<p>Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhari, helped Team India take a significant stride towards their quest for the playoff spot at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/billie-jean-king-cup">Billie Jean King Cup</a> Asia-Oceania Group 1, guiding them to a 2-1 win against Chinese Taipei. This was the hosts&rsquo; third consecutive win, helping them climb to the second spot on the points table in this prestigious tournament.</p>
<p>It was another successful outing for Vaidehi Chaudhari, who bagged her second win in as many matches, this time against Fang An Lin. Ranked 351 in singles, the Indian star dominated proceedings in the first set before her opponent forced a deciding set. However, Vaidehi responded in style, eventually sealing a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win in 2 hours and 9 minutes, giving India a 1-0 lead in the tie.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-masters-2025-defending-champion-scottie-scheffler-three-back-after-tough-day-at-augusta-8953199">The Masters 2025: Defending champion Scottie Scheffler three back after tough day at Augusta</a></strong></p>
<p>In match two, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shrivalli-bhamidipaty">Shrivalli Bhamidipaty</a> maintained her perfect record in the tournament, registering her fourth consecutive win in a hard-fought battle against Joanna Garland, ranked 207. One of India&rsquo;s most promising stars, ranked 304, Shrivalli dominated proceedings in the first set and eventually wrapped up the contest with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) in 2 hours and 38 minutes, ensuring that the hosts secure the tie against Chinese Taipei.</p>
<p>In the final match of the day, Chinese Taipei&rsquo;s doubles pairing of Yi Tsen Cho and Fang-Hsein Wu pipped the Indian pairing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ankita-raina">Ankita Raina</a> and Prarthana Thombare. After surrendering the first set, the experienced Indian pair fought back to win the second set. Unfortunately, the hosts couldn&rsquo;t complete the clean sweep in the super tie break, eventually falling short by a scoreline of 2-6, 6-4, 6-10, in an hour and 31 minutes.</p>
<p>The Indian team will look to confirm their qualification spot with a win against Korea Republic, in their final match of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1, later on Saturday, April 12.</p>
<h2>Other results:</h2>
<p><strong>New Zealand 2-1 Thailand: </strong>Monique Barry (NZL) beat Patcharin Cheapchandej (THA): 7-5, 6-2,&nbsp;Lulu Sun (NZL) beat Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA): 6-4, 3-6, 6-3,&nbsp;Peangtarn Plipuech and Thasaporn Naklo (THA) beat Renne Zhang and Sasha Situe (NZL): 6-3, 6-3,&nbsp;<strong>Korea Republic 3-0 Hong Kong, China: </strong>Sohyun Park (KOR) beat Ho Ching Wu (HKG): 6-1, 6-1,&nbsp;Dayeon Park (KOR) beat Hong Yi Cody Wong (HKG): 6-3, 7-5,&nbsp;Dabin Kim and Sohyun Park (KOR) beat Eudice Chong and Man Ying Maggie Ng (HKG): 6-4, 6-1.</p>

Tennis, Sports: The Indian team will look to confirm their qualification spot with a win against Korea Republic, in their final match of the Asia/Oceania Group 1

Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Vaidehi Chaudhari, helped Team India take a significant stride towards their quest for the playoff spot at the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1, guiding them to a 2-1 win against Chinese Taipei. This was the hosts’ third consecutive win, helping them climb to the second spot on the points table in this prestigious tournament. It was another successful outing for Vaidehi Chaudhari, who bagged her second win in as many matches, this time against Fang An Lin. Ranked 351 in singles, the Indian star dominated proceedings in the first set before her opponent forced a deciding set. However, Vaidehi responded in style, eventually sealing a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win in 2 hours and 9 minutes, giving India a 1-0 lead in the tie. Also Read: The Masters 2025: Defending champion Scottie Scheffler three back after tough day at Augusta In match two, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty maintained her perfect record in the tournament, registering her fourth consecutive win in a hard-fought battle against Joanna Garland, ranked 207. One of India’s most promising stars, ranked 304, Shrivalli dominated proceedings in the first set and eventually wrapped up the contest with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) in 2 hours and 38 minutes, ensuring that the hosts secure the tie against Chinese Taipei. In the final match of the day, Chinese Taipei’s doubles pairing of Yi Tsen Cho and Fang-Hsein Wu pipped the Indian pairing of Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare. After surrendering the first set, the experienced Indian pair fought back to win the second set. Unfortunately, the hosts couldn’t complete the clean sweep in the super tie break, eventually falling short by a scoreline of 2-6, 6-4, 6-10, in an hour and 31 minutes. The Indian team will look to confirm their qualification spot with a win against Korea Republic, in their final match of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1, later on Saturday, April 12. Other results: New Zealand 2-1 Thailand: Monique Barry (NZL) beat Patcharin Cheapchandej (THA): 7-5, 6-2, Lulu Sun (NZL) beat Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA): 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, Peangtarn Plipuech and Thasaporn Naklo (THA) beat Renne Zhang and Sasha Situe (NZL): 6-3, 6-3, Korea Republic 3-0 Hong Kong, China: Sohyun Park (KOR) beat Ho Ching Wu (HKG): 6-1, 6-1, Dayeon Park (KOR) beat Hong Yi Cody Wong (HKG): 6-3, 7-5, Dabin Kim and Sohyun Park (KOR) beat Eudice Chong and Man Ying Maggie Ng (HKG): 6-4, 6-1.

