World number one Iga Swiatek on Wednesday called for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events. The reigning French Open and US Open champion is preparing to compete at the Madrid Open after retaining her Stuttgart title last weekend, defeating world number two Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

Swiatek won a little more than 100,000 Euros ($111,000), which some contrasted to Carlos Alcaraz's 475,000 Euros ($526,000) haul for triumphing at the Barcelona Open.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-us-open-champion-emma-raducanu-withdraws-from-madrid-open-before-first-round-586369">Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu withdraws from Madrid Open before first round</a>

"I think (tennis) is better than most sports, but still there is a lot we can work on in terms of, you know, getting equal prize money on some WTA tournaments compared to ATP on the same level," Swiatek told a news conference Wednesday. "Grand Slams are already even, as we know. That's nice, but for sure it would be good if WTA would focus on that, but I don't really want to get into that, because it's a lot of business and sometimes politics.

"I don't think I have a lot of influence. I just can say that it would be nice for our sport if it was equal, especially because we kind of do the same work."

- Consistency -

The Polish top seed in Madrid says the women's game offers more consistency than the men's now and can create even higher emotions.

"I also get people who are saying that men's tennis is nicer to watch and guys can do more because they are physically and biologically stronger," said Swiatek. "But I think there were a lot of people, for example a couple of years ago, who were saying that (the women's game is) not consistent and that's a shame and it should be better, but right now basically I think we are even more consistent than the guys with our game.

"Watching women's tennis gives the same emotions, and sometimes even like more emotions, because we are women and we are a little bit more emotional.

"But, yeah, I think it would be nice if WTA could make it even."

In 1973, the US Open became the first Grand Slam event to pay men's and women's players equal prize money.

It was followed by the Australian Open in 2001, before the French Open and Wimbledon also decided to do so in 2007.

Swiatek said she would have to get used to playing at a higher altitude in Madrid.

"I feel like the (balls) are more like flying bullets, you have to control them -- and the clay is a little bit different, the movement and stuff, I just have to get used to it," she added. "I want to win every tournament that I go to, but Madrid, for sure, is still this kind of tournament that I haven't figured it out for 100 percent, so I just want to get the experience."

Swiatek will face Austrian 'lucky loser' Julia Grabher in her opening match at the tournament.

World number one Iga Swiatek on Wednesday called for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events. The reigning French Open and US Open champion is preparing to compete at the Madrid Open after retaining her Stuttgart title last weekend, defeating world number two Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

World number one Iga Swiatek on Wednesday called for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events. The reigning French Open and US Open champion is preparing to compete at the Madrid Open after retaining her Stuttgart title last weekend, defeating world number two Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Swiatek won a little more than 100,000 Euros ($111,000), which some contrasted to Carlos Alcaraz's 475,000 Euros ($526,000) haul for triumphing at the Barcelona Open. ALSO READ: Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu withdraws from Madrid Open before first round "I think (tennis) is better than most sports, but still there is a lot we can work on in terms of, you know, getting equal prize money on some WTA tournaments compared to ATP on the same level," Swiatek told a news conference Wednesday. "Grand Slams are already even, as we know. That's nice, but for sure it would be good if WTA would focus on that, but I don't really want to get into that, because it's a lot of business and sometimes politics. "I don't think I have a lot of influence. I just can say that it would be nice for our sport if it was equal, especially because we kind of do the same work." - Consistency - The Polish top seed in Madrid says the women's game offers more consistency than the men's now and can create even higher emotions. "I also get people who are saying that men's tennis is nicer to watch and guys can do more because they are physically and biologically stronger," said Swiatek. "But I think there were a lot of people, for example a couple of years ago, who were saying that (the women's game is) not consistent and that's a shame and it should be better, but right now basically I think we are even more consistent than the guys with our game. "Watching women's tennis gives the same emotions, and sometimes even like more emotions, because we are women and we are a little bit more emotional. "But, yeah, I think it would be nice if WTA could make it even." In 1973, the US Open became the first Grand Slam event to pay men's and women's players equal prize money. It was followed by the Australian Open in 2001, before the French Open and Wimbledon also decided to do so in 2007. Swiatek said she would have to get used to playing at a higher altitude in Madrid. "I feel like the (balls) are more like flying bullets, you have to control them -- and the clay is a little bit different, the movement and stuff, I just have to get used to it," she added. "I want to win every tournament that I go to, but Madrid, for sure, is still this kind of tournament that I haven't figured it out for 100 percent, so I just want to get the experience." Swiatek will face Austrian 'lucky loser' Julia Grabher in her opening match at the tournament.

World number one Iga Swiatek calls for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open shortly before she was due on court to play Viktoriya Tomova in the first round on Wednesday. The 20-year-old British player cited an injury to her right hand as the reason for her withdrawal.

It is the latest setback for Raducanu who has struggled for form and fitness since her fairytale run to the title at Flushing Meadows in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-defending-champion-ons-jabeur-pulls-out-with-calf-injury-586003">Madrid Open: Defending champion Ons Jabeur pulls out with calf injury</a>

She lost in the first round in Miami and Stuttgart and by missing Madrid she will likely fall outside the top 100 in the WTA rankings for the first time since her stunning breakthrough.

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open shortly before she was due on court to play Viktoriya Tomova in the first round on Wednesday.

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open shortly before she was due on court to play Viktoriya Tomova in the first round on Wednesday. The 20-year-old British player cited an injury to her right hand as the reason for her withdrawal. It is the latest setback for Raducanu who has struggled for form and fitness since her fairytale run to the title at Flushing Meadows in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier. Also read: Madrid Open: Defending champion Ons Jabeur pulls out with calf injury She lost in the first round in Miami and Stuttgart and by missing Madrid she will likely fall outside the top 100 in the WTA rankings for the first time since her stunning breakthrough.

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu withdraws from Madrid Open before first round

Defending champion Ons Jabeur said on Monday she had withdrawn from the Madrid Open with a calf injury after retiring from the Stuttgart Open at the weekend. The Tunisian world number four retired after three games against Iga Swiatek in the Stuttgart Open semi-final, where she was injured during the last point of the first game on Saturday.

"Further to many medical exams done, it shows that I have a small tear in my calf and I will need more time to recover," the 28-year-old Jabeur said on Instagram. "I'm sad to announce that I won't be able to compete and defend my title this year at the Madrid Open. I would like to wish everyone and the tournament a great event."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-of-madrid-open-shares-statement-on-injury-roland-garros-participation-doubtful-584376">Rafael Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open, shares statement on injury; Roland Garros participation doubtful</a>

Jabeur, who was on a seven-match winning run after recovering from injury and surgery earlier this year, was to face Romania's Ana Bogdan or Hungary's Anna Bondar in the second round of the clay tournament in Madrid.

The Madrid Open will be played from Tuesday through May 7.

Defending champion Ons Jabeur said on Monday she had withdrawn from the Madrid Open with a calf injury after retiring from the Stuttgart Open at the weekend. The Tunisian world number four retired after three games against Iga Swiatek in the Stuttgart Open semi-final, where she was injured during the last point of the first game on Saturday.

Defending champion Ons Jabeur said on Monday she had withdrawn from the Madrid Open with a calf injury after retiring from the Stuttgart Open at the weekend. The Tunisian world number four retired after three games against Iga Swiatek in the Stuttgart Open semi-final, where she was injured during the last point of the first game on Saturday. "Further to many medical exams done, it shows that I have a small tear in my calf and I will need more time to recover," the 28-year-old Jabeur said on Instagram. "I'm sad to announce that I won't be able to compete and defend my title this year at the Madrid Open. I would like to wish everyone and the tournament a great event." Also read: Rafael Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open, shares statement on injury; Roland Garros participation doubtful Jabeur, who was on a seven-match winning run after recovering from injury and surgery earlier this year, was to face Romania's Ana Bogdan or Hungary's Anna Bondar in the second round of the clay tournament in Madrid. The Madrid Open will be played from Tuesday through May 7.

Madrid Open: Defending champion Ons Jabeur pulls out with calf injury

Carlos Alcaraz insisted Sunday that he is not Rafael Nadal's "replacement" as the teenager comfortably defended his Barcelona title, bolstering his bid to succeed his compatriot as French Open champion.

The 19-year-old brushed aside Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to add the Barcelona trophy to wins in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells in 2023. He now has nine career titles.

With 14-time French Open champion Nadal sidelined since January with a hip injury and world number one and two-time Roland Garros winner Novak Djokovic struggling with an elbow problem, Alcaraz reinforced his credentials as a major contender to add the clay-court Grand Slam title to the US Open he captured last year.

However, he was quick to dampen speculation that he is the French Open champion-in-waiting, just five weeks out from the second major of the year in Paris.

"I don't want to be anyone's replacement," said world number two Alcaraz when confronted with his status as heir apparent to Nadal who turns 37 in June.

Nadal hasn't played since his second round exit at the Australian Open and has missed Masters events at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo as well as sitting out Barcelona for a second successive year.

"In the two years that Rafa hasn't been here, I've been lucky or, let's say, I've won the title," said Alcaraz who defended his Barcelona title without dropping a set.&nbsp;

His win on Sunday was his fourth in four meetings against fifth-ranked Tsitsipas.

<h2>'Build our history'</h2>

"I've always wanted to play against the best, it's a shame that we haven't been able to enjoy Rafa these last two years," added Alcaraz.

"Let's hope he continues to play for a long time and that we can enjoy his tennis, but obviously we are not here to take over from anyone, but to build our own history."

Alcaraz's caution is justified. Despite Nadal's continuing injury woes, he boasts a stunning win-loss record at the French Open of 112 wins against just three losses since his title-winning 2005 debut.

Two of those defeats came against Djokovic who shares the men's record of 22 majors with Nadal.

Djokovic reached that mark with a 10th Australian Open victory in January.

Despite concerns over his elbow, he knows that traditionally he improves as the clay season progresses -- his record shows two Monte Carlo titles, three at Madrid and six in Rome, the last significant event before Roland Garros.

Djokovic has successfully bounced back from elbow worries in the past -- in February 2018, he needed surgery on the injury but still won Wimbledon and the US Open later that year.

Both Nadal and Djokovic are sitting out the Madrid Masters where Alcaraz is the defending champion.

"Roland Garros is a clear short-term objective," added Alcaraz.

"It's a tournament I really want to win, but now we are focused on Madrid and then Rome. Winning the tournament here in Barcelona gives me extra confidence for what's to come."

Holger Rune, like Alcaraz also just 19, defended his Munich title on Sunday but unlike the Spaniard, had to battle back from the brink of defeat.

Plagued by a shoulder injury, which needed a medical time-out, the Dane came back from 5-2 down in the third set and saved four match points to see off Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3) in a rematch of last year's final.

<h2>'Push hard'</h2>

"It is the last match and the last push, so you try to find a way," said Rune who heads to Madrid having never previously played in the tournament.

Also heading to Madrid with confidence is women's world number one Iga Swiatek, the reigning US and French Open champion.

On Sunday, she defeated Australian Open champion and second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4 to claim a second successive Stuttgart title.

"I wanted to win really, really hard, but I knew that I can't really focus on that and just I have to keep doing my job as I did in previous matches," said the Pole.

"I'm pretty happy that I could kind of have a good mentality and just focus on what I want to do tennis-wise."

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Carlos Alcaraz insisted Sunday that he is not Rafael Nadal's "replacement" as the teenager comfortably defended his Barcelona title, bolstering his bid to succeed his compatriot as French Open champion.

