Elina Svitolina is back to focusing on tennis, but her mind is still in Ukraine, where the war is still raging.
The Ukrainian spent much of her pregnancy advocating on behalf of her home country, Ukraine. They've been involved in a bloody war for over two years, and ever since she came back to the sport, Svitolina has continued to champion the Ukrainian cause.
It's still heavy on her mind because the war is still going on. Her compatriots are still fighting for a future where their country exists, and people keep dying all the time.
She has people close to her on the front lines, and it's just a sad state of affairs. Despite being focused on tennis and her family, a part of her is constantly focused on what has been going on back home, as she revealed at the 2024 Roland Garros.
"It is very sad for my country.
The Ukrainian spent much of her pregnancy advocating on behalf of her home country, Ukraine. They've been involved in a bloody war for over two years, and ever since she came back to the sport, Svitolina has continued to champion the Ukrainian cause.
It's still heavy on her mind because the war is still going on. Her compatriots are still fighting for a future where their country exists, and people keep dying all the time.
She has people close to her on the front lines, and it's just a sad state of affairs. Despite being focused on tennis and her family, a part of her is constantly focused on what has been going on back home, as she revealed at the 2024 Roland Garros.
"It is very sad for my country.
- 6/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Elena Rybakina has struggled with Elina Svitolina in the past, but she didn't struggle at the 2024 Roland Garros, beating her in two sets to secure the quarter-final.
The Kazakhstani player was widely considered one of the favorites to win this event behind Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Her performances so far have been quite good, and this match wasn't that far behind.
She faced Svitolina, who had given her some trouble in the past, but it didn't really matter in the French capital on Monday. There is an issue in the matchup for Svitolina, and that's a lack of power, which is very obvious when she faces a player like Rybakina.
She had a similar issue last year in Paris against Sabalenka, and it's just not something she has a solution for. Rybakina didn't even open the match that well, spraying a lot of errors, but even so, the Ukrainian...
The Kazakhstani player was widely considered one of the favorites to win this event behind Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Her performances so far have been quite good, and this match wasn't that far behind.
She faced Svitolina, who had given her some trouble in the past, but it didn't really matter in the French capital on Monday. There is an issue in the matchup for Svitolina, and that's a lack of power, which is very obvious when she faces a player like Rybakina.
She had a similar issue last year in Paris against Sabalenka, and it's just not something she has a solution for. Rybakina didn't even open the match that well, spraying a lot of errors, but even so, the Ukrainian...
- 6/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu has elected to play in the upcoming Kooyong Classic, which serves as a warm-up exhibition tournament before the Australian Open.
The 2024 Koooyong Classic will run from January 10th to 12th and feature several Atp stars like Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, Karen Khachanov, Stan Wawrinka and Frances Tiafoe.
The tournament has not confirmed Raducanu's opponent in the women's edition at the Kooyong Classic. However, the Daily Mail is reporting that 16-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva is the likely opponent for the Brit.
The 21-year-old returned to tennis action for the first time since April 2023 at this week's Asb Classic in Auckland. Raducnau made a heartening start in her comeback tournament, winning her first match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
She came close to recording back-to-back wins but fell to Elina Svitolina in three sets after nearly three hours of court time in the subsequent round. There were fears that Raducanu might...
The 2024 Koooyong Classic will run from January 10th to 12th and feature several Atp stars like Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, Karen Khachanov, Stan Wawrinka and Frances Tiafoe.
The tournament has not confirmed Raducanu's opponent in the women's edition at the Kooyong Classic. However, the Daily Mail is reporting that 16-year-old Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva is the likely opponent for the Brit.
The 21-year-old returned to tennis action for the first time since April 2023 at this week's Asb Classic in Auckland. Raducnau made a heartening start in her comeback tournament, winning her first match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
She came close to recording back-to-back wins but fell to Elina Svitolina in three sets after nearly three hours of court time in the subsequent round. There were fears that Raducanu might...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Coco Gauff is the Asb Classic champion, once again, after she defeated Elina Svitolina in the final of the Wta 250 tournament.
Last year, Gauff's title in Auckland meant her first triumph in 18 months, and this year, the teenager was on a title defense mission, and it was going really well, as she bested all of her opponents without losing a single set.
It was expected that her final match against Svitolina would be more challenging, and it was. Before the final, the Ukrainian was 17-3 in Tour-level finals, and it was clear that the 2023 US Open champion would have to fight against the former world no. 3.
But it didn't look like that in the opening set. Gauff got an early break, and despite being broken back, the American added yet another break to lead 5-3 in the opener and serve for it.
