NEW YORK (REUTERS) - World number one Ash Barty was made to sweat for a 6-1 7-6(7) win over Vera Zvonareva and a spot in the second round of the US Open on Tuesday (Aug 31). The top-seeded Australian came out firing on all cylinders and raced to a 3-0 lead in a rapid-fire opening set that was over in 24 minutes. But what looked to be a straightforward afternoon for Barty turned tense in a grinding second set which the 36-year-old Zvonareva forced to a tiebreak before falling 9-7. Barty has won five tournaments this season, including a second career Grand Slam at Wimbledon and her US Open tune-up in Cincinnati. In between those two victories, however, the 25-year-old threw in a dismal performance when she was booted out of the opening round of the Tokyo Olympics by 48th-ranked Sara Sorribes Tormo. Zvonareva is a former US Open and Wimbledon runner-up but her best results came more than a decade ago and the injury-ravaged Russian has had spotty performances at Grand Slams ever since, not advancing past the second round of any major since 2014. She embraced her moment back on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, refusing to wave the white flag after a lopsided opening set. In the end Barty's all-court game and power proved too much for her, with the Australian laying down 11 aces and firing 31 winners compared to nine by her opponent. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Osaka kicks off US Open title defence with straight sets win Related Story Tennis: Olympic champion Bencic cruises into US Open second round
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray of Britain and 21-year-old American were given wildcards spots into the ATP Cincinnati Masters tournament on Tuesday (Aug 3), organisers announced. The event, the final major tuneup for the US Open, will begin Aug 14. It was moved to New York last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Two-time Cincinnati champion Murray, a former world number one ranked 105th, reached the third round at Wimbledon last month, losing to Canada's Denis Shapovalov. The 34-year-old Scotsman, who owns 46 ATP titles, won the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon titles as well as the 2012 US Open and the 2012 and 2016 Olympic singles gold medals. Korda, who won his first ATP title in May at Parma, is the son of former Czech star Petr Korda. He reached a career high of 45th in the latest rankings after reaching the fourth round last month in his Wimbledon debut. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Zverev eyes US Open after Olympic triumph Related Story Tennis: Osaka, Medvedev named top seeds for Canadian events
PARIS (AFP) - Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic made it 329 weeks as world number one after collecting his third Grand Slam title of the year, when the new ATP rankings were released on Monday (July 12). Djokovic, who has already pocketed the Australian and French Opens as well as Wimbledon, is almost 2,000 points ahead of Daniil Medvedev who remains at number two. Matteo Berrettini, who lost Sunday's Wimbledon final to the Serb, moves up one place to eighth while Roger Federer, who has spent 310 weeks at number one in the past, dropped a place to nine. Hubert Hurcacz, who beat Federer and became the first Pole to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon, climbed seven places from 18 to 11. Two Canadians were also on the rise with 20-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, going up four places to 15th while Denis Shapovalov edged into the top 10 after succumbing to Djokovic in the semifinals at the All-England Club. More on this topic Related Story Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon, claims 20th Grand Slam title Related Story Tennis: 'Little bit divided' Djokovic says '50/50' over Olympics
LONDON (AFP) - Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei won her third Wimbledon women’s doubles title on Saturday (July 10) when she and Belgian partner Elise Mertens defeated Russia’s Elena Vesnina and Veronika Kudermetova in the final. Hsieh and Mertens, the third seeds, saved two match points in the second set to win 3-6, 7-5, 9-7. “Some of her volleys, I can’t do. She’s a magician,” said Mertens, the world’s number one doubles player, of Hsieh. Hsieh won the 2013 title at Wimbledon with China’s Peng Shuai and the 2019 trophy alongside Barbora Strycova of the Czech Republic. With Peng, she also claimed the French Open title in 2014. Mertens won the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open titles with Aryna Sabalenka. Vesnina and Kudermetova had reached the final by saving four match points to defeat top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova and three more in the semi-final against Caroline Dolehide and Storm Sanders. “It’s not always easy to play in the final, and the opponent will fight super hard,” said 35-year-old Hsieh. “We all know it’s the last match so we will fight until the last point definitely.” More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Barty ends Australia's long wait for Wimbledon title Related Story Tennis: 'Not proud of my Wimbledon tears,' says Pliskova
