Angelique Kerber Retires: A Late-Blooming Tennis Legend

Angelique Kerber Retires: A Late-Blooming Tennis Legend

Angelique Kerber, the German tennis legend who defied expectations to become a multiple Grand Slam champion, has bid farewell to the sport. At the age of 36, Kerber played her final match at the Paris Olympics, representing her country with pride.

Kerber’s journey to the top was an unconventional one. Unlike many tennis prodigies who achieve success at a young age, Kerber emerged as a late bloomer. Her first Grand Slam singles title came at the 2016 Australian Open, where she stunned Serena Williams in the final.

That victory marked the beginning of a remarkable year for Kerber. She reached the Wimbledon final, losing to Williams again, and then triumphed at the US Open, becoming the world No. 1. Kerber’s success was attributed to her relentless determination, her ability to overcome adversity, and her unique playing style.

Despite her initial success, Kerber faced setbacks in the following years. She failed to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal in 2017 and dropped out of the Top 20. However, in 2018, she once again surprised the tennis world by winning Wimbledon for the second time, defeating Williams in the final.

Kerber’s success was not limited to singles. She also represented Germany in the Olympics and Fed Cup, compiling an impressive record. Her legacy as a fierce competitor and a role model for aspiring athletes will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sam Querrey Teases Sequel to Viral Bouchard Bikini Photo Shoot

Sam Querrey Teases Sequel to Viral Bouchard Bikini Photo Shoot

Sam Querrey, the former Wimbledon finalist, is once again teasing a follow-up to his viral copycat rendition of Eugenie Bouchard’s backyard-bikini photo shoot. Querrey, who has a massive online presence with 2.4 million Instagram followers, has been known to poke fun at Bouchard’s penchant for posing in barely-there bikinis.

After his first effort drew a thumbs-up from Bianca Andreescu, Leylah Fernandez, and Reilly Opelka, plus a plethora of tennis fans, Querrey decided to ask the masses if they wanted to see a sequel based off of Bouchard’s newest content.

“Should I do it?” he polled his followers, while holding what appeared to be a white-and-floral-patterned bikini bottom.

The muse herself, though, is not ready for the follow-up.

“Oh God, pls [please] no,” she joked as she reposted Querrey into her own Instagram story.

But whether or not Querrey follows through on his promise, Bouchard won’t just be starring on social media this summer.

In the last week, it was announced that the Canadian was given a wild card to the qualifying tournament at the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto. She’ll play in either the main draw or qualifying of her country’s flagship tournament for the 14th time, but hasn’t featured in the main draw since 2019.

Bouchard has only played two professional tennis tournaments this year as she continues to balance her touring career with one in professional pickleball. She reached the quarterfinals of an ITF World Tennis Tour event in Zephyrhills, Fla. in May, and played doubles this week at the WTA 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open with Sloane Stephens, where they lost in Tuesday’s first round.

Wimbledon Champ Krejcikova Bows Out of Paris Olympics Singles

Wimbledon Champ Krejcikova Bows Out of Paris Olympics Singles

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s Olympic singles journey came to an end in the quarterfinals, as she succumbed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia. Schmiedlova’s victory marked the elimination of both Wimbledon finalists, having previously defeated runner-up Jasmine Paolini in the third round.

Krejcikova, seeded ninth in Paris, has enjoyed success on the clay courts of Roland Garros, winning the French Open singles and doubles titles in 2021. However, the oppressive heat and humidity proved to be a challenge for the Czech player.

Schmiedlova, ranked 67th, capitalized on Krejcikova’s unforced errors, which totaled 32 compared to Schmiedlova’s 15. The Slovakian also converted five of her 11 break points, while Krejcikova struggled with her serve, committing five double-faults.

In the men’s draw, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Dominik Koepfer of Germany. Djokovic will face Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, who defeated him in the first two sets of the 2021 French Open final before Djokovic rallied to win.

Other notable results in the men’s third round saw Tommy Paul of the U.S. defeat Corentin Moutet of France, while Taylor Fritz of the U.S. was eliminated by Lorenzo Musetti of Italy.

Djokovic Reaches Olympic Quarterfinals, Nadal and Alcaraz Aim for Doubles Semis

Djokovic Reaches Olympic Quarterfinals, Nadal and Alcaraz Aim for Doubles Semis

Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, continued his pursuit of an elusive Olympic gold medal on Wednesday, reaching the quarterfinals of the men’s singles tournament at the Tokyo Olympics. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, defeated German Dominik Koepfer 7-5, 6-3 to become the first man to reach four Olympic singles quarterfinals.

Djokovic, who has only ever won an Olympic bronze medal in 2008, will face 11th-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the quarterfinals. Tsitsipas, who lost to Djokovic in the 2021 French Open final, will be a tough test for the Serbian.

