Tennis

Emma Raducanu, the reigning US Open champion, made a triumphant return to Wimbledon with a hard-fought 7-6(0), 6-3 victory over Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazua. Despite some early nerves, Raducanu drew inspiration from England's dramatic victory over Slovakia in the European Championships and the teachings of renowned tennis coach Brad Gilbert.Raducanu's victory was not without its challenges. She was originally scheduled to face No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, but the Russian withdrew due to illness just hours before the match. This forced Raducanu to adjust her game plan against Zarazua, a defensive-minded player with a penchant for changing the pace and speed of the ball.Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm early on, losing a 4-1 lead in the first set and trailing 5-4 at one point. However, she remained composed and eventually took the set in a tiebreaker. In the second set, Raducanu broke Zarazua's serve twice to secure the victory.After the match, Raducanu acknowledged her nerves but praised her ability to "do what it takes to get over the line." She also credited the support of the crowd and the inspiration she drew from England's football team."Watching the football last night ... it was like winning ugly. It all counts!" Raducanu said.Raducanu also cited Brad Gilbert's book "Winning Ugly" as a source of motivation. She explained that the book's emphasis on managing the opponent and the circumstances resonated with her, especially in the opening round of a Grand Slam."I think it was a real show of character for me," Raducanu said.Raducanu will next face Elise Mertens in the second round, aiming to advance to the third round of a major for the first time since her US Open triumph.

Naomi Osaka's triumphant return to Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus was marked not only by her hard-fought victory but also by her captivating fashion statement. The Japanese tennis star, who has become renowned for her bold and innovative on-court attire, once again turned heads with her custom Nike kit.Osaka's outfit, described as "an elaborate ensemble fit for the Met Gala," featured a cropped racerback tank top adorned with a flowing gauze-like ruffle that cascaded from her right shoulder. The skirt, crafted from the same ethereal material, billowed gracefully with every movement. The all-white colorway was accented by subtle pops of forest green, complementing her Nike x NO shoes and Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch.Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Osaka's outfit held personal significance. The gauze-like ruffle symbolized the delicate and transformative journey she has undergone since becoming a mother. "It's really cool to be here now," she reflected after the match. "I think my mindset last year was just trying to survive..."The outfit sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans expressing both admiration and skepticism. Some hailed it as a masterpiece of fashion innovation, while others questioned its practicality on the court. However, Osaka remained unfazed by the mixed reactions."I'm just trying to have fun with it," she said. "I think it's important to be yourself and not be afraid to express yourself."Osaka's victory and her eye-catching outfit have set the stage for an intriguing Wimbledon campaign. The four-time Grand Slam winner will face No. 19 seed Emma Navarro in the second round, aiming to reach the third round at the All England Club for the first time since 2018.

Aleksandar Kovacevic's Wimbledon journey came to an end on Monday, as he fell to fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. Despite a spirited challenge, Kovacevic's hopes of upsetting the Russian were dashed in a rapid one hour and 46 minutes on No. 1 Court.Kovacevic, making his main-draw debut at Wimbledon, had never defeated a Top 10 player and entered the tournament on a four-match losing streak. However, his impressive one-handed backhand and comparisons to Roger Federer had raised expectations.Despite facing break points in just one game, Kovacevic struggled to make an impact on Medvedev's serve. The Russian won 65 percent of Kovacevic's second-serve points and delivered an ace on a second serve after Kovacevic had successfully challenged his first.Kovacevic's struggles on tour have been well-documented. Despite achieving a Top 100 ranking in January, he has found the relentless nature of the tour challenging. The 25-year-old, who delayed his arrival to the pro tour to attend the University of Illinois, admitted that the constant setbacks have taken a mental toll."It's been tough to be in Europe for a while and not winning much," said Kovacevic. "You try to find the things in practice that are positive and things to be excited about for the next week. But then you go and lose first round again and then you are like, 'Now I got to find things to be positive about again and try to be excited about the next week.'"Despite the disappointment, Kovacevic remains optimistic. He believes he has turned a switch and is setting himself up for success in the near future. The return to hard courts after playing on grass in Newport is expected to help his cause."At least I feel like I set myself up for some success in the near future," he said. "It's felt like I've turned a switch a little bit."Kovacevic's coach, Dante Bottini, believes that gaining more experience is crucial for his development. He also identified areas of Kovacevic's game that need improvement, such as his return and slice."The return side can be one of the areas to improve a lot," said Bottini. "The slice and how to play certain points. I think the most is to be a little more organized in his head and, 'I need to play this type of moment with a bit more decisions,' or, 'I cannot give him an easy mistake on this specific point.' I think that's the biggest part."Kovacevic's Wimbledon experience, despite the early exit, has provided valuable lessons. He hopes to build on the positives and continue his journey towards success on the ATP Tour.

