Tennis

Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon participation is in jeopardy due to a lingering shoulder injury. The world No. 3 retired from her Berlin campaign in the quarterfinals and is still not fully recovered.Sabalenka arrived at Wimbledon with hopes of playing her first match on Monday against Emina Bektas. However, she admitted during Saturday's media day that she is not 100% ready."We're doing everything we can with my team to make sure I'll be able to play my first match here," Sabalenka said. "I'm not 100% ready."The injury is located in the teres major muscle, which is a rare injury for tennis players. Sabalenka explained that she can practice her groundstrokes but struggles with serving."It's really a specific injury, and it's really a rare one. Probably I'm just the second or the third tennis player who injured that muscle," Sabalenka said."The most annoying thing is that I can do anything. I can practice, I can hit my groundstrokes. I'm struggling with serving. That's really annoying. You don't feel like you're injured. If you give me some weights, I'm going to go lift some weights. But if you tell me to serve, I'm going to go through pain."Despite the injury, Sabalenka remains optimistic that she will be able to play at Wimbledon. She has reached the semifinals at the All England Club in two of the past three years and is looking to win her first grass-court trophy."I would say that I never come on the tournament with the high expectations," she stated."Of course, I know my level. I know what I'm capable of. I never put myself under so much pressure."

Iga Swiatek's dominance continues as she sets her sights on Wimbledon glory. The Polish sensation has claimed her fifth Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, extending her winning streak to 35 matches. Now, the tennis world turns its attention to the grass courts of Wimbledon, where Swiatek will face a new set of challenges.Aryna Sabalenka, known for her powerful game, enters Wimbledon as the betting favorite. However, Swiatek's recent adjustments to her game suggest she could be a formidable contender. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, also poses a significant threat.Among the potential underdogs to watch is Jessica Pegula. The American has been in impressive form, winning a title in Berlin and pushing Emma Raducanu to the brink in Eastbourne. Her well-rounded game and powerful baseline strokes make her a dangerous opponent on grass.Madison Keys, a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist, is another player to keep an eye on. Her exceptional serve and aggressive baseline play suit the grass courts well.On the other hand, Coco Gauff's game may not be as well-suited to Wimbledon. Her reliance on extended points and lack of a dominant forehand could hinder her progress. Naomi Osaka, despite her impressive performance against Swiatek at Roland Garros, has struggled with mobility issues on grass.Despite her limited success on grass in the past, Swiatek's recent improvements suggest she could be a force to be reckoned with at Wimbledon. Her improved hold percentage and ability to hit winners make her a dangerous opponent on any surface.As the world's top-ranked player, Swiatek is the one to beat. Her determination and ability to adapt to different conditions make her a strong favorite to add Wimbledon to her growing list of Grand Slam titles.

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable streak of never retiring from a WTA tour match came to an abrupt end in Berlin on Saturday. The No. 2 seed at the grass-court ecotrans Ladies Open was forced to withdraw from her quarterfinal match against Anna Kalinskaya due to a shoulder injury.Sabalenka, who has been battling through various physical and mental struggles in recent months, had played every single match she had entered since turning professional in 2014. Her unwavering determination and resilience had become a hallmark of her career, earning her the respect of both fans and opponents.However, the toll of the relentless grind of the WTA tour finally caught up with Sabalenka in Berlin. After losing the first five games of her match against Kalinskaya, she called it quits, citing a shoulder injury. The quarterfinal had been postponed from Friday due to rain, adding to the physical demands on the players.Sabalenka's retirement marked a significant moment in her career. It was the first time she had ever withdrawn from a match at WTA level, highlighting the severity of her injury and the challenges she has been facing.Earlier this month at Roland Garros, Sabalenka had battled through a stomach bug in a three-set quarterfinal loss to Mirra Andreeva. She had told reporters that she never considered retiring from that match, despite playing in visible distress.However, the events in Berlin came just days after Sabalenka announced that she would not compete at the Paris Olympics due to scheduling concerns and to prioritize her health. She alluded to "struggles" that have plagued her in recent months as a factor in her decision, but did not elaborate at the time."I feel I have to take care of my health," she said. "I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I'm ready for the hard courts, and I'll have a good preparation before going to the hard court season. I feel that this is safer and better for my body."Sabalenka's withdrawal from the Berlin tournament is a reminder of the physical and mental demands that professional tennis players face. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, even when it means making difficult decisions.