In other men’s singles action, defending champion Alexander Zverev of Germany will face Alexei Popyrin of Australia, while fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia will face Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada.

In the men’s doubles, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will face fourth-seeded Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the United States in the quarterfinals. Nadal, a 14-time French Open singles champion, is chasing a third Olympic gold medal after winning the singles title in Beijing in 2008 and doubles in Rio eight years later.

In the women’s singles, world number one Iga Swiatek of Poland will face Danielle Collins of the United States in the quarterfinals. Swiatek, who has won the French Open four times, is looking to claim her first Olympic gold medal.

Three-time major winner Angelique Kerber of Germany will face Zheng Qinwen of China in the quarterfinals. Kerber, who will retire after the Olympics, is looking to end her career on a high note.

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic will face Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovakia in the quarterfinals. Krejcikova, who won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon this year, is looking to add an Olympic medal to her collection.

In the remaining women’s quarterfinal, Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine will face Donna Vekic of Croatia. Vekic, who reached the semifinals at Wimbledon this year, will be looking to upset Kostyuk and reach the semifinals.

Poonacha and Verdugo Triumph in Lexington Challenger Doubles

Poonacha and Verdugo Triumph in Lexington Challenger Doubles

Niki Poonacha and Hans Verdugo, a formidable doubles duo, showcased their prowess at the $82,000 Challenger tennis tournament in Lexington, Kentucky. The pair displayed exceptional teamwork and strategic play, ultimately defeating Govind Nanda and Cooper Williams in the doubles pre-quarterfinals with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 victory.

In the first set, Poonacha and Verdugo established their dominance early on, breaking their opponents’ serve in the second game. They maintained their momentum, holding their own serves comfortably and capitalizing on Nanda and Williams’ unforced errors. The set concluded with Poonacha and Verdugo securing a 6-3 advantage.

The second set proved to be a more competitive affair, with both teams trading breaks of serve. However, Poonacha and Verdugo’s resilience and determination shone through. They broke Nanda and Williams’ serve in the crucial ninth game, putting them on the brink of victory. With unwavering focus, they held their own serve in the following game, sealing the set 6-4 and securing their place in the next round.

In other matches, S. Mukund of India registered a hard-fought victory over Chung Yun Seong of South Korea in the first round of the $25,000 ITF men’s tournament in Taipei. Mukund’s consistent groundstrokes and aggressive net play proved too much for his opponent, who retired in the second set with the score standing at 6-1, 2-1.

Meanwhile, in the doubles pre-quarterfinals of the same tournament, the Indian duo of Sai Karteek Reddy and Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand displayed their chemistry and coordination. They cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Takuya Kumasaka and Taiyo Yamanaka of Japan, showcasing their ability to control the pace of the game and execute well-timed volleys.

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Olympic Singles Third Round, Eyes Doubles Glory with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Olympic Singles Third Round, Eyes Doubles Glory with Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three from Spain, has advanced to the last 16 of the Olympic singles tennis tournament after defeating Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands 6-1, 7-6 (7/3). Alcaraz, who is aiming for a gold medal to add to his four Grand Slam titles, will face Roman Safiullin in the men’s singles round 3 match.

Alcaraz, who had been struggling with a leg injury, shrugged off the discomfort to secure his place in the third round. The Spaniard displayed his trademark aggressive style, dominating the first set with powerful groundstrokes and precise serves. In the second set, Griekspoor put up a stronger fight, but Alcaraz remained composed and ultimately prevailed in the tiebreaker.

After the match, Alcaraz expressed his determination to be fully fit for his doubles match with Rafael Nadal. “I’m going to fight to be 100 percent for doubles with Rafa,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to play together and try to win a medal for Spain.”

The Carlos Alcaraz vs Roman Safiullin Olympics Men’s Singles Third Round match will be played on Wednesday, July 31 (IST) at Roland-Garros – Court Suzanne-Lenglen. The match is scheduled to start at around 6:00 PM IST and will be telecast live in India on Sports 18. It will also be streamed live on the Jio Cinema app.

Sreeja Akula Makes History, Reaches Paris Olympics Pre-Quarterfinals

Sreeja Akula Makes History, Reaches Paris Olympics Pre-Quarterfinals

Sreeja Akula, India’s rising table tennis star, has etched her name in history by becoming the second Indian woman to reach the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics. On her 26th birthday, Akula displayed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome Singapore’s Jian Zeng in a thrilling 4-2 victory.

Akula’s journey to the pre-quarterfinals was not without its challenges. She dropped the opening game but rallied back with unwavering spirit, winning the next three games to take a commanding lead. Zeng fought back to claim the fifth game, but Akula remained composed and sealed the deal in the sixth game, securing her place in the next round.

