WuhanOpen

Sabalenka Spoils Zheng’s Homecoming, Wins Third Wuhan Open Title

By Nilay October 13, 2024 0

Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, dashed the hopes of Chinese star Zheng Qinwen in the final of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, claiming her third title with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory.

Zheng, a Wuhan native and reigning Olympic gold medalist, had been on a remarkable run, becoming the first Chinese player to reach a WTA 1000 final. However, Sabalenka, a two-time Wuhan champion, proved too strong, despite the partisan crowd support for Zheng.

Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, started the match with a dominant display, taking the first set 6-3. Zheng fought back in the second set, applying pressure on Sabalenka’s serve and capitalizing on her errors. The crowd erupted in cheers as Zheng leveled the match at 1-1.

The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks of serve. Zheng, despite facing a double-break deficit, showed her resilience by clawing back one break and holding a point to level the score at 3-3. However, Sabalenka remained unyielding, denying Zheng the comeback and securing the victory in two hours and 41 minutes.

Sabalenka’s triumph extended her winning streak in Wuhan to 17-0, making her the first player to win three consecutive titles at the tournament. It was also her fifth trophy on Chinese soil, the most by any player in the Open era.

For Zheng, the defeat was a learning experience as she continues to climb the ranks of women’s tennis. She acknowledged Sabalenka’s strengths and expressed her eagerness to improve her tactics and mental fortitude.

Categories: Tennis

Sabalenka’s Wuhan Triumph Celebrated with Special Tribute

By Nilay October 13, 2024 0

Aryna Sabalenka’s Wuhan Triumph Celebrated with Special Tribute

Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance continued at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, where she secured her third title and extended her winning streak to 17 matches. The Belarusian star’s victory was met with an extra-special celebration, as the tournament DJ played “Tiger,” a tribute track by djKDS dedicated to the former world No. 1.

Sabalenka’s connection to the song runs deep, as it was first introduced to her by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. “I heard this song first when I was injured and I was in Miami,” she recalled. “I love the song. I’ve made some reels with it!”

Despite facing a crowd favorite in Zheng Qinwen, Sabalenka received warm support throughout the week. The reigning Australian and US Open champion expressed her surprise at the crowd’s enthusiasm. “I was really surprised. I think after the first match or second match they turn on this song. I was like, ‘Wow, they found it.’ It’s so cool. It was nice to hear that song.”

Sabalenka’s Wuhan triumph marks her fourth title of 2024, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour. With her impressive performances, she has become a fan favorite, not only for her on-court prowess but also for her infectious personality.

The celebration of Sabalenka’s victory with “Tiger” adds to the growing list of tennis-themed bops, including “Autograph” by the Bryan Bros Band, “Petko Dance” dedicated to Andrea Petkovic, and “Oxygen” by Caroline Wozniacki. As Sabalenka continues to rack up titles, it remains to be seen if she will join the ranks of these musical tennis stars.

Categories: Tennis

Sabalenka Rallies from Brink to Reach 10th WTA 1000 Final in Wuhan

By Nilay October 12, 2024 0

Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable comeback from the brink of defeat against Coco Gauff in the Wuhan Open semifinals on Saturday has propelled her into her 10th WTA 1000 final. The Belarusian star, who has a formidable 6-3 record in her previous WTA 1000 finals, will now face either Zheng Qinwen or Wang Xinyu in the championship match.

Sabalenka’s victory over Gauff was a testament to her resilience and determination. After dropping the first set 6-1 and trailing 4-2 in the second, she rallied back with astonishing force, winning seven consecutive games to take the second set and establish a 3-0 lead in the third.

Gauff, who had won nine consecutive matches in China, fought back to level the third set, but Sabalenka’s unwavering focus and powerful serve proved too much to overcome. The match ended with both players recording identical winners and unforced errors, but Sabalenka’s superior ace-to-double fault ratio (2-2 to Gauff’s 4-21) ultimately made the difference.

Sabalenka’s success in Wuhan is a continuation of her impressive form in recent months. She has won 19 of her last 20 matches, including back-to-back titles in Cincinnati and the US Open. Her only loss during this stretch came against Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals of the Beijing Open last week.

The Wuhan Open has been a particularly fruitful tournament for Sabalenka. She has won the title twice before, in 2018 and 2019, and has never lost a match in the tournament. Her 16-0 record in Wuhan is a testament to her dominance on the hard courts of the Chinese city.

