Tennis
(VIDEO) EMMA RADUCANU SHOWS OFF SECRET TALENT AFTER WITHDRAWING FROM MIAMI OPEN WITH BACK INJURY
Published
6 months agoon
By
Solomon55Emma Raducanu is currently not playing at the Miami Open after withdrawing due to a lower back injury albeit her manager said that it was not serious as she likely will return to the Billie Jean King Cup or the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
Emma Raducanu playing the piano.
Multitalented. š¹ā¤ļø pic.twitter.com/3tmSnfT0uB
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 21, 2024
Raducanu though showed off another of her talents outside of the tennis court as she was playing her piano in her room back home in the UK albeit with a bottle of Evian handily placed. The water brand are one of her leading partners.
Albeit it shows that Raducanu could take to a career in music if her revival doesn’t take place.
Emma Raducanu’s lower back injury which was confirmed as the reasoning behind her sudden withdrawal from the 2024 Miami Open is ‘nothing serious’ as per her management company who were behind her wildcard into the WTA 1000 tournament.
The former US Open champion was due to face China’s Wang Xiyu in the first round on Tuesday. However according to the BBC who stated the response from her management, she didn’t want to aggravate an injury by playing over the next week. It is the first injury blow since her return with the Brit beaten last week by Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells. It is not known yet whether the injury will impact her playing the Billie Jean King Cup.
This may be swerved by Raducanu especially given the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart which she already has a wildcard for and is a brand ambassador for the car manufacturer. So it will be one to certainly keep tabs on ahead of the clay court season.
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Tennis
US Open Igi ÅwiÄ tek ukazuje obie strony najlepszej tenisistki na Åwiecie
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 31, 2024By
Solomon55Here’s the article translated into Polish:
NOWY JORK ā Jest wiele rzeczy, w ktĆ³rych Iga ÅwiÄ tek, Åwiatowa numer jeden i krĆ³lowa tenisa ostatnich dwĆ³ch lat, jest bardzo dobra.
Czy potrafi powstrzymaÄ stres i frustracje od przenikania do swojej gry? Sama przyznaje, że ta czÄÅÄ wciÄ Å¼ jest w trakcie doskonalenia. Å»ycie w gÅowie ÅwiÄ tek w ostatnich dniach może przypominaÄ jazdÄ po krawÄdzi noża z duÅ¼Ä prÄdkoÅciÄ .
W dzieÅ taki jak pierwszy wtorek na US Open 2024, potrzeba byÅo caÅej jej woli, aby pozostaÄ na nogach. PopeÅniÅa 41 niewymuszonych bÅÄdĆ³w, przetrwajÄ c bitwÄ 6-4, 7-6(6) z RosjankÄ KamillÄ RachimowÄ , ktĆ³ra prowadziÅa 6-3 w tiebreaku drugiego seta.
ZwyciÄstwo nie przyniosÅo wiele radoÅci ani celebracji. Tylko bardzo gorÄ ca, czerwona twarz i zbyt wiele myÅli o tym, co siÄ wydarzyÅo.
Dwa dni pĆ³Åŗniej, na tym samym korcie, przeciwko podobnie przewyższanej przeciwniczce z Japonii, Enie Shibaharze, ÅwiÄ tek z ÅatwoÅciÄ zdobyÅa jedno ze swoich charakterystycznych zwyciÄstw “bagel-and-breadstick”, rodzaj swobodnego zwyciÄstwa, ktĆ³re utrzymaÅo jÄ na szczycie kobiecego tenisa przez niemal 120 tygodni.
Co siÄ zmienia?
W ostatnich latach ÅwiÄ tek staÅa siÄ bardziej skryta, jeÅli chodzi o wewnÄtrzne procesy w jej umyÅle. To ta czÄÅÄ osobowoÅci tenisistki, ktĆ³ra nigdy nie przychodziÅa jej naturalnie. Jej mĆ³zg jest zbyt aktywny. Nie jest jednÄ z tych dusz, ktĆ³re majÄ szczÄÅcie istnieÄ bez wewnÄtrznego monologu. SÅyszy każde sÅowo, ktĆ³re myÅli.
āZwykle nie czujÄ siÄ dobrze na korcie, kiedy mam zbyt wielkie oczekiwania,ā powiedziaÅa w czwartek, wyjaÅniajÄ c swoje zmieniajÄ ce siÄ podejÅcie do obu meczĆ³w. āZ tego powodu podejmujÄ zÅe decyzje na korcie. WiÄc staram siÄ zresetowaÄ i pamiÄtaÄ, że nie muszÄ graÄ perfekcyjnie przez caÅy czas. Dobrze, jeÅli popeÅniÄ kilka bÅÄdĆ³w, ale powinnam po prostu skupiÄ siÄ na poprawie, i to wszystko.ā
Ta psychologiczna walka miÄdzy oczekiwaniami a doskonaleniem siÄ objawiÅa siÄ w peÅni podczas tych dwĆ³ch dni.
Wtorkowa ÅwiÄ tek byÅa zawodniczkÄ zdesperowanÄ , by pokazaÄ, jak doskonaÅa może byÄ, starajÄ c siÄ wygrywaÄ punkt po punkcie, strzelajÄ c laserami w linie. Gdy uderzyÅa zbyt mocno i straciÅa punkt, czÄsto prĆ³bowaÅa uderzyÄ piÅkÄ jeszcze mocniej w kolejnym uderzeniu, celujÄ c prosto w liniÄ zamiast blisko niej przy pierwszej okazji. Rachimowa nie uÅatwiaÅa jej zadania. ÅwiÄ tek odpowiadaÅa na krĆ³tkie zaproszenia do ataku i wysokiej jakoÅci, gÅÄbokie forhendy z rĆ³wnÄ i bezwzglÄdnÄ siÅÄ .