However, despite having two set points on her serve,...
Last year, Gauff's title in Auckland meant her first triumph in 18 months, and this year, the teenager was on a title defense mission, and it was going really well, as she bested all of her opponents without losing a single set.
It was expected that her final match against Svitolina would be more challenging, and it was. Before the final, the Ukrainian was 17-3 in Tour-level finals, and it was clear that the 2023 US Open champion would have to fight against the former world no. 3.
But it didn't look like that in the opening set. Gauff got an early break, and despite being broken back, the American added yet another break to lead 5-3 in the opener and serve for it.
However, despite having two set points on her serve,...
- 1/7/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Coco Gauff reached her eighth Wta final as a teenager and emulated another feat of her idol, Serena Williams.
Gauff isn't fond of the comparisons with Williams, but it's pretty tough not to when she's matching a lot of what only Serena did. Gauff has been competing on the Wta Tour for five years now, and despite being a seasoned pro by now, she's still officially a teenager.
That's insane when you just think about it, but more importantly, she's a very successful teenager. By beating compatriot Emma Navarro in Auckland, Gauff reached her 8th Wta final.
Since 2000, the only other American that's ever done that as a teenager was Serena Williams, and the country had a lot of great players since then.
We've seen several great teenagers from the country as well, but again, Gauff is only in the company of Serena Williams, which speaks volumes as to how strong she's just been.
Gauff isn't fond of the comparisons with Williams, but it's pretty tough not to when she's matching a lot of what only Serena did. Gauff has been competing on the Wta Tour for five years now, and despite being a seasoned pro by now, she's still officially a teenager.
That's insane when you just think about it, but more importantly, she's a very successful teenager. By beating compatriot Emma Navarro in Auckland, Gauff reached her 8th Wta final.
Since 2000, the only other American that's ever done that as a teenager was Serena Williams, and the country had a lot of great players since then.
We've seen several great teenagers from the country as well, but again, Gauff is only in the company of Serena Williams, which speaks volumes as to how strong she's just been.
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
One year after winning the Asb Classic trophy, Coco Gauff is back to another final, and she'll take on Elina Svitolina to win another one.
Something is working for Coco Gauff in Auckland, as the American is now a combined 9-0 this year and last year at the event. She won the event last year by beating Rebeka Masarova in the final and will be looking to do the same thing this year, but it will be a bit more complicated.
Svitolina is likely to put up a better fight than Masarova, who only won two games. The Ukrainian has been really strong all week, and will attempt to win her first title this season. It's a big match and an important one, but how likely is she to dethrone Gauff? Find out in the preview below.
Head-to-head:
Gauff and Svitolina only played once so far and the Ukrainian actually won that match.
Something is working for Coco Gauff in Auckland, as the American is now a combined 9-0 this year and last year at the event. She won the event last year by beating Rebeka Masarova in the final and will be looking to do the same thing this year, but it will be a bit more complicated.
Svitolina is likely to put up a better fight than Masarova, who only won two games. The Ukrainian has been really strong all week, and will attempt to win her first title this season. It's a big match and an important one, but how likely is she to dethrone Gauff? Find out in the preview below.
Head-to-head:
Gauff and Svitolina only played once so far and the Ukrainian actually won that match.
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu is very happy with her level at the 2024 Asb Classic, her first tournament since a long layoff with injury.
Raducanu lost to Elina Svitolina at the Asb Classic. However, the first two sets of the contest were of outstanding quality. It was only in the deciding set that the Brit fell away slightly.
Some fatigue from Raducanu's first-round win against Elena-Gabriela Ruse may have played a part. She won that match in three long sets, and getting over the line in three sets again so soon into her comeback was a tough ask.
Nevertheless, the high level of Raducanu's tennis surprised many. These were her first competitive matches in nearly nine months, making her performances extremely admirable, with the fans in Auckland clearly appreciating her efforts.
After the match, during her press conference, Raducanu said she was feeling good after being able to compete with a great player...
Raducanu lost to Elina Svitolina at the Asb Classic. However, the first two sets of the contest were of outstanding quality. It was only in the deciding set that the Brit fell away slightly.
Some fatigue from Raducanu's first-round win against Elena-Gabriela Ruse may have played a part. She won that match in three long sets, and getting over the line in three sets again so soon into her comeback was a tough ask.
Nevertheless, the high level of Raducanu's tennis surprised many. These were her first competitive matches in nearly nine months, making her performances extremely admirable, with the fans in Auckland clearly appreciating her efforts.
