La pression du favori ou le vertige d'un match de tennis qui peut changer une vie... Ces émotions qui pèsent tant sur les joueurs Un match de tennis, a fortiori une finale de Grand Chelem, est l'un des contextes les plus favorables au déploiement de toute sorte d'émotions. Des invitées qu'il est essentiel de savoir bien accueillir. Il est fort possible que la maîtrise technique, les compétences physiques et le sens tactique ne soient pas les seules clés de la finale de Grand Chelem qui opposera ce dimanche après-midi (15 heures) un joueur qui en a déjà perdu trois à un autre qui n'a jamais disputé une seule demie d'un Majeur. Sur le Chatrier, et même avant d'y pénétrer, de nombreuses émotions vont traverser Alexander Zverev, jamais donné autant favori d'un dimanche le séparant du Graal après lequel il court depuis si longtemps, et Flavio Cobolli, qui va expérimenter le vertige du match qui peut changer une vie. Il y a six ans, au dernier jour d'un US Open 2020 post-Covid organisé devant personne, Dominic Thiem était exactement dans la même position que Zverev aujourd'hui : « Je ressentais tant de tension au début, à me dire qu'en cas de défaite j'en serais à 0-4 dans les finales de Grand Chelem. J'étais sur le court à me demander si une telle occasion allait se reproduire un jour ; toutes ces pensées ne vous aident vraiment pas à jouer un tennis libéré. » L'Autrichien avait fini par battre (2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 [6]), un peu par miracle, le même Zverev, dont c'était, comme Cobolli ce dimanche, la toute première apparition à ce stade. Le tennis de l'Allemand avait rapetissé à vue d'œil, au fil du match. Le poids des émotions, bien sûr...#aryna_sabalenka #alexander_zverev #flavio_cobolli #dominic_thiem #delphine_auber
Sabalenka Advances to French Open Quarterfinals with Dominant Win Over Osaka PARIS -- Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the French Open quarterfinals with a decisive 7-5, 6-3 victory over Naomi Osaka on Monday, marking a significant step toward her quest for the first clay-court Grand Slam title. The match, the first women’s night match at Roland Garros in three years, highlighted the growing interest in expanding the tournament’s evening schedule. Sabalenka’s win not only improved her career record against Osaka to 3-1 but also brought her closer to ending a year-long wait since her 2024 final loss to Coco Gauff. The match unfolded under unique circumstances, with Osaka making a striking fashion statement by wearing a golden bomber jacket over her gold sequin playing dress, which featured a tiered train with puffs of tulle. Sabalenka, in contrast, opted for more traditional tennis attire, donning a slightly sheer black flared dress with a red underlayer and diamond necklaces. The contrast in outfits underscored the personalities of the two players, with Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play proving decisive. From the outset, Sabalenka dominated the rally, leveraging her powerful forehand to control the points. Her breakthrough came on the first match point, where she hit a massive forehand return winner that Osaka barely managed to reach. The 1 hour, 27-minute match showcased Sabalenka’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of a night match, including the cooler temperatures and the heightened scrutiny of the Roland Garros crowd. The decision to stage the women’s night match sparked debate among tennis fans and officials, with critics arguing that the format could attract broader audiences.#aryna_sabalenka #maja_chwalinska #roland_garros #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider
Aryna Sabalenka ousts Naomi Osaka to reach French Open quarters again Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, advanced to her fourth consecutive French Open quarterfinal with a decisive 7-5, 6-3 victory over No. 16 seed Naomi Osaka in the first women’s night-session match at Roland Garros in three years. The Belarusian player, who reached the 2025 French Open final but remains without a Grand Slam title, dominated the encounter with 12 aces compared to Osaka’s two, while winning 72.7% of her service points, 90.9% of her net points, and breaking Osaka four times in five opportunities. Sabalenka’s performance was marked by her ability to maintain pressure on Osaka, a player known for her aggressive style. After being broken for the only time in the match at 2-0 in the first set, Sabalenka broke back at 5-5 to seize the set. The second set saw her take control early, holding serve through the first six games before breaking Osaka’s final two service games to seal the win. Osaka, who had previously reached the fourth round of the French Open in 2024, failed to advance past the quarterfinals for the first time in her career. The loss also extended her losing streak against Sabalenka to three matches this season, as the two had not faced since 2018. For Sabalenka, the victory sets up a semifinal clash against Russia’s Diana Shnaider, who defeated the final American in the women’s draw, Madison Keys, in a three-set thriller (6-3, 3-6, 6-0). Shnaider, ranked No. 25, becomes the first player in her career to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 22-year-old had previously reached the fourth round of the 2024 U.S. Open but had struggled to break through to the quarterfinals. This win ended an eight-match losing streak against top-20 opponents and marked a significant milestone in her career.