Women's tennis icon Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian recently offered fans some insight into the time she went into a French Open match with merely 30 minutes of sleep after having cared for their daughter Olympia throughout the night before the fateful match.

He looked back at the time Olympia broke her arm after falling from a high chair, admitting that Serena was by her side every single minute of the night before going out onto the tennis court and emerging triumphant.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/moderna-comes-under-fire-after-novak-djokovic-withdraws-from-us-open-due-to-covid-protocol-510366" hreflang="en">Moderna comes under-fire after Novak Djokovic withdraws from US Open due to Covid protocol</a>

"I'll never forget Olympia breaking her little arm during RG. Yes, I had it handled, but Serena was in Mama Bear Mode and wouldn't leave her for a minute. Played (won) next day with little to no sleep and a mountain of anxiety," wrote Ohanian on Twitter.

Williams herself recently offered fans some insight into the incident while in conversation with Meghan Markle on a recent edition of her podcast, Archetypes. She revealed that her nine-month-old daughter had suffered a fall from a high chair&nbsp;that resulted in&nbsp;a small tear, in addition to a break in her wrist while she was under her supervision.

Williams admitted that she felt extremely guilty after the accident had occurred. She had no choice but to rush her daughter to the hospital a night before her match, risking a good night's sleep. She also opened up about how she spent the entire night with Olympia in the same interaction with Markle.

"I remember holding her the whole night and just like rocking her to sleep and I just didn't let her out of my sight at that point because I was already and I'm hard on myself, and I'm a little bit of a perfectionist. But I was so mad at myself for even allowing that to happen. So I think I got like 30 minutes of sleep and then I had to go play this match. And I'm just thinking, how am I going to play?" Williams revealed.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unable-to-travel-to-new-york-novak-djokovic-drops-bombshell-pulls-out-of-us-open-510144" hreflang="en">'Unable to travel to New York'- Novak Djokovic drops bombshell, pulls out of US Open</a>

She subsequently went on to win the match the next day with hardly any sleep. However, she admitted that the entire ordeal exacted a great emotional toll on her. The 2018 French Open marked Williams' first Grand Slam appearance after her daughter's birth back in September 2017.

Williams recently revealed that she will be bowing out of the sport in the aftermath of the upcoming US Open. She will hope to record a triumphant outing in the final Grand Slam of her career to further bolster the legacy that she has created over the course of her storied career.

Women's tennis icon Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian recently offered fans some insight into the time she went into a French Open match with merely 30 minutes of sleep after having cared for their daughter Olympia throughout the night before the fateful match.

Women's tennis icon Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian recently offered fans some insight into the time she went into a French Open match with merely 30 minutes of sleep after having cared for their daughter Olympia throughout the night before the fateful match. He looked back at the time Olympia broke her arm after falling from a high chair, admitting that Serena was by her side every single minute of the night before going out onto the tennis court and emerging triumphant. ALSO READ: Moderna comes under-fire after Novak Djokovic withdraws from US Open due to Covid protocol "I'll never forget Olympia breaking her little arm during RG. Yes, I had it handled, but Serena was in Mama Bear Mode and wouldn't leave her for a minute. Played (won) next day with little to no sleep and a mountain of anxiety," wrote Ohanian on Twitter. Williams herself recently offered fans some insight into the incident while in conversation with Meghan Markle on a recent edition of her podcast, Archetypes. She revealed that her nine-month-old daughter had suffered a fall from a high chair that resulted in a small tear, in addition to a break in her wrist while she was under her supervision. Williams admitted that she felt extremely guilty after the accident had occurred. She had no choice but to rush her daughter to the hospital a night before her match, risking a good night's sleep. She also opened up about how she spent the entire night with Olympia in the same interaction with Markle. "I remember holding her the whole night and just like rocking her to sleep and I just didn't let her out of my sight at that point because I was already and I'm hard on myself, and I'm a little bit of a perfectionist. But I was so mad at myself for even allowing that to happen. So I think I got like 30 minutes of sleep and then I had to go play this match. And I'm just thinking, how am I going to play?" Williams revealed. ALSO READ: 'Unable to travel to New York'- Novak Djokovic drops bombshell, pulls out of US Open She subsequently went on to win the match the next day with hardly any sleep. However, she admitted that the entire ordeal exacted a great emotional toll on her. The 2018 French Open marked Williams' first Grand Slam appearance after her daughter's birth back in September 2017. Williams recently revealed that she will be bowing out of the sport in the aftermath of the upcoming US Open. She will hope to record a triumphant outing in the final Grand Slam of her career to further bolster the legacy that she has created over the course of her storied career.

‘Mama bear mode’- Serena Williams’ husband recalls how she cared for her daughter ahead of 2018 French Open

In a shocking update that has left fans heartbroken, the former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he will not be competing in the forthcoming US Open.

Djokovic declared that he will be unable to travel to The Big Apple ahead of the Grand Slam which is set to kick off next week. He took to Twitter to offer fans some insight into the same merely hours before the draw for the event was to be revealed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-a-joke-john-mcenroe-slams-authorities-for-barring-novak-djokovic-from-competing-in-us-open-2022-509687" hreflang="en">'It's a joke'- John McEnroe slams authorities for barring Novak Djokovic from competing in US Open 2022</a>

The Serbian is unable to compete in the Grand Slam as he has not been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, which has rendered him ineligible to travel to the United States. &nbsp;

"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open," Djokovic wrote on Twitter. "Good luck to my fellow players! I'll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoleFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoleFam</a> for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1562806952136085504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 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>

Djokovic&nbsp;has repeatedly expressed great reluctance in getting vaccinated against the virus that held the world in a chokehold for quite some time. Furthermore, he declared that he would be more than willing to miss out on Grand Slams that required players to be inoculated.

The US Tennis Association declared that it will be following the safety protocol that the government has in place, including those regarding the&nbsp;vaccination status of players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-no1-angelique-kerber-announces-pregnancy-withdraws-from-us-open-509904" hreflang="en">Former World No.1 Angelique Kerber announces pregnancy, withdraws from US Open</a>

However, it is interesting to note that there is no such vaccine mandate for American nationals, and the spectators&nbsp;will not be required to wear masks.

Other notable players who will not be making an appearance at Flushing Meadows include,&nbsp;No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev,&nbsp;2016 champion Angelique Kerber,&nbsp;Reilly Opelka, Gael Monfils and Marketa Vondrousova.

In a shocking update that has left fans heartbroken, the former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he will not be competing in the forthcoming US Open.

In a shocking update that has left fans heartbroken, the former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic recently revealed that he will not be competing in the forthcoming US Open. Djokovic declared that he will be unable to travel to The Big Apple ahead of the Grand Slam which is set to kick off next week. He took to Twitter to offer fans some insight into the same merely hours before the draw for the event was to be revealed. ALSO READ: 'It's a joke'- John McEnroe slams authorities for barring Novak Djokovic from competing in US Open 2022 The Serbian is unable to compete in the Grand Slam as he has not been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, which has rendered him ineligible to travel to the United States. "Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open," Djokovic wrote on Twitter. "Good luck to my fellow players! I'll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again." Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼 — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022 × Djokovic has repeatedly expressed great reluctance in getting vaccinated against the virus that held the world in a chokehold for quite some time. Furthermore, he declared that he would be more than willing to miss out on Grand Slams that required players to be inoculated. The US Tennis Association declared that it will be following the safety protocol that the government has in place, including those regarding the vaccination status of players. ALSO READ: Former World No.1 Angelique Kerber announces pregnancy, withdraws from US Open However, it is interesting to note that there is no such vaccine mandate for American nationals, and the spectators will not be required to wear masks. Other notable players who will not be making an appearance at Flushing Meadows include, No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev, 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, Reilly Opelka, Gael Monfils and Marketa Vondrousova.

'Unable to travel to New York'- Novak Djokovic drops bombshell, pulls out of US Open

Three-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.2 Angelique Kerber on Wednesday announced that she is pregnant and will miss this season`s last Grand Slam US Open. Kerber, 34, last played at Wimbledon, where she fell in the third round. The German fully plans to continue her career. Talking to Twitter Kerber wrote," I really wanted to play the @usopen but eventually I decided that two against one just isn`t a fair competition. For the next months, I will take a break from travelling the globe as a tennis player but then again, I believe it`s for the best possible reason!"

"New York has often been a turning point in my career and it feels like this year will be no different in some way! From restarting my career in 2011 (ranked 92 she reached the semi-finals) to winning the title in 2016 and becoming #1 in the world."Kerber the 2016 Australian Open and 2018 Wimbledon champion said that she was excited about her new chapter." Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I`m grateful for the new path I`m heading to," she said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I really wanted to play the <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usopen</a> but eventually I decided that two against one just isn‘t a fair competition 👼🫶🏻🍼❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Y6rRYOIUDR">pic.twitter.com/Y6rRYOIUDR</a>
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber/status/1562379633890402304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 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>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-will-be-tennis-great-martina-navratilova-on-serena-williams-fate-at-us-open-509848">'There will be.....': Tennis great Martina Navratilova on Serena Williams' fate at US Open</a>

Kerber is currently ranked No.52 in the world. In 2016, following her first two Grand Slam titles, at the Australian and US Opens, Kerber ascended to the No.1 ranking for the first time. She held the top spot for 20 successive weeks. Combined, she has had three separate stints as the No.1 player for a total of 25 weeks. Earlier this year, Kerber won a clay event at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, her 14th career title.

Three-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.2 Angelique Kerber on Wednesday announced that she is pregnant and will miss this season`s last Grand Slam US Open.

Three-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.2 Angelique Kerber on Wednesday announced that she is pregnant and will miss this season`s last Grand Slam US Open. Kerber, 34, last played at Wimbledon, where she fell in the third round. The German fully plans to continue her career. Talking to Twitter Kerber wrote," I really wanted to play the @usopen but eventually I decided that two against one just isn`t a fair competition. For the next months, I will take a break from travelling the globe as a tennis player but then again, I believe it`s for the best possible reason!" "New York has often been a turning point in my career and it feels like this year will be no different in some way! From restarting my career in 2011 (ranked 92 she reached the semi-finals) to winning the title in 2016 and becoming #1 in the world."Kerber the 2016 Australian Open and 2018 Wimbledon champion said that she was excited about her new chapter." Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I`m grateful for the new path I`m heading to," she said. I really wanted to play the @usopen but eventually I decided that two against one just isn‘t a fair competition 👼🫶🏻🍼❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y6rRYOIUDR — Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) August 24, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'There will be.....': Tennis great Martina Navratilova on Serena Williams' fate at US Open Kerber is currently ranked No.52 in the world. In 2016, following her first two Grand Slam titles, at the Australian and US Opens, Kerber ascended to the No.1 ranking for the first time. She held the top spot for 20 successive weeks. Combined, she has had three separate stints as the No.1 player for a total of 25 weeks. Earlier this year, Kerber won a clay event at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, her 14th career title.

Former World No.1 Angelique Kerber announces pregnancy, withdraws from US Open

In her own way, Serena Williams hinted at her possible retirement in a Vogue article in early August. While there are speculations regarding the forthcoming US Open 2022 edition being Serena's last Grand Slam appearance, her message was clear to the tennis world that the superstar is set to call it quits post the showpiece event, which commences on August 29.&nbsp;

Ahead of her last major event, Serena is sweating hard for a memorable farewell from the game that she given her a lot of recognition and applause worldwide. Wtih 23 Grand Slam titles, Serena would be desperately eyeing the&nbsp;24th Slam which will see her end at&nbsp;level with Aussie great&nbsp;Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list. Thus, there's a lot riding on her shoulders ahead of the American's swansong.