After the match, during her press conference, Raducanu said she was feeling good after being able to compete with a great player...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Elina Svitolina had to work hard for her semifinal win at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland, as Xiyu Wang proved to be a real challenge.
Playing in her 45th Wta Tour-level semifinal, the Ukrainian player certainly knew that this is the stage of a tournament where she often struggles, as she won only 20 of the previous 44 semifinal matches in her career.
The important thing for her was the fact that her opponent was much less experienced and played only her fifth Tour-level final, having lost three of the previous four. In the final, Coco Gauff already awaited the winner of this clash.
But in the first set of the match, Wang's inexperience barely showed. She was the better player throughout the match, and troubled her opponent especially when returning, breaking three out of her four serves in the opener.
As a result, the Chinese player won the opening set...
Playing in her 45th Wta Tour-level semifinal, the Ukrainian player certainly knew that this is the stage of a tournament where she often struggles, as she won only 20 of the previous 44 semifinal matches in her career.
The important thing for her was the fact that her opponent was much less experienced and played only her fifth Tour-level final, having lost three of the previous four. In the final, Coco Gauff already awaited the winner of this clash.
But in the first set of the match, Wang's inexperience barely showed. She was the better player throughout the match, and troubled her opponent especially when returning, breaking three out of her four serves in the opener.
As a result, the Chinese player won the opening set...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Coco Gauff can't be anything but happy about how she started her 2024 season as she's set to play the 2024 Asb Classic final.
Last year, the teenage American cruised towards the trophy in Auckland without losing a single set. This year, it seems that she'll be able to achieve the same result, as now she's already in the final of the Wta 250 tournament.
Although, she reached the final without losing a set also last year, this year, her dominance is unmatched. There wasn't a single player that would get remotely close to winning a set against Gauff.
After dominantly beating Varvara Gracheva, the American took on fellow compatriot, and the fourth seed at the tournament, Emma Navarro. The 22-year-old has been in a good form, and many thought that she could challenge the 19-year-old prodigy.
However, that never happened, and it was mostly thanks to Gauff's incredible serving. In the match,...
Last year, the teenage American cruised towards the trophy in Auckland without losing a single set. This year, it seems that she'll be able to achieve the same result, as now she's already in the final of the Wta 250 tournament.
Although, she reached the final without losing a set also last year, this year, her dominance is unmatched. There wasn't a single player that would get remotely close to winning a set against Gauff.
After dominantly beating Varvara Gracheva, the American took on fellow compatriot, and the fourth seed at the tournament, Emma Navarro. The 22-year-old has been in a good form, and many thought that she could challenge the 19-year-old prodigy.
However, that never happened, and it was mostly thanks to Gauff's incredible serving. In the match,...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu has shared some of the details on being out with injury, explaining that she was still extremely busy despite trying to recover in time for the 2024 season.
Raducanu was ruled out for most of 2023 after she underwent three different surgeries on her wrists and ankle. Following the surgeries and her eventual recovery, Raducanu made her return after eight months out at the Asb Classic this week.
Things started positively as the Brit beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse across three sets before losing to the competition's second seed, Elina Svitolina in round two. In her post-match press conference, Raducanu opened up about what life was like whilst injured, and she explained that it was not relaxing at all.
"Things never really slow down for me. I think people might have thought oh, injury, you must have so much time on your hands, and no, I've actually had even less,"
The 21-year-old...
Raducanu was ruled out for most of 2023 after she underwent three different surgeries on her wrists and ankle. Following the surgeries and her eventual recovery, Raducanu made her return after eight months out at the Asb Classic this week.
Things started positively as the Brit beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse across three sets before losing to the competition's second seed, Elina Svitolina in round two. In her post-match press conference, Raducanu opened up about what life was like whilst injured, and she explained that it was not relaxing at all.
"Things never really slow down for me. I think people might have thought oh, injury, you must have so much time on your hands, and no, I've actually had even less,"
The 21-year-old...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu has already shown her potential as a top 10 player since returning to professional tennis, former British player Naomi Broady believes.
Raducanu returned to action for the first time in eight months with a solid first-round win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Asb Classic in Auckland. However, the 21-year-old was eliminated in the second round by Wta world number 25, Elina Svitolina.
Getting into the second round of a competitive tournament on her return might be seen as a positive at this stage for Raducanu, who spent the latter stages of 2023 recovering from wrist and ankle surgeries.
When reflecting on the former US Open champion's performances, compatriot Broady told Sky Sports that she saw glimpses of elite quality from Raducanu in her match against Svitolina.
“Loads of positives to take. Both of them played above their rankings."