Carlos Alcaraz insisted Sunday that he is not Rafael Nadal's "replacement" as the teenager comfortably defended his Barcelona title, bolstering his bid to succeed his compatriot as French Open champion. The 19-year-old brushed aside Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to add the Barcelona trophy to wins in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells in 2023. He now has nine career titles. With 14-time French Open champion Nadal sidelined since January with a hip injury and world number one and two-time Roland Garros winner Novak Djokovic struggling with an elbow problem, Alcaraz reinforced his credentials as a major contender to add the clay-court Grand Slam title to the US Open he captured last year. However, he was quick to dampen speculation that he is the French Open champion-in-waiting, just five weeks out from the second major of the year in Paris. "I don't want to be anyone's replacement," said world number two Alcaraz when confronted with his status as heir apparent to Nadal who turns 37 in June. Nadal hasn't played since his second round exit at the Australian Open and has missed Masters events at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo as well as sitting out Barcelona for a second successive year. "In the two years that Rafa hasn't been here, I've been lucky or, let's say, I've won the title," said Alcaraz who defended his Barcelona title without dropping a set. His win on Sunday was his fourth in four meetings against fifth-ranked Tsitsipas. 'Build our history' "I've always wanted to play against the best, it's a shame that we haven't been able to enjoy Rafa these last two years," added Alcaraz. "Let's hope he continues to play for a long time and that we can enjoy his tennis, but obviously we are not here to take over from anyone, but to build our own history." Alcaraz's caution is justified. Despite Nadal's continuing injury woes, he boasts a stunning win-loss record at the French Open of 112 wins against just three losses since his title-winning 2005 debut. Two of those defeats came against Djokovic who shares the men's record of 22 majors with Nadal. Djokovic reached that mark with a 10th Australian Open victory in January. Despite concerns over his elbow, he knows that traditionally he improves as the clay season progresses -- his record shows two Monte Carlo titles, three at Madrid and six in Rome, the last significant event before Roland Garros. Djokovic has successfully bounced back from elbow worries in the past -- in February 2018, he needed surgery on the injury but still won Wimbledon and the US Open later that year. Both Nadal and Djokovic are sitting out the Madrid Masters where Alcaraz is the defending champion. "Roland Garros is a clear short-term objective," added Alcaraz. "It's a tournament I really want to win, but now we are focused on Madrid and then Rome. Winning the tournament here in Barcelona gives me extra confidence for what's to come." Holger Rune, like Alcaraz also just 19, defended his Munich title on Sunday but unlike the Spaniard, had to battle back from the brink of defeat. Plagued by a shoulder injury, which needed a medical time-out, the Dane came back from 5-2 down in the third set and saved four match points to see off Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3) in a rematch of last year's final. 'Push hard' "It is the last match and the last push, so you try to find a way," said Rune who heads to Madrid having never previously played in the tournament. Also heading to Madrid with confidence is women's world number one Iga Swiatek, the reigning US and French Open champion. On Sunday, she defeated Australian Open champion and second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4 to claim a second successive Stuttgart title. "I wanted to win really, really hard, but I knew that I can't really focus on that and just I have to keep doing my job as I did in previous matches," said the Pole. "I'm pretty happy that I could kind of have a good mentality and just focus on what I want to do tennis-wise." 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: Alcaraz defeats Tsitsipas to win Barcelona title, says he's 'not Nadal's replacement'

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the Barcelona Open final for the third time.

The Greek second seed lost on both occasions against Rafael Nadal in 2018 and 2021 and may face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, who plays Dan Evans later Saturday in the other semi-final.

Musetti twice went a break up in an entertaining first set, but Tsitsipas, runner-up at the Australian Open in January, battled back immediately both times.&nbsp;

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The Italian saved match point in the second set at 4-5 to force a decisive third set, but was outplayed in it by his opponent, who showed more focus than earlier on.

Tsitsipas survived a break point in the first game of the third set and then broke himself for 2-0, applying pressure on Musetti's serve which he could not live with.

Musetti did not have to play his quarter-final clash after Jannik Sinner withdrew through illness, but Tsitsipas was the stronger in the third set.

Tsitsipas wrapped up the win after two hours and 28 minutes, seeing out his final two service games without dropping a point.

World number two Alcaraz is aiming for his third title of the season in Barcelona, after triumphing at Indian Wells and Buenos Aires.

In the Spaniard's way lies Evans, who defeated Casper Ruud's conqueror Francisco Cerundolo on Thursday to reach the semis, but lost in straight sets in his only prior clash with Alcaraz in 2021.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the Barcelona Open final for the third time. The Greek second seed lost on both occasions against Rafael Nadal in 2018 and 2021 and may face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, who plays Dan Evans later Saturday in the other semi-final.

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the Barcelona Open final for the third time. The Greek second seed lost on both occasions against Rafael Nadal in 2018 and 2021 and may face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, who plays Dan Evans later Saturday in the other semi-final. Musetti twice went a break up in an entertaining first set, but Tsitsipas, runner-up at the Australian Open in January, battled back immediately both times. Also Read: Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp believes in underperforming Darwin Nunez, backs him to be a future star at Anfield The Italian saved match point in the second set at 4-5 to force a decisive third set, but was outplayed in it by his opponent, who showed more focus than earlier on. Tsitsipas survived a break point in the first game of the third set and then broke himself for 2-0, applying pressure on Musetti's serve which he could not live with. Musetti did not have to play his quarter-final clash after Jannik Sinner withdrew through illness, but Tsitsipas was the stronger in the third set. Tsitsipas wrapped up the win after two hours and 28 minutes, seeing out his final two service games without dropping a point. World number two Alcaraz is aiming for his third title of the season in Barcelona, after triumphing at Indian Wells and Buenos Aires. In the Spaniard's way lies Evans, who defeated Casper Ruud's conqueror Francisco Cerundolo on Thursday to reach the semis, but lost in straight sets in his only prior clash with Alcaraz in 2021. 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.

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeats Lorenzo Musetti to enter Barcelona Open final

Novak Djokovic says he is still dealing with an elbow issue heading into this week's Srpska Open as the Serb looks to get his French Open preparations back on track following his early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic suffered a third-round defeat to Lorenzo Musetti in Monte Carlo last week, the 22-times Grand Slam champion's serve broken eight times by the Italian.

"My elbow is not in an ideal shape but good enough to be ready for the first match," Djokovic told reporters. "One of the good things in&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;is that you get new opportunity to prove your worth every week and take a step forward. I've turned over a new leaf. "Naturally, I wasn't satisfied with the result in Monte Carlo. But, ever since I landed, I've felt welcomed in Banja Luka, a lot of positive energy and positive emotions."

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Djokovic will face 18-year-old Luca Van Assche in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday after the Frenchman claimed a 1-6 7-6(4) 6-4 victory over three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. "I don't know much about the young French player," Djokovic said. "I thought Wawrinka would win the match. I saw (Van Assche) play but not for long, he is a real fighter, fast, it's difficult to get past him. No one should be underestimated."

Van Assche, ranked 87th in the world, said it was a privilege to play against Djokovic. "Novak is a true champion. Not only in&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;but in sports in general," he added. "It will be an incredible match. I know I'll have to give my all to win." The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season, begins on May 28.

Novak Djokovic says he is still dealing with an elbow issue heading into this week's Srpska Open as the Serb looks to get his French Open preparations back on track following his early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Novak Djokovic says he is still dealing with an elbow issue heading into this week's Srpska Open as the Serb looks to get his French Open preparations back on track following his early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic suffered a third-round defeat to Lorenzo Musetti in Monte Carlo last week, the 22-times Grand Slam champion's serve broken eight times by the Italian. "My elbow is not in an ideal shape but good enough to be ready for the first match," Djokovic told reporters. "One of the good things in tennis is that you get new opportunity to prove your worth every week and take a step forward. I've turned over a new leaf. "Naturally, I wasn't satisfied with the result in Monte Carlo. But, ever since I landed, I've felt welcomed in Banja Luka, a lot of positive energy and positive emotions." Also read: Chinese Basketball Association disqualifies two teams over fixing suspicions Djokovic will face 18-year-old Luca Van Assche in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday after the Frenchman claimed a 1-6 7-6(4) 6-4 victory over three-times Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. "I don't know much about the young French player," Djokovic said. "I thought Wawrinka would win the match. I saw (Van Assche) play but not for long, he is a real fighter, fast, it's difficult to get past him. No one should be underestimated." Van Assche, ranked 87th in the world, said it was a privilege to play against Djokovic. "Novak is a true champion. Not only in tennis but in sports in general," he added. "It will be an incredible match. I know I'll have to give my all to win." The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season, begins on May 28.

World number one Novak Djokovic's elbow not in 'ideal shape' ahead of French Open

Zheng Qinwen welcomed the WTA's decision to end its China boycott over concerns about Peng Shuai and the world number 25 said she is looking forward to showcasing her skills on home soil for the first time at Tour level. The governing body of women's&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;suspended tournaments in China after former doubles number one Peng stated in a now deleted 2021 social media post that a senior former Chinese government official had sexually assaulted her.

Peng briefly disappeared from public view after her post but made an appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics last year and conducted an interview with French publication L'Equipe. The WTA, which had sought a formal investigation into Peng's allegations and an opportunity to meet her privately, said last week it will resume operations in China this year.

"I'm so happy the tournaments in China will finally be back because I'm really excited to play in front of my people," the 20-year-old told reporters after her 6-4 6-4 win over American Alycia Parks at the Stuttgart Open on Monday. "I really miss China because it has been a long time, I never have time to come back there. Since the tournaments have started, I will have more time to go back to my hometown and meet all my family and to show my&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;over there."

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Zheng, who was named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2022, has previously only played WTA qualifying matches in China at events in Wuhan and Tianjin in 2019. Zheng, who next faces Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart, said she was unaware of Peng's whereabouts and that she had never talked to her before. "But I think she's pretty well in China. Honestly, I don't know how she is. I just focus more on myself," she said.

Zheng Qinwen welcomed the WTA's decision to end its China boycott over concerns about Peng Shuai and the world number 25 said she is looking forward to showcasing her skills on home soil for the first time at Tour level.

Zheng Qinwen welcomed the WTA's decision to end its China boycott over concerns about Peng Shuai and the world number 25 said she is looking forward to showcasing her skills on home soil for the first time at Tour level. The governing body of women's tennis suspended tournaments in China after former doubles number one Peng stated in a now deleted 2021 social media post that a senior former Chinese government official had sexually assaulted her. Peng briefly disappeared from public view after her post but made an appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics last year and conducted an interview with French publication L'Equipe. The WTA, which had sought a formal investigation into Peng's allegations and an opportunity to meet her privately, said last week it will resume operations in China this year. "I'm so happy the tournaments in China will finally be back because I'm really excited to play in front of my people," the 20-year-old told reporters after her 6-4 6-4 win over American Alycia Parks at the Stuttgart Open on Monday. "I really miss China because it has been a long time, I never have time to come back there. Since the tournaments have started, I will have more time to go back to my hometown and meet all my family and to show my tennis over there." Also Read: World number one Novak Djokovic's elbow not in 'ideal shape' ahead of French Open Zheng, who was named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2022, has previously only played WTA qualifying matches in China at events in Wuhan and Tianjin in 2019. Zheng, who next faces Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart, said she was unaware of Peng's whereabouts and that she had never talked to her before. "But I think she's pretty well in China. Honestly, I don't know how she is. I just focus more on myself," she said.

Zheng Qinwen 'really excited' as she welcomes WTA's decision to end its China boycott

Danish teenager Holger Rune edged a thrilling clash with fellow rising star Jannik Sinner on Saturday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters final against Andrey Rublev.

The 19-year-old claimed a 1-6, 7-5, 7-5 win under floodlights after a rain-affected day in the principality.

Russian fifth seed Rublev saw off Taylor Fritz 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 in the first semi-final.

Rune continued his meteoric rise in the sport with another statement victory, having climbed into the world's top 10 this season after a breakthrough 2022 which he capped off with the Paris Masters title, beating Novak Djokovic in the final.

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"It was quite unbelievable," Rune said. "Jannik started firing, hitting a lot of winners and he has been in good form the past few months.

"I had to dig deep and find solutions, which I did well. It was fun to play like this."

Sinner dominated the opening set but was 3-0 down in the second when the players were forced off by the inclement weather.

Rune lost that advantage after the resumption but continued to put pressure on the Sinner serve and levelled the match in the 12th game on his fourth set point.

World number nine Rune saw five break points come and go in the third set as it stayed on serve for 11 games.

But he made the decisive move and secured a place in his second Masters final on his first match point as Sinner dumped a forehand into the net.

<h2>Rublev reaches second final</h2>

Earlier, Rublev also battled back from a set down to beat big-serving American Fritz and reach his second Monte Carlo final.

The 25-year-old is bidding to go one better than in 2021 when he lost the final to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

"It was really tough, especially against Taylor," Rublev said after his first win in his last four meetings with Fritz.

"It was tough mentally to play against him because I was thinking if I would have chances. I started really well and then I was up a break and then he broke me back, but I knew I would have chances.

"In the end we had a great match and I am pleased with the win."

Fritz is still waiting to reach a maiden ATP final on clay despite an excellent week.

Both players struggled on serve in a long opening set, but eighth seed Fritz grabbed the lead with a break in the 12th game.

Rublev raced through the second set to force a decider, which was halted by a long rain delay with the world number six 3-2 ahead on serve.

Rublev further upped his level&nbsp;following the restart with an immediate break.

He saw three match points pass him by in the eighth game but wrapped it up with a hold to love.

Rublev will be playing in his second final of the season, after losing to Daniil Medvedev in Rotterdam in March.

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Danish teenager Holger Rune edged a thrilling clash with fellow rising star Jannik Sinner on Saturday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters final against Andrey Rublev.