LONDON (AFP) - Karolina Pliskova said she was "not proud" of her Centre Court tears after losing a rollercoaster Wimbledon final to Ashleigh Barty on Saturday (July 10). World number one Barty triumphed 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 to clinch her second Grand Slam title after the 2019 French Open. Pliskova has now lost both major finals in which she has appeared having been beaten in three sets by Angelique Kerber at the 2016 US Open. "It was not the plan to cry because I don't want to cry on the court. I feel like cry in the locker room, but not on the court," said the 29-year-old Czech after the tears fell at the on-court trophy ceremony. "Just like too many emotions. Of course, it's been three weeks since I was here in London, in the bubble. "So of course you're a bit tired. All the emotions, they just go. Yeah, not proud about that." Pliskova, a former world number one who had never previously got past the fourth round at Wimbledon before this year, endured a final of contrasting fortunes. She was 4-0 down in the first set, losing the first 14 points before she got on the board. She then broke Barty in the 12th game of the second set as the Australian served for the title before sweeping the tiebreaker. But all her good work was undone in the second game of the decider when she was broken again and Barty did not need a second invitation to go on to take the title. Pliskova had gone into the final having served 54 aces but it took the nerve-wracked Czech until the first game of the second set to move on to 55. She had also only been broken four times in her previous six matches. By the end of the final, she had given up serve a six further times. Karolina Pliskova Ladies' Final Post-Match Interview | Wimbledon 2021 More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Barty ends Australia's long wait for Wimbledon title "It was a horrible start. That's why I'm proud about how I found a way back in that match," she added. Pliskova also admitted she had flashbacks to the final of the Italian Open in Rome on the eve of Roland Garros when she was blitzed 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek in 45 minutes. "I was thinking about the final in Rome where I didn't make a game. I thought, No, this is not possible, this cannot happen again." Despite her disappointment, Pliskova believes that her previous indifference to Wimbledon can help her crack her Grand Slam drought. Her next chance is the US Open in New York which starts next month. Ashleigh Barty vs Karolina Pliskova | Ladies' Final Highlights | Wimbledon 2021 Ashleigh Barty Wins Ladies' Singles Title | Wimbledon 2021 More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Barty excited for 'spine tingling' Olympics debut in Tokyo Related Story Tennis: Djokovic tames Shapovalov to reach Wimbledon final "It's not that I didn't like Wimbledon, but it was never my favourite place," she said. "I never played well here. I never felt so good here. But this time the feeling about this tournament changed, the feeling about the people. "I'm just going to try to be back stronger. Of course there's going to be a next chance. I think plenty of them. I'm not going to give up on that. So let's see what it's going to be."
LONDON (REUTERS) - Former world number one Karolina Pliskova reached her maiden Wimbledon final after coming back from a set down to beat second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 5-7 6-4 6-4 on Thursday (July 8). The Czech goes into Saturday’s decider looking to capture her first Grand Slam title, having only ever reached one other final when she finished runner-up to Angelique Kerber at the 2016 US Open. Pliskova will face another Wimbledon final debutant in world number one Ash Barty, who beat Kerber earlier on Thursday. The 29-year-old Pliskova found it hard going against Sabalenka, the first seeded player she had faced in this year’s tournament, and it showed as she dropped her first set on the only break point she faced with a double fault. She made inroads on Sabalenka’s booming serve, which reached speeds of 193 kilometres per hour, to clinch a break to love midway through the second set. It was her ninth break point of the match but the first she converted, giving her the confidence to serve out