In a notable match at Wimbledon, Barbora Krejcikova secured a victory over Mirra Andreeva in three sets. Krejcikova, who previously won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 2024, defeated the fifth seed with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. The match lasted for almost three hours on Centre Court.

Krejcikova dedicated her win to her niece, who was at home with chickenpox. She expressed her hope that her performance on Centre Court, which she described as “the best court in the world,” would make her niece proud and provide motivation for her tennis and life. The player mentioned that her niece plays tennis and loves the sport.

During the deciding set, Krejcikova faced a moment of challenge, missing six match points while leading 5-3. However, she regained her composure to close out the match a game later. Andreeva, on the other hand, displayed frustration, throwing her racquet and exclaiming “I quit” towards her team before leaving the court. The Russian later became emotional during a news conference when asked about her performance, stating she would “need a couple days” to recover before returning to practice for hard courts.

Krejcikova has experienced injuries and a drop in rankings since her 2024 triumph at the All England Club. She also faced first-round exits at the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier in the season. The world number 38 reflected on her journey, noting it has been challenging with injuries and personal life events.

Osaka’s unique court attire and progress

Naomi Osaka continued to capture attention with her choice of attire at Wimbledon. Following her appearance in an elegant, full-length white kimono for her opening match, Osaka opted for a different look on Wednesday. The player combined a white jacket featuring a floral pattern with a long train, attached to her waist by an obi, a traditional decorative belt. This ensemble drew the attention of spectators and photographers as she walked from the locker room to number two court.

Osaka explained that her inspiration for fashion can come from various sources, including a trip to Japan where she observed people expressing themselves through clothing in Harajuku. She described the experience as “cool and colourful” and incorporated that into her fashion experimentation. Osaka stated she does not typically have a fixed plan for her clothes and is open to trying new styles.

On the court, Osaka equalled her best Wimbledon performance by defeating Anastasia Gasanova 6-3, 6-2, advancing to the third round. She is scheduled to face Daria Kasatkina in the third round.

Sabalenka and Djokovic secure wins

World number one Aryna Sabalenka also progressed to the third round after a 6-1, 7-6 (11-9) victory over McCartney Kessler. After her match, Sabalenka took a moment to interact with a young fan on Court One who had a replica of her tiger tattoo. Sabalenka, who has stated her tattoo represents her aggressive playing style, found the interaction “adorable” and “very inspiring.”

Sabalenka’s next opponent in the third round will be former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, who defeated Antonia Ruzic 6-2, 6-0.

In other men’s singles action, Novak Djokovic secured a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic won with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. He expressed his satisfaction with his performance, particularly highlighting a return game at 5-2 as one of his best recently. He just went for his shots, a bit more relaxed, less tension in his head thinking about how to return.

Djokovic also engaged in a lighthearted moment during a change of ends, asking a ballgirl to cut a tag from his top and playfully pretending she had cut him. He acknowledged that such an interaction is easier when leading in sets. The player reiterated his long-held sentiment that Wimbledon is his childhood dream tournament and that age is merely a number. He also acknowledged golfers Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Luke Donald, who were present in the Royal Box, congratulating them on their Ryder Cup win and McIlroy on his green jacket.

Tsitsipas, currently ranked 87, faced a challenging match against Djokovic. His one-handed backhand has been identified as a technical weakness, and he has also contended with injuries and coaching changes. Djokovic will next face Arthur Rinderknech.

Other notable results include Jannik Sinner defeating Nuno Borges 7-6, 7-6, 6-4, and Felix Auger-Aliassime beating Dino Prizmic 7-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Source: bbc.com

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Otto Virtanen of Finland defeated Ben Shelton in the first round of Wimbledon 2026, marking a significant upset on Tuesday. The match, which lasted over four hours, saw Virtanen advance to the second round for the second time in three years. Shelton, a quarterfinalist in 2025, experienced his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2023 French Open.

Virtanen, ranked 140th in the ATP Tour singles, secured his victory with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(8), 6-2, 7-6(9) on Court 2. He converted three of eight break point opportunities during the match. In contrast, Shelton, who was the fifth seed, failed to convert 11 of his 12 break point chances. Virtanen also recorded 14 aces and 60 winners, while Shelton had 19 aces and 68 winners.