To lekceważenie jakoÅci przeciwnika i caÅkowita wiara we wÅasnÄ doskonaÅoÅÄ doprowadziÅy ÅwiÄ tek do tego, gdzie jest teraz. W ostatnich miesiÄ cach to rĆ³wnież powstrzymywaÅo jÄ przed dalszym rozwojem.
āBycie pierwszym przy piÅceā to wyrażenie, ktĆ³rego zawodnicy czasami używajÄ , aby opisaÄ taki agresywny styl. Jest jednak cienka linia miÄdzy agresjÄ a niecierpliwoÅciÄ . Agresja to strategia. NiecierpliwoÅÄ to reakcja emocjonalna ā taka, ktĆ³ra czÄsto ma swoje ÅŗrĆ³dÅo w chÄci ucieczki z nieprzyjemnej sytuacji.
ÅwiÄ tek mĆ³wiÅa o uczuciu rozdrażnienia przez wiÄkszoÅÄ ostatnich dwĆ³ch miesiÄcy. OdkÄ d opuÅciÅa Paryż w czerwcu, gdzie zdobyÅa swĆ³j czwarty tytuÅ French Open i piÄ ty tytuÅ Wielkiego Szlema w swojej wciÄ Å¼ mÅodej karierze, nie czuÅa siÄ do koÅca dobrze.
Już wtedy dziaÅaÅa na oparach, wygrywajÄ c oba turnieje Masters w Madrycie i Rzymie przed French Open. PrzyznaÅa, że Åŗle radziÅa sobie z regeneracjÄ przed Wimbledonem, ktĆ³ry odbywa siÄ na trawie, jej najmniej lubianej nawierzchni, na ktĆ³rej gra najgorzej. Tam odpadÅa w trzeciej rundzie ā byÅa to ÅwiÄ tek, ktĆ³ra widzi, jak przeciwnik szczytuje i nie zmienia swojej strategii, zanim bÄdzie za pĆ³Åŗno, by coÅ z tym zrobiÄ.
Po krĆ³tkim odpoczynku wrĆ³ciÅa do Paryża na turniej olimpijski, rĆ³wnież na Roland Garros, gdzie byÅa zdecydowanÄ faworytkÄ . GraÅa i funkcjonowaÅa tak, jakby miaÅa na swoich barkach ciÄżar Jowisza, a potem zalaÅa siÄ Åzami, gdy przegraÅa w pĆ³Åfinale z pĆ³ÅŗniejszÄ zÅotÄ medalistkÄ Zheng Qinwen z Chin, ledwie bÄdÄ c w stanie mĆ³wiÄ o festiwalu bÅÄdĆ³w, jakiego doÅwiadczyÅa na swoim ulubionym korcie.
Gdy zdobyÅa brÄ zowy medal dzieÅ pĆ³Åŗniej, mĆ³wiÅa o tym, jak intensywnoÅÄ harmonogramu i presja grania dla Polski, z szansÄ na zdobycie czegoÅ, co zdarza siÄ tylko raz na cztery lata, zniszczyÅy jej nerwy. āWciÄ Å¼ mam wiele pracy do wykonania, aby zrozumieÄ siebie i to, co siÄ ze mnÄ czasem dzieje,ā powiedziaÅa.
ÅwiÄ tek wziÄÅa tydzieÅ wolnego, ale gdy pojawiÅa siÄ w Cincinnati na amerykaÅskim cyklu twardych kortĆ³w, zmÄczenie i wyczerpanie zwiÄ zane z harmonogramem oraz jego wpÅywem na niÄ i wielu innych zawodnikĆ³w wciÄ Å¼ byÅy na pierwszym planie. Sport musi siÄ zmieniÄ, mĆ³wi ciÄ gle. PrzestaÅcie robiÄ tyle turniejĆ³w tak dÅugimi i obowiÄ zkowymi. JeÅli tego nie zrobimy, wypalenie jest nieuniknione.
To spotkaÅo jej poprzedniczkÄ na szczycie sportu, Ash Barty, ktĆ³ra zakoÅczyÅa karierÄ w marcu 2022 roku w wieku 25 lat. ÅwiÄ tek powiedziaÅa w czerwcu, że nie wie, jak dÅugo wytrzyma. RzuciÅa liczbÄ 28 lat. Teraz ma 23.
WiÄcej dni jak czwartek pomoże.
WiÄcej meczĆ³w, kiedy pamiÄta, że gra na szczycie swoich możliwoÅci nie zawsze jest możliwa ani konieczna ā i kiedy pamiÄta, że szczyt jej możliwoÅci jest i tak wyższy niż u kogokolwiek innego. WiÄcej meczĆ³w, kiedy akceptuje, że może byÄ najlepsza, gdy nie stara siÄ, by każde uderzenie byÅo ostatnie, grajÄ c punkty zamiast prĆ³bowaÄ nimi dominowaÄ.
Jej bohaterem jest Rafael Nadal ā krĆ³l wygrywania punktu po szeÅciu uderzeniach, a nie jednym.
W czwartek po poÅudniu nie staraÅa siÄ zbytnio zdominowaÄ Shibahary w szczegĆ³lnie oczywisty sposĆ³b. Ale i tak to zrobiÅa, wchodzÄ c w punkty, opierajÄ c siÄ na ogromnym topspinie, ktĆ³ry tylko ona posiada w kobiecym tenisie. Za każdym razem, gdy gra w ten sposĆ³b, sprawia, że te chwile, kiedy tego nie robi, wydajÄ siÄ jeszcze dziwniejsze.
Dwa lata temu, gdy wygraÅa ten turniej, swĆ³j jedyny tytuÅ Wielkiego Szlema poza tymi czterema w Paryżu, powiedziaÅa, że nauczyÅa siÄ wygrywaÄ bez grania perfekcyjnego tenisa. Przez caÅy ten turniej ledwo czuÅa siÄ komfortowo w ktĆ³rymkolwiek z siedmiu meczĆ³w. ÅwiÄ tek lubi naturÄ i ciszÄ. WiÄc Nowy Jork nie jest tak naprawdÄ jej miejscem. Za dużo ludzi. Za dużo haÅasu.
