Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka's impressive 15-match winning streak was abruptly halted in Beijing on Friday by a familiar adversary, Karolina Muchova. The Czech player staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a break deficit in the decider to secure a 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-4 victory over the No. 1 seed at the China Open.Muchova's resilience was evident from the outset, as she saved a pair of set points while serving at 4-5 in the opening set. Despite Sabalenka's apparent control of the match, Muchova rallied to claim the final 10 points of the encounter.Sabalenka's defeat marks her first loss since August 10, when she was eliminated by Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals of Toronto. While the setback prevents the world No. 2 from overtaking Iga Swiatek in the race to the WTA Finals, Sabalenka will have another opportunity next week at the 1000-level event in Wuhan.Meanwhile, Muchova has now extended her winning streak against Sabalenka to three matches, including a memorable victory in the 2023 French Open final. The 28-year-old is aiming to capture her first title in over five years, having last lifted a trophy in Seoul in September 2019.In the semifinals, Muchova will face home favorite Zheng Qinwen, who overcame a challenging serving day to defeat Mirra Andreeva in three sets. Zheng's victory marks her first WTA 1000 semifinal appearance.Zheng's path to the semifinals included a victory over Muchova in the Palermo title match in July, which preceded her gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics. The Wuhan native will be eager to repeat her success against Muchova and advance to the final.

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable hard-court dominance continues unabated as she extended her winning streak to 14 matches with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ashlyn Krueger at the China Open. The Belarusian powerhouse, who has already claimed the Australian Open, Cincinnati Open, and U.S. Open titles this year, displayed her unwavering form in Beijing.Sabalenka's relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy proved too much for Krueger, as she converted five of her seven breakpoint opportunities. The second-ranked player will now face Madison Keys, aiming to match her career-best 15 consecutive victories achieved in 2020-21."I'm not playing my best tennis right now," Sabalenka admitted. "But I'm controlling my emotions and holding myself together, which helps me stay in matches and keep fighting."Keys, meanwhile, secured a 6-3, 6-3 win over Beatrice Haddad Maia of Brazil. Haddad Maia, fresh from her Korea Open triumph, struggled to match Keys' baseline power.Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka continued her resurgence under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Katie Volynets. Osaka will now face sixth-ranked Coco Gauff in the round of 16, their first meeting in over two years."It's going to be a great test for me," Osaka said. "She's played well this year. I'm excited to play the match."Osaka, who returned from maternity leave earlier this season, has shown signs of improvement under Mouratoglou's guidance. Her run in Beijing marks the first time she has recorded three consecutive wins since May.Fifth-ranked Jasmine Paolini suffered a disappointing 6-4, 6-0 defeat to No. 45-ranked Magda Linette of Poland.

Aryna Sabalenka's post-US Open victory tour has taken a glamorous turn, with the Belarusian star attending Off-White's New York Fashion Week runway show. Sabalenka, who captured her third Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, has been making waves in the fashion world since her triumph.Her appearance at the Off-White show, known for its collaborations with Nike, has sparked speculation that Sabalenka could be the next tennis star to partner with the iconic brand. Nike has a long history of working with tennis legends, including Serena Williams, whose "tutu"-inspired dress at the 2019 US Open was designed by Off-White.Sabalenka's visit to the fashion show was not her only post-Open outing. She has also made appearances on morning TV shows, including the TODAY show and Live with Kelly & Mark, alongside men's singles champion Jannik Sinner.In a gesture of appreciation for her fans, Sabalenka has offered a $10 promotion on Dobel Tequila cocktails. The 26-year-old has been celebrating her victory in style, enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.Sabalenka's post-Open tour has been a whirlwind of media appearances, fashion events, and fan interactions. As she continues her reign as one of the top players in women's tennis, it will be interesting to see what other adventures lie ahead for the Belarusian star.

