Tennis

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against an independent tribunal's decision to clear world number one Jannik Sinner of wrongdoing after he failed drug tests.WADA's appeal stems from the tribunal's finding that Sinner bore "no fault or negligence" for the presence of a metabolite of clostebol in his system. The agency contends that this finding is incorrect under the applicable rules and is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years for the Italian tennis star.Sinner provided an in-competition sample at the Indian Wells Masters on March 10, 2024, which contained low levels of the metabolite. A further sample, conducted eight days later out of competition, also tested positive for low levels of the same metabolite.The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) initially ruled that Sinner was not at fault for the positive tests, explaining that the substance had entered his system through contamination from a support team member who had been applying an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol to their own skin.However, WADA believes that the tribunal's decision was flawed and that Sinner should be held responsible for the presence of the banned substance in his system. The agency's appeal to CAS will seek to overturn the tribunal's ruling and impose a period of ineligibility on Sinner.If WADA's appeal is successful, Sinner could face a significant suspension from tennis. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the sport, winning the Australian Open and the U.S. Open this year. A suspension would derail his promising career and cast a shadow over his achievements.The outcome of WADA's appeal will be closely watched by the tennis world and the wider sporting community. It will set a precedent for how anti-doping cases are handled in the future and could have implications for other athletes who test positive for banned substances.

In a thrilling encounter at the Tokyo Open, Tomas Machac overcame a spirited challenge from Tommy Paul to secure a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory and advance to the quarterfinals.Machac, ranked 34th in the world, found himself trailing for much of the match against the fifth-seeded Paul. However, the Czech displayed remarkable resilience, particularly in the decisive tiebreaker, to snatch the victory.Paul, who was aiming to boost his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin, had several opportunities to seize control of the match. He squandered four break points in the opening game of the second set and missed three game points that could have leveled the score at 3-3.In the third set, Paul surged to a 3-0 lead and came within two points of victory at 5-4, deuce. But Machac refused to surrender, delivering pinpoint serves when it mattered most.In the tiebreaker, Machac seized the initiative with a blistering backhand return up the line off Paul's second serve. He followed it up with a backhand drop volley and two powerful first serves to deny Paul any chance of a comeback."I had to play much better in the second set," Machac said after the match. "The third set was unbelievable from my side. It's tough conditions, but for me it's great. And cold."Machac's victory extended his impressive record against American opponents to 6-1 in tour-level main draws this season. He will now face Alex Michelsen in the semifinals, a player he defeated in the quarterfinals of the Geneva Open earlier this year.Michelsen, a 20-year-old qualifier from California, cruised past Christopher O'Connell 6-1, 6-4 to set up the clash with Machac. Michelsen saved all three break points he faced to reach his seventh quarterfinal of the year.

Wimbledon Expansion Plan Approved, Set to Transform Tennis LandscapeLondon's Greater London Authority has granted approval to the All England Club's ambitious plans to expand the Wimbledon site with 39 new tennis courts, including an 8,000-seat show court with a retractable roof. The expansion will significantly enhance the tournament's infrastructure and provide numerous benefits to the community.The project, which has faced some opposition from local residents over environmental concerns, will allow Wimbledon's qualifying tournament to be held on-site, eliminating the need to use the Roehampton Community Sports Centre. Additionally, the expansion will create a 23-acre public park on the former site of a private golf course, providing a green space for the community.The All England Club has pledged to minimize the environmental impact of the expansion and has promised to open at least seven grass courts for community use. The club's chair, Debbie Jevans, emphasized that the project will be "delivered with a meticulous attention to detail and the utmost respect for both our neighbors and the environment."The expansion is expected to have a transformative effect on Wimbledon, securing its future as a premier tennis destination. It will also provide a significant boost to the local economy, creating jobs and attracting visitors from around the world.London's deputy mayor for planning, Jules Pipe, acknowledged the concerns of local residents but ultimately concluded that "the proposed development would facilitate very significant benefits. I agree with my officers that these benefits clearly outweigh the harm."The All England Club is eager to begin work on the expansion and looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to bring the vision to life. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4, has announced her decision to sit out the remainder of the 2024 season to prioritize her mental health. In a lengthy message posted on social media, Garcia revealed that she has been struggling with a "toxic mindset" that has hindered her results and led to prolonged struggles with anxiety and panic attacks.Despite ending 2022 back at her career-high ranking thanks to a winning week at the WTA Finals, Garcia has struggled through the subsequent 24 months, falling outside the Top 20 and compiling a disappointing 17-16 record in 2024."My results didn't match the goals I set or the expectations I had," Garcia wrote. "The work, the sacrifices, the pain—it all felt the same as before, but the results weren't there, and I couldn't compete at the level I know I'm capable of. That's been really hard to accept."Garcia also revealed that she has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, which has further contributed to her struggles."For too long, I've let tennis consume me, ride the emotional highs and lows of every result," Garcia continued. "But I'm more than that. I'm a woman with values, talents, passions, flaws, and strengths. I'm not perfect, but I'm doing my best."Garcia's decision to sit out the remainder of the season was supported by her fiancé and podcast co-host, Borja Duran. She plans to return to action in January, in time for the Australian summer hard-court swing."When I eventually leave tennis behind, I want to look back and say I enjoyed the journey, I'm proud of myself, and I gave it my all," Garcia wrote. "And in the end, I won some pretty cool things along the way."

Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of tennis, has reached unprecedented heights in his illustrious career. Having shattered numerous records, including winning each major at least three times, Djokovic's legacy is secure. However, at 36 years old, the question arises: what's left to achieve?Despite not winning an ATP tournament in 2023, Djokovic's Olympic gold medal victory over Carlos Alcaraz stands as a testament to his unwavering determination. The Serbian poured his heart and soul into this triumph, which he cherishes deeply.Throughout the year, Djokovic's focus was laser-sharp on the Olympics. However, his path was not without obstacles. Early-round losses and a knee injury at Roland Garros threatened to derail his plans. Remarkably, he overcame these setbacks and reached the Wimbledon final, which served as a warm-up for the Games.In Paris, Djokovic thrived in the two-out-of-three set format, winning six matches without dropping a set. His victory over Rafael Nadal was a highlight, setting the stage for his gold-medal triumph.Post-Olympics, Djokovic's US Open title defense ended abruptly in the third round. He acknowledged the mental toll the Games had taken on him, affecting his performance.As the season draws to a close, Djokovic's future plans remain uncertain. One option is to rest and prepare for the 2025 Australian Open, where he could potentially win his 11th title. Alternatively, he may participate in upcoming events, knowing that the pressure to win is minimal.Regardless of his decision, Djokovic's legacy is secure. He has redefined the boundaries of tennis and inspired generations of players. His Olympic gold medal is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the enduring power of his game.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Grigor Dimitrov: A Love Match in the Making?Love Island and Traitors star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has sparked dating rumors with world No. 10 tennis player Grigor Dimitrov. The speculation began after the pair were spotted together in Paris and at various tennis events this summer.Cülcüloğlu initially appeared shocked when asked about the rumors on Watch What Happens Live, but later stated, "We're friends, we stay in touch, and that's my private life." However, British tabloid Daily Mail reported that the couple has been "secretly dating" since the US Open.Sources claim that Cülcüloğlu and Dimitrov have been keeping their relationship low-key, but their chemistry and affection for each other have been evident. The reality star has also been showing a newfound interest in tennis, attending Wimbledon and practicing at Dimitrov's training ground in Monte Carlo.Dimitrov, 33, has enjoyed a resurgence in his career this season, returning to the Top 10 and reaching two major quarterfinals. He has yet to comment on the dating rumors.If the rumors prove true, it could be a blow to Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev, who has reportedly been smitten with Cülcüloğlu.

In an unprecedented move, eight state tennis associations affiliated with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) have proposed a no-confidence motion against President Anil Jain. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) has been called for September 28 in New Delhi to address the motion.The move comes amidst allegations that Jain has misused AITA funds by traveling with his family abroad on multiple occasions. The state units that have proposed the motion include Assam, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura.If the no-confidence motion is passed, Jain will be removed as AITA President. This would mark the first time in Indian tennis history that the head of the federation has been removed in this manner.Jain, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, has denied the allegations and claims that the state units are targeting him because he advised them to follow the Sports Code during the upcoming elections. He has also stated that the EGM is illegal and that he will take legal action.However, officials from the state associations have stated that there are additional allegations against Jain and that the issue goes beyond the Sports Code. They have accused him of using his position for personal gains, including becoming a permanent trustee of the AITA Trust in his individual capacity.The state associations have expressed their determination to clean up the system and support the players. They believe that the upcoming elections will bring about a positive change in Indian tennis.

China's Zhang Shuai has emerged from a historic slump, snapping a 24-match losing streak that had plagued her since January 2023. Her resurgence began with a first-round victory over McCartney Kessler at the China Open, followed by a stunning upset of world No. 8 Emma Navarro in the second round.Zhang's triumph over Navarro marks her third win against a Top 10 player in her last four matches. Notably, she has not faced any Top 10 opponents during her losing streak. This victory is particularly significant as it comes 15 years after her first career Top 10 win over Dinara Safina at the 2009 China Open.Zhang's impressive record against Top 10 players includes eight wins on hard courts, six in Asia, and four in China, all of which have occurred in Beijing. Her current ranking of No. 595 is projected to rise back into the Top 450 following her recent victories.Zhang's resurgence is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has overcome a challenging period in her career and is now poised to make a strong comeback. Her next challenge will be in the third round of the China Open, where she will face either Anastasia Potapova or Greet Minnen.

Top-seeded Indian tennis duo Rithvik Bollipalli and Arjun Kadhe advanced to the semifinals of the $133,250 Challenger tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on Thursday. The pair defeated Gabriel Diallo of Canada and Seita Watanabe of Japan 7-6(3), 7-6(5) in a hard-fought doubles quarterfinal.Bollipalli and Kadhe displayed their resilience and determination throughout the match. In the first set, they faced a tough challenge from their opponents, who pushed them to a tiebreaker. However, the Indian duo remained composed and secured the set with a 7-3 victory in the tiebreaker.The second set was equally competitive, with both teams trading blows. Once again, the match went into a tiebreaker, where Bollipalli and Kadhe showcased their superior skills and closed out the set 7-5.Their victory sets up a semifinal clash against Toshihide Matsui of Japan and Ramkumar Ramanathan, who defeated Alejandro Moro Canas of Spain and Marco Trungelliti of Argentina 6-3, 6-4 in the other quarterfinal.In other results from the tournament, Max Houkes of the Netherlands defeated Siddhant Banthia of India 6-2, 6-0 in the singles pre-quarterfinals. Adil Kalyanpur overcame Bharath Kumaran 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, while Karan Singh edged out Denis Spiridon of Italy 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-4.In the doubles quarterfinals, Siddhant Banthia and Sai Karteek Reddy defeated Guy Iradukunda of Burundi and Mohamed Safwat of Egypt 6-3, 6-4. Aryan Lakshmanan and Roland Stuurman of the Netherlands beat Nikita Ianin and Grigoriy Lomakin of Kazakhstan 7-6(3), 7-6(5).