Tennis

Ash Barty, the former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam singles champion, has no plans to return to competitive tennis despite her impressive performance in an exhibition doubles match at Wimbledon on Wednesday.Barty, who retired in March 2022 at the age of 25, played alongside Casey Dellacqua in a doubles match on Centre Court, three years to the day after she defeated Karolina Pliskova to win the Wimbledon title. The Australian duo defeated Andrea Petkovic and Magdalena Rybarikova in straight sets.After the match, Barty was asked by journalists if she had any thoughts of making a comeback. "You guys are killing me," she said with a laugh. "Anyone have a thesaurus for a word that I can use for 'no'?"Barty emphasized that she is content with her retirement and is enjoying her new life as a mother and commentator. "I've got a beautiful commentary box on both Centre and Court 1," she said. "You get a good view and are able to absorb what's happening out on the court. Hopefully people at home are enjoying what I’m having to say."The 28-year-old said she does not regret her decision to retire and is impressed by the dominance of current world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. "I really enjoy watching others do well," she said. "We have seen Iga dominate for the most part of the last two and a half years. She’s been incredible the way she has composure, has gone on incredible runs, winning matches and really dominating, which is hard to do. It’s been really impressive watching from afar.”Barty's return to Wimbledon sparked speculation about a potential comeback, but she quickly dismissed those rumors. "I love tennis. I love being here. I love being involved," she said. "Now, I just get to pick and choose in small doses, which is really nice.”

Lorenzo Musetti's remarkable journey at Wimbledon reached new heights as he secured a thrilling 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Taylor Fritz to advance to the semifinals. The Italian's triumph was a testament to his resilience, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination.Musetti's performance was a rollercoaster of emotions. At times, he displayed exquisite shot-making, particularly with his one-handed backhand, which drew gasps from the crowd. However, he also faced moments of questionable decision-making and lapses in focus.Despite these inconsistencies, Musetti's resolve remained unshaken. In the crucial fifth set, he served with blistering pace, hitting aces at 126 mph and 122 mph. He also executed a stunning forehand drop shot that left Fritz sprawled on the court.Fritz, the pre-match favorite, had his chances to seize control of the match. He broke Musetti's serve early in the first set and appeared poised to run away with the match after taking the second set. However, Musetti's inspired play in the third set, where he showcased a diverse array of shots, turned the tide in his favor.Fritz rallied in the fourth set, but Musetti's relentless pressure proved too much to handle. The Italian's ability to mix up his shots, including deftly employing the slice, forced Fritz into 36 unforced errors.Musetti's victory was particularly poignant as it came in front of tennis legend Ken Rosewall, renowned for his exceptional slice backhand. Musetti's own use of the slice was a key factor in his success, as he neutralized Fritz's powerful forehand.After the match, Musetti expressed his joy and gratitude. "It's a magic day for me," he said. "I've had many tough losses, but this victory shows my progress and maturity."Musetti's triumph sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash with Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion. The Italian will need to summon all his grit and tactical acumen to overcome the formidable challenge that lies ahead.

Wimbledon's Royal Box and Beyond: A Star-Studded SpectacleWimbledon, the hallowed grounds of tennis, not only showcases the world's top athletes but also attracts a glittering array of celebrities. The Royal Box, an exclusive enclave within Centre Court, has become a magnet for A-list attendees, who add an extra layer of glamour to the tournament.This year, the quarterfinals witnessed a parade of famous faces, both in the Royal Box and beyond. Queen Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, graced the Royal Box with her presence, adding a touch of royalty to the proceedings. Other notable attendees included:* Tom Cruise: The Hollywood superstar made a surprise appearance, captivating the crowd with his infectious enthusiasm.* Kate Winslet: The Oscar-winning actress exuded elegance in a chic summer dress, enjoying the tennis action alongside her husband.* David Beckham: The former England football captain and fashion icon brought his signature style to Wimbledon, sporting a tailored suit.* Hugh Grant: The beloved British actor was spotted in the Royal Box, sharing laughter with fellow attendees.* Benedict Cumberbatch: The "Sherlock" star made a dapper appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to the event.Beyond the Royal Box, other celebrities were spotted soaking up the Wimbledon atmosphere. Tennis legend Roger Federer's wife, Mirka, was seen cheering on her husband from the stands. Singer Ellie Goulding and her husband, Caspar Jopling, enjoyed a romantic day out at the tournament.The presence of these A-list attendees not only adds to the excitement of Wimbledon but also highlights the tournament's status as a global sporting and cultural event. The combination of world-class tennis and celebrity sightings makes Wimbledon a truly unforgettable experience for both players and spectators alike.

