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Novak Djokovic says his "wolf energy" helped him defeat a spirited Denis Kudla to move one step closer to retaining his Wimbledon title.

The Serbian world number one won 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9-7) to reach the fourth round, where he will play Cristian Garin.

American qualifier Kudla, a strong grass-court player, had held a 4-1 lead in the third-set tie-break but let his advantage slip.

Djokovic credited his upbringing for his fighting, animalistic instinct.

"Part of it is genes, my family, the way I have grown up during difficult times in the 90s for my country," he said, referring to the Nato bombings of Belgrade during the Kosovo War.

"Failure was never an option for me or my family, we had to find a way to fund the basic needs to survive.

"I spent a lot of time in the mountains with wolves and this is wolf energy there. I am not kidding."

He added: "I have to give credit to Denis for playing really well.

"The third set was very close. He's a great guy on and off the court, we get along really well and I wish him all the best.

"He played a great three sets today, he was a bit unlucky in the tie-break, he was in front for most of it. I somehow found the way to win."


https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57701202
 
Andy Murray's inspiring Wimbledon run came to an end as beating Canadian 10th seed Denis Shapovalov proved a step too far on his singles comeback.

Two-time champion Murray, 34, lost 6-4 6-2 6-2 against left-hander Shapovalov.
 
Andy Murray's Wimbledon run came to an end as beating Canadian 10th seed Denis Shapovalov proved a step too far on his singles comeback.

Two-time champion Murray, 34, lost 6-4 6-2 6-2 against left-hander Shapovalov.

Murray's loss came after British number one Dan Evans saw his bid to reach the last 16 for the first time ended by American prodigy Sebastian Korda.

Evans, 31, had not dropped a set in his opening two matches, but was beaten 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 by the SW19 debutant.

The 22nd seed came unstuck against 20-year-old Korda, who is ranked 50th in the world but looked unfazed on the big stage.

The exits of Murray and Evans leave Cameron Norrie as the last British man able to reach the second week of this year's tournament in the singles.

Norrie plays eight-time champion Roger Federer on Saturday, the same day as the last Briton in the women's singles, 18-year-old Emma Raducanu, faces Sorana Cirstea.

"This is a dream come true for me," Shapovalov said after beating former world number one Murray.

"I put in countless years of hard work to play on Centre Court and to play Andy in a match like this.

"He is truly an inspiration to many people - including me.

"It is amazing to be here and I don't think I could have played any better."

Is the hard work worth it? - Murray wants improvement after Wimbledon exit
Meet the Kordas: Youngest of a sporting dynasty beats Evans
Classy Shapovalov proves step too far for Murray
Thrilling victories in his opening two matches resulted in Murray defying the odds yet again - but 22-year-old Shapovalov represented a sharp step up in class.

Murray made slow starts in the opening two sets, trailing 5-1 in both as the Canadian showed his quality, and even the Scot found this challenge insurmountable.

The circumstances in which he beat Georgian 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili and German qualifier Oscar Otte were impressive as he survived a wobble in the first and fought back to win a dramatic five-setter in the second.

In both of those matches Murray returned rejuvenated under the roof after the players went off because of darkness.

This time, against an energetic opponent who hit a total of 42 winners, another enforced break before the third set could not help the Scot.

Under the lights, Shapovalov refused to ease off. The world number 12 continued to make Murray work in his service games and dominated his own for another 5-1 lead in the third set.

A mature performance was sealed with an ace as Murray, the 2013 and 2016 champion, departed to another standing ovation.

Nevertheless, Murray will reflect on the success of his return to the Wimbledon singles - following a four-year absence - once the disappointment of this defeat wears off.

In January 2019, the three-time Grand Slam champion thought he would have to retire as he prepared to have metal inserted into his hip through a resurfacing surgery.

The fact Murray has even been able to play matches at Wimbledon again, let alone win them and create special atmospheres on Centre Court, has been a testament to his greatness.

"I told him at the net that he is my hero," added Shapovalov, who will play Spanish eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the last 16.

"Achievements aside, to be able to come back with an injury like this and playing the tennis he is playing, it has been vintage Andy. It was fun to see as a fan."

'It hurts to come up short' - Evans
Evans, ranked 26th in the world, looked sorely disappointed after losing on Centre Court, going down to a youngster considered one of the rising stars of the sport.

"It was a good chance to have a decent run. It hurts to come up short," Evans told BBC Sport.

"It feels like I'm running out time. It was a good opportunity at home. It's tough to go out like that."

Korda, son of former Australian Open champion Petr, played with clarity and confidence throughout most of the match.

The tall right-hander demonstrated his all-round ability in front of the 7,500 fans, forcing mistakes from Evans with his powerful forehand and showing a willingness to go to the net.

"He's got the game, the belief, the composure - he's got it all, actually. Things can only get better," former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe said in his role as a BBC television analyst.

By contrast, the Englishman was restless throughout and regularly shouted towards his box as he was unable to find a way around Korda.

His frustration peaked when he failed to consolidate a break for a 5-2 lead in the fourth set, before a double fault effectively destroyed his chances when it helped put Korda 5-4 up.

"I think I played the better tennis in the fourth set. I had chances," said Evans. "I just couldn't string tennis together in long enough periods of time."

Korda, though, still had to keep his nerve and serve out. He missed a smash for 0-30 to give Evans - and the crowd - hope, but responded with a service winner and backhand down the line to level.

A 123mph ace down the middle teed up a first match point, which he calmly took with another smash.

Korda raised both hands in the air as he looked towards his father, who was watching on, as a despondent Evans quickly left court.

Korda will now look forward to playing his first Wimbledon last-16 match on his 21st birthday, when he faces Russian 25th seed Karen Khachanov on Monday.

bbc
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57708228

Eight-time champion Roger Federer needed all of his quality and resilience to dash British number two Cameron Norrie's hopes of causing a big upset in the Wimbledon third round.

Federer, 39, has had little court time over the past 16 months but played well enough to win 6-4 6-4 5-7 6-4.

One of the form players in 2021, Norrie could not find a sustained high level against the 20-time major champion.

The Swiss goes on to face Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in the last 16.

Sonego, seeded 23rd, had never won a main-draw match at Wimbledon until this year, but reached the fourth round by beating unseeded Australian James Duckworth in straight sets.

Following exits for Andy Murray and Dan Evans on Friday, Norrie's defeat means there will be no British players in the second week of the men's singles.

While much of Federer's legacy of greatness has been built at the All England Club, there was a suspicion among many that this year could be the one where time could catch up with him.

The Swiss turns 40 next month and has only played five tournaments over the past 16 months following two knee surgeries.

In his first-round match, Federer looked ponderous as Adrian Mannarino threatened a major upset.

Federer had trailed by two sets to one, but led in the fourth when the Frenchman was cruelly forced to quit after slipping and injuring his knee.

A routine win against Richard Gasquet in the second round was a major improvement and he built on that in the opening set against Norrie.

Federer rolled back the years with his imperious serving, easing through his holds to take the opener and then dominating the second set.

There was little drop-off from Federer in the third but Norrie is one of the most determined - and fittest - players on the ATP Tour.

Characteristically, the Briton refused to give in and pinched the third before Federer kept his nerve in the key moments of the fourth to seal victory.

Federer took his first match point when Norrie batted a first serve back into the net and his celebration showed what he had to do to earn the victory.

Knees bent and clenched fist driving towards the court, the usually reserved Swiss roared his relief at going through.

"I'm very pleased to get through, I'm super relieved. It was a tough battle," said Federer, who reached the Wimbledon last 16 for a men's record 18th time.

"He deserved that third set, I thought he played excellent today and for me I felt I was able to keep a very high level of play.

"He got the good break at the end of the third but overall I can be very happy with how I played."
 
Nick Kyrgios quits in sad, shock Wimbledon exit

Nick Kyrgios has been struck down by injury in his third round match at Wimbledon, ending a great run at the tournament.

Nick Kyrgios has been forced to retire from his third round match against Felix Auger Aliassime at Wimbledon due to injury, ending his eventful run at the grand slam.

Kyrgios got off to an absolute flyer against the Canadian young gun, breaking the 13th seed’s serve in the opening game of the match.

He broke again to take a 4-1 lead in the first set, before Auger Aliassime broke back immediately.

Then disaster struck. Kyrgios was clearly troubled by pain in his abdomen and asked for a medical time-out with the score 5-2 in the first set. He received treatment courtside, as the physio heavily massaged his stomach region.

Kyrgios managed to serve out the set after receiving treatment. He was clearly hampered but fought through the pain to finish the second set, which Auger Aliassime won easily 6-1.

Unable to continue, Kyrgios approached the Canadian near the net and explained he would be retiring from the match.

“I haven’t played this level of tennis in a long time and obviously playing someone as good as Felix — I needed my main weapon, my serve — to be firing on all cylinders,” Kyrgios said on court after his retirement.