Nonetheless, tennis great Martina Navratilova feels Serena won't have a fairytale ending. Martina reflected on her retirement decision and told Reuters, "It's hard. When I retired in '93 I told the press it was my last year which was a mistake because every single tournament was a freaking tear-jerker."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-sued-by-fan-for-defamation-after-accusing-her-of-having-700-drinks-at-wimbledon-final-509664">Nick Kyrgios sued by fan for defamation after accusing her of having '700 drinks' at Wimbledon final</a>

"Serena did it her way, which was announcing in a very glamorous way on Vogue magazine, but then she is not accepting the losses, she is not accepting what comes with it which is saying goodbye,"&nbsp;Navratilova further asserted.

The 65-year-old Martina came hard on Serena for not even acknowleding the crowd post her recent defeat to teenager Emma Raducanu in the&nbsp;Cincinnati Open last week. Hence, the veteran feels Serena should accept results the way they come and opined that a memorable end might not be in store for her compatriot given her rusty form (with only a solitary win since last year's Round of 16 defeat in French Open).

"Emotions can only carry you so far, I don't see a Cinderella happy ending where she wins the tournament. The way she has looked it doesn't look like she is going to make a miraculous comeback and win the tournament. And with the stress of knowing this is likely your last tournament it doesn't help. But if anyone can overcome it would be Serena," added Navratilova.

In her own way, Serena Williams hinted at her possible retirement in a Vogue article in early August. While there are speculations regarding the forthcoming US Open 2022 edition being Serena's last Grand Slam appearance, her message was clear to the tennis world that the superstar is set to call it quits post the showpiece event, which commences on August 29.

In her own way, Serena Williams hinted at her possible retirement in a Vogue article in early August. While there are speculations regarding the forthcoming US Open 2022 edition being Serena's last Grand Slam appearance, her message was clear to the tennis world that the superstar is set to call it quits post the showpiece event, which commences on August 29. Ahead of her last major event, Serena is sweating hard for a memorable farewell from the game that she given her a lot of recognition and applause worldwide. Wtih 23 Grand Slam titles, Serena would be desperately eyeing the 24th Slam which will see her end at level with Aussie great Margaret Court at the top of the all-time list. Thus, there's a lot riding on her shoulders ahead of the American's swansong. Nonetheless, tennis great Martina Navratilova feels Serena won't have a fairytale ending. Martina reflected on her retirement decision and told Reuters, "It's hard. When I retired in '93 I told the press it was my last year which was a mistake because every single tournament was a freaking tear-jerker." ALSO READ | Nick Kyrgios sued by fan for defamation after accusing her of having '700 drinks' at Wimbledon final "Serena did it her way, which was announcing in a very glamorous way on Vogue magazine, but then she is not accepting the losses, she is not accepting what comes with it which is saying goodbye," Navratilova further asserted. The 65-year-old Martina came hard on Serena for not even acknowleding the crowd post her recent defeat to teenager Emma Raducanu in the Cincinnati Open last week. Hence, the veteran feels Serena should accept results the way they come and opined that a memorable end might not be in store for her compatriot given her rusty form (with only a solitary win since last year's Round of 16 defeat in French Open). "Emotions can only carry you so far, I don't see a Cinderella happy ending where she wins the tournament. The way she has looked it doesn't look like she is going to make a miraculous comeback and win the tournament. And with the stress of knowing this is likely your last tournament it doesn't help. But if anyone can overcome it would be Serena," added Navratilova.

'There will be.....': Tennis great Martina Navratilova on Serena Williams' fate at US Open

Tennis icon John McEnroe recently rallied behind Novak Djokovic, saying that the move to prevent Novak Djokovic from competing in the upcoming US Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status is a joke. Although Djokovic&nbsp;is on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year, his future in the tournament remains shrouded in mystery.

Djokovic has refused to get inoculated against the virus that wreaked havoc across the globe, a decision that may cost him heavily as he runs the risk of missing out on the opportunity to participate at the Flushing Meadows as rules in&nbsp;the United States require travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19&nbsp;to board flights and enter the country.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-sued-by-fan-for-defamation-after-accusing-her-of-having-700-drinks-at-wimbledon-final-509664" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios sued by fan for defamation after accusing her of having '700 drinks' at Wimbledon final</a>

However, it is interesting to note that the Serbian had previously declared that he was prepared to miss Grand Slams that require players to produce proof of their vaccination status. In the wake of these revelations, McEnroe, a four-time US Open winner, offered fans his take on the situation while in conversation with the media:&nbsp;"I don't think it's fair. I think it's a joke. I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that. At this point, in the pandemic, we're two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can't travel here to play, to me is a joke."

McEnroe further argued that repeatedly missing out on Grand Slams would eventually exact a heavy toll on Djokovic's legacy and title tally as his contemporaries continue to compete in tournaments.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-roger-federer-shares-training-footage-hints-at-return-to-court-508936" hreflang="en">WATCH: Roger Federer shares training footage, hints at return to court</a>

Early this year, Djokovic lost the opportunity to compete at the Australian Open and defend his title to lay claim to&nbsp;his&nbsp;21st men's grand slam title, which at the time would have been a record-breaking feat,&nbsp;after he was deported from the country over his vaccination status. However, Rafael Nadal has since&nbsp;moved clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer, accumulating a whopping 22 Grand Slam titles.&nbsp;

Tennis icon John McEnroe recently rallied behind Novak Djokovic, saying that the move to prevent Novak Djokovic from competing in the upcoming US Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status is a joke.

Tennis icon John McEnroe recently rallied behind Novak Djokovic, saying that the move to prevent Novak Djokovic from competing in the upcoming US Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status is a joke. Although Djokovic is on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year, his future in the tournament remains shrouded in mystery. Djokovic has refused to get inoculated against the virus that wreaked havoc across the globe, a decision that may cost him heavily as he runs the risk of missing out on the opportunity to participate at the Flushing Meadows as rules in the United States require travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to board flights and enter the country. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios sued by fan for defamation after accusing her of having '700 drinks' at Wimbledon final However, it is interesting to note that the Serbian had previously declared that he was prepared to miss Grand Slams that require players to produce proof of their vaccination status. In the wake of these revelations, McEnroe, a four-time US Open winner, offered fans his take on the situation while in conversation with the media: "I don't think it's fair. I think it's a joke. I would have had the vaccine and gone and played but he's got very strong beliefs and you have to respect that. At this point, in the pandemic, we're two-and-a-half years in, I think people in all parts of the world know more about it, and the idea that he can't travel here to play, to me is a joke." McEnroe further argued that repeatedly missing out on Grand Slams would eventually exact a heavy toll on Djokovic's legacy and title tally as his contemporaries continue to compete in tournaments. ALSO READ: WATCH: Roger Federer shares training footage, hints at return to court Early this year, Djokovic lost the opportunity to compete at the Australian Open and defend his title to lay claim to his 21st men's grand slam title, which at the time would have been a record-breaking feat, after he was deported from the country over his vaccination status. However, Rafael Nadal has since moved clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer, accumulating a whopping 22 Grand Slam titles.

'It's a joke'- John McEnroe slams authorities for barring Novak Djokovic from competing in US Open 2022

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza shocked the tennis fraternity by claiming that the 2022 season will be her last as she plans to retire. However, the 35-year-old has now indicated that she might tweak her retirement plans after withdrawing from the forthcoming US Open 2022 edition, starting from August 29. Sania has pulled out of the last Grand Slam of the year -- which was set to be her final&nbsp;appearance at a Grand Slam event -- and, hence, has hinted at her retirement plans to be tweaked a little.

"Hi guys, a quick update. I just have some not-so-great news. I hurt my forearm/elbow while playing in Canada 2 weeks ago and obviously, didn't realize how bad it was until I got my scans yesterday and unfortunately, I have in fact torn a little bit of my tendon," Mirza wrote on Instagram.

<section>
"I will be out for weeks and have pulled out of the US Open. This isn't ideal and it's terrible timing and it will change some of my retirement plans but I will keep you posted," she added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-2022-saina-nehwal-defeats-cheung-ngan-yi-to-advance-to-pre-quarters-509388">BWF World Championships 2022: Saina Nehwal defeats Cheung Ngan Yi to advance to pre-quarters</a>

For the unversed, Sania had decided to call it quits from the sport in January 2022 citing that she doesn't have a lot of energy to continue for a long period. However, it seems fate has something else in store for the superstar athlete. "I think my body is wearing down. My knee was really hurting today and I'm not saying that's the reason we lost but I do think that it is taking time to recover as I'm getting older," Sania had stated earlier. "The energy is not the same anymore. There are more days than there used to be where I don't feel like doing that."

The US Open will kick off on August 29 and will conclude on September 11. With Sania out of action due to injury concerns, she will aim to recover and return back to action at the earliest and will aim to end her illustrious career on a high.&nbsp;The Indian star has so far won as many as 6 Grand Slam titles, including a US Open mixed doubles title with Bruno Soares in 2014. Overall, she has also clinched the Wimbledon, Australian Open and US Open trophies in the women’s doubles. Among her mixed doubles titles, she has emerged victorious in French Open, Australian Open and the US Open.

Will she add more to her tally before retiring? Only time will tell...
</section>

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza shocked the tennis fraternity by claiming that the 2022 season will be her last as she plans to retire. However, the 35-year-old has now indicated that she might tweak her retirement plans after withdrawing from the forthcoming US Open 2022 edition, starting from August 29.

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza shocked the tennis fraternity by claiming that the 2022 season will be her last as she plans to retire. However, the 35-year-old has now indicated that she might tweak her retirement plans after withdrawing from the forthcoming US Open 2022 edition, starting from August 29. Sania has pulled out of the last Grand Slam of the year -- which was set to be her final appearance at a Grand Slam event -- and, hence, has hinted at her retirement plans to be tweaked a little. "Hi guys, a quick update. I just have some not-so-great news. I hurt my forearm/elbow while playing in Canada 2 weeks ago and obviously, didn't realize how bad it was until I got my scans yesterday and unfortunately, I have in fact torn a little bit of my tendon," Mirza wrote on Instagram. "I will be out for weeks and have pulled out of the US Open. This isn't ideal and it's terrible timing and it will change some of my retirement plans but I will keep you posted," she added. ALSO READ | BWF World Championships 2022: Saina Nehwal defeats Cheung Ngan Yi to advance to pre-quarters For the unversed, Sania had decided to call it quits from the sport in January 2022 citing that she doesn't have a lot of energy to continue for a long period. However, it seems fate has something else in store for the superstar athlete. "I think my body is wearing down. My knee was really hurting today and I'm not saying that's the reason we lost but I do think that it is taking time to recover as I'm getting older," Sania had stated earlier. "The energy is not the same anymore. There are more days than there used to be where I don't feel like doing that." The US Open will kick off on August 29 and will conclude on September 11. With Sania out of action due to injury concerns, she will aim to recover and return back to action at the earliest and will aim to end her illustrious career on a high. The Indian star has so far won as many as 6 Grand Slam titles, including a US Open mixed doubles title with Bruno Soares in 2014. Overall, she has also clinched the Wimbledon, Australian Open and US Open trophies in the women’s doubles. Among her mixed doubles titles, she has emerged victorious in French Open, Australian Open and the US Open. Will she add more to her tally before retiring? Only time will tell...

