The Tennis Thread

[hassan918]

Draper fights to 'mind-blowing' win over Djokovic​

Britain's Jack Draper produced a superb fightback to beat Novak Djokovic and reach the Indian Wells fourth round - a result he believes could be "a real big moment" in his season.

Defending champion Draper regrouped impressively to beat 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) in a "real physical battle" of two hours and 35 minutes.

Djokovic, a five-time winner at Indian Wells, had beaten Draper in the only previous meeting between them at Wimbledon in 2021.

The victory is an important one for Draper as he rebuilds after a torrid eight-month spell plagued with an arm injury.

"To beat Novak is something that is mind-blowing," Draper, who is playing only his second ATP Tour event of the season, told BBC Sport.

"I've watched him since I was a kid, idolising him. Unbelievable respect for the player that he is.

"I still want to play better, and feel better on the court, but I think for how long I have had off the court to come here and play three tough matches already and play that one, it's huge for me.

"It's something I will probably look back on in a few months and think this is a real big moment for me."

World number 14 Draper is joined in the quarter-finals by fellow Briton Cameron Norrie, who will play world number one Carlos Alcaraz next.

Djokovic, runner-up to Alcaraz at January's Australian Open, won 87% of points on his serve as he clinched the opening set.

However, Draper levelled to force a decider as the quality rose, with Djokovic winning a gruelling 26-shot rally in the opening game at 30-30 on the Serb's serve.

The Briton broke his rival's next service game but, serving for the match at 5-4 up, was broken back as the match went to a tie-break.

Once again, Draper regrouped impressively to advance and set up a quarter-final against former world number one Daniil Medvedev.

"It was a real physical battle, there were definitely a lot of ups and downs in the match," Draper, 24, said.

"To come through that match is something I will never forget."

Djokovic, playing his first tournament reaching the final of the Australian Open in January, believes he paid the price for the 26-shot rally.

"It cost me a break after," he said. "It was great winning that point in that game, but I just ran completely out of the gas.

"I got the crowd backing me and I felt the energy. It was, like, 'maybe I'm going take this one'.

"It was so close, so close. I mean, just unfortunate few mistakes from my side."

"He is playing at a great level. Just, overall, a great player, great guy."

Indian Wells: Jack Draper fights back for 'huge' Indian Wells win over Novak Djokovic

Jack Draper produces a superb fightback to beat Novak Djokovic and reach the Indian Wells fourth round - a result he believes could be "a real big moment" in his season.

www.bbc.com

 

[hassan918]

Wales name unchanged starting side for Italy test​

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named an unchanged starting side for the Six Nations finale against Italy at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright has been passed fit after struggling with a leg injury, while there is no return for Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow, who missed the Ireland loss because of an ankle problem.

In the only alteration to the match-day 23, Scarlets back Blair Murray comes in as a replacement for Bath's Louie Hennessey, who won his first cap in the 27-17 defeat by Ireland.

It is the first time in his ninth game in charge that Tandy has named an unchanged starting side.

"Having an unchanged team reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland," said Tandy.

Wales search for elusive Six Nations win

Wales have lost all four games so far in the tournament and are looking for a first home victory against Italy since 2020.

Wales are also hoping to halt a 15-game losing streak in the tournament as they bid to avoid a third successive Six Nations clean sweep of defeats.

Tandy's side can only not finish bottom of the table again if they secure a 50-point margin of victory against Italy and hope France achieve the same result against England.

"This week we need to go up another level," said Tandy.

"We've had some good performances. There were parts against France, then we built up into the Scotland game where I thought we were very good.

"Against Ireland we stepped up to the plate physically. Now it's putting it all together and creating our best performance this weekend."

Wales are also searching for a first home Six Nations victory for four years since they beat Scotland in February 2022.

"For the team and myself, going back to Principality Stadium is amazing," said Tandy.

"The boys did well creating their own energy against Ireland, but there's nothing better than being at home.