Billie Jean King Cup: Vaidehi and Shrivalli shine as India downs Chinese Taipei

<p>American tennis great&nbsp;Billie&nbsp;Jean&nbsp;King called for a combined women's and men's World Cup of tennis and for players to wear shirt numbers, to keep growing the sport. King, a&nbsp;39-time Grand Slam winner, including 12 singles titles, said she would bring the women's Billy&nbsp;Jean&nbsp;King Cup and the men's Davis Cup together into a World Cup.</p>

<p>Formerly the Federation Cup, the finals of the competition renamed in King's honour takes place in Seville from November 7-12, while the Davis Cup finals are in Malaga between November 21-26, with both currently labelled the 'World Cup' of tennis.</p>

<p>"I want us together, I always want the men and women together. I always want us to be together at tournaments," King told a media call ahead of the BJK Cup finals.<br />
<br />
"People like it when we're all happy together."</p>

<p>King said the influence of football means it is more essential than ever for tennis to have its own recognisable World Cup. "The World Cup has become more and more important because of the football...the whole world understands World Cup," she continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I say we're the World Cup of women's tennis, they get it right away, they know it's country versus country, it's exciting, it can be any place in the world."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leaves-door-open-for-2026-fifa-world-cup-intends-to-defend-copa-america-title-in-2024-665321">Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>"(I went) down to the World Cup in Australia and watched the women there, they had 75,000 people...it's very exciting, the possibilities are unlimited." Many star names will be absent from the BJK Cup, including the top four ranked players, with Poland's Iga Swiatek and American duo Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula unable to play because of their packed schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, is not involved because her country Belarus was suspended from participating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.</p>

<h2>Schedule crush</h2>

<p>Swiatek, Gauff and Pegula will be at the WTA Finals in Mexico the week before, with the women's tennis organising body selecting the venue in September, despite knowing the BJK Cup would be in Seville. "We've had our date for a long time, I think you should ask the WTA (about that)," said King.</p>

<p>"(For) our sport, I think we all need to get together and figure out a better calendar for the players.</p>

<p>"I care about the sport, I care about the World Cup, I would like us to sit down and really try to figure it out, so everybody wins."&nbsp;</p>

<p>King, 79, said tennis has to serve the fans first and one of the ways to do that would be to make players more identifiable on court.</p>

<p>"We have to think about the public, our fans, how do we make it easy for them? If you go to Wimbledon and they have to wear all white, you don't know who the players are," she continued.<br />
<br />
"I think it's ridiculous. They don't have the name on the back of their shirts. I think we should have a number. Why should we have a number? Because children love numbers."</p>

<p>"This is about our audience. This isn't about us, we go play to make our audience happy. Unfortunately, most players think the people come to watch them play, but our job as an entertainer, as a performer, as a pro athlete -- when we walk on the court, the audience is everything."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


American tennis great Billie Jean King called for a combined women's and men's World Cup of tennis and for players to wear shirt numbers, to keep growing the sport.

