Tennis

Zheng Qinwen, the 21-year-old Chinese tennis sensation, has made waves in the sport with her recent Olympic gold medal victory and impressive performances on the WTA Tour. Her journey to the top has been marked by determination, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to carry on the legacy of her idol, Li Na.Growing up in Shiyan, China, Zheng was inspired by Li's Grand Slam triumphs and moved to Wuhan at the age of 8 to train under Li's coach, Carlos Rodriguez. In 2019, she relocated to Barcelona to work with Pere Riba, her current coach.Zheng's breakthrough came at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she became the first Chinese tennis player to win gold. Her victory over Iga Swiatek, the reigning queen of clay, was a testament to her skill and determination.Despite her success, Zheng remains grounded and focused on her goals. She recognizes the importance of maintaining her motivation and staying consistent in her performances. The Olympic experience taught her the value of patience and perseverance, qualities she aims to carry into her regular tournament play.Zheng's upcoming match at the US Open against Amanda Anisimova will be a test of her abilities. However, she remains confident in her game and believes that her big serve and fitness will serve her well on any surface.Zheng's rise to prominence is a testament to her talent and unwavering spirit. She is a role model for young athletes and an inspiration to her country. As she continues her journey, she carries the legacy of Li Na and the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has parted ways with her longtime coach Stefano Vukov after five years of collaboration. The announcement was made by Rybakina herself on her Instagram stories on Thursday.Rybakina's decision to end her partnership with Vukov comes ahead of the 2024 US Open. The Kazakh player has worked with Vukov throughout her rise up the WTA rankings, achieving significant success under his guidance. However, Vukov's coaching style has attracted criticism from fans and fellow coaches, including Hall of Famer Pam Shriver.Shriver, who currently coaches Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, has expressed concerns about Vukov's treatment of Rybakina. In a tweet in 2023, Shriver stated, "I hope she finds a coach who speaks and treats her with respect at ALL times and does not ever accept anything less."Rybakina responded to Shriver's comments with a strong defense of Vukov, claiming that he is a passionate coach with a deep understanding of her as a person and an athlete. She emphasized that she would never tolerate a coach who did not respect her or their hard work.Despite her defense of Vukov, Rybakina has now decided to end their partnership. The Kazakh player has not yet announced a replacement coach. She is scheduled to play her first round at the US Open against Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava.Rybakina's decision to part ways with Vukov is a significant development in her career. It remains to be seen how this change will impact her performance on the court. However, the Kazakh player has proven her resilience and determination in the past, and she will undoubtedly be looking to continue her success in the future.