Jannik Sinner's Wimbledon debut as world No. 1 was marked by both physical concerns and a resilient performance against Yannick Hanfmann. Despite an early hip scare, Sinner overcame a spirited challenge from the German to secure a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory.Sinner's hip injury, which had sidelined him from Madrid and Rome, raised questions about his fitness. However, the Italian downplayed any concerns, stating that he felt "good physically." The slippery grass in the early stages of the match did cause him some discomfort, but the closing of the roof improved the court conditions.Hanfmann, ranked 86th, played with determination and hit 12 aces and 44 winners. He took the second set, but Sinner responded with a strong third set. The match turned in Sinner's favor in the fourth set when he broke Hanfmann's serve with a decisive one-two punch."You're watching a No. 1 guy stepping up when he needs to," said John McEnroe.Sinner acknowledged Hanfmann's performance, saying, "He was playing great. I tried to raise my level [at the] end of the match, which I'm very happy [I did]."The Italian remained unfazed by the pressure of being world No. 1, describing it as a "huge privilege and honor." He expressed excitement about facing compatriot Matteo Berrettini in the next round, despite the crowd's mock-fearful reaction.Sinner's victory sets up a highly anticipated clash with Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist. The Italian duo will face off in a battle of wills and skill, with Sinner aiming to continue his impressive run as world No. 1.

Frances Tiafoe's candid post-match interview at Wimbledon has shed light on the mental struggles faced by professional tennis players. After a hard-fought five-set victory in the first round, Tiafoe opened up about the toll that a disappointing season has taken on his mental health.Tiafoe, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 10 last year, has struggled for consistency in 2023. He admitted to taking the game for granted and losing sight of what made him successful. The result has been a string of disappointing losses and a drop in his ranking."I'm losing to clowns," Tiafoe said bluntly. "I hate to say it, but I'm just gonna be honest with you guys."Tiafoe's honesty has resonated with many athletes and fans who have experienced similar mental challenges. He emphasized the importance of seeking support from loved ones and finding ways to rediscover the joy in the game."There is always light at the end of the tunnel," Tiafoe said. "You either try and find it with small wins or continue to feel sorry for yourself and continue to play victim. That's where it just gets darker and darker and darker."Tiafoe's comeback victory at Wimbledon is a testament to his resilience and determination. He has vowed to focus on having fun on the court and to work his way out of the mental dark place he has been in.Tiafoe's story serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes can face mental health challenges. It also highlights the importance of open and honest conversations about mental health in sports.

Marta Kostyuk's Wimbledon wardrobe has come full circle, drawing inspiration from her wedding attire. Last year, the Ukrainian tennis star married in two Wilson-designed dresses, and now, she's collaborating with the brand to create her 2024 Wimbledon kit.The new kit features a sleeveless, deep-V-neck dress with an open back, reminiscent of a bridal gown. However, it also incorporates elements from Kostyuk's wedding dress, such as a button-up top layer. The overdress is shorter for Wimbledon, but retains similar button fixtures."We added an underlayer component and raised the neckline a little bit," said Joelle Michaeloff, Wilson's head of design. "We don't want any mistakes in Wimbledon."Kostyuk debuted the dress on Monday, winning her first-round match in straight sets. Fans can purchase "The Marta Dress" as a two-piece for $298 or a one-piece for $198.Kostyuk's sartorial choices have garnered attention in the past. She and Wilson have consistently made tennis' best-dressed lists. Their collaboration for the Wimbledon kit is a testament to their shared commitment to style and performance.

