Tennis

In a thrilling WTA 500 Guadalajara Open Akron, qualifier Olivia Gadecki and No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech have emerged as the finalists, setting the stage for a captivating championship match on Sunday.Gadecki, a 22-year-old Australian mentored by former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, has made history by reaching her first WTA singles final. Her impressive run began with two qualifying wins, followed by victories over former US Open champion Sloane Stephens and No. 2 seed Danielle Collins. In the semifinals, she dispatched Camila Osorio 6-2, 6-3, extending her winning streak to six matches.Frech, ranked No. 43, has also had a remarkable tournament. She rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the first set and a 3-0 deficit in the second set to defeat former world No. 4 Caroline Garcia in the semifinals. This victory marks her first singles final appearance on tour in over a year.Both Gadecki and Frech are guaranteed to make history in the final. Gadecki will break into the Top 100 for the first time, regardless of the outcome. Frech, meanwhile, is assured of a Top 40 ranking, also regardless of the result.The Guadalajara Open has been a tournament of upsets, with five former Top 10 players among the Top 8 seeds. However, Gadecki and Frech have proven their mettle, showcasing their resilience and determination.Sunday's final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two rising stars. Gadecki's aggressive style and Frech's ability to overcome adversity will make for a captivating match.

Argentina has secured a spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 after a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Finland in Manchester. The Argentines, who last reached the quarterfinals in 2018, overcame a challenging Group D that included a loss to defending champion Canada.Tomas Martin Etcheverry opened the tie with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Eero Vasa, while Francisco Cerundolo battled past Otto Virtanen 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-0. The doubles pair of Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni sealed the victory with a 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Patrick Kaukovalta and Harri Heliovaara.Argentina's victory puts pressure on host Britain, who must defeat Canada 3-0 on Sunday to advance.In other Group D action, Brazil kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Belgium. Joao Fonseca and Thiago Monteiro secured three-set victories, but the doubles match went to Belgium. Brazil can still qualify if the Netherlands lose 3-0 to Italy on Sunday.In Group C, the United States earned a seeding in the Final 8 by topping Germany 2-1. Reilly Opelka saved two match points to defeat Henri Squire, while Brandon Nakashima cruised past Maximilian Marterer. The Americans lost their first point in nine matches when Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram fell to Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in doubles.In Group B, France defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in a tie between teams already eliminated. The victory was sealed by a doubles win for France.

Venus Williams, the legendary tennis champion, has embarked on a new mission to empower others with her health and wellness journey. Her recently released book, "Strive," encapsulates her eight essential tenets that have guided her through her illustrious career and beyond.Williams's health journey began in 2011 when she was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the body's moisture-producing glands. This diagnosis forced her to re-evaluate her approach to health and wellness, leading her to develop a holistic approach that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being.In "Strive," Williams shares her eight core tenets: observe, appreciate, balance, enrich, soothe, believe, and inspire. These principles have been instrumental in her ability to overcome challenges, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and achieve success both on and off the court.Williams emphasizes the importance of self-observation and self-awareness in her book. By paying attention to her body and mind, she has been able to identify her needs and make informed decisions about her health. She also stresses the power of gratitude, encouraging readers to appreciate the good things in their lives and to focus on the positive aspects of their health journey.Balance is another key tenet for Williams. She believes in finding a harmonious equilibrium between different aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal time. By prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, she has been able to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.Enrichment is also essential for Williams. She encourages readers to engage in activities that nourish their minds, bodies, and souls. This can include reading, learning new skills, or spending time in nature. By enriching her life with meaningful experiences, Williams has found greater purpose and fulfillment.Soothing is another important aspect of Williams's wellness routine. She emphasizes the importance of taking time for relaxation and stress reduction. Whether it's through meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones, Williams believes in the power of self-care to promote overall well-being.Belief is a fundamental tenet for Williams. She encourages readers to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their health goals. By setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories, she has been able to maintain a positive mindset and overcome obstacles.Finally, Williams emphasizes the importance of inspiration. She believes that surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people can make a significant difference in one's health journey. By connecting with others who share similar values and goals, Williams has found motivation and encouragement to stay on track.Through her book, Williams hopes to inspire others to embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness. By sharing her personal experiences and insights, she aims to empower readers to make smart choices, develop healthy habits, and live their best lives.

Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious tennis star, recently faced a unique challenge: an interview conducted by his fellow ATP peers. In a lighthearted Q&A session, Alcaraz's fellow players grilled him on various aspects of his on-court and off-court life.Jannik Sinner, the Italian rising star, inquired about the development of Alcaraz's signature drop shot. Alcaraz humorously responded that he was "super skinny" as a child, implying that his agility and finesse on the court were not always evident.Daniil Medvedev, known for his aggressive playing style, asked if Alcaraz's attacking tendencies were present even in his childhood. Alcaraz confirmed that his aggressive approach has been a constant throughout his tennis journey.Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion, quizzed Alcaraz about his favorite sneakers. Alcaraz expressed his preference for Air Jordan 1s, which he has been wearing extensively lately.Grigor Dimitrov, the stylish Bulgarian player, jokingly asked Alcaraz, the Louis Vuitton ambassador, if he could secure a discount on the brand's pricey products. Alcaraz responded with a laugh, acknowledging his lack of influence in that regard.Casper Ruud, Alcaraz's 2022 US Open final opponent, asked about his dream foursome for a round of golf. Alcaraz named former Masters winner John Rahm and Rafael Nadal, his idol and fellow Spaniard.Hubert Hurkacz, the Polish player, posed a thought-provoking question: what goes through Alcaraz's mind during matches. Alcaraz replied with a wry grin, "I'm thinking just to enjoy. I'm thinking about making good shots, drop shots, go to the net, playing great tennis."Alcaraz's responses throughout the interview showcased his wit, humility, and passion for the sport. The Q&A session provided a glimpse into the camaraderie and respect among the ATP players, as well as Alcaraz's unique personality and approach to tennis.

Novak Djokovic made a triumphant return to competitive tennis, crushing Greek player Ioannis Xilas 6-0, 6-1 in the Davis Cup World Group I tie on Saturday. The victory marked Djokovic's first match since his shock third-round exit at the US Open.Playing in front of his home crowd at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Djokovic displayed his dominance from the outset. He lost just 15 points in the entire match, showcasing his exceptional form and determination to bounce back from his recent setback.Djokovic's victory gave Serbia a 2-0 lead on Day 1 of the two-day tie against Greece. World No. 53 Miomir Kecmanovic had earlier opened the tie with a 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 713 Aristotelis Thanos.The Greek team was without their star player Stefanos Tsitsipas, who withdrew ahead of the tie due to a back injury. Despite Tsitsipas' absence, Greece put up a spirited fight, but they were ultimately outmatched by the superior quality of the Serbian team.The tie between Greece and Serbia was one of 12 promotional ties taking place this weekend. The 12 winning nations from the World Group I ties will qualify for the 2025 Davis Cup qualifying round next winter.Djokovic's performance in Belgrade was a clear indication that he is back to his best and ready to challenge for more Grand Slam titles. The Serbian maestro will be looking to add to his record-breaking tally of 21 Grand Slams when the Australian Open gets underway in January.

India's Davis Cup hopes suffered a setback as they fell 0-2 behind Sweden in the World Group I tie on Saturday. N Sriram Balaji and Ramkumar Ramanathan were both defeated in straight sets in the opening singles matches.Balaji, a doubles specialist, was outplayed by Elias Ymer 6-4, 6-2. The Indian struggled to keep up with Ymer's powerful groundstrokes and was broken twice in each set.Ramkumar, a more experienced Davis Cupper, was expected to level the tie against Leo Borg, the son of legendary Bjorn Borg. However, the 21-year-old Borg proved to be a formidable opponent, winning 6-3, 6-3.Ramkumar's challenge fell apart in just 58 minutes. He failed to find a way past Borg's solid serve and consistent groundstrokes. The Indian also made several unforced errors, which proved costly.India now face an uphill battle to win the tie. They need to win all three remaining matches on Sunday, including the doubles and two reverse singles.Captain Rohit Rajpal has a tough decision to make regarding the doubles pairing. Balaji and Ramkumar could be given another chance, but Niki Poonacha may also be considered.India have a history of overcoming 0-2 deficits in Davis Cup ties. They beat Brazil in 2010 and China in 2018 after trailing 0-2. However, they will need to produce a special performance to do so again against Sweden.