Karolina Pliskova, the former world No. 1, remains a formidable force in women's tennis despite her recent struggles. The 32-year-old Czech star has won 16 WTA titles, including the 2016 Cincinnati Open, and reached the finals of two Grand Slams.Pliskova's power game, anchored by her devastating serve and flat groundstrokes, has made her a threat on fast courts. However, she has also shown an ability to adapt to slower surfaces, reaching the Wimbledon final in 2021.Despite her success, Pliskova has yet to win a Grand Slam title. She has come close on several occasions, but has been unable to overcome the final hurdle. However, she remains optimistic about her chances, believing that she has the game to compete with the best.Pliskova's recent form has been inconsistent, but she has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. She reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open, losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.Pliskova is now preparing for the US Open, where she will be unseeded. However, she is confident in her ability to make a deep run in the tournament."I feel like the game is there, and maybe I need a little more confidence and luck somewhere," Pliskova said. "All the matches I've lost are either in three sets or close sets. It's not really about the level because I feel like the level is there."Pliskova's experience and determination make her a dangerous opponent for any player. She is a true competitor who never gives up. As long as she remains healthy and motivated, she will be a threat to win any tournament she enters.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked tennis player, continued her impressive run at the Cincinnati Open on Saturday, overcoming a spirited challenge from rising star Mirra Andreeva to reach the semifinals.After dropping the first set 4-6, Swiatek rallied to win the next two sets 6-3, 7-5 in a hard-fought battle that lasted over two hours. The victory marks Swiatek's second consecutive semifinal appearance at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.Andreeva, just 17 years old, gave Swiatek a run for her money, showcasing her impressive power and determination. The Russian teenager broke Swiatek's serve in the opening set and held on to take the early advantage.However, Swiatek responded with a dominant second set, winning 10 straight points on serve to level the match. The final set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until the 10th game.Under pressure, Andreeva made a costly error, giving Swiatek the break point she needed. The world No. 1 seized the opportunity and served out the match, earning a hard-fought victory.Swiatek's win sets up a semifinal clash with either Aryna Sabalenka or Liudmila Samsonova. The Polish star will be looking to continue her impressive form and secure her first Cincinnati Open title.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, sought solace in the tranquility of Mason, Ohio, to regain her equilibrium after a whirlwind European tour marked by both triumphs and setbacks.Swiatek's recent victories in Madrid, Rome, and Paris were followed by a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon and a missed opportunity for Olympic gold. However, she quickly rebounded with a bronze medal for Poland.Mason, a peaceful exurb, provided the ideal setting for Swiatek to focus on her game and eliminate distractions. "I felt I needed to reset and improve my technique," she said. "This is the perfect place to do it."In her opening match at the Cincinnati Open, Swiatek dominated Varvara Gracheva in the first set, winning 6-0. Her serve was untouchable, and her forehand was precise. However, the match took an unexpected turn as Swiatek faltered in the second set, losing 10-8 in a tiebreaker."I backed out," Swiatek admitted. "I started playing less intensely."In the third set, Swiatek regained her composure with the help of her coaching team. She broke Gracheva's serve at 2-2 and went on to win 6-2."I'm happy I could be more proactive again," Swiatek said. "I knew I had my game to win."Swiatek's performance showcased her exceptional skills on hard courts, but also revealed her vulnerability to nerves and errors under pressure.Despite the challenges, Swiatek remains optimistic. "I'm still happy with my performance," she said. "The transition from clay to hard courts is difficult."Swiatek will face Marta Kostyuk in the third round, seeking to continue her progress in Mason and prepare for the upcoming US Open.

Taylor Townsend, the 28-year-old American tennis star, is enjoying a career-best season, reaching new heights in both singles and doubles. Despite her grueling schedule, Townsend remains determined to continue improving and is embracing her authentic self on and off the court.After a successful three-week stretch that included a doubles title in Washington, D.C., and a quarterfinal appearance at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Townsend is now competing in Cincinnati. Her relentless work ethic and unwavering belief in her abilities have been key to her recent success.Townsend's journey to the top has not been without its challenges. As a mother of a three-year-old son, she has had to balance her tennis career with her family life. However, she credits her son, A.J., as her biggest fan and a source of motivation.On the court, Townsend has been bridging the gap between her practice and match persona, resulting in more consistent performances. She attributes her success to her commitment to authenticity and her belief that she is a "warrior" built for this sport.Townsend's unique personality and casual swagger have made her a fan favorite. She is unapologetically herself, both on and off the court, and her genuine nature resonates with fans.Despite her success, Townsend remains grounded and focused on her goals. She is not chasing social media likes or trying to fit into a mold. Instead, she is embracing her individuality and using it as a source of strength.Townsend's next vacation will not come until October, when she will be a bridesmaid in a wedding. However, she is determined to make the most of her time off and relax before returning to the grind.In the meantime, Townsend is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. Her warrior spirit and unwavering determination make her a formidable opponent and an inspiration to fans around the world.

Portia Archer, the newly appointed CEO of the WTA, has outlined her ambitious goals for the organization, emphasizing fan engagement, player advocacy, and gender equity.Archer, who joined the WTA after a successful career in basketball administration, has already embarked on a "listening and learning" tour, attending tournaments and meeting with players. She believes that tennis fosters a strong sense of community and family, which she finds inspiring.With over two decades of experience in sports business, Archer aims to enhance the fan experience and continue supporting players. She views the WTA as the premier platform for women's tennis and a catalyst for elevating women in sports.Archer is committed to bridging the prize money gap between men and women at WTA tournaments. She believes that the WTA's commitment to pay equity is a testament to its leadership in gender equality.Archer acknowledges the progress made in women's sports but emphasizes that there is still much work to be done. She believes that the WTA's plan for pay equality is a roadmap to achieving gender parity not only in sports but also in society.Archer is inspired by the legacy of WTA co-founder Billie Jean King, who fought for equal prize money at the US Open in 1973. She believes that standing on the shoulders of those who came before her will help the WTA achieve its long-term vision for gender equality.