#aryna_sabalenka #maja_chwalinska #madison_keys #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider
French Open 2026: Kalinskaya holds nerve to beat Potapova, reach Paris quarterfinal Anna Kalinskaya secured her first French Open quarterfinal berth with a hard-fought three-set victory over 28th-seeded Anastasia Potapova on Monday, marking only the second time a Russian woman has reached this stage at Roland Garros. The 22nd-seeded Kalinskaya triumphed 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(10-7) in a match that lasted two hours and 49 minutes, showcasing her resilience and composure under pressure. This achievement places her in the final eight of the tournament, a significant milestone for the Austrian-born Russian, who previously reached the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2024. The match unfolded with Potapova taking an early lead, dominating the first set with a 4-1 advantage before Kalinskaya clawed her way back into contention. Potapova’s aggressive play in the second set saw her build a 3-1 lead, but Kalinskaya’s determination kept the contest alive, forcing a decisive third set. The third set proved to be a rollercoaster, with Potapova seizing a 4-1 lead before Kalinskaya fought back to serve for the match at 5-4. However, Potapova’s tenacity saw her break Kalinskaya’s serve, sending the contest into a tense tiebreak. Kalinskaya’s nerve held, and she clinched the tiebreak to advance. Kalinskaya’s victory comes at a pivotal moment for the French Open, where the women’s field remains unpredictable. World number one Aryna Sabalenka is positioned as the top contender, following the early exits of defending champion Coco Gauff and four-time Paris winner Iga Swiatek. Potapova, who had already eliminated Gauff in the third round, demonstrated her ability to challenge top-tier players, but Kalinskaya’s tactical adjustments and mental fortitude proved decisive.#aryna_sabalenka #roland_garros #anastasia_potapova #french_open_2026 #anna_kalinskaya
Shnaider Downs Keys for Milestone Moment at Roland-Garros 2026 Diana Shnaider secured her first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal berth after a hard-fought three-set victory over Madison Keys at Roland-Garros 2026. The world No.23 player, seeded 25th, defeated the former Australian Open 2025 champion 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, marking a significant breakthrough in her career. The win ended Shnaider’s eight-match losing streak against top-20 opponents and propelled her into the last eight, where she will face either world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka or four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka. Shnaider, who had previously reached the fourth round of a major at the 2024 US Open, described the achievement as a “huge moment.” The 22-year-old emphasized the challenge of facing Keys, a player she had previously lost to three times. “I knew what to expect from Madi, she’s such an experienced player, an amazing player,” Shnaider said. “I had to grind for every ball, had to try and put as many balls between the lines. I think I played very smart.” The match unfolded with Shnaider taking control early, capitalizing on Keys’ inconsistency. After a strong start, Keys managed to level the match, but Shnaider’s tactical adjustments and aggressive play proved decisive. A crucial break in the third set, secured with a powerful backhand approach and a decisive forehand, gave her the momentum to clinch the set. “From an immediate break down, Shnaider seized the initiative with a compelling blend of looping, angled shots and power play,” the report noted. Shnaider’s victory was celebrated as a turning point in her career, with the player expressing pride in her performance. “I’m super happy. Me and Madi played three times before and I lost every time,” she said.#aryna_sabalenka #madison_keys #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider #rolandgarros_2026
