Charlize Theron has been busy lately. She organized the 20th annual Desert Smash tennis tournament for charity in Los Angeles, California.
The event is attended by many various tennis celebrities, including Novak Djokovic, Frances Tiafoe, Victoria Azarenka, Casper Ruud, Donna Vekic, Ons Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, Dusan Lajvoic, and Hubi Hurkacz.
From the entertainment industry, Gavin Rossdale, Mustard, Sam Asghari, Pete Wentz, Amaury Nolasco, Jason Collins, Alycia Park, and DJ Irie also attended.
Also Read: William H. Macy Is Proud of Jeremy Allen White!
Let’s Know More About Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project Charity! Hola
African Outreach was founded in 2007 by Theron, a messenger of peace. The project’s mission is to invest in African youth to help them foster an equitable future. It is an organization that invests in and advances the health of youth in Southern Africa to create a more equitable future for all.
Through vocational skills training,...
The event is attended by many various tennis celebrities, including Novak Djokovic, Frances Tiafoe, Victoria Azarenka, Casper Ruud, Donna Vekic, Ons Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, Dusan Lajvoic, and Hubi Hurkacz.
From the entertainment industry, Gavin Rossdale, Mustard, Sam Asghari, Pete Wentz, Amaury Nolasco, Jason Collins, Alycia Park, and DJ Irie also attended.
Also Read: William H. Macy Is Proud of Jeremy Allen White!
Let’s Know More About Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project Charity! Hola
African Outreach was founded in 2007 by Theron, a messenger of peace. The project’s mission is to invest in African youth to help them foster an equitable future. It is an organization that invests in and advances the health of youth in Southern Africa to create a more equitable future for all.
Through vocational skills training,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Anjali Rai
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Charlize Theron played in a tennis tournament for a great cause!
The Oscar-winning actress hosted the 20th Annual Desert Smash to benefit the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project on Tuesday (March 5) at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, Calif.
Charlize was joined by Novak Djokovic as her doubles partner for the final match against Insecure‘s Yvonne Orji and Belarusian tennis pro, Victoria Azarenka.
Other stars in attendance included Flavor Flav, Gavin Rossdale, Redfoo, Sam Asghari, and cute couple Laysla De Oliveira and Jonathan Keltz, among others.
Fyi: Charlize is wearing Vuori from head-to-toe, including the White Volley Skirt, the Black Studio ½ Zip Pullover, the AllTheFeels Bra, and the Topspin Visor. Guests sipped on Flor de Caña cocktails with their sustainability sourced premium rum.
Disclosure: Some products on this site use affiliate links and we may earn commission for any purchase made through the links.
The Oscar-winning actress hosted the 20th Annual Desert Smash to benefit the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project on Tuesday (March 5) at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, Calif.
Charlize was joined by Novak Djokovic as her doubles partner for the final match against Insecure‘s Yvonne Orji and Belarusian tennis pro, Victoria Azarenka.
Other stars in attendance included Flavor Flav, Gavin Rossdale, Redfoo, Sam Asghari, and cute couple Laysla De Oliveira and Jonathan Keltz, among others.
Fyi: Charlize is wearing Vuori from head-to-toe, including the White Volley Skirt, the Black Studio ½ Zip Pullover, the AllTheFeels Bra, and the Topspin Visor. Guests sipped on Flor de Caña cocktails with their sustainability sourced premium rum.
Disclosure: Some products on this site use affiliate links and we may earn commission for any purchase made through the links.
- 3/8/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Charlize Theron is often front-row at tennis matches and fashion shows — but on Tuesday, she was on the court, playing doubles with No. 1 men’s player Novak Djokovic.
The Oscar winner hosted the 20th annual Desert Smash celebrity tennis tournament to support her charity, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. The organization funds community-based, locally led groups that work directly with young people in preventing gender-based violence, advocating for sexual reproductive health and rights, and providing access to higher education. For the final match, the Serbian tennis superstar made a surprise appearance, interrupting Theron’s game with Atp champion Frances Tiafoe, comedian Yvonne Orji and two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka.
From left: Insecure star Yvonne Orji, Victoria Azarenka, Frances Tiafoe and Charlize Theron at Desert Smash on March 5.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter before the games, Theron shared what she’s bringing to the court. “The tennis usually is...
The Oscar winner hosted the 20th annual Desert Smash celebrity tennis tournament to support her charity, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. The organization funds community-based, locally led groups that work directly with young people in preventing gender-based violence, advocating for sexual reproductive health and rights, and providing access to higher education. For the final match, the Serbian tennis superstar made a surprise appearance, interrupting Theron’s game with Atp champion Frances Tiafoe, comedian Yvonne Orji and two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka.
From left: Insecure star Yvonne Orji, Victoria Azarenka, Frances Tiafoe and Charlize Theron at Desert Smash on March 5.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter before the games, Theron shared what she’s bringing to the court. “The tennis usually is...
- 3/6/2024
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Victoria Azarenka has shed light on her recent meetup with her close friend and former rival Ashleigh Barty at the Brisbane International.
This week, Barty was a surprise visitor at her hometown tournament, where she was given VIP treatment with access to the backstage area, including the players' restaurant, and was also on the main court to catch up to some tennis inside Pat Rafter Arena.
The Queenslander memorably shocked the tennis world when she retired from professional tennis after winning the 2022 Australian Open. Barty ranked world No. 1 at the time and just 25, stated that she accomplished what she set out to achieve in her playing career.
She won three Grand Slams in total and spent a total of 121 weeks as the number one player. Motherhood called, and Barty, who wed her longtime love Garry Kissick later that year, gave birth to a baby boy in July 2023.
In her time...
This week, Barty was a surprise visitor at her hometown tournament, where she was given VIP treatment with access to the backstage area, including the players' restaurant, and was also on the main court to catch up to some tennis inside Pat Rafter Arena.
The Queenslander memorably shocked the tennis world when she retired from professional tennis after winning the 2022 Australian Open. Barty ranked world No. 1 at the time and just 25, stated that she accomplished what she set out to achieve in her playing career.
She won three Grand Slams in total and spent a total of 121 weeks as the number one player. Motherhood called, and Barty, who wed her longtime love Garry Kissick later that year, gave birth to a baby boy in July 2023.
In her time...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Victoria Azarenka was irritated by a tweet from the Tennis Channel that put a spotlight on a handshake between her and Jelena Ostapenko at the 2024 Brisbane International.
Azarenka and Ostapenko had a very tight battle in their quarterfinal in Brisbane. The match had many twists and turns, before the Belarusian eventually prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 after a great contest for the fans in the Pat Rafter Arena.
The two-time Grand Slam champion is known for many positive things. An example is Azarenka inspiring other mothers by showing what is possible. She would be happy for stories like that to be in the headlines.
Unfortunately, headlines were instead created by Ostapenko's handshake with Azarenka. It was a very short one, with the Latvian clearly looking to leave the court as quickly as possible after a disappointing loss.
However, it was not Azarenka that angered Ostapenko. It was the umpire. The former...
Azarenka and Ostapenko had a very tight battle in their quarterfinal in Brisbane. The match had many twists and turns, before the Belarusian eventually prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 after a great contest for the fans in the Pat Rafter Arena.
The two-time Grand Slam champion is known for many positive things. An example is Azarenka inspiring other mothers by showing what is possible. She would be happy for stories like that to be in the headlines.
Unfortunately, headlines were instead created by Ostapenko's handshake with Azarenka. It was a very short one, with the Latvian clearly looking to leave the court as quickly as possible after a disappointing loss.
However, it was not Azarenka that angered Ostapenko. It was the umpire. The former...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Jelena Ostapenko recently had one of her outbursts in a long time at the 2024 Brisbane International, but tennis fans were not impressed.
