Kichenok and Ostapenko Postpone Wedding for US Open Doubles Triumph

Kichenok and Ostapenko Postpone Wedding for US Open Doubles Triumph

Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko’s plans for a wedding this week were put on hold as they triumphed in the US Open women’s doubles championship. The duo defeated Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-3, claiming their first Grand Slam title together.

Kichenok and Ostapenko, seeded seventh, had an impressive run at Flushing Meadows, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. Their victory earned them a prize of $750,000.

Ostapenko, a Latvian who won the 2017 French Open in singles, expressed her joy during the trophy ceremony, saying, “I think it’s a good excuse to postpone it a bit.”

Kichenok, who hails from Ukraine, dedicated the victory to her home country, which is currently engaged in a conflict. “They are fighting really hard for our freedom right now and I just hope I can give them some encouragement,” she said.

The match began with Kichenok and Ostapenko taking an early lead of 4-1. Mladenovic and Zhang fought back to tie it at 4-all, but Ostapenko and Kichenok regained the lead and won the first set when Zhang double-faulted.

In the second set, Kichenok and Ostapenko fell behind 2-0 but surged back as Arthur Ashe Stadium filled up with fans anticipating the men’s semifinal between Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper.

Mladenovic and Zhang fought off three match points before the champions sealed the victory on their next chance. Mladenovic, who has won six Grand Slam doubles titles, fell to 0-3 in the US Open final.

Zhang, who won the 2021 US Open doubles title with Sam Stosur, expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic. “For me the biggest motivation is I wanted to put our name on this trophy,” she said. “But we will fight next time.”

As for Kichenok’s wedding, she said, “No plan yet. Maybe Las Vegas or in Europe somewhere.”

Novak Djokovic Stuns in US Open Third Round Exit

Novak Djokovic Stuns in US Open Third Round Exit

Novak Djokovic’s reign at the US Open came to an abrupt end in the third round, as he succumbed to a stunning defeat against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The Serbian ace, who has dominated the sport for over a decade, was outplayed by the rising star in a thrilling four-set encounter.

Popyrin, ranked 113th in the world, displayed remarkable composure and precision throughout the match. He controlled the pace of the game with his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, leaving Djokovic struggling to find his rhythm. The Australian took the first two sets with relative ease, winning 6-4 in both.

However, Djokovic, known for his resilience, refused to go down without a fight. He rallied back in the third set, showcasing his trademark determination and retrieving seemingly impossible shots. He broke Popyrin’s serve twice to take the set 6-2, reigniting hopes of a comeback.

In the fourth set, the intensity reached fever pitch. Both players traded blows, with Popyrin holding a narrow lead. Djokovic fought valiantly, but Popyrin’s relentless pressure proved too much to overcome. The Australian sealed the victory with a 6-4 win, sending shockwaves through the tennis world.

This defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2017 Australian Open. It also raises questions about his future in the sport, as he approaches the twilight of his career. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes it may be time for Djokovic to consider retirement.

“He got what he really wanted, which was the Olympic gold medal, but he still wants the 25th Grand Slam, because then he’s one more than Margaret Court,” Navratilova said. “The end of his time will catch up with him… and it may already be a little bit, because he wasn’t really himself in that last match.”

Djokovic’s participation in the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal in men’s singles, may have taken a toll on his physical and mental state. The Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who also competed in Paris, suffered a similar fate, losing in the second round of the US Open.

Despite this setback, Djokovic remains one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He has won 21 Grand Slam titles, the most among men in the Open Era. His legacy is secure, but the question remains whether he will continue to chase more glory or decide to hang up his racquet.

Emma Navarro's US Open Journey: A Testament to Hard Work and Determination

Emma Navarro’s US Open Journey: A Testament to Hard Work and Determination

Emma Navarro, the rising star of tennis, has made an impressive run to the semifinals of the US Open, showcasing her poise, athleticism, and unwavering determination. Despite falling short against Aryna Sabalenka in the semis, Navarro’s journey has been a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Navarro’s path to the semifinals was not without its challenges. She faced and defeated formidable opponents, including Marta Kostyuk, Coco Gauff, and Paula Badosa. Her fighting spirit and resilience were evident throughout the tournament, as she pushed herself to the limit in every match.

