Tennis

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is set to witness an electrifying mixed doubles tennis tournament, with the confirmation of 16 elite teams. The competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring some of the world's top-ranked players.Leading the charge are Americans Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, who will make their Olympic debut as the No. 2 seeds. Gauff, a rising star in the sport, has already reached the singles final at Roland Garros and won the women's doubles title this year. Fritz, known for his impressive clay-court performances, will add depth to the American team.The No. 1 seeds are Germany's Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund, who won the gold medal in Tokyo 2020 and the 2024 Roland Garros mixed doubles title, respectively. Australia's Matthew Ebden and Ellen Perez, this year's French Open quarterfinalists, are the No. 3 seeds.Another fan-favorite team is Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, who will once again join forces on the international stage. Mixed doubles is a unique event at the Olympics, being one of the few co-ed competitions.The full list of 16 teams includes:* Alexander Zverev / Laura Siegemund (GER)* Taylor Fritz / Coco Gauff (USA)* Matthew Ebden / Ellen Perez (AUS)* Stefanos Tsitsipas / Maria Sakkari (GRE)* Felix Auger-Aliassime / Gabriela Dabrowski (CAN)* Andrea Vavassori / Sara Errani (ITA)* Marcel Granollers / Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP)* Alexander Bublik / Elena Rybakina (KAZ)* Mate Pavic / Donna Vekic (CRO)* Edouard Roger-Vasselin / Caroline Garcia (FRA)* Daniil Medvedev / Mirra Andreeva (AIN)* Zhang Zhizhen / Zheng Qinwen (CHN)* Tomas Machac / Katerina Siniakova (CZE)* Wesley Koolhof / Demi Schuurs (NED)* Joe Salisbury / Heather Watson (GBR)* Kei Nishikori / Ena Shibahara (JPN)The draw ceremony for mixed doubles, along with all Paris Olympics tennis events, will take place on Thursday at Roland Garros. The tournament will kick off on Monday, July 29, promising an unforgettable experience for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis prodigy, has been bestowed with the prestigious honor of being the female flag bearer for Team USA at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. This historic moment marks the first time an American tennis player has been entrusted with this responsibility, and Gauff becomes the youngest athlete ever to carry the flag.Gauff's selection as flag bearer is a testament to her remarkable achievements on and off the court. She has established herself as one of the most promising young stars in tennis, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2022. Beyond her athletic prowess, Gauff is known for her maturity, poise, and commitment to social justice.The flag bearer ceremony will take place on Friday during the Opening Ceremony in Paris. Gauff will lead the nearly 600 U.S. athletes, staff, and dignitaries in the traditional parade of nations, which will be held on boats floating down the Seine River. She will stand alongside basketball legend LeBron James, who was selected as the male flag bearer.Gauff's selection was made through a vote led by the Team USA Athletes' Commission. Her fellow first-time tennis Olympian, Chris Eubanks, nominated her, describing her as his "little sister" and praising her character and accomplishments.Other notable tennis players who have carried the flag for their countries include Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki. In 2024, Chile's Nicolas Jarry will serve as the male flag bearer for his country.Gauff's Olympic debut is highly anticipated, and her role as flag bearer adds an extra layer of significance to her journey. She is expected to compete in both singles and doubles events, aiming to make history and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Coco Gauff's Olympic dream is finally coming true, and she's already feeling like a winner. In a heartfelt letter to her younger self, Gauff reflects on the journey that led her to the Paris Games and the challenges she overcame along the way.Three years ago, Gauff was devastated to miss the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19. But instead of dwelling on her disappointment, she set a new goal: to qualify for the 2024 Paris Games.Gauff's determination and hard work paid off. She earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team by virtue of her consistent performances over the past year, including her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.As she prepares for her Olympic debut, Gauff is focused on more than just winning medals. She wants to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience of representing her country."The excitement is overwhelming," Gauff wrote. "You can't wait to travel with your teammates, to take on the Olympic tennis tournament and hopefully increase the United States' medal count that you continually check each Olympics."Gauff is one of the biggest multiple-medal threats in Paris. She will join Danielle Collins, Emma Navarro, and Jessica Pegula as the Americans' singles players, and will also team with Pegula for doubles.The U.S. did not medal in any of the five events at the Tokyo Games, but Gauff is confident that she and her teammates can change that in Paris."Besides the battle on the court, be sure to enjoy the whole experience outside the confines of Roland Garros," Gauff wrote. "There will be athletes from across the world that you admire that you will have the opportunity to connect with. You can learn about new sports that have nothing to do with a baseline, backhand or the world of tennis."Gauff's Olympic journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but she's emerged from it stronger than ever. She's ready to make her childhood dream a reality and represent her country with pride.