American tennis great Billie Jean King called for a combined women's and men's World Cup of tennis and for players to wear shirt numbers, to keep growing the sport. King, a 39-time Grand Slam winner, including 12 singles titles, said she would bring the women's Billy Jean King Cup and the men's Davis Cup together into a World Cup. Formerly the Federation Cup, the finals of the competition renamed in King's honour takes place in Seville from November 7-12, while the Davis Cup finals are in Malaga between November 21-26, with both currently labelled the 'World Cup' of tennis. "I want us together, I always want the men and women together. I always want us to be together at tournaments," King told a media call ahead of the BJK Cup finals. "People like it when we're all happy together." King said the influence of football means it is more essential than ever for tennis to have its own recognisable World Cup. "The World Cup has become more and more important because of the football...the whole world understands World Cup," she continued. "When I say we're the World Cup of women's tennis, they get it right away, they know it's country versus country, it's exciting, it can be any place in the world." Also Read: Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024 "(I went) down to the World Cup in Australia and watched the women there, they had 75,000 people...it's very exciting, the possibilities are unlimited." Many star names will be absent from the BJK Cup, including the top four ranked players, with Poland's Iga Swiatek and American duo Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula unable to play because of their packed schedule. Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, is not involved because her country Belarus was suspended from participating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Schedule crush Swiatek, Gauff and Pegula will be at the WTA Finals in Mexico the week before, with the women's tennis organising body selecting the venue in September, despite knowing the BJK Cup would be in Seville. "We've had our date for a long time, I think you should ask the WTA (about that)," said King. "(For) our sport, I think we all need to get together and figure out a better calendar for the players. "I care about the sport, I care about the World Cup, I would like us to sit down and really try to figure it out, so everybody wins." King, 79, said tennis has to serve the fans first and one of the ways to do that would be to make players more identifiable on court. "We have to think about the public, our fans, how do we make it easy for them? If you go to Wimbledon and they have to wear all white, you don't know who the players are," she continued. "I think it's ridiculous. They don't have the name on the back of their shirts. I think we should have a number. Why should we have a number? Because children love numbers." "This is about our audience. This isn't about us, we go play to make our audience happy. Unfortunately, most players think the people come to watch them play, but our job as an entertainer, as a performer, as a pro athlete -- when we walk on the court, the audience is everything."

Tennis great Billie Jean King wants combined World Cup and shirt numbers to grow sport

The United States of America's former First Lady of America Michelle Obama has lauded Billie Jean King's battle for pay equality in the country. Michelle spoke about the uphill battle that women's tennis players faced 50 years ago. Back then men were paid up to eight times more than women in this sport. Billy Jean King was a driving force behind the move to equalize prize money for men's and women's competitors.

US Open celebrates 50 years of equal prize money with a tribute to Billie Jean King

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidpuiGUjigdA1K" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Tennis legend Billie Jean King has urged Wimbledon to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, who were forbidden from participating in the tournament last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>King, speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Australian open said 'life is too short' for such a ban to be imposed on the players of the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just keep it the same way as the other ones are. Life is too short. I think they should get prize money. Just have them play and get their money," said King.&nbsp;</p>

<p>King, a six-time Wimbledon champion referred to players not receiving the ranking points due to the ban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year's Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina who was born in Russia and switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018 was denied the 2000 points and as a result, was seeded 22nd in the opening Grand Slam of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's the ranking points, for sure. They have to have it. Rybakina, they've seeded her 22, but because she won Wimbledon she's not (seeded higher)."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wimbledon-bans-russian-and-belarusian-players-472820"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wimbledon bans Russian and Belarusian players</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wimbledon-bans-russian-and-belarusian-players-472820/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Notably, after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Russian and Belarusian players were barred from participating in Wimbledon Grand Slam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances. And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation," said Ian Hewitt, chairman, All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-defends-ban-on-russian-players-confirms-covid-vaccination-not-mandatory-for-participation-474035" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier this month, controversy erupted in Melbourne Park when Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko complained about spotting the Russian flag in the stands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He took to Twitter and complained about the ban as Russian and Belarusian athletes are competing under neutral flags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today. I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its 'neutral flag' policy," he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-and-belarusian-flags-banned-from-australian-open-after-ukraines-complaint-553391" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Russian and Belarusian flags banned from Australian Open after Ukraine's complaint</strong></a></p>

<p>Afterwards, Tennis Australia released a statement saying the flags from the two countries were outright banned now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside."</p>