W tym roku zatrzymuje siÄ w hotelu blisko Central Parku. Może to pomogÅo.
Cokolwiek zrobiÅa w ciÄ gu tych 48 godzin miÄdzy wtorkiem a czwartkiem, zadziaÅaÅo. Tylko ona wie, czy może to utrzymaÄ przez kolejne dziewiÄÄ dni i piÄÄ meczĆ³w. W ostatnim w tym roku turnieju Wielkiego Szlema niemal wszyscy sÄ zmÄczeni dÅugim sezonem, ktĆ³ry wciÄ Å¼ ma przed sobÄ kilka miesiÄcy.
Tennis
Jannik Sinnerās Girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya Stuns With Her Beauty in Scintillating Outing as She Takes Over New York City
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 31, 2024By
Solomon55All eyes are on Jannik Sinnerās girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya, as she steps into the spotlight in more ways than one. Fresh off her impressive run to the third round of the US Open, Anna is turning heads not just on the court but on the streets of New York as well. Decked out in a glamorous avatar, sheās making waves thanks to her newfound partnership with Naomi Osakaās media agency.
Ahead of her third-round clash, the official Instagram account of Evolve, shared a series of Kalinskayaās pictures, from the streets of New York. Following that, the caption read, āSpotted in the city šš„ NY ā¤ļø AK.ā In those pictures, there were various black-and-white photos of Kalinskaya with āOpenā mentioned in a bright yellow color.
Kalinskayaās stunning photos were also on the truck cover and even on a billboard, which was easily visible from a far distance. With a confident public image, Anna Kalinskaya is demonstrating that her skill and sense of style make her quite the star and she is actively embracing the stardom.
Before the US Open started, Kalinskaya was ecstatically holding the court net and she looked effortlessly stylish in a white overcoat, blue trousers, and a cropped t-shirt. She looked quite stunning in this ensemble of stark white photos. Beyond the court, Kalinskaya showed off her glam side by dressing in an oversized tank top, comfortable white shorts, and a sleeveless white top.
Her images are now a source of inspiration for anyone looking for the ideal example of comfortable yet fashionable apparel. Partnering with Naomi Osakaās co-founded media agency Evolve on May 24 has been beneficial for Kalinskaya. Her influence is now visible on the cover of Open, the latest print magazine from Evolve, further cementing her status as a rising star in both the tennis and fashion worlds.
However, did you know that Anna Kalinskaya isnāt the only tennis star with ties to Naomi Osakaās brand? Interestingly, the enigmatic Nick Kyrgios also shares a link with the same brand.
Nick Kyrgios is also a part of Osakaās āEvolveā
Kyrgios became the first client to sign with Naomi Osakaās newly launched Evolve agency. Evolve manages the six-time ATP Tour winnerās brand partnerships, investments, and charitable endeavors, while also exploring opportunities for athlete-owned businesses.
Reflecting on his decision to join Evolve, Kyrgios stated, āWhen I learned that Stuart and Naomi were starting an agency focused on supporting athletes like me, it made complete sense to join.ā He added, āI have consistently tried to do things differently throughout my career and bring my entire personality to the game of tennis. Iām excited to work with Stuart and Naomi to continue building on what weāve started and push the game of tennis forward.ā
Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka left IMG in May 2022 to start her own business with her agent, Stuart Duguid, to be in complete charge of her commercial endeavors and now Jannik Sinnerās girlfriend Kalinskaya is associated with her brand.
What are your thoughts on Kalinskaya taking over the streets with her glamorous side? Let us know in the comment section below.
Tennis
Jannik Sinner expressed on dark side of social media after Nick Kyrgios rips him with new brutal accusations
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 31, 2024By
Solomon55Nick Kyrgios has once again harshly attacked Jannik Sinner, regarding the issue of positivity to Clostebol that involved the young Italian in recent months and which came to light publicly only on August 20th.
The Australian player is continuing to attack his colleague for what happened, provoking the ATP No.1 and responding to the words that the winner of the Australian Open had reserved for Nick a couple of days ago.
“As athletes we use our platforms to make sure things are fair and equitable. That’s all I’ve done and some players are angry. We know that Sinner is incredible, a great tennis player and one of the main faces of the sport. But if you expect us to stay silent, we won’t,” explained the Australian tennis player.
"It is what it is." š¤·āāļø
Jannik Sinner isn't worried about being interviewed by Nick Kyrgios after the Aussie had some things to say about the world No. 1 on social media.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/LsKLLnOI5f
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 29, 2024
As mentioned, the Italian was asked what he thought of Kyrgios’ words, in a press conference after qualifying for the 3rd round of the US Open.
“I don’t want to respond to what he said, everyone is free to comment what they want. If he were to interview me on the court, I would definitely feel different, but I don’t know. I’m always very relaxed and I forget things quickly,” said Jannik.
On X, the 29-year-old Australian also reacted with surprise to Carlos Alcaraz’s surprising defeat in New York. Nick pushed and openly supported the young Spaniard, especially after his rather detached statements on the Sinner case. And instead Carlitos suffered the most important setback of the season against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, which made his race to finish the year as ATP number 1 quite complicated.
Jannik Sinner said he was quite satisfied with the improvements made to his game from the first to the second round of the US Open 2024 and explained that it will not be easy to replace two figures like Giacomo Naldi and Umberto Ferrara in his team, at the press conference following his qualification for the 3rd round of the New York Major.
The number 1 of the ATP ranking, however, did not focus only on the technical aspects and, a few hours after Caroline Garcia’s outburst, warned the new generations about social media, warning everyone about the presence of an evident dark side.
“It is clear that there is a good side to social media, but also a dark side. The truth is that I try to spend as little time as possible on social media. The important thing is to have a family that knows you well and shows you at all times the true values āāthat you need. When you are young you worry a lot about your reputation and everything they say seems important to you. That’s why I always advise all athletes to have people around them who love them and appreciate them for who they are,” he said.