French Open 2026: Shnaider Advances to Quarters, Chwalinska Continues Remarkable Run Russian tennis player Diana Shnaider made history by reaching the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time at the French Open 2026. The 25th-seeded player secured her place in the last eight with a three-set victory over American Madison Keys, overcoming the challenge of a second-set deficit to claim a 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 win on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The match, which lasted just 26 minutes in the final set, set up a potential quarterfinal clash against either world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka or two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Shnaider expressed her elation, stating, “It’s definitely a huge moment for me, I’m super happy. I’m super proud of myself for being in the quarter-finals for the first time.” Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, had previously reached the semifinals at Roland Garros but was eliminated in the fourth round this year. Her exit leaves Sabalenka and Osaka as the sole Grand Slam champions remaining in the women’s singles draw. Shnaider’s achievement marks a significant milestone, as her previous best performance at a major tournament was a fourth-round appearance at the 2024 US Open. The Russian’s triumph also highlights her resilience, as she dropped her level in the second set but rebounded decisively in the final set. Meanwhile, Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her extraordinary run at the French Open, advancing to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets victory over French hope Diane Parry. The world No. 114 player, who had only won one match in her previous two Grand Slam appearances, dominated Parry on Court Philippe Chatrier with a 6-3, 6-2 scoreline.#aryna_sabalenka #maja_chwalinska #madison_keys #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider
Casper Ruud Battles Extreme Heat to Advance at French Open Casper Ruud, the two-time French Open finalist, overcame sweltering temperatures and a grueling five-set match to reach the second round of the 2026 French Open. The Norwegian player described the conditions as debilitating, likening his experience to feeling like a “zombie” during the fourth set as temperatures soared to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. His victory over Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin came after a dramatic and physically taxing match that tested both his endurance and mental resolve. The match, which lasted three hours and 56 minutes, saw Ruud take an early lead, winning the first two sets and holding a 5-2 advantage in the third. However, he failed to convert five match points and eventually lost the third set 7-5. During the fourth set, Ruud struggled visibly, walking gingerly back to his chair and requiring medical attention. He was seen pouring water over his head, wrapping his neck with an ice-filled towel, and applying ice to his face to combat the heat. Temperatures during the match reached 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius), according to France’s national weather agency, Météo-France. Ruud admitted the conditions were akin to heatstroke, recalling a similar experience from a previous tournament in Washington, D.C., where he had to retire in the third set. “I felt dizzy and walked around like a zombie almost,” he said, describing the fourth set as the most challenging part of the match. Despite the physical toll, Ruud recovered from a five-minute heat break to win the deciding fifth set 6-2, securing a 6-2, 7-6(5), 5-7, 0-6, 6-2 victory. The win earned him a spot in the second round, where he will face Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic. “I’m proud because I never gave in and didn’t give up,” Ruud said.#aryna_sabalenka #casper_ruud #meteo_france #roman_safiullin #hamad_medjedovic
Jessica Pegula Putting Family Experience in NFL and NHL to Use in Tennis Prize Money Protest Jessica Pegula, the 2024 US Open runner-up, is spearheading efforts by top tennis players to address a growing dispute over prize money at the French Open. The issue has sparked discussions about potential boycotts, with top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner leading calls for greater financial compensation. Pegula, who grew up in a family deeply involved in sports management—her parents own the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres—is leveraging her background to organize a unified response from players across both men’s and women’s tennis. The French Open, set to begin on May 24, faces mounting pressure as players argue that their share of tournament revenues is disproportionately low. According to a protest statement released last week, the event allocates less than 14.9 percent of its total prize money to players, a decline from 15.5 