The Finnish player expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting his preparation leading up to the tournament. “I had a great month before this,” Virtanen stated, adding, “I played a lot of grass matches. I always enjoy playing here.” He also mentioned missing the previous year due to injury, highlighting his pleasure in returning to the event. Virtanen, at 25 years old, has not yet progressed to the third round of a Grand Slam.

Shelton’s early exit and other results

The defeat was described as one of the toughest losses in Shelton’s career. The American fourth seed had reached the semifinals last year. His early exit was a notable moment on a day that saw several other top players in action. Shelton’s performance in the match included missing a match point before ultimately losing in a fifth-set tie-break.

In other men’s singles matches, Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the second seed and recent French Open champion, advanced after a challenging encounter. Zverev secured a 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-6(5), 7-6(0) win against Alexander Blockx of Belgium. Zverev acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, “That was tough. When I saw the draw I thought here we go again, someone who serves 140 mph and can take the racket out of your hands.” He had previously lost in the first round at Wimbledon last year.

American sixth seed Taylor Fritz, a semifinalist last year, also progressed, defeating Dusan Lajovic in straight sets. Australia’s fifth seed Alex de Minaur moved forward as well, beating Roman Andres Burruchaga. Other prominent male players who advanced on Tuesday included Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, Jakub Mensik of Czechia, and Alexander Zverev of Germany.

Upcoming matches and women’s draw

Following his victory, Virtanen is scheduled to face British wild card Arthur Fery, ranked 114th, in the second round. The winner of that match will then play either Zizou Bergs of Belgium or Jaime Faria of Portugal in the third round. This sets up potential further challenges for Virtanen as he aims to continue his run in the tournament.

In the women’s draw, several highly-ranked players secured their spots in the next round. These included Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, Iga Swiatek of Poland, Amanda Anisimova of the United States, Linda Noskova of Czechia, Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, and Jasmine Paolini of Italy. Another notable result saw Daria Snigur of Ukraine defeat fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in straight sets during another first-round upset.

Looking ahead, Wednesday’s schedule at the All England Club features second-round matches for top-ranked women such as Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, Jessica Pegula of the United States, Mirra Andreeva of Russia, Coco Gauff of the United States, Karolina Muchova of Czechia, and Naomi Osaka of Japan. For the men, top-ranked Jannik Sinner of Italy, Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, and Daniil Medvedev of Russia are among those scheduled to play on Wednesday.

Source: upi.com

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Indian tennis icon Vijay Amritraj has shared his perspectives on the upcoming Wimbledon 2026 tournament, touching upon Serena Williams‘ return to tennis and Novak Djokovic‘s prospects. Amritraj, who reached the quarterfinals of the grass-court Major twice in 1973 and 1981, offered his insights during a media interaction ahead of the tournament, which is set to begin on Monday.

Regarding Serena Williams‘ comeback at the age of 44, Amritraj believes that while her motivation might stem from the joy of playing and wanting her daughters to see her compete, winning a Major at this stage is improbable. He drew an analogy to Muhammad Ali‘s return to boxing, suggesting that time is a significant factor. Amritraj acknowledged Williams’ unparalleled success in tennis, calling her the greatest female player in modern history, but noted the challenge of competing against younger players.

Djokovic’s enduring temperament and Wimbledon hopes

Novak Djokovic, at 39 years old, has arrived at the All England Club to prepare for Wimbledon, aiming for a 25th Grand Slam title. Amritraj highlighted Djokovic’s mental capacity and incredible temperament as key strengths, stating that he is a player one can never bet against, especially when matches become tight. Djokovic’s 2026 season has demonstrated his high level of play, including a run to the Australian Open final where he defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

Despite his age, Djokovic’s ability to maintain his physical condition is crucial, particularly after playing demanding five-set matches. His training sessions at Aorangi Park included practice with Jannik Sinner on Court No 1. Wimbledon, a tournament Djokovic has won seven times, is seen as a likely venue for him to potentially secure another Grand Slam due to the shorter points and reduced physicality of grass-court tennis, which suits his playing style.