“I just felt my ab, (I) definitely did something to it towards the end of the first set.

“That’s the way it goes. He’s a hell of a player, he’s going to do some special things in this sport.

“Playing out here and having this support has kind of given me a second wind. I reckon I’m going to come back and play for a bit longer.

“I did all I could to prepare, to get here. I beat a heck of a player in the first round and I played a great second round and just to get out here again and play two sets — I told myself I’d play as long as I could and I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you more today.”

Prior to the match, Kyrgios admitted his body was “hurting” going into his fourth day of matches in a row.

Wimbledon is the first tournament Kyrgios has played since the Australian Open in February, and he has had a gruelling schedule at the All England Club.

His epic five-setter in the first round against Ugo Humbert was played over two days due to Wimbledon’s 11pm curfew.

Kyrgios returned the following day for his second round match against Italy’s Gianluca Mager, who he defeated in straight sets.

The Canberran is also playing mixed doubles at Wimbledon, striking up an unexpected playing partnership with Venus Williams.

It has proved successful so far, with the pair winning their first round match in three sets. It’s unclear if Kyrgios will be able to play their second round match or if he will also have to withdraw.

“Man, I’m hurting,” Kyrgios said of the toll his packed program has had on his body after he and Williams’ win in round one.

“Physically, I’m actually getting out of bed and I’m struggling. I just got a full body massage.

“Obviously this sport demands a high amount of preparation and training.

“It’s a physical week. I’m doing the best I can. I’m trying to eat well, I’m trying to get some rest, I’m trying to recover as much as I can, and stay hydrated. I’m doing all the right things. My body is holding together now.

“But yeah, I’m definitely in pain. I definitely wouldn’t be feeling like this the year I made quarters (2014), my body was so used to it. Again, I’m okay with that. I’ve got enough, I think, to continue.

“I think mentally I definitely feel better, knowing that my body can still go the distance, I can still play the level and back up as well. So I mentally feel good.”

https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/nick-kyrgios-feeling-the-pain-of-wimbledon-campaign/news-story/34c0d011c156b8aa40975932a14e84bc
 
An all Indian Wimbledon match occured for the first time when the mixed doubles pair of Bopanna-Sania Mirza took on Ramanathan-Ankita Raina in the first round of Wimbledon.

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The more experienced former pair sailed through without difficulties and have reached the third round after winning against a British mixed doubles pair.

Aisam ul Qureshi also has reached the third round in men's doubles with Oliver Marach. Decent performance from the subcontinent so far.
 
Wimbledon 2021: Matteo Berrettini beats Ilya Ivashka to make last eight

Italian Matteo Berrettini cruised into the quarter-finals of the men's singles at Wimbledon with a confident straight-set victory over Ilya Ivashka.

The seventh seed looked in the kind of imperious form that took him to the Queen's title last month as he outclassed Ivashka 6-4 6-3 6-1.

Berrettini lost just one service game to the Belarusian as he sealed victory with a stylish forehand winner.

He will next face Felix Auger-Aliassime or fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

Russian Karen Khachanov booked his place in the last eight by winning a five-set thriller against American Sebastian Korda 3-6 6-4 6-3 5-7 10-8.

An enthralling final set on court 18 featured a remarkable 13 breaks of serve, as Khachanov squandered three opportunities to serve out for the match at 5-4, 6-5 and 7-6.

At 9-8 Khachanov, seeded 25th, eventually managed to hold his serve to win a gruelling match in three hours and 49 minutes.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57724103
 
Top seed Novak Djokovic continued his bid for a record-equalling 20th men's Grand Slam title with a routine last-16 win against Chile's Cristian Garin.

The defending champion did not need to find his best level, still having enough quality to win 6-2 6-4 6-2 against 17th seed Garin.

The Serb will now contest the 50th Grand Slam quarter-final of his career.

Djokovic will play Marton Fucsovics in the last eight after the Hungarian beat Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

Follow 'Manic Monday' live as the Wimbledon last-16 matches are played
Against Fucsovics, Djokovic is likely to be tested more than he was against clay-court specialist Garin on Centre Court.

The chasm between the five-time champion and an opponent who had never won a main-draw match at Wimbledon before this year was simply far too wide.

Djokovic served well and took five of his 12 break points, while the fact the Serb won 63% of the total points played demonstrated the one-sided nature of the match.

"I am delighted to reach the quarter-finals and I'm more delighted to see more fans on Centre Court," said Djokovic, who won in front of a crowd which has increased to 75% of the 15,000 capacity.

In a nervous start, Garin was unable to win a point in the opening two games, with Djokovic breaking again for a 4-1 lead and clinching the opener without dropping another point in his service games.

After Djokovic had to fight off two break points in the second game of the second set, the Serb reasserted his authority to put pressure on Garin's serve and claimed the decisive break as he won the final three games.

The 25-year-old Chilean came into the match with a 5-5 win-loss career record on grass and there was never any danger of that tipping in his favour.

Djokovic raced through the third set with two more breaks of serve, wrapping up the victory in one hour and 49 minutes.

The straight-set triumph means Djokovic has not dropped a set at the championships since losing the opener to British teenager Jack Draper in the first round.

"My confidence level is very high after winning the French Open," added Djokovic, who is aiming to join Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

"That was one of the biggest wins under those circumstances, particularly in the second week. It took a lot out of me but at the same time it gave me wings.

"The further the tournament goes I feel like I am more confident on grass and I look forward to the next challenge."

BBC
 
Eight-time champion Roger Federer followed top seed Novak Djokovic into the Wimbledon quarter-finals as both eased through their last-16 matches.

Djokovic, 34, continued his bid for a record-equalling 20th men's Grand Slam title with a 6-2 6-4 6-2 win against Chile's Cristian Garin.

Federer, who holds the record alongside Rafael Nadal, later won 7-5 6-4 6-2 against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego.

The Swiss will face second seed Daniil Medvedev or Poland's Hubert Hurkacz.

Russia's Medvedev led 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 3-4 when the pair were forced off the outside court two because of persistent rain.

Djokovic will play Marton Fucsovics in the last eight after the Hungarian beat Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

The Serb will now contest his 50th Grand Slam quarter-final, with only 39-year-old Federer ahead of him after the Swiss reached his 58th.
 
British 18-year-old Emma Raducanu is out of Wimbledon after being forced to retire injured in second set of last-16 match vs Ajla Tomljanovic
 
British 18-year-old Emma Raducanu is out of Wimbledon after being forced to retire injured in second set of last-16 match vs Ajla Tomljanovic

A shame, hope all is well. A fantastic debut though
 
Wimbledon 2021: Hubert Hurkacz faces Roger Federer after beating Daniil Medvedev

Polish 14th seed Hubert Hurkacz will meet eight-time champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon after overcoming world number two Daniil Medvedev in five sets.

Hurkacz won 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3 6-3 after the pair returned to finish their match - suspended because of rain on Monday - under the Centre Court roof.

He trailed by two sets to one overnight but emerged the fresher of the two.

The 24-year-old will face Swiss sixth seed Federer on Wednesday.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, defeated Italian 23rd seed Lorenzo Sonego 7-5 6-4 6-2 on Monday.

It is a first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance for Hurkacz, whose previous best showing came at Wimbledon when he reached the third round in 2019.

On facing childhood inspiration Federer in the last eight at the All England Club, Hurkacz said: "For this sport, Roger is unbelievable, what he does, how he plays and the titles he has won throughout his career. He has inspired so many people.

"It's going to be fun, but I'm hoping to get a little bit of support."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57729546
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">thank you for the support❤️ <a href="https://t.co/C47TTvOQK9">pic.twitter.com/C47TTvOQK9</a></p>— Emma Raducanu (@EmmaRaducanu) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmaRaducanu/status/1412423562577780746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
World number one Ashleigh Barty crushed fellow Australian Ajla Tomljanovic to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.

Barty, 25, won 6-1 6-3 and will play Angelique Kerber in the last four.

Kerber, the 2018 Wimbledon champion, progressed after a convincing 6-2 6-3 win over Karolina Muchova.

Aryna Sabalenka will take on Karolina Pliskova in Thursday's other semi-final after wins over Ons Jabeur and Viktorija Golubic respectively.

It means that at the last four Grand Slams, including Wimbledon, the 16 semi-final places have been taken by 16 different players.

Centre Court and Court One welcome back 100% crowds
Barty, the 2019 French Open champion, was no match for compatriot Tomljanovic, cruising through the opening set as she won six games in a row, three of which were to love.

But Tomljanovic appeared stronger in the second set, breaking Barty in the opening game, although she did not hit her second winner until the sixth game when she seemed set to launch a fightback.

She broke Barty again in the seventh but Barty soon stormed home, taking victory on her second match point with an ace - her fifth of the match.

"Ajla is an incredible competitor, she was always going to bring out the very best in me," said Barty.

