<p>Serena Williams has been an extremely strong advocate of gender equality both on and off the court. Elaborating on the same while hanging her racquet up for good, Williams highlighted the unique sacrifices that women have to make in their careers and life in general.</p>

<p>In a recent interaction with Vogue, Williams declared that she was going to retire shortly after the U.S. Open, which kicks off in late August. A win at the event could help Serena tie&nbsp;Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles. Williams asserted that her desire to spend more time with her family had prompted her decision to walk away from the sport for good.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-changed-the-game-emma-raducanu-comments-on-how-a-dominant-serena-williams-impacted-tennis-505689">'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis</a></p>

<p>While addressing concerns about her retirement, she admitted that she did not want to be in a position to choose between her family and the sport she loves. She further asserted that the situation would not have been the same if she had been a man.</p>

<p>“Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and&nbsp;family. I don’t think it’s fair. If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Maybe I’d be more of a Tom Brady if I had that opportunity.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-will-leave-as-greatest-tennis-player-billie-jean-king-hails-american-legend-after-retirement-505480">Serena Williams will leave as greatest tennis player: Billie Jean King hails American legend</a></p>

<p>However, she subsequently clarified that at the end of the day, she loves being a woman and absolutely adored being a parent to her daughter&nbsp;Olympia. The fact that she won the 2017 Australian Open while she was carrying Olympia only serves to explain just how well she's managed to balance her personal and professional lives.</p>


Serena Williams has been an extremely strong advocate of gender equality both on and off the court. Elaborating on the same while hanging her racquet up for good, Williams highlighted the unique sacrifices that women have to make in their careers and life in general.

Serena Williams has been an extremely strong advocate of gender equality both on and off the court. Elaborating on the same while hanging her racquet up for good, Williams highlighted the unique sacrifices that women have to make in their careers and life in general. In a recent interaction with Vogue, Williams declared that she was going to retire shortly after the U.S. Open, which kicks off in late August. A win at the event could help Serena tie Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles. Williams asserted that her desire to spend more time with her family had prompted her decision to walk away from the sport for good. ALSO READ: 'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis While addressing concerns about her retirement, she admitted that she did not want to be in a position to choose between her family and the sport she loves. She further asserted that the situation would not have been the same if she had been a man. “Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and family. I don’t think it’s fair. If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Maybe I’d be more of a Tom Brady if I had that opportunity.” ALSO READ: Serena Williams will leave as greatest tennis player: Billie Jean King hails American legend However, she subsequently clarified that at the end of the day, she loves being a woman and absolutely adored being a parent to her daughter Olympia. The fact that she won the 2017 Australian Open while she was carrying Olympia only serves to explain just how well she's managed to balance her personal and professional lives.

‘If I was a guy’- Serena Williams claims sexism played a big role in her retirement call

<p>Just few weeks before the commencement of the US Open 2022 edition, which will be the last Grand Slam tournament&nbsp;of the year, there is good news for Novak Djokovic and his ardent fans. The unvaccinated Djokovic's participation in the forthcoming showpiece event, in the&nbsp;Flushing Meadows, has received a big boost after USA confirmed changes to the Covid rules.</p>

<p>The American authorities have decided they will not discriminate between those who have taken the COVID jab and those who are yet to. Thus, this will pave way to&nbsp;allow the 2022 Wimbledon champion Djokovic&nbsp;to take part in the mega event, which will get underway on&nbsp;August 29. The Serbian has remained firm on his stance of not taking the Covid vaccine, which had also resulted in him being sent back to his home country from Australia for the 2022 Australian Open&nbsp;early this year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canadian-open-casper-ruud-defeats-felix-auger-aliassime-to-enter-sfs-nick-kyrgios-ousted-506471">Canadian Open: Casper Ruud defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime to enter SFs; Nick Kyrgios ousted</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite the change brought forward, the US Open organisers haven't&nbsp;yet&nbsp;officially announced the development. Nonetheless,&nbsp;it is now certain&nbsp;that Djokovic will be part of&nbsp;the action&nbsp;in New York, spanning from August 29-September 11.</p>

<p>On Thursday (August 11), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -- an agency that governs health measures in the the country&nbsp;-- put an&nbsp;end to many of the COVID restrictions, including that the vaccinated and unvaccinated people will now be given the same treatment nationwide.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shocking-javelin-thrower-anderson-peters-gets-beaten-and-thrown-off-the-boat-video-surfaces-online-watch-506466">Shocking! Javelin thrower Anderson Peters gets beaten and thrown off the boat, video surfaces online - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that the&nbsp;CDC is&nbsp;yet to update&nbsp;its travel advice,&nbsp;which&nbsp;currently states&nbsp;that all non-US citizens and nationals have to be fully vaccinated before entering&nbsp;USA. However,&nbsp;its website does mention that this is under review in the aftermath of the latest update.</p>

<p>A statement read: "This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update."</p>

<p>Russia's Daniil Medvedev is the defending champion in this year's US Open. Djokovic had lost last year's final in straight sets to the Russian.</p>


Just few weeks before the commencement of the US Open 2022 edition, which will be the last Grand Slam tournament of the year, there is good news for Novak Djokovic and his ardent fans.

Just few weeks before the commencement of the US Open 2022 edition, which will be the last Grand Slam tournament of the year, there is good news for Novak Djokovic and his ardent fans. The unvaccinated Djokovic's participation in the forthcoming showpiece event, in the Flushing Meadows, has received a big boost after USA confirmed changes to the Covid rules. The American authorities have decided they will not discriminate between those who have taken the COVID jab and those who are yet to. Thus, this will pave way to allow the 2022 Wimbledon champion Djokovic to take part in the mega event, which will get underway on August 29. The Serbian has remained firm on his stance of not taking the Covid vaccine, which had also resulted in him being sent back to his home country from Australia for the 2022 Australian Open early this year. ALSO READ | Canadian Open: Casper Ruud defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime to enter SFs; Nick Kyrgios ousted Despite the change brought forward, the US Open organisers haven't yet officially announced the development. Nonetheless, it is now certain that Djokovic will be part of the action in New York, spanning from August 29-September 11. On Thursday (August 11), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -- an agency that governs health measures in the the country -- put an end to many of the COVID restrictions, including that the vaccinated and unvaccinated people will now be given the same treatment nationwide. ALSO READ | Shocking! Javelin thrower Anderson Peters gets beaten and thrown off the boat, video surfaces online - Watch It is to be noted that the CDC is yet to update its travel advice, which currently states that all non-US citizens and nationals have to be fully vaccinated before entering USA. However, its website does mention that this is under review in the aftermath of the latest update. A statement read: "This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update." Russia's Daniil Medvedev is the defending champion in this year's US Open. Djokovic had lost last year's final in straight sets to the Russian.

US Open: Big boost to Novak Djokovic's participation after USA confirms changes to COVID norms

<p>Casper Ruud reached his third ATP Masters 1000 semi-final of the season Friday after he defeated hometime favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime in the National Bank Open quarterfinals. The fourth seed recovered from dropping serve in the opening game as he closed out the match 6-1, 6-2 in 74-minute in Montreal.</p>

<p>"It was one of those days where everything goes in one favour and luckily it was in my favour. With a player like Felix, you need to rely on some margins going your way. I didn`t expect them to all go on my side," Ruud said in his on-court interview."It was a bit of a difficult start. I got broken but then was able to turn everything around. I hit my spots, made the shots I needed to and make him hit a lot of balls. That was the game plan and it worked well," he added."I am sure Felix has played better than he has today. He has for sure, I have seen it before. It is a pity because he is playing at home. Maybe that was a factor, you could be nervous, but I am not going to talk to Felix. It was a big moment. This arena was full today and I am lucky I was able to win," Ruud said.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Hubert Hurkacz ended Nick Kyrgios` winning streak at the tournament as he clinched the match to enter the semi-final on Friday in Montreal. Hurkacz delivered powerful blows from his own strings to advance after one hour and 46 minutes and improve clinch the victory7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-1."Nick has been playing some incredible tennis throughout the past weeks, so it is a pleasure playing against him," Hurkacz said in his on-court interview."I hope the fans enjoyed it as well, but I am happy with the result in the end. I started really well. Nick was maybe a little bit injured, which might have hurt his serve. With both of us serving so well, that few per cent can make the difference," Hurkacz added.</p>


Casper Ruud reached his third ATP Masters 1000 semi-final of the season Friday after he defeated hometime favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime in the National Bank Open quarterfinals.

Casper Ruud reached his third ATP Masters 1000 semi-final of the season Friday after he defeated hometime favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime in the National Bank Open quarterfinals. The fourth seed recovered from dropping serve in the opening game as he closed out the match 6-1, 6-2 in 74-minute in Montreal. "It was one of those days where everything goes in one favour and luckily it was in my favour. With a player like Felix, you need to rely on some margins going your way. I didn`t expect them to all go on my side," Ruud said in his on-court interview."It was a bit of a difficult start. I got broken but then was able to turn everything around. I hit my spots, made the shots I needed to and make him hit a lot of balls. That was the game plan and it worked well," he added."I am sure Felix has played better than he has today. He has for sure, I have seen it before. It is a pity because he is playing at home. Maybe that was a factor, you could be nervous, but I am not going to talk to Felix. It was a big moment. This arena was full today and I am lucky I was able to win," Ruud said. On the other hand, Hubert Hurkacz ended Nick Kyrgios` winning streak at the tournament as he clinched the match to enter the semi-final on Friday in Montreal. Hurkacz delivered powerful blows from his own strings to advance after one hour and 46 minutes and improve clinch the victory7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-1."Nick has been playing some incredible tennis throughout the past weeks, so it is a pleasure playing against him," Hurkacz said in his on-court interview."I hope the fans enjoyed it as well, but I am happy with the result in the end. I started really well. Nick was maybe a little bit injured, which might have hurt his serve. With both of us serving so well, that few per cent can make the difference," Hurkacz added.

Canadian Open: Casper Ruud defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime to enter SFs; Nick Kyrgios ousted

<p>Australian Nick Kyrgios produced another extraordinary performance to demolish compatriot Alex de Minaur 6-2 6-3 at the Canadian Masters on Thursday, a day after stunning world number one Daniil Medvedev.<br />
<br />
The fiery Wimbledon finalist has been playing the best tennis of his career and is showing no signs of slowing down in Montreal, where he won the first four games of the opening set in which de Minaur won scarcely more than half of his first-serve points.</p>

<p>The pair traded breaks to open the second set but 27-year-old Kyrgios would not be denied, breaking de Minaur on the third try in the third game and again in the seventh. Kyrgios briefly appeared agitated when he gave up a break in the penultimate game but found his composure to get the job done in a little over an hour, breaking back to love in the final game.</p>

<p>The win will move Kyrgios high enough in the rankings to be seeded at the U.S. Open later this month. "I did what had to be done. He's a hell of a player if you play to his strengths, he's one of the best players from the back in the game, he's just so fast," Kyrgios said of de Minaur in on-court remarks after the match.<br />
<br />
Kyrgios has won 15 of his last 16 matches and a day earlier produced a serve-and-volley masterclass to stun Medvedev 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2. He said the effort had certainly taken a toll.</p>

<p>"Incredibly tough, after yesterday's big high-playing Daniil. The crowd was amazing, it's a day I'll probably never ever forget," he said. "Today was really hard for me mentally to play Alex, we're such good friends and he's been having such a good career so far carrying the Australian flag. It's just tough mentally, it's never easy to play a friend like that, especially if they're an Australian." Kyrgios next faces Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-final round.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-going-to-try-alexander-zverev-hopes-to-recover-in-time-to-compete-at-the-us-open-505961"><strong>‘I’m going to try’- Alexander Zverev hopes to recover in time to compete at US Open 2022</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>SUPERB AUGER-ALIASSIME</strong><br />
<br />
In other matches, Felix Auger-Aliassime harnessed his mighty serve to down Briton Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-4 to delight his home crowd, while Norwegian Casper Ruud outlasted Roberto Bautista Agut in a closely-fought three sets.</p>

<p>Competing in his local town of Montreal, the 22-year-old Auger-Aliassime sent over 15 aces and won all but three of his first-serve points, breaking in the penultimate game of both sets on Centre Court. British number one Norrie made five double faults and never had the momentum against a clinical Auger-Aliassime, who collected his first ATP title in Rotterdam this year and wrapped up Thursday's affair in a tidy 72 minutes.<br />
<br />
"Montreal people are really proud people," Auger-Aliassime was quoted as saying by the ATP, crediting the crowd with helping his performance.</p>

<p>"We are a small community in the world. We support each other in what we do, especially in professional sport." The U.S. Open semi-finalist will next face Ruud in the quarter-finals after the world number seven saw off Bautista Agut 6-7(4) 7-6(4) 6-4.</p>

<p>Briton Daniel Evans fought back after a disastrous second set to overcome American Taylor Fritz 7-6(5) 1-6 7-5, producing a remarkable defence as he fended off a dozen break points. Britain`s Jack Draper advanced after France's Gael Monfils retired in the second set with what appeared to be an injury to his right ankle.</p>


Australian Nick Kyrgios produced another extraordinary performance to demolish compatriot Alex de Minaur 6-2 6-3 at the Canadian Masters on Thursday, a day after stunning world number one Daniil Medvedev.

