Tennis

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, stole the spotlight at the 32nd ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, despite being retired from professional tennis. Her captivating presence and witty remarks left an unforgettable mark on the evening.One of the highlights of the night was Williams' playful take on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud. Aligning herself with Compton-native Kendrick, she danced to his hit "They Not Like Us" and playfully jabbed at Drake, suggesting that he would face the wrath of Toronto fans if he dared to attend a Raptors game.Williams also took a humorous swipe at her former rival, Maria Sharapova, with a rendition of "She Could Be My Tennis Ball." The song, a parody of Jamie Foxx's 2003 ESPY performance, poked fun at Sharapova's height and their lopsided head-to-head record.In a lighthearted moment, Williams playfully put her close friends, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, "in their place." With a hint of sarcasm, she requested them to "try not to breathe too much" as she wanted to avoid being overshadowed by their presence.Venus Williams, Serena's elder sister, also had her moment on stage. She jokingly revealed that ESPN had initially offered her the hosting gig but she declined, allowing her sister to take the spotlight. Venus's playful dig at Serena's Wimbledon record drew laughter from the audience.Other notable moments from the evening included Williams being introduced by a group of "Serena impersonators," her playful shots at NFL player Harrison Butker, and her stylish appearance with her family.Serena Williams' performance at the ESPY Awards showcased her enduring charisma and ability to captivate an audience. Her witty remarks, playful jabs, and infectious energy left a lasting impression, proving that even in retirement, she remains an icon in the world of sports and entertainment.

Wimbledon 2023: Hindi Commentary Adds a New Flavor to the Grand SlamAs tennis fans worldwide eagerly await the live telecast of the Women's and Men's Wimbledon championship matches on July 13 and 14, Indian viewers are set to savor the action on Centre Court in their native Hindi language.Star Sports Network has partnered with the All India English Club to introduce Hindi commentary on its Star Sports 1 Hindi channel, marking a significant milestone in the accessibility of tennis in India. The live broadcast, featuring former Davis Cup player and current national and Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali, sports commentator Raman Bhanot, and host Suren Sundaram, has brought the matches alive for Hindi-speaking tennis enthusiasts.While a 30-minute show by Raman and Suren continues to air the highlights on the channel daily at 10 am, live commentary for the matches was initially slated for only two days (July 1 and 2). However, buoyed by the overwhelming response, the Network has extended the commentary for the finale."Commentating in Hindi was a different but enjoyable experience," said Zeeshan, who had previously commentated in English for Star Sports on Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015. "Having a chat with the production team about what was needed for the broadcast made it easier too."The matches covered by the team included the single matches between India's Sumit Nagal and Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic, Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) versus Dusam Lajovic (Serbia), and Carlos Alcaraz versus Mark Lajal.Although the technical terminology remains unchanged, the commentary in colloquial Hindi makes it easy to understand. "Like in cricket, tennis too has words specific to the game that cannot be changed irrespective of the language we speak," said Zeeshan, giving examples of terms such as forehand, backhand, overhead, volley, and serve.Raman Bhanot emphasized the importance of building content for Hindi viewers. "People who follow tennis and listen to English commentary know the backstory behind certain events. But Hindi commentators need to build in the content for Hindi viewers and explain the story behind their funny exchange."Conciseness and brevity are crucial in tennis commentary. Commentators must let the match play on and avoid talking while the rally is in progress. They should speak succinctly the moment a point is over, as the chair umpire might announce the score or faults."Hindi commentary is a welcome move that helps the game; it takes the sport to more people, cutting across language barriers," said Zeeshan.As you watch your favorite tennis star make their opponent run end to end on the baseline and follow it up with a drop shot, you might hear Raman say, 'Pura court napwaya diya' (He made him run all over the court)!