"The boys reference in meetings what the Scotland game meant to them, as well as the matches against France and New Zealand.

"The fans have been incredible and I think they're behind the team and the team are putting in performances to represent our nation."

Is the performance or result more important for Wales?
Tandy was directly asked whether the result or performance this weekend was more important.

"I think performance," said Tandy.

"If we get the performance, the result will follow. I want both, if I'm honest.

"I genuinely believe in this group and can see where we want to go in the distance, but also understand the here and now.

"The performance will get us closer. We can't control the outcome. You see in games, the bounce of the ball might not always go your way, but what we have to be is consistent.

"The closer you get, like we did in the Scotland and Ireland games, and if you're in more games, results will follow.

"As a nation, we want both. You can get a win, but actually are you still growing?

"They should go hand in hand. We want to produce a performance that replicates what we did over the last few weeks, but also makes it better.

"We've got to keep chasing that win, but what gets us the win is that performance."

Wales team to play Italy
Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, D Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Botham, Wainwright.

Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, J Evans, Murray.

Source: BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Draper beaten after controversial hindrance call

Jack Draper was penalised with a controversial hindrance call as Daniil Medvedev ended the Briton's Indian Wells title defence in the quarter-finals.

Draper fell to a 6-1 7-5 defeat by former world number one Medvedev, but the Russian was booed after the tense moment midway through the second set.

World number 14 Draper, serving at 5-5 0-15, briefly stretched his arms out wide during a rally to signal he thought Medvedev's forehand had gone long.

The rally continued for another seven shots before Medvedev netted a backhand.

Two-time finalist Medvedev then asked umpire Aurelie Tourte for a video review to see whether Draper had been guilty of hindrance - making either an action or a noise to disturb an opponent.

After watching the replay several times on her tablet, Tourte told Draper she was ruling against him as "you did something different in the rally than you would normally do" and awarded Medvedev the point.

Indian Wells: Jack Draper penalised with controversial hindrance call as Daniil Medvedev ends Briton's title defence

Jack Draper is penalised with a controversial hindrance call as Daniil Medvedev ends the Briton's Indian Wells title defence in the quarter-finals.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Medvedev stuns Alcaraz to set up Sinner final

Daniil Medvedev brought an end to world number one Carlos Alcaraz's perfect start to 2026 to reach the final at Indian Wells.

Alcaraz began the year by winning the Australian Open and was on a 16-match winning streak until running into Medvedev.

The Russian made a quick start, taking the opening set in just 35 minutes, en route to a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory in California.

The 30-year-old, who has finished runner-up at the California event on two occasions, will face Jannik Sinner after the world number two caught the eye with a 6-2 6-4 win over Alexander Zverev earlier in the day.

"The first set was a super high level from me and he started to get a grip in the second," Medvedev said.

"I managed to stay in there and play good in crucial points.

"I'm happy that I was able to show the world that I'm still a good tennis player."

Medvedev took both break point opportunities in the first set, before battling to victory via a tie-break in the second.

The 2021 US Open champion, who beat defending champion Jack Draper in the quarter-finals, extended his own winning streak to nine matches after winning last month's Dubai Tennis Championship.

Sinner looking to join elite club

Sinner has won 21 of his 24 titles on hard courts and looked on top form as he raced to victory in one hour and 23 minutes.

The 24-year-old is aiming to become just the third man - after Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic - to capture all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles.

"It was a great performance - very solid from the back of the court. I tried to go for shots and that felt like one of the keys," he said.

"He has a huge serve so I tried to mix it up. From my side I was very precise and it was a solid performance.

"I thought the match would be more physical but when both serve well it's difficult to get into a rhythm with short points."

Sinner has endured a frustrating start to 2026, failing to reach a single final prior to this event, but was inspired as he attempts to correct that record.

It was in the first set where the mental damage was done as the Italian, who has won seven of their 11 meetings, dropped just four points on serve and broke twice.

Zverev struggled to find his rhythm on serve in the opening set and Sinner made him pay - winning six of the eight second-serve return points.