"This is a dream come true, genuinely. I know you hear that a lot as athletes, but this is my dream and I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity."

Barty will meet Kerber for the fifth time in their semi-final, after the German's dominant win over Czech Muchova.

"It's the ultimate test," said Barty. "Angie has obviously had success here before.

"I love that match-up. I love playing Angie. she knows her way around this court and I hope I can play well."

Kerber, the only previous winner left in the women's draw, wrapped up the first set with ease and had the composure to see off the Muchova's spirited effort in the second.

It marked her 10th consecutive win on grass, having won the Bad Homburg Open in June.

"I'm really looking forward to playing against Ash," said Kerber. "We have never played on grass court. She's played so great the last few months, years.

"I know that I have to play my best tennis, and she will push me to that, to give everything out there."

Sabalenka reached her maiden Grand Slam semi-final with a 6-4 6-3 win over Tunisia's Jabeur - the first Arab woman to reach the last eight at the All England Club.

Before Tuesday's match, both Sabalenka and Jabeur had won a Tour-leading 33 matches in 2021, and little could separate them in the early exchanges.

Jabeur - who defeated Grand Slam champions Venus Williams, Garbine Muguruza and Iga Swiatek on her march to the last eight - held break point in a five-minute opening game, but could not take her chance, and Sabalenka held with a pacy serve down the middle that her opponent could not return in.

The next eight games went with serve, the big-hitting Sabalenka notching a 122mph effort, before she started to assert her dominance in the 10th.

She squandered four break and set points, before capitalising on the fifth when Jabeur netted.

Jabeur looked to be cruising to a break in the opening game of the second set but allowed Sabalenka to hold after three break points, the next two games then going against the serve.

Sabalenka crucially broke Jabeur in the eighth, before saving a break point and clinching the win on her first match point with a backhand down the line.

"I'm really happy with this win. It's always a tough match against Ons," Sabalenka said.

"She's such a great player, an amazing person.

"I'm happy it looks like everything is working for me. It's really tricky, shots on the grass - it's sometimes hard to do anything with the ball.

"It fits my game and I'm really enjoying my time on the court."

She will face eighth seed Pliskova, who reached the Wimbledon last four for the first time with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Switzerland's Golubic.

The Czech's consistent serve and dominance from the baseline was the difference, and she has yet to drop a set in the tournament.

Pliskova's progress to the last four at Wimbledon has signalled a revival of fortunes following a difficult year.

The 29-year-old was knocked out of the French Open in the second round, her defence of the Eastbourne International lasted only one match and she then slipped out of the top 10 for the first time in five years.

"I am super happy to be through," Pliskova said.

"I feel my game is quite good the last two weeks in practices and matches. We had some good preparation and hopefully we can continue.

"I am going to enjoy this moment because it has never happened for me.

BBC
 
Wimbledon 2021: Novak Djokovic eases past Marton Fucsovics to reach semi-finals

Defending champion Novak Djokovic had too much quality for Hungary's Marton Fucsovics as he reached the Wimbledon semi-finals with a focused display.

Djokovic, 34, was far from his best, but still won 6-3 6-4 6-4 against 29-year-old Fucsovics, who was contesting his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

The Serb will play Russian 25th seed Karen Khachanov or Canadian 10th seed Denis Shapovalov on Friday.

Djokovic is now two wins from a record-equalling 20th men's major.

After winning the Australian Open and French Open titles already this year, another triumph at the All England Club will mean he equals the tally jointly held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

With Nadal not playing at SW19 this year, Federer could move one clear of the Spaniard - and two clear of Djokovic - if he triumphs for a record-extending ninth title on Sunday.

The Swiss sixth seed, who turns 40 next month, followed Djokovic on to Centre Court for his quarter-final against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57743188
 
Sania's serve finally gets broken in the 10th game of the set to send Klepac and Rojer into the quarter finals. Good game.
 
Meanwhile Federer is 2 sets & 0-4 down in the third set. Most probably the last time we are seeing him in Wimbledon. End of an era!
 
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I'm a huge Rafa fan but it's hard to see Federer losing in straight sets and getting bagelled in what's probably his last appearance at Wimbledon.

End of the Federer-Nadal era.
 
Roger looks done. Turns 40 in August. A miracle he can still play to that high level but he's always said if he can't compete in a slam it's time to call it a day
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57755813

Roger Federer's bid for a ninth Wimbledon title lay in tatters after he was stunned in straight sets by Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals.

The Swiss lost 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-0 to the 14th seeded Pole, who reached his first Grand Slam semi-final.

It is the first time 20-time major champion Federer has lost a set to love at the All England Club.

Hurkacz will play Matteo Berrettini or Felix Auger-Aliassime for a place in Sunday's final.

"It's super special for me," said Hurkacz, only the second Polish man to reach the semi-finals at a Grand Slam.

"Playing here and the special things [Federer] has done here, it's a dream come true."

Hurkacz, who was six when Federer won his first title at SW19, is the first player to win a set to love against the Swiss since Rafael Nadal in the 2008 French Open final.

Federer, at 39 years and 337 days, had been bidding to become the oldest man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in the Open era.

But defeat marked his first straight-set loss at Wimbledon in 19 years and left pundits and fans wondering whether this could turn out to be his final appearance at the grass-court Grand Slam.

In gusty conditions on Centre Court, Federer looked far from his best from the very start, forced to save three break points before 24-year-old Hurkacz - the Miami Open champion in April - finally broke his serve in the sixth game.

Federer, who had two knee surgeries in 2020, hit 10 unforced errors in the opening set, his play full of mis-hits, as Hurkacz took first blood in just 28 minutes against his childhood hero.

The Swiss won the first three games of the second set but needed to dig deep to save three break points as Hurkacz, who had won only four Tour-level matches on grass before Wimbledon this year, continued to apply the pressure.

Federer still looked sluggish despite his promising start to the set and Hurkacz broke back in the seventh game, the rest then remaining on serve to set up a tie-break in which a slip on what looked a simple volley at the net at 4-2 down proved costly for Federer.

And then everything unravelled in the third set, Federer only once holding break point as Hurkacz wrapped up the win in one hour 51 minutes on his first match point.

Federer - who made 31 unforced errors compared to Hurkacz's 12 - quickly packed up his belongings and traipsed off court, his head hanging before a final wave to all corners of the applauding arena.
 
Roger looks done. Turns 40 in August. A miracle he can still play to that high level but he's always said if he can't compete in a slam it's time to call it a day

He has been pushing this for a while- IMO he should have had retired after losing that epic 2019 Wimbledon final. Picking & choosing the matches they play is just delaying the inevitable that both Federer & Nadal are past it.
 
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Roger looks done. Turns 40 in August. A miracle he can still play to that high level but he's always said if he can't compete in a slam it's time to call it a day

He looked done from the first round, despite the anomalous R2 against Gasquet. With visibly slower reflexes and a tentativeness in the easiest of put aways, he’s living on borrowed time.

What a shame to bow out like this but difficult to him struggling on the circuit in this manner. Will be one of my biggest regrets for the remainder of my life, not having seen him on Centre Court despite being so close to it.
 
He has been pushing this for a while- IMO he should have had retired after losing that epic 2019 Wimbledon final. Picking & choosing the matches they play is just delaying the inevitable that both Federer & Nadal are past it.

In theory he should have called it a day after coming back from a break down in the fifth Down Under against Rafa. But he went on to win Wimby and AO again. Coming back after a few surgeries at this age with the current athletic / elite sporting standards is borderline miraculous anyway. He hardly looks a contender these days.
 
A second wind - thats what it was. Also the fact that Djokovic was out due to injury combined with Rafa’s slowing reflexes on grass/hard courts were a big help to him during that period. But he had no business losing that 2019 Wimbledon final & after that the writing on the wall was pretty much clear.

Even though i will be mostly cheering for Nole to complete his calendar slam, hopefully will get to see Federer one last time at the US Open this year.
 
He has been pushing this for a while- IMO he should have had retired after losing that epic 2019 Wimbledon final. Picking & choosing the matches they play is just delaying the inevitable that both Federer & Nadal are past it.

By their lofty standards yes they are past it, but let's look at this objectively please. In the last 12 months Nadal has won a slam, reached a QF and a SF in the others. He's currently ranked 3rd and won Rome a 3 months ago. These youngsters would kill for a record like that.

Federer has reached a QF and made the 4th round in his last 2 slams, again by his lofty standards below par but some of these youngsters are getting smacked sideways in round 1.

Federer and Nadal being "past it" are still doing things the next gen can't. This is coming from a Novak fan.
 
A second wind - thats what it was. Also the fact that Djokovic was out due to injury combined with Rafa’s slowing reflexes on grass/hard courts were a big help to him during that period. But he had no business losing that 2019 Wimbledon final & after that the writing on the wall was pretty much clear.

Even though i will be mostly cheering for Nole to complete his calendar slam, hopefully will get to see Federer one last time at the US Open this year.

