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

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

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

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

Qualifier Dayana Yastremska continued her fairytale run into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday with a 7-6(6) 6-4 upset of twice former champion and 18th seed Victoria Azarenka. The Ukrainian world number 93, who stunned Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round, had to fight hard but was rewarded for her aggression with 38 winners to forge on into a half of the draw devoid of top 10 seeds.

"I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my body," the 23-year-old said after the biggest win of her career. "I was losing the tiebreak, I was losing the second set, I was always felt like I was running behind the train. But I think I'm a little bit of a fighter so that's why I won this match."

In a punishing baseline battle with virtually no net play, Yastremska got the first of the six breaks of serve in the opening set only for Azarenka to rattle off the next four games to edge in front. Azarenka, back-to-back champion in 2012-2013 and a Melbourne semi-finalist last year, served for the set but Yastremska kept up the pressure through five deuces and finally converted her fourth break point to force a tiebreak.

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The tiebreak was just as tight but the Ukrainian sealed it with her 21st winner, a blistering forehand that was just too fast and too deep for 34-year-old Azarenka. Both players took lengthy bathroom breaks after the first set and Belarusian Azarenka came out firing, racing to a 3-0 lead almost before Yastremska had time to catch her breath.

The Ukrainian stalled Azarenka's progress and then went back on the attack, finding her rasping winners again to win five straight games. She held her nerve serving for the match two games later, lashing across one more big backhand to set up a meeting with Czech world number 50 Linda Noskova in her first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Talking about Noskova, 19, she barely broke a sweat to progress after former world number three Svitolina was unable to complete her match on Margaret Court Arena. The 19th seed needed a medical timeout at 2-0 down in the first set, during which she received treatment for her lower back, and she pulled out after being broken for the second time on her return.

Qualifier Dayana Yastremska continued her fairytale run into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday with a 7-6(6) 6-4 upset of twice former champion and 18th seed Victoria Azarenka.

Qualifier Dayana Yastremska continued her fairytale run into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday with a 7-6(6) 6-4 upset of twice former champion and 18th seed Victoria Azarenka. The Ukrainian world number 93, who stunned Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round, had to fight hard but was rewarded for her aggression with 38 winners to forge on into a half of the draw devoid of top 10 seeds. "I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my body," the 23-year-old said after the biggest win of her career. "I was losing the tiebreak, I was losing the second set, I was always felt like I was running behind the train. But I think I'm a little bit of a fighter so that's why I won this match." In a punishing baseline battle with virtually no net play, Yastremska got the first of the six breaks of serve in the opening set only for Azarenka to rattle off the next four games to edge in front. Azarenka, back-to-back champion in 2012-2013 and a Melbourne semi-finalist last year, served for the set but Yastremska kept up the pressure through five deuces and finally converted her fourth break point to force a tiebreak. Also read: Denver Nuggets roll past Washington Wizards as Nikola Jokic pours in 42 × The tiebreak was just as tight but the Ukrainian sealed it with her 21st winner, a blistering forehand that was just too fast and too deep for 34-year-old Azarenka. Both players took lengthy bathroom breaks after the first set and Belarusian Azarenka came out firing, racing to a 3-0 lead almost before Yastremska had time to catch her breath. The Ukrainian stalled Azarenka's progress and then went back on the attack, finding her rasping winners again to win five straight games. She held her nerve serving for the match two games later, lashing across one more big backhand to set up a meeting with Czech world number 50 Linda Noskova in her first Grand Slam quarter-final. Talking about Noskova, 19, she barely broke a sweat to progress after former world number three Svitolina was unable to complete her match on Margaret Court Arena. The 19th seed needed a medical timeout at 2-0 down in the first set, during which she received treatment for her lower back, and she pulled out after being broken for the second time on her return.

Qualifier Dayana Yastremska ousts Victoria Azarenka at Australian Open

Women's tennis chiefs on Monday pleaded with spectators to show "understanding and respect" when Ukraine players refuse to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents in protest at the ongoing war in their country.

The WTA, which runs the women's game, became the first governing body to acknowledge demands that they publically explain the reasons for the stance.

Earlier on Monday, Aryna Sabalenka backed Elina Svitolina's call for officials to respond to help shield players from "so much hate".

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Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus,&nbsp;was booed off court following her defeat by Ukraine's Svitolina at Wimbledon on Sunday.

As has become common, Svitolina did not shake hands with Azarenka in protest over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is a key military ally of Moscow.

Azarenka, who held her hand up in the direction of Svitolina, seemingly in a gesture of respect, left the court to a chorus of boos from some sections of the crowd.

The two-time Australian Open champion said her treatment "wasn't fair".

"I thought it was a great tennis match," she added.&nbsp;

"If people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or the crowd, quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame."

Svitolina and her fellow Ukraine players all refused to shake hands with Russians and Belarusians at the recent French Open.

She called on the sport's governing bodies to explain the position of Ukraine players.

"I don't know if it's maybe not clear for people, some people not really knowing what is happening," she said.&nbsp;

"So I think this is the right (thing) to do."

Belarusian second seed Sabalenka, who beat Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova on Monday to reach the quarter-finals, backed Svitolina's call.

"As Elina said, I think someone has to come out on social media with the announcement that there is not going to be a handshake so players will not leave the court with so much hate," she said.

"It would be good for the crowd to actually know what's going on. There is a reason behind no handshake."

Hours later the WTA, describing the war as "reprehensible", said they respected the position of the Ukrainian players as it is a "personal decision".&nbsp;

"We have some of the best fans in the world and are grateful for their passion and dedication, and we thank them for their understanding and respect for the athletes," they said in a statement.

Men's third seed Daniil Medvedev said it was a "pity" that Azarenka was booed.

The Russian added: "I think the people didn't know the story behind it, and that's why it happened."

<h2>Personal decision</h2>

All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said Wimbledon had no plans to issue a statement.

"Historically in tennis the decision on how a player reacts at the end of a match is entirely a personal decision for them and I think we don't really want to start mandating what happens," she said.

"I think we have an incredibly knowledgeable audience at Wimbledon and I think in most part they would understand what was happening."

She admitted it is impossible to control the crowd, calling for the sporting action to be centre stage.

There are four players in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon who are representing Russia or Belarus, a year after athletes from the two nations were banned by the All England Club.

Bolton was asked how tournament organisers would feel about handing the trophy to a player from one of the two nations.

"When we made the decision earlier this year to admit Russians and Belarusians we thought really carefully about all of those things and having made the decision to admit them, we are comfortable about how that plays out," she said.

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Women's tennis chiefs on Monday pleaded with spectators to show "understanding and respect" when Ukraine players refuse to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents in protest at the ongoing war in their country.

Women's tennis chiefs on Monday pleaded with spectators to show "understanding and respect" when Ukraine players refuse to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents in protest at the ongoing war in their country. The WTA, which runs the women's game, became the first governing body to acknowledge demands that they publically explain the reasons for the stance. Earlier on Monday, Aryna Sabalenka backed Elina Svitolina's call for officials to respond to help shield players from "so much hate". Also Read: Ex-USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar stable after being stabbed in prison, says union official Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, was booed off court following her defeat by Ukraine's Svitolina at Wimbledon on Sunday. As has become common, Svitolina did not shake hands with Azarenka in protest over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is a key military ally of Moscow. Azarenka, who held her hand up in the direction of Svitolina, seemingly in a gesture of respect, left the court to a chorus of boos from some sections of the crowd. The two-time Australian Open champion said her treatment "wasn't fair". "I thought it was a great tennis match," she added. "If people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or the crowd, quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame." Svitolina and her fellow Ukraine players all refused to shake hands with Russians and Belarusians at the recent French Open. She called on the sport's governing bodies to explain the position of Ukraine players. "I don't know if it's maybe not clear for people, some people not really knowing what is happening," she said. "So I think this is the right (thing) to do." Belarusian second seed Sabalenka, who beat Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova on Monday to reach the quarter-finals, backed Svitolina's call. "As Elina said, I think someone has to come out on social media with the announcement that there is not going to be a handshake so players will not leave the court with so much hate," she said. "It would be good for the crowd to actually know what's going on. There is a reason behind no handshake." Hours later the WTA, describing the war as "reprehensible", said they respected the position of the Ukrainian players as it is a "personal decision". "We have some of the best fans in the world and are grateful for their passion and dedication, and we thank them for their understanding and respect for the athletes," they said in a statement. Men's third seed Daniil Medvedev said it was a "pity" that Azarenka was booed. The Russian added: "I think the people didn't know the story behind it, and that's why it happened." Personal decision All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said Wimbledon had no plans to issue a statement. "Historically in tennis the decision on how a player reacts at the end of a match is entirely a personal decision for them and I think we don't really want to start mandating what happens," she said. "I think we have an incredibly knowledgeable audience at Wimbledon and I think in most part they would understand what was happening." She admitted it is impossible to control the crowd, calling for the sporting action to be centre stage. There are four players in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon who are representing Russia or Belarus, a year after athletes from the two nations were banned by the All England Club. Bolton was asked how tournament organisers would feel about handing the trophy to a player from one of the two nations. "When we made the decision earlier this year to admit Russians and Belarusians we thought really carefully about all of those things and having made the decision to admit them, we are comfortable about how that plays out," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Aryna Sabalenka wants shield from 'hate' after Victoria Azarenka booed

Victoria Azarenka beat Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-4 in the third round of the ongoing Wimbledon Championship&nbsp;on Friday, July 7 to advance to the fourth round. The match, which was being played at court no. 12, however, led to an unusual incident.

During the match, Azarenka produced a brilliant drop shot. The ball bounced high enough off grass after the shot and went to the next court. A spectator, who was watching the game in the next court, was hit by the bouncing ball on the back of his head. Have a look at the video here:

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A spectator was hit on the head by a shot from a completely different court... 🫨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/GuSx9Pu2GX">pic.twitter.com/GuSx9Pu2GX</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1677637090035507201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While no body was hurt and Azarenka probably didn't even know about the ball hitting a fan in the next court, the&nbsp;shot certainly was bemusing.