percent in 2024. While organizers announced a 10 percent increase in overall prize money for the tournament, raising the total pot to 61.7 million euros ($100.3 million), players claim the distribution remains unjust. Pegula emphasized the stark contrast with sports like the NFL and NHL, where athletes typically receive around 50 percent of revenue, highlighting the outdated structure of tennis governance. Pegula’s role as a leader in this movement is not new. Earlier this year, she was appointed to a 13-person panel tasked with reforming the women’s tennis calendar, adjusting rankings points, and setting requirements for competing in certain events. Now, she is focusing on the prize money issue, reaching out to players to gauge their willingness to participate in a potential boycott.#jannik_sinner #aryna_sabalenka #buffalo_bills #jessica_pegula #buffalo_sabres
Sabalenka suffers surprise defeat to Cirstea at Italian Open Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka endured a stunning third-round exit at the Italian Open on Saturday as she fell to 26th-ranked Sorana Cirstea in a dramatic three-set match. The world No. 1, who had appeared to be in control of the contest after taking a 2-0 lead in the second set, was outmaneuvered by the Romanian, who secured a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory. This marked Cirstea's first triumph over a player ranked in the top 10, a milestone that carried particular significance as the 36-year-old Romanian prepares to conclude her professional career. Cirstea’s victory came after a resilient comeback, with the unseeded player capitalizing on Sabalenka’s waning momentum. Speaking after the match, Cirstea expressed her elation, stating, “I'm very, very happy. Aryna is an amazing player. I thought I played really well today. I'm working really, really hard. It's nice to have this result as payoff.” Her words underscored the magnitude of the win, which not only showcased her determination but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of tennis at the highest level. Sabalenka, meanwhile, faced challenges both on and off the court. During the final set, the Belarusian player appeared visibly troubled by lower back pain and requested a medical time-out for treatment. She later explained that her body was “limiting me from performing on the highest level,” citing a combination of lower back and hip issues that restricted her full rotation. “She stepped in and played incredible tennis. Didn’t really give me much opportunities,” Sabalenka admitted, adding that the loss was a learning experience. “We never lose, we only learn, so it's okay.” The 2023 Wimbledon champion now faces a recovery period, with plans to take days off to focus on rehabilitation.#tennis #aryna_sabalenka #sorana_cirstea #italian_open #lower_back_pain
Aryna Sabalenka Shocks by Sorana Cirstea’s Comeback Win at Italian Open Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 1, suffered her earliest defeat in more than a year as she was toppled in the third round of the Italian Open by Sorana Cirstea, a 36-year-old Romanian veteran who staged a remarkable comeback to win 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. The result marked Sabalenka’s second consecutive surprise loss of the clay-court season, following her quarter-final defeat to Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open. Sabalenka had entered the tournament in strong form, having won 26 of her first 27 matches in 2025, including victories at the WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. This loss ended her hopes of reaching the semifinals in any clay-court tournament this year and marked her first defeat before the quarter-final stage since February 2025. Cirstea, who will retire from professional tennis at the end of the season, continued her resurgence on clay, securing her first-ever victory over a world No 1 player. The Romanian, who has never broken into the top 20 despite a 17-year career, now sits at No 14 in the live WTA Race. This win ended a streak of 12 straight losses to top-ranked players, with Cirstea dominating the final two sets after a slow start. The match saw Sabalenka dominate the first set, but Cirstea’s aggressive play and composure in the final two sets turned the tide. Sabalenka’s lower back injury, which forced her to receive a medical timeout in the final set, appeared to limit her performance. Despite visible discomfort, she fought back to level the match at 5-5, but Cirstea’s ability to control the majority of points in the final stages sealed the victory. Sabalenka acknowledged her physical struggles in a brief press conference, stating, “I feel like I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end.#jannik_sinner #aryna_sabalenka #sorana_cirstea #italian_open #wta_race