On the match and the future of his team, Jannik analyzed:
“I noticed an improvement in my tennis compared to the first round. Having a day to train helped me a lot and I will continue to work hard to understand what is the best way to compete on these courts. It’s a strange moment and I don’t want to talk about it too much. We are trying to understand who can be the best option, to bring new members into the team. It’s not easy to find a fitness trainer and a physiotherapist in the middle of the season. We are doing our best to find the best people, we’ll see. I hope to have news at the end of the US Open.”
Tennis
āLPGA Is a Traveling Circusā: After Lexi Thompsonās Retirement, Megan Khang Comes Clean on Her Future Plans
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 31, 2024By
Solomon55With Lexi Thompson set to retire at the end of this year, many players are starting to consider their own retirement plans. However, Meghan Khang believes sheās been lucky to find a family on the LPGA Tour that she can rely on during tough times. Living on tour means constantly being on the move, and as Khang describes it, itās like āa travelling circus,ā but she has revealed no plans of retiring anytime soon.
Speaking to reporters after finishing T12 in the second round of the FM Championship with a total of 3-under, Meghan Khang was asked if she found tour life challenging. She replied, āIām very fortunate. I have a great group of friends, and a lot of times we like to get airbnbs together. Itās really cool to kind of have that tight-knit group of friends we consider family out here.ā
Her close-knit group on tour reportedly includes World No. 1 Nelly Korda, Jessica Korda, and Alison Lee. They played junior golf together and have maintained a strong bond over the years. Nelly Korda has also spoken about their relationship, saying, āI hang out with usually the same girls: Megan Khang, Alison Lee, and Jess (Jessica Korda). Weāve been close for the past couple of years. We all played junior golf together and weāve just grown closer as time went on.ā
Khang also mentioned that there is always support available on the LPGA Tour for those who seek it, and she is always willing to help other pros. āIām very much extroverted and very outgoing, and I am probably the first one to say hi to someone whoās a rookie out here. My phone is always open.ā
Megan Khang can count on friends like the Korda sisters and Alison Lee inside the ropes during the LPGA Tour to help navigate its ever-changing nature. But she also has a famous friend who has always been an admirer and hopes to see her continue playing professionally for a long time.
Megan Khangās Hollywood Connection
As a child, Meghan Khang was a golfing prodigy. During her junior years, she competed against the best and developed strong friendships that have lasted to this day. One of her close friends is now a famous Hollywood actress who also used to play junior golfāKathryn Newton.
The Big Little Lies actress is an avid golfer and is said to play three times a week. Khang first met her at a junior event in Florida, and they quickly bonded. Newton mentioned that she would only play if Khang was playing, and they would stay in the same hotel and swim in the hotel pool after every round.
While Newton left golf to pursue her acting career, she still maintains her connection to the game, promoting womenās golf whenever she can and attending tournaments in person.
Tennis
“Facing Sexist Critics, Paige Spiranac Opens Up About Her Unforgettable āPinch Meā Moment at East Lake”
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 31, 2024By
Solomon55For Paige Spiranac, building her brand in the game of golf has been a long and arduous journey. It was a significant shift from being a professional golfer to becoming an influencer. But Spiranac stuck around despite the constant hate and sexism she encountered. As the original golf influencer, she faced criticism repeatedly. At one point, Spiranac had to call out a 1-time PGA Tour winner for his sexist remark about her using her s** appeal.
Regardless, the 31-year-old has come far and is doing better than ever. Her influence on the golf world was evident when she was selected as one of the 16 creators to participate in the PGA Tourās Creator Classic at East Lake Golf Club. Spiranac was grateful, praising the PGA Tour in her latest YouTube video for investing in golf influencers and inaugurating a never-seen-before tournament.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, āI feel like I was really one of the OGs, the originals and so from when I first started and the reaction that I would get, now you know 7 years later to be here in this moment surrounded by I mean the best in the world on a world-class Golf Course is truly like a pinch me moment.ā Indeed, Spiranacās path has been one for the books, as she battled criticism and is now being rewarded for her perseverance.
Before the event, the 31-year-old golfer was worried about playing badly at East Lake GC, but she wasnāt as disappointed as she had expected. Spiranac did not win the event, but she was 2 over in 8 holes, which was better than half the field. From handling sexist remarks about her game to becoming one of the top influencers in the sport, it was a great feat for Spiranac. And although she gains a hater with each passing moment, the OG influencer holds no hostility toward anyone.
Paige Spiranac forgives her critics
The judgment is never-ending, but Paige Spiranac has moved past it. She has explained why she does what she does, but people still cannot wrap their heads around the former proās social media brand. However, the criticism doesnāt affect Spiranac anymore. After more than seven years in the industry, the 31-year-old golfer has learned to forgive those who canāt agree with her.
Spiranac revealed in an interview with Fox Business how she perceives outside opinions and said, āOver the years, I have realized that itās OK. People are allowed to have their opinions.ā Instead of getting enraged or discouraged by hateful words, the influencer shared that she tries to see it in a positive light. She said, āEven if I get a comment that criticizes me, I try to hear it out because maybe I can learn from it, I can better myself, or I can adjust.ā
Whether itās about her clothing choices or people criticizing her golf skills, Paige Spiranac has always been under constant scrutiny for most of her career. But now, it no longer deters her from making her choices, as Spiranac has learned to move on from anything that disturbs her peace.
Tennis
Scenario ATP No.1: Alcaraz ‘fuori dai giochi’, Zverev puĆ² sorprendere Sinner a fine stagione?