Australian Nick Kyrgios produced another extraordinary performance to demolish compatriot Alex de Minaur 6-2 6-3 at the Canadian Masters on Thursday, a day after stunning world number one Daniil Medvedev. The fiery Wimbledon finalist has been playing the best tennis of his career and is showing no signs of slowing down in Montreal, where he won the first four games of the opening set in which de Minaur won scarcely more than half of his first-serve points. The pair traded breaks to open the second set but 27-year-old Kyrgios would not be denied, breaking de Minaur on the third try in the third game and again in the seventh. Kyrgios briefly appeared agitated when he gave up a break in the penultimate game but found his composure to get the job done in a little over an hour, breaking back to love in the final game. The win will move Kyrgios high enough in the rankings to be seeded at the U.S. Open later this month. "I did what had to be done. He's a hell of a player if you play to his strengths, he's one of the best players from the back in the game, he's just so fast," Kyrgios said of de Minaur in on-court remarks after the match. Kyrgios has won 15 of his last 16 matches and a day earlier produced a serve-and-volley masterclass to stun Medvedev 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2. He said the effort had certainly taken a toll. "Incredibly tough, after yesterday's big high-playing Daniil. The crowd was amazing, it's a day I'll probably never ever forget," he said. "Today was really hard for me mentally to play Alex, we're such good friends and he's been having such a good career so far carrying the Australian flag. It's just tough mentally, it's never easy to play a friend like that, especially if they're an Australian." Kyrgios next faces Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-final round. ALSO READ | ‘I’m going to try’- Alexander Zverev hopes to recover in time to compete at US Open 2022 SUPERB AUGER-ALIASSIME In other matches, Felix Auger-Aliassime harnessed his mighty serve to down Briton Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-4 to delight his home crowd, while Norwegian Casper Ruud outlasted Roberto Bautista Agut in a closely-fought three sets. Competing in his local town of Montreal, the 22-year-old Auger-Aliassime sent over 15 aces and won all but three of his first-serve points, breaking in the penultimate game of both sets on Centre Court. British number one Norrie made five double faults and never had the momentum against a clinical Auger-Aliassime, who collected his first ATP title in Rotterdam this year and wrapped up Thursday's affair in a tidy 72 minutes. "Montreal people are really proud people," Auger-Aliassime was quoted as saying by the ATP, crediting the crowd with helping his performance. "We are a small community in the world. We support each other in what we do, especially in professional sport." The U.S. Open semi-finalist will next face Ruud in the quarter-finals after the world number seven saw off Bautista Agut 6-7(4) 7-6(4) 6-4. Briton Daniel Evans fought back after a disastrous second set to overcome American Taylor Fritz 7-6(5) 1-6 7-5, producing a remarkable defence as he fended off a dozen break points. Britain`s Jack Draper advanced after France's Gael Monfils retired in the second set with what appeared to be an injury to his right ankle.

Canadian Masters: Nick Kyrgios produces another showstopper to demolish compatriot Alex de Minaur

<p>Germany's world number two&nbsp;Alexander&nbsp;Zverev&nbsp;says he is facing a battle to be fit for the US Open following surgery on torn ankle ligaments at the French Open.</p>

<p>Zverev&nbsp;only returned to the practice court last Sunday after the injury he suffered during his semi-final against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in June.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-will-leave-as-greatest-tennis-player-billie-jean-king-hails-american-legend-after-retirement-505480">Serena Williams will leave as greatest tennis player: Billie Jean King hails American legend</a></p>

<p>He turned on his ankle during that match, screaming in pain when trailing Nadal 7-6 (10/8), 6-6 after three hours of play.</p>

<p>He left the court in a wheelchair, returning shortly after on crutches and in tears to announce his retirement, with Nadal going on to extend his record Grand Slam haul to 22, routing Norway's Casper Ruud in the final.</p>

<p>Speaking in Hamburg at a press conference on Thursday the Tokyo Olympic champion&nbsp;Zverev&nbsp;said: "Obviously I am going to try to make it to the US Open even if it's in a very very short time."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-changed-the-game-emma-raducanu-comments-on-how-a-dominant-serena-williams-impacted-tennis-505689">'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis</a></p>

<p>Last week&nbsp;Zverev&nbsp;revealed that he suffers from type 1 diabetes, admitting he had struggled to accept his condition and had tried to hide it from the world.</p>

<p>The last Grand Slam of the season starts in New York in a little over a fortnight on August 29.</p>

<p>If Flushing Meadows comes too soon&nbsp;Zverev&nbsp;is aiming to return for the September 13-18 Davis Cup group phase&nbsp;against France, Belgium and Australia in his native Hamburg.</p>


Germany's world number two Alexander Zverev says he is facing a battle to be fit for the US Open following surgery on torn ankle ligaments at the French Open. Zverev only returned to the practice court last Sunday after the injury he suffered during his semi-final against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in June.

Germany's world number two Alexander Zverev says he is facing a battle to be fit for the US Open following surgery on torn ankle ligaments at the French Open. Zverev only returned to the practice court last Sunday after the injury he suffered during his semi-final against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in June. ALSO READ: Serena Williams will leave as greatest tennis player: Billie Jean King hails American legend He turned on his ankle during that match, screaming in pain when trailing Nadal 7-6 (10/8), 6-6 after three hours of play. He left the court in a wheelchair, returning shortly after on crutches and in tears to announce his retirement, with Nadal going on to extend his record Grand Slam haul to 22, routing Norway's Casper Ruud in the final. Speaking in Hamburg at a press conference on Thursday the Tokyo Olympic champion Zverev said: "Obviously I am going to try to make it to the US Open even if it's in a very very short time." ALSO READ: 'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis Last week Zverev revealed that he suffers from type 1 diabetes, admitting he had struggled to accept his condition and had tried to hide it from the world. The last Grand Slam of the season starts in New York in a little over a fortnight on August 29. If Flushing Meadows comes too soon Zverev is aiming to return for the September 13-18 Davis Cup group phase against France, Belgium and Australia in his native Hamburg.

‘I’m going to try’- Alexander Zverev hopes to recover in time to compete at US Open 2022

In a recently-published article, Tennis star Serena Williams has said she is retiring to expand her family. Williams says she didn't want to choose between tennis and family, and wouldn't have had to, had she been a man. But is retirement really a gender issue? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Serena Williams announces retirement

<p>The first stop on Serena Williams` farewell tour came to a quick end as she fell 6-2 6-4 to Belinda Bencic in second-round action at the Canadian Open on Wednesday a day after announcing her forthcoming retirement from tennis.</p>

<p>Williams arrived on the court to a standing ovation and had the full support of the capacity crowd throughout the 77-minute match but was unable to conjure up the old magic that helped her lift three titles in Canada.</p>

<p>"It`s been a pretty interesting 24 hours ... I`m terrible at goodbyes. But, goodbye Toronto," an emotional Williams told the crowd.<br />
"I always had amazing times here both on and off the court. I`ll be coming back just as a visitor to the city but otherwise its been remarkable."</p>

<p>After the match, Williams was presented with team jerseys of Toronto`s NBA and NHL teams for her and her daughter, who was in attendance, as well as a bouquet of flowers that she carried off the court while wiping back tears.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-no-1-serena-williams-drops-a-bomb-announces-her-retirement-505245">Former world No. 1 Serena Williams drops a bomb, announces her retirement</a></p>

<p>Prior to the match, a tribute video was played featuring comments from tennis pioneer Billie Jean King, current players like Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu as well as ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky and highlights of Williams` Canadian triumphs.</p>

<p>The highly-anticipated match was played a day after 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams revealed in a Vogue article that she was "evolving away from tennis" and planned to retire from the sport she has dominated for over two decades.</p>

<p>Olympic champion Bencic saved the lone break point she faced in the opening set and broke Williams twice to jump ahead 5-2 but the Swiss 12th seed then needed five set points to clinch the opening frame.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/serena-williams-wimbledon-dream-ends-a-look-at-23-grand-slams-won-by-tennis-great-492977#1)-serena-williams-announces-retirement-from-tennis-505269">Serena Williams announces retirement: A look at 23 Grand Slams won by tennis great</a></p>

<p>In the second set, Bencic got the one break she needed to go ahead 4-3 when Williams struck a double-fault and the Swiss never looked back as she sealed the match on her serve when Williams sent a return long.</p>

<p>"It was a lot of emotions obviously," Williams said about how it felt to take the court. "I love playing here, I`ve always loved playing here. I wish I could`ve played better but Belinda played so well today."</p>

<p>Up next for Bencic will be Spanish eighth seed Garbine Muguruza, who was a 6-4 6-4 winner over Estonia`s Kaia Kanepi.<br />
Among the others reaching the last 16 of the tune-up event for the Aug. 29-Sept. 11 U.S. Open were world number one Iga Swiatek, defending champion Camila Giorgi, Coco Gauff, Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The first stop on Serena Williams` farewell tour came to a quick end as she fell 6-2 6-4 to Belinda Bencic in second-round action at the Canadian Open on Wednesday a day after announcing her forthcoming retirement from tennis.

The first stop on Serena Williams` farewell tour came to a quick end as she fell 6-2 6-4 to Belinda Bencic in second-round action at the Canadian Open on Wednesday a day after announcing her forthcoming retirement from tennis. Williams arrived on the court to a standing ovation and had the full support of the capacity crowd throughout the 77-minute match but was unable to conjure up the old magic that helped her lift three titles in Canada. "It`s been a pretty interesting 24 hours ... I`m terrible at goodbyes. But, goodbye Toronto," an emotional Williams told the crowd. "I always had amazing times here both on and off the court. I`ll be coming back just as a visitor to the city but otherwise its been remarkable." After the match, Williams was presented with team jerseys of Toronto`s NBA and NHL teams for her and her daughter, who was in attendance, as well as a bouquet of flowers that she carried off the court while wiping back tears. ALSO READ: Former world No. 1 Serena Williams drops a bomb, announces her retirement Prior to the match, a tribute video was played featuring comments from tennis pioneer Billie Jean King, current players like Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu as well as ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky and highlights of Williams` Canadian triumphs. The highly-anticipated match was played a day after 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams revealed in a Vogue article that she was "evolving away from tennis" and planned to retire from the sport she has dominated for over two decades. Olympic champion Bencic saved the lone break point she faced in the opening set and broke Williams twice to jump ahead 5-2 but the Swiss 12th seed then needed five set points to clinch the opening frame. ALSO READ: Serena Williams announces retirement: A look at 23 Grand Slams won by tennis great In the second set, Bencic got the one break she needed to go ahead 4-3 when Williams struck a double-fault and the Swiss never looked back as she sealed the match on her serve when Williams sent a return long. "It was a lot of emotions obviously," Williams said about how it felt to take the court. "I love playing here, I`ve always loved playing here. I wish I could`ve played better but Belinda played so well today." Up next for Bencic will be Spanish eighth seed Garbine Muguruza, who was a 6-4 6-4 winner over Estonia`s Kaia Kanepi. Among the others reaching the last 16 of the tune-up event for the Aug. 29-Sept. 11 U.S. Open were world number one Iga Swiatek, defending champion Camila Giorgi, Coco Gauff, Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka.

Serena Williams crumbles to defeat against Belinda Bencic in the first round of her farewell tour

<p>Nick Kyrgios produced a serve-and-volley masterclass to topple world number one Daniil Medvedev 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2 for his eighth straight win on a day of upsets at the Canadian Masters in Montreal on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Britain`s Dan Evans stunned fifth seed Andrey Rublev 6-4 6-4 at the ATP 1000 event, while the day kicked off with American Tommy Paul rallying to beat Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(4) 7-6(7) 6-3.</p>

<p>Jack Draper, ranked number 82 in the world, scored arguably the biggest upset, the Briton rounding off the day with a 7-5 7-6(4) win over Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.</p>

<p>It appeared that top-seeded Russian Medvedev had all the momentum when he eased through the first set tiebreaker and the temperamental Kyrgios smashed a ball into the stratosphere in frustration.</p>

<p>But the Australian regrouped and broke Medvedev`s serve to begin the second set and served his way out of trouble in the following game for a 2-0 lead that he would not relinquish.</p>

<p>The match`s pivotal moment came in the fourth game of the third set when Kyrgios raced from corner to corner to deliver a backhand that the charging Medvedev could not handle, putting the Australian up a service break that sent the sun-soaked fans to their feet.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/im-so-fing-mad-myriad-of-abusive-messages-sent-by-ryan-giggs-revealed-in-domestic-violence-court-case-505832">'I'm so f***ing mad'- Ryan Giggs' abusive text messages to his ex revealed in domestic violence trial</a></p>

<p>Kyrgios, who won 82% of his first serves, held at love in the final game to seal a place in the last 16.</p>

<p>"I knew he was feeling confident so I had to come out there with a game style that wasn`t going to give him too much rhythm," Kyrgios told reporters. "I served and volleyed pretty much every point."</p>

<p>World number four Alcaraz looked to be heading for victory when he bagged the first-set tiebreak before opening up a 4-1 lead in the second when his game inexplicably unravelled. Alcaraz earned a match point during the second set tiebreak but once Paul saved it, the 19-year-old Spaniard`s challenge faded.</p>

<p>"Right now all I can say, it was the first time that I couldn`t handle the pressure," said Alcaraz.</p>

<p>"I felt the pressure to be the number two seed in this kind of tournaments, number four in the world. It was the first time that I felt that pressure, and I couldn`t handle it."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/definitely-changed-the-game-emma-raducanu-comments-on-how-a-dominant-serena-williams-impacted-tennis-505689">'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis</a></p>

<p>Fourth seed Casper Ruud, who lost to Rafa Nadal in this year`s French Open final, is the highest seed remaining in the tournament and advanced to the third round with a 7-6(3) 6-3 win over Alex Molcan.</p>

<p>Also advancing in Montreal were Australia`s Alex de Minaur, Italy`s Jannik Sinner, Croatia`s Marin Cilic, Frenchman Gael Monfils and Spaniards Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta.</p>


Nick Kyrgios produced a serve-and-volley masterclass to topple world number one Daniil Medvedev 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2 for his eighth straight win on a day of upsets at the Canadian Masters in Montreal on Wednesday.

