Tennis

Daniil Medvedev's Wimbledon semifinal match against Carlos Alcaraz was marred by a heated exchange with chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, which resulted in a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. The incident sparked a fierce debate on social media and raised questions about the level of disrespect towards umpires in tennis.Medvedev's outburst occurred after Alcaraz hit a dropshot that he struggled to track down, leading to a "not up" call from Asderaki-Moore. The call gave Alcaraz a crucial break back, prompting Medvedev to utter something to the umpire.Although Medvedev's exact words remain unclear, lip-reading experts suggested he may have said "fck you." Asderaki-Moore consulted with the supervisor and issued a code violation. Medvedev went on to win the first set but ultimately lost the match 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.In a post-match press conference, Medvedev dodged questions about his comments, claiming he said "something in Russian" that was "not unpleasant." However, the incident has reignited discussions about the appropriate level of respect for umpires in tennis.Just months earlier, Medvedev's compatriot Andrey Rublev was defaulted from a semifinal match in Dubai for allegedly calling a line judge a "fcking moron" in Russian. Video review later revealed that Rublev did not actually use the expletive.Other recent incidents include Hubert Hurkacz's mid-match rant against umpire Alison Hughes at Roland Garros and Jelena Ostapenko's numerous viral outbursts against umpires.The controversy has also raised questions about the use of video replay in tennis. Medvedev himself advocated for a challenge system to resolve contentious calls, arguing that it would eliminate situations like the one he faced."The challenge system shows a bounce. So if there was a bounce, it would show it," Medvedev said. "If we use it, we would never have this situation."Despite the ongoing debate, major tennis tournaments continue to resist the implementation of video replay. The lack of technology leaves players vulnerable to potentially incorrect calls, which can have significant consequences in high-stakes matches like Wimbledon semifinals.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has earned the moniker "Great Eliminator" for his unparalleled ability to extinguish opponents' momentum and demoralize challengers. With 24 Grand Slam singles titles and 98 overall championships, Djokovic has eliminated countless players en route to his remarkable achievements.In each match, Djokovic exhibits his Eliminator Mode, snuffing out surges and quelling positive momentum. Lorenzo Musetti, Djokovic's challenger in the Wimbledon semifinals, experienced this firsthand. After a spirited comeback, Musetti's belief was shattered when Djokovic entered Eliminator Mode, breaking his serve and extinguishing his hopes.Djokovic's ability to eliminate opponents is evident in his statistics. Despite Musetti hitting more winners and having fewer unforced errors in the first two sets, Djokovic's unwavering focus and ability to play his best when it mattered most proved decisive.In the second set, Musetti's jaw-dropping running cross-court backhand winner gave him a 3-1 lead. However, Djokovic steadied himself, held serve, and broke at love for 3-3. Unflustered, Musetti continued to apply pressure, but Djokovic engaged Eliminator Mode, hitting an unreturned serve, two aces, and a third ace to win the game.Djokovic's dominance continued throughout the match. He erased Musetti's one final chance, snuffing out break points and holding serve to secure the victory. The 37-year-old is now into his 37th Grand Slam singles final, where he will face Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated clash.

A fortnight ago, a Wimbledon women's singles final between Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini would have been an unlikely prospect. However, on Saturday, they will face off for the prestigious Venus Rosewater Dish, becoming the eighth different singles champion at the All England Club in as many years.Both players enter the summit clash on the back of hard-fought three-set victories. Krejcikova overcame the power-hitting Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, while Paolini outlasted Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(8) in an epic that lasted nearly three hours.Krejcikova may have spent less time on the court, but her victory was equally challenging. The Czech was also competing in the doubles draw until late Wednesday, losing a three-set quarterfinal with partner Laura Siegemund.Despite their demanding schedules, both Krejcikova and Paolini will be sufficiently rested for the weekend final. Krejcikova's experience and Slam-winning pedigree (French Open 2021) make her the slight favorite. Her all-around skills, including her powerful groundstrokes and deft touch at the net, will be crucial.However, Paolini has been the surprise package of the season. The 28-year-old Italian has impressed with her boundless energy and aggressive style of play. She started the year with just four main draw match wins at the Majors, but has now reached two finals. Her quick footwork, explosive groundstrokes, and never-say-die attitude make her a formidable opponent.Krejcikova and Paolini have met once before, in the first-round qualifying at the Australian Open in 2018. Both players were relatively unknown at the time, but their paths have diverged significantly since then.The Wimbledon final promises to be a captivating clash between two talented and determined players. Krejcikova's experience and all-court game may give her an edge, but Paolini's youthful exuberance and fearless approach could upset the odds.

Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of tennis, has once again proven his mettle by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Wimbledon semifinals. The Spaniard rallied from a set down to secure a 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory, extending his Wimbledon winning streak to 13 matches.Alcaraz's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, making him only the second Spanish man to reach multiple Wimbledon finals. He joins the legendary Rafael Nadal, who has won the title twice and reached three other finals.The victory also underscores Alcaraz's dominance against the sport's elite. He remains undefeated against Top 5 players this year, with a remarkable 5-0 record. His previous victories include triumphs over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, and Jannik Sinner.Alcaraz's success is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has consistently displayed a remarkable ability to adapt to different opponents and playing styles. His aggressive baseline play, coupled with his exceptional footwork and court coverage, has made him a formidable force on the court.As Alcaraz prepares for the Wimbledon final, he will face either Novak Djokovic or Nick Kyrgios. Regardless of his opponent, the Spaniard will be confident in his abilities and eager to add another Grand Slam title to his growing collection.

Italy's Jasmine Paolini has made history by becoming the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final. Her remarkable journey to the championship match has been marked by resilience, determination, and a newfound belief in her abilities.Paolini's path to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to this year, she had never won a Tour-level match on grass and had lost in the first round of her previous three Wimbledon appearances. However, 2023 has been a transformative year for the 28-year-old.Her breakthrough came at the French Open, where she reached her maiden Grand Slam final before falling to world number one Iga Swiatek. Undeterred, Paolini carried her newfound confidence to Wimbledon, where she has continued to defy expectations.In the longest women's singles semi-final in Wimbledon history, Paolini outlasted Donna Vekic in a thrilling three-set battle. Despite trailing 3-1 in the deciding set, Paolini rallied back to secure a hard-fought victory.Paolini's opponent in the final will be Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova, who has also enjoyed a remarkable run to the championship match. Krejcikova, who won the French Open in 2021, has overcome a back injury and illness to find her form at Wimbledon.The final will be a clash of contrasting styles. Paolini is known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand, while Krejcikova is a more versatile player with a strong all-court game.Regardless of the outcome, Paolini's achievement is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible. She has inspired a nation and shown that with determination and a never-say-die attitude, dreams can become reality.

Wimbledon: A Tale of Triumph, Disaster, and the Eternal Nature of TennisCentre Court at Wimbledon, a hallowed ground where tennis legends are forged, witnessed two contrasting semifinals that showcased the captivating blend of personality and skill that makes the sport so compelling.In the first semifinal, Jasmine Paolini's unwavering optimism and tenacity triumphed over Donna Vekic's power and experience. Vekic's early dominance gave way to frustration as Paolini's positive demeanor and relentless defense proved too much to overcome.The second semifinal featured a clash of contrasting styles between Barbora Krejcikova and Elena Rybakina. Krejcikova's grit and versatility neutralized Rybakina's formidable serve and power, leading to a hard-fought victory.Both Paolini and Krejcikova displayed remarkable composure throughout their matches, embodying the spirit of the famous quote inscribed above Centre Court's doorway: "If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same."Paolini's journey to the final has been marked by her ability to overcome adversity, while Krejcikova's resurgence after a back injury is a testament to her determination and adaptability.As they prepare to face each other in the final, Paolini and Krejcikova represent the enduring power of resilience, optimism, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the sport of tennis.

