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Rafael Nadal Crushes Darwin Blanch in Madrid Open Return

Rafael Nadal Crushes Darwin Blanch in Madrid Open Return

By April 25, 2024 0

Rafael Nadal, the legendary Spanish tennis player, made a triumphant return to the Mutua Madrid Open, crushing 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch 6-1, 6-0 in a dominant display. This victory marks Nadal’s second match win since January, following his return from a muscle tear that sidelined him for several months.

Nadal, who has hinted that 2024 could be his final season on tour, showed no signs of slowing down against his young opponent. The 22-time Grand Slam champion raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first set and never looked back, sweeping the set in just 28 minutes.

Blanch, who was born over two years after Nadal won his first Grand Slam title, became the second youngest player in ATP history to earn a ranking point at the age of 14. Despite his impressive record, he was no match for the experienced Nadal, who continued his dominance in the second set.

Nadal broke Blanch’s serve three times in the second set, securing a triple-break and cruising to a 6-0 victory. The Spaniard’s wife and child watched from the stands as he showcased his imperious best, earning a service winner to secure victory with the loss of just one game.

Nadal’s victory sets up a second-round rematch with Alex de Minaur, the 10th-seeded Australian who defeated Nadal in Barcelona last week. Nadal will be looking to avenge that loss and continue his quest for a sixth Madrid Open title.

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Coco Gauff Secures First Double-Bagel Victory at Mutua Madrid Open

Coco Gauff Secures First Double-Bagel Victory at Mutua Madrid Open

By April 25, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a resounding statement at the Mutua Madrid Open, securing her first double-bagel victory of her career with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Arantxa Rus.

Gauff, who had struggled on indoor clay earlier in the season, showcased her prowess on the outdoor red clay of the Caja Magica. She stormed through the first set in just 23 minutes, converting three of four break point opportunities and striking six winners to four unforced errors.

Despite losing serve to start the second set, Gauff displayed remarkable resilience, saving four break points and reeling off the next three games. She served for the match at 6-0, 5-0, and sealed the victory with a running forehand winner.

The 20-year-old American’s performance was a stark contrast to her recent form, which included a disappointing fourth-round loss at the Miami Open and a three-set defeat in Stuttgart. However, she put those setbacks behind her in Madrid, sending a clear message to her rivals.

Up next for Gauff is a clash with No. 3 seed Dayana Yastremska, who also advanced to the second round with a hard-fought 0-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Emiliana Arango.

Gauff’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is her first double-bagel win on the WTA Tour. It also serves as a reminder of her immense potential and her ability to dominate on any surface.

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Sakkari's Serving Masterclass Powers Madrid Opener

Sakkari’s Serving Masterclass Powers Madrid Opener

By April 25, 2024 0

Maria Sakkari’s impressive serving performance propelled her to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Donna Vekic in the opening round of the Mutua Madrid Open. Despite struggling with her serve in practice, Sakkari unleashed seven aces to dominate the match.

Sakkari’s newfound confidence stems from a successful North American swing, where she reached the BNP Paribas Open final, Miami Open quarterfinals, and Credit One Charleston Open semifinals. However, she admits to previously struggling on clay.

“I didn’t have a clear mind the last few years on the clay,” Sakkari said. “I didn’t know how I had to play or what I had to do.”

But this year, Sakkari believes she can excel on the surface. “I do believe I can play really good on clay again,” she said. “I think my game this year is getting better after the U.S. tour.”

Sakkari’s improvement is attributed to her partnership with new coach David Witt, who has encouraged her to adopt a more aggressive mindset. “I’m trying to stay aggressive on the clay because every player has a tendency to play a more defensive game when they step on clay,” Sakkari explained.

Despite a busy schedule, Sakkari is determined to maintain her momentum through Roland Garros. “I just have to do what I did in Charleston and things will go well for me,” she said.

