Reigning BNP Paribas Open Champion Elena Rybakina Withdraws Due to Illness

Reigning BNP Paribas Open Champion Elena Rybakina Withdraws Due to Illness

Elena Rybakina Withdraws from BNP Paribas Open Title Defense Due to Illness

World No. 4 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open, the first WTA 1000 event of the season, due to illness. The reigning champion was set to begin her title defense on Friday but was forced to pull out hours before her first match.

Rybakina’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, as she entered as the tour’s leader in wins this year with 17. She had won titles in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi and reached the final in Doha.

Last year, Rybakina stunned the tennis world by defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals and Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim her first WTA 1000 title. Her victory made her the first Kazakh player to win a WTA 1000 event.

Rybakina expressed her disappointment at having to withdraw, saying, “It’s with great sadness that I have to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open. Those close to me know how much this tournament means to me and how much I wanted to come back and defend my title.”

Prakash Amritraj, a former Indian tennis player and commentator, said Rybakina’s withdrawal is a “massive void in the draw” and a “massive opportunity for players in her section.”

Rybakina’s withdrawal has led to a reshuffling of the draw. Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska, who was originally scheduled to face Rybakina, will now face American Kayla Day. The match will be played on Stadium 3.

The all-American second-round match between Madison Keys and Hailey Baptiste has been moved to Stadium 1 and will be played not before 8:00 p.m. local time.

Swiatek Cruises Past Collins in BNP Paribas Open Rematch

Swiatek Cruises Past Collins in BNP Paribas Open Rematch

Six weeks after their intense Australian Open encounter, Iga Swiatek faced a much smoother rematch against Danielle Collins, cruising to a 6-3, 6-0 victory to advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.

In their previous meeting in Melbourne, Swiatek trailed Collins by two breaks before ultimately prevailing. This time, she applied the lessons learned, dominating the final nine games to secure the win in just 80 minutes.

Swiatek, the world No. 1, is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her first WTA ranking triumph in March, when she became the youngest woman to capture the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami. Her semifinal appearance in the 2023 BNP Paribas Open further solidifies her comfort level in the desert.

Despite Collins’ announcement that 2024 will be her final season, she has maintained a high level of play. The pair traded service holds early on, but Swiatek’s marathon seventh game proved pivotal. She saved two break points and won 10 of 11 points to take the opening set.

Collins’ resistance crumbled in the second set as Swiatek’s dominance grew. The Pole won six consecutive games, including a double break, to secure the match. Collins saved two break points in the final game, but Swiatek remained resolute, ending the contest with a backhand putaway.

Swiatek’s path to the title remains challenging. She could potentially face another Australian Open rival, Linda Noskova, in the third round. Noskova, the No. 26 seed, upset Swiatek in three sets in Melbourne.

Kerber's Grit and Determination Shine in BNP Paribas Open Triumph

Kerber’s Grit and Determination Shine in BNP Paribas Open Triumph

Angelique Kerber’s triumphant return to the BNP Paribas Open was marked by a hard-fought victory over Jelena Ostapenko, a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. Despite facing a formidable opponent and challenging conditions, Kerber displayed her trademark grit and tenacity to overcome a set and a break deficit, ultimately prevailing 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

Kerber’s victory marked a significant milestone in her comeback from maternity leave, as it was her first Top 10 win since the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The German veteran, now ranked 607th in the world, showcased her unwavering spirit and competitive fire throughout the match.

After initially trailing 3-1 in the opening set, Kerber rallied to win four consecutive games and held two set points. However, Ostapenko, who has enjoyed a successful season with titles in Adelaide and Linz, fought back to break Kerber’s serve and take the set 7-5.

Undeterred, Kerber refused to let the momentum slip away. She broke Ostapenko’s serve twice in the second set to level the match at 1-1. The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks early on. Kerber eventually seized control of the match with her eighth break of the day, forcing Ostapenko’s backhand into the net.

In a nail-biting finish, Kerber faced four match points in a 12-point game. With nerves of steel, she unleashed an unreturned serve to seal the victory.

“This is why I am back,” Kerber declared on-court after the match. “It’s really an important win for me. Coming here, playing against one of the top players again and winning the match like this, gives me for sure a lot of confidence.”

Kerber’s victory marked her first consecutive match wins since Wimbledon 2022, while Ostapenko’s record against the German dropped to 1-3.