Indian star Sania Mirza opts out of US Open, reveals it might tweak her retirement plans

A local breakfast staple will be on the menu when Emma Raducanu returns to New York next week to begin preparations for defending her US Open title. The London teenager who won the Grand Slam from a qualifying start without dropping a set has her mind set on scratching a particular non-tennis itch.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-need-to-move-forward-rafael-nadal-trains-his-aim-at-us-open-following-loss-against-borna-coric-508061" hreflang="en">'I need to move forward'- Rafael Nadal trains his aim at US Open following loss against Borna Coric</a>

"I've really been craving a bagel for the last year," the 19-year-old said after Thursday's 7-5, 6-4 third-round loss to US seventh seed Jessica Pegula at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters. I'm really looking forward to&nbsp;seeing the city. But of course the tournament -- I've got&nbsp;special memories there from the juniors... and then last year, obviously that happened. I'm looking forward to it."

Raducanu and her team are taking a look back at her run to glory which ended with the title last September. "I'm rewatching my matches from the US Open," she said. "There are certain moments where I was given a lot of gifts (opponent errors) or maybe they got a bit tight. I think I've improved as a player. I'm finding freedom in my swinging. I think I achieved something great... but I was playing completely free (at last year's Open). I'm starting to do that again."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/borna-coric-ends-his-idol-rafael-nadals-run-at-the-cincinnati-open-in-a-shock-upset-508039" hreflang="en">Borna Coric ends his idol Rafael Nadal's run at the Cincinnati Open in shock upset</a>

Raducanu, who was seeded 10th, is relatively untroubled over her exit in Cincinnati after knocking out Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in back-to-back matches. "I did really enjoy this week. If I made an error, it was almost like a positive thing — good, you are going for it," Raducanu said. "It paid off a lot more than it didn't. But I also think, honestly, that my opponents have&nbsp;been playing a lot better this year. This week was a great&nbsp;step for me. It's one of the few tournaments that I have actually started going for my shots."

A local breakfast staple will be on the menu when Emma Raducanu returns to New York next week to begin preparations for defending her US Open title. The London teenager who won the Grand Slam from a qualifying start without dropping a set has her mind set on scratching a particular non-tennis itch.

A local breakfast staple will be on the menu when Emma Raducanu returns to New York next week to begin preparations for defending her US Open title. The London teenager who won the Grand Slam from a qualifying start without dropping a set has her mind set on scratching a particular non-tennis itch. ALSO READ: 'I need to move forward'- Rafael Nadal trains his aim at US Open following loss against Borna Coric "I've really been craving a bagel for the last year," the 19-year-old said after Thursday's 7-5, 6-4 third-round loss to US seventh seed Jessica Pegula at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters. I'm really looking forward to seeing the city. But of course the tournament -- I've got special memories there from the juniors... and then last year, obviously that happened. I'm looking forward to it." Raducanu and her team are taking a look back at her run to glory which ended with the title last September. "I'm rewatching my matches from the US Open," she said. "There are certain moments where I was given a lot of gifts (opponent errors) or maybe they got a bit tight. I think I've improved as a player. I'm finding freedom in my swinging. I think I achieved something great... but I was playing completely free (at last year's Open). I'm starting to do that again." ALSO READ: Borna Coric ends his idol Rafael Nadal's run at the Cincinnati Open in shock upset Raducanu, who was seeded 10th, is relatively untroubled over her exit in Cincinnati after knocking out Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka in back-to-back matches. "I did really enjoy this week. If I made an error, it was almost like a positive thing — good, you are going for it," Raducanu said. "It paid off a lot more than it didn't. But I also think, honestly, that my opponents have been playing a lot better this year. This week was a great step for me. It's one of the few tournaments that I have actually started going for my shots."

'Looking forward to it' - Emma Raducanu determined to defend her US Open title

Rafael Nadal made his way back to the Western &amp; Southern Open for the first time in five years and, with his short stint in the tournament, he reminded fans why waiting for the 2013 champion's return for so long&nbsp;was time well spent. However, the World No. 12 Borna Coric was his undoing as he was forced to bow out of the ATP Masters 1000 event after a gruelling battle that lasted nearly three hours.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/borna-coric-ends-his-idol-rafael-nadals-run-at-the-cincinnati-open-in-a-shock-upset-508039" hreflang="en">Borna Coric ends his idol Rafael Nadal's run at the Cincinnati Open in a shock upset</a>

Featuring in his first match after he was forced to pull out of the Wimbledon semi-finals against Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal tear, the Spaniard succumbed to a&nbsp;7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3 loss at the hands of the Croatian as he struggled with consistency, which carried him to&nbsp;four tour-level titles this season.&nbsp;

Although an issue forced the 36-year-old to pull out of last week's&nbsp;ATP Masters event in Montreal, it did not prove to be an issue against Coric. In turn, he attributed his loss to a severe lack of court time. Furthermore,&nbsp;in the aftermath of tumbling out of the Cincinnati Open, Nadal admitted that he is determined to put on a better show at the forthcoming US Open.

"I need to move forward and just start to think about the energy that the crowd gives me in New York," he said. "I know it's a very special place for me, and I enjoy it. [I've had] unforgettable moments there, and I'm going to try my very best every single day to be ready for that."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cincinnati-masters-daniil-medvedev-downs-van-de-zandschulp-to-enter-r3-carlos-alcaraz-defeats-mcdonald-507726" hreflang="en">Cincinnati Masters: Daniil Medvedev downs Van de Zandschulp to enter R3; Carlos Alcaraz defeats McDonald</a>

Nadal has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success at&nbsp;Flushing Meadows, walking away with the title on four different occasions, with his latest title coming in 2019. He will hope&nbsp;to replicate his success at the US Open as he prepares to take his tally up to five. The US Open action is set to unfold from August 29th.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal made his way back to the Western & Southern Open for the first time in five years and, with his short stint in the tournament, he reminded fans why waiting for the 2013 champion's return for so long was time well spent.

Rafael Nadal made his way back to the Western & Southern Open for the first time in five years and, with his short stint in the tournament, he reminded fans why waiting for the 2013 champion's return for so long was time well spent. However, the World No. 12 Borna Coric was his undoing as he was forced to bow out of the ATP Masters 1000 event after a gruelling battle that lasted nearly three hours. ALSO READ: Borna Coric ends his idol Rafael Nadal's run at the Cincinnati Open in a shock upset Featuring in his first match after he was forced to pull out of the Wimbledon semi-finals against Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal tear, the Spaniard succumbed to a 7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3 loss at the hands of the Croatian as he struggled with consistency, which carried him to four tour-level titles this season. Although an issue forced the 36-year-old to pull out of last week's ATP Masters event in Montreal, it did not prove to be an issue against Coric. In turn, he attributed his loss to a severe lack of court time. Furthermore, in the aftermath of tumbling out of the Cincinnati Open, Nadal admitted that he is determined to put on a better show at the forthcoming US Open. "I need to move forward and just start to think about the energy that the crowd gives me in New York," he said. "I know it's a very special place for me, and I enjoy it. [I've had] unforgettable moments there, and I'm going to try my very best every single day to be ready for that." ALSO READ: Cincinnati Masters: Daniil Medvedev downs Van de Zandschulp to enter R3; Carlos Alcaraz defeats McDonald Nadal has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success at Flushing Meadows, walking away with the title on four different occasions, with his latest title coming in 2019. He will hope to replicate his success at the US Open as he prepares to take his tally up to five. The US Open action is set to unfold from August 29th.

'I need to move forward'- Rafael Nadal trains his aim at US Open following loss against Borna Coric

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.

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.

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>

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.

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.

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>

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<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>

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&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."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<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>

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.

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&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.

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

The defending US Open champion Emma Raducanu recently credited consensus G.O.A.T. Serena Williams for changing the game of tennis on its head. Raducanu, who most recently suffered a loss at the hands of Camila Giorgi at the Canadian Open,&nbsp;admitted that the women's tennis landscape lacked dominant forces like Williams.&nbsp;

Serena Williams hinted at retirement on Tuesday, claiming that she was gradually evolving away from tennis. The American is widely considered one of&nbsp;the most successful players in women's tennis in the Open Era. Her long list of achievements, including a whopping 23 Grand Slam singles titles and Olympic accolades only serve to prove the statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-deep-dive-into-serena-williams-achievements-over-the-course-of-her-storied-career-505560">A look at Serena Williams' greatest achievements over the course of her illustrious career</a>

While in conversation with the media in the aftermath of her Canadian Open setback in the first round,&nbsp;Raducanu offered her candid take on Williams'&nbsp;impact on the sport and the legacy that she will leave behind in the wake of her retirement.

<blockquote>
“She definitely changed the game.&nbsp;To dominate that, there’s not really been someone who’s dominated like her in the woman’s game so she really did change a lot in that respect,” admitted Raducanu.
</blockquote>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<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>

The 19-year-old&nbsp;further revealed how Williams inspired her to pursue perfection and remain at the top of her game for as long as the American.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
“It’s incredible her career that she’s achieved so much. To see her around in this US swing is really inspiring. She keeps playing because she obviously loves the game and that longevity of her career is something that a lot of the players, and me, all aspire to achieve as well.”
</blockquote>

The upcoming US Open will mark Williams' swansong as she prepares to bid the sport adieu and ride off into the sunset. The 40-year-old hopes to spend more time with her family and focus on pursuits with monetary benefits like venture capital funds and more.

The defending US Open champion Emma Raducanu recently credited consensus G.O.A.T. Serena Williams for changing the game of tennis on its head. Raducanu, who most recently suffered a loss at the hands of Camila Giorgi at the Canadian Open, admitted that the women's tennis landscape lacked dominant forces like Williams.

The defending US Open champion Emma Raducanu recently credited consensus G.O.A.T. Serena Williams for changing the game of tennis on its head. Raducanu, who most recently suffered a loss at the hands of Camila Giorgi at the Canadian Open, admitted that the women's tennis landscape lacked dominant forces like Williams. Serena Williams hinted at retirement on Tuesday, claiming that she was gradually evolving away from tennis. The American is widely considered one of the most successful players in women's tennis in the Open Era. Her long list of achievements, including a whopping 23 Grand Slam singles titles and Olympic accolades only serve to prove the statement. ALSO READ: A look at Serena Williams' greatest achievements over the course of her illustrious career While in conversation with the media in the aftermath of her Canadian Open setback in the first round, Raducanu offered her candid take on Williams' impact on the sport and the legacy that she will leave behind in the wake of her retirement. “She definitely changed the game. To dominate that, there’s not really been someone who’s dominated like her in the woman’s game so she really did change a lot in that respect,” admitted Raducanu. ALSO READ: Serena Williams announces retirement: A look at 23 Grand Slams won by tennis great The 19-year-old further revealed how Williams inspired her to pursue perfection and remain at the top of her game for as long as the American. “It’s incredible her career that she’s achieved so much. To see her around in this US swing is really inspiring. She keeps playing because she obviously loves the game and that longevity of her career is something that a lot of the players, and me, all aspire to achieve as well.” The upcoming US Open will mark Williams' swansong as she prepares to bid the sport adieu and ride off into the sunset. The 40-year-old hopes to spend more time with her family and focus on pursuits with monetary benefits like venture capital funds and more.

