Tennis

Marketa Vondrousova and Cam Norrie Withdraw from U.S. Open Due to InjuriesMarketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, and Cam Norrie have withdrawn from the upcoming U.S. Open due to injuries. Vondrousova, ranked 18th in the world, has been struggling with a hand injury, while Norrie, ranked 47th, is nursing a forearm problem.Vondrousova, a 25-year-old Czech, made history last year by becoming the first woman since 1994 to lose her opening match at Wimbledon a year after winning the title. She has not played since her first-round defeat at the All England Club in July.Vondrousova's withdrawal is a significant blow to the women's draw at the U.S. Open. She was one of the favorites to challenge for the title, having won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon last year and reached the final of the 2019 French Open. She also won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.Norrie's withdrawal is also a disappointment for the men's draw. The 27-year-old Briton has been in good form this season, reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.Petra Martic will replace Vondrousova in the women's draw in New York, while Francisco Comesana will take Norrie's spot in the men's bracket. The draw for the U.S. Open will be held next Thursday, with play beginning on August 26.

Marketa Vondrousova, the 2021 Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the upcoming Paris Olympics due to a hand injury. The Czech left-hander announced her decision on social media, expressing her disappointment but prioritizing her recovery for the US Open.Vondrousova's withdrawal is a significant blow to the Czech team, as she was expected to play both singles and doubles. She was set to partner with Karolina Muchova in doubles, but her place will now be taken by Katerina Siniakova. Linda Noskova will join Muchova in the doubles competition.In her Olympic debut in Tokyo, Vondrousova made a remarkable run to the silver medal. She defeated then-world No. 2 Naomi Osaka and other top players en route to the gold-medal match, where she lost to Belinda Bencic.Vondrousova's withdrawal means that two of the three medalists from the Tokyo Olympics will not be competing in Paris. Bencic is on maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter in April, while bronze medalist Elina Svitolina remains in the field.Vondrousova's injury woes have been a recurring issue throughout her career. She suffered a hip injury in a slip and fall at the pre-Wimbledon event in Berlin, which hampered her title defense at the All England Club. She lost in the first round to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, becoming only the second woman in the Open Era to lose in the first round of Wimbledon after winning the title the previous year.As a result of her early exit at Wimbledon, Vondrousova dropped from No. 6 to No. 18 in the WTA rankings. She will now focus on recovering from her hand injury and preparing for the US Open, which begins in five weeks.

Marketa Vondrousova and Zheng Qinwen: Tennis Stars Grace Fashion Magazines Ahead of Paris OlympicsMarketa Vondrousova and Zheng Qinwen, two rising stars in the tennis world, are making waves both on and off the court. Ahead of the highly anticipated Paris Olympics, the duo has graced the covers of prestigious fashion magazines, showcasing their style and athleticism.Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has joined forces with four other Czech athletes for a special spread in Czech Esquire. The edgy black dress with a lace overskirt, paired with her signature tattoos, exudes both elegance and strength. The shoot, styled by Lenka Kermes and photographed by Benedikt Renc, also features archer Marie Horackova, fencer Alexander Choupenitch, judoka Lukas Krpalek, and cyclist Iveta Miculycova, who collectively boast four Olympic medals.Vondrousova, who made history as the second woman to lose in the first round of her title defense at Wimbledon, is determined to make a strong comeback in Paris. Her impressive performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where she secured a silver medal and defeated Naomi Osaka, has set the stage for another stellar Olympic appearance. She will also team up with Karolina Muchova in the doubles event.Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen has become the solo cover star of Harper's Bazaar China's August issue, marking her second appearance in the magazine within two years. The Australian Open finalist and Top 10 player was styled by Wang Hao and photographed by Zack Zhang. The shoot showcases her versatility, as she poses in street wear, formal attire, and athleisure apparel on a tennis court.Since reaching the Grand Slam singles final in January, Zheng's portfolio has expanded to include a partnership with Lancôme. Her growing confidence in front of the camera is evident in her recent cover for China's GQ magazine. Zheng is poised to make her Olympic debut in Paris, adding another chapter to her remarkable journey.

At the All England Club on Monday, contrasting fortunes unfolded for the last two Wimbledon singles champions. While 2022 winner Elena Rybakina cruised into the second round, defending champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.Vondrousova's defeat marks a rare occurrence in Wimbledon history. She became only the fourth Wimbledon champion to lose in the first round of their title defense, joining Steffi Graf, who lost in 1994 after winning three consecutive titles.Vondrousova's title defense was clouded by concerns about her physical health. After reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, she played only 10 games of grass-court tennis before Wimbledon. In Berlin, she slipped and fell during a match, raising questions about her fitness.Despite her pre-tournament assurances that she felt "fine," Vondrousova's performance on Centre Court raised alarm bells. She double-faulted three times in the opening game and continued to struggle with her serve throughout the match, double-faulting seven times and being broken five times.Meanwhile, Bouzas Maneiro's historic victory marked several milestones in her career. It was her first main-draw win at a Grand Slam, her first tour-level win on grass, and her first career Top 10 win. Earlier this year, she had scored her first WTA main-draw victory against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.

Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champions, face the challenge of proving their triumphs were not flukes. Rybakina, a 25-year-old Kazakh, possesses a powerful serve and a top-4 ranking. Vondrousova, a 24-year-old Czech, is known for her crafty left-handed game.In 2022, Rybakina won Wimbledon in a field without Russian and Belarusian players due to the Ukraine invasion. Vondrousova's victory was aided by Ons Jabeur's struggles in the final. This year, the tournament is open to all, making the competition more intense.Rybakina has had a mixed year, battling health issues but still boasting a strong record. She believes Wimbledon suits her game, where she has a 14-2 record. Her athleticism and flat game are well-suited for grass.Vondrousova, known for her composure under pressure, has a unique left-handed style that allows her to control the tempo of matches. She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.Both players have faced criticism that their Wimbledon wins were flukes. However, they have the opportunity to silence the skeptics this year. Vondrousova is recovering from a hip injury, while Rybakina withdrew from Eastbourne due to illness.If healthy, Rybakina and Vondrousova are strong contenders for the Wimbledon title. Their unique styles and determination make them formidable opponents.

Marketa Vondrousova Commences Grass-Court Season with Victory in BerlinBERLIN, Germany - Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova kicked off her grass-court campaign with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph over qualifier Rebeka Masarova in the opening round of the Berlin Ladies Open on Monday.The fifth-seeded Vondrousova displayed her dominance on the surface, breaking Masarova's serve three times throughout the match. She sealed her victory with a decisive forehand winner, mirroring her success against the Spaniard at the start of the French Open.Vondrousova's next opponent in the second round will be Anna Kalinskaya. The Czech star is aiming to replicate her historic Wimbledon triumph last year, where she became the first unseeded woman to lift the trophy. In the final, she overcame 2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.Vondrousova's victory in Berlin marks a promising start to her grass-court season. She will be eager to continue her momentum and challenge for another Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, which begins on June 26th.

Iga Swiatek's relentless dominance at Roland Garros continued on Tuesday as she cruised past Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2 to reach the semifinals. The top seed extended her winning streak to 35 consecutive sets, including three straight bagel sets in Paris.Swiatek's resurgence since her near-elimination against Naomi Osaka in the second round has been remarkable. She has dropped only 10 games in her last three matches, showcasing her exceptional form and mental fortitude. Against Vondrousova, she was in complete control, striking 25 winners to 15 unforced errors.The Czech challenger, who had never won a set against Swiatek in their previous encounters, managed to hold serve once in the second set but was unable to make any significant impact on the match. Swiatek's relentless aggression and pinpoint accuracy proved too much to handle.In the semifinals, Swiatek will face No. 3 seed Coco Gauff, who overcame Ons Jabeur in a thrilling three-set battle. The Pole holds a commanding 10-1 head-to-head record against Gauff, including a 4-0 advantage on clay.Swiatek's current form suggests that she is the overwhelming favorite to win her fourth Roland Garros title. Her ability to dominate opponents with such ease is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

In the realm of tennis, where rankings reign supreme, the terms "underrated" and "overlooked" often come into play. Two such players who fit this description are Marketa Vondrousova and Casper Ruud.Vondrousova, a 24-year-old Czech, possesses a unique and unpredictable style that has earned her a cult following among tennis enthusiasts. Her ability to absorb pace and redirect shots can drive opponents to distraction. Despite reaching the Wimbledon final last year, her accomplishments have not received the widespread recognition they deserve.Ruud, a 25-year-old Norwegian, is a master of consistency and defense. His disciplined game has seen him rise to the Top 10, but his achievements have often been overshadowed by more flamboyant players. However, his recent success on hard courts, including a US Open final appearance, has forced tennis pundits to take notice.Vondrousova's uneven record can be attributed to wrist injuries, while Ruud's lack of charisma may have contributed to his underappreciated status. Nevertheless, both players have proven their mettle on the court. Vondrousova's ability to make opponents play poorly and Ruud's relentless determination make them formidable contenders.As the French Open approaches, Vondrousova and Ruud are poised to make a statement. Vondrousova's crafty game is well-suited to the clay courts of Roland Garros, while Ruud's recent upgrades have made him a threat on any surface.While they may not receive the same level of attention as some of their more high-profile counterparts, Vondrousova and Ruud are players to watch. Their unique styles and unwavering determination make them compelling to watch and potential dark horses for the French Open title.

Marketa Vondrousova's stunning victory over Aryna Sabalenka at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has propelled her into the semifinals, where she will face either Coco Gauff or Marta Kostyuk.Sabalenka, the world No. 2 and three-time runner-up in Stuttgart, started strongly, winning the first set 6-3. However, Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, fought back to take the second set 6-3.The third set was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks. Sabalenka, who has struggled with her serve this season, double-faulted nine times. Despite this, she managed to serve for the match at 5-4.However, Vondrousova showed her resilience, winning the next seven points to clinch the upset. The Czech player's victory was a testament to her clay-court prowess, having finished runner-up at the 2019 French Open.Sabalenka's defeat marks the end of her quest for a fourth consecutive final in Stuttgart. The Belarusian has endured an emotional spring, mourning the loss of her ex-partner.Meanwhile, Vondrousova's victory continues her impressive run of form on clay. She is yet to drop a set in Stuttgart and will be confident of reaching the final.The other semifinal will feature Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, and Kostyuk, who saved five match points to defeat Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals.