Tennis

Wimbledon 2023: Expert Predictions and Potential SurprisesWith the Wimbledon draws complete, experts weigh in on the potential champions and biggest surprises in both the men's and women's tournaments.Women's Champion Predictions:* Iga Swiatek: Despite facing Grand Slam champions, Swiatek's dominance on clay suggests she could complete a Channel Slam.* Aryna Sabalenka: Despite a drop in ranking, Sabalenka's powerful game and first-strike mentality make her a strong favorite.* Ons Jabeur: After reaching the Wimbledon final last year, Jabeur aims to break through for her first Grand Slam title.* Elena Rybakina: The reigning Wimbledon champion has had a strong season and is a contender to retain her title.Men's Champion Predictions:* Carlos Alcaraz: The Roland Garros champion is a threat on grass with his X-factor on big points.* Jannik Sinner: The world No. 1 has won his first grass-court title and is a strong contender.* Hubert Hurkacz: With a big serve and determination, Hurkacz could ride his momentum to his first major title.* Alexander Zverev: Zverev's favorable draw and grass-court prowess make him a potential champion.Potential Surprises in the Women's Draw:* Dayana Yastremska: The rising star has established herself in the Top 30 and could upset higher-seeded players.* Daria Kasatkina: Her experience and playing style give her a chance to reach the Wimbledon semis for the first time.* Donna Vekic: The unseeded floater has the potential to break open the draw.* Emma Raducanu: The wildcard entrant could reach the quarterfinals, as she did in 2021.Potential Surprises in the Men's Draw:* Jack Draper: The British wildcard has shown impressive form and could be a surprise title contender.* Sebastian Korda: With a favorable draw and strong grass-court game, Korda could make a deep run.* Marcos Giron: The American has produced notable grass-court wins this month and could challenge top players.* Taylor Fritz: Fritz's grass-court prowess and favorable draw make him a potential semifinalist.

From the bustling streets of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon, Steve Carell, the beloved star of "The Office," has embarked on a remarkable journey into the world of tennis.Carell's recent visit to the All England Club was not merely a promotional stop for his upcoming animated film, "Despicable Me 4." It was a testament to his growing passion for the sport that has captivated countless hearts. Accompanied by former British tennis star Laura Robson, Carell toured the iconic venue, posed on the hallowed Centre Court, and even had a starstruck encounter with reigning world number one Iga Swiatek.Carell's tennis journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he joined the ranks of Hollywood celebrities seeking solace and fitness in the game. Under the tutelage of Chris Crabb, the self-proclaimed "tennis coach of the stars," Carell has honed his skills and discovered a newfound love for the sport."Every class, I learn something, and at the same time it's the most fun part of my day," Carell shared with The Hollywood Reporter in 2021.Carell's passion for tennis extends beyond the court. In 2018, he portrayed Bobby Riggs in the critically acclaimed film "Battle of the Sexes," opposite Emma Stone as Billie Jean King. His performance earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.During his visit to Wimbledon, Carell revealed to Robson that he and his wife are avid fans of one of the pro tour's most entertaining players. It's a fitting admiration, considering Carell's own comedic brilliance and infectious enthusiasm.As Carell continues his tennis journey, it's clear that he has found a sport that not only provides physical and mental benefits but also connects him with a global community of passionate fans. From Scranton to Wimbledon, Steve Carell's love for tennis is a testament to the transformative power of the game.

India's top singles player Sumit Nagal is set to make history at Wimbledon, becoming the first Indian male to compete in the men's singles main draw since 2018. Nagal, currently ranked 72nd in the world, will face a formidable challenge in his first-round match against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia, ranked 53rd.Nagal's path to the third round could potentially lead him to a clash with world number one Jannik Sinner, who is seeded first in the tournament. However, even reaching the second round will be a significant hurdle, as Nagal must overcome Kecmanovic, who defeated him in their only previous encounter four years ago.If Nagal manages to advance past the opening round, he will face the winner of the match between Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. Nagal has previously lost in the first round of Wimbledon qualifiers in 2018, but he has enjoyed a successful season so far, qualifying for the Australian Open main draw and winning the Chennai Open ATP Challenger.In men's doubles, veteran Indian Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden, seeded second, will take on Adrian Mannarino and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France in the first round. Bopanna and Ebden, the reigning Australian Open champions, reached the semifinals of Wimbledon last year.Another Indian, N Sriram Balaji, will partner with British player Luke Johnson to face the fourth-seeded Croatian-Salvadorian combination of Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo, who won the French Open this year. Yuki Bhambri and his French partner Albano Olivetti will meet the Kazakh duo of Alexander Bublik and Alexander Shevchenko, while Nagal and Serbia's Dusan Lajovic will take on Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar of Spain.Nagal's participation in Wimbledon marks a significant milestone for Indian tennis, and his performance will be closely watched by fans around the country.

