Tennis

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina in a thrilling three-set battle at the Mutua Madrid Open. The Belarusian star rallied from a set and a break down to prevail 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5), halting Rybakina's impressive 17-match winning streak on clay.Rybakina, who had dominated Sabalenka in their Brisbane final earlier this year, appeared poised for another victory as she raced to a 6-1 first-set lead. However, Sabalenka's resilience shone through as she broke Rybakina's serve in the second set and eventually leveled the match.The third set was a serving masterclass, with both players holding serve comfortably. Rybakina had two chances to break Sabalenka's serve and seal the match, but the Belarusian saved both break points.In the tiebreaker, Sabalenka's defense proved pivotal as she converted three match points to secure the victory. The win sets up a rematch of last year's Madrid final against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.Sabalenka's victory is a testament to her fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure. She has now won three titles in Madrid, including the 2019 and 2021 editions. Rybakina, despite the setback, remains a formidable force on clay and will be a contender at the upcoming French Open.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, continued her impressive form by reaching the Madrid Open final for the second consecutive year. The Polish star cruised to a straight-set victory over American Madison Keys, 6-1, 6-3, in the semifinals on Thursday.Swiatek, who has won two titles this year in Indian Wells and Doha, dominated the match from the start. She broke Keys' serve twice in the first set and never looked back. In the second set, Swiatek broke Keys' serve early and held on to her advantage to secure the victory."It was a pretty clean performance and really solid game from myself," Swiatek said. "I'm happy with everything."The Madrid Open is the only high-profile European clay-court competition that Swiatek has yet to win. She will face either world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka or No. 4 Elena Rybakina in the final."I'm happy that we can play a final against the top players," Swiatek said. "It shows consistency. For sure it's going to be a challenge, whoever it's going to be, and a tough match. I will be ready. I will focus on myself."Sabalenka defeated Swiatek in the Madrid final last year.Meanwhile, in the men's draw, Daniil Medvedev retired from his quarterfinal match against Jiri Lehecka due to an injury. Medvedev, the world No. 4, lost the first set 6-4 before retiring. Lehecka will now face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals."It's never easy in a match like this," Lehecka said of Medvedev's retirement. "If I were to choose the way how to win this match, it wouldn't be like that. So of course, it's never easy to see your opponent struggling, but at that moment, you just need to focus on yourself, trying to get the maximum level out of yourself."

Billie Jean King: A Wheaties Champion On and Off the CourtBillie Jean King, a legendary tennis icon and tireless advocate for equality, has become the latest athlete to grace the iconic Wheaties box. This marks her first appearance on the cereal's cover, but her impact on the world of sports and beyond has been profound.King's tennis career is unparalleled. She has won 39 major titles, including a record 20 Wimbledon Championships. She was the first woman athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the first to have a sports venue named in her honor. Her dominance on the court was matched by her determination to break down barriers for women in sports.Beyond tennis, King has been a vocal advocate for gender equality. She co-founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women's Sports Foundation, organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls through sports. Her activism has extended to other areas, including LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.Wheaties has a long history of honoring athletes who embody the spirit of competition and community involvement. King's inclusion on the box is a testament to her unwavering commitment to both."Billie Jean King has been defining what it means to be a Wheaties Champion for decades," said Mindy Murray, Brand Experience Director at Morning Foods. "We're thrilled to recognize her on our newest Wheaties box cover and celebrate the strides she's made for athletes everywhere."King expressed her gratitude for the honor, saying, "I am honored to be on the next Wheaties box to join the legacy of incredible athletes and the work we put in for our sport and our communities."In addition to honoring King, Wheaties is also introducing a new Wheaties Protein cereal, offering over 20g of protein per serving. This innovation is designed to meet the needs of athletes and active individuals seeking a high-protein breakfast option.The Billie Jean King limited-edition Wheaties Box will be available nationwide this month. It serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire, unite, and create positive change.

The release of the tennis-themed movie "Challengers" has sparked a surge in interest in the sport, with Google searches for "adult tennis lessons" skyrocketing by 245% worldwide. The film, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor, depicts the glamorous world of professional tennis and features captivating tennis rallies.The movie's success has not only generated box office revenue but has also inspired audiences to take up the sport. According to Venture Smarter, a business consulting firm, searches for "kids tennis classes" have also increased by 205%.The renewed interest in tennis aligns with National Tennis Month in the United States, which runs throughout May. This provides an ideal opportunity for individuals to experience the physical and mental benefits of the sport."Challengers" has received critical acclaim for its realistic tennis scenes, which were choreographed by renowned coach Brad Gilbert. The film's combination of on-court action and off-court drama has resonated with viewers, inspiring them to pursue their own tennis journeys.The movie's impact extends beyond the box office, promoting the sport and encouraging people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles. With its captivating storyline and stunning visuals, "Challengers" has become a catalyst for a resurgence in tennis enthusiasm.

