Tennis

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make a rare appearance in a WTA qualifying match this weekend at the Cincinnati Open. The former world No. 1, who is currently ranked No. 95, will face Anna Blinkova on Sunday in an attempt to secure a spot in the main draw of the WTA 1000 event.Osaka's return to qualifying marks a significant milestone in her comeback season after her 2023 maternity leave. The 26-year-old has been steadily climbing the rankings since her return in January, when she was ranked No. 833.The main-draw cut-off for direct entry into the tournament was world No. 49 Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria. However, Osaka's determination to regain her former glory is evident in her willingness to play through qualifying.Should Osaka defeat Blinkova, she will face either her compatriot Moyuka Uchijima or 20-year-old American Ashlyn Krueger for a place in the main draw. Osaka last played qualifying in Doha in 2018, seven months before winning her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.Osaka's journey back to the top of the game has been marked by both challenges and resilience. Despite suffering some tough losses, she remains committed to her goal. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get back to where I feel like I deserve to be," she said.The Cincinnati Open features a star-studded field, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Defending champion Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula are also among the top seeds.Osaka's performance in Cincinnati will be closely watched as she continues her quest to regain her status as one of the world's best tennis players.

Amanda Anisimova's remarkable resurgence continued on Saturday as she stunned world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto. The victory marks Anisimova's first WTA 1000-level semifinal appearance and her first Top 10 win since 2022.Anisimova, who took a break from the tour in 2023 to prioritize her mental health, displayed impressive resilience and determination throughout the match. She saved all five break points she faced in the first set and broke Sabalenka's serve twice to take the set 6-4.The second set was equally impressive for Anisimova. After losing her serve early, she responded with five consecutive game wins to seal the victory. Her aggressive play and consistent groundstrokes proved too much for Sabalenka, who was visibly frustrated throughout the match.Anisimova's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has now defeated Sabalenka five times in their seven career meetings, including their last encounter at the Australian Open earlier this year."I'm just really happy to be out here," Anisimova said after the match. "I've had a lot of matches in the last couple of weeks, and it's honestly been so nice just being able to play day after day."Anisimova's performance in Toronto has significantly boosted her ranking. She entered the tournament ranked No. 132 but is projected to return to the Top 70 regardless of her result in the semifinals.In the semifinals, Anisimova will face fellow American Emma Navarro, who also reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal with a victory over Taylor Townsend. An American is guaranteed to reach the final in Canada for the second consecutive year.

Andrey Rublev has achieved a remarkable milestone in his tennis career by becoming the seventh player born in 1990 or later to complete the set of Masters 1000 quarterfinals. With his straight-set victory over Brandon Nakashima at the National Bank Open, Rublev has now reached the last eight at all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.This accomplishment is a testament to Rublev's consistency and ability to perform at the highest level on different surfaces. He has reached the semifinals of Indian Wells and Miami, won the prestigious Monte Carlo and Madrid titles, and reached the finals of Cincinnati and Shanghai.Rublev's success is not limited to the Masters 1000 events. He has also reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams, making him one of the most well-rounded players on the tour. His best results at the majors include reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open three times, the French Open twice, Wimbledon once, and the US Open four times.By completing both the Masters 1000 and Grand Slam quarterfinals sets, Rublev has joined an elite group of players born in 1990 or later. Only Grigor Dimitrov and Daniil Medvedev have achieved this feat before him.Rublev's rise to the top has been impressive. Born in 1997, he has quickly established himself as one of the most promising players in the world. His powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play have made him a formidable opponent for any player.As Rublev continues to improve and gain experience, he will undoubtedly be a contender for major titles in the years to come. His recent success at the National Bank Open is a sign that he is ready to take the next step in his career and challenge for the biggest prizes in tennis.

