Poland’s six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek won her first title of the 2026 season after beating World No. 2 Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 in the Canadian Open final in Toronto on Thursday, according to Olympics.com. Swiatek made a confident start against the reigning Australian Open champion and converted both of her break-point chances while saving both break opportunities created by Rybakina.&nbsp;The Polish World No. 8 remained in control in the second set and did not face a single break point and converted two of her three chances to finish the match in just 75 minutes.&nbsp;“I want to dedicate this title to everyone who is dealing with unfair judgement and hate,” Swiatek, the Paris 2024 women’s singles bronze medallist, said after the match, as quoted by Olympics.com.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-india-bowling-coach-morkel-isn-t-worried-about-pacers-skills-but-heat-humidity-and-kookaburra-ball-1786689411651">IND vs SL: India coach Morkel worried about 'heat, humidity, &amp; Kookaburra ball'</a>&nbsp;The win also gave Swiatek a 7-6 advantage over Rybakina in their WTA Tour head-to-head record, ending her two-match losing streak against the Kazakh player.&nbsp;“Just keep pushing, keep growing, keep focusing on yourself because you know what’s best for you. And always remember what’s ahead and what might be possible,” she added.&nbsp;The Toronto triumph was Swiatek’s 12th WTA 1000 title. She moved past Aryna Sabalenka, who has 11, for the second-most WTA 1000 titles since the format began in 2009. Only Serena Williams, with 13 titles, is ahead of her.&nbsp;This was the second time Swiatek and Rybakina had met in a final, with Swiatek winning both encounters in straight sets. The victory also improved Swiatek’s record in WTA finals to 26-5, giving her the best winning percentage among players who have appeared in at least 20 WTA-level finals since the Tier format began in 1990.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ban-1st-test-day-2-tanzid-stars-as-bangladesh-dominate-australia-1786700416628">AUS vs BAN, 1st Test Day 2: Tanzid stars as Bangladesh dominate Australia</a>&nbsp;Swiatek began her Toronto campaign with a bagel and lost only six games in her opening two matches. She then fought back to beat Marta Kostyuk in the Round of 16 before producing another dominant performance against Diana Shnaider, winning 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.&nbsp;In the semifinals, Swiatek defeated Elina Svitolina in three sets to reach the final, avenging her two three-set defeats to the Ukrainian earlier this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Iga Swiatek defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 in the National Bank Open final in Toronto to claim her first WTA Tour title of 2026 and 26th career title.

Poland’s six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek won her first title of the 2026 season after beating World No. 2 Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 in the Canadian Open final in Toronto on Thursday, according to Olympics.com. Swiatek made a confident start against the reigning Australian Open champion and converted both of her break-point chances while saving both break opportunities created by Rybakina. The Polish World No. 8 remained in control in the second set and did not face a single break point and converted two of her three chances to finish the match in just 75 minutes. “I want to dedicate this title to everyone who is dealing with unfair judgement and hate,” Swiatek, the Paris 2024 women’s singles bronze medallist, said after the match, as quoted by Olympics.com. Also Read - IND vs SL: India coach Morkel worried about 'heat, humidity, & Kookaburra ball' The win also gave Swiatek a 7-6 advantage over Rybakina in their WTA Tour head-to-head record, ending her two-match losing streak against the Kazakh player. “Just keep pushing, keep growing, keep focusing on yourself because you know what’s best for you. And always remember what’s ahead and what might be possible,” she added. The Toronto triumph was Swiatek’s 12th WTA 1000 title. She moved past Aryna Sabalenka, who has 11, for the second-most WTA 1000 titles since the format began in 2009. Only Serena Williams, with 13 titles, is ahead of her. This was the second time Swiatek and Rybakina had met in a final, with Swiatek winning both encounters in straight sets. The victory also improved Swiatek’s record in WTA finals to 26-5, giving her the best winning percentage among players who have appeared in at least 20 WTA-level finals since the Tier format began in 1990. Also Read - AUS vs BAN, 1st Test Day 2: Tanzid stars as Bangladesh dominate Australia Swiatek began her Toronto campaign with a bagel and lost only six games in her opening two matches. She then fought back to beat Marta Kostyuk in the Round of 16 before producing another dominant performance against Diana Shnaider, winning 6-1, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Swiatek defeated Elina Svitolina in three sets to reach the final, avenging her two three-set defeats to the Ukrainian earlier this season. With inputs from agencies

Iga Swiatek defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 in the National Bank Open final in Toronto to claim her first WTA Tour title of 2026 and 26th career title.

Canadian Open: Iga Swiatek wins first title of 2026, beats Rybakina in final

Novak Djokovic extended his latest bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory over Valentin Royer in the French Open second round on Wednesday, but women's second seed Elena Rybakina crashed out of the tournament. Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win after three and three-quarter hours on Court Philippe Chatrier.He will next take on Joao Fonseca after the Brazilian teenager fought back from two sets down to beat Croatia's Dino Prizmic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-coco-gauff-reveals-having-mini-car-accident-before-round-1-match-vs-taylor-townsend-1779874866008">French Open 2026 | Coco Gauff reveals having 'mini car accident' before Round 1</a>"I hope I won't play any more French players for the rest of the tournament," said the third seed, who has been tied on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court since winning the 2023 US Open, with a wry smile.Djokovic, who beat world number one Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open last four earlier this year, cannot meet the red-hot title favourite until the final at Roland Garros.Djokovic powered through the first two sets, although world number 74 Royer, born just 5km from Roland Garros, showed much more resistance in the third before extending the match in a brilliant tie-break.The Serb, who twice failed to consolidate breaks of serve in the third set, made no such mistake in the fourth as he belatedly booked his place in the next round on his fifth match point.Alexander Zverev, who has reached at least the quarter-finals in five consecutive French Opens, swatted aside Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the night match.The German second seed will continue his latest tilt at a maiden Slam title against Frenchman Quentin Halys.Czech Jakub Mensik, the only player other than Djokovic to beat Sinner this year, needed eight match points before eventually downing Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) to book a meeting with eighth seed Alex de Minaur.Mensik collapsed on the court after the match with exhaustion and cramp as the Paris heatwave continued to take its toll."It's insane to play in this weather, especially in front of the sun, to be there for more than four and a half hours, it's just insane," said Mensik.Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, seeing off James Duckworth 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-5.Two-time losing finalist Casper Ruud was back to full fitness after struggling with the hot weather in the first round, taking just three sets to get past Hamad Medjedovic.<h2>Rybakina stunned by Starodubtseva</h2>Australian Open champion Rybakina blew a one-set lead to exit in dramatic fashion, slumping to a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/4) loss to Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva.It is Rybakina's earliest departure from any tour-level tournament since the 2025 Miami Open and first defeat in the opening two rounds of a major since the 2024 Australian Open."I couldn't find the balance. I couldn't find the right shot, and it was clearly just too many mistakes," said the Kazakh world number two.Starodubtseva will face China's Wang Xiyu for a place in the last 16.She has already matched her previous best run at a Grand Slam event, when she lost to Jasmine Paolini in the French Open third round as a lucky loser 12 months ago."Honestly, hard to describe, I'm super happy," said world number 55 Starodubtseva after beating a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career.<h2>Swiatek, Svitolina through</h2>Four-time champion Iga Swiatek, looking to regain the title she last won in 2024, saw off battling Czech youngster Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier.The third-seeded Pole will next face compatriot Magda Linette, who beat former winner Jelena Ostapenko in three sets, as she bids to preserve her record of having always reached the second week at Roland Garros.Swiatek is playing at a first Grand Slam tournament since linking up with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig.Elina Svitolina, who defeated Swiatek en route to the Rome title, beat world number 126 Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4.The Ukrainian seventh seed ended an eight-year wait for her fifth WTA 1000 trophy at the Italian Open to underline her credentials as a contender in Paris.Jasmine Paolini, the 2024 runner-up, bowed out with a three-set loss to Argentina's Solana Sierra.Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva fought back from a set down to defeat qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera, while 10th seed and 2023 finalist Karolina Muchova got past Kamilla Rakhimova with little fuss.

Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win.

Novak Djokovic extended his latest bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought victory over Valentin Royer in the French Open second round on Wednesday, but women's second seed Elena Rybakina crashed out of the tournament. Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win after three and three-quarter hours on Court Philippe Chatrier. He will next take on Joao Fonseca after the Brazilian teenager fought back from two sets down to beat Croatia's Dino Prizmic 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2. Also Read - French Open 2026 | Coco Gauff reveals having 'mini car accident' before Round 1 "I hope I won't play any more French players for the rest of the tournament," said the third seed, who has been tied on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court since winning the 2023 US Open, with a wry smile. Djokovic, who beat world number one Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open last four earlier this year, cannot meet the red-hot title favourite until the final at Roland Garros. Djokovic powered through the first two sets, although world number 74 Royer, born just 5km from Roland Garros, showed much more resistance in the third before extending the match in a brilliant tie-break. The Serb, who twice failed to consolidate breaks of serve in the third set, made no such mistake in the fourth as he belatedly booked his place in the next round on his fifth match point. Alexander Zverev, who has reached at least the quarter-finals in five consecutive French Opens, swatted aside Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the night match. The German second seed will continue his latest tilt at a maiden Slam title against Frenchman Quentin Halys. Czech Jakub Mensik, the only player other than Djokovic to beat Sinner this year, needed eight match points before eventually downing Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) to book a meeting with eighth seed Alex de Minaur. Mensik collapsed on the court after the match with exhaustion and cramp as the Paris heatwave continued to take its toll. "It's insane to play in this weather, especially in front of the sun, to be there for more than four and a half hours, it's just insane," said Mensik. Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, seeing off James Duckworth 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-5. Two-time losing finalist Casper Ruud was back to full fitness after struggling with the hot weather in the first round, taking just three sets to get past Hamad Medjedovic. Rybakina stunned by Starodubtseva Australian Open champion Rybakina blew a one-set lead to exit in dramatic fashion, slumping to a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/4) loss to Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva. It is Rybakina's earliest departure from any tour-level tournament since the 2025 Miami Open and first defeat in the opening two rounds of a major since the 2024 Australian Open. "I couldn't find the balance. I couldn't find the right shot, and it was clearly just too many mistakes," said the Kazakh world number two. Starodubtseva will face China's Wang Xiyu for a place in the last 16. She has already matched her previous best run at a Grand Slam event, when she lost to Jasmine Paolini in the French Open third round as a lucky loser 12 months ago. "Honestly, hard to describe, I'm super happy," said world number 55 Starodubtseva after beating a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career. Swiatek, Svitolina through Four-time champion Iga Swiatek, looking to regain the title she last won in 2024, saw off battling Czech youngster Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier. The third-seeded Pole will next face compatriot Magda Linette, who beat former winner Jelena Ostapenko in three sets, as she bids to preserve her record of having always reached the second week at Roland Garros. Swiatek is playing at a first Grand Slam tournament since linking up with Rafael Nadal's former coach Francisco Roig. Elina Svitolina, who defeated Swiatek en route to the Rome title, beat world number 126 Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4. The Ukrainian seventh seed ended an eight-year wait for her fifth WTA 1000 trophy at the Italian Open to underline her credentials as a contender in Paris. Jasmine Paolini, the 2024 runner-up, bowed out with a three-set loss to Argentina's Solana Sierra. Eighth seed Mirra Andreeva fought back from a set down to defeat qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera, while 10th seed and 2023 finalist Karolina Muchova got past Kamilla Rakhimova with little fuss.

Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win.

French Open 2026 | Djokovic fights for second round win but Rybakina crashes out

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina reigned supreme on Saturday (Jan 31) in the Women’s singles final as she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the championship clash at the Rod Laver Arena. Playing in her fourth consecutive final, Sabalenka was unable to showcase her magic in the final as Rybakina emerged victorious 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. With this, she also won her second Grand Slam title, having won the 2022 Wimbledon title.<h2>Rybakina emerges victorious</h2>Having not dropped a single set on their way to the final, both Rybakina and Sabalenka had their eyes set on the title. However, it was the fifth seed who drew first blood as she won the opening set 6-4, having broken the Belarusian number one seed in the opening game of the match. Both started the second set on the front foot and rarely dropped points on their serve.&nbsp;However, it was the 12th game of the second set where Sabalenka took advantage of the situation as he was leading 5-4. She broke Rybakina to win the set as the match went into a deciding set with Sabalenka serving first.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>Final set drama</h2>With momentum on her side, Sabalenka was full of confidence and won the opening three games of the third set. At this moment, Sabalenka had a finger on the Australian Open trophy and needed to keep her cool. However, Rybakina’s fighting spirit saw her change the course of the final as she raced from 0-3 down to lead 5-3, winning consecutive games.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Sabalenka managed to win a game on her serve, but an acute service game from Rybakina meant she won the final set 6-4 and thereby the Australian Open women’s singles title. By doing so, she also had her revenge after losing to Sabalenka in the 2023 final. It was Rybakina’s first success at a major since winning the Wimbledon title in 2022.

Playing in her fourth consecutive final, Aryna Sabalenka was unable to showcase her magic in the final as Elena Rybakina emerged victorious 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. With this, she also won her second Grand Slam title, having won the 2022 Wimbledon title.

Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina reigned supreme on Saturday (Jan 31) in the Women’s singles final as she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the championship clash at the Rod Laver Arena. Playing in her fourth consecutive final, Sabalenka was unable to showcase her magic in the final as Rybakina emerged victorious 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. With this, she also won her second Grand Slam title, having won the 2022 Wimbledon title. Rybakina emerges victorious Having not dropped a single set on their way to the final, both Rybakina and Sabalenka had their eyes set on the title. However, it was the fifth seed who drew first blood as she won the opening set 6-4, having broken the Belarusian number one seed in the opening game of the match. Both started the second set on the front foot and rarely dropped points on their serve. However, it was the 12th game of the second set where Sabalenka took advantage of the situation as he was leading 5-4. She broke Rybakina to win the set as the match went into a deciding set with Sabalenka serving first. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Final set drama With momentum on her side, Sabalenka was full of confidence and won the opening three games of the third set. At this moment, Sabalenka had a finger on the Australian Open trophy and needed to keep her cool. However, Rybakina’s fighting spirit saw her change the course of the final as she raced from 0-3 down to lead 5-3, winning consecutive games. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Sabalenka managed to win a game on her serve, but an acute service game from Rybakina meant she won the final set 6-4 and thereby the Australian Open women’s singles title. By doing so, she also had her revenge after losing to Sabalenka in the 2023 final. It was Rybakina’s first success at a major since winning the Wimbledon title in 2022.

Playing in her fourth consecutive final, Aryna Sabalenka was unable to showcase her magic in the final as Elena Rybakina emerged victorious 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. With this, she also won her second Grand Slam title, having won the 2022 Wimbledon title.

Australian Open final: Elena Rybakina reigns supreme, beats Aryna Sabalenka to clinch maiden title

The Australian Open 2026 women's singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, scheduled for Saturday (Jan 31) at Rod Laver Arena, his already a historic match. Both the players have reached the final without dropping set - a first in a grand slam since Williams sisters Serena and Venus reached Wimbledon 2008 final. In the Australian Open, the last time two finalists reached the women's singles final were Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters back in 2004. While Sabalenka would be looking to win her third AO title in fourth year and fifth grand slam overall, Rybakina last won a grand slam title in Wimbledon 2022. Both the players had also played the AO 2023 final and Sabalenka had emerged victorious back then.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-there-will-be-no-handshake-shocking-display-board-message-at-sabalenka-svitolina-semis-1769760751211">AO 2026 | 'There will be no handshake': Shocking display board message at Sabalenka-Svitolina semis</a><h2>Aryna Sabalenka road to AO 2026 women's singles final</h2>Sabalenka, a two-time AO champion, started her campaign with win over ustine Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah in first round on Jan 18. She then defeated Zhuoxuan Bai in the second round on Jan 21 before a hard fought, tie-breaker in both sets, victory against Anastasia Potapova in R3 on Jan 23. In the fourth round, Sabalenka beat Victoria Mboko to advance to the quarter-finals where she beat Iva Jovic. In the semi-final, she beat Elina Svitolina to reach her fourth consecutive AO final. Below are Sabalenka's score in each match:<ul><li>Sabalenka beat Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 in Round 1</li><li>Sabalenka beat Bai 6-3, 6-1 in Round 2</li><li>Sabalenka beat Potapova 7(7)-6(4), 7(9)-6(7) in Round 3</li><li>Sabalenka beat Mboko 6-1, 7(7)-6(1) in Round 4</li><li>Sabalenka beat Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in QF</li><li>Sabalenka beat Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in SF</li></ul><h2>Elena Rybakina road to AO 2026 women's singles final</h2>Rybakina, who had lost to Sabalenka in AO 2023 final, started her AO 2026 camapign with a win over Kaja Juvan in round 1 on Jan 20. In the second round, Rybakina beat Varvara Gracheva on Jan 22 before overcoming Tereza Valentova in round three on Jan 24. In the fourth round, Rybakina beat Elise Mertens on Jan 26 before beating Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals on Jan 28. In the semis, Rybakina beat Jessic Pegula to advance to her second AO final and set up the AO 2023 final rematch with Sabalenka. Below are Rybakian's scores in each round leading to the final:<ul><li>Rybakina beat Juvan 6-4, 6-3 in R1</li><li>Rybakina beat Gracheva 7-5, 6-2 in R2</li><li>Rybakina beat Valentova 6-2, 6-3 in R3</li><li>Rybakina beat Mertens 6-1, 6-3 in R4</li><li>Rybakina beat Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 in QF</li><li>Rybakina beat Pegula 6-3, 7(9)-6(7) in SF</li></ul>

In the Australian Open, the last time two finalists reached the women's singles final were Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters back in 2004. Both the players had also played the AO 2023 final and Sabalenka had emerged victorious back then.