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 30, 2024By
Solomon55La sconfitta di Carlos Alcaraz al secondo turno degli US Open ha completamente cambiato gli scenari per il ranking mondiale ATP e la lotta per terminare l’anno come ATP No.1. Tutto ĆØ cambiato in una partita semplice, perchĆ© anche questo puĆ² succedere nel tennis; il giovane spagnolo si ĆØ probabilmente autoescluso dalla corsa al trono del tennis maschile, con questo risultato, consegnando virtualmente il trono a Jannik Sinner fino alla fine del 2024.
Alexander Zverev, l’unico ancora in corsa per sfidare Sinner come ATP No.1, sarĆ secondo alla fine dello Slam di New York, se Novak Djokovic non riuscirĆ a riconfermare il suo titolo o se il serbo raggiungerĆ le semifinali. Un obiettivo giĆ raggiunto circa due anni e mezzo fa, con il famoso infortunio alla caviglia al Roland Garros che gli ha impedito di spingersi ancora piĆ¹ avanti.
Un’opportunitĆ importante ĆØ anche nelle mani del giovane italiano che guida il ranking, che puĆ² mettere fine alla corsa per il numero 1, almeno per questa stagione. In caso di quarti di finale e di una partita in piĆ¹ rispetto a Zverev a Flushing Meadows, il vincitore dell’Australian Open sarebbe sicuro di essere numero 1 fino al 27 ottobre, giorno della finale di Vienna, un torneo in cui dovrĆ difendere 500 punti e potrebbe essere matematicamente attaccabile da Alcaraz o Zverev.
Le proiezioni certificano un aspetto molto importante: lo spagnolo e il tedesco dovranno ottenere il massimo dei punti nel tour asiatico in Cina per poter pensare di minacciare l’italiano, che ha 1180 punti totali fino a Parigi-Bercy, ma un vantaggio molto rassicurante.
Anche Novak Djokovic ĆØ praticamente fuori dai giochi, anche se dovesse riconfermarsi tra i primi 2 con la vittoria agli US Open. Nole potrebbe anche volare a Shanghai e ottenere altri 1000 punti, ma il trionfo a Bercy da difendere, oltre alle ATP Finals, rende quasi impossibile il sorpasso entro la fine dell’anno.
Sinner potrebbe chiudere ogni discussione spingendosi fino alla finale degli US Open. Con i quarti di finale, Jannik eviterebbe un sorpasso di Alcaraz anche alla fine di ottobre, con le competizioni di Vienna e Basilea in programma, senza nemmeno contare i punti che l’italiano potrebbe guadagnare in Asia. Conquistando l’accesso alla sesta finale della stagione, Carlitos arriverebbe sicuramente dietro a Sinner all’inizio delle ATP Finals, anche se dovesse ottenere una serie di vittorie a Pechino, Shanghai, Vienna/Basilea e Parigi-Bercy mentre Sinner rimanesse a 0 in questi eventi.
Un aspetto che rende chiaro l’incredibile vantaggio attuale di Jannik sui suoi rivali. Ć una storia diversa per Zverev, che ha sicuramente bisogno di un risultato importante a New York. Se l’italiano dovesse sollevare il titolo al cielo, come successo all’Australian Open, potrebbero non esserci piĆ¹ possibilitĆ per i suoi avversari.
Tennis
Denied Entry at Olympics, Lydia Koās Husband Sparked Her Emotional Breakdown at St. Andrews: āWas Really Guttedā
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 30, 2024By
Solomon55It was the final major of the 2024 LPGA Tour season. Lydia Ko had finished her Sunday round with a score of 7-under overall after the four days of play. A last-minute choke by fellow LPGA Tour pro Nelly Korda on the 14th and a brilliant shot by the Kiwi on the 18th had set up her 3rd major victory. Soon after, the 27-year-old was spotted enjoying the win with her husband, Chung Jun. However, as soon as they hugged each other, the couple broke down in tears.
On a recent mini-episode of the LPGA podcast, āCatching Up With Lydia Ko After the AIG Womenās Openā, the AIG Womenās Open champ recounted the moment and explained why she and her partner were so emotional at the moment of victory. āOne of the biggest factors was just my husband,ā confessed the pro as she recalled her win at the Paris Games without him owing to the situation, āHe really wanted to be at the Olympics, and you know, the Olympics is difficult with like accreditation and everything.ā
A very wholesome moment between Lydia Ko and her husband after she won the AIG Womenās Open š„¹ā³ļø pic.twitter.com/tiynYMimqx
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 25, 2024
Although the two had planned to just spend the AIG Womenās Open together instead of the quadrennial event, the news of her winning the latter had brought them to tears as well. āAfter Iād won the gold, you know, we called each other and we both started crying,ā remembered Ko as she added how Chung Jun really wanted to be there owing to it being her last Olympics.
āI know he was really gutted,ā admitted the 3-time major champ as she sympathized with her partnerās feelings for missing the Olympics gold. Couple that with the fact that the AIG Womenās Open was the first event where the two were together the whole week for one of her wins made it all the more special. āCause when I won at the CME, he just came on the weekend,ā said Ko.
The golferās husband had even once blamed himself for her losses at a point in time. āI remember somewhere in between, he told me,ā quoted the New Zealand athlete, āYou know I feel like sometimes I(sic) donāt play well when he comes and I was like āNo, thatās not true. Itās just like coincidental that I may not have played well.’ā But all that doubt seems to have been washed away after seeing his wife win the last major of the season at St. Andrews!
Lydia Ko claims her third major win at the AIG Womenās Open
The Kiwi was able to put up figures of 71-70-71-69 over the four rounds of play to clinch her third major win of her professional career. She did so by carding 13 birdies and six bogeys over the course of her performance at the Old Course in St. Andrews. Consequently, she was able to finish two strokes ahead of the golfers at T2, including Jiyai Shin, Lilia Vu, Ruoning Yin, and Nelly Korda.
Her win at the major was, interestingly, preceded by her clinching the gold medal at the Paris Games by beating the likes of Esther Henseleit and Xiyu Lin, the silver and bronze medalists, respectively. Back then, she had carded a 10-under 278 while dishing out 20 birdies and 6 bogeys, not to mention the two double bogeys she scored over the four rounds. It truly was an amazing couple of weeks for the golfer and her husband.
