Tennis

In a thrilling Wimbledon semifinal, Jasmine Paolini staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8). The Italian, seeded seventh, rallied from a set down and twice trailed by a break in the final set to reach her second consecutive Grand Slam final.Paolini, who reached the final at Roland Garros earlier this year, has enjoyed a breakout season. She won her first WTA 1000 title in Dubai and has been in impressive form on grass, losing just one set en route to the semifinals.Vekic, 28, was also in inspired form. The unseeded Croat had never reached a Grand Slam semifinal before, but she had upset Lulu Sun in the quarterfinals and was playing with confidence on her favorite surface.The match began with Vekic taking control. She broke Paolini's serve in the opening game and won the first set comfortably. However, Paolini fought back in the second set, saving three break points and winning seven of the next eight points to level the match.The third set was a tense affair. Vekic broke Paolini's serve early on, but the Italian broke back immediately. Vekic regained the lead, but Paolini broke back again to level the set at 3-3.Vekic then took the lead once more, but Paolini refused to give up. She broke back again and held her serve to take a 5-4 lead. Vekic saved one match point, but Paolini converted her second to seal a memorable victory.Paolini will now face either Elena Rybakina or Barbora Krejcikova in the final.

Rafael Nadal's return to the ATP Tour clay-court event in Bastad has sparked immense excitement among tennis enthusiasts. The 22-time Grand Slam champion last graced the tournament in 2005, where he emerged victorious as the reigning Roland Garros champion.Nadal's presence has generated a buzz in Bastad, with fans eager to witness the legendary Spaniard in action. His arrival and practice sessions have been met with widespread media coverage, highlighting the significance of his appearance at the Nordea Open.Accompanying Nadal are his wife, Mery, and son, Rafa Jr., as he prepares for his first tournament since the French Open. In Paris, Nadal suffered a disappointing first-round defeat to eventual finalist Alexander Zverev.In addition to singles, Nadal will team up with Norwegian rising star Casper Ruud in doubles. This marks his sixth tournament of the season and fourth on his preferred clay surface.Andrey Rublev, the defending champion, is also in contention for the title. However, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn due to fatigue following his Wimbledon quarterfinal exit.Nadal's decision to skip the grass-court season, including Wimbledon, was strategic. He opted to focus on clay in preparation for the Paris Olympics, where he aims to defend his gold medals in singles and doubles. Nadal will join forces with Carlos Alcaraz in the French capital.The Bastad tournament provides Nadal with an opportunity to fine-tune his game and regain match fitness ahead of the Olympics. His presence has undoubtedly elevated the profile of the event and brought renewed attention to the sport of tennis in Sweden.

Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes, and Richard Evans, the 2024 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductees, were honored at an event held on the sidelines of The Championships in Wimbledon.Amritraj, a former top-20 player and celebrated broadcaster, and Evans, a renowned author and journalist, have been inducted in the contributor category, while Paes, an 18-time Major champion and Olympic bronze medalist, is in the player category.Amritraj, who was born in Madras, India, in 1953, turned professional in 1970 and quickly rose through the ranks. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 16 in 1980 and won 16 singles titles, including the 1979 Cincinnati Masters. Amritraj also represented India in Davis Cup for over two decades and was a key member of the team that reached the semifinals in 1974 and 1987.Paes, who was born in Calcutta, India, in 1973, turned professional in 1991 and quickly established himself as one of the best doubles players in the world. He has won 18 Grand Slam titles, including eight men's doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles titles. Paes also represented India in Davis Cup for over two decades and was a key member of the team that won the title in 1994.Evans, who was born in London, England, in 1949, has been a tennis journalist for over 40 years. He has written several books on tennis, including the biographies of Amritraj and Paes. Evans is also a regular contributor to The Times and The Guardian.The induction of Amritraj, Paes, and Evans into the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a testament to their outstanding contributions to the sport of tennis. They are all pioneers in their own way and have helped to shape the game as we know it today.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has disrupted the established order in men's tennis, surpassing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to become the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). However, despite his record-breaking accomplishments, Djokovic has faced criticism and a lack of universal love and understanding.Djokovic's rise to the top has been marked by his unflappable game and mental fortitude. He has won numerous Grand Slam titles, Masters Series, and spent countless weeks as the world's number one player. However, his success has also been met with resentment from some quarters.Early in his career, Djokovic was perceived as cocky and prone to gamesmanship. His rivalry with Federer was fueled by a 2006 Davis Cup incident where Djokovic took repeated injury breaks against Stan Wawrinka. Federer's mother also made controversial remarks after Djokovic defeated Federer in the 2008 Australian Open.Djokovic's playing style, while highly effective, has also been criticized for its perceived lack of flair. Federer's elegance and Nadal's swagger have made them more popular with fans. Djokovic's machine-like efficiency, while impressive, does not evoke the same emotional connection.Furthermore, Djokovic's anti-vaccine stance during the COVID-19 pandemic has alienated some fans. His attempts to obtain exemptions for tournaments created logistical challenges for organizers.Despite these criticisms, Djokovic has matured over the years and conducts himself with dignity. He has shown respect for Federer and other former champions, even though he has surpassed them in terms of achievements. However, many fans remain quick to criticize him.The lack of universal love for Djokovic is a puzzling phenomenon. While winning is typically celebrated, in Djokovic's case, it seems to be an offense. This may be due to a combination of factors, including his perceived arrogance, his playing style, and his anti-vaccine stance.

