Tennis

Beatriz Haddad Maia, the Brazilian tennis star, has emerged as a formidable force on grass courts, despite the common misconception that clay is her preferred surface. With two grass-court titles under her belt since 2022 and an impressive 21-10 record on this surface, Haddad Maia is poised to make a deep run at Wimbledon.While Danielle Collins has enjoyed a successful season, her game is less suited to grass than other surfaces. Her aggressive style can lead to rushed defense and serve inconsistencies. Despite her impressive break percentage, the low-bouncing grass courts favor servers, making it difficult for Collins to rely solely on her returning prowess.Haddad Maia, on the other hand, excels in these conditions. Her career hold percentage on grass is a remarkable 79.7%, significantly higher than her overall hold percentage of 68.4%. Her ability to maintain possession of the ball gives her ample opportunities to win points.Moreover, Haddad Maia's baseline aggression matches Collins's, but she possesses superior defensive skills and a keen understanding of point construction. As one of the top volleyers in the women's game, Haddad Maia frequently approaches the net, a significant advantage on grass.The oddsmakers may be underestimating Haddad Maia's chances against Collins, as the match is closer to a 50-50 proposition. Her grass-court prowess, combined with Collins's potential struggles on this surface, make Haddad Maia an enticing underdog pick at +155 odds.

Andy Murray's Wimbledon legacy extends beyond his historic singles triumphs. His memorable mixed doubles partnership with Serena Williams in 2019 stands as a testament to his versatility and commitment to promoting women's sports.Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside Murray in a heartfelt video message. "It was such a fantastic experience," she said. "It really was one of the highlights of my life."The duo, boasting a combined nine Wimbledon singles titles, won two mixed doubles matches before falling to the top seeds. Murray's advocacy for women's sports, both on and off the court, has earned him Williams' admiration."You were the leader in that," Williams said. "The things you spoke up about on—the things you said about myself and Venus, about how we were always so inspiring, and what we meant to you—it really went such a long way, in my heart."Murray's mother, Judy, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. His emotional interview after his doubles loss with brother Jamie highlighted her influence.Despite his recent doubles defeat, Murray's Wimbledon journey continues alongside Emma Raducanu in mixed doubles. The 2012 and 2021 US Open champions will face Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai on Saturday.Williams, an avid Murray fan, expressed her unwavering support. "I will always be cheering for you and rooting you on, whatever you decide to do next," she said.Murray's Wimbledon legacy is not solely defined by his singles victories. His mixed doubles partnership with Williams and his advocacy for women's sports have cemented his status as a true champion both on and off the court.

The highly anticipated practice session between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon has been postponed due to a combination of wet weather and scheduling conflicts. Kyrgios, who is currently working as a commentator at the tournament, had expressed his excitement to warm up Djokovic for his next match. However, Djokovic ended up practicing with Taylor Fritz on Wednesday and his son Stefan on Thursday.Djokovic expressed optimism that the practice session with Kyrgios could still happen later in the week. The two players have developed a close friendship in recent years, despite their previous rivalry. Djokovic has been vocal in his support for Kyrgios, who has been struggling with injuries."He's been struggling a lot with injuries. Talking about major injuries, he's had a few. I've been very fortunate to not be away from tennis for long," Djokovic said after his opening Wimbledon match. "As an athlete, I empathize with Nick and anyone who's struggling. You almost feel helpless at times that something isn't allowing you to come back to what you love most, and you're unable to do your profession for years."Djokovic could potentially face Kyrgios' compatriot Alexei Popyrin in the third round of Wimbledon on Saturday. With so many Australians in his future, Djokovic joked that he might as well practice with Kyrgios.The postponement of the practice session is a disappointment for fans who were eager to see the two players on the court together. However, it is understandable given the circumstances. Djokovic and Kyrgios remain close friends, and it is likely that they will find a way to practice together later in the tournament.

On Thursday at Wimbledon, the spotlight shone on British tennis as Andy Murray bid farewell to Centre Court alongside his brother Jamie. The occasion marked a poignant moment in British tennis history, as the nation's greatest player since Fred Perry took his final bow.However, the day was not solely about the past. It was a showcase for the future of British tennis, as four of Murray's potential successors took to the courts. Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart, the top two British women, faced off in a thrilling battle, followed by Jack Draper and Cam Norrie, the top two British men.In a match filled with tension and drama, Dart emerged victorious over Boulter in a 10-point tiebreaker. The lower-ranked player triumphed over the higher-ranked opponent, demonstrating the pressure that comes with defending the top spot in front of a home crowd.The men's match between Draper and Norrie was a more straightforward affair. Norrie, the more experienced player, dominated the match, winning in straight sets. Despite Draper's recent success, Norrie proved that he remains a force to be reckoned with in British tennis.While no one can truly replace Murray, the performances of Boulter, Dart, Draper, and Norrie on Thursday provided a glimpse of a bright future for British tennis. They showcased the talent, determination, and passion that will carry the sport forward in the years to come.

Frances Tiafoe's recent struggles have been evident, with the American admitting to losing to "clowns" in recent times. While his choice of words may have been harsh, Tiafoe's performance has indeed dipped since his impressive semifinal run at the 2022 US Open.Tiafoe's third-round opponent at Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz, is no ordinary player. The Spaniard is the defending champion and has already won three Grand Slam titles, including the French Open last month. Alcaraz's dominance on clay and hard courts is well-known, but his grass-court game is still a work in progress.Despite Alcaraz's recent straight-set victories, his opponents have had their chances. Both Mark Lajal and Aleksandar Vukic took Alcaraz to a tiebreaker in the first set, while Lajal also lost a set 7-5. Tiafoe, with his powerful serve and comfortable net play, poses a greater threat than either of those players.Tiafoe's ability to hold his serve and his sharp baseline game make him a dangerous opponent on grass. If he can maintain his focus and avoid unforced errors, he has the potential to cover the 7.5-game spread against Alcaraz.While Alcaraz remains the favorite, Tiafoe's charisma and crowd support could give him an edge. The American has the ability to put pressure on Alcaraz and potentially even win a set.