Aryna Sabalenka's promise of free drinks to US Open fans is becoming a reality thanks to Dobel Tequila. The reigning champion's impromptu offer after her semifinal victory has sparked a partnership with the tequila brand, resulting in a special promotion for fans.From September 9 to 15, fans can enjoy $10 off any Dobel cocktail or neat serve by texting "drinksonme" to 24272. This offer is a testament to Sabalenka's commitment to her fans and Dobel's dedication to supporting her.Sabalenka's connection with Dobel goes beyond the free drinks promotion. The three-time Grand Slam champion has a signature cocktail named after her, the "Marg-Aryna," which reflects her hard-working and competitive nature."They want to be masters of tequila, and that's just like me on court," Sabalenka said of Dobel. "I always work hard, always try to be better, and master my own skills. It's a perfect match."Dobel's support for Sabalenka extends beyond the US Open. The brand has been a proud sponsor of the Belarusian star throughout her career, recognizing her talent and determination.Sabalenka's promise of free drinks has not only delighted fans but also showcased her playful and generous personality. The partnership with Dobel has turned her spontaneous offer into a tangible benefit for those who support her.As the US Open reaches its climax, fans can raise a glass to Sabalenka's success and enjoy a refreshing Dobel cocktail at a discounted price. The "drinksonme" promotion is a celebration of Sabalenka's spirit and a testament to the power of partnerships in the world of sports.

Aryna Sabalenka's dominance on hard courts reached new heights at the 2024 US Open, where she captured her first title at Flushing Meadows and cemented her status as one of the most formidable players in women's tennis.Sabalenka's triumph marked her third Grand Slam title, joining an elite group of active players with three or more major victories. She now stands alongside Venus Williams, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka in this exclusive club.Her victory was particularly impressive considering she became only the second woman in the past eight years to win multiple majors in a single season. Swiatek also achieved this feat in 2022, while Angelique Kerber was the last to do so in 2016.Sabalenka's dominance extended beyond her Grand Slam success. She has won her last 12 matches in a row and 24 of the last 25 sets she has played. Her only set loss since the start of the Cincinnati tournament came against Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round of the US Open.Her hard-court prowess is undeniable. Since the start of 2023, Sabalenka has compiled a remarkable 27-1 record at hard-court majors. Her only defeat came in the final of last year's US Open against Coco Gauff.Sabalenka's consistency is evident in her set record at hard-court majors. She has lost just five sets in her last 55 matches, demonstrating her ability to maintain her high level of play throughout tournaments.In the lead-up to the US Open final, Sabalenka showcased her resilience and determination. She improved to 9-1 in Grand Slam quarterfinals with a dominant victory over Zheng Qinwen. Her only quarterfinal loss came at Roland Garros this year, where she squandered a significant lead against Mirra Andreeva.Sabalenka's semifinal win against Emma Navarro secured her spot in the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November. She became the second player to qualify for the prestigious event, joining world No. 1 Swiatek.With her US Open victory, Sabalenka earned a substantial $3.6 million prize money, pushing her career earnings past $25 million. She also narrowed the points gap between herself and Swiatek at the top of the WTA rankings.Sabalenka's triumph at the US Open is a testament to her exceptional power game and unwavering determination. She has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in women's tennis and will undoubtedly continue to challenge for major titles in the years to come.

Aryna Sabalenka's historic US Open victory sparked a heartwarming exchange with her close friend and fellow tennis star Paula Badosa. Amidst the outpouring of congratulations, Badosa's witty banter stole the spotlight, showcasing the unbreakable bond between the two athletes.In response to Sabalenka's disbelief at her triumph, Badosa penned a heartfelt message, acknowledging her friend's strength and inspiration. However, true to their playful nature, Badosa couldn't resist a playful jab, urging Sabalenka to "leave a bit for the rest."Sabalenka, known for her infectious humor, responded in kind, teasing Badosa that she would only share her success with her. The exchange highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two players, who have supported each other through thick and thin.Beyond the lighthearted banter, Sabalenka's victory marked a significant milestone in her career. After a string of impressive performances, including 12 consecutive hard-court wins, she finally claimed her first US Open title. The victory was a testament to her unwavering determination and the guidance of her coaches.Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Sabalenka remained focused on her future goals. In a message to her fans, she declared her intention to return to practice within days, signaling her unwavering commitment to excellence.The exchange between Sabalenka and Badosa not only celebrated a remarkable achievement but also showcased the power of friendship in the competitive world of professional sports. Their playful banter and mutual support serve as a reminder that even in the face of intense competition, the bonds of friendship can endure.