Broady told Sky Sports
“For Raducanu, it was the second match she’s played in eight months,...
Raducanu returned to action for the first time in eight months with a solid first-round win over Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Asb Classic in Auckland. However, the 21-year-old was eliminated in the second round by Wta world number 25, Elina Svitolina.
Getting into the second round of a competitive tournament on her return might be seen as a positive at this stage for Raducanu, who spent the latter stages of 2023 recovering from wrist and ankle surgeries.
When reflecting on the former US Open champion's performances, compatriot Broady told Sky Sports that she saw glimpses of elite quality from Raducanu in her match against Svitolina.
“Loads of positives to take. Both of them played above their rankings."
Broady told Sky Sports
“For Raducanu, it was the second match she’s played in eight months,...
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Besides competing at the Asb Classic, Elina Svitolina had been contemplating getting a new tattoo and felt there was no better place to get it than in Auckland.
Svitolina, who is the second seed at the tournament, has had to dig deep to reach the semifinal stage of the Wta 250 event in New Zealand. The Ukrainian star had been out of action since a third-round defeat to Jessica Pegula at last year's US Open.
Returning in the opening week, she was bound to have rust-related issues, but far from it. Svitolina has played some fantastic tennis this week and is on course to set up an enticing final showdown against top seed Coco Gauff.
Having downed Caroline Wozniacki in the opening round in an exciting battle of mothers, Svitolina produced a come-from-behind victory over Emma Raducanu. The World No. 25 made light work of Marie Bouzkova in a surprisingly one-sided quarterfinal.
Svitolina, who is the second seed at the tournament, has had to dig deep to reach the semifinal stage of the Wta 250 event in New Zealand. The Ukrainian star had been out of action since a third-round defeat to Jessica Pegula at last year's US Open.
Returning in the opening week, she was bound to have rust-related issues, but far from it. Svitolina has played some fantastic tennis this week and is on course to set up an enticing final showdown against top seed Coco Gauff.
Having downed Caroline Wozniacki in the opening round in an exciting battle of mothers, Svitolina produced a come-from-behind victory over Emma Raducanu. The World No. 25 made light work of Marie Bouzkova in a surprisingly one-sided quarterfinal.
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu has opened up about how childhood lessons with her father helped to inspire her star-studded tennis career.
Raducanu had risen to global superstardom in recent years following her sensational US Open win in 2021, when she entered the tournament as a qualifier and progressed to her first Grand Slam win.
The British player also made her long-awaited return at the Asb Classic this week, initially beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse before a second-round three-sets loss against Elina Svitolina,
Although the 21-year-old is now competing at the top level and has a Grand Slam return in her sights after qualifying for the 2024 Australian Open in January, she had humble beginnings in tennis.
In a Q and A session with kids on the official Lawn Tennis Association (Lta) Instagram channel, Raducanu shared her initial route into tennis, which she owes to her father.
"My dad would do lessons with me in the backyard.
Raducanu had risen to global superstardom in recent years following her sensational US Open win in 2021, when she entered the tournament as a qualifier and progressed to her first Grand Slam win.
The British player also made her long-awaited return at the Asb Classic this week, initially beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse before a second-round three-sets loss against Elina Svitolina,
Although the 21-year-old is now competing at the top level and has a Grand Slam return in her sights after qualifying for the 2024 Australian Open in January, she had humble beginnings in tennis.
In a Q and A session with kids on the official Lawn Tennis Association (Lta) Instagram channel, Raducanu shared her initial route into tennis, which she owes to her father.
"My dad would do lessons with me in the backyard.
- 1/5/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu's second tennis match of her comeback did not go as planned, but she'll take plenty of positives from a valiant effort.
The British tennis star came within a few points of victory but lost agonizingly 7-6, 6-7, 1-6 in almost three hours against the second-seeded Elina Svitolina. She led the second-set tiebreak early on with a mini-break but struggled with her composure and fitness.
Her performance level at the Asb Classic, where she was playing as a wild card entrant, showcased why she is regarded as one of the world's top tennis stars, but her health has been the determinant factor of how her career has panned out so far.
Having recovered from three surgeries, there is concern within Raducanu's camp that her injury nightmare is not over. In her second-round match against the Ukrainian, the former US Open champion was visibly sporting heavy strapping on her upper leg.
The British tennis star came within a few points of victory but lost agonizingly 7-6, 6-7, 1-6 in almost three hours against the second-seeded Elina Svitolina. She led the second-set tiebreak early on with a mini-break but struggled with her composure and fitness.