The Australian Open 2026 women's singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, scheduled for Saturday (Jan 31) at Rod Laver Arena, his already a historic match. Both the players have reached the final without dropping set - a first in a grand slam since Williams sisters Serena and Venus reached Wimbledon 2008 final. In the Australian Open, the last time two finalists reached the women's singles final were Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters back in 2004. While Sabalenka would be looking to win her third AO title in fourth year and fifth grand slam overall, Rybakina last won a grand slam title in Wimbledon 2022. Both the players had also played the AO 2023 final and Sabalenka had emerged victorious back then. Also Read: AO 2026 | 'There will be no handshake': Shocking display board message at Sabalenka-Svitolina semis Aryna Sabalenka road to AO 2026 women's singles final Sabalenka, a two-time AO champion, started her campaign with win over ustine Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah in first round on Jan 18. She then defeated Zhuoxuan Bai in the second round on Jan 21 before a hard fought, tie-breaker in both sets, victory against Anastasia Potapova in R3 on Jan 23. In the fourth round, Sabalenka beat Victoria Mboko to advance to the quarter-finals where she beat Iva Jovic. In the semi-final, she beat Elina Svitolina to reach her fourth consecutive AO final. Below are Sabalenka's score in each match: Sabalenka beat Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 in Round 1 Sabalenka beat Bai 6-3, 6-1 in Round 2 Sabalenka beat Potapova 7(7)-6(4), 7(9)-6(7) in Round 3 Sabalenka beat Mboko 6-1, 7(7)-6(1) in Round 4 Sabalenka beat Jovic 6-3, 6-0 in QF Sabalenka beat Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in SF Elena Rybakina road to AO 2026 women's singles final Rybakina, who had lost to Sabalenka in AO 2023 final, started her AO 2026 camapign with a win over Kaja Juvan in round 1 on Jan 20. In the second round, Rybakina beat Varvara Gracheva on Jan 22 before overcoming Tereza Valentova in round three on Jan 24. In the fourth round, Rybakina beat Elise Mertens on Jan 26 before beating Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals on Jan 28. In the semis, Rybakina beat Jessic Pegula to advance to her second AO final and set up the AO 2023 final rematch with Sabalenka. Below are Rybakian's scores in each round leading to the final: Rybakina beat Juvan 6-4, 6-3 in R1 Rybakina beat Gracheva 7-5, 6-2 in R2 Rybakina beat Valentova 6-2, 6-3 in R3 Rybakina beat Mertens 6-1, 6-3 in R4 Rybakina beat Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 in QF Rybakina beat Pegula 6-3, 7(9)-6(7) in SF

In the Australian Open, the last time two finalists reached the women's singles final were Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters back in 2004. Both the players had also played the AO 2023 final and Sabalenka had emerged victorious back then.

AO 2026 | 'First of its kind since 2004': Sabalenka-Rybakina road to historic women's singles final

Elena Rybakina will have another date with destiny as she reached her second Australian Open women’s singles final on Thursday (Jan 29). Playing at the Rod Laver Arena, Rybakina outclassed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 and won the contest in less than two hours. Rybakina’s win also means she will face Aryna Sabalenka for the title, in what will be a repeat of the 2023 Australian Open women’s singles final, when the Kazakh star suffered a defeat.<h2>Rybakina sees off Pegula</h2>Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, was at her best in the opening set, having dropped only three games. However, it was the second set where both players gave their best shots as it went to the tiebreaker. Rybakina served an astonishing six aces in the match and won 73 per cent of her first serves. She broke her opponent four times during the match while giving away just four break points.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;"It was such a battle. It was an epic second set. I'm really glad I managed to win it," she said.&nbsp;"I'm really proud that no matter the situation, I was leading, and then, of course, it was very tight, I still stayed there. I was fighting for each point and just happy.&nbsp;"Overall, it's a lot of positives to take."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Moscow-born Rybakina, who defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, is trying to get back on the Grand Slam title board for the first time in three-and-a-half years after winning Wimbledon in 2022. She has been in sizzling recent form, beating Sabalenka to win the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November and winning 19 of her last 20 matches.&nbsp;Sabalenka has an 8-6 advantage in head-to-head meetings with Rybakina, the pair splitting their four meetings last year.&nbsp;(With Inputs from Agencies)

Playing at the Rod Laver Arena, Elena Rybakina outclassed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 and won the contest in less than two hours. 

Elena Rybakina will have another date with destiny as she reached her second Australian Open women’s singles final on Thursday (Jan 29). Playing at the Rod Laver Arena, Rybakina outclassed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 and won the contest in less than two hours. Rybakina’s win also means she will face Aryna Sabalenka for the title, in what will be a repeat of the 2023 Australian Open women’s singles final, when the Kazakh star suffered a defeat. Rybakina sees off Pegula Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, was at her best in the opening set, having dropped only three games. However, it was the second set where both players gave their best shots as it went to the tiebreaker. Rybakina served an astonishing six aces in the match and won 73 per cent of her first serves. She broke her opponent four times during the match while giving away just four break points. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "It was such a battle. It was an epic second set. I'm really glad I managed to win it," she said. "I'm really proud that no matter the situation, I was leading, and then, of course, it was very tight, I still stayed there. I was fighting for each point and just happy. "Overall, it's a lot of positives to take." ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Moscow-born Rybakina, who defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, is trying to get back on the Grand Slam title board for the first time in three-and-a-half years after winning Wimbledon in 2022. She has been in sizzling recent form, beating Sabalenka to win the WTA Finals in Riyadh in November and winning 19 of her last 20 matches. Sabalenka has an 8-6 advantage in head-to-head meetings with Rybakina, the pair splitting their four meetings last year. (With Inputs from Agencies)

Playing at the Rod Laver Arena, Elena Rybakina outclassed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 and won the contest in less than two hours.&nbsp;

Australian Open 2026: Rybakina sweeps past Pegula in straight sets, to face Sabalenka in repeat of 2023 final

In what comes across as a second shocker in the women’s last eight at the ongoing Australian Open 2026, fifth seed Elena Rybakina stunned the world number two Iga Swiatek to reach the semi-final on Wednesday (Jan 28), denying the tournament favourite in her bid for a career Grand Slam. Rybakina bounced back from early serving woes to beat Swiatek in the straight sets (7-5, 6-1); she will meet either Jessica Pegula or Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;Having lost the summit clash to the world number one Aryna Sabalenka in her last final here in 2023, Rybakina hasn’t reached the quarters at the Australian Open since. However, the 2022 Wimbledon champion has been the player in form lately in the women’s division, winning 18 of her last 19 matches. &nbsp;Rybakina has now reached her fourth career Slam semi-final and first since Wimbledon 2024.&nbsp;Watch her winning moment -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Fun fact: Rybakina hasn&#39;t dropped a single set on her way to the semifinal and she sealed the deal with an ace here! <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/tntsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tntsports</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO26</a> <a href="https://t.co/rHB2l8dOKn">pic.twitter.com/rHB2l8dOKn</a>&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/2016336060465266944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Really pleased with the win," said the 26-year-old. "We know each other pretty well, and I was just trying to stay aggressive. &nbsp;"I feel like in the first set for both of us, the first serve was not really working, so just trying to step in on the second serve, put pressure on each other. &nbsp;"I think in the second set I just started to play more freely and served better."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-what-is-whoop-band-and-why-sabalenka-sinner-alcaraz-asked-to-remove-fitness-device-1769528111210">AO 2026 | 'Not steroids': What is Whoop band - Sabalenka, Sinner, Alcaraz asked to remove fitness device</a> &nbsp;Defeat, however, denied Swiatek a career Grand Slam of all four majors. She has won four French Opens, the US Open and Wimbledon, but a title at Melbourne Park remains elusive.&nbsp; &nbsp;Swiatek and Rybakina had met 11 times before, including five last season, with the Pole holding a narrow 6-5 edge. But Rybakina won the last encounter at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. &nbsp;Swiatek forged a break on Rybakina's opening serve, with the Kazakh getting only one of her first serves in, but she struck back immediately to keep the match level. &nbsp;Rybakina's serve was misfiring, and the Pole worked another three break points in the next game, but all were saved as the fifth seed hung on. The Kazakh made some adjustments, and her serve finally started to hit the mark. &nbsp;There was little to split them until Swiatek served to stay in the set at 5-6, with Rybakina going for her shots and converting on the second set-point opportunity. &nbsp;The writing was on the wall for Swiatek with Rybakina winning her last 21 matches after taking the first set, and she pounced early with a sizzling forehand return, earning a break to love. &nbsp;She consolidated for 3-0, and when two straight aces made it 4-1, there was no way back for the Pole.&nbsp;(With inputs from AFP)

Rybakina bounced back from early serving woes to beat Swiatek in the straight sets (7-5, 6-1). 

In what comes across as a second shocker in the women’s last eight at the ongoing Australian Open 2026, fifth seed Elena Rybakina stunned the world number two Iga Swiatek to reach the semi-final on Wednesday (Jan 28), denying the tournament favourite in her bid for a career Grand Slam. Rybakina bounced back from early serving woes to beat Swiatek in the straight sets (7-5, 6-1); she will meet either Jessica Pegula or Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final at Melbourne Park. Having lost the summit clash to the world number one Aryna Sabalenka in her last final here in 2023, Rybakina hasn’t reached the quarters at the Australian Open since. However, the 2022 Wimbledon champion has been the player in form lately in the women’s division, winning 18 of her last 19 matches. Rybakina has now reached her fourth career Slam semi-final and first since Wimbledon 2024. Watch her winning moment -

Rybakina bounced back from early serving woes to beat Swiatek in the straight sets (7-5, 6-1).&nbsp;

Iga Swiatek follows Gauff on her way out of Australian Open in another QF shocker

After three successful seasons in the UAE, the World Tennis League (WTL), is gearing up for its first-ever Indian chapter. The high-profile exhibition league will run from December 17 to 20 at Bengaluru’s SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, overseen by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association. The India debut brings together a formidable mix of international heavyweights and homegrown stars.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans can look forward to watching Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Gael Monfils, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Arthur Fils, Magda Linette, Marta Kostyuk, Sumit Nagal and Rohan Bopanna headlining the action. In a major boost for domestic tennis, the tournament has also drafted in India’s rising performers, including Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh and Sahana Yamalapalli — a move aimed at widening the sport’s footprint across the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/badminton-legends-saina-nehwal-peter-gade-to-headline-legends-vision-legacy-tour-india-1763471247910">Badminton legends Saina Nehwal, Peter Gade to headline Legends’ Vision Legacy Tour India</a>&nbsp;Known for its fast-paced, team-based format, WTL has carved out a unique place in the global tennis calendar, blending elite matchups with an entertainment-first approach that has resonated strongly with fans. Looking forward to her first competitive outing in India, world no. 5 Elena Rybakina said, “I’ve heard so much about the tennis culture in India, and I’m thrilled to make my debut here with WTL. The league has an exciting format, and I’m ready to enjoy every moment on the court with my team.”&nbsp;For Mahesh Bhupathi, 12-time Grand Slam champion and co-founder of the league, bringing WTL to India is a long-awaited moment. “India has always shared a deep relationship with tennis, and hosting the WTL is a chance to strengthen that connection. This format highlights the sport’s speed and energy. With global stars competing alongside India’s top players, we hope to inspire the next generation and show how dynamic and limitless tennis can be.”

The debut edition of the World Tennis League in India will be played at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru from December 17 till December 20.

After three successful seasons in the UAE, the World Tennis League (WTL), is gearing up for its first-ever Indian chapter. The high-profile exhibition league will run from December 17 to 20 at Bengaluru’s SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, overseen by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association. The India debut brings together a formidable mix of international heavyweights and homegrown stars. Fans can look forward to watching Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Gael Monfils, Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, Arthur Fils, Magda Linette, Marta Kostyuk, Sumit Nagal and Rohan Bopanna headlining the action. In a major boost for domestic tennis, the tournament has also drafted in India’s rising performers, including Yuki Bhambri, Ankita Raina, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Maaya Revathi, Dhakshineswar Suresh and Sahana Yamalapalli — a move aimed at widening the sport’s footprint across the country. Also Read: Badminton legends Saina Nehwal, Peter Gade to headline Legends’ Vision Legacy Tour India Known for its fast-paced, team-based format, WTL has carved out a unique place in the global tennis calendar, blending elite matchups with an entertainment-first approach that has resonated strongly with fans. Looking forward to her first competitive outing in India, world no. 5 Elena Rybakina said, “I’ve heard so much about the tennis culture in India, and I’m thrilled to make my debut here with WTL. The league has an exciting format, and I’m ready to enjoy every moment on the court with my team.” For Mahesh Bhupathi, 12-time Grand Slam champion and co-founder of the league, bringing WTL to India is a long-awaited moment. “India has always shared a deep relationship with tennis, and hosting the WTL is a chance to strengthen that connection. This format highlights the sport’s speed and energy. With global stars competing alongside India’s top players, we hope to inspire the next generation and show how dynamic and limitless tennis can be.”

The debut edition of the World Tennis League in India will be played at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, Bengaluru from December 17 till December 20.

'Excited to make my debut here', says Elena Rybakina as World Tennis League set to enthrall fans in India

Carlos Alcaraz coasted into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday with a straight-sets win despite sparking fitness concerns as he received treatment for a knee issue. Alcaraz beat Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 and will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the next round. The Spaniard took a medical timeout late in the second set after complaining of knee pain but won the final seven games once play resumed and said he was "not worried about it".Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/osaka-calls-ostapenko-comments-on-townsend-at-us-open-worst-thing-to-say-to-a-black-player-1756469179283">Osaka calls Ostapenko comments on Townsend at US Open 'worst thing to say to a Black player'</a>Alcaraz surrendered only two points on serve in the opening set but Darderi put up more of a challenge in the second, battling back from a break down before his rival summoned the trainer at 5-4."I'm feeling good - I just asked for him when he (Darderi) broke my serve because I felt something wasn't working great in the knee but after five or six points it was gone," said Alcaraz."I just asked the physio to have a look at it because I wanted to be feeling good physically for that last set."Darderi doubled-faulted while trying to stay in the second set and Alcaraz wrapped up a 42nd win in his last 44 matches, quickly rattling through the third set."I just tried to start awake, that was important. Starting at 11:30 my first goal is to start well with a good energy and rhythm," said Alcaraz, who was first in action on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.“I'm not an early morning person so it's difficult for me to wake up in the morning. One of the good things today though I woke up early, did the warm up and felt good.”<h2>Elena Rybakina routs Raducanu</h2>Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina demolished Britain's Emma Raducanu to reach the fourth round of the US Open for the first time on Friday.The Moscow-born ninth seed from Kazakhstan, whose previous best result in New York was a pair of third round appearances, overpowered Raducanu to win 6-1, 6-2 in one hour two minutes."Throughout the whole years, for some reason the US Open wasn't a success for me but hopefully this year that will change," Rybakina said in her on-court interview.The unseeded Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, had looked in confident form en route to Friday's clash with Rybakina on the Louis Armstrong Stadium showcourt.But the 22-year-old was in trouble from the outset against Rybakina, the Kazakh breaking her serve right away to seize the early advantage.Raducanu had no answer to Rybakina's superior power as the Kazakh reeled off a series of thumping forehand winners before completing a convincing win.Rybakina is playing in New York with controversial coach Stefano Rukov restored to her viewing box after the WTA lifted a suspension against the Croat earlier this month.Vukov had been barred from attending all tournaments by the WTA after being found to have breached the tour's code of conduct.He had been fired by Rybakina just before last year's US Open, and subsequently bombarded the player with requests to return which left her fearing for her safety according to details of a WTA investigation reported by The Athletic.Vukov was banned for a year in January after the WTA ruled he had engaged in "abuse of authority and abusive behaviour" towards Rybakina.However Rybakina subsequently reunited with Vukov, who has coached her this season between events. He was allowed to return to courtside at the Cincinnati Open after successfully appealing against his suspension.