With the Wimbledon 2024 tournament reaching its climax, the highly anticipated men's singles semi-final clash between Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz is set to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.Alcaraz, the rising Spanish star, secured his place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Medvedev, the reigning US Open champion, overcame a spirited challenge from Jannik Sinner, winning 6(7)-7(9), 6-4, 7(7)-6(4), 2-6, 6-3.In terms of head-to-head encounters, Alcaraz holds a slight edge over Medvedev, leading 4-2. Their most recent meeting was in the 2024 Indian Wells final, where Alcaraz emerged victorious. The Spaniard also defeated Medvedev in the 2023 ATP Finals. However, Medvedev has notched wins in the 2023 US Open semifinals and the 2021 Wimbledon tournament.Medvedev's path to the semi-finals has been relatively smooth, with straight-set victories in the first three rounds. He faced a tougher challenge in the fourth round against Grigor Dimitrov, who retired due to an injury. In the quarterfinals, Medvedev overcame a spirited performance from Sinner to secure his place in the last four.Alcaraz, on the other hand, has faced more adversity in his Wimbledon campaign. He dropped a set in his first-round match against Miomir Kecmanovic and was pushed to five sets in the third round by Frances Tiafoe. However, the Spaniard has shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing his exceptional talent and fighting spirit.The Daniil Medvedev vs Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2024 semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most exciting players in the sport. Medvedev's experience and consistency will be tested against Alcaraz's youthful exuberance and aggressive style of play.The match is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 11, at Centre Court. The time of the match is yet to be determined. Fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating this highly anticipated clash, which is sure to produce memorable moments and determine who will advance to the Wimbledon final.

Ash Barty, the former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam singles champion, has no plans to return to competitive tennis despite her impressive performance in an exhibition doubles match at Wimbledon on Wednesday.Barty, who retired in March 2022 at the age of 25, played alongside Casey Dellacqua in a doubles match on Centre Court, three years to the day after she defeated Karolina Pliskova to win the Wimbledon title. The Australian duo defeated Andrea Petkovic and Magdalena Rybarikova in straight sets.After the match, Barty was asked by journalists if she had any thoughts of making a comeback. "You guys are killing me," she said with a laugh. "Anyone have a thesaurus for a word that I can use for 'no'?"Barty emphasized that she is content with her retirement and is enjoying her new life as a mother and commentator. "I've got a beautiful commentary box on both Centre and Court 1," she said. "You get a good view and are able to absorb what's happening out on the court. Hopefully people at home are enjoying what I’m having to say."The 28-year-old said she does not regret her decision to retire and is impressed by the dominance of current world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. "I really enjoy watching others do well," she said. "We have seen Iga dominate for the most part of the last two and a half years. She’s been incredible the way she has composure, has gone on incredible runs, winning matches and really dominating, which is hard to do. It’s been really impressive watching from afar.”Barty's return to Wimbledon sparked speculation about a potential comeback, but she quickly dismissed those rumors. "I love tennis. I love being here. I love being involved," she said. "Now, I just get to pick and choose in small doses, which is really nice.”