Elena Rybakina, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has emerged as the frontrunner for this year's title, despite Iga Swiatek's dominance on other surfaces. The WTA's No. 1 player has struggled on grass, creating opportunities for lesser-known players to shine.In recent years, Wimbledon has witnessed Cinderella stories, with Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova claiming major titles as unseeded players. This year, Lulu Sun, Emma Navarro, Donna Vekic, and Barbora Krejcikova have all made surprising runs to the quarterfinals.Rybakina, now seeded fourth, has been in impressive form in 2024, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart. She has also reached finals in Miami and Doha, showcasing her versatility on different surfaces.In her quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina, Rybakina displayed her dominance, winning in straight sets with a powerful serve-plus-one strategy. She hit 28 winners to Svitolina's eight and won 85 percent of points on her first serve.Despite her success, Rybakina remains humble, acknowledging that she can still improve her first serve percentage. She also credits her ability to read opponents' serves and her consistent groundstrokes for her recent success.However, Rybakina faces a tough challenge in the semifinals against Barbora Krejcikova, who holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against her. Krejcikova has also been in impressive form, winning the French Open in 2021 and reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon last year.As the tournament progresses, Rybakina remains the favorite for the title. Her powerful serve, consistent groundstrokes, and ability to adapt to different opponents make her a formidable force on grass. If she can maintain her composure and overcome the challenge of Krejcikova, she has a strong chance of becoming the first player to win multiple Wimbledon titles since Serena Williams in 2016.

Jasmine Paolini's Historic Wimbledon Run: From Clay to GrassIn the realm of tennis, the transition from clay to grass is often considered a daunting challenge. Yet, Italian star Jasmine Paolini has defied expectations, becoming the first woman in recent history to reach the Wimbledon semifinals after a deep run at the French Open.Paolini's journey to the last four at SW19 has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite having played only 24 matches on grass prior to this year, she has won eight of her last 11 on the surface. Her success at Wimbledon is a testament to her adaptability and the belief instilled in her by her coach."I didn't realize it before, but my coach was telling me that I could play well here," Paolini said. "I have felt great. I am hitting and moving well."Paolini's run to the semifinals has been marked by impressive performances. She dispatched American Emma Navarro in the quarterfinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory. Her forehand has been a key weapon throughout the tournament, and she has shown a remarkable ability to adjust to the faster pace of grass."I was repeating to myself, 'okay, it's nice to play on grass. You can play well,'" Paolini said. "But I didn't expect the semifinals at all."Paolini's success at Wimbledon is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the changing nature of tennis. The homogenization of courts has made it possible for players to transition more seamlessly between surfaces. The Roland-Garros clay is no longer as slow as it used to be, and the Wimbledon grass not as fast.This evolution has opened up new possibilities for players like Paolini, who may have previously struggled to adapt to different surfaces. It has also made the sport more competitive, as players from all backgrounds can now compete on a more level playing field.Paolini's run to the Wimbledon semifinals is a testament to her talent, adaptability, and the changing landscape of tennis. As she prepares to face Donna Vekic in the last four, she will be aiming to make history once again and become the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final since 1955.

Grigor Dimitrov's Wimbledon campaign came to an abrupt end in the fourth round when he was forced to retire against Daniil Medvedev due to an abductor tear in his left leg. The Bulgarian revealed the extent of his injury on social media, expressing disappointment but remaining optimistic about his recovery.Dimitrov's injury occurred during the first set of the match, when he slipped and fell on the grass-court surface. Despite receiving treatment, he was unable to continue after just eight games, with Medvedev leading 5-3. The premature exit was a setback for Dimitrov, who had been enjoying a resurgent year.In April, he returned to the ATP Top 10 for the first time in over five years, reaching the final of the Miami Masters 1000. He also completed the career set of Grand Slam quarterfinals with a run to the last eight at Roland Garros.Dimitrov's injury is a significant blow to his hopes of continuing his strong form. He is currently on the entry list for the ATP and WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C., which begins on July 27. However, his participation is now in doubt.The Bulgarian remains ineligible to play in the Paris Olympics, having not represented Bulgaria in Davis Cup since 2015. Despite the setback, Dimitrov expressed gratitude for the support he has received and vowed to return to action soon."Looking forward to getting back out there!" the 33-year-old wrote on social media.