Navarro’s success is not solely due to her physical abilities. She has a deep understanding of the game and a methodical approach to her development. Rather than rushing into the professional ranks, she chose to return to college for another year, gaining valuable experience and building confidence.

Her “process” involves playing as many matches as possible, believing that every match is an opportunity for growth. This approach has paid dividends, as she has accumulated more hard-court wins than top-ranked Iga Swiatek this year.

Navarro’s journey has also taught her the importance of toughness, not only in terms of physical strength but also in terms of mental resilience. She has learned to push through doubt and adversity, remaining unfazed by setbacks.

Despite her success, Navarro remains humble and focused on her development. She recognizes that she is still on a journey and that there is much more to learn. Her goal is to continue improving and to eventually reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Navarro’s performance at the US Open has put her on the radar as a player to watch in the coming years. While she may not have sought the limelight, she embraces the attention as an opportunity to inspire others.

Vavassori and Errani Triumph in US Open Mixed Doubles, Young Retires

Vavassori and Errani Triumph in US Open Mixed Doubles, Young Retires

Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani etched their names in tennis history by capturing the US Open mixed doubles title on Thursday, a triumph that capped a remarkable year for Italian tennis. The No. 3 seeds overcame the spirited challenge of unseeded Americans Donald Young and Taylor Townsend in straight sets, 7-6 (0), 7-5, in a thrilling encounter that lasted an hour and 30 minutes.

For Errani, a five-time women’s doubles champion, this victory marked her maiden mixed doubles Grand Slam title. Vavassori, on the other hand, celebrated his first-ever Grand Slam triumph. The victory was a testament to the Italians’ exceptional doubles prowess, having previously reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros in 2024.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Vavassori exclaimed during the trophy ceremony. “Being with Sara, an amazing person and player, is an honor. I’ve always admired her career, and it’s been incredible to play alongside her at Wimbledon and the Olympics this year.”

Errani echoed Vavassori’s sentiments, expressing her pride in Italy’s recent tennis achievements. “It’s an incredible year for me and for Italy,” she said. “Jannik (Sinner) winning the Australian Open, Jasmine (Paolini) reaching the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Simone (Bolelli) and Andrea (Vavassori) in the Australian and French Open doubles finals, and Jasmine and I winning Olympic gold in Paris. It’s a special moment for our country.”

While the Italians celebrated their triumph, the Americans were left to reflect on a bittersweet ending. Young, who announced his retirement from professional tennis after the match, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the US Open one last time. “I can’t think of a better place to go out,” he said. “I’ve watched matches here as a kid and played with someone I’ve known my whole life.”

Townsend, a close friend of Young, acknowledged the significance of their journey together. “Standing here today with Donald means the world to me,” she said. “He’s been in my life forever. I don’t know if I’d be here today if it wasn’t for him and his family.”

Despite falling short of the title, Townsend emphasized the importance of representation for young athletes of color. “This isn’t the trophy that we wanted,” she said. “But at the end of the day, I’m the only Black woman left in the tournament. I hope that Donald and I standing here today, Frances (Tiafoe) in the semifinals, and Coco (Gauff) being the defending champion, shows people that look like us that it’s possible.”

Jessica Pegula Reaches First Grand Slam Final at US Open

Jessica Pegula Reaches First Grand Slam Final at US Open

Jessica Pegula’s remarkable run at the US Open continued on Thursday as she overcame a slow start to defeat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 and reach her first career Grand Slam singles final.

The match began with Muchova dominating, taking the first set 6-1 and racing to a 2-0 lead in the second. However, Pegula refused to give up, digging deep to win the next four games and level the match.

The third set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until Pegula broke through for a 4-2 lead. Muchova fought back to deuce, but Pegula held her nerve and eventually sealed the victory.

