Tennis

London, the vibrant heart of England, beckons tennis enthusiasts and travelers alike as the third Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon, approaches. Beyond the iconic tournament, the city offers a plethora of experiences to explore.1. The Dog, The Fox, and The Kyrgios:Nestled near Wimbledon, The Dog & Fox pub has become a pilgrimage site for tennis fans. It's where Nick Kyrgios famously outed a reporter for partying with him. This year, the pub is gearing up for the ultimate Wimbledon viewing experience, complete with a seafood kitchen, live music, and champagne and oysters.2. "Seven Dials" to the North:Venture north of Covent Garden to discover Neal's Yard, a hidden gem tucked away between Monmouth Street and Shorts Garden. This charming marketplace boasts colorful streets, secret bookstores, and specialty shops, offering a respite from the city's hustle and bustle.3. Private Lodging with Lions:For a unique experience, consider an overnight stay at the London Zoo Lodges. Located within "roaring distance" of the Asiatic lions, this package offers families and adults alike the chance to immerse themselves in the animal kingdom.4. Public Urination, But Make it Social:Victorian Water Closets (WC) have been transformed into Wine & Charcuterie (WC) experiences on both sides of the River Thames. WC Bars offer a quirky and intimate setting to enjoy spirits and sharable plates, all while appreciating the refurbished original wood and porcelain.5. Hot Tubs & BBQ Heaven:Skuna Boats has revolutionized boating with its hot tub and BBQ boat experiences. The hot tub boat seats up to seven and allows guests to cruise the Canary Wharf in style, while the BBQ boat offers a unique way to grill food with up to ten passengers.Bonus: Editors' Picks:Tennis.com's Steve Tignor recommends visiting Earl Spencer Southfields, a classic British pub near Wimbledon, and exploring Neal's Yard for its culinary delights. He also suggests taking a double-decker bus trip at night for a panoramic view of the city.

American Women Dominate Wimbledon Qualifying, Securing Four Main Draw BerthsFive American women embarked on their Wimbledon qualifying journey at Roehampton, and four emerged victorious, securing their places in the prestigious Grand Slam's main draw.Katie Volynets, the top seed, showcased her dominance with a resounding 6-0, 6-1 triumph over Talia Gibson. The Californian converted five of seven break points and has now qualified for four consecutive Grand Slam events.Robin Montgomery, after surviving a tense match tiebreaker the previous day, overcame Valentina Ryser 7-6 (3), 6-2. The 19-year-old lefty regained control after a shaky start, where she squandered a 5-0 lead in the first set.Alycia Parks dashed the hopes of British teenager Hannah Klugman with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Parks' strong return game proved decisive, as she captured 16 of 24 second-serve return points.McCartney Kessler, the No. 20 seed, rallied past third-seeded Renata Zarazua 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Kessler will make her Wimbledon main draw debut, joining Montgomery.However, the American men's hopes were dashed as Maxime Cressy fell to Felipe Meligeni Alves in a marathon five-set battle. Former Top 10 players Richard Gasquet and David Goffin also failed to advance.

Andy Murray's participation in Wimbledon remains uncertain as he recovers from spinal surgery. The two-time champion underwent the procedure five days ago to address a spinal cyst.Murray acknowledges that it's "more likely" he won't be able to play singles at Wimbledon, but he's not giving up hope. He plans to wait until the last minute to make a decision, stating, "I've earned that right."The 37-year-old is improving rapidly, and he believes that an additional 72 to 96 hours could make a significant difference in his recovery. Murray is determined to play at Wimbledon, which is expected to be his farewell appearance at the tournament.He had also planned to team up with his brother Jamie in the men's doubles event. However, Murray's recent injury setbacks have cast doubt on his ability to compete.In March, he suffered an ankle injury at the Miami Open, which sidelined him for most of the European clay-court season. Last week, he was forced to retire from his second-round match at Queen's Club due to the spinal cyst.Despite these setbacks, Murray remains committed to retiring on his own terms. He wants to end his career with a competitive match, not a premature exit like the one at Queen's."If I'm able to play at Wimbledon and if I'm able to play at the Olympics, that's most likely going to be it," Murray said.Murray has a remarkable 61-13 record at Wimbledon, where he has won two titles. The draw for the tournament will be made on Friday morning, with Jannik Sinner seeded No. 1.

Paramore's Wimbledon Visit: A Crossover of Rock and TennisWhile accompanying Taylor Swift on her European Eras Tour, members of the Grammy-winning rock band Paramore made a memorable visit to Wimbledon, the hallowed grounds of tennis. The band's musicians, including drummer Zac Farro, joined the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the All England Club ahead of the year's third Grand Slam.Paramore, fronted by Hayley Williams, is accompanying Swift at all 48 dates of her European shows, including the recent Iga Swiatek-attended show in Liverpool. While Williams did not join her bandmates on their Wimbledon excursion, the visit was a hit nonetheless.The band's connection to tennis extends beyond a mere day off. Many of the musicians are avid recreational players, with Farro being particularly vocal about his love for the game. He has even dressed as a giant tennis ball for Halloween. Paramore has often been photographed goofing around on courts with friends, and tennis venues have been a recurring theme in their social media posts throughout the tour.At Wimbledon, the band members received expert guidance from former WTA pro Laura Robson. The one-time junior Wimbledon winner posted a photo on her Instagram story of herself and the band holding racquets together.Paramore's Wimbledon visit has sparked speculation among fans about the possibility of a tennis-centric track on their upcoming album. Given the band's love for the sport and their playful nature, it would not be surprising to see them incorporate tennis into their music.