Nick Kyrgios produced a serve-and-volley masterclass to topple world number one Daniil Medvedev 6-7(2) 6-4 6-2 for his eighth straight win on a day of upsets at the Canadian Masters in Montreal on Wednesday. Britain`s Dan Evans stunned fifth seed Andrey Rublev 6-4 6-4 at the ATP 1000 event, while the day kicked off with American Tommy Paul rallying to beat Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(4) 7-6(7) 6-3. Jack Draper, ranked number 82 in the world, scored arguably the biggest upset, the Briton rounding off the day with a 7-5 7-6(4) win over Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. It appeared that top-seeded Russian Medvedev had all the momentum when he eased through the first set tiebreaker and the temperamental Kyrgios smashed a ball into the stratosphere in frustration. But the Australian regrouped and broke Medvedev`s serve to begin the second set and served his way out of trouble in the following game for a 2-0 lead that he would not relinquish. The match`s pivotal moment came in the fourth game of the third set when Kyrgios raced from corner to corner to deliver a backhand that the charging Medvedev could not handle, putting the Australian up a service break that sent the sun-soaked fans to their feet. Also Read: 'I'm so f***ing mad'- Ryan Giggs' abusive text messages to his ex revealed in domestic violence trial Kyrgios, who won 82% of his first serves, held at love in the final game to seal a place in the last 16. "I knew he was feeling confident so I had to come out there with a game style that wasn`t going to give him too much rhythm," Kyrgios told reporters. "I served and volleyed pretty much every point." World number four Alcaraz looked to be heading for victory when he bagged the first-set tiebreak before opening up a 4-1 lead in the second when his game inexplicably unravelled. Alcaraz earned a match point during the second set tiebreak but once Paul saved it, the 19-year-old Spaniard`s challenge faded. "Right now all I can say, it was the first time that I couldn`t handle the pressure," said Alcaraz. "I felt the pressure to be the number two seed in this kind of tournaments, number four in the world. It was the first time that I felt that pressure, and I couldn`t handle it." Also Read: 'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis Fourth seed Casper Ruud, who lost to Rafa Nadal in this year`s French Open final, is the highest seed remaining in the tournament and advanced to the third round with a 7-6(3) 6-3 win over Alex Molcan. Also advancing in Montreal were Australia`s Alex de Minaur, Italy`s Jannik Sinner, Croatia`s Marin Cilic, Frenchman Gael Monfils and Spaniards Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta.

Nick Kyrgios stuns Daniil Medvedev on day of upsets at Canadian Masters in Montreal

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


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

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

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

Serena Williams announces retirement: A look at 23 Grand Slams won by tennis great

<p>Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from her opening match at the WTA&nbsp;Toronto Masters on Tuesday due to lower back pain. With the US Open rapidly approaching, this has raised injury concerns. Osaka, who was playing in her second match since sustaining a left Achilles injury, quit in the first set of the US&nbsp;Open warm-up competition while trailing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 7-6(4), 3-0.&nbsp;"I felt my back from the start of the match, and despite trying my best to push through it I just wasn't able to today," said Osaka. "I'd like to pay credit to Kaia for playing well and want to wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament."</p>

<p>Osaka took a medical break when she was down 4-3 in the first set. After that, she seemed to be playing a little better, breaking Kanepi twice when she was serving for the opening frame to force the tiebreaker.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thinking-too-much-about-24th-grand-slam-didnt-help-admits-superstar-serena-williams-505302" hreflang="en">Thinking too much about 24th Grand Slam didn't help, admits superstar Serena Williams</a></strong></p>

<p>During the changeover between sets, Osaka spent extra time working with the trainer before quickly falling behind in the second before deciding to end the match.</p>

<p>In her on-court interview, Kanepi, who will play eighth-seeded Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the second round, said, "It's very tough to see that she has to retire this way."</p>

<p>Emma Raducanu, the reigning US Open champion from Britain, was eliminated in the first round after losing to Camila Giorgi of Italy 7-6 (7/0), 6-2.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kiwi-pacer-trent-boult-steps-out-of-his-central-contract-fuels-retirement-talks-505361" hreflang="en">Kiwi pacer Trent Boult steps out of his central contract. Fuels retirement talks</a></strong></p>

<p>"It was a really good match, to be honest," Raducanu said. "The level was pretty high, especially in the first set.</p>

<p>"Camila's a great opponent. She won this tournament last year. I just need to get better at dealing with players who play probably as quick as she does "</p>

<p>Six breaks to serve were traded between the two players in the first set before Giorgi flipped a switch and easily won the tiebreak, which was over in a flash after a Raducanu double-fault.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from her opening match at the WTA Toronto Masters on Tuesday due to lower back pain. With the US Open rapidly approaching, this has raised injury concerns.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from her opening match at the WTA Toronto Masters on Tuesday due to lower back pain. With the US Open rapidly approaching, this has raised injury concerns. Osaka, who was playing in her second match since sustaining a left Achilles injury, quit in the first set of the US Open warm-up competition while trailing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 7-6(4), 3-0. "I felt my back from the start of the match, and despite trying my best to push through it I just wasn't able to today," said Osaka. "I'd like to pay credit to Kaia for playing well and want to wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament." Osaka took a medical break when she was down 4-3 in the first set. After that, she seemed to be playing a little better, breaking Kanepi twice when she was serving for the opening frame to force the tiebreaker. Also read | Thinking too much about 24th Grand Slam didn't help, admits superstar Serena Williams During the changeover between sets, Osaka spent extra time working with the trainer before quickly falling behind in the second before deciding to end the match. In her on-court interview, Kanepi, who will play eighth-seeded Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the second round, said, "It's very tough to see that she has to retire this way." Emma Raducanu, the reigning US Open champion from Britain, was eliminated in the first round after losing to Camila Giorgi of Italy 7-6 (7/0), 6-2. Also read | Kiwi pacer Trent Boult steps out of his central contract. Fuels retirement talks "It was a really good match, to be honest," Raducanu said. "The level was pretty high, especially in the first set. "Camila's a great opponent. She won this tournament last year. I just need to get better at dealing with players who play probably as quick as she does " Six breaks to serve were traded between the two players in the first set before Giorgi flipped a switch and easily won the tiebreak, which was over in a flash after a Raducanu double-fault. (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: Osaka retires with back pain, Giorgi downs Raducanu in Toronto

<p>Former world number one Serena Williams returned to the court after a year during Wimbledon 2022, where she bowed out in her opening round in the women's singles. Since then, speculations were rife that the 23-time Grand Slam winner will very soon announce her retirement from the game.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (August 09), Serena dropped a bomb and claimed she is set to retire, in her&nbsp;unique style.&nbsp;She said she is "evolving away from tennis" as she hinted at retiring from her beloved sport. This comes after Williams' second singles match post her return, where she beat Spain's Nuria Parrizas Diaz to reach Toronto Open's&nbsp;second round.</p>

<p>"I have never liked the word retirement," Williams wrote in an article in Vogue. "It doesn`t feel like a modern word to me. I`ve been thinking of this as a transition but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I`m up to is evolution. I`m here to tell you that I`m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me," she said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/washington-open-aussie-star-nick-kyrgios-wins-singles-and-doubles-titles-504941"><strong>Washington Open: Aussie star Nick Kyrgios wins singles and doubles titles</strong></a></p>

<p>"A few years ago I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family." Later, Williams&nbsp;spoke&nbsp;in an Instagram post about the time to move in a "different direction."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCgQH0rFbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. "But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I`m gonna relish these next few weeks," Serena added.</p>

<p>The US sensation has won as many as 23 Grand Slam titles and her last title came in 2017. Thus, the 40-year-old will be determined to bow out from the sport on a high by winning the forthcoming US Open. The upcoming showpiece event kicks off on August 29 with the finale on September 11.</p>


Former world number one Serena Williams returned to the court after a year during Wimbledon 2022, where she bowed out in her opening round in the women's singles.

Former world number one Serena Williams returned to the court after a year during Wimbledon 2022, where she bowed out in her opening round in the women's singles. Since then, speculations were rife that the 23-time Grand Slam winner will very soon announce her retirement from the game. On Tuesday (August 09), Serena dropped a bomb and claimed she is set to retire, in her unique style. She said she is "evolving away from tennis" as she hinted at retiring from her beloved sport. This comes after Williams' second singles match post her return, where she beat Spain's Nuria Parrizas Diaz to reach Toronto Open's second round. "I have never liked the word retirement," Williams wrote in an article in Vogue. "It doesn`t feel like a modern word to me. I`ve been thinking of this as a transition but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I`m up to is evolution. I`m here to tell you that I`m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me," she said. ALSO READ | Washington Open: Aussie star Nick Kyrgios wins singles and doubles titles "A few years ago I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family." Later, Williams spoke in an Instagram post about the time to move in a "different direction." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) × "That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. "But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I`m gonna relish these next few weeks," Serena added. The US sensation has won as many as 23 Grand Slam titles and her last title came in 2017. Thus, the 40-year-old will be determined to bow out from the sport on a high by winning the forthcoming US Open. The upcoming showpiece event kicks off on August 29 with the finale on September 11.

Former world No. 1 Serena Williams drops a bomb, announces her retirement

<p>Nick Kyrgios capped off a terrific week at the Washington Open by beating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4 6-3 in the singles final, before combining with Jack Sock to also win the doubles 7-5 6-4 against the team of Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek.<br />
<br />
In the singles, Kyrgios` serve was overpowering against his Japanese opponent, winning 76 per cent (38-of-50) of his points on serve, and saving the only break point opportunity he faced, which came early in the opening set. His return game was also sharp, collecting breaks of serve in the first game of each set to snatch all the momentum and keep Nishioka on the back foot and chasing all day.<br />
<br />
Kyrgios finished with 12 aces to Nishioka`s three, and finished the match just like he started it with a break of serve, reports DPA. It caps off a tournament where he dropped only one set in his six matches - against Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-final - to win his first singles title since this same event back in 2019.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2022-indian-contingent-shine-end-campaign-at-fourth-slot-with-a-staggering-61-medals-504917"><strong>CWG 2022: Indian contingent shines, ends campaign at fourth slot with a staggering 61 medals</strong></a></p>

<p>Just a few hours later, Kyrgios was back on the court with Sock contesting the doubles final, with the pair saving both break points they faced. After an even start, Kyrgios and Sock broke late in the first set, and then struck again to break in the opening game of the second set, going on to serve things out comfortably, never allowing Dodig and Krajicek to even reach deuce against their serve.<br />
<br />
In doing so, Kyrgios became the first player to ever sweep both the singles and doubles in Washington. He only had one doubles title before this season - back at the Lyon Open in 2018, also partnered with Sock - but Kyrgios has now won three in the past eight months, emerging triumphant with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis at both the Australian Open and last month`s Atlanta Open.</p>


Nick Kyrgios capped off a terrific week at the Washington Open by beating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4 6-3 in the singles final, before combining with Jack Sock to also win the doubles 7-5 6-4 against the team of Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek.

Nick Kyrgios capped off a terrific week at the Washington Open by beating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4 6-3 in the singles final, before combining with Jack Sock to also win the doubles 7-5 6-4 against the team of Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek. In the singles, Kyrgios` serve was overpowering against his Japanese opponent, winning 76 per cent (38-of-50) of his points on serve, and saving the only break point opportunity he faced, which came early in the opening set. His return game was also sharp, collecting breaks of serve in the first game of each set to snatch all the momentum and keep Nishioka on the back foot and chasing all day. Kyrgios finished with 12 aces to Nishioka`s three, and finished the match just like he started it with a break of serve, reports DPA. It caps off a tournament where he dropped only one set in his six matches - against Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-final - to win his first singles title since this same event back in 2019. ALSO READ | CWG 2022: Indian contingent shines, ends campaign at fourth slot with a staggering 61 medals Just a few hours later, Kyrgios was back on the court with Sock contesting the doubles final, with the pair saving both break points they faced. After an even start, Kyrgios and Sock broke late in the first set, and then struck again to break in the opening game of the second set, going on to serve things out comfortably, never allowing Dodig and Krajicek to even reach deuce against their serve. In doing so, Kyrgios became the first player to ever sweep both the singles and doubles in Washington. He only had one doubles title before this season - back at the Lyon Open in 2018, also partnered with Sock - but Kyrgios has now won three in the past eight months, emerging triumphant with fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis at both the Australian Open and last month`s Atlanta Open.