'Definitely changed the game'- Emma Raducanu sheds light on Serena Williams' impact on tennis

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."

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 |&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>

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 |&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>

"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:

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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

Thinking too much about the elusive 24th Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court`s record did not help Serena Williams` quest, the American great admits as she prepares to hang up her racket after a sparkling career. It seemed only a matter of time before Williams would surpass Australian Court to become the most successful player in the sport when she won her 23rd major singles trophy in Melbourne at the start of 2017. 
However, nobody could have envisaged that Australian Open title being the last time Williams would hoist a major trophy as she took a break from tennis to give birth to daughter Olympia the same year.

"There are people who say I`m not the GOAT (greatest of all time) because I didn`t pass Court`s record, which she achieved before the `Open era` that began in 1968," Williams said in a lengthy article in Vogue. 
"I`d be lying if I said I didn`t want that record. Obviously I do. But day-to-day, I`m really not thinking about her. If I`m in a Slam final, then yes, I`m thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn`t help." In the world of sport there are few records that have quite stood the test of time as the one belonging to Court.

ALSO READ |&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>

Williams, who will turn 41 next month, came tantalisingly close to equalling the mark having reached the final in four majors since she returned from maternity leave in 2018. But she came up just short each time. "The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams," Williams said. "I had my chances after coming back from giving birth... But I didn`t get there. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. "I didn`t show up the way I should have or could have. But I showed up 23 times, and that`s fine. Actually it`s extraordinary."

ANOTHER CHANCE 
Two of those four championship matches were at her home major on the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows, where Williams has lifted the trophy six times. She will have another chance when the U.S. Open starts at the end of this month in what is expected to be her swansong. "Unfortunately I wasn`t ready to win Wimbledon this year," she added. "And I don`t know if I will be ready to win New York. But I`m going to try. "I know there`s a fan fantasy that I might have tied Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York, and then at the trophy ceremony say, "See ya!" "I get that. It`s a good fantasy. But I`m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment. I`m terrible at goodbyes, the world`s worst."

Thinking too much about the elusive 24th Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court`s record did not help Serena Williams` quest, the American great admits as she prepares to hang up her racket after a sparkling career.

Thinking too much about the elusive 24th Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court`s record did not help Serena Williams` quest, the American great admits as she prepares to hang up her racket after a sparkling career. It seemed only a matter of time before Williams would surpass Australian Court to become the most successful player in the sport when she won her 23rd major singles trophy in Melbourne at the start of 2017. However, nobody could have envisaged that Australian Open title being the last time Williams would hoist a major trophy as she took a break from tennis to give birth to daughter Olympia the same year. "There are people who say I`m not the GOAT (greatest of all time) because I didn`t pass Court`s record, which she achieved before the `Open era` that began in 1968," Williams said in a lengthy article in Vogue. "I`d be lying if I said I didn`t want that record. Obviously I do. But day-to-day, I`m really not thinking about her. If I`m in a Slam final, then yes, I`m thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn`t help." In the world of sport there are few records that have quite stood the test of time as the one belonging to Court. ALSO READ | Former world No. 1 Serena Williams drops a bomb, announces her retirement Williams, who will turn 41 next month, came tantalisingly close to equalling the mark having reached the final in four majors since she returned from maternity leave in 2018. But she came up just short each time. "The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams," Williams said. "I had my chances after coming back from giving birth... But I didn`t get there. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. "I didn`t show up the way I should have or could have. But I showed up 23 times, and that`s fine. Actually it`s extraordinary." ANOTHER CHANCE Two of those four championship matches were at her home major on the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows, where Williams has lifted the trophy six times. She will have another chance when the U.S. Open starts at the end of this month in what is expected to be her swansong. "Unfortunately I wasn`t ready to win Wimbledon this year," she added. "And I don`t know if I will be ready to win New York. But I`m going to try. "I know there`s a fan fantasy that I might have tied Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York, and then at the trophy ceremony say, "See ya!" "I get that. It`s a good fantasy. But I`m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment. I`m terrible at goodbyes, the world`s worst."

Thinking too much about 24th Grand Slam didn't help, admits superstar Serena Williams

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&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.

"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 |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/washington-open-aussie-star-nick-kyrgios-wins-singles-and-doubles-titles-504941">Washington Open: Aussie star Nick Kyrgios wins singles and doubles titles</a>

"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."

<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>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"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 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

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 |&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>

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.

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

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.

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 &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).

Also Read:&nbsp;<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>

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 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

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 |&nbsp;<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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our men's and women's singles entry lists have been released. 
 
Read more:
— 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>

"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.

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

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 &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.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<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">Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine</a>

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.&nbsp;

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

Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles final on Sunday to clinch his fourth straight Wimbledon title. The Serbian ace extended his dominance at the All England Club with his seventh Wimbledon singles title equalling American great Pete Sampras' record. He is now just one short of equalling the legendary Roger Federer's record of most Wimbledon triumphs (8).

The Wimbledon 2022 title is Djokovic's first Grand Slam of the year as he has now closed the gap on Rafael Nadal on the list of most Grand Slam singles titles won by male players. He is now just one short of matching Nadal's feat of 22 Grand Slams but his participation at the upcoming US Open 2022 remains in doubt.

Djokovic, who has maintained a strict stance against getting COVID-19 vaccine, has reasserted that he will not get vaccinated anytime soon. The Serbian ace, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world, said he is not vaccinated and doesn't plan to take the vaccine but would love to take part in the US Open this year.

"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," Djokovic said.

"I'll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there. If that doesn't happen, then I have to see what the schedule will look like," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-mean-feat-sachin-tendulkar-hails-novak-djokovic-after-his-4th-straight-wimbledon-triumph-496279">'No mean feat': Sachin Tendulkar hails Novak Djokovic after his 4th straight Wimbledon triumph</a>

Djokovic has not had the best of seasons so far this year as he had to face immense trouble in Australia earlier this year over his anti-COVID-19 vaccine stance. The Serb was not allowed to take part in the Australian Open and was denied a chance to defend his title. He was also involved in a legal battle against the Australian authorities before getting deported from the country for not getting vaccinated.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-beats-nick-kyrgios-to-win-4th-straight-wimbledon-title-clinches-21st-grand-slam-496184">Novak Djokovic beats Nick Kyrgios to win 4th straight Wimbledon title, clinches 21st Grand Slam crown</a>

Opening up on the events in Australia earlier this year, Djokovic said he was not in a great place mentally and emotionally but the win at Wimbledon has come at an important time for him in the season.

"Certainly this year has not been the same like last years. In the first several months of the year, I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place," Djokovic said as he opened up on the events in Australia.

"Once I left Australia... (it) caused turbulence inside of me. I just needed time to weather the storm. Wimbledon historically has always come at such important stages of my life and my career. In 2018 when I was starting the year with elbow surgery... this was the first slam that I won and (it) served as a springboard for (winning the next two majors at) the U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open. I'm always inspired to play my best tennis in London," he explained.

Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles final on Sunday to clinch his fourth straight Wimbledon title. The Serbian ace extended his dominance at the All England Club with his seventh Wimbledon singles title equalling American great Pete Sampras' record.

Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles final on Sunday to clinch his fourth straight Wimbledon title. The Serbian ace extended his dominance at the All England Club with his seventh Wimbledon singles title equalling American great Pete Sampras' record. He is now just one short of equalling the legendary Roger Federer's record of most Wimbledon triumphs (8). The Wimbledon 2022 title is Djokovic's first Grand Slam of the year as he has now closed the gap on Rafael Nadal on the list of most Grand Slam singles titles won by male players. He is now just one short of matching Nadal's feat of 22 Grand Slams but his participation at the upcoming US Open 2022 remains in doubt. Djokovic, who has maintained a strict stance against getting COVID-19 vaccine, has reasserted that he will not get vaccinated anytime soon. The Serbian ace, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world, said he is not vaccinated and doesn't plan to take the vaccine but would love to take part in the US Open this year. "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," Djokovic said. "I'll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there. If that doesn't happen, then I have to see what the schedule will look like," he added. Also Read: 'No mean feat': Sachin Tendulkar hails Novak Djokovic after his 4th straight Wimbledon triumph Djokovic has not had the best of seasons so far this year as he had to face immense trouble in Australia earlier this year over his anti-COVID-19 vaccine stance. The Serb was not allowed to take part in the Australian Open and was denied a chance to defend his title. He was also involved in a legal battle against the Australian authorities before getting deported from the country for not getting vaccinated. Also Read: Novak Djokovic beats Nick Kyrgios to win 4th straight Wimbledon title, clinches 21st Grand Slam crown Opening up on the events in Australia earlier this year, Djokovic said he was not in a great place mentally and emotionally but the win at Wimbledon has come at an important time for him in the season. "Certainly this year has not been the same like last years. In the first several months of the year, I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place," Djokovic said as he opened up on the events in Australia. "Once I left Australia... (it) caused turbulence inside of me. I just needed time to weather the storm. Wimbledon historically has always come at such important stages of my life and my career. In 2018 when I was starting the year with elbow surgery... this was the first slam that I won and (it) served as a springboard for (winning the next two majors at) the U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open. I'm always inspired to play my best tennis in London," he explained.

Novak Djokovic on his US Open participation: 'Not planning to get vaccinated but would love to go there'

England's Matt Fitzpatrick captured his first major title on Sunday by winning the US Open in dramatic fashion, making spectacular shots as rivals crumbled under final-round pressure.

After a thrilling three-man fight down the back nine at The Country Club, Fitzpatrick fired a two-under-par 68 to finish on six-under-par 274 and defeat Americans Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris by one stroke.

"I'm going to say it because I won but I hit some unbelievable shots coming down the stretch and that's what I work for," Fitzpatrick said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-jon-rahm-and-sergio-garcia-to-spearhead-europe-ryder-cup-defence-415392">Golf-Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia to spearhead Europe Ryder Cup defence</a>

With perseverance, Fitzpatrick delivered his first professional US victory for a long-sought major trophy.

"It's what you grow up dreaming of," Fitzpatrick said. "It's something I've worked so hard for for such a long time. There was a big monkey on my back trying to win over here and everyone, all they ever talked about was that. To do it as a major for my first win -– there's nothing better."

World number 18 Fitzpatrick, who won the 2013 US Amateur at The Country Club, matched Jack Nicklaus as the only US Open and US Amateur winners on the same course, the US legend doing the double at Pebble Beach.

"It means the world," Fitzpatrick said of the achievement.

The 27-year-old from Sheffield, who shared fifth last month at the PGA Championship for his best prior major result, sank a stunning 48-foot birdie putt at the 13th hole to grab a share of the lead.

At the 15th, Fitzpatrick blasted out of the right rough to just inside 19 feet and rolled in a tension-packed putt to reach 6-under and lead by two thanks to a Zalatoris bogey.

"Got a couple of nice breaks on 15 and took advantage of it and that’s what it took in the end," Fitzpatrick said.

After birdies by top-ranked Masters champion Scheffler at 17 and Zalatoris on 16, Fitzpatrick clung to a one-stroke lead at the 18th tee.

