Tennis

Giuliana "GuGu" Olmos, a Mexican-born tennis star, has made a name for herself as a formidable doubles player. Her journey began at the age of 11, when she realized her passion for the sport. By 16, she had the honor of representing Mexico in international competitions.Olmos' collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) was marked by her exceptional leadership and sportsmanship. She earned the ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award and created the Rose Cup, an event that raises funds for breast cancer research. Her coach, Richard Gallien, played a pivotal role in shaping her competitive spirit and instilling in her the importance of enjoying the battle.Despite her initial struggles in singles, Olmos found success in doubles. In 2019, she partnered with Desirae Krawczyk to win the WTA event in Nottingham. As more ITF tournaments were canceled due to the pandemic, Olmos dedicated herself to doubles. In 2021, she teamed up with Sharon Fichman to achieve notable victories, including a win in Rome and a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open.Olmos' doubles ranking soared into the Top 20 by the end of 2021, and she has since cracked the Top 10, peaking at No. 6 in 2023. Her upbeat attitude, sharp groundstrokes, and all-court versatility have also made her an excellent mixed doubles partner. She reached the finals of the US Open in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2023.In addition to her on-court achievements, Olmos is proud to represent Mexico. She became the first Mexican woman to compete in the Olympic tennis event in 24 years in 2021. Her husband, Reuben Peters, a former USC football player, provides unwavering support and understands the demands of her athletic career.Off the court, Olmos enjoys exploring different cultures and spending time with her close friend and physical therapist, Natalie Meinhold. Meinhold's upbeat attitude and constant supply of Haribo candy help Olmos maintain a positive mindset during competitions.At 31 years old, Olmos has several more years of doubles tournaments ahead of her. However, she is already looking ahead to a future in coaching, ideally at her alma mater, USC. Her passion for the sport and her desire to inspire future generations make her an ideal candidate for this role.

Coco Gauff, the rising star of American tennis, has added another title to her impressive resume with a dominant victory at the China Open. The 20-year-old defeated Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the final, becoming the youngest China Open champion in 14 years.Gauff's triumph in Beijing marks her eighth career title and extends her remarkable record in tour finals to 8-1. She has now won all seven of her hard-court finals, a feat unmatched in the Open Era.The American's dominance was evident from the outset as she raced through the opening set in just 31 minutes. She dropped only five points on her first serve, hit 24 winners, and broke Muchova five times.Gauff's momentum continued in the second set, as she broke Muchova's serve twice more to secure the victory. Her impressive performance has boosted her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals, featuring the top eight players, for the third consecutive year.With her title in Beijing, Gauff has overtaken Jessica Pegula to take the No. 5 spot in the WTA rankings ahead of the final WTA 1000 tournament of the season, the Wuhan Open.In the men's draw, top-ranked Jannik Sinner overcame a one-set deficit to rally to a 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2 win against Tomas Martin Etcheverry at the Shanghai Masters.Sinner, who won his 250th career match the previous night, faced a stern test against the No. 37-ranked Argentine. However, the Italian found his range in the second set and broke Etcheverry twice in the third to advance.Fifth-ranked Daniil Medvedev also came from behind for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Matteo Arnaldi to book his fourth-round berth against either No. 12-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexandre Muller.Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz, who won the China Open on Wednesday, defeated Chinese player Wu Yibing 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Mirra Andreeva Makes History, Debuts in WTA Top 20 at 17After a thrilling China Open in Beijing, the WTA rankings have undergone significant shifts. Among the most notable is the meteoric rise of 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who has soared from No. 22 to No. 19, marking her historic Top 20 debut.Andreeva's remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional season. She has reached an impressive seven quarterfinals, including four at the WTA 1000 level or above. Her standout performances include a Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros and WTA 1000 quarterfinals in Madrid and Cincinnati.At 17 years and 5 months, Andreeva becomes the youngest woman to break into the Top 20 since Nicole Vaidisova in 2005. This milestone is even more remarkable considering that Andreeva was not even born when Vaidisova made her debut.Coco Gauff, another rising star, was slightly older than Andreeva when she first entered the Top 20 in 2021. However, Andreeva's rapid ascent has set her apart as a truly exceptional talent.Andreeva's success is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional skills. She has consistently showcased her ability to compete with the world's best players, and her Top 20 debut is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and talent.As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to watch Andreeva's continued growth and development. With her exceptional talent and unwavering determination, she has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the world of tennis.