“I was thinking…you’re still in this,” Pegula said of the turning point in the match. “I was able to just hold into that game and find a way.”

Pegula’s victory is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has now won two consecutive matches from a set down, including a quarterfinal win over Petra Kvitova.

In the final on Saturday, Pegula will face Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her in the Cincinnati final just a few weeks ago. Sabalenka is the No. 2 seed at the US Open and will be a tough opponent, but Pegula will be confident after her impressive run to the final.

Sabalenka Reaches Second Straight US Open Final, Defeats Navarro in Thriller

Sabalenka Reaches Second Straight US Open Final, Defeats Navarro in Thriller

Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable 2024 season continues as she storms into her second consecutive US Open final, defeating Emma Navarro in a thrilling three-set battle. The world No. 2, who has already claimed the Australian Open title this year, is now just one step away from completing a hard-court Grand Slam sweep.

Sabalenka’s victory over Navarro was hard-fought, as the American teenager pushed her to the limit in a match that lasted over 90 minutes. The Belarusian started strongly, taking the first set 6-3, but Navarro fought back to win the second set in a tiebreaker.

Undeterred, Sabalenka regained her composure in the third set and forced another tiebreaker. She eventually prevailed 7-6 (2), securing her place in the final.

Navarro, who was playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, gave a spirited performance and showed why she is one of the most promising young players in the world. She saved two break points in the seventh game of the second set and went on to win three straight games, bringing the Ashe crowd to their feet.

However, Sabalenka’s experience and resilience proved too much for Navarro in the end. The Belarusian hit 25 winners and converted four of her eight break point opportunities.

Sabalenka will now face either Jessica Pegula or Karolina Muchova in the final. She has a 1-0 record against Pegula this year, but Muchova defeated her in the semifinals of the 2023 Roland Garros.

Regardless of who she faces, Sabalenka will be the favorite to win her first US Open title and third Grand Slam overall. She is in the form of her life and has shown that she has the mental toughness to overcome any challenge.

US Open Semifinals: Sabalenka, Navarro, Pegula, Muchova Vie for Final Berths

US Open Semifinals: Sabalenka, Navarro, Pegula, Muchova Vie for Final Berths

Sabalenka and Navarro: A Clash of Styles and Expectations

In the highly anticipated US Open semifinal, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 6, will face Emma Navarro, the unseeded American. While Sabalenka holds the advantage in experience, ranking, and power, Navarro possesses a unique blend of consistency, counterpunching ability, and emotional control that could pose a significant challenge.

Sabalenka, known for her explosive groundstrokes and aggressive play, has been in impressive form this season, winning the Cincinnati Open and reaching the semifinals or better in three consecutive US Opens. However, she may face pressure to perform as the favorite, which could potentially lead to nerves.

Navarro, on the other hand, has established herself as a Grand Slam threat, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and her consistent baseline play could make her a formidable opponent for Sabalenka.

The surface at the US Open, which is known for its fast pace, should favor Sabalenka’s power game. However, Navarro’s ability to counterpunch and her tactical intelligence could neutralize Sabalenka’s aggression.

Pegula and Muchova: A Battle of Consistency and Shotmaking

In the other semifinal, Jessica Pegula, the world No. 8, will take on Karolina Muchova, the former world No. 19. Pegula has been in excellent form this season, reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and winning the Washington Open.

Muchova, who has made a remarkable comeback after an injury-plagued start to the season, is known for her smooth-hitting style and varied shotmaking. She has defeated Naomi Osaka in this tournament, demonstrating her ability to challenge top players.

Pegula’s rock-solid consistency and ability to grind out points could prove to be a challenge for Muchova. However, Muchova’s creativity and ability to hit winners from all over the court could keep Pegula on her toes.

Sabalenka Offers to Pay for Drinks, Eyes US Open Glory

Sabalenka Offers to Pay for Drinks, Eyes US Open Glory

Aryna Sabalenka, the 26-year-old Belarusian tennis star, is determined to claim her first Grand Slam title at the US Open this year. After finishing as runner-up in 2022, Sabalenka has been in impressive form, reaching the semi-finals with a dominant performance against China’s Qinwen Zheng.