The Englishman sent his tee shot into a left fairway bunker, but blasted a magnificent approach to 18 feet and two putted for par.

"I hit a 3-wood into the bunker and if there was one shot I've struggled with this year that I do not want it's a fairway bunker shot," said Fitzpatrick.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-golf-nelly-korda-claims-gold-medal-and-another-family-triumph-403618">Tokyo Olympics golf: Nelly Korda claims gold medal and another family triumph</a>

"I guess ability just took over. It's one of the best shots I've hit of all time. When I saw it leave the sand and felt the strike I couldn't have been happier."

Zalatoris had a 14-foot birdie putt to force a playoff but when he missed, the record $3.15 million top prize went to Fitzpatrick.

"Matt's shot on 18 is going to be shown probably for the rest of US Open history," Zalatoris said.&nbsp;

"I walked by it and thought that going for it was going to be ballsy, but the fact that he pulled it off and even had a birdie look was just incredible. So hats off to him."

Fitzpatrick has had a workout program to boost his driving distance for the past&nbsp;two years, boosting his shotmaking courage.

"I absolutely backed myself 110 per cent," he said. "I feel like I can compete against anyone out here, particularly over the last two years as I've got longer. Hopefully this is the first step in getting even better."

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, fired the best round of the week, a bogey-free 65, to finish fourth on three-under 277.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy and two-time major champion Collin Morikawa shared fifth on 278 while second-ranked Spaniard Jon Rahm, the defending champion, shared 12th on 281 after a closing 74.

Scheffler fired a final-round 67 while Zalatoris, now a three-time runner-up in nine major starts, and third-ranked McIlroy each closed on 69 and seventh-ranked Morikawa, the reigning British Open champion, shot 66.

"Tip of the hat to Fitzy," Scheffler said. "He's hitting the ball really well and has been knocking on the door for a long time. He definitely deserves this win."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-women-slowly-become-more-welcome-at-golf-venue-403530">Tokyo Olympics: Women slowly become more welcome at golf venue</a>

&nbsp;LIV four today&nbsp;

Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series players faced US PGA Tour members for the first time this week after the US Golf Association decided not to ban rebels despite suspensions issed by the US PGA Tour.

LIV's 15 players, only four of whom made the cut, were a combined 118-over par.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson led the way, firing a 72 to finish on 284.

England's Richard Bland fired a 74 to finish on eight-over 288 with 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed on 290 after a 74 and 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau on 293 after a 75.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick captured his first major title on Sunday by winning the US Open in dramatic fashion, making spectacular shots as rivals crumbled under final-round pressure.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick captured his first major title on Sunday by winning the US Open in dramatic fashion, making spectacular shots as rivals crumbled under final-round pressure. After a thrilling three-man fight down the back nine at The Country Club, Fitzpatrick fired a two-under-par 68 to finish on six-under-par 274 and defeat Americans Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris by one stroke. "I'm going to say it because I won but I hit some unbelievable shots coming down the stretch and that's what I work for," Fitzpatrick said. Also read | Golf-Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia to spearhead Europe Ryder Cup defence With perseverance, Fitzpatrick delivered his first professional US victory for a long-sought major trophy. "It's what you grow up dreaming of," Fitzpatrick said. "It's something I've worked so hard for for such a long time. There was a big monkey on my back trying to win over here and everyone, all they ever talked about was that. To do it as a major for my first win -– there's nothing better." World number 18 Fitzpatrick, who won the 2013 US Amateur at The Country Club, matched Jack Nicklaus as the only US Open and US Amateur winners on the same course, the US legend doing the double at Pebble Beach. "It means the world," Fitzpatrick said of the achievement. The 27-year-old from Sheffield, who shared fifth last month at the PGA Championship for his best prior major result, sank a stunning 48-foot birdie putt at the 13th hole to grab a share of the lead. At the 15th, Fitzpatrick blasted out of the right rough to just inside 19 feet and rolled in a tension-packed putt to reach 6-under and lead by two thanks to a Zalatoris bogey. "Got a couple of nice breaks on 15 and took advantage of it and that’s what it took in the end," Fitzpatrick said. After birdies by top-ranked Masters champion Scheffler at 17 and Zalatoris on 16, Fitzpatrick clung to a one-stroke lead at the 18th tee. The Englishman sent his tee shot into a left fairway bunker, but blasted a magnificent approach to 18 feet and two putted for par. "I hit a 3-wood into the bunker and if there was one shot I've struggled with this year that I do not want it's a fairway bunker shot," said Fitzpatrick. Also read | Tokyo Olympics golf: Nelly Korda claims gold medal and another family triumph "I guess ability just took over. It's one of the best shots I've hit of all time. When I saw it leave the sand and felt the strike I couldn't have been happier." Zalatoris had a 14-foot birdie putt to force a playoff but when he missed, the record $3.15 million top prize went to Fitzpatrick. "Matt's shot on 18 is going to be shown probably for the rest of US Open history," Zalatoris said. "I walked by it and thought that going for it was going to be ballsy, but the fact that he pulled it off and even had a birdie look was just incredible. So hats off to him." Fitzpatrick has had a workout program to boost his driving distance for the past two years, boosting his shotmaking courage. "I absolutely backed myself 110 per cent," he said. "I feel like I can compete against anyone out here, particularly over the last two years as I've got longer. Hopefully this is the first step in getting even better." Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, fired the best round of the week, a bogey-free 65, to finish fourth on three-under 277. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy and two-time major champion Collin Morikawa shared fifth on 278 while second-ranked Spaniard Jon Rahm, the defending champion, shared 12th on 281 after a closing 74. Scheffler fired a final-round 67 while Zalatoris, now a three-time runner-up in nine major starts, and third-ranked McIlroy each closed on 69 and seventh-ranked Morikawa, the reigning British Open champion, shot 66. "Tip of the hat to Fitzy," Scheffler said. "He's hitting the ball really well and has been knocking on the door for a long time. He definitely deserves this win." Also read | Tokyo Olympics: Women slowly become more welcome at golf venue LIV four today Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series players faced US PGA Tour members for the first time this week after the US Golf Association decided not to ban rebels despite suspensions issed by the US PGA Tour. LIV's 15 players, only four of whom made the cut, were a combined 118-over par. Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson led the way, firing a 72 to finish on 284. England's Richard Bland fired a 74 to finish on eight-over 288 with 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed on 290 after a 74 and 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau on 293 after a 75.

England's Fitzpatrick wins US Open with sensational finish

Ukraine`s Elina Svitolina does not agree with the U.S. Open decision to allow players from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals and hoped the Grand Slam organisers would take a firmer stand following Moscow`s invasion of her country.

Russian and Belarusian players are banned from competing at Wimbledon, which starts on June 27, but the United States Tennis Association allowed them to play under a neutral flag at the hardcourt major in New York.

"It`s their decision to make, they decided to take this path. I don`t support it because I feel like they should have taken more serious action," the former world number three told Reuters from Geneva.

"Our (Ukraine`s) sports is thrown back by 10 years minimum because all the infrastructure has been damaged or completely destroyed. I can tell you many, many factors that can play a role in the decision of not letting Russian and Belarusian players compete."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-iga-swiatek-receives-standing-ovation-for-stay-strong-ukraine-message-after-french-open-win-485278">WATCH: Iga Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win</a>

Russian and Belarusian players, who also participated at the French Open, are banned from team events but are allowed to compete as neutrals on the men`s and women`s tours. The 27-year-old Svitolina pledged to donate her prize money from tournaments to the Ukrainian army before pulling out of the tour after losing in the second round of the Miami Masters in March.

Last week she joined former Ukraine, Chelsea and AC Milan footballer Andriy Shevchenko as an ambassador for `UNITED24` -- a charity platform launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to collect donations.

Born in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Svitolina expected more support from the governing bodies of tennis and was completely against the policy of allowing players from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals. The silence from her fellow players from Russia and Belarus was also surprising.

"For us it was not really understandable why we didn`t get support from them. I feel like it created tension between us," Svitolina said during the video interview.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-us-open-allows-russian-belarusian-players-to-compete-under-neutral-flag-488242">US Open allows Russian, Belarusian players to compete under neutral flag</a>

Svitolina thanked world number one Iga Swiatek for her French Open victory speech when the Pole urged Ukraine to "stay strong" and reminded everyone that the war was still ongoing.

On Feb. 24, Russia launched the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". A few days earlier, Svitolina, who is married to French tennis player Gael Monfils, found out the couple were expecting a baby in October.

"I was extremely excited about the news. And then a few days later the war started," she said. "It was lot of stress, we were really worried.

"I was actually more worried about the war than about myself. I don`t even remember what happened during the first few days. It was unbearable."

The war has changed her as a person. "The priorities changed, the vision of life changed," Svitolina said. "It`s not that I didn`t cherish the family time with my parents before but now I really enjoy spending time with them.

"They got a chance to leave Ukraine and they are in Europe right now. A lot of things changed inside, mentally. A war really changes people."

The pregnancy will force her to take a break from travelling to fundraising events but Svitolina plans to be back to her work by the end of the year and she also wants to return to the tennis court.

"Right now I feel like the last time I held the racket was like 20 years ago," said Svitolina, who won the Olympic singles bronze medal in Tokyo last year.

"I really want to compete at the (2024) Olympics in Paris. This is my goal. But it`s not the first thing that I`m thinking right now."

Ukraine`s Elina Svitolina does not agree with the U.S. Open decision to allow players from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals and hoped the Grand Slam organisers would take a firmer stand following Moscow`s invasion of her country.

Ukraine`s Elina Svitolina does not agree with the U.S. Open decision to allow players from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals and hoped the Grand Slam organisers would take a firmer stand following Moscow`s invasion of her country. Russian and Belarusian players are banned from competing at Wimbledon, which starts on June 27, but the United States Tennis Association allowed them to play under a neutral flag at the hardcourt major in New York. "It`s their decision to make, they decided to take this path. I don`t support it because I feel like they should have taken more serious action," the former world number three told Reuters from Geneva. "Our (Ukraine`s) sports is thrown back by 10 years minimum because all the infrastructure has been damaged or completely destroyed. I can tell you many, many factors that can play a role in the decision of not letting Russian and Belarusian players compete." Also Read: WATCH: Iga Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win Russian and Belarusian players, who also participated at the French Open, are banned from team events but are allowed to compete as neutrals on the men`s and women`s tours. The 27-year-old Svitolina pledged to donate her prize money from tournaments to the Ukrainian army before pulling out of the tour after losing in the second round of the Miami Masters in March. Last week she joined former Ukraine, Chelsea and AC Milan footballer Andriy Shevchenko as an ambassador for `UNITED24` -- a charity platform launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to collect donations. Born in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, Svitolina expected more support from the governing bodies of tennis and was completely against the policy of allowing players from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals. The silence from her fellow players from Russia and Belarus was also surprising. "For us it was not really understandable why we didn`t get support from them. I feel like it created tension between us," Svitolina said during the video interview. Also Read: US Open allows Russian, Belarusian players to compete under neutral flag Svitolina thanked world number one Iga Swiatek for her French Open victory speech when the Pole urged Ukraine to "stay strong" and reminded everyone that the war was still ongoing. On Feb. 24, Russia launched the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". A few days earlier, Svitolina, who is married to French tennis player Gael Monfils, found out the couple were expecting a baby in October. "I was extremely excited about the news. And then a few days later the war started," she said. "It was lot of stress, we were really worried. "I was actually more worried about the war than about myself. I don`t even remember what happened during the first few days. It was unbearable." The war has changed her as a person. "The priorities changed, the vision of life changed," Svitolina said. "It`s not that I didn`t cherish the family time with my parents before but now I really enjoy spending time with them. "They got a chance to leave Ukraine and they are in Europe right now. A lot of things changed inside, mentally. A war really changes people." The pregnancy will force her to take a break from travelling to fundraising events but Svitolina plans to be back to her work by the end of the year and she also wants to return to the tennis court. "Right now I feel like the last time I held the racket was like 20 years ago," said Svitolina, who won the Olympic singles bronze medal in Tokyo last year. "I really want to compete at the (2024) Olympics in Paris. This is my goal. But it`s not the first thing that I`m thinking right now."