Sabalenka suffers second defeat in three matches Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, suffered her second defeat in three matches at the Italian Open as she fell to Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the third round. The Belarusian, who had previously lost to Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open on 28 April, faced another setback just 11 days later, marking her earliest loss of the year. The defeat ended her streak of reaching the quarter-finals or better for 17 consecutive tournaments. Sabalenka’s loss to Cirstea, ranked 27th in the world, came after a three-set match that saw the 28-year-old struggle with her physical form. She missed six match points during the encounter and was forced to take a medical time-out in the third set for treatment on her lower back. Despite her efforts to mount a comeback, Cirstea’s resilience proved decisive. The Romanian, who is retiring at the end of the season, capitalized on key moments, including a crucial break after Sabalenka’s serve at 5-4 in the third set. Sabalenka’s performance was marred by inconsistencies, particularly in her serve, which had been a key factor in her rise to the top of the rankings. She broke her serve six times during the match, winning only 56% of points after her first serve despite making 72% of her first serves. Her second serve fared even worse, with her opponents taking 11 of 26 points behind it. Sabalenka admitted her body was limiting her ability to perform at her best, stating, “I feel like I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end. My body was limiting me from performing on the highest level.” The loss left Sabalenka with a 4-2 record on clay heading into the French Open, a tournament she aims to dominate.#aryna_sabalenka #djokovic #french_open #sorana_cirstea #italian_open
Rome 411 Tennis Tournament: Key Dates, Players, and Prize Money Revealed The 83rd edition of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, one of the premier WTA 1000 tournaments, will take place in Rome from May 5 to May 17, 2026. The event, held at the historic Foro Italico, marks the final clay-court tournament before the French Open and features a 96-player singles draw and a doubles competition. The tournament schedule includes qualifying matches starting on May 4, with the singles main draw beginning on May 5 and the doubles tournament commencing on May 10. The singles final is set for May 16 at 5 p.m. local time, while the doubles final will be played on May 17 at 12 p.m. The tournament field includes 76 direct entries, 12 qualifiers, and eight wild cards, with every player ranked in the Top 20 of the PIF WTA Rankings participating. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka leads the singles field, joined by Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Elina Svitolina, Jasmine Paolini, Victoria Mboko, and Mirra Andreeva. Notable additions to the draw include Belinda Bencic, Naomi Osaka, Iva Jovic, Madison Keys, Emma Raducanu, Qinwen Zheng, and Alexandra Eala. Emma Navarro will make her clay-court debut after a wrist injury forced her to miss the Madrid Open. The doubles competition will feature a mix of established stars and rising talents, with wild cards including Lucrezia Stefanini, Nuria Brancaccio, Lisa Pigato, Lucia Bronzetti, Jennifer Ruggeri, Tyra Caterina Grant, Martina Trevisan, and one additional player yet to be announced. The draw will be revealed on May 4 at 11 a.m., with withdrawals including Marketa Vondrousova, Sonay Kartal, Varvara Gracheva, and Veronika Kudermetova.#aryna_sabalenka #jasmine_paolini #internazionali_bnl_ditalia #foro_italico #sara_errani
Madrid Open Quarterfinal Preview: Kostyuk Faces Noskova in High-Stakes Clash Marta Kostyuk and Linda Noskova will clash in the third quarter-final of the Madrid Open on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the women’s draw. Kostyuk, the Ukrainian player, advanced to the last eight after defeating Caty McNally in straight sets, while Noskova secured her place with a hard-fought victory over Coco Gauff. Both players have demonstrated resilience and tactical adaptability, setting the stage for a compelling matchup. Kostyuk, fresh off her first tournament win of 2026, enters the quarter-final with renewed confidence. Her performance against McNally showcased her strengths, as she won 61% of her first serves and converted six break point opportunities. This marks her second consecutive trip to the last eight of the Madrid Open, though she previously fell to Aryna Sabalenka in the same round. Kostyuk’s clay-court form has been impressive, reaching the quarter-finals or better in two of her last four singles events on the surface. Her 80% service game win rate in 2026, supported by a first-serve