Washington Open: Aussie star Nick Kyrgios wins singles and doubles titles

<p>American 18-year-old Coco Gauff found the poise to stall a fierce fightback from four-time major winner Naomi Osaka on Thursday, defeating the former world number one 6-4 6-4 to reach the Silicon Valley Classic quarter-finals.</p>

<p>It was the fourth meeting between Japan`s Osaka and Gauff, who finished runner-up in her maiden Grand Slam final at this year`s French Open, with the American levelling the head-to-head record at 2-2.<br />
Gauff did not allow a single opportunity on her serve in the opening set, with a sole break of Osaka`s delivery enough for the American to take it.</p>

<p>She dominated the twice Australian and U.S. Open champion in the second set to go 5-1, 40-0 up before the 24-year-old Osaka turned things around. Osaka saved four match points to hold serve and then broke Gauff, who committed two double faults, on her first opportunity in the eighth game.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no-1-daniil-medvedev-attains-new-milestone-on-winning-return-in-los-cabos-503630"><strong>World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev attains new milestone on winning return in Los Cabos</strong></a></p>

<p>Osaka saved three more match points for her next service hold to narrow the deficit to 5-4 before Gauff converted her eighth match point with another big serve. "Even though I was up 5-1, 40-0 I knew I didn`t have the match in the bag yet and she proved that," Gauff said. "When you play Naomi she can play lights out tennis. I wasn`t too mad. I was just like, eventually it`ll calm down and if it doesn`t calm down then it`s probably not my day.</p>

<p>"The most proud was how I responded mentally. I could have easily folded in those couple of double-faults and match points that I lost. But I kept telling myself, `another point, another chance,` and then the music kind of helped on the bench. I was trying to sing along to the song to get me out of the match."</p>

<p>Next up for Gauff, who is third behind top-ranked Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur in the Race to the WTA Finals leaderboard, will be second-seeded Spaniard Paula Badosa. The WTA 500 tournament in San Jose, California lost its top seed on Thursday when world number three Maria Sakkari was beaten 6-1 6-3 by American Shelby Rogers.</p>


American 18-year-old Coco Gauff found the poise to stall a fierce fightback from four-time major winner Naomi Osaka on Thursday, defeating the former world number one 6-4 6-4 to reach the Silicon Valley Classic quarter-finals.

American 18-year-old Coco Gauff found the poise to stall a fierce fightback from four-time major winner Naomi Osaka on Thursday, defeating the former world number one 6-4 6-4 to reach the Silicon Valley Classic quarter-finals. It was the fourth meeting between Japan`s Osaka and Gauff, who finished runner-up in her maiden Grand Slam final at this year`s French Open, with the American levelling the head-to-head record at 2-2. Gauff did not allow a single opportunity on her serve in the opening set, with a sole break of Osaka`s delivery enough for the American to take it. She dominated the twice Australian and U.S. Open champion in the second set to go 5-1, 40-0 up before the 24-year-old Osaka turned things around. Osaka saved four match points to hold serve and then broke Gauff, who committed two double faults, on her first opportunity in the eighth game. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev attains new milestone on winning return in Los Cabos Osaka saved three more match points for her next service hold to narrow the deficit to 5-4 before Gauff converted her eighth match point with another big serve. "Even though I was up 5-1, 40-0 I knew I didn`t have the match in the bag yet and she proved that," Gauff said. "When you play Naomi she can play lights out tennis. I wasn`t too mad. I was just like, eventually it`ll calm down and if it doesn`t calm down then it`s probably not my day. "The most proud was how I responded mentally. I could have easily folded in those couple of double-faults and match points that I lost. But I kept telling myself, `another point, another chance,` and then the music kind of helped on the bench. I was trying to sing along to the song to get me out of the match." Next up for Gauff, who is third behind top-ranked Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur in the Race to the WTA Finals leaderboard, will be second-seeded Spaniard Paula Badosa. The WTA 500 tournament in San Jose, California lost its top seed on Thursday when world number three Maria Sakkari was beaten 6-1 6-3 by American Shelby Rogers.

Teen sensation Coco Gauff stalls fierce fightback from Naomi Osaka in San Jose

<p>Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from next week`s U.S. Open tune-up event in Montreal, Canada due to the same abdominal strain which forced him to miss his Wimbledon semi-final last month, he said on Friday.<br />
World number three Nadal`s quest for a calendar Grand Slam ended after he pulled out of his highly anticipated showdown against Australia`s Nick Kyrgios less than 24 hours before the match.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old Nadal, who has won 22 major titles, is a five-time champion at the ATP 1000 event in Montreal, which begins on Monday. "I have been practicing for a while now without serving and started with serves four days ago. Everything has been going well, however yesterday, after my normal practice, I felt a slight bother on my abdominal and today it was still there," Nadal said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teen-sensation-coco-gauff-stalls-fierce-fightback-from-naomi-osaka-fightback-in-san-jose-503930">Teen sensation Coco Gauff stalls fierce fightback from Naomi Osaka fightback in San Jose</a></strong></p>

<p>"After speaking with my doctor we prefer to take things in a conservative way and give a few more days before starting to compete. "I am very sad not to finally travel to Montreal and to play a tournament that I have won five times and I love to play. I seriously hope I can come back there to play in front of the amazing crowds up there."</p>

<p>Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic also withdrew from the event on Thursday as he cannot enter the country without being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while Britain`s Andy Murray was handed one of four wildcards.</p>


Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from next week`s U.S. Open tune-up event in Montreal, Canada due to the same abdominal strain which forced him to miss his Wimbledon semi-final last month, he said on Friday.

Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from next week`s U.S. Open tune-up event in Montreal, Canada due to the same abdominal strain which forced him to miss his Wimbledon semi-final last month, he said on Friday. World number three Nadal`s quest for a calendar Grand Slam ended after he pulled out of his highly anticipated showdown against Australia`s Nick Kyrgios less than 24 hours before the match. The 26-year-old Nadal, who has won 22 major titles, is a five-time champion at the ATP 1000 event in Montreal, which begins on Monday. "I have been practicing for a while now without serving and started with serves four days ago. Everything has been going well, however yesterday, after my normal practice, I felt a slight bother on my abdominal and today it was still there," Nadal said in a statement. ALSO READ | Teen sensation Coco Gauff stalls fierce fightback from Naomi Osaka fightback in San Jose "After speaking with my doctor we prefer to take things in a conservative way and give a few more days before starting to compete. "I am very sad not to finally travel to Montreal and to play a tournament that I have won five times and I love to play. I seriously hope I can come back there to play in front of the amazing crowds up there." Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic also withdrew from the event on Thursday as he cannot enter the country without being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while Britain`s Andy Murray was handed one of four wildcards.

After unvaccinated Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal also pulls out from Montreal hardcourt event

<p>World number one Daniil Medvedev acknowledged reaching a "nice" milestone as, playing his first tour match since June, he beat qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-3 in Los Cabos, Mexico on Wednesday to record his 250th professional singles win.</p>

<p>Medvedev, who sat out Wimbledon due to an All England Club ban on Russian players, closed the match out in just over 90 minutes, with Hijikata showing resilience by saving five breakpoints over the course of the two sets. "Somebody told me this a few days ago ...otherwise I would not have known," Medvedev said of the milestone. "For sure I want more victories but that`s also nice to have 250. We`ll try to get more."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silicon-valley-classic-naomi-osaka-makes-winning-return-sets-up-mouth-watering-clash-vs-coco-gauff-503148">Silicon Valley Classic: Naomi Osaka makes winning return, sets up mouth-watering clash vs Coco Gauff</a></strong></p>

<p>The win also helps Medvedev get back into the hardcourt groove as he ramps up preparations for his U.S. Open title defence, with his previous match on his preferred surface having come in the Miami Open in March.</p>

<p>"It`s definitely not that easy to play after you stop for a while...," Medvedev said. "Sensations were not bad. I could have just broken a little bit more, but when you win, everything is fine. I have to play like this in the next matches." Medvedev next faces Lithuania`s Ricardas Berankis in the quarter-finals.</p>


World number one Daniil Medvedev acknowledged reaching a "nice" milestone as, playing his first tour match since June, he beat qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-3 in Los Cabos, Mexico on Wednesday to record his 250th professional singles win.

World number one Daniil Medvedev acknowledged reaching a "nice" milestone as, playing his first tour match since June, he beat qualifier Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-3 in Los Cabos, Mexico on Wednesday to record his 250th professional singles win. Medvedev, who sat out Wimbledon due to an All England Club ban on Russian players, closed the match out in just over 90 minutes, with Hijikata showing resilience by saving five breakpoints over the course of the two sets. "Somebody told me this a few days ago ...otherwise I would not have known," Medvedev said of the milestone. "For sure I want more victories but that`s also nice to have 250. We`ll try to get more." ALSO READ | Silicon Valley Classic: Naomi Osaka makes winning return, sets up mouth-watering clash vs Coco Gauff The win also helps Medvedev get back into the hardcourt groove as he ramps up preparations for his U.S. Open title defence, with his previous match on his preferred surface having come in the Miami Open in March. "It`s definitely not that easy to play after you stop for a while...," Medvedev said. "Sensations were not bad. I could have just broken a little bit more, but when you win, everything is fine. I have to play like this in the next matches." Medvedev next faces Lithuania`s Ricardas Berankis in the quarter-finals.

World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev attains new milestone on winning return in Los Cabos

<p>Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka returned to action for the first time since May with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering clash against teenage American Coco Gauff.</p>

<p>Japan`s Osaka suffered a left Achilles injury in the lead-up to the French Open, where she lost in the opening round before pulling out of Wimbledon. The former world number one has her father back as coach after splitting with Wim Fissette and showed she has regained full fitness during her victory at the WTA 500 event in San Jose, California.</p>

<p>"My best friends are from here. So I`ve been to the campus and been to the class, on the side. I kind of feel like a local," Osaka, who has currently slipped down to 41 in the rankings, said on court. "It`s good to be back playing, I haven`t played since May. I didn`t realise that but somebody told me."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/legendary-dodgers-broadcaster-vin-scully-passes-away-at-94-503132">Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully passes away at 94</a></strong></p>

<p>Next up for Osaka, who won the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020, will be 18-year-old Gauff, who moved into the second round with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina. "What`s always impressed me about Coco is her mentality," Osaka, 24, said. "When I was her age, I would find myself getting frustrated and I would show it. I just think it`s really cool how she`s able to stay really neutral all the time.</p>

<p>"She`s been on the Tour for a while and I think people don`t know that because of how young she is. She`s improving every year, so I think there`s a lot that she`s learning and it`s only a matter of time before she wins a Slam." Gauff is ranked 11th in the world and made her maiden Grand Slam final in Paris this year.<br />
"Either way, win or lose, I think that the match is going to be great," the American said.<br />
"She`s such a champion, on and off the court, so I guess those are the type of people that you want to play, and I look forward to playing those matches."</p>


Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka returned to action for the first time since May with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering clash against teenage American Coco Gauff.

Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka returned to action for the first time since May with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over Zheng Qinwen at the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering clash against teenage American Coco Gauff. Japan`s Osaka suffered a left Achilles injury in the lead-up to the French Open, where she lost in the opening round before pulling out of Wimbledon. The former world number one has her father back as coach after splitting with Wim Fissette and showed she has regained full fitness during her victory at the WTA 500 event in San Jose, California. "My best friends are from here. So I`ve been to the campus and been to the class, on the side. I kind of feel like a local," Osaka, who has currently slipped down to 41 in the rankings, said on court. "It`s good to be back playing, I haven`t played since May. I didn`t realise that but somebody told me." ALSO READ | Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully passes away at 94 Next up for Osaka, who won the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020, will be 18-year-old Gauff, who moved into the second round with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina. "What`s always impressed me about Coco is her mentality," Osaka, 24, said. "When I was her age, I would find myself getting frustrated and I would show it. I just think it`s really cool how she`s able to stay really neutral all the time. "She`s been on the Tour for a while and I think people don`t know that because of how young she is. She`s improving every year, so I think there`s a lot that she`s learning and it`s only a matter of time before she wins a Slam." Gauff is ranked 11th in the world and made her maiden Grand Slam final in Paris this year. "Either way, win or lose, I think that the match is going to be great," the American said. "She`s such a champion, on and off the court, so I guess those are the type of people that you want to play, and I look forward to playing those matches."

