Tennis

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4, has announced her decision to sit out the remainder of the 2024 season to prioritize her mental health. In a lengthy message posted on social media, Garcia revealed that she has been struggling with a "toxic mindset" that has hindered her results and led to prolonged struggles with anxiety and panic attacks.Despite ending 2022 back at her career-high ranking thanks to a winning week at the WTA Finals, Garcia has struggled through the subsequent 24 months, falling outside the Top 20 and compiling a disappointing 17-16 record in 2024."My results didn't match the goals I set or the expectations I had," Garcia wrote. "The work, the sacrifices, the pain—it all felt the same as before, but the results weren't there, and I couldn't compete at the level I know I'm capable of. That's been really hard to accept."Garcia also revealed that she has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, which has further contributed to her struggles."For too long, I've let tennis consume me, ride the emotional highs and lows of every result," Garcia continued. "But I'm more than that. I'm a woman with values, talents, passions, flaws, and strengths. I'm not perfect, but I'm doing my best."Garcia's decision to sit out the remainder of the season was supported by her fiancé and podcast co-host, Borja Duran. She plans to return to action in January, in time for the Australian summer hard-court swing."When I eventually leave tennis behind, I want to look back and say I enjoyed the journey, I'm proud of myself, and I gave it my all," Garcia wrote. "And in the end, I won some pretty cool things along the way."

Iga Swiatek's reign as world number one is under threat from Aryna Sabalenka, who has won two Grand Slams this year. Swiatek has significant points to defend from last season, including title runs at the WTA 1000 stop in Beijing and the WTA Finals.Swiatek's recent performances have been concerning, with the Pole committing errors with alarming frequency. She lost in straight sets to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals of the US Open, following similar defeats in the third round of the Australian Open and Wimbledon.Despite her struggles, Swiatek is eager to fight the perception of burnout. She has opted to skip the WTA 500 event in Seoul and the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, citing "personal matters." However, her absence from these tournaments could significantly cut into her lead atop the WTA rankings.Sabalenka, on the other hand, has been in impressive form this year. She has won the Australian Open and US Open, and is now the favorite to win the WTA Finals. If she can continue her winning ways, she could dethrone Swiatek as world number one.Swiatek's motivation will be sky-high this fall, as she looks to regain her dominance and prove that she is still the best player in the world. However, she will need to find a way to improve her consistency and reduce her errors if she wants to achieve her goals.

Zhang Shuai's arduous singles drought, spanning over a year and a half, has finally come to an end. The 35-year-old Chinese star, who once held the world No. 22 ranking, had not tasted victory in a singles match since January 2023. However, on Wednesday, she broke that streak in emphatic fashion at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing.Zhang's opponent in the first round was American McCartney Kessler, who had recently won her maiden tour-level title in Cleveland. Despite Kessler serving for the opening set, Zhang rallied back to win 7-6(5), 7-6(1). The victory marked the end of the second-longest losing streak by a WTA player in the Open Era, behind only Madeleine Pegel's 29-match skid in the early days of the tour.Zhang's losing streak had been punctuated by several heartbreaking defeats. In February 2023, she lost a three-set thriller to Anett Kontaveit in Abu Dhabi. In July, she retired from a controversial match against Amarissa Toth in Budapest after an officiating decision went against her. And at the US Open, she squandered a 6-0 first set lead against Ashlyn Krueger, eventually losing 0-6, 6-1, 7-5.Against Kessler, Zhang showed resilience and determination. After failing to convert a match point in the second set, she regrouped and closed out the match with aplomb. "I think that this is the perfect timing," Zhang said after the win. "My first win at a WTA tournament was 15 years ago at China Open, and then the next day I beat the No. 1 player [Dinara Safina in 2009]. Maybe God has a plan."Zhang's victory is a testament to her perseverance and unwavering spirit. She has faced adversity throughout her career, including a 14-match losing streak in Grand Slam main draws. However, she has always bounced back, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with.In the second round, Zhang will face No. 6 seed Emma Navarro, the US Open semifinalist. It will be a tough test, but Zhang will be confident after breaking her losing streak.