percentage exceeding 70%, underscores her consistency. Additionally, her ability to win over 45% of return points and rescue more than 60% of return points highlights her adaptability in critical moments. Noskova, the 13th-seeded Czech player, made a strong statement in her victory over Gauff. Despite facing seven double faults, she relied on her three break points to secure a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-5) win. Her 72% first-serve success rate and ability to win the decisive tiebreak demonstrated her composure under pressure. This win extends her streak of advancing beyond the last 16 in three of her last four singles tournaments, including a notable victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Porsche Grand Prix earlier this year.#aryna_sabalenka #coco_gauff #linda_noskova #marta_kostyuk #madrid_open
Sabalenka: "Espero que Badosa vuelva a la cima, ahí es donde debe estar" Aryna Sabalenka, actual número uno del mundo, habló este martes sobre su amiga Paula Badosa, quien actualmente está fuera de las cien primeras del ranking. Sabalenka expresó su deseo de que Badosa "vuelva pronto a la cima, que es ahí dónde debe estar". La bielorrusa, quien ya ha ganado este año en Brisbane, Indian Wells y Miami, buscará en Madrid su cuarto título en el torneo español, tras haberlo logrado en la Caja Mágica en 2021, 2023 y 2025. En 2025, terminó el año con cuatro títulos —Brisbane, Miami, Madrid y Estados Unidos— y llegó a nueve finales. Sabalenka mencionó que durante esta temporada su cuerpo ha estado "un poco fuera" y que tuvo que tomar tiempo para recuperarse. "Ahora quiero mostrar mi mejor tenis cada vez que compito y creo que estoy bien", afirmó. Destacó su trabajo con psicólogos para mantener su bienestar mental, señalando que es crucial rodearse de personas con las que se siente cómoda, protegida y libre para expresarse. También subrayó la importancia de tener una vida fuera del tenis, como comer, pasar tiempo con amigos o hacer actividades no relacionadas con el deporte, para mantener la mente clara. En Madrid se reencuentra con Badosa, quien juega el torneo español bajo una invitación de la organización. Badosa, que en 2022 alcanzó el segundo puesto del mundo, actualmente se encuentra en una situación crítica, fuera de las cien primeras. Sabalenka confirmó su apoyo a Badosa, diciendo que siempre está disponible para ayudarla, darle consejos y acompañarla en momentos de dificultad. "Realmente espero que vuelva a la cima porque siento que aquí es donde debe estar. Realmente le deseo lo mejor", expresó. La tenista de 27 años, que mantiene una conexión especial con Madrid, destacó el apoyo de la ciudad y la atmósfera del estadio.#aryna_sabalenka #madrid #tenis #paula_badosa #caja_magica
Aryna Sabalenka, número 1 del tenis femenino: "Antes de conocerla bien, creía que Badosa no era demasiado agradable y ella me confesó que pensaba exactamente lo mismo de mí" Aryna Sabalenka, la número 1 del mundo del tenis femenino, compartió detalles personales durante una entrevista en la Suite Presidencial del Four Seasons en Madrid, donde se hospeda durante el Mutua Open. La bielorrusa, que llegó a la capital española tras un viaje desde Miami, mencionó que el jet lag la afecta y que necesita un entorno acogedor para recuperarse tras los partidos. "Para mí es esencial elegir bien donde me alojo durante un torneo. Necesito tener la certeza de que, tras un día intenso de competición, regresaré a un lugar en el que me sienta como en casa", afirmó. Destacó la comodidad del hotel, su excelente restauración, el spa y el gimnasio, además de la hospitalidad de los empleados. Durante la conversación, Sabalenka bromeó sobre los comentarios negativos que recibe en redes sociales. "Cuando leo algún comentario hiriente sobre mí, me meto en el perfil del autor para ver quién es y me da la risa. Me digo a mí misma: '¿En serio este tío -o esta tía- que no ha debido hacer deporte en su vida se está metiendo conmigo?' Alucino con la gente", confesó. Al hablar de Madrid, la jugadora expresó su fascinación por la ciudad. "Amo el parque grande que está aquí cerca, el del lago. No recuerdo bien el nombre: ¿El Retiro? Es precioso. He ido varias veces. La ciudad es increíble. Estamos muy cerca de la Plaza Mayor", dijo, mientras aceptó la sugerencia de probar los calamares y la cerveza local. Sobre su relación con Paula Badosa, Sabalenka reveló que sus primeras impresiones no fueron positivas. "Antes de conocerla bien, creía que Badosa no era demasiado agradable y ella me confesó que pensaba exactamente lo mismo de mí.#aryna_sabalenka #madrid #paula_badosa #mutua_open #four_seasons