Danish teenager Holger Rune edged a thrilling clash with fellow rising star Jannik Sinner on Saturday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters final against Andrey Rublev. The 19-year-old claimed a 1-6, 7-5, 7-5 win under floodlights after a rain-affected day in the principality. Russian fifth seed Rublev saw off Taylor Fritz 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 in the first semi-final. Rune continued his meteoric rise in the sport with another statement victory, having climbed into the world's top 10 this season after a breakthrough 2022 which he capped off with the Paris Masters title, beating Novak Djokovic in the final. Also Read: Premier League: Man City's Haaland continue dream run, Villa outclass Newcastle "It was quite unbelievable," Rune said. "Jannik started firing, hitting a lot of winners and he has been in good form the past few months. "I had to dig deep and find solutions, which I did well. It was fun to play like this." Sinner dominated the opening set but was 3-0 down in the second when the players were forced off by the inclement weather. Rune lost that advantage after the resumption but continued to put pressure on the Sinner serve and levelled the match in the 12th game on his fourth set point. World number nine Rune saw five break points come and go in the third set as it stayed on serve for 11 games. But he made the decisive move and secured a place in his second Masters final on his first match point as Sinner dumped a forehand into the net. Rublev reaches second final Earlier, Rublev also battled back from a set down to beat big-serving American Fritz and reach his second Monte Carlo final. The 25-year-old is bidding to go one better than in 2021 when he lost the final to Stefanos Tsitsipas. "It was really tough, especially against Taylor," Rublev said after his first win in his last four meetings with Fritz. "It was tough mentally to play against him because I was thinking if I would have chances. I started really well and then I was up a break and then he broke me back, but I knew I would have chances. "In the end we had a great match and I am pleased with the win." Fritz is still waiting to reach a maiden ATP final on clay despite an excellent week. Both players struggled on serve in a long opening set, but eighth seed Fritz grabbed the lead with a break in the 12th game. Rublev raced through the second set to force a decider, which was halted by a long rain delay with the world number six 3-2 ahead on serve. Rublev further upped his level following the restart with an immediate break. He saw three match points pass him by in the eighth game but wrapped it up with a hold to love. Rublev will be playing in his second final of the season, after losing to Daniil Medvedev in Rotterdam in March. 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.

Monte Carlo Masters: Rune holds off Sinner to set up title clash against Rublev

Top level tennis will return to China this year after the WTA ended its 16-month boycott over concerns about Peng Shuai's safety. It is a U-Turn by the Women's Tennis Association, who had earlier said that it would not return to the country till a transparent investigation is held into sexual assault allegations made by Peng Shuai. She had accused the former China Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual harassment, she later withdrew those allegations- calling them a 'misunderstanding'. Has the WTA failed Peng Shuai and prioritised commercial interests over everything else?

Gravitas: WTA's Peng Shuai support turns to dust

Russian Andrey Rublev overcame some second-set nerves to dispatch German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff and reach the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 7-6(5) victory on Friday.

Rublev lost the first game on his serve before bagging six in a row in a quick opening set, but Struff, the world number 100, found his stride in the second as the fifth seed showed signs of nerves. Rublev broke for 4-3, only for Struff to break back in the following game and force a tiebreak, in which the Russian regained his composure to prevail on his second match point.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraine-bars-national-athletes-to-compete-in-competitions-involving-russian-belarusian-players-582448">Ukraine bars national athletes to compete in competitions involving Russian, Belarusian players</a>

He will face either American Taylor Fritz or defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in Sunday's final.

Russian Andrey Rublev overcame some second-set nerves to dispatch German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff and reach the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 7-6(5) victory on Friday.

Russian Andrey Rublev overcame some second-set nerves to dispatch German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff and reach the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-1 7-6(5) victory on Friday. Rublev lost the first game on his serve before bagging six in a row in a quick opening set, but Struff, the world number 100, found his stride in the second as the fifth seed showed signs of nerves. Rublev broke for 4-3, only for Struff to break back in the following game and force a tiebreak, in which the Russian regained his composure to prevail on his second match point. Also Read: Ukraine bars national athletes to compete in competitions involving Russian, Belarusian players He will face either American Taylor Fritz or defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in Sunday's final.

Monte Carlo Masters: Russia's Andrey Rublev downs Jan-Lennard Struff to enter semi-finals

Top level tennis will return to China this year after the WTA ended its 16-month boycott over concerns about Peng Shua's safety. It is a U-Turn by the Women's Tennis Assocation, who had earlier said that it would not return to the country till a transparent investigation is held into sexual assault allegations made by Peng Shuai. She had accused the former China Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual harassment, she later withdrew those allegations- calling them a 'misunderstanding'. Has the WTA failed Peng Shuai and prioritised commercial interests over everything else?

WTA to resume events in China this year | WION Sports Xtra

Novak Djokovic bowed out of the Monte Carlo Masters with a shocking defeat at the hands of&nbsp;Lorenzo Musetti in three sets in the second round. The world number one, who is preparing hard on clay ahead of the French Open, succumbed to a rare defeat after taking the early honours. The Serbian won the opening set, 6-4, to eventually lose the battle to the Italian 6-4, 5-7, 4-6. During the match, nothing clicked for Djokovic who struggled with his movement and serve and was just not up to the mark.&nbsp;

During the encounter, Djokovic got involved in an argument with the chair umpire and lost his cool to break his racquet.&nbsp;While chair umpire Aurelie Tourte claimed that the ball had touched the line just a bit, the Serbian believed the contrary. The duo were caught in an animated discussion for long as the crowd became restless and even booed Djokovic. It is to be noted that Djokovic was right but he couldn't convince the chair umpire. Post the two's lengthy discussion, the 35-year-old smashed his racquet which received a huge bent. Here's the video:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Novak Djokovic couldn't believe his eyes on this call 👀 
 
(via <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a>) <a href="https://t.co/PUeGDefAC3">pic.twitter.com/PUeGDefAC3</a>
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Emotions running HIGH rn<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexMonteCarloMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexMonteCarloMasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/niiCvGsMka">pic.twitter.com/niiCvGsMka</a>
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1646543227821113344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monte-carlo-masters-world-no-1-novak-djokovic-crashes-out-against-lorenzo-musetti-in-three-set-thriller-582304">Monte Carlo Masters: World No 1 Novak Djokovic crashes out against Lorenzo Musetti in three-set thriller</a>

After the match, Djokovic stated, "I don't think it's catastrophic, but my feeling is bad right now because I lost the match. That's all. It's not a great day for me, so I'm not really in the mood to speak."

Meanwhile, it was a big moment for Musetti to get past the world number one player. He was over the moon and very emotional post the memorable victory. He said, "I am struggling not to cry because it is a dream for me," said Musetti, who led Djokovic by two sets at Roland Garros in 2021 before having to retire.Beating Novak is something remarkable for me."

&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic bowed out of the Monte Carlo Masters with a shocking defeat at the hands of Lorenzo Musetti in three sets in the second round. The world number one, who is preparing hard on clay ahead of the French Open, succumbed to a rare defeat after taking the early honours.

Novak Djokovic bowed out of the Monte Carlo Masters with a shocking defeat at the hands of Lorenzo Musetti in three sets in the second round. The world number one, who is preparing hard on clay ahead of the French Open, succumbed to a rare defeat after taking the early honours. The Serbian won the opening set, 6-4, to eventually lose the battle to the Italian 6-4, 5-7, 4-6. During the match, nothing clicked for Djokovic who struggled with his movement and serve and was just not up to the mark. During the encounter, Djokovic got involved in an argument with the chair umpire and lost his cool to break his racquet. While chair umpire Aurelie Tourte claimed that the ball had touched the line just a bit, the Serbian believed the contrary. The duo were caught in an animated discussion for long as the crowd became restless and even booed Djokovic. It is to be noted that Djokovic was right but he couldn't convince the chair umpire. Post the two's lengthy discussion, the 35-year-old smashed his racquet which received a huge bent. Here's the video: Novak Djokovic couldn't believe his eyes on this call 👀 (via @TennisTV) pic.twitter.com/PUeGDefAC3 — Eurosport (@eurosport) April 13, 2023 × Emotions running HIGH rn#RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/niiCvGsMka — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 13, 2023 × Also Read: Monte Carlo Masters: World No 1 Novak Djokovic crashes out against Lorenzo Musetti in three-set thriller After the match, Djokovic stated, "I don't think it's catastrophic, but my feeling is bad right now because I lost the match. That's all. It's not a great day for me, so I'm not really in the mood to speak." Meanwhile, it was a big moment for Musetti to get past the world number one player. He was over the moon and very emotional post the memorable victory. He said, "I am struggling not to cry because it is a dream for me," said Musetti, who led Djokovic by two sets at Roland Garros in 2021 before having to retire.Beating Novak is something remarkable for me."

WATCH: Djokovic argues with umpire, breaks racquet in anger during Monte Carlo Masters exit

The Women's&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Association will resume operations in China this year, it said on Thursday, citing the "extraordinary price" on players as reason for reversing a decision taken over concerns for the safety of former doubles number one Peng Shuai.

The WTA had received widespread praise for suspending its tournaments in the country after Peng said in a now deleted 2021 social media post that a senior former Chinese government official had sexually assaulted her. Peng then briefly disappeared from public view and later denied making the accusation, sparking fears for her safety.

"After 16 months of suspended&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;competition in China and sustained efforts at achieving our original requests, the situation has shown no sign of changing," the governing body of women's&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;said in a statement. "We have concluded we will never fully secure those goals and it will be our players and tournaments who ultimately will be paying an extraordinary price for their sacrifices.

"For these reasons, the WTA is lifting its suspension of the operation of tournaments in the People's Republic of China and will resume tournaments in China this September."

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In January, the WTA said it was confident Peng was "safe and comfortable" in Beijing, but still wanted a private meeting with the now 37-year-old before returning to the region, adding it would not compromise on its founding principles.

Peng's post caused an international outcry over her safety and the WTA's decision to suspend events in China was expected to have cost the tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship. She last made a public appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics last year and conducted an interview with French publication L'Equipe.

"We have not been able to achieve everything we set out for, but we have been in touch with people close to Peng and are assured she is living safely with her family in Beijing," the WTA said. "We also have received assurances that WTA players and staff operating in China will be safe and protected while in the country. The WTA takes this commitment seriously and will hold all parties responsible."

The Women's Tennis Association will resume operations in China this year, it said on Thursday, citing the "extraordinary price" on players as reason for reversing a decision taken over concerns for the safety of former doubles number one Peng Shuai.

The Women's Tennis Association will resume operations in China this year, it said on Thursday, citing the "extraordinary price" on players as reason for reversing a decision taken over concerns for the safety of former doubles number one Peng Shuai. The WTA had received widespread praise for suspending its tournaments in the country after Peng said in a now deleted 2021 social media post that a senior former Chinese government official had sexually assaulted her. Peng then briefly disappeared from public view and later denied making the accusation, sparking fears for her safety. "After 16 months of suspended tennis competition in China and sustained efforts at achieving our original requests, the situation has shown no sign of changing," the governing body of women's tennis said in a statement. "We have concluded we will never fully secure those goals and it will be our players and tournaments who ultimately will be paying an extraordinary price for their sacrifices. "For these reasons, the WTA is lifting its suspension of the operation of tournaments in the People's Republic of China and will resume tournaments in China this September." Also Read: Golf: STAGGERING! Masters final-round telecast ratings hit five-year high In January, the WTA said it was confident Peng was "safe and comfortable" in Beijing, but still wanted a private meeting with the now 37-year-old before returning to the region, adding it would not compromise on its founding principles. Peng's post caused an international outcry over her safety and the WTA's decision to suspend events in China was expected to have cost the tour hundreds of millions of dollars in broadcasting and sponsorship. She last made a public appearance at the Beijing Winter Olympics last year and conducted an interview with French publication L'Equipe. "We have not been able to achieve everything we set out for, but we have been in touch with people close to Peng and are assured she is living safely with her family in Beijing," the WTA said. "We also have received assurances that WTA players and staff operating in China will be safe and protected while in the country. The WTA takes this commitment seriously and will hold all parties responsible."

Tennis: WTA to restart tournaments in China after ending boycott over Peng Shuai safety concerns

Novak Djokovic returned to the ATP Tour with an "ugly" straight-sets win over Ivan Gakhov at Monte Carlo and while the world number one has had extended preparation on clay this year he said he needs more time to adapt to the surface. Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, was unable to play at Indian Wells and Miami last month as he failed to obtain a waiver to enter the United States.

He spent the time training on clay ahead of the French Open, where he will target a 23rd Grand Slam, but the Serbian's 7-6(5) 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Gakhov on Tuesday showed he needs more time to get into a rhythm. "Throughout my career I needed one, two weeks of tournaments to really start to play the way I want to. It's the case again this year, though I trained for three weeks and felt good playing practice points," Djokovic told reporters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monte-carlo-masters-djokovic-recovers-after-shaky-start-beats-russian-qualifier-ivan-gakhov-in-second-round-581452">Monte Carlo Masters: Djokovic recovers after shaky start, beats Russian qualifier Ivan Gakhov in second round</a>

"But it's different when you play a match, especially today (Tuesday) was quite windy on the court, so not easy to find the rhythm, to have the ball right, the ball toss and playing a lefty, playing someone that has not much to lose. "All these things play a factor in the way you feel on the court. I'm really glad I overcome the first step, because I hope things will be better and easier from this point."