Her performance level at the Asb Classic, where she was playing as a wild card entrant, showcased why she is regarded as one of the world's top tennis stars, but her health has been the determinant factor of how her career has panned out so far.
Having recovered from three surgeries, there is concern within Raducanu's camp that her injury nightmare is not over. In her second-round match against the Ukrainian, the former US Open champion was visibly sporting heavy strapping on her upper leg.
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu will be certainly disappointed by her second-round loss at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland to Elina Svitolina, as the match could have ended differently.
In her first match after eight months, the British player showed why she's regarded as one of the most talented players on the Wta Tour. She overcame Elena-Gabriela Ruse despite the spirited effort from her opponent, but the second match was always going to be even more challenging.
Svitolina is a former world no. 3, and in 2023, she was voted the Comeback Player of the Year, after some sensational results following her break from tennis because of pregnancy.
The Ukrainian overcame former world no. 1, Caroline Wozniacki in the first round, and she wanted to beat back-to-back Grand Slam champions, something that is not a norm in the first two rounds of a Wta 250 tournament.
But Raducanu had a sensational start into the match. She was solid in every aspect,...
In her first match after eight months, the British player showed why she's regarded as one of the most talented players on the Wta Tour. She overcame Elena-Gabriela Ruse despite the spirited effort from her opponent, but the second match was always going to be even more challenging.
Svitolina is a former world no. 3, and in 2023, she was voted the Comeback Player of the Year, after some sensational results following her break from tennis because of pregnancy.
The Ukrainian overcame former world no. 1, Caroline Wozniacki in the first round, and she wanted to beat back-to-back Grand Slam champions, something that is not a norm in the first two rounds of a Wta 250 tournament.
But Raducanu had a sensational start into the match. She was solid in every aspect,...
- 1/4/2024
- Tennis Infinity
After much anticipation, Emma Raducanu is officially part of the 2024 Australian Open main draw after a series of withdrawals.
For much of the offseason, it looked like Emma Raducanu would be forced to play the Australian Open qualifiers as her special ranking was insufficient to enter the main draw directly.
As the season approached and players started to withdraw a small chance for the Brit to play at the event without having to play the qualifiers appeared.
She needed quite a few withdrawals, hence why the chance was small but ultimately, it happened. Players like Petra Kvitova contributed to that as she withdrew recently, but the final withdrawal came thanks to Lauren Davis, who was forced to pull out due to a shoulder injury.
Raducanu is now officially in as confirmed by the official entry list available on the website of the event. Number 103 on the entry list with her...
For much of the offseason, it looked like Emma Raducanu would be forced to play the Australian Open qualifiers as her special ranking was insufficient to enter the main draw directly.
As the season approached and players started to withdraw a small chance for the Brit to play at the event without having to play the qualifiers appeared.
She needed quite a few withdrawals, hence why the chance was small but ultimately, it happened. Players like Petra Kvitova contributed to that as she withdrew recently, but the final withdrawal came thanks to Lauren Davis, who was forced to pull out due to a shoulder injury.
Raducanu is now officially in as confirmed by the official entry list available on the website of the event. Number 103 on the entry list with her...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Amanda Anisimova is back to tennis, but she will quickly want to forget her second match at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland against Marie Bouzkova.
In her first match at the Wta 250 tournament in New Zealand, the American player overcame Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, but it wasn't without injury struggles, as the 22-year-old received treatment between the sets.
After the match, she admitted that she had muscle spasms, and that's something that may have contributed to her second-round loss to the fifth-seeded Marie Bouzkova at the tournament.
From the start of the match, Anisimova just couldn't find her rhythm, and despite having two chances to break back after initially losing her serve in the second game of the match, she never did, and lost all of her serves in the opening set.
As a result, the American player lost the first set 0-6, and things were not looking any better in the second set of the match,...
In her first match at the Wta 250 tournament in New Zealand, the American player overcame Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, but it wasn't without injury struggles, as the 22-year-old received treatment between the sets.
After the match, she admitted that she had muscle spasms, and that's something that may have contributed to her second-round loss to the fifth-seeded Marie Bouzkova at the tournament.
From the start of the match, Anisimova just couldn't find her rhythm, and despite having two chances to break back after initially losing her serve in the second game of the match, she never did, and lost all of her serves in the opening set.
As a result, the American player lost the first set 0-6, and things were not looking any better in the second set of the match,...
- 1/3/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu is back to tennis, and her second match at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland will be a very tricky one against Elina Svitolina.
Very few players impressed as much as Elina Svitolina did last year, as the Ukrainian played some amazing tennis. Nobody really expected much from her upon return, but she did really well, especially at Grand Slams.