Yep. As soon as Djokovic was out of the equation he started winning slams. As soon as Djokovic got his house in order again he stopped winning slams. That's why Djokovic is the best of the 3, he doesn't need to avoid the other 2 and hasn't for years. They do need to avoid him except perhaps Nadal at RG.
 
Yep. As soon as Djokovic was out of the equation he started winning slams. As soon as Djokovic got his house in order again he stopped winning slams. That's why Djokovic is the best of the 3, he doesn't need to avoid the other 2 and hasn't for years. They do need to avoid him except perhaps Nadal at RG.

You're making it sound as if Novak has a very dominant record over Rafa and Nadal has bullied his way to 20 grand slams by beating inferior opponents. There isn't much to separate between the two with Novak having the slight edge in head to head record between both (30-28). Rafa actually has the better record in their meetings in grand slams (10-7), I know a large part of that is due to Rafa's incredible Roland Garros record, but the French open is a grand slam too. Nadal also has a superior record in his meetings with Djokovic in the US open while Novak leads Nadal in their meetings in the Aus open and the Wimbledon.

Novak has enjoyed a superior record over Federer but it has always been very tight between him and Nadal, which I regard as the greatest rivalry in the history of the game. Although I think he can pull away from Nadal in H2H records much farther as I think Nadal's uber physical game with his dodgy body has caught up with him finally while Djokovic is much fitter. I mean, sure Nadal can still reach the final stages of grand slams but Djokovic pushes him physically like no other competitor (and vice versa) and I think Novak is the fitter of the two and capable of beating Nadal in his own physical game, if they meet further down the line.
 
You're making it sound as if Novak has a very dominant record over Rafa and Nadal has bullied his way to 20 grand slams by beating inferior opponents. There isn't much to separate between the two with Novak having the slight edge in head to head record between both (30-28). Rafa actually has the better record in their meetings in grand slams (10-7), I know a large part of that is due to Rafa's incredible Roland Garros record, but the French open is a grand slam too. Nadal also has a superior record in his meetings with Djokovic in the US open while Novak leads Nadal in their meetings in the Aus open and the Wimbledon.

That slam H2H between Djokovic and Nadal tell us Djokovic is good enough to meet Nadal regularly on his turf but Nadal not so on Djokovic's turf. I mean Djokovic can't do much about that H2H if Nadal is never there at the deep end in Australia or Wimbledon can he? If they had played 8/9 times in Australia or Wimbledon you'd be looking at a 14-10 H2H or something in that region in favour of Djokovic.

Put simply Djokovic is a more complete player, he's been the 2nd best clay courter through their careers and Nadal isn't the 2nd best on either grass or HC.
 
That slam H2H between Djokovic and Nadal tell us Djokovic is good enough to meet Nadal regularly on his turf but Nadal not so on Djokovic's turf. I mean Djokovic can't do much about that H2H if Nadal is never there at the deep end in Australia or Wimbledon can he? If they had played 8/9 times in Australia or Wimbledon you'd be looking at a 14-10 H2H or something in that region in favour of Djokovic.

Put simply Djokovic is a more complete player, he's been the 2nd best clay courter through their careers and Nadal isn't the 2nd best on either grass or HC.

There is no doubt that Djokovic has been the more versatile player, but ultimately when it comes to head to head records, there isn't much between both. The fact that they have met more times in the French open only tells us that Djokovic is more versatile than Nadal.

And yeah we can keep contemplating that Novak would've smashed Nadal had they played more times on hard court, but the fact is that despite being a much superior player on hard courts, Djokovic has a 2-1 losing record against Nadal in the US open. What stopped Novak from blanking Nadal everyone they met on a hard court grand slam match, even if only for a few times. One of the Australian open matches was an epic match that stretched well past midnight mind you, it was the best ever match between both imo when both had barely energy to stand during the presentation ceremony. So it's not as if Nadal has completely been dominated on hard court whenever they met together.

I maintain that there isn't much between both Nadal and Djokovic, although the latter is the more versatile player. Otherwise Djokovic would have a much more dominant record against Nadal than what he has currently. Yeah sure, he has met Nadal more times in the French open which proves that apart from Nadal, he has been the second best player on clay court among the rest. But it is also true that whenever both have met together in grand slams, Nadal has pushed Djokovic more even on his strong surfaces (hard, grass) than Djokovic on Nadal's strength (clay court).
 
Federer is done. I felt so sad watching him play yesterday. Getting bageled on his best surface against Hurkacz of all people. He would beat Hurkacz with his eyes closed in his prime. He still shows glimpses of his immense talent and skills, but the body just can’t handle the rigours of professional sport anymore. He should seriously consider retirement, as he is now embarrassing himself at the point. But I doubt Federer’s ego will allow him to quit anytime soon. Just quit and enjoy your retirement with your family. You have had a wonderful career and don’t need to prove anything anymore.
 
By their lofty standards yes they are past it, but let's look at this objectively please. In the last 12 months Nadal has won a slam, reached a QF and a SF in the others. He's currently ranked 3rd and won Rome a 3 months ago. These youngsters would kill for a record like that.

Federer has reached a QF and made the 4th round in his last 2 slams, again by his lofty standards below par but some of these youngsters are getting smacked sideways in round 1.

Federer and Nadal being "past it" are still doing things the next gen can't. This is coming from a Novak fan.

Federer doesn’t play to get to QFs. He plays because he believes he still has a chance of winning. The minute he realises that he has no chance of winning anymore, he will quit which hopefully will happen very soon. Getting to QFs beating mugs like Gasquet, Sonego etc is hardly impressive.
 
Top seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Wimbledon final with a straight-set win over former champion Angelique Kerber in the first women's semi-final.

Barty, 25, started strongly but had to fight off resistance from Kerber before securing a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory.

The Australian will face Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka or Czech eighth seed Karolina Pliskova in Saturday's final.

The pair, both playing their first SW19 semi-finals, meet later on Thursday.

Whoever it will be, they will face a world number one who has not dropped a set since the opening round.

Follow Thursday's other women's semi-final live: Sabalenka v Pliskova - TV, radio & text
Barty raised her racquet to her head after sealing victory in a high-quality contest, sharing a warm hug with 2018 champion Kerber at the net before taking the acclaim of the Centre Court crowd.

"This is incredible. This is as close to a good tennis match I will play. Angie brought the best out of me and I knew I had to be at my best," said Barty.

"Now I get the chance on Saturday to live out a total dream."

Barty has long spoken of her dream of winning Wimbledon and is now one more victory away from achieving it - on the 50th anniversary of her idol Evonne Goolagong's first SW19 triumph.

The run has come after Barty allayed fears she might not even be fit to play at the All England Club. She was managing a hip injury at the French Open which led to her retiring from her second-round match at Roland Garros.

Coming into the tournament, she said she was fit and ready - and so it has proved.

She is the first Australian to reach the women's final since Goolagong lifted her second title at the All England Club in 1980.

While Barty won her maiden Grand Slam on the Roland Garros clay, she has long insisted the grass courts are her favourite surface. This fortnight, she has shown why.

Barty needed all of her quality and fight to stop Kerber - who was on a 10-match winning streak on the grass - taking this match into a decider.

After the German led 5-2 in the second set, Barty kept her nerve and continued to land winners to break back, before dominating the tie-break.

"I have had ups, downs and everything in between on this journey," said Barty, whose scallop-hemmed dress at these championships is a tribute to the one Goolagong wore when she won the title in 1971.

"There's a lot of things which have led to this point. To play in the final at Wimbledon on Saturday will be the best thing ever."
 
Federer doesn’t play to get to QFs. He plays because he believes he still has a chance of winning. The minute he realises that he has no chance of winning anymore, he will quit which hopefully will happen very soon. Getting to QFs beating mugs like Gasquet, Sonego etc is hardly impressive.

Professional sportmen dont usually know when to call it quits, they usually think they can still make a comeback- we see it quite often in cricket too. Federer has stopped winning slams since last few years, but maybe it will finally be apparent to him now.
 
Wimbledon 2021: Ashleigh Barty to face Karolina Pliskova in final

World number one Ashleigh Barty will play Czech eighth seed Karolina Pliskova in Saturday's Wimbledon final.

Australian Barty beat former champion Angelique Kerber 6-3 7-6 (7-3) before Pliskova came from a set down to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 5-7 6-4 6-4.

It will be a first final at the All England Club for both Barty, 25, and 29-year-old Pliskova.

"I get the chance on Saturday to live out a total dream," said Barty, who has not lost a set since the opening round.

The top seed added: "This is incredible. This is as close to a good tennis match I will play. Angie brought the best out of me and I knew I had to be at my best."

Barty has the upper hand on Pliskova in their previous meetings, winning five of seven.

In the most recent of those, in the Stuttgart quarter-finals earlier this year, Barty came from a set down to win in three.