The World Tennis League (WTL) is set to return for its third season, bringing together some of the biggest names in tennis for an exciting four-day event. From December 19 to 22, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will host the tournament, which has previously featured global tennis icons like Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina.The PBG Eagles, led by Medvedev, Rublev, Mirra Andreeva, and Sofia Kenin, emerged victorious in the previous season of the WTL. The lineup of stars for this season's tournament is yet to be announced, but fans can expect another stellar cast of players.The WTL is a unique event that combines the excitement of tennis with the entertainment of a team competition. Four teams, each representing a different city, compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final. The tournament features both men's and women's singles and doubles matches, providing a diverse and thrilling experience for spectators.In addition to the on-court action, the WTL also offers a range of off-court entertainment, including live music, food and beverage options, and interactive fan experiences. The tournament has quickly become a popular destination for tennis enthusiasts and casual fans alike, offering a memorable and immersive experience.The WTL is not only a showcase for world-class tennis but also a platform for promoting the sport and inspiring future generations of players. The tournament's organizers are committed to developing tennis in the region and beyond, and the event serves as a catalyst for growth and engagement.As the countdown to the third season of the WTL begins, fans can eagerly anticipate another unforgettable tournament filled with thrilling matches, star power, and the spirit of competition. The Etihad Arena is set to reverberate with the sound of tennis balls and the cheers of spectators as the world's best players battle it out for the coveted WTL trophy.

London, the vibrant heart of England, beckons tennis enthusiasts and travelers alike as the third Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon, approaches. Beyond the iconic tournament, the city offers a plethora of experiences to explore.1. The Dog, The Fox, and The Kyrgios:Nestled near Wimbledon, The Dog & Fox pub has become a pilgrimage site for tennis fans. It's where Nick Kyrgios famously outed a reporter for partying with him. This year, the pub is gearing up for the ultimate Wimbledon viewing experience, complete with a seafood kitchen, live music, and champagne and oysters.2. "Seven Dials" to the North:Venture north of Covent Garden to discover Neal's Yard, a hidden gem tucked away between Monmouth Street and Shorts Garden. This charming marketplace boasts colorful streets, secret bookstores, and specialty shops, offering a respite from the city's hustle and bustle.3. Private Lodging with Lions:For a unique experience, consider an overnight stay at the London Zoo Lodges. Located within "roaring distance" of the Asiatic lions, this package offers families and adults alike the chance to immerse themselves in the animal kingdom.4. Public Urination, But Make it Social:Victorian Water Closets (WC) have been transformed into Wine & Charcuterie (WC) experiences on both sides of the River Thames. WC Bars offer a quirky and intimate setting to enjoy spirits and sharable plates, all while appreciating the refurbished original wood and porcelain.5. Hot Tubs & BBQ Heaven:Skuna Boats has revolutionized boating with its hot tub and BBQ boat experiences. The hot tub boat seats up to seven and allows guests to cruise the Canary Wharf in style, while the BBQ boat offers a unique way to grill food with up to ten passengers.Bonus: Editors' Picks:Tennis.com's Steve Tignor recommends visiting Earl Spencer Southfields, a classic British pub near Wimbledon, and exploring Neal's Yard for its culinary delights. He also suggests taking a double-decker bus trip at night for a panoramic view of the city.