The first match in 2024 was a solid win over Caroline Wozniacki, so she'll clearly still 'got it'. When it comes to Raducanu, well, we all know what happened. She underwent triple surgery and spent the rest of the year building herself up to return to the sport.
It officially happened recently, and she won that match, though it was a close one.
Head-to-head:
Raducanu and Svitolina have never played before, so this will be their first time meeting. Stylistically, Svitolina could give Raducanu plenty of trouble due to the...
Very few players impressed as much as Elina Svitolina did last year, as the Ukrainian played some amazing tennis. Nobody really expected much from her upon return, but she did really well, especially at Grand Slams.
The first match in 2024 was a solid win over Caroline Wozniacki, so she'll clearly still 'got it'. When it comes to Raducanu, well, we all know what happened. She underwent triple surgery and spent the rest of the year building herself up to return to the sport.
It officially happened recently, and she won that match, though it was a close one.
Head-to-head:
Raducanu and Svitolina have never played before, so this will be their first time meeting. Stylistically, Svitolina could give Raducanu plenty of trouble due to the...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Emma Raducanu has expressed her relief at getting back onto the court after the British player marked her eight-month injury layoff with a victory at the 2024 Asb Classic.
Raducanu eventually won a hard-fought first-round clash in Auckland against her Romanian opponent, Elena-Gabriela Ruse, in three sets. The former US champion led by one set before Ruse hit back in the second, and Raducanu recovered to win the final set 7-5.
It was an important moment for the 21-year-old following a 2023 season disrupted by a dip in form, injuries and surgeries on her wrists and ankles.
In her post-match interview on court, Raducanu was visibly relieved to just be back on the court, let alone to make a winning start to her 2024 campaign, and she explained how important being back out on the court was to her at the Asb Classic.
"It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus. I...
Raducanu eventually won a hard-fought first-round clash in Auckland against her Romanian opponent, Elena-Gabriela Ruse, in three sets. The former US champion led by one set before Ruse hit back in the second, and Raducanu recovered to win the final set 7-5.
It was an important moment for the 21-year-old following a 2023 season disrupted by a dip in form, injuries and surgeries on her wrists and ankles.
In her post-match interview on court, Raducanu was visibly relieved to just be back on the court, let alone to make a winning start to her 2024 campaign, and she explained how important being back out on the court was to her at the Asb Classic.
"It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus. I...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
Mothers Elina Svitolina and Caroline Wozniacki met at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland, and it could have been a winning start to the new Wta season only for one.
It's not often that mothers get to meet in a match on the Wta Tour, as there are not so many currently, but recently, the trend has changed, and more and more mothers are returning to the sport after their pregnancy.
The two are prime examples, but it's important not to forget the likes of Victoria Azarenka, who was one of the first mothers in recent history to return to tennis. Now, another player made a comeback as mother, when Naomi Osaka won her first match back.
Soon, the mother's club on the women's Tour will likely be joined by Petra Kvitova, who announced her pregnancy on January 1st, 2024. But another mother returned to the sport just recently, as Caroline Wozniacki made a surprising return.
It's not often that mothers get to meet in a match on the Wta Tour, as there are not so many currently, but recently, the trend has changed, and more and more mothers are returning to the sport after their pregnancy.
The two are prime examples, but it's important not to forget the likes of Victoria Azarenka, who was one of the first mothers in recent history to return to tennis. Now, another player made a comeback as mother, when Naomi Osaka won her first match back.
Soon, the mother's club on the women's Tour will likely be joined by Petra Kvitova, who announced her pregnancy on January 1st, 2024. But another mother returned to the sport just recently, as Caroline Wozniacki made a surprising return.
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
For a very long time, many people assumed that mothers couldn't be competitive on the Wta Tour, but lately, we've seen that's far from the truth.
Victoria Azarenka was one of the first ones to dispel those claims because she became a mother fairly early in her career and then returned. She not only returned but she returned and played really well.
It wasn't something people were used to. Then we saw some other players do it as well, and now it's basically standard practice. People don't even blink anymore when a player becomes a mother and returns to play really well.
It's something Andy Murray praised this year, admitting that it's a great example for other players. Players don't have to push it back and wait until retirement, as they can actually return to their peak tennis.
Pregnancy is far more impactful on women for obvious reasons, so a...
Victoria Azarenka was one of the first ones to dispel those claims because she became a mother fairly early in her career and then returned. She not only returned but she returned and played really well.
It wasn't something people were used to. Then we saw some other players do it as well, and now it's basically standard practice. People don't even blink anymore when a player becomes a mother and returns to play really well.