Tennis
Novak Djokovic Sparks US Open Controversy as Tennis Fans Scream āFavoritismā Over Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 30, 2024By
Solomon55It wouldnāt be a tennis major without a sprinkle of controversy. While Novak Djokovic made headlines for becoming the only player to win 90 matches or more, his scheduling has brought in some conflict. Everyone wants to see top players competing at the foremost stadiums. But then those favorites differ for everyone. And if the latest social media chatter is to be believed, Djokovic is not on the list.
The Serbian is looking for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam, which would make him break his own record of 24. Even though the season has so far been disappointing, Djokovic is still riding high on the Olympic gold glory. Having defeated Radu Albert and his countryman Laslo Djere who withdrew in the second set, Djokovic will now face Alexei Popyrin in round three. But for many, a Djoker match is much less valuable than two of the countryās biggest stars clashing ā Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe.
https://x.com/i/status/1828310352091611570
Both matches will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium today and their drastically different timings have dismayed many. While late-night matches might be preferable for the audience, Djokovic contrastingly spoke against it after he cleared the first round. āWell, I donāt think that aging helps really staying so late and playing very late,ā he said after defeating Albert. āI can feel, you know, my batteries are low now. Iām shutting down.ā Nevertheless, many feel like the former World No. 1 is still receiving preferential treatment.
Tennis fans in disbelief as US Open favors Novak Djokovic over home favorites
When an angry fan pointed out on a tennis forum, āAll 3 of Djokovicās U.S. Open matches have been evening matches including the Friday night match scheduled for August 30th. This is blatant favoritism ā giving the 37-year-old matches at the coolest part of the day,ā the main issue wasnāt Djokovic. But who his matches were uprooting. āMeantime, the match between Americans Tiafoe and Shelton has been given a daytime slot when fewer people can watch. The match scheduling at the US Open this year has been very disappointing. Will Djokovic play any day matches at all?ā
So far, no. His third-round match against Popyrin is also scheduled for the evening at 7 PM ET, while Tiafoe vs Shelton will take place at 1.15 PM ET. āDjokovic is playing 3 nights in a row and there are other marquee matches Iād rather see at night like Shelton vs. Tiafoe. Djokovic vs. Djere was a dud of a match that ended early in retirement. Make Djokovic play during the day. End the favoritism,ā another fan wrote.
Djokovic vs. Djere started as a thriller. The first set took almost an hour, as Djokovic clinched it 6-4, but by the second set, Djere was struggling with pain in the lower abdomen. He ultimately retired after two hours, and 16 minutes of play. Even Nole was disappointed, āItās not what we want. Itās not what the crowd wants, to see a walkover. Heās such a good player, especially in these conditions.ā
One fan pointed out how the next match-up of the Serbinator could bring in some much-needed excitement. āPopyrin won Canada. Djokovic took a month off and is serving below 50%. The USO smells an upset or dramatic 5-setter that will deliver great box office.ā
Itās a popcorn match for many whenever the Serbian takes the court. But for those without a bias, another player, preferably American, would be more watched. āExcuse me, Iām just a tennis fan. Djokovic has already been in prime time twice this U.S. Open. Three times is overkill. The prime-time fans want to see someone else play.ā
Now Djokovic winning another Grand Slam is anyoneās guess. But while itās a 50/50 chance, Tiafoe vs. Shelton is much more interesting. āThey should schedule Tiafoe-Shelton at night. That might be the first electric match between Americans,ā wrote one fan.
While both Tiafoe and Shelton have come close to Grand Slams before and usually advance to the latter stages of the tournament, only one can emerge victorious this time. Who are you rooting for at the US Open extravaganza? Let us know in the comments below.
Tennis
US Open 2024: Daniil Medvedev Recounts Taylor Fritz Labelling Him a Cheater for His Tennis Passion in Funny Teenage Anecdote
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 30, 2024By
Solomon55Tennis corridors are filled with stories that evoke nostalgia and surprise, and the latest tale comes from Russian star Daniil Medvedev. In a candid moment, Medvedev shared a surprising story about his fellow competitor, Taylor Fritz. The memory, which has resurfaced just as they advance further at the US Open, left Medvedev in shock, reminding us all of the unexpected twists that make tennis so captivating. Curious to know what left him so astonished?
Medvedev engaged in an interview ahead of his third-round clash with Flavio Cobolli, Medvedev revealed a story revolving around his Wimbledon Campaign. He claimed that he was shocked to hear a claim statement about Taylor Fritz, that was confirmed by his then-girlfriend, Daria Medvedeva.
Speaking at the interview, the Russian recalled an incident from 2018. āWe played Wimbledon, would be probably 2018 and Iāll be brutally honest I donāt wanna cheat on practice but yeah sometimes you donāt see the ball, itās like a challenge. And so we were playing and I donāt remember exactly what it was but I called some out where I thought the ball was out.ā 2018 was quite a fantastic year for the star player.
This Fritz story ššš
And this: "Tennis U12 is brutal. It prepares you mentally. It's much tougher than ATP Tour" š¤£
(H/t @tumcarayol whose question prompted this gem of an answer)
š„ @usopen #USOpen pic.twitter.com/xWQ4dfdJXS
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) August 30, 2024
He won his first ATP title in the same year and never looked back. The star player also clinched his second and third ATP titles which also established him as the No. 1 player from Russia. Medvedev also finished 2018 with the most hard-court match wins of any player on the ATP Tour. However, his call during the practice session was not received well by Fritz.
Continuing further in the interview, the Russian star recalled what Daria told him after the match. āShe says he was talking to his coach and he was like, āDamn this guy! He cheats all the time.ā and I was so shocked.ā Interestingly, Medvedev is known for his fearlessness and honest actions in the courts. Besides, he has never shied from expressing his emotions, and the latest admission reveals the same yet again. However, there was a time when Medvedev admitted playing ugly during the matches.