Coco Gauff's remarkable dominance in tour-level finals continues to astound the tennis world. The American prodigy has extended her impressive record to 8-1, showcasing her unwavering determination and exceptional talent.Gauff's path to the China Open title in Beijing was not without its challenges. She faced adversity in her last three rounds, including a thrilling comeback victory over Paula Badosa in the semifinals. However, when the stakes were highest, Gauff rose to the occasion, dispatching former Top 10 player Karolina Muchova in the final with ease, 6-1, 6-3.Gauff's dominance in finals is evident in her statistics. She has won her last six finals in a row since her only career loss in a final to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros in 2022. In her latest triumph in Beijing, Gauff hit three times as many winners as unforced errors and finished with nearly twice as many points as Muchova.Gauff's impressive record in finals extends beyond her recent success. She boasts the best career winning percentage in finals of any woman in the Top 10, with a minimum of two finals played. Her 88.9% winning percentage is a testament to her ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most.Gauff's dominance is not limited to the Top 10. She also holds the best career winning percentage in finals of any woman in the Top 100, with a minimum of five finals played. Her 4-0 record in finals is a testament to her consistency and ability to rise to the occasion against players of all levels.Gauff's success in finals is a reflection of her exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and ability to perform under pressure. As she continues to climb the ranks of women's tennis, it is clear that she is a force to be reckoned with and a future star of the sport.

Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova, two rising stars in women's tennis, will face off in the China Open final on Sunday, a rematch of their thrilling encounter in Cincinnati last summer.Gauff, the 18-year-old American, has had a rollercoaster ride in Beijing, coming from a set down three times to reach the final. Despite her struggles, she has shown remarkable resilience and determination, saving four break points against Paula Badosa in the semifinals to keep her hopes alive.Muchova, the 26-year-old Czech, has also had a challenging year, missing the first six months due to a wrist injury. However, she has looked in impressive form in Beijing, edging top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals and home favorite Zheng Qinwen in the semifinals.On paper, Muchova appears to have the edge over Gauff. She is a more complete player with a wider range of shots and a more consistent serve. Gauff, on the other hand, has struggled with her serve and forehand at times this week.However, Gauff has proven that she is a fierce competitor, never giving up even when facing adversity. She has also benefited from the positive influence of her new coach, Matt Daly, who has helped her stay focused and upbeat.The key to the match will likely be Gauff's ability to neutralize Muchova's strengths. If she can keep Muchova off balance with her powerful groundstrokes and force her to make errors, she has a chance to pull off another upset.Muchova, on the other hand, will need to maintain her consistency and avoid giving Gauff any easy points. She will also need to be patient and wait for her opportunities to attack.Ultimately, the winner of the China Open final will be the player who can execute their game plan better and handle the pressure of the big stage. Both Gauff and Muchova have shown that they have the talent and determination to win, so it promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek, the Polish tennis sensation, has parted ways with her long-time coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. The decision, announced by Swiatek on Friday, marks the end of a successful three-year partnership that saw the Polish player ascend to the pinnacle of women's tennis.During their time together, Swiatek captured four of her five Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and the US Open in 2022. She also rose to the top of the WTA rankings, becoming the first Polish player to achieve the feat.Swiatek expressed her gratitude for Wiktorowski's contributions in a heartfelt Instagram post. "After 3 years of the greatest achievements in my career, together with my coach Tomasz Wiktorowski we decided to part way," she wrote. "I want to start with a big thank you and appreciating our work together."Swiatek credited Wiktorowski with providing her with the guidance and support she needed to reach new heights. "Coach Wiktorowski joined my team for three seasons, when I strongly needed changes and a fresh approach to my game," she said. "His experience, analytical and strategic attitude and enormous knowledge about tennis helped us to achieve things I've never dreamed of only a few months after we started working together."The decision to split comes after a challenging period for Swiatek. She has not competed since losing to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the US Open and has withdrawn from recent tournaments due to personal reasons and fatigue.Swiatek indicated that she is ready to take the next step in her career and is in talks with non-Polish coaches. "I'm in the middle of first talks with coaches from abroad (non-Polish) because I'm ready to take the next step of my career," she wrote.Wiktorowski, who was voted the WTA's Coach of the Year by his peers last year, expressed his support for Swiatek's decision. "Coach, THANK YOU, I wish you all the best," Swiatek wrote. "I know that you would like to rest after these 3 years of hard work and traveling a lot and spending some well deserved time with your loved ones and I hope you'll get what you need."The split between Swiatek and Wiktorowski marks the end of a successful era in Polish tennis. Swiatek's dominance on the court has inspired a new generation of players and has brought unprecedented attention to the sport in her home country.

