Tennis

Coco Gauff's title defense at the Cincinnati Open came to an abrupt end in the second round, as she was upset by Yulia Putintseva in three sets, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. The defeat marks a disappointing setback for Gauff, who was hoping to build momentum heading into her US Open title defense.A year ago, Gauff made a breakthrough at the Cincinnati Open, defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals and capturing her biggest title to date. That victory propelled her to even greater heights, as she went on to win the 2023 US Open.However, Gauff has struggled to find her form in the lead-up to this year's Cincinnati Open. She is now 1-2 across the North American hard-court swing, with her lone victory coming in Toronto over Wang Yafan.Putintseva, who had a 0-3 head-to-head record against Gauff going into their clash, played with determination and resilience. She broke Gauff's serve in the first set and held on to win 6-4. Gauff responded strongly in the second set, breaking Putintseva's serve twice to level the match.But Putintseva regained her composure in the third set, breaking Gauff's serve early and holding on to her own serve throughout the set. She eventually sealed the victory with a forehand winner, sending Gauff packing.Putintseva will now face Washington DC champion Paula Badosa in the round of 16. Badosa, who toppled No. 13 seed Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-2 earlier in the day, will be a tough opponent for Putintseva.Gauff's defeat is a reminder that even the best players can experience setbacks. She will now have to regroup and refocus her efforts on the US Open, where she will be aiming to defend her title.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is poised to reach his seventh consecutive quarterfinal at the All England Club on Monday. Aiming to equal the record of eight Wimbledon titles and claim his 25th Grand Slam crown, Djokovic overcame Australia's Alexei Popyrin in four sets on Saturday to advance to the fourth round for the 16th time.Djokovic's path to the quarterfinals presents a formidable challenge in the form of Danish sensation Holger Rune. The 15th-seeded Rune staged a remarkable comeback in the third round, rallying from two sets down to defeat Frenchman Quentin Halys. Djokovic acknowledged Rune's exceptional talent and competitive spirit, promising a thrilling encounter on Monday.Meanwhile, Yulia Putintseva, who stunned world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round, will face former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko for a place in the last eight. Putintseva's victory over Swiatek extended her impressive grass-court season, which included a title at the Birmingham Classic. Ostapenko, known for her emotional outbursts, will pose a significant threat to Putintseva's Wimbledon aspirations.Another intriguing fourth-round matchup features lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The towering Frenchman, who initially failed to qualify for the tournament, has seized his unexpected opportunity with both hands. Mpetshi Perricard's colossal serve has propelled him to the last 16, where he will face Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti. A victory for Mpetshi Perricard would mark a historic achievement, as he would become the first lucky loser to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals since 1995.As the Wimbledon tournament enters its eighth day, these three fourth-round matches promise to deliver captivating tennis and potentially shape the destiny of the championship.

Iga Swiatek's remarkable 21-match winning streak came to an abrupt end at Wimbledon on Saturday, as the world number one suffered a shock third-round defeat to Yulia Putintseva. The top seed's hopes of a first Wimbledon title were dashed in a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 loss to the Russian-born Kazakh.Swiatek's struggles at the All England Club continued, as she has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in her previous appearances. The 21-year-old admitted that the strain of her recent French Open triumph, where she claimed her fourth title at Roland Garros, had taken its toll."For sure, I felt like my energy level went down little bit in the second set. I couldn't really get back up," Swiatek said. "My tank of really pushing myself to the limits became suddenly empty. I was kind of surprised. But I know what I did wrong after Roland Garros. I didn't really rest properly."Swiatek's defeat was a major upset, as she had been the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament. However, Putintseva played with determination and resilience, taking advantage of Swiatek's fatigue and errors.The Kazakh player, who had previously lost to Swiatek in straight sets at Indian Wells earlier this year, was delighted with her victory. "I totally let her come back to the game in the second set. I shouldn't have done that," Swiatek said. "I made some mistakes, as well. But for sure, she used her chance."Swiatek's loss raises questions about her ability to maintain her dominance on different surfaces. The Polish star has been unstoppable on clay, but she has struggled to replicate that form on grass and hard courts."I was playing fearless," Putintseva said. "I have nothing to lose, just go for it. She didn't lose it. I took it."Swiatek's defeat is a reminder that even the best players can be vulnerable when they are not at their peak. The world number one will now have to regroup and prepare for the upcoming hard-court season, where she will be looking to defend her US Open title.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek's Wimbledon 2024 campaign came to an abrupt end in the third round, as she was stunned by Yulia Putintseva in a thrilling encounter. The 29-year-old Russian-born Kazakhstani displayed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome the top seed 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.Swiatek, who has been in dominant form this season, winning the French Open and two WTA 1000 titles, started the match as the clear favorite. She broke Putintseva's serve twice in the opening set to take an early lead. However, the Kazakhstani refused to be intimidated and fought back with unwavering resolve.In the second set, Putintseva raised her game to a new level. She played with precision and power, forcing Swiatek into uncharacteristic errors. The Polish ace struggled to find her rhythm and was unable to match Putintseva's intensity. The Kazakhstani cruised through the set, winning it 6-1.The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading blows. Swiatek managed to break Putintseva's serve early on, but the Kazakhstani responded with a break of her own. The momentum shifted back and forth, but it was Putintseva who ultimately prevailed. She broke Swiatek's serve again in the eighth game and served out the match to secure a memorable victory.Putintseva's triumph marks a significant upset in the women's singles draw at Wimbledon. She has never reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam before and will now face a tough test against former champion Petra Kvitova. Swiatek, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have her Wimbledon run cut short, but she will have plenty of opportunities to bounce back and reclaim her dominance.