Ostapenko is known as a somewhat fiery player when things go wrong. It largely depends on how you look at it, but there is a reason she's never won the sportsmanship award.
She often has many over-the-top reactions when she misses a shot or when the technology shows that her ball was wide, among many other things.
Quite often, she also likes to complain, and the umpires tend to be the focus of that because, well, they call the score. During her most recent match at the Brisbane International, Ostpaenko was not thrilled with how the umpire handled one specific situation.
Towards the end of the match, a visibly upset Ostapenko ranted towards the umpire and blamed her for losing a point when she thought that the ball that her opponent,...
Ostapenko is known as a somewhat fiery player when things go wrong. It largely depends on how you look at it, but there is a reason she's never won the sportsmanship award.
She often has many over-the-top reactions when she misses a shot or when the technology shows that her ball was wide, among many other things.
Quite often, she also likes to complain, and the umpires tend to be the focus of that because, well, they call the score. During her most recent match at the Brisbane International, Ostpaenko was not thrilled with how the umpire handled one specific situation.
Towards the end of the match, a visibly upset Ostapenko ranted towards the umpire and blamed her for losing a point when she thought that the ball that her opponent,...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka played yet another solid match at the 2024 Brisbane International to book the final after beating Victoria Azarenka.
It was all Belarus in Brisbane today as Sabalenka took on compatriot Azarenka for a spot in the final of the event. Earlier in the day, Elena Rybakina won her match and advanced to the final, which will now be a repeat of last year's Australian Open final.
That's a great Wta Final to start to year and one that could go either way. When it comes to this one it was far more competitive than Sabalenka's previous match. Part of that is because Azarenka herself played a pretty decent match.
The first set saw Sabalenka jump out to an early lead and simply crush Azarenka from that point on with her tremendous power. She dominated on her serve and didn't allow any break points.
On return, she did enough to...
It was all Belarus in Brisbane today as Sabalenka took on compatriot Azarenka for a spot in the final of the event. Earlier in the day, Elena Rybakina won her match and advanced to the final, which will now be a repeat of last year's Australian Open final.
That's a great Wta Final to start to year and one that could go either way. When it comes to this one it was far more competitive than Sabalenka's previous match. Part of that is because Azarenka herself played a pretty decent match.
The first set saw Sabalenka jump out to an early lead and simply crush Azarenka from that point on with her tremendous power. She dominated on her serve and didn't allow any break points.
On return, she did enough to...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Elena Rybakina is into her first Wta final of the 2024 season, after another dominant performance at the 2024 Brisbane International.
If there was one word to summarize the first week of women's tennis, it wouldn't be too difficult to find that word, as it would simply be dominance. All Top 4 players on the Wta Tour are one level above their competition, and each of them is proving it in every match they play.
Iga Swiatek managed to send her country to the United Cup final, Aryna Sabalenka has been more than dominant with her performances in Brisbane, and Coco Gauff is steamrolling past everyone in Auckland.
And another player who wants to join this list of players, and is doing it so far, is the world no. 4, Elena Rybakina. She already managed to reach the final of the 2024 Brisbane International, this time after beating teenage prodigy Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic.
If there was one word to summarize the first week of women's tennis, it wouldn't be too difficult to find that word, as it would simply be dominance. All Top 4 players on the Wta Tour are one level above their competition, and each of them is proving it in every match they play.
Iga Swiatek managed to send her country to the United Cup final, Aryna Sabalenka has been more than dominant with her performances in Brisbane, and Coco Gauff is steamrolling past everyone in Auckland.
And another player who wants to join this list of players, and is doing it so far, is the world no. 4, Elena Rybakina. She already managed to reach the final of the 2024 Brisbane International, this time after beating teenage prodigy Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic.
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Jelena Ostapenko is quite an interesting player with a dedicated playstyle and a very exuberant personality which can be intense at times.
The Latvian is quite known as a player who doesn't see herself as capable of doing many things wrong. She's often pictured with a confused expression on the court unsure of how she missed a shot or how a shot was called wide or something similar.
It makes for excellent meme content, but being an umpire is not particularly fun. Just last year, she basically said that she doesn't trust electronic line calling, believing that it gets many calls wrong.
She can't lash out against machines, but she can do that against umpires, which is what happened during her match with Victoria Azarenka at the 2024 Brisbane International.
During a loss to Azarenka at the Wta 500 tournament in Brisbane, Ostapenko lashed out against the umpire late in the third set,...
The Latvian is quite known as a player who doesn't see herself as capable of doing many things wrong. She's often pictured with a confused expression on the court unsure of how she missed a shot or how a shot was called wide or something similar.
It makes for excellent meme content, but being an umpire is not particularly fun. Just last year, she basically said that she doesn't trust electronic line calling, believing that it gets many calls wrong.
She can't lash out against machines, but she can do that against umpires, which is what happened during her match with Victoria Azarenka at the 2024 Brisbane International.
During a loss to Azarenka at the Wta 500 tournament in Brisbane, Ostapenko lashed out against the umpire late in the third set,...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Sofia Kenin will return to action at the Hobart International on January 8 as the American player aims to bounce back quickly from a disappointing start to 2024.
Kenin had high hopes for progression at her first tournament entry of 2024 at the Brisbane International. However, things did not go as planned for the 25-year-old after she was beaten in the second round by Arina Rodionova in a straight sets defeat).
The loss came as a shock for the American player, especially after she ended 2023 with some impressive form. In the latter stages of last year's campaign, Kenin beat Caroline Garcia and also defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka during the exhibition event, the World Tennis League.
Kenin's strong late-season form in 2023 also helped her to climb up to 33rd in the official Wta rankings, despite going as low as 280th in the standings at one stage.
Even though she suffered an early 2024 setback at Brisbane International,...
Kenin had high hopes for progression at her first tournament entry of 2024 at the Brisbane International. However, things did not go as planned for the 25-year-old after she was beaten in the second round by Arina Rodionova in a straight sets defeat).
The loss came as a shock for the American player, especially after she ended 2023 with some impressive form. In the latter stages of last year's campaign, Kenin beat Caroline Garcia and also defeated world number two Aryna Sabalenka during the exhibition event, the World Tennis League.
Kenin's strong late-season form in 2023 also helped her to climb up to 33rd in the official Wta rankings, despite going as low as 280th in the standings at one stage.
Even though she suffered an early 2024 setback at Brisbane International,...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Mothers Elina Svitolina and Caroline Wozniacki met at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland, and it could have been a winning start to the new Wta season only for one.
It's not often that mothers get to meet in a match on the Wta Tour, as there are not so many currently, but recently, the trend has changed, and more and more mothers are returning to the sport after their pregnancy.
The two are prime examples, but it's important not to forget the likes of Victoria Azarenka, who was one of the first mothers in recent history to return to tennis. Now, another player made a comeback as mother, when Naomi Osaka won her first match back.
Soon, the mother's club on the women's Tour will likely be joined by Petra Kvitova, who announced her pregnancy on January 1st, 2024. But another mother returned to the sport just recently, as Caroline Wozniacki made a surprising return.
It's not often that mothers get to meet in a match on the Wta Tour, as there are not so many currently, but recently, the trend has changed, and more and more mothers are returning to the sport after their pregnancy.
The two are prime examples, but it's important not to forget the likes of Victoria Azarenka, who was one of the first mothers in recent history to return to tennis. Now, another player made a comeback as mother, when Naomi Osaka won her first match back.
Soon, the mother's club on the women's Tour will likely be joined by Petra Kvitova, who announced her pregnancy on January 1st, 2024. But another mother returned to the sport just recently, as Caroline Wozniacki made a surprising return.