It is Pliskova's second Grand Slam final, having finished as runner-up at the US Open in 2016, while 2019 French Open champion Barty is chasing her second major title.

It is the first Wimbledon women's singles final featuring two first-time SW19 finalists since 1977 when Britain's Virginia Wade beat Dutchwoman Betty Stove.

"Until now, I hadn't passed the fourth round and now I'm in the final," said Pliskova. "I think it's an incredible achievement.

"It was an amazing match from both of us."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57766276
 
Professional sportmen dont usually know when to call it quits, they usually think they can still make a comeback- we see it quite often in cricket too. Federer has stopped winning slams since last few years, but maybe it will finally be apparent to him now.

Well Federer didn't win any slams from 2013-2016 either but he kept on playing. So it isn't just about winning slams, but more about competing for them. Slams are hard to win and you need luck to win them. In those days, Federer mostly played at a high level and only Djokovic (A Fellow ATG who is 6 years younger) was really denying him. I think he can still play top 20-30 level, as he did from R2-R4 at this year's Wimbledon, but is that enough to compete for slams? No! Players his age normally don't compete for slams anymore, and Roger isn't one for playing for the love of the game. He isn't Venus Williams.
 
As Andre Agassi once said, "If only you knew what it takes to win just 1 of these things". Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have just made the extremely difficult look not so difficult. But you train hours and hours week after week for more than 15 years to get to a point when you can actually enter a slam. Then you need to win 7 best of 5 matches in just 2 weeks and often with messed up schedules and so many other factors in play.
 
Matteo Berrettini into final after beating Hubert Hurkacz

Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to reach the Wimbledon men's singles final with a dominant victory over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz.

The seventh seed and Queen's champion used his powerful forehand to great effect in a 6-3 6-0 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 win.

He will play top seed Novak Djokovic or Denis Shapovalov in Sunday's showpiece, just hours before his nation take on England in football's Euro 2020 final.

Berrettini is the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam final since 1976.

"I have no words, really," Berrettini said. "I need a couple of hours to understand what happened.

"I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much for a dream."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57779798
 
Defending champion Novak Djokovic needed all of his nous and quality to edge past Denis Shapovalov and set up a Wimbledon men's final with Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Sunday.

Canada's Shapovalov, 22, played superbly for the most part, only for Djokovic to claim the key moments on his way to a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-5 win.

Berrettini earned a 6-3 6-0 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 win over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz.

The seventh seed is the first Italian to reach the men's singles final.

The Queen's champion used his big forehand and serve to good effect to reach his first Grand Slam final, with Sunday's showpiece taking place just hours before his nation take on England in football's Euro 2020 final.

The 25-year-old is the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam final since 1976.

"I have no words, really," Berrettini said. "I need a couple of hours to understand what happened.

"I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much for a dream."
 
Djokovic got a free run to thirty Slams. Crazy
Not his fault that his competitors weren't good enough to challenge him! And in any case, he has defeated both his fiercest rivals, Nadal & Federer plenty of times in grand slams and other masters' cups to shred this argument that he has got a free run in grand slams.

Btw, same holds true for Federer during his golden run in '00s.
 
World number one Ashleigh Barty wins first set 6-3

At the moment

Barty 6-3 4-4 Pliskova*
 
Ashleigh Barty won her maiden Wimbledon title as she beat Karolina Pliskova in a nervy final to become the first Australian women's champion for 41 years.

Barty won the first 14 points to take early charge in a 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 win on the 50th anniversary of idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley's maiden win here.

"This is incredible," said Barty, who dropped to her knees in tears.

"It took me a long time to verbalise, to dare to dream it and say it."

After climbing up into the stands to hug her team, she told the Centre Court crowd: "I didn't sleep a lot last night. I was thinking of all the what-ifs. I hope I made Evonne proud.

"I have to thank every single person in this stadium. You've made my dream so special."

ashleigh barty
By winning Wimbledon, Ashleigh Barty has fulfilled her childhood dream
Both women were making their debut in the final of the grass-court Grand Slam - the first time since 1977 that had happened - and that may go some way to explaining the rollercoaster nature of the match.

After Barty's flying start, Czech Pliskova settled in the second set, rediscovering her big serve before errors crept back in the third.

Barty had the chance to serve out victory in the 12th game of the second set but she was broken as Pliskova forced a tie-break, which the Czech won when the Australian double-faulted.

Barty took an early break in the third, which proved decisive as she added the Wimbledon trophy to the French Open title she won in 2019.

Barty has been sporting a scallop-hem dress in tribute to Goolagong Cawley, her idol, friend and mentor.

There have long been comparisons between the two, with Barty playing a similar all-court game, as well as sharing a similar modest and popular personality and indigenous Australian heritage.

They now also have their names on the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Barty, who won the junior Wimbledon title in 2011, has become the fourth woman in the Open era to go on to also lift the women's title after Britain's Ann Jones, Swiss Martina Hingis and France's Amelie Mauresmo.

She made a fast start to go 4-0 up as Pliskova seemed constrained by the weight of the occasion but the Czech finally got on the scoreboard with a break to love.

But it was too late as Barty wrapped up the set in just 28 minutes.

More nerves from the Czech in the shape of back-to-back double faults handed Barty a break for 2-1 at the start of the second set but Pliskova fought back to level the set.

Barty came from 40-0 down to break for 6-5 but nerves then seemed to creep into her own game as she failed to serve out the victory and instead found herself in a tie-break.

Pliskova took the match to a third set but then double-faulted and netted a volley to give Barty a key break before the Australian held her nerve to serve out the win.

BBC
 
Wimbledon 2021: Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini set for men's final

Novak Djokovic says it "would mean everything" to win a sixth Wimbledon title which would equal Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam men's triumphs.

Serbia's Djokovic, 34, faces Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Centre Court at 14:00 BST on Sunday.

Seventh seed Berrettini, 25, is playing in his first Grand Slam final.

"He's in great form. He's serving big, playing big," said Djokovic, who is the two-time defending champion.

"So it's going to be a very tough match I think for both of us. But I'm looking forward to a great battle."

Djokovic is going for a third Grand Slam of the year, having already won the Australian Open and French Open titles.

On the clay at Roland Garros, Djokovic beat Berrettini in the quarter-finals with a four-set win after a dominant start.

On whether he will receive the support of the Centre Court crowd, Djokovic said: "Berrettini is kind of an underdog.

"People also like to see someone win who is an underdog or is not maybe expected to win, is not the favourite to win.

"But hopefully people can also recognise also the importance of this match for me, the history that is on the line."

Djokovic showed all of his quality and fight to beat Canada's Denis Shapovalov in straights sets in Friday's semi-finals

'A special Sunday for all of us Italians'
While Djokovic has only dropped one set on his way to the final, the world number one faces another man who has been in excellent form this year.

Berrettini has a 32-6 win-loss record in 2021, boosted by having won all 11 of his matches on the British grass courts.

Before coming to the All England Club, Berrettini won the title on his Queen's debut and is aiming to become the eighth player to complete the London double.

Success for Berrettini could be one half of a double sporting celebration for Italy in London, with the national football team facing England in the European Championship final at Wembley later on Sunday.

Matteo Berrettini has a 24-5 career win-loss record on grass after his success at Queen's and Wimbledon this year

"My first final in Wimbledon, it's just crazy to think about it," said the right-hander from Rome. "I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much for a dream."

"Obviously for Italian people in general, it's going to be tough Sunday. But I think we deserve it.

"I think it's going to be a special Sunday for all of us.

"It's great day, great sport day. I'm really happy that together with football tennis is now one of the biggest sports in Italy."

Berrettini is bidding to become the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam final since Adriano Panatta succeeded at Roland Garros in 1976.

'Djokovic has embraced history and backed it up'
Djokovic has made no secret of the fact he is motivated by creating history, having already spent more weeks as world number one than any other man and now targeting the most major titles.

When Djokovic won his first major at the 2008 Australian Open, Federer - who is almost six years older than the Serb - had claimed 12 of his 20 majors.

Now, Djokovic has the opportunity to move level with Federer - and Rafael Nadal, who caught up with the Swiss at last year's French Open - for the first time.

"Obviously, Djokovic is a huge favourite against Berrettini and he seems to be able to embrace and talk about what he is trying to accomplish. That's not easy to say that and back it up," seven-time major champion John McEnroe told BBC Sport.

"Berrettini has a puncher's chance. He has a huge serve and a huge forehand, but it is about whether he can execute and take it to Djokovic enough. If he can get Djokovic on his heels often enough then it could be competitive."

'Berrettini needs to let it all hang out'
An important factor will be whether Berrettini can handle the occasion of playing his first major final against an opponent who is taking part in his 30th.

McEnroe says the magnitude and grandeur of the occasion at Wimbledon adds an extra dimension of pressure, describing his first experience of playing in the SW19 latter stages as "knee-knocking".

