Tennis

Second seed Ramkumar Ramanathan faced a stern test from qualifier Chirag Duhan in the quarterfinals of the HPCL-Mittal $15,000 ITF men's tennis tournament in Chandigarh. After dropping the first set 4-6, Ramanathan rallied to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-4, securing a hard-fought victory.In the first set, Duhan displayed impressive form, taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout. However, Ramanathan's experience and composure came to the fore in the second set. He broke Duhan's serve twice and dominated the set, leveling the match.The third set proved to be the most intense, with both players trading blows. Duhan surged ahead 3-1, but Ramanathan refused to be deterred. He fought back with determination, winning five consecutive games to seal the victory.In the semifinals, Ramanathan will face Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam, who defeated Thanapet Chanta of Thailand in straight sets. Top seed Khumoyun Sultanov also advanced to the semifinals after a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Siddharth Vishwakarma. S. Mukund completed the semifinal lineup with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory over Bang Shuo Yin.In doubles, Siddhant Banthia and Karan Singh upset second seeds Manish Sureshkumar and Vishnu Vardhan in straight sets. They will now face the Korean duo of Yunseok Jang and Woobin Shin in the title clash.

Grand Slam Showdown: Sabalenka, Badosa, Osaka, Svitolina, Medvedev Headline Friday's MatchesFriday's Grand Slam action promises thrilling encounters as close friends Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa face off, while former world No. 1s Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina clash in a battle of experience. Defending champion Daniil Medvedev also takes to the court against Marton Fucsovics.Sabalenka vs. Badosa: A Clash of Close FriendsSabalenka and Badosa, tied at 2-2 in their head-to-head record, will meet for the fifth time in their careers. Sabalenka has gained momentum in recent years, while Badosa has faced injuries and is seeking to rediscover her form. Despite the competitive nature of the match, their friendship will prevail regardless of the outcome.Osaka vs. Svitolina: A Battle of VeteransOsaka and Svitolina, both mothers, bring maturity and experience to their match. Osaka is gradually regaining her form after a break from the tour, while Svitolina has quickly returned to the Top 20 after her own hiatus. Their even head-to-head record suggests a close battle, with Svitolina's aggressive baseline game posing a challenge to Osaka's precise shot selection.Medvedev vs. Fucsovics: Medvedev Seeks Title DefenseMedvedev, the defending champion, faces Fucsovics, who has yet to make a significant breakthrough on tour. Medvedev holds a 3-1 advantage in their head-to-head record, but Fucsovics pushed him to four sets in their last encounter. Medvedev will draw on his experience and positive memories at Hard Rock Stadium to defend his title.

Daniil Medvedev: Balancing Fatherhood and Tennis Success with Wife's SacrificesDaniil Medvedev, the reigning Miami Open champion, has opened up about the challenges and rewards of balancing fatherhood with his tennis career. The Russian star, who welcomed daughter Alisa with wife Daria in October 2022, credits his wife's sacrifices for enabling him to maintain his on-court success."As a player, I don't think (fatherhood) has changed me, to be honest," Medvedev said. "But hopefully it helps me mature, a little bit. Many times I'm still immature on the court, but I feel like I'm improving slowly every year."Medvedev acknowledges the significant role his wife plays in their daughter's upbringing, especially when he is traveling for tournaments. "It's not easy with tennis, because if you want to see your daughter a lot, then your wife has to sacrifice a lot," he explained. "She has to travel with the baby, and many times it's her taking the plane and not me. Being on a plane with a baby is not easy."Despite the challenges, Medvedev believes that fatherhood has brought out a new side of him. "It's a balance. Sometimes my wife sacrifices some of her time and energy to come to the tournaments with our daughter. Me, I have to practice less somewhere, or maybe during the tournament I just have to find the time," he said. "Before I would be in full tennis mode. Now, I have to find the balance to see my daughter also, otherwise it's not a good life, I would say!"Medvedev's wife, Daria, has been a constant presence at his matches throughout his rise to the top of the ATP rankings. Fans have also been treated to glimpses of their family life, including Alisa's adorable moments with her godfather, Andrey Rublev, and her hilarious reaction to seeing a poster of her father.As Medvedev prepares to defend his Miami Open title, he is grateful for the support of his wife and the balance she has helped him achieve. "I'm trying. I think I'm doing well, but I'm always trying to find this balance," he said.