'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate

The US Tennis Association(USTA) said on Tuesday that players from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete in the upcoming tournament under a neutral flag.

The move comes after Wimbledon officials banned top Russian players including world no-1 Daniil Medvedev and other players from taking part in the premier grass court tournament amid the Ukraine war. The move has deeply divided the tennis&nbsp;world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-loses-ranking-points-following-russia-belarus-ban-480820">Also Read:&nbsp;Wimbledon loses ranking points following Russia, Belarus ban</a>

"The USTA will allow all eligible players, regardless of nationality, to compete at the 2022 US Open," the US tennis association said.

The USTA added that it will undertake humanitarian effort for the people of Ukraine and that it will work with players to ensure "US Open as a platform to further the humanitarian effort of the 'Tennis Plays for Peace' programme."

Watch:&nbsp;Wimbledon reduced to an exhibition event?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wimbledon-reduced-to-an-exhibition-event-478497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The International Tennis Federation(ITF), the ATP and WTA Tours had earlier condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) responsible for holding the Wimbledon tournament had said&nbsp;it would "limit Russia's global influence through the strongest means possible".

AELTC had asserted that it would be "unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits" from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players.

Russian or Belarusian players were also banned from taking part in Wimbledon warmup events at Queen's Club and Eastbourne.

The ITF had banned Russia and Belarus from taking part in the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup as part of the restrictions.

However, the ATP and WTA had criticised the move calling it "unfair" while adding that it sets a "damaging precedent for the game" even as tennis star Novak Djokovic blasted the move calling it "crazy".

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<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>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The US Tennis Association(USTA) said on Tuesday that players from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete in the upcoming tournament under a neutral flag. The move comes after Wimbledon officials banned top Russian players including world no-1 Daniil Medvedev and other players from taking part in the premier grass court tournament amid the Ukraine war.

The US Tennis Association(USTA) said on Tuesday that players from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete in the upcoming tournament under a neutral flag. The move comes after Wimbledon officials banned top Russian players including world no-1 Daniil Medvedev and other players from taking part in the premier grass court tournament amid the Ukraine war. The move has deeply divided the tennis world. Also Read: Wimbledon loses ranking points following Russia, Belarus ban "The USTA will allow all eligible players, regardless of nationality, to compete at the 2022 US Open," the US tennis association said. The USTA added that it will undertake humanitarian effort for the people of Ukraine and that it will work with players to ensure "US Open as a platform to further the humanitarian effort of the 'Tennis Plays for Peace' programme." Watch: Wimbledon reduced to an exhibition event? The International Tennis Federation(ITF), the ATP and WTA Tours had earlier condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) responsible for holding the Wimbledon tournament had said it would "limit Russia's global influence through the strongest means possible". AELTC had asserted that it would be "unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits" from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players. Russian or Belarusian players were also banned from taking part in Wimbledon warmup events at Queen's Club and Eastbourne. The ITF had banned Russia and Belarus from taking part in the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup as part of the restrictions. However, the ATP and WTA had criticised the move calling it "unfair" while adding that it sets a "damaging precedent for the game" even as tennis star Novak Djokovic blasted the move calling it "crazy". (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: US Open allows Russian, Belarusian players to compete under neutral flag

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has ?no idea? if she'll be ready for Wimbledon in just under three weeks after retiring from her match with a freak injury&nbsp;to her left side. Raducanu was facing Victorija Golubic in her opener at the Nottingham Open and was trailing 4-3 when she stopped playing.

"I think I pulled something, I am not really sure what exactly happened,&nbsp;the 11th-ranked Raducanu said, describing it as an absolute freak injury. The next Grand Slam tournament begins on June 27 at Wimbledon. 
I cannot diagnose myself. I will get it checked out,"&nbsp;the 19-year-old British player said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/probably-wouldnt-have-played-any-other-grand-slam-says-injured-nadal-after-spaniard-wins-french-open-485861">Probably wouldn't have played any other Grand Slam, says injured Nadal after Spaniard wins French Open</a>

Just over a year ago, Raducanu reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in what was her debut in a Grand Slam main draw. She won the U.S. Open title at Flushing Meadows but hasn't advanced past the second round at the two majors so far in 2022 at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has ?no idea? if she'll be ready for Wimbledon in just under three weeks after retiring from her match with a freak injury to her left side.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has ?no idea? if she'll be ready for Wimbledon in just under three weeks after retiring from her match with a freak injury to her left side. Raducanu was facing Victorija Golubic in her opener at the Nottingham Open and was trailing 4-3 when she stopped playing. "I think I pulled something, I am not really sure what exactly happened, the 11th-ranked Raducanu said, describing it as an absolute freak injury. The next Grand Slam tournament begins on June 27 at Wimbledon. I cannot diagnose myself. I will get it checked out," the 19-year-old British player said. ALSO READ | Probably wouldn't have played any other Grand Slam, says injured Nadal after Spaniard wins French Open Just over a year ago, Raducanu reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in what was her debut in a Grand Slam main draw. She won the U.S. Open title at Flushing Meadows but hasn't advanced past the second round at the two majors so far in 2022 at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu leaves Wimbledon warmup tournament with injury

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has split with German coach Torben Beltz after working with him for five months, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Raducanu appointed Beltz as her coach in November after she had parted ways with Andrew Richardson following her surprise triumph at Flushing Meadows, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam.

The 19-year-old said she needed "a new training model" and that Britain`s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) would support her in the interim. "I want to thank Torben for his coaching, professionalism and dedication over the last half a year," the BBC quoted her as saying in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wta-roundup-young-star-emma-raducanu-to-meet-iga-swiatek-in-stuttgart-473055">WTA roundup: Young star Emma Raducanu to meet Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart</a>

"He has a huge heart and I have enjoyed our strong chemistry during the time together. 
"I feel the best direction for my development is to transition to a new training model with the LTA supporting in the interim." Reuters has requested comment from Raducanu and the LTA.

Raducanu, ranked 11th in the world, lost to world number one Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals of the Stuttgart Open last week.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has split with German coach Torben Beltz after working with him for five months, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Raducanu appointed Beltz as her coach in November after she had parted ways with Andrew Richardson following her surprise triumph at Flushing Meadows, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu has split with German coach Torben Beltz after working with him for five months, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Raducanu appointed Beltz as her coach in November after she had parted ways with Andrew Richardson following her surprise triumph at Flushing Meadows, where she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam. The 19-year-old said she needed "a new training model" and that Britain`s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) would support her in the interim. "I want to thank Torben for his coaching, professionalism and dedication over the last half a year," the BBC quoted her as saying in a statement. ALSO READ | WTA roundup: Young star Emma Raducanu to meet Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart "He has a huge heart and I have enjoyed our strong chemistry during the time together. "I feel the best direction for my development is to transition to a new training model with the LTA supporting in the interim." Reuters has requested comment from Raducanu and the LTA. Raducanu, ranked 11th in the world, lost to world number one Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals of the Stuttgart Open last week.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu splits with coach Torben Beltz after five months

On behalf of the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Grand Slam Board on Wednesday announced the joint decision to play a 10-point tiebreak at all Grand Slams, when the score reaches six games all in the final set.

Further to extensive consultation with the WTA, ATP, ITF and tennis officiating community, the Grand Slam Board's decision is based on a desire to create greater consistency in the rules of the game at the Grand Slams, and thus enhance the experience for the players and fans alike, an official statement said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-host-44th-world-chess-olympiad-2022-at-chennai-462876">India to host 44th World Chess Olympiad 2022 at Chennai</a>

"This trial, which has been approved by the Rules of Tennis Committee governed by the ITF, will apply to all Grand Slams across Qualifying, Men's singles and doubles, Women's singles and doubles, Wheelchair and Junior events in singles, and will commence at the 2022 edition of Roland-Garros," the statement said.

At the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, and the US Open, the 10-point tiebreak will be played in lieu of the final set for Mixed Doubles, Junior doubles and Wheelchair doubles.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mclaren-driver-daniel-ricciardo-fit-to-take-part-in-bahrain-grand-prix-after-negative-covid-tests-462857">McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo fit to take part in Bahrain Grand Prix after negative COVID tests</a>

At Wimbledon, the format will remain the same as for the other events.

Under this trial, if the score reaches six games all in the final set, the match-winner(s) will be the first player(s) to win 10 points with an advantage of two or more points.

The Grand Slam Board plans to review the trial during the course of a full Grand Slam year, in consultation with the WTA, ATP and ITF, before applying for any permanent rule change.

On behalf of the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Grand Slam Board on Wednesday announced the joint decision to play a 10-point tiebreak at all Grand Slams, when the score reaches six games all in the final set.

On behalf of the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Grand Slam Board on Wednesday announced the joint decision to play a 10-point tiebreak at all Grand Slams, when the score reaches six games all in the final set. Further to extensive consultation with the WTA, ATP, ITF and tennis officiating community, the Grand Slam Board's decision is based on a desire to create greater consistency in the rules of the game at the Grand Slams, and thus enhance the experience for the players and fans alike, an official statement said. ALSO READ: India to host 44th World Chess Olympiad 2022 at Chennai "This trial, which has been approved by the Rules of Tennis Committee governed by the ITF, will apply to all Grand Slams across Qualifying, Men's singles and doubles, Women's singles and doubles, Wheelchair and Junior events in singles, and will commence at the 2022 edition of Roland-Garros," the statement said. At the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, and the US Open, the 10-point tiebreak will be played in lieu of the final set for Mixed Doubles, Junior doubles and Wheelchair doubles. ALSO READ: McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo fit to take part in Bahrain Grand Prix after negative COVID tests At Wimbledon, the format will remain the same as for the other events. Under this trial, if the score reaches six games all in the final set, the match-winner(s) will be the first player(s) to win 10 points with an advantage of two or more points. The Grand Slam Board plans to review the trial during the course of a full Grand Slam year, in consultation with the WTA, ATP and ITF, before applying for any permanent rule change.

All Grand Slams to use 10-point tiebreaker if final set is six games all

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro is considering an imminent retirement from the sport, saying recurring injuries mean two tournaments in Argentina and Brazil this month will "possibly" be his last.

"This is one of the hardest messages I`ve ever had to face up to and communicate," the 33-year-old told reporters in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

"Everyone knows and hopes that I return to tennis. Possibly it won`t be like that and that it will be more of a farewell than a return."

The former world number three last played a tournament match in June 2019 at Queens in London. He injured his knee and has been struggling to regain full fitness ever since.