It's something Andy Murray praised this year, admitting that it's a great example for other players. Players don't have to push it back and wait until retirement, as they can actually return to their peak tennis.
Pregnancy is far more impactful on women for obvious reasons, so a...
- 12/31/2023
- Tennis Infinity
The 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland is the first Wta 250 event of the season, and it promises to showcase some fantastic matches, given the wealth of talent in the draw.
USA's Coco Gauff will look to light up the new season in style. But she faces direct competition from some very interesting names who will add depth and the possibility of causing a major upset in the tournament.
This article will serve as a TV guide to equip you with all the information you require to watch the action from Auckland on mobile, Smart TV, laptop, or tablet.
When Does The 2024 Asb Classic Start?
Main draw action at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland will run from January 1st till 7th. The tournament will be held on outdoor hard courts at the Asb Tennis Centre - one of the oldest tennis facilities in the world.
Who Is Playing The 2024 Asb Classic?
Nine...
USA's Coco Gauff will look to light up the new season in style. But she faces direct competition from some very interesting names who will add depth and the possibility of causing a major upset in the tournament.
This article will serve as a TV guide to equip you with all the information you require to watch the action from Auckland on mobile, Smart TV, laptop, or tablet.
When Does The 2024 Asb Classic Start?
Main draw action at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland will run from January 1st till 7th. The tournament will be held on outdoor hard courts at the Asb Tennis Centre - one of the oldest tennis facilities in the world.
Who Is Playing The 2024 Asb Classic?
Nine...
- 12/31/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina will be the main stars at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland, and they will meet already in the first round of the Wta 250 tournament.
The Asb Classic in Auckland is the only top-tier tennis tournament to be held in New Zealand, and this year's draw in the women's tournament has thrown up the most exciting curtain-raiser to an event in the opening week of the new season.
In her second coming as a tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki will face Elina Svitolina, the number two seed in Auckland. The match is slated to appear on Tuesday's Order of Play. One of their most endearing similarities is that they are two returning mothers.
Wozniacki memorably retired from professional tennis back in 2020 before taking a U-turn on that decision. She announced her shocking return to the tour last summer, playing in three tournaments during the US swing and performing admirably.
The Asb Classic in Auckland is the only top-tier tennis tournament to be held in New Zealand, and this year's draw in the women's tournament has thrown up the most exciting curtain-raiser to an event in the opening week of the new season.
In her second coming as a tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki will face Elina Svitolina, the number two seed in Auckland. The match is slated to appear on Tuesday's Order of Play. One of their most endearing similarities is that they are two returning mothers.
Wozniacki memorably retired from professional tennis back in 2020 before taking a U-turn on that decision. She announced her shocking return to the tour last summer, playing in three tournaments during the US swing and performing admirably.
- 12/31/2023
- Tennis Infinity
The Asb Classic in Auckland is the only Tour-level tournament in New Zealand, and it has been staged there since 1956, before the Open Era.
In 2024, the Wta tournament in New Zealand’s North Island will mark its 37th edition as a fully-fledged Tour-level event with a prize money pot nearing pre-pandemic levels. The 32-player singles field will compete to earn a huge share of the $267,082 in prize money.
There is so much depth in talent and experience, with teenagers and veterans set to headline this Wta 250 event in a vibrant city in the opening week. Coco Gauff is returning to defend her crown and has learned the identity of her first-round opponent in the recently-released draw.
A first-round duel pitting former finalist Caroline Wozniacki against Elina Svitolina in a battle between two Wta mothers. Young guns like Linda Fruhvirtova, Xiyu Wang, Amanda Anisimova, and Emma Raducanu will look to pull...
In 2024, the Wta tournament in New Zealand’s North Island will mark its 37th edition as a fully-fledged Tour-level event with a prize money pot nearing pre-pandemic levels. The 32-player singles field will compete to earn a huge share of the $267,082 in prize money.
There is so much depth in talent and experience, with teenagers and veterans set to headline this Wta 250 event in a vibrant city in the opening week. Coco Gauff is returning to defend her crown and has learned the identity of her first-round opponent in the recently-released draw.
A first-round duel pitting former finalist Caroline Wozniacki against Elina Svitolina in a battle between two Wta mothers. Young guns like Linda Fruhvirtova, Xiyu Wang, Amanda Anisimova, and Emma Raducanu will look to pull...
- 12/30/2023
- Tennis Infinity
The draw of the first Wta 250 event was released with a lot of attention centered around Emma Raducanu's first-round match at the Asb Classic in Auckland.