Paul Jubb and Billy Harris, two rising stars in the tennis world, have made history by reaching the semifinals of their respective ATP tournaments, the Mallorca Championships and the Rothesay International.Jubb, a 24-year-old qualifier, stunned top seed Ben Shelton in a thrilling three-set battle, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8). The former NCAA champion from the University of South Carolina had not dropped a set in his previous four matches, but Shelton pushed him to the limit.After squandering three match points in the third set, Jubb finally sealed the victory with a clutch first serve and a forehand error from Shelton. "This is obviously huge for me," said Jubb. "I've been working very, very hard to get back to this point."In Eastbourne, Harris, a 29-year-old wild card entrant, also overcame a tough three-set challenge against Flavio Cobolli, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-2. Harris broke Cobolli twice in the final set to secure the victory.Harris will face Australian Max Purcell in the semifinals, while Jubb will take on Sebastian Ofner of Austria. Two-time champion Taylor Fritz, the No. 1 seed in Eastbourne, will meet Aleksandar Vukic in the other semifinal.Both Jubb and Harris have had remarkable weeks, showcasing their talent and determination. They will now have the opportunity to compete for their first ATP titles on home soil, adding to the excitement of these tournaments.

American Women Dominate Wimbledon Qualifying, Securing Four Main Draw BerthsFive American women embarked on their Wimbledon qualifying journey at Roehampton, and four emerged victorious, securing their places in the prestigious Grand Slam's main draw.Katie Volynets, the top seed, showcased her dominance with a resounding 6-0, 6-1 triumph over Talia Gibson. The Californian converted five of seven break points and has now qualified for four consecutive Grand Slam events.Robin Montgomery, after surviving a tense match tiebreaker the previous day, overcame Valentina Ryser 7-6 (3), 6-2. The 19-year-old lefty regained control after a shaky start, where she squandered a 5-0 lead in the first set.Alycia Parks dashed the hopes of British teenager Hannah Klugman with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. Parks' strong return game proved decisive, as she captured 16 of 24 second-serve return points.McCartney Kessler, the No. 20 seed, rallied past third-seeded Renata Zarazua 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. Kessler will make her Wimbledon main draw debut, joining Montgomery.However, the American men's hopes were dashed as Maxime Cressy fell to Felipe Meligeni Alves in a marathon five-set battle. Former Top 10 players Richard Gasquet and David Goffin also failed to advance.

Marta Kostyuk, the 21-year-old Ukrainian tennis star, has made headlines not only for her on-court style but also for her bold off-court fashion statement. Ahead of Wimbledon, Kostyuk was featured in a special Olympic and Paralympic photo shoot by Vogue Ukraine, where she posed in nothing but a white tennis skirt.The images quickly went viral online, sparking both admiration and controversy. Kostyuk, however, remained unfazed, expressing her honor to represent her war-torn homeland alongside other Ukrainian sporting legends.Kostyuk's fashion statement comes at a time when Ukraine is facing immense challenges due to the ongoing conflict. Her decision to pose in such a vulnerable way has been interpreted by some as a symbol of resilience and defiance.Beyond her off-court style, Kostyuk is also preparing for her Olympic debut in Paris. She will lead a strong Ukrainian women's squad that includes Tokyo bronze medalist Elina Svitolina and Australian Open semifinalist Dayana Yastremska.Kostyuk will be hoping to improve her form before the Games, having lost five of her last six matches. However, her determination and fighting spirit remain unwavering.As she prepares for Wimbledon and the Olympics, Kostyuk is not only a rising star in tennis but also an inspiration for her country and beyond. Her bold fashion statement and unwavering spirit have made her a symbol of hope and resilience in these challenging times.

Andy Murray's participation in Wimbledon remains uncertain as he recovers from spinal surgery. The two-time champion underwent the procedure five days ago to address a spinal cyst.Murray acknowledges that it's "more likely" he won't be able to play singles at Wimbledon, but he's not giving up hope. He plans to wait until the last minute to make a decision, stating, "I've earned that right."The 37-year-old is improving rapidly, and he believes that an additional 72 to 96 hours could make a significant difference in his recovery. Murray is determined to play at Wimbledon, which is expected to be his farewell appearance at the tournament.He had also planned to team up with his brother Jamie in the men's doubles event. However, Murray's recent injury setbacks have cast doubt on his ability to compete.In March, he suffered an ankle injury at the Miami Open, which sidelined him for most of the European clay-court season. Last week, he was forced to retire from his second-round match at Queen's Club due to the spinal cyst.Despite these setbacks, Murray remains committed to retiring on his own terms. He wants to end his career with a competitive match, not a premature exit like the one at Queen's."If I'm able to play at Wimbledon and if I'm able to play at the Olympics, that's most likely going to be it," Murray said.Murray has a remarkable 61-13 record at Wimbledon, where he has won two titles. The draw for the tournament will be made on Friday morning, with Jannik Sinner seeded No. 1.