Silicon Valley Classic: Naomi Osaka makes winning return, sets up mouth-watering clash vs Coco Gauff

<p>Venus Williams lost to Canadian Rebecca Marino in her return to singles after more than a year, a defeat the seven-time Grand Slam champion chalked up to being rusty. Williams lost 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the Citi Open in Washington in her first singles match since last August.</p>

<p>“I don’t think I played well a lot of the times,”&nbsp;Williams said. “Just trying to shake off some rust. That’s just to be expected. All I can do is just play another tournament and play better.”</p>

<p>Before the hard-court tune-up for the U.S. Open, Williams last played singles in Chicago on Aug. 23, 2021, when she lost to Su-Wei Hseih. Williams played mixed doubles with Jamie Murray at Wimbledon. Williams practiced with sister and former doubles partner Serena leading up to the tournament which is not routine for them.</p>

<p>“I think it was a real thrill for the crowd to see us hit together,? Venus said. “I think more than anything, it was just very exciting for the tournament.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-rejected-700-800-million-liv-offer-reveals-breakaway-circuits-ceo-greg-norman-502811">Tiger Woods rejected $700-800 million LIV offer, reveals breakaway circuit's CEO Greg Norman</a></p>

<p>In other action on the women’s side, top-seeded Jessica Pegula and former top-ranked Simona Halep advanced to the next round.&nbsp;Pegula beat fellow American Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-2. Halep defeated Cristina Bucsa of Spain 6-3, 7-5 after adjusting to a different surface following grass-court season.</p>

<p>“I had a good run in Wimbledon, so it’s always tough to start,”&nbsp;Halep said. “But I’m really happy I won the match and I can play another match here.”</p>

<p>On the men’s side, former No. 1 Andy Murray lost his opening match 7-6(8), 4-6, 6-1 to Swede Mikael Ymer. Murray started cramping at the end of the first set and struggled to recover.</p>

<p>“It was disappointing, obviously,”&nbsp;Murray said. “I thought there was some good tennis in the first set. After that, both of us were struggling a bit physically. The level of the tennis was not great.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/basketball-star-brittney-griner-appears-in-russian-court-after-us-makes-swap-offer-502849">Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in Russian court after U.S. makes swap offer</a></p>

<p>Countryman Kyle Edmund defeated qualifier Yosuke Watanuki 6-4, 7-6(8) to win his first ATP Tour-level singles match since October 2020. Edmund, who was once the top-ranked Brit and climbed as high as 14th in the world, was out while recovering from three knee surgeries.</p>

<p>During his rehab, Edmund pictured himself back on the court in moments like this. “There were long periods where I was just out, couldn’t play, didn’t pick a racket up. ... It just wasn’t fun at all. These sort of matches or these events are something you imagine when you’re out,” he said.</p>


Venus Williams lost to Canadian Rebecca Marino in her return to singles after more than a year, a defeat the seven-time Grand Slam champion chalked up to being rusty.

Venus Williams lost to Canadian Rebecca Marino in her return to singles after more than a year, a defeat the seven-time Grand Slam champion chalked up to being rusty. Williams lost 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the Citi Open in Washington in her first singles match since last August. “I don’t think I played well a lot of the times,” Williams said. “Just trying to shake off some rust. That’s just to be expected. All I can do is just play another tournament and play better.” Before the hard-court tune-up for the U.S. Open, Williams last played singles in Chicago on Aug. 23, 2021, when she lost to Su-Wei Hseih. Williams played mixed doubles with Jamie Murray at Wimbledon. Williams practiced with sister and former doubles partner Serena leading up to the tournament which is not routine for them. “I think it was a real thrill for the crowd to see us hit together,? Venus said. “I think more than anything, it was just very exciting for the tournament.” Also Read: Tiger Woods rejected $700-800 million LIV offer, reveals breakaway circuit's CEO Greg Norman In other action on the women’s side, top-seeded Jessica Pegula and former top-ranked Simona Halep advanced to the next round. Pegula beat fellow American Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-2. Halep defeated Cristina Bucsa of Spain 6-3, 7-5 after adjusting to a different surface following grass-court season. “I had a good run in Wimbledon, so it’s always tough to start,” Halep said. “But I’m really happy I won the match and I can play another match here.” On the men’s side, former No. 1 Andy Murray lost his opening match 7-6(8), 4-6, 6-1 to Swede Mikael Ymer. Murray started cramping at the end of the first set and struggled to recover. “It was disappointing, obviously,” Murray said. “I thought there was some good tennis in the first set. After that, both of us were struggling a bit physically. The level of the tennis was not great.” Also Read: Basketball star Brittney Griner appears in Russian court after U.S. makes swap offer Countryman Kyle Edmund defeated qualifier Yosuke Watanuki 6-4, 7-6(8) to win his first ATP Tour-level singles match since October 2020. Edmund, who was once the top-ranked Brit and climbed as high as 14th in the world, was out while recovering from three knee surgeries. During his rehab, Edmund pictured himself back on the court in moments like this. “There were long periods where I was just out, couldn’t play, didn’t pick a racket up. ... It just wasn’t fun at all. These sort of matches or these events are something you imagine when you’re out,” he said.

Venus Williams loses against Rebecca Marino on singles return at Citi Open

<p>Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios` court date relating to a common assault charge has been pushed back by three weeks, media reported on Friday. Australian Capital Territory Policing previously said the charge was in relation to an incident in December 2021. Australian media said it was related to a complaint made by a former partner of the player.</p>

<p>Kyrgios, asked about the charge at a news conference at the Wimbledon championship in London this month, said his lawyer had advised him not to comment at this time. His lawyer did not immediately respond to request for comment.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brittney-griner-trial-russia-says-there-is-no-deal-on-swapping-us-basketballer-for-jailed-arms-trafficker-501438"><strong>Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker</strong></a></p>

<p>The 27-year-old Kyrgios, who finished runner-up at Wimbledon, was scheduled to appear before a Canberra court next Tuesday but the matter will now be heard on Aug. 23, the Australian Associated Press said. Kyrgios, ranked 47th in the world, is scheduled to play at next month`s Western &amp; Southern Open, the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, Ohio, which will start two weeks before the U.S. Open begins in New York on Aug. 29.</p>


Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios` court date relating to a common assault charge has been pushed back by three weeks, media reported on Friday. Australian Capital Territory Policing previously said the charge was in relation to an incident in December 2021.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios` court date relating to a common assault charge has been pushed back by three weeks, media reported on Friday. Australian Capital Territory Policing previously said the charge was in relation to an incident in December 2021. Australian media said it was related to a complaint made by a former partner of the player. Kyrgios, asked about the charge at a news conference at the Wimbledon championship in London this month, said his lawyer had advised him not to comment at this time. His lawyer did not immediately respond to request for comment. ALSO READ | Brittney Griner trial: Russia says there is no deal on swapping US basketballer for jailed arms trafficker The 27-year-old Kyrgios, who finished runner-up at Wimbledon, was scheduled to appear before a Canberra court next Tuesday but the matter will now be heard on Aug. 23, the Australian Associated Press said. Kyrgios, ranked 47th in the world, is scheduled to play at next month`s Western & Southern Open, the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, Ohio, which will start two weeks before the U.S. Open begins in New York on Aug. 29.

Wimbledon 2022's runner-up Nick Kyrgios' Australian court date pushed back by three weeks

<p>The Commonwealth Games 2022 edition is set to get underway on July 29 (Friday) in Birmingham, England. The forthcoming edition has been keenly awaited by many Indian sports fanatics, especially after seeing the Indian contingnent's performance in the last year's Tokyo Olympics.</p>

<p>Team India is a strong squad comprising several star athletes, such as PV Sindhu, Manpreet Singh-led India men's hockey team and Savita Punia's women's hockey line-up, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Manika Batra, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia, etc.</p>

<p>Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower, misses out due to a groin injury, nonetheless, there is enough firepower in the Indian contingent to impress in the upcoming event in Birmingham. Ahead of the opening ceremony, to be held&nbsp;at the Alexander Stadium, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) named Sindhu as the flagbearer, followed by Manpreet Singh.</p>

<p>Being handed over such a huge responsibility, Sindhu said after the announcement on Wednesday (July 27), "It's a great honour to be bestowed with the responsibility to lead the contingent and hold the flag at such an august gathering. I'm extremely happy and I wish all my fellow contingent all the best for the Games. I would like to thank IOA also for choosing me as the flag-bearer."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-2022-when-and-where-to-watch-live-streaming-of-opening-ceremony-501354">Commonwealth Games 2022: When and where to watch live streaming of opening ceremony?</a></strong></p>

<h2>Full schedule for CWG'22 for Indian star athletes&nbsp;(by sport)</h2>

<h2>Athletics</h2>

<p><strong>July 30:&nbsp;</strong>Nitender Rawat (Men’s Marathon)</p>

<p><strong>August 2:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Avinash Sable (Men’s 3000m Steeplechase)</p>

<p>Murali Sreeshankar (Men’s Long Jump)</p>

<p>Muhammed Anees Yahiya (Men’s Long Jump)</p>

<p>Dhanalakshmi Sekar (Women’s 100m)</p>

<p>Jyothi Yarraji (Women’s 100m hurdles)</p>

<p>Manpreet Kaur (Women’s Shot Put)</p>

<p>Navjeet Kaur Dhillon (Women’s Discus Throw)</p>

<p><strong>August 3:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Aishwarya B (Women’s Triple Jump)</p>

<p><strong>August 5:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Abdulla Aboobacker (Men’s Triple Jump)</p>

<p>Praveen Chithravel (Men’s Triple Jump)</p>

<p>Eldhose Paul (Men’s Triple Jump)</p>

<p>DP Manu (Men’s Javelin Throw)</p>

<p>Rohit Yadav (Men’s Javelin Throw)</p>

<p>Sandeep Kumar (Men’s 10km race walk)</p>

<p>Amit Khatri (Men’s 10km race walk)</p>

<p>Aishwarya B (Women’s Long Jump)</p>

<p>Ancy Sojan (Women’s Long Jump)</p>

<p>Annu Rani (Women’s Javelin Throw)</p>

<p>Shilpa Rani (Women’s Javelin Throw)</p>

<p>Manju Bala Singh (Women’s Hammer Throw)</p>

<p>Sarita Romit Singh (Women’s Hammer Throw)</p>

<p><strong>August 6:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Amoj Jacob (Men’s 4x400m relay)</p>

<p>Noah Nirmal Tom (Men’s 4x400m relay)</p>

<p>Arokia Rajiv (Men’s 4x400m relay)</p>

<p>Muhammed Ajmal (Men’s 4x400m relay)</p>

<p>Naganathan Pandi (Men’s 4x400m relay)</p>

<p>Rajesh Ramesh (Men’s 4x400m relay)</p>

<p>Bhawna Jat (Women’s 10km race walk)</p>

<p>Priyanka Goswami (Women’s 10km race walk)</p>

<p>Hima Das (Women’s 4x100m relay)</p>

<p>Dutee Chand (Women’s 4x100m relay)</p>

<p>Srabani Nanda (Women’s 4x100m relay)</p>

<p>MV Jilna (Women’s 4x100m relay)</p>

<p>NS Simi (Women’s 4x100m relay)</p>

<h2>Badminton</h2>

<p><strong>July 29:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Ashwini Ponnappa (Mixed Doubles)</p>

<p>B Sumeeth Reddy (Mixed Doubles)</p>

<p><strong>August 3:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>PV Sindhu (Women’s Singles)</p>

<p>Aakarshi Kashyap (Women’s Singles)</p>

<p>Lakshya Sen (Men’s Singles)</p>

<p>Kidambi Srikanth (Men’s Singles)</p>

<p><strong>August 4:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Treesa Jolly (Women’s Doubles)</p>

<p>Gayatri Gopichand (Women’s Doubles)</p>

<p>Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (Men’s Doubles)</p>

<p>Chirag Shetty (Men’s Doubles)</p>

<h2>Boxing</h2>

<p><strong>July 30:&nbsp;</strong>Amit Panghal (Men’s 51kg)</p>

<p>Mohammad Hussamuddin (Men’s 57kg)</p>

<p>Shiva Thapa (Men’s 63.5kg)</p>

<p>Rohit Tokas (Men’s 67kg)</p>

<p>Sumit Kundu (Men’s 75kg)</p>

<p>Ashish Chaudhary (Men’s 80kg)</p>

<p>Sanjeet (Men’s 92kg)</p>

<p>Sagar (Men’s 92+kg)</p>

<p>Nitu (Women’s 48kg)</p>

<p>Nikhat Zareen (Women’s 50kg)</p>

<p>Jasmine (Women’s 60kg)</p>

<p>Lovlina Borgohain (Women’s 70kg)</p>

<h2>Cricket</h2>

<p><strong>July 29:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Australia</p>

<p><strong>July 31:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Pakistan</p>

<p><strong>August 3:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Barbados</p>

<h2>Hockey&nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>Men's</strong></p>

<p><strong>July 31:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Ghana</p>

<p><strong>August 1:&nbsp;</strong>India vs England</p>

<p><strong>August 3:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Canada</p>

<p><strong>August 4:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Wales</p>

<p><strong>Women’s</strong></p>

<p><strong>July 29:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Ghana</p>