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Osaka's Clay-Court Woes Continue in Madrid Exit

Osaka’s Clay-Court Woes Continue in Madrid Exit

By April 25, 2024 0

Naomi Osaka’s struggles on clay continue as she bows out of the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open in the second round, succumbing to Liudmila Samsonova in a hard-fought three-set battle. The former world No. 1 has not won consecutive matches on the surface since 2019, and despite a promising start in Madrid, she fell short against the 15th-seeded Samsonova, who snapped a four-match losing streak.

Osaka, known for her dominance on hard courts, has been determined to prove her mettle on slower surfaces this season. She kicked off her clay-court campaign early at the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole, but lost in the first round. However, her strong performance in Madrid, where she defeated Greet Minnen in straight sets, suggested progress.

The unseeded Osaka faced a tough draw in Madrid, which pitted her against Samsonova, whom she had beaten on hard courts at the BNP Paribas Open last month. Samsonova, too, has excelled on hard courts, reaching two WTA 1000 finals last season. However, she had been struggling for form since February, losing her last four matches heading into Madrid.

The match began with a lightning-fast start from Samsonova, who raced through the first four games as Osaka struggled to find her rhythm. Osaka managed to get on the board, but Samsonova remained unfazed, taking the first set with a love service hold.

Samsonova continued her momentum in the second set, breaking Osaka to open and edging ahead 4-2. However, Osaka rallied, winning four consecutive games to level the match at one set apiece. Samsonova double faulted on a third set point, handing Osaka the advantage.

The decider was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks early on. Osaka saved break points in two service games and came within a game of victory. However, Samsonova fought back, breaking Osaka and serving to stay in the match. She then converted a backhand miss from Osaka to break again and clinch the victory.

Samsonova will now face Madison Keys in the third round, who defeated Irina-Camelia Begu in two tiebreakers. Osaka’s exit from Madrid marks another setback in her quest to conquer clay, but she will have another chance to prove herself at the upcoming French Open.

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Roland Garros Unveils Second Retractable Roof for French Open and Olympics

Roland Garros Unveils Second Retractable Roof for French Open and Olympics

By April 25, 2024 0

Roland Garros Unveils Second Retractable Roof for French Open and Paris Olympics

The French Open, one of the four Grand Slams in tennis, is set to unveil its second retractable roof on the opening day of the tournament next month. The roof over the 10,000-seat Suzanne Lenglen court will be inaugurated on May 26, providing greater flexibility in scheduling matches and ensuring play for fans and viewers worldwide.

The new roof complements the retractable roof over the main 15,000-seat Philippe Chatrier court, which was installed in 2020. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo hailed the new roof as a “most visible new feature” of the 2024 Olympic tournament, which will be held at Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4.

The two roofed courts will ensure that the Olympic tournament remains on schedule, avoiding disruptions caused by weather conditions. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, matches in open-air courts were affected by extreme heat and humidity.

Mauresmo also addressed the status of Rafael Nadal, the record 14-time men’s singles champion at Roland Garros. Nadal has expressed doubts about his participation due to injuries, but Mauresmo expressed hope that he would be ready. However, she ruled out any special seeding for Nadal, who has dropped to No. 512 in the rankings.

The French Open is expected to be a sell-out event, with daily crowds of 75,000 anticipated in the first week. The tournament will also host boxing finals during the second week of the Olympics, adding to the excitement and demand for tickets.

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Wang Xinyu Saves 10 Match Points for Historic Madrid Open Victory

Wang Xinyu Saves 10 Match Points for Historic Madrid Open Victory

By April 25, 2024 0

Wang Xinyu’s remarkable victory at the Mutua Madrid Open has etched her name into the annals of tennis history. The 22-year-old Chinese sensation defied the odds, saving an astonishing 10 match points in a thrilling 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 triumph over Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria.

Wang’s resilience was tested to the limit as she trailed Tomova 7-5, 5-2 and faced three match points. Undeterred, she summoned her inner strength and saved all three, forcing the match into a nail-biting third set.

The drama reached its peak in the eighth game of the third set, where Tomova served for the match. A staggering seven match points followed, with Wang displaying nerves of steel to save each one. After 12 deuces, Wang finally broke Tomova’s serve, seizing the momentum and ultimately securing the victory.

