Tennis

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, recently shared her candid thoughts on her career and the pressures of being a top-ranked tennis player in an interview with fellow player Caroline Garcia on the Tennis Insider Club podcast.Stephens, who has been open about the challenges she has faced throughout her career, spoke about the unrealistic expectations that are often placed on athletes. She emphasized that not everyone can be the best in the world and that it's important to recognize and appreciate one's own strengths and limitations."There's nothing wrong with not being Novak [Djokovic]," Stephens said. "Everyone can't be No. 1 in the world. I think Iga [Swiatek]'s great, she's No. 1 in the world, but I do not want that job. There are certain people who thrive in that, but that's what makes our sport so unique."Stephens, who emerged as a teen phenom in 2011, has had a successful career, reaching the third round of the US Open as a wild card that year and stunning Serena Williams to make her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2013 Australian Open. She overcame a prolonged foot injury to win her maiden major title over fellow American Madison Keys.However, Stephens has struggled for consistency in recent years, citing injuries and burnout. Despite these challenges, the 31-year-old American remains motivated to continue her career, noting that the unpredictable nature of the tour could still yield her another big result."This is a good job to stay at!" Stephens joked. "Obviously, it is a lot of travel and it's very hectic and it's hard, and it's stressful. There's a lot of adversity happening every single week that nobody ever sees. But what job is going to pay you to put on your tennis dress and play a match on live TV?"Stephens emphasized the importance of finding ways to make the demanding schedule of a professional tennis player more enjoyable. She shared that she has been making an effort to explore new places and experiences, which has helped her stay motivated and excited about her career."This year, I've wanted to go to new places and see new things, and do new stuff," Stephens said. "So, this year, I said, 'I want to make it Asia so I can see the Great Wall.' And I feel like that's helped me more, to have something to look forward to. If you were at a regular desk job for 12 years, you would think it's terrible. For tennis players, yes, we're so lucky and fortunate to be able to travel and do all these amazing things, but it's literally the same tournaments, the same cities. You've got to make it fun and keep it exciting."

WTA Rankings Reshuffle: Sabalenka Reclaims No. 1 SpotThe WTA rankings have undergone a significant shakeup this week, with Aryna Sabalenka returning to the top spot after a brief reign by Iga Swiatek. The reshuffle stems from the WTA's new rule requiring players to participate in six WTA 500 events annually, with zero-pointers applied for missed events.Sabalenka has played four WTA 500 events this year, while Swiatek has played only two. As a result, Sabalenka has accumulated more ranking points and now holds a narrow lead over Swiatek.The impact of the zero-pointers will continue to be felt in the coming weeks. Both Sabalenka and Swiatek will lose additional points next week after skipping the WTA 500 event in Tokyo. The following week, their 2023 WTA Finals points will drop off, further widening the gap between them.The WTA 500 rule has been met with mixed reactions. Some players have expressed concerns that it could lead to burnout and injuries, while others believe it will create a more competitive and balanced field.Regardless of the differing opinions, the rule has had a significant impact on the rankings. Sabalenka's return to No. 1 is a testament to her consistency and determination. Swiatek, meanwhile, will be eager to regain her top spot and prove that she remains the dominant force in women's tennis.

The tennis world is transitioning from the Asian swing to the season-ending championships, with three prestigious 500s taking center stage this week.Erste Bank Open (ATP)Alexander Zverev, the top seed in Vienna, is not the player with the most at stake. The ATP's No. 3 has already secured a spot in the season-ending championships in Turin. However, several players are vying for the remaining five spots, including Alex de Minaur, Tommy Paul, Grigor Dimitrov, Frances Tiafoe, Lorenzo Musetti, and Jack Draper.The tournament will also mark the end of Dominic Thiem's career. The 31-year-old Austrian will play in front of his home-country fans for the last time.Swiss Indoors Basel (ATP)Unlike in Vienna, no player in Basel has secured a spot in the ATP Finals. Top seeds Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev are currently seventh and eighth in the race to Turin, while Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune are 12th and 15th, respectively.Two-time defending champion Felix Auger Aliassime is also in the field and could face Ruud in the third round.Toray Pan Pacific Open (WTA)The Pan Pacific Open has been a WTA institution since 1973. This year, Zheng Qinwen is the top seed, but the tournament took a hit when Naomi Osaka withdrew with a back injury.The WTA's race to Riyadh has already been run, so Tokyo will be tennis for its own sake. Beatriz Haddad Maia, Daria Kasatkina, Anna Kalinskaya, and Paula Badosa are among the other seeds.Guangzhou Open (WTA)Rounding out the week is the Guangzhou Open, a late entrant in the Asian swing. The top two seeds are Czech mates Katerina Siniakova and Marie Bouzkova.