"The knee has been a nightmare," said the 6-foot-6 big hitter. "I`ve been trying alternatives and ways to resolve it for years and today I just can`t manage it," he said. "I never imagined retiring from tennis anywhere other than out there on the court."

Del Potro has won 22 ATP titles since turning professional in 2005, including the 2009 U.S. Open, his only major win. 
He has a wild card entry into the Argentina and Rio de Janeiro Opens, both of which take place this month.

Del Potro will face countryman Federico Delbonis in his first match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

The Rio de Janeiro Open begins on Feb. 12.

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro is considering an imminent retirement from the sport, saying recurring injuries mean two tournaments in Argentina and Brazil this month will "possibly" be his last.

Argentine tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro is considering an imminent retirement from the sport, saying recurring injuries mean two tournaments in Argentina and Brazil this month will "possibly" be his last. "This is one of the hardest messages I`ve ever had to face up to and communicate," the 33-year-old told reporters in Buenos Aires on Saturday. "Everyone knows and hopes that I return to tennis. Possibly it won`t be like that and that it will be more of a farewell than a return." The former world number three last played a tournament match in June 2019 at Queens in London. He injured his knee and has been struggling to regain full fitness ever since. "The knee has been a nightmare," said the 6-foot-6 big hitter. "I`ve been trying alternatives and ways to resolve it for years and today I just can`t manage it," he said. "I never imagined retiring from tennis anywhere other than out there on the court." Del Potro has won 22 ATP titles since turning professional in 2005, including the 2009 U.S. Open, his only major win. He has a wild card entry into the Argentina and Rio de Janeiro Opens, both of which take place this month. Del Potro will face countryman Federico Delbonis in his first match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. The Rio de Janeiro Open begins on Feb. 12.

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro contemplating retirement due to persistent injuries

US Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of this month`s Kremlin Cup, citing a "tournament schedule change".

The 18-year-old Briton was due to be back on the court at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, which takes place between October 18-24. However, Raducanu announced on Thursday that she will be unable to play at the event this year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-stars-fall-at-indian-wells-which-struggles-to-draw-a-crowd-420743">US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd</a>

Raducanu has just played one match since she lifted the US Open trophy in the Flushing Meadows last month, suffering a second-round defeat to Aliaksandra Sasnovich at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

"Unfortunately I`ve had to make a tournament schedule change and won`t be able to play Moscow this year, but I hope to compete there and in front of the Russian fans next year," she said in a statement as per Sky Sports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tunisias-ons-jabeur-to-become-first-arab-player-to-crack-top-10-after-reaching-indian-wells-semi-finals-420944">Tunisia's Ons Jabeur to become first Arab player to crack top 10 after reaching Indian Wells semi-finals</a>

"I look forward to returning to the tour in the next couple of weeks," she added.&nbsp;

US Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of this month`s Kremlin Cup, citing a "tournament schedule change". The 18-year-old Briton was due to be back on the court at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, which takes place between October 18-24.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu has pulled out of this month`s Kremlin Cup, citing a "tournament schedule change". The 18-year-old Briton was due to be back on the court at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, which takes place between October 18-24. However, Raducanu announced on Thursday that she will be unable to play at the event this year. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd Raducanu has just played one match since she lifted the US Open trophy in the Flushing Meadows last month, suffering a second-round defeat to Aliaksandra Sasnovich at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. "Unfortunately I`ve had to make a tournament schedule change and won`t be able to play Moscow this year, but I hope to compete there and in front of the Russian fans next year," she said in a statement as per Sky Sports. ALSO READ: Tunisia's Ons Jabeur to become first Arab player to crack top 10 after reaching Indian Wells semi-finals "I look forward to returning to the tour in the next couple of weeks," she added.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu withdraws from Kremlin Cup

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open.

Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

He led Grigor Dimitrov by a set and two breaks of serve in the round of 16. But tennis remains an unpredictable game, and the top-seeded Medvedev proceeded to lose his way in the desert sunshine as Dimitrov, playing patiently and boldly at just the right times, reeled off wins in eight consecutive games and then held firm to finish off the upset, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

“Impossible until possible, I guess,” Dimitrov said in a television interview.

But if this is not the U.S. Open, it is not truly the Indian Wells tournament, either. That event, usually held annually in March, has grown in size and stature under its free-spending owner, Larry Ellison, becoming the most popular and prestigious tour stop after the four Grand Slam tournaments and the year-end tour finals.

In 2019, 475,000 spectators came to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the event’s nearly two-week run, filling up the stadium courts and the upscale restaurants that overlook them. In recent years, the tournament generated an estimated annual economic impact of more than $400 million in the greater Palm Springs region.

But in March 2020, it became the first major international sports event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision, which was ultimately Ellison’s call, turned out to be the correct one. Though there were skeptics when the move was announced just before the qualifying tournament, other leagues and events soon followed as the scope and threat of the pandemic became clearer.

“We thought they were nuts at first for calling it off,” Krystal Meier, a longtime fan and tournament attendee from Long Beach, said last week. “How could anybody have known what was coming?”

This year, the BNP Paribas Open was moved from March to October, and though the prize money is roughly the same as in 2019, the star power and atmosphere are not.

According to tournament officials, attendance is on track to be about half of what it was in 2019. The change in date is certainly a factor. Many seasonal residents have yet to arrive in the area, and regulars who made March attendance a tradition were clearly not ready to embrace October.

The decision to require vaccination of all spectators may have limited the overall numbers while reassuring some fans. “When we saw everybody was going to be vaccinated, we definitely felt better about coming,” Meier said.

But there is still underlying concern about attending mass events and traveling too far from home. More than 87% of the spectators in 2019 were from outside the Palm Springs area.

Another reason for the smaller crowds is surely the changing of the guard in tennis. The tournament is missing the two biggest stars in the women’s game (Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) and the three biggest stars in the men’s game (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic).

Federer, 40, and Nadal, 35, are recovering from injuries, and they announced the end of their 2020 seasons in August. Djokovic, 34, is resting and recovering after losing to Medvedev in straight sets in last month’s U.S. Open final, a defeat that stopped him just short of becoming the first man to complete a Grand Slam in singles since Rod Laver in 1969.

Dominic Thiem, who won the men’s title here in 2019, is also out with an injury. He, like the other high-profile absentees, still has a presence in Indian Wells. In a nod to the obvious, tournament organizers have put life-size images of all of them on a wall behind Stadium 2 featuring the words “We miss you.” It has become a magnet during the event, with fans posing for photographs next to the photographs.

Posing next to flesh-and-blood players has been much trickier because of the pandemic restrictions, which have meant a ban on official autograph sessions. (Informal signings have still taken place.)

None of the women’s singles quarterfinalists in New York reached the quarterfinals here, with surprise Open champion Emma Raducanu losing in her opening match to the 100th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The far more experienced Medvedev fared better with his bedeviling blend of offense and defense, and he fared very well against Dimitrov until he took a 4-1 lead in the second set.

But Dimitrov, the Bulgarian who is seeded No. 23, was opportunistic enough to change the momentum. At 30, he has yet to reach the heights that have seemed his destiny, given his stylish, all-court game. But he remains a dangerous opponent, and after showing flashes of fine form at the San Diego Open the week before Indian Wells, he lifted his game Wednesday as Medvedev’s dropped.

“He definitely flipped the switch,” Medvedev said. “It’s not that I started missing everything and like really playing bad. I still maintained some level, if we can call it like this. In so many matches, it would be enough to finish the match.”

Once in the rallies, Dimitrov almost exclusively sliced his single-handed backhand down the stretch and waited — and waited — to take big risks with his forehand. Most of them paid off in the final set, and he took a 5-1 lead as Medvedev expressed displeasure in rare fashion by breaking a racket between his first and second serves (he double faulted) and going on to lose his serve for the sixth time.

“That shows how slow this court is, and the conditions are more like clay, I would say, which I don’t like,” Medvedev said.

Dimitrov soon lost his serve, too, as he tried to finish off the upset at 5-1, but he did not falter at 5-3, holding at love and thrusting both arms into the air.

Though the sky above him was typical Indian Wells — clear and azure — what was happening back on earth remained anything but business as usual.

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open. Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open. Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open. He led Grigor Dimitrov by a set and two breaks of serve in the round of 16. But tennis remains an unpredictable game, and the top-seeded Medvedev proceeded to lose his way in the desert sunshine as Dimitrov, playing patiently and boldly at just the right times, reeled off wins in eight consecutive games and then held firm to finish off the upset, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. “Impossible until possible, I guess,” Dimitrov said in a television interview. But if this is not the U.S. Open, it is not truly the Indian Wells tournament, either. That event, usually held annually in March, has grown in size and stature under its free-spending owner, Larry Ellison, becoming the most popular and prestigious tour stop after the four Grand Slam tournaments and the year-end tour finals. In 2019, 475,000 spectators came to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the event’s nearly two-week run, filling up the stadium courts and the upscale restaurants that overlook them. In recent years, the tournament generated an estimated annual economic impact of more than $400 million in the greater Palm Springs region. But in March 2020, it became the first major international sports event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision, which was ultimately Ellison’s call, turned out to be the correct one. Though there were skeptics when the move was announced just before the qualifying tournament, other leagues and events soon followed as the scope and threat of the pandemic became clearer. “We thought they were nuts at first for calling it off,” Krystal Meier, a longtime fan and tournament attendee from Long Beach, said last week. “How could anybody have known what was coming?” This year, the BNP Paribas Open was moved from March to October, and though the prize money is roughly the same as in 2019, the star power and atmosphere are not. According to tournament officials, attendance is on track to be about half of what it was in 2019. The change in date is certainly a factor. Many seasonal residents have yet to arrive in the area, and regulars who made March attendance a tradition were clearly not ready to embrace October. The decision to require vaccination of all spectators may have limited the overall numbers while reassuring some fans. “When we saw everybody was going to be vaccinated, we definitely felt better about coming,” Meier said. But there is still underlying concern about attending mass events and traveling too far from home. More than 87% of the spectators in 2019 were from outside the Palm Springs area. Another reason for the smaller crowds is surely the changing of the guard in tennis. The tournament is missing the two biggest stars in the women’s game (Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) and the three biggest stars in the men’s game (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic). Federer, 40, and Nadal, 35, are recovering from injuries, and they announced the end of their 2020 seasons in August. Djokovic, 34, is resting and recovering after losing to Medvedev in straight sets in last month’s U.S. Open final, a defeat that stopped him just short of becoming the first man to complete a Grand Slam in singles since Rod Laver in 1969. Dominic Thiem, who won the men’s title here in 2019, is also out with an injury. He, like the other high-profile absentees, still has a presence in Indian Wells. In a nod to the obvious, tournament organizers have put life-size images of all of them on a wall behind Stadium 2 featuring the words “We miss you.” It has become a magnet during the event, with fans posing for photographs next to the photographs. Posing next to flesh-and-blood players has been much trickier because of the pandemic restrictions, which have meant a ban on official autograph sessions. (Informal signings have still taken place.) None of the women’s singles quarterfinalists in New York reached the quarterfinals here, with surprise Open champion Emma Raducanu losing in her opening match to the 100th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The far more experienced Medvedev fared better with his bedeviling blend of offense and defense, and he fared very well against Dimitrov until he took a 4-1 lead in the second set. But Dimitrov, the Bulgarian who is seeded No. 23, was opportunistic enough to change the momentum. At 30, he has yet to reach the heights that have seemed his destiny, given his stylish, all-court game. But he remains a dangerous opponent, and after showing flashes of fine form at the San Diego Open the week before Indian Wells, he lifted his game Wednesday as Medvedev’s dropped. “He definitely flipped the switch,” Medvedev said. “It’s not that I started missing everything and like really playing bad. I still maintained some level, if we can call it like this. In so many matches, it would be enough to finish the match.” Once in the rallies, Dimitrov almost exclusively sliced his single-handed backhand down the stretch and waited — and waited — to take big risks with his forehand. Most of them paid off in the final set, and he took a 5-1 lead as Medvedev expressed displeasure in rare fashion by breaking a racket between his first and second serves (he double faulted) and going on to lose his serve for the sixth time. “That shows how slow this court is, and the conditions are more like clay, I would say, which I don’t like,” Medvedev said. Dimitrov soon lost his serve, too, as he tried to finish off the upset at 5-1, but he did not falter at 5-3, holding at love and thrusting both arms into the air. Though the sky above him was typical Indian Wells — clear and azure — what was happening back on earth remained anything but business as usual.