On Saturday, Czech Karolina Pliskova froze in the opening stages of the women's final against Ashleigh Barty and went on to lose in three sets.

"It is going to hard for Berrettini to handle the nerves. We saw that in the women's final with Pliskova, it is tough," said McEnroe.

"But he knows his best tennis is on grass and needs to let it all hang out.

"I think he will win at least a set, but I wouldn't pick him to win the match."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57786213
 
Berrittini takes the first set of the Wimbledon final on tiebreak!

Novak had that set in the bag, then uncharacteristically bottled it badly. Needs to kick into gear now, he's been very slow out of the blocks, so many inexplicable errors.
 
Berrittini takes the first set of the Wimbledon final on tiebreak!

Novak had that set in the bag, then uncharacteristically bottled it badly. Needs to kick into gear now, he's been very slow out of the blocks, so many inexplicable errors.

And he's done just that, 4-0 in the 2nd set.
 
Djokovic wins his sixth Wimbledon title to equal the record of most grand slam titles of twenty.

Final score: 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3

No doubt in my mind now that he's the best to have ever played the sport.
 
He is going to take his slam count to atleast the mid 20s isnt he? Just a mental machine this guy
 
What a legend Djokovic is - always in control today.

One of the all time greats.
 
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/11/novak-djokovic-wins-sixth-wimbledon-title-after-battle-with-matteo-berrettini

Novak Djokovic has never been afraid to speak out his ambitions for the world to hear. That was true when he was a novice on the tour and to many his self-confidence was misplaced, and it has maintained deep into his 30s as he has chased down the singular goal of becoming the greatest player of his time, making no secret of what he thought he could achieve.

Over the past 13 and a half years since his marathon began, so much of what Djokovic has meticulously planned for has and continues to be realised. On Sunday, he took one of the biggest steps of his career, recovering from a set down against a valiant Matteo Berrettini to win 6-7(4) , 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 and clinch his men’s record-equalling 20th grand slam title.

Djokovic has now won the first three grand slam titles of 2021 and is one title away from completing the grand slam. Above all Djokovic has finally caught up to his great rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, rising to join them on an apt three-way tie of 20 grand slam titles. But Djokovic has risen to 20 with a bullet and he does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

Despite issues with his second serve, Djokovic established a 5-2 lead in the opening set. But Berrettini slowly found his way into the match, saving a set point, hammering forehands and disrupting Djokovic with his delicate backhand slice. After rallying to reach a tiebreak, Berrettini closed the set out with a 138 mph ace down the middle.

While it was a supreme recovery from Berrettini, maintaining his high level was another task altogether. He immediately struggled as Djokovic consolidated a 4-0 lead in the second set, the world number one making small positive adjustments while Berrettini’s level fell off a cliff.

Although the Italian recovered his level by the end, Djokovic held firm. Djokovic took an early break in the third set after a loose service game from Berrettini, and then held on to take a two sets to one lead. But Berrettini kept on toiling, holding serve early in the fourth set before making his move at 3-2 on Djokovic’s serve. He led 0-30 and then buried a forehand in the corner, only for Djokovic to recover with tremendous exhibition of his defence. The world No 1 then flitted through four games in a row to win his 20th grand slam title.
 
Really looking forward now to witness Djokovic create history at the US open final in September. Cant wait!
 
Btw, same holds true for Federer during his golden run in '00s.

Only Federer haters will think that Roddick, Hewitt, Ferrero, Safin were easy competition. All grand slam winners and former number one players. It's not Federer fault that he was the best from his generation. If Federer's generation was so weak, I wonder what do you think of the Raonic, Nishikori, Dimitrov generation or the current Zverev, Tsitsipas, Medvedev generation?
 
Only Federer haters will think that Roddick, Hewitt, Ferrero, Safin were easy competition. All grand slam winners and former number one players. It's not Federer fault that he was the best from his generation. If Federer's generation was so weak, I wonder what do you think of the Raonic, Nishikori, Dimitrov generation or the current Zverev, Tsitsipas, Medvedev generation?

I'm not going to call any era strong/weak as it's pointless. You as a player can only beat what is in front of you. But the reason why Djokovic is the best in the open era is that he has the the best resume in the open era. He has the joint most slams, have won each at least twice has won all the masters and the *** twice at least and has a positive H2H against the other 2 greats.

Before Wimbledon it was debateable but it's not anymore.
 
Djokovic is legit ATG.
He might end up as the greatest among all greats at the rate he is going.

That first set when he went from 5-2 to 6-7 put some seeds of doubt in my mind about his motivation levels but then he showed what champions like him are made of. GOAT
 
Djokovic is legit ATG.
He might end up as the greatest among all greats at the rate he is going.

He's already there. He's already the greatest of the open era, even if he had lost today he would have been the greatest. He's all round resume is too complete to ignore. Yes they are tied on the slams, but he's ahead in every other category that matters.
 
I'm not going to call any era strong/weak as it's pointless. You as a player can only beat what is in front of you. But the reason why Djokovic is the best in the open era is that he has the the best resume in the open era. He has the joint most slams, have won each at least twice has won all the masters and the *** twice at least and has a positive H2H against the other 2 greats.

Before Wimbledon it was debateable but it's not anymore.

I already said after the French open, that Djokovic is the GOAT. That doesn’t mean people start discrediting Federer’s resume.
 
I already said after the French open, that Djokovic is the GOAT. That doesn’t mean people start discrediting Federer’s resume.

I haven't, I've just said in an era of great tennis, truly great tennis that we won't see for a long time again, Djokovic stands tallest.
 
Djokovic 50-50 on whether he will plays the Olympics. Federer still not sure. Nadal already confirmed he won't take part. Olympics might just be a big farce this year.
 
Djokovic most definitely is the greatest ever Tennis player.

However, Roger Federer remains the guy who defined this era of Tennis. Call it bias or whatever, that guy carries himself with a class and aura that is hard to ignore and even if Djoker wins 30 GSs, this era would still be remembered more for the fact that Roger Federer played in it.
 
Roger Federer doubt for US Open after Toronto & Cincinnati withdrawals

Roger Federer has withdrawn from this month's Toronto and Cincinnati Masters events with a knee injury - putting his US Open participation in doubt.

The 39-year-old missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a "setback to his knee" after being knocked out of the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, had double knee surgery last year.

The Toronto Masters starts on 9 August, Cincinnati is a week later and the US Open begins on 30 August, in New York.

Federer - who turns 40 on Sunday - has only played 13 matches in 2021 after just six matches in the pandemic-hit 2020 season.

The Swiss won the last of his five US Opens in 2008 and his most recent major was the 2018 Australian Open.

Since then Novak Djokovic has claimed eight more majors and Rafael Nadal has picked up four. All three great rivals now stand level on 20 Grand Slams.

Federer, ranked ninth in the world, has 103 career titles from his 23 years on tour, with a combined 310 weeks at number one.

Tokyo men's singles gold medallist Alexander Zverev will also skip the tournament in Toronto to get some extra rest.

Meanwhile, Nadal, 35, was knocked out of the Citi Open in Washington in the third round by South Africa's Lloyd Harris - his comeback event after a two-month lay-off with a foot injury.

Harris will face Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-final after Nishikori beat Britain's Cameron Norrie 3-6 6-3 6-3.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58109917
 
Andy Murray in US Open main draw, Dan Evans loses, Novak Djokovic misses Cincinnat

Andy Murray has been added to the US Open main draw after Swiss former champion Stan Wawrinka withdrew.

Murray, who won his first Grand Slam title at the tournament in 2012, withdrew from the men's singles at the Tokyo Olympics with a thigh strain.

Meanwhile, fellow Briton Dan Evans lost in the Canadian Open first round.

And three-time US Open winner Novak Djokovic, 34, pulled out of the Cincinatti Masters warm-up tournament to focus on the US Open.

The Serb is bidding to win all four Grand Slam events in the same year.

"I am taking a bit longer to recover and recuperate after quite a taxing journey from Australia to Tokyo," Djokovic said.

"I'll turn my focus and attention to [the] US Open and spend some more time with family."

Murray, 34, played in the Olympic doubles and lost in the quarter-finals alongside Joe Salisbury.

He made it to the Wimbledon third round in July, losing to Canada's Denis Shapovalov in straight sets.

It was the first Grand Slam Murray had played in 2021, after missing the Australian Open because of a positive coronavirus test and deciding not to compete in June's French Open.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, who had hip surgeries in 2018 and 2019, lost in the second round to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime at the 2020 US Open.

Wawrinka, who won the event in 2016, withdrew as the 36-year-old continues to recover from foot surgery.

The US Open runs from 30 August-12 September.

Evans, ranked 26th in the world, lost 6-4 6-4 in Toronto to Kazakhstan's world number 39 Alexander Bublik.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58152883
 
Defending US Open champion Dominic Thiem will miss this year's tournament and the rest of the 2021 season with a wrist injury.