Azarenka, a former world no. 1 in WTA rankings, will now face Elina Svitolina in her next match. Speaking about the upcoming match, the two-time Australian Open champ (2012 and 2013) said at the post-match conference, "Well, I'm very happy for her that, you know, she had this incredible experience of going through this incredible experience of having a family and the ability to come back actually very quickly on tour."

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Svitolina, who is from Ukraine and a mother like Belarusian Azarenka, has been playing well and had reached the quarter finals of the recently-concluded French Open 2023.

"I haven't been seeing too many of her matches, but obviously the results are there and that are showing that she's able to play against top players and winning matches. So I also feel like -- I mean, I can't speak for her, but it seems like she's playing with not so much pressure, you know, just kind of coming back and just gaining points and everything," Azarenka said after her third round win.

"Seems that she's doing really well. So I'm very happy to see her on the tour again and playing well. If we get to play, it will be an exciting match like we always have," she added.

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Victoria Azarenka beat Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-4 in the third round of the ongoing Wimbledon Championship on Friday, July 7 to advance to the fourth round. The match, which was being played at court no.

Victoria Azarenka beat Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-4 in the third round of the ongoing Wimbledon Championship on Friday, July 7 to advance to the fourth round. The match, which was being played at court no. 12, however, led to an unusual incident. During the match, Azarenka produced a brilliant drop shot. The ball bounced high enough off grass after the shot and went to the next court. A spectator, who was watching the game in the next court, was hit by the bouncing ball on the back of his head. Have a look at the video here: A spectator was hit on the head by a shot from a completely different court... 🫨#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/GuSx9Pu2GX — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2023 × While no body was hurt and Azarenka probably didn't even know about the ball hitting a fan in the next court, the shot certainly was bemusing. Azarenka, a former world no. 1 in WTA rankings, will now face Elina Svitolina in her next match. Speaking about the upcoming match, the two-time Australian Open champ (2012 and 2013) said at the post-match conference, "Well, I'm very happy for her that, you know, she had this incredible experience of going through this incredible experience of having a family and the ability to come back actually very quickly on tour." Also Read: PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan back after medical care Svitolina, who is from Ukraine and a mother like Belarusian Azarenka, has been playing well and had reached the quarter finals of the recently-concluded French Open 2023. "I haven't been seeing too many of her matches, but obviously the results are there and that are showing that she's able to play against top players and winning matches. So I also feel like -- I mean, I can't speak for her, but it seems like she's playing with not so much pressure, you know, just kind of coming back and just gaining points and everything," Azarenka said after her third round win. "Seems that she's doing really well. So I'm very happy to see her on the tour again and playing well. If we get to play, it will be an exciting match like we always have," she added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Spectator gets hit by ball from different court in bizarre incident - WATCH

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) in a 2 hours 46 minutes long marathon match to reach the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon 2023. With the win, Svitolina set up a tie with championship contender Iga Swiatek in the round of 8. The match, however, will be remembered mostly for the crowd booing Azarenka post her loss.

After the match, Svitolina and Azarenka walked towards the umpire and the Belarusian player held her hand in the Ukrainian player's direction. Svitolina, however, didn't shake Azarenka's hand, a policy she has adopted at the tournaments against Russian and Belarusian players following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Belarus is a key military partner of Russia.

The crowd, however, wasn't kind either and started booing Azarenka. The player wasn't very amused with the reaction. Have a look at the video here:

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Why would the Wimbledon crowd boo Victoria Azarenka? It makes no sense. It was Svitolina who has unilaterally decided not to shake hands with certain players. I feel sorry for <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vika7</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/zPWWqkwOiM">pic.twitter.com/zPWWqkwOiM</a>
— दिविर जैन (@divirj04) <a href="https://twitter.com/divirj04/status/1678146679449452544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Azarenka, after the match, said that it wasn't fair of crowd to boo her and that she hasn't done anything wrong.&nbsp;

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"It wasn't fair. It is what it is. What can I do?" said Azarenka.

"I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't control the crowd. I'm not sure that a lot of people were understanding what's happening.

"But if people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or a quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame."

Svitolina, however, wasn't much concerned about Azarenka getting booed or not shaking her hand post winning the match.

"It was like this for me in Paris. It was also unfair," said Svitolina.

"I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, we are not going to shake hands. So I have a clear statement."

The Ukrainian, meanwhile, described the win as the second most happiest moment after her daughter's birth.

"I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second-happiest moment in my life," said Svitolina. "When I was down I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry."

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Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) in a 2 hours 46 minutes long marathon match to reach the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon 2023.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) in a 2 hours 46 minutes long marathon match to reach the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon 2023. With the win, Svitolina set up a tie with championship contender Iga Swiatek in the round of 8. The match, however, will be remembered mostly for the crowd booing Azarenka post her loss. After the match, Svitolina and Azarenka walked towards the umpire and the Belarusian player held her hand in the Ukrainian player's direction. Svitolina, however, didn't shake Azarenka's hand, a policy she has adopted at the tournaments against Russian and Belarusian players following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Notably, Belarus is a key military partner of Russia. The crowd, however, wasn't kind either and started booing Azarenka. The player wasn't very amused with the reaction. Have a look at the video here: Why would the Wimbledon crowd boo Victoria Azarenka? It makes no sense. It was Svitolina who has unilaterally decided not to shake hands with certain players. I feel sorry for @vika7 ! pic.twitter.com/zPWWqkwOiM — दिविर जैन (@divirj04) July 9, 2023 × Azarenka, after the match, said that it wasn't fair of crowd to boo her and that she hasn't done anything wrong. Also Read: F1: Red Bull's Max Verstappen reels off sixth straight win at Silverstone "It wasn't fair. It is what it is. What can I do?" said Azarenka. "I haven't done anything wrong, but I can't control the crowd. I'm not sure that a lot of people were understanding what's happening. "But if people are going to be focusing only on handshakes or a quite drunk crowd, booing in the end, that's a shame." Svitolina, however, wasn't much concerned about Azarenka getting booed or not shaking her hand post winning the match. "It was like this for me in Paris. It was also unfair," said Svitolina. "I already said multiple times that until Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we take back our territories, we are not going to shake hands. So I have a clear statement." The Ukrainian, meanwhile, described the win as the second most happiest moment after her daughter's birth. "I think after giving birth to our daughter this is the second-happiest moment in my life," said Svitolina. "When I was down I heard you guys cheering for me and I almost wanted to cry." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wimbledon 2023: Crowd boos Victoria Azarenka after loss against Ukrainian Svitolina in fourth round - Watch

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is hoping for an all-Belarusian final at the Australian Open after she qualified for the last four on Wednesday, beating Donna Vekic.

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is hoping for an all-Belarusian final at the Australian Open after she qualified for the last four on Wednesday, beating Donna Vekic. Sabalenka's statement comes at a time when Russian and Belarusian athletes have been forced to compete under neutral flags due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "I really want it to happen. I know that Vika [Victoria Azarenka] will do everything she can to make it happens. I will do everything I can to make it happens. That's, yeah, going to be history. That's going to be just like unbelievable and tough to realise that this is actually happens." While Sabalenka will be squaring off against Polish Magda Linette in the second semifinal, the first knockout will see Elena Rybakina take on Victoria Azarenka. While Azarenka is of Belarusian nationality, last year's Wimbledon champion Rybakina was born in Russia and switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018. However, despite being a Kazakh, Rybakina was not allowed to collect 2000 points for her ATP rankings after winning Wimbledon last year. When asked if the treatment meted out to the athletes such as herself in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war had affected her, Sabalenka replied in affirmative. "Well, I would say that of course it affect me a lot. There was tough and it's still tough. But I just understand that it's not my fault. Like, I have zero control. If I could do something, of course I would do it, but I cannot do anything. Just have this understanding really helping me to stay strong." Read more: 'Lift Russia, Belarus ban', former Tennis great Billie Jean King urges Wimbledon Notably, after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Russian and Belarusian players were barred from participating in Wimbledon Grand Slam. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is still undecided on allowing athletes from the said countries in this year's event. Earlier in the day, tennis great Billie Jean King urged Wimbledon to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, saying 'life is too short'. "Just keep it the same way as the other ones are. Life is too short. I think they should get prize money. Just have them play and get their money." Read more: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic crushes Andrey Rublev, marches to the semi-finals (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'I want it to happen', Sabalenka on an all-Belarusian final at Australian Open

Tensions flared up in the US Open 2022 on Thursday as Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka after their second-round clash. Azarenka defeated Kostyuk 6-2,6-2 in straight games before the duo ditched the traditional handshake to just tap their racquets.

While she ditched Azarenka, Kostyuk was seen shaking hands with the chair umpire and other officials. The&nbsp;acrimony over Russia's invasion of Ukraine was felt on the court at the US Open after&nbsp;Kostyuk's action. This is not the first time, the Ukrainian tennis star has taken a stand against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

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For the armed forces of Ukraine 
 
Kostyuk-Azarenka handshake aka cold racquet tap <a href="https://t.co/EJHCp22i19">pic.twitter.com/EJHCp22i19</a>
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Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2022-rafael-nadal-overcomes-early-scare-and-bloody-nose-to-reach-third-round-512265">&nbsp;US Open 2022 -&nbsp;Rafael Nadal overcomes early scare and bloody nose to reach third round</a>

In April The 20-year-old had led a group of players from Ukraine in demanding the Russian and Belarusian players denounce the war and clarify their stand. The Ukrainian players urged ATP, WTA and the ITF to ban those Russian and Belarusian players who didn't denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Kostyuk, who has been quite vocal against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had also backed Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the tournament earlier this year. Ahead of her 2nd-round clash against Azarenka, tensions were expected to flare up.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-teenage-sensation-carlos-alcaraz-tames-federico-coria-to-reach-us-open-third-round-512245">Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz tames Federico Coria to reach US Open third round</a>

Explaining her refusal to shake hands with Azarenka, Kostyuk said she didn't know a single tennis player from Russia or Belarus who publicly criticised their governments for the war in Ukraine.

“It was my choice, I feel like I don’t know any single person who condemned the war publicly, and the actions of their government, so I don’t feel like I can support this. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great competitor. But, it has nothing to do with her being a human being,"&nbsp;Kostyuk said at the post-match presser after her loss against Azarenka.

