Tennis

Karolina Pliskova Retires from US Open After Three Points Due to Ankle InjuryKarolina Pliskova, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam finalist, suffered a heartbreaking retirement from the US Open in the second round on Wednesday. The Czech star played just three points against Jasmine Paolini before being forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.The match began with Paolini losing the first point on serve with an unforced error. She recovered to 15-all after a Pliskova miss, and then took the next point with a forehand winner. However, disaster struck on the fourth point.As Pliskova turned to her right to retrieve Paolini's shot, she pushed off her left ankle and immediately hopped up in the air. She walked toward her chair and then, shortly after, ended the match.The injury was reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers' start with the New York Jets last September, when he suffered an ACL injury just four snaps into his season. It is a rare occurrence to see a 0-0 (ret.) score in tennis, but that is the case after today's unfortunate event.Paolini advances to the third round, where she will face 30th seed Yulia Putintseva. Pliskova's retirement is a major blow to her hopes of winning her first Grand Slam title. The 30-year-old has been in good form this season, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.The injury is also a setback for the US Open, which has already seen several top players withdraw due to injury. Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep are among those who have pulled out of the tournament.

Jasmine Paolini's dominance over Bianca Andreescu continued at the 2024 US Open, as the Italian secured a hard-fought 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 victory in a thrilling encounter that captivated the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.The match, which kicked off Day 2's night session, marked the third consecutive meeting between the two players at a major tournament. Paolini had previously triumphed over Andreescu at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, reaching the final in both events.Andreescu, a former world No. 4, has been striving to regain her top form since her US Open triumph in 2019. Despite physical and mental challenges, she impressed on grass earlier this season, reaching the final of the Libema Open.The opening set was a tight affair, with both players trading breaks early on. Andreescu surged ahead 5-3, but Paolini displayed her resilience, saving four set points to level at 5-5. The set eventually went into a Sudden Death, where Andreescu prevailed with a forehand error from Paolini.In the second set, Paolini seized control, breaking Andreescu's serve three times to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Andreescu managed to break back once, but Paolini ultimately forced a decider.The final set featured high-quality tennis from both players. Andreescu threatened to take the lead with break points, but Paolini held firm. However, Andreescu showed signs of physical distress and required a visit from the trainer.Despite her hindered movement, Andreescu fought back to level the set at 4-4. However, Paolini's audacious mix of offense and defense proved too much for the Canadian, as she engineered two break points and converted one to serve for the match.With the match on her racquet, Paolini faced double match point but saved one with remarkable defense. Andreescu made no mistake the second time, but Paolini broke straight back to find herself serving for the match once again.With the crowd on their feet, Paolini converted her second match point with a well-struck forehand, forcing an Andreescu error. The Italian advanced to the second round, where she will face former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.

The Olympic Games are a spectacle of athleticism and national pride, where athletes from around the world compete for the ultimate glory of a gold medal. Tennis, a sport that demands both physical prowess and mental fortitude, is no exception to this Olympic fervor.The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris witnessed a plethora of unforgettable moments, from the jubilation of Italy's Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini to the career-defining triumph of Novak Djokovic. The pressure of Olympic tennis is unique, leveling the playing field and giving rise to unexpected heroes.Errani and Paolini, diminutive in stature but not in spirit, defied expectations to capture the women's doubles gold medal. Their ecstatic celebration after match point was a testament to the unbridled joy that the Olympics can evoke. Djokovic, the seasoned veteran, added the Olympic singles gold to his illustrious resume, overcoming injury and age to produce a near-perfect performance.Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz carried the mantle for the United States, playing a remarkable 19 matches combined. Paul's sharp play earned him a quarterfinal berth in singles, while he and Fritz secured the bronze medal in doubles. Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to win a singles gold medal, overcoming adversity and delivering a stunning upset over Iga Swiatek.Felix Auger-Aliassime made history as the first Canadian to reach the singles medal round, while Donna Vekic of Croatia emerged as an unlikely finalist. Andy Murray, in the twilight of his career, bowed out with a heroic performance alongside Dan Evans, fighting valiantly against Fritz and Paul.Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, despite not medaling, left an indelible mark with her spirited performances, including an epic win over Jasmine Paolini. Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek experienced both the heartbreak and joy of Olympic competition, narrowly missing out on the gold medal in doubles.Marta Kostyuk, the highest-ranking Ukrainian, represented her war-torn nation with pride, reaching the quarterfinals. The Kichenok sisters, Lyudmyla and Nadiia, also played with inspiration, falling just short of the medal round.The Olympics, with its unique blend of patriotism and athletic excellence, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The 2024 Games in Paris showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes, the power of national pride, and the enduring legacy of the Olympic flame.