The German, 28, stood firm to save three break points in the opening service game of the second, but was ultimately broken to trail 4-3 with the remainder of the match staying on serve.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Australian coach and former player Marinko Matosevic cops doping ban after admitting to blood transfusion

Australian former tennis player and coach Marinko Matosevic has been handed a four-year ban after breaching anti-doping rules.

Matosevic, 40, reached a career-high singles ranking of 39 in 2013. He retired from the sport in 2018 and has since become a coach, working with Australian players Chris O'Connell and Jordan Thompson.

"An independent tribunal determined that Matosevic committed five anti-doping rule violations between 2018 and 2020," the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said in a statement.

"Including use of a prohibited method through blood doping (while an active player) and facilitating another player to blood dope, providing advice to other players on how to avoid positive tests, and use and possession of the prohibited substance clenbuterol."

There is no suggestion O'Connell or Thompson have breached any rules.

In a statement published by Australian tennis website The First Serve in February, Matosevic admitted he underwent a blood transfusion in Morelos, Mexico towards the end of his playing career.

Australian tennis coach cops doping ban after admitting to blood transfusion

Former world number 39 Marinko Matosevic receives a four-year doping ban from tennis's global integrity agency, which he had labelled "corrupt" during its investigation.

www.abc.net.au

 

[shah9425]

Any tennis lovers here ?

 

[hassan918]

Dubai withdrawal criticism ridiculous - Sabalenka​

World number one Aryna Sabalenka says criticism of her late withdrawal from the Dubai Championships last month is "ridiculous" and that she may not play at the tournament again.

Belarusian Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, world number two at the time, pulled out, external of the WTA 1000 event on 13 February, two days before it started.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak said last month that Sabalenka and Poland's Swiatek should be docked ranking points., external

"I don't think he showed himself in the best way possible," said four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka.

"It's actually so sad to see that the tournament directors and the tournaments not protecting us as players. They just care about their [sales], about their tournament and that's it.

"I'm not sure if I ever want to go there after his comment. For me it's too much."

Sabalenka won the Indian Wells title on Sunday, her first tournament since losing the final of the Australian Open in January.

"Going into this season, we decided... to prioritise my health and make sure we have these little gaps in the schedule where I can reset, recharge, work and be better prepared for bigger tournaments," said Sabalenka, who will attempt to defend her Miami Open title this week.

"I feel like the scheduling is going crazy and that's why you see so many players injured, always taped and not delivering the best quality matches because it's almost impossible."

American two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff said: "Iga and Aryna have played that tournament so many times and it wasn't anything personal to it.

"It's tough. We're trying our best to play the calendar. I completely understand why she would feel like that because the comments were unnecessary."

Players have regularly voiced concerns about the congested tennis calendar, which stretches across 11 months of the year for the top players.

Aryna Sabalenka: Late Dubai withdrawal criticism 'ridiculous'

World number one Aryna Sabalenka dismisses criticism of her late withdrawal from the Dubai Championships and says she may not play at the tournament again.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sinner surpasses Djokovic's Masters 1000 record

Jannik Sinner surpassed Novak Djokovic's 10-year record for most consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events by dismantling Frenchman Corentin Moutet at the Miami Open.

Italian world number two Sinner, 24, recorded his 25th and 26th straight sets at the sport's highest level of tournaments below the Grand Slams in a commanding 71-minute 6-1 6-4 victory.

Sinner had equalled 24-time major champion Djokovic's previous record of 24 straight sets won in beating Damir Dzumhur in his opening match.

"I am very happy. This sport is unpredictable, so we try to keep attention as much as we can and we'll see what is coming in the next round," Sinner said.

Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam winner, has triumphed at the past two Masters 1000 tournaments - winning at Indian Wells earlier this month and Paris in November - without losing a set.

The former world number one was dominant from the start against Moutet, winning 19 of the first 26 points of the match before taking the first set in 22 minutes.