The British tennis sensation is fit and raring to go again after accepting a wild card into the 32-woman field in New Zealand. Raducanu infamously injured her ankle during her last appearance at the tournament in 2023, when most outdoor matches were unplayable due to rain.
Instead, the tournament arranged for makeshift indoor hard courts to complete the schedule. In one of those matches, Raducanu picked up a costly injury that ruled her out for the entire second half of the campaign, and she had to undergo surgery.
But even after berating the tournament organizers, Raducanu has let bygones be bygones and is eager to make her tennis comeback in Auckland. She is set to play her first match since mid-April when Jelena Ostapenko...
The British tennis sensation is fit and raring to go again after accepting a wild card into the 32-woman field in New Zealand. Raducanu infamously injured her ankle during her last appearance at the tournament in 2023, when most outdoor matches were unplayable due to rain.
Instead, the tournament arranged for makeshift indoor hard courts to complete the schedule. In one of those matches, Raducanu picked up a costly injury that ruled her out for the entire second half of the campaign, and she had to undergo surgery.
But even after berating the tournament organizers, Raducanu has let bygones be bygones and is eager to make her tennis comeback in Auckland. She is set to play her first match since mid-April when Jelena Ostapenko...
- 12/30/2023
- Tennis Infinity
The 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland is the first Wta 250 event of the brand-new season, featuring a stack of top-class talent.
The draw for the 37th edition of the women's tournament has been released, and it has thrown up some exciting matches as early as the opening round. Main draw action will begin on New Year's Day and run till January 7, 2024.
In the top half of the draw, we locate the defending champion and outright favorite to reign at this Wta 250 tournament. American women have excelled playing this event. Five of the past seven champions have come from the United States.
The top seed, Coco Gauff, will look to complete a first successful title defense since Julia Goerges back in 2019. She begins her campaign against fellow American Claire Liu. On paper, the 19-year-old has a relatively comfortable draw.
Her biggest danger in the top half is seventh seed Petra Martic, whom...
The draw for the 37th edition of the women's tournament has been released, and it has thrown up some exciting matches as early as the opening round. Main draw action will begin on New Year's Day and run till January 7, 2024.
In the top half of the draw, we locate the defending champion and outright favorite to reign at this Wta 250 tournament. American women have excelled playing this event. Five of the past seven champions have come from the United States.
The top seed, Coco Gauff, will look to complete a first successful title defense since Julia Goerges back in 2019. She begins her campaign against fellow American Claire Liu. On paper, the 19-year-old has a relatively comfortable draw.
Her biggest danger in the top half is seventh seed Petra Martic, whom...
- 12/30/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Naomi Osaka's highly anticipated return to the Wta Tour is one that has every chance of succeeding.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has been away from tennis for over a year after giving birth to her first child. Osaka has touched down in Brisbane, where she is playing her first tournament on her return.
Many query whether the Japanese player can reach the high level she once had. It is an understandable concern after such a long period of time away from the sport, and after becoming a mother.
However, there are reasons to be confident of Osaka being successful on her comeback. This article provides five of these reasons.
5. Talent Does Not Go Away
One thing does not change, regardless of how long Osaka has been away. She is a unique talent, and that extraordinary ability remains inside the 2020 US Open champion.
Finding that talent on a consistent...
The four-time Grand Slam champion has been away from tennis for over a year after giving birth to her first child. Osaka has touched down in Brisbane, where she is playing her first tournament on her return.
Many query whether the Japanese player can reach the high level she once had. It is an understandable concern after such a long period of time away from the sport, and after becoming a mother.
However, there are reasons to be confident of Osaka being successful on her comeback. This article provides five of these reasons.
5. Talent Does Not Go Away
One thing does not change, regardless of how long Osaka has been away. She is a unique talent, and that extraordinary ability remains inside the 2020 US Open champion.
Finding that talent on a consistent...
- 12/27/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Many tennis players succeed in their junior days and win a Grand Slam in that category, but does it guarantee success on the main Tour?
Forming any rapid conclusions based on junior Grand Slam results is risky business. Of the active Wta players who have won a junior Grand Slam until 2020, only six of them - from a list of 47 players - have won a major on the main tour.
Almost half of these 47 players achieved a career-best ranking of World No. 20 or higher. From the same data, it is striking that most players who won one of Roland Garros or Wimbledon went on to scale even greater heights at the Wta level.
About 16 players who won either of those tournaments broke the Top 20 at some point. This includes players like Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, Belinda Bencic, and Elina Svitolina.
While most of them...
Forming any rapid conclusions