Tavish Pahwa Triumphs in Colombo, Secures Maiden ITF Junior TitleColombo, September 14, 2024: Indian tennis prodigy Tavish Pahwa etched his name in the annals of junior tennis history by capturing his maiden ITF junior title in Colombo on Saturday. The 14-year-old sensation displayed remarkable consistency and determination throughout the tournament, not dropping a single set en route to the championship.Pahwa's journey to the title began with a dominant 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over second seed Luke Koh of Singapore in the semifinals. In the final, he faced Roman Kulpin of Russia, a formidable opponent who had also impressed in the tournament. However, Pahwa's unwavering focus and aggressive play proved too much for Kulpin, as he secured a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory.Pahwa's triumph marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning tennis career. Having started playing ITF juniors in March 2023, he has quickly established himself as a rising star in the sport. His exceptional ball control, powerful groundstrokes, and unwavering mental fortitude have earned him widespread recognition.In addition to Pahwa's singles success, India also celebrated a doubles victory in Colombo. Vraj Gohil, partnering with Miguel Iglupas of the Philippines, overcame Venkat Batlanki and Juliusz Stanczyk in a thrilling three-set encounter, 3-6, 6-4, [10-4].The ITF junior tournament in Colombo provided a valuable platform for young tennis players to showcase their skills and gain international experience. Pahwa's victory is a testament to the growing strength of Indian tennis and the bright future that lies ahead for the sport in the country.

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's third-ranked tennis player, has shown signs of regaining his form after a disappointing US swing. Playing in front of a home crowd in Valencia, Alcaraz helped Spain secure a spot in the Final 8 of the Davis Cup Finals with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over France's Ugo Humbert.Alcaraz's performance was a welcome sight for Spanish fans, who have witnessed a dip in his form since winning the US Open in September. The 21-year-old struggled in Cincinnati and the US Open, losing to Gael Monfils and Botic van de Zandschulp, respectively.However, Alcaraz looked sharp against Humbert, saving all six break points he faced and hitting 12 forehand winners. He credited the team atmosphere for his improved play, saying, "I need being with the team, all the players, all the staff from the federation. Seeing them cheering me always in every point, every match… I need this atmosphere, these kind of matches that I feel like I’m not playing alone."Alcaraz's victory was preceded by a hard-fought win by Roberto Bautista Agut over Arthur Fils. Bautista Agut rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, securing Spain's place in the knockout stage alongside Australia.Alcaraz will now turn his attention to the Laver Cup in Berlin, where he will make his debut for Team Europe. He will then embark on an Asian swing, hoping to regain his top form and challenge for more Grand Slam titles.

Naomi Osaka and coach Wim Fissette have parted ways for the second time, the former world No. 1 announced on social media. The split comes after a four-year partnership that yielded two Grand Slam titles for Osaka.Osaka hired Fissette ahead of the 2020 season, and they won the US Open that year and the Australian Open in 2021. However, they split in the summer of 2022, with Osaka citing a need for a change.They reunited last year as Osaka returned to tennis after the birth of her daughter. However, Osaka's results have been disappointing since her comeback, with the Japanese star failing to reach the second round of any Grand Slam tournament this year.Osaka's announcement came amid reports that she has been training with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. Mouratoglou has a reputation for working with top players, and his addition to Osaka's team could signal a renewed push for Grand Slam glory.Osaka's split with Fissette is the latest in a series of coaching changes for the Japanese star. She has previously been coached by her father, Leonard Francis, and Sascha Baijin, with whom she won two Grand Slam titles.It remains to be seen who will replace Fissette as Osaka's coach. However, the Japanese star will be hoping that a new partnership can help her rediscover her best form and challenge for more Grand Slam titles.