Sinner Extends Winning Streak to 16 with Dominant Indian Wells Debut

Sinner Extends Winning Streak to 16 with Dominant Indian Wells Debut

World No. 3 Jannik Sinner has extended his remarkable winning streak to 16 matches with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event. The Italian star is now a perfect 13-0 on the season, having won his last three matches of 2023 at the Davis Cup Finals, the Australian Open title, and the Rotterdam title.

Sinner’s victory in Indian Wells marks his first match on American soil since his triumph at the US Open last year. The 21-year-old is now one win away from matching his career-best winning streak of 17 matches, set in 2021.

The Italian’s dominance in the match against Kokkinakis was evident from the outset. Sinner broke the Australian’s serve in the opening game and never looked back. He controlled the pace of the match with his powerful groundstrokes and precise serve, winning 80% of his first-serve points.

Kokkinakis, ranked No. 103 in the world, struggled to find his rhythm against Sinner’s relentless pressure. The Australian was broken three times in the first set and failed to win a single game in the second set.

Sinner’s victory in Indian Wells is a testament to his exceptional form and his determination to reach the No. 2 ranking. The Italian is now just 100 points behind No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

If Sinner continues his winning ways, he could potentially overtake Alcaraz and become the new world No. 2 as early as next week. The Italian is scheduled to face either Jenson Brooksby or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round of Indian Wells.

Caty McNally Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Eyes New Chapter in Tennis Career

Caty McNally Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Eyes New Chapter in Tennis Career

American tennis star Caty McNally is embarking on a new chapter in her career after undergoing successful elbow surgery. The 22-year-old, who reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 54 last May, has been battling elbow pain for the past 10 months.

Despite conservative treatment, McNally’s pain persisted, leading her to make the difficult decision to go under the knife. The surgery, performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Dugas at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama, was a success.

McNally’s injury troubles began shortly after her impressive run to the semifinals of the 2022 French Open. She missed the subsequent Wimbledon tournament and was sidelined for six months before making a brief return to the tour in February.

During her brief comeback, McNally teamed up with Asia Muhammad to win the WTA doubles title in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. However, her elbow pain continued to hinder her performance, forcing her to withdraw from the Australian Open and miss both the French Open and US Open last year.

McNally’s fellow Americans, including Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and former doubles partner Coco Gauff, have expressed their support and well wishes for her recovery.

“Can’t wait to see you back healthy,” Keys wrote on Instagram.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery,” added Gauff.

McNally is now focused on her rehabilitation and is determined to return to the court as soon as possible. She has already begun the grueling process of physical therapy and is eager to regain her previous form.

With her talent and determination, McNally is confident that she can overcome this setback and achieve even greater success in the future.

Ankita Raina and Ramkumar Ramanathan Triumph in PSPB Inter-Unit Tennis Tournament

Ankita Raina and Ramkumar Ramanathan Triumph in PSPB Inter-Unit Tennis Tournament

Ankita Raina and Ramkumar Ramanathan emerged victorious in the 42nd PSPB inter-unit tennis tournament held at the DLTA Complex. The tournament featured a packed schedule of team championships, singles, and doubles events over four days.

In the men’s singles final, Ramkumar Ramanathan of Indian Oil defeated his teammate Chirag Duhan 9-5. Ramkumar had previously overcome Vishnu Vardhan and Rithvik Bollipalli en route to the final.

Ankita Raina of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) claimed the women’s singles title with a 9-5 victory over Riya Bhatia of Indian Oil. Notably, Ankita had previously defeated Riya in straight sets during the team championship.

The men’s doubles title went to Vishnu Vardhan and Rithvik, who defeated Ramkumar and Chirag in the final.

In the veterans category, Rajkumar Dubey of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) won the singles title and teamed up with Monish Sharma to clinch the doubles title. BPCL had also emerged victorious in the team championship.

Riya Sachdeva was recognized as the “most promising player” of the tournament.

The trophies were presented by Vartika Shukla, Chairman and Managing Director of the host, Engineers India Limited (EIL).

Sabine Lisicki Announces Pregnancy, Vows to Return to Tennis

Sabine Lisicki Announces Pregnancy, Vows to Return to Tennis

Sabine Lisicki, the former Wimbledon finalist, has announced her pregnancy and vowed to make “one more comeback” to professional tennis. The 34-year-old German has endured a litany of injuries throughout her career, but her determination remains unwavering.

Lisicki’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In 2012, she reached the Wimbledon final, where she lost to Serena Williams. She also won four WTA titles and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 12. However, injuries have plagued her since then, including two major knee injuries, ankle problems, a shoulder issue, and mononucleosis.

Despite these setbacks, Lisicki has shown remarkable resilience. In 2023, she won her first title in nine years at the ITF W60 event in Calgary, Canada. This victory came after an 18-month absence due to her second knee injury.

Lisicki’s return to form has been inspiring. She has qualified for the WTA 500 in Charleston and reached the quarterfinals of the grass-court event in Bad Homburg. Her current ranking is No. 374, but she is determined to climb back up the ladder.

Lisicki’s pregnancy announcement has been met with both joy and anticipation. She and her fiancé are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their child, but she is also committed to returning to the court. Her unwavering spirit and determination suggest that she has one more comeback in her.

Aging Tennis Stars Shine at Indian Wells, Proving Age is Just a Number

Aging Tennis Stars Shine at Indian Wells, Proving Age is Just a Number

Andy Murray’s recent first-round victory at Indian Wells highlighted the enduring presence of veteran tennis players on the tour. Murray, now 36, has witnessed a shift in fan engagement over his nearly two decades of competition. While traditional cheers and encouragement remain, he has encountered a dedicated supporter who provides constant praise and encouragement, acting as a “second coach.”

This experience reflects Murray’s ongoing appreciation for the game and his determination to maintain a competitive level. Despite a 2-6 record in 2024 and plans to retire later this year, Murray remains motivated by the support of his fans and the thrill of competition.

The Indian Wells tournament has become a showcase for aging tennis stars, with Venus Williams, Stan Wawrinka, Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki, Gael Monfils, Fabio Fognini, and David Goffin all making appearances. This trend is not limited to Indian Wells; the tennis landscape is increasingly populated by players in their 30s and beyond.

The decision to retire is a complex one for tennis players, who have more control over their careers than athletes in team sports. The allure of applause and the desire to continue playing can outweigh the physical challenges and diminishing performance.

Venus Williams’ performance at Indian Wells demonstrated the challenges faced by aging players. Despite flashes of brilliance, her game faltered in the second set, resulting in a bagel loss. However, her presence on the court was met with enthusiasm from fans who appreciate her longevity and love for the game.

While the presence of veterans may lack the suspense and anticipation of younger players, they offer a different kind of appeal. Fans have witnessed their journeys and shared their triumphs and setbacks. As Rod Laver observed, aging players may be able to perform at their peak for a day, but the challenge lies in sustaining that level consistently.

Murray’s superfan serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between players and their supporters. The veterans on the tour may not offer the same level of excitement as rising stars, but they bring a wealth of experience and a unique bond with their fans.

Murray Favored to Take a Set from Rublev in BNP Paribas Open Clash

Murray Favored to Take a Set from Rublev in BNP Paribas Open Clash

Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev are set to face off in a highly anticipated second-round clash at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday, March 8. Murray has been in impressive form, securing a straight-set victory over David Goffin in the first round. Rublev, on the other hand, has been embroiled in controversy after being defaulted in Dubai for berating an official.

Despite Rublev’s recent struggles, he remains a formidable opponent. However, Murray’s experience and defensive prowess could prove to be a significant advantage. Murray’s ability to run down every ball and force Rublev into extra shots could frustrate the Russian, who has a tendency to lose his composure under pressure.

Murray’s serve, while not as consistent as it once was, is still capable of delivering in big matches. Rublev’s serve, on the other hand, is not one of his major strengths. This could give Murray an edge in the crucial moments.

Overall, Murray appears to be in a favorable position heading into this matchup. He is in decent form, while Rublev is still dealing with the fallout from his Dubai incident. Murray’s ability to neutralize Rublev’s power game and exploit his weaknesses could lead to a set victory for the Brit.

Korean Stars Shine in Maha Urja ITF Women's Tennis Tournament

Korean Stars Shine in Maha Urja ITF Women’s Tennis Tournament

Korean tennis star Dayeon Back continued her impressive run at the Maha Urja $25,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament in Pune, India, by defeating fifth seed Sahaja Yamalapalli in straight sets in the quarterfinals. Back’s 6-4, 6-1 victory sets up a semifinal clash with second seed Dalila Jakupovic, who overcame a slow start to beat Miriana Tona of Italy in three sets.

Another Korean player, Yeonwoo Ku, also advanced to the semifinals with a dominant 6-1, 6-0 win over Ekaterina Yashina. Ku will face Daria Kudashova in the semifinals.

In doubles action, Ku and Justina Mikulskyte upset the Indian pair of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhari in a thrilling super tie-break. The Korean-Lithuanian duo won 6-1, 2-6, [10-8] to reach the semifinals.

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