Coco Gauff Rebounds After Serve Criticism Amid Rising Support from Former Rival Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion, continues to navigate a mix of praise and scrutiny as she advances in her career. At just 22 years old, the American star has become a focal point of debate in the tennis world, with critics and former players frequently highlighting her serve as a potential weakness. Despite her recent success, including a hard-fought loss to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2026 Miami Open final, Gauff’s performance has drawn sharp attention to her double-fault statistics, which have totaled 162 in 22 matches this season. The scrutiny intensified after Belinda Bencic, a former top-10 player, publicly criticized Gauff during the 2025 China Open. Bencic accused Gauff’s team of employing “mind games” and told her to “shut up” during a changeover. However, Bencic’s recent comments have shifted dramatically. After Gauff defeated her 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a Miami match, Bencic praised the American’s speed and court coverage, acknowledging that Gauff’s ability to shrink the court creates challenges that aren’t reflected in simple serve metrics. “I think her serve is very good... very fast,” Bencic said, reflecting a rare moment of public support for Gauff. This shift in Bencic’s stance isn’t entirely new. Earlier in 2026, she had criticized the release of emotional footage of Gauff following a loss, arguing that players deserve privacy in such moments. Bencic’s frustration with Gauff’s serve has roots in her own experiences. During the 2025 Australian Open, Bencic smashed her racket after a quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina, where she recorded five double faults in the first set. Despite her own struggles with serve consistency, Bencic has remained vocal about Gauff’s perceived flaws.#tennis #aryna_sabalenka #coco_gauff #belinda_bencic #us_open
When was the last time No. 1 and No. 2 on the WTA rankings played each other before a final? Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will face off in the Miami Open semifinals, marking the first time the top two players in the WTA rankings have met in a final match before a championship. The encounter, scheduled for March 26, 2026, highlights the growing rivalry between the two athletes, who have consistently dominated the rankings in recent years. Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1, and Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, have not previously met in a final match prior to this event, making their clash a significant moment in women’s tennis. The match is part of a broader narrative of their intense competition, with both players vying for supremacy in the sport. Sabalenka, known for her powerful baseline game and mental resilience, has been a dominant force since claiming her first Grand Slam title in 2024. Rybakina, on the other hand, has showcased her versatility and adaptability, particularly in high-stakes matches. Their rivalry has intensified in recent months, with both players frequently challenging each other in tournaments and pushing each other to new heights. The Miami Open semifinal is not just a test of skill but also a strategic opportunity for both players to solidify their positions in the rankings. A victory for either would further cement their status as the leading contenders in women’s tennis. The match is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike, as it represents a pivotal moment in the 2026 season. The context of their meeting is also notable given the broader landscape of the WTA tour. With the sport seeing a surge in competitive intensity and the emergence of new talents, the rivalry between Sabalenka and Rybakina serves as a microcosm of the league’s evolving dynamics.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #wta_rankings #elena_rybakina #women_s_tennis
Aryna Sabalenka And Elena Rybakina Set Up Blockbuster Semi-Final: 1 Vs 2 In Miami Open Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina secured their place in the Miami Open semi-finals after defeating top-tier opponents, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the world number one and second-ranked player. Sabalenka, the defending champion, overcame American Hailey Baptiste in a tightly contested match, while Rybakina edged out fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula to advance. The semi-final showdown at Hard Rock Stadium promises to be a pivotal moment in their rivalry, with both players vying for a spot in the final of the prestigious WTA event. Sabalenka’s victory over Baptiste came after a grueling two-set battle. The American, ranked 45th, posed a significant challenge, forcing Sabalenka to navigate through multiple break points. Baptiste failed to capitalize on three critical opportunities in the first two service games, but she eventually broke Sabalenka’s