Barbora Krejcikova, the former Roland Garros champion, has made a remarkable resurgence at Wimbledon, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time. Despite entering the tournament with only seven singles wins for the season, the Czech has displayed her resilience and determination on the grass courts.Krejcikova's journey to the quarterfinals has been marked by her unwavering spirit and the memory of her late mentor, Jana Novotna. In a recent Q&A with fans, Krejcikova revealed that Novotna had once advised her to start flying in business class as soon as she could afford it. This humorous advice reflects the importance of self-care and the pursuit of comfort in the demanding world of professional tennis.Beyond her on-court achievements, Krejcikova's Q&A session provided a glimpse into her off-court interests and personality. She expressed her love for public transportation, particularly trains, and her desire to visit Alaska to see bears. Her favorite foods include steak, sushi, and lemon sorbet, while she has a peculiar fondness for pineapple on pizza.Krejcikova's passion for tennis extends beyond her own matches. She is an avid fan of the sport and enjoys watching matches courtside whenever possible. Her favorite live match was a childhood memory of a doubles match between Lucie Safarova and Nicole Vaidisova against Dominika Cibulkova and Daniela Hantuchova in 2008, where she served as a ball kid.If she could change two rules of tennis, Krejcikova would increase the time allowed for serve to more than 25 seconds and eliminate grunting, especially when it becomes inconsistent and disruptive during key points.As she prepares for her quarterfinal match against Jelena Ostapenko, Krejcikova is seeking her first Grand Slam semifinal since her Parisian triumph three years ago. Despite having lost five of their seven career meetings, including the last three, Krejcikova remains confident in her abilities and the lessons she has learned from her late mentor.

Indian Couple Celebrates 36th Wedding Anniversary at Wimbledon, Fulfilling a Lifelong DreamAn Indian couple, ardent tennis enthusiasts since the early 1970s, have realized their lifelong aspiration by celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships. Their dream destination experience included witnessing the thrilling matches live and savoring the iconic strawberries and cream.The official Wimbledon YouTube channel shared a heartwarming video of the couple, which has garnered immense admiration online. In the video, the husband expresses his profound emotions, stating, "We've been tennis fans since the early 70s. It's very emotional for us. It's a dream destination for both of us."Describing the electrifying atmosphere in the stadium, he says, "The crowd is spine-tingling. I was especially excited to see Novak Djokovic play. When he came into the Central Court, I was feeling very good."The couple has always admired Indian tennis stars such as Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes, and Sania Mirza. They decided to mark their 36th wedding anniversary at Wimbledon this year, creating memories that they will cherish forever.The video has received an outpouring of love and appreciation on YouTube. One user commented, "Cute. The simple pleasures of life are the most valued. Nice profile." Another added, "Great. Happy anniversary."The couple's journey to Wimbledon is a testament to their unwavering passion for tennis and their commitment to celebrating life's milestones in a meaningful way. Their story serves as an inspiration to all who dream of pursuing their passions and creating unforgettable experiences.

Alex de Minaur Withdraws from Wimbledon Quarterfinal Against Novak Djokovic Due to Hip InjuryAustralian tennis star Alex de Minaur has been forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated Wimbledon quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic due to a hip injury. The news comes as a major disappointment for de Minaur, who had been in impressive form throughout the tournament.De Minaur's injury occurred during his hard-fought fourth-round victory over Arthur Fils on Monday. The Aussie appeared to hurt himself in the closing points of the match, but he initially expressed confidence that he would be fit to face Djokovic. However, subsequent medical testing revealed a tear in the cartilage that connects to his abductor, an injury that de Minaur described as "a freak injury.""Obviously not an announcement I wanted to make by any means," de Minaur told reporters in a press conference at the All England Club. "I had high risk of making it worse if I was to step on court.""It's been two days of worrying and waiting to see," he added. "In the grand scheme of things it could've been worse, I'm trying to hold on to that. It's a freak injury."De Minaur's withdrawal means that Djokovic will advance to his 13th career semifinal at Wimbledon, tying Roger Federer for the most of any man at the event in the Open Era. The seven-time champion will face either Taylor Fritz or Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals.The injury is a major setback for de Minaur, who has been enjoying a breakout season in 2023. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year and has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 20 in the world.Despite the disappointment, de Minaur remains optimistic about his future prospects. "I'm going to take some time off, get this right, and come back stronger," he said. "I'm still young and I have a lot of tennis left in me."