US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd

Weeks after her US Open title triumph, British teen sensation Emma Raducanu has split from coach Andrew Richardson, with the 18-year-old insisting that she needs "a more experienced mentor" on the WTA Tour. 
 
Richardson had accompanied Raducanu to New York for the year-end Grand Slam where she had beaten 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez of Canada in straight sets to become an overnight celebrity. 
 
"Where I was at after Wimbledon, I was ranked around 200 in the world and at the time I thought Andrew would be a great coach to trial so we went to the (United) States but never did I even dream of winning the US Open and having the run I did and now I`m ranked 22 in the world, which is pretty crazy to me," said Raducanu. 
 
"I feel like at this stage in my career, and playing the top players in the world, I realised I really need someone right now that has had that WTA Tour experience at the high levels, which means that I`m looking for someone who has been at that level and knows what it takes. And especially right now because I`m so new to it, I really need someone to guide me who`s already been through that," the tennis ace was quoted as saying by Daily Mail on Friday. 
 
Raducanu said she has yet to zero in on a trainer though rumours abound that she might hire top coach Darren Cahill, who is now a free agent after having split with former world No. 1 Simona Halep. 
 
Raducanu had earlier split with tennis ace Andy Murray`s father-in-law Nigel Sears after Wimbledon. 
 
Raducanu, who became the first-ever qualifier to triumph at a major, is aiming to return to competition by entering the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (October 6 onwards). 
 
"I`ll decide in the next few days where I`m going to go to but, wherever I play next, I`m going to make sure I`m ready. I don`t want to jump into things too early," she said. 
&nbsp;

Weeks after her US Open title triumph, British teen sensation Emma Raducanu has split from coach Andrew Richardson, with the 18-year-old insisting that she needs "a more experienced mentor" on the WTA Tour.

Weeks after her US Open title triumph, British teen sensation Emma Raducanu has split from coach Andrew Richardson, with the 18-year-old insisting that she needs "a more experienced mentor" on the WTA Tour. Richardson had accompanied Raducanu to New York for the year-end Grand Slam where she had beaten 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez of Canada in straight sets to become an overnight celebrity. "Where I was at after Wimbledon, I was ranked around 200 in the world and at the time I thought Andrew would be a great coach to trial so we went to the (United) States but never did I even dream of winning the US Open and having the run I did and now I`m ranked 22 in the world, which is pretty crazy to me," said Raducanu. "I feel like at this stage in my career, and playing the top players in the world, I realised I really need someone right now that has had that WTA Tour experience at the high levels, which means that I`m looking for someone who has been at that level and knows what it takes. And especially right now because I`m so new to it, I really need someone to guide me who`s already been through that," the tennis ace was quoted as saying by Daily Mail on Friday. Raducanu said she has yet to zero in on a trainer though rumours abound that she might hire top coach Darren Cahill, who is now a free agent after having split with former world No. 1 Simona Halep. Raducanu had earlier split with tennis ace Andy Murray`s father-in-law Nigel Sears after Wimbledon. Raducanu, who became the first-ever qualifier to triumph at a major, is aiming to return to competition by entering the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (October 6 onwards). "I`ll decide in the next few days where I`m going to go to but, wherever I play next, I`m going to make sure I`m ready. I don`t want to jump into things too early," she said.

Weeks after US Open triumph, British teen sensation Emma Raducanu splits with coach

Inordinately long toilets breaks or medical timeouts at critical moments could soon be a thing of the past in men's tennis with the ATP Tour planning to impose stricter rules, a source at the men's governing body told Reuters.

The practice has long been a bugbear of players, most recently at the US&nbsp;Open where Stefanos Tsitsipas was accused of gamesmanship by Andy Murray for taking a lengthy trip to the bathroom at a critical point in their first-round match.

The Greek world number three, who won the match, denied the charge and said he had broken no rules as there were no time limits on bathroom breaks.

"There will be a change to the rules for bathroom breaks and on-court medical timeouts as well," an ATP source told Reuters.

"I hope that before the next season begins in January, we will have a stricter rule when it comes to toilet breaks and medical timeouts."

Murray was furious with Tsitsipas after the Greek's break ran close to eight minutes, with the Briton saying the disruption had an impact on the outcome of the match.

In his next match, Tsitsipas left for the locker room for more than seven minutes after losing the third set, and was jeered by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd on his return.

"I think it's getting to the point where it's definitely becoming a big issue," the source added. "It's been an issue for a long time but we are taking quite a serious approach now to try and change it."

Former US&nbsp;Open champion Sloane Stephens, who sits on the WTA players council, said players who took extended bathroom breaks were guilty of gamesmanship and called for governing bodies to change rules.

An ATP spokesperson said during the tournament that a review of rules around toilet breaks, as well as medical time outs, had been an area of focus and remained a work in progress.

The WTA said that it was "always open to conversation and evolving rules if changes are necessary".

Alexander Zverev, who objected to Tsitsipas leaving the court during their Cincinnati semi-final last month, said the Greek's behaviour at Flushing Meadows was "unacceptable".

However, Tsitsipas found support from world number one Novak Djokovic.

"I've got to stand for Stefanos Tsitsipas," Djokovic said at the US&nbsp;Open. "I don't think he's doing anything wrong. I support him.

"The rule is not clear. Of course you can argue it's all relative, everyone sees it differently.

"This was a hot topic last couple of weeks. I think he didn't deserve that much attacks that he was getting in the media from everyone."

Inordinately long toilets breaks or medical timeouts at critical moments could soon be a thing of the past in men's tennis with the ATP Tour planning to impose stricter rules, a source at the men's governing body told Reuters.

Inordinately long toilets breaks or medical timeouts at critical moments could soon be a thing of the past in men's tennis with the ATP Tour planning to impose stricter rules, a source at the men's governing body told Reuters. The practice has long been a bugbear of players, most recently at the US Open where Stefanos Tsitsipas was accused of gamesmanship by Andy Murray for taking a lengthy trip to the bathroom at a critical point in their first-round match. The Greek world number three, who won the match, denied the charge and said he had broken no rules as there were no time limits on bathroom breaks. "There will be a change to the rules for bathroom breaks and on-court medical timeouts as well," an ATP source told Reuters. "I hope that before the next season begins in January, we will have a stricter rule when it comes to toilet breaks and medical timeouts." Murray was furious with Tsitsipas after the Greek's break ran close to eight minutes, with the Briton saying the disruption had an impact on the outcome of the match. In his next match, Tsitsipas left for the locker room for more than seven minutes after losing the third set, and was jeered by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd on his return. "I think it's getting to the point where it's definitely becoming a big issue," the source added. "It's been an issue for a long time but we are taking quite a serious approach now to try and change it." Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens, who sits on the WTA players council, said players who took extended bathroom breaks were guilty of gamesmanship and called for governing bodies to change rules. An ATP spokesperson said during the tournament that a review of rules around toilet breaks, as well as medical time outs, had been an area of focus and remained a work in progress. The WTA said that it was "always open to conversation and evolving rules if changes are necessary". Alexander Zverev, who objected to Tsitsipas leaving the court during their Cincinnati semi-final last month, said the Greek's behaviour at Flushing Meadows was "unacceptable". However, Tsitsipas found support from world number one Novak Djokovic. "I've got to stand for Stefanos Tsitsipas," Djokovic said at the US Open. "I don't think he's doing anything wrong. I support him. "The rule is not clear. Of course you can argue it's all relative, everyone sees it differently. "This was a hot topic last couple of weeks. I think he didn't deserve that much attacks that he was getting in the media from everyone."

Lengthy toilet breaks may soon be thing of the past

Rafael Nadal admitted on Wednesday he faces a "difficult" and "painful" recovery from the foot injury that forced the 20-time Grand Slam champion to miss Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open.

Nadal ended his season in August due to injury and has said his foot is still a "little sore" in a presentation of a documentary about his tennis academy.

The 35-year-old said he is "looking forward to improving and facing a process that will be difficult in some ways and painful in others but that I have to go through to fight for what I want again."

Nadal published a photo of himself on Instagram on Saturday holding crutches with his left foot bandaged.&nbsp;

He announced he had been in Barcelona "to receive treatment on my foot that will require a few days rest and a few weeks off the court."

After playing his last match of the year in Washington at the start of August, when he lost to South African Lloyd Harris, Nadal then pulled out of Wimbledon, Tokyo 2020 and the US Open.

The Spaniard holds the joint record for Grand Slam victories in the men's game, tied on 20 with both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who lost in the US Open final on Sunday to Daniil Medvedev.

"Over the years, things get more and more complicated because you have to be realistic, time doesn't stop for anyone, but I am still excited," Nadal concluded in the presentation of the documentary, which premieres worldwide on Friday.

Rafael Nadal admitted on Wednesday he faces a "difficult" and "painful" recovery from the foot injury that forced the 20-time Grand Slam champion to miss Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open.

Rafael Nadal admitted on Wednesday he faces a "difficult" and "painful" recovery from the foot injury that forced the 20-time Grand Slam champion to miss Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open. Nadal ended his season in August due to injury and has said his foot is still a "little sore" in a presentation of a documentary about his tennis academy. The 35-year-old said he is "looking forward to improving and facing a process that will be difficult in some ways and painful in others but that I have to go through to fight for what I want again." Nadal published a photo of himself on Instagram on Saturday holding crutches with his left foot bandaged. He announced he had been in Barcelona "to receive treatment on my foot that will require a few days rest and a few weeks off the court." After playing his last match of the year in Washington at the start of August, when he lost to South African Lloyd Harris, Nadal then pulled out of Wimbledon, Tokyo 2020 and the US Open. The Spaniard holds the joint record for Grand Slam victories in the men's game, tied on 20 with both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who lost in the US Open final on Sunday to Daniil Medvedev. "Over the years, things get more and more complicated because you have to be realistic, time doesn't stop for anyone, but I am still excited," Nadal concluded in the presentation of the documentary, which premieres worldwide on Friday.

Rafael Nadal ready for 'difficult' recovery from foot injury

us-open-0

Us Open, News on Us Open, stories on Us Open, articles on Us Open, Us Open stories at Wion, Us Open news, Us Open latest news

us open-0