Tennis

Twenty years after her unforgettable Wimbledon triumph, Maria Sharapova has graced the hallowed grounds of the All England Club once more, this time with her beloved family. The five-time Grand Slam champion embarked on a nostalgic journey with her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes, and their adorable son, Theodore, who will soon celebrate his second birthday as the prestigious tournament commences.Gilkes captured the heartwarming family outing on Instagram, sharing a series of on-court portraits that showcased their joy and connection. Sharapova proudly displayed her name etched among the Wimbledon champions, a testament to her remarkable achievements. Theodore's infectious enthusiasm was evident as he waved cheerfully to passing ballkids.The family's visit also included a glimpse of reigning men's champion Carlos Alcaraz honing his skills on an outside court. Sharapova's legacy at Wimbledon remains unparalleled, with a remarkable 46-14 record on the grass courts. She reached the final in 2011, narrowly losing to Petra Kvitova, and made three additional semifinal appearances.In 2012, Sharapova added an Olympic silver medal to her illustrious career, falling to Serena Williams in the championship match at SW19. Her return to the All England Club serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring impact on the sport.As the next generation of tennis stars emerges, Sharapova's presence inspires young players like 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva, who aspires to emulate her idol's success. The meeting between the two generations of Russian tennis talent symbolizes the enduring legacy of Maria Sharapova, a true icon of the sport.

Diana Shnaider Triumphs in Bad Homburg Open, Securing Second WTA TitleBAD HOMBURG, Germany - Rising Russian star Diana Shnaider has etched her name in the annals of the Bad Homburg Open, capturing her second WTA singles title of the year in a thrilling three-set victory over Donna Vekic of Croatia.In a captivating final between two unseeded players, Shnaider displayed her resilience and determination, converting four of her six break chances while fending off 10 of 13 break points against Vekic. The 20-year-old Russian, who entered the tournament ranked 47th in the world, showcased her impressive grass-court prowess throughout the week.Shnaider's triumph in Bad Homburg marks a significant milestone in her young career. She had previously claimed her maiden tour title at Hua Hin in February, and her victory in Germany will propel her to a career-high ranking of 30 on Monday.The Russian's impressive performance has earned her a challenging first-round matchup at Wimbledon, where she will face 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova. Vekic, meanwhile, will take on Wang Xiyu in the opening round of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.Shnaider's victory in Bad Homburg is a testament to her growing confidence and ability on grass. She has proven herself to be a formidable opponent on the surface, and her success in Germany bodes well for her chances at Wimbledon.

Taylor Fritz has etched his name into the history books of the Rothesay International in Eastbourne, becoming the first man to win the coveted trophy three times. The American star defeated Max Purcell in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, to secure his third title at the prestigious grass-court event.Fritz's triumph marks a remarkable achievement in the tournament's 29-year history. He joins an elite group of players who have won the title multiple times, including Greg Rusedski, Jonas Bjorkman, Richard Gasquet, Ivo Karlovic, and Feliciano Lopez. However, Fritz stands alone as the only player to have won the trophy three times.The ATP 250 event has been held in two locations over the years. It was initially held in Nottingham from 1995 to 2008 and then again from 2015 to 2016. Since 2009, the tournament has found a permanent home in Eastbourne, where it has been held every year except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Fritz's victory in Eastbourne is a testament to his exceptional grass-court skills. He has now won three of the four grass-court tournaments he has played this season, including the Halle Open and the Rothesay International. His success on this surface has propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 12 in the world.The American's triumph in Eastbourne is a significant boost to his confidence ahead of Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year. Fritz has never advanced past the third round at Wimbledon, but his recent form suggests that he could be a contender for the title this year.