Carlos Alcaraz, the defending Wimbledon men's singles champion, faced a stern test in his opening match against Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal on Monday. Despite being the heavy favorite, Alcaraz was pushed to the limit by the 6-foot-3 Lajal, who made his Grand Slam main-draw debut.Lajal, who was born a week after Alcaraz in May 2003, displayed impressive power and precision throughout the match. His booming serve, which reached speeds of over 130 mph, kept Alcaraz on his toes. Lajal's forehand was also a potent weapon, as he repeatedly outmuscled Alcaraz in groundstroke rallies.Alcaraz, who had played just two matches on grass at Queen's Club before Wimbledon, admitted to feeling nervous before the match. However, he managed to steady himself and eventually overcame Lajal's challenge in three sets, 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2."I practiced 45 minutes on Thursday, and it's the first time that I was nervous on a practice, just because I'm playing here," Alcaraz said after the match. "I'm glad, and I'm privileged, to play here on this court."Despite the victory, Alcaraz acknowledged Lajal's talent and predicted a bright future for the young Estonian. "He played a really good match," Alcaraz said. "He surprised me a little bit because I didn't see him too much playing, practicing, but I think he has the level to go up a lot."Alcaraz's win sets up a second-round clash with German qualifier Oscar Otte. Otte, who is ranked 152nd in the world, upset 20th seed John Isner in the first round.

Tennis Bets Live: Your Ultimate Guide to Wimbledon BettingAs the prestigious Wimbledon Championships approach, tennis enthusiasts and betting enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the return of Tennis Bets Live. This must-watch show, hosted by Mitch Michaels (@MoneyMitchM21), will provide unparalleled betting insights and analysis throughout the tournament.Every Monday and Thursday during Wimbledon, Tennis Bets Live will go live at noon ET, featuring a panel of expert handicappers: Zach Cohen (@BettingOnX), Pamela Maldonado (@PamelaM35), and Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey). These seasoned professionals will dissect matches as they unfold at the All England Club, offering real-time betting advice and breakdowns.Whether you prefer Facebook, X, or YouTube for your live video streaming, Tennis Bets Live has you covered. Join the thousands of fans who have tuned in this year for unrivaled betting insights. The quartet of Michaels, Cohen, Maldonado, and Ducey will leverage their expertise from Roland Garros to provide valuable betting guidance throughout Wimbledon."Very underrated show," remarked @jkk2940 on YouTube during a recent broadcast.Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your Wimbledon betting experience with Tennis Bets Live. Tune in every Monday and Thursday at noon ET and let the experts guide you to informed betting decisions.

Frances Tiafoe's remarkable comeback from two sets down against Matteo Arnaldi at Wimbledon has ignited hopes for a resurgence in his season. The American, who has struggled for consistency this year, displayed resilience and determination to secure a hard-fought 6-7 (5), 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory.Tiafoe's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is the first time he has won a best-of-five match after trailing by two sets. The victory comes as a much-needed boost after a disappointing early exit at the Queen's Club due to a hip injury.In a match that ebbed and flowed, Arnaldi threatened to break Tiafoe's serve in the fourth set but was ultimately denied. The American seized control, winning the next five games to take the set and level the match.In the decisive fifth set, Tiafoe's backhand drop shot forced an error from Arnaldi, giving him a crucial break. He then sealed the victory with a body serve that Arnaldi failed to return.Tiafoe's victory was not the only notable result on the opening day of Wimbledon. Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev dispatched Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets, while eighth seed Casper Ruud overcame qualifier Alex Bolt. Former semifinalists Grigor Dimitrov and Denis Shapovalov also advanced with confident performances.In the women's draw, ninth seed Maria Sakkari cruised to victory against American qualifier McCartney Kessler. Marta Kostyuk and Dayana Yastremska also progressed with ease.Tiafoe's comeback victory has provided a glimmer of hope for the American, who has been searching for a breakthrough performance this season. With the momentum on his side, he will be eager to continue his run at Wimbledon and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with.