Akula’s victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Last month, she achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 24, displacing Manika Batra as India’s top women’s singles player. Akula’s triumph at the WTT Contender singles title in Lagos in June further solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.

In the pre-quarterfinals, Akula will face a formidable opponent in China’s world number one Sun Yingsha. Despite the daunting task ahead, Akula is confident in her abilities and determined to make history once again.

Akula’s success is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for Indian table tennis. It marks the first time that two Indian women have reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics, a testament to the growing strength and depth of the sport in India.

Lily Ann Zhang Breaks Barriers, Reaches Top 16 in Paris Olympics Table Tennis

Lily Ann Zhang Breaks Barriers, Reaches Top 16 in Paris Olympics Table Tennis

Lily Ann Zhang, a 28-year-old table tennis player from California, has made history by reaching the top 16 in women’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Zhang has faced the pressure of their expectations for academic excellence and a “normal job.”

Despite her parents’ concerns, Zhang has pursued her passion for table tennis since childhood. She began training professionally at age seven, using her family’s dining table as a practice surface. Her mother, a former table tennis player in China, has been a source of inspiration and support.

Zhang’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by both success and setbacks. She has represented the USA in four previous Olympics, but has yet to medal. However, she remains determined to achieve her goals, recognizing the fragility of a sporting career.

Zhang’s story highlights the challenges faced by many Asian-American athletes who navigate the expectations of their immigrant parents. Team USA’s Chinese-origin coach, Jun Gao, observes that many talented Asian players abandon their athletic pursuits after college due to parental pressure.

Zhang’s success serves as an inspiration to young athletes who may face similar obstacles. She demonstrates that it is possible to pursue one’s dreams while respecting the values of one’s heritage.

Nadal, Murray Advance in Olympic Doubles; Gauff Crashes Out

Nadal, Murray Advance in Olympic Doubles; Gauff Crashes Out

Rafael Nadal’s Olympic dream remains alive after he and teammate Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the men’s doubles quarter-finals. The Spanish duo defeated Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in a thrilling match tie-break. Nadal, who was eliminated from the singles competition by Novak Djokovic, expressed his enjoyment playing alongside Alcaraz.

Andy Murray, in the final tournament of his career, once again displayed his resilience in doubles alongside Dan Evans. They saved match points for the second consecutive round, defeating Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen. Murray admitted to shedding “happy tears” after the emotional victory.

In the women’s draw, Coco Gauff’s Olympic journey ended in disappointment. She was defeated by Donna Vekic in a match marred by a heated argument with the umpire. Gauff accused the official of unfairness, claiming her shot was compromised by an incorrect call.

Top seed Iga Swiatek continued her impressive form, extending her winning streak on clay to 24 matches. She defeated Wang Xiyu in straight sets and will face Danielle Collins in the next round. Other notable winners included Angelique Kerber, Barbora Krejcikova, and Zheng Qinwen.

With temperatures soaring, officials implemented a heat protocol, allowing a 10-minute break between the second and third sets. Nadal, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, said he will make a decision on his future after the Paris Games.

Navarro Blasts Zheng’s “Cut-Throat” Tactics After Olympic Defeat

Emma Navarro’s Olympic journey came to an abrupt end in Paris, but not without leaving a lasting impression. After a grueling three-hour battle, the American succumbed to China’s Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set encounter. However, it was Navarro’s post-match comments that stole the spotlight, as she unleashed a scathing attack on her opponent’s “cut-throat” demeanor.

Navarro’s frustration boiled over at the net, where she confronted Zheng with a barrage of accusations. The American expressed her lack of respect for Zheng’s on-court behavior, claiming it created a hostile atmosphere in the locker room. “I just told her I didn’t respect her as a competitor,” Navarro told AFP. “I think she goes about things in a pretty cut-throat way.”

Zheng, the No. 6 seed, remained composed in the face of Navarro’s outburst. She acknowledged Navarro’s concerns and expressed a willingness to improve her behavior. “She told me she doesn’t know how I have a lot of fans,” Zheng said. “It looks like she’s not happy with my behavior towards her. If she’s not happy about my behavior, she can come and tell me. I would like to correct it to become a better player and a better person.”

The incident has sparked a debate about sportsmanship and the boundaries of acceptable behavior on the court. Some have defended Zheng, arguing that her aggressive style of play is simply a reflection of her competitive nature. Others have sided with Navarro, condemning Zheng’s alleged lack of respect for her opponents.

Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, it is clear that Navarro’s comments have struck a chord. They have raised important questions about the role of sportsmanship in modern competition and the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for all athletes.

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