Daria Kasatkina's candid reaction to facing Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin has sparked amusement among tennis fans. The Russian star, who recently triumphed over Marta Kostyuk at the ecotrans Ladies Open, was caught on camera expressing her dismay upon learning that her next opponent would be the reigning Australian Open champion."Oh my God, no," Kasatkina exclaimed, eliciting laughter from her friend and fellow player Daria Saville. The Aussie, who also received a challenging draw in Birmingham, shared the clip on social media with the caption "Classic."Despite her initial reaction, Kasatkina remained composed and praised the tournament's high level of competition. "This 500 is special," she said. "You can get a top player in the first round, so it's a very tough tournament. The list of players is incredible."Kasatkina's victory over Kostyuk was hard-fought, requiring two hours and 39 minutes to rally from a set down. The former world No. 8 attributed her comeback to her ability to adapt to the grass surface. "I felt that in the first set, but then I got used to it a little bit more," she explained.Sabalenka, who will also be making her grass-court debut in Berlin, will pose a formidable challenge for Kasatkina. The Belarusian has won their last three encounters and holds a 2-6 advantage in their overall head-to-head record.The match between Kasatkina and Sabalenka is set to be a captivating clash between two of the WTA's top players. Kasatkina's resilience and Sabalenka's power will make for an intriguing battle on the Berlin grass.

World No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Olympics, citing scheduling concerns and the quick transition from grass to clay courts. The two-time Australian Open champion expressed her decision during a press conference at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin.Sabalenka explained that the tight schedule between Wimbledon and the Olympics, followed by the hard-court season, would put excessive strain on her body. "It's too much for the scheduling," she said. "I prefer to have a little rest to make sure physically and health-wise I'm ready for the hard courts."The tennis tournament at the Paris Olympics will be held on clay courts at Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4, just two weeks after the conclusion of Wimbledon on grass. The hard-court season begins on August 6 with the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, followed by Cincinnati and the US Open.Sabalenka emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and ensuring she is fully prepared for the demanding hard-court season. "I feel that this is safer and better for my body," she stated.Jonathan Crane of Germany's DW News clarified that Sabalenka's decision was not influenced by the requirement to compete as a neutral athlete due to Belarus's support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Sabalenka is currently seeded No. 2 behind Coco Gauff at the ecotrans Ladies Open, her first tournament since losing to Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros. She is aiming to regain her form and prepare for the upcoming hard-court season.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world's third-ranked tennis player, is back in action after a brief illness and a rejuvenating vacation in Greece. Sabalenka, who was forced to withdraw from the second weekend of Roland Garros due to a stomach bug, is now fully recovered and eager to make a strong run at Wimbledon.Prior to her quarterfinal loss in Paris, Sabalenka had been struggling with a stomach bug for several days. She appeared visibly unwell during her match against Mirra Andreeva, receiving medical attention multiple times. Despite leading by a set, Sabalenka was unable to maintain her level of play and eventually lost in three sets.After her disappointing exit from Roland Garros, Sabalenka took some time off to recharge and recover. She jetted off to Greece for a relaxing getaway, where she soaked up the sun, enjoyed the local cuisine, and took in the picturesque sunset views."A little slice of paradise," Sabalenka captioned one post on Instagram, which showcased her dancing in a bikini and drinking white wine.Following her self-described "reset," Sabalenka is now ready to hit the grass courts. The two-time Wimbledon semifinalist stopped by the All-England Club to officially start her road to the year's third Grand Slam.After falling two matches short of the goal last year, the 26-year-old is hoping to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in the same year.Before returning to SW19, Sabalenka will make a stop at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin next week. With world No. 1 Iga Swiatek withdrawing due to fatigue, Sabalenka is expected to be the second seed behind newly-minted world No. 2 Coco Gauff.The WTA 500 event in Berlin begins on Monday, and Sabalenka will be looking to build momentum ahead of Wimbledon.