<p>After Tennis Australia's decision, the Russian embassy in Australia released a statement as well and slammed the tournament organisers for their partisan behaviour.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Tennis legend Billie Jean King has urged Wimbledon to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, who were forbidden from participating in the tournament last year.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King has urged Wimbledon to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, who were forbidden from participating in the tournament last year. King, speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Australian open said 'life is too short' for such a ban to be imposed on the players of the two countries. "Just keep it the same way as the other ones are. Life is too short. I think they should get prize money. Just have them play and get their money," said King. King, a six-time Wimbledon champion referred to players not receiving the ranking points due to the ban. Last year's Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina who was born in Russia and switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018 was denied the 2000 points and as a result, was seeded 22nd in the opening Grand Slam of the year. "It's the ranking points, for sure. They have to have it. Rybakina, they've seeded her 22, but because she won Wimbledon she's not (seeded higher)." WATCH | Gravitas: Wimbledon bans Russian and Belarusian players Notably, after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Russian and Belarusian players were barred from participating in Wimbledon Grand Slam. "We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances. And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation," said Ian Hewitt, chairman, All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) at the time. Read more: Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation Earlier this month, controversy erupted in Melbourne Park when Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko complained about spotting the Russian flag in the stands. He took to Twitter and complained about the ban as Russian and Belarusian athletes are competing under neutral flags. "I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today. I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its 'neutral flag' policy," he tweeted. Read more: Russian and Belarusian flags banned from Australian Open after Ukraine's complaint Afterwards, Tennis Australia released a statement saying the flags from the two countries were outright banned now. "Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside." After Tennis Australia's decision, the Russian embassy in Australia released a statement as well and slammed the tournament organisers for their partisan behaviour. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Lift Russia, Belarus ban', former Tennis great Billie Jean King urges Wimbledon

<p>Kazakhstan began their Billie Jean King Cup finals campaign with victory over hosts Britain on Tuesday while seven-times champions Australia saw off Slovakia in the opening tie. Formerly called the Fed Cup, the event was renamed in honour of American 12-time major winner King and restructured into a 'World Cup of&nbsp;tennis' format concluding with 12 nations competing over one week for the title.</p>

<p>Yulia Putintseva and Briton Katie Boulter looked evenly matched when they took one set apiece before the Kazakh 27-year-old stepped up a gear and stormed into a 4-0 lead in the decider before sealing a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory. Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina then sealed the tie in 73 minutes by beating Harriet Dart, winning seven games in a row at one point to win 6-1 6-4 and give Kazakhstan an unassailable 2-0 lead.</p>

<p>"I think she's an incredible player. She's Wimbledon champion for a reason, and she brought a very high level from the start. I thought she played a very clean match," Dart told reporters. "I really don't think I played that bad. I thought that she kind of took things into her own hands. She's definitely one of the few players on the tour that can kind of take the match out of your hands."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/frances-caroline-garcia-defeats-aryna-sabalenka-to-seal-wta-finals-victory-532098">France's Caroline Garcia defeats Aryna Sabalenka to seal WTA Finals victory</a></strong></p>

<p>Britain were dealt a huge blow last month when former U.S. Open champion and their highest-ranked player Emma Raducanu pulled out of the team because of a wrist injury. Britain next face Spain on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>AUSTRALIA WIN</strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic and Storm Sanders won their singles matches in straight sets in their 2-1 win over Slovakia in the opening tie of Group B. Sanders beat Viktoria Kuzmova 6-4 6-3 while Tomljanovic eased past Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-1 6-2. Tomljanovic has had a good season in the second half of the year, capped by her quarter-final runs at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. She has since reached a career high ranking of 33. "If I have to put it to one thing, it's just where my head's at in my life. I think that translates to the court. I'm happy,&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;is fun again," she said. "Even when I'm losing, I'm finding joy, which is really all it's ever been and it's supposed to be. I lost it a little bit there for a year or so. But it happens, it's okay." Slovakia did manage to get on the board when the doubles pairing of Kuzmova and Tereza Mihalikova beat Sanders and Ellen Perez 2-6 6-3 10-6.</p>


Kazakhstan began their Billie Jean King Cup finals campaign with victory over hosts Britain on Tuesday while seven-times champions Australia saw off Slovakia in the opening tie.