the set and level the score. The 23-year-old Sabalenka, playing in her first major semi-final, struggled for consistency, sending down 18 aces in the match but making 20 unforced errors including one to give up an early break in the first game of the deciding set. Although the Belarusian rallied, Pliskova never looked in any danger, rarely breaking a sweat on her own serve as she booked her place in Saturday’s showpiece with an ace. “I am in the final so I think it is incredible,” Pliskova said on court. “It was an amazing match from both of us, I got a bit frustrated but she was serving unbelievably – she was in a semi-final so had to play some great tennis. I am super happy I managed to find a way to win.” That will to win meant the Czech became the first player in 10 years in the women’s semi-finals to recover from going a set down to win the match. “It is difficult when you are not doing well to stay positive, but my team is super positive, thanks to them I managed to stay calm and trust in my game,” she added. “I have had success in the past so it is not like I forgot how to play tennis.” More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Australia's Ashleigh Barty into first Wimbledon final Related Story Tennis: Naomi Osaka urges girls to embrace being 'different'
LONDON (REUTERS) - Matteo Berrettini became only the second Italian man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals after powering past Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-3 on Wednesday (July 7). The big-serving seventh seed has flown somewhat under the radar throughout the Championships, but is now eyeing a place in Sunday's final after another impressive display. In truth, the 25-year-old could have claimed a fourth successive straight-sets win but for a counter-attack by 20-year-old Auger-Aliassime in the second set. But his mighty first serve, scorching the No.1 Court turf at an average of 127mph, and a thunderous forehand eventually helped Berrettini overwhelm the 20-year-old. In his second Grand Slam semi-final, following a run to the last four at the 2019 US Open, Berrettini will face Poland's Hubert Hurkacz who took out eight-times champion Roger Federer. Victory would see him contest the Wimbledon final on the same day that Italy play in the Euro 2020 soccer final a few miles down the road at Wembley. The only other Italian man to reach the last four at Wimbledon was Nicola Pietrangeli in 1960. Berrettini's run should surprise no one as the Roman displayed his grasscourt weapons to devastating effect to win the Queen's Club title on debut in the build-up to Wimbledon. Prestigious title He was the first Italian to win that prestigious title and the first player to win it at the first attempt since Germany's Boris Becker in 1985, who won Wimbledon a few weeks later. Berrettini's serve had been broken only twice in his run to the last eight, so Auger-Aliassime gave himself a mountain to climb when he dropped his own delivery twice to trail 5-1. Serving at 5-2 Berrettini led 40-0 but a loss of focus saw him broken for the first time. It was a temporary blip, though, as he broke Auger-Aliassime for the third time in the next game to take the opener. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Federer crashes out at Wimbledon to cast doubt on future Related Story Tennis: 'My last Wimbledon? I don't know,' says Federer after crashing out Berrettini showed he is not just a power merchant when he saved a break point with a deft dropshot at 3-3 in the second set and looked poised to seize control in the next game when he had Auger-Aliassime 0-40 down on serve. The Canadian dug deep to get out of trouble, however, and stole the Berrettini serve at 5-5 as the Italian netted a backhand. Auger-Aliassime, playing his first Grand Slam quarter-final and bidding to join compatriot Denis Shapovalov in the last four, then banged down an ace in the next game to level the match. There were few opportunities for either player in a tight third set but that went with serve until Auger-Aliassime cracked at 5-6, Berrettini earning a set point with a forehand pass that the diving Canadian could not control. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into 10th Wimbledon semi-final after straight-sets win Related Story Tennis: Shapovalov into Wimbledon semis after outlasting Khachanov Auger-Aliassime missed an attempted backhand pass to give Berrettini the set and from there the Italian took charge. "I think the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth is where I lost the match for me," said Auger-Aliassime, a close friend of Berrettini's. "Credit to him because I think he really deserves it. He's shown how consistent he is over the last few weeks."
LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarter-finals at the hands of Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday (July 7), but insisted he will not be rushed into retirement even with his 40th birthday just five weeks away. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam title winner, lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to a player 15 years his junior. It was only the eight-time Wimbledon champion's 14th defeat at the tournament in 119 matches and his first straight-sets loss since an opening round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002. It was also the first time he had lost a set 6-0 at Wimbledon and just the third time at a Slam. The other two occasions both came at the French Open - against Pat Rafter in 1999 and Rafael Nadal in 2008. "I don't know. I really don't know. I've got to regroup," said Federer when asked if his Wimbledon career was over. "With everything that comes after Wimbledon, we were always going to sit down and talk about it because clearly now Wimbledon is over. I got to take a few days. "Just see, Okay, what do I need to do to get in better shape so I can be more competitive." Those discussions will also centre on his participation in the Olympic Games in Tokyo which start in just over two weeks' time. Federer is now without a Slam since the 2018 Australian Open but he had two match points to beat Novak Djokovic in the epic 2019 Wimbledon final. "Clearly, there's still a lot of things missing in my game that maybe 10, 15, 20 years ago were very simple and very normal for me to do,' he added ruefully. Federer had only played eight matches this year before Wimbledon as he recovered from two knee surgeries in 2020. "Of course I would like to play it again, but at my age you're just never sure what's around the corner," added Federer. "I will take my time, not feel rushed by you guys or anybody else. I got to take my time, take the right decision, the one decision I want to take and where I feel most comfortable. "The team and me were actually very happy I made it as far as the quarters here. That's how it goes. I'll be fine. I have perspective about it, so it's all good." Roger Federer Quarter-Final Press Conference | Wimbledon 2021 More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Federer crashes out at Wimbledon to cast doubt on future Former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, however, has his doubts Federer will play Wimbledon again. Had he won on Wednesday, Federer would have been the oldest man in over half a century to get to the last four. "I noticed the mis-hits, awkward looking points from Roger and obviously the last set of course, 6-0," said Becker. 'See him again?' "He would never ever say if there was a niggle, but I don't know if we will ever see the great man again here." World number 18 Hurkacz, 24, had never got beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before this Wimbledon. However, boosted by having defeated world number two Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the last 16, he was a break up on a sluggish-looking Federer in the sixth game of the opening set. The Swiss star carved out a break for 2-0 in the second set. He couldn't hang on and Hurkacz levelled in the seventh game from 1-4 down before dominating the tiebreak. Federer looked punch drunk and he was quickly down 0-2 in the third set before Hurkacz wrapped up the decider in just 29 minutes. Roger Federer Exits Centre Court After Hubert Hurkacz Defeat | Wimbledon 2021 Match Point Moment | Hubert Hurkacz Defeats Roger Federer | Wimbledon 2021 He is only the second Polish man to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon - Jerzy Janowicz being the other in 2013. Up next is a clash with Matteo Berrettini of Italy for a place in Sunday's final. "Roger was congratulating me and wishing good luck for the next matches," said Hurkacz. "Obviously, walking off the court realising that I won against Roger, I mean, just kind of a dream come true, especially here on grass in Wimbledon. "Felt so special with the crowd around as well." Hubert Hurkacz Quarter-Final Post-Match Interview | Wimbledon 2021 More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into 10th Wimbledon semi-final after straight-sets win Related Story Tennis: Shapovalov into Wimbledon semis after outlasting Khachanov Hurkacz had only met Federer once before Wednesday - a straight sets loss at Indian Wells in the quarter-finals in 2019. His run to the semi-finals is impressive, however, as he had won just one match on tour between his surprise Miami Masters title in March and the start of Wimbledon. That dismal streak included defeat in the first round of the French Open to world number 154 Botic Van de Zandschulp and first-up losses in the grass court events at Stuttgart and Halle. The defeat in Stuttgart was particularly painful as it came at the hands of Dominic Stricker, ranked a lowly 335 at the time.
LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarter-finals at the hands of Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday (July 7), potentially bringing down the curtain on the Swiss legend's All England Club career. Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam title winner who turns 40 next month, lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to a player 15 years his junior. It was only the eight-time Wimbledon champion's 14th defeat at the tournament in 119 matches and his first straight-sets loss since an opening round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002. It was also the first time he had lost a set 6-0 at Wimbledon. "It's super special to have played Roger here, it's a dream come true," said Hurkacz. "He's done so many special things here." World number 18 Hurkacz, 24, had never got beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before this Wimbledon. However, boosted by having defeated world number two Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the last 16, he was a break up on a sluggish-looking Federer in the sixth game of the opening set. The Swiss star, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, carved out a break for 2-0 in the second set. He couldn't hang on and Hurkacz levelled in the seventh game from 1-4 down before dominating the tiebreak. Federer looked punch drunk and he was quickly down 0-2 in the third set before Hurkacz wrapped up the decider in just 29 minutes. He is only the second Polish man to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon - Jerzy Janowicz being the other in 2013. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into 10th Wimbledon semi-final after straight-sets win Related Story Tennis: Shapovalov into Wimbledon semis after outlasting Khachanov Up next is a clash with either Matteo Berrettini of Italy or Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in Sunday's final. "I noticed the mis-hits, awkward looking points from Roger and obviously the last set of course, 6-0," said former champion Boris Becker commentating on Federer's performance. "He would never ever say if there was a niggle, but I don't know if we will ever see the great man again here."