Azarenka also expressed her thoughts in her post-match presser where she said she is “open any time to listen, to try to understand, to sympathize,” if Kostyuk wanted to speak to her. The Belarusian also said she believes empathy is really important in the present world.

Tensions flared up in the US Open 2022 on Thursday as Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka after their second-round clash.

Tensions flared up in the US Open 2022 on Thursday as Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka after their second-round clash. Azarenka defeated Kostyuk 6-2,6-2 in straight games before the duo ditched the traditional handshake to just tap their racquets. While she ditched Azarenka, Kostyuk was seen shaking hands with the chair umpire and other officials. The acrimony over Russia's invasion of Ukraine was felt on the court at the US Open after Kostyuk's action. This is not the first time, the Ukrainian tennis star has taken a stand against Russian and Belarusian athletes. For the armed forces of Ukraine Kostyuk-Azarenka handshake aka cold racquet tap pic.twitter.com/EJHCp22i19 — JB (@Brar_JSB) September 1, 2022 × Also Read: US Open 2022 - Rafael Nadal overcomes early scare and bloody nose to reach third round In April The 20-year-old had led a group of players from Ukraine in demanding the Russian and Belarusian players denounce the war and clarify their stand. The Ukrainian players urged ATP, WTA and the ITF to ban those Russian and Belarusian players who didn't denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country's invasion of Ukraine. Kostyuk, who has been quite vocal against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had also backed Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the tournament earlier this year. Ahead of her 2nd-round clash against Azarenka, tensions were expected to flare up. Also Read: Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz tames Federico Coria to reach US Open third round Explaining her refusal to shake hands with Azarenka, Kostyuk said she didn't know a single tennis player from Russia or Belarus who publicly criticised their governments for the war in Ukraine. “It was my choice, I feel like I don’t know any single person who condemned the war publicly, and the actions of their government, so I don’t feel like I can support this. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great competitor. But, it has nothing to do with her being a human being," Kostyuk said at the post-match presser after her loss against Azarenka. Azarenka also expressed her thoughts in her post-match presser where she said she is “open any time to listen, to try to understand, to sympathize,” if Kostyuk wanted to speak to her. The Belarusian also said she believes empathy is really important in the present world.

WATCH: Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka after US Open clash

No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was the first winner of the 2022 Madrid Open, advancing past Jasmine Paolini 7-6(9), 6-1 in 1 hour and 22 minutes on Thursday. Jabeur, making her second appearance at the tournament, is coming off a runner-up showing in Charleston last month. Paolini was bidding for her second career top-10 win, having gained her first in Indian Wells over Aryna Sabalenka.

The pair had never played before. Later, the No.15 seed Victoria Azarenka followed Jabeur on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium and virtually replicated the same winning dynamic, beating Viktorija Golubic 7-6(5), 6-3 in 1 hour and 44 minutes. Two-time Madrid finalist Azarenka, who was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2011 and Serena Williams in 2012, will next face Tamara Zidansek or lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-roundup-teen-sensation-holger-rune-stuns-germanys-alexander-zverev-at-bmw-474593">ATP roundup: Teen sensation Holger Rune stuns Germany's Alexander Zverev at BMW</a>

The Madrid Open already has a marquee second-round tussle lined up, with two-time champion Simona Halep and World No.2 Paula Badosa advancing to face each other after speedy openers. Halep got her 2022 campaign in the Spanish capital off to a flying start, easing past Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-3 on Manolo Santana Stadium.

Badosa followed up on the same court shortly thereafter, sweeping the final nine games en route to a 6-3, 6-0 win over Veronika Kudermetova.

No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was the first winner of the 2022 Madrid Open, advancing past Jasmine Paolini 7-6(9), 6-1 in 1 hour and 22 minutes on Thursday. Jabeur, making her second appearance at the tournament, is coming off a runner-up showing in Charleston last month.

No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was the first winner of the 2022 Madrid Open, advancing past Jasmine Paolini 7-6(9), 6-1 in 1 hour and 22 minutes on Thursday. Jabeur, making her second appearance at the tournament, is coming off a runner-up showing in Charleston last month. Paolini was bidding for her second career top-10 win, having gained her first in Indian Wells over Aryna Sabalenka. The pair had never played before. Later, the No.15 seed Victoria Azarenka followed Jabeur on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium and virtually replicated the same winning dynamic, beating Viktorija Golubic 7-6(5), 6-3 in 1 hour and 44 minutes. Two-time Madrid finalist Azarenka, who was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2011 and Serena Williams in 2012, will next face Tamara Zidansek or lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia. ALSO READ | ATP roundup: Teen sensation Holger Rune stuns Germany's Alexander Zverev at BMW The Madrid Open already has a marquee second-round tussle lined up, with two-time champion Simona Halep and World No.2 Paula Badosa advancing to face each other after speedy openers. Halep got her 2022 campaign in the Spanish capital off to a flying start, easing past Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-3 on Manolo Santana Stadium. Badosa followed up on the same court shortly thereafter, sweeping the final nine games en route to a 6-3, 6-0 win over Veronika Kudermetova.

Madrid Open: Ons Jabeur triumphs over Jasmine Paolini; Simona Halep sets Paula Badosa clash in second round

Paula Badosa survived a stiff challenge from Victoria Azarenka to produce a gutsy 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) win in an epic Indian Wells championship match on Sunday.

Azarenka was two points from winning the tournament for a third time and serving at 5-4 in the decider when her game began to unravel behind a series of uncharacteristic errors.

Badosa took advantage of the shift in momentum and held her nerve in the final tiebreaker, firing a crosscourt forehand winner on championship point and falling to the court in joy at the end of the more than three-hour battle.

The 23-year-old Badosa praised WTA Tour veteran and two-time major champion Azarenka, who she said she had admired since she was a teenager.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-cameron-norrie-sets-up-final-against-nikoloz-basilashvili-after-beating-grigor-dimitrov-421487">Indian Wells: Cameron Norrie sets up final against Nikoloz Basilashvili after beating Grigor Dimitrov</a>

"I remember saying to my coach that I hope one day I can play like her," Badosa said after receiving the championship trophy.

"Thank you for inspiring me so much. Athletes like you and women like you, I wouldn`t be here without you. Really."

Badosa also thanked her family in Spain for their support as she overcame injuries and mental health struggles in recent years to win the biggest title of her career.

"I know they are watching. I want to say thanks for helping me every day and getting me through the bad moment. This is a dream come true," she said.

With the win, Badosa becomes the first Spanish woman to win the tournament in the California desert and will move to a career high world number 13 on Monday.

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>

The tournament, which is sometimes called the fifth major, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed back from March to October this year due to the global health crisis.

"Very well deserved match. I had a lot of fun playing out here," Azarenka said.

The Belarusian also praised the crowd, which backed her at key moments in the match.

"Thanks to all you guys for your support. It is really special to play in front of the crowd after such a long break.

"Thank you for all your energy this week." 
&nbsp;

Paula Badosa survived a stiff challenge from Victoria Azarenka to produce a gutsy 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) win in an epic Indian Wells championship match on Sunday. Azarenka was two points from winning the tournament for a third time and serving at 5-4 in the decider when her game began to unravel behind a series of uncharacteristic errors.

Paula Badosa survived a stiff challenge from Victoria Azarenka to produce a gutsy 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) win in an epic Indian Wells championship match on Sunday. Azarenka was two points from winning the tournament for a third time and serving at 5-4 in the decider when her game began to unravel behind a series of uncharacteristic errors. Badosa took advantage of the shift in momentum and held her nerve in the final tiebreaker, firing a crosscourt forehand winner on championship point and falling to the court in joy at the end of the more than three-hour battle. The 23-year-old Badosa praised WTA Tour veteran and two-time major champion Azarenka, who she said she had admired since she was a teenager. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Cameron Norrie sets up final against Nikoloz Basilashvili after beating Grigor Dimitrov "I remember saying to my coach that I hope one day I can play like her," Badosa said after receiving the championship trophy. "Thank you for inspiring me so much. Athletes like you and women like you, I wouldn`t be here without you. Really." Badosa also thanked her family in Spain for their support as she overcame injuries and mental health struggles in recent years to win the biggest title of her career. "I know they are watching. I want to say thanks for helping me every day and getting me through the bad moment. This is a dream come true," she said. With the win, Badosa becomes the first Spanish woman to win the tournament in the California desert and will move to a career high world number 13 on Monday. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd The tournament, which is sometimes called the fifth major, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed back from March to October this year due to the global health crisis. "Very well deserved match. I had a lot of fun playing out here," Azarenka said. The Belarusian also praised the crowd, which backed her at key moments in the match. "Thanks to all you guys for your support. It is really special to play in front of the crowd after such a long break. "Thank you for all your energy this week."

Indian Wells: Paula Badosa ousts Victoria Azarenka in epic final to claim Indian Wells title

Former Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka withdrew from their warm-up tournaments for the year`s first Grand Slam on Saturday, citing injuries. 
 
Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semi-final with an unspecified "niggling injury" but said she looked forward to competing at the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. 
 
"Sorry to Tennis Australia and the fans to have to withdraw today," Osaka said in a statement. 
 
"I have a niggling injury and in light of the AO on the horizon, I need to be cautious. I look forward to competing next week." 
 
The injuries were a further blow for organisers, coming a day after Serena Williams withdrew from her Yarra Valley Open semi-final against world number one Ash Barty. 
 
Barty will face a tough test in Sunday`s final against the in-form Garbine Muguruza, who backed up a 6-2 6-2 quarter-final win over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. 
 
The Spaniard, the runner-up to Kenin at Melbourne Park last year, has dropped only 10 games in four matches on her way to the final. 
 
"I think I played well today, my serve was working well at the right moments and I was able to control the match," Muguruza said after wrapping up her win over the Czech in under an hour. 
 
"I`m expecting another battle tomorrow." 
 
Osaka`s withdrawal gave Belgian Elise Mertens a walkover to the final of the Gippsland Trophy, where she will meet Ekaterina Alexandrova or Kaia Kanepi. 
 
Azarenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012-13, withdrew from her Grampians Trophy quarter-final against Anett Kontaveit, giving the Estonian a walkover. The WTA said the Belarusian had a lower back problem. 
 