Montreal Masters: Sinner and Rublev Set for Heavyweight Quarterfinal ClashMontreal, Canada - The National Bank Open in Montreal is set for a thrilling Saturday night showdown as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and world No. 8 Andrey Rublev, two of the top players in the world, will face off in a heavyweight quarterfinal clash.Both Sinner and Rublev advanced to the last eight with impressive victories earlier in the day. Sinner, the defending champion, extended his winning streak in Canada to six matches with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over No. 15 seed Alejandro Tabilo of Chile. Rublev, meanwhile, raced into the quarterfinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over American Brandon Nakashima.Rublev's victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as he completed the boxed set of quarterfinals at ATP Masters 1000 level. Despite having reached the last eight at all eight other Masters 1000 events, he had never before progressed this far in Canada.In the other quarterfinal on Saturday night, resurgent Japanese star Kei Nishikori will take on 23-year-old Italian Matteo Arnaldi. Nishikori, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, sealed his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal berth since 2019 with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Portugal's Nuno Borges. Arnaldi, meanwhile, reached his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal when Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired with Arnaldi ahead 4-6, 7-6(5), 3-0.In delayed second-round action, No. 4 seed Hubert Hurkacz made a winning return from a knee injury that he suffered at Wimbledon, while Washington, D.C. champion Sebastian Korda extended his winning streak to seven matches. Hurkacz outlasted Australian Thanasi Kokkinaki 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) in the second round, while Korda received a walkover into the third round after No. 6 seed Casper Ruud withdrew from their anticipated clash due to illness.The Montreal Masters is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several top players still in contention for the title. The Sinner-Rublev quarterfinal promises to be a particularly intriguing matchup, as both players are in excellent form and will be eager to prove their worth on the hard courts of Canada.

Tennis Canada's "Game. Set. Equity." Campaign: A Purple Haze for Gender EqualityTennis Canada has transformed its prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events in Montreal and Toronto into a vibrant canvas for gender equity advocacy. The national governing body has adorned the umpires' chairs with the iconic purple hue of International Women's Day, symbolizing its unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in and beyond the sport.This initiative is not merely a cosmetic gesture but a comprehensive strategy that has already yielded tangible results. Tennis Canada's "Game. Set. Equity." campaign, launched as part of its post-pandemic recovery efforts, has evolved into a holistic approach to advancing gender equality throughout the Canadian tennis ecosystem."The message is clear: the umpire's chair sits atop our sport, where we believe all women and girls have a place," Tennis Canada declared in a statement. CEO Gavin Ziv emphasized, "Our commitment is crystal clear. We want to move gender equity forward across the Canadian tennis ecosystem and will continue to build awareness of our initiatives in order to do so."The campaign has received a significant boost from a 10-year sponsorship from National Bank. According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the partnership has already supported over 2,000 women and girls in nearly 40 events across Canada. A substantial $50,000 has been invested in grassroots gender equity initiatives, and the Canadian events have pledged to offer equal prize money by 2027.Thursday marked a special day dedicated to promoting gender equity at both tournaments. On-site activations, special guests, and the illumination of Montreal's Olympic Stadium Tower in purple highlighted the occasion. This event followed Tennis Canada's third annual conference for gender equity in sports, aptly titled "Unmatched." Venus Williams, a trailblazer in securing equal prize money for women at Wimbledon, delivered the keynote address.Tennis Canada's "Game. Set. Equity." campaign is a testament to the organization's unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable sport. By using its high-profile tournaments as a platform for advocacy, Tennis Canada is inspiring change and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond.

Naomi Osaka's preparations for the US Open hit a snag when United Airlines misplaced her luggage, threatening her participation in the Cincinnati Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to express her concern, tagging the airline and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.United Airlines promptly responded, promising assistance. Within three hours, the airline confirmed that Osaka's bags had been located. The tournament's transportation team then retrieved the luggage, and Osaka announced its recovery on Saturday morning.Osaka's luggage contained essential gear for her US Open preparations. She is scheduled to play in the main draw of the WTA 1000 tournament in Mason, Ohio, which begins Tuesday. Osaka reached the quarterfinals in Cincinnati in 2019 and won the event in 2020, albeit at a different venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Cincinnati Open is a crucial tournament for Osaka as she aims to regain her form ahead of the US Open. She suffered a second-round loss to Elise Mertens in Toronto and will be eager to bounce back in Cincinnati.Osaka's luggage mishap highlights the importance of efficient baggage handling for athletes traveling to tournaments. Lost or delayed luggage can disrupt training schedules and affect performance. United Airlines' prompt response and the tournament's assistance ensured that Osaka's preparations were not derailed.