Amritraj also addressed the men’s competition more broadly, noting that younger players now feel they have a chance against established champions like Djokovic. However, he emphasized that Djokovic’s consistent presence and mental fortitude set him apart. The absence of Carlos Alcaraz due to a right-wrist injury creates an opportunity for other players, and Djokovic has been drawn into Sinner’s half of the draw, potentially leading to a semi-final encounter.

Women’s tennis: A wide-open field

In women’s tennis, Amritraj observed that the field is quite open, with many players performing at a similar standard since the departure of the Williams sisters. He mentioned Iga Swiatek‘s previous dominant run but noted that currently, it is difficult to pick a clear winner. Aryna Sabalenka was identified as a strong contender on grass, possessing a powerful game and an improved serve, though other players have found ways to challenge her.

Amritraj suggested that upsets are possible in the early stages of the tournament, particularly on grass courts, which require players to adapt. He pointed out that the grass surface today differs from what it was in the past, with less monumental differences compared to clay courts. Players often need a match or two to adjust to the surface, and factors like heat and grass thickness can influence early-stage outcomes.

The discussion also touched upon the tour’s scheduling, with Amritraj noting that top players, as independent contractors, have the flexibility to manage their schedules. They are committed to playing the nine Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP Tour and the four Grand Slams, totaling 13 tournaments, allowing them to schedule the rest of their year accordingly.

Wimbledon 2026 is scheduled to run from June 29 to July 12.

Source: sportstar.thehindu.com

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Before the Charleston Open, expectations were clear: Madison Keys, ranked No. 18 in the world, was the favorite. With a powerful game and a history of success, she was poised to dominate. Meanwhile, Yuliia Starodubtseva, ranked No. 89, was seen as an underdog, making her debut at this prestigious tournament.

However, the tide turned dramatically. Starodubtseva shocked the crowd by defeating McCartney Kessler with a score of 6-4, 6-4, securing her place in the semifinals. Keys also advanced, overcoming Belinda Bencic in a hard-fought match that ended 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. The stage was set for an intriguing clash.

This semifinal match, scheduled for April 4, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET, marks the first head-to-head meeting between these two players. Starodubtseva’s impressive performance against Kessler has raised eyebrows, as she notched her maiden WTA semifinal. The stakes are high, with a prize purse of $2.3 million on the line.

Starodubtseva’s journey to this point is remarkable. She entered the tournament as a relative unknown but has quickly made a name for herself. Her victory over Kessler showcased her resilience and skill, qualities that will be essential against a seasoned opponent like Keys.

On the other hand, Keys is no stranger to high-pressure situations. With a solid track record, she brings experience and confidence to the court. Her ability to rally back from a set down against Bencic demonstrates her fighting spirit, which will be crucial in this upcoming match.

Experts are weighing in on this matchup, noting the contrasting styles of play. Starodubtseva’s agility and strategic shot placement could pose challenges for Keys, who relies on her powerful serves and aggressive baseline play. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both players eager to secure a spot in the finals.

As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see if Starodubtseva can continue her Cinderella story or if Keys will assert her dominance. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this semifinal is set to be a defining moment for both players.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the schedule or player conditions, but the excitement surrounding this match is undeniable.

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Madison Keys, a formidable player on the WTA circuit, has made headlines once again. After a rocky start to the year, expectations were low for her performance at the Credit One Charleston Open. However, she has turned the tide, showcasing her talent and determination on the court.

In a thrilling quarterfinal match, Keys faced off against former champion Belinda Bencic. The match unfolded with Bencic taking the first set 4-6, leaving fans questioning whether Keys could mount a comeback. But in a decisive shift, Keys rallied back to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-2, securing her spot in the semifinals. The match lasted a grueling 2 hours and 10 minutes, a testament to both players’ endurance.