The Australian Open champion said the level of his&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;was "not very high" at the moment and he was not sure when it would pick up. "The good feelings might come as soon as the next match or later," added Djokovic, who plays Lorenzo Musetti or Luca Nardi in the third round. "I don't know. We'll keep working on practice courts and see what happens."

Novak Djokovic returned to the ATP Tour with an "ugly" straight-sets win over Ivan Gakhov at Monte Carlo and while the world number one has had extended preparation on clay this year he said he needs more time to adapt to the surface.

Novak Djokovic returned to the ATP Tour with an "ugly" straight-sets win over Ivan Gakhov at Monte Carlo and while the world number one has had extended preparation on clay this year he said he needs more time to adapt to the surface. Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, was unable to play at Indian Wells and Miami last month as he failed to obtain a waiver to enter the United States. He spent the time training on clay ahead of the French Open, where he will target a 23rd Grand Slam, but the Serbian's 7-6(5) 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Gakhov on Tuesday showed he needs more time to get into a rhythm. "Throughout my career I needed one, two weeks of tournaments to really start to play the way I want to. It's the case again this year, though I trained for three weeks and felt good playing practice points," Djokovic told reporters. Also Read: Monte Carlo Masters: Djokovic recovers after shaky start, beats Russian qualifier Ivan Gakhov in second round "But it's different when you play a match, especially today (Tuesday) was quite windy on the court, so not easy to find the rhythm, to have the ball right, the ball toss and playing a lefty, playing someone that has not much to lose. "All these things play a factor in the way you feel on the court. I'm really glad I overcome the first step, because I hope things will be better and easier from this point." The Australian Open champion said the level of his tennis was "not very high" at the moment and he was not sure when it would pick up. "The good feelings might come as soon as the next match or later," added Djokovic, who plays Lorenzo Musetti or Luca Nardi in the third round. "I don't know. We'll keep working on practice courts and see what happens."

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic needs time to adapt after 'ugly' start on clay ahead of French Open

The lingering effects of a 2021 wrist injury limited Dominic Thiem's ability to generate power last year but the former world number three said he can rely on his big weapons again after making a strong start at the Monte Carlo Masters. Thiem broke the Grand Slam stranglehold of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic by winning the 2020 U.S. Open but the injury sidelined him for months and other niggles saw him slip down the rankings to number 352 last June. After a first-round exit at the Australian Open in January, and disappointing performances in the tournaments that followed, Thiem made the quarter-finals of the Estoril Open and beat Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-4 in his opener in Monaco.

"Some positive signs happened already in Estoril and today (Monday), I had the feeling that I was doing from time to time good damage with both forehand and backhand," said Thiem, who next plays Holger Rune. "The power wasn't there last year even when I started to win matches and played better. In the inner season the power wasn't there yet. Also maybe not in the beginning of the year. "In the last month it's coming back, especially in practice. The shots are there, the power is there like before, but I was using it wrong. There's full trust again in the wrist and the forehand."

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A return to top form on clay would be an encouraging sign for the world number 106 ahead of the French Open, where he reached the final in 2018 and 2019 before losing to Nadal on both occasions. After announcing at the weekend he had split with coach Nicolas Massu, Thiem has joined up with Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh and hopes the partnership will bear fruit.

"There wasn't a lot of time," Thiem said. "I needed a coach right away so we decided to start the relationship and give it a try."

The lingering effects of a 2021 wrist injury limited Dominic Thiem's ability to generate power last year but the former world number three said he can rely on his big weapons again after making a strong start at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The lingering effects of a 2021 wrist injury limited Dominic Thiem's ability to generate power last year but the former world number three said he can rely on his big weapons again after making a strong start at the Monte Carlo Masters. Thiem broke the Grand Slam stranglehold of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic by winning the 2020 U.S. Open but the injury sidelined him for months and other niggles saw him slip down the rankings to number 352 last June. After a first-round exit at the Australian Open in January, and disappointing performances in the tournaments that followed, Thiem made the quarter-finals of the Estoril Open and beat Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-4 in his opener in Monaco. "Some positive signs happened already in Estoril and today (Monday), I had the feeling that I was doing from time to time good damage with both forehand and backhand," said Thiem, who next plays Holger Rune. "The power wasn't there last year even when I started to win matches and played better. In the inner season the power wasn't there yet. Also maybe not in the beginning of the year. "In the last month it's coming back, especially in practice. The shots are there, the power is there like before, but I was using it wrong. There's full trust again in the wrist and the forehand." Also Read: FIFA predicts Women's World Cup to be 'watershed' and iconic for game A return to top form on clay would be an encouraging sign for the world number 106 ahead of the French Open, where he reached the final in 2018 and 2019 before losing to Nadal on both occasions. After announcing at the weekend he had split with coach Nicolas Massu, Thiem has joined up with Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh and hopes the partnership will bear fruit. "There wasn't a lot of time," Thiem said. "I needed a coach right away so we decided to start the relationship and give it a try."

Tennis: Former world number one Dominic Thiem at full power after recovering from wrist injury

Daniil Medvedev will head into the Monte Carlo Masters hoping to strike the right balance as the world number four looks to tweak his game for the claycourt swing without compromising on the style that has delivered four titles in 2023.

Medvedev has won 18 of his 19 titles, including the 2021 U.S. Open, on hardcourts, the only exception coming at the Mallorca Open when he triumphed on grass the same year. He has been in red-hot form this season having triumphed in Rotterdam, Doha, Dubai and Miami but the 27-year-old knows clay presents a different challenge for his game.

"I definitely have to change my game because my strokes are too flat and clay doesn't let the ball go through the court as much," Medvedev, who plays Lorenzo Sonego or Ugo Humbert first in the ATP 1000 tournament, said. "My opponents can use those (shots against me). "At the same time, you can't change what you do in nine months or a year drastically, so I have to find a good balance where I still play my game, with a little change, with some shots in the right moment."

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Despite not being the biggest fan of clay, Medvedev reached the Monte Carlo semi-finals and Barcelona final in 2019 and the Russian knows winning a title on the surface would boost his confidence before the French Open.

He would much rather be playing on hardcourts though. "I wish we could continue on hard, but I understand that there are different surfaces on Tour and that is good because some people are better on clay, some on hard, some on grass," Medvedev said. "It's good to have different surfaces, I think that's good for the sport."

Daniil Medvedev will head into the Monte Carlo Masters hoping to strike the right balance as the world number four looks to tweak his game for the claycourt swing without compromising on the style that has delivered four titles in 2023.

Daniil Medvedev will head into the Monte Carlo Masters hoping to strike the right balance as the world number four looks to tweak his game for the claycourt swing without compromising on the style that has delivered four titles in 2023. Medvedev has won 18 of his 19 titles, including the 2021 U.S. Open, on hardcourts, the only exception coming at the Mallorca Open when he triumphed on grass the same year. He has been in red-hot form this season having triumphed in Rotterdam, Doha, Dubai and Miami but the 27-year-old knows clay presents a different challenge for his game. "I definitely have to change my game because my strokes are too flat and clay doesn't let the ball go through the court as much," Medvedev, who plays Lorenzo Sonego or Ugo Humbert first in the ATP 1000 tournament, said. "My opponents can use those (shots against me). "At the same time, you can't change what you do in nine months or a year drastically, so I have to find a good balance where I still play my game, with a little change, with some shots in the right moment." Also Read: Jon Rahm 'Masters' Augusta Despite not being the biggest fan of clay, Medvedev reached the Monte Carlo semi-finals and Barcelona final in 2019 and the Russian knows winning a title on the surface would boost his confidence before the French Open. He would much rather be playing on hardcourts though. "I wish we could continue on hard, but I understand that there are different surfaces on Tour and that is good because some people are better on clay, some on hard, some on grass," Medvedev said. "It's good to have different surfaces, I think that's good for the sport."

Tennis: World number four Daniil Medvedev says balance key as he adapts game for clay

Tennis missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus after the invasion of Ukraine, world number one Iga Swiatek said. Wimbledon banned players from the two countries last year after the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation", but said in March that it would now accept them as neutral athletes.

The 2022 tournament was the first-time players were excluded on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era, when German and Japanese players were banned from the championships.

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"After World War Two, German players were not allowed as well as Japanese and Italian (players), and I feel like this kind of thing would show the Russian government that maybe it’s not worth it," Poland's Swiatek told the BBC on Wednesday.

"We are just athletes, a little piece in the world, but sport is pretty important and sport has always been used for propaganda ... Tennis, from the beginning, could do a bit better in showing everybody that tennis players are against the war.

"Tennis didn't really go that way, but now it would be pretty unfair for Russian and Belarusian players to do that because this decision was supposed to be made a year ago."

Russian and Belarusian players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutral athletes.

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who won this year's Australian Open, has said she struggled to understand the "hate" in the locker room.

Swiatek described the locker room atmosphere as "pretty tense".

"It's not their fault they have a passport like that ... their situation is pretty complicated and it's hard for them to speak out loud about it," the 21-year-old said.

"On the other hand, we all have some kind of impact and anything that would help stop the Russian aggression, we should go that way in terms of the decisions the federations are making."

Tennis missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus after the invasion of Ukraine, world number one Iga Swiatek said.

Tennis missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus after the invasion of Ukraine, world number one Iga Swiatek said. Wimbledon banned players from the two countries last year after the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation", but said in March that it would now accept them as neutral athletes. The 2022 tournament was the first-time players were excluded on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era, when German and Japanese players were banned from the championships. ALSO READ: Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard set to return for second spell at Stamford Bridge on interim basis "After World War Two, German players were not allowed as well as Japanese and Italian (players), and I feel like this kind of thing would show the Russian government that maybe it’s not worth it," Poland's Swiatek told the BBC on Wednesday. "We are just athletes, a little piece in the world, but sport is pretty important and sport has always been used for propaganda ... Tennis, from the beginning, could do a bit better in showing everybody that tennis players are against the war. "Tennis didn't really go that way, but now it would be pretty unfair for Russian and Belarusian players to do that because this decision was supposed to be made a year ago." Russian and Belarusian players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutral athletes. Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who won this year's Australian Open, has said she struggled to understand the "hate" in the locker room. Swiatek described the locker room atmosphere as "pretty tense". "It's not their fault they have a passport like that ... their situation is pretty complicated and it's hard for them to speak out loud about it," the 21-year-old said. "On the other hand, we all have some kind of impact and anything that would help stop the Russian aggression, we should go that way in terms of the decisions the federations are making."

Tennis should have banned players from Russia, Belarusian, says world number one Iga Swiatek

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;returned to number one spot in ATP rankings published Monday despite missing US tournaments last month because of his lack of a Covid vaccination.

Carlos Alcaraz had taken the top ranking from&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;after victory in Indian Wells, but the Spaniard bowed out of the semi-finals of the Miami Open on Friday to allow the Serb back for a record 380th week as No.1.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-grand-prix-fan-left-bleeding-after-hit-by-car-debris-578633">Australian Grand Prix: Fan left bleeding after hit by car debris</a>

Djokovic&nbsp;has a 380-point lead over Alcaraz, with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in third, more than 1,000pts behind the leading duo.

ATP rankings as of April 3

1. Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;(SRB) 7,160 pts (+1)

2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 6,780 (-1)

3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5,770

4. Daniil Medvedev 5,150 (+1)

5. Casper Ruud (NOR) 5,005 (-1)

6. Andrey Rublev 3,470 (+1)

7. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 3,450 (-1)

8. Holger Rune (DEN) 3,370

9. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 3,345 (+2)

10. Taylor Fritz (USA) 3,065

11. Karen Khachanov 2,855 (+5)

12. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 2,750 (-3)

13. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 2,735 (-1)

14. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 2,715 (-1)

15. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 2,665 (-1)

16. Alexander Zverev (GER) 2,410 (-1)

17. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 2,185

18. Tommy Paul (USA) 2,090 (+1)

19. Alex de Minaur (AUS) 2,050 (-1)

20. Borna Coric (CRO) 1,890

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Novak Djokovic returned to number one spot in ATP rankings published Monday despite missing US tournaments last month because of his lack of a Covid vaccination.

Novak Djokovic returned to number one spot in ATP rankings published Monday despite missing US tournaments last month because of his lack of a Covid vaccination. Carlos Alcaraz had taken the top ranking from Djokovic after victory in Indian Wells, but the Spaniard bowed out of the semi-finals of the Miami Open on Friday to allow the Serb back for a record 380th week as No.1. Also Read: Australian Grand Prix: Fan left bleeding after hit by car debris Djokovic has a 380-point lead over Alcaraz, with Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in third, more than 1,000pts behind the leading duo. ATP rankings as of April 3 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7,160 pts (+1) 2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 6,780 (-1) 3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5,770 4. Daniil Medvedev 5,150 (+1) 5. Casper Ruud (NOR) 5,005 (-1) 6. Andrey Rublev 3,470 (+1) 7. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 3,450 (-1) 8. Holger Rune (DEN) 3,370 9. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 3,345 (+2) 10. Taylor Fritz (USA) 3,065 11. Karen Khachanov 2,855 (+5) 12. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 2,750 (-3) 13. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 2,735 (-1) 14. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 2,715 (-1) 15. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 2,665 (-1) 16. Alexander Zverev (GER) 2,410 (-1) 17. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 2,185 18. Tommy Paul (USA) 2,090 (+1) 19. Alex de Minaur (AUS) 2,050 (-1) 20. Borna Coric (CRO) 1,890 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 displaces Carlos Alcaraz to reclaim top spot in ATP rankings

World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas&nbsp;finally got his Miami Open campaign under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin while Argentine Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime.