Mirra Andreeva, the 17-year-old tennis sensation, has taken the WTA circuit by storm with her precocious talent and infectious personality. Her journey began with a YouTube clip of Marat Safin's antics, sparking a passion for the sport.Andreeva's tennis style is a blend of Martina Hingis's court craft and Maria Sharapova's charisma. She reached the fourth round of Wimbledon in her debut, mirroring Sharapova's triumph at the same age 20 years ago.Her fearless approach has led to impressive victories, including a stunning upset of Aryna Sabalenka at Roland Garros. Andreeva's maturity has also been evident, as she has learned to channel her energy into finding solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks.Off the court, Andreeva is a self-proclaimed music addict, compiling playlists that fuel her on and off the court. Her favorite song, Taylor Swift's "Lover," reflects her charming and relatable nature.As she prepares for her first Wimbledon with coach Conchita Martinez, Andreeva draws inspiration from Martinez's own title run 30 years ago. The young star is poised for a full-circle moment, aiming to emulate Sharapova's Wimbledon triumph and cement her place among the sport's elite.

Iga Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion, is poised to embark on a daunting challenge: securing a Channel Slam by winning both the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back. With four Grand Slam titles to her name, an impressive 19-match win streak, and a versatile all-around game, Swiatek has sparked hopes of becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to achieve this feat.However, the Channel Slam is an elusive accomplishment, requiring exceptional versatility, physical stamina, and mental fortitude. Only seven women and five men have managed to pull it off in the pro era. Swiatek's grass-court record is not as impressive as her clay-court dominance, but she has shown signs of improvement on the surface.Despite pulling out of the WTA grass-court event in Berlin due to fatigue, Swiatek remains confident in her abilities. She believes that her exceptional athleticism and recent improvements in touch and slice backhand will serve her well at Wimbledon.Swiatek's fate may ultimately be determined by intangibles, such as the pressure of her winning streak and the heightened quality of her opposition. However, she has gained experience and maturity since her disappointing Wimbledon performance in 2022.With an improved serve and a stable forehand, Swiatek is well-equipped to handle the challenges of grass-court tennis. Her dynamic movement and ability to hit winners or play opponents off the court make her a formidable contender.Swiatek's motivation to win Wimbledon is evident. She aspires to become a player who can excel on all surfaces and prove her status as one of the best in the world. A Channel Slam would be the ultimate validation of her abilities.

Nine American Women Advance in Wimbledon QualifyingNine American women have successfully navigated the first round of qualifying for the Wimbledon main draw, taking a crucial step towards securing their place in the prestigious tournament.Leading the charge is top seed Katie Volynets, who overcame a spirited challenge from Francisca Jorge of Portugal in a three-set battle. Volynets, currently ranked 71st in the world, is aiming to qualify for her fourth consecutive major after earning direct entry into the French Open and Wimbledon this year.Another notable victory came from Amanda Anisimova, a former quarterfinalist at Wimbledon. Anisimova dispatched Valentini Grammatikopoulou in straight sets and will now face compatriot Hailey Baptiste in the second round.McCartney Kessler also impressed in her opener, edging out Rebecca Marino in a thrilling three-set encounter. Marino had recently triumphed at the Ilkley Trophy, an ITF 100 event.Other American winners include Alycia Parks, Robin Montgomery, Kayla Day, Varvara Lepchenko, and Sachia Vickery.Among the international players, Olga Danilovic, who upset Danielle Collins at the French Open, defeated Lucrezia Stefanini in straight sets. Second seed Bai Zhuoxuan and third seed Renata Zarazua also advanced with comfortable victories.However, sixth seed Maria Timofeeva suffered an early exit, falling to Olivia Gadecki in straight sets. Gadecki, a qualifier at the Australian Open, had previously knocked out Caroline Wozniacki and Beatriz Haddad Maia.The American contingent will now look to continue their strong form in the second round of qualifying, with the hope of securing one of the coveted spots in the Wimbledon main draw.

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.

Tennis Channel is set to provide extensive coverage of the prestigious Wimbledon tournament, the oldest major in tennis, from July 1-14, 2024. The network will dedicate close to 65 unique hours to the event, including six-hour and four-hour match segments, analysis, interviews, news, and feature reporting.Tennis Channel's coverage will feature Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Lindsay Davenport, and Jim Courier, who will offer their expert insights and perspectives on the tournament. Navratilova, with her record-breaking nine Wimbledon singles titles, will provide invaluable commentary on the women's game. Davenport, a former Wimbledon singles and doubles champion, will share her knowledge of the tournament's unique challenges. Courier, a Wimbledon singles finalist, will offer his analysis of the men's competition.In addition to the on-court action, Tennis Channel will provide in-depth analysis and interviews with players, coaches, and experts. Announcers Brett Haber and Steve Weissman will provide commentary, while Jon Wertheim, author and CBS' 60 Minutes correspondent, will offer special reports throughout the tournament.Tennis Channel will also follow Wimbledon on its Tennis.com and social media platforms, as well as its Tennis Channel Podcast Network. Viewers can participate in the channel's Match Point Predictor Game and "Racquet Bracket" for a chance to win prizes.Tennis Channel is the exclusive U.S. home of all men's ATP World Tour and women's WTA Tour competitions, as well as the four majors: US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and Australian Open. The network's comprehensive coverage of Wimbledon provides tennis enthusiasts with unparalleled access to the world's most prestigious grass-court event.