āThere Are Times When I Behave Uglyā ā When Daniil Medvedev made a shocking admission about his behavior
Medvedev has risen to the ranks not just because of his sensational skills, but also due to his demeanor on the court, which has made him the favorite of many tennis enthusiasts across the globe. However, the star player has faced his own share of struggles that have behaved him in a way that he thinks is not appropriate.
In an interview in 2021, Medvedev spoke on this subject and stated, āBelieve me, itās still much more pleasant for me when I am supported, and not booed. And this happens in most tournaments. Yes, there are times when I behave ugly, but I always remain myself. People see that I do not want to deceive anyone, to invent something, to cheat.ā
As he advances further in his current campaign, it would be interesting to see if Daniil Medvedev can re-create a journey for himself like that of 2021 and win big at the US Open yet again.
Tennis
Novak ÄokoviÄ osvaja US Open i 24. Grand Slam titulu i spreman je da brani titulu
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 30, 2024By
Solomon55Na terenu na kojem je redovno igrao ulogu negativca, ÄokoviÄ je uživao u obožavanju navijaÄa dok je pobedio Danila Medvedeva u tri seta.
Novak ÄokoviÄ je osvojio toliko Grand Slam singl titula na toliko razliÄitih naÄina da je postalo ekstremno teÅ”ko pratiti ih sve.
ÄokoviÄ, Srbin, dodatno je uÄvrstio svoju reputaciju kao najbolji igraÄ modernog doba u nedelju, klinikom pobedom u tri seta protiv Danila Medvedeva iz Rusije. PloveÄi po terenu i maÅ”uÄi reketom s lakoÄom i gracijom koju najbolji igraÄi deset godina mlaÄi, pa Äak i manje iskusni, mogu uglavnom samo da sanjaju, ÄokoviÄ je iskoristio loÅ” poÄetak Medvedeva, zatim je izdržao svog prijatelja u epskom drugom setu i konaÄno savladao svog suseda iz Monte Karla, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3.
To je uÄinio na terenu Arthur Ashe Stadionu gde je veÄinu svoje karijere provodio igrajuÄi negativca u meÄevima protiv autsajdera ili dugogodiÅ”njih omiljenih igraÄa kao Å”to su Rafael Nadal i Rodžer Federer. Nedelja je bila sasvim drugaÄija. Skoro 24.000 gledalaca doÄekalo ga je ogromnim ovacijama, a zatim su ga zasuli najveÄim aplauzom kada je Medvedev poslao lopticu u mrežu i dao ÄokoviÄu titulu koja je iznenaÄujuÄe teÅ”ko doÅ”la najveÄem igraÄu na tvrdoj podlozi u istoriji sporta.
“Ovo mi znaÄi ceo svet,” rekao je publici neposredno pre nego Å”to je podigao trofej po Äetvrti put u svojoj karijeri.
Njegov prelazak iz uloge negativca u protagonist poÄeo je pre dve godine, blizu kraja veoma razliÄitog finala protiv istog protivnika. Tog dana, ÄokoviÄ je izaÅ”ao na teren pokuÅ”avajuÄi da postane prvi muÅ”karac u viÅ”e od 50 godina koji je osvojio svih Äetiri Grand Slam turnirskih titula u jednoj kalendarskoj godini.
Medvedevov trijumf u tri seta bio je skoro zapeÄaÄen tog dana kada je ÄokoviÄ bio nekarakteristiÄan za sebe, ali stadion ispunjen da bude svedok istorije obasjao je ÄokoviÄa ljubavlju koju nikada nije oseÄao u Njujorku. Plakao je u svom sediÅ”tu dok ga je ta ljubav preplavila pre finalne igre.
ÄokoviÄ je propustio US Open proÅ”le godine zbog pravila federalne vlade koja je zabranjivala stranim posetiocima koji nisu bili vakcinisani protiv Covid-19 da uÄu u zemlju. Prvi put nakon skoro dve godine kroÄio je na ameriÄko tlo sredinom avgusta kako bi igrao na Western & Southern Openu blizu Sinsinatija. Brzo je shvatio da ljubav koju je oseÄao tokom finala US Opena 2021. godine nije izbledela.
ÄokoviÄ je u nedelju trebao svu tu podrÅ”ku kada je, dok je izgledao kao da kontrolira situaciju sredinom drugog seta, Medvedev ponovo pronaÅ”ao svoju formu. Nakon seta i po punih greÅ”aka, Rus sa rukama poput hobotnice i nogama gazele oÄistio je greÅ”ke iz svoje igre, poboljÅ”ao svoj servis i izveo vrlo efikasnu imitaciju odbojnika koja ga je ranije dovela do vrha sporta.
Poeni koji su trajali duže od 20 udaraca postali su rutina u meÄu sa mnoÅ”tvom 30-udaraca razmena, a odjednom su ÄokoviÄeve noge poÄele da otkazuju, kao bokser pogoÄen udarcem u vilicu. Oslanjao se na svoj reket izmeÄu poena, teÅ”ko diÅ”uÄi. Brisao je glavu sa kesom leda izmeÄu gemova.
“Gubio sam vazduh na toliko mnogo mesta,” rekao je. “Ne seÄam se da sam ikada bio toliko iscrpljen nakon razmena.”
ServirajuÄi da ostane u drugom setu pri 5-6, istegnuo je noge pre nego Å”to je bacio lopte u vazduh. Napravio je napor dok je trÄao za lopticama, spasivÅ”i set loptu sa dva mekana voleja.
“Bio je umoran,” rekao je Medvedev. “Bio sam svuda oko njega.”