This victory marks Madison Keys’ first WTA semifinal of the year, a significant milestone for the fifth seed, who is currently ranked No. 18. Her performance on green clay has been impressive, boasting a perfect tournament record of 3-0 this season. The Charleston Open holds a special place for Keys, as she was the champion in 2019 and has reached the quarterfinals six times prior.

Keys will now face Yuliia Starodubtseva, who advanced by defeating McCartney Kessler with a score of 6-4, 6-4. This matchup promises to be exciting, as both players are eager to capitalize on their recent successes. Keys expressed her relief and joy after the match, stating, “I’m really happy that I didn’t get too down on myself and was able to kind of recover quickly, and overall I think I played pretty solid second and third sets.”

The shift in momentum during the match against Bencic was crucial. Keys noted, “I think it was really important (his return game). I think that, even with the score line being the way that it was, I even had a few more break point chances that I kind of set myself up for pressure.” This insight highlights her strategic thinking and adaptability on the court.

Jessica Pegula, another prominent player in the tournament, commented on Keys’ performance, saying, “I do think that this week is something that I can really build off of.” Such endorsements from fellow competitors underscore the respect Keys commands in the tennis community.

As Madison Keys prepares for her semifinal clash, the stakes are high. With a strong history in Charleston and a renewed sense of confidence, she aims to reclaim her title and continue her journey in the tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she can maintain her momentum and secure a spot in the finals.

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What does Leander Paes joining the BJP mean for Indian politics? It marks a significant shift as the tennis legend aims to serve the nation and youth after a decorated career.

On March 31, 2026, Paes officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi, a move celebrated by party leaders as historic. His induction was attended by prominent figures including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukhanta Majumdar.

Paes, who won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the 1996 Barcelona Olympics, expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah following his joining. “This is a big opportunity for me to serve sports and youth,” he stated.

With a remarkable career that includes five Wimbledon titles and a total of 18 Grand Slam titles, Paes has long been a symbol of Indian sports. He has represented the country for 40 years, making his transition into politics noteworthy.

“For 40 years in my life, I have played for the country, represented the country in tournaments… Now, this is a new field,” Paes added, highlighting his commitment to continue serving India in a different capacity.

Kiren Rijiju remarked, “It was Leander Paes who, for the first time, put India on the Olympic map,” underscoring the tennis star’s impact on Indian sports.

Paes’s decision to enter politics comes at a time when many athletes are seeking to influence public policy and youth engagement. His experience and recognition could play a crucial role in shaping sports initiatives within the BJP.

As Paes embarks on this new journey, the implications for both his political career and Indian sports remain to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his specific plans within the party.

With his extensive background in sports, Paes’s contributions could significantly impact the BJP’s outreach to younger demographics and sports enthusiasts across the nation.

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Will Jannik Sinner complete the ‘Sunshine Double’ at the Miami Open? As of now, he leads Jiri Lehecka 6-4 in the opening set after the match resumed following a 90-minute rain delay.

Sinner, who is aiming to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season, did not drop a point behind his first serve in the first set, going 16 for 16. This performance underscores his dominance on the court.

Lehecka, on the other hand, is competing in his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final, marking a significant milestone in his career. The pressure is on as he faces a seasoned competitor in Sinner.

The Miami Open is held at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, a venue that has witnessed thrilling matches over the years.

In the women’s singles final, Aryna Sabalenka has already made headlines by securing the title. She celebrated her victory with her goddaughter, family, and fiancé, adding a personal touch to her triumph.

As the men’s final progresses, fans are eager to see if Sinner can maintain his lead and secure the championship. With the stakes high, every point counts.

Details remain unconfirmed about the weather conditions as the match continues, but the excitement is palpable among spectators.

What comes next for both players? Will Sinner achieve his goal, or can Lehecka turn the tide? The outcome remains to be seen.

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How does Jannik Sinner keep raising the bar in tennis? By winning the Miami Open, he has completed the coveted ‘Sunshine Double’, a feat not achieved by any man since Roger Federer in 2017. This victory not only solidifies his status as a rising star but also adds to his impressive tally of 13 ‘Big Titles’ in his career.

