Tennis

Sebastian Korda's Wimbledon hopes were dashed by the formidable serve of lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who stunned the 20th seed in a thrilling five-set battle.Mpetshi Perricard, a 6-foot-8 Frenchman, unleashed a barrage of 51 aces and 93 winners, leaving Korda helpless on many occasions. The match was a testament to Mpetshi Perricard's exceptional athleticism and serve-and-volley prowess.Despite Korda's experience and promising grass-court form, Mpetshi Perricard's serve proved too much to handle. The Frenchman saved all 11 break points he faced and hit three aces in the final game to seal the victory.Mpetshi Perricard's rise has been meteoric. Just two months ago, he won his first ATP title in his hometown of Lyon. His unique combination of height, athleticism, and a powerful forehand has earned him comparisons to the future of tennis.While his return game needs improvement, Mpetshi Perricard's athleticism allows him to cover the court with ease. He is also willing to come to the net, adding another dimension to his game.Mpetshi Perricard's victory is a reminder that the future of tennis is in good hands. His serve-and-volley style, combined with his athleticism and willingness to take risks, could make him a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.

Francisco Comesana, the 23-year-old Argentine tennis prodigy, has etched his name in Wimbledon history with a stunning upset over world No. 6 Andrey Rublev in the first round.Comesana, ranked No. 122, had endured a frustrating start to the year, failing to secure a tour-level victory in South America and falling short in his Wimbledon qualifying bid. However, on Tuesday, he rose to the occasion on the hallowed No. 2 Court, producing a performance that will forever be etched in his memory.In a thrilling encounter that lasted nearly three hours, Comesana displayed unwavering determination and resilience. He saved eight of the 10 break points he faced and fired 21 aces, keeping Rublev at bay throughout the match.The Argentine faced a crucial test in the fourth set, trailing 4-5 and facing set point. However, he summoned his inner strength and fought back to take a 5-3 lead in the ensuing tiebreak. Despite Rublev's valiant efforts, Comesana's change of pace proved too much for the Russian, who netted his backhand slice reply on match point."I dreamed to play here. I'm so happy. I don't know what to say now," an ecstatic Comesana told the crowd after his historic victory.Rublev, who had previously enjoyed success on grass with two Halle runner-up finishes and a Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance, has now lost three consecutive matches. His exit from the tournament is likely to see him drop out of the Top 10.Comesana's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career. He will now face another first-time major match winner, Adam Walton, in the second round. Walton, who defeated Federico Coria in straight sets, will be looking to continue his impressive run at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon, the hallowed grounds of tennis, witnessed a captivating display of resilience and versatility as Ben Shelton emerged victorious in a thrilling five-set battle against Mattia Bellucci.On Monday, Shelton faced an uphill battle, trailing two sets to one against the 148th-ranked qualifier. However, on Tuesday, he returned with renewed determination, adjusting his strategy to unsettle Bellucci. Shelton began varying his speeds and spins, opening up angles and creating more time for creativity.The American's powerful topspin forehand, versatile backhand, and improving net game kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Shelton's massive serve, including a match-winning ace at 120 mph, proved to be a formidable weapon.In the fourth and fifth sets, Shelton's laser-like focus and relentless energy propelled him forward. However, rain delays twice interrupted his momentum, adding to the drama. Despite the setbacks, Shelton remained composed and fought off break points to secure the victory.Shelton's positive self-talk and respect for his opponent were evident throughout the match. "It was good and competitive," he said. "He wanted it bad. It was cool to see."Stan Smith, the 1972 Wimbledon champion, praised Shelton's love for competition. "Ben just loves the atmosphere of competition," said Smith. "He's an in-progress version of Carlos Alcaraz."On Wednesday, Shelton will face another challenge in Lloyd Harris, who also rallied from two sets down to advance. The American's versatility, resilience, and unwavering determination will be put to the test once again as he aims to continue his Wimbledon journey.

Jessica Pegula, the No. 5 seed at Wimbledon, expressed her thoughts on the tournament's unpredictable nature and her own approach to the competition.Pegula, who reached the quarterfinals in 2021, acknowledged the recent trend of different women winning the grass-court major in recent years. She noted that the top half of the draw features formidable opponents like Iga Swiatek, Marketa Vondrousova, and Elena Rybakina.However, Pegula also highlighted the absence of former semifinalists in the bottom half due to injuries to Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. She revealed her prediction that Brenda Fruhvirtova would defeat Mirra Andreeva, which ultimately came to fruition.Pegula emphasized her belief in her abilities but refrained from setting unrealistic expectations. She explained that she focuses on winning each match rather than dwelling on the possibility of winning the tournament.Despite her recent grass-court title in Berlin, Pegula remains grounded and recognizes the unique atmosphere of Wimbledon. She admitted that it's difficult to ignore the sense of history and grandeur that surrounds the event.Pegula also shared her experience of participating in an escape room adventure with her sister and fellow Olympic team member Desirae Krawczyk. She expressed her enjoyment and hinted at the possibility of trying another one.