Kontaveit will play Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals after the Greek ousted 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 in their quarter-final in front of a small crowd on Margaret Court Arena.

Former Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka withdrew from their warm-up tournaments for the year`s first Grand Slam on Saturday, citing injuries.

Former Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka withdrew from their warm-up tournaments for the year`s first Grand Slam on Saturday, citing injuries. Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semi-final with an unspecified "niggling injury" but said she looked forward to competing at the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. "Sorry to Tennis Australia and the fans to have to withdraw today," Osaka said in a statement. "I have a niggling injury and in light of the AO on the horizon, I need to be cautious. I look forward to competing next week." The injuries were a further blow for organisers, coming a day after Serena Williams withdrew from her Yarra Valley Open semi-final against world number one Ash Barty. Barty will face a tough test in Sunday`s final against the in-form Garbine Muguruza, who backed up a 6-2 6-2 quarter-final win over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. The Spaniard, the runner-up to Kenin at Melbourne Park last year, has dropped only 10 games in four matches on her way to the final. "I think I played well today, my serve was working well at the right moments and I was able to control the match," Muguruza said after wrapping up her win over the Czech in under an hour. "I`m expecting another battle tomorrow." Osaka`s withdrawal gave Belgian Elise Mertens a walkover to the final of the Gippsland Trophy, where she will meet Ekaterina Alexandrova or Kaia Kanepi. Azarenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012-13, withdrew from her Grampians Trophy quarter-final against Anett Kontaveit, giving the Estonian a walkover. The WTA said the Belarusian had a lower back problem. Kontaveit will play Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals after the Greek ousted 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 in their quarter-final in front of a small crowd on Margaret Court Arena.

Osaka, Azarenka pull out of Australian Open warm-ups

Even a 14-day quarantine before the Australian Open could not dampen Belarusian ace Victoria Azarenka's excitement for the game.&nbsp;

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Former world number one, who won both her Grand Slams in Australia (2012, 2013), earned her first title since 2016 at the Western &amp; Southern Open in August when Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final with injury. Azarenka was, however, beaten by Osaka in the US Open finals last year and she also reached the Ostrava Open final in October, losing to Aryna Sabalenka.

The 31-year-old talked about her form in a recent podcast she launched on mental health this week where she said: "It wasn't necessarily surprising for me, but I was so grateful that all of the work I'd been doing was paying off."

"Now, it's like ... I want to do this, do that, and let me see how I can get there. The excitement level is rising and rising," she told Sky Sports.

Azarenka has her share of lows in her prolific career as she was down with foot injury in 2014 then had a year-long maternity break in 2016-17. Until 2018, the Belarusian player had to fight for the custody of her 10-year-old son Leo after splitting with her partner.

However, the player bounced back in style coming into the latter stages of the tournaments. "I can say hands down that I've never enjoyed tennis as much as I am now," she said. "I've never enjoyed my life as much as I have now. I feel like that kid who was a 10-year-old and dreamt about being on the big stages.

"That's priceless for me."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Even a 14-day quarantine before the Australian Open could not dampen Belarusian ace Victoria Azarenka's excitement for the game. ALSO READ: Out then in, Djokovic plays a set in Adelaide exhibition Former world number one, who won both her Grand Slams in Australia (2012, 2013), earned her first title since 2016 at the Western & Southern Open in August when Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final with injury.

Even a 14-day quarantine before the Australian Open could not dampen Belarusian ace Victoria Azarenka's excitement for the game. ALSO READ: Out then in, Djokovic plays a set in Adelaide exhibition Former world number one, who won both her Grand Slams in Australia (2012, 2013), earned her first title since 2016 at the Western & Southern Open in August when Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final with injury. Azarenka was, however, beaten by Osaka in the US Open finals last year and she also reached the Ostrava Open final in October, losing to Aryna Sabalenka. The 31-year-old talked about her form in a recent podcast she launched on mental health this week where she said: "It wasn't necessarily surprising for me, but I was so grateful that all of the work I'd been doing was paying off." "Now, it's like ... I want to do this, do that, and let me see how I can get there. The excitement level is rising and rising," she told Sky Sports. Azarenka has her share of lows in her prolific career as she was down with foot injury in 2014 then had a year-long maternity break in 2016-17. Until 2018, the Belarusian player had to fight for the custody of her 10-year-old son Leo after splitting with her partner. However, the player bounced back in style coming into the latter stages of the tournaments. "I can say hands down that I've never enjoyed tennis as much as I am now," she said. "I've never enjoyed my life as much as I have now. I feel like that kid who was a 10-year-old and dreamt about being on the big stages. "That's priceless for me." (Inputs from Reuters)

'The excitement level is rising': Victoria Azarenka on her form ahead of Australian Open

Naomi Osaka ended Victoria Azarenka's dream run to claim her second US Open title in three years with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 comeback win on Saturday which cemented her status as the sport's leading light both on and off the court.

Unlike the 22-year-old Japanese's first US Open win in 2018 over Serena Williams, which was played in a frothing Arthur Ashe Stadium, Saturday's drama unfolded in a strangely quiet arena as COVID-19 health and safety protocols prevented fans from entering the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

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Naomi and an old friend 🏆🥰<a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/tpUwSW8v7b">pic.twitter.com/tpUwSW8v7b</a>
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But the lack of buzz around the stands did not stop the two former world number ones from producing a dazzling display of shot making.

As Osaka walked off with a third Grand Slam title, Azarenka was denied a US Open crown for a third time having also finished runner-up in 2012 and 2013.

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It takes a team 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/cordae?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cordae</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/hxN6YMjEkp">pic.twitter.com/hxN6YMjEkp</a>
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Still it was a remarkable and unexpected run for the 31-year-old Belarusian, who reached her first major final in seven years.

It was the second time in two weeks Azarenka, twice a winner at the Australian Open, and Osaka had set up a final showdown. The pair had been set to meet in the Western and Southern Open final on Aug. 29 until Osaka withdrew due to a hamstring injury.

"I actually don't want to play you in more finals," Osaka told Azarenka with a smile during the victory ceremony.

"I didn't really enjoy that.

"That was a really tough match for me.

"And yes, really inspiring for me because I used to watch you play here when I was younger so just to have the opportunity to play you is really great and I learned a lot."

COVID-19 ERA

The presentation ceremony showed the precautions everyone has had to take during the COVID-19 era, with the two finalists having to pick up their respective prizes themselves from a table placed on court, while everyone stood socially distant for the obligatory photocall.

As she has done in every match over the past fortnight, Osaka appeared on court with her left thigh strapped and a facemask with the name of a Black American victim of police brutality or racial injustice.

For the final it was Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy shot by police in 2014 while playing with a toy gun in a playgound.

Osaka had already replaced Serena Williams as top earner and now has assumed the leadership mantle that goes with it.

With the United States rocked by unrest following the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, just three weeks ago by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Osaka had withdrawn from her semi-final at the Western and Southern Open in protest.

The men's and women's tour responded by postponing all the matches that were due to take place on the day of the protest by 24 hours and persuaded Osaka to contest the rescheduled match.

By taking the stand, the 22-year-old activist had made her point.

Azarenka, who ended Serena Williams bid for a record equalling 24th Grand Slam title in the semi-finals, carried that momentum into the final with a near flawless first set.

One of top returners in the women's game, an energized Azarenka broke the fourth seed to start the final and twice more in a lopsided opening set that took just 27 minutes.

If any spectators had been allowed in Arthur Ashe Stadium, they no doubt would have been left stunned by events as a rampaging Azarenka again broke Osaka at the first opportunity in the second to go 2-0 up.

But Osaka would not lose her composure.

After no aces in the opening set, Osaka, one of the game's top servers, slowly began to find her mark in the second. She hammered down five aces while helping herself to three breaks on way to levelling the match.

In the third it was Osaka applying all the early pressure on an increasingly rattled Azarenka. She took charge with a break to nudge in front 3-1.

Azarenka would show her fighting spirit with a break to get back on serve at 3-4 but Osaka would not be denied, immediately breaking back and holding serve to seal victory.

It marked the first time since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1994 that a player had dropped the first set of the women's final and fought back to win the title.

Naomi Osaka ended Victoria Azarenka's dream run to claim her second US Open title in three years with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 comeback win on Saturday which cemented her status as the sport's leading light both on and off the court.

Naomi Osaka ended Victoria Azarenka's dream run to claim her second US Open title in three years with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 comeback win on Saturday which cemented her status as the sport's leading light both on and off the court. Unlike the 22-year-old Japanese's first US Open win in 2018 over Serena Williams, which was played in a frothing Arthur Ashe Stadium, Saturday's drama unfolded in a strangely quiet arena as COVID-19 health and safety protocols prevented fans from entering the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Naomi and an old friend 🏆🥰@naomiosaka | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/tpUwSW8v7b — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2020 × But the lack of buzz around the stands did not stop the two former world number ones from producing a dazzling display of shot making. As Osaka walked off with a third Grand Slam title, Azarenka was denied a US Open crown for a third time having also finished runner-up in 2012 and 2013. It takes a team 🙌@naomiosaka | @cordae | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/hxN6YMjEkp — US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2020 × Still it was a remarkable and unexpected run for the 31-year-old Belarusian, who reached her first major final in seven years. It was the second time in two weeks Azarenka, twice a winner at the Australian Open, and Osaka had set up a final showdown. The pair had been set to meet in the Western and Southern Open final on Aug. 29 until Osaka withdrew due to a hamstring injury. "I actually don't want to play you in more finals," Osaka told Azarenka with a smile during the victory ceremony. "I didn't really enjoy that. "That was a really tough match for me. "And yes, really inspiring for me because I used to watch you play here when I was younger so just to have the opportunity to play you is really great and I learned a lot." COVID-19 ERA The presentation ceremony showed the precautions everyone has had to take during the COVID-19 era, with the two finalists having to pick up their respective prizes themselves from a table placed on court, while everyone stood socially distant for the obligatory photocall. As she has done in every match over the past fortnight, Osaka appeared on court with her left thigh strapped and a facemask with the name of a Black American victim of police brutality or racial injustice. For the final it was Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy shot by police in 2014 while playing with a toy gun in a playgound. Osaka had already replaced Serena Williams as top earner and now has assumed the leadership mantle that goes with it. With the United States rocked by unrest following the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, just three weeks ago by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Osaka had withdrawn from her semi-final at the Western and Southern Open in protest. The men's and women's tour responded by postponing all the matches that were due to take place on the day of the protest by 24 hours and persuaded Osaka to contest the rescheduled match. By taking the stand, the 22-year-old activist had made her point. Azarenka, who ended Serena Williams bid for a record equalling 24th Grand Slam title in the semi-finals, carried that momentum into the final with a near flawless first set. One of top returners in the women's game, an energized Azarenka broke the fourth seed to start the final and twice more in a lopsided opening set that took just 27 minutes. If any spectators had been allowed in Arthur Ashe Stadium, they no doubt would have been left stunned by events as a rampaging Azarenka again broke Osaka at the first opportunity in the second to go 2-0 up. But Osaka would not lose her composure. After no aces in the opening set, Osaka, one of the game's top servers, slowly began to find her mark in the second. She hammered down five aces while helping herself to three breaks on way to levelling the match. In the third it was Osaka applying all the early pressure on an increasingly rattled Azarenka. She took charge with a break to nudge in front 3-1. Azarenka would show her fighting spirit with a break to get back on serve at 3-4 but Osaka would not be denied, immediately breaking back and holding serve to seal victory. It marked the first time since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1994 that a player had dropped the first set of the women's final and fought back to win the title.