Kazakhstan began their Billie Jean King Cup finals campaign with victory over hosts Britain on Tuesday while seven-times champions Australia saw off Slovakia in the opening tie. Formerly called the Fed Cup, the event was renamed in honour of American 12-time major winner King and restructured into a 'World Cup of tennis' format concluding with 12 nations competing over one week for the title. Yulia Putintseva and Briton Katie Boulter looked evenly matched when they took one set apiece before the Kazakh 27-year-old stepped up a gear and stormed into a 4-0 lead in the decider before sealing a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory. Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina then sealed the tie in 73 minutes by beating Harriet Dart, winning seven games in a row at one point to win 6-1 6-4 and give Kazakhstan an unassailable 2-0 lead. "I think she's an incredible player. She's Wimbledon champion for a reason, and she brought a very high level from the start. I thought she played a very clean match," Dart told reporters. "I really don't think I played that bad. I thought that she kind of took things into her own hands. She's definitely one of the few players on the tour that can kind of take the match out of your hands." ALSO READ | France's Caroline Garcia defeats Aryna Sabalenka to seal WTA Finals victory Britain were dealt a huge blow last month when former U.S. Open champion and their highest-ranked player Emma Raducanu pulled out of the team because of a wrist injury. Britain next face Spain on Thursday. AUSTRALIA WIN Earlier, Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic and Storm Sanders won their singles matches in straight sets in their 2-1 win over Slovakia in the opening tie of Group B. Sanders beat Viktoria Kuzmova 6-4 6-3 while Tomljanovic eased past Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-1 6-2. Tomljanovic has had a good season in the second half of the year, capped by her quarter-final runs at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. She has since reached a career high ranking of 33. "If I have to put it to one thing, it's just where my head's at in my life. I think that translates to the court. I'm happy, tennis is fun again," she said. "Even when I'm losing, I'm finding joy, which is really all it's ever been and it's supposed to be. I lost it a little bit there for a year or so. But it happens, it's okay." Slovakia did manage to get on the board when the doubles pairing of Kuzmova and Tereza Mihalikova beat Sanders and Ellen Perez 2-6 6-3 10-6.

Kazakhstan beat hosts Britain in Billie Jean King Cup finals, Australia go past Slovakia

Our tributes have poured in for the retiring Roger Federer after his announcement on Thursday. Federer's career spanned 24 years and he won admirers not just for his performances on the court but his conduct of it.

Roger Federer Retirement: Sporting world pays tribute to one of the all-time greats

<p>American tennis legend Serena Williams dropped a bomb on Tuesday (August 09) as she announced her shock retirement from the game. Williams will be walking away from tennis after making her final appearance in the upcoming US Open 2022 at home. The 40-year-old said she will be “evolving away from tennis” in an essay in Vogue.</p>

<p>Williams, who is regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time, has won a staggering 23 Grand Slams in her career so far and will continue her quest for an elusive 24th Grand Slam at the US Open this year. Williams made her last appearance at the Wimbledon 2022 earlier this year where she was upstaged by France’s Harmony Tan in the first round.</p>

<p>Reacting to the news of her retirement, former world no.1 Billie Jean King hailed Williams as the greatest player in tennis history. King, who won 39 major titles in her career, believes Williams’ career has inspired a new generation of fans and players.</p>

<p>“When Serena steps away from tennis, she will leave as the sport’s greatest player. After a career that has inspired a new generation of players and fans, she will forever be known as a champion who won on the court and raised the global profile of the sport off of it,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thinking-too-much-about-24th-grand-slam-didnt-help-admits-superstar-serena-williams-505302">Thinking too much about 24th Grand Slam didn't help, admits superstar Serena Williams</a></p>

<p>The legendary John McEnroe, who is a former world no.1, said Williams doesn’t need to play again to prove herself as she has already had a illustrious career. McEnroe believes Williams is in the same bracket as the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady, who are all legends in their respective sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“She should do whatever she wants. She’s an icon. Her place in American society has gone to a place where she deserves it after everything she’s accomplished, everything she’s done,” said McEnroe.</p>

<p>“I don’t know the answer whether she wants to play again, I don’t think she needs to play again. She’s in that level where Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady are,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/serena-williams-wimbledon-dream-ends-a-look-at-23-grand-slams-won-by-tennis-great-492977">Serena Williams announces retirement: A look at 23 Grand Slams won by tennis great</a></p>

<p>Williams has been a dominant force in women’s tennis throughout her career and has won the most number of Grand Slam titles in the open era. Williams has won Wimbledon a staggering seven times and the US Open six times. She also has 7 Australian Open and 3 French Open titles to her name.</p>


American tennis legend Serena Williams dropped a bomb on Tuesday (August 09) as she announced her shock retirement from the game. Williams will be walking away from tennis after making her final appearance in the upcoming US Open 2022 at home.