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4 tennis player, has announced her decision to pursue business studies at Harvard University's prestigious Harvard Business School. This move comes as Garcia takes an extended break from tennis due to a lingering shoulder injury and mental health concerns.Garcia's involvement at Harvard is likely part of the Crossover to Business program, a collaboration between the school and the NBA. This program provides professional athletes with an immersive experience in business, allowing them to develop their entrepreneurial skills and connect with student mentors pursuing MBAs.Over the years, several WTA players have participated in the Crossover to Business program, including Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Monica Puig, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki. Garcia's decision to join this esteemed group reflects her desire to expand her horizons beyond tennis.In a recent social media post, Garcia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study at Harvard. "I can't wait to keep learning new things and meet amazing people from different fields," she wrote.Garcia's decision to pursue business studies aligns with her broader goal of creating a fulfilling life beyond tennis. In a previous social media post, she announced her decision to end her season early due to physical and mental health challenges."For too long, I've let tennis consume me," Garcia wrote. "But I'm more than that. I'm a woman with values, talents, passions, flaws, and strengths."Garcia's journey at Harvard Business School will provide her with the tools and knowledge to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. It also serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed both on and off the court.

Coco Gauff's resilience shone through at the 2024 China Open as she overcame an ailing Naomi Osaka in a hard-fought second-round encounter. The match took a dramatic turn when Osaka, who had taken the first set, was forced to retire due to illness with the score tied at 3-6, 6-4.Gauff, who recently parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert, has been working with Matt Daly and Jean-Christophe Faurel. Despite initial struggles with her forehand and serve, she displayed improved form in Beijing, defeating Clara Burel and Katie Boulter to set up the clash with Osaka.Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, returned to action after a year-long maternity leave with renewed determination. However, her comeback has been marked by inconsistent performances, including a second-round exit at the US Open. She made a coaching change, bringing in Patrick Mouratoglou, but the partnership has yet to yield significant results.In the match against Gauff, Osaka started strongly, taking the first set with relative ease. However, she began to show signs of illness during the second set, taking a medical timeout. Despite her discomfort, she managed to break Gauff's serve and take a 3-1 lead.Gauff fought back, breaking Osaka's serve in the second game of the second set. However, she failed to capitalize on several break point opportunities, allowing Osaka to level the set at 2-2. Osaka then broke Gauff's serve again, putting herself in a commanding position.Undeterred, Gauff raised her level of play, winning four consecutive games to force a decider. However, Osaka's physical condition deteriorated, and she was unable to continue. Gauff expressed sympathy for her opponent, saying, "I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all."Gauff will now face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the quarterfinals. Starodubtseva has enjoyed a breakthrough week in Beijing, defeating No. 10 seed Anna Kalinskaya in straight sets to reach her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, two of the most promising stars in women's tennis, will face off for the first time since 2022 at the China Open in Beijing on Tuesday. The highly anticipated clash marks a significant milestone in their careers, as both players have undergone major transformations since their last encounter.Gauff, now a Grand Slam champion herself, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her victory at the 2023 French Open propelled her into the elite ranks of tennis, and she has continued to impress with her consistent performances throughout the season. Osaka, on the other hand, has returned to the WTA Tour after a 15-month hiatus due to mental health concerns. The four-time major winner is eager to regain her former dominance and prove that she is still a formidable opponent.This match-up is particularly intriguing given the contrasting trajectories of the two players. Gauff has been on a steady upward trajectory, while Osaka has faced challenges in recent years. However, Osaka's recent performances in Beijing suggest that she is regaining her form. She has won three matches this week, tying her best performance at a single tournament in 2024.The China Open has been a happy hunting ground for Osaka in the past. She won the WTA 1000 event in 2019 and will be looking to replicate that success this year. A victory over Gauff would not only boost her confidence but also push her back into the Top 50 of the WTA rankings.Gauff, for her part, will be determined to prove that she is not just a one-hit wonder. She reached the semifinals of the China Open last year and will be aiming to go even further this time around. However, she will need to be at her best to overcome Osaka, who has a 2-2 head-to-head record against her.Both players have made significant changes to their teams since their last meeting. Osaka has parted ways with coach Wim Fissette and is now working with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. Gauff has added Matt Daly to her coaching staff, who will work alongside Jean-Christophe Faurel.The clash between Gauff and Osaka is not just a battle between two talented players but also a clash of styles. Gauff is known for her aggressive baseline play, while Osaka is a more versatile player who can adapt to different surfaces and opponents. It promises to be a fascinating encounter that could have a significant impact on the remainder of the season.