Italy's Jasmine Paolini has made history by becoming the first Italian woman to reach the Wimbledon final. Her remarkable journey to the championship match has been marked by resilience, determination, and a newfound belief in her abilities.Paolini's path to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Prior to this year, she had never won a Tour-level match on grass and had lost in the first round of her previous three Wimbledon appearances. However, 2023 has been a transformative year for the 28-year-old.Her breakthrough came at the French Open, where she reached her maiden Grand Slam final before falling to world number one Iga Swiatek. Undeterred, Paolini carried her newfound confidence to Wimbledon, where she has continued to defy expectations.In the longest women's singles semi-final in Wimbledon history, Paolini outlasted Donna Vekic in a thrilling three-set battle. Despite trailing 3-1 in the deciding set, Paolini rallied back to secure a hard-fought victory.Paolini's opponent in the final will be Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejcikova, who has also enjoyed a remarkable run to the championship match. Krejcikova, who won the French Open in 2021, has overcome a back injury and illness to find her form at Wimbledon.The final will be a clash of contrasting styles. Paolini is known for her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand, while Krejcikova is a more versatile player with a strong all-court game.Regardless of the outcome, Paolini's achievement is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible. She has inspired a nation and shown that with determination and a never-say-die attitude, dreams can become reality.

Wimbledon: A Tale of Triumph, Disaster, and the Eternal Nature of TennisCentre Court at Wimbledon, a hallowed ground where tennis legends are forged, witnessed two contrasting semifinals that showcased the captivating blend of personality and skill that makes the sport so compelling.In the first semifinal, Jasmine Paolini's unwavering optimism and tenacity triumphed over Donna Vekic's power and experience. Vekic's early dominance gave way to frustration as Paolini's positive demeanor and relentless defense proved too much to overcome.The second semifinal featured a clash of contrasting styles between Barbora Krejcikova and Elena Rybakina. Krejcikova's grit and versatility neutralized Rybakina's formidable serve and power, leading to a hard-fought victory.Both Paolini and Krejcikova displayed remarkable composure throughout their matches, embodying the spirit of the famous quote inscribed above Centre Court's doorway: "If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same."Paolini's journey to the final has been marked by her ability to overcome adversity, while Krejcikova's resurgence after a back injury is a testament to her determination and adaptability.As they prepare to face each other in the final, Paolini and Krejcikova represent the enduring power of resilience, optimism, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the sport of tennis.

Novak Djokovic, the undisputed GOAT of men's tennis, has graced the cover of Vogue Adria's Summer 2024 issue, solidifying his status as a cultural icon beyond the court.In the aptly titled "The Greatest Of All Time" feature, Djokovic showcases his multifaceted personality through two striking covers. One image captures his serious side, clad in a royal blue Lacoste sweater and trousers, while a vintage racquet adds a touch of nostalgia. The other cover exudes playfulness, with Djokovic sporting a green robe and clutching a landline telephone while cycling. This playful image pays homage to his 2023 US Open semifinal victory over Ben Shelton, where Djokovic's post-match "hang-up" gesture mirrored Shelton's celebration.During the photoshoot, Djokovic channeled his inner DJ, spinning classic tunes from various eras. The Belgrade native participated in the editorial while recovering from knee surgery, demonstrating his unwavering determination.Currently competing at Wimbledon, Djokovic is on the cusp of history. Two victories stand between him and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. On Friday, he faces first-time Grand Slam semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti, aiming to secure a record-tying eighth Wimbledon trophy.Djokovic's dominance on the court is matched by his off-court charisma and style. His Vogue Adria cover is a testament to his status as a global icon, transcending the boundaries of sports and fashion.

Barbora Krejcikova, the former world No. 2, has stormed into her second Grand Slam final at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. After a thrilling three-set comeback victory over No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina, Krejcikova revealed her passion for LEGOs, a hobby she enjoys during rain delays.In a recent Twitter/X AMA, Krejcikova hinted at her love for the iconic building blocks. During her post-match press conference, she elaborated on her LEGO obsession:"I have many of them actually," Krejcikova said. "I even received some from my team yesterday. I like to do a lot of the architecture sets. I did the Milky Way a couple of weeks ago. I'm a fan of Harry Potter, so I did a couple of those, including the Dobby one."Krejcikova's enthusiasm for LEGOs has endeared her to the tennis world, showcasing her playful and relatable personality. On the cusp of a second major title, she expressed her hope for a LEGO set featuring the Venus Rosewater Dish, the trophy awarded to the Wimbledon women's singles champion."If there's one for me, I'll do it," Krejcikova said with a laugh.Krejcikova's stellar performance at Wimbledon has been marked by her exceptional ball-striking and disarming candor. Her love of LEGOs adds another layer to her charming persona, making her one of the most popular players on the tour.