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
For a very long time, many people assumed that mothers couldn't be competitive on the Wta Tour, but lately, we've seen that's far from the truth.
Victoria Azarenka was one of the first ones to dispel those claims because she became a mother fairly early in her career and then returned. She not only returned but she returned and played really well.
It wasn't something people were used to. Then we saw some other players do it as well, and now it's basically standard practice. People don't even blink anymore when a player becomes a mother and returns to play really well.
It's something Andy Murray praised this year, admitting that it's a great example for other players. Players don't have to push it back and wait until retirement, as they can actually return to their peak tennis.
Pregnancy is far more impactful on women for obvious reasons, so a...
Victoria Azarenka was one of the first ones to dispel those claims because she became a mother fairly early in her career and then returned. She not only returned but she returned and played really well.
It wasn't something people were used to. Then we saw some other players do it as well, and now it's basically standard practice. People don't even blink anymore when a player becomes a mother and returns to play really well.
It's something Andy Murray praised this year, admitting that it's a great example for other players. Players don't have to push it back and wait until retirement, as they can actually return to their peak tennis.
Pregnancy is far more impactful on women for obvious reasons, so a...
- 12/31/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
For the first time since 2020, tennis stars will descend on Queensland to play in the 13th edition of Brisbane International.
Running from December 31st to January 7th, the 2024 Brisbane International will welcome a plethora of world-class players to mark the official start of a brand-new tennis season.
World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka will attempt to become the first woman to defend the Australian Open in a decade, and getting some much-needed momentum in Brisbane is vital. The Belarusian powerhouse has a slim chance of becoming No. 1 for a second time at the end of January.
She'll be joined in Brisbane by the returning former Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who has already landed Down Under to play her first tournament in 15 months. 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will also add power and class to the 64-player singles draw with 16 byes.
Former Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Ostapenko are also part of the field.
Running from December 31st to January 7th, the 2024 Brisbane International will welcome a plethora of world-class players to mark the official start of a brand-new tennis season.
World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka will attempt to become the first woman to defend the Australian Open in a decade, and getting some much-needed momentum in Brisbane is vital. The Belarusian powerhouse has a slim chance of becoming No. 1 for a second time at the end of January.
She'll be joined in Brisbane by the returning former Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who has already landed Down Under to play her first tournament in 15 months. 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will also add power and class to the 64-player singles draw with 16 byes.
Former Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Ostapenko are also part of the field.
- 12/28/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka's highly anticipated return to the Wta Tour is one that has every chance of succeeding.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has been away from tennis for over a year after giving birth to her first child. Osaka has touched down in Brisbane, where she is playing her first tournament on her return.
Many query whether the Japanese player can reach the high level she once had. It is an understandable concern after such a long period of time away from the sport, and after becoming a mother.
However, there are reasons to be confident of Osaka being successful on her comeback. This article provides five of these reasons.
5. Talent Does Not Go Away
One thing does not change, regardless of how long Osaka has been away. She is a unique talent, and that extraordinary ability remains inside the 2020 US Open champion.
Finding that talent on a consistent...
The four-time Grand Slam champion has been away from tennis for over a year after giving birth to her first child. Osaka has touched down in Brisbane, where she is playing her first tournament on her return.
Many query whether the Japanese player can reach the high level she once had. It is an understandable concern after such a long period of time away from the sport, and after becoming a mother.
However, there are reasons to be confident of Osaka being successful on her comeback. This article provides five of these reasons.
5. Talent Does Not Go Away
One thing does not change, regardless of how long Osaka has been away. She is a unique talent, and that extraordinary ability remains inside the 2020 US Open champion.
Finding that talent on a consistent...
- 12/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
No woman has defended the Australian Open singles title in a decade, but the last time it happened, it was done by a Belarusian player.
Could this be a sign that the stars are aligning for the World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka to win her second Grand Slam? For starters, the 25-year-old powerhouse is one of the Top 5 favorites to win the Australian Open.
In fact, the bookmakers rate Sabalenka as the second favorite to retain her title, behind World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. But here is the fun part. The Australian Open has been the one Slam that no Wta player has had quite a stranglehold for the last ten years.
One of the reasons is because, at the start of the season, the possibility of top players being caught cold is very high, so we see many upsets. That's why we have seen an increasing number of established stars take...
Could this be a sign that the stars are aligning for the World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka to win her second Grand Slam? For starters, the 25-year-old powerhouse is one of the Top 5 favorites to win the Australian Open.
In fact, the bookmakers rate Sabalenka as the second favorite to retain her title, behind World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. But here is the fun part. The Australian Open has been the one Slam that no Wta player has had quite a stranglehold for the last ten years.
One of the reasons is because, at the start of the season, the possibility of top players being caught cold is very high, so we see many upsets. That's why we have seen an increasing number of established stars take...
- 12/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2024 Australian Open will be one of the most riveting Grand Slams in recent memory, given the myriad of contenders.
There has not been a successful title defense at this tournament since 2013, so Aryna Sabalenka could have her hands full when she returns to Melbourne.
But incidentally, the last woman to win back-to-back Australian Opens was a Belarusian (Victoria Azarenka), so this could be a good omen for Sabalenka.
You could make a case for as many as ten players quite capable of winning the women's edition of the 2024 Australian Open, and we've done our best to narrow down the list to five names who we think have a stronger chance than the rest of the field.
5. Elena Rybakina
The fifth spot on our list was a close shootout between Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur before we gave our vote of confidence to the Kazakhstani player.
Unlike Jabeur, Rybakina has...
There has not been a successful title defense at this tournament since 2013, so Aryna Sabalenka could have her hands full when she returns to Melbourne.
But incidentally, the last woman to win back-to-back Australian Opens was a Belarusian (Victoria Azarenka), so this could be a good omen for Sabalenka.
You could make a case for as many as ten players quite capable of winning the women's edition of the 2024 Australian Open, and we've done our best to narrow down the list to five names who we think have a stronger chance than the rest of the field.
5. Elena Rybakina
The fifth spot on our list was a close shootout between Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur before we gave our vote of confidence to the Kazakhstani player.
Unlike Jabeur, Rybakina has...
- 12/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Victoria Azarenka and Jessica Pegula united for one last preseason practice session before Christmas.
Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of them smiling just before practice at Woodfield Boca Raton in Florida.
The two Wta stars recently took part in the fourth annual tennis fundraiser - Baha Mar Cup - in the Bahamas, which was organized by the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles (a former Bahamian tennis player).
Azarenka, Pegula, and a few other Atp and Wta stars, active and retired, took part in the cause by donating their time and helping raise over $120,000 about a fortnight ago.
With Azarenka and Pegula returning to the United States, they had one last hitting session on the hard courts before joining their families for Christmas.
It won't be long before they jet off to Australia. For Pegula, the new tennis season...
Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of them smiling just before practice at Woodfield Boca Raton in Florida.
The two Wta stars recently took part in the fourth annual tennis fundraiser - Baha Mar Cup - in the Bahamas, which was organized by the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles (a former Bahamian tennis player).
Azarenka, Pegula, and a few other Atp and Wta stars, active and retired, took part in the cause by donating their time and helping raise over $120,000 about a fortnight ago.
With Azarenka and Pegula returning to the United States, they had one last hitting session on the hard courts before joining their families for Christmas.
It won't be long before they jet off to Australia. For Pegula, the new tennis season...
- 12/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Venus Williams has been away from the tennis court for a while, playing her last competitive match at the 2023 US Open.
The last time we saw Venus Williams play was earlier this year at the US Open. She didn't have a great stay at her home major, but that's mostly because she's been dealing with a knee injury since Wimbledon.
The grass season saw the veteran play some of the best tennis she's played in a long time but unfortunately couldn't escape an injury.
