Tennis

Jessica Pegula's triumph at the WTA Toronto Masters marks a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a formidable force in women's tennis. The American star's victory over Amanda Anisimova in an all-American final not only earned her a second consecutive title in Canada but also etched her name in the tournament's history books.Pegula's journey to the championship was marked by resilience and determination. Despite dropping the second set to Anisimova, she rallied back with unwavering focus, dominating the final set to secure a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory. Her triumph is a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering belief in her abilities.The victory in Toronto holds special significance for Pegula, who has a deep connection to the region. Her grandparents, one from Toronto and the other from Montreal, were present to witness her historic achievement. Pegula's emotional reaction to her victory speaks volumes about the personal significance of this triumph.Anisimova's performance in Toronto was equally impressive, showcasing her remarkable talent and resilience. Despite being the lowest-ranked finalist in the tournament's history, she fought valiantly, dispatching four top-20 opponents en route to the final. Her runner-up finish ensures her return to the top 50 in the world rankings, a testament to her hard work and dedication.Pegula's victory in Toronto is a culmination of her consistent performances throughout the season. She has captured two WTA titles this year, including the Berlin Open in June, and has consistently ranked among the top 10 players in the world. Her success is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to perform at the highest level.

Taylor Townsend's remarkable run to the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto as a lucky loser has been overshadowed by her candid revelation of the arduous travel challenges faced by tennis players.After losing to fellow American Navarro on Saturday, Townsend faced a daunting task: reaching Mason, Ohio's Lindner Family Tennis Center in less than 24 hours for her first-round qualifying match at 5 p.m. on Sunday. The quick turnaround and exorbitant flight costs left her exasperated."I am so overwhelmed. This is the sh-- that people don't see," Townsend posted on Instagram.With flights costing $1,400 per person, Townsend and her team opted to rent a car and drive the nearly 500 miles between Toronto and Cincinnati. They embarked on their overnight journey at 9 p.m. Saturday, arriving at 5 a.m. after Townsend slept in the car.Despite the grueling travel, Townsend's determination remained unwavering. Seeded No. 12 in qualifying, she secured a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Chloe Paquet and will face Katie Volynets on Monday for a spot in the main draw."Powered through the day and got the W," Townsend posted after the match.Townsend's resilience and honesty have resonated with fans and tennis experts alike. On Tennis Channel Live, Paul Annacone praised her effort, saying, "That's a heck of an effort. Welcome to the world of tennis ... that's how we live."Townsend's experience highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by tennis players, particularly those outside the top ranks. The high costs of travel and the relentless schedule can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being.

Tennis Stars Showcase Streetwear Style at National Bank OpenInspired by the pre-game fashion displays in the NBA and WNBA, the WTA Tour has introduced a behind-the-scenes photo series showcasing the off-court streetwear looks of its top stars. The initiative debuted at the National Bank Open in Toronto, highlighting the intersection of athletics and lifestyle.Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, expressed her enthusiasm for the concept, stating that it allows players to showcase their personalities beyond the court. Coco Gauff, known for her custom New Balance kits, emphasized the potential for this trend to grow the sport by appealing to fans who appreciate both fashion and sports.Among the players who participated in the photo series were Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, and Ons Jabeur. Jabeur highlighted her partnership with Kayanee, a Saudi-owned fitness and lifestyle brand. Marta Kostyuk, Wilson's on-court ambassador, and Leylah Fernandez, lululemon's chief ambassador, also joined in.Anastasia Potapova and Alycia Parks added a touch of whimsy by posing with their furry companions. As the tour approaches the US Open, one of the world's fashion capitals, it is expected that more stylish serves will be on display.The WTA's embrace of streetwear fashion reflects a growing trend in sports, where athletes are increasingly expressing their individuality through their off-court attire. This initiative not only enhances the fan experience but also aligns with the broader cultural shift towards embracing personal style and self-expression.