The Austrian, 27, withdrew from Wimbledon and has not played since the Mallorca Open in June, where he sustained the injury.

He said it was a "tough decision" and is "disappointed" to not be able to defend his title in New York.

The US Open begins on Monday, 30 August.

The world number six broke the news on Twitter and said: "I've been following the medical advice - my recovery was going really well but last week I hit a ball in training and started to feel some pain again.

"After some tests, they said that my wrist needs more time, so we've all agreed on being conservative to give my wrist some time to recover.

"I have a long career ahead of me and it's important to not take risks and rush back."

The 2020 US Open was Thiem's first Grand Slam title, where he came from two sets down to beat Alexander Zverev.

He also reached the final of the 2020 Australian Open but lost to world number one Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer will not compete at Flushing Meadows either for the final Grand Slam of the year after having knee surgery.
 
World number two Naomi Osaka suffered a surprise third-round defeat to Swiss wildcard Jil Teichmann at the Cincinnati Masters.

The Japanese star, 23, lost 3-6 6-3 6-3 to the world number 76.
 
World number one Ashleigh Barty eased through to the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open with victory over Barbora Krejcikova.

Australian Barty beat the Czech ninth seed 6-2 6-4, but had to recover from a break down in the second set.

The 25-year-old, two-time Grand Slam champion will face Angelique Kerber next after Petra Kvitova retired injured from their quarter-final.

Germany's Kerber was leading 6-4 3-3 when she was awarded the win.
 
Six-time champion Serena Williams has become the latest high-profile player to pull out of next week's US Open.

In a post on social media, the 39-year-old American great said she needed time to allow her body to "heal completely" from a torn hamstring.

Williams joins defending men's champion Dominic Thiem, plus Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in pulling out of this year's final Grand Slam.

The tournament, at Flushing Meadows in New York, begins on 30 August.

Williams wrote on Instagram: "After careful consideration and following the advice of my doctors and medical team, I have decided to withdraw from the US Open to allow my body to heal completely from a torn hamstring.

"New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one of my favourite places to play - I'll miss seeing the fans but will be cheering on from afar.

"Thank you for your continued love and support. I'll see you soon."

Williams suffered the injury to her hamstring during her first-round exit at Wimbledon in June, when the seven-time champion was forced to retire against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The US Open presented Williams with another chance at a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
 
Garbine Muguruza beats Donna Vekic 7-6, 7-6 in a high quality 1st round match at the US Open.

A competitive match with excellent tennis all-round.
 
US Open: I have lost respect for him, Murray slams Tsitsipas after first-round epic

Defending champion Naomi Osaka stretched her Grand Slam win streak to 16 matches on Monday at the US Open while Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas struggled past Andy Murray in five sets.

Osaka, seeking her third US Open crown in four years, defeated 87th-ranked Czech Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-1 at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium to book a second-round matchup with Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic.

"It feels kind of crazy to play in front of everyone again," Osaka said. "I feel really comfortable here. I'm just glad I won."

Tsitsipas outlasted Britain's Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, by 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 after four hours and 49 minutes in surroundings more like an intense second-week showdown than a curtain-raiser for the fortnight.

"To have an electric atmosphere out here is something we've been waiting for," Tsitsipas said.

Two-time Olympic champion Murray, ranked 112th lost for the first time in 15 first-round US Open matches.

"It didn't come easy," Tsitsipas said.

Tsitsipas, this year's French Open runner-up, took a long break before the final set, frustrating Murray, who surrendered a break in the opening game. Delay tactics brought a frosty reception at the net after the match.

"I have zero time for that stuff at all and I lost respect for him," Murray said. "It's nonsense. And he knows it, as well."

Tsitsipas, who plays Frenchman Adrian Mannarino next, said he followed ATP rules on breaks and medical timeouts, even as Murray questioned the length and timing.

"I'm playing by the rules and sticking to what the ATP says is fair," said Tsitsipas. "Then the rest is fine."

In the second-set tie-breaker, Murray slipped at the net and fell because his sweat-soaked shoes were wet and he didn't have another pair. Murray missed out on two set points and the 23-year-old Greek star won five of the next six points to grab the set and level the match.

"The shoes got so wet that at the end of the set, I was slipping basically and was losing balance," Murray said. "That was my bad. It was an important moment in the match."

Murray broke in the second game of the third set and held out from there, but Tsitsipas took the last two sets to advance.

Crowd energy returns

Spectators had to show proof of vaccination to attend but they brought energy back to Ashe.

"Playing without fans here was brutal," 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens said. "Having these fans out and the energy, the atmosphere, it brings a lot back to tennis."

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep and Stephens each won to reach the second round.

"You feel the energy. You feel alive on court," Halep said. "Hopefully it will stay like that forever."

Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 for his 200th career match win and 160th win on hardcourts.

Women's second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus outlasted Serbia's Nina Stojanovic 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-0 while Russian men's fifth seed Andrey Rublev ousted 221st-ranked Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/tennis/us-open-i-have-lost-respect-for-him-murray-slams-tsitsipas-after-first-round-epic
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58388343

Defending champion Naomi Osaka claimed a straight-set victory at the US Open on her first Grand Slam appearance since withdrawing from the French Open.

The Japanese third seed, 23, ground down Czech world number 87 Marie Bouzkova for a 6-4 6-1 first-round win.

She will play world number 145 Olga Danilovic of Serbia next.

Osaka withdrew from Roland Garros in May, revealing she had "suffered long bouts of depression" since winning her first major title at the 2018 US Open.

The four-time major champion decided not to play at Wimbledon in June but returned for the Tokyo Olympics, where she lost in the third round.

Bouzkova showed impressive early resistance in New York, but Osaka eventually got a break at 5-4 up to seal the first set.

The 2021 Australian Open winner came into the tournament having won only three matches in the past three months but looked to have recovered her form as she overpowered and outmanoeuvred her opponent in the second set.

After her win, Osaka said she felt "really comfortable" playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium again, adding it was "kind of crazy" to play in front of fans after the tournament was held behind closed doors in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Last year when we didn't have a crowd I know it felt quite lonely for me," she said.

"I'm just really glad to see little kids in the audience and of course grown-ups too. To be playing the first night match is something I've never done before so I'm just glad I won."

Osaka celebrated her win by running over to a young fan and sharing a souvenir to remember her visit to Flushing Meadows.

"I heard her and she was so cute," she explained.

"Thank you for cheering me on. In the Olympics we got little pins that we were supposed to pass around to other players.

"I wasn't there for a long time so I have a couple in my bag left over. I thought it would be a nice memory."

Several other Grand Slam winners secured a place in the second round on the tournament's opening day.

Former world number one Simona Halep made a winning return to Grand Slam tennis after missing the French Open and Wimbledon with a calf tear, beating Italian Camila Giorgi 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

Two-time major winner Garbine Muguruza claimed a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) victory against Donna Vekic, while 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens battled past fellow American Madison Keys to win 6-3 1-6 7-6 (9-7).

French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova sealed her place in the second round by beating Australian Astra Sharma 6-0 6-4.

Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka was also victorious as she bids for a first major singles title, winning 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-0 against Serb Nina Stojanovic, while Ukrainian fifth seed Elina Svitolina beat Canada's Rebecca Marino 6-2 6-3.

Stephens, 28, will play compatriot Coco Gauff next after the 17-year-old came from behind to beat Poland's Magda Linette 5-7 6-3 6-4.

Two-time major champion and last year's runner-up Victoria Azarenka of Belarus also advanced with a 6-4 6-0 win over Czech Tereza Martincova, while German three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber came back from 3-5 down in the third set to beat Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

World number one Ashleigh Barty begins her campaign on Tuesday.
 
World number one Ashleigh Barty is through to the third round of the US Open following victory over Danish teenager Clara Tauson.

The Australian needed three match points before winning 6-1 7-5 on Arthur Ashe Stadium to pick up her 50th Grand Slam match victory.

The top seed raced through the first set but was unable to convert a match point at 5-3 in the second.

She was broken but responded to eventually serve out the match.

Barty will face American Shelby Rogers in the third round.

Meanwhile, German three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber won 6-3 6-2 against Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina to set up an interesting third-round encounter with American 2017 champion Sloane Stephens.

The match was originally due to be played on Wednesday but heavy rainfall and high winds led to it being postponed.

The weather in New York was much better on Thursday, less than 24 hours after rain poured on to Louis Armstrong Stadium despite the court having a retractable roof.

Elsewhere, Canadian sixth seed Bianca Andreescu was broken four times during her match with American Lauren Davis on Louis Armstrong Stadium but she came through to win 6-4 6-4.

The 2019 US Open champion will play Belgian world number 104 Greet Minnen in the third round.

Polish seventh seed Iga Swiatek survived a scare to beat France's Fiona Ferro 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-0.

She struggled on serve and had 35 unforced errors but won six of her 12 break points as she raced to victory in the deciding set.