Novak Djokovic, the undisputed GOAT of men's tennis, has graced the cover of Vogue Adria's Summer 2024 issue, solidifying his status as a cultural icon beyond the court.In the aptly titled "The Greatest Of All Time" feature, Djokovic showcases his multifaceted personality through two striking covers. One image captures his serious side, clad in a royal blue Lacoste sweater and trousers, while a vintage racquet adds a touch of nostalgia. The other cover exudes playfulness, with Djokovic sporting a green robe and clutching a landline telephone while cycling. This playful image pays homage to his 2023 US Open semifinal victory over Ben Shelton, where Djokovic's post-match "hang-up" gesture mirrored Shelton's celebration.During the photoshoot, Djokovic channeled his inner DJ, spinning classic tunes from various eras. The Belgrade native participated in the editorial while recovering from knee surgery, demonstrating his unwavering determination.Currently competing at Wimbledon, Djokovic is on the cusp of history. Two victories stand between him and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. On Friday, he faces first-time Grand Slam semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti, aiming to secure a record-tying eighth Wimbledon trophy.Djokovic's dominance on the court is matched by his off-court charisma and style. His Vogue Adria cover is a testament to his status as a global icon, transcending the boundaries of sports and fashion.

Vijay Amritraj, a former world No. 18 Indian tennis player, believes that the current generation of players, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have the mindset to challenge and defeat Novak Djokovic. Amritraj, who defeated tennis greats like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors during his career, said that he knew he could beat them on his good days."When I played with Borg, Connors, McEnroe, the best of my generation, I believed that on my good day, no one could beat me. I was going to beat them," Amritraj said. "I knew that, they knew it, and I knew that they knew it."Alcaraz and Sinner have both defeated Djokovic in Grand Slam matches in the past year. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final, while Sinner defeated him in the 2023 Australian Open semifinals."Now in their mind, they (Alcaraz and Sinner) know how to win against him (Djokovic) as well. Djokovic knows that, Alcaraz knows that, and Djokovic knows that Alcaraz knows that," Amritraj said.Amritraj believes that Alcaraz and Sinner have learned from their early matches against Djokovic and have developed a strategy to beat him."The important thing for Sinner and Alcaraz was what they learnt from the early times they played Novak. The thing that younger players tend to do against a great champion is when push comes to shove, they tend to force the issue. They don’t take a step back and say — you know what, I’m fitter than he is, I can stay with him longer over the course of a point, so I don’t have to force the issue and overdo stuff. Which is what would happen in the early matches. And that’s why Sinner was able to win in Australia and Alcaraz was able to win last year (at Wimbledon)," Amritraj said.Amritraj believes that Djokovic's fitness will be a key factor in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic withdrew from the French Open quarterfinals due to a knee injury, but he has looked strong in his matches at Wimbledon."Look, when everyone says, ‘Novak is done, he’s just had knee surgery, he’s wearing a brace, he’s not moving as well he used to’, the first thing I tell them is, do not bet against greatness," Amritraj said. "That is always going to be in Djokovic’s DNA. He knows how to handle his body. He wasn’t going to play this tournament to win one or two matches; he’s in it to win seven."

In a thrilling Wimbledon semifinal, Jasmine Paolini staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8). The Italian, seeded seventh, rallied from a set down and twice trailed by a break in the final set to reach her second consecutive Grand Slam final.Paolini, who reached the final at Roland Garros earlier this year, has enjoyed a breakout season. She won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and has been in impressive form on grass, losing just one set en route to the semifinals.Vekic, 28, was also in inspired form. The unseeded Croat had never reached a Grand Slam semifinal before, but she had upset Lulu Sun in the quarterfinals and was playing with confidence on her favorite surface.The match began with Vekic taking control. She broke Paolini's serve in the opening game and won the first set comfortably. However, Paolini fought back in the second set, saving three break points and winning seven of the next eight points to level the match.The third set was a tense affair. Vekic broke Paolini's serve early on, but the Italian broke back immediately. Vekic regained the lead, but Paolini broke back again to level the set at 3-3.Vekic then took the lead once more, but Paolini refused to give up. She broke back again and held her serve to take a 5-4 lead. Vekic saved one match point, but Paolini converted her second to seal a memorable victory.Paolini will now face either Elena Rybakina or Barbora Krejcikova in the final.