If Sabalenka can overcome either Zheng or Wang in the final, she will capture her seventh WTA 1000 crown and further cement her status as one of the top players in the world.

Categories: Tennis

Sabalenka and Putintseva’s Culinary Rivalry Heats Up in Wuhan

By Nilay October 11, 2024 0

Sabalenka and Putintseva’s Culinary Rivalry Heats Up in Wuhan

In a thrilling encounter at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, Aryna Sabalenka and Yulia Putintseva showcased their fierce competitive spirit and enduring friendship. Despite a rocky start, Sabalenka rallied from a set down to defeat Putintseva 1-6, 6-4, 6-0.

The match was not without its emotional moments. Both players displayed their fiery temperaments, but ultimately embraced at the net, demonstrating their mutual respect. Sabalenka acknowledged the close bond they share, despite their on-court rivalry.

“We’re both really emotional people,” Sabalenka said. “We were going up and down with our emotions today. But I think we’re still friends, which is good.”

Putintseva’s culinary skills have become a topic of discussion between the two players. Sabalenka praised her rival’s cooking abilities, but joked that she might be hesitant to accept an invitation to dinner.

“She’s really good in cooking,” Sabalenka said. “She’s making delicious food. Probably I’ll never try her stuff again. Or she’ll invite me and she’ll poison my meal.”

Despite their playful banter, Sabalenka and Putintseva have maintained a close friendship over the years. Sabalenka was even invited to Putintseva’s pre-Australian Open birthday party in January.

“It’s tough to play,” Sabalenka said. “Especially because we’re both really emotional people. But we understand that. Off court, we don’t bring tennis life into it.”

As for Putintseva’s signature dish, Sabalenka recalled a particularly memorable meal.

“The last one was I think carbonara,” Sabalenka said. “It was like Italian pasta. It was so good. I was like, ‘Give me more, it was so good.'”

With her victory in Wuhan, Sabalenka extended her winning streak to 13 matches. She is projected to lead the PIF WTA Race to the WTA Finals on Monday.

Categories: Tennis

Coco Gauff’s Heart with Hurricane-Ravaged Florida

By Nilay October 10, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis star, is currently competing in the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open in China. However, her thoughts are with her home state of Florida, which has been devastated by Hurricane Milton.

Gauff, who resides in South Florida, has been closely monitoring the news and expressing concern for those affected by the storm. “I’m thinking a lot about those in central and the west coast of Florida,” she said. “I know it’s supposed to hit hard, especially in the Tampa area.”

Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, bringing with it high winds, tornadoes, and storm surge. It comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene also struck the region, leaving many Floridians reeling.

Despite the distance, Gauff has been using her platform to urge her fellow Floridians to take shelter and stay safe. She has also shared information on social media about shelters, pet care, and resources for those with special needs.

“Floridians are pretty hurricane strong,” Gauff acknowledged. “But I just pray there are no lives lost. Obviously I don’t want anybody’s home to be destroyed. At the end of the day it’s property and can be replaceable.”

Gauff’s concern for her home state is evident in her words and actions. She is a role model for young people everywhere, showing that even in the midst of personal success, it is important to remember those who are suffering.

Categories: Tennis

Coco Gauff Experiments with Grip Changes Under New Coach Matt Daly

By Nilay October 10, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the rising American tennis star, has embarked on a new chapter in her career with coach Matt Daly, and one of the key areas of focus has been experimenting with grip changes. Gauff revealed that she has been implementing these changes since their partnership began ahead of the China Open.

Daly, a former world No. 2, has a reputation for expertise in grip modifications, having successfully implemented them with multiple top 100 ATP players. Gauff, eager to improve her serve, has embraced Daly’s guidance in this area.

“He has a lot of expertise in that area,” Gauff said. “Honestly, not just that. He does really good at tactical stuff, mental side, too.”

Gauff’s desire for change stemmed from a successful 14-month stint with coach Brad Gilbert, during which she won four titles and her first major trophy at the US Open. However, struggles on serve emerged earlier this year and resurfaced at the US Open, where she committed 19 double faults in her fourth-round loss.

With Daly, Gauff has prioritized stabilizing her serve, which has been evident in her recent performances. She won the Beijing title, her first since January, and has made a strong start in Wuhan, reaching the quarterfinals without dropping a set.

While open to adjusting her natural grip, Gauff emphasized that she is not seeking to imitate any particular player. Instead, she aims to enhance her existing game.