There were no shortage of upsets at Hard Rock Stadium with 12th seeded American Francis Tiafoe beaten by 59th ranked Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets.

France's Adrian Mannarino beat seventh-seeded Pole Hubert Hurkacz and American qualifier Christopher Eubanks defeated Gregoire Barrere in straight sets.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-pay-clubs-whopping-355-million-for-sending-players-to-2026-2030-world-cups-576355">FIFA to pay clubs whopping $355 million for sending players to 2026, 2030 World Cups</a>

Tsitsipas arrived in Miami a week ago, had a first round bye and then had a walkover win in the second round when Richard Gasquet pulled out with injury.

"It has almost felt like a vacation this past week, staying in Miami. I glad I got started. It was a difficult match against an opponent who has played good tennis against good opponents in the past," said the Greek.

Tsitsipas has not be on court much in recent weeks. He withdrew from Acapulco due to a shoulder injury and was beaten in his opening match at Indian Wells this month.

The rest has, however, helped Tsitsipas to recover a little from his injury and although he was not at his sharpest, he did enough to book his place in the fourth round against Karen Khachanov.

Tsitsipas broke at 4-4 in the third set to make sure of his progress against the Chilean, who enjoyed plenty of support from the South Florida crowd.

Khachanov defeated Czech&nbsp;Jiri Lehecka&nbsp;6-2, 6-4 to reach the Miami last 16 for the first time.

Cerundolo was knocked out of Indian Wells in straight sets by Canadian Auger-Aliassime two weeks ago, but it was a very different game on the faster courts in South Florida.

The 25th-seeded Argentine was on top from the outset, taking the first set 6-2 and he kept his nerve to triumph 7-5 in the second.

Miami is a happy hunting ground for Cerundolo, who made a surprise run to the semi-finals last year, and he relished the vocal support from his fans in the crowd.

"That was another important win for me, I think I played really good from beginning to end," he said.

"It is super nice to play here, a lot of Argentinians, a lot of people, so I really enjoyed it. Last year was amazing, so I'm really excited to be in the round of 16 again and to try to keep winning," he added.

Exciting American Tiafoe was tipped by many observers to go deep in the tournament but he fell 6-3, 6-4 to Sonego in a game disrupted by a second set rain delay of over an hour.

Mannarino, playing inventive tennis, beat Hurkacz 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/0) but will face a tricky test against the 26-year-old &nbsp;Eubanks who will break into the top 100 for the first time in his career thanks to his victory over 65th ranked Barrere, who had beaten Britain's Cam Norrie in the previous round.

<h2>Confident Halys</h2>

Eubanks trailed 6-2 in a second-set tie-break before a rain delay of more than an hour and he won seven of the next eight points for an emotional 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory.

French qualifier Quentin Halys hit 15 aces as he beat American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to set up a fourth round clash with world number five Daniil Medvedev.

Halys had never won a match at ATP 1000 level prior to this tournament but has beaten Spain's Pedro Martinez and Australian Alex de Minaur before taking out McDonald.

"I think I'm just the same player, I am just more confident, I know exactly what I have to do on court and I am very confident in my serve," Halys told AFP.

The 26-year-old said he has sharpened his mental approach to the game, handling better the disappointment of missing out on break opportunities against McDonald in the second set.

"I was still very focused, very positive after those games. Maybe in the past I was negative with myself and I am more positive now, maybe that is the key," said Halys who is ranked 79th in the world.

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World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas finally got his Miami Open campaign under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin while Argentine Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime.

World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas finally got his Miami Open campaign under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Cristian Garin while Argentine Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime. There were no shortage of upsets at Hard Rock Stadium with 12th seeded American Francis Tiafoe beaten by 59th ranked Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets. France's Adrian Mannarino beat seventh-seeded Pole Hubert Hurkacz and American qualifier Christopher Eubanks defeated Gregoire Barrere in straight sets. Also Read: FIFA to pay clubs whopping $355 million for sending players to 2026, 2030 World Cups Tsitsipas arrived in Miami a week ago, had a first round bye and then had a walkover win in the second round when Richard Gasquet pulled out with injury. "It has almost felt like a vacation this past week, staying in Miami. I glad I got started. It was a difficult match against an opponent who has played good tennis against good opponents in the past," said the Greek. Tsitsipas has not be on court much in recent weeks. He withdrew from Acapulco due to a shoulder injury and was beaten in his opening match at Indian Wells this month. The rest has, however, helped Tsitsipas to recover a little from his injury and although he was not at his sharpest, he did enough to book his place in the fourth round against Karen Khachanov. Tsitsipas broke at 4-4 in the third set to make sure of his progress against the Chilean, who enjoyed plenty of support from the South Florida crowd. Khachanov defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Miami last 16 for the first time. Cerundolo was knocked out of Indian Wells in straight sets by Canadian Auger-Aliassime two weeks ago, but it was a very different game on the faster courts in South Florida. The 25th-seeded Argentine was on top from the outset, taking the first set 6-2 and he kept his nerve to triumph 7-5 in the second. Miami is a happy hunting ground for Cerundolo, who made a surprise run to the semi-finals last year, and he relished the vocal support from his fans in the crowd. "That was another important win for me, I think I played really good from beginning to end," he said. "It is super nice to play here, a lot of Argentinians, a lot of people, so I really enjoyed it. Last year was amazing, so I'm really excited to be in the round of 16 again and to try to keep winning," he added. Exciting American Tiafoe was tipped by many observers to go deep in the tournament but he fell 6-3, 6-4 to Sonego in a game disrupted by a second set rain delay of over an hour. Mannarino, playing inventive tennis, beat Hurkacz 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/0) but will face a tricky test against the 26-year-old Eubanks who will break into the top 100 for the first time in his career thanks to his victory over 65th ranked Barrere, who had beaten Britain's Cam Norrie in the previous round. Confident Halys Eubanks trailed 6-2 in a second-set tie-break before a rain delay of more than an hour and he won seven of the next eight points for an emotional 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory. French qualifier Quentin Halys hit 15 aces as he beat American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to set up a fourth round clash with world number five Daniil Medvedev. Halys had never won a match at ATP 1000 level prior to this tournament but has beaten Spain's Pedro Martinez and Australian Alex de Minaur before taking out McDonald. "I think I'm just the same player, I am just more confident, I know exactly what I have to do on court and I am very confident in my serve," Halys told AFP. The 26-year-old said he has sharpened his mental approach to the game, handling better the disappointment of missing out on break opportunities against McDonald in the second set. "I was still very focused, very positive after those games. Maybe in the past I was negative with myself and I am more positive now, maybe that is the key," said Halys who is ranked 79th in the world. 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: Stefanos Tsitsipas finally gets Miami Open campaign underway with win

World number one Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open after beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday as he remains on track for tennis' "Sunshine Double."

The 19-year-old Spaniard, who beat Daniil Medvedev to win the title in Indian Wells last week, looked in top condition as he outclassed Lajovic in the first set to keep his Miami title defence on track.

But the Serb was able to provide some tension towards the end of the second set, breaking to make it 5-5 with Alcaraz paying the price for a sloppy return.

Alcaraz was 6-2 up in the tie-break, but Lajovic won the next three points before the Spaniard's big back-hand winner settled the 91-minute contest.

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"Everything was under control or I thought it was but, you know, in the match it's never easy," Alcaraz said.

"The nerves came out. I made a few mistakes that I hadn't done during the whole match. So it was tough to win the match. But I'm really happy with the level that I'm playing and it was a good match," he added.

Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the last 16 and the American goes into that game on the back of a 12-match winning streak against Spanish players including wins over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year.

"I lost the first and only match that I played against Tommy. I know that he's a really talented and really tough player, so I have to play at my best and let's see what's going to happen," said Alcaraz.

With Nadal injured and Novak Djokovic barred from entering the US due to his refusal to take a COVID vaccine, Alcaraz is the face of this tournament and the crowd was noticeably bigger on the Hard Rock Stadium court for his game.

In the front row of the crowd was Miami Heat NBA star Jimmy Butler who embraced Alcaraz after the match.

Alcaraz said that dealing with his magnified profile is something he has yet to get fully used to.

"I feel great seeing celebrities watching my matches. It's unbelievable. I feel a little bit nervous when I see a person like Jimmy and the celebrities when I was playing in the US Open," he said.

"In a certain way, I can't believe that these people enjoy watching my matches. For me, it's crazy," he said.

<h2>Straight sets for Fritz</h2>

American Taylor Fritz&nbsp;rolled into the fourth round for the third consecutive year after clinching a 6-4, 6-4 win against Canada's&nbsp;Denis Shapovalov.

In a hard-hitting encounter, with both players blasting from the baseline, Fritz did not face a break point during the 81-minute encounter.

"I felt like I just protected my serve well. I didn't give him a lot of free points, served well, so I didn't face any break points," said Fritz.

"I was just able to capitalize on the one break that I got in both sets. That really, that was the difference," he said.

Fritz has already won one tournament in Florida this year, taking the title last month at Delray Beach.

In the fourth round, the American will be up against 19-year-old Holger Rune in who beat Argentine Daniel Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2.

As always at Miami, there is a large contingent of Argentine tennis fans and they were vocal in their support for Schwartzman.

But Dane Rune converted all four break points he earned in the hot afternoon sun.

“My focus was really to step in every time I could and play my game. I think there were a few rallies where I didn’t, but 95 per cent of the match was played on my terms, which was what I wanted," he said.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev moved into the fourth round after his scheduled third round opponent Alex Molcan of Slovakia withdraw from Monday's clash with a right hip injury.

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World number one Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open after beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday as he remains on track for tennis' "Sunshine Double.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last 16 of the Miami Open after beating Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 6-0, 7-6 (7/5) on Sunday as he remains on track for tennis' "Sunshine Double." The 19-year-old Spaniard, who beat Daniil Medvedev to win the title in Indian Wells last week, looked in top condition as he outclassed Lajovic in the first set to keep his Miami title defence on track. But the Serb was able to provide some tension towards the end of the second set, breaking to make it 5-5 with Alcaraz paying the price for a sloppy return. Alcaraz was 6-2 up in the tie-break, but Lajovic won the next three points before the Spaniard's big back-hand winner settled the 91-minute contest. Also Read: Lionel Messi paid special tribute by Argentine FA after securing nation's third World Cup triumph "Everything was under control or I thought it was but, you know, in the match it's never easy," Alcaraz said. "The nerves came out. I made a few mistakes that I hadn't done during the whole match. So it was tough to win the match. But I'm really happy with the level that I'm playing and it was a good match," he added. Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the last 16 and the American goes into that game on the back of a 12-match winning streak against Spanish players including wins over Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal last year. "I lost the first and only match that I played against Tommy. I know that he's a really talented and really tough player, so I have to play at my best and let's see what's going to happen," said Alcaraz. With Nadal injured and Novak Djokovic barred from entering the US due to his refusal to take a COVID vaccine, Alcaraz is the face of this tournament and the crowd was noticeably bigger on the Hard Rock Stadium court for his game. In the front row of the crowd was Miami Heat NBA star Jimmy Butler who embraced Alcaraz after the match. Alcaraz said that dealing with his magnified profile is something he has yet to get fully used to. "I feel great seeing celebrities watching my matches. It's unbelievable. I feel a little bit nervous when I see a person like Jimmy and the celebrities when I was playing in the US Open," he said. "In a certain way, I can't believe that these people enjoy watching my matches. For me, it's crazy," he said. Straight sets for Fritz American Taylor Fritz rolled into the fourth round for the third consecutive year after clinching a 6-4, 6-4 win against Canada's Denis Shapovalov. In a hard-hitting encounter, with both players blasting from the baseline, Fritz did not face a break point during the 81-minute encounter. "I felt like I just protected my serve well. I didn't give him a lot of free points, served well, so I didn't face any break points," said Fritz. "I was just able to capitalize on the one break that I got in both sets. That really, that was the difference," he said. Fritz has already won one tournament in Florida this year, taking the title last month at Delray Beach. In the fourth round, the American will be up against 19-year-old Holger Rune in who beat Argentine Daniel Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2. As always at Miami, there is a large contingent of Argentine tennis fans and they were vocal in their support for Schwartzman. But Dane Rune converted all four break points he earned in the hot afternoon sun. “My focus was really to step in every time I could and play my game. I think there were a few rallies where I didn’t, but 95 per cent of the match was played on my terms, which was what I wanted," he said. Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev moved into the fourth round after his scheduled third round opponent Alex Molcan of Slovakia withdraw from Monday's clash with a right hip injury. 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: Carlos Alcaraz moves into last 16 at Miami Open

World number one Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic start to his Miami Open title defence, defeating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-2 on Friday.

