A Naomi Osaka vs Serena Williams semi-final is set in stone for Thursday after both were comfortable winners during their respective matchups, Aslan Karatsev’s record-breaking run in Melbourne has continued at an injured Grigor Dimitrov’s expense while defending champion Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down to beat Alexander Zverev in a chaotic four-set clash.
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Tag: Australian Open
Australian Open 2021: Injuries pile up as warm-up events draw to close
Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka are just three of the high-profile players who’ve withdrawn from their respective Australian Open warm-up events with niggling injuries as a precaution, just days before the year’s first Grand Slam gets underway in Melbourne. Continue reading
Australian Open 2021: Serena Williams reveals delay helped Achilles injury recovery
Serena Williams, a seven-time Australian Open champion, revealed she wouldn’t have featured in this year’s first Grand Slam if not for the COVID-19 enforced delays. Her Achilles injury sustained at the US Open took longer than expected to fully heal, but she’s recovered in time. Continue reading
WTA Abu Dhabi: Sabalenka beats Kudermetova for ninth WTA title, first of 2021
Aryna Sabalenka (#4) continued where she left off to cap another memorable week with her ninth WTA title and a new career-high world ranking no. 7 after dispatching unseeded Veronika Kudermetova in straight-sets – 6-2, 6-2 – extending an impressive win streak to 15 ahead of next month’s Australian Open, where the 22-year-old hopes to begin improving her Slam record.
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Garbine Muguruza: Excited for new tennis season, reassured of safety in Australia
Today features the start of 2021’s first WTA 500 event of the year from Abu Dhabi, with world number 15 Muguruza among those battling for the title as preparation for next month’s Australian Open. A beaten finalist in Melbourne last year, the Spaniard is excited at returning for the start of a new season, one where she’s reassured by health protocols and attention to detail. Continue reading
Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer withdraws, while Andy Murray given wildcard
20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is officially withdrawing from the 2021 Australian Open as he continues preparation ahead of a proposed return after two operations on his right knee. Elsewhere, Andy Murray (world no.122) has been granted a wildcard ahead of the first Slam tournament next year – two years after he feared the worst for his career in Melbourne. Continue reading
Australian Open 2021: Gavrilova headlines first wildcards revealed ahead of Feb. 8 start
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Tennis Australia have announced the first wildcards for next year’s first Grand Slam, with former world no. 20 Daria Gavrilova headlining the notable selections – six Australian players across the men and women’s draw – granted an opportunity to shine in their home tournament. Continue reading
Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu: I see a bright future, he can win more Slams
Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu has heaped praise on the Austrian, after an unforgettable year where the 27-year-old won his first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in September – having fallen short eight months earlier in his maiden hard-court final at the Australian Open. Critics believe this is just the start as he establishes his pedigree, a sentiment Massu agrees with. Continue reading
Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer doubtful to play, knee recovery not 100%
Roger Federer hasn’t played a competitive match since losing in straight-sets against eventual champion Novak Djokovic in last year’s semi-finals at the Australian Open and the 20-time Grand Slam winner has recently admitted his recovery from a troublesome knee injury isn’t yet 100% – creating doubt as to whether he’ll be fit in time for the proposed February 8 start date. Continue reading
Daniil Medvedev’s historic ATP Finals win sets up a very promising 2021
Daniil Medvedev recovered from a set down to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem and win this year’s Nitto ATP Finals, making history in London on Sunday. Eleven years after his Russian compatriot Nikolay Davydenko won the first edition at The 02, the 24-year-old defiantly rose to the occasion in a way that sets him – and others – up brilliantly for a promising 2021 campaign. Continue reading
Rafael Nadal believes 2020 tennis season is ‘practically lost’, preparing for 2021
World number two Rafael Nadal has echoed Stan Wawrinka’s belief that the 2020 tennis season could be over, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He revealed he’s more concerned about preparing for next year’s Australian Open. Continue reading
Novak Djokovic could benefit from this break, says Todd Woodbridge
17-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic could benefit from this extended tennis break due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to 16-time GS doubles winner and current Australian pundit Todd Woodbridge.