LONDON (AFP) - Karolina Pliskova reached her first Wimbledon semi-final on Tuesday (July 6) with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic and then took a swipe at her critics for their "brutal" treatment. Former world number one Pliskova, now ranked 13, will face Belarus second seed Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday for a place in Saturday's final. Pliskova has yet to win a Grand Slam title despite contesting 36 majors with her best performance a runners-up spot at the 2016 US Open. "I'm super-happy to be through to my first semi-final at Wimbledon," said the 29-year-old Czech who will be playing in her fourth Slam semi-final. Her last appearance in a major semi-final was at the 2019 Australian Open. "This was my first appearance on Court One this year and I had to work really hard to get to this court. "I feel like I am improving with every match." Pliskova has yet to drop a set at Wimbledon this year and has been broken just three times in five rounds. Her eight aces on Tuesday, meanwhile, took her tournament tally to 40. "I have had good preparation and hopefully this will continue." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Barty wins Aussie battle to reach Wimbledon semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Former champion Kerber eases past Muchova into Wimbledon semi-finals Despite her happiness a completing a full set of semi-final appearances at all four majors, Pliskova hit out at doubters who questioned her future in the sport when she fell out of the world top 10 on the eve of Wimbledon. Until then, she had been a regular in the top 10 since 2016. "The Internet is the biggest problem," said Pliskova who had failed to get to the second week of a Slam in her last five outings. "Not that I would really read all the messages and all the comments, but sometimes you just see something or like some articles. "I think they can be quite brutal. I was five years in the top 10. Then one week I'm not in the top 10, and it's like huge drama, especially in my country. I think these things, they just don't help." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka outguns Jabeur to reach Wimbledon semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Sports figures defend British teen sensation Raducanu over Wimbledon exit
LONDON (REUTERS) - World number one Ash Barty outclassed compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1 6-3 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday (July 6) and set up a meeting with 2018 champion Angelique Kerber. In the first all-Australian women's Grand Slam quarter-final since the 1980 Wimbledon championships, the 25-year-old Barty produced a calm and composed display on Centre Court. Tomljanovic had battled past British wildcard Emma Raducanu the night before to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final, but was nowhere to be seen in a one-sided first set. But the 28-year-old did make more of a match of it in the second, breaking the Barty serve twice. Barty always had another level though and ended Tomljanovic's resistance in little over an hour. "Ajla is an incredible competitor - I've played with her a lot, I've practised with her, all Aussies back home are proud of her and it was bloody nice to share the court with her today," top seed Barty, who had made the singles quarter-finals at the All England Club for the first time, said on court. "This is a dream come true. I know you hear that a lot but this is my dream and I'm extremely grateful to have an opportunity to live out what I love to do this afternoon." Barty has made no secret of her desire to win her first Wimbledon title, 50 years after Evonne Goolagong, who also has indigenous Australian heritage, won her first title. She wears an elegant Fila trailblazer outfit modelled on Goolagong's and her stylish all-court game would not have looked out of place in any era. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Pliskova blasts 'brutal' critics after storming into first Wimbledon semi-final Related Story Tennis: Sports figures defend British teen sensation Raducanu over Wimbledon exit Barty won the French Open in 2019, becoming the first Australian to do so since Margaret Court in 1973. But despite winning the Wimbledon girls title in 2011, she has not always produced her best on the London lawns. There is a growing confidence about Barty this time, however, although 33-year-old left-hander Kerber represents a daunting semi-final obstacle. "The ultimate test - Angie's had success here before. I love that match-up. She knows her way around this court and I know I need to play well to give myself a chance in that match," Barty, who has dropped only one set so far, said. Barty was in cruise control in the opening set as her variety of spins and angles flummoxed the world number 75. To her credit Tomljanovic managed to make some inroads in the second set, breaking in the first game and then again to drag herself back from 4-1 down. But Barty was not in the mood for overtime and got the job done in efficient fashion without needing top gear, serving a couple of aces as she held for victory. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Former champion Kerber eases past Muchova into Wimbledon semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka outguns Jabeur to reach Wimbledon semi-finals