The 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest ever player to top the rankings, is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after beating Daniil Medvedev in last week's Indian Wells final.

Alcaraz made a blistering start winning the first 11 points of the match, with the 33-year-old Bagnis having no answer at all to the teenager's powerful serve.

There was a loud cheer from the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium when Bagnis, who has never beaten a top 20 ranked player, held serve in the second set and then broke Alcaraz to make it 2-2.

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But that was a brief moment of respite for Bagnis rather than any shift in momentum and Alcaraz had no further problems as he blasted his way to victory in just 65 minutes.

"To start a new tournament is never easy, different conditions. I have to be ready to get used to these new conditions, but I was really focused on the match from the beginning, and I’m happy with the way that I played," said the Spaniard.

Alcaraz needs to win here to maintain his top spot in the rankings, will face either Serbian Dusan Lajovic or American Maxime Cressy in the third round.

After his win in Miami last year, Alcaraz boldly predicted he was ready to win a Grand Slam and he returns now having achieved that goal and, he concedes, as a different man.

"I grew up a lot since last year. It has been a great year for me as a player, as a person as well. I learned a lot of things, not only on court, also off the court, as well," he said.

His whirlwind year caught up with him physically - he had to miss January's Australian Open with a leg injury - &nbsp;and the Spaniard says he is now more careful about his physical condition.

"I have to take care about myself a little bit more off the court, taking care about going early to bed, to rest better, eat well, take care of myself off the court. That's the most important thing for me," he said.

<h2>Fritz advances</h2>

It was also a straightforward start to the tournament for America's top ranked player, world number 10 Taylor Fritz who saw off 21-year-old Californian Emilio Nava 6-4, 6-1.

Nava's ultra-attacking style had earned him an upset win over John Isner in the previous round and he hit some spectacular winners early against Fritz.

But Fritz kept his calm and with the first set under his belt, picked off Nava with ease in the second.

Fritz felt Nava, a promising talent, had made a common mistake of young arrivals on the tour.

"I think that he should just play his game more. In these type of matches I feel like he maybe felt like he had to play much higher than his capacity in this match," he said.

"Just the way he was just kind of going for winners off everything in the first set. It was working, but it's tough to sustain. That's something that I did as well when I was a kid," he added.

Germany's Alexander Zverev's postive return to the tour after his ankle ligament injury, which saw him reach the last 16 at Indian Wells, was cut short by a straight sets 6-0, 6-4, loss to Japanese wildcard Taro Daniel.

The 13th seed Zverev, who has type one diabetes, had to take an insulin shot during the match as New York-born Daniel picked up another impressive win after his victory over Matteo Berrettini at Indian Wells and win over world number four Casper Ruud at the Mexican Open.

Ruud defeated Belarus's Ilya Ivashka 6-2, 6-3, while Italy's Jannik Sinner also progressed to the third round with a &nbsp;6-4, 6-2 victory against Laslo Djere.

After reaching the final in his Miami debut in 2021 and reaching the quarter-finals last year, the 21-year-old Italian will be looking to go deep again.

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World number one Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic start to his Miami Open title defence, defeating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-2 on Friday. The 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest ever player to top the rankings, is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after beating Daniil Medvedev in last week's Indian Wells final.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz made an emphatic start to his Miami Open title defence, defeating Argentina's Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-2 on Friday. The 19-year-old Spaniard, the youngest ever player to top the rankings, is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after beating Daniil Medvedev in last week's Indian Wells final. Alcaraz made a blistering start winning the first 11 points of the match, with the 33-year-old Bagnis having no answer at all to the teenager's powerful serve. There was a loud cheer from the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium when Bagnis, who has never beaten a top 20 ranked player, held serve in the second set and then broke Alcaraz to make it 2-2. Also Read: WPL 2023: Mumbai Indians' Issy Wong takes maiden hat-trick of league against UP Warriroz - WATCH But that was a brief moment of respite for Bagnis rather than any shift in momentum and Alcaraz had no further problems as he blasted his way to victory in just 65 minutes. "To start a new tournament is never easy, different conditions. I have to be ready to get used to these new conditions, but I was really focused on the match from the beginning, and I’m happy with the way that I played," said the Spaniard. Alcaraz needs to win here to maintain his top spot in the rankings, will face either Serbian Dusan Lajovic or American Maxime Cressy in the third round. After his win in Miami last year, Alcaraz boldly predicted he was ready to win a Grand Slam and he returns now having achieved that goal and, he concedes, as a different man. "I grew up a lot since last year. It has been a great year for me as a player, as a person as well. I learned a lot of things, not only on court, also off the court, as well," he said. His whirlwind year caught up with him physically - he had to miss January's Australian Open with a leg injury - and the Spaniard says he is now more careful about his physical condition. "I have to take care about myself a little bit more off the court, taking care about going early to bed, to rest better, eat well, take care of myself off the court. That's the most important thing for me," he said. Fritz advances It was also a straightforward start to the tournament for America's top ranked player, world number 10 Taylor Fritz who saw off 21-year-old Californian Emilio Nava 6-4, 6-1. Nava's ultra-attacking style had earned him an upset win over John Isner in the previous round and he hit some spectacular winners early against Fritz. But Fritz kept his calm and with the first set under his belt, picked off Nava with ease in the second. Fritz felt Nava, a promising talent, had made a common mistake of young arrivals on the tour. "I think that he should just play his game more. In these type of matches I feel like he maybe felt like he had to play much higher than his capacity in this match," he said. "Just the way he was just kind of going for winners off everything in the first set. It was working, but it's tough to sustain. That's something that I did as well when I was a kid," he added. Germany's Alexander Zverev's postive return to the tour after his ankle ligament injury, which saw him reach the last 16 at Indian Wells, was cut short by a straight sets 6-0, 6-4, loss to Japanese wildcard Taro Daniel. The 13th seed Zverev, who has type one diabetes, had to take an insulin shot during the match as New York-born Daniel picked up another impressive win after his victory over Matteo Berrettini at Indian Wells and win over world number four Casper Ruud at the Mexican Open. Ruud defeated Belarus's Ilya Ivashka 6-2, 6-3, while Italy's Jannik Sinner also progressed to the third round with a 6-4, 6-2 victory against Laslo Djere. After reaching the final in his Miami debut in 2021 and reaching the quarter-finals last year, the 21-year-old Italian will be looking to go deep again. 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: Defending champ Carlos Alcaraz into third round of Miami Open

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who was diagnosed with breast and throat cancer, has declared that she is cancer-free in an interview. The 66-year-old Czechoslovakia-born naturalised American had in January told about the cancer diagnosis but added they were both treatable.

Martina Navratilova reveals she is ‘cancer-free’

Tennis great&nbsp;Martina&nbsp;Navratilova said she is cancer-free nearly four months after announcing she had been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. The Czech–American, who won a total of 59 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles and is considered among one the greatest players of all time, had said in January that the cancer was in Stage 1.

"As far as they know I'm cancer-free," the 66-year-old told Piers Morgan for TalkTV in an excerpt of an interview to be released later on Tuesday. "I still need to do the right breast probably with radiation but only for a couple of weeks and that's more preventative than anything else."

The cancer was discovered in November last year. Navratilova was previously diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and recovered.

<h3>Navratilova puts adoption plan on hold</h3>

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has conceded that the adoption plans she had with wife Julia Lemigova have been "put on hold" due to her battle against cancer.

The 66-year-old has revealed she is now "cancer-free" just two months after being diagnosed with stage one throat and breast cancer. The Czech-born tennis star won 18 major singles titles and 31 Grand Slam doubles crowns during her illustrious career and has now re-considered her adoption plan.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova said she is cancer-free nearly four months after announcing she had been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. The Czech–American, who won a total of 59 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles and is considered among one the greatest players of all time, had said in January that the cancer was in Stage 1.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova said she is cancer-free nearly four months after announcing she had been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. The Czech–American, who won a total of 59 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles and is considered among one the greatest players of all time, had said in January that the cancer was in Stage 1. "As far as they know I'm cancer-free," the 66-year-old told Piers Morgan for TalkTV in an excerpt of an interview to be released later on Tuesday. "I still need to do the right breast probably with radiation but only for a couple of weeks and that's more preventative than anything else." The cancer was discovered in November last year. Navratilova was previously diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and recovered. Navratilova puts adoption plan on hold Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has conceded that the adoption plans she had with wife Julia Lemigova have been "put on hold" due to her battle against cancer. The 66-year-old has revealed she is now "cancer-free" just two months after being diagnosed with stage one throat and breast cancer. The Czech-born tennis star won 18 major singles titles and 31 Grand Slam doubles crowns during her illustrious career and has now re-considered her adoption plan.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova says she is free of cancer

Daniil Medvedev shook off a second-set fall to beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 on Tuesday, the "crazy" victory pushing him into the Indian Wells quarter-finals for the first time.

Medvedev notched his 17th straight ATP victory. But for awhile it seemed the red-hot form that saw him lift trophies in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai wouldn't be enough in the combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event in the California desert.

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The world number six, frustrated as ever by the slow courts at Indian Wells, rolled his right ankle in the sixth game of the second set, crying out in pain and lying on the court for several minutes before limping to his chair.

Zverev, who suffered three torn ankle ligaments at last year's French Open, looked on in concern, but after the injury was examined and taped by medical staff Medvedev continued and turned the match around.

He saved all 10 break points he faced in the second set -- eight of them before he fell.

He grabbed a 4-1 lead on the way to victory in the tiebreaker and went up an early break in the third.

He was untroubled on his serve until he squandered a match point as he was broken in the 10th game.

Zverev couldn't build on that, however, clutching his head in disbelief as he double-faulted on break point in the next game.

Medvedev seized the opening, holding at love to clinch the win after three hours and 17 minutes.

"Even without talking about the ankle, the match itself was crazy," Medvedev said. "When you have 10 break points you're much closer to winning it and maybe you even deserve it, but that's tennis sometimes."

<h2>Norrie into quarter-finals</h2>

Ankle allowing, Medvedev is scheduled to face 28th-ranked Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, a 6-3, 6-4 winner over Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin.

The Stadium Court drama launched a jam-packed day that featured all men's and women's round of 16 matches.

Men's top seed Carlos Alcaraz, the US Open champion who is chasing a third Masters 1000 title that would see him return to number one in the world, took on 21-year-old Briton Jack Draper -- who is coming off a third-round victory over childhood hero Andy Murray.

Women's world number one Iga Swiatek, trying to become just the second woman after Martina Navratilova in 1990-91 to win back-to-back Indian Wells titles, faced 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu.

In other early matches, defending champion Taylor Fritz defeated Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 6-3.

Britain's 2021 champion Cameron Norrie eased past seventh-ranked Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4, lining up a meeting with American Frances Tiafoe, who beat Chilean qualifier Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 6-4.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Barbora Krejcikova.

Sabalenka fired 11 aces to avenge a loss to the Czech at Dubai last month -- the Belarusian's only lone defeat of the year.

Sabalenka next faces 19-year-old American Coco Gauff, who squeezed past Swedish qualifier Rebecca Peterson 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. Gauff, the fourth seed, has won three of their prior four meetings.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, a former world number two now ranked 15th, saved four match points in a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (13/11) victory over third-ranked Jessica Pegula.

The Czech next faces last year's runner-up Maria Sakkari, the seventh seed who beat Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 5-7, 6-3.

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Daniil Medvedev shook off a second-set fall to beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 on Tuesday, the "crazy" victory pushing him into the Indian Wells quarter-finals for the first time.