Due to the injury bothering her during the US Open stretch, Williams ended her season early, wanting to focus on getting fully healthy and only then returning back to the courts.
She talked a bit about that on her YouTube channel, but she's already back on the courts. Despite initially ruling herself out of the Australian Open, Williams recently participated in a San Antonio exhibition, joining Victoria Azarenka,...
The last time we saw Venus Williams play was earlier this year at the US Open. She didn't have a great stay at her home major, but that's mostly because she's been dealing with a knee injury since Wimbledon.
The grass season saw the veteran play some of the best tennis she's played in a long time but unfortunately couldn't escape an injury.
Due to the injury bothering her during the US Open stretch, Williams ended her season early, wanting to focus on getting fully healthy and only then returning back to the courts.
She talked a bit about that on her YouTube channel, but she's already back on the courts. Despite initially ruling herself out of the Australian Open, Williams recently participated in a San Antonio exhibition, joining Victoria Azarenka,...
- 12/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Women's tennis could experience a major shakeup in rankings next season, with plenty of interesting names expected to make their mark.
Teenagers have not been left out of contending for the biggest Wta titles in the past few seasons. In four of the past five years, at least one teenager has won a Grand Slam, and there is a good chance that trend will continue next season.
But Grand Slams are not the only metric to determine a player's breakthrough. A Top 10 or even Top 20 win that serves as a catalyst to a productive season is well worthy of being classified in that category.
In this article, we shall list five of the likeliest teenagers who could enjoy a breakthrough year on the women's tour, culminating with a new career-high ranking and potentially even making quite the splash at Grand Slam level.
5. Brenda Fruhvirtova (16 years old)
Brenda Fruhvirtova, younger sister of Linda Fruhvirtova,...
Teenagers have not been left out of contending for the biggest Wta titles in the past few seasons. In four of the past five years, at least one teenager has won a Grand Slam, and there is a good chance that trend will continue next season.
But Grand Slams are not the only metric to determine a player's breakthrough. A Top 10 or even Top 20 win that serves as a catalyst to a productive season is well worthy of being classified in that category.
In this article, we shall list five of the likeliest teenagers who could enjoy a breakthrough year on the women's tour, culminating with a new career-high ranking and potentially even making quite the splash at Grand Slam level.
5. Brenda Fruhvirtova (16 years old)
Brenda Fruhvirtova, younger sister of Linda Fruhvirtova,...
- 12/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka was named the women's Itf World Champion for the 2023 season, but some fans were surprised that it wasn't world no. 1 on the Wta Tour, Iga Swiatek.
The 25-year-old had the best season of her career, and she was recognized for her efforts. However, the question is obvious, why was Sabalenka named the women's Itf World Champion if she didn't finish the year as world no. 1?
The first important fact to mention is that the year-end world no. 1 does not receive the Itf World Champion award every time. In the world of tennis, the Women's Tennis Association (Wta), or Association of Tennis Professionals (Atp), takes care of the tournaments from the 1000 to 250 category.
However, it's another governing body, the International Tennis Federation (Itf), that takes care of the Grand Slam tournaments, meaning those are important when it comes to their awards, and that was a factor this year.
While Sabalenka won one major,...
The 25-year-old had the best season of her career, and she was recognized for her efforts. However, the question is obvious, why was Sabalenka named the women's Itf World Champion if she didn't finish the year as world no. 1?
The first important fact to mention is that the year-end world no. 1 does not receive the Itf World Champion award every time. In the world of tennis, the Women's Tennis Association (Wta), or Association of Tennis Professionals (Atp), takes care of the tournaments from the 1000 to 250 category.
However, it's another governing body, the International Tennis Federation (Itf), that takes care of the Grand Slam tournaments, meaning those are important when it comes to their awards, and that was a factor this year.
While Sabalenka won one major,...
- 12/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
On Friday, the International Olympic Committee (Ioc) announced that the Russian and Belarusian athletes will be eligible to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
In its statement, the Ioc clarified that the said athletes must meet certain conditions for their inclusion, one of which is to bear neutral status regarding their nationality. Contrary to reports that the decision would be made early next year, the timing has surprised many onlookers.
However, the International Tennis Federation (Itf), the principal governing body vested with the mandate of maintaining and enforcing the rules of international team competitions in tennis, has stipulated the eligibility requirements in its Olympics handbook that could throw a spanner in the works.
According to Itf rules, Russian and Belarusian tennis players are ineligible to play at the showpiece event in Paris because they can't represent their country.
"The player must be eligible to represent the country of the National Association...
In its statement, the Ioc clarified that the said athletes must meet certain conditions for their inclusion, one of which is to bear neutral status regarding their nationality. Contrary to reports that the decision would be made early next year, the timing has surprised many onlookers.
However, the International Tennis Federation (Itf), the principal governing body vested with the mandate of maintaining and enforcing the rules of international team competitions in tennis, has stipulated the eligibility requirements in its Olympics handbook that could throw a spanner in the works.
According to Itf rules, Russian and Belarusian tennis players are ineligible to play at the showpiece event in Paris because they can't represent their country.
"The player must be eligible to represent the country of the National Association...
- 12/9/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2024 Olympics in Paris have laid out their clauses for athletes from Belarus and Russia to enter the games.
For a while now, it seemed that athletes from Russia and Belarus would be permitted to enter the 2024 Olympics despite protests from the Ukranian side. They felt a full ban on any individual from those countries was appropriate, but that did not happen, even with foreign support.
All of them will be playing under a neutral flag, which won't be too foreign for Russians, as they already did at the last games. Back then, athletes from Russia had to compete under the Russian Olympic Committee banner, not under the country flag, and this situation is similar.
Athletes from those two countries will include plenty of tennis players such as Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka, Victoria Azarenka, and many more, will be registered as Individual Neutral Athletes (Ain), and they'll have to adhere to strict protocol.
For a while now, it seemed that athletes from Russia and Belarus would be permitted to enter the 2024 Olympics despite protests from the Ukranian side. They felt a full ban on any individual from those countries was appropriate, but that did not happen, even with foreign support.
All of them will be playing under a neutral flag, which won't be too foreign for Russians, as they already did at the last games. Back then, athletes from Russia had to compete under the Russian Olympic Committee banner, not under the country flag, and this situation is similar.
Athletes from those two countries will include plenty of tennis players such as Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka, Victoria Azarenka, and many more, will be registered as Individual Neutral Athletes (Ain), and they'll have to adhere to strict protocol.
- 12/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The first Wta 500 event of the 2024 season will begin in earnest on New Year's Day, where eight of the world's Top 20 players will lead the pack at the Brisbane International.
Primarily played on outdoor hard courts and serving as one of the Australian Open warm-up tournaments, the Brisbane International will return to the calendar after a four-year absence. Tournament organizers have wasted no time brokering deals to bring the most prominent names on the women's circuit to the event.
Firstly, World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka will look to continue the fine trend of her fellow compatriots at this event. Since Brisbane International was incepted in 2009, a Belarusian player has reached the finals on four occasions (Victoria Azarenka accounts for two titles).
Sabalenka is the top seed and will be joined by her good friend Elena Rybakina in gracing the courts in Brisbane. The big-serving Kazakh has previously won on Australian soil...
Primarily played on outdoor hard courts and serving as one of the Australian Open warm-up tournaments, the Brisbane International will return to the calendar after a four-year absence. Tournament organizers have wasted no time brokering deals to bring the most prominent names on the women's circuit to the event.
Firstly, World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka will look to continue the fine trend of her fellow compatriots at this event. Since Brisbane International was incepted in 2009, a Belarusian player has reached the finals on four occasions (Victoria Azarenka accounts for two titles).
Sabalenka is the top seed and will be joined by her good friend Elena Rybakina in gracing the courts in Brisbane. The big-serving Kazakh has previously won on Australian soil...