Emma Navarro, the 19th-seeded American, has stunned world No. 2 Coco Gauff in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) at Wimbledon, securing her first Grand Slam quarterfinal berth.Navarro, who is enjoying a breakthrough season, has already defeated former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka en route to her second consecutive Grand Slam second week. Against Gauff, she rallied from an early break down to triumph in one hour and 14 minutes on Centre Court.Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, had cruised through her draw in the first week, dropping only 10 games in three matches. However, Navarro proved too resilient, breaking Gauff twice to clinch the opening set.In the second set, Gauff's frustration grew as her forehand faltered, handing Navarro the opportunity to serve out the match. Despite saving two match points, Gauff succumbed to a final forehand error, resulting in a warm embrace with her childhood friend at the net.Navarro's victory was a testament to her steady play, as she committed only 16 unforced errors compared to Gauff's 25. The American is projected to make her Top 15 debut after Wimbledon and will next face No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, who advanced after Madison Keys retired due to a leg injury.

Wimbledon 2024: Previewing the Quarterfinal MatchupsThe Wimbledon quarterfinals are set to feature some thrilling matchups, with top seeds Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff facing off against rising stars Ben Shelton and Emma Navarro, respectively.Jannik Sinner vs. Ben SheltonShelton, despite losing twice to Sinner in the past, remains optimistic. He acknowledges the Italian's power but believes his own all-around ability can pose a challenge. However, Sinner's consistency and return game, as showcased in his victory over Matteo Berrettini, may prove too much for Shelton to overcome.Coco Gauff vs. Emma NavarroThis highly anticipated matchup pits the top-ranked American against the breakout star of 2024. Gauff, known for her athleticism and serve, will face a tough test in Navarro, who has impressed with her all-court game and recent victory over Naomi Osaka. Gauff's experience and physicality may give her the edge, but Navarro's versatility and rising form could make this a close encounter.Madison Keys vs. Jasmine PaoliniKeys and Paolini share similar aggressive styles, but Keys' height and powerful serve may prove decisive. Paolini, coming off a strong performance at Roland Garros, will need to find a way to neutralize Keys' serve and exploit her backhand.Predictions:* Jannik Sinner* Coco Gauff* Madison Keys

Emma Navarro's meteoric rise in professional tennis continues as she prepares to face Coco Gauff in the Wimbledon fourth round. The former NCAA champion has consistently exceeded expectations, showcasing her problem-solving abilities and unwavering determination.After a stunning victory over Naomi Osaka in her Centre Court debut, Navarro faced a formidable challenge in Diana Shnaider. Despite losing the first set, she rallied back with impressive resilience, ultimately securing a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. This comeback highlighted Navarro's ability to adapt and execute under pressure.Navarro's upcoming match against Gauff is a pivotal moment in her career. While she has previously defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the stakes are higher in this all-American clash. Navarro seeks her first Grand Slam quarterfinal berth, a testament to her hard work and belief in her abilities.Gauff, too, has her sights set on a Wimbledon milestone. Despite her previous victory over Navarro in Auckland, she acknowledges the threat posed by her compatriot. Navarro's all-court game and recent tournament performances have earned her respect.Navarro believes she has the potential to overcome Gauff, despite their previous encounter. She has practiced with Gauff this year and believes she has improved since their match in New Zealand.Navarro's journey to the top has been marked by her unwavering determination and ability to learn from her experiences. She has consistently proven that hard work and self-belief can overcome any obstacle. As she prepares to face Gauff, Navarro is confident in her abilities and ready to take the next step in her remarkable career.

Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and US Open winner Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round on Friday, showcasing their dominance on the grass courts.Alcaraz, the world number three, faced a stern test from close friend Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling five-set encounter. After dropping the first set, Alcaraz rallied to win the next two before Tiafoe forced a fourth-set tiebreak. However, Alcaraz's powerful serve and aggressive play proved too much for the American, as he sealed the victory 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2."It's always a big challenge playing against Frances," said Alcaraz. "He's a really talented player, really tough to face, and he has shown again that he deserves to be at the top and fight for big things."Gauff, the world number two, had an easier time against British qualifier Sonay Kartal, winning 6-4, 6-0. The American dominated the second set, allowing her opponent just eight points."This is my first time playing a British player here, so I was a little nervous because I knew you'd be for her, which is understandable," said Gauff. "Thankfully, you guys were pretty nice to me, so that helped."Other notable results included Tommy Paul's straight-sets victory over Alexander Bublik, Grigor Dimitrov's defeat of Gael Monfils, and Madison Keys' advancement to the second week.Lulu Sun made history by becoming the first woman from New Zealand since 1959 to reach the last 16. The 23-year-old upset Chinese eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round and continued her impressive run with a straight-sets win over Zhu Lin."Practically more sheep and deer than people," joked Sun about her hometown of Te Anau. "I hope this win will be big news there."

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, has stormed into the second week of Wimbledon 2023 with an impressive 6-4, 6-0 victory over British qualifier Sonay Kartal. This marks Gauff's first appearance in the fourth round at the All England Club since 2021, after a disappointing first-round exit last year.Gauff, who made her major breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2019 as a 15-year-old, has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament. She has dropped just 10 games in her first three matches, showcasing her dominance on the grass courts.Kartal, making her Grand Slam main-draw debut, put up a valiant fight in the opening set, rallying from 4-2 down to level the contest. However, Gauff's superior experience and firepower proved too much for the British player. Gauff won the next two games to take the set and then reeled off the final eight games of the match, securing a comfortable victory in just over an hour.Gauff's next opponent will be fellow American Emma Navarro, who overcame a set deficit to defeat Diana Shnaider in three sets earlier on Friday. Navarro, the No. 19 seed, will pose a significant challenge to Gauff, but the No. 2 seed will be confident of continuing her impressive run at Wimbledon.Gauff's resurgence at Wimbledon is a testament to her consistency and determination. Since her 2023 Wimbledon defeat, she has been the most consistent woman at major tournaments, winning the US Open and reaching back-to-back semifinals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.As the world No. 2, Gauff is one of the favorites to win Wimbledon this year. Her powerful serve, aggressive groundstrokes, and exceptional court coverage make her a formidable opponent on any surface. If she can maintain her current form, she will be a serious threat to the title.

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, has been making waves both on and off the court at Wimbledon 2023. Her impressive performances, coupled with her striking fashion choices, have drawn comparisons to tennis legend Serena Williams.Gauff's New Balance kit at this year's Championships features bold cutouts at the mid-back and hips, reminiscent of Williams' iconic Nike dress from 2019. The American teenager, however, is quick to dispel any notions of imitation."I think that Serena has just done every iconic dress 'fit in the game that unintentionally you can have something inspired by her," Gauff explained. "It was similar to my Australian Open outfit this year. Some people thought it was inspired by her, which it wasn't."Gauff acknowledges Williams' influence on tennis fashion, but emphasizes that her own style is unique. "I feel like Serena is such an icon that everybody can have inspiration from her, like she's the original," she said. "I take it as an acknowledgment."The 18-year-old's Grand Slam kits are meticulously planned years in advance, with input from Gauff herself. However, she credits the creative team at New Balance for bringing her vision to life."I don't really ever design anything," Gauff admitted. "I tell them what I want and then they put it into a nice way."Gauff's fashion choices extend beyond her on-court attire. Her honey-blonde braids, inspired by singer Willow Smith, have also garnered attention.The American's impressive form and stylish appearance have made her a fan favorite at Wimbledon. She will face British qualifier Sonay Kartal on Friday, looking to continue her strong run in the tournament.