After an easy R1 match, Wimbledon titlist Ashleigh Barty also breezed past Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti. Elsewhere in the women’s draw, some intriguing R3 matches are set after comfortable victories for Paula Badosa (#8) and Victoria Azarenka (#24). Meanwhile 20-time Major champion Rafael Nadal had to work hard but still emerged as the challenges intensify.
Continue reading “Australian Open 2022: Barty and Badosa ease into R3, Nadal tested on lowkey Day 3”
Tag: Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal update: Spaniard returns from foot injury in Abu Dhabi exhibition
Despite losing 6-3, 7-5 against familiar foe Andy Murray during his return from a troublesome foot injury, the 20-time Grand Slam titlist revealed he was happy with his own performance on memorable soil before what promises to be an intriguing 2022 campaign for both champions. Continue reading “Rafael Nadal update: Spaniard returns from foot injury in Abu Dhabi exhibition”
Roger Federer update: Swiss legend’s coach Ivan Ljubicic talks recovery and retirement
After being blasted out of Wimbledon by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on July 7, Roger Federer underwent another round of knee surgery and stressed he wouldn’t rush a return in 2022 – which was one of the topics his coach Ivan Ljubicic has expanded on, during a recent interview. Continue reading “Roger Federer update: Swiss legend’s coach Ivan Ljubicic talks recovery and retirement”
Tsitsipas opens up on his struggles, Medvedev backed to avoid Thiem’s slump
Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he – like many others – wasn’t in the best mental state competing during the COVID-19 pandemic this year. However, he’s optimistic about 2022 and beyond, for his tennis and the life lessons he’s ultimately learned. Elsewhere, new US Open champion Daniil Medvedev has been backed to avoid the same drastic slump Dominic Thiem suffered after winning Flushing Meadows last year, by his coach Gilles Cervara. Continue reading “Tsitsipas opens up on his struggles, Medvedev backed to avoid Thiem’s slump”
US Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev beats Novak Djokovic, wins first Grand Slam title
In his third Grand Slam final appearance, world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev produced a fantastic serving display and inpenetrable shot defence en route to blasting beyond a fatigued Novak Djokovic – clinching a maiden Grand Slam title, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 15 minutes.
Continue reading “US Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev beats Novak Djokovic, wins first Grand Slam title”
US Open 2021: Williams sisters withdraw with injuries, Kenin out with COVID
The list of high-profile withdrawals ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam continues, with Venus and younger sister Serena Williams revealing they won’t feature at Flushing Meadows. After news of Roger Federer (knee) and Rafael Nadal (foot) shutting down their 2021 seasons in the last fortnight, this will be the first Slam tournament without the latter trio playing since 1997. Continue reading “US Open 2021: Williams sisters withdraw with injuries, Kenin out with COVID”
Roger Federer is again out indefinitely, after needing more knee surgery
Having only played 13 matches in 2021 – nine of them in Grand Slams – 20-time Major winner Roger Federer will again be sidelined indefinitely as he follows medical advice by undergoing further knee surgery to ensure long-term comfort on-court and improved health in future. Continue reading “Roger Federer is again out indefinitely, after needing more knee surgery”
Wimbledon 2021: Contrasting reasons see Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka withdraw
20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and reigning Australian Open titlist Naomi Osaka today both announced they wouldn’t feature at this year’s Championships. The latter confirmed she will compete at the Tokyo Olympics in her native Japan – unlike the 35-year-old Spaniard, preparing to take this summer period off to recover from injuries after listening to his body. Continue reading “Wimbledon 2021: Contrasting reasons see Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka withdraw”
French Open 2021: Djokovic recovers to overwhelm Tsitsipas in five-set epic final
Having dethroned reigning champion Rafael Nadal during an unforgettable semi-final battle on Friday night, Novak Djokovic remarkably managed to recover from two sets down, leaving first-time finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas (#5) heartbroken – while securing his 19th Major title.
Continue reading “French Open 2021: Djokovic recovers to overwhelm Tsitsipas in five-set epic final”
French Open 2021: Djokovic’s defiant defence helps him roar past Berrettini
World number one and last year’s beaten finalist Novak Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 against Matteo Berrettini overnight, booking yet another Grand Slam semi-final – second to only Roger Federer in the all-time ranks (50). However, it wasn’t without a few dicey moments late on…
Continue reading “French Open 2021: Djokovic’s defiant defence helps him roar past Berrettini”
French Open 2021: Djokovic, Federer and defending champion Nadal in same half
Play starts Sunday, and it won’t be an easy run into the deep stages for any of the Big Three – as they all look to improve upon their respective Grand Slam singles title tallies.
Continue reading “French Open 2021: Djokovic, Federer and defending champion Nadal in same half”
Don’t compare exciting teen Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal, warns Juan Carlos Ferrero
Former world no. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero – winner at the 2003 French Open – has cautioned critics quick to apply pressure on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz as Rafael Nadal’s successor long-term – instead saying more gradual progression is important for him to have a fruitful career.
Continue reading “Don’t compare exciting teen Carlos Alcaraz to Rafael Nadal, warns Juan Carlos Ferrero”
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