American tennis legend Serena Williams dropped a bomb on Tuesday (August 09) as she announced her shock retirement from the game. Williams will be walking away from tennis after making her final appearance in the upcoming US Open 2022 at home. The 40-year-old said she will be “evolving away from tennis” in an essay in Vogue. Williams, who is regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time, has won a staggering 23 Grand Slams in her career so far and will continue her quest for an elusive 24th Grand Slam at the US Open this year. Williams made her last appearance at the Wimbledon 2022 earlier this year where she was upstaged by France’s Harmony Tan in the first round. Reacting to the news of her retirement, former world no.1 Billie Jean King hailed Williams as the greatest player in tennis history. King, who won 39 major titles in her career, believes Williams’ career has inspired a new generation of fans and players. “When Serena steps away from tennis, she will leave as the sport’s greatest player. After a career that has inspired a new generation of players and fans, she will forever be known as a champion who won on the court and raised the global profile of the sport off of it,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters. Also Read: Thinking too much about 24th Grand Slam didn't help, admits superstar Serena Williams The legendary John McEnroe, who is a former world no.1, said Williams doesn’t need to play again to prove herself as she has already had a illustrious career. McEnroe believes Williams is in the same bracket as the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady, who are all legends in their respective sports. “She should do whatever she wants. She’s an icon. Her place in American society has gone to a place where she deserves it after everything she’s accomplished, everything she’s done,” said McEnroe. “I don’t know the answer whether she wants to play again, I don’t think she needs to play again. She’s in that level where Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady are,” he added. Also Read: Serena Williams announces retirement: A look at 23 Grand Slams won by tennis great Williams has been a dominant force in women’s tennis throughout her career and has won the most number of Grand Slam titles in the open era. Williams has won Wimbledon a staggering seven times and the US Open six times. She also has 7 Australian Open and 3 French Open titles to her name.

Serena Williams will leave as greatest tennis player: Billie Jean King hails American legend

<p>Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer on Wednesday took to Twitter to propose&nbsp;an idea for a merger of the men's and women's association.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?</p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1252922285096423424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The men's division in the game is headed by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) whereas the women's division is headed by Women's Tennis Association (WTA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 20-time Grand Slam winner said that "probably should have happened."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roger Federer posted a series of tweets elaborating&nbsp;his proposal&nbsp; as he&nbsp;said: "We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time.<br />
These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body. <a href="https://t.co/30SbbAla5g">https://t.co/30SbbAla5g</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1252931040399839233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Federer added: "I am not talking about merging competition on the court but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours."</p>

<p>"It's too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories."</p>

<p>The American tennis legend Billie Jean King was one of the first to voice his support to Federer's idea, he said: "The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I'm glad we are on the same page. Let's make it happen."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis.<br />
<br />
The WTA on its own was always Plan B.<br />
<br />
I’m glad we are on the same page.<br />
<br />
Let’s make it happen. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneVoice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneVoice</a> <a href="https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v">https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v</a></p>
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1252953431414919168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>King played a major role in the creation of WTA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer's long-time on-pitch rival and 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal too joined the movement. He said: "It would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in only one organisation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation 🎾👍🏻 <a href="https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G">https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G</a></p>
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1252957445342846978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many leading ladies in the game came forward to support Roger Federer's idea. These ladies included Simona Halep and Serena Williams.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?</p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1252922285096423424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tennis has been on a halt since early March due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Players have been on a social media spree ever since and have shared various videos of them training or enjoying life with their loved ones.&nbsp;</p>


Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer on Wednesday took to Twitter to propose an idea for a merger of the men's and women's association. Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer on Wednesday took to Twitter to propose an idea for a merger of the men's and women's association. Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one? — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020 × The men's division in the game is headed by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) whereas the women's division is headed by Women's Tennis Association (WTA). The 20-time Grand Slam winner said that "probably should have happened." Roger Federer posted a series of tweets elaborating his proposal as he said: "We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body." It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time. These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body. https://t.co/30SbbAla5g — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020 × Federer added: "I am not talking about merging competition on the court but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours." "It's too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories." The American tennis legend Billie Jean King was one of the first to voice his support to Federer's idea, he said: "The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I'm glad we are on the same page. Let's make it happen." I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis. The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen. #OneVoice https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 22, 2020 × King played a major role in the creation of WTA. Federer's long-time on-pitch rival and 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal too joined the movement. He said: "It would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in only one organisation." Hey @rogerfederer as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation 🎾👍🏻 https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 22, 2020 × Many leading ladies in the game came forward to support Roger Federer's idea. These ladies included Simona Halep and Serena Williams. Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one? — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020 × Tennis has been on a halt since early March due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Players have been on a social media spree ever since and have shared various videos of them training or enjoying life with their loved ones.