Marta Kostyuk, the rising Ukrainian tennis star, has embraced a transformative journey both on and off the court. After years of being coached by her mother, Kostyuk sought guidance from Sandra Zaniewska, a former coach of Petra Martic. This partnership has propelled Kostyuk to new heights, with her breaking into the WTA's Top 20 and becoming a fashion icon.Kostyuk's fashion evolution has been as remarkable as her on-court success. Once known for her simple style, she now graces the pages of Vogue and Glamour, showcasing her unique sense of self-expression. She credits her stylist with helping her understand her body type and create a wardrobe that complements her personality.Kostyuk's collaboration with Wilson has also played a pivotal role in her on-court style. As the brand's first 360 athlete, she has helped introduce their new tennis apparel collection, featuring custom-designed dresses that have garnered widespread attention. Her Roland Garros kit and Wimbledon look, inspired by her wedding dress, have become viral sensations.Beyond her fashion choices, Kostyuk emphasizes the importance of open communication and honest feedback in her partnership with Zaniewska. This approach has fostered a deep connection and mutual trust, allowing them to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.Kostyuk's high energy and aggressive playing style have made her a fan favorite. However, she recognizes the need to channel her emotions positively to achieve long-term success. With Zaniewska's guidance, she aims to harness her passion and determination to continue her upward trajectory.

Coco Gauff, the teenage tennis sensation who burst onto the scene in 2019, is facing a pivotal moment in her career. After a breakthrough summer in 2023, where she won three Hologic WTA Tour singles titles, Gauff has struggled to maintain her momentum. She was eliminated in the round of 16 at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2024, both times by fellow American Emma Navarro.Gauff's recent setbacks have raised questions about her long-term development. How can a player who has achieved so much at such a young age continue to improve and compete at the highest level?One area of concern is Gauff's technical game. In her US Open defeat to Navarro, she served 19 double-faults, a glaring weakness that has been discussed extensively by tennis analysts. Her forehand, once considered a potential weapon, has also come under scrutiny.Beyond technical issues, Gauff has also faced challenges with her coaching team. She recently parted ways with Brad Gilbert, the coach who guided her to a Slam-winning season in 2023. This highlights the ongoing debate in tennis about the effectiveness of mid-match coaching.Despite these challenges, Gauff remains a fierce competitor with an unwavering desire to succeed. Her motivation is evident in her practice sessions, interviews, and matches. The question now is how she will channel that motivation to improve her game and regain her winning ways.Gauff's off-season will be crucial in determining her future trajectory. She will need to address her technical weaknesses, refine her tactics, and find a coaching team that can help her reach her full potential.

As the leaves turn vibrant hues, the tennis world embarks on its annual Asian swing, with the China Open and Kinoshita Group Japan Open taking center stage.China Open (WTA)Beijing welcomes seven of the women's Top 10, including Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, for the prestigious WTA 1000 event. Defending champion Iga Swiatek's absence is notable, as she prioritizes her schedule amidst mandatory events.Coco Gauff, fresh from her post-Brad Gilbert era, will be a player to watch. Zheng Qinwen, the gold medalist, returns to her home city with high expectations. Emma Navarro, a recent Top 10 debutante, will seek to make her mark.Other notable participants include US Open semifinalist Karolina Muchova, Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, and 2019 Beijing champion Naomi Osaka.Kinoshita Group Japan Open (ATP)Tokyo has become a familiar stomping ground for American players, with Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton returning to defend their titles. However, fatigue from the Laver Cup may linger.Fritz, the top seed, faces a tough opener against Arthur Fils. Shelton and Tiafoe also have challenging first-round matches against Reilly Opelka and Brandon Nakashima, respectively.Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tommy Paul, and Holger Rune round out the Top 8 seeds.Intriguing first-round matchups include Fritz vs. Fils, Tiafoe vs. Nakashima, and Marin Cilic vs. Kei Nishikori, a rematch of the 2014 US Open final.