Sinner then clinched his fourth break point to end Moutet's resistance in the fifth game of the second set before serving his way to victory untroubled.

He will meet American Alex Michelsen in the last 16 as he seeks to continue his bid to become the first man to complete the 'Sunshine Double' - winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open back-to-back - since Roger Federer achieved the feat in 2017.

Miami Open: Jannik Sinner breaks Novak Djokovic's record for consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events

Jannik Sinner surpasses Novak Djokovic's 10-year record for consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events in his Miami Open win over Corentin Moutet.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Gauff through to first Miami Open semi-final

Coco Gauff admitted she still battles with imposter syndrome after overcoming Belinda Bencic to reach the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time.

The 22-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion is the youngest American to reach the women's singles semi-finals at the tournament since Serena Williams in 2004 - the year Gauff was born.

Gauff, ranked fourth in the world, won four straight games after conceding a break of serve in the deciding set to close out a 6-3 1-6 6-3 victory in two hours and 15 minutes.

If Gauff reaches the final, she will overtake former world number one Iga Swiatek and move to third in the WTA rankings next week.

But following her win over Swiss 12th seed Bencic she said that she is still learning "to believe that I belong where I am".

"I think sometimes I can get imposter syndrome and, even when they are saying my accomplishments when I walk on or during the warm-up, it doesn't feel like me and I'm like, 'oh, actually, you do have a good career'," said Gauff.

"But it doesn't feel like that sometimes. When you're working on things, and especially with my serve, it just feels like I shouldn't be where I am. But tennis doesn't lie, the ball doesn't lie, so I just have to believe myself.

"My coach has been reminding me – remember who you are, you're a good player. They've been putting that into my head. At moments, I believe in it, and other moments, I don't. I'm just trying to believe in it more."

Gauff, a three-time winner of WTA 1,000 events, was contesting her first quarter-final in Miami after last-16 exits in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

She will meet Karolina Muchova for a place in the final, after the Czech defeated Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko 7-5 7-6 (7-5).

Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, runner-up to world number one Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells earlier this month, set up a quarter-final against fifth seed Jessica Pegula.

The world number two ended Australian 21-year-old Talia Gibson's impressive run in a 6-2 6-2 victory.

In Wednesday's other quarter-final match, defending champion Sabalenka will take on American Hailey Baptiste.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sinner extends record run with Miami win

Jannik Sinner extended his record for the most consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1,000 events to 28 as he reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.

The Italian world number two, who broke Novak Djokovic's 10-year record of 24 on Monday, beat American Alex Michelsen 7-5 7-6 (7-4).

Four-time Grand Slam winner Sinner came from 5-2 down in the second set to secure a meeting with American 19th seed Frances Tiafoe.

Sinner has won the past two Masters 1,000 tournaments - in Paris in November and Indian Wells this month - without losing a set.

Sinner, who won the Miami Open in 2024, is the only former champion still in the tournament.

He is set to reduce the gap to world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the rankings following the Spaniard's third-round defeat by Sebastian Korda.

Sinner could face world number three Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

German Zverev defeated Frenchman Quentin Halys 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-1) to set up a quarter-final meeting with Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.

Miami Open: Jannik Sinner extends record to reach quarter-finals

Jannik Sinner takes his record for the most consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1,000 events to 28 as he reaches the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Rybakina battles past Pegula to reach Miami semis

Elena Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula for a fifth straight time to move into the Miami Open semi-finals, winning 2-6 6-3 6-4.

Australian Open champion Rybakina was the losing finalist in Miami in both 2023 and 2024, while her American opponent was runner-up in last year's competition.

Pegula, 32, took a 4-0 lead on her way to the first set, but Rybakina rallied and hit 15 aces and saved eight of 10 break points to come through.

She will face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of the Australian Open final, or the unseeded American Hailey Baptiste in the last four.

"It's always very difficult playing Jessica," said Rybakina, 26.

"She started playing well, and I was rushing and frustrated, but I'm happy that I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set."