Roger Federer proposes 'merger' of tennis associations, support pours in

<p>Serena Williams delivered a stinging rebuke to fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King who said she should focus on tennis and stop behaving like a celebrity and fighting for equality.</p>

<p>King -- who was no stranger to fighting for equality for women players when she was starting out -- may feel justified after Williams was played off the court in the Wimbledon final on Saturday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579">She was beaten 6-2, 6-2</a> in less than an hour by Simona Halep, who had lost on nine of the 10 previous occasions she had played the American.</p>

<p>King had said that running a business, looking after a child and battling for equality for women and ethnic minorities, could largely all be dealt with by her staff while she focused on tennis for a couple of years.</p>

<p>The 75-year-old told the BBC earlier in the tournament that Williams should give up being a celebrity for a year: "Just stop all this insanity." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Williams, though, hit back on Saturday.</p>

<p>"The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me will be the day I'm in my grave," said the 37-year-old in response to the question.</p>

<p>On the court, Saturday's blowout was the third time in the past year that Williams has failed to take the chance to equal Australian Margaret Court's Grand Slam titles record of 24 -- her stated goal on returning from giving birth to her daughter Olympia.</p>

<p>Losses to Angelique Kerber in last year's Wimbledon final and then a meltdown in the US Open final against Naomi Osaka, after which she says she went to see a therapist, were painful enough.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, Williams refused to accept that the record may elude her. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know," she said. "I mean, I don't really think about it. I just go out there and play, see what happens.</p>

<p>"That's kind of how I've been in my whole career. You know, I never thought about time in general.</p>

<p>"I feel like I'm just really on this journey of just doing the best that I can, playing the best that I can when I can."</p>

<p><strong>'Wake up!'</strong></p>

<p>Her leaden-footed and lethargic performance -- she only really got fired up in the first game of the second set yelling at the ground when she won a point -- &nbsp;provoked one spectator to cry out: "Wake up Serena!"</p>

<p>"Actually I did hear it," she said. "I definitely wasn't asleep. But I did hear it.</p>

<p>"Actually sometimes the comments help me, whether they're good or bad. It didn't bother me at all."</p>

<p>Williams, who had her close friend Meghan, Duchess of Sussex cheering her on from the Royal Box, said she did not know if as age advances she is getting more tense about winning another Grand Slam.</p>

<p>"Now, you know, in my 20s -- I'm always expected to win, but it's a different circumstance for me," she said.</p>

<p>"Seems like every Grand Slam final I'm in recently has been an unbelievable effort to get there.</p>

<p>"It would be interesting to see how it would be under different circumstances.</p>

<p>"The only thing I can say is today I think my opponent played unbelievable."</p>

<p>However, if anyone thought that such a humbling defeat might prompt thoughts of retirement Williams had a message for them.</p>

<p>"I feel like I'm still incredibly competitive or else I wouldn't really be out here,"</p>

<p>"For the most part, I feel like I'm on the right track.</p>

<p>"I'm just going in the right direction in terms of getting back to where I need to be."</p>


Serena Williams delivered a stinging rebuke to fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King who said she should focus on tennis and stop behaving like a celebrity and fighting for equality.

Serena Williams delivered a stinging rebuke to fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King who said she should focus on tennis and stop behaving like a celebrity and fighting for equality. King -- who was no stranger to fighting for equality for women players when she was starting out -- may feel justified after Williams was played off the court in the Wimbledon final on Saturday. She was beaten 6-2, 6-2 in less than an hour by Simona Halep, who had lost on nine of the 10 previous occasions she had played the American. King had said that running a business, looking after a child and battling for equality for women and ethnic minorities, could largely all be dealt with by her staff while she focused on tennis for a couple of years. The 75-year-old told the BBC earlier in the tournament that Williams should give up being a celebrity for a year: "Just stop all this insanity." Williams, though, hit back on Saturday. "The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me will be the day I'm in my grave," said the 37-year-old in response to the question. On the court, Saturday's blowout was the third time in the past year that Williams has failed to take the chance to equal Australian Margaret Court's Grand Slam titles record of 24 -- her stated goal on returning from giving birth to her daughter Olympia. Losses to Angelique Kerber in last year's Wimbledon final and then a meltdown in the US Open final against Naomi Osaka, after which she says she went to see a therapist, were painful enough. Nevertheless, Williams refused to accept that the record may elude her. "I don't know," she said. "I mean, I don't really think about it. I just go out there and play, see what happens. "That's kind of how I've been in my whole career. You know, I never thought about time in general. "I feel like I'm just really on this journey of just doing the best that I can, playing the best that I can when I can." 'Wake up!' Her leaden-footed and lethargic performance -- she only really got fired up in the first game of the second set yelling at the ground when she won a point -- provoked one spectator to cry out: "Wake up Serena!" "Actually I did hear it," she said. "I definitely wasn't asleep. But I did hear it. "Actually sometimes the comments help me, whether they're good or bad. It didn't bother me at all." Williams, who had her close friend Meghan, Duchess of Sussex cheering her on from the Royal Box, said she did not know if as age advances she is getting more tense about winning another Grand Slam. "Now, you know, in my 20s -- I'm always expected to win, but it's a different circumstance for me," she said. "Seems like every Grand Slam final I'm in recently has been an unbelievable effort to get there. "It would be interesting to see how it would be under different circumstances. "The only thing I can say is today I think my opponent played unbelievable." However, if anyone thought that such a humbling defeat might prompt thoughts of retirement Williams had a message for them. "I feel like I'm still incredibly competitive or else I wouldn't really be out here," "For the most part, I feel like I'm on the right track. "I'm just going in the right direction in terms of getting back to where I need to be."