- 12/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Most established tennis stars have always sought to harness their reputations not solely with their rackets but through humanitarian efforts.
These players have used their platforms and financial resources to aid the underprivileged to access quality education, improved healthcare, and a better life. In hindsight, they always look for avenues to give back to society because of their vast riches.
One way that happens is through establishing not-for-profit foundations and leveraging their star power to organize exhibition events. The most iconic and proficient doubles team in tennis history, comprised of the two twin brothers, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, managed such a cause.
The Bryan brothers partnered with Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation (Nchf), co-founded by former golf great Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara. The Nchf is a charitable organization that gives children and families access to world-class pediatric health care.
"Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation is...
These players have used their platforms and financial resources to aid the underprivileged to access quality education, improved healthcare, and a better life. In hindsight, they always look for avenues to give back to society because of their vast riches.
One way that happens is through establishing not-for-profit foundations and leveraging their star power to organize exhibition events. The most iconic and proficient doubles team in tennis history, comprised of the two twin brothers, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, managed such a cause.
The Bryan brothers partnered with Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation (Nchf), co-founded by former golf great Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara. The Nchf is a charitable organization that gives children and families access to world-class pediatric health care.
"Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation is...
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek finished the year as world number one, which allowed her to get this newest milestone - 80 weeks as the number one player in the world.
Finishing the year as world number one is in ways a cheat code because you get to coast through that part of the calendar. There are no events, and there is no chance of losing your rank while you rack up the weeks as number one. That's what's happening right now to Swiatek as she begins her 80th week as world number one on the Wta Tour.
To put that into perspective, it's quite a bit. She solidified herself as the 10th longest-tenured number one in the history of women's tennis and is getting closer to Lindsay Davenport, number 9 on that list with 98 weeks. She's already ahead of the likes of Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, and many other great players.
Finishing the year as world number one is in ways a cheat code because you get to coast through that part of the calendar. There are no events, and there is no chance of losing your rank while you rack up the weeks as number one. That's what's happening right now to Swiatek as she begins her 80th week as world number one on the Wta Tour.
To put that into perspective, it's quite a bit. She solidified herself as the 10th longest-tenured number one in the history of women's tennis and is getting closer to Lindsay Davenport, number 9 on that list with 98 weeks. She's already ahead of the likes of Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, and many other great players.
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka returns to tennis in about a month, and former Wta player Pam Shriver wants her to take some cues from the likes of Serena Williams.
Using Serena Williams as a role model is nothing new for Osaka, who grew up idolizing the legendary player. She's not the only one, as Williams was a role model for many tennis players.
When you achieve some of the things she did in her career, then she's a pretty good role model to have. Williams obviously has experience playing as a mother as well, something the Japanese player will soon get to experience.
Serena gave birth, and she came back and played well. That's what Osaka is staring at, though her circumstances are a bit different. She's quite young, which obviously matters as it should allow her to get back into playing shape a bit quicker.
The blueprint of how to do...
Using Serena Williams as a role model is nothing new for Osaka, who grew up idolizing the legendary player. She's not the only one, as Williams was a role model for many tennis players.
When you achieve some of the things she did in her career, then she's a pretty good role model to have. Williams obviously has experience playing as a mother as well, something the Japanese player will soon get to experience.
Serena gave birth, and she came back and played well. That's what Osaka is staring at, though her circumstances are a bit different. She's quite young, which obviously matters as it should allow her to get back into playing shape a bit quicker.
The blueprint of how to do...
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The Brisbane International was a staple on the Atp Tour calendar for precisely a decade before it was dropped in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But things are about to change next year in a freshly revamped tournament calendar that will see the Atp 250 event make its return to the Queensland Tennis Centre for the first time since 2019. And the tournament has no shortage of big-name stars.
A slew of the world's best tennis players will grace the courts at the 2024 Brisbane International which will run concomitantly in the same week as its sister event on the Wta tour. So far, at least five Grand Slam champions have confirmed their participation.
The headline act is expected to be four-time Grand Salm winner Naomi Osaka who will play for the first time in more than a year. Osaka, twice a champion at the Australian Open, will use Brisbane as a tune-up event for Melbourne.
But things are about to change next year in a freshly revamped tournament calendar that will see the Atp 250 event make its return to the Queensland Tennis Centre for the first time since 2019. And the tournament has no shortage of big-name stars.
A slew of the world's best tennis players will grace the courts at the 2024 Brisbane International which will run concomitantly in the same week as its sister event on the Wta tour. So far, at least five Grand Slam champions have confirmed their participation.
The headline act is expected to be four-time Grand Salm winner Naomi Osaka who will play for the first time in more than a year. Osaka, twice a champion at the Australian Open, will use Brisbane as a tune-up event for Melbourne.
- 11/28/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Russia's precociously talented teenager Mirra Andreeva has been nominated for the 2023 Wta Newcomer of the Year award alongside four other breakout stars.
The five-player shortlist includes three teenagers, namely Andreeva, Linda Noskova, and Diana Shnaider. At 16, Andreeva is the youngest of the bunch. This award category aims to crown the player who made a Top 100 breakthrough during the season and punched well above her weight.
In the case of Andreeva, she certainly ticked all the boxes. Of all the Top 100 players, the 16-year-old made the biggest surge within a 12-month span, vaulting 359 spots to break the world's Top 50.
Having finished runner-up at the Australian Open girl's singles tournament, she commenced her professional career by winning two W60 Itf titles. Andreeva scored four Top 20 wins this season and her career highlight thus far came at Wimbledon where she reached the fourth round.
Second on the list is another Russian teenager, Diana Shnaider.
The five-player shortlist includes three teenagers, namely Andreeva, Linda Noskova, and Diana Shnaider. At 16, Andreeva is the youngest of the bunch. This award category aims to crown the player who made a Top 100 breakthrough during the season and punched well above her weight.
In the case of Andreeva, she certainly ticked all the boxes. Of all the Top 100 players, the 16-year-old made the biggest surge within a 12-month span, vaulting 359 spots to break the world's Top 50.
Having finished runner-up at the Australian Open girl's singles tournament, she commenced her professional career by winning two W60 Itf titles. Andreeva scored four Top 20 wins this season and her career highlight thus far came at Wimbledon where she reached the fourth round.
Second on the list is another Russian teenager, Diana Shnaider.
- 11/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former Wta No. 1 Victoria Azarenka was left in awe at Novak Djokovic's latest record-breaking feat at the Atp Finals and showered the Serbian with praise.
Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 last Sunday to win his 7th Atp Finals crown, the most of any man at the tournament. Djokovic celebrated the week in Turin in style, having also finished the season as the year-end No. 1 for an eighth time.
Yet as Djokovic suffered a brutal round-robin loss to Sinner earlier during the tournament and faced early elimination, he bounced back superbly after being given a second life in the tournament, incidentally by the same player he would go on to defeat in the final.
Straight sets win over Carlos Alcraz in the semifinal and Jannik Sinner in the final further conveyed the message that when the stakes are so high, Djokovic will always rise up to the occasion.
One...
Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 last Sunday to win his 7th Atp Finals crown, the most of any man at the tournament. Djokovic celebrated the week in Turin in style, having also finished the season as the year-end No. 1 for an eighth time.
Yet as Djokovic suffered a brutal round-robin loss to Sinner earlier during the tournament and faced early elimination, he bounced back superbly after being given a second life in the tournament, incidentally by the same player he would go on to defeat in the final.
Straight sets win over Carlos Alcraz in the semifinal and Jannik Sinner in the final further conveyed the message that when the stakes are so high, Djokovic will always rise up to the occasion.
One...