Jiri Lehecka's stunning victory over Rafael Nadal at the Mutua Madrid Open has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The 22-year-old Czech displayed exceptional serving and baseline prowess, leaving the legendary Spaniard in his wake.Lehecka's serve was a major factor in his triumph. He landed 70.8% of his first serves against Nadal, winning an astonishing 89.1% of those points. This dominance continued in his first-round match against Hamad Medjedovic, where he made 67.2% of his first serves and won 89.7% of the points.Lehecka's ability to make Medvedev uncomfortable as a returner is another reason to believe he can cover the 3.5-game spread. Medvedev's serve has declined significantly in 2024, with his first-serve percentage dropping to 80.3%. This could give Lehecka ample opportunities to break serve and keep the match close.From the baseline, Lehecka's powerful groundstrokes and precise shot placement proved too much for Nadal. The altitude in Madrid favors power players, and Lehecka exploited this advantage to push Nadal around the court. His ability to hit his spots consistently makes him a formidable opponent.While Medvedev is renowned for his defensive prowess, Lehecka's aggressive style could pose a challenge. The Czech has the talent and momentum to force a third set or even secure an upset victory.With his breakout year in full swing, Lehecka has proven that he belongs among the elite. His exceptional serving, baseline play, and unwavering confidence make him a player to watch in the coming years.

American tennis star Taylor Fritz has etched his name in the history books with a hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo at the Mutua Madrid Open. Fritz's 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 triumph not only marked his 250th career win but also made him the first American man to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Open since its transition to clay in 2009.Fritz's 250th win places him among an elite group of players born in 1995 or later to achieve this milestone. He joins the likes of Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov in this exclusive club.Fritz's victory in Madrid is a testament to his remarkable consistency and resilience. He has now reached the semifinals of four Masters 1000 events, including a title win at Indian Wells in 2022. His success on clay is particularly noteworthy, as he has struggled on the surface in the past.Fritz's achievement is also a significant moment for American tennis. Only two American men had previously reached the final four in Madrid when it was held on indoor hard courts. Fritz's semifinal appearance on clay is a testament to the progress made by American players in recent years.As Fritz prepares for his semifinal clash, he will face a formidable opponent in Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek star is a two-time Madrid Open champion and will be eager to extend his dominance on the clay. However, Fritz has proven his mettle against top-ranked players and will be confident in his ability to challenge Tsitsipas.Fritz's journey to the semifinals has been marked by determination and unwavering belief. He has overcome adversity and shown the resilience that has become synonymous with his game. As he takes on Tsitsipas, Fritz will be aiming to make history once again and become the first American man to reach the Madrid Open final since 2005.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has parted ways with his long-time fitness coach, Marco Panichi. This latest shakeup in Djokovic's team comes ahead of the French Open, the second major of the season.In a heartfelt message on social media, Djokovic expressed his gratitude for Panichi's contributions to his success. "We reached the summit, won titles, broken records," he wrote. "But most of all, I have enjoyed our most 'ordinary' days of training in and out of the gym."Panichi's departure follows the recent split between Djokovic and his coach, Goran Ivanisevic. The Serbian star also made a change in management at the end of last season, replacing Edoardo Artaldi and Elena Cappellaro with Mark Madden.Djokovic, who turns 37 in three weeks, is currently without a trophy in 2023. He skipped the Mutua Madrid Open and is expected to return to action next week in Rome. The Italian Open will provide Djokovic with an opportunity to fine-tune his game ahead of his Roland Garros title defense.Despite his recent setbacks, Djokovic remains a formidable force on the ATP Tour. He is currently ranked No. 1 in the world and has won 93 career titles. However, he faces a significant challenge from Jannik Sinner, who is a viable threat to challenge for the top ranking.Sinner, who withdrew from the Madrid quarterfinals with a right-hip injury, is expected to be a major contender in Rome and at the French Open. His results in these tournaments will have a significant impact on the race for the No. 1 ranking.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open, defeating rising star Mirra Andreeva in a rematch of their 2023 fourth-round clash.Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from the 17-year-old Andreeva, winning 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 19 minutes. The victory marks Sabalenka's third consecutive win in Madrid, where she is seeking her second title.The first set was a dominant display from Sabalenka, who showcased her power and precision. She hit 17 winners to Andreeva's five, breaking the teenager's serve twice to take the set with ease.The second set was more competitive, with Andreeva fighting back from a break down to level at 4-4. However, Sabalenka's experience and resilience proved too much for the young Russian. She broke Andreeva's serve again in the ninth game and served out the match to secure her place in the semifinals.Sabalenka's victory was built on her aggressive play and consistent serving. She struck 35 winners to just 13 unforced errors and did not face a single break point throughout the match.In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina, who saved two match points to defeat Yulia Putintseva earlier on Wednesday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most in-form players on the WTA Tour.

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open due to a right-hip injury, organizers announced on Wednesday. The withdrawal comes just hours after second seed Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated by Andrey Rublev.Sinner, the Australian Open champion, was scheduled to face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals on Thursday. However, he has been struggling with the hip injury for some time and aggravated it during his third-round win over Pavel Kotov."I have been struggling a little bit with my right hip. We're trying to find a solution and I don't think it's anything serious. Sometimes I feel it more like today and some days are a little bit better," Sinner said after the Kotov match.Despite the injury, Sinner managed to defeat 16th seed Karen Khachanov in the fourth round to improve his season record to 28-2. He was aiming to win his fourth title of the year and his first on clay since defeating Alcaraz in the 2022 Umag final.Sinner's withdrawal is a major blow to the Madrid Open, which has already lost two of its top seeds. Auger-Aliassime will now face the winner of the match between third seed Daniil Medvedev and 30th seed Jiri Lehecka, who upset Rafael Nadal in the second round.Sinner is now hoping to be fully fit for the Rome Masters 1000, which begins next week. He has reached the quarterfinals in Rome once before, in 2022. Sinner is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, 1,130 points behind Novak Djokovic.