<p><strong>July 30:&nbsp;</strong>India vs Wales</p>

<p><strong>August 2:</strong>&nbsp;India vs England</p>

<p><strong>August 3:</strong>&nbsp;India vs Canada</p>

<h2>Table Tennis</h2>

<h2>Men’s Team</h2>

<p><strong>July 29:</strong>&nbsp;Round 1 &amp; Round 2</p>

<p><strong>July 30:&nbsp;</strong>Round 3</p>

<p><strong>July 31:&nbsp;</strong>Quarterfinals</p>

<p><strong>August 1:&nbsp;</strong>Semifinals</p>

<p><strong>August 2:&nbsp;</strong>Finals</p>

<h2>Women’s Team events Schedule</h2>

<p><strong>July 29:&nbsp;</strong>Round 1 &amp; Round 2</p>

<p><strong>July 30:</strong>&nbsp;Round 3</p>

<p><strong>July 30:</strong>&nbsp;Quarterfinals</p>

<p><strong>July 31:</strong>&nbsp;Semifinals</p>

<p><strong>August 1:</strong>&nbsp;Finals</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-a-great-honour-pv-sindhu-reacts-after-olympic-medallist-named-indias-flagbearer-at-cwg-2022-501228">'It's a great honour' - PV Sindhu reacts after Olympic medallist named India's flagbearer at CWG 2022</a></strong></p>

<h2>Weightlifting</h2>

<p><strong>July 30:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mirabai Chanu (Women’s 55kg)</p>

<p>Sanket Mahadev (Men’s 55kg)</p>

<p>Chanambam Rishikanta Singh (Men’s 55kg)</p>

<p><strong>July 31:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bindyarani Devi (Women’s 59kg)</p>

<p>Jeremy Lalrinnunga (Men’s 67kg)</p>

<p>Achinta Sheuli (Men’s 73kg)</p>

<p><strong>August 1:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Popy Hazarika (Women’s 64kg)</p>

<p>Ajay Singh (Men’s 81kg)</p>

<p><strong>August 2:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usha Kumara (Women’s 87kg)</p>

<p>Purnima Pandey (Women’s 87+kg)</p>

<p>Vikas Thakur (Men’s 96kg)</p>

<p>Ragala Venkat Rahul (Men’s 96kg)</p>

<h2>Wrestling</h2>

<p><strong>August 5:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bajrang Punia (Men’s 65kg)</p>

<p>Deepak Punia (Men’s 86kg)</p>

<p>Mohit Grewal (Men’s 125kg)</p>

<p>Anshu Malik (Women’s 57kg)</p>

<p>Sakshi Malik (Women’s 62kg)</p>

<p>Divya Kakran (Women’s 68kg)</p>

<p>How many medals will the Indian contingent return with? Only time will tell...</p>


The Commonwealth Games 2022 edition is set to get underway on July 29 (Friday) in Birmingham, England. The forthcoming edition has been keenly awaited by many Indian sports fanatics, especially after seeing the Indian contingnent's performance in the last year's Tokyo Olympics.

The Commonwealth Games 2022 edition is set to get underway on July 29 (Friday) in Birmingham, England. The forthcoming edition has been keenly awaited by many Indian sports fanatics, especially after seeing the Indian contingnent's performance in the last year's Tokyo Olympics. Team India is a strong squad comprising several star athletes, such as PV Sindhu, Manpreet Singh-led India men's hockey team and Savita Punia's women's hockey line-up, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Manika Batra, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia, etc. Neeraj Chopra, India's star javelin thrower, misses out due to a groin injury, nonetheless, there is enough firepower in the Indian contingent to impress in the upcoming event in Birmingham. Ahead of the opening ceremony, to be held at the Alexander Stadium, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) named Sindhu as the flagbearer, followed by Manpreet Singh. Being handed over such a huge responsibility, Sindhu said after the announcement on Wednesday (July 27), "It's a great honour to be bestowed with the responsibility to lead the contingent and hold the flag at such an august gathering. I'm extremely happy and I wish all my fellow contingent all the best for the Games. I would like to thank IOA also for choosing me as the flag-bearer." ALSO READ | Commonwealth Games 2022: When and where to watch live streaming of opening ceremony? Full schedule for CWG'22 for Indian star athletes (by sport) Athletics July 30: Nitender Rawat (Men’s Marathon) August 2: Avinash Sable (Men’s 3000m Steeplechase) Murali Sreeshankar (Men’s Long Jump) Muhammed Anees Yahiya (Men’s Long Jump) Dhanalakshmi Sekar (Women’s 100m) Jyothi Yarraji (Women’s 100m hurdles) Manpreet Kaur (Women’s Shot Put) Navjeet Kaur Dhillon (Women’s Discus Throw) August 3: Aishwarya B (Women’s Triple Jump) August 5: Abdulla Aboobacker (Men’s Triple Jump) Praveen Chithravel (Men’s Triple Jump) Eldhose Paul (Men’s Triple Jump) DP Manu (Men’s Javelin Throw) Rohit Yadav (Men’s Javelin Throw) Sandeep Kumar (Men’s 10km race walk) Amit Khatri (Men’s 10km race walk) Aishwarya B (Women’s Long Jump) Ancy Sojan (Women’s Long Jump) Annu Rani (Women’s Javelin Throw) Shilpa Rani (Women’s Javelin Throw) Manju Bala Singh (Women’s Hammer Throw) Sarita Romit Singh (Women’s Hammer Throw) August 6: Amoj Jacob (Men’s 4x400m relay) Noah Nirmal Tom (Men’s 4x400m relay) Arokia Rajiv (Men’s 4x400m relay) Muhammed Ajmal (Men’s 4x400m relay) Naganathan Pandi (Men’s 4x400m relay) Rajesh Ramesh (Men’s 4x400m relay) Bhawna Jat (Women’s 10km race walk) Priyanka Goswami (Women’s 10km race walk) Hima Das (Women’s 4x100m relay) Dutee Chand (Women’s 4x100m relay) Srabani Nanda (Women’s 4x100m relay) MV Jilna (Women’s 4x100m relay) NS Simi (Women’s 4x100m relay) Badminton July 29: Ashwini Ponnappa (Mixed Doubles) B Sumeeth Reddy (Mixed Doubles) August 3: PV Sindhu (Women’s Singles) Aakarshi Kashyap (Women’s Singles) Lakshya Sen (Men’s Singles) Kidambi Srikanth (Men’s Singles) August 4: Treesa Jolly (Women’s Doubles) Gayatri Gopichand (Women’s Doubles) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (Men’s Doubles) Chirag Shetty (Men’s Doubles) Boxing July 30: Amit Panghal (Men’s 51kg) Mohammad Hussamuddin (Men’s 57kg) Shiva Thapa (Men’s 63.5kg) Rohit Tokas (Men’s 67kg) Sumit Kundu (Men’s 75kg) Ashish Chaudhary (Men’s 80kg) Sanjeet (Men’s 92kg) Sagar (Men’s 92+kg) Nitu (Women’s 48kg) Nikhat Zareen (Women’s 50kg) Jasmine (Women’s 60kg) Lovlina Borgohain (Women’s 70kg) Cricket July 29: India vs Australia July 31: India vs Pakistan August 3: India vs Barbados Hockey Men's July 31: India vs Ghana August 1: India vs England August 3: India vs Canada August 4: India vs Wales Women’s July 29: India vs Ghana July 30: India vs Wales August 2: India vs England August 3: India vs Canada Table Tennis Men’s Team July 29: Round 1 & Round 2 July 30: Round 3 July 31: Quarterfinals August 1: Semifinals August 2: Finals Women’s Team events Schedule July 29: Round 1 & Round 2 July 30: Round 3 July 30: Quarterfinals July 31: Semifinals August 1: Finals ALSO READ | 'It's a great honour' - PV Sindhu reacts after Olympic medallist named India's flagbearer at CWG 2022 Weightlifting July 30: Mirabai Chanu (Women’s 55kg) Sanket Mahadev (Men’s 55kg) Chanambam Rishikanta Singh (Men’s 55kg) July 31: Bindyarani Devi (Women’s 59kg) Jeremy Lalrinnunga (Men’s 67kg) Achinta Sheuli (Men’s 73kg) August 1: Popy Hazarika (Women’s 64kg) Ajay Singh (Men’s 81kg) August 2: Usha Kumara (Women’s 87kg) Purnima Pandey (Women’s 87+kg) Vikas Thakur (Men’s 96kg) Ragala Venkat Rahul (Men’s 96kg) Wrestling August 5: Bajrang Punia (Men’s 65kg) Deepak Punia (Men’s 86kg) Mohit Grewal (Men’s 125kg) Anshu Malik (Women’s 57kg) Sakshi Malik (Women’s 62kg) Divya Kakran (Women’s 68kg) How many medals will the Indian contingent return with? Only time will tell...

CWG 2022: From PV Sindhu to Bajrang Punia! Full schedule of Indian athletes in showpiece event

<p>World No.1 Iga Swiatek and six-time champion Serena Williams are on the packed star-studded entry list for the final Grand Slam event of the season US Open 2022 which commences on August 29.World No.1 claimed the top spot from the list of 104 players who received direct entry into the season`s last major. Swiatek will aim for her second Grand Slam crown of the year after winning the French Open title as part of an amazing 37-match winning streak.</p>

<p>The six-time US Open champion Serena Williams also claimed a spot on the list. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her career, the most by any player, female or male, since the opening of the Open Era in 1968.The current WTA Top 5 are: Swiatek, Anett Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari, Paula Badosa and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur. Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will also make her first appearance at a major as a Grand Slam winner.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-rankings-spaniard-carlos-alcaraz-becomes-youngest-player-since-rafael-nadal-to-storm-into-top-5-500564">ATP Rankings: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest player since Rafael Nadal to storm into top 5</a></strong></p>

<p>British player Emma Raducanu will return to US Open to defend her title. Last year, British teen sensation Raducanu swept through ten matches without the loss of any set to become the first player, female or male, to win a Grand Slam event as a qualifier. Other Grand Slam champions entered include Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Barbora Krejcikova, Jelena Ostapenko and three-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka.Coco Gauff, this year`s French Open finalist, and Danielle Collins, this season`s Australian Open finalist, are two Americans who will try to go one step further in New York this year.</p>

<p>2018 and 2020 champion Naomi Osaka, 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, and 2017 winner Sloane Stephens are other former US Open titlists in the mix.</p>


World No.1 Iga Swiatek and six-time champion Serena Williams are on the packed star-studded entry list for the final Grand Slam event of the season US Open 2022 which commences on August 29.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek and six-time champion Serena Williams are on the packed star-studded entry list for the final Grand Slam event of the season US Open 2022 which commences on August 29.World No.1 claimed the top spot from the list of 104 players who received direct entry into the season`s last major. Swiatek will aim for her second Grand Slam crown of the year after winning the French Open title as part of an amazing 37-match winning streak. The six-time US Open champion Serena Williams also claimed a spot on the list. Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her career, the most by any player, female or male, since the opening of the Open Era in 1968.The current WTA Top 5 are: Swiatek, Anett Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari, Paula Badosa and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur. Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will also make her first appearance at a major as a Grand Slam winner. ALSO READ | ATP Rankings: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest player since Rafael Nadal to storm into top 5 British player Emma Raducanu will return to US Open to defend her title. Last year, British teen sensation Raducanu swept through ten matches without the loss of any set to become the first player, female or male, to win a Grand Slam event as a qualifier. Other Grand Slam champions entered include Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Barbora Krejcikova, Jelena Ostapenko and three-time US Open finalist Victoria Azarenka.Coco Gauff, this year`s French Open finalist, and Danielle Collins, this season`s Australian Open finalist, are two Americans who will try to go one step further in New York this year. 2018 and 2020 champion Naomi Osaka, 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, and 2017 winner Sloane Stephens are other former US Open titlists in the mix.

US Open: Iga Swiatek, Serena Williams headline entry list for last Grand Slam of 2022

<p>Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios has been handed a wildcard into next month's U.S. Open tune-up event in Cincinnati, Ohio, organisers of the Western &amp; Southern Open said on Monday.</p>

<p>For the 27-year-old Australian, who two weeks ago fell to Novak Djokovic in his first Grand Slam singles final, this will mark his sixth appearance in Cincinnati and first since 2019.</p>

<p>The entry list for the Aug. 13-21 Western &amp; Southern Open includes world number one Daniil Medvedev and former champions Alexander Zverev (2021) -- who missed Wimbledon with injury -- Grigor Dimitrov (2017), Marin Cilic (2016) and Rafa Nadal (2013).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/novak-djokovic-extends-dominance-at-wimbledon-a-look-at-all-21-grand-slams-won-by-the-serbian-ace-496407">Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace</a></p>

<p>Twice champion Novak Djokovic is also on the Cincinnati entry list but is unlikely to play due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Travellers seeking to enter the United States have to provide proof of vaccination.</p>


Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios has been handed a wildcard into next month's U.S. Open tune-up event in Cincinnati, Ohio, organisers of the Western & Southern Open said on Monday.

Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios has been handed a wildcard into next month's U.S. Open tune-up event in Cincinnati, Ohio, organisers of the Western & Southern Open said on Monday. For the 27-year-old Australian, who two weeks ago fell to Novak Djokovic in his first Grand Slam singles final, this will mark his sixth appearance in Cincinnati and first since 2019. The entry list for the Aug. 13-21 Western & Southern Open includes world number one Daniil Medvedev and former champions Alexander Zverev (2021) -- who missed Wimbledon with injury -- Grigor Dimitrov (2017), Marin Cilic (2016) and Rafa Nadal (2013). Also Read: Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace Twice champion Novak Djokovic is also on the Cincinnati entry list but is unlikely to play due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Travellers seeking to enter the United States have to provide proof of vaccination.

Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios handed wildcard for U.S. Open 2022, to tune-up in Cincinnati

<p>The nineteen-year-old Carlos Alcaraz on Monday created history when he climbed to the No. 5 spot in the ATP Rankings, becoming the second-youngest player in the 21st century to reach the top five. Spaniard is the youngest man to achieve this feat since his outstanding compatriot Rafael Nadal first rose into the top five in 2005 while still 18. Alcaraz had a chance to break into World No. 4 but had to settle for No. 5 after losing in the Hamburg European Open final against Lorenzo Musetti.</p>

<p>While Daniil Medvedev remained the world number one, 2022 Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic settled on the seventh position after the grass-court Grand Slam tournament was stripped of ranking points for banning Russian and Belarusian players."It means a lot. The hard work that I put in every day for reaching my dreams, [No.] 1, and little by little I`m reaching my dream. Top five for me is pretty amazing and I will keep going to be [No.] 1," ATP.com quoted Alcaraz as saying.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-matthew-ebden-lauds-federer-nadal-djokovic-for-tennis-success-499805">Exclusive: Matthew Ebden lauds Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal &amp; Novak Djokovic for tennis' success</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-matthew-ebden-lauds-federer-nadal-djokovic-for-tennis-success-499805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Spanish sensation will attempt to win a title as the top seed at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag."Of course, Umag is a special tournament for me. I got my first title there, so I`m defending the title this year. But I`m going to try to play my best and of course, take lessons from here," Alcaraz said.</p>


The nineteen-year-old Carlos Alcaraz on Monday created history when he climbed to the No. 5 spot in the ATP Rankings, becoming the second-youngest player in the 21st century to reach the top five.

The nineteen-year-old Carlos Alcaraz on Monday created history when he climbed to the No. 5 spot in the ATP Rankings, becoming the second-youngest player in the 21st century to reach the top five. Spaniard is the youngest man to achieve this feat since his outstanding compatriot Rafael Nadal first rose into the top five in 2005 while still 18. Alcaraz had a chance to break into World No. 4 but had to settle for No. 5 after losing in the Hamburg European Open final against Lorenzo Musetti. While Daniil Medvedev remained the world number one, 2022 Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic settled on the seventh position after the grass-court Grand Slam tournament was stripped of ranking points for banning Russian and Belarusian players."It means a lot. The hard work that I put in every day for reaching my dreams, [No.] 1, and little by little I`m reaching my dream. Top five for me is pretty amazing and I will keep going to be [No.] 1," ATP.com quoted Alcaraz as saying. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Matthew Ebden lauds Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic for tennis' success × The Spanish sensation will attempt to win a title as the top seed at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag."Of course, Umag is a special tournament for me. I got my first title there, so I`m defending the title this year. But I`m going to try to play my best and of course, take lessons from here," Alcaraz said.

ATP Rankings: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest player since Rafael Nadal to storm into top 5

Wimbledon 2022's men's doubles champion Matthew Ebden speaks exclusively on tennis' Big Three -- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic -- and his partner Max Purcell during an interaction with Wion's Aditya Sahay.

Exclusive: Matthew Ebden lauds Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic for tennis' success

<p>Tennis fans are used to seeing Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray fight tooth and nail to beat each other at the Grand Slams but the "Big Four" are set to play together in the same team for the first time at the Laver Cup in London.</p>

<p>Wimbledon champion Djokovic on Friday was named as the fourth member of the six-man Team Europe, the 35-year-old Serb joining his long-time rivals at the fifth edition of the ATP-sanctioned event from Sept. 23-25.</p>

<p>Named after Australian great Rod Laver, the three-day team event pits six of Europe`s top players against six from the rest of the world. "It`s the only competition where you can play in a team environment with guys that you`re normally competing against and to be joining Rafa, Roger and Andy – three of my biggest all-time rivals – it`s going to be a truly unique moment in the history of our sport," Djokovic said in a statement.<br />
Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Murray have dominated men`s tennis over the last two decades, winning 66 Grand Slam titles between them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-be-ruled-out-of-us-open-as-organisers-to-follow-govts-guidelines-on-covid-19-vaccine-499376"><strong>Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine</strong></a></p>

<p>Nadal holds a men`s record 22 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic, who played in the second edition of the Laver Cup in 2018, one behind. London`s O2 Arena, which hosted the men`s season-ending ATP Finals from 2009 to 2020, will stage the Cup with Team Europe, captained by Bjorn Borg, having won all the previous editions.</p>

<p>"I don`t think I could have imagined having these four icons of the sport on one team together," said Borg. "I know they, like I, appreciate the significance of this moment and will be truly up for it. "Each year our goal is to win. With Rafa, Roger, Andy and Novak on the team, I like our chances."</p>

<p>Team World captain John McEnroe has named Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz and Diego Schwartzman as three members of his team.</p>


Tennis fans are used to seeing Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray fight tooth and nail to beat each other at the Grand Slams but the "Big Four" are set to play together in the same team for the first time at the Laver Cup in London.

Tennis fans are used to seeing Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray fight tooth and nail to beat each other at the Grand Slams but the "Big Four" are set to play together in the same team for the first time at the Laver Cup in London. Wimbledon champion Djokovic on Friday was named as the fourth member of the six-man Team Europe, the 35-year-old Serb joining his long-time rivals at the fifth edition of the ATP-sanctioned event from Sept. 23-25. Named after Australian great Rod Laver, the three-day team event pits six of Europe`s top players against six from the rest of the world. "It`s the only competition where you can play in a team environment with guys that you`re normally competing against and to be joining Rafa, Roger and Andy – three of my biggest all-time rivals – it`s going to be a truly unique moment in the history of our sport," Djokovic said in a statement. Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Murray have dominated men`s tennis over the last two decades, winning 66 Grand Slam titles between them. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine Nadal holds a men`s record 22 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic, who played in the second edition of the Laver Cup in 2018, one behind. London`s O2 Arena, which hosted the men`s season-ending ATP Finals from 2009 to 2020, will stage the Cup with Team Europe, captained by Bjorn Borg, having won all the previous editions. "I don`t think I could have imagined having these four icons of the sport on one team together," said Borg. "I know they, like I, appreciate the significance of this moment and will be truly up for it. "Each year our goal is to win. With Rafa, Roger, Andy and Novak on the team, I like our chances." Team World captain John McEnroe has named Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz and Diego Schwartzman as three members of his team.

Laver Cup: Serbian star Novak Djokovic joins Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray for Team Europe

<p>Wimbledon 2022 champion Novak Djokovic has been dealt with a huge blow. The Serbian's Covid-19 vaccination is not a hidden fact anymore and his reluctance to take the jab is set to rule him out of the US Open 2022 edition, i.e. the last Grand Slam of the calendar year.</p>

<p>With the tournament organisers set to abide by the US government's guidelines on Covid vaccination, Djokovic's refusal to get vaccinated will eventually prevent him from entering the country for the forthcoming showpiece event. Despite this, he has been named on the entry list. If he doesn't participate in the tournament, the 35-year-old will also miss a golden opportunity to level with Rafael Nadal in terms of most Grand Slam titles in men's singles (22). After the Wimbledon win, over Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic has 21 major titles.</p>

<p>Just after winning Wimbledon 2022 on July 10, the Serbian superstar had pointed out, "I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption." He added, "I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't know. I don't have much answers there."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/novak-djokovic-extends-dominance-at-wimbledon-a-look-at-all-21-grand-slams-won-by-the-serbian-ace-496407"><strong>Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our men's and women's singles entry lists have been released.<br />
<br />
Read more:</p>
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1549780269036617732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event," said a statement by the United States Tennis Association. "The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the U.S. government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens," it further asserted.</p>

<p>The US Open will kick off on August 29 and the final will be held on September 11. Earlier, Djokovic had missed Australian Open 2022 after he was deported back to his country following the Covid vaccination row.</p>


Wimbledon 2022 champion Novak Djokovic has been dealt with a huge blow. The Serbian's Covid-19 vaccination is not a hidden fact anymore and his reluctance to take the jab is set to rule him out of the US Open 2022 edition, i.

Wimbledon 2022 champion Novak Djokovic has been dealt with a huge blow. The Serbian's Covid-19 vaccination is not a hidden fact anymore and his reluctance to take the jab is set to rule him out of the US Open 2022 edition, i.e. the last Grand Slam of the calendar year. With the tournament organisers set to abide by the US government's guidelines on Covid vaccination, Djokovic's refusal to get vaccinated will eventually prevent him from entering the country for the forthcoming showpiece event. Despite this, he has been named on the entry list. If he doesn't participate in the tournament, the 35-year-old will also miss a golden opportunity to level with Rafael Nadal in terms of most Grand Slam titles in men's singles (22). After the Wimbledon win, over Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic has 21 major titles. Just after winning Wimbledon 2022 on July 10, the Serbian superstar had pointed out, "I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption." He added, "I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't know. I don't have much answers there." ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace Our men's and women's singles entry lists have been released. Read more: — US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 20, 2022 × "Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event," said a statement by the United States Tennis Association. "The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the U.S. government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens," it further asserted. The US Open will kick off on August 29 and the final will be held on September 11. Earlier, Djokovic had missed Australian Open 2022 after he was deported back to his country following the Covid vaccination row.

Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine

<p>Former World No.1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play her first singles match in nearly 12 months at the National Bank Open after being awarded a wild card into the main draw. Williams` most recent singles outing was at the Chicago Women`s Open last August, where she suffered a defeat in the first round to Hsieh Su-Wei. Her last singles win came against Mihaela Buzarnescu at Wimbledon 2021.</p>

<p>"I`m so excited to be back playing the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. I love the city, the tournament, and I look forward to being back in Toronto," said Williams in an official statement released by National Bank Open. She holds a 2-7 record in Toronto, with her best performance to date being a third-round showing in 2017. However, she was the 2014 runner-up to Agnieszka Radwanska in Montreal.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-number-one-naomi-osaka-parts-ways-with-longtime-belgian-coach-wim-fissette-499442"><strong>Former world number one Naomi Osaka parts ways with longtime Belgian coach Wim Fissette</strong></a></p>

<p>Venus will join sister Serena, who entered using her saved ranking, in the court, along with 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu, who has also accepted a wild card, and a full Top 10 slate led by World No.1 Iga Swiatek.&nbsp;</p>


Former World No.1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play her first singles match in nearly 12 months at the National Bank Open after being awarded a wild card into the main draw.

Former World No.1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play her first singles match in nearly 12 months at the National Bank Open after being awarded a wild card into the main draw. Williams` most recent singles outing was at the Chicago Women`s Open last August, where she suffered a defeat in the first round to Hsieh Su-Wei. Her last singles win came against Mihaela Buzarnescu at Wimbledon 2021. "I`m so excited to be back playing the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. I love the city, the tournament, and I look forward to being back in Toronto," said Williams in an official statement released by National Bank Open. She holds a 2-7 record in Toronto, with her best performance to date being a third-round showing in 2017. However, she was the 2014 runner-up to Agnieszka Radwanska in Montreal. ALSO READ | Former world number one Naomi Osaka parts ways with longtime Belgian coach Wim Fissette Venus will join sister Serena, who entered using her saved ranking, in the court, along with 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu, who has also accepted a wild card, and a full Top 10 slate led by World No.1 Iga Swiatek.