Yulia Putintseva's triumph at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham marked a significant milestone in her career, not only for the title itself but also for the exuberant celebration that followed. The Kazakh star, known for her fiery personality, seized the opportunity to express her gratitude and share her joy with everyone present.After recounting her victory and acknowledging her opponent's performance, Putintseva extended her thanks to her parents, the Kazakh tennis federation, and her coach, Matteo Donati. But her speech didn't end there. With a mischievous grin, she declared, "Champagne to everyone!"The crowd erupted in laughter and applause as Putintseva made it clear that the LTA would be footing the bill for the celebratory drinks. Her infectious enthusiasm and willingness to share her moment with others showcased her genuine appreciation for the support she had received.Putintseva's victory in Birmingham was the culmination of a remarkable resurgence this year. After falling to No. 80 in the world rankings in February, she has steadily climbed back up, reaching No. 34 on Monday. Her strong performances in Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid have demonstrated her versatility and adaptability on different surfaces."I don't know what I'm feeling because I wasn't expecting this at all," Putintseva admitted in her victory speech. "It's great and it's confusing because I've always been good on clay, but now all of a sudden, I'm good on grass. I'll take that! It's great!"Putintseva's success on grass has come as a surprise to many, but she is embracing her newfound status as a "grass court specialist." Her victory in Birmingham has given her confidence and momentum heading into next week's tournament in Bad Hombug.As the champagne flowed and the celebrations continued, Putintseva couldn't help but reflect on the significance of her victory. "What a week," she captioned her celebratory Instagram post. "I'm so grateful for all the support and love. I'm ready to keep fighting and achieving my dreams."

Yulia Putintseva, the Kazakhstani tennis star, has become an internet sensation after her impromptu dance performance during a changeover at the Rothesay Classic on Friday.Putintseva, known for her love of pop music, couldn't resist grooving to Britney Spears' "Oops, I Did it Again!" as it played over the Center Court speakers. With a 5-0 lead in the third set against American Caroline Dolehide, Putintseva mouthed the lyrics and danced in her chair until the chair umpire called time.The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, and the video of Putintseva's dance quickly went viral on social media. It's not the first time Putintseva has shown off her love of music. She has met artists like Lil Nas X and Zedd, and attended concerts by Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd."Dancing and singing are my thing," Putintseva said earlier this year in Miami, where she reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in two years.Putintseva's dance performance was a testament to her positive attitude and her ability to find joy in the game. Despite failing to close out the match in straight sets, she remained upbeat and eventually won 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1.The victory sets up a semifinal clash against Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Saturday. Putintseva, now ranked No. 41, is seeking to advance to her sixth career WTA singles final, and first on grass.With her infectious personality and love of music, Putintseva has become a fan favorite on the WTA Tour. Her dance performance at the Rothesay Classic is sure to be remembered as one of the most memorable moments of the tournament.