The rivalry between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has been simmering for years, but it has yet to reach its full potential. Despite their dominance on the WTA Tour, they have never met in a Grand Slam final.In 2024, the Madrid final between Swiatek and Sabalenka was hailed as a potential turning point. However, the summer that was supposed to be the "summer of Swialenka or Sabatek" failed to materialize. They played only twice, with both matches being one-sided affairs.Swiatek's dominance on clay continued, but she struggled on other surfaces. Sabalenka, on the other hand, found her form in the second half of the season, winning three consecutive titles.As the year-end No. 1 ranking hangs in the balance, the two players are separated by a mere 69 points. Swiatek must win the WTA Finals to retain her top spot, while Sabalenka can clinch it by reaching the final.The lack of a sustained rivalry between Swiatek and Sabalenka can be attributed to several factors. The tennis season is long and demanding, and even the best players experience peaks and valleys. Additionally, their schedules have often clashed, preventing them from meeting in major finals.However, there are signs of improvement. Sabalenka has realized the benefits of taking breaks, while Swiatek has made a coaching change in an effort to reset her mindset.The WTA Finals in Riyadh could provide a fitting climax to the 2024 season and give the Swiatek-Sabalenka rivalry the boost it needs. A season-ending showdown would not only determine the year-end No. 1 ranking but also set the stage for a more competitive and compelling rivalry in 2025.

Jessica Pegula's remarkable run of form has propelled her to the pinnacle of women's tennis, with the American now celebrating a significant milestone in her career. This week marks Pegula's 100th week in the WTA Top 5, a testament to her consistency and unwavering determination.Pegula's ascent to the elite began in September 2022, following her impressive performance at the US Open. Since then, she has maintained a remarkable presence within the Top 5, spending only a brief period outside its hallowed ranks. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has seen her capture three WTA 1000 titles, including the prestigious Toronto Open, and reach her maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open.Pegula's journey to the Top 5 has been marked by unwavering consistency. She has spent 43 weeks at No. 5, 17 weeks at No. 4, and 40 weeks at No. 3. Her ability to maintain her high level of play has been a key factor in her sustained success.Pegula's rise to the top has been a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in her abilities. She has overcome challenges and setbacks with resilience and determination, proving herself to be a formidable force on the court. As she continues to push the boundaries of her potential, Pegula's presence in the WTA Top 5 is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and tennis enthusiasts alike.

Iga Swiatek's reign at the pinnacle of women's tennis continues to reach unprecedented heights. This week marks her 50th consecutive week as the WTA world No. 1, a feat that places her among the most dominant players in the sport's history.Swiatek's first stint at the top lasted 75 weeks, from April 2022 to September 2023. After a brief eight-week hiatus, she reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in November 2023 and has held it ever since. This latest 50-week run makes her just the seventh player in WTA history to achieve multiple 50-week stints at the top.The Polish star joins an illustrious group that includes Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, and Serena Williams. These legendary players have all left an indelible mark on the sport, and Swiatek's inclusion in their ranks is a testament to her exceptional talent and consistency.Swiatek's dominance has been characterized by her relentless pursuit of excellence. She has won three Grand Slam titles in the past year, including the French Open twice and the US Open once. Her all-court game and unwavering determination have made her a formidable opponent for any player on the tour.However, Swiatek's reign at the top is facing a serious challenge from Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian has been in scintillating form this season, winning the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan and closing the gap on Swiatek in the rankings.With the WTA Finals approaching, the battle for year-end No. 1 is set to intensify. Swiatek will be defending 1,500 points for winning the title last year, while Sabalenka will be looking to make up ground with a strong performance.The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining who will finish the year as the world's top-ranked women's tennis player. Swiatek's experience and consistency will be put to the test against Sabalenka's power and momentum.