US Open 2020: Naomi Osaka wins third career Grand Slam

Serena Williams was beaten 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open by Victoria Azarenka on Thursday, denying her the chance of winning a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title on home soil this year.

Azarenka will play Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday in her third final at Flushing Meadows, having lost the previous two to Williams in 2012 and 2013.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-moves-into-us-open-semi-finals-326546">Serena Williams moves into US Open semi-finals</a>

Azarenka said her mental game had been crucial in beating the 38-year-old Williams, who needed a medical timeout to have her left ankle re-taped in the third set due to Achilles trouble.

"I have been working on finding a calm mind and keep the body going," the Belarusian said in an on-court interview. "She dug me in a big hole in the first set. I needed to find energy to climb out of the hole and it wasn't easy."

Six-times U.S. Open champion Williams came out firing winners from all sides of the Arthur Ashe Stadium court while Azarenka struggled with her serve, committing four double faults in the first set and winning just six of 15 first-serve points.

She also had 10 unforced errors and appeared increasingly frustrated, with a mic catching her muttering a pair of expletives at herself before Williams took a 4-1 lead.

Williams wrapped up the opening set in little more than half an hour but Azarenka seized momentum in the second frame, breaking the third seed's serve with a pair of backhand winners from the baseline to take a 3-2 lead.

Playing her first Grand Slam semi-final in seven years, Azarenka got the better of Williams in some explosive exchanges of power-hitting while her serve also saw major improvement.

The 31-year-old took the set to force a decider after winning nearly 75% of her first-serve points and committing just one unforced error.

The twice Australian Open champion kept up the pressure in the third set and looked to be in a deep meditative state as Williams had her ankle taped, not even reacting as an insect landed on the bridge of her nose as she waited to resume the match.

Serena Williams was beaten 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open by Victoria Azarenka on Thursday, denying her the chance of winning a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title on home soil this year.

Serena Williams was beaten 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open by Victoria Azarenka on Thursday, denying her the chance of winning a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title on home soil this year. Azarenka will play Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday in her third final at Flushing Meadows, having lost the previous two to Williams in 2012 and 2013. Also read | Serena Williams moves into US Open semi-finals Azarenka said her mental game had been crucial in beating the 38-year-old Williams, who needed a medical timeout to have her left ankle re-taped in the third set due to Achilles trouble. "I have been working on finding a calm mind and keep the body going," the Belarusian said in an on-court interview. "She dug me in a big hole in the first set. I needed to find energy to climb out of the hole and it wasn't easy." Six-times U.S. Open champion Williams came out firing winners from all sides of the Arthur Ashe Stadium court while Azarenka struggled with her serve, committing four double faults in the first set and winning just six of 15 first-serve points. She also had 10 unforced errors and appeared increasingly frustrated, with a mic catching her muttering a pair of expletives at herself before Williams took a 4-1 lead. Williams wrapped up the opening set in little more than half an hour but Azarenka seized momentum in the second frame, breaking the third seed's serve with a pair of backhand winners from the baseline to take a 3-2 lead. Playing her first Grand Slam semi-final in seven years, Azarenka got the better of Williams in some explosive exchanges of power-hitting while her serve also saw major improvement. The 31-year-old took the set to force a decider after winning nearly 75% of her first-serve points and committing just one unforced error. The twice Australian Open champion kept up the pressure in the third set and looked to be in a deep meditative state as Williams had her ankle taped, not even reacting as an insect landed on the bridge of her nose as she waited to resume the match.

Serena Williams exits US Open after loss in semis

Defending champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-naomi-osaka-crashes-out-in-first-round-of-wimbledon-232123&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjT_KrHmL7jAhXi63MBHXA4Ba4QFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Vn_-sn9OlWf7mMv-fRruM">Naomi Osaka</a> and runner-up <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivrbOsmL7jAhVZi3AKHd8_CwEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BZlAmjATmmBjhMu3FNzfC">Serena Williams</a> are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26.

Osaka and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-saw-therapist-after-us-open-meltdown-apologises-to-naomi-osaka-234558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivrbOsmL7jAhVZi3AKHd8_CwEQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rk_AeqjhObnjob5ZpZauH">Williams </a>will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Others to take part in the tournament include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, the 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, the 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, and the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

America's number 43 CiCi Bellis and number 100 and former US Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe used the special ranking to gain entry into the main draw.

Top 102 Women Tennis Association (WTA) players in the latest edition of the rankings will get direct entry to the tournament, WTA quoted the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Sixteen more players will gain entry through the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from August 19 to 24.

The remaining eight spots will be filled through wildcards awarded by the USTA.

The United States has 15 women players who qualified for direct entry into the US Open's main draw.&nbsp;

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and runner-up Serena Williams are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26. Osaka and Williams will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and runner-up Serena Williams are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26. Osaka and Williams will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova. Others to take part in the tournament include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, the 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, the 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, and the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. America's number 43 CiCi Bellis and number 100 and former US Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe used the special ranking to gain entry into the main draw. Top 102 Women Tennis Association (WTA) players in the latest edition of the rankings will get direct entry to the tournament, WTA quoted the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Sixteen more players will gain entry through the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from August 19 to 24. The remaining eight spots will be filled through wildcards awarded by the USTA. The United States has 15 women players who qualified for direct entry into the US Open's main draw.

Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams to compete at US Open

Simona Halep was supposedly having a 'chill' year, but for a little over an hour on Wimbledon's Centre Court the ice-cool Romanian was on fire as she swatted aside Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-1 on Friday to reach the fourth round.&nbsp;

Halep's form has understandably dipped since she won the French Open last year to lift the weighty millstone of several Grand Slam final failures and she said her intention in 2019 was to mentally ease off the throttle.&nbsp;

Yet any suggestion that her hunger had diminished was emphatically dispelled as she absorbed everything Azarenka could muster and then dismantled her fellow former world number one to progress for the loss of four games.&nbsp;

That statistic was all the more remarkable considering Azarenka, ranked 40th in the world, had broken in the fourth game of the first set to take a 3-1 lead, an advantage that was comprehensively erased.&nbsp;

Halep, who began the year as world number one, has slipped to seventh in the rankings, having reached the last eight only once in the last four majors, but there was plenty to suggest the claycourt specialist is a contender at the All England Club.&nbsp;

"I think was my best match this year. I played really well. I felt actually very confident. I've been aggressive all the match, even if I was 3-1 down first set," she said.&nbsp;

After suffering that early break, Halep won six straight games and from that point, there was no looking back.&nbsp;

Azarenka, who had dispatched her second-round opponent by winning 12 consecutive games, made only one further mark on the scoreboard against Halep, to level at 1-1 in the second set, before the Romanian put her foot to the floor to win five more games on the bounce.&nbsp;

She brought up three match points with a precise midcourt dropshot and, after spurning the first, put Azarenka out of her on-court misery, when the Belarusian netted a return.&nbsp;

For Azarenka, who only returned to the world's top 50 in February following the birth of her son at the end of 2016, it was a chastening experience.&nbsp;

Her frustrations were laid bare at times as she slammed her racket into the turf in the first set, receiving a code violation from the umpire, before she fell to her knees with head in hands after smacking a simple put-away into the net.

She later described the umpire's decision to apply the letter of the law when she threw her racket as "pathetic".

"It's like you have to be with no single emotion on the court, and that's just not tennis. I'm sorry, but it's not," she said.

Next up for ice-cool Halep is a potentially mouth-watering clash with Cori Gauff, providing the 15-year-old American can get past Polona Hercog.

Simona Halep was supposedly having a 'chill' year, but for a little over an hour on Wimbledon's Centre Court the ice-cool Romanian was on fire as she swatted aside Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-1 on Friday to reach the fourth round.

Simona Halep was supposedly having a 'chill' year, but for a little over an hour on Wimbledon's Centre Court the ice-cool Romanian was on fire as she swatted aside Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-1 on Friday to reach the fourth round. Halep's form has understandably dipped since she won the French Open last year to lift the weighty millstone of several Grand Slam final failures and she said her intention in 2019 was to mentally ease off the throttle. Yet any suggestion that her hunger had diminished was emphatically dispelled as she absorbed everything Azarenka could muster and then dismantled her fellow former world number one to progress for the loss of four games. That statistic was all the more remarkable considering Azarenka, ranked 40th in the world, had broken in the fourth game of the first set to take a 3-1 lead, an advantage that was comprehensively erased. Halep, who began the year as world number one, has slipped to seventh in the rankings, having reached the last eight only once in the last four majors, but there was plenty to suggest the claycourt specialist is a contender at the All England Club. "I think was my best match this year. I played really well. I felt actually very confident. I've been aggressive all the match, even if I was 3-1 down first set," she said. After suffering that early break, Halep won six straight games and from that point, there was no looking back. Azarenka, who had dispatched her second-round opponent by winning 12 consecutive games, made only one further mark on the scoreboard against Halep, to level at 1-1 in the second set, before the Romanian put her foot to the floor to win five more games on the bounce. She brought up three match points with a precise midcourt dropshot and, after spurning the first, put Azarenka out of her on-court misery, when the Belarusian netted a return. For Azarenka, who only returned to the world's top 50 in February following the birth of her son at the end of 2016, it was a chastening experience. Her frustrations were laid bare at times as she slammed her racket into the turf in the first set, receiving a code violation from the umpire, before she fell to her knees with head in hands after smacking a simple put-away into the net. She later described the umpire's decision to apply the letter of the law when she threw her racket as "pathetic". "It's like you have to be with no single emotion on the court, and that's just not tennis. I'm sorry, but it's not," she said. Next up for ice-cool Halep is a potentially mouth-watering clash with Cori Gauff, providing the 15-year-old American can get past Polona Hercog.

