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.

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.

Sumit Nagal Bows Out of BNP Paribas Open in Straight Sets

Sumit Nagal Bows Out of BNP Paribas Open in Straight Sets

Sumit Nagal’s BNP Paribas Open campaign came to an abrupt end in the opening round, as he succumbed to a straight-set defeat against Canada’s Milos Raonic. The Indian tennis star, who entered the main draw as a “lucky loser” following Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal, was unable to match the power and precision of his opponent.

Nagal, ranked 101st in the ATP charts, struggled to find his rhythm against the experienced Raonic, who converted three of the 12 break points he earned. Nagal, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on the two break points he had. The match lasted one hour and 28 minutes, with Raonic dominating from start to finish.

Nagal’s main draw appearance was a result of Nadal’s last-minute withdrawal due to lack of readiness. The Spaniard has been battling injury issues and underwent hip surgery last season. Nagal had initially lost in the second round of the qualifying tournament but was given a lifeline when Nadal pulled out.

Despite the disappointing result, Nagal’s performance in recent months has been encouraging. He made a splash in January by reaching the second round of the Australian Open, a feat that helped him break into the top-100 of the ATP rankings.

If Nagal can maintain his current form and return to the top-100, he will have a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The Indian tennis star has shown great potential and determination, and he will be hoping to build on his recent successes in the coming months.

Naomi Osaka Wins in Indian Wells Return

Naomi Osaka Wins in Indian Wells Return

Naomi Osaka’s triumphant return to the BNP Paribas Open continued on Thursday as she defeated Sara Errani in straight sets to reach the second round. The former world No. 1, who is playing her fifth tournament since giving birth to daughter Shai last year, is starting to find her form after a 16-month break.

Osaka, who arrived at Indian Wells unseeded, started slowly against Errani, a former world No. 5. The Italian twice led by a break in the opening set, but Osaka soon found her rhythm and reeled off four straight games to take the set.

Errani continued to push in the second set, but Osaka was too strong and broke serve three times to win the set 6-1. The match lasted just one hour and nine minutes, with Osaka hitting seven aces and breaking serve five times.

Up next for Osaka is No. 14 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who received a bye into the second round. The two will be facing off for the first time, with Samsonova having enjoyed a similarly up-and-down start to her 2024 season.

Osaka’s victory is a sign that she is starting to return to her best form. The 26-year-old is a four-time Grand Slam champion and is one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Her return to the top of the game would be a major boost for women’s tennis.

Venus Williams Falls in Indian Wells Return

Venus Williams Falls in Indian Wells Return

Venus Williams, the 43-year-old tennis legend, made her long-awaited return to the WTA Tour at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Despite a promising start, Williams ultimately fell to qualifier Nao Hibino in a three-set battle.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, had not played a competitive match since her first-round exit at the US Open in August 2023. Her last appearance at Indian Wells was in 2019.

The match began on Wednesday night in windy and chilly conditions, but was interrupted by heavy rain after just two games. When play resumed on Thursday, the weather had improved significantly.

Williams started strongly, taking the first set 6-2 with her trademark power and precision. However, Hibino, ranked 80th in the world, fought back to win the second set 6-3.

In the deciding set, Williams’ game fell apart as she struggled with unforced errors and double faults. Hibino took advantage, winning the final six games to seal the victory 6-0.

Despite the defeat, Williams showed glimpses of her former brilliance, particularly with her serve and backhand. However, her lack of match fitness and consistency proved to be her undoing.

Hibino, who had never won a match at Indian Wells before, will now face No. 17 seed Veronika Kudermetova in the second round.

Other notable results from Day 2 of the tournament included victories for 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, 2018 Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki, and 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins.

On the men’s side, three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka was defeated by 63rd-ranked Tomas Machac, while Gael Monfils and qualifier Lucas Pouille advanced.

Rafael Nadal, who was scheduled to play his first tour match since January on Thursday night, withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday due to a hip injury.

Simona Halep Returns to Tennis After Doping Suspension Reduced

Simona Halep Returns to Tennis After Doping Suspension Reduced

Simona Halep, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make her long-awaited return to tennis at the Miami Open later this month. The Romanian star’s comeback comes after a successful appeal of her doping suspension, which was reduced from four years to nine months.

Halep tested positive for a banned substance at the 2022 U.S. Open, leading to her provisional suspension from the sport. She has consistently maintained her innocence, arguing that the positive test resulted from a contaminated supplement.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in Halep’s favor on Tuesday, acknowledging that while she bore some responsibility for not exercising sufficient care in using the supplement, her actions did not constitute significant fault or negligence. The court also emphasized that Halep’s anti-doping rule violations were not intentional.

Halep’s return to tennis has been met with excitement from fans and fellow players alike. The 32-year-old has been a dominant force in the sport, winning Wimbledon in 2019 and the French Open in 2018. Her return to the court is expected to add a new level of intrigue to the upcoming Miami Open.

Halep’s case has highlighted the complexities of anti-doping regulations and the importance of due process. The CAS ruling has provided a measure of vindication for Halep, who has always maintained her innocence. It also serves as a reminder that athletes must exercise the utmost caution when using supplements or other substances that could potentially contain banned substances.

As Halep prepares for her return to competition, she will undoubtedly be eager to prove that she is still a force to be reckoned with. Her presence at the Miami Open will undoubtedly add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament.