Yulia Putintseva, the rising star of women's tennis, has emerged as a captivating personality both on and off the court. Known for her dry wit and candid opinions, Putintseva has become a fan favorite through her appearances on Daria Kasatkina's YouTube series, "What The Vlog?"Putintseva believes that Kasatkina's vlog provides a unique glimpse into the lives of tennis players, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices they face beyond the spotlight. She criticizes the Netflix series "Break Point" for its lack of authenticity and over-dramatization."They didn't even invite me; how could it be good?" Putintseva quipped. "I watched one episode with Kyrgios, and the rest was so bad, so dramatic."Putintseva also expresses reservations about the romantic drama "Challengers," starring Zendaya. She questions the casting choice, stating that Zendaya's appearance does not align with the physicality of a professional tennis player.Despite her skepticism towards certain tennis-themed media, Putintseva holds a fondness for the 2004 romcom "Wimbledon." She appreciates its portrayal of the sport and its setting in the historic All England Club.Putintseva's recent resurgence on the WTA Tour has propelled her into the spotlight. She has reached consecutive quarterfinals at the Miami Open and Mutua Madrid Open, cutting her ranking in half in just three months. This success has earned her a seeding at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, the tournament that inspired her favorite film."I want to stay as long as possible here," Putintseva said. "I love the history of Rome so much. I love Italy in general: there's so much culture and so many great places to walk."Putintseva's love for Rome extends beyond its historical significance. She praises the city's architecture, art, and cuisine, particularly its delectable gelato.As she prepares to face Sloane Stephens in the second round of the Italian Open, Putintseva remains focused on her own journey. She embraces the opportunity to be the star of her own Roman Holiday, showcasing her talent and personality on the grand stage of tennis.

Elena Rybakina's remarkable clay-court dominance continued at the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open, as she staged a stunning comeback to defeat fellow Kazakh Yulia Putintseva 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter.Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, had never previously defeated Putintseva in two prior meetings. However, she displayed immense resilience to overcome a 5-2 deficit in the final set and deny her compatriot a maiden WTA 1000 semifinal appearance.The match was a tale of two halves. Putintseva, known for her fiery on-court demeanor, seized the initiative early on, securing the first set with a break of serve. She continued her momentum in the second set, breaking Rybakina's serve again.However, Rybakina, renowned for her cool and composed style, gradually found her rhythm. She broke back immediately and forced a tiebreaker, which she dominated to level the match.The decider was a rollercoaster of emotions. Putintseva broke Rybakina's serve to take a 5-2 lead and appeared on the verge of victory. But Rybakina refused to surrender. She held her nerve, saving two match points, and reeled off four consecutive games to complete the comeback.Rybakina's victory extended her clay-court winning streak to eight matches. She has established herself as a formidable force on the surface this season, having triumphed at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals.Putintseva, despite the heartbreaking loss, has enjoyed a resurgence in her career. She reached the quarterfinals of the Miami Open and upset two seeds in Madrid, demonstrating her ability to compete at the highest level.In the semifinals, Rybakina will face either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or rising star Mirra Andreeva, who made a breakthrough at this tournament last year.

Three-time Miami Open champion Victoria Azarenka and fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina battled through grueling matches to secure their spots in the semi-finals. Azarenka, 34, overcame a spirited challenge from Yulia Putintseva, winning 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 6-3. Rybakina, 24, held off a strong performance from eighth-seed Maria Sakkari of Greece, emerging victorious with a 7-5, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 scoreline.Azarenka's victory was hard-fought, as she faced a determined Putintseva and a technical disruption that halted the match for 45 minutes. Despite saving three set points in the first set, Azarenka lost the second set before finding her rhythm in the third. Putintseva refused to give up, fighting off match point before breaking, but Azarenka held on to secure her place in the last four.Rybakina's match against Sakkari was equally intense, lasting over two hours and 48 minutes. Rybakina led in the first set but Sakkari's service faltered at a crucial moment, allowing the Kazakh to break and take the set. Sakkari fought back in the second set, but Rybakina's resilience shone through as she won the tie-break. Despite an apparent ankle problem, Rybakina broke Sakkari at 3-3 in the third set and held on to close out the match.Azarenka and Rybakina will now face off in the semi-finals, with the winner advancing to the final. Azarenka is seeking her fourth Miami title, while Rybakina is aiming to improve on her runner-up finish from last year.