17-year-old Mirra Andreeva has achieved a remarkable milestone in her young career by defeating world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals of the French Open. The victory marks the biggest win of Andreeva's career and sends her into her first Grand Slam semifinal.Andreeva's triumph was not without its challenges. Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, had won 23 consecutive sets at Grand Slams and was looking to extend her streak. However, Andreeva remained composed and focused, breaking Sabalenka's serve twice in the first set and ultimately winning 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4.The match was a tale of two halves. Sabalenka dominated the first set, winning the tiebreaker 7-5. However, Andreeva fought back in the second set, breaking Sabalenka's serve twice and winning 6-4. The third set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until Andreeva broke Sabalenka in the final game to seal the victory.Andreeva's victory is a testament to her talent and determination. She has been one of the most exciting young players on the WTA Tour in recent months, reaching the second week of three of her last four major appearances. Her win over Sabalenka is a sign that she is ready to compete with the best in the world.In the semifinals, Andreeva will face fellow debutante and No. 12 seed Jasmine Paolini. Paolini stunned No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina earlier in the day.

Roland Garros, the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam, has witnessed a captivating display of fashion alongside the thrilling tennis action. From custom kits to bold colorways, the tournament has been a showcase for the latest trends in tennis attire.Naomi Osaka, the four-time major champion, made a statement in a custom Nike dress featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and contrasting colorways on her shoes. Aryna Sabalenka stood out in a unique "Rust Factor" orange Nike dress, while Daniil Medvedev's Lacoste kit became an instant hit with its navy blue and burgundy red details.Coco Gauff's New Balance outfit inspired a WNBA crossover, with Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink citing Gauff as her pre-game fashion inspiration. Marta Kostyuk's eye-catching Wilson dress in field green featured perforated panels and a low-back keyhole cutout.Casper Ruud showcased Yonex's 2024 Paris Collection, with performance tops and shorts in olive green, beige, and orange. Jelena Ostapenko's DK One dress combined sky blue and hot pink panels, while Zhang Zhizhen's all-pink K-Swiss look turned heads.Andrey Rublev unveiled his first day and night match kits for his clothing brand Rublo, featuring contrasting colorways and new K-Swiss shoes. Ajla Tomljanovic's Original Penguin outfit featured a geometric print in royal blue, white, and hot pink.Finally, Iga Swiatek debuted a fresh On ensemble in a red, white, and indigo blue gradient, paying homage to the tournament's Parisian setting. The world No. 1 completed the look with her signature white hat and custom On shoes.Roland Garros has once again proven to be a fashion-forward event, where the latest trends in tennis attire take center stage alongside the world's top players.

Elena Rybakina vs. Jasmine Paolini: A Clash of StylesElena Rybakina, the No. 4 seed, has quietly advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open, while Jasmine Paolini has also flown under the radar. The two players have contrasting styles, with Rybakina relying on power and aggression, while Paolini uses speed, spin, and scrambling to win points.Rybakina has won both of their previous encounters, including a three-set battle on clay in Stuttgart earlier this year. However, Paolini's energetic style and the support of the crowd could make this match more competitive.Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva: A Rematch with AdjustmentsAryna Sabalenka will face Mirra Andreeva in a rematch of their Madrid quarterfinal, which Sabalenka won in straight sets. Andreeva has since made a strong run at Roland Garros, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.Andreeva admits that she needs to make adjustments to her game plan, as her previous approach against Sabalenka proved ineffective. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, will likely try to prevent Andreeva from gaining early confidence.Alexander Zverev vs. Alex de Minaur: A Battle of EnduranceAlexander Zverev will face Alex de Minaur in a quarterfinal that promises to be a test of endurance. Zverev has shown remarkable resilience in Paris, overcoming deficits in both his third and fourth-round matches.De Minaur has a 2-7 record against Zverev, but he defeated the German in their United Cup encounter earlier this year. However, Zverev's height advantage, comfort on clay, and ability to rally will give him the edge in this match.