Sabalenka and Putintseva's Culinary Rivalry Heats Up in WuhanIn a thrilling encounter at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, Aryna Sabalenka and Yulia Putintseva showcased their fierce competitive spirit and enduring friendship. Despite a rocky start, Sabalenka rallied from a set down to defeat Putintseva 1-6, 6-4, 6-0.The match was not without its emotional moments. Both players displayed their fiery temperaments, but ultimately embraced at the net, demonstrating their mutual respect. Sabalenka acknowledged the close bond they share, despite their on-court rivalry."We're both really emotional people," Sabalenka said. "We were going up and down with our emotions today. But I think we're still friends, which is good."Putintseva's culinary skills have become a topic of discussion between the two players. Sabalenka praised her rival's cooking abilities, but joked that she might be hesitant to accept an invitation to dinner."She's really good in cooking," Sabalenka said. "She's making delicious food. Probably I'll never try her stuff again. Or she'll invite me and she'll poison my meal."Despite their playful banter, Sabalenka and Putintseva have maintained a close friendship over the years. Sabalenka was even invited to Putintseva's pre-Australian Open birthday party in January."It's tough to play," Sabalenka said. "Especially because we're both really emotional people. But we understand that. Off court, we don't bring tennis life into it."As for Putintseva's signature dish, Sabalenka recalled a particularly memorable meal."The last one was I think carbonara," Sabalenka said. "It was like Italian pasta. It was so good. I was like, 'Give me more, it was so good.'"With her victory in Wuhan, Sabalenka extended her winning streak to 13 matches. She is projected to lead the PIF WTA Race to the WTA Finals on Monday.

Magdalena Frech's remarkable season continues to soar as she notched her first career Top 10 victory at the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open. The 26-year-old Pole outlasted world No. 8 Emma Navarro in a thrilling three-set battle, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.Frech's triumph marks a significant milestone in her career, having previously been 0-15 against Top 10 opponents. Her previous Top 20 wins this year included victories over Caroline Garcia, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Diana Shnaider.The match was a testament to Frech's resilience and determination. After dropping the second set, she regrouped and regained control in the decider. "It was a really great battle," Frech said. "I just tried to stay calm during the two hours. It's my first Top 10 win, so I'm really happy."Frech's success in Wuhan is a culmination of her hard work and dedication. She has consistently improved her game throughout the season, and her recent breakthroughs are a testament to her progress.The Polish player's victory is also a significant moment for her country. Frech is the first Polish woman to defeat a Top 10 player since Agnieszka Radwanska in 2016.Frech's performance in Wuhan has further solidified her status as a rising star in the WTA. She is now projected to move up to a career-high ranking in the top 25. With her newfound confidence and momentum, Frech will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming tournaments.

Mirra and Erika Andreeva, two sisters from Russia, are set to face off in an official match for the first time in their careers at the Hologic WTA Tour's Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open. While sibling rivalry is often a driving force in sports, the Andreeva sisters have chosen to keep their relationship off the court.Mirra, the younger sister, has been the WTA's breakout star in recent months, reaching the fourth round of the Madrid Open and the semifinals of the French Open. She is known for her aggressive style of play and her ability to change her tactics on the fly.Erika, the older sister, is a more introverted and methodical player. She prefers to stick to a game plan and grind out her opponents. However, Mirra believes that Erika has become more aggressive in recent months.Despite their contrasting styles, the Andreeva sisters are close off the court. Mirra describes Erika as a "calm" and "closed" person, while Erika says that Mirra is "always talking a lot."The sisters have decided to split the prize money for the second round of the Wuhan Open, regardless of who wins. Mirra admits that the match will be "stressful" for both of them, but she is also excited to see who comes out on top."I think it's going to be fun for the people who are watching, but it's going to be really stressful for the both of us," Mirra said. "Of course I'm curious to see who's going to win tomorrow. It's going to be a nervous match, for sure. For my parents, especially!"