Taylor Townsend, the American tennis star, has made a significant breakthrough in her singles career by reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Toronto. This is the first time she has advanced to the last eight in a WTA singles tournament.Townsend's impressive victory came against Jelena Ostapenko, the No. 11-ranked player in the world. Townsend dominated the match, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just an hour. This victory marks Townsend's third-biggest win of her career, after defeating Simona Halep and Jessica Pegula in previous tournaments.Townsend's success in singles is a testament to her hard work and determination. She has previously struggled in round-of-16 matches, going 0-12 before this tournament. However, she has now broken that pattern and is poised to make a deep run in Toronto.In addition to her singles success, Townsend is also a highly accomplished doubles player. She has won seven WTA doubles titles, including the prestigious Wimbledon title this year with Katerina Siniakova. Townsend has also captured a WTA 1000 title in Cincinnati last year with Alycia Parks.Townsend's rise in the doubles rankings has been equally impressive. She cracked the doubles Top 10 for the first time last year and set a career-high ranking of No. 5 last June. She has won her last two doubles tournaments coming into Toronto, but was ousted in the second round in Canada with Sloane Stephens.Townsend's next challenge in the singles quarterfinals will be against another American, Emma Navarro. Navarro edged Marta Kostyuk in her third-round match, 7-5, 7-5. The two Americans will face off on Saturday for a spot in the semifinals.Townsend's success in both singles and doubles is a testament to her versatility and talent. She is a rising star in the tennis world and is poised for even greater achievements in the future.

Russian-born tennis star Elina Avanesyan has officially switched her allegiance to Armenia, marking a significant moment in her career and for Armenian tennis. The world No. 58 announced her decision on social media, expressing her pride and excitement for this new chapter.Avanesyan's journey to Armenian representation has been shaped by her family's heritage. Born to Armenian parents who fled Russia during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, she has always maintained a strong connection to her ancestral homeland.Despite representing Russia in the past, Avanesyan's decision to compete for Armenia reflects her desire to honor her roots and contribute to the growth of tennis in the country. As the only Armenian athlete on the WTA rankings, she carries the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.Avanesyan's impressive career trajectory has seen her reach the second week of Roland Garros for the past two years, including a notable victory over future Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in 2022. Her current career-high ranking of No. 58 is a testament to her talent and determination.With her switch to Armenia, Avanesyan will make her Grand Slam debut for her new country at the 2024 US Open. This historic moment will not only mark a new chapter in her career but also inspire aspiring Armenian tennis players.Avanesyan's decision is a powerful symbol of the enduring bonds between athletes and their heritage. It highlights the importance of representation and the role that sports can play in fostering national pride and unity.

Paula Badosa's triumphant return to the winner's circle at the Mubadala Citi DC Open was a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. The former world No. 2 captured her fourth career WTA singles title with a hard-fought 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Marie Bouzkova in a rain-delayed final.Badosa's triumph marked a significant milestone in her career, coming less than a year after doctors warned her that she might never play tennis again due to a debilitating back fracture. The injury had curtailed her 2023 season, sent her tumbling out of the Top 100, and left her reliant on cortisone injections to function.Despite the adversity, Badosa refused to give up. She underwent extensive rehabilitation and returned to the court with renewed vigor. Her victory in Washington, D.C., where she defeated two Grand Slam winners (Sofia Kenin and Emma Raducanu) and a former tournament champion (Liudmila Samsonova), was a testament to her unwavering belief in herself.Badosa's triumph was met with widespread praise from her fellow touring pros and rivals. Her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, hailed her as a "badass" on Instagram, while WTA peers Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur showered her with love."Bravo, chica," wrote Jabeur, who has forged a close friendship with Badosa. "Happy for you!"Badosa's victory also marked a return to the Top 50 in the WTA rankings for the first time in nearly a year. The Spaniard admitted that she was on the couch a year ago, but now she was an athlete again.Badosa's decision to skip the Paris Olympics, driven by health reasons, proved to be a wise one. Her D.C. win has reignited her career and given her the confidence to continue pushing forward.Throughout her struggles, Badosa has been supported by her family and Tsitsipas. She rewarded their loyalty with a post-match FaceTime call courtside, after celebrating her victory by kissing the playing surface and embracing her traveling support team."They've been in the tough moments," she said. "They've seen me very, very down this last year. I wanted to live the moments with them because of course without them I wouldn't be here because they support me every day, 24/7."Badosa's triumph is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Eugenie Bouchard, the former WTA No. 5 and 2014 Wimbledon finalist, has embarked on a unique hybrid career that seamlessly blends tennis and pickleball. After joining the Carvana PPA Tour last year, Bouchard has maintained her presence on the WTA Tour, creating a flexible schedule that allows her to pursue her passions both on and off the court.Bouchard's transition to pickleball has been a learning experience, requiring her to adapt her aggressive baselining style to the finesse shots and smaller court of the sport. Despite initial struggles, she has gradually improved, gaining confidence and finding her place among the professionals.The opportunity to compete on the PPA Tour arose during the 2022 US Open, when Bouchard's agents presented her with the idea. Intrigued by the challenge and the growing popularity of pickleball, she decided to give it a try while continuing to play tennis.Bouchard's hybrid career has allowed her to explore new opportunities, including broadcasting for Tennis Channel and hosting events. She has also embraced her role as a media personality, sharing her experiences and insights with fans.Despite her busy schedule, Bouchard remains committed to both tennis and pickleball. She believes that her first true love, tennis, is something she will never let go of. By balancing both sports, she is able to enjoy the best of both worlds and pursue her passions with flexibility and enthusiasm.