LONDON (REUTERS) - British sports personalities from Andy Murray to Marcus Rashford rallied to the defence of teenage tennis sensation Emma Raducanu on Tuesday (July 6) after suggestions she quit her debut Wimbledon because she could not handle the pressure. The previously little-known 18-year-old, ranked 338 in the world, was the last of 14 British players standing in Wimbledon after three superb wins that had fans on their feet. But she was forced to retire against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in their last-16 match on Monday with breathing difficulties. American former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe suggested while commentating for the BBC that the occasion "got a little bit too much" for Raducanu, while some others took to social media criticising her for bowing out while losing. The case drew comparisons with world No. 2 Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open after opening up on anxiety she suffered from media interviews after intense matches. Raducanu herself posted a message to fans on Tuesday saying she was feeling much better, congratulating Tomljanovic, and apologising for the premature end to the match. "I was playing the best tennis of my life in front of an amazing crowd this week and I think the whole experience caught up with me," she tweeted, saying she began breathing heavily and felt dizzy after some tough rallies at the end of the first set. "The medical team advised me not to continue and although it felt like the hardest thing in the world not to be able to finish my Wimbledon on the court, I was not well enough to carry on." Murray, another former Wimbledon champion, said some of the criticism was harsh and premature given nobody knew the specifics of her ailment. "No question mental toughness can be what separates the best in sport but surely ... you aren't judging her mental toughness on yesterday's match," Murray added in reply to ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen who said successful athletes must simply "deal with" pressure. His mother Judy Murray, a tennis coach, went further with a withering tweet. "Middle-aged men should generally avoid commenting on the physical or mental well-being of teenage girls. They will NEVER experience or fully understand that world," she said. 'Proud of you' England footballer Rashford empathised with Raducanu, saying the same had happened to him in an Under-16 game. "I remember it to this day. No explanation for it and it never happened again," he tweeted. "You should be very proud of yourself. The country is proud of you." It happened to me playing for the national team in U16s against Wales. I remember it to this day. No explanation for it and it never happened again. You should be very proud of yourself. The country is proud of you. Glad to read your feeling better. Onwards and upwards 🎾🏴 https://t.co/sokkubBlLN— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 6, 2021 Until a month ago, Raducanu had not contested a match on the main WTA Tour and was just finishing school exams. After French Open organisers were criticised for their robust stance towards Osaka, Wimbledon authorities issued a sympathetic statement wishing Raducanu a good recovery and looking forward to future appearances in the tournament. "She should be commended for the poise and maturity she has shown," they added. Think this is a very harsh take on the situation Piers https://t.co/rGuWC5ScDT— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 6, 2021 No question mental toughness can be what separates the best in sport but surely both of you aren’t judging her mental toughness on yesterday’s match?! https://t.co/83tLG5F9ca— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 6, 2021 Raducanu's last-16 opponent, Tomljanovic, also said criticism was unfair. "I can't imagine being in her shoes at 18, playing a fourth round in your home country," she said. "I have experienced something similar but not to that extent. I know that it's a real thing." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Britain's world No. 338 Raducanu in Wimbledon wonderland Related Story Tennis: Pliskova blasts 'brutal' critics after storming into first Wimbledon semi-final But Wimbledon semi-finalist Karolina Pliskova said pressure was always going to be a factor once Raducanu took the wildcard, meaning she was likely to be on a big court with home fans. "You just need to cope with that pressure," she said after making it through to the semis on Tuesday. "(When I was) 18, I was still a kid. She also came from nowhere... Some of these girls, let's say Coco Gauff - I think she's ready for all of this. (It) helps if you're raised like a star." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Former champion Kerber eases past Muchova into Wimbledon semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka outguns Jabeur to reach Wimbledon semi-finals
LONDON (AFP) - Second seed Daniil Medvedev staged a stunning comeback to beat 2017 runner-up Marin Cilic and reach the Wimbledon fourth round for the first time on Saturday (July 3). Medvedev triumphed 6-7 (3/7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 and will face Polish 14th seed Hubert Hurkacz for a place in the quarter-finals. It was the first time in his career that Medvedev had won a match from two sets down. "My first one at Wimbledon. What is amazing is that two times at Wimbledon in the past, I was two sets down. "Against David Goffin in 2019, I came back and had a break in fifth set and lost. "When I went to the toilet today after the fourth set, I thought I am not going to allow this to happen again. "When it went to 5-2, I thought 'oh no'. I am really happy to come back and win the match." Former US Open winner Cilic, seeded 32, was unable to keep up his blistering start and was undone by 68 unforced errors. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Federer into Wimbledon fourth round with four-sets win over Norrie Related Story Tennis: Zverev beats Fritz for fourth-round spot at Wimbledon