Wimbledon: Simona Halep defeats Victoria Azarenka to enter round four

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-its-a-chill-year-says-simona-halep-as-she-sweeps-past-sasnovich-232222">Simona Halep</a> and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown.

Seventh seed Halep appeared to be heading for an easy win when she was a set and 2-0 up against Mihaela Buzarnescu before her fellow Romanian stormed back to take the second set.

Buzarnescu even stopped in her tracks midway through the seventh game of the second set to hand over a bottle of water to a spectator who had fainted in the stands.

But Halep was less charitable and turfed her compatriot out of the championships with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat.

Twelve months ago Halep perished in the third round despite being the top seed and she will be hoping for better fortune on Friday when she faces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-victoria-azarenka-powers-into-third-round-232782">Azarenka</a>.

"It's going to be a big challenge for me, tough one because she's ... very aggressive," said Halep, who has won two her four meetings with Azarenka, including at Wimbledon in 2017.

"I have to be strong on my legs to be ready for her strokes because she hits very strong," Halep said.

The Belarussian made sure there was no repeat of her 2018 second-round exit as she dished out a 6-2, 6-0 mauling to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Halep and Azarenka were among four former WTA number ones in singles action on day three, along with Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki.

Pliskova has long been thought of as a Grand Slam champion-in-waiting and the Czech provided evidence of her grass-court pedigree as she hurtled past Monica Puig 6-0, 6-4.

"I feel like I'm improving every day on grass," said Pliskova, who arrived at Wimbledon full of confidence after scooping her third title on grass at Eastbourne last week.

FAST LANE

But if Pliskova was hoping her success at Eastbourne would easily translate to a Wimbledon title, she will have to buck the trends as fellow Czech Jana Novotna was the last woman to have pulled off the feat 21 years ago.

On Wednesday, though, Pliskova showed why she is considered as one of the front runners for this year's Wimbledon crown.

Watched by former Formula One driver David Coulthard from the Royal Box, the third seed appeared to be in the fast lane to victory as she dropped only two points on serve to zoom through the first set in 20 minutes.

At the other end of Centre Court, a double fault on set point summed up the kind of torturous day Olympic champion Puig was having to endure.

But just when it seemed the race was on for Pliskova to produce the first double bagel of this year's championships, the Puerto Rican drew a prolonged round of sympathetic applause as she finally won a game in the second game of the second set.

The respite was shortlived as her Czech opponent, who could topple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ashleigh-barty-embraces-number-one-tag-cruises-into-second-round-232654">Ash Barty</a> from the WTA rankings summit if she reaches the latter stages of the grasscourt major, broke Puig to go 3-1 ahead and served for the match at 5-3.

Being on the edge of defeat allowed Puig to come out swinging in the ninth game as she broke Pliskova.

But if that gave Puig a glint of hope for an upset, the Czech quickly snuffed out such thoughts by breaking the 25-year-old in the very next game to seal a third-round match with Taiwanese 28th seed Hsieh Su-wei.

"The deeper you go, the better players you play so it's not going to be easy here," said Pliskova, whose only defeat on grass this season was against her twin Kristyna in the last 16 in Birmingham.

Newly married Wozniacki's Wimbledon honeymoon continued with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown.

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown. Seventh seed Halep appeared to be heading for an easy win when she was a set and 2-0 up against Mihaela Buzarnescu before her fellow Romanian stormed back to take the second set. Buzarnescu even stopped in her tracks midway through the seventh game of the second set to hand over a bottle of water to a spectator who had fainted in the stands. But Halep was less charitable and turfed her compatriot out of the championships with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat. Twelve months ago Halep perished in the third round despite being the top seed and she will be hoping for better fortune on Friday when she faces Azarenka. "It's going to be a big challenge for me, tough one because she's ... very aggressive," said Halep, who has won two her four meetings with Azarenka, including at Wimbledon in 2017. "I have to be strong on my legs to be ready for her strokes because she hits very strong," Halep said. The Belarussian made sure there was no repeat of her 2018 second-round exit as she dished out a 6-2, 6-0 mauling to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic. Halep and Azarenka were among four former WTA number ones in singles action on day three, along with Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki. Pliskova has long been thought of as a Grand Slam champion-in-waiting and the Czech provided evidence of her grass-court pedigree as she hurtled past Monica Puig 6-0, 6-4. "I feel like I'm improving every day on grass," said Pliskova, who arrived at Wimbledon full of confidence after scooping her third title on grass at Eastbourne last week. FAST LANE But if Pliskova was hoping her success at Eastbourne would easily translate to a Wimbledon title, she will have to buck the trends as fellow Czech Jana Novotna was the last woman to have pulled off the feat 21 years ago. On Wednesday, though, Pliskova showed why she is considered as one of the front runners for this year's Wimbledon crown. Watched by former Formula One driver David Coulthard from the Royal Box, the third seed appeared to be in the fast lane to victory as she dropped only two points on serve to zoom through the first set in 20 minutes. At the other end of Centre Court, a double fault on set point summed up the kind of torturous day Olympic champion Puig was having to endure. But just when it seemed the race was on for Pliskova to produce the first double bagel of this year's championships, the Puerto Rican drew a prolonged round of sympathetic applause as she finally won a game in the second game of the second set. The respite was shortlived as her Czech opponent, who could topple Ash Barty from the WTA rankings summit if she reaches the latter stages of the grasscourt major, broke Puig to go 3-1 ahead and served for the match at 5-3. Being on the edge of defeat allowed Puig to come out swinging in the ninth game as she broke Pliskova. But if that gave Puig a glint of hope for an upset, the Czech quickly snuffed out such thoughts by breaking the 25-year-old in the very next game to seal a third-round match with Taiwanese 28th seed Hsieh Su-wei. "The deeper you go, the better players you play so it's not going to be easy here," said Pliskova, whose only defeat on grass this season was against her twin Kristyna in the last 16 in Birmingham. Newly married Wozniacki's Wimbledon honeymoon continued with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

Wimbledon: Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka set up third round battle

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka thrashed Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-0 in the second round to continue her impressive start at <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ashleigh-barty-embraces-number-one-tag-cruises-into-second-round-232654">Wimbledon </a>on Wednesday.

The unseeded 29-year-old Belarussian produced an aggressive display to overpower her opponent and set up a possible third-round clash with Romanian <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-its-a-chill-year-says-simona-halep-as-she-sweeps-past-sasnovich-232222">Simona Halep</a>.

Twice Grand Slam champion Azarenka's progress since returning to tennis two years ago following the birth of her son Leo has been steady rather than spectacular, not helped by a long-running custody battle with her former partner.

But there are signs she is beginning to rediscover the form and hunger that took her to Wimbledon semi-finals in 2011 and 2012 as well as quarter-final runs in 2009 and 2015.

Tomljanovic, ranked 49, simply could not cope with the intensity of Azarenka's play and subsided easily.

Azarenka, who beat Alize Cornet in the first round, is in the third round of a Grand Slam for only the third time since returning to the Tour in June 2017.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka thrashed Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-0 in the second round to continue her impressive start at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka thrashed Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-0 in the second round to continue her impressive start at Wimbledon on Wednesday. The unseeded 29-year-old Belarussian produced an aggressive display to overpower her opponent and set up a possible third-round clash with Romanian Simona Halep. Twice Grand Slam champion Azarenka's progress since returning to tennis two years ago following the birth of her son Leo has been steady rather than spectacular, not helped by a long-running custody battle with her former partner. But there are signs she is beginning to rediscover the form and hunger that took her to Wimbledon semi-finals in 2011 and 2012 as well as quarter-final runs in 2009 and 2015. Tomljanovic, ranked 49, simply could not cope with the intensity of Azarenka's play and subsided easily. Azarenka, who beat Alize Cornet in the first round, is in the third round of a Grand Slam for only the third time since returning to the Tour in June 2017.

Wimbledon: Victoria Azarenka powers into third round

After two weeks enjoying the delights of Mallorca, it was time for business for Maria Sharapova on Tuesday as she launched her comeback from a six-month injury lay-off in style.

The Russian five-times Grand Slam champion struggled for rhythm initially on the low-bouncing grasscourt at the Mallorca Open but picked up the pace to beat Viktoria Kuzmova 7-6(8), 6-0.

It was a small step for the 32-year-old who will face reigning Wimbledon champion and top seed Angelique Kerber in a standout second-round match at the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club.

Kerber, who suffered an ankle injury during the claycourt season and lost in the first round at the French Open, beat Belgian qualifier Ysaline Bonaventure 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.

Former world number one <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/maria-sharapova-withdraws-from-italian-open-215391&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj06cTr_fTiAhUQ2o8KHRFWDgoQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PsQoj-rRdj_zoyJAo62EF">Sharapova </a>admitted there is still much to work on but was encouraged by her display in negotiating a tricky opening round -&nbsp;her first competitive match since the St Petersburg Open in January.

There were a few double faults in the first set but the right shoulder that has caused her so much trouble in the past and needed minor surgery in February appeared to hold up.

She saved two set points in the opener but allowed her opponent, ranked 39 places higher than her at 46, only six points in the second as a large crowd, which included tournament referee Toni Nadal, watched under a blazing sun.

It was the 2004 Wimbledon champion's first win on grass for four years in only her second match on the surface in that time.

"It was nice to get a victory," she told reporters.