American fourth seed Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic play in the other semi-final on Thursday.

If Gauff reaches the final, she will overtake former world number one Iga Swiatek to move third in the WTA rankings next week.

In the men's draw, Jiri Lehecka overcame the challenge of unseeded Spaniard Martin Landaluce 7-6 (7-1) 7-5 to reach the semi-finals.

The Czech 21st seed will face Tommy Paul or Arthur Fils for a place in the final.

BBC

 

[hassan918]

Rybakina battles past Pegula to reach Miami semis​

Elena Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula for a fifth straight time to move into the Miami Open semi-finals, winning 2-6 6-3 6-4.

Australian Open champion Rybakina was the losing finalist in Miami in both 2023 and 2024, while her American opponent was runner-up in last year's competition.

Pegula took a 4-0 lead on her way to the first set, but Rybakina rallied and hit 15 aces and saved eight of 10 break points to come through.

"It's always very difficult playing Jessica," said Rybakina.

"She started playing well, and I was rushing and frustrated, but I'm happy that I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set."

She will face Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of the Australian Open and Indian Wells finals after the world number one beat American Hailey Baptiste 6-4 6-4.

"It's always a battle, always a fight, always a challenge," said Sabalenka, who beat Rybakina in their most recent encounter at Indian Wells this month.

"We push each other to the limit, and we always bring the best tennis. I'm super excited playing her again."

The semi-finals take place on Thursday, with American fourth seed Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic playing in the other match.

If Gauff reaches the final, she will overtake former world number one Iga Swiatek to move third in the WTA rankings next week.

Arthur Fils beat Tommy Paul 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (8-6) to reach the men's semi-finals.

Neither player broke serve in a match that lasted two hours 47 minutes, with Fils winning five consecutive points in the third-set tie-break to secure his first ATP 1000-level semi-final in five attempts.

The 21-year-old will face Jiri Lehecka in the semis after the Czech 21st seed beat Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce 7-6 (7-1) 7-5.

Source: BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sinner continues remarkable run as he cruises into semis

Jannik Sinner claimed his 29th and 30th consecutive sets at ATP Masters 1,000 events as he cruised past American Frances Tiafoe into the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

The Italian world number two, who broke Novak Djokovic's 10-year record of 24 on Monday, never looked back after breaking Tiafoe in the opening game - going on to win 6-2 6-2 in 71 minutes.

The world number 20 simply had no response to a dominant dislay from Sinner, who dropped only nine points on serve across the two sets.

Sinner, who has won four Grand Slam titles, will face either Germany's world number four Alexander Zverev or Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo in the last four.

Miami Open: Jannick Sinner continues remarkable run as he cruises into semis

Jannik Sinner claims his 29th and 30th consecutive sets at ATP Masters 1,000 events as he cruises past American Frances Tiafoe into the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

www.bbc.com

 

[hassan918]

Gauff reaches first Miami Open final​

American Coco Gauff cruised past Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach her first Miami Open final.

The Florida-born 22-year-old dropped only two games to triumph 6-1 6-1 in one hour and 30 minutes.

Having been broken in the first game, Gauff won 10 games in a row to take control of the match against the 13th seed.

Czech Republic's Muchova also lost in the fourth round of this year's Australian Open to Gauff in straight sets.

"It was not as straightforward as the scoreline suggests," Gauff told Sky Sports.

"I wasn't nervous, but whenever you play someone so many times, it is hard to keep doing what you've been doing and also change it up. Today, I found a good balance.

"It feels great to be at home. I am alternating between my parents' house and my own, depending on how late we finish. They live a bit closer, so it is nice to have that family support."

The victory will take the two-time Grand Slam champion above former world number one Swiatek and up to third in the WTA rankings next week.

Gauff, currently ranked fourth in the world, will face the winner of Friday's match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.

"I haven't played either this year, so it will be a good match-up to see where I am," she added.

"I am going out there with the belief that I can win."

Source: BBC