The Grand Slam season has concluded, leaving behind a trail of captivating storylines that continue to unfold in the WTA. Here are five key narratives to watch:The Reign of Aryna SabalenkaDespite not holding the official No. 1 ranking, Aryna Sabalenka has emerged as the dominant force in women's tennis. Her powerful game, coupled with improved mental fortitude and tactical acumen, has propelled her to Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open this year. Sabalenka's unwavering determination to become world No. 1 again is evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence.Swiatek and Gauff's Summer StrugglesOnce ranked first and second in the world, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff experienced disappointing exits at the US Open. Swiatek's uncharacteristic errors and Gauff's serve struggles raised concerns about their mental and technical well-being. Both players may need a period of reflection and strategic planning to regain their top form.Pegula and Navarro: Triumph of Hard WorkJessica Pegula and Emma Navarro's US Open runs showcased the transformative power of hard work and dedication. Pegula, a late bloomer, overcame years of Grand Slam quarterfinal setbacks to reach the final. Navarro's ascent to the semifinals was the culmination of a decade-long partnership with her coach, Peter Ayers, who emphasized the importance of redefining mistakes and embracing a more aggressive approach.Czech Player DevelopmentFor the second consecutive major, a Czech player, Karolina Muchova, displayed an exceptional range of skills and tactics. Her ability to execute slices, volleys, and net returns effectively highlights the importance of comprehensive player development. Instructors should prioritize teaching these techniques from an early age to foster well-rounded players.Rybakina and Osaka's Uncertain FuturesElena Rybakina's withdrawal from the US Open and recent coaching change raise questions about her health and future prospects. Naomi Osaka's early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open suggest that she is still searching for consistency and tactical improvements. Both players face challenges in the coming months as they strive to regain their former dominance.

Aryna Sabalenka's Grand Slam triumphs have been marked by unique gestures from her team, and the 2024 US Open was no exception. Fitness coach Jason Stacy paid homage to Sabalenka's "Tiger" nickname by sporting a giant head tattoo of a tiger.Sabalenka, who defeated Jessica Pegula to claim her third Grand Slam title, joked about the tattoo, saying, "It's permanent." She later revealed that her entire team, including coach Anton Dubrov, had similar temporary tattoos.This gesture was a departure from Sabalenka's 2024 Australian Open ritual of signing Stacy's bald head. The world No. 2 is already brainstorming new ideas for their next Grand Slam adventure in Melbourne."Just always come up with something new," she said. "It was signature, and now it's, like, tiger tattoo. I'm really curious what's going to be next, Jason."Sabalenka's team has been instrumental in her rise to the top, having worked together since 2020. They have formed a close bond, which is evident in their social media interactions."The best advice I would give is to surround yourself with the right people," Sabalenka said. "People you can trust, people you can talk to about anything. It's so important to have someone you can talk through whatever's going on."With the Asian Swing and WTA Finals approaching, Team Tiger aims to end the 2024 season on a high note. They have compiled a 12-match win streak through title runs in Cincinnati and Flushing Meadows.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, has triumphed at the US Open, claiming her third Grand Slam title with a thrilling 7-5, 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula in a rollercoaster final on Saturday, September 7, 2024.Sabalenka's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, adding the prestigious US Open crown to her back-to-back Australian Open triumphs. The Belarusian star displayed her trademark power and aggression throughout the tournament, overcoming a spirited challenge from Pegula, the American crowd favorite.The final was a captivating affair, with both players showcasing their resilience and determination. Sabalenka broke Pegula's serve early in the first set, but the American fought back to level the score at 4-4. However, Sabalenka's powerful groundstrokes proved too much for Pegula, as she broke serve again to take the first set 7-5.The second set followed a similar pattern, with both players trading breaks. Sabalenka's serve was particularly impressive, as she fired down 10 aces during the match. With the score poised at 5-5, Sabalenka seized the crucial break and held her nerve to serve out the match, securing her third Grand Slam title.Pegula, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final, gave a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against Sabalenka's superior firepower. The American's performance was nonetheless a testament to her talent and determination, and she will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in future Grand Slams.Sabalenka's victory at the US Open is a testament to her hard work and dedication. The Belarusian has overcome numerous challenges in her career, including injuries and mental health struggles. Her triumph is a reminder that anything is possible with perseverance and belief.