Lorenzo Musetti's remarkable journey at Wimbledon reached new heights as he secured a thrilling 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Taylor Fritz to advance to the semifinals. The Italian's triumph was a testament to his resilience, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination.Musetti's performance was a rollercoaster of emotions. At times, he displayed exquisite shot-making, particularly with his one-handed backhand, which drew gasps from the crowd. However, he also faced moments of questionable decision-making and lapses in focus.Despite these inconsistencies, Musetti's resolve remained unshaken. In the crucial fifth set, he served with blistering pace, hitting aces at 126 mph and 122 mph. He also executed a stunning forehand drop shot that left Fritz sprawled on the court.Fritz, the pre-match favorite, had his chances to seize control of the match. He broke Musetti's serve early in the first set and appeared poised to run away with the match after taking the second set. However, Musetti's inspired play in the third set, where he showcased a diverse array of shots, turned the tide in his favor.Fritz rallied in the fourth set, but Musetti's relentless pressure proved too much to handle. The Italian's ability to mix up his shots, including deftly employing the slice, forced Fritz into 36 unforced errors.Musetti's victory was particularly poignant as it came in front of tennis legend Ken Rosewall, renowned for his exceptional slice backhand. Musetti's own use of the slice was a key factor in his success, as he neutralized Fritz's powerful forehand.After the match, Musetti expressed his joy and gratitude. "It's a magic day for me," he said. "I've had many tough losses, but this victory shows my progress and maturity."Musetti's triumph sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash with Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion. The Italian will need to summon all his grit and tactical acumen to overcome the formidable challenge that lies ahead.

Wimbledon 2024 has witnessed the emergence of several unheralded players eager to make their mark on the hallowed grass courts. Among them, Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and New Zealand's Lulu Sun have captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts with their remarkable performances.Perricard, a lucky loser in the qualifying rounds, defied the odds to reach the fourth round. His journey was marked by a series of impressive victories, including a stunning upset over 2024 Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng.Sun, a 23-year-old qualifier, also made history by becoming the first New Zealander to reach the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Chris Lewis in 1983. Her run included a memorable victory over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.Sun's global upbringing has shaped her unique perspective on the game. Born to a Chinese mother and Croatian father, she was raised in Switzerland and attended college in the United States. Her diverse experiences have instilled in her a deep appreciation for the global nature of tennis."It wasn't an easy decision [to choose New Zealand]," Sun said after her victory over Raducanu. "But I'm grateful for everything that Swiss tennis has done for me. I'm also grateful for Tennis New Zealand for their support."Sun's success at Wimbledon has not only been a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for her home country. Her journey has ignited a renewed passion for tennis in New Zealand and has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Wimbledon's Royal Box and Beyond: A Star-Studded SpectacleWimbledon, the hallowed grounds of tennis, not only showcases the world's top athletes but also attracts a glittering array of celebrities. The Royal Box, an exclusive enclave within Centre Court, has become a magnet for A-list attendees, who add an extra layer of glamour to the tournament.This year, the quarterfinals witnessed a parade of famous faces, both in the Royal Box and beyond. Queen Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, graced the Royal Box with her presence, adding a touch of royalty to the proceedings. Other notable attendees included:* Tom Cruise: The Hollywood superstar made a surprise appearance, captivating the crowd with his infectious enthusiasm.* Kate Winslet: The Oscar-winning actress exuded elegance in a chic summer dress, enjoying the tennis action alongside her husband.* David Beckham: The former England football captain and fashion icon brought his signature style to Wimbledon, sporting a tailored suit.* Hugh Grant: The beloved British actor was spotted in the Royal Box, sharing laughter with fellow attendees.* Benedict Cumberbatch: The "Sherlock" star made a dapper appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to the event.Beyond the Royal Box, other celebrities were spotted soaking up the Wimbledon atmosphere. Tennis legend Roger Federer's wife, Mirka, was seen cheering on her husband from the stands. Singer Ellie Goulding and her husband, Caspar Jopling, enjoyed a romantic day out at the tournament.The presence of these A-list attendees not only adds to the excitement of Wimbledon but also highlights the tournament's status as a global sporting and cultural event. The combination of world-class tennis and celebrity sightings makes Wimbledon a truly unforgettable experience for both players and spectators alike.