Anhelina Kalinina's remarkable comeback against Caroline Wozniacki at the Miami Open on Thursday showcased the Ukrainian's resilience and determination. Trailing 5-7, 5-4, and facing a match point, Kalinina rallied to win the final five games of the second set and ultimately triumph 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.Wozniacki, a former world number one who retired in 2020, returned to tennis last year after giving birth to two children. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in Indian Wells earlier this month, she was forced to retire against Iga Swiatek due to a foot injury.In other women's matches, Beatriz Haddad Maia overcame a slow start to defeat Diane Parry 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, while Katie Boulter advanced when Brenda Fruhvirtova retired from their match. Maria Sakkari, Taylor Townsend, Anna Kalinskaya, and Madison Keys also secured victories.On the men's side, Kei Nishikori's return to the ATP Tour after a lengthy absence ended in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Sebastian Ofner. The 12-time ATP Tour champion admitted to feeling the difference between practice and match play.Felix-Auger Aliassime, a Canadian hardcourt specialist, defeated Adam Walton 7-5, 6-4. The 32 seeded players received first-round byes, with Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed in the women's draw, set to face Paula Badosa on Friday.

Tennis Stars Dive into the Deep with Dolphin Sound ChallengeInspired by the iconic mascot of the Miami Dolphins football team, Tennis Channel has introduced a unique challenge for ATP and WTA players competing at the Miami Open. Held at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Dolphins, players were tasked with showcasing their best dolphin impressions.The challenge sparked a range of reactions, with some players embracing the opportunity to unleash their inner marine mammals. Others, however, seemed less enthusiastic about the task.Among the standout performers was American tennis star John Isner, who delivered an impressive dolphin sound that earned him high praise from the commentators. Other notable participants included Stefanos Tsitsipas, who attempted a more subtle approach, and Naomi Osaka, who opted for a playful rendition.While not all players were equally adept at dolphin impersonations, the challenge provided a lighthearted moment during the intense competition of the Miami Open. It also highlighted the playful spirit and camaraderie among the players.The dolphin sound challenge has become a viral sensation on social media, with fans sharing their reactions and favorite impressions. It has also sparked a debate about which player delivered the most authentic dolphin sound.Whether you're a tennis enthusiast or simply enjoy a good laugh, the dolphin sound challenge is a must-see. It's a testament to the creativity and humor that can be found in the world of professional sports.

The "Sunshine Swing" presents a formidable challenge for tennis players, with the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open following in quick succession. This year, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek aim to conquer both tournaments, a feat made even more arduous by the significant differences between the two events.The eight-hour travel time and three-time zone shift between Palm Springs and Miami pose logistical hurdles. The contrasting climates, from the desert heat of Indian Wells to the humid South Florida conditions, can also impact performance.However, players have identified another significant challenge: the change in tennis balls. In Indian Wells, ATP players used Penn balls, while in Miami, they switch to Dunlop. The differences between the two balls are so pronounced that players find it difficult to compare the conditions between tournaments.Taylor Fritz, the No. 12 seed in Miami, emphasized the impact of the ball change. "It's a night and day difference," he said. "It's impossible to compare one tournament to another because the balls are different."Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, expressed concerns about the potential for wrist injuries due to the frequent ball changes. "The balls are very heavy," she said. "I don't think it's great for any of the players' wrists, but especially mine."Jessica Pegula, the No. 5 seed in Miami, highlighted the logistical challenges of adjusting to different balls. "It's not ideal," she said. "We're all feeling the same thing."Daniil Medvedev, the World No. 3, acknowledged the mental toll of the constant changes. "Every small detail can have a big impact," he said. "You start questioning even more: these balls, this court, this let."The issue of tennis ball consistency has been a topic of debate for years. Last year, Iga Swiatek advocated for a switch to heavier balls at the US Open to reduce injuries. However, the move received mixed reviews.Players like Jessica Pegula believe that a consistent ball would allow them to adapt more effectively. "I would just rather have a consistent ball," she said. "If we could just at least keep the same ball every single week, then we could at least get a handle on that variable."