Daniil Medvedev shook off a second-set fall to beat Alexander Zverev 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 on Tuesday, the "crazy" victory pushing him into the Indian Wells quarter-finals for the first time. Medvedev notched his 17th straight ATP victory. But for awhile it seemed the red-hot form that saw him lift trophies in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai wouldn't be enough in the combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event in the California desert. Also Read: Steve Smith to lead Australia in India ODIs as Pat Cummins stays home after mother's death The world number six, frustrated as ever by the slow courts at Indian Wells, rolled his right ankle in the sixth game of the second set, crying out in pain and lying on the court for several minutes before limping to his chair. Zverev, who suffered three torn ankle ligaments at last year's French Open, looked on in concern, but after the injury was examined and taped by medical staff Medvedev continued and turned the match around. He saved all 10 break points he faced in the second set -- eight of them before he fell. He grabbed a 4-1 lead on the way to victory in the tiebreaker and went up an early break in the third. He was untroubled on his serve until he squandered a match point as he was broken in the 10th game. Zverev couldn't build on that, however, clutching his head in disbelief as he double-faulted on break point in the next game. Medvedev seized the opening, holding at love to clinch the win after three hours and 17 minutes. "Even without talking about the ankle, the match itself was crazy," Medvedev said. "When you have 10 break points you're much closer to winning it and maybe you even deserve it, but that's tennis sometimes." Norrie into quarter-finals Ankle allowing, Medvedev is scheduled to face 28th-ranked Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, a 6-3, 6-4 winner over Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin. The Stadium Court drama launched a jam-packed day that featured all men's and women's round of 16 matches. Men's top seed Carlos Alcaraz, the US Open champion who is chasing a third Masters 1000 title that would see him return to number one in the world, took on 21-year-old Briton Jack Draper -- who is coming off a third-round victory over childhood hero Andy Murray. Women's world number one Iga Swiatek, trying to become just the second woman after Martina Navratilova in 1990-91 to win back-to-back Indian Wells titles, faced 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu. In other early matches, defending champion Taylor Fritz defeated Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 6-3. Britain's 2021 champion Cameron Norrie eased past seventh-ranked Russian Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4, lining up a meeting with American Frances Tiafoe, who beat Chilean qualifier Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 6-4. Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Barbora Krejcikova. Sabalenka fired 11 aces to avenge a loss to the Czech at Dubai last month -- the Belarusian's only lone defeat of the year. Sabalenka next faces 19-year-old American Coco Gauff, who squeezed past Swedish qualifier Rebecca Peterson 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. Gauff, the fourth seed, has won three of their prior four meetings. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, a former world number two now ranked 15th, saved four match points in a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (13/11) victory over third-ranked Jessica Pegula. The Czech next faces last year's runner-up Maria Sakkari, the seventh seed who beat Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 5-7, 6-3. 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.

Indian Wells: Daniil Medvedev gets 'crazy' win over Alexander Zverev to enter quarter-finals

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka scored a win for the old guard Monday,&nbsp;beating 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.

A former world number three now ranked 100th, Wawrinka has had two left knee and two left foot surgeries since he reached the Indian Wells and Roland Garros finals in 2017.

At 37, he had 18 years on his opponent, but he avenged a first-round defeat to the Dane at the Paris Masters in November, where Rune saved three match points to launch his run to a first Masters title.

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It looked like the young Dane, ranked eighth in the world, might pull off a similar comeback when he saved a match point and broke Wawrinka in the ninth game of the second set.

Rune clawed back from 5-2 down in the second-set tiebreaker to force a third set, but Wawrinka dictated the pace using his trademark backhand to good effect.

The Swiss, who won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, finished with 12 aces and didn't face a break point in the final set.

He broke Rune in the penultimate game and served out the victory in two hours and 40 minutes -- and more than an hour after his first match point.

"I should have won the match way before," Wawrinka said. "I started feeling nervous and hesitated a little bit. He came back in the match. He is an amazing player, a young player.

"But it is special to keep winning. I really enjoy the second seek atmosphere," said Wawrinka , who has reached quarter-finals in Marseille and Rotterdam this year.

"It was important to stay there mentally because I am playing well. All my career I know only one way: to keep fighting, working pushing myself and stay positive."

Wawrinka will fight for a quarter-final berth against another young talent in 21-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, who beat France's Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.

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Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka scored a win for the old guard Monday, beating 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka scored a win for the old guard Monday, beating 19-year-old seventh seed Holger Rune 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Indian Wells. A former world number three now ranked 100th, Wawrinka has had two left knee and two left foot surgeries since he reached the Indian Wells and Roland Garros finals in 2017. At 37, he had 18 years on his opponent, but he avenged a first-round defeat to the Dane at the Paris Masters in November, where Rune saved three match points to launch his run to a first Masters title. Also Read: PSG defender Achraf Hakimi named in Morocco squad despite rape accusations It looked like the young Dane, ranked eighth in the world, might pull off a similar comeback when he saved a match point and broke Wawrinka in the ninth game of the second set. Rune clawed back from 5-2 down in the second-set tiebreaker to force a third set, but Wawrinka dictated the pace using his trademark backhand to good effect. The Swiss, who won the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open in 2015 and the US Open in 2016, finished with 12 aces and didn't face a break point in the final set. He broke Rune in the penultimate game and served out the victory in two hours and 40 minutes -- and more than an hour after his first match point. "I should have won the match way before," Wawrinka said. "I started feeling nervous and hesitated a little bit. He came back in the match. He is an amazing player, a young player. "But it is special to keep winning. I really enjoy the second seek atmosphere," said Wawrinka , who has reached quarter-finals in Marseille and Rotterdam this year. "It was important to stay there mentally because I am playing well. All my career I know only one way: to keep fighting, working pushing myself and stay positive." Wawrinka will fight for a quarter-final berth against another young talent in 21-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, who beat France's Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. 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.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka reaches Indian Wells round of 16

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reached the fourth round at Indian Wells by walkover on Sunday as Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko pulled out of their scheduled match. Organisers said Tsurenko cited "personal reasons" for yet another withdrawal.

No further details were given, and there was no indication that the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year -- which has resulted in Russian and Belarusian tennis players from being barred from competing under their national flags -- was a factor. Indeed, Tsurenko has now lost by retirement or walkover in nine of her 18 tournaments dating back to Indian Wells last year.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-wade-ormsby-wins-fourth-asian-tour-title-with-international-series-thailand-victory-571228">Australia's Wade Ormsby wins fourth Asian Tour title with International Series Thailand victory</a>

She gave up a semi-final walkover at Canberra this year and gave up quarter-final walkovers at Eastbourne and Portoroz, Slovenia, last year. Sabalenka, whose first Grand Slam title in Melbourne was part of a perfect 13-0 start to the year that ended in the quarter-finals at Dubai, had breezed into the third round with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Evgeniya Rodina.

She next faces former French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova, who ousted China's Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2. Krejcikova beat the top three players in the world on the way to the title in Dubai last month, climbing 14 places in the WTA rankings to 16th.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reached the fourth round at Indian Wells by walkover on Sunday as Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko pulled out of their scheduled match.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reached the fourth round at Indian Wells by walkover on Sunday as Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko pulled out of their scheduled match. Organisers said Tsurenko cited "personal reasons" for yet another withdrawal. No further details were given, and there was no indication that the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year -- which has resulted in Russian and Belarusian tennis players from being barred from competing under their national flags -- was a factor. Indeed, Tsurenko has now lost by retirement or walkover in nine of her 18 tournaments dating back to Indian Wells last year. Also Read: Australia's Wade Ormsby wins fourth Asian Tour title with International Series Thailand victory She gave up a semi-final walkover at Canberra this year and gave up quarter-final walkovers at Eastbourne and Portoroz, Slovenia, last year. Sabalenka, whose first Grand Slam title in Melbourne was part of a perfect 13-0 start to the year that ended in the quarter-finals at Dubai, had breezed into the third round with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Evgeniya Rodina. She next faces former French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova, who ousted China's Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2. Krejcikova beat the top three players in the world on the way to the title in Dubai last month, climbing 14 places in the WTA rankings to 16th.

Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko withdraws from match vs Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka citing 'personal reasons'

Indian tennis great Sania Mirza, who played her retirement match on March 5, in a tweet, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a letter of appreciation. The PM sent a deeply-moving letter to the tennis star, writing how she inspired other women to pursue a career in sports and that she has left an indelible mark on Indian sports.

"Tennis lovers will find it difficult to fathom that you will not be playing professionally now onwards. But, through your career as one of India's best tennis players, you have left an indelible mark on Indian sports, inspiring the coming generation of athletes.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-4th-test-virat-kohli-joins-elite-list-after-scoring-4000-runs-in-home-tests-570939">India vs Australia, 4th Test: Virat Kohli joins elite list after scoring 4,000 runs in home Tests</a>

When you announced a "Life Update" on 13th January, you wonderfully expressed your journey from a six-year-old who had to literally fight her way to the courts to a world class tennis player in the subsequent years. You wrote about how the biggest honour for you has been to win medals for India. I can say that you are India's pride, whose success has filled the hearts and minds of every Indian with utmost joy," read the letter.

Mirza, moved by the letter and the gesture, took to Twitter and thanked PM Modi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I would like to thank you Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for such kind and inspiring words .I have always taken great pride in representing our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do whatever I can to make India proud . Thank you for your support," read her Tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I would like to thank you Honorable Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji for such kind and inspiring words .I have always taken great pride in representing our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do whatever I can to make India proud . Thank you for your support. <a href="https://t.co/8q2kZ2LZEN">pic.twitter.com/8q2kZ2LZEN</a>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1634500045293879296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Sania Mirza had announced her retirement last year and holds numerous records to her name. &nbsp;Among the notable records, Sania is the only Indian woman to win a WTA title and she has done that twice. Mirza has also won three grand slam titles in women's doubles and mixed doubles each. She also was the number player in the doubles category - the first Indian woman to do so.

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Indian tennis great Sania Mirza, who played her retirement match on March 5, in a tweet, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a letter of appreciation. The PM sent a deeply-moving letter to the tennis star, writing how she inspired other women to pursue a career in sports and that she has left an indelible mark on Indian sports.

Indian tennis great Sania Mirza, who played her retirement match on March 5, in a tweet, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a letter of appreciation. The PM sent a deeply-moving letter to the tennis star, writing how she inspired other women to pursue a career in sports and that she has left an indelible mark on Indian sports. "Tennis lovers will find it difficult to fathom that you will not be playing professionally now onwards. But, through your career as one of India's best tennis players, you have left an indelible mark on Indian sports, inspiring the coming generation of athletes. Also Read: India vs Australia, 4th Test: Virat Kohli joins elite list after scoring 4,000 runs in home Tests When you announced a "Life Update" on 13th January, you wonderfully expressed your journey from a six-year-old who had to literally fight her way to the courts to a world class tennis player in the subsequent years. You wrote about how the biggest honour for you has been to win medals for India. I can say that you are India's pride, whose success has filled the hearts and minds of every Indian with utmost joy," read the letter. Mirza, moved by the letter and the gesture, took to Twitter and thanked PM Modi. "I would like to thank you Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for such kind and inspiring words .I have always taken great pride in representing our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do whatever I can to make India proud . Thank you for your support," read her Tweet. I would like to thank you Honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji for such kind and inspiring words .I have always taken great pride in representing our country to the best of my ability and will continue to do whatever I can to make India proud . Thank you for your support. pic.twitter.com/8q2kZ2LZEN — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) March 11, 2023 × Sania Mirza had announced her retirement last year and holds numerous records to her name. Among the notable records, Sania is the only Indian woman to win a WTA title and she has done that twice. Mirza has also won three grand slam titles in women's doubles and mixed doubles each. She also was the number player in the doubles category - the first Indian woman to do so. 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 lovers will...': PM Narendra Modi sends HEARTFELT letter to tennis star Sania Mirza on her retirement

Ukrainian&nbsp;Marta&nbsp;Kostyuk&nbsp;dedicated her first WTA singles title to those "fighting and dying" in her home country amid Russia's ongoing invasion after she defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3 7-5 to win the inaugural Austin Open on Sunday.

The 20-year-old collapsed on the court and covered her face with her hands after securing the title but declined to shake the hand of her Russian opponent at the net. "Everyone who is in the stands and everyone who is watching, especially in Ukraine, I want to say 'Slava Ukraini,'"&nbsp;Kostyuk&nbsp;said during the trophy ceremony. The Ukrainian phrase translates to "Glory to Ukraine."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-novak-djokovic-extends-record-stay-as-world-no1-carlos-alcaraz-remains-in-pursuit-569384">Tennis: Novak Djokovic extends record stay as world no.1, Carlos Alcaraz remains in pursuit</a>

"Being in the position that I'm in right now it's extremely special to win this title. I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all of the people who are fighting and dying right now." Western military officials estimate casualties on both sides at more than 100,000 killed or wounded since Russia's assault began just over a year ago. Tens of thousands of civilians are also feared to have died, while millions have fled the threat of fighting.

On Sunday, a woman and two children were killed in Russian mortar shelling of a village in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, the head of Ukraine's presidential office said. Moscow calls the conflict a "special military operation" to protect its security and denies targeting civilians.

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first WTA singles title to those "fighting and dying" in her home country amid Russia's ongoing invasion after she defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3 7-5 to win the inaugural Austin Open on Sunday.