US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz beat Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in men's singles while Elena Rybakina routed Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in women's singles R3 matches to advance.

Carlos Alcaraz coasted into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday with a straight-sets win despite sparking fitness concerns as he received treatment for a knee issue. Alcaraz beat Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 and will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the next round. The Spaniard took a medical timeout late in the second set after complaining of knee pain but won the final seven games once play resumed and said he was "not worried about it". Also Read - Osaka calls Ostapenko comments on Townsend at US Open 'worst thing to say to a Black player' Alcaraz surrendered only two points on serve in the opening set but Darderi put up more of a challenge in the second, battling back from a break down before his rival summoned the trainer at 5-4. "I'm feeling good - I just asked for him when he (Darderi) broke my serve because I felt something wasn't working great in the knee but after five or six points it was gone," said Alcaraz. "I just asked the physio to have a look at it because I wanted to be feeling good physically for that last set." Darderi doubled-faulted while trying to stay in the second set and Alcaraz wrapped up a 42nd win in his last 44 matches, quickly rattling through the third set. "I just tried to start awake, that was important. Starting at 11:30 my first goal is to start well with a good energy and rhythm," said Alcaraz, who was first in action on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court. “I'm not an early morning person so it's difficult for me to wake up in the morning. One of the good things today though I woke up early, did the warm up and felt good.” Elena Rybakina routs Raducanu Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina demolished Britain's Emma Raducanu to reach the fourth round of the US Open for the first time on Friday. The Moscow-born ninth seed from Kazakhstan, whose previous best result in New York was a pair of third round appearances, overpowered Raducanu to win 6-1, 6-2 in one hour two minutes. "Throughout the whole years, for some reason the US Open wasn't a success for me but hopefully this year that will change," Rybakina said in her on-court interview. The unseeded Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, had looked in confident form en route to Friday's clash with Rybakina on the Louis Armstrong Stadium showcourt. But the 22-year-old was in trouble from the outset against Rybakina, the Kazakh breaking her serve right away to seize the early advantage. Raducanu had no answer to Rybakina's superior power as the Kazakh reeled off a series of thumping forehand winners before completing a convincing win. Rybakina is playing in New York with controversial coach Stefano Rukov restored to her viewing box after the WTA lifted a suspension against the Croat earlier this month. Vukov had been barred from attending all tournaments by the WTA after being found to have breached the tour's code of conduct. He had been fired by Rybakina just before last year's US Open, and subsequently bombarded the player with requests to return which left her fearing for her safety according to details of a WTA investigation reported by The Athletic. Vukov was banned for a year in January after the WTA ruled he had engaged in "abuse of authority and abusive behaviour" towards Rybakina. However Rybakina subsequently reunited with Vukov, who has coached her this season between events. He was allowed to return to courtside at the Cincinnati Open after successfully appealing against his suspension.

US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz beat Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in men's singles while Elena Rybakina routed Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 in women's singles R3 matches to advance.

US Open 2025: Alcaraz, Rybakina win round 3 matches in straight sets to advance

Iga Swiatek reached the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time on Sunday, surging past Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 to book a title clash with Jasmine Paolini. The six-time Grand Slam champion earned a Monday evening final against an opponent with nothing to lose after Paolini managed to "forget" a patch of bad form to claim a 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.&nbsp;The 29-year-old, who was a two-time Grand Slam finalist in 2024, will bid for the fourth title of her career when she faces Swiatek, who is set to compete in her 13th final at the 1000 level as she closes in on a return to world number two.&nbsp;Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, recovered an early break in the opening set and powered away to beat 2022 All England winner Rybakina -- who had swept past world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;The former world number one from Poland now ranked third, had twice stalled at the semi-final stage at the pre-US Open event, but booked her title chance on her third opportunity.&nbsp;"It was a great match, and at the beginning, I was even surprised that I'm able to keep up with the pace, because we played so fast," Swiatek said.&nbsp;"I wanted to be there when Elena starts making mistakes. It's impossible to play such a good level throughout the whole match."&nbsp;Swiatek recovered from 3-5 down in the opening set, sweeping the last four games.She jumped to a 4-1 lead in the second, sandwiching a pair of love service games around a break of Rybakina's serve.&nbsp;But Kazakhstan's Rybakina made her work for it, fending off three break points in the sixth game and saving a pair of match points in the eighth before Swiatek closed it out a game later.&nbsp;"I was playing with intensity and quality," Swiatek said. "I feel good about my game right now and would not change anything."&nbsp;Swiatek has beaten Paolini in all five of their prior meetings with the Italian winning just one set.&nbsp;But Swiatek said she was prepared for a tough final against a player who beat world number two Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;"Anyone who is there will have been playing well," she said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>Keep fighting</h2>Before her 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon final win over Amanda Anisimova last month, Swiatek had been in a trophy drought with her last prior title coming in June 2024 at Roland Garros.Another victory on Monday would be a strong springboard into the US Open, where first-round play starts on August 24.&nbsp;Paolini looked headed to a straight-set victory but failed to serve out her match at 5-4 in the second set and admitted the lapse left her nervous.&nbsp;"The key was to forget, get back into the fight and stay in the present," Paolini said after wrapping up the win in two and a quarter hours.&nbsp;"I was fighting in the second set and all was fine. But I got nervous and thought I would lose the tiebreaker.&nbsp;"I came back onto court in the third set trying not to think about what had happened. You have to keep going."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iga Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, recovered an early break in the opening set and powered away to beat 2022 All England winner Rybakina -- who had swept past world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.

Iga Swiatek reached the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time on Sunday, surging past Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 to book a title clash with Jasmine Paolini. The six-time Grand Slam champion earned a Monday evening final against an opponent with nothing to lose after Paolini managed to "forget" a patch of bad form to claim a 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova. The 29-year-old, who was a two-time Grand Slam finalist in 2024, will bid for the fourth title of her career when she faces Swiatek, who is set to compete in her 13th final at the 1000 level as she closes in on a return to world number two. Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, recovered an early break in the opening set and powered away to beat 2022 All England winner Rybakina -- who had swept past world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals. The former world number one from Poland now ranked third, had twice stalled at the semi-final stage at the pre-US Open event, but booked her title chance on her third opportunity. "It was a great match, and at the beginning, I was even surprised that I'm able to keep up with the pace, because we played so fast," Swiatek said. "I wanted to be there when Elena starts making mistakes. It's impossible to play such a good level throughout the whole match." Swiatek recovered from 3-5 down in the opening set, sweeping the last four games. She jumped to a 4-1 lead in the second, sandwiching a pair of love service games around a break of Rybakina's serve. But Kazakhstan's Rybakina made her work for it, fending off three break points in the sixth game and saving a pair of match points in the eighth before Swiatek closed it out a game later. "I was playing with intensity and quality," Swiatek said. "I feel good about my game right now and would not change anything." Swiatek has beaten Paolini in all five of their prior meetings with the Italian winning just one set. But Swiatek said she was prepared for a tough final against a player who beat world number two Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals. "Anyone who is there will have been playing well," she said. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Keep fighting Before her 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon final win over Amanda Anisimova last month, Swiatek had been in a trophy drought with her last prior title coming in June 2024 at Roland Garros. Another victory on Monday would be a strong springboard into the US Open, where first-round play starts on August 24. Paolini looked headed to a straight-set victory but failed to serve out her match at 5-4 in the second set and admitted the lapse left her nervous. "The key was to forget, get back into the fight and stay in the present," Paolini said after wrapping up the win in two and a quarter hours. "I was fighting in the second set and all was fine. But I got nervous and thought I would lose the tiebreaker. "I came back onto court in the third set trying not to think about what had happened. You have to keep going." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iga Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, recovered an early break in the opening set and powered away to beat 2022 All England winner Rybakina -- who had swept past world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals.

Cincinnati Open: Iga Swiatek swamps Elena Rybakina in semis, to face Jasmine Paolini in final

World number two Carlos Alcaraz fought off a fierce challenge from Andrey Rublev to reach the semi-finals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Friday as women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was sent crashing by Elena Rybakina.&nbsp;Spain's Alcaraz broke Rublev in the final game of a tense duel to emerge a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 winner and will face third-seeded Alexander Zverev, who brought the winning run of fifth-seeded Toronto champion American Ben Shelton to its end with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.&nbsp;Germany's Zverev complained of feeling dizzy and out of breath as he led by a set and a break, but benefitted from 27 unforced errors from a listless Shelton over 76 minutes.&nbsp;Zverev earned a 4-1 lead in the second set as Sheldon angrily tossed his racquet on the changeover, and the 2021 champion polished off the win on a second match point and now has 24 hours to try and get fit.&nbsp;"I'm not feeling too great now, but I have a day to get fresh," Zverev said. "I hope to be at 100%.&nbsp;"I'm not sure what happened. I felt very well but at the end of the first set it got progressively worse.&nbsp;"But I'll do all I can to give it a shot tomorrow."&nbsp;Alcaraz was broken while serving for victory at 5-4 in the final set against 11th-ranked Rublev, but he found his focus and used his trademark grit to come through three games later.&nbsp;He sealed the triumph as an emotional Rublev hit an eighth double-fault on match point.&nbsp;"I maintained the positive thoughts even if I lost focus a bit in the second set," said Alcaraz, whose five titles so far this year include the French Open as well as Masters 1000 trophies in Monte Carlo and Rome.&nbsp;“Against Andrey, if you lose focus it can cost you the set -- or the match ... (Fighting back) is what I'm most proud of.”&nbsp;ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628"> From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a><h2>Rybakina revenge</h2>Top seeded Sabalenka had no answer for 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina, who beat the Belarusian 6-1, 6-4 to book a semi-final meeting with Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek -- a 6-3, 6-4 winner over Anna Kalinskaya.&nbsp;Rybakina claimed a fifth victory in her 12-match personal rivalry with Sabalenka, avenging a loss to the Belarusian in Berlin two months ago.&nbsp;Rybakina was aided by 11 aces as she reached her first Cincinnati semi-final."I'm happy with the serve. It was the key today," Rybakina said. "I served really well.&nbsp;"If she had been serving well it would have been a totally different match," she acknowledged.&nbsp;Rybakina has won her last three matches against Swiatek, all played this season.Swiatek needed 93 minutes and five match points to get past Kalinskaya in what she called "the best match I played here.&nbsp;"I'm happy that I'm progressing during the tournament," said the former world number one from Poland.&nbsp;I just played my game," she said. “It was not easy but I'm happy that I stayed solid and kept my intensity.”&nbsp;In other quarter-final action, Veronika Kudermetova crushed Varvara Gracheva 6-1, 6-2 and awaits the winner of Friday night's match between world number two Coco Gauff and ninth-ranked Jasmine Paolini.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spain's Alcaraz broke Rublev in the final game of a tense duel to emerge a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 winner and will face third-seeded Alexander Zverev, who brought the winning run of fifth-seeded Toronto champion American Ben Shelton to its end with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.

World number two Carlos Alcaraz fought off a fierce challenge from Andrey Rublev to reach the semi-finals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Friday as women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was sent crashing by Elena Rybakina. Spain's Alcaraz broke Rublev in the final game of a tense duel to emerge a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 winner and will face third-seeded Alexander Zverev, who brought the winning run of fifth-seeded Toronto champion American Ben Shelton to its end with a 6-2, 6-2 victory. Germany's Zverev complained of feeling dizzy and out of breath as he led by a set and a break, but benefitted from 27 unforced errors from a listless Shelton over 76 minutes. Zverev earned a 4-1 lead in the second set as Sheldon angrily tossed his racquet on the changeover, and the 2021 champion polished off the win on a second match point and now has 24 hours to try and get fit. "I'm not feeling too great now, but I have a day to get fresh," Zverev said. "I hope to be at 100%. "I'm not sure what happened. I felt very well but at the end of the first set it got progressively worse. "But I'll do all I can to give it a shot tomorrow." Alcaraz was broken while serving for victory at 5-4 in the final set against 11th-ranked Rublev, but he found his focus and used his trademark grit to come through three games later. He sealed the triumph as an emotional Rublev hit an eighth double-fault on match point. "I maintained the positive thoughts even if I lost focus a bit in the second set," said Alcaraz, whose five titles so far this year include the French Open as well as Masters 1000 trophies in Monte Carlo and Rome. “Against Andrey, if you lose focus it can cost you the set -- or the match ... (Fighting back) is what I'm most proud of.” ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Rybakina revenge Top seeded Sabalenka had no answer for 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina, who beat the Belarusian 6-1, 6-4 to book a semi-final meeting with Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek -- a 6-3, 6-4 winner over Anna Kalinskaya. Rybakina claimed a fifth victory in her 12-match personal rivalry with Sabalenka, avenging a loss to the Belarusian in Berlin two months ago. Rybakina was aided by 11 aces as she reached her first Cincinnati semi-final. "I'm happy with the serve. It was the key today," Rybakina said. "I served really well. "If she had been serving well it would have been a totally different match," she acknowledged. Rybakina has won her last three matches against Swiatek, all played this season. Swiatek needed 93 minutes and five match points to get past Kalinskaya in what she called "the best match I played here. "I'm happy that I'm progressing during the tournament," said the former world number one from Poland. I just played my game," she said. “It was not easy but I'm happy that I stayed solid and kept my intensity.” In other quarter-final action, Veronika Kudermetova crushed Varvara Gracheva 6-1, 6-2 and awaits the winner of Friday night's match between world number two Coco Gauff and ninth-ranked Jasmine Paolini. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spain's Alcaraz broke Rublev in the final game of a tense duel to emerge a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 winner and will face third-seeded Alexander Zverev, who brought the winning run of fifth-seeded Toronto champion American Ben Shelton to its end with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.