Wilson Ultra 100 v4: Power and RefinementThe Wilson Ultra 100 v4 is the latest iteration of the popular racquet series, offering a blend of effortless power and enhanced playability. Its updated geometry and thinner shaft improve aerodynamics and ergonomics, while the FortyFive technology enhances flexibility without compromising power or stability. The result is a racquet that delivers exceptional feel, control, and comfort. The wide spin window provided by the spread string pattern caters to players seeking a powerful baseline game. Its eye-catching blue cosmetic adds a touch of style to the court.Alo Tennis Apparel: Style and PerformanceAlo, renowned for its fitness and athleisure wear, has expanded into tennis with a line of pieces that combine style and functionality. The Match Point Skirt features lightweight performance fabric that adapts to movement and wicks away moisture. Its comfortable elastic waistband and built-in shorts provide support and storage. The Cropped All Day Short Sleeve is crafted from soft modal jersey, offering a loose and airy fit that allows for unrestricted movement. The Performance Eclipse Visor protects eyes with its holographic sun shield and adjustable fit.Adidas Barricade 13: Stability and DurabilityAfter a brief hiatus, the Adidas Barricade 13 returns with subtle enhancements that maintain its reputation for stability and durability. The upper incorporates more mesh for increased flexibility and comfort, while the Repetitor midsole improves court connection and transitions. The asymmetrical U-throat and off-set lacing system provide a secure fit without pressure on the foot. The Torsion System ensures stability during explosive movements, and the reinforced TPU toe box and medial side enhance durability. The Barricade 13 remains a top choice for players seeking stability, support, and longevity.

Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon participation is in jeopardy due to a lingering shoulder injury. The world No. 3 retired from her Berlin campaign in the quarterfinals and is still not fully recovered.Sabalenka arrived at Wimbledon with hopes of playing her first match on Monday against Emina Bektas. However, she admitted during Saturday's media day that she is not 100% ready."We're doing everything we can with my team to make sure I'll be able to play my first match here," Sabalenka said. "I'm not 100% ready."The injury is located in the teres major muscle, which is a rare injury for tennis players. Sabalenka explained that she can practice her groundstrokes but struggles with serving."It's really a specific injury, and it's really a rare one. Probably I'm just the second or the third tennis player who injured that muscle," Sabalenka said."The most annoying thing is that I can do anything. I can practice, I can hit my groundstrokes. I'm struggling with serving. That's really annoying. You don't feel like you're injured. If you give me some weights, I'm going to go lift some weights. But if you tell me to serve, I'm going to go through pain."Despite the injury, Sabalenka remains optimistic that she will be able to play at Wimbledon. She has reached the semifinals at the All England Club in two of the past three years and is looking to win her first grass-court trophy."I would say that I never come on the tournament with the high expectations," she stated."Of course, I know my level. I know what I'm capable of. I never put myself under so much pressure."

Daria Kasatkina's title drought came to an end on Saturday as she defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-4 in the Eastbourne International final. The victory marked Kasatkina's seventh career WTA triumph and her first on grass courts.Kasatkina, the No. 6 seed, started the match strongly, breaking Fernandez's serve in the opening game. She maintained her lead throughout the first set, breaking Fernandez again in the eighth game to take it 6-3.The second set was more competitive, with Fernandez battling back from an 0-3 deficit to take a 4-3 lead. However, Kasatkina regained her composure and broke Fernandez twice at love to take the set 6-4 and clinch the title.The victory was a significant one for Kasatkina, who had lost her previous five championship matches. It also moved her up to No. 8 in the race to the WTA Finals.Fernandez, the No. 15 seed, was bidding to become the first Canadian woman to win the Eastbourne title since Eugenie Bouchard in 2014. She had defeated No. 7 seed Barbora Krejcikova and defending champion Madison Keys en route to the final.In the Wimbledon draw, Kasatkina will open her campaign against Zhang Shuai on Monday. Fernandez will face Lucia Bronzetti on Tuesday.

Iga Swiatek's dominance continues as she sets her sights on Wimbledon glory. The Polish sensation has claimed her fifth Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, extending her winning streak to 35 matches. Now, the tennis world turns its attention to the grass courts of Wimbledon, where Swiatek will face a new set of challenges.Aryna Sabalenka, known for her powerful game, enters Wimbledon as the betting favorite. However, Swiatek's recent adjustments to her game suggest she could be a formidable contender. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, also poses a significant threat.Among the potential underdogs to watch is Jessica Pegula. The American has been in impressive form, winning a title in Berlin and pushing Emma Raducanu to the brink in Eastbourne. Her well-rounded game and powerful baseline strokes make her a dangerous opponent on grass.Madison Keys, a two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist, is another player to keep an eye on. Her exceptional serve and aggressive baseline play suit the grass courts well.On the other hand, Coco Gauff's game may not be as well-suited to Wimbledon. Her reliance on extended points and lack of a dominant forehand could hinder her progress. Naomi Osaka, despite her impressive performance against Swiatek at Roland Garros, has struggled with mobility issues on grass.Despite her limited success on grass in the past, Swiatek's recent improvements suggest she could be a force to be reckoned with at Wimbledon. Her improved hold percentage and ability to hit winners make her a dangerous opponent on any surface.As the world's top-ranked player, Swiatek is the one to beat. Her determination and ability to adapt to different conditions make her a strong favorite to add Wimbledon to her growing list of Grand Slam titles.