In her quarter-final match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka showcased her exceptional skills, defeating Zheng in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Following her victory, she made a playful offer to the spectators, promising to pay for drinks for the entire crowd if they supported her in her next match.

Sabalenka’s offer was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, who are eager to see her succeed. If the fans reciprocate her gesture, it could cost her up to $529,000, as the prize money difference between the semifinalist and finalist is $800,000.

In her semi-final match on Friday, Sabalenka will face local favorite Emma Navarro. The crowd’s support could prove crucial for Sabalenka, who is aware of the challenges she faces.

“If you get to the top-five level, everyone will take you as a favorite,” Sabalenka said. “But as I always say, it’s not about being the favorite, it’s about how hard you’re ready to fight for it.”

Sabalenka has been in sizzling form throughout the tournament, losing only four service games. She is determined to add another Grand Slam title to her two Australian Open trophies, after losing to Coco Gauff in the US Open final last year.

With her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, Sabalenka is a formidable opponent. If she can maintain her current form and secure the support of the crowd, she has a strong chance of reaching the final and claiming her first US Open title.

Taylor Fritz: American Star Ascending at US Open with Smart Partnerships

Taylor Fritz: American Star Ascending at US Open with Smart Partnerships

Taylor Fritz, the 26-year-old American tennis star, is making waves at the US Open, not only for his impressive on-court performance but also for his strategic partnership moves.

Fritz’s breakthrough first major semifinal appearance, after defeating Alexander Zverev, has catapulted him into the spotlight. This success has attracted the attention of brands eager to capitalize on the marketing momentum surrounding an American player during and after an Olympic year.

Fritz has carefully curated his partnerships, aligning himself with brands that resonate with his personal values and lifestyle. His recent collaborations include Tiffany & Co., BOSS, Chipotle, Maestro Dobel Tequila, and Heineken.

Fritz’s signature spicy cocktail, the “Fritzy Spicy Margarita,” has become a hit among US Open fans. He has also partnered with Heineken for a limited-edition non-alcoholic beer, L0VE.L0VE.

“I try to be really specific about what deals I take,” Fritz said. “I work with partners where either I personally believe in their mission or I enjoy what I’m endorsing.”

Fritz’s on-court success has been equally impressive. He became the first American since 2003 to reach the round of 16 at all four majors last week. Now, he faces countryman Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, with a chance to make history as the first American man to play for a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick in 2009.

Fritz’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by resilience and determination. After losing his previous four Grand Slam quarterfinals, he has finally broken through the barrier.

“The quarterfinals didn’t feel like this big thing to me like it has been in the past,” Fritz said. “It just felt like another tournament.”

Fritz’s success is a testament to his hard work, talent, and strategic partnerships. As he continues his pursuit of a Grand Slam title, he is poised to become a global icon both on and off the court.

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner to Face Off in US Open Final

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner to Face Off in US Open Final

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner, two close friends who have been competing on the tennis circuit since their junior days, will face off in the US Open final on Friday. The match will be a clash of two rising stars, both looking to claim their first Grand Slam title.

Draper, a 20-year-old from the United Kingdom, has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, defeating some of the top players in the world, including sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and third seed Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner, a 21-year-old from Italy, has also been playing well, reaching the final without dropping a set.

The two players have a long history together, having played doubles together at the Omnium Banque Nationale in Montréal earlier this summer. Draper has spoken highly of Sinner’s support throughout his career, saying that he is “someone I’m definitely close to.”

Sinner, for his part, has said that he and Draper have a “great friendship” and that they “text each other when we have good or bad times.”

Despite their friendship, both players are determined to win the US Open final. Draper said that he is “excited” to play Sinner in the final and that he is “going to go out there and try to win.”

Sinner said that he is “looking forward” to the match and that he is “going to try to play my best tennis.”

The US Open final is sure to be a close and exciting match between two of the most promising young players in the world.

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