Cincinnati Open: Carlos Alcaraz survives to reach semis as Elena Rybakina topples No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka

Three-time defending Qatar Open champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Iga+Swiatek" rel="dofollow">Iga Swiatek</a> scraped her way past Czech youngster Linda Noskova on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final clash with last year's runner-up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Elena+Rybakina" rel="dofollow">Elena Rybakina</a>.
Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 -- ending a run of 25 wins in a row -- but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4 and extend her winning streak at the tournament to 14 matches.
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The five-time Grand Slam champion will take on 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals. Swiatek beat Rybakina in straight sets in the final 12 months ago.
The Pole's reign looked in jeopardy when the 20-year-old Noskova, a semi-finalist in Abu Dhabi last week, dominated a first set tie-break after being unable to capitalise on five break points.
Swiatek, without a title since the French Open in June, broke to go 3-2 up in the second set. Noskova immediately hit back, but the second seed responded in kind to regain her advantage.
Noskova had a break point as her opponent served for the set, but Swiatek kept her cool to force a decider.
Swiatek won the first two games of the final set before Noskova reeled off the next three for a 3-2 edge, and the Pole was wobbling in the eighth game.
However, from 0-30 down on her serve, she rattled off six straight points to hold and then land the crucial break with a forehand into the open court.
Swiatek closed out the victory in the following game despite winning fewer points than Noskova overall.
Rybakina progressed earlier in the day with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova.
The fifth seed from Kazakhstan battled inconsistency in the first set after racing into a 3-0 lead, failing to convert three set points in the 10th game before finally taking charge in the tie-break.
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina broke world number 46 Sramkova to start the second set and won the first four games as she wrapped up the victory with minimal fuss.
Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov&nbsp;remains banned following the conclusion of an investigation, the WTA confirmed on Tuesday.
He was provisionally suspended last month for allegedly breaching the tour's code of conduct.
<h2>Paolini, Sabalenka ousted</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasmine-paolini">Jasmine Paolini</a> became the latest seed to fall on Wednesday as the fourth-ranked Italian was blown away 6-2, 6-2 by the mercurial Jelena Ostapenko.
Ostapenko, who had not won back-to-back matches since Wimbledon until this week, will play Ons Jabeur or Sofia Kenin for a place in the semi-finals.
Four of the top 10 seeds fell on Tuesday as world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa all exited in the second round. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula avoided the same fate as she defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 7-5.
Ekaterina Alexandrova followed up her victory over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/aryna-sabalenka">Sabalenka</a> by brushing aside Elise Mertens in two sets, while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beat Poland's Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis, Sports: Iga Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 — ending a run of 25 wins in a row — but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4

Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek scraped her way past Czech youngster Linda Noskova on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final clash with last year's runner-up Elena Rybakina. Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 -- ending a run of 25 wins in a row -- but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4 and extend her winning streak at the tournament to 14 matches. Also Read: India paddle festival returns for second edition as nation prepares for aquatic sports ahead 2026 Asian Games The five-time Grand Slam champion will take on 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals. Swiatek beat Rybakina in straight sets in the final 12 months ago. The Pole's reign looked in jeopardy when the 20-year-old Noskova, a semi-finalist in Abu Dhabi last week, dominated a first set tie-break after being unable to capitalise on five break points. Swiatek, without a title since the French Open in June, broke to go 3-2 up in the second set. Noskova immediately hit back, but the second seed responded in kind to regain her advantage. Noskova had a break point as her opponent served for the set, but Swiatek kept her cool to force a decider. Swiatek won the first two games of the final set before Noskova reeled off the next three for a 3-2 edge, and the Pole was wobbling in the eighth game. However, from 0-30 down on her serve, she rattled off six straight points to hold and then land the crucial break with a forehand into the open court. Swiatek closed out the victory in the following game despite winning fewer points than Noskova overall. Rybakina progressed earlier in the day with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 win over Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova. The fifth seed from Kazakhstan battled inconsistency in the first set after racing into a 3-0 lead, failing to convert three set points in the 10th game before finally taking charge in the tie-break. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina broke world number 46 Sramkova to start the second set and won the first four games as she wrapped up the victory with minimal fuss. Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov remains banned following the conclusion of an investigation, the WTA confirmed on Tuesday. He was provisionally suspended last month for allegedly breaching the tour's code of conduct. Paolini, Sabalenka ousted Jasmine Paolini became the latest seed to fall on Wednesday as the fourth-ranked Italian was blown away 6-2, 6-2 by the mercurial Jelena Ostapenko. Ostapenko, who had not won back-to-back matches since Wimbledon until this week, will play Ons Jabeur or Sofia Kenin for a place in the semi-finals. Four of the top 10 seeds fell on Tuesday as world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa all exited in the second round. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula avoided the same fate as she defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 7-5. Ekaterina Alexandrova followed up her victory over Sabalenka by brushing aside Elise Mertens in two sets, while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk beat Poland's Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Qatar Open: Battling Swiatek lines up quarterfinal against Elena Rybakina

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina expressed confidence Thursday that her new partnership with Novak Djokovic's former coach Goran Ivanisevic will pay dividends, starting at the mixed-teams United Cup.&nbsp;The world number six completed a Dubai training block with the Croat before joining her Kazakhstan compatriots for the Perth leg of the 18-nation tournament, which starts the 2025 season and is also being played in Sydney.
Kazakhstan face Spain in the opening tie on Friday, with Rybakina a favourite against 54th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.&nbsp; The match will be the first test of her new collaboration with the 53-year-old Ivanisevic, who parted ways last season with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.
"We had a couple of weeks together, Goran's a fun guy," said Rybakina, the beaten finalist in the 2023 Australian Open. "I can't say (too) much about our work, but we had a good preparation.&nbsp;"Not much time has passed but I'm already getting experience from him, especially as a player, how he used to prepare.&nbsp;"I'm learning every day, I'm feeling much better physically and hopefully we can do well here," she said after an injury-marred 2024.
Ivanisevic came on board with Rybakina in November after Djokovic shook up his team as he hits the twilight of a remarkable career, replacing him with Andy Murray.&nbsp;Rybakina is looking to make up for last season's disappointment after winning three titles in her first eight tournaments before being sidelined by a back problem and illness.&nbsp;
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The 25-year-old skipped the late-season Asian swing before she returned at the WTA Finals, where she defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka.&nbsp;The entire Kazakh squad are newcomers to the United Cup, now in its third edition. They bonded with a Christmas dinner and are liking their chances.
"This is my first time on a team," Rybakina said. "There are not a lot of team events so I'm hyped about this one. I hope we will have great chances.&nbsp;"It's nice to change the schedule a bit at the start of the year. Here you can face good players, I'm looking forward to the start."
In Friday's other tie, Brazil face China, who are without world number five Zheng Qinwen after she pulled out of the tournament saying she needed more rest ahead of the Australian Open from January 12.&nbsp;
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
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Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is ready to put Goran Ivanisevic's insight to the test at the forthcoming United Cup.

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina expressed confidence Thursday that her new partnership with Novak Djokovic's former coach Goran Ivanisevic will pay dividends, starting at the mixed-teams United Cup. The world number six completed a Dubai training block with the Croat before joining her Kazakhstan compatriots for the Perth leg of the 18-nation tournament, which starts the 2025 season and is also being played in Sydney. Kazakhstan face Spain in the opening tie on Friday, with Rybakina a favourite against 54th-ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The match will be the first test of her new collaboration with the 53-year-old Ivanisevic, who parted ways last season with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. "We had a couple of weeks together, Goran's a fun guy," said Rybakina, the beaten finalist in the 2023 Australian Open. "I can't say (too) much about our work, but we had a good preparation. "Not much time has passed but I'm already getting experience from him, especially as a player, how he used to prepare. "I'm learning every day, I'm feeling much better physically and hopefully we can do well here," she said after an injury-marred 2024. Ivanisevic came on board with Rybakina in November after Djokovic shook up his team as he hits the twilight of a remarkable career, replacing him with Andy Murray. Rybakina is looking to make up for last season's disappointment after winning three titles in her first eight tournaments before being sidelined by a back problem and illness. Also read: NBA: Los Angeles Lakers pip Golden State Warriors after another LeBron-Curry show The 25-year-old skipped the late-season Asian swing before she returned at the WTA Finals, where she defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The entire Kazakh squad are newcomers to the United Cup, now in its third edition. They bonded with a Christmas dinner and are liking their chances. "This is my first time on a team," Rybakina said. "There are not a lot of team events so I'm hyped about this one. I hope we will have great chances. "It's nice to change the schedule a bit at the start of the year. Here you can face good players, I'm looking forward to the start." In Friday's other tie, Brazil face China, who are without world number five Zheng Qinwen after she pulled out of the tournament saying she needed more rest ahead of the Australian Open from January 12. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina ready to put Goran Ivanisevic insight to test at United Cup

Zheng Qinwen improved her chances of advancing to the semi-finals at the WTA Finals with a 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-1 victory over world number five Elena Rybakina in Riyadh on Monday. The seventh-seeded Zheng rebounded from her opening round-robin defeat by Aryna Sabalenka by claiming her first win from three meetings with Rybakina.

Meanwhile, Rybakina suffered a second defeat in as many matches this week in Saudi Arabia and is facing elimination, with one more round-robin clash to go against Sabalenka on Wednesday.

During her on-court interview, Zheng apologised to the Chinese fans in the stands for "losing control" of her emotions at one point during the match, admitting she was "harsh" in her reaction to them, and thanked them for their support.

"I'm really happy to have won this match because I never beat her before and she's one of the greatest players right now on tour, huge serve and great groundstrokes," said Zheng. "I didn't take my chances in the second set but I was able to come back in the third and I stayed focused.

"I had to stay really focused on my service games, because here, both of us are destroying our serves, it's really tough to return."

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Zheng arrives in Riyadh on the back of an impressive second half of the season that saw her win titles in Palermo and Tokyo, and an Olympic gold medal in singles in Paris. No woman has won more matches than her within that span.

The first Chinese player to qualify for the WTA Finals since Li Na in 2013, Zheng amassed a 12-2 win-loss record during the Asian swing last month and is the tour leader in most aces struck and percentage of first-serve points won.

Rybakina's second part of 2024 could not have been more different.

The Kazakh had played just two matches between Wimbledon and the WTA Finals as she struggled with allergies, insomnia, and a back injury.

After saving a pair of break points on her own serve in the third game, Zheng made her move, breaking Rybakina en route to a 4-1 advantage.

Rybakina wiped out her deficit, attacking Zheng's second serve, and was soon on level terms at 4-4.

The set fittingly went to a tie-break which Zheng sealed on a long forehand from Rybakina on the 58-minute mark.

In a pattern similar to the opening set, Zheng carved out a lead in the second frame, only for Rybakina to strike back and even the score. This time though, the big-hitter took four games in a row to claim the second set and force a decider.

Zheng shook off early trouble on her serve in the final set before surging ahead 4-1. It was the boost she needed to wrap up the win –- the ninth of her career against a top-10 opponent.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Zheng Qinwen improved her chances of advancing to the semi-finals at the WTA Finals with a 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-1 victory over world number five Elena Rybakina in Riyadh on Monday.

Zheng Qinwen improved her chances of advancing to the semi-finals at the WTA Finals with a 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-1 victory over world number five Elena Rybakina in Riyadh on Monday. The seventh-seeded Zheng rebounded from her opening round-robin defeat by Aryna Sabalenka by claiming her first win from three meetings with Rybakina. Meanwhile, Rybakina suffered a second defeat in as many matches this week in Saudi Arabia and is facing elimination, with one more round-robin clash to go against Sabalenka on Wednesday. During her on-court interview, Zheng apologised to the Chinese fans in the stands for "losing control" of her emotions at one point during the match, admitting she was "harsh" in her reaction to them, and thanked them for their support. "I'm really happy to have won this match because I never beat her before and she's one of the greatest players right now on tour, huge serve and great groundstrokes," said Zheng. "I didn't take my chances in the second set but I was able to come back in the third and I stayed focused. "I had to stay really focused on my service games, because here, both of us are destroying our serves, it's really tough to return." ALSO READ: ‘Football has to stop’ – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sympathises with Spain's flood victims Zheng arrives in Riyadh on the back of an impressive second half of the season that saw her win titles in Palermo and Tokyo, and an Olympic gold medal in singles in Paris. No woman has won more matches than her within that span. The first Chinese player to qualify for the WTA Finals since Li Na in 2013, Zheng amassed a 12-2 win-loss record during the Asian swing last month and is the tour leader in most aces struck and percentage of first-serve points won. Rybakina's second part of 2024 could not have been more different. The Kazakh had played just two matches between Wimbledon and the WTA Finals as she struggled with allergies, insomnia, and a back injury. After saving a pair of break points on her own serve in the third game, Zheng made her move, breaking Rybakina en route to a 4-1 advantage. Rybakina wiped out her deficit, attacking Zheng's second serve, and was soon on level terms at 4-4. The set fittingly went to a tie-break which Zheng sealed on a long forehand from Rybakina on the 58-minute mark. In a pattern similar to the opening set, Zheng carved out a lead in the second frame, only for Rybakina to strike back and even the score. This time though, the big-hitter took four games in a row to claim the second set and force a decider. Zheng shook off early trouble on her serve in the final set before surging ahead 4-1. It was the boost she needed to wrap up the win –- the ninth of her career against a top-10 opponent. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

WTA Finals: China’s Zheng Qinwen improves semis chances with win over fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina

The Olympic&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;competition suffered another blow as women's third seed Elena Rybakina joined a lengthy list of non-starters hours after the draw took place at Roland Garros on Thursday. The big-serving 25-year-old Kazakh was down to face Romania's Jaqueline Cristian in the first round of the singles. Organisers confirmed she had pulled out and would also not compete in the mixed doubles alongside compatriot Alexander Bublik. No reason was stated for her decision.

Rybakina's withdrawal means that France's Caroline Garcia moves into her spot in the draw as the 17th seed while Australia's Daria Saville enters the draw as an alternate. With the action to begin on Saturday, the flurry of high-profile withdrawals has cast something of a cloud over the tournament being staged on the famous Parisian clay.

On Wednesday, men's world number one and top seed Jannik Sinner of Italy had to withdraw from the singles and doubles because of illness while exciting Danish youngster Holger Rune also pulled out on Wednesday with a wrist injury.

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Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, who was runner-up in the singles in Tokyo three years ago, withdrew on Monday because of injury, as did Poland's Hubert Hurkacz because of a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon. Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, the champion in Tokyo, is also missing after giving birth to a daughter in April.

Two-time Olympic singles champion Andy Murray announced before Thursday's draw that he was not fit enough to compete in the singles but would still play doubles with Dan Evans.

Other notable absences from the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;at the Games include world number three Aryna Sabalenka, Tunsia's Ons Jabeur, Britain's Emma Raducanu, American Ben Shelton and Tokyo men's bronze medal winner Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.

The Olympic tennis competition suffered another blow as women's third seed Elena Rybakina joined a lengthy list of non-starters hours after the draw took place at Roland Garros on Thursday.

The Olympic tennis competition suffered another blow as women's third seed Elena Rybakina joined a lengthy list of non-starters hours after the draw took place at Roland Garros on Thursday. The big-serving 25-year-old Kazakh was down to face Romania's Jaqueline Cristian in the first round of the singles. Organisers confirmed she had pulled out and would also not compete in the mixed doubles alongside compatriot Alexander Bublik. No reason was stated for her decision. Rybakina's withdrawal means that France's Caroline Garcia moves into her spot in the draw as the 17th seed while Australia's Daria Saville enters the draw as an alternate. With the action to begin on Saturday, the flurry of high-profile withdrawals has cast something of a cloud over the tournament being staged on the famous Parisian clay. On Wednesday, men's world number one and top seed Jannik Sinner of Italy had to withdraw from the singles and doubles because of illness while exciting Danish youngster Holger Rune also pulled out on Wednesday with a wrist injury. Also read: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic might face off in potential second-round clash at Paris Olympics 2024 Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, who was runner-up in the singles in Tokyo three years ago, withdrew on Monday because of injury, as did Poland's Hubert Hurkacz because of a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon. Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, the champion in Tokyo, is also missing after giving birth to a daughter in April. Two-time Olympic singles champion Andy Murray announced before Thursday's draw that he was not fit enough to compete in the singles but would still play doubles with Dan Evans. Other notable absences from the tennis at the Games include world number three Aryna Sabalenka, Tunsia's Ons Jabeur, Britain's Emma Raducanu, American Ben Shelton and Tokyo men's bronze medal winner Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.

Paris Olympics 2024: Elena Rybakina withdraws from both singles and mixed events, reason unknown

Barbora Krejcikova produced a comeback full of steel and resilience to reach her first Wimbledon final, showing unbendable resistance in the face of an attacking barrage from Elena Rybakina to triumph 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday.

There were times when Krejcikova resembled a punch-drunk boxer as she reeled from the relentless blows being inflicted by the 2022 champion, but she hauled herself off the ropes to turn the contest on its head and set up a showdown with Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in Saturday's final.

Rybakina had started the contest like a piece of reliable industrial machinery, thrashing the ball to all corners of the court. But Krejcikova would not be cowed and rummaged through her own box of tricks to find a way to turn defence into attack, eventually putting the Kazakh fourth seed on the back foot.

"I am so proud about my game and my fighting spirit today," she said as she accepted the applause of the Centre Court crowd. "I was trying to fight for every single ball, during the second set I was getting my momentum and when I broke her I started to be in the zone and I didn't want to leave the zone."

The 31st seed, whose sole Grand Slam triumph came at the French Open in 2021, had never gone past the fourth round at Wimbledon before and came into the tournament on the back of a season marred by injury and illness.

Nobody would have predicted her plotting a route through to the final but having reached her second Grand Slam showpiece, she will not be going down without a fight.

"A big fight," she said when asked what she expects of French Open finalist Paolini, who overcame Donna Vekic in a marathon encounter earlier on Centre Court. "I know that she is a huge fighter and she showed today, but it will be the same from me. We are playing great tennis and it will be a great match on Saturday."

Kazakhstan's Rybakina had been the form player in the women's draw, mowing down her previous opponents and dropping a solitary set in her previous five matches.