- 11/20/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
One of the leading resort destinations in Nassau Bahamas, Baha Mar, is partnering with former Atp doubles No. 1 Mark Knowles to host the fourth edition of the Baha Mar Cup.
It is a one-of-a-kind tennis fundraising event scheduled to take place from December 8 to 10, at the Baha Mar Racquet Club. Former and current players from both tours have been invited. These include James Blake, Victoria Azarenka , Taylor Townsend , and USA's No. 2 Jessica Pegula .
Mark Knowles, one of the co-founders of the tournament, and the most successful Bahamian tennis player who won four Grand Slam doubles titles (one in mixed doubles), will also take part in playing at the event.
The tournament is meant to raise funds for the benefit of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles Children's Tennis Initiative.
On Friday, December 8, attendees will get an opportunity to fine-tune their games during open play at the Baha Mar Racquet Club.
It is a one-of-a-kind tennis fundraising event scheduled to take place from December 8 to 10, at the Baha Mar Racquet Club. Former and current players from both tours have been invited. These include James Blake, Victoria Azarenka , Taylor Townsend , and USA's No. 2 Jessica Pegula .
Mark Knowles, one of the co-founders of the tournament, and the most successful Bahamian tennis player who won four Grand Slam doubles titles (one in mixed doubles), will also take part in playing at the event.
The tournament is meant to raise funds for the benefit of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles Children's Tennis Initiative.
On Friday, December 8, attendees will get an opportunity to fine-tune their games during open play at the Baha Mar Racquet Club.
- 11/2/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Naomi Osaka continues to put in the hard yards in training ahead of her long-awaited comeback at the start of next season.
The Japanese tennis star shared a short video on her social media platforms of her intense practice session on hard courts, with her return to tennis expected to happen during the Australian summer in January 2024. It's the second time Osaka has updated tennis fans on her progress on the court.
The former World No. 1 last played on the Wta Tour in autumn 2022 at the Japan Open, but subsequently pulled out from the tournament due to abdominal pain. Osaka would not be seen anywhere near a tennis court for many months after taking maternity leave.
She had pulled out from the Australian Open this year citing pregnancy and announced that she would rejoin the tour in 2024. Osaka gave birth to a baby girl in July. In her time away from the sport,...
The Japanese tennis star shared a short video on her social media platforms of her intense practice session on hard courts, with her return to tennis expected to happen during the Australian summer in January 2024. It's the second time Osaka has updated tennis fans on her progress on the court.
The former World No. 1 last played on the Wta Tour in autumn 2022 at the Japan Open, but subsequently pulled out from the tournament due to abdominal pain. Osaka would not be seen anywhere near a tennis court for many months after taking maternity leave.
She had pulled out from the Australian Open this year citing pregnancy and announced that she would rejoin the tour in 2024. Osaka gave birth to a baby girl in July. In her time away from the sport,...
- 10/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Three former Wta No. 1s will take to the court of the Free Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas in the second week of November as part of a fundraising tennis event.
Venus Williams , Victoria Azarenka , and Kim Clijsters have answered the call to play at the San Antonio International Team Tennis Championships between 10 and 12 November. Azarenka and Clijsters will replace Elina Svitolina - currently injured - and Sofia Kenin, who is slated to play at the Billie Jean King Cup on those dates .
The three-day tennis event will feature two teams (San Antonio Smash taking on the Austin Capitals) consisting of some of the top stars at the highest level of professional tennis on the Atp & Wta Tours, in addition to NCAA and top-ranked Texas junior players.
The San Antonio Smash will be represented by seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams, who will play for the first time since...
Venus Williams , Victoria Azarenka , and Kim Clijsters have answered the call to play at the San Antonio International Team Tennis Championships between 10 and 12 November. Azarenka and Clijsters will replace Elina Svitolina - currently injured - and Sofia Kenin, who is slated to play at the Billie Jean King Cup on those dates .
The three-day tennis event will feature two teams (San Antonio Smash taking on the Austin Capitals) consisting of some of the top stars at the highest level of professional tennis on the Atp & Wta Tours, in addition to NCAA and top-ranked Texas junior players.
The San Antonio Smash will be represented by seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams, who will play for the first time since...
- 10/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff kept her lead in the Olympics Race over Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka as the marathon to next year's showpiece nears its halfway stage.
The Olympics Race started accumulating points on June 12, 2023, with Coco Gauff earning 4,200 points. A spectacular US swing yielded title wins in Washington, and Cincinnati, and a maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. She has won more points since mid-June than any other player.
Iga Swiatek will champion Poland's bid for a first tennis medal at the Olympics. She is in the second place. Her first Wta 1000 title of the season in Beijing enabled her to take a massive leap in the race as it accounts for a huge chunk of her 2,860 points total.
Marketa Vondrousova (Tokyo silver medalist) remains in third place ahead of Aryna Sabalenka. But the World No. 1 will be waiting on the International Olympic Committee's decision regarding the...
The Olympics Race started accumulating points on June 12, 2023, with Coco Gauff earning 4,200 points. A spectacular US swing yielded title wins in Washington, and Cincinnati, and a maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. She has won more points since mid-June than any other player.
Iga Swiatek will champion Poland's bid for a first tennis medal at the Olympics. She is in the second place. Her first Wta 1000 title of the season in Beijing enabled her to take a massive leap in the race as it accounts for a huge chunk of her 2,860 points total.
Marketa Vondrousova (Tokyo silver medalist) remains in third place ahead of Aryna Sabalenka. But the World No. 1 will be waiting on the International Olympic Committee's decision regarding the...
- 10/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek did something amazing this year and that's to win a trophy on every level of professional tennis on the Wta Tour.
The way professional tennis is organized, we have a couple of different tiers of events. The smallest one is the 250 level, which are your regular tournaments being staged almost every week.
The bigger ones belong to the 500 series, which generally feature better draws and higher prize money. The biggest events belong to the 1000 series, where the best of the best play.
They are the most important events outside of the Grand Slams which are the most important events in the calendar. There are only four of them and all players dream of winning one. Well, Coco Gauff got her first at this year's US Open.
It was a major moment for her career as she joined the Grand Slam winners among active players. Iga...
The way professional tennis is organized, we have a couple of different tiers of events. The smallest one is the 250 level, which are your regular tournaments being staged almost every week.
The bigger ones belong to the 500 series, which generally feature better draws and higher prize money. The biggest events belong to the 1000 series, where the best of the best play.
They are the most important events outside of the Grand Slams which are the most important events in the calendar. There are only four of them and all players dream of winning one. Well, Coco Gauff got her first at this year's US Open.
It was a major moment for her career as she joined the Grand Slam winners among active players. Iga...
- 10/10/2023
- 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
In a press release by the Wta , two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka has been re-elected to the Player's Council as a Top 20 representative.
On Tuesday, October 3rd, the results for this year's elections were announced in two more key positions including Wta Tournament Council and Wta Board of Directors. Within the player's council, Azarenka will be joined by World No. 10 Caroline Garcia .
The Frenchwoman is a new addition to the Player's Council representing Top 20 players which includes existing members: Jessica Pegula , Madison Keys , and Donna Vekic . Another newly elected member is Daria Saville who represents the 51-100 position.
Like Azarenka, Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski has been re-elected for another term representing the 21+ position/doubles-only position. Incumbents usually serve a term limit of two years before re-election. The new appointments will take effect after the Wta Finals , which kicks off on October 29th and run till November 5th, after which they will be on duty.
On Tuesday, October 3rd, the results for this year's elections were announced in two more key positions including Wta Tournament Council and Wta Board of Directors. Within the player's council, Azarenka will be joined by World No. 10 Caroline Garcia .