Jasmine Paolini's Wimbledon dream ended in heartbreak as she fell to Barbora Krejcikova in the final, just weeks after losing the French Open title match. The Italian, ranked seventh in the world, fought back from a shaky start to level the match but ultimately succumbed to a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 defeat on Centre Court.Paolini's remarkable rise to the Wimbledon final marked a significant milestone for Italian women's tennis. She had never progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam before reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year. Her performances in Paris and London have propelled her to number five in the world rankings, a remarkable achievement considering she ended last season in 30th place.Despite the bitter disappointment of her recent losses, Paolini remains optimistic about her future prospects. "I'm still aiming at great things," she said. "I have to say that. I don't know. I'm going back, trying to practise, to stay in the present, as I said many times. This is the goal for me, my team, to try to keep this level as much as possible."Paolini's journey to the Wimbledon final was not without its challenges. She faced a tough draw, including a quarterfinal clash against former world number one Simona Halep. However, she displayed resilience and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing her impressive all-court game and powerful serve.In the final, Paolini struggled to find her rhythm in the opening set, but she rallied in the second to level the match. The deciding set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Ultimately, Krejcikova's experience and composure proved decisive as she secured the victory.Despite the disappointment, Paolini's Wimbledon run has been a testament to her talent and hard work. She has proven that she belongs among the elite players in the world and has set the stage for future success.

Wimbledon has witnessed a remarkable legacy of Czech women's tennis dominance, with four players from the country claiming Grand Slam singles titles. Barbora Krejcikova, the latest champion, has joined the ranks of Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, and Helena Sukova.Krejcikova's triumph at Wimbledon 2024 was a testament to her resilience and determination. After a challenging season, she defied expectations to reach the final, where she faced Jasmine Paolini of Italy. In a thrilling match, Krejcikova prevailed in three sets, becoming the first Czech woman to win Wimbledon since Novotna in 1998."I still can't believe I won Wimbledon," exclaimed Krejcikova. "It's a dream come true." She attributed her success to the mentorship of Novotna, who passed away in 2017. "She told me I had the potential to be a champion," said Krejcikova. "I never thought I would win the same trophy as Jana did."Novotna's legacy continues to inspire Czech tennis players. She was a trailblazing figure who won Wimbledon in 1998, becoming the first Czech woman to claim a Grand Slam singles title. Her mentorship of Krejcikova and other young players has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Czech women's tennis.Paolini, the runner-up at Wimbledon 2024, also made history by reaching the final. Her performance propelled her into the top-5 of the WTA rankings. "I'm proud of what I've achieved," said Paolini. "I've received a lot of support from the fans, and it's been an incredible experience."Wimbledon's special connection with Czech women's tennis is a testament to the country's rich tennis tradition. The Czech Republic has produced numerous world-class players, including Ivan Lendl, Martina Navratilova, and Tomas Berdych. The country's success in tennis is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong grassroots program, dedicated coaches, and a passion for the sport.As Wimbledon 2024 draws to a close, the legacy of Czech women's tennis continues to shine brightly. Barbora Krejcikova's triumph is a reminder of the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination that have characterized the Czech players who have graced the hallowed courts of Wimbledon.