She topped the tournament's aces tally and a number of other statistical metrics, and commentators were tentatively whispering that she looked in better form than when she previously clinched the title.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italys-jasmine-paolini-beats-donna-vekic-in-marathon-clash-to-reach-maiden-wimbledon-final-740000">Italy's Jasmine Paolini beats Donna Vekic in marathon clash to reach maiden Wimbledon Final</a>

LACED WITH VENOM

She looked every bit a likely winner as she tore into Krejcikova from the get-go. She threatened to run away with the contest in the first set, racing to a 5-1 lead with her brand of full-throttle high intensity tennis.

The pressure on Krejcikova was relentless, as Rybakina's every shot was laced with venom, and the Czech held serve just once in the opening set. Yet after losing the opener, the 2021 French Open champion dug in and eventually fathomed the puzzle on the other side of the net.

She broke in the sixth game of the second set when Rybakina double faulted and then sent a backhand wide and eventually levelled the contest, although she spurned five set points on serve before getting over the line.

There were hints at this stage that Rybakina was feeling the pressure. While the ice-cool Kazakh, who rarely shows even a glimmer of emotion, was not screaming or raging, there was the occasional hunched shoulder and wistful glance at a ball that bounced out.

And with the momentum having shifted in her favour, the Czech took control in the decider, breaking in the seventh game when Rybakina netted an attempted dropshot.

She brought up three match points with a smash at the net before kicking off the celebrations when Rybakina sent a backhand return long.

Barbora Krejcikova produced a comeback full of steel and resilience to reach her first Wimbledon final, showing unbendable resistance in the face of an attacking barrage from Elena Rybakina to triumph 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday.

Barbora Krejcikova produced a comeback full of steel and resilience to reach her first Wimbledon final, showing unbendable resistance in the face of an attacking barrage from Elena Rybakina to triumph 3-6 6-3 6-4 on Thursday. There were times when Krejcikova resembled a punch-drunk boxer as she reeled from the relentless blows being inflicted by the 2022 champion, but she hauled herself off the ropes to turn the contest on its head and set up a showdown with Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini in Saturday's final. Rybakina had started the contest like a piece of reliable industrial machinery, thrashing the ball to all corners of the court. But Krejcikova would not be cowed and rummaged through her own box of tricks to find a way to turn defence into attack, eventually putting the Kazakh fourth seed on the back foot. "I am so proud about my game and my fighting spirit today," she said as she accepted the applause of the Centre Court crowd. "I was trying to fight for every single ball, during the second set I was getting my momentum and when I broke her I started to be in the zone and I didn't want to leave the zone." The 31st seed, whose sole Grand Slam triumph came at the French Open in 2021, had never gone past the fourth round at Wimbledon before and came into the tournament on the back of a season marred by injury and illness. Nobody would have predicted her plotting a route through to the final but having reached her second Grand Slam showpiece, she will not be going down without a fight. "A big fight," she said when asked what she expects of French Open finalist Paolini, who overcame Donna Vekic in a marathon encounter earlier on Centre Court. "I know that she is a huge fighter and she showed today, but it will be the same from me. We are playing great tennis and it will be a great match on Saturday." Kazakhstan's Rybakina had been the form player in the women's draw, mowing down her previous opponents and dropping a solitary set in her previous five matches. She topped the tournament's aces tally and a number of other statistical metrics, and commentators were tentatively whispering that she looked in better form than when she previously clinched the title. Also read: Italy's Jasmine Paolini beats Donna Vekic in marathon clash to reach maiden Wimbledon Final LACED WITH VENOM She looked every bit a likely winner as she tore into Krejcikova from the get-go. She threatened to run away with the contest in the first set, racing to a 5-1 lead with her brand of full-throttle high intensity tennis. The pressure on Krejcikova was relentless, as Rybakina's every shot was laced with venom, and the Czech held serve just once in the opening set. Yet after losing the opener, the 2021 French Open champion dug in and eventually fathomed the puzzle on the other side of the net. She broke in the sixth game of the second set when Rybakina double faulted and then sent a backhand wide and eventually levelled the contest, although she spurned five set points on serve before getting over the line. There were hints at this stage that Rybakina was feeling the pressure. While the ice-cool Kazakh, who rarely shows even a glimmer of emotion, was not screaming or raging, there was the occasional hunched shoulder and wistful glance at a ball that bounced out. And with the momentum having shifted in her favour, the Czech took control in the decider, breaking in the seventh game when Rybakina netted an attempted dropshot. She brought up three match points with a smash at the net before kicking off the celebrations when Rybakina sent a backhand return long.

Barbora Krejcikova rides Elena Rybakina punches to reach first Wimbledon final, to clash with Jasmine Paolini

Novak Djokovic progressed to a record-equalling 13th Wimbledon semi-final without hitting a ball on Wednesday after Alex de Minaur pulled out injured as former champion Elena Rybakina eased through.

Australian ninth seed De Minaur, 25, announced shortly after midday at the All England Club that he was "devastated to pull out due to a hip injury".

It means Djokovic has now equalled Roger Federer's men's record of 13 semi-final appearances at Wimbledon as he closes on the Swiss great's mark of eight singles titles.

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The 37-year-old Serbian is also through to a record-extending 49th men's Grand Slam semi-final.

De Minaur, who beat Djokovic at the United Cup in January,&nbsp;said: "It's no secret that this would have been the biggest match of my career but it's a unique injury.

"I woke up this morning wanting to feel some sort of miracle, but there was a high risk of making the injury worse if I stepped on court.

"One stretch, one slide could take this from a three to six weeks' injury to four months out."

Djokovic will play US 13th seed Taylor Fritz or Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti for a place in Sunday's showpiece match.

The world number two -- who had knee surgery last month -- does not have a title to his name this year and is still seeking a first victory against a fellow top-10 player.

But a historic 25th Grand Slam triumph is coming into sharp focus for Djokovic, who demolished Holger Rune in straight sets in the fourth round.

<h2>- Ruthless Rybakina -</h2>

In early action on Wednesday, 2022 champion Rybakina barely broke sweat in swatting aside last year's semi-finalist Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-2 in 61 minutes.

She will face Barbora Krejcikova for a place in Saturday's final after the Czech 31st seed came out on top against Jelena Ostapenko in a battle of former French Open champions.

Rybakina is now 19-2 in main-draw matches at Wimbledon -- only retired champions Ann Jones and Steffi Graf have better winning percentages at the tournament.

Russian-born Rybakina broke the Ukrainian 21st seed four times in the match on Centre Court.

The fourth seed was broken in the first game in front of the watching Queen Camilla but hit back straight away and barely put a foot wrong after that.

The 25-year-old, who crunched 28 winners to Svitolina's eight, said she had "amazing memories" from 2022 but does not like the favourite tag.

"I have an aggressive style of game, I have a huge serve so it's a big advantage," she said.

Krejcikova took the first set against the Latvian 13th seed with a single break.

Ostapenko, the 2018 Wimbledon semi-finalist, finally broke through in the fourth game of the second set for a 3-1 lead and backed it up with a hold.

But she went dramatically off the boil as Krejcikova reeled off the next four games for a 5-4 lead.

Ostapenko clung on to break the Czech in the 10th game but 2021 French Open champion Krejcikova played the more composed tie-break to seal the victory.

"I told myself that I'm going to leave here everything I have and I'm really happy that I did and it's a great moment for me," said Krejcikova.

"It's an unbelievable moment that I'm experiencing right now in my tennis career."

Victory for the 28-year-old Krejcikova comes after a miserable run in 2024, with her season marred by injury and illness.

Her run to the Birmingham quarter-final last month allowed her to celebrate match wins for the first time since Abu Dhabi in February.&nbsp;

"It was a very, very difficult period. It was actually super difficult even before this tournament. I really want to thank my team that is there today," she Krejcikova.

Fritz produced a stunning performance to come back against fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the fourth round, winning in five sets.

The American has form on grass, winning eight straight matches dating back to the start of the Eastbourne International last month. 
 
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Novak Djokovic progressed to a record-equalling 13th Wimbledon semi-final without hitting a ball on Wednesday after Alex de Minaur pulled out injured as former champion Elena Rybakina eased through.

Novak Djokovic progressed to a record-equalling 13th Wimbledon semi-final without hitting a ball on Wednesday after Alex de Minaur pulled out injured as former champion Elena Rybakina eased through. Australian ninth seed De Minaur, 25, announced shortly after midday at the All England Club that he was "devastated to pull out due to a hip injury". It means Djokovic has now equalled Roger Federer's men's record of 13 semi-final appearances at Wimbledon as he closes on the Swiss great's mark of eight singles titles. Also Read: Euro 2024: 'Move on...,' says France captain Kylian Mbappe as he heads for 'holiday' after semis loss vs Spain The 37-year-old Serbian is also through to a record-extending 49th men's Grand Slam semi-final. De Minaur, who beat Djokovic at the United Cup in January, said: "It's no secret that this would have been the biggest match of my career but it's a unique injury. "I woke up this morning wanting to feel some sort of miracle, but there was a high risk of making the injury worse if I stepped on court. "One stretch, one slide could take this from a three to six weeks' injury to four months out." Djokovic will play US 13th seed Taylor Fritz or Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti for a place in Sunday's showpiece match. The world number two -- who had knee surgery last month -- does not have a title to his name this year and is still seeking a first victory against a fellow top-10 player. But a historic 25th Grand Slam triumph is coming into sharp focus for Djokovic, who demolished Holger Rune in straight sets in the fourth round. - Ruthless Rybakina - In early action on Wednesday, 2022 champion Rybakina barely broke sweat in swatting aside last year's semi-finalist Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-2 in 61 minutes. She will face Barbora Krejcikova for a place in Saturday's final after the Czech 31st seed came out on top against Jelena Ostapenko in a battle of former French Open champions. Rybakina is now 19-2 in main-draw matches at Wimbledon -- only retired champions Ann Jones and Steffi Graf have better winning percentages at the tournament. Russian-born Rybakina broke the Ukrainian 21st seed four times in the match on Centre Court. The fourth seed was broken in the first game in front of the watching Queen Camilla but hit back straight away and barely put a foot wrong after that. The 25-year-old, who crunched 28 winners to Svitolina's eight, said she had "amazing memories" from 2022 but does not like the favourite tag. "I have an aggressive style of game, I have a huge serve so it's a big advantage," she said. Krejcikova took the first set against the Latvian 13th seed with a single break. Ostapenko, the 2018 Wimbledon semi-finalist, finally broke through in the fourth game of the second set for a 3-1 lead and backed it up with a hold. But she went dramatically off the boil as Krejcikova reeled off the next four games for a 5-4 lead. Ostapenko clung on to break the Czech in the 10th game but 2021 French Open champion Krejcikova played the more composed tie-break to seal the victory. "I told myself that I'm going to leave here everything I have and I'm really happy that I did and it's a great moment for me," said Krejcikova. "It's an unbelievable moment that I'm experiencing right now in my tennis career." Victory for the 28-year-old Krejcikova comes after a miserable run in 2024, with her season marred by injury and illness. Her run to the Birmingham quarter-final last month allowed her to celebrate match wins for the first time since Abu Dhabi in February. "It was a very, very difficult period. It was actually super difficult even before this tournament. I really want to thank my team that is there today," she Krejcikova. Fritz produced a stunning performance to come back against fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the fourth round, winning in five sets. The American has form on grass, winning eight straight matches dating back to the start of the Eastbourne International last month. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Wimbledon 2024: Novak Djokovic gets walkover in QF after Alex de Minaur pulls out; Rybakina enters semis too

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open on Wednesday (Jun 5) after dumping out fourth seed Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Paolini, seeded 12th, is enjoying the best season of her career at the age of 28 and will play two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka or 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva for a spot in the final. 
 
"It's an unbelievable feeling," said Paolini, who had never previously made it past the second round at any Grand Slam until this year.

She had two points for a 5-3 lead on her serve in the second set but had to regroup after former Wimbledon champion Rybakina rallied to take the match to a deciding set.

"It was a really tough match. I was a bit too emotional in the second set.

"I said to myself 'ok, it is good'. She (Rybakina) is a great champion so it can happen. I tried to hit every ball and it worked, I am here."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-french-open-novak-djokovic-pulls-out-of-grand-slam-due-to-knee-injury-728724">Also read |&nbsp;Defending champion Novak Djokovic forced by knee injury to withdraw from French Open</a>

She had won a total of four matches in 16 Grand Slam appearances before advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open in January.

Now she is two wins away in her unlikely quest to emulate compatriot Francesca Schiavone, who won the 2010 French Open.

Paolini's victory also means there are Italian players in the semi-finals of both the men's and women's singles of the same Grand Slam for the first time in the Open era.&nbsp;

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open on Wednesday (Jun 5) after dumping out fourth seed Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open on Wednesday (Jun 5) after dumping out fourth seed Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Paolini, seeded 12th, is enjoying the best season of her career at the age of 28 and will play two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka or 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva for a spot in the final. "It's an unbelievable feeling," said Paolini, who had never previously made it past the second round at any Grand Slam until this year. She had two points for a 5-3 lead on her serve in the second set but had to regroup after former Wimbledon champion Rybakina rallied to take the match to a deciding set. "It was a really tough match. I was a bit too emotional in the second set. "I said to myself 'ok, it is good'. She (Rybakina) is a great champion so it can happen. I tried to hit every ball and it worked, I am here." Also read | Defending champion Novak Djokovic forced by knee injury to withdraw from French Open She had won a total of four matches in 16 Grand Slam appearances before advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open in January. Now she is two wins away in her unlikely quest to emulate compatriot Francesca Schiavone, who won the 2010 French Open. Paolini's victory also means there are Italian players in the semi-finals of both the men's and women's singles of the same Grand Slam for the first time in the Open era.

French Open: Jasmine Paolini downs Elena Rybakina to secure semifinal spot

Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina defeated Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to win the WTA event in Stuttgart on Sunday.

2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina beat Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2 in one hour nine minutes, ending the 21-year-old Ukrainian's giant-killing run at the tournament.

The world number four broke Kostyuk twice in the first set and twice in the second, fighting off three break points from the world number 27 to lift her eighth career title.

Rybakina how holds a 2-1 record against Kostyuk.

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"I want to congratulate Marta for a great tournament. You're playing really well and hopefully we play many more finals," Rybakina said. "The crowd, guys, it was an unbelievable week. It was nice to play every match here and fight. Your energy gives a lot during these tough matches."

The title is her third of 2024, having already won in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi and it is the first time she has won three WTA titles in one year.

Sunday's victory was also the 24-year-old's third title win on clay in her career.

Rybakina needed to overcome world number one Iga Swiatek in Saturday's semi-final.

Rybakina took three hours to overcome the four-time grand slam winner and shattering her 10-match winning streak at the tournament, which included capturing the last two titles.

Kostyuk also took the hard road to the final, beating top-10 opponents Zheng Qinwen, Coco Gauff and Marketa Vondrousova to reach Sunday's match.

"I want to congratulate Elena and her team. She's had an amazing couple of seasons and it's always a pleasure playing against you," Kostyuk said after the match.

Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina defeated Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to win the WTA event in Stuttgart on Sunday. 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina beat Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2 in one hour nine minutes, ending the 21-year-old Ukrainian's giant-killing run at the tournament.

Kazakh fourth seed Elena Rybakina defeated Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to win the WTA event in Stuttgart on Sunday. 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina beat Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2 in one hour nine minutes, ending the 21-year-old Ukrainian's giant-killing run at the tournament. The world number four broke Kostyuk twice in the first set and twice in the second, fighting off three break points from the world number 27 to lift her eighth career title. Rybakina how holds a 2-1 record against Kostyuk. ALSO READ: Tennis: Casper Ruud beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to win maiden Barcelona Open "I want to congratulate Marta for a great tournament. You're playing really well and hopefully we play many more finals," Rybakina said. "The crowd, guys, it was an unbelievable week. It was nice to play every match here and fight. Your energy gives a lot during these tough matches." The title is her third of 2024, having already won in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi and it is the first time she has won three WTA titles in one year. Sunday's victory was also the 24-year-old's third title win on clay in her career. Rybakina needed to overcome world number one Iga Swiatek in Saturday's semi-final. Rybakina took three hours to overcome the four-time grand slam winner and shattering her 10-match winning streak at the tournament, which included capturing the last two titles. Kostyuk also took the hard road to the final, beating top-10 opponents Zheng Qinwen, Coco Gauff and Marketa Vondrousova to reach Sunday's match. "I want to congratulate Elena and her team. She's had an amazing couple of seasons and it's always a pleasure playing against you," Kostyuk said after the match.