PreÅ”li su na odluÄujuÄi taj-brejk, i Äak je i taj, kao mnogi poeni u ovom video igraÄkom meÄu, iÅ”ao napred-nazad. Medvedev se približio na dva poena od izjednaÄenja, pobedivÅ”i u iscrpljujuÄoj razmeni drop Å”otova. Ali zatim, kao Å”to je to Äesto Äinio, ÄokoviÄ je odigrao tri uzastopna poena bez greÅ”ke.
Kada je Medvedev poslao bekhend u mrežu, 104 minuta nakon Å”to je set poÄeo, ÄokoviÄ je stekao prednost od dva seta, prednost koju je izgubio samo jednom u svojoj karijeri, pre 13 godina, pre nego Å”to je postao skoro nepobediv igraÄ kakav je danas.
Polako je otiŔao do svog sediŔta, uzeo torbu i otiŔao sa terena na pauzu za toalet. Medvedev je skinuo majicu i pozvao fizioterapeuta, koji je masirao njegova ramena, iako je, nakon onoga Ŕto je izdržao tokom prethodnih sat i po, zaista trebao masažu mozga.
Kada se vratio na teren, ÄokoviÄ je ponovo plovio, adrenalin od joÅ” jednog Å”ampionata i rekorda davao je ponovno otkriÄe u njegovom koraku. Požurio je ka mreži, koristeÄi se protivnikom koji igra tako duboko na terenu da Äesto izgleda kao da Äe udariti u zadnji zid tokom svog zamaha. Niko ovog puta nije mogao da oduzme ÄokoviÄu ovu slatku povratak u Ameriku.
Äini se da svaki put kada igra turnir ovih dana postavlja rekord u muÅ”kom tenisu, i obiÄno nadmaÅ”uje jedan od svojih. ÄokoviÄ je godinu zapoÄeo u Melburnu, gde je osvojio rekordnu 10. titulu na Australian Openu. Nedelja je donela njegovu 24. Grand Slam singl titulu, poveÄavajuÄi njegov rekord u muÅ”kom tenisu od 23 koji je postavio na French Openu u junu.
U petak je igrao u rekordnom 47. Grand Slam polufinalu, jednom viÅ”e od Federera. Pre tri nedelje je osvojio rekordnu 39. titulu na Masters 1000 turniru, dogaÄajima odmah ispod nivoa Grand Slamova. U nedelju je igrao u svom 36. Grand Slam finalu.
Njegov nastup na US Openu je garantovao, Äak i pre nego Å”to je izaÅ”ao na teren za finalne meÄeve, da Äe se u ponedeljak ujutru probuditi kao broj 1 igraÄ na svetu, preuzimajuÄi vrh od Karlosa Alkaraza, 20-godiÅ”njeg Å”panskog senzacije. To Äe oznaÄiti njegovu 390. nedelju na vrhu sporta. VeÄ je imao taj rekord, takoÄe.
“Å ta joÅ” radiÅ” ovde,” rekao je Medvedev, 27, ÄokoviÄu, 36, koji ga je spreÄavao da osvaja titule joÅ” od prvog puta kada je uÅ”ao u vrhove tenisa pre Å”est godina.
ObriÅ”uÄi se u uglu terena pre nego Å”to je servirao za meÄ loptu, hvatajuÄi poslednji put dah, ÄokoviÄ je pogledao u navijaÄe u prvom redu i klimnuo glavom, oÄi su mu bile Å”irom otvorene. Nekoliko trenutaka kasnije kleknuo je na teren, ramena su mu se tresla dok su suze ponovo tekle. Kada je ustao, otiÅ”ao je do tribina i podigao svoju Äerku Taru, koja ima 6 godina i jedva može da sedi tokom teniskog meÄa. Äesto boji u knjigama na podovima stadiona dok njen otac igra.
“Tennis nije baÅ” njena stvar,” rekao je s osmehom i zbunjenim izrazom ranije ove godine.
Sada jeste. Gledala je sa strane terena u nedelju, i ÄokoviÄ je rekao da kad god je trebao podsticaj, pogledao je prema njoj i video je kako se smeÅ”ka i podiže pesnicu, i verovao je da Äe sve biti u redu.
Zatim su usledili zagrljaji s ostatkom njegove porodice u tribinama. Kada se vratio na teren, zamenio je svoju znojnu opremu za majicu sa slikom njega i Kobea Brajanta, njegovog sportskog heroja, prijatelja i ponekad mentora, Äiji je broj na dresu bio 24 kada je zavrÅ”io svoju NBA karijeru. Taj broj bio je na leÄima ÄokoviÄeve majice.
“Å teta zbog Wimbledona, par poena na jednu ili drugu stranu,” rekao je njegov trener, Goran IvaniÅ”eviÄ, žaleÄi zbog ÄokoviÄevog jedinog poraza u 28 Grand Slam meÄeva ove godine, u pet setova protiv Alkaraza u julu. IvaniÅ”eviÄ je rekao da on i ÄokoviÄ nikada nisu razgovarali o tom porazu nakon tog dana. “To je ono Å”to ga Äini velikim.”
Nekoliko dana pre ovog turnira, ÄokoviÄ je razmiÅ”ljao o dirljivom, ali srÄanom danu pre dve godine kada ga je Medvedev zaustavio samo jednu utakmicu od možda najvažnijeg teniskog postignuÄa. JoÅ” uvek je oseÄao toplinu od njujorÅ”ke publike koja ga je konaÄno prihvatila.
“Obožavaju sport i takoÄe vole kada dožive neÅ”to posebno,” rekao je. “Iskreno su me podržavali i želeli da pobedim i da napravim istoriju.”
U retrospektivi, rekao je, podlegao je težini toga, kao Ŕto je retko radio.
Ovog puta, ÄokoviÄ je zabranio svojoj porodici da spominje bilo Å”ta o istoriji, odluÄivÅ”i da ovaj meÄ drži Å”to jednostavnijim i jasnijim.
NjujorÄani su morali da Äekaju dve godine da vide to, ali u nedelju su konaÄno i videli. Å anse su da Äe to možda ponovo videti.