Wang’s triumph is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional mental fortitude. The record for the most match points saved in a WTA main-draw match is unclear, but Wang’s feat is undoubtedly one for the ages.

In the men’s circuit, Italian Adriano Pannatta holds the Open Era record for saving 11 match points against Kim Warwick in 1976. However, Wang’s achievement is equally impressive, especially considering the rarity of such a feat in women’s tennis.

Wang’s victory is not an isolated incident. On Tuesday, her compatriot Wang Xiyu also saved a match point to defeat Ana Bogdan. And later on Wednesday, Olga Danilovic of Serbia saved four match points to overcome Clara Burel.

These remarkable performances highlight the rising talent and resilience of women’s tennis. Wang Xinyu’s historic win serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, demonstrating that anything is possible with unwavering belief and determination.

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Marozsan Survives 11 Set Points, Stuns Karatsev in Madrid

Marozsan Survives 11 Set Points, Stuns Karatsev in Madrid

By April 25, 2024 0

Fabian Marozsan’s remarkable victory at the Mutua Madrid Open will undoubtedly be etched in his memory. On Wednesday, the Hungarian displayed unwavering resilience, surviving 11 set points before triumphing over Aslan Karatsev in a thrilling first-round encounter.

Marozsan’s triumph was a testament to his mental fortitude and unwavering determination. Karatsev, poised to secure a one-set lead, found himself on the brink of victory at 40-0 on his serve at 6-5. However, Marozsan’s relentless spirit shone through as he fought back with an astonishing display of resilience.

Karatsev’s hopes of closing out the set were shattered by a series of unforced errors. He missed seven consecutive set points, including a double fault and a shanked forehand. Marozsan’s deep hitting and precise shot-making proved too much for Karatsev, who appeared visibly frustrated.

In the tie-break, Karatsev initially held a 6-2 advantage. Yet, Marozsan’s unwavering belief propelled him to string together six consecutive points, snatching the set from the jaws of defeat. His inside-in forehand winner and well-placed body serve proved decisive.

Karatsev, making his return to competitive tennis after a freak knee injury, struggled to find his rhythm. Marozsan capitalized on his opponent’s rustiness, advancing to face No. 21 seed Francisco Cerundulo in the next round.

Other notable winners on Wednesday included Borna Coric, Jack Draper, and Daniel Altmaier. These victories set the stage for an exciting tournament filled with thrilling matches and captivating storylines.

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Coco Gauff: From Tennis Star to Global Icon

Coco Gauff: From Tennis Star to Global Icon

By April 25, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, continues to make waves both on and off the court. Following her recent cover feature in Vogue, Gauff has now graced the cover of TIME magazine’s May issue, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of sports and beyond.

In an in-depth interview with TIME writer Sean Gregory, Gauff reflects on her journey from a promising junior to a global icon. She discusses the transition from adolescence to adulthood, acknowledging the shift in focus from external expectations to her own aspirations.

“At first, I was scared to grow up,” Gauff confides. “But now I’m embracing adulthood and womanhood.”

Gauff also shares personal experiences that have shaped her perspective. At age 12, she faced a racist incident at a junior tournament in France. While initially upset, she chose to move on, recognizing it as a reflection of societal ignorance rather than a defining moment.

“I just felt like that’s just something that people experience, which is not a great thing,” she says. “They just probably didn’t grow up around other people that looked different.”

At 15, Gauff attended her homecoming dance in Boca Raton, Florida, but already felt a disconnect from her peers.

“I just think I was at a maturity level different from the kids around me,” she explains. “No one has their life figured out at 15. But I, for the most part, did.”

Throughout her career, Gauff has consistently used her platform to advocate for issues she cares about. She remains committed to speaking out on matters of social justice and equality.

“I am not one to shy away from something that I feel informed about,” she asserts.

The article also explores Gauff’s evolution as a sporting and cultural icon. She discusses her on-court goals for 2024, including her aspirations for an Olympic medal in Paris.

“I want to win gold so bad,” she declares. “Representing the U.S. gives me goosebumps.”