Elena Rybakina strolls past Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to lift Stuttgart Open title

Elena Rybakina ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in Stuttgart on Saturday to reach the final of the clay-court tournament.

Fourth seed Rybakina came through their semi-final clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, stunning the Polish world number one who had captured the last two titles at the German event.

Rybakina will face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in Saturday's second semi-final, for the title.

Rybakina now boasts a 4-2 career head-to-head record against four-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek and will be playing in her fifth final of 2024 on Sunday.

"Like always it was a very tough match," Rybakina said of her opponent. "My serve helped me a lot in important moments. I was fighting for the ball.

"It was such a close match. I'm really happy I managed to win and could show a good game."

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Winners of the Stuttgart tournament, sponsored by German automobile company Porsche, receive a car but Rybakina revealed the prize would be of little use.

"I actually don't have a driver's licence," said Rybakina, 24, who has titles to her name this season in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi and runners-up spots at Doha and Miami.

Kostyuk took just one hour 35 minutes to beat world number eight Vondrousova, just a day after coming through a three-set epic against US Open champion and world number three Coco Gauff.

"I don't think a lot of people know but I started my career 0-14 against top 10 players so I'm really trying to catch up," said world number 27 Kostyuk who also eliminated seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen earlier in the week.

"These are some of the best players in the world in the last year and it's incredible to beat all of them -- and I'm hoping for a Grand Slam too for myself one day."

The 21-year-old Ukrainian will play in her second final of the season, having finished runner-up to Katie Boulter at the San Diego Open in March.

It will be her third career final having claimed her maiden WTA title in Austin last season.

Elena Rybakina ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in Stuttgart on Saturday to reach the final of the clay-court tournament. Fourth seed Rybakina came through their semi-final clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, stunning the Polish world number one who had captured the last two titles at the German event.

Elena Rybakina ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak in Stuttgart on Saturday to reach the final of the clay-court tournament. Fourth seed Rybakina came through their semi-final clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, stunning the Polish world number one who had captured the last two titles at the German event. Rybakina will face Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in Saturday's second semi-final, for the title. Rybakina now boasts a 4-2 career head-to-head record against four-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek and will be playing in her fifth final of 2024 on Sunday. "Like always it was a very tough match," Rybakina said of her opponent. "My serve helped me a lot in important moments. I was fighting for the ball. "It was such a close match. I'm really happy I managed to win and could show a good game." ALSO READ: 'It's unacceptable': Pep Guardiola goes ballistic on scheduling nightmare after FA Cup win Winners of the Stuttgart tournament, sponsored by German automobile company Porsche, receive a car but Rybakina revealed the prize would be of little use. "I actually don't have a driver's licence," said Rybakina, 24, who has titles to her name this season in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi and runners-up spots at Doha and Miami. Kostyuk took just one hour 35 minutes to beat world number eight Vondrousova, just a day after coming through a three-set epic against US Open champion and world number three Coco Gauff. "I don't think a lot of people know but I started my career 0-14 against top 10 players so I'm really trying to catch up," said world number 27 Kostyuk who also eliminated seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen earlier in the week. "These are some of the best players in the world in the last year and it's incredible to beat all of them -- and I'm hoping for a Grand Slam too for myself one day." The 21-year-old Ukrainian will play in her second final of the season, having finished runner-up to Katie Boulter at the San Diego Open in March. It will be her third career final having claimed her maiden WTA title in Austin last season.

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Elena Rybakina ends Swiatek's winning run to set up final clash with Marta Kostyuk

American Danielle Collins overcame fourth seed Elena Rybakina to win the final of the Miami Open 7-5 6-3 on Saturday and claim the title on home soil in her farewell season.

Collins won nearly 75% of her first-serve points while claiming three of her seven break points on the way to victory in just over two hours after a stunning second set that left the crowd, including former Miami champion Andre Agassi breathless.

"This is my first WTA 1000 (title) and I worked so hard, it has taken me a bit longer than a lot of the other players," said 30-year-old Collins of her triumph. "This whole week has been tough - I have played against some of the best players in the world, including being out here and sharing the court with Elena in the final," Collins said.

"Thank you to the fans. I've played a lot of tennis and in a few finals, but nothing compares close to this."

Collins, who said in January she would retire from tennis at the end of the season, was the surprise winner at the East Coast tournament, going one step further than her performance at the 2022 Australian Open when she reached the final.

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She joins Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, three-times champion Venus Williams, eight-times winner Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens as the sixth American woman to claim the crown.

The unseeded American relied on her strength to hold the lead at the start, converting break points against Rybakina, who kept levelling the score, before closing out the opening set with a stunning cross-court backhand winner on the hour mark.

Rybakina refused to go quietly after her opponent took a 2-0 lead in the second set and worked her way back, capitalising on unforced errors to draw level at 3-3.

However, the American regained the advantage after saving three break points to take the seventh game with the former Wimbledon champion unable to recover.

Rybakina, who lost last year's Miami final to Petra Kvitova, missed Indian Wells this month with a gastrointestinal problem.

She returned to the courts and put in a superb run, beating Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in three sets in the semi-finals, but admitted she did not expect to fight for the title.

"We didn't expect coming here to be in the final, to be honest, but it was a great two weeks. A lot of tough matches and great battles," the 24-year-old said.

American Danielle Collins overcame fourth seed Elena Rybakina to win the final of the Miami Open 7-5 6-3 on Saturday and claim the title on home soil in her farewell season.

American Danielle Collins overcame fourth seed Elena Rybakina to win the final of the Miami Open 7-5 6-3 on Saturday and claim the title on home soil in her farewell season. Collins won nearly 75% of her first-serve points while claiming three of her seven break points on the way to victory in just over two hours after a stunning second set that left the crowd, including former Miami champion Andre Agassi breathless. "This is my first WTA 1000 (title) and I worked so hard, it has taken me a bit longer than a lot of the other players," said 30-year-old Collins of her triumph. "This whole week has been tough - I have played against some of the best players in the world, including being out here and sharing the court with Elena in the final," Collins said. "Thank you to the fans. I've played a lot of tennis and in a few finals, but nothing compares close to this." Collins, who said in January she would retire from tennis at the end of the season, was the surprise winner at the East Coast tournament, going one step further than her performance at the 2022 Australian Open when she reached the final. ALSO READ: AIFF official Deepak Sharma arrested for assaulting two women footballers She joins Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, three-times champion Venus Williams, eight-times winner Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens as the sixth American woman to claim the crown. The unseeded American relied on her strength to hold the lead at the start, converting break points against Rybakina, who kept levelling the score, before closing out the opening set with a stunning cross-court backhand winner on the hour mark. Rybakina refused to go quietly after her opponent took a 2-0 lead in the second set and worked her way back, capitalising on unforced errors to draw level at 3-3. However, the American regained the advantage after saving three break points to take the seventh game with the former Wimbledon champion unable to recover. Rybakina, who lost last year's Miami final to Petra Kvitova, missed Indian Wells this month with a gastrointestinal problem. She returned to the courts and put in a superb run, beating Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in three sets in the semi-finals, but admitted she did not expect to fight for the title. "We didn't expect coming here to be in the final, to be honest, but it was a great two weeks. A lot of tough matches and great battles," the 24-year-old said.

Tennis: USA's Danielle Collins beats Rybakina to win maiden Miami Open title in farewell season

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina overcame a second-set meltdown to beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 6-4 0-6 7-6(2) on Thursday and secure a return trip to the Miami Open final.

In Saturday's title clash, Rybakina will face off against American Danielle Collins, who beat Russian 14th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 6-2 in the other semi-final.

Rybakina, the highest seed remaining in the women's draw, won nearly 82% of her first-serve points but converted only two of her 11 break-point chances en route to securing victory in two hours 33 minutes.

"It was such a tough battle," Rybakina, a Moscow-born Kazakh, said during her on-court interview after reaching her fourth final of the year.

"I didn't serve that well and also Vika, from the second set, she was hitting the serve very well. It was difficult but I knew was going to fight until the end and actually that's what I did."

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In the opening set, Rybakina squandered her first five break-point chances before solving Azarenka's serve to grab a 4-3 lead and she leaned on her astonishing power before closing out the 51-minute set with a hold to love.

Azarenka refused to go quietly, however, conjuring up a flawless display in the second set in which she limited Rybakina to five points and broke her serve three times to force a decider.

Rybakina, after a change of outfits, opened the third set moving much better and broke at the fifth attempt in the fifth game to move 3-2 up when Azarenka splashed a backhand into the net.

Rybakina crumbled in her first chance to serve out the match, however, as Azarenka got a break to get to 5-5 after she chased down a drop shot before her opponent sent a backhand volley into the net.

Rybakina, serving to stay in the match, held to love to force a tiebreak and she won the first three points of it before closing out the win.

The 24-year-old, who is seeking her third title this year after wins in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi, will fancy her chances against Collins in the final, having beaten the American in their last three meetings.

Collins marched into her maiden final in Miami with a clinical display against Alexandrova, firing off 21 winners to wrap up the match in just over an hour.

"It's special to do this in my home state," said Collins, who will now bid for the third WTA title of her career ahead of her retirement at the end of the season. "I've had a lot of tough battles with Rybakina, but I did get a win on her in San Jose a while ago. I'll have to do my homework on her."

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina overcame a second-set meltdown to beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 6-4 0-6 7-6(2) on Thursday and secure a return trip to the Miami Open final.

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina overcame a second-set meltdown to beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 6-4 0-6 7-6(2) on Thursday and secure a return trip to the Miami Open final. In Saturday's title clash, Rybakina will face off against American Danielle Collins, who beat Russian 14th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 6-2 in the other semi-final. Rybakina, the highest seed remaining in the women's draw, won nearly 82% of her first-serve points but converted only two of her 11 break-point chances en route to securing victory in two hours 33 minutes. "It was such a tough battle," Rybakina, a Moscow-born Kazakh, said during her on-court interview after reaching her fourth final of the year. "I didn't serve that well and also Vika, from the second set, she was hitting the serve very well. It was difficult but I knew was going to fight until the end and actually that's what I did." ALSO READ: Grigor Dimitrov stuns Carlos Alcaraz to reach Miami Open semis In the opening set, Rybakina squandered her first five break-point chances before solving Azarenka's serve to grab a 4-3 lead and she leaned on her astonishing power before closing out the 51-minute set with a hold to love. Azarenka refused to go quietly, however, conjuring up a flawless display in the second set in which she limited Rybakina to five points and broke her serve three times to force a decider. Rybakina, after a change of outfits, opened the third set moving much better and broke at the fifth attempt in the fifth game to move 3-2 up when Azarenka splashed a backhand into the net. Rybakina crumbled in her first chance to serve out the match, however, as Azarenka got a break to get to 5-5 after she chased down a drop shot before her opponent sent a backhand volley into the net. Rybakina, serving to stay in the match, held to love to force a tiebreak and she won the first three points of it before closing out the win. The 24-year-old, who is seeking her third title this year after wins in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi, will fancy her chances against Collins in the final, having beaten the American in their last three meetings. Collins marched into her maiden final in Miami with a clinical display against Alexandrova, firing off 21 winners to wrap up the match in just over an hour. "It's special to do this in my home state," said Collins, who will now bid for the third WTA title of her career ahead of her retirement at the end of the season. "I've had a lot of tough battles with Rybakina, but I did get a win on her in San Jose a while ago. I'll have to do my homework on her."

Miami Open: Elena Rybakina enters final after solid comeback against Victoria Azarenka in tight semis clash

Elena Rybakina survived a gruelling Miami Open quarter-final against Maria Sakkari on Tuesday as the former Wimbledon champion advanced to the last four for a second straight year with a 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 victory. Rybakina, who will meet Victoria Azarenka for a place in the final, needed nearly three hours to beat Sakkari. The Greek saved two match points in the second set before ultimately succumbing to the fourth seed's overwhelming serve in the final game of the third set.

"I have no words because I'm so tired," Kazakh Rybakina said. "It was such a tough battle. I got a little bit lucky with new balls, so it was easier to serve it out ... now, I just need to recover."

Rybakina, the world number four and 2022 Wimbledon champion, will need to bring her best again when she takes on three-time tournament champion and former world number one Azarenka. The veteran Belarusian player contended with a near hour-long stoppage in the first set because of a power outage to the electronic line-calling system before beating Yulia Putintseva 7-6(4) 1-6 6-3 earlier in the day.

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Azarenka saved three set points en route to clinching the first set tiebreak in the 90-minute opener before her unseeded opponent raised her game in the second to force a decider. Azarenka proved too solid down the stretch, firing an unreturnable serve on match point.

"Very happy with today's win," the 34-year-old told reporters. "It's good to be back in the later stages of the tournament, it's what I work for."

Elena Rybakina survived a gruelling Miami Open quarter-final against Maria Sakkari on Tuesday as the former Wimbledon champion advanced to the last four for a second straight year with a 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 victory.

Elena Rybakina survived a gruelling Miami Open quarter-final against Maria Sakkari on Tuesday as the former Wimbledon champion advanced to the last four for a second straight year with a 7-5 6-7(4) 6-4 victory. Rybakina, who will meet Victoria Azarenka for a place in the final, needed nearly three hours to beat Sakkari. The Greek saved two match points in the second set before ultimately succumbing to the fourth seed's overwhelming serve in the final game of the third set. "I have no words because I'm so tired," Kazakh Rybakina said. "It was such a tough battle. I got a little bit lucky with new balls, so it was easier to serve it out ... now, I just need to recover." Rybakina, the world number four and 2022 Wimbledon champion, will need to bring her best again when she takes on three-time tournament champion and former world number one Azarenka. The veteran Belarusian player contended with a near hour-long stoppage in the first set because of a power outage to the electronic line-calling system before beating Yulia Putintseva 7-6(4) 1-6 6-3 earlier in the day. Also read: Tennis: World number three Coco Gauff looking forward to clay season after Miami disappointment Azarenka saved three set points en route to clinching the first set tiebreak in the 90-minute opener before her unseeded opponent raised her game in the second to force a decider. Azarenka proved too solid down the stretch, firing an unreturnable serve on match point. "Very happy with today's win," the 34-year-old told reporters. "It's good to be back in the later stages of the tournament, it's what I work for."

Tennis: Elena Rybakina survives Maria Sakkari battle to enter Miami Open semifinals

Defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek was on Friday handed a walkover into the Qatar Open final where Elena Rybakina will stand in her way of a third successive title at the Gulf event.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had been scheduled to face Karolina Pliskova in her semi-final.

However, the Czech, who won the Cluj tournament in Romania last weekend, withdrew suffering from a lower back injury.

Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina was stronger at the key moments as she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-4 to reach Saturday's final.

Rybakina, the third seed, converted four of six break points while her unseeded opponent could only exploit one of the nine she had.

"I am happy that in the end I managed to finish the match, playing a little better in these important moments," Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, said in her on-court interview.

Rybakina broke Pavlyuchenkova in the fifth game of the opening set and broke again in the eighth.

Pavlyuchenkova saved three set points in the next game but also squandered a break point of her own before succumbing.

"The first set it was very close, we were both fighting," said Rybakina.

Rybakina broke easily in the second-set opener before holding serve to take a sixth straight game.

Pavlyuchenkova held to end that streak and then had six break points in the next game, but could take none of them.

She finally converted her eighth break point as she came back from 30-0 down in the eighth game. She then held serve as Rybakina wobbled on her forehand.

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With Rybakina serving for the match, Pavlyuchenkova had another break point but hit long. She saved one match point but Rybakina then produced an ace to seal victory.

The 32-year-old Pavlyuchenkova is finding her form again after a long struggle with a knee injury.

"Great to see her back," said Rybakina. "She played really well. It was a really tough match."&nbsp;

On facing Swiatek in the final, she added: "She's a great champion so it is going to be very difficult. But I will try to enjoy it and do as much as possible."

Rybakina is aiming for a third title this year, after winning in Adelaide and last week in Abu Dhabi.

Defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek was on Friday handed a walkover into the Qatar Open final where Elena Rybakina will stand in her way of a third successive title at the Gulf event.

Defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek was on Friday handed a walkover into the Qatar Open final where Elena Rybakina will stand in her way of a third successive title at the Gulf event. Four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had been scheduled to face Karolina Pliskova in her semi-final. However, the Czech, who won the Cluj tournament in Romania last weekend, withdrew suffering from a lower back injury. Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina was stronger at the key moments as she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-4 to reach Saturday's final. Rybakina, the third seed, converted four of six break points while her unseeded opponent could only exploit one of the nine she had. "I am happy that in the end I managed to finish the match, playing a little better in these important moments," Rybakina, who represents Kazakhstan, said in her on-court interview. Rybakina broke Pavlyuchenkova in the fifth game of the opening set and broke again in the eighth. Pavlyuchenkova saved three set points in the next game but also squandered a break point of her own before succumbing. "The first set it was very close, we were both fighting," said Rybakina. Rybakina broke easily in the second-set opener before holding serve to take a sixth straight game. Pavlyuchenkova held to end that streak and then had six break points in the next game, but could take none of them. She finally converted her eighth break point as she came back from 30-0 down in the eighth game. She then held serve as Rybakina wobbled on her forehand. ALSO READ | Ishan Kishan skips latest Ranji Trophy final round despite BCCI's directive With Rybakina serving for the match, Pavlyuchenkova had another break point but hit long. She saved one match point but Rybakina then produced an ace to seal victory. The 32-year-old Pavlyuchenkova is finding her form again after a long struggle with a knee injury. "Great to see her back," said Rybakina. "She played really well. It was a really tough match." On facing Swiatek in the final, she added: "She's a great champion so it is going to be very difficult. But I will try to enjoy it and do as much as possible." Rybakina is aiming for a third title this year, after winning in Adelaide and last week in Abu Dhabi.

Tennis: Iga Swiatek gets walkover into Qatar Open final clash with Rybakina

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka swept past Victoria Azarenka on Saturday into a Brisbane International final against world number four Elena Rybakina, setting up a replay of last year's Australian Open decider.

Sabalenka saw off her fellow Belarusian 6-2, 6-4 while 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina cruised past Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-2.

Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 5-2, including a three-set win in the Australian Open final last year that earned her a maiden Grand Slam title.

But their clashes are usually tight, with five of the seven meetings going to three sets.

"I think we both serve really well," Sabalenka said of Rybakina.

"We both play really super aggressive tennis. I think that's why all the matches are pretty tight. We both put each other under so much pressure."

Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina put on a serving masterclass against Noskova, blasting eight aces, breaking her opponent once in the first set and twice in the second.

She has only lost 12 games on the way to the final and is yet to drop serve in a perfect build up to this year's Australian Open.

"I didn't expect I would play that well this week," said the second seed, adding that she had been sick before arriving in Brisbane.&nbsp;

"It's an amazing start to the year for me."

World number two Sabalenka has also had an impressive tournament, not dropping a set.

She broke Azarenka twice in racing through the first set in just 35 minutes.

But two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka was better in the second and matched her younger rival until serving at 4-5 when she appeared to jar her knee.

She lost power in her serve and Sabalenka broke to take the match in 1hr 29min.

Azarenka later denied there was a problem with her knee, saying she instead had an issue with her side throughout the match.

"From the beginning of the match I wasn't able to do what I wanted with my serves," she said. "I definitely need a little rest and then I'll be getting ready for the Australian Open."

In the men's draw, top seed Holger Rune will play second seed Grigor Dimitrov in the final after the Dane beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 7-6 (7/0).

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Rune, the world number eight, was able to absorb the big-hitting of Safiullin, who hit 27 clean winners but also made 28 unforced errors.

After Rune broke Safiullin's opening service game and won the first set, the Russian had the better of the second set but collapsed in the tiebreak.

"It's been a great week so far," Rune said.

"Playing some good matches against some great players. I'm excited for tomorrow and then Melbourne."

Dimitrov eased through by seeing off Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat Rafael Nadal in the three-and-a-half hour marathon on Friday night.

Thompson fought hard once again, but Dimitrov broke him once in each set to win 6-3, 7-5.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka swept past Victoria Azarenka on Saturday into a Brisbane International final against world number four Elena Rybakina, setting up a replay of last year's Australian Open decider.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka swept past Victoria Azarenka on Saturday into a Brisbane International final against world number four Elena Rybakina, setting up a replay of last year's Australian Open decider. Sabalenka saw off her fellow Belarusian 6-2, 6-4 while 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina cruised past Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-2. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 5-2, including a three-set win in the Australian Open final last year that earned her a maiden Grand Slam title. But their clashes are usually tight, with five of the seven meetings going to three sets. "I think we both serve really well," Sabalenka said of Rybakina. "We both play really super aggressive tennis. I think that's why all the matches are pretty tight. We both put each other under so much pressure." Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina put on a serving masterclass against Noskova, blasting eight aces, breaking her opponent once in the first set and twice in the second. She has only lost 12 games on the way to the final and is yet to drop serve in a perfect build up to this year's Australian Open. "I didn't expect I would play that well this week," said the second seed, adding that she had been sick before arriving in Brisbane. "It's an amazing start to the year for me." World number two Sabalenka has also had an impressive tournament, not dropping a set. She broke Azarenka twice in racing through the first set in just 35 minutes. But two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka was better in the second and matched her younger rival until serving at 4-5 when she appeared to jar her knee. She lost power in her serve and Sabalenka broke to take the match in 1hr 29min. Azarenka later denied there was a problem with her knee, saying she instead had an issue with her side throughout the match. "From the beginning of the match I wasn't able to do what I wanted with my serves," she said. "I definitely need a little rest and then I'll be getting ready for the Australian Open." In the men's draw, top seed Holger Rune will play second seed Grigor Dimitrov in the final after the Dane beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 7-6 (7/0). ALSO READ | Retired David Warner 'looking forward' to his new role as commentator during India Test series Rune, the world number eight, was able to absorb the big-hitting of Safiullin, who hit 27 clean winners but also made 28 unforced errors. After Rune broke Safiullin's opening service game and won the first set, the Russian had the better of the second set but collapsed in the tiebreak. "It's been a great week so far," Rune said. "Playing some good matches against some great players. I'm excited for tomorrow and then Melbourne." Dimitrov eased through by seeing off Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat Rafael Nadal in the three-and-a-half hour marathon on Friday night. Thompson fought hard once again, but Dimitrov broke him once in each set to win 6-3, 7-5.

Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina set up Australian Open final rematch at Brisbane International

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a rain-disrupted group match on Friday to book a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals. The Belarusian, who finished second in her group behind unbeaten American Jessica Pegula, kept her bid for the year-end number one ranking on track with a victory that took two days to complete.

She had won the first set but was trailing in the second when play was halted Thursday night after multiple rain delays.Some 16 hours later, she and Rybakina returned to the outdoor hardcourts in Cancun, where fourth-ranked Rybakina of Kazakhstan calmly served out the second set to level the match in a matter of minutes.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka dug deep to halt Rybakina's momentum in the opening game of the third set, surviving nine deuces and two break points to hold serve. She used a pair of ferocious forehands to break Rybakina in the fourth game.

World number two Swiatek then downed sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes to finish top of her group with a perfect 3-0 record. US Open champion Coco Gauff closed out group play with a 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova and advanced to the semi-finals -- her place secured after Swiatek's win.

Gauff will face fellow American Pegula in the semi-finals, but it's the clash between Sabalenka and Swiatek that will be in the spotlight. If Sabalenka wins, she will finish the year ranked number one in the world, but if Swiatek triumphs she could regain the top spot if she goes on to win the title.

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It's a rematch of last year's semi-final in Fort Worth, Texas, where Sabalenka won 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. The two have split their two meetings this season, both on clay. Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion won the Stuttgart final, while Sabalenka took Madrid.

The clash between Gauff and Pegula will be the first all-American semi-final at the elite season-ending event since the round-robin format was reintroduced in 2003. Blustery winds and intermittent rain again challenged players on Friday.

Gauff shook off multiple rain delays, using an aggressive approach to claim the second-set tiebreaker and continuing to attack in the third. "Obviously, in the wind, it's tough to be as aggressive as you want, because the bounces are weird and the ball was moving," Gauff said. "So I'm glad I made that adjustment and didn't get too frustrated when I missed. You pay the price for hopefully a good reward."

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a rain-disrupted group match on Friday to book a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a rain-disrupted group match on Friday to book a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals. The Belarusian, who finished second in her group behind unbeaten American Jessica Pegula, kept her bid for the year-end number one ranking on track with a victory that took two days to complete. She had won the first set but was trailing in the second when play was halted Thursday night after multiple rain delays.Some 16 hours later, she and Rybakina returned to the outdoor hardcourts in Cancun, where fourth-ranked Rybakina of Kazakhstan calmly served out the second set to level the match in a matter of minutes. Australian Open champion Sabalenka dug deep to halt Rybakina's momentum in the opening game of the third set, surviving nine deuces and two break points to hold serve. She used a pair of ferocious forehands to break Rybakina in the fourth game. World number two Swiatek then downed sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes to finish top of her group with a perfect 3-0 record. US Open champion Coco Gauff closed out group play with a 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova and advanced to the semi-finals -- her place secured after Swiatek's win. Gauff will face fellow American Pegula in the semi-finals, but it's the clash between Sabalenka and Swiatek that will be in the spotlight. If Sabalenka wins, she will finish the year ranked number one in the world, but if Swiatek triumphs she could regain the top spot if she goes on to win the title. Also Read: Global warming threatens Winter Olympics future, organisers soften demand in order to retain potential hosts It's a rematch of last year's semi-final in Fort Worth, Texas, where Sabalenka won 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. The two have split their two meetings this season, both on clay. Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion won the Stuttgart final, while Sabalenka took Madrid. The clash between Gauff and Pegula will be the first all-American semi-final at the elite season-ending event since the round-robin format was reintroduced in 2003. Blustery winds and intermittent rain again challenged players on Friday. Gauff shook off multiple rain delays, using an aggressive approach to claim the second-set tiebreaker and continuing to attack in the third. "Obviously, in the wind, it's tough to be as aggressive as you want, because the bounces are weird and the ball was moving," Gauff said. "So I'm glad I made that adjustment and didn't get too frustrated when I missed. You pay the price for hopefully a good reward."

Tennis: Aryna Sablenka defeats Elena Rybakina in WTA Finals, enters semi-finals

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina on Monday pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, days after slamming the WTA for the introduction of performance byes at the tournament. Byes are usually awarded to top-seeded players, but performance byes allow for players who have played well in the previous week to move directly into the second round of the following tournament.

Byes for the Pan Pacific Open were given to Maria Sakkari, who won the Guadalajara Open title on Saturday, and Caroline Garcia, who reached the semi-finals. Both players are ranked lower than Rybakina, who was drawn against Linda Noskova in the first round. "As a player I want to give my all on the court and at the moment my body is not ready to do that," Rybakina said on Instagram. "That's why I decided to listen to my body and withdraw from the tournament. I love Japan, my fans here are so unique and for that reason this is a tough decision."

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Rybakina said her decision to withdraw from the tournament had nothing to do with her missing out on a bye, adding: "The WTA topic is another topic, on which I have my opinions and will clearly voice them in future."

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Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina on Monday pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, days after slamming the WTA for the introduction of performance byes at the tournament.

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina on Monday pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, days after slamming the WTA for the introduction of performance byes at the tournament. Byes are usually awarded to top-seeded players, but performance byes allow for players who have played well in the previous week to move directly into the second round of the following tournament. Byes for the Pan Pacific Open were given to Maria Sakkari, who won the Guadalajara Open title on Saturday, and Caroline Garcia, who reached the semi-finals. Both players are ranked lower than Rybakina, who was drawn against Linda Noskova in the first round. "As a player I want to give my all on the court and at the moment my body is not ready to do that," Rybakina said on Instagram. "That's why I decided to listen to my body and withdraw from the tournament. I love Japan, my fans here are so unique and for that reason this is a tough decision." Also read: Chinese Football Association's ex-boss Chen Xuyuan charged for 'accepting bribes' Rybakina said her decision to withdraw from the tournament had nothing to do with her missing out on a bye, adding: "The WTA topic is another topic, on which I have my opinions and will clearly voice them in future." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina withdraws from Pan Pacific Open

Ons Jabeur gained revenge for her defeat in last year's Wimbledon final on Wednesday, coming from behind to beat Elena Rybakina and reach the last four.

In a repeat of the 2022 title match, the Tunisian sixth seed beat her third-ranked opponent 6-7 (5/7),&nbsp;6-4, 6-1 on Centre Court.

The 28-year-old will face Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka for a place in Saturday's final at the All England Club.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-daniel-ricciardo-replaces-nyck-de-vries-in-alphatauri-to-compete-at-hungarian-grand-prix-614738">Formula One: Daniel Ricciardo replaces Nyck de Vries in AlphaTauri, to compete at Hungarian Grand Prix</a>

"I'm very happy with the performance -- a lot of emotion out there, especially playing someone that serves really well," she said.

"It's frustrating to return but I'm glad I did everything, shouted, got angry, then got calm and focused and hopefully I can manage my emotions like this for the next two matches."

Rybakina was first to pounce, breaking to love in the fourth game when Jabeur went wide with a backhand but the Tunisian hit back immediately.

Jabeur took advantage of a loose volley at the net from Rybakina to break again and edge into a 6-5 lead.

But this time she was the player who failed to consolidate, squandering a set point as Rybakina forced a tie-break, which she won.

The Kazakh survived break points in the second game of the second set while Jabeur was forced to dig deep on her serve to move into a 3-2 lead.

Both players held serve until the 10th game, when Rybakina cracked and Jabeur levelled the match.

The force was with Jabeur in the decider as she opened up a 3-0 lead and saved two break points to move 4-1 ahead.

Jabeur powered a backhand down the line to break once again and&nbsp;held her serve to seal the win, letting out a roar of delight.

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Ons Jabeur gained revenge for her defeat in last year's Wimbledon final on Wednesday, coming from behind to beat Elena Rybakina and reach the last four. In a repeat of the 2022 title match, the Tunisian sixth seed beat her third-ranked opponent 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-1 on Centre Court.

Ons Jabeur gained revenge for her defeat in last year's Wimbledon final on Wednesday, coming from behind to beat Elena Rybakina and reach the last four. In a repeat of the 2022 title match, the Tunisian sixth seed beat her third-ranked opponent 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-1 on Centre Court. The 28-year-old will face Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka for a place in Saturday's final at the All England Club. Also Read: Formula One: Daniel Ricciardo replaces Nyck de Vries in AlphaTauri, to compete at Hungarian Grand Prix "I'm very happy with the performance -- a lot of emotion out there, especially playing someone that serves really well," she said. "It's frustrating to return but I'm glad I did everything, shouted, got angry, then got calm and focused and hopefully I can manage my emotions like this for the next two matches." Rybakina was first to pounce, breaking to love in the fourth game when Jabeur went wide with a backhand but the Tunisian hit back immediately. Jabeur took advantage of a loose volley at the net from Rybakina to break again and edge into a 6-5 lead. But this time she was the player who failed to consolidate, squandering a set point as Rybakina forced a tie-break, which she won. The Kazakh survived break points in the second game of the second set while Jabeur was forced to dig deep on her serve to move into a 3-2 lead. Both players held serve until the 10th game, when Rybakina cracked and Jabeur levelled the match. The force was with Jabeur in the decider as she opened up a 3-0 lead and saved two break points to move 4-1 ahead. Jabeur powered a backhand down the line to break once again and held her serve to seal the win, letting out a roar of delight. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Ons Jabeur beats defending champion Elena Rybakina to enter semifinals

Holder Elena Rybakina was given an easy ride into the Wimbledon quarter-finals after Brazilian opponent Beatriz Haddad Maia retired midway through the first set with a back injury. Rybakina had just broken for a 3-1 lead in the first set when the Brazilian 13th seed winced in pain and clutched her back after netting a backhand.

Haddad Maia called on the physio and kept wincing as her back was being manipulated courtside. After leaving court to receive further treatment she returned in an attempt to resume the match following a 10 minute interval. However, the way she stiffly bent down to pick up her racket from her chair to resume the contest signalled that the match might soon be over. She tearfully went through the motions for one more game, clutching her back after every point before shaking her head to confirm that she could no longer continue.