Venus Williams, 7-time Grand Slam champion, to make women's single comeback in National Bank Open

<p>Former world number one Naomi Osaka and her coach Wim Fissette ended their working relationship, the latter announced on Wednesday. "It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the champion she has become.</p>

<p>She has inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with the game &amp; to speak up for what they believe in," announcing the split from Osaka, Fissette wrote on Instagram. "It`s been incredible to play a part in that journey. Thank you ... I wish you all the best and looking forward to my next chapter."Osaka was Fissette`s latest high-profile charge on the WTA Tour.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-be-ruled-out-of-us-open-as-organisers-to-follow-govts-guidelines-on-covid-19-vaccine-499376"><strong>Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine</strong></a></p>

<p>Prior to Osaka, the Belgian worked with compatriot Kim Clijsters, as well as other former World No. 1s Victoria Azarenka, Simon Halep and Angelique Kerber, among others. Their working relationship began at the start of the 2020 season, and together, Fisette helped guide Osaka to two of her four Grand Slam titles. She won the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open under Fissette`s tutelage. Osaka missed recent Wimbledon due to an Achilles injury after her first-round defeat at the 2022 French Open.</p>

<p>However, she`s expected to make her return in two weeks at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose. The former World No. 1 has accepted a wild card for the WTA 500 event, which begins Aug 1.&nbsp;</p>


Former world number one Naomi Osaka and her coach Wim Fissette ended their working relationship, the latter announced on Wednesday. "It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the champion she has become.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka and her coach Wim Fissette ended their working relationship, the latter announced on Wednesday. "It has been a privilege to coach Naomi since 2019 and see her grow into the champion she has become. She has inspired a whole new generation to fall in love with the game & to speak up for what they believe in," announcing the split from Osaka, Fissette wrote on Instagram. "It`s been incredible to play a part in that journey. Thank you ... I wish you all the best and looking forward to my next chapter."Osaka was Fissette`s latest high-profile charge on the WTA Tour. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine Prior to Osaka, the Belgian worked with compatriot Kim Clijsters, as well as other former World No. 1s Victoria Azarenka, Simon Halep and Angelique Kerber, among others. Their working relationship began at the start of the 2020 season, and together, Fisette helped guide Osaka to two of her four Grand Slam titles. She won the 2020 US Open and 2021 Australian Open under Fissette`s tutelage. Osaka missed recent Wimbledon due to an Achilles injury after her first-round defeat at the 2022 French Open. However, she`s expected to make her return in two weeks at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose. The former World No. 1 has accepted a wild card for the WTA 500 event, which begins Aug 1.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka parts ways with longtime Belgian coach Wim Fissette

<p>Matthew Ebden continued the rich history of Australian tennis players making their presence felt at the prestigious Wimbledon with a memorable triumph in men's doubles this year. Ebden and his partner Max Purcell defeated defending champions Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the final to lift the elusive trophy for the first time in their respective careers.</p>

<p>It was the maiden Grand Slam crown for the Aussie duo, making them the first All-Australian pair to win the men's doubles title at Wimbledon since 2000. It was the famous pairing of Mark Woodfire and Todd Woodbridge known as 'Woodies' which last won the Wimbledon men's doubles title from Australia 22 years back.</p>

<p>Reflecting on his memorable victory at the All England Club, 34-year-old Ebden, who started out as a singles player, said it was more than just a dream to lift the trophy. Ebden, who has tasted significant success in his career so far having won as many as six ATP Tour doubles titles with his partner Purcell, said winning Wimbledon was incredibly special.</p>

<p>"It's more than a dream. I don't know if ever even dreamed of winning Wimbledon when I was a kid. Ever since I became a professional, I saw my ability and believed how good I could be and that I could win titles," Ebden said in an exclusive interaction with WION.</p>

<p>"Have had great achievements so far in singles, in doubles, in mixed doubles, in Davis Cup, Grand Slams, Masters Series but to win Wimbledon is definitely more than a dream. I still can't believe it and to be a Wimbledon champion is incredibly special," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/elena-rybakinas-memorable-journey-to-historic-wimbledon-triumph-496169">&nbsp;Elena Rybakina's memorable journey to historic Wimbledon triumph</a></p>

<p>It was an enthralling final between the Australians and the Croatian duo of Pavic and Mektic, who gave their all before eventually going down. Ebden and Purcell won the summit clash 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 4-6 6-4 7-6(10-2). The final was decided on a 10-point tiebreak where the Aussies upped the ante and beat the Croatian duo to finally emerge on top in the gruelling battle which lasted over 4 hours.</p>

<p>Recalling the draining final, Ebden said it was 'insane and crazy' as the game went back and forth. However, they managed to hold their nerves and came out on top to be able to stand with the trophy at the end.</p>

<p>"We talked about it last week, It's insane, it's crazy, it's epic. They tell me it's a record - nobody has ever won Wimbledon saving match points in more than one match and then gone on to win the title. So we have a record there," said the 31-year-old.</p>

<p>"Five out of the six matches were 5-7. We saved 8 match points but I only remember 6, two of them are blurred I don't even remember. We could have easily lost but we kept fighting, kept backing ourselves and kept trusting each other. We had a little bit of luck along the way which sometimes you need. Then to be standing there at the end of the tournament with the trophy, it's still hard to believe," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wimbledon-champion-matthew-ebden-reflects-on-doubles-glory-sports-news-wion-exclusive-499040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/novak-djokovic-extends-dominance-at-wimbledon-a-look-at-all-21-grand-slams-won-by-the-serbian-ace-496407">Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace</a></p>

<p><strong>I used to go to Wimbledon as a kid with my parents: Ebden</strong></p>

<p>Ebden has been around in the circuit for quite a while now but winning Wimbledon is one of his biggest achievements which came at the age of 34. The Australian star, who spent a part of his childhood in South Africa, revealed he used to go to Wimbledon with his parents and had never dreamt of winning the tournament one day. Nonetheless, Ebden said he was proud to have become a part of Australia's rich legacy in the tournament.</p>

<p>"Don't think I ever dreamed of actually winning Wimbledon, I went there as a kid with my parents and I thought how amazing it will be to play in this tournament one day. Then to win Wimbledon for Australia as an Australian and to join the rich history of 100 years of Australians winning at Wimbledon, to be a tiny part of that history blows my mind. I can't believe I am part of that sort of a group it's incredibly special and super humbling," he explained.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Matthew Ebden continued the rich history of Australian tennis players making their presence felt at the prestigious Wimbledon with a memorable triumph in men's doubles this year.

Matthew Ebden continued the rich history of Australian tennis players making their presence felt at the prestigious Wimbledon with a memorable triumph in men's doubles this year. Ebden and his partner Max Purcell defeated defending champions Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the final to lift the elusive trophy for the first time in their respective careers. It was the maiden Grand Slam crown for the Aussie duo, making them the first All-Australian pair to win the men's doubles title at Wimbledon since 2000. It was the famous pairing of Mark Woodfire and Todd Woodbridge known as 'Woodies' which last won the Wimbledon men's doubles title from Australia 22 years back. Reflecting on his memorable victory at the All England Club, 34-year-old Ebden, who started out as a singles player, said it was more than just a dream to lift the trophy. Ebden, who has tasted significant success in his career so far having won as many as six ATP Tour doubles titles with his partner Purcell, said winning Wimbledon was incredibly special. "It's more than a dream. I don't know if ever even dreamed of winning Wimbledon when I was a kid. Ever since I became a professional, I saw my ability and believed how good I could be and that I could win titles," Ebden said in an exclusive interaction with WION. "Have had great achievements so far in singles, in doubles, in mixed doubles, in Davis Cup, Grand Slams, Masters Series but to win Wimbledon is definitely more than a dream. I still can't believe it and to be a Wimbledon champion is incredibly special," he added. Also Read: Elena Rybakina's memorable journey to historic Wimbledon triumph It was an enthralling final between the Australians and the Croatian duo of Pavic and Mektic, who gave their all before eventually going down. Ebden and Purcell won the summit clash 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 4-6 6-4 7-6(10-2). The final was decided on a 10-point tiebreak where the Aussies upped the ante and beat the Croatian duo to finally emerge on top in the gruelling battle which lasted over 4 hours. Recalling the draining final, Ebden said it was 'insane and crazy' as the game went back and forth. However, they managed to hold their nerves and came out on top to be able to stand with the trophy at the end. "We talked about it last week, It's insane, it's crazy, it's epic. They tell me it's a record - nobody has ever won Wimbledon saving match points in more than one match and then gone on to win the title. So we have a record there," said the 31-year-old. "Five out of the six matches were 5-7. We saved 8 match points but I only remember 6, two of them are blurred I don't even remember. We could have easily lost but we kept fighting, kept backing ourselves and kept trusting each other. We had a little bit of luck along the way which sometimes you need. Then to be standing there at the end of the tournament with the trophy, it's still hard to believe," he added. × Also Read: Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace I used to go to Wimbledon as a kid with my parents: Ebden Ebden has been around in the circuit for quite a while now but winning Wimbledon is one of his biggest achievements which came at the age of 34. The Australian star, who spent a part of his childhood in South Africa, revealed he used to go to Wimbledon with his parents and had never dreamt of winning the tournament one day. Nonetheless, Ebden said he was proud to have become a part of Australia's rich legacy in the tournament. "Don't think I ever dreamed of actually winning Wimbledon, I went there as a kid with my parents and I thought how amazing it will be to play in this tournament one day. Then to win Wimbledon for Australia as an Australian and to join the rich history of 100 years of Australians winning at Wimbledon, to be a tiny part of that history blows my mind. I can't believe I am part of that sort of a group it's incredibly special and super humbling," he explained.

Exclusive! I went to Wimbledon as a kid with parents, never dreamed of actually winning it: Matthew Ebden

Russia's highest ranked female tennis player Daria Kasatkina has come out as gay. The 25-year-old has also criticized her country's attitude towards homosexuality.

Russian Tennis star Daria Kasatkina announces she is Gay

<p>Virat Kohli continues to get support from all corners in the cricketing fraternity as his form remains a cause of concern for Team India. For the unversed, Kohli's century-drought continues since late 2019 and he ended India's just-concluded England tour without a single fifty across formats.</p>

<p>Even in IPL 2022, Kohli struggled for his 341 runs -- striking at 115.98 -- and returned with only two half-centuries. Hence, his form has kept his ardent fans worried ahead of this year's T20 World Cup. Many former cricketers have now even questioned his place, although majority have backed him. England's former captain-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen also joined the bandwagon and backed Kohli&nbsp;to rediscover his form via a recent Instagram post.</p>

<p>Pietersen wrote: "Buddy, your career has had some of the best that have played the game only wish they could have done what you have(so far). Be proud, walk tall &amp; enjoy life. There’s way more than just the bubble of cricket out there. You’ll be back."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEan4YtvVW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEan4YtvVW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEan4YtvVW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEan4YtvVW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kevin Pietersen 🦏 MBE (@kevinpietersen)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ahead of Sunday's&nbsp;ODI series decider&nbsp;between India and England, KP also commented on Kohli's Instagram post, shared on July 16.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEMHs-tB6p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEMHs-tB6p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEMHs-tB6p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEMHs-tB6p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><img alt="KP's comment for Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b9a672d-0b9b-4c07-b472-a0fd50ceafe7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/KP%20comment%20on%20Virat%27s%20form_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>Thus, Pietersen has fully backed Kohli to overcome his rut and rediscover his form at the international level. Seeing KP's Instagram post for Kohli, even Serbian tennis star and Wimbledon 2022 winner Novak Djokovic liked the former English cricketer's heartfelt post:</p>

<section><img alt="Novak Djokovic likes KP's post for Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82f8528a-2737-41f2-8723-43765e19e039" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Djoko%20likes%20KP%27s%20post%20for%20under-fire%20Virat%20Kohli.jpg" /></section>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-yuvraj-singh-reveals-how-he-had-a-role-to-play-in-rishabh-pants-125-not-out-in-3rd-odi-498343"><strong>ENG vs IND: Yuvraj Singh reveals how he had a role to play in Rishabh Pant's 125 not out in 3rd ODI</strong></a></p>

<p>In Rohit Sharma-led India's third and final ODI versus England, in Manchester on Sunday (July 17), Kohli failed to get going once again in the visitors' 260-run chase. Coming in at No. 3, with India 13-1, the right-hander was dismissed for a 22-ball 17 before Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 113-ball 125 and Hardik Pandya's 55-ball 71, along with a four-fer, bailed India out of crisis and took them to a memorable 2-1 ODI series win over Jos Buttler &amp; Co.</p>


Virat Kohli continues to get support from all corners in the cricketing fraternity as his form remains a cause of concern for Team India. For the unversed, Kohli's century-drought continues since late 2019 and he ended India's just-concluded England tour without a single fifty across formats.

Virat Kohli continues to get support from all corners in the cricketing fraternity as his form remains a cause of concern for Team India. For the unversed, Kohli's century-drought continues since late 2019 and he ended India's just-concluded England tour without a single fifty across formats. Even in IPL 2022, Kohli struggled for his 341 runs -- striking at 115.98 -- and returned with only two half-centuries. Hence, his form has kept his ardent fans worried ahead of this year's T20 World Cup. Many former cricketers have now even questioned his place, although majority have backed him. England's former captain-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen also joined the bandwagon and backed Kohli to rediscover his form via a recent Instagram post. Pietersen wrote: "Buddy, your career has had some of the best that have played the game only wish they could have done what you have(so far). Be proud, walk tall & enjoy life. There’s way more than just the bubble of cricket out there. You’ll be back." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Pietersen 🦏 MBE (@kevinpietersen) × Ahead of Sunday's ODI series decider between India and England, KP also commented on Kohli's Instagram post, shared on July 16. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) × Thus, Pietersen has fully backed Kohli to overcome his rut and rediscover his form at the international level. Seeing KP's Instagram post for Kohli, even Serbian tennis star and Wimbledon 2022 winner Novak Djokovic liked the former English cricketer's heartfelt post: ALSO READ | ENG vs IND: Yuvraj Singh reveals how he had a role to play in Rishabh Pant's 125 not out in 3rd ODI In Rohit Sharma-led India's third and final ODI versus England, in Manchester on Sunday (July 17), Kohli failed to get going once again in the visitors' 260-run chase. Coming in at No. 3, with India 13-1, the right-hander was dismissed for a 22-ball 17 before Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 113-ball 125 and Hardik Pandya's 55-ball 71, along with a four-fer, bailed India out of crisis and took them to a memorable 2-1 ODI series win over Jos Buttler & Co.

Serbian star Novak Djokovic reacts to Kevin Pietersen's Instagram post backing under-fire Virat Kohli

tennis

Tennis, News on Tennis, stories on Tennis, articles on Tennis, Tennis stories at Wion, Tennis news, Tennis latest news