serve at 4-5 in the second set. However, Sabalenka seized control of the final moments, converting her second match point with a powerful return after Baptiste double-faulted on set point. Sabalenka praised Baptiste’s intensity, calling her a “great opponent” and expressing satisfaction with her ability to handle pressure. Rybakina’s path to the semi-finals was equally dramatic. She faced Jessica Pegula, the player who had defeated Sabalenka in last year’s Miami Open final. Rybakina, seeded third despite recently rising to world No. 2, overcame a slow start to dismantle Pegula’s early dominance. Pegula took an early 4-0 lead in the first set, but Rybakina gradually regained composure, breaking for a 4-2 lead and eventually clinching the third set.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #hailey_baptiste
Sabalenka reaches second straight Miami SF, sets rematch with Rybakina Aryna Sabalenka secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Hailey Baptiste to advance to her second consecutive Miami Open semifinal. The World No. 1 dominated the match, maintaining her aggressive style while steadily shifting momentum in her favor. Baptiste, despite her efforts to keep pace, struggled to contain Sabalenka’s relentless approach. The Belarusian saved three break points in the first set, forcing Baptiste into difficult positions before securing the set with a well-timed double fault from the American. In the second set, Baptiste showed resilience by breaking back to level the match at 4-4. However, Sabalenka regained control after holding serve for 5-4. The American, under pressure, committed three double faults, giving Sabalenka her first match point. The Belarusian capitalized on the opportunity with a powerful crosscourt forehand winner to seal the win. The victory marks Sabalenka’s return to the Miami semifinals for the second year in a row, setting up a 17th career meeting with Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka holds a 9-7 head-to-head edge over Rybakina, with their most recent encounter at the Indian Wells final two weeks ago. In that match, Sabalenka saved a match point before clinching the title, continuing her pursuit of the Sunshine Double. The rematch in Miami adds another chapter to their rivalry, with both players vying for a place in the final. Meanwhile, Rybakina advanced to her third Miami Open semifinal after defeating No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula in a three-set thriller (2-6, 6-3, 6-4). The World No. 2, who recently claimed her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, extended her dominance against Pegula. Rybakina’s performance in Miami has been consistent, with a 2-0 record in previous semifinals.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #jessica_pegula #elena_rybakina #hailey_baptiste
Thursday Semis Preview: Who Wins the Latest Chapter of the Sabalenka-Rybakina Rivalry MIAMI — The Miami Open has reached its final four, with two high-stakes semifinal matches set for Thursday. American Coco Gauff will face Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in the afternoon session, while World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Elena Rybakina will clash in the evening to conclude the day’s action. The matches will take place at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time, respectively, with the latter marking a historic showdown between the top two players in the PIF WTA Rankings. This will be the first time since the 1998 US Open semifinals between Martina Hingis and Jana Novotna that the top two ranked players have faced each other before a final, excluding the WTA Finals. The Gauff-Muchova matchup is a rematch of their 2026 Australian Open Round of 16 encounter, where Gauff claimed a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Gauff, who has dominated their head-to-head record 5-0, has shown resilience in critical moments, including a comeback win against Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals. Her ability to extend matches to the third set and capitalize on clutch opportunities has positioned her as a strong contender. Gauff’s success could mark her sixth career WTA 1000 final, making her the third youngest player to achieve this milestone since the format’s introduction in 2009. Muchova, meanwhile, has been on a career-high run, reaching her third semifinal of the season and surpassing her previous annual total. Her recent performance against Victoria Mboko in the quarterfinals—where she saved a set point and won 70% of her first serves—demonstrates her growing confidence. Muchova’s ability to prolong rallies with her forehand and adapt her game has made her a formidable opponent for Gauff.#aryna_sabalenka #miami_open #coco_gauff #elena_rybakina #karolina_muchova
