Tennis

Andy Murray Returns to Practice Court After Ankle Injury, Eyes Paris OlympicsThree-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has made a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury, returning to the practice court after confirming that he will not undergo surgery.The 36-year-old Murray suffered a torn ligament in his left ankle during a match at the Miami Open in March. The injury raised concerns about his future, as Murray had previously stated that he was unlikely to play beyond this summer.However, Murray's team announced this week that he had been cleared to resume training. "Andy is out of the walking boot and will not be having surgery," the statement read. "He is hoping to start hitting again on court soon."A video posted on Murray's Instagram account on Friday showed the former world No. 1 hitting forehands on an indoor court. While no timeline for his return has been announced, Murray's progress is a positive sign for his hopes of competing in the Paris Olympics.Murray has been a key member of the British Davis Cup team and has expressed his desire to represent his country at the Olympics one last time. The Paris Games will be held in July and August 2024, giving Murray ample time to recover and prepare.Murray's return to the practice court is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite facing a potentially career-ending injury, he remains committed to his goal of competing at the highest level. His progress will be closely monitored by fans and fellow players alike, as he aims to add to his impressive legacy in the sport.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka has expressed her desire to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled for 2024. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who lit the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games in 2021, is eager to represent Japan once again on the Olympic stage.Osaka's participation in the Olympics is contingent on her receiving a spot from tennis chiefs. She may need to go through an appeals process after failing to make two mandatory appearances for Japan in the Billie Jean King Cup during the current Olympic cycle.Despite her absence from the Billie Jean King Cup, Osaka has been making a strong comeback to tennis after a 15-month maternity break. She has risen from world ranking 831 to 193 since her return late last year.Osaka's recent performances have been encouraging, with the 26-year-old reaching the quarter-finals in six tournaments. She is determined to improve her results and achieve a medal at the Paris Olympics."I would hope that I get to play," Osaka said. "And if I do play, I have high ambitions of myself and I hope that I can do really well and get a medal."Osaka's return to form has been marked by her aggressive style of play and powerful serve. She is known for her ability to hit winners from both sides of the court and has a strong mental game.If Osaka is granted a spot in the Paris Olympics, she will be a formidable opponent for her rivals. Her experience, talent, and determination make her a contender for a medal.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, is determined to maintain her rigorous tournament schedule in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Despite concerns from her team about potential burnout, Swiatek remains adamant about playing "everything" to ensure her readiness for the Games.Swiatek's recent semi-final exit in Dubai raised questions about her ability to sustain her demanding schedule. However, she insists that she feels physically capable of handling the workload. "I think I can handle playing a lot of tournaments," Swiatek said. "I don't want to miss any opportunities."The 22-year-old Pole acknowledges that she may need to adjust her approach in the future, but for now, she is prioritizing playing as many events as possible, particularly on clay. "I would not be comfortable missing anything right now," she said.Swiatek's decision to maintain her packed schedule is driven by her desire to be fully prepared for the Olympics, which begin on July 26. She believes that playing a variety of tournaments will help her develop the necessary skills and experience to succeed on the biggest stage.Despite her unwavering commitment to her schedule, Swiatek recognizes the importance of rest and recovery. She admitted that she felt "out of power and tired" in her Dubai loss, but she is confident that she can manage her workload effectively.As the top seed at the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters, Swiatek has a bye into the second round. She will face the winner of the match between Erika Andreeva and American Danielle Collins, who is playing out her career this season. Swiatek defeated Collins in the Australian Open second round but crashed out in the third to unseeded Czech Linda Noskova.