Coco Gauff, the American tennis prodigy, has reached a significant milestone in her career by spending her 100th consecutive week in the Top 10 of the WTA rankings. This achievement places her among the elite players in the world and highlights her remarkable consistency.Gauff's journey to the Top 10 began in September 2022 when she reached the quarterfinals of the US Open. Since then, she has maintained her position among the top players, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Her current streak is the fourth-longest active streak in the WTA Top 10, behind Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula.Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has also achieved a notable milestone by spending his 100th career week in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings. However, his time in the elite has been divided into five separate stints. Dimitrov's resurgence this year has been impressive, as he has won 20 of his first 25 matches and reached the semifinals or better at four of six tournaments.Hubert Hurkacz, the Polish tennis player, has reached a new career-high ranking of No. 6, becoming the highest-ranked Polish player in ATP rankings history. Hurkacz's rise is a testament to his consistent performances and his ability to challenge the top players in the world.Sebastian Korda, the American tennis player, has also made a significant jump in the rankings, rising from No. 22 to No. 18 after winning the biggest title of his career in Washington D.C. Korda's victory is a sign of his growing potential and his ability to compete at the highest level.Paula Badosa, the former world No. 2, has made a remarkable comeback from a back injury by winning her first WTA title in more than two-and-a-half years. Badosa's victory in Washington D.C. has propelled her up the rankings from No. 62 to No. 40, demonstrating her resilience and determination.The achievements of Gauff, Dimitrov, Hurkacz, Korda, and Badosa highlight the depth of talent and competitiveness in the world of tennis. These players continue to push the boundaries of the sport and inspire future generations of athletes.

Paula Badosa, the former world No. 2, has emerged victorious at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, marking her first triumph since recovering from a six-month injury layoff. The Spaniard defeated Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic in a rain-interrupted final, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.Badosa, who has now claimed four WTA Tour titles, showcased her resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Despite being sidelined for an extended period due to a stress fracture, she returned to the court with renewed vigor. Her victory in Washington is a testament to her hard work and dedication.The match was marred by two rain delays, but Badosa remained focused and composed. She dominated the first set, winning it 6-1, but Bouzkova fought back in the second set, taking it 6-4. In the decisive third set, Badosa displayed her mental fortitude, breaking Bouzkova's serve in the final game to secure the victory.Bouzkova, who was playing in her first WTA 500 final, gave a valiant effort but ultimately fell short. She had previously upset top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, demonstrating her own resilience and potential.Meanwhile, the men's final between Sebastian Korda and Flavio Cobolli was also delayed due to rain. Both players are seeking their maiden ATP Tour title, and Korda has the opportunity to become the first American to win the Washington event since Andy Roddick in 2007.Korda's father, Petr, won the Washington title in 1992, and his sisters Nelly and Jessica are renowned golf stars. The Korda family has a rich history in tennis, and Sebastian is eager to add to their legacy.