<h2>American Keys ends Russian teenager Andreeva's dream run to reach quarters</h2>

American Madison Keys recovered from a set and a break down to end Mirra Andreeva's fairytale Wimbledon debut as the 16-year-old Russian was beaten 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 in the fourth round on Monday. World number 102 Andreeva, who was looking to become the youngest player to reach the last eight of the grasscourt Grand Slam since Anna Kournikova in 1997, fought valiantly against Keys but was ultimately overwhelmed by the seasoned 25th seed.

The teenager's lack of experience showed towards the end of the match, as she was handed a point penalty for throwing her racket at 5-2 in the decider, which handed match point to Keys. An emotional Andreeva then argued with the umpire, before refusing to shake hands at the end of the match.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-16-year-old-mirra-andreevas-fairytale-continues-reaches-round-of-16-in-maiden-tournament-613804">Wimbledon 2023: 16-year-old Mirra&nbsp;Andreeva's fairytale continues, reaches round of 16 in maiden tournament</a>

Prior to her defeat against Keys, Andreeva had showcased great maturity in her wins over former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova and compatriot Anastasia Potapova.

Asked if she had felt any pressure facing the breakout star, Keys said: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. "Coming out here, you don't want to be the person who loses to her, for her to get to her first quarter-finals. I knew that if I tried to just stay in the match, my many, many, many more years on Tour would kick in."

The 28-year-old Keys began the match in typically aggressive fashion, firing off powerful returns and groundstrokes to break serve and go 2-0 ahead. However, Andreeva broke back immediately courtesy of a lucky net cord before showing great variation to upset Keys' rhythm, making her opponent uncomfortable with slices and drop shots as she broke twice more in quick succession to take the opener.

<h2>UNFORCED ERRORS</h2>

Keys continued to commit a stream of unforced errors as Andreeva raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set. But with her back to the wall and staring at a 5-1 deficit, the American upped her game, putting the match back on serve with a delicate left-handed winner and forcing a tiebreak, which she won.

"I don't know how I turned it around. I knew she is a phenomenal player who has no pressure and is really going for everything," Keys said. "I knew I had to stay in the match and get an opportunity to break back. Once I was able to, I tried to keep the momentum and keep going and here we are."

The tiebreak seemed to take the wind out of Andreeva's sails. Keys stormed into an early 2-0 lead in the third set after the Russian double faulted in her opening service game, before finishing off her opponent in a shade over two hours.

Keys' win ensures her return to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015, after which she has twice been knocked out in the fourth round. "My quarter-final run all those years ago was amazing, but I've fallen short a few times," Keys added. "It's so great to be back in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon."

In her second quarter-final at Wimbledon, Keys will face either second-seeded Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka or another Russian in Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 21st seed.

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Holder Elena Rybakina was given an easy ride into the Wimbledon quarter-finals after Brazilian opponent Beatriz Haddad Maia retired midway through the first set with a back injury.

Holder Elena Rybakina was given an easy ride into the Wimbledon quarter-finals after Brazilian opponent Beatriz Haddad Maia retired midway through the first set with a back injury. Rybakina had just broken for a 3-1 lead in the first set when the Brazilian 13th seed winced in pain and clutched her back after netting a backhand. Haddad Maia called on the physio and kept wincing as her back was being manipulated courtside. After leaving court to receive further treatment she returned in an attempt to resume the match following a 10 minute interval. However, the way she stiffly bent down to pick up her racket from her chair to resume the contest signalled that the match might soon be over. She tearfully went through the motions for one more game, clutching her back after every point before shaking her head to confirm that she could no longer continue. American Keys ends Russian teenager Andreeva's dream run to reach quarters American Madison Keys recovered from a set and a break down to end Mirra Andreeva's fairytale Wimbledon debut as the 16-year-old Russian was beaten 3-6 7-6(4) 6-2 in the fourth round on Monday. World number 102 Andreeva, who was looking to become the youngest player to reach the last eight of the grasscourt Grand Slam since Anna Kournikova in 1997, fought valiantly against Keys but was ultimately overwhelmed by the seasoned 25th seed. The teenager's lack of experience showed towards the end of the match, as she was handed a point penalty for throwing her racket at 5-2 in the decider, which handed match point to Keys. An emotional Andreeva then argued with the umpire, before refusing to shake hands at the end of the match. Also Read: Wimbledon 2023: 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva's fairytale continues, reaches round of 16 in maiden tournament Prior to her defeat against Keys, Andreeva had showcased great maturity in her wins over former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova and compatriot Anastasia Potapova. Asked if she had felt any pressure facing the breakout star, Keys said: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. "Coming out here, you don't want to be the person who loses to her, for her to get to her first quarter-finals. I knew that if I tried to just stay in the match, my many, many, many more years on Tour would kick in." The 28-year-old Keys began the match in typically aggressive fashion, firing off powerful returns and groundstrokes to break serve and go 2-0 ahead. However, Andreeva broke back immediately courtesy of a lucky net cord before showing great variation to upset Keys' rhythm, making her opponent uncomfortable with slices and drop shots as she broke twice more in quick succession to take the opener. UNFORCED ERRORS Keys continued to commit a stream of unforced errors as Andreeva raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set. But with her back to the wall and staring at a 5-1 deficit, the American upped her game, putting the match back on serve with a delicate left-handed winner and forcing a tiebreak, which she won. "I don't know how I turned it around. I knew she is a phenomenal player who has no pressure and is really going for everything," Keys said. "I knew I had to stay in the match and get an opportunity to break back. Once I was able to, I tried to keep the momentum and keep going and here we are." The tiebreak seemed to take the wind out of Andreeva's sails. Keys stormed into an early 2-0 lead in the third set after the Russian double faulted in her opening service game, before finishing off her opponent in a shade over two hours. Keys' win ensures her return to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015, after which she has twice been knocked out in the fourth round. "My quarter-final run all those years ago was amazing, but I've fallen short a few times," Keys added. "It's so great to be back in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon." In her second quarter-final at Wimbledon, Keys will face either second-seeded Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka or another Russian in Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 21st seed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Wimbledon 2023 - Holder Elena Rybakina enters last eight as Haddad Maia quits citing back injury

Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina will face American Shelby Rogers in the opening round at Wimbledon while men's second seed Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin.

Friday's draw at the All England Club pitched women's top seed Iga Swiatek against China's 33rd-ranked Zhu Lin, a potentially tricky first hurdle for the Pole. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who could not play last year because of Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusian players following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will open her campaign against Hungarian Panna Udvardy.

American veteran Venus Williams against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in one of the standout matches of the opening round while home favourite Andy Murray, bidding for an unlikely third title at the age of 36, plays British wildcard Ryan Peniston.

Murray could face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two although first Tsitsipas must get passed former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem who has tumbled down the rankings. American teenager Coco Gauff, who many are tipping for a long run, has a tough opener against fellow former French Open runner-up and compatriot Sofia Kenin.

Djokovic, who has won the last four men's titles at Wimbledon and is bidding to match Roger Federer's eight, is not seeded one this year having been replaced at the top of the rankings by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz, who warmed up by winning the title at Queen's Club last week, faces a tricky opener against experienced Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. Last year's runner-up Nick Kyrgios, who has hardly played this year and whose participation is in doubt because of injury, plays dangerous Belgian wildcard David Goffin in a standout first round clash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-polands-kamil-majchrzak-banned-for-13-months-after-failing-drug-test-610529">Also Read:&nbsp;Tennis: Poland's Kamil Majchrzak banned for 13 months after failing drug test</a>

Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, a potential semi-final opponent for Alcaraz, returns to Wimbledon with a first round against British wildcard Arthur Fery. The projected women's quarter-finals based on seedings would see Swiatek meet seventh seed Coco Gauff while third seed Rybakina could face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur.

Swiatek is positioned to face American fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. The men's quarter-finals, if the seeds progress, would see Alcaraz up against Denmark's sixth seed Holger Rune with Medvedev up against Tsitsipas while in the bottom half Djokovic could face seventh-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev with fourth seed Casper Ruud potentially facing Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, will face Cachin on Monday while Rybakina plays the traditional Tuesday Centre Court opener for women's defending champions.

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Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina will face American Shelby Rogers in the opening round at Wimbledon while men's second seed Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin.

Defending women's champion Elena Rybakina will face American Shelby Rogers in the opening round at Wimbledon while men's second seed Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Argentina's 67th-ranked Pedro Cachin. Friday's draw at the All England Club pitched women's top seed Iga Swiatek against China's 33rd-ranked Zhu Lin, a potentially tricky first hurdle for the Pole. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who could not play last year because of Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusian players following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will open her campaign against Hungarian Panna Udvardy. American veteran Venus Williams against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in one of the standout matches of the opening round while home favourite Andy Murray, bidding for an unlikely third title at the age of 36, plays British wildcard Ryan Peniston. Murray could face fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two although first Tsitsipas must get passed former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem who has tumbled down the rankings. American teenager Coco Gauff, who many are tipping for a long run, has a tough opener against fellow former French Open runner-up and compatriot Sofia Kenin. Djokovic, who has won the last four men's titles at Wimbledon and is bidding to match Roger Federer's eight, is not seeded one this year having been replaced at the top of the rankings by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who warmed up by winning the title at Queen's Club last week, faces a tricky opener against experienced Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. Last year's runner-up Nick Kyrgios, who has hardly played this year and whose participation is in doubt because of injury, plays dangerous Belgian wildcard David Goffin in a standout first round clash. Also Read: Tennis: Poland's Kamil Majchrzak banned for 13 months after failing drug test Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, a potential semi-final opponent for Alcaraz, returns to Wimbledon with a first round against British wildcard Arthur Fery. The projected women's quarter-finals based on seedings would see Swiatek meet seventh seed Coco Gauff while third seed Rybakina could face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur. Swiatek is positioned to face American fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. The men's quarter-finals, if the seeds progress, would see Alcaraz up against Denmark's sixth seed Holger Rune with Medvedev up against Tsitsipas while in the bottom half Djokovic could face seventh-seeded Russian Andrey Rublev with fourth seed Casper Ruud potentially facing Jannik Sinner. Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, will face Cachin on Monday while Rybakina plays the traditional Tuesday Centre Court opener for women's defending champions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tennis: Novak Djokovic to face Pedro Cachin in Wimbledon 2023 opener, Rybakina up against Rogers

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Eastbourne International on Monday due to a viral illness, raising doubts over her defence of the title at the All England Club next week.

The world number three had been scheduled to play Wang Xiyu on the first day of main draw action at Eastbourne on Monday.

Rybakina also withdrew ahead of her third round match at the French Open citing illness earlier this month and fell to a shock defeat to Donna Vekic in the second round of the German Open last week.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eden-gardens-wankhede-stadium-are-frontrunners-to-host-2023-world-cup-semis-bcci-official-608981">Eden Gardens, Wankhede Stadium are frontrunners to host 2023 World Cup semis - BCCI official</a>

The Kazak's absence meant that Russian Daria Kasatkina was the highest ranked player in action on Monday as she beat Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina 6-3, 6-1 in a politically-charged match.

Kasatkina will face Karolina Pliskova in round two after the Czech advanced when Elise Mertens retired in the deciding set of their clash.

Dubai-based world number 11 Kasatkina, who was banned from competing in Britain last year due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, acknowledged that Ukrainians are in a "way worse situation" and conceded she cannot see an imminent end to the fighting.

"My family, my parents are still in Russia," she said. "As you can see, the last few days it's been a big mess also there.

"It's been a tough year, and we don't know how long it's going to be. Honestly, so far I don't see the end.

"(It) feels shit, honestly. I'm not going to hide it. It's tough to face the circumstances for such a long time already," said Kasatkina, who was booed off court earlier this month following her defeat by Ukraine's Elina Svitolina at the French Open.

"I'm just trying to be a good human in this scenario. That's all I can do."

There was some joy for the home fans as Brits Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage came through tough three-set encounters against China's Zhang Shuai and American Lauren Davis respectively.

Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff and Petra Kvitova are among the big names in action on Tuesday.

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Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Eastbourne International on Monday due to a viral illness, raising doubts over her defence of the title at the All England Club next week.

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Eastbourne International on Monday due to a viral illness, raising doubts over her defence of the title at the All England Club next week. The world number three had been scheduled to play Wang Xiyu on the first day of main draw action at Eastbourne on Monday. Rybakina also withdrew ahead of her third round match at the French Open citing illness earlier this month and fell to a shock defeat to Donna Vekic in the second round of the German Open last week. Also Read: Eden Gardens, Wankhede Stadium are frontrunners to host 2023 World Cup semis - BCCI official The Kazak's absence meant that Russian Daria Kasatkina was the highest ranked player in action on Monday as she beat Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina 6-3, 6-1 in a politically-charged match. Kasatkina will face Karolina Pliskova in round two after the Czech advanced when Elise Mertens retired in the deciding set of their clash. Dubai-based world number 11 Kasatkina, who was banned from competing in Britain last year due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, acknowledged that Ukrainians are in a "way worse situation" and conceded she cannot see an imminent end to the fighting. "My family, my parents are still in Russia," she said. "As you can see, the last few days it's been a big mess also there. "It's been a tough year, and we don't know how long it's going to be. Honestly, so far I don't see the end. "(It) feels shit, honestly. I'm not going to hide it. It's tough to face the circumstances for such a long time already," said Kasatkina, who was booed off court earlier this month following her defeat by Ukraine's Elina Svitolina at the French Open. "I'm just trying to be a good human in this scenario. That's all I can do." There was some joy for the home fans as Brits Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage came through tough three-set encounters against China's Zhang Shuai and American Lauren Davis respectively. Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff and Petra Kvitova are among the big names in action on Tuesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina withdraws from Eastbourne International ahead of title defence

World number four Elena Rybakina withdrew from the French Open on Saturday due to illness, handing an unexpected title boost to defending champion Iga Swiatek. Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the third round in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

"I was not feeling good yesterday and the day before. I didn't sleep last night," said the 23-year-old Wimbledon champion. "I had fever and a headache and it's difficult to breathe. I tried in the warm-up but I feel it's the right decision to withdraw."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-rafael-nadal-undergoes-surgery-for-injury-which-forced-him-out-of-french-open-600005">Tennis: Rafael Nadal undergoes surgery for injury which forced him out of French Open</a>

Rybakina had swept into the last 32 without dropping a set. The Russian-born Kazakh was seen as a potential champion in Paris having arrived at Roland Garros with the prestigious Italian Open clay-court title under her belt. She had been seeded to face two-time champion Swiatek in the semi-finals.

"I guess with my allergy that my immune system just went down and I picked up something," said Rybakina. "The doctor said there's a virus in Paris."

Rybakina said she will focus on recovery ahead of defending her title at Wimbledon which gets underway on July 3.

"The plan was to play Berlin, Eastbourne, and Wimbledon. There are not many tournaments on grass, but the most important thing is to get healthy again."

Sorribes Tormo, ranked 132 in the world, will be playing in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.

She will face either Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia or Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil for a place in the quarter-finals.

Later on Saturday, world number one Swiatek takes on China's 80th-ranked Wang Xinyu for a place in the last 16.

More to follow..

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World number four Elena Rybakina withdrew from the French Open on Saturday due to illness, handing an unexpected title boost to defending champion Iga Swiatek. Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the third round in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

World number four Elena Rybakina withdrew from the French Open on Saturday due to illness, handing an unexpected title boost to defending champion Iga Swiatek. Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the third round in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier. "I was not feeling good yesterday and the day before. I didn't sleep last night," said the 23-year-old Wimbledon champion. "I had fever and a headache and it's difficult to breathe. I tried in the warm-up but I feel it's the right decision to withdraw." ALSO READ: Tennis: Rafael Nadal undergoes surgery for injury which forced him out of French Open Rybakina had swept into the last 32 without dropping a set. The Russian-born Kazakh was seen as a potential champion in Paris having arrived at Roland Garros with the prestigious Italian Open clay-court title under her belt. She had been seeded to face two-time champion Swiatek in the semi-finals. "I guess with my allergy that my immune system just went down and I picked up something," said Rybakina. "The doctor said there's a virus in Paris." Rybakina said she will focus on recovery ahead of defending her title at Wimbledon which gets underway on July 3. "The plan was to play Berlin, Eastbourne, and Wimbledon. There are not many tournaments on grass, but the most important thing is to get healthy again." Sorribes Tormo, ranked 132 in the world, will be playing in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time. She will face either Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia or Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil for a place in the quarter-finals. Later on Saturday, world number one Swiatek takes on China's 80th-ranked Wang Xinyu for a place in the last 16. More to follow.. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World number four Elena Rybakina pulls out of French Open 2023 due to illness

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