Iga Swiatek's reign at the pinnacle of women's tennis continues to extend, as she surpasses Ashleigh Barty to become the seventh-most weeks at No. 1 in WTA rankings history. With 122 weeks at the top, Swiatek has cemented her place among the all-time greats.Since the inception of the WTA rankings in 1975, only six players have held the No. 1 ranking for more weeks than Swiatek. Steffi Graf leads the pack with an astonishing 377 weeks, followed by Martina Navratilova (332), Serena Williams (319), Chris Evert (260), Martina Hingis (209), and Monica Seles (178).Swiatek's dominance has been remarkable, with her current streak of 44 consecutive weeks at No. 1 being the longest since Serena Williams' 186-week reign from 2013 to 2016. Her consistent performances and Grand Slam victories have solidified her position as the world's top player.However, Swiatek's grip on the No. 1 ranking could face a challenge in the coming months. Her withdrawal from the WTA 1000 event in Beijing due to personal matters has opened the door for World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka to close the gap. Sabalenka can potentially catch up to Swiatek in Beijing and further threaten her position at the WTA Finals, where Swiatek is defending the title.Despite the potential threat, Swiatek remains the favorite to retain her No. 1 ranking. Her exceptional form and determination will make it difficult for her rivals to dethrone her. As the season progresses, the battle for the top spot promises to be intense and captivating.

Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia emerged victorious in the Korea Open final, claiming her fourth career title with a remarkable comeback against Russian top seed Daria Kasatkina. After losing the opening set in a mere 26 minutes, Haddad Maia displayed resilience and determination, turning the tide in the second set and ultimately securing a 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 triumph.Haddad Maia, ranked 17th in the world, faced an uphill battle after Kasatkina's dominant start. However, she gradually gained momentum, breaking back in the second set and taking the lead for the first time. The Brazilian's composure and unwavering focus proved crucial as she overcame a contentious call with the umpire and seized the second set.In the decisive third set, Haddad Maia maintained her advantage, breaking Kasatkina twice and closing out the match with a long return from her opponent. The victory marked Haddad Maia's first title since June 2022, a testament to her hard work and competitive spirit."I know that tennis changes everything very fast," Haddad Maia said. "I was competing better at the end of the second set and then my tennis appeared. I finished in the way that I wanted and I think I deserved this win."Kasatkina, ranked 13th, expressed disappointment after losing her fourth final of the year. "Losing in the final can feel worse than losing in the first round," she said. "It's tough, especially being up in the final, but she definitely raised the level after the first set."The Korea Open, upgraded to a WTA 500 tournament for the first time, witnessed a series of last-minute withdrawals, including world number one Iga Swiatek, US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula, and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Despite these setbacks, the tournament showcased the depth and talent of the women's tennis circuit.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from next week's China Open due to personal reasons, marking her second withdrawal in as many weeks. The defending champion had previously expressed concerns about the demanding WTA tour schedule, calling it "exhausting."Swiatek's withdrawal comes after she pulled out of this week's WTA 500 in Seoul, citing fatigue. She had also criticized the packed calendar, which included the Olympics this year, saying it made "tennis less fun" for players.Despite her concerns, Swiatek had previously stated that she was not planning to take an extended break. However, her recent withdrawals suggest that she may be reconsidering her stance.Swiatek's absence from the China Open is a significant blow to the tournament, which she won last year in her debut appearance. She defeated top players like Carolina Garcia and Coco Gauff en route to the title.The China Open will still feature a strong field, with eight of the WTA's Top 10 players expected to participate. Australian Open and US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will be the top seed, while Maria Sakkari will also be absent due to a shoulder injury.Swiatek's withdrawal highlights the challenges faced by top players in balancing their schedules and maintaining their physical and mental well-being. It remains to be seen whether she will make any further adjustments to her schedule in the coming weeks.