“I know people who don’t really play tennis think there’s a right way to hold the racquet…but if you look at all the people playing on tour, we all hold the racquets differently,” she said.

“Everybody has their own comfort zone. There’s no right way to do it. You have to do what’s comfortable.”

Gauff’s next challenge will be against frequent practice partner Magda Linette in the quarterfinals of the Wuhan Open.

Categories: Tennis

Sabalenka-Swiatek Rivalry Crucial for Women’s Tennis

By Nilay October 10, 2024 0

World number two Aryna Sabalenka believes her rivalry with top-ranked Iga Swiatek is crucial for the growth of women’s tennis. The Belarusian advanced to the Wuhan Open third round by defeating Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-4, marking her 50th victory of the season.

Swiatek is absent from the Wuhan field after splitting with her coach of three years, Tomasz Wiktorowski. Sabalenka has an opportunity to close the gap on the Polish world number one with a strong run in Wuhan, as the battle for the top spot is expected to come down to the wire at the season-ending championships in Riyadh next month.

“Having this rivalry with Iga is something big for tennis and something much-needed, I would say, in women’s tennis,” said Sabalenka, who will face Yulia Putintseva in the last 16. “To keep this competition going would be really good for tennis,” she added.

Sabalenka, 26, spent eight weeks at the summit of the rankings last season and aims to reclaim the world number one spot. “I hope she’ll figure out the coach situation and she’ll be back in the finals in her best shape,” she said. “Hopefully we can play against each other there in… a fight for world number one.”

Coco Gauff followed up her China Open title in Beijing with a smooth 6-1, 6-2 win over Viktoriya Tomova. Gauff has a seven-match winning streak and faces 13th seed Marta Kostyuk in the last 16. Kostyuk received a walkover after her opponent Amanda Anisimova withdrew with a left hip injury.

“Both mentally and physically I’m a little tired, if I’m being honest,” said Gauff. “But when I got on the court, I felt fine.”

“How I approached Beijing, I was like, I want to approach this how I would play tennis as a kid.”

“Sometimes I try to go back into that mindset and realise at the end of the day this is my dream now, and it was my dream as a kid.”

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova crashed out to American qualifier and world number 102 Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 7-5 in just 94 minutes. Seventh seed Krejcikova let a 3-1 lead slip in the opening set, as well as a 5-3 advantage in the second.

The 22-year-old Baptiste will next take on Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova for a place in the quarter-finals. Hometown hero Zheng Qinwen moved past Jaqueline Cristian 6-2, 6-4 to book a third-round meeting with Canadian left-hander Leylah Fernandez.

The victory boosts Olympic champion Zheng’s qualification chances for the WTA Finals in Riyadh as she tries to become the first Chinese player since Li Na in 2013 to reach the season-ending championships.

Categories: Tennis

Chinese Tennis Fans Shower Players with Love and Unique Gifts

By Nilay October 10, 2024 0

Tennis Fans in China Shower Players with Love and Unique Gifts

As the tennis season reaches the Asian swing, players are finding a much-needed energy boost at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open. The reason? The famously passionate sports fans in China.

From the China Open in Beijing to the Wuhan Open, players have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of Chinese tennis lovers. They have been showered with unique gifts, including personalized plush toys, elaborate banners, and dedicated fan art. Even Western players have been delighted by the outpouring of support.

“Honestly, it’s the place I’ve come [where] I’ve gotten the most gifts,” said 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff. “You’ll get bracelets from some fans in the U.S., but here, you can tell they really take time to give you the gifts and see what you like.”

For two-time Wuhan champion Aryna Sabalenka, who has been dubbed an “old friend” of Wuhan by Chinese media, the gifts often have a tiger theme. Sabalenka has a tiger tattoo on her forearm, a nod to her fighting spirit and the fact that she was born in the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Zodiac.

“My favorite [gift] so far is the tiger hat. It’s so funny and so cool. I kept it. It’s in my bag,” said Sabalenka. “I also have a big fan who brought me a huge bucket with a lot of little gifts, including gifts for my team.”

But what do players do with all these gifts? Traveling week in and week out with loads of luggage, gear, and trophies, it’s a logistical challenge to accommodate extra pounds of keepsakes.

While it’s not always possible to hang onto every gift, many players are eager to keep as many as they can. Keychains with stuffed animals become permanent accessories on racquet bags, and the bulkiest items may get shipped home.