Taylor Fritz, the fiery American tennis star, has ignited a spicy rivalry with French opponent Arthur Rinderknech, culminating in a heated post-match exchange at Wimbledon.The feud stems from their previous encounter at Roland Garros in 2023, where Fritz's victory was marred by his controversial shushing gesture towards the partisan French crowd. Rinderknech took offense, and ahead of their Wimbledon rematch, he publicly criticized Fritz's composure.Fritz, known for his calm demeanor, was unfazed by Rinderknech's comments. Instead, they fueled his determination to prove his worth. "As soon as I saw it, the match was basically over," Fritz said. "It just gives me extra fire."The tension was palpable during their Wimbledon clash, with Fritz ultimately prevailing in four sets. As they shook hands at the net, Fritz couldn't resist a parting shot: "Have a nice flight home."Fritz's spicy handshake aside, he has been in impressive form at Wimbledon, dropping only one set so far. His strong grass-court performances in the lead-up to the tournament have established him as a darkhorse contender.In the third round, Fritz will face Alejandro Tabilo, a rising star from Chile. The American will be looking to continue his fiery run and prove that he is not just a spicy margarita but a formidable force on the court.

Andy Murray's Emotional Wimbledon Farewell Begins with Centre Court LaunchOn Thursday, Andy Murray embarked on his final Wimbledon campaign with a poignant launch alongside his brother Jamie Murray on Centre Court. The British duo received a thunderous standing ovation from a packed house as they became the first team to enter the iconic venue. Their opponents, John Peers and Rinky Hijikata, followed suit.The occasion was particularly emotional for Murray, who was joined in his box by his two eldest children, Sophia and Edie. His wife Kim and mother Judy were also present to witness the historic moment.Murray's decision to retire from Wimbledon after this year's tournament has been met with both sadness and admiration. The 35-year-old has been a mainstay at the All England Club, winning two singles titles and reaching the final on four other occasions.However, Murray has been plagued by injuries in recent years, and he has struggled to regain his former dominance. He has also been open about his desire to spend more time with his family.Despite the challenges, Murray remains a fan favorite and a respected figure in the tennis world. His farewell appearance at Wimbledon is sure to be a memorable one, and he will undoubtedly receive a hero's send-off from the crowd.

Iga Swiatek's dominance on the tennis court continues unabated as she extended her winning streak to 21 matches with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Petra Martic in the second round of Wimbledon. This triumph marks another milestone in her remarkable 2024 season, where she has yet to taste defeat.Swiatek's winning streak began in April, following her loss to Elena Rybakina in the semifinals of Stuttgart. Since then, she has been unstoppable, claiming the Roland Garros title for the third time in her career. Her consistency has been unparalleled, as she has reached the third round of every Grand Slam event this decade, a feat unmatched by any other player.Her Grand Slam record in the 2020s is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional talent:* 2020 Australian Open: 4th Round* 2020 US Open: 3rd Round* 2020 Roland Garros: Champion* 2021 Australian Open: 4th Round* 2021 Roland Garros: Quarterfinals* 2021 Wimbledon: 4th Round* 2021 US Open: 4th Round* 2022 Australian Open: Semifinals* 2022 Roland Garros: Champion* 2022 Wimbledon: 3rd Round* 2022 US Open: Champion* 2023 Australian Open: 4th Round* 2023 Roland Garros: Champion* 2023 Wimbledon: Quarterfinals* 2023 US Open: 4th Round* 2024 Australian Open: 3rd Round* 2024 Roland Garros: Champion* 2024 Wimbledon: 3rd Round (so far)Swiatek's victory over Martic was a display of her unwavering focus and relentless aggression. She broke Martic's serve twice in the first set and once in the second, while holding her own serve with ease. Her powerful groundstrokes and precise shot-making proved too much for her Croatian opponent.As Swiatek advances to the third round of Wimbledon, she remains the favorite to claim her fourth Grand Slam title. Her incredible winning streak and unwavering determination make her a formidable force on the court. The tennis world eagerly awaits her next match, as she continues to rewrite the history books and cement her legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

In the twilight of their illustrious careers, Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka engaged in an inspiring display of tennis artistry at Wimbledon's Court 2. The match, suspended the previous night, resumed with Monfils leading 2-0 and Wawrinka poised to serve at 5-all in the third set.Monfils seized the momentum, capturing 11 of the final 14 points to secure a 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory. The match, which lasted over two hours, showcased the enduring passion and skill of these veteran athletes.At 37 and 39 years old, respectively, Monfils and Wawrinka have witnessed the evolution of tennis over the past two decades. Monfils, once hailed as a potential successor to the "Four Musketeers," has carved out a unique path marked by dazzling shot-making and a captivating personality. Wawrinka, overshadowed by the brilliance of Roger Federer, has emerged as a Grand Slam champion with a relentless work ethic and a formidable backhand.Despite their contrasting journeys, Monfils and Wawrinka share a deep appreciation for the sport. "I love the competition. I love the sport. I love the game... it's a feeling that you can't have anywhere else," Monfils said.Their match at Wimbledon was a testament to the enduring power of tennis as a vehicle for self-expression and inspiration. It reminded us that even in the twilight of their careers, athletes can continue to inspire and entertain with their passion and artistry.