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first WTA singles title to those "fighting and dying" in her home country amid Russia's ongoing invasion after she defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3 7-5 to win the inaugural Austin Open on Sunday. The 20-year-old collapsed on the court and covered her face with her hands after securing the title but declined to shake the hand of her Russian opponent at the net. "Everyone who is in the stands and everyone who is watching, especially in Ukraine, I want to say 'Slava Ukraini,'" Kostyuk said during the trophy ceremony. The Ukrainian phrase translates to "Glory to Ukraine." Also read: Tennis: Novak Djokovic extends record stay as world no.1, Carlos Alcaraz remains in pursuit "Being in the position that I'm in right now it's extremely special to win this title. I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all of the people who are fighting and dying right now." Western military officials estimate casualties on both sides at more than 100,000 killed or wounded since Russia's assault began just over a year ago. Tens of thousands of civilians are also feared to have died, while millions have fled the threat of fighting. On Sunday, a woman and two children were killed in Russian mortar shelling of a village in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, the head of Ukraine's presidential office said. Moscow calls the conflict a "special military operation" to protect its security and denies targeting civilians.

Tennis: Ukraine's Kostyuk snubs Russia's Gracheva after Austin Open win, dedicates title to country

Novak Djokovic, in latest ATP rankings released on Monday, continue to remain on number one position, extending his stay to record 379 weeks. Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, however, remains in hot pursuit of the Serbian.&nbsp;

Djokovic, however, stares at losing the top spot after decided to not play in the upcoming Indian Wells Master ATP event, scheduled to be played in the USA. This is also Alcaraz's&nbsp;golden chance to bridge the gap between him and Djokovic.

Second-ranked Alcaraz will take over at the ATP summit if he wins the Indian Wells Masters -- Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the event starting this week on Sunday.

The Serb is unable to enter the United States because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19. A petition to US authorities for special permission to enter was rejected.

The 35-year-old winner of 22 Grand Slam titles edged ahead of Steffi Graf's all-time record last week despite losing in the Dubai semi-finals to Daniil Medvedev.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-world-no-1-novak-djokovic-withdraws-from-indian-wells-masters-569001">World no. 1 Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells Masters</a>

The Russian ended Djokovic's 20-match win streak and perfect start to 2023 before claiming his third title in as many weeks with defeat of compatriot Andrey Rublev in Dubai.

He moved up a place to sixth.

Here are latest ATP top 20

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7,160 points

2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 6,780

3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5,805

4. Casper Ruud (NOR) 5,560

5. Taylor Fritz (USA) 3,795

6. Daniil Medvedev 3,775 (+1)

7. Andrey Rublev 3,660 (-1)

8. Holger Rune (NOR) 3,321 (+2)

9. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 3,315 (-1)

10. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 3,245 (-1)

11. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 3,110

12. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 2,815

13. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 2,655

14. Alexander Zverev (GER) 2,500

15. Karen Khachanov 2,470

16. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 2,395

17. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 2,240

18. Alex de Minaur (AUS) 2,165 (+4)

19. Tommy Paul (USA) 2,000 (+4)

20. Borna Coric (CRO) 1,905

(With inputs from agencies)

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Novak Djokovic, in latest ATP rankings released on Monday, continue to remain on number one position, extending his stay to record 379 weeks. Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, however, remains in hot pursuit of the Serbian.

Novak Djokovic, in latest ATP rankings released on Monday, continue to remain on number one position, extending his stay to record 379 weeks. Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, however, remains in hot pursuit of the Serbian. Djokovic, however, stares at losing the top spot after decided to not play in the upcoming Indian Wells Master ATP event, scheduled to be played in the USA. This is also Alcaraz's golden chance to bridge the gap between him and Djokovic. Second-ranked Alcaraz will take over at the ATP summit if he wins the Indian Wells Masters -- Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the event starting this week on Sunday. The Serb is unable to enter the United States because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19. A petition to US authorities for special permission to enter was rejected. The 35-year-old winner of 22 Grand Slam titles edged ahead of Steffi Graf's all-time record last week despite losing in the Dubai semi-finals to Daniil Medvedev. Also Read: World no. 1 Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells Masters The Russian ended Djokovic's 20-match win streak and perfect start to 2023 before claiming his third title in as many weeks with defeat of compatriot Andrey Rublev in Dubai. He moved up a place to sixth. Here are latest ATP top 20 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7,160 points 2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 6,780 3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5,805 4. Casper Ruud (NOR) 5,560 5. Taylor Fritz (USA) 3,795 6. Daniil Medvedev 3,775 (+1) 7. Andrey Rublev 3,660 (-1) 8. Holger Rune (NOR) 3,321 (+2) 9. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 3,315 (-1) 10. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 3,245 (-1) 11. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 3,110 12. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 2,815 13. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 2,655 14. Alexander Zverev (GER) 2,500 15. Karen Khachanov 2,470 16. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 2,395 17. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 2,240 18. Alex de Minaur (AUS) 2,165 (+4) 19. Tommy Paul (USA) 2,000 (+4) 20. Borna Coric (CRO) 1,905 (With inputs from agencies) 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 extends record stay as world no.1, Carlos Alcaraz remains in pursuit

World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters event, organisers confirmed on Sunday with the Serb barred from the entering the country.

Djokovic is unable to enter the United States because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19, but he had petitioned US authorities for special permission to enter.

The Indian Wells ATP 1000 event begins next week in the California desert and is followed by the prestigious tournament in Miami which Djokovic is now expected to miss unless US authorities have a change of heart.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no-19-nick-kyrgios-withdraws-from-indian-wells-and-miami-with-knee-issue-566673">World No. 19 Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami due to knee issue</a>

The United States still doesn't allow unvaccinated international travellers to enter the country, with the Transportation Security Administration recently indicating the policy would not change until at least mid-April.

Djokovic's vaccination status saw him deported from Australia shortly before the 2022 Australian Open.&nbsp;

After winning Wimbledon he also missed the US Open last year because of the travel restriction.

He returned to Australia in January, winning the 2023 Australian Open for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title.

He took his match win streak to 20 in Dubai last week before falling on Friday to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.

Djokovic will be replaced in the field by Nikoloz Basilashvili, a brief statement said.

On Friday, both the US Tennis Association and US Open organizers voiced support for Djokovic's request to be allowed to enter the United States.

"Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen," the US Open wrote on its official Twitter feed.&nbsp;

"The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami."

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World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters event, organisers confirmed on Sunday with the Serb barred from the entering the country.

World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's ATP/WTA Indian Wells Masters event, organisers confirmed on Sunday with the Serb barred from the entering the country. Djokovic is unable to enter the United States because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19, but he had petitioned US authorities for special permission to enter. The Indian Wells ATP 1000 event begins next week in the California desert and is followed by the prestigious tournament in Miami which Djokovic is now expected to miss unless US authorities have a change of heart. Also Read: World No. 19 Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami due to knee issue The United States still doesn't allow unvaccinated international travellers to enter the country, with the Transportation Security Administration recently indicating the policy would not change until at least mid-April. Djokovic's vaccination status saw him deported from Australia shortly before the 2022 Australian Open. After winning Wimbledon he also missed the US Open last year because of the travel restriction. He returned to Australia in January, winning the 2023 Australian Open for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title. He took his match win streak to 20 in Dubai last week before falling on Friday to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. Djokovic will be replaced in the field by Nikoloz Basilashvili, a brief statement said. On Friday, both the US Tennis Association and US Open organizers voiced support for Djokovic's request to be allowed to enter the United States. "Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen," the US Open wrote on its official Twitter feed. "The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami." 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: World no. 1 Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells Masters

Dubai Open 2023 final live: Two final matches of Dubai Open 2023 are slated to be played today in Dubai’s Aviation Club Tennis Center. The first match of the day will be played under Men’s doubles category. In this category, Finnish player H. Heliövaara and English player L. Glasspool will square off with French player F. Martin and American player M. Cressy. The British-Finnish pair, which hasn't lost a set this week, defeated top seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 6-4, 6-2 in Friday's ATP 500 semi-final without seeing a breakpoint.

Meanwhile, the second final match of Dubai Open 2023 will be played under Men’s single category. , Second seed and defending champion Rublev will face off against Third seed Medvedev in an all-Russian final match at the ATP 500 Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday (March 4). Top-ranked Novak Djokovic suffered his first loss of the 2023 season at the hands of Medvedev, who has been on a roll lately. The current champion of Rotterdam and Doha defeated Djokovic in straight sets to earn his 18th victory in 20 games this season.

<h2>Dubai Open 2023 final full schedule, time and venue</h2>

Men’s doubles: Finnish player H. Heliövaara and English player L. Glasspool will square off with French player F. Martin and American player M. Cressy. The match starts at 6:00 PM IST (12:30 PM GMT/ 7:30 AM ET). The venue of the match is Aviation Club Tennis Center.

Men’s singles: In an all-Russian final match, defending champion Rublev will take on Third seed Medvedev. The match starts at 8:30 PM IST (3:00 PM GMT/ 10:00 AM ET). The venue of the match is Aviation Club Tennis Center.

<h2>Where to watch Dubai open 2023 final matches?</h2>

Live-streaming of the Dubai Tennis Championships is available on the following channels in the respective countries. Check where to watch Dubai open 2023 final in your country here:

Tennis Channel - USA, Puerto Rico &amp; Virgin Islands. 
Amazon Prime Video - United Kingdom and Ireland. 
beIN SPORTS - Australia. 
TSN - Canada. 
Sky - New Zealand. 
Eurosport - France, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland &amp; Russia. 
Sportklub - Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia &amp; Montenegro. 
Polsat - Poland. 
Sky Deutschland - Germany, Austria, Switzerland &amp; Litchenstein. 
Super Tennis - Italy, San Marino &amp; Vatican City. 
Telefonica/Movistar - Spain. 
Hellenic (OTE TV) - Greece. 
Ziggo Sport - Netherlands. 
A1 Max Sport - Bulgaria. 
beIN Southeast Asia - Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, East Timor, Philippines &amp; Singapore. 
WOWOW - Japan. 
ESPN - Latin America.

Live streaming will also be available on Tennis TV.

When will&nbsp;Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match begin?

Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match will start at 6:00 PM IST.

Where will&nbsp;Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match be played?

Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match will be played at&nbsp;Aviation Club Tennis Center, Dubai.

When will Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match begin?

Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match will start at 8:30 PM IST.

Where will&nbsp;Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match be played?

Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match will be played at&nbsp;Aviation Club Tennis Center, Dubai.

Dubai Open 2023 final live: Two final matches of Dubai Open 2023 are slated to be played today in Dubai’s Aviation Club Tennis Center. The first match of the day will be played under Men’s doubles category.

Dubai Open 2023 final live: Two final matches of Dubai Open 2023 are slated to be played today in Dubai’s Aviation Club Tennis Center. The first match of the day will be played under Men’s doubles category. In this category, Finnish player H. Heliövaara and English player L. Glasspool will square off with French player F. Martin and American player M. Cressy. The British-Finnish pair, which hasn't lost a set this week, defeated top seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 6-4, 6-2 in Friday's ATP 500 semi-final without seeing a breakpoint. Meanwhile, the second final match of Dubai Open 2023 will be played under Men’s single category. , Second seed and defending champion Rublev will face off against Third seed Medvedev in an all-Russian final match at the ATP 500 Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday (March 4). Top-ranked Novak Djokovic suffered his first loss of the 2023 season at the hands of Medvedev, who has been on a roll lately. The current champion of Rotterdam and Doha defeated Djokovic in straight sets to earn his 18th victory in 20 games this season. Dubai Open 2023 final full schedule, time and venue Men’s doubles: Finnish player H. Heliövaara and English player L. Glasspool will square off with French player F. Martin and American player M. Cressy. The match starts at 6:00 PM IST (12:30 PM GMT/ 7:30 AM ET). The venue of the match is Aviation Club Tennis Center. Men’s singles: In an all-Russian final match, defending champion Rublev will take on Third seed Medvedev. The match starts at 8:30 PM IST (3:00 PM GMT/ 10:00 AM ET). The venue of the match is Aviation Club Tennis Center. Where to watch Dubai open 2023 final matches? Live-streaming of the Dubai Tennis Championships is available on the following channels in the respective countries. Check where to watch Dubai open 2023 final in your country here: Tennis Channel - USA, Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands. Amazon Prime Video - United Kingdom and Ireland. beIN SPORTS - Australia. TSN - Canada. Sky - New Zealand. Eurosport - France, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland & Russia. Sportklub - Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia & Montenegro. Polsat - Poland. Sky Deutschland - Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Litchenstein. Super Tennis - Italy, San Marino & Vatican City. Telefonica/Movistar - Spain. Hellenic (OTE TV) - Greece. Ziggo Sport - Netherlands. A1 Max Sport - Bulgaria. beIN Southeast Asia - Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, East Timor, Philippines & Singapore. WOWOW - Japan. ESPN - Latin America. Live streaming will also be available on Tennis TV. When will Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match begin? Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match will start at 6:00 PM IST. Where will Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match be played? Dubai Open H. Heliövaara and L. Glasspool vs F. Martin and M. Cressy match will be played at Aviation Club Tennis Center, Dubai. When will Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match begin? Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match will start at 8:30 PM IST. Where will Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match be played? Dubai Open Rublev vs Medvedev match will be played at Aviation Club Tennis Center, Dubai.

Dubai Open 2023 final live: Check final schedule, time, venue, fixtures, live streaming & broadcast details

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