Mastering Groundstrokes: The Key to Control on the Tennis CourtIn the realm of tennis, players strive for precision and consistency in their strokes. Among the myriad elements they can control, the groundstrokes hold paramount importance. By honing their groundstrokes, players gain the ability to dictate the pace and direction of the ball, ultimately increasing their chances of success.One crucial technique that often goes overlooked is the importance of finishing the shot before recovering. This concept extends beyond the mere follow-through of the stroke. Instead, it involves maintaining a balanced base and guiding energy towards the target throughout the entire motion.This technique offers several advantages. Firstly, it adds extra power to every shot, giving players an edge in crucial moments. More importantly, it extends the player's control over the shot, allowing them to fine-tune its trajectory and placement.The benefits of finishing the shot are particularly evident when players are on the run. For instance, when moving laterally at the baseline, this technique can make the difference between hitting the net and producing a winning shot. Similarly, when running forward for a drop shot, it provides the delicate touch that tennis enthusiasts adore. Even seemingly neutral volleys can be enhanced by being conscious of the swing's end.Implementing this technique is straightforward. Players simply need to remain mindful of their shots, ensuring they complete the motion before recovering. By doing so, they can significantly improve their groundstroke control and elevate their overall performance on the court.

Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion, has reached the Wimbledon 2024 women's singles final after a thrilling three-set victory over Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals on Thursday.Krejcikova, seeded 15th, dropped the first set 3-6 to the 20th-seeded Rybakina, who was making her first appearance in a Grand Slam semi-final. However, the Czech player showed her resilience and determination, fighting back to win the second set 6-3.In the deciding set, both players traded breaks early on. Krejcikova eventually broke Rybakina's serve in the seventh game and held on to her own serve to take a 5-3 lead. Rybakina saved two match points in the ninth game, but Krejcikova sealed the victory on her third match point with a forehand winner.Krejcikova's victory marks her second Grand Slam final appearance, and she will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Ons Jabeur and Tatjana Maria.Rybakina, who was playing in her first Wimbledon semi-final, showed great promise and will be one to watch in the future.

Vijay Amritraj, a former world No. 18 Indian tennis player, believes that the current generation of players, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have the mindset to challenge and defeat Novak Djokovic. Amritraj, who defeated tennis greats like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors during his career, said that he knew he could beat them on his good days."When I played with Borg, Connors, McEnroe, the best of my generation, I believed that on my good day, no one could beat me. I was going to beat them," Amritraj said. "I knew that, they knew it, and I knew that they knew it."Alcaraz and Sinner have both defeated Djokovic in Grand Slam matches in the past year. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final, while Sinner defeated him in the 2023 Australian Open semifinals."Now in their mind, they (Alcaraz and Sinner) know how to win against him (Djokovic) as well. Djokovic knows that, Alcaraz knows that, and Djokovic knows that Alcaraz knows that," Amritraj said.Amritraj believes that Alcaraz and Sinner have learned from their early matches against Djokovic and have developed a strategy to beat him."The important thing for Sinner and Alcaraz was what they learnt from the early times they played Novak. The thing that younger players tend to do against a great champion is when push comes to shove, they tend to force the issue. They don’t take a step back and say — you know what, I’m fitter than he is, I can stay with him longer over the course of a point, so I don’t have to force the issue and overdo stuff. Which is what would happen in the early matches. And that’s why Sinner was able to win in Australia and Alcaraz was able to win last year (at Wimbledon)," Amritraj said.Amritraj believes that Djokovic's fitness will be a key factor in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic withdrew from the French Open quarterfinals due to a knee injury, but he has looked strong in his matches at Wimbledon."Look, when everyone says, ‘Novak is done, he’s just had knee surgery, he’s wearing a brace, he’s not moving as well he used to’, the first thing I tell them is, do not bet against greatness," Amritraj said. "That is always going to be in Djokovic’s DNA. He knows how to handle his body. He wasn’t going to play this tournament to win one or two matches; he’s in it to win seven."