The Frenchwoman is a new addition to the Player's Council representing Top 20 players which includes existing members: Jessica Pegula , Madison Keys , and Donna Vekic . Another newly elected member is Daria Saville who represents the 51-100 position.
Like Azarenka, Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski has been re-elected for another term representing the 21+ position/doubles-only position. Incumbents usually serve a term limit of two years before re-election. The new appointments will take effect after the Wta Finals , which kicks off on October 29th and run till November 5th, after which they will be on duty.
- 10/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka will play her first event as the world number one in Beijing, and the first match at the 2023 China Open will feature a worthy challenger in Sofia Kenin .
Sofia Kenin put together some amazing performances in recent weeks, making a deep run in San Diego and Guadalajara . Neither finished with the trophy, but it's the best we've seen Kenin play in a very long time. She's back in the Top 50 on the Wta Tour after a very long time and just enjoying life right now.
You could say the same thing for Sabalenka, who is currently the world number one after becoming it following her US Open run to the final. She didn't get the trophy but will try to get the one in Beijing, though it's a tough road ahead.
Head-to-head:
Kenin and Sabalenka have played a few times before and Sabalenka leads the H2H 2-...
Sofia Kenin put together some amazing performances in recent weeks, making a deep run in San Diego and Guadalajara . Neither finished with the trophy, but it's the best we've seen Kenin play in a very long time. She's back in the Top 50 on the Wta Tour after a very long time and just enjoying life right now.
You could say the same thing for Sabalenka, who is currently the world number one after becoming it following her US Open run to the final. She didn't get the trophy but will try to get the one in Beijing, though it's a tough road ahead.
Head-to-head:
Kenin and Sabalenka have played a few times before and Sabalenka leads the H2H 2-...
- 10/1/2023
- 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
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
Caroline Garcia showed a wonderful touch of sportsmanship during her third-round match at the 2023 Guadalajara Open against American player Hailey Baptiste.
Garcia, the third seed at the tournament , was locked in a tight battle against Baptise, who had stunned former Wta No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the previous round. The French player won the first set 7-5 but was a break down in the early goings of the second set.
It was during the sixth game of the second stanza when Garcia declined the umpire's original call of handing her the opening point after what transpired before that. Garcia won a baseline exchange by firing a smash winner that kissed the outside of the line.
Initially, it was called out by the line umpire, but after requesting a Hawk-Eye review, Garcia's challenge was successful, and the chair umpire Cecilia Alberti rescinded the original call, judging that Garcia had won the point with a clean winner.
Garcia, the third seed at the tournament , was locked in a tight battle against Baptise, who had stunned former Wta No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the previous round. The French player won the first set 7-5 but was a break down in the early goings of the second set.
It was during the sixth game of the second stanza when Garcia declined the umpire's original call of handing her the opening point after what transpired before that. Garcia won a baseline exchange by firing a smash winner that kissed the outside of the line.
Initially, it was called out by the line umpire, but after requesting a Hawk-Eye review, Garcia's challenge was successful, and the chair umpire Cecilia Alberti rescinded the original call, judging that Garcia had won the point with a clean winner.
- 9/21/2023
- 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
Aryna Sabalenka is officially the Wta 's top-ranked player, earning Iga Swiatek 's 75-week dominance in the latest Wta rankings.
Sabalenka rises to World No. 1 for the first time in her career after a run to her first US Open final. Swiatek's fourth-round exit aided her cause, meaning Sabalenka only needed to match the Pole's result to ascend to top spot.
Sabalenka with 9,266 points is clear of second-placed Swiatek by 1,071 points ahead of the busiest part of the regular tennis season. It is the first time the No. 1 ranking has changed hands since Swiatek took over from Ashleigh Barty at the start of April last year. Sabalenka is the second Belarusian player (after Victoria Azarenka) to become No. 1.
Coco Gauff rises to a career-high ranking of No. 3 after securing a maiden Grand Slam crown at the 2023 US Open . Gauff defeated Sabalenka in the final last Saturday, becoming the first American...
Sabalenka rises to World No. 1 for the first time in her career after a run to her first US Open final. Swiatek's fourth-round exit aided her cause, meaning Sabalenka only needed to match the Pole's result to ascend to top spot.
Sabalenka with 9,266 points is clear of second-placed Swiatek by 1,071 points ahead of the busiest part of the regular tennis season. It is the first time the No. 1 ranking has changed hands since Swiatek took over from Ashleigh Barty at the start of April last year. Sabalenka is the second Belarusian player (after Victoria Azarenka) to become No. 1.
Coco Gauff rises to a career-high ranking of No. 3 after securing a maiden Grand Slam crown at the 2023 US Open . Gauff defeated Sabalenka in the final last Saturday, becoming the first American...
- 9/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The US Open is drawing to a close, but Tour-level tennis in the United States extends for another week with the second edition of the San Diego Open .
Main draw action will start on September 11th and run till the 16th , with 32 players vying for 500 ranking points and a fair share of $780,637 in prize money . Defending champion Iga Swiatek will not return to California as the event is scheduled for the week after the US Open.
Also, a number of big names such as Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are likely to skip the event with scheduling being an issue of great complexity this time. Still, at least three Top-10 players are expected to be in the draw including Ons Jabeur , Maria Sakkari, and Caroline Garcia .
Standout performers at the US Open such as Jelena Ostapenko will head to California, while last year's San Diego finalist Donna Vekic will look...
Main draw action will start on September 11th and run till the 16th , with 32 players vying for 500 ranking points and a fair share of $780,637 in prize money . Defending champion Iga Swiatek will not return to California as the event is scheduled for the week after the US Open.
Also, a number of big names such as Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are likely to skip the event with scheduling being an issue of great complexity this time. Still, at least three Top-10 players are expected to be in the draw including Ons Jabeur , Maria Sakkari, and Caroline Garcia .
Standout performers at the US Open such as Jelena Ostapenko will head to California, while last year's San Diego finalist Donna Vekic will look...
- 9/10/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka 's rise to become the new Wta No. 1 is a story of desire, fuelled by her late father's wish.
On Sunday, that dream of Aryna's father, Sergey Sabalenka came true, following the surprise defeat of Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka will officially take over as the incumbent to the throne after the US Open , becoming just the second Belarusian player in Wta rankings history to pull off that feat (after Victoria Azarenka).
It is a bittersweet moment for the 25-year-old from Minsk, but at the same time, she never lost her purpose. In 2020, as Sabalenka embarked on her trip to Australia to kick off her season, she poignantly revealed the tragedy that afflicted her during the off-season, saying it was 'something unexpected'.
Sergey had taken his last breath at the age of 43, and his only wish was for Aryna to reach the pinnacle. Leaving her family to rejoin the Tour...
On Sunday, that dream of Aryna's father, Sergey Sabalenka came true, following the surprise defeat of Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka will officially take over as the incumbent to the throne after the US Open , becoming just the second Belarusian player in Wta rankings history to pull off that feat (after Victoria Azarenka).
It is a bittersweet moment for the 25-year-old from Minsk, but at the same time, she never lost her purpose. In 2020, as Sabalenka embarked on her trip to Australia to kick off her season, she poignantly revealed the tragedy that afflicted her during the off-season, saying it was 'something unexpected'.
Sergey had taken his last breath at the age of 43, and his only wish was for Aryna to reach the pinnacle. Leaving her family to rejoin the Tour...
- 9/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek won't be the highest-ranked player on the Wta Tour on Monday after the 2023 US Open , as she'll lose the spot to Aryna Sabalenka .
For over a year, it seemed that no one would be able to stop the 22-year-old Pole from occupying the top spot in the Wta Rankings . However, times changed, and Aryna Sabalenka had a chance to dethrone Swiatek at almost every event that they played recently .