The Cincinnati Masters 1000, formerly known as the Western & Southern Open, has long been regarded as a significant US Open tune-up tournament. However, under new ownership and with extensive renovations underway, the event is evolving into a standalone mega-event.Tournament director Bob Moran emphasizes that the focus is now on Cincinnati itself, rather than as a stepping stone to the US Open. This shift in marketing strategy aims to establish the tournament as a premier destination in its own right, comparable to the Indian Wells Masters 1000.The tournament boasts an impressive player field, with all the top men and women competing. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the 2023 Australian Open and Channel Slam winners, respectively, lead the men's field. Iga Swiatek, the WTA No. 1, seeks to avenge her loss to Coco Gauff in last year's semifinal.The tournament's history is marked by its longevity and deep roots in Cincinnati. Despite the USTA's initial plans to sell the event, a grassroots movement led by patrons and civic leaders secured a deal to keep the tournament in Cincinnati for the next 25 years.Extensive renovations are underway, including new stadium and grandstand seats, upgraded outside courts, and improved infrastructure. Despite these upgrades, the tournament aims to retain its intimate atmosphere while addressing issues such as heat, shade, and aesthetics.The Cincinnati Open has faced criticism for its lack of amenities and dining options in the past. However, the Mason area has grown and now offers a wider range of attractions and dining experiences.Despite initial concerns about a potential move to Charleston, the Cincinnati Open has emerged stronger than ever. With its new ownership, renovations, and player support, the tournament is poised to become a standalone mega-event while continuing its role as a key US Open tune-up.

Diana Shnaider's meteoric rise in the tennis world continues to astound, as the 20-year-old Russian left-hander has now claimed a Top 10 scalp in the form of Coco Gauff. In a stunning display of poise and precision, Shnaider toppled the No. 1 seed 6-4, 6-1 in the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto, marking her first quarterfinal appearance at a WTA 1000 event.Shnaider, a former three-time junior doubles Grand Slam champion, has made rapid strides in her professional career since establishing a Top 100 ranking while playing college tennis at North Carolina State University. This year alone, she has captured three singles titles, including a 500-level triumph on grass in Berlin, and has ascended to the Top 50 and Top 40 in the rankings.Her victory over Gauff, who had previously been undefeated against players younger than her, was a testament to Shnaider's growing maturity and tactical acumen. Windy conditions played a significant role in Gauff's downfall, as she committed a staggering 42 unforced errors, nearly double that of Shnaider.Shnaider, known for her powerful groundstrokes, maintained a consistent and deep hitting strategy, forcing Gauff into numerous mistimed shots and serves. Gauff's struggles were evident in her eight double faults and three breaks of serve, while Shnaider remained unyielding on her own serve, facing only one break point."I think she kind of knew to just stay steady because I was giving her a lot of errors," Gauff acknowledged after the match. "She normally hits big when I see her play, but I think today I was just giving her too many errors, so it wasn't necessary for her to do that."Shnaider's victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash with No. 6 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets. Samsonova, a finalist in Toronto last year, will pose a formidable challenge for Shnaider, but the Russian has proven time and again that she is capable of rising to the occasion.

Novak Djokovic's Olympic gold medal victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris was a cathartic moment in his illustrious career. The Serbian legend's triumph evoked memories of Serena Williams' own Olympic gold medal win in 2012, highlighting their shared greatness.Djokovic's victory was hard-fought, as he battled through a knee injury and faced a determined Alcaraz. However, the 37-year-old displayed his trademark resilience, refusing to let his younger opponent gain the upper hand. In the crucial moments, Djokovic's experience and unwavering belief in himself shone through.Like Serena, Djokovic has a knack for seizing the moment. In the Olympics, where there is no tomorrow, both athletes have demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver their best performances.Serena's dominance in 2012 was unparalleled, as she lost only eight games in her last four matches. Djokovic's path to gold was more arduous, but he ultimately achieved his goal, completing his career Golden Slam.Despite their different journeys, both Djokovic and Serena share a common trait: their ability to turn the tide of a match when it seems like they are on the verge of defeat. Against Tsitsipas and Alcaraz, Djokovic displayed this resilience, saving break points and winning tiebreakers to secure victory.Serena was known for her ability to lose first sets but then dominate her opponents in the following sets. Djokovic's wins at the Olympics may not have been as dramatic, but he showed a similar determination to win when it mattered most.Djokovic's victory in Paris was a testament to his greatness. When the moment of truth arrived, he knew he would not lose. This is the mark of a true GOAT, an athlete who can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.