Emma Raducanu’s US Open campaign continued with a 6-2, 6-4 win over China’s Zhang Shuai but Britain’s teenage qualifier said it was much less one-sided than the scoreline suggested. By contrast, Olympic champion Alexander Zverev (#4) blasted past Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in 75 minutes while world no. 1 Ashleigh Barty, Belinda Bencic and Iga Swiatek all prevailed.
Continue reading “US Open 2021: Raducanu, Zverev earn contrasting straight-set wins on Day 4”
Tag: Belinda Bencic
US Open 2021: Olympic champs Zverev, Bencic progress as Raducanu wins on Day 2
Olympic champions Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic both got off to a winning start in straight-sets against Sam Querrey and Arantxa Rus respectively, while David Goffin (#27) and Karen Khachanov (#25) were among the seeds to fall within the men’s game. Elsewhere, there was a winning start for Emma Raducanu on her US Open main draw debut as Day 2 unfolded. Continue reading “US Open 2021: Olympic champs Zverev, Bencic progress as Raducanu wins on Day 2”
Tokyo Olympics: After seizing gold for Swiss, can Belinda Bencic build on this?
After earning a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 win over 2019 Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova, Belinda Bencic is an Olympic gold medallist. Having also clinched silver in the doubles alongside Viktorija Golubic, the 24-year-old must believe this memorable moment is the first of many in a career that has already promised much but delivered infrequently in Grand Slam competition. Continue reading “Tokyo Olympics: After seizing gold for Swiss, can Belinda Bencic build on this?”
Wimbledon 2021: Serena Williams withdraws mid-match, sustains ankle injury
Serena Williams’ quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam triumph, on the surface where she’s clinched six Major titles since beating older sister Venus to first win in 2002, is over on Day 2 – but not as you’d expect. The sixth seed slipped awkwardly behind the baseline, limped towards her chair and it was quickly clear she wouldn’t be able to continue through the pain. Continue reading “Wimbledon 2021: Serena Williams withdraws mid-match, sustains ankle injury”
Australian Open 2021: Tsitsipas and Rublev cruise, Barty and Nadal navigate tricky wins
There were routine victories for Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev, Matteo Berrettini had an injury scare but managed to outlast Karen Khachanov in three tight sets. That was before Rafael Nadal and world number one Ashleigh Barty found ways to grit past tricky challenges in the night session, booking their respective places into the second week in Melbourne. Continue reading “Australian Open 2021: Tsitsipas and Rublev cruise, Barty and Nadal navigate tricky wins”
Australian Open 2021: Kenin crashes out, Tsitsipas survives, Svitolina ruthless
Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas needed all five sets to outlast home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis, who again proved he can hang with the world’s best at this level – despite his injuries. Before, there was a tearful exit for defending champion Sofia Kenin while top seed Ashleigh Barty survived a scare to beat wildcard Daria Gavrilova and Elina Svitolina beat teenager Cori Gauff. Continue reading “Australian Open 2021: Kenin crashes out, Tsitsipas survives, Svitolina ruthless”
Australian Open 2021: Andy Murray withdraws, unresolved issues after positive COVID-19 test

Despite efforts to find a resolution after news of his positive COVID-19 test broke last week, three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has confirmed he will not be taking part in next month’s Australian Open after all – having been granted a wildcard to feature just last month. Continue reading “Australian Open 2021: Andy Murray withdraws, unresolved issues after positive COVID-19 test”
2020 Australian Open Preview: Djokovic, Serena, Wozniacki’s last Slam and more

Read below for my 2020 Australian Open preview, with a special guest contributor providing his thoughts too as we look ahead to the first Grand Slam tournament of the new decade…. Continue reading “2020 Australian Open Preview: Djokovic, Serena, Wozniacki’s last Slam and more”
US Open 2019: Bianca Andreescu seals title with 6-3, 7-5 victory against Serena Williams

19-year-old Bianca oozed class and world-class potential to win her maiden Grand Slam with a straight-sets victory over heavy favourite Serena. The Canadian also becomes the youngest female teenager since Svetlana Kuznetsova (19y, 76d) back in 2004 to win a Grand Slam trophy.
US Open 2019: Belinda Bencic storms to straight-sets victory over Mandy Minella

World number eight Belinda Bencic, 22, comfortably progressed into the second round with a routine 6-2, 6-3 straight-sets victory over Mandy Minella on Court Five in a match which lasted little over an hour on Tuesday afternoon.
Continue reading “US Open 2019: Belinda Bencic storms to straight-sets victory over Mandy Minella”