“Last week in Beijing, I received a huge panda. It weighs around two kilos!” said Mirra Andreeva. “I’m going to take it home, of course. I received a lot of gifts. I don’t mind! I like that.”

In addition to gifts, players are also met with an abundance of autograph seekers. National hero Zheng Qinwen, a native of Wuhan, is by far the most popular target. Her countrywomen like Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu are also riding the wave of the post-Olympics boom in tennis interest in China.

The autograph requests range from action shots and fan art to more unusual items.

“I signed one of my wedding pictures, which was a little strange,” recalled No. 2 seed Jessica Pegula. “There was also a woman who had pictures of her helping us pick up balls printed out, and I signed those.”

These interactions provide a much-needed boost for players who are nearing the end of the season. With season-ending events like WTA Finals Riyadh and the Billie Jean King Cup approaching, the enthusiasm of Chinese fans is a welcome change of pace from the more demure crowds at tournaments like Wimbledon or Indian Wells.

“After my final in Beijing, there was a lady who was saying, ‘I love you, I love you,’ over and over,” said Gauff. “The security guards were laughing. I was laughing too because of how enthusiastic she was! The fans have been very passionate.”

Categories: Tennis

Jasmine Paolini Wins Hearts in Wuhan, Gifts Towel to Adoring Fan

By Nilay October 10, 2024 0

Jasmine Paolini’s impressive victory over Yuan Yue in the Wuhan Open not only showcased her tennis prowess but also highlighted her ability to connect with the crowd. Despite playing against a local favorite, Paolini garnered significant support from the Chinese audience, who cheered her on throughout the match.

In a post-match interview, Paolini expressed her gratitude to her fans, saying, “They’re cheering for you. You have a lot of fans in China.” She then surprised a particularly enthusiastic fan by gifting her a towel, a gesture that was met with thunderous applause.

Paolini acknowledged the challenges of competing against a player in their home country, but praised the atmosphere and support she received. “It’s not easy to play a Chinese player in China, but the atmosphere was great, a lot of people,” she said. “It’s really good to have fans here, I’m really happy to be playing here in Wuhan.”

The Italian’s victory sets up a third-round clash with Erika Andreeva, with the winner potentially facing China’s top-ranked player and Olympic gold medalist, Zheng Qinwen. Paolini’s performance in Wuhan has demonstrated her resilience and determination, as well as her ability to thrive in challenging environments.

Categories: Tennis

Sabalenka Extends Wuhan Dominance, Alcaraz Wins Again

By Nilay October 9, 2024 0

Second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance at the Wuhan Open, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Katerina Siniakova in the second round. The reigning US Open champion extended her undefeated streak in Wuhan to 13-0, having won the title in 2018 and 2019.

Sabalenka’s victory sets up a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva, who defeated Donna Vekic. The Belarusian star needs only to reach the quarterfinals to reclaim the top spot in the rankings from Iga Swiatek.

Meanwhile, six Americans competed in second-round matches on Wednesday. Coco Gauff cruised past Viktoriya Tomova, while Hailey Baptiste upset 10th-ranked Barbora Krejcikova. Magdalena Frech defeated eighth-ranked Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina overcame Bernarda Pera. However, Amanda Anisimova withdrew from her match against Marta Kostyuk.

In the men’s draw, Jannik Sinner avenged his loss to Ben Shelton in last year’s Shanghai Masters, defeating the American 6-4, 7-6 (1). Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.

Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 12 with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Gael Monfils. The French Open and Wimbledon champion will play Tomas Machac or Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz are among the other top players in action on Wednesday.

Categories: Tennis

Sabalenka Spoils Zheng’s Homecoming, Wins Third Wuhan Open Title

Sabalenka’s Wuhan Triumph Celebrated with Special Tribute

Sabalenka Rallies from Brink to Reach 10th WTA 1000 Final in Wuhan

Sabalenka and Putintseva’s Culinary Rivalry Heats Up in Wuhan

Coco Gauff’s Heart with Hurricane-Ravaged Florida

Coco Gauff Experiments with Grip Changes Under New Coach Matt Daly

Sabalenka-Swiatek Rivalry Crucial for Women’s Tennis

Chinese Tennis Fans Shower Players with Love and Unique Gifts

Jasmine Paolini Wins Hearts in Wuhan, Gifts Towel to Adoring Fan

Sabalenka Extends Wuhan Dominance, Alcaraz Wins Again

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