"It's been a while since I've been out there so it felt really good to go through a few things I've worked on and get the arm into action again. There's a lot to work on but I had to start somewhere."

Wildcard <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/maria-sharapova-pulls-out-of-french-open-due-to-shoulder-injury-219141&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj06cTr_fTiAhUQ2o8KHRFWDgoQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vQFydJvY5Am29gB93l2Eq">Sharapova </a>said she felt "optimistic" about the shoulder that needed minor surgery in February and did not feel anything "too sharp" during the match.

With rain falling elsewhere in Europe, Mallorca appeared a wise choice as a starting point for a suspect shoulder but it was not all smooth for wildcard Sharapova against Kuzmova.

The Slovak broke to lead 6-5 in the first set as Sharapova served three double-faults. Sharapova broke back immediately to force a tiebreak but had to fend off a set point at 6-7 and another at 7-8 before sealing the set when Kuzmova missed a forehand.

A confident Sharapova romped through the second set.

Victoria Azarenka, the third former world number one in action on the day, was beaten 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 by Caroline Garcia.

After two weeks enjoying the delights of Mallorca, it was time for business for Maria Sharapova on Tuesday as she launched her comeback from a six-month injury lay-off in style.

After two weeks enjoying the delights of Mallorca, it was time for business for Maria Sharapova on Tuesday as she launched her comeback from a six-month injury lay-off in style. The Russian five-times Grand Slam champion struggled for rhythm initially on the low-bouncing grasscourt at the Mallorca Open but picked up the pace to beat Viktoria Kuzmova 7-6(8), 6-0. It was a small step for the 32-year-old who will face reigning Wimbledon champion and top seed Angelique Kerber in a standout second-round match at the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club. Kerber, who suffered an ankle injury during the claycourt season and lost in the first round at the French Open, beat Belgian qualifier Ysaline Bonaventure 7-5, 4-6, 6-2. Former world number one Sharapova admitted there is still much to work on but was encouraged by her display in negotiating a tricky opening round - her first competitive match since the St Petersburg Open in January. There were a few double faults in the first set but the right shoulder that has caused her so much trouble in the past and needed minor surgery in February appeared to hold up. She saved two set points in the opener but allowed her opponent, ranked 39 places higher than her at 46, only six points in the second as a large crowd, which included tournament referee Toni Nadal, watched under a blazing sun. It was the 2004 Wimbledon champion's first win on grass for four years in only her second match on the surface in that time. "It was nice to get a victory," she told reporters. "It's been a while since I've been out there so it felt really good to go through a few things I've worked on and get the arm into action again. There's a lot to work on but I had to start somewhere." Wildcard Sharapova said she felt "optimistic" about the shoulder that needed minor surgery in February and did not feel anything "too sharp" during the match. With rain falling elsewhere in Europe, Mallorca appeared a wise choice as a starting point for a suspect shoulder but it was not all smooth for wildcard Sharapova against Kuzmova. The Slovak broke to lead 6-5 in the first set as Sharapova served three double-faults. Sharapova broke back immediately to force a tiebreak but had to fend off a set point at 6-7 and another at 7-8 before sealing the set when Kuzmova missed a forehand. A confident Sharapova romped through the second set. Victoria Azarenka, the third former world number one in action on the day, was beaten 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 by Caroline Garcia.

Maria Sharapova makes winning comeback, set to face Kerber in Mallorca Open

For the second match running world number one <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-top-seed-naomi-osaka-flirts-with-early-exit-victoria-azarenka-and-del-potro-also-struggle-222421&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiajZvTqMPiAhXV8HMBHeh0A2IQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PbOLXmuS2pxokxTj-nwby">Naomi Osaka</a> stared at an early French Open exit but once again she fought like a champion, recovering from a woeful start to beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

The 21-year-old Japanese lost the first four games against a fired-up former world number one but reacted superbly to claw herself back and claim a 16th successive Grand Slam match win.

She is aiming to win a third successive major having bagged her first two at the US&nbsp;and Australian Opens but she is doing it the hard way in Paris.

Azarenka seemed poised to follow up her first-round win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko when she moved 4-2 ahead in the second set playing with the kind of control and aggression that took her to two Australian Open triumphs.

But <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-pulls-out-of-italian-open-due-to-right-thumb-injury-219451&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiajZvTqMPiAhXV8HMBHeh0A2IQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uV0vjo0tycUhK717zgA3u">Osaka </a>flicked a switch and began pummelling heavy groundstrokes that kept Azarenka at full stretch.

Osaka piled on the pressure when Azarenka served at 5-6 but squandered three set points before finally levelling the match with a screaming backhand winner.

She raced into a 5-1 lead in the decider and although Azarenka grabbed the next two games, Osaka kept her focus to reach the third round.

For the second match running world number one Naomi Osaka stared at an early French Open exit but once again she fought like a champion, recovering from a woeful start to beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

For the second match running world number one Naomi Osaka stared at an early French Open exit but once again she fought like a champion, recovering from a woeful start to beat Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The 21-year-old Japanese lost the first four games against a fired-up former world number one but reacted superbly to claw herself back and claim a 16th successive Grand Slam match win. She is aiming to win a third successive major having bagged her first two at the US and Australian Opens but she is doing it the hard way in Paris. Azarenka seemed poised to follow up her first-round win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko when she moved 4-2 ahead in the second set playing with the kind of control and aggression that took her to two Australian Open triumphs. But Osaka flicked a switch and began pummelling heavy groundstrokes that kept Azarenka at full stretch. Osaka piled on the pressure when Azarenka served at 5-6 but squandered three set points before finally levelling the match with a screaming backhand winner. She raced into a 5-1 lead in the decider and although Azarenka grabbed the next two games, Osaka kept her focus to reach the third round.

French Open: Naomi Osaka survives again to battle past Victoria Azarenka into third round

Naomi Osaka's quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title almost came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as a number of top players struggled to book their spots in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-alexander-zverev-defeats-john-millman-to-enter-second-round-222336">second round of the French Open.</a>

On a windy and chilly day at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-french-open-champion-jelena-ostapenko-blows-out-in-first-round-again-222347">Roland Garros</a>, world number one Osaka, who won the US&nbsp;and the Australian Opens, lost the opening set to love against Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova before rallying back for a 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 victory.

Defending champion Simona Halep, Osaka's potential semi-final opponent, lost her way in the second set against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory on a windswept Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the men's draw, German fifth seed Alexander Zverev was also pegged back during his match against Australian John Millman and needed five sets to progress after winning the first two.

Last year's semi-finalist Juan Martin Del Potro also huffed and puffed into round two with a four-set win against Nicolas Jarry of Chile.

Victoria Azarenka avoided the fate of fellow former world number ones Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki, who were knocked out in the first round, when she beat 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.

Osaka had the biggest scare, however, as spots of rain and swirling winds disrupted her game with the Japanese failing to put a mark on the scoreboard in the first set.

Schmiedlova twice served for the match, only for Osaka to raise her game and force the contest into a decisive third set during which her variety of shots and power proved too much to handle for the world number 90.

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in the first round.

Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 -&nbsp;the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era.

He became the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, aged 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka's quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title almost came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as a number of top players struggled to book their spots in the second round of the French Open.

Naomi Osaka's quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title almost came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as a number of top players struggled to book their spots in the second round of the French Open. On a windy and chilly day at Roland Garros, world number one Osaka, who won the US and the Australian Opens, lost the opening set to love against Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova before rallying back for a 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 victory. Defending champion Simona Halep, Osaka's potential semi-final opponent, lost her way in the second set against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory on a windswept Court Philippe Chatrier. In the men's draw, German fifth seed Alexander Zverev was also pegged back during his match against Australian John Millman and needed five sets to progress after winning the first two. Last year's semi-finalist Juan Martin Del Potro also huffed and puffed into round two with a four-set win against Nicolas Jarry of Chile. Victoria Azarenka avoided the fate of fellow former world number ones Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki, who were knocked out in the first round, when she beat 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets. Osaka had the biggest scare, however, as spots of rain and swirling winds disrupted her game with the Japanese failing to put a mark on the scoreboard in the first set. Schmiedlova twice served for the match, only for Osaka to raise her game and force the contest into a decisive third set during which her variety of shots and power proved too much to handle for the world number 90. Croatia's Ivo Karlovic became the oldest man to win a match at the French Open for 46 years as he beat Spain's fellow veteran Feliciano Lopez in the first round. Karlovic, who turned 40 in February, won a match featuring players with a combined age of 77 - the oldest in a Grand Slam in the professional era. He became the oldest male player to win a Grand Slam match since Ken Rosewall, aged 44, did so at the 1978 Australian Open.

French Open: Top seed Naomi Osaka flirts with early exit, Victoria Azarenka and Del Potro also struggle

Spain's Garbine Muguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired injured from her first WTA singles final in three years.

Second seed Muguruza was leading the match between the two former world number ones 6-1, 3-1 when Azarenka decided she was unable to continue because of an injury to her right leg.

"It's unfortunate I couldn't give my best today, but I tried my hardest," a tearful Azarenka, who had not previously reached final since the birth of her first child in December 2016, said at the presentation.

"I want to say thank you to my son Leo, who is not with me here. I would love him to be here to share this with me because it is special."

The crowd responded with a chant of "Vika! Vika! Vika!".

Muguruza's victory never looked in doubt and ensured that the record run of different women winning WTA titles this season would be extended to 16 tournaments.

The former French Open and Wimbledon champion broke the pained Belarusian three times in the first set and again in the fourth game of the second.

"It's a great feeling to come back and defend a title," Muguruza said in a courtside interview. "It's never easy."

Azarenka received treatment on her leg during a medical time-out between sets, but it became apparent as the second set began that her movement had become significantly hampered.

Azarenka was grimacing and stretching after nearly every point and, after Muguruza broke for a 3-1 lead, the two-time Australian Open champion decided to call it quits.

The Belarusian had entered the final full of hope after surprising top seed Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in Saturday's semi-finals.

Azarenka had won her only previous meeting with Muguruza in the round of 16 at the Miami Open in April 2016, when she went on to win the title in her most recent final before Sunday.

Spain's Garbine Muguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired injured from her first WTA singles final in three years.