At the All England Club on Monday, contrasting fortunes unfolded for the last two Wimbledon singles champions. While 2022 winner Elena Rybakina cruised into the second round, defending champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.Vondrousova's defeat marks a rare occurrence in Wimbledon history. She became only the fourth Wimbledon champion to lose in the first round of their title defense, joining Steffi Graf, who lost in 1994 after winning three consecutive titles.Vondrousova's title defense was clouded by concerns about her physical health. After reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, she played only 10 games of grass-court tennis before Wimbledon. In Berlin, she slipped and fell during a match, raising questions about her fitness.Despite her pre-tournament assurances that she felt "fine," Vondrousova's performance on Centre Court raised alarm bells. She double-faulted three times in the opening game and continued to struggle with her serve throughout the match, double-faulting seven times and being broken five times.Meanwhile, Bouzas Maneiro's historic victory marked several milestones in her career. It was her first main-draw win at a Grand Slam, her first tour-level win on grass, and her first career Top 10 win. Earlier this year, she had scored her first WTA main-draw victory against former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.

Serena Williams to Face the Heat on Hot Ones for Fourth of JulyAs Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with traditional feasts, tennis legend Serena Williams will embark on a culinary adventure that promises to bring the heat. Williams is set to appear on the popular YouTube talk show Hot Ones, known for its fiery challenge of progressively spicier chicken wings.Hot Ones has become a cultural phenomenon, featuring over 300 episodes since its inception in 2015. A-list celebrities, Grammy winners, and superstar athletes have graced the show, facing the fiery gauntlet while answering questions from host Sean Evans.Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, has conquered countless challenges on the tennis court. However, Hot Ones promises to test her limits like never before. As the first tennis player to join the show, Williams will face the "Wings of Death," a series of increasingly spicy wings that have left even the most seasoned guests gasping for air."This week on Hot Ones, we've got Serena Williams vs. The Wings of Death," the show teased on Instagram.Before the fireworks light up the sky on the Fourth, tune in to witness Williams' fiery encounter on Hot Ones. The episode promises to be a memorable addition to the show's legacy of viral moments and a unique way to celebrate the holiday.

Emma Raducanu, the reigning US Open champion, made a triumphant return to Wimbledon with a hard-fought 7-6(0), 6-3 victory over Mexican lucky loser Renata Zarazua. Despite some early nerves, Raducanu drew inspiration from England's dramatic victory over Slovakia in the European Championships and the teachings of renowned tennis coach Brad Gilbert.Raducanu's victory was not without its challenges. She was originally scheduled to face No. 22 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, but the Russian withdrew due to illness just hours before the match. This forced Raducanu to adjust her game plan against Zarazua, a defensive-minded player with a penchant for changing the pace and speed of the ball.Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm early on, losing a 4-1 lead in the first set and trailing 5-4 at one point. However, she remained composed and eventually took the set in a tiebreaker. In the second set, Raducanu broke Zarazua's serve twice to secure the victory.After the match, Raducanu acknowledged her nerves but praised her ability to "do what it takes to get over the line." She also credited the support of the crowd and the inspiration she drew from England's football team."Watching the football last night ... it was like winning ugly. It all counts!" Raducanu said.Raducanu also cited Brad Gilbert's book "Winning Ugly" as a source of motivation. She explained that the book's emphasis on managing the opponent and the circumstances resonated with her, especially in the opening round of a Grand Slam."I think it was a real show of character for me," Raducanu said.Raducanu will next face Elise Mertens in the second round, aiming to advance to the third round of a major for the first time since her US Open triumph.

Wimbledon 2023 is set to witness the return of two tennis legends, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, who have both recently undergone surgeries. Djokovic, aiming for a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title, will face Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva in his opening match. Murray, a two-time champion, will take on another Czech, Tomas Machac, in what could be his farewell appearance at the tournament.Djokovic, who underwent knee surgery after withdrawing from the French Open, has declared himself "pain-free" and eager to compete. The Serbian is determined to match Roger Federer's Wimbledon record and become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles. Despite not winning a title this season, Djokovic remains a formidable opponent, having reached the past five Wimbledon finals.Murray, on the other hand, has been battling injuries and underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his spine just over a week before the tournament. The 37-year-old is hoping to make a final appearance at Wimbledon before retiring. He will face Machac, who leads 2-0 in their head-to-head encounters.Also in action on Tuesday is world number one Iga Swiatek, who is seeking to progress beyond the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for the first time. The Polish star has won five trophies this year but has not played a warm-up tournament on grass. She will face Sofia Kenin, whom she defeated in the first round of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Naomi Osaka's triumphant return to Wimbledon after a four-year hiatus was marked not only by her hard-fought victory but also by her captivating fashion statement. The Japanese tennis star, who has become renowned for her bold and innovative on-court attire, once again turned heads with her custom Nike kit.Osaka's outfit, described as "an elaborate ensemble fit for the Met Gala," featured a cropped racerback tank top adorned with a flowing gauze-like ruffle that cascaded from her right shoulder. The skirt, crafted from the same ethereal material, billowed gracefully with every movement. The all-white colorway was accented by subtle pops of forest green, complementing her Nike x NO shoes and Tag Heuer Aquaracer watch.Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Osaka's outfit held personal significance. The gauze-like ruffle symbolized the delicate and transformative journey she has undergone since becoming a mother. "It's really cool to be here now," she reflected after the match. "I think my mindset last year was just trying to survive..."The outfit sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans expressing both admiration and skepticism. Some hailed it as a masterpiece of fashion innovation, while others questioned its practicality on the court. However, Osaka remained unfazed by the mixed reactions."I'm just trying to have fun with it," she said. "I think it's important to be yourself and not be afraid to express yourself."Osaka's victory and her eye-catching outfit have set the stage for an intriguing Wimbledon campaign. The four-time Grand Slam winner will face No. 19 seed Emma Navarro in the second round, aiming to reach the third round at the All England Club for the first time since 2018.