Another one of those chances came at the 2023 US Open, and the Belarusian needed to do one simple thing to overcome Swiatek in the rankings, reach the same round as her opponent. That happened on Saturday, when Sabalenka defeated Clara Burel , and the ball was on Swiatek's side.
However, the current world no. 1 couldn't defeat Jelena Ostapenko in her fourth-round match , meaning that regardless of the result of Sabalenka's match against Russia's Daria Kasatkina on Sunday, she will become...
For over a year, it seemed that no one would be able to stop the 22-year-old Pole from occupying the top spot in the Wta Rankings . However, times changed, and Aryna Sabalenka had a chance to dethrone Swiatek at almost every event that they played recently .
Another one of those chances came at the 2023 US Open, and the Belarusian needed to do one simple thing to overcome Swiatek in the rankings, reach the same round as her opponent. That happened on Saturday, when Sabalenka defeated Clara Burel , and the ball was on Swiatek's side.
However, the current world no. 1 couldn't defeat Jelena Ostapenko in her fourth-round match , meaning that regardless of the result of Sabalenka's match against Russia's Daria Kasatkina on Sunday, she will become...
- 9/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka hailed the returning Caroline Wozniacki as an inspiration and even spoke about her own dreams of motherhood at the 2023 US Open .
In recent years in modern tennis, we are seeing more and more players look to start families and even return to the sport a short while later. Wozniacki retired from tennis back in 2020 and later decided to start a family, giving birth to daughter Olivia in 2021, and most recently, son James last year.
Wozniacki has since made a remarkable return to the sport, making up for lost time and very much easing into match tightness even with just a handful of matches under her belt.
Sabalenka competed in a memorable Eastbourne final against Wozniacki back in 2018, and the Belarusian was asked in her most recent post-match press conference as to what she felt about Wozniacki's return, and what it really means to her.
"Yeah I think that it is amazing.
In recent years in modern tennis, we are seeing more and more players look to start families and even return to the sport a short while later. Wozniacki retired from tennis back in 2020 and later decided to start a family, giving birth to daughter Olivia in 2021, and most recently, son James last year.
Wozniacki has since made a remarkable return to the sport, making up for lost time and very much easing into match tightness even with just a handful of matches under her belt.
Sabalenka competed in a memorable Eastbourne final against Wozniacki back in 2018, and the Belarusian was asked in her most recent post-match press conference as to what she felt about Wozniacki's return, and what it really means to her.
"Yeah I think that it is amazing.
- 9/3/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Petra Kvitova complained that the loud atmosphere and home-sided crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium impacted her performance against Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open .
Kvitova played out a hard-fought contest against former world number one Wozniacki at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the US Open second round. However, the Czech player eventually lost 7-5, 7-6 against the two-time US Open finalist .
But Kvitova was far from impressed during the match due to the noisy spectators in the crowd on Flushing Meadows' premier court. When speaking to the Czech news outlet iSport.cz after the defeat, the 33-year-old complained of speaking during points and sarcastic applause when faulting on serve.
"There was a terrible mess at Arthur Ashe from the beginning, like a wasp's nest. Then it's hard to concentrate on tennis when you keep hearing voices. When I discussed it with the referee, she replied that it would not be better.
Kvitova played out a hard-fought contest against former world number one Wozniacki at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the US Open second round. However, the Czech player eventually lost 7-5, 7-6 against the two-time US Open finalist .
But Kvitova was far from impressed during the match due to the noisy spectators in the crowd on Flushing Meadows' premier court. When speaking to the Czech news outlet iSport.cz after the defeat, the 33-year-old complained of speaking during points and sarcastic applause when faulting on serve.
"There was a terrible mess at Arthur Ashe from the beginning, like a wasp's nest. Then it's hard to concentrate on tennis when you keep hearing voices. When I discussed it with the referee, she replied that it would not be better.
- 8/31/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 Guadalajara Open will be held from September 17th to 23rd, and once again, it will be a Wta 1000 event with a star-studded entry list .
The Guadalajara Open holds a unique spot in the tennis calendar this year. Originally, the mandatory Wta 1000 was set to take place during the boycott of China, from October 17-23. This alteration was in response to the shifting dynamics in global sports events. However, with the Wta's return to Asia, the tournament's dates have been shifted, placing it right after the US Open.
This change in timing could have significant implications. Players who initially committed might reconsider due to the tight scheduling between the Grand Slam and the Guadalajara Open. The proximity of the two tournaments might lead some players to withdraw from the initially announced field.
One of the most exciting pieces of news leading up to the Guadalajara Open is the participation...
The Guadalajara Open holds a unique spot in the tennis calendar this year. Originally, the mandatory Wta 1000 was set to take place during the boycott of China, from October 17-23. This alteration was in response to the shifting dynamics in global sports events. However, with the Wta's return to Asia, the tournament's dates have been shifted, placing it right after the US Open.
This change in timing could have significant implications. Players who initially committed might reconsider due to the tight scheduling between the Grand Slam and the Guadalajara Open. The proximity of the two tournaments might lead some players to withdraw from the initially announced field.
One of the most exciting pieces of news leading up to the Guadalajara Open is the participation...
- 8/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The 2023 San Diego Open brings some more Wta action to the United States, as the tournament runs from September 11th to 16th.
Often, after the last Grand Slam of the season, the tennis world leaves the United States, but that won't be the case in 2023. The San Diego Open will be held after the US Open, and the entry list for the Wta 500 tournament promises a lot of excitement for the fans.
The tournament has been held in October last year, and it was won by Iga Swiatek , but it seems that the Polish player won't defend her title in 2023, as the tournament is played immediately after the US Open, a tournament where she plans to defend her title.
That leaves the San Diego Open in a really vulnerable position, as many players may withdraw from the tournament if they reach the second week at the Flushing Meadows. But for now,...
Often, after the last Grand Slam of the season, the tennis world leaves the United States, but that won't be the case in 2023. The San Diego Open will be held after the US Open, and the entry list for the Wta 500 tournament promises a lot of excitement for the fans.
The tournament has been held in October last year, and it was won by Iga Swiatek , but it seems that the Polish player won't defend her title in 2023, as the tournament is played immediately after the US Open, a tournament where she plans to defend her title.
That leaves the San Diego Open in a really vulnerable position, as many players may withdraw from the tournament if they reach the second week at the Flushing Meadows. But for now,...
- 8/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Cincinnati (USA), Aug 20 (Ians) American young sensation Coco Gauff advanced to her first Wta 1000 final after upsetting world No.1 Iga Swiatek 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4 in a thrilling three-set semifinal at Cincinnati Masters.
Saturday’s win was Gauff’s first over Swiatek, having lost their seven prior meetings. Their last meeting came at Roland Garros, where Gauff played one of her best matches against the World No.1 only to lose 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.
The American become the seventh teenager to make a Wta 1000 final, joining Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki, Belinda Bencic, Jelena Ostapenko, Bianca Andreescu and Swiatek.
In Sunday’s final, Gauff will face French Open finalist Czech player Karolina Muchova, who came from behind to upset No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
In a rematch of the pair’s Roland Garros semifinal, which Muchova saved match points to win in June after trailing 5-2 in the third set,...
Saturday’s win was Gauff’s first over Swiatek, having lost their seven prior meetings. Their last meeting came at Roland Garros, where Gauff played one of her best matches against the World No.1 only to lose 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.
The American become the seventh teenager to make a Wta 1000 final, joining Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki, Belinda Bencic, Jelena Ostapenko, Bianca Andreescu and Swiatek.
In Sunday’s final, Gauff will face French Open finalist Czech player Karolina Muchova, who came from behind to upset No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
In a rematch of the pair’s Roland Garros semifinal, which Muchova saved match points to win in June after trailing 5-2 in the third set,...
- 8/20/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
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