Spain's Garbine Muguruza successfully defended her Monterrey Open title on Sunday when Victoria Azarenka retired injured from her first WTA singles final in three years. Second seed Muguruza was leading the match between the two former world number ones 6-1, 3-1 when Azarenka decided she was unable to continue because of an injury to her right leg. "It's unfortunate I couldn't give my best today, but I tried my hardest," a tearful Azarenka, who had not previously reached final since the birth of her first child in December 2016, said at the presentation. "I want to say thank you to my son Leo, who is not with me here. I would love him to be here to share this with me because it is special." The crowd responded with a chant of "Vika! Vika! Vika!". Muguruza's victory never looked in doubt and ensured that the record run of different women winning WTA titles this season would be extended to 16 tournaments. The former French Open and Wimbledon champion broke the pained Belarusian three times in the first set and again in the fourth game of the second. "It's a great feeling to come back and defend a title," Muguruza said in a courtside interview. "It's never easy." Azarenka received treatment on her leg during a medical time-out between sets, but it became apparent as the second set began that her movement had become significantly hampered. Azarenka was grimacing and stretching after nearly every point and, after Muguruza broke for a 3-1 lead, the two-time Australian Open champion decided to call it quits. The Belarusian had entered the final full of hope after surprising top seed Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in Saturday's semi-finals. Azarenka had won her only previous meeting with Muguruza in the round of 16 at the Miami Open in April 2016, when she went on to win the title in her most recent final before Sunday.

Garbine Muguruza retains Monterrey title as injured Azarenka retires

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka dismissed Vera Lapko 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Serena Williams while Johanna Konta cruised to a straight sets win in opening round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.

After falling behind 2-0 at the start, Azarenka reeled off six straight games and ultimately made quick work of Lapko on a windy day in the California desert.

Konta's pinpoint serving proved too much for France's Pauline Parmentier to handle as the Briton coasted to a 6-2 6-3 win to set up a second-round clash with Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan.

Two young Americans also advanced on Wednesday as 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova crushed Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic 6-0 6-4 and 20-year-old Sofia Kenin came from behind to dispatch China's Wang Yafan 1-6 7-5 6-4.

Canadian Bianca Andreescu, fresh off her semi-final appearance at the Mexican Open in Acapulco last week, defeated Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania 6-7(3) 6-3 6-3 to set up a second-round battle with Dominika Cibulkova.

Czech Barbora Strycova, China's Zhang Shuai, American Jennifer Brady and German Tatjana Maria were among the other players to advance at the event in Indian Wells.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka dismissed Vera Lapko 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Serena Williams while Johanna Konta cruised to a straight sets win in opening round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka dismissed Vera Lapko 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Serena Williams while Johanna Konta cruised to a straight sets win in opening round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. After falling behind 2-0 at the start, Azarenka reeled off six straight games and ultimately made quick work of Lapko on a windy day in the California desert. Konta's pinpoint serving proved too much for France's Pauline Parmentier to handle as the Briton coasted to a 6-2 6-3 win to set up a second-round clash with Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan. Two young Americans also advanced on Wednesday as 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova crushed Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic 6-0 6-4 and 20-year-old Sofia Kenin came from behind to dispatch China's Wang Yafan 1-6 7-5 6-4. Canadian Bianca Andreescu, fresh off her semi-final appearance at the Mexican Open in Acapulco last week, defeated Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania 6-7(3) 6-3 6-3 to set up a second-round battle with Dominika Cibulkova. Czech Barbora Strycova, China's Zhang Shuai, American Jennifer Brady and German Tatjana Maria were among the other players to advance at the event in Indian Wells.

Victoria Azarenka, Johanna Konta cruise into second round at Indian Wells

A year after returning from break, Serena Williams was handed a tough draw at the BNP Paribas Open.

The 23-time major champion could end up facing former World number one Victoria Azarenka in a second-round match, as the full draw was revealed on Monday.

Number ten seed Williams was drawn into the same quarter of the draw as number four seed Sloane Stephens and number seven seed Kiki Bertens in the bottom half, and she will face either Azarenka or Vera Lapko after an opening-round match.

Azarenka has already the upper hand over Williams and she defeated her in the finals of the 2016 tournament.

Williams is up for an uphill task as even if she manages to win her second-round match, she could end up facing number 20 seed and two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza.In other quarters of the second half, number two seed Simona Halep will face the winner of Barbora Strycova or a qualifier first up.

On the top half of the draw, a rematch of the recent loss looms over the defending champion and top seed Naomi Osaka.

She will face either Kristina Mladenovic or Zheng Saisai in her first match at the tournament this year.&nbsp;

A year after returning from break, Serena Williams was handed a tough draw at the BNP Paribas Open. The 23-time major champion could end up facing former World number one Victoria Azarenka in a second-round match, as the full draw was revealed on Monday.

A year after returning from break, Serena Williams was handed a tough draw at the BNP Paribas Open. The 23-time major champion could end up facing former World number one Victoria Azarenka in a second-round match, as the full draw was revealed on Monday. Number ten seed Williams was drawn into the same quarter of the draw as number four seed Sloane Stephens and number seven seed Kiki Bertens in the bottom half, and she will face either Azarenka or Vera Lapko after an opening-round match. Azarenka has already the upper hand over Williams and she defeated her in the finals of the 2016 tournament. Williams is up for an uphill task as even if she manages to win her second-round match, she could end up facing number 20 seed and two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza.In other quarters of the second half, number two seed Simona Halep will face the winner of Barbora Strycova or a qualifier first up. On the top half of the draw, a rematch of the recent loss looms over the defending champion and top seed Naomi Osaka. She will face either Kristina Mladenovic or Zheng Saisai in her first match at the tournament this year.

Serena Williams handed tough draw in Paribas Open

Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonicm and women&#39;s world number five Simona Halep of Romania, have pulled out from next month&#39;s Rio Olympics due to fears over the Zika virus. 
 
They, along with twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who is pregnant, will not be making the trip to Rio even though they were included in the final list of participants issued by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Friday. 
 
The big-serving Raonic, who lost to Andy Murray in the men&#39;s championship match at the All England Club on Sunday, was the first tennis player to pull out of the Aug 5-21 Olympics due to concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus. 
 
&quot;It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,&quot; world number seven Raonic, 25, said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada. 
 
&quot;After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns including the uncertainty around the Zika virus.&quot; 
 
The Zika virus, which the World Health Organisation says is spreading rapidly in the Americas, has been linked to severe birth defects in infants born to infected women, and possible neurological problems in adults. 
 
Halep, who last month told Reuters she was &quot;very worried&quot; about the long-term effects of the Zika virus, consulted with many doctors before issuing her decision shortly after Raonic. 
 
&quot;I regret to announce that I have decided I will not compete in the Olympic Games. The reason for my decision is the concern regarding the danger posed by the Zika virus,&quot; Halep, a runner-up at the French Open in 2014, said on her Facebook page. 
 
&quot;After several talks with doctors and my family, I concluded that the risks are too high for my career and for my health, especially as a woman. Family is much too important for me and I can&rsquo;t risk not being able to have one of my own after my career in tennis is over.&nbsp;I know the Olympics are a very important event and I truly regret these circumstances. I hope the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee and all Romanians will respect my decision.&nbsp;I will continue to play, to proudly represent Romania in as many tournaments as possible.&quot; 
 
Raonic and Halep joined a growing list of athletes to have pulled out of the Rio Games over health concerns triggered by the outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, including a number of high-profile male golfers. 
 
Belarussian Azarenka also robbed the Olympics of some star power as the world number six said earlier on Friday that she will miss the rest of the season because she is having a baby. 
 
Raonic, beaten in the second round of the 2012 London Games by Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, said he hopes his decision would not influence others. 
 
&quot;This was a difficult, personal choice and I do not wish for it to impact the decision of any other athlete heading to the Games,&quot; said Raonic. 
 
&quot;I am very proud to have competed for Canada at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, and on the world stage at several Davis Cup events. I look forward to cheering on Team Canada this summer.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Milos Raonic and Simona Halep joined a growing list of athletes to pull out of Rio Games due to health concerns

Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonicm and women's world number five Simona Halep of Romania, have pulled out from next month's Rio Olympics due to fears over the Zika virus. They, along with twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who is pregnant, will not be making the trip to Rio even though they were included in the final list of participants issued by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Friday. The big-serving Raonic, who lost to Andy Murray in the men's championship match at the All England Club on Sunday, was the first tennis player to pull out of the Aug 5-21 Olympics due to concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus. "It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games," world number seven Raonic, 25, said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada. "After much deliberation with my family and coaches, I am making this decision for a variety of health concerns including the uncertainty around the Zika virus." The Zika virus, which the World Health Organisation says is spreading rapidly in the Americas, has been linked to severe birth defects in infants born to infected women, and possible neurological problems in adults. Halep, who last month told Reuters she was "very worried" about the long-term effects of the Zika virus, consulted with many doctors before issuing her decision shortly after Raonic. "I regret to announce that I have decided I will not compete in the Olympic Games. The reason for my decision is the concern regarding the danger posed by the Zika virus," Halep, a runner-up at the French Open in 2014, said on her Facebook page. "After several talks with doctors and my family, I concluded that the risks are too high for my career and for my health, especially as a woman. Family is much too important for me and I can’t risk not being able to have one of my own after my career in tennis is over. I know the Olympics are a very important event and I truly regret these circumstances. I hope the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee and all Romanians will respect my decision. I will continue to play, to proudly represent Romania in as many tournaments as possible." Raonic and Halep joined a growing list of athletes to have pulled out of the Rio Games over health concerns triggered by the outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, including a number of high-profile male golfers. Belarussian Azarenka also robbed the Olympics of some star power as the world number six said earlier on Friday that she will miss the rest of the season because she is having a baby. Raonic, beaten in the second round of the 2012 London Games by Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, said he hopes his decision would not influence others. "This was a difficult, personal choice and I do not wish for it to impact the decision of any other athlete heading to the Games," said Raonic. "I am very proud to have competed for Canada at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, and on the world stage at several Davis Cup events. I look forward to cheering on Team Canada this summer." (Reuters)

Raonic and Halep withdraw from Rio Olympics over Zika

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