Alex Michelsen Makes ATP Masters 1000 Main-Draw Debut at Indian Wells

Alex Michelsen Makes ATP Masters 1000 Main-Draw Debut at Indian Wells

Alex Michelsen, a rising star in tennis, has come a long way since his first-round qualifying loss at Indian Wells last year. Now ranked in the Top 100, the 19-year-old American is making his ATP Masters 1000 main-draw debut at the BNP Paribas Open, where he won the Easter Bowl titles just two years ago.

Michelsen’s journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination. After a breakout summer in 2022, he reached an ATP final in Newport and won his maiden Challenger title in Chicago. In 2023, he continued to impress with a third-round showing at the Australian Open and his first Top 10 win in Los Cabos.

Reflecting on his connection to Indian Wells, Michelsen said, “It’s everyone’s favorite Masters 1000. I grew up very close to it, so being back here is incredible.” He credits his experience playing in the California desert as a junior for helping him develop his game.

Michelsen’s success on the court has not changed his off-court habits. He still enjoys sweets and watches a lot of tennis, both for fun and to study his opponents. He also values the camaraderie among the group of young players who qualified for the ATP NextGen Finals last year.

“Everyone you listed are all really good guys and it’s a lot of fun,” Michelsen said. “You can buddy up with them in the locker room and it’s a lot of fun to be around those guys.”

As he continues to rise in the rankings, Michelsen remains humble and approachable. He credits Ben Shelton as a role model, saying, “He’s a very nice guy. Ever since I got Top 100 and I’ve been around him at the same events, he’s been very kind, and so is his dad.”

Michelsen’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. As he prepares for his main-draw debut at Indian Wells, he is excited to continue his rise in the sport and make a name for himself on the world stage.

San Francisco to Host Laver Cup in 2025, Bringing Tennis Elite Together

San Francisco to Host Laver Cup in 2025, Bringing Tennis Elite Together

San Francisco to Host Prestigious Laver Cup in 2025

San Francisco has joined the ranks of esteemed cities to host the Laver Cup, a prestigious tennis tournament that pits Team Europe against Team World. The 2025 edition will take place at the Chase Center, home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, from September 19-21.

The Laver Cup is a unique event that brings together the world’s top players as teammates, fostering camaraderie and a sense of unity. “Bay Area fans will love the way the Laver Cup brings together the world’s top players as teammates,” said Roger Federer, a three-time Laver Cup champion with Team Europe. “They will get to see them putting aside their rivalries and sitting courtside together cheering each other on. This doesn’t exist anywhere else.”

The tournament format is designed to create intense competition, with matches on the first day worth one point, matches on the second day worth two, and matches on the third day worth three. This ensures that the outcome remains uncertain until the final day of play.

Team World has emerged as a formidable force in recent years, winning the last two editions of the Laver Cup. However, Team Europe remains the dominant force, having won the first four editions. The 2023 edition in Berlin will provide a glimpse into the current balance of power between the two teams.

“Many tennis players are NBA fans themselves,” said Federer, who is an avid basketball enthusiast. “They will be excited to perform for the first time in one the world’s most spectacular arenas, and home to the Warriors.”

The Laver Cup has quickly become a fan favorite, offering a unique blend of world-class tennis, camaraderie, and entertainment. San Francisco’s addition to the host city roster is a testament to the tournament’s growing popularity and global appeal.

T2 Celebrates Two Years of Tennis Coverage with Live BNP Paribas Open Action

T2 Celebrates Two Years of Tennis Coverage with Live BNP Paribas Open Action

T2, Tennis Channel’s second channel, has emerged as a significant player in the tennis viewing landscape, celebrating its second anniversary. It offers a comprehensive coverage of the prestigious BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, showcasing live matches from the first round through the quarterfinals.

T2 boasts its own team of expert commentators and studio analysts, providing insightful commentary and analysis. It also features a diverse range of original content, including the weekly premieres of “Served with Andy Roddick,” a video podcast hosted by the former world number one, and “Second Serve,” a studio/variety show that combines exclusive matches, betting banter, and in-depth interviews.

The channel has become an integral part of the modern tennis viewing experience, complementing the offerings of Tennis Channel. Its availability on multiple platforms ensures accessibility for a wide audience.

Danielle Collins Receives Diamond Necklace from Jessica Pegula and Gorjana

Danielle Collins Receives Diamond Necklace from Jessica Pegula and Gorjana

Danielle Collins’ Diamond Delight: A Gift from Jessica Pegula and Gorjana

Danielle Collins, the former world No. 7 tennis player, recently received a special gift from her friend and fellow tennis star Jessica Pegula. The gift was a diamond necklace designed by Gorjana, a SoCal-based jewelry designer.

Collins shared her excitement about the gift on her Instagram story, captioning it, “I asked for some diamonds last week and @jpegula and @gorjana delivered 🥰🥹💕.”

Pegula, who is an ambassador for Gorjana, made a special appearance at their store in Palm Desert before her opening-round match at the BNP Paribas Open. It was during this visit that she surprised Collins with the necklace.

Collins, who has announced that 2024 will be her final season as a professional tennis player, has been vocal about her desire for a “24-carat finish” to her career. She has teased fans at the ATX Open who may want to buy her a retirement present, saying, “I’m terrible and I ain’t cheap, baby!”

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, that’s all I’m going to say. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so if anyone wants to get me some diamonds, I’m going to take them, honey!” she added.

Collins’ wish was granted by Pegula, who is known for her generosity and support of her fellow players. The necklace is a symbol of their friendship and the special bond they share.

Collins has been enjoying a solid run of form in her farewell season. She has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the Qatar Open. She will be looking to add the Indian Wells Baccarat Trophy to her growing collection of baubles.

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