A fortnight ago, a Wimbledon women's singles final between Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini would have been an unlikely prospect. However, on Saturday, they will face off for the prestigious Venus Rosewater Dish, becoming the eighth different singles champion at the All England Club in as many years.Both players enter the summit clash on the back of hard-fought three-set victories. Krejcikova overcame the power-hitting Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, while Paolini outlasted Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) in an epic that lasted nearly three hours.Krejcikova may have spent less time on the court, but her victory was equally challenging. The Czech was also competing in the doubles draw until late Wednesday, losing a three-set quarterfinal with partner Laura Siegemund.Despite their demanding schedules, both Krejcikova and Paolini will be sufficiently rested for the weekend final. Krejcikova's experience and Slam-winning pedigree (French Open 2021) make her the slight favorite. Her all-around skills, including her powerful groundstrokes and deft touch at the net, will be crucial.However, Paolini has been the surprise package of the season. The 28-year-old Italian has impressed with her boundless energy and aggressive style of play. She started the year with just four main draw match wins at the Majors, but has now reached two finals. Her quick footwork, explosive groundstrokes, and never-say-die attitude make her a formidable opponent.Krejcikova and Paolini have met once before, in the first-round qualifying at the Australian Open in 2018. Both players were relatively unknown at the time, but their paths have diverged significantly since then.The Wimbledon final promises to be a captivating clash between two talented and determined players. Krejcikova's experience and all-court game may give her an edge, but Paolini's youthful exuberance and fearless approach could upset the odds.

Italy's Jasmine Paolini has made history by becoming the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final. Her remarkable journey to the championship match has been marked by resilience, determination, and a newfound belief in her abilities.Paolini's path to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to this year, she had never won a Tour-level match on grass and had lost in the first round of her previous three Wimbledon appearances. However, 2023 has been a transformative year for the 28-year-old.Her breakthrough came at the French Open, where she reached her maiden Grand Slam final before falling to world number one Iga Swiatek. Undeterred, Paolini carried her newfound confidence to Wimbledon, where she has continued to defy expectations.In the longest women's singles semi-final in Wimbledon history, Paolini outlasted Donna Vekic in a thrilling three-set battle. Despite trailing 3-1 in the deciding set, Paolini rallied back to secure a hard-fought victory.Paolini's opponent in the final will be Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova, who has also enjoyed a remarkable run to the championship match. Krejcikova, who won the French Open in 2021, has overcome a back injury and illness to find her form at Wimbledon.The final will be a clash of contrasting styles. Paolini is known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand, while Krejcikova is a more versatile player with a strong all-court game.Regardless of the outcome, Paolini's achievement is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible. She has inspired a nation and shown that with determination and a never-say-die attitude, dreams can become reality.

Wimbledon: A Tale of Triumph, Disaster, and the Eternal Nature of TennisCentre Court at Wimbledon, a hallowed ground where tennis legends are forged, witnessed two contrasting semifinals that showcased the captivating blend of personality and skill that makes the sport so compelling.In the first semifinal, Jasmine Paolini's unwavering optimism and tenacity triumphed over Donna Vekic's power and experience. Vekic's early dominance gave way to frustration as Paolini's positive demeanor and relentless defense proved too much to overcome.The second semifinal featured a clash of contrasting styles between Barbora Krejcikova and Elena Rybakina. Krejcikova's grit and versatility neutralized Rybakina's formidable serve and power, leading to a hard-fought victory.Both Paolini and Krejcikova displayed remarkable composure throughout their matches, embodying the spirit of the famous quote inscribed above Centre Court's doorway: "If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same."Paolini's journey to the final has been marked by her ability to overcome adversity, while Krejcikova's resurgence after a back injury is a testament to her determination and adaptability.As they prepare to face each other in the final, Paolini and Krejcikova represent the enduring power of resilience, optimism, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the sport of tennis.

In a thrilling Wimbledon semifinal, Jasmine Paolini staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8). The Italian, seeded seventh, rallied from a set down and twice trailed by a break in the final set to reach her second consecutive Grand Slam final.Paolini, who reached the final at Roland Garros earlier this year, has enjoyed a breakout season. She won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and has been in impressive form on grass, losing just one set en route to the semifinals.Vekic, 28, was also in inspired form. The unseeded Croat had never reached a Grand Slam semifinal before, but she had upset Lulu Sun in the quarterfinals and was playing with confidence on her favorite surface.The match began with Vekic taking control. She broke Paolini's serve in the opening game and won the first set comfortably. However, Paolini fought back in the second set, saving three break points and winning seven of the next eight points to level the match.The third set was a tense affair. Vekic broke Paolini's serve early on, but the Italian broke back immediately. Vekic regained the lead, but Paolini broke back again to level the set at 3-3.Vekic then took the lead once more, but Paolini refused to give up. She broke back again and held her serve to take a 5-4 lead. Vekic saved one match point, but Paolini converted her second to seal a memorable victory.Paolini will now face either Elena Rybakina or Barbora Krejcikova in the final.