Andy Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion, will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open on Friday, March 22. Murray is seeking to break a two-match losing streak against Etcheverry, who has been in impressive form on clay courts. However, Etcheverry will be playing his first hard-court match since February, which could give Murray an advantage.Murray has been in solid form lately, defeating Matteo Berrettini in straight sets in his previous match. The Scot is known for his exceptional baseline play and court coverage, which could pose a challenge for Etcheverry. Murray's ability to extract mistakes from his opponents and his accurate first serve could prove crucial in this matchup.Etcheverry, on the other hand, has a powerful baseline game and has defeated Murray twice in their previous encounters. However, his lack of recent match play on hard courts could be a significant factor. Rust can affect even the most skilled players, and Murray's relentless style of play could make it difficult for Etcheverry to find his rhythm.The oddsmakers have Etcheverry as the favorite, but Murray's recent form and Etcheverry's lack of match play make the Scot a tempting underdog. Murray's experience and ability to grind out matches could give him the edge in this encounter.

Taylor Townsend's unwavering self-belief and relentless hard work are paying dividends on the tennis court. The American left-hander has been on a roll, qualifying for back-to-back WTA 1000 events and delivering impressive performances.In a recent interview with Tennis Channel's Prakash Amritraj, Townsend emphasized the importance of self-love and positive self-talk. "I'm gonna be my best friend, not my worst enemy," she declared.Townsend's determination was evident in her dominant display at the Miami Open, where she dispatched No. 25 seed Elise Mertens in straight sets. Even an untimely rain delay couldn't dampen her spirits."I just feel incredibly prepared," Townsend said. "I've been working really hard, and now things have started to fall in place."Townsend's recent success is a testament to her unwavering belief in her abilities. "I know that I have everything I need to be a top player in the world," she stated. "I'm playing with that belief."Townsend's goal is to win three main-draw matches in a 1000-level draw for the first time in her career. She has previously reached the third round of Miami as a qualifier in 2017 and also advanced to the same stage at Rome and Guadalajara last season.With her win over Mertens, Townsend is likely to return to the Top 70. She could potentially face last year's finalist Elena Rybakina in the next round, providing her with an opportunity to test her level against one of the game's top players.Townsend's journey is an inspiration to all athletes. Her unwavering self-belief and relentless work ethic serve as a reminder that anything is possible with determination and a positive mindset.

Mirra Andreeva, the rising star of tennis, recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The 16-year-old Russian shared her awe-inspiring experience on social media, posting a video and photos that captured her every moment at the iconic campus.Andreeva's visit included a tour of the sprawling complex, where she marveled at the buildings named after legendary athletes like Michael Jordan, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, and Serena Williams. She also got a glimpse of historic sports memorabilia, including kits and trophies that showcased the rich legacy of the brand.Despite her recent withdrawal from the Miami Open due to arm tendonitis, Andreeva's enthusiasm for the sport was evident throughout her visit. She tried on her upcoming apparel, shot hoops, and hit forehands for the cameras, demonstrating her passion and dedication to tennis.Andreeva's trip to Nike came after a challenging start to her sophomore season. After reaching the quarterfinals in Brisbane and the fourth round of the Australian Open, she suffered back-to-back first-round exits in Dubai and Indian Wells. However, her visit to the Nike headquarters provided a much-needed boost of inspiration and motivation.As she gears up for the clay season, where she made her breakthrough run to the Madrid Open fourth round last year, Andreeva is determined to return to form. Her visit to Nike has undoubtedly fueled her desire to succeed and reach even greater heights in the sport.