Gauff is also eager to defend her US Open title later in the year.

“Sometimes people get unmotivated after winning one. That hasn’t been a personal challenge for me,” she says.

“My goal is to be relaxed and have fun and play with less pressure,” she adds. “I know people are going to start talking about defending the US Open title later on in the year. I’m not worried about that.”

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Wozniacki's Red-Clay Comeback Stumbles in Madrid

Wozniacki’s Red-Clay Comeback Stumbles in Madrid

By April 24, 2024 0

Caroline Wozniacki’s return to red clay after retirement hit a roadblock at the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open. The former world No. 1 fell to Sara Errani in a grueling three-set battle, 3-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Wozniacki, who retired in 2020, made her comeback last summer with the Olympic Games in mind. However, her hopes of a medal on her least preferred surface suffered a setback against Errani, a former Roland Garros finalist.

Despite winning the first set, Wozniacki struggled to close out the match. She squandered a break point in the eighth game of the second set, allowing Errani to break back and eventually level the match.

In the decider, Errani maintained the pressure, breaking Wozniacki’s serve early on. Wozniacki fought back to level the set at 4-4, but Errani’s relentless return game proved too much. The Italian clinched the victory on her second match point, after attempting an underarm serve on her first.

Wozniacki’s defeat highlights her struggles in closing matches this season. Half of her losses have come after winning the first set, including at the Australian Open and Miami Open.

Despite her setback, Wozniacki has enjoyed success at the Caja Magica in the past, reaching the final in 2009 and the quarterfinals in 2015. She will now turn her attention to the grass-court season, where she has had more success.

Errani, meanwhile, advances to the second round, where she will face No. 11 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.

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Sloane Stephens' Madrid Marathon: A Triumphant Victory and a Lesson in Self-Care

Sloane Stephens’ Madrid Marathon: A Triumphant Victory and a Lesson in Self-Care

By April 24, 2024 0

Sloane Stephens’ Madrid Marathon: A Triumphant Victory and a Lesson in Self-Care

Sloane Stephens’ day at the Mutua Madrid Open was supposed to be a relaxing one, filled with massages, cupping, and acupuncture. However, fate had other plans, as she found herself locked in a grueling three-hour and sixteen-minute battle against Martina Trevisan.

Despite squandering a set and 5-3 lead, Stephens emerged victorious on Court 5, extending her win streak to six matches. The victory was a testament to her resilience and determination, as she refused to give up despite facing match points.

“I told Darian [King] as I was coming back from the bathroom, ‘I’m going to die on this court today. I am not losing this match after having these match points. We’re just going to be out here forever,'” Stephens said.

The win in Madrid marked a successful start to Stephens’ red-clay swing, which she typically begins at the Caja Magica. However, this year, she opted to compete at the WTA 250 event in Rouen to maximize her time on her favorite surface and minimize jet lag.

“I went there to try and fight the jet lag because I’d never really played that early in the clay season,” Stephens explained. “I spent one day at home with my family before going out there and was like, ‘I’m going to make a little sacrifice and see if it pays off, see if I can get adjusted earlier.'”

Despite spending 10 days in Madrid, Stephens admitted that she was still jetlagged. “It didn’t help at all,” she said with a laugh.

Stephens has made a conscious effort to play a fuller schedule in 2024, including rare appearances at Middle East events and a week of doubles in Charleston. She believes that winning breeds winning and that playing more matches will boost her confidence.

“Kamau always says, ‘Winning breeds wining,'” Stephens said, quoting her longtime coach Kamau Murray. “So, the more you can get under your belt, the more matches, the more confident you can feel.”

With her victory in Madrid, Stephens has set her sights on continuing her good form in her next match against rival Elise Mertens. The two players have split their last four meetings, but this will be their first on clay.

“Clay neutralizes everything: you have a chance on every ball, you can get your racquet on every ball,” Stephens said. “I think it helps my athleticism a little bit, gives me more room to run. The courts are a little bit bigger; there’s more space.”

On her favorite surface with plenty of momentum, all that’s missing for Stephens is a good night’s sleep.

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