Daria Kasatkina en route to the Adelaide International title.
But Giorgi has a reputation for slaying seeds and that set the scene for an intriguing clash in the Round of 32 at Melbourne Park on Saturday.
However, Bencic held the upper hand in the first set and broke Giorgi’s serve in the third and seventh games to pocket the set 6-2. In the second set, the two...
The two players have not met since 2019 but Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallist, enjoyed a 3-2 head-to-head advantage going into their sixth clash. She is also on an unbeaten run in January, having begun the 2023 season with a bang, defeating players like Garbine Muguruza, Caroline Garcia and Daria Kasatkina en route to the Adelaide International title.
But Giorgi has a reputation for slaying seeds and that set the scene for an intriguing clash in the Round of 32 at Melbourne Park on Saturday.
However, Bencic held the upper hand in the first set and broke Giorgi’s serve in the third and seventh games to pocket the set 6-2. In the second set, the two...
- 1/21/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Melbourne, Dec 21 (Ians) World No.1 Iga Swiatek leads the entry list for next year’s Australian Open, which is based on the Wta rankings of the week beginning December 5.
Reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion Swiatek is one of 13 current or former Grand Slam winners who have entered the first major of 2023, which begins on January 16. The Pole, who reached her first Australian Open semifinal this year, will be bidding to add a fourth Grand Slam title to her haul so far.
Three former Australian Open champions are in the line-up — Victoria Azarenka (2012-13), Naomi Osaka and Sofia Kenin (2020) — as well as three former Australian Open runners-up, Petra Kvitova (2019), Garbiñe Muguruza (2020) and Danielle Collins (2022). This year’s champion, Ashleigh Barty, retired from professional tennis in March and will not defend her title.
Alongside Swiatek, Azarenka, Osaka, Kenin, Kvitova and Muguruza, the remaining roster of Grand Slam champions with direct entry comprises Jelena Ostapenko,...
Reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion Swiatek is one of 13 current or former Grand Slam winners who have entered the first major of 2023, which begins on January 16. The Pole, who reached her first Australian Open semifinal this year, will be bidding to add a fourth Grand Slam title to her haul so far.
Three former Australian Open champions are in the line-up — Victoria Azarenka (2012-13), Naomi Osaka and Sofia Kenin (2020) — as well as three former Australian Open runners-up, Petra Kvitova (2019), Garbiñe Muguruza (2020) and Danielle Collins (2022). This year’s champion, Ashleigh Barty, retired from professional tennis in March and will not defend her title.
Alongside Swiatek, Azarenka, Osaka, Kenin, Kvitova and Muguruza, the remaining roster of Grand Slam champions with direct entry comprises Jelena Ostapenko,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
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