Tennis

Coco Gauff's remarkable victory over Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia showcased her resilience and determination. The 20-year-old American, ranked No. 3 in the world, overcame a challenging first set to secure a 7-6 (4), 6-1 triumph.Gauff and Zheng, both rising stars in the WTA, entered the match with similar struggles in recent months. Gauff had been grappling with her forehand and serve, while Zheng had experienced a dip in motivation. However, both players displayed signs of improvement in Rome.Zheng's newfound enthusiasm was evident in her victory over Naomi Osaka earlier in the tournament. Gauff, on the other hand, has been working diligently on her technique, particularly her serve and return.The first set was a closely contested affair, with both players holding serve comfortably. Gauff broke through for a 5-3 lead, but Zheng responded with a brilliant drop shot-forehand volley combination to break back.The tiebreaker proved to be the turning point. Zheng's overhit on the first point gave Gauff the momentum, and she seized control with a down-the-line backhand winner and a service winner.In the second set, Gauff's dominance was undeniable. She faced just one break point and forced numerous errors from Zheng's racquet. Zheng's first-serve percentage dropped to 40%, while Gauff's forehand became increasingly reliable.Gauff's victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. The American has been eager to break into the elite group of players who have consistently challenged Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Rybakina.

Coco Gauff's resilience shone through at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia as she overcame a set deficit to defeat Paula Badosa 5-7, 6-4, 6-1. The reigning US Open champion, who has faced serving struggles on clay, displayed her mental fortitude to survive a spirited performance from the former world No. 2.Badosa, returning from injury, started strongly, taking the first set 5-7. However, Gauff's determination was evident as she fought back in the second set, breaking Badosa twice to level the match. The third set was all Gauff, as she broke Badosa three times to secure a convincing victory.Gauff's victory was particularly impressive given her recent struggles with her serve. She committed 11 double faults but managed to overcome this weakness with her aggressive groundstrokes and clutch play in key moments.The match was also notable for the camaraderie between the two players. Gauff had previously reached out to Badosa during her injury struggles, and their friendship was evident on the court.Up next for Gauff is a challenging encounter against No. 7 seed Zheng Qinwen, who defeated Naomi Osaka earlier in the day. This will be the first meeting between the two players, and Gauff will need to continue her impressive form to advance further in the tournament.

Kendrick Lamar Dominates Tennis World, Sweeps Support from Top PlayersIn a stunning turn of events, Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the undisputed champion of the tennis world, sweeping the support of top players in a best-of-three blowout. Iga Swiatek, the reigning world number one, has become the latest star to throw her weight behind the rapper in his feud with Drake.Swiatek, known for her outspoken opinions on Taylor Swift's music, admitted to being a "lyric kind of girl" and praised Kendrick's complex and meaningful lyrics. "I'm going to go this way," she declared, aligning herself with Team Kendrick.Swiatek joins Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, who have both been vocal in their support for Kendrick. Osaka hailed his latest song as "amazing" and credited it with boosting her confidence on the court. Gauff, citing Kendrick's defense of Serena Williams in his lyrics, stated, "I have to go with him."The absence of any Drake supporters at the Foro Italico suggests that Kendrick has gained overwhelming support within the tennis community. His lyrics, which often explore themes of social justice and empowerment, have resonated with players who share his values.Kendrick's victory in the tennis world is a testament to his lyrical prowess and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. As the feud with Drake continues to dominate headlines, it is clear that Kendrick has emerged as a cultural icon, transcending the boundaries of music and inspiring support from even the most unexpected corners.

Tennis Stars Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka Join Kendrick Lamar's Camp in Drake FeudROME, Italy - The ongoing feud between rap icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake has taken a new turn, with tennis stars Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka aligning themselves with Lamar.Gauff, after winning her opening match at the Internazionali BNL d'italia, echoed Osaka's sentiments expressed earlier in the week. "I like Kendrick's songs more," she said. "I think pretty much everybody I know is leaning towards him."Gauff praised Lamar's defense of Serena Williams, who was rumored to have dated Drake and was targeted in his 2022 track. "Drake dissed Serena, so I have to go with Kendrick," she said. "He defended her."The feud between Lamar and Drake has been simmering for years, with both artists releasing diss tracks and engaging in lyrical battles. Lamar's recent track "Not Like Us" included a warning to Drake to "not speak on Serena."Drake responded with "The Heart Part 6," but the beef appears to be on hold for now. However, if the New York Times Popcast is seeking music criticism from elite athletes, Gauff and Osaka have emerged as unlikely but insightful commentators.Gauff's support for Lamar is particularly notable given her close relationship with Osaka, who has been a vocal supporter of Drake in the past. However, Osaka's recent comments suggest that she may be reconsidering her stance.The feud between Lamar and Drake has captivated the music world and beyond, and the involvement of Gauff and Osaka adds a new dimension to the rivalry. As the tennis stars continue to compete in Rome, their opinions on the rap battle are sure to be closely followed.

Rafael Nadal's farewell appearance at the Mutua Madrid Open was a poignant moment, marking the twilight of his illustrious career. Coco Gauff, a rising star in the tennis world, witnessed the tribute and was struck by the realization that Nadal's time on tour is drawing to a close.Gauff has long admired Nadal's unwavering determination and intensity on the court. "He's probably the only player that when I practice on the court next to him, I would literally zone out of my practice to watch him," she said. "His mentality and intensity is something I admire."Beyond his on-court prowess, Gauff appreciates Nadal's graciousness and humility. "He's a very nice person," she recalled. "I remember last year at Roland Garros, he touched me on the back and said, 'Hi, good job.' I didn't respond like till 20 tiles already down the stairs because I couldn't believe he spoke to me."As Gauff prepares for the upcoming French Open, she is focused on improving her consistency and reducing her double-fault count. "Last week, even though I lost 6-4 in the third, (I had) like 14 double-faults," she said. "I feel if I'm still close in these matches against Madi, who is like a top player, I think I just fix that detail, it will save me and maybe those matches would turn into winning in straight sets instead of losing in three sets."Gauff's journey at the Internazionali BNL D'italia begins against the winner of Magdalena Frech and Ashlyn Krueger. As she navigates the tournament, she will carry with her the inspiration and lessons learned from Rafael Nadal, a true legend of the sport.