Paula Badosa's journey back to the top of women's tennis has been a rollercoaster ride, but the former world No. 2 is finally feeling like she's off the ride. After an 18-month battle with a career-threatening back injury, Badosa is back in the winner's circle and eager to make up for lost time.Badosa's injury woes began in 2022, forcing her to miss three of four major tournaments. She shut down her season last August in hopes of healing her back for good, but doctors prescribed a regimen of cortisone shots that dimmed the prospects of a long career for the then-26-year-old."It really is a rollercoaster, and you wake up every day not knowing what is going to happen," Badosa said. "Emotionally, there have been ups and downs and it's been tough for me lately."But Badosa never gave up hope. She opted out of further back treatments and began to feel like herself again on clay, pushing Coco Gauff to three sets at the Foro Italico and reaching the third round at Roland Garros. She went one round better at Wimbledon for her best Grand Slam finish in two years, teeing her up to hit the ground running on hard courts."I'm an aggressive player, but I need my physical part," Badosa explained. "I think it's very important for me to feel strong, to feel that I can play tough matches, to feel that I can play long rallies also. So, once I felt that, I think it went straight to my mindset, to my mentality, and then when I feel strong in that area, I feel strong mentally, so I start to feel competitive again."Badosa's improved physicality was on display again Wednesday, helping her rally from a break down in the second set to knock out American Peyton Stearns and book a second round against No. 13 seed Anna Kalinskaya."I remember thinking, ‘Oh, shit, you cannot go to a third set because next day you're not going to be able to play because you're not ready for that,’ she recalled of her early-season mindset. “I had that moment [today] in the second set, but I remember thinking, ‘Oh, it's okay. You still have a third one. And it doesn't matter if you go to a battle there, because next day you will feel okay now.’ I saw that, especially in Washington that I had tough matches. So that, for me, makes me relax a bit on the court and I can play more free.”Though her team continues to monitor her back, Badosa hasn't had any cortisone shots since Paris, a welcome relief to the doctors who questioned how much longer she could compete professionally."They were expecting me to be okay, and we didn't find solutions in that moment," said Badosa. "So, for them now it's a normal thing, and before it was they were surprised. For the moment it's positive."Back in range for a seed at the 2024 US Open, Badosa is eager to make up for lost time."You'll have to see me for a few more years now!"

Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time Australian Open champion, has adopted a philosophy of forgetting her losses and focusing on the present. She believes that every tournament is a new opportunity to improve and that a short memory helps her stay motivated and work hard.Sabalenka, who has reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters three times, is hoping to improve her record at the tournament this year. She is coming back from a shoulder injury that forced her to skip Wimbledon."Every loss is extra motivation to work hard and improve things," Sabalenka said. "If you're fighting every point and giving all you have in practice and matches, you'll have your opportunities. You just have to use them."Sabalenka's tennis provides a welcome contrast to her personal life, which has been marked by tragedy. She lost her father and a former boyfriend in recent years."I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to get to the finals," Sabalenka said. "But I don't want to focus on that. I want to take things step by step and try to bring my best tennis every time I'm on the court."In other women's action, Daria Kastkina, Marta Kostyuk, Karolina Pliskova, Varvara Gracheva, and Lulu Sun all advanced to the second round.In men's play, Ben Shelton defeated Reilly Opelka in a battle of serves. Shelton said he trained for the match by facing big serves from his father, former ATP player Bryan Shelton."It's hard to replicate the angle of Reilly's serve and how high it bounces," Shelton said. "I've never seen a ball (from Opelka) come at me like that. Some of the serves he hits defy physics."Alex Michelsen, Zhang Zhizhen, and Frances Tiafoe also advanced to the second round.