Sinner’s Miami Open triumph marks his second title at the event in just three years. With this win, he has now secured seven ATP Masters 1000 titles, tying him for third most among active players. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, with a staggering 32 consecutive sets won at the Masters 1000 level.

In the final, Sinner faced Jiri Lehecka, against whom he boasts a perfect 3-0 record. Lehecka, despite the loss, showcased his talent, with Martina Navratilova praising his impressive performance under pressure. “Lehecka looked like a veteran and played his best tennis under pressure,” she noted.

After his victory, Sinner expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Standing here again in the final means very much to me. It has been an incredible swing and I couldn’t be better. I’m very happy.” This reflects his confidence and determination as he continues to dominate the ATP tour.

Since losing in the US Open final, Sinner has won four ‘Big Titles’, demonstrating his ability to bounce back and perform at the highest level. His average of 5.2 tournaments played per Big Title highlights his efficiency and skill on the court.

As he continues to climb the ranks, Sinner’s achievements have drawn comparisons to other tennis greats. With 26 total tour-level titles combined with Carlos Alcaraz, the future looks bright for both players. Sinner’s next challenge will be to maintain this momentum as he prepares for upcoming tournaments.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding his next matches, but one thing is clear: Jannik Sinner is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.

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Arthur Fils, a French tennis sensation, is making waves with a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 14 and three ATP Tour singles titles under his belt. After a nine-month injury layoff, he returned to the ATP Tour in February 2026, showcasing his resilience.

Fils began his tennis journey at just five years old, influenced by his father, Jean-Philippe Fils, who played competitive basketball in his youth. Growing up in Bondoufle, near Paris, Arthur honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks.

In February 2026, Fils reached the Qatar Open final, marking a significant milestone in his comeback. Just a month later, he made headlines again by reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal at the Miami Open.

In May 2025, Fils faced a setback when he sustained a stress fracture in his lower back at the French Open, sidelining him for nine months. At the age of 20, this injury tested his determination and commitment to the sport.

His mother, Anne Fils, emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance, stating, “He’s a very lovable child who’s very resilient, who’s always trying to do the best he can, and we all encourage him in that.”

Jean-Philippe Fils instilled a competitive spirit in Arthur, encouraging him with the mantra, “Never quit, give 100% and we’ll see, and you don’t come on the court to participate, you come on the court to win.” This philosophy has clearly shaped Arthur’s approach to the game.

As of March 2026, Fils is currently ranked No. 32 in the ATP rankings, a testament to his hard work and talent. Observers are keen to see how he will build on his recent successes and continue to develop as one of France’s rising tennis stars.

Arthur’s journey is a reminder of the challenges athletes face and the resilience required to overcome them. His story is still unfolding, and fans are eager to see what’s next for this young competitor.

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Jiri Lehecka has made a significant impact at the Miami Open, reaching the semifinals after a hard-fought victory over Martin Landaluce with a score of 7-6(1), 7-5. This marks Lehecka’s second appearance in a Masters 1000 semifinal, following his previous run in Madrid in 2024.

Lehecka’s powerful serving has been a key factor in his success throughout the tournament. He currently holds a ranking of World No. 16, showcasing his rise in the ATP standings. His performance against Landaluce lasted two hours, where he displayed both skill and composure in crucial moments.

In the other semifinal, Arthur Fils advanced after a dramatic match against Tommy Paul, saving four match points to secure a 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 7-6(6) victory. Fils, at just 21 years old, is the youngest Frenchman to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal since Richard Gasquet in 2007.

Lehecka and Fils have faced each other twice before, with a head-to-head record of 1-1. This upcoming match is anticipated to be closely contested, with both players bringing their best to the court.

Lehecka expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I have the weapons to challenge for the Miami Open title.” He also acknowledged the importance of experience in high-pressure situations, saying, “These were the crucial moments where I feel I showed that I’m a little bit more experienced.”

As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how Lehecka’s dominant serving will fare against Fils, who has yet to break his opponent’s serve in his quarterfinal match.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential injuries or changes in player conditions leading up to the semifinals. However, anticipation is high for what promises to be an exciting showdown in Miami.

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