The WTA tour shifts its focus to Rome for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, where the world's top players will vie for the title on the iconic red clay of the Foro Italico. After a thrilling Madrid Open, the women's draw in Rome promises more captivating matches and potential upsets.World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, fresh off her Madrid triumph, will be the player to beat. The Polish star has a remarkable 14-2 record in Rome, including two titles. Her quarterfinal draw appears manageable, with Marketa Vondrousova and Ekaterina Alexandrova as potential obstacles.Coco Gauff, ranked third in the world, will be eager to prove her clay-court credentials. Despite a disappointing start to the season on clay, Gauff has a strong record in Rome, reaching the semifinals in 2021. She could face a stern test against former Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova in the second round.Elena Rybakina, the reigning Rome champion, will be another contender. Her serve-based game has proven effective on clay, as evidenced by her Stuttgart title and Madrid semifinal appearance. Danielle Collins, who defeated Rybakina in the Miami final, could be a potential threat in her quarter.Aryna Sabalenka, the Madrid runner-up, will be looking to bounce back from her heartbreaking loss to Swiatek. However, her record in Rome is less impressive, and she could face a tough quarterfinal against Ons Jabeur or Dayana Yastremska.The semifinals could feature a rematch of the Madrid final between Swiatek and Sabalenka, while Rybakina and Gauff could clash in the other semifinal. The final could be a repeat of the Madrid semifinal, with Rybakina seeking revenge against Swiatek.With a star-studded field and the Roland Garros just around the corner, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia promises to be a thrilling spectacle of women's tennis.

The Mutua Madrid Open's Round of 16 features an intriguing all-American clash between Madison Keys and Coco Gauff. While Keys excels on grass, she's also formidable on clay, boasting a 67-44 record. Gauff, known for her clay-court prowess, has a 38-15 record on the surface.Keys has impressed in Madrid, defeating Irina-Camelia Begu and Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets. The altitude and slower bounce of the clay enhance her power and give her more time to execute her shots.Gauff's clay-court game is equally impressive, but Keys' ability to attack her forehand and exploit her shaky serve could prove problematic. Keys' return game is strong, breaking 40.0% of the time on clay over the past year.While Gauff is favored to win, Keys has the potential to force a tiebreaker or win four games in both sets. Her strong serve and ability to capitalize on Gauff's lows make her a threat.

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a resounding statement at the Mutua Madrid Open, securing her first double-bagel victory of her career with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Arantxa Rus.Gauff, who had struggled on indoor clay earlier in the season, showcased her prowess on the outdoor red clay of the Caja Magica. She stormed through the first set in just 23 minutes, converting three of four break point opportunities and striking six winners to four unforced errors.Despite losing serve to start the second set, Gauff displayed remarkable resilience, saving four break points and reeling off the next three games. She served for the match at 6-0, 5-0, and sealed the victory with a running forehand winner.The 20-year-old American's performance was a stark contrast to her recent form, which included a disappointing fourth-round loss at the Miami Open and a three-set defeat in Stuttgart. However, she put those setbacks behind her in Madrid, sending a clear message to her rivals.Up next for Gauff is a clash with No. 3 seed Dayana Yastremska, who also advanced to the second round with a hard-fought 0-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Emiliana Arango.Gauff's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is her first double-bagel win on the WTA Tour. It also serves as a reminder of her immense potential and her ability to dominate on any surface.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, continues to make waves both on and off the court. Following her recent cover feature in Vogue, Gauff has now graced the cover of TIME magazine's May issue, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of sports and beyond.In an in-depth interview with TIME writer Sean Gregory, Gauff reflects on her journey from a promising junior to a global icon. She discusses the transition from adolescence to adulthood, acknowledging the shift in focus from external expectations to her own aspirations."At first, I was scared to grow up," Gauff confides. "But now I'm embracing adulthood and womanhood."Gauff also shares personal experiences that have shaped her perspective. At age 12, she faced a racist incident at a junior tournament in France. While initially upset, she chose to move on, recognizing it as a reflection of societal ignorance rather than a defining moment."I just felt like that's just something that people experience, which is not a great thing," she says. "They just probably didn't grow up around other people that looked different."At 15, Gauff attended her homecoming dance in Boca Raton, Florida, but already felt a disconnect from her peers."I just think I was at a maturity level different from the kids around me," she explains. "No one has their life figured out at 15. But I, for the most part, did."Throughout her career, Gauff has consistently used her platform to advocate for issues she cares about. She remains committed to speaking out on matters of social justice and equality."I am not one to shy away from something that I feel informed about," she asserts.The article also explores Gauff's evolution as a sporting and cultural icon. She discusses her on-court goals for 2024, including her aspirations for an Olympic medal in Paris."I want to win gold so bad," she declares. "Representing the U.S. gives me goosebumps."Gauff is also eager to defend her US Open title later in the year."Sometimes people get unmotivated after winning one. That hasn't been a personal challenge for me," she says."My goal is to be relaxed and have fun and play with less pressure," she adds. "I know people are going to start talking about defending the US Open title later on in the year. I'm not worried about that."