In the realm of tennis, the traditional image of the grass-court specialist has long been defined by towering height, a booming serve, and a refined all-around game. However, since the turn of the millennium, a shift has occurred, with versatile all-courters dominating the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon.Over the past 21 editions, Novak Djokovic has emerged as the undisputed king of grass, claiming seven titles. Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have each triumphed twice, while Lleyton Hewitt and Carlos Alcaraz have also etched their names on the trophy. Even Roger Federer, once the epitome of grass-court brilliance, has adapted his game to the changing conditions.In recent years, one player has emerged as a formidable challenger to the established order: Matteo Berrettini. The 6'5" Italian possesses an arsenal of weapons that make him a formidable force on grass. His monstrous first serve, hissing second serve, crushing forehand, and solid backhand have propelled him to four grass-court titles, including Stuttgart 2019.Berrettini's success on grass is not merely a coincidence. The surface's unique characteristics, with its faster ball speed and lower bounce, amplify his strengths. His powerful serve becomes even more effective, while his ability to control the pace and direction of the ball with his groundstrokes gives him an edge over his opponents.However, despite his impressive record on grass, Berrettini has yet to break through at Wimbledon. In the 2021 final, he pushed Djokovic to the limit before ultimately succumbing in a thrilling five-set encounter. The reason for this may lie in the fact that the grass courts of today are slower and bouncier than in the past, offering a wider range of players opportunities to excel.Modern-day returners, such as Djokovic, Murray, and Alcaraz, have developed specialized techniques to neutralize the power of Berrettini and other big servers. They employ abbreviated forehands and a mix of blocked and sliced returns to keep the ball in play and reset the point.Another aspect that has contributed to the rise of all-courters on grass is the improvement in movement. On clay or hard courts, players can slide to cover ground, but on grass, the slippery surface requires a different approach. Players must decelerate with smaller steps and quickly recover to the center of the court.As Wimbledon 2023 approaches, the question remains whether Berrettini can refine his grass-court game and overcome the challenge of the all-courters. Despite being unseeded and ranked 60th in the world, he has shown glimpses of his best form in recent weeks. With the absence of Federer and Nadal, and Djokovic and Murray recovering from injuries, the draw is more open than ever. Can Berrettini seize this opportunity and etch his name into Wimbledon history?

Swiss sportswear brand On, endorsed by tennis legend Roger Federer, is expanding its roster of young tennis prodigies. Following the signing of 17-year-old João Fonseca and 20-year-old Ben Shelton, On has now welcomed 15-year-old German Julia Stusek to its WTA contingent, alongside world number one Iga Swiatek.Stusek made her WTA main-draw debut at the Bad Homburg Open as a lucky loser, showcasing her potential in a competitive 6-2, 7-5 loss to American Peyton Stearns. Her appearance marked the first time she wore On's signature tank and skirt, similar to the attire Swiatek wore during her recent Roland Garros triumph.While Swiatek and Shelton represent On's current tennis presence, Fonseca and Stusek embody the brand's investment in the future. Fonseca, the 2023 junior US Open champion, turned professional this year and has already made history as the first ATP player born in 2006 to win a main-draw match. He also reached the quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro and won a round at the Madrid Masters 1000.Stusek, on the other hand, is regarded as one of Germany's most promising young talents. At just 13 years old, she won the prestigious Les Petit As title in 2022 and reached the junior Australian Open doubles final this year."I couldn't be more thrilled to become a part of the On team," Stusek expressed on Instagram. "I'm excited to represent this unique, young, and creative brand on and off the tennis court."On's recent signing of Zendaya as a brand ambassador suggests that the brand may be planning to feature these talented teens in future campaigns alongside the likes of Tashi Duncan.