LONDON (REUTERS) - Wimbledon main draw debutant Sebastian Korda reached the last 16 on Friday (July 2) with an impressive 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory over British number one Dan Evans on Centre Court. A few days after his older sister Nelly won the women's PGA Championship to become the world's top-ranked golfer, Korda maintained a fine family tradition with a superb display. Striking the ball crisply from the baseline and serving powerfully, Korda kept Evans under control to keep the home fans quiet and claim a relatively comfortable victory. The world number 50 is coached by his father Petr Korda, a former world number two and 1998 Australian Open champion, and also has former Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi in his team. Both would have been proud of the way he dispatched Evans after a blip in the second set and then coming back from a break down in the fourth to seize control. He was the dominant player throughout and struck 51 winners on his way to his second Grand Slam fourth round, having made his breakthrough by doing the same at the 2020 French Open. For Korda it was his first time on Centre Court and he said it was an occasion he will never forget. "It was the first time I walked down the stairs, it was incredible," he told reporters. "It was pretty crazy. I almost brought out my phone just to start recording. "All the years that I've watched tennis, they always show how the players are walking through all the rooms. I just thought to myself, this is nuts. "What's about to happen is going to be something I'm going to remember for the rest of my life." If he is to return to Centre Court this year he will have to next get past big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov, the 25th seed, on Monday. Evans was one of three British men to reach the third round along with Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie. It was the first time since 1999 that had happened. With Murray losing later on, however, hopes now rest on Norrie upsetting eight-time champion Roger Federer on Saturday. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Battling Murray in earliest Wimbledon exit since 2005 Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into Wimbledon last 16 after rocky third set
LONDON (REUTERS) - Second seed Daniil Medvedev subdued some early fight from Spain's Carlos Alcaraz before brutally dispatching the talented teenager 6-4 6-1 6-2 to reach the third round at Wimbledon on Thursday (July 1). The 18-year-old Alcaraz, who has enjoyed a rapid rise up the rankings this year to 75th place, received a hearty send-off from the Court One crowd after showcasing his potential and displaying flashes of his shot-making talent. Yet Medvedev had too much for the youngster and turned on the afterburners in the second and third sets to hand out a punishing lesson to his young opponent. The Russian, for so long touted as one of the game's brightest up-and-comers, now has the look of a seasoned Grand Slam contender at the age of 25, having reached his second major final at the Australian Open in February. He followed that by making the quarters at Roland Garros, where he had never previously gone beyond the first round, and his confidence is clearly high. Asked after Thursday's encounter whether his mindset was that of someone who thought he could win at Wimbledon, Medvedev, who has never gone past the third round at the All England Club, was unequivocal. "Every tournament I play since I'm a junior, I try to win. Sometimes you know maybe when you are, I don't know, top 60 in the world, you're just coming up, you feel like maybe I'm not going to win a Grand Slam this week," he said. "I was in two finals. We all know we are capable of going far. I think that's the mindset of everybody." Future star Medvedev knows all about being labelled a future star of the sport and in Alcaraz he faced an opponent who is currently turning heads despite his tender years. Having reached the second round at the Australian Open and the third round at Roland Garros, both on his main draw debut, Alcaraz was bidding to become the youngest man into the third round at Wimbledon since 2005. There were times when he showed he could go toe-to-toe with Medvedev, breaking the Russian in the first and second sets. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Federer oldest man in Wimbledon third round for 46 years Related Story Tennis: Impressive Zverev eases past Sandgren into third round Yet Medvedev had too much power for the youngster, finally putting him away with a backhand overhead to wrap up victory after one hour and 34 minutes. "Carlos is an amazing player," Medvedev said. "I was actually even surprised in a way with the first set. Grass is definitely not his best surface, but he was giving it all there. "Of course (in the) second and third sets, maybe the gap was too high. But I'm sure he's going to be sooner or later in the Top 10 and maybe even higher." Medvedev will next face either former finalist Marin Cilic of Croatia or French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi.
LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer became the oldest man in 46 years to reach the Wimbledon third round on Thursday (July 1) with a straight sets win over Richard Gasquet. Federer, 39, defeated his French rival 7-6 (7/1), 6-1, 6-4 to make the last 32 for the 18th time. Australia’s Ken Rosewall was 40 when he made the third round at the All England Club in 1975. Federer, who has eight Wimbledon titles, beat Gasquet for the 19th time in 21 meetings and will take on Cameron Norrie of Britain for a place in the last 16. “I know Richard really well, we’ve played so many times against each other. It’s always a pleasure playing against him,” said Federer. “It was a wonderful match, I’m happy with my performance. A tough first set, I was happy with the second set and I was better in the third, so I’m very, very happy.” Federer admits the Centre Court crowd may have split loyalties when he faces 25-year-old Norrie for a place in the last 16. “I hope the crowd will get into it regardless of whether they are for him or me for the last 20 years,” said Federer. “Cam is a good guy and is having a wonderful year. He has done well here but it’s time for him to go out!” More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Impressive Zverev eases past Sandgren into third round Related Story Tennis: Djokovic and Federer named for Olympics
LONDON (AFP) - Ons Jabeur the first Arabic woman to win a WTA tournament reached the third round of Wimbledon for the first time on Wednesday (June 30) beating five time champion Venus Williams 7-5, 6-0. Williams follows her sister Serena out of the singles tournament although she will play with Nick Kyrgios in the mixed doubles. Serena limped off Cente Court in tears on Tuesday after injuring her right leg in the first set of her match. Jabeur, who made history in winning the Birmingham WTA tournament earlier this month, will play Spain's 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza for a place in the Last 16. "Honestly, I was so nervous first time I play a legend and not everyone was with me today but it was a great game," said 26-year-old Jabeur. "My game slices etc goes well with the grass surface I enjoy it here I can dive any time I like. Hopefully I can continue my journey. "Garbina Muguruza is a tough player and plays amazing on grass. "I did a quarter-final at Australian Open (2020) and I want to do better than that." More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Fourth seed Kenin out of Wimbledon in second round Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka digs deep to beat wildcard Boulter The ease with which Jabeur romped through the second set against the 41-year-old American was in stark contrast to the tight opening set which lasted 52 minutes. Jabeur broke Williams in a lengthy first game of the second set setting up the break point with a lovely cross court forehand and secured the break when Williams sent a forehand wide. The fight seemed to have gone out of Williams as Jabeur upped her game and broke the American again in her next service game and then again to serve for the match. Williams did have break points but Jabeur fought back and won the match on her first match point. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Svitolina battles past Van Uytvanck in Wimbledon opener Related Story Tennis: Andreescu fails to break Wimbledon jinx after defeat by Cornet
LONDON (AFP) - American Sofia Kenin became the highest women’s seed to fall so far at Wimbledon as she suffered a 6-2 6-2 second-round defeat at the hands of compatriot Madison Brengle on Wednesday (June 30). The 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin, seeded four, never got going on a cool Court Two and lasted only 45 minutes against the 31-year-old. Several other Grand Slam champions avoided early exits though on the slick lawns. Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza maintained her dominant form as she reached the third round with 6-1 6-4 win over Dutchwoman Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove. Muguruza, winner in 2017, has dropped six games so far. Last year’s French Open champion Iga Swiatek, seeded seven, got the better of 36-year-old Russian Vera Zvonareva. Swiatek made light work of a tricky first round against the 2010 runner-up, winning 6-1 6-3. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka digs deep to beat wildcard Boulter Related Story Tennis: Svitolina battles past Van Uytvanck in Wimbledon opener