Equality is my cause: Serena Williams puts legend Billie Jean King in her place

<p>Andy Murray&nbsp;returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Barty rejected the opportunity as she is already playing singles and women's doubles.</p>

<p>Responding to Andy's story, French Open champion Ashleigh Barty admitted that her decision to turn down Murray's offer was "the hardest decision" she has ever had to make.</p>

<p>"I took some time to think about it, and playing three events is just a little bit too much. I was very flattered but said to him, 'I think there are some pretty good options out there for you'. I'm sure he'll find someone," Barty said.</p>

<p>Andy Murray may have been rejected by Barty but he was flooded with offers from players past and present who want to partner up with him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"*Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray," multiple Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King, 75, wrote on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">*Checks calendar*<br />
Available, and lacing up, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a>.🙋🏻‍♀️</p>
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1141872812841472001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Britain's Naomi Broady said, "I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA Liam Broady to play with you #SORRYBRO."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA <a href="https://twitter.com/Liambroady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Liambroady</a> to play with you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SORRYBRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SORRYBRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LOVEYOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LOVEYOU</a> 😬</p>
— Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBroady/status/1141836462314479616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barty's former doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe out due to injuries also offered to play with Murray.</p>

<p>"I'll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry Ash Barty," Vandeweghe tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’ll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry <a href="https://twitter.com/ashbar96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbar96</a> 💁🏼‍♀️</p>
— CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoCoVandey/status/1141860447936585728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Barbora Strycova, ranked fourth in women's doubles, said she would not make the "same mistake" as her fellow peers.</p>

<p>"Hey, @andymurray I heard rumors that you got rejected by my fellow players a couple of times when finding a partner for mixed doubles in Wimbledon," she wrote on Instagram. "I swear I wouldn't do the same mistake like them."</p>


Andy Murray returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon.

Andy Murray returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon. However, Barty rejected the opportunity as she is already playing singles and women's doubles. Responding to Andy's story, French Open champion Ashleigh Barty admitted that her decision to turn down Murray's offer was "the hardest decision" she has ever had to make. "I took some time to think about it, and playing three events is just a little bit too much. I was very flattered but said to him, 'I think there are some pretty good options out there for you'. I'm sure he'll find someone," Barty said. Andy Murray may have been rejected by Barty but he was flooded with offers from players past and present who want to partner up with him. "*Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray," multiple Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King, 75, wrote on Twitter. *Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray.🙋🏻‍♀️ — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 21, 2019 × Britain's Naomi Broady said, "I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA Liam Broady to play with you #SORRYBRO." @andy_murray I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA @Liambroady to play with you #SORRYBRO #LOVEYOU 😬 — Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) June 20, 2019 × Barty's former doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe out due to injuries also offered to play with Murray. "I'll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry Ash Barty," Vandeweghe tweeted. I’ll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry @ashbar96 💁🏼‍♀️ — CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) June 21, 2019 × Barbora Strycova, ranked fourth in women's doubles, said she would not make the "same mistake" as her fellow peers. "Hey, @andymurray I heard rumors that you got rejected by my fellow players a couple of times when finding a partner for mixed doubles in Wimbledon," she wrote on Instagram. "I swear I wouldn't do the same mistake like them."

Ashleigh Barty rejects but Andy Murray flooded with Wimbledon mixed-doubles offers

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