Swiatek, the French Open champion in 2020, will face Estonian 28th seed Anett Kontaveit in the third round.

In other action, Czech 10th seed Petra Kvitova saw off compatriot Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova will play 17th seed Maria Sakkari in the third round after the Greek beat Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-4 6-2.

Pliskova's twin sister and 2016 US Open runner-up Karolina overcame America's Amanda Anisimova in a three-set thriller.

The former world number one saved match point in the third-set tie break against the 20-year-old and eventually prevailed 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (9-7).

Fourth seed Pliskova will next face Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic, who defeated Croatian 30th seed Petra Martic 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

BBC
 
Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam by reaching the US Open third round with a straight-set win over Dutch rival Tallon Griekspoor.

Djokovic, aiming to become only the sixth player to complete a clean sweep of the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, won 6-2 6-3 6-2.

It was a solid display but the top seed was ruffled by a heckler at one point.

Alexander Zverev, among those expected to challenge the Serb, advanced with a rapid win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

In the quickest completed men's singles match so far, 24-year-old fourth seed Zverev needed just one hour and 14 minutes to win 6-1 6-0 6-3 against the Spaniard and reach the third round.

While Djokovic could not match that speed, it was a similarly-dominant performance from the 20-time Grand Slam champion against 121st-ranked Griekspoor.

Djokovic, 34, showed signs of rustiness in his opening win over Danish teenager Holger Rune but was much improved in a solid performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In fact, it was a spectator in the crowd who bothered the world number one as much as his opponent.

Leading 4-2 in the second set, Djokovic was disturbed by a shout as he lined up a smash at 30-30 and missing the overhead contributed to the three-time champion dropping his serve.

The Serb channelled his annoyance into an instant break in the next game, but implored the umpire to tell the offender to "shut up" at the beginning of the third set.

"I don't mind he screams between the points, I don't mind that. But he's doing it every second point, during the point, just before I hit it," Djokovic said.

There were no further flashpoints as Djokovic broke twice more in the final set to tee up a third-round meeting with Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Nishikori, runner-up in 2014, won 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 2-6 6-3 against American Mackenzie McDonald to extend his remarkable winning record in deciding fifth sets to 27-7.

But his record against Djokovic is less impressive, having lost 17 of their 19 meetings and not beating the Serb since their US Open semi-final seven years ago.
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58442969

Naomi Osaka's US Open title defence is over as she fell in the third round to a stunning performance by Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez.

The 18-year-old Fernandez capitalised as Osaka lost her cool to craft a remarkable 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory.

Osaka was broken as she served for the match in the second set, and a poor tie-break handed Fernandez the initiative under the New York lights.

The teenager could not contain her smile as she secured a fantastic win.

Osaka never regained her composure after she was broken in the second set, twice throwing her racquet to the floor as the tie-break flew away from her.

Fernandez broke her in the opening game of the third set and used her powerful forehand to muscle her way to victory.

She will face another Grand Slam champion in Angelique Kerber in the fourth round.

"From the very beginning I knew I was able to win," Fernandez said.

"I wasn't focusing on Naomi, I was just focusing on what I needed to do. The crowd made a huge difference - they helped me get the win."

Osaka has had a difficult past few months and took an eight-week break to protect her mental health after speaking openly about her struggles with depression.

She has had limited time on court, playing just five matches in the past two months, and received a walkover into the third round in New York after her opponent withdrew.

For the first set and for the majority of the second, Osaka looked in control, despite Fernandez matching her with her forehand and strong serving.

Serving for the match at 6-5, Osaka lost her rhythm, handing Fernandez a crucial break as she sent a forehand long.

The tie-break quickly went away from the two-time US Open champion, Osaka gesturing at herself and the court as the crowd rallied behind her opponent.

World number 70 Fernandez was a complete contrast to Osaka, celebrating her strong shot play and pumping the air as a miss down the line from Osaka sent the match to a decider.

Osaka spent the third set changeovers with a towel over her head, trying to regain her composure, but her frustration was still evident as she went down an early break and had to stave off two break points to avoid going 3-0 down.

While she showed glimpses of her best form, she could not force a break point on the Fernandez serve, with the teenager feeding off the crowd.

Osaka was booed as she made Fernandez wait with the teenager 30-0 up and serving for the match, but the Canadian responded with a drop shot winner to garner three match points. She needed just one, turning and celebrating as Osaka sent a cross-court forehand wide.

Romanian 12th seed Simona Halep rediscovered some of her pre-calf injury form with a battling 7-6 (13-11) 4-6 6-3 win over Elena Rybakina of Kazhakstan.

Playing with her right thigh heavily strapped, Halep saved three set points in the first set tie-break and had to fight back from a break down in each set.

"Before the match, I was super stressed and I told [her coach] Darren Cahill that my forehand is lost. So I cannot feel it anymore," Halep said.

"I had emotions. I was nervous. And I was crazy a little bit on court, as well, the frustrations got me a little bit.

"But I fought, and this victory gives me a lot of confidence that my game is coming back and also the fighting spirit is there."

She will face fifth seed Elina Svitolina next after the Ukrainian beat Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-4 6-2.

Garbine Muguruza earlier won the battle of Grand Slam champions as she beat Victoria Azarenka to reach the fourth round.

Both players have won Slam titles and are former world number ones but it was Spaniard Muguruza who edged out Belarus' Azarenka 6-4 3-6 6-2.

It is the first time Muguruza, who will play French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova next, has reached the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

Roland Garros champion Krejcikova continued her astonishing season with a 6-4 6-2 win over Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia.

Belgian Elise Mertens beat Tunisia's Wimbledon quarter-finalist Ons Jabeur 6-3 7-5 to set up a meeting with either second seed Aryna Sabalenka or home favourite Danielle Collins.
 
Novak Djokovic had to come from behind to beat Kei Nishikori and keep his bid for a calendar Grand Slam alive as he advanced to the US Open fourth round.

The world number one overcame a loose first set to win 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-3 6-2 and beat the Japanese for the 17th time in a row.

The Serb, 34, is aiming for a men's record 21st Grand Slam title.

He will face American Jenson Brooksby next, after the wildcard beat Russian 21st seed Aslan Karatsev in five sets.

Brooksby, the world number 99, came from behind to win 6-2 3-6 2-6 6-3 6-3 and become the youngest man from the USA to reach the US Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002.

Top seed Djokovic has received a mixed reception from the New York crowd but appeared to have won them over by the final point.

He asked them to give him more noise several times, cupping his ear toward the fans, and did not do his traditional 'show of love' celebration to the stands.

He did, however, spend some time after his post-match interview signing autographs and giving several young fans items from his kit bag.

World number one Barty stunned by Rogers in third round

Djokovic looked out of sorts in the opening set, although he battled back from an early break down to force a tie-break.

However, he struggled with his serve, and Nishikori took full advantage to take just his fourth set off Djokovic out of the past 33 they have played.

Nishikori fought hard but was only able to convert two of the 13 break-point opportunities he created.

One of those breaks came as Djokovic served for a 5-3 lead in the third set, but the Serb instantly hit back and cruised through a routine fourth to close out the match.

"I don't think I started off very well but he surprised me with his level today," Djokovic said.

"It took me a little bit of time to adjust to his game."

German qualifier Oscar Otte reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time with victory over Italy's Andrea Seppi.

World number 114 Otte, who was match point down in his first two qualifying matches, won 6-3 6-4 2-6 7-5.

He will face Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, who had to work hard to see off Belarusian Ilya Ivashka.

The Italian sixth seed hit 69 winners as he came through 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 2-6 6-3.

Italian 13th seed Jannik Sinner overcame Gael Monfils in five sets, weathering a fightback from the Frenchman to win 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 4-6 4-6 6-4.

Sinner will meet German fourth seed Alexander Zverev who advanced after opponent Jack Sock retired with a thigh injury trailing 3-6 6-2 6-3 2-1.

The American had convincingly won the first set but began to suffer injury problems from the beginning of the second. After being broken in the fourth set he eventually gave up, knowing there was no way back.

South Africa's Lloyd Harris continued his good form with a 6-4 6-4 6-4 win over Canada's Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov.

He will play Reilly Opelka next after the American beat Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-4.
 
British teenager Emma Raducanu continued her astonishing run at the US Open by reaching the semi-finals with a stunning victory over Olympic champion Belinda Bencic
 
Raducanu looks a special talent at the age of 18.

Doing really well at the US Open.
 
radacanu gonna face so much temptation, shes has tennis talent and is very marketable. so many brands and people will want a piece of her it will take a lot of will power to continue to focus on her game and avoid the temptation to cash out quickly.
 
Raducanu is so beautiful and such a talent. She is so much better than the overhyped Coco Gauff. I am finally glad that there is a British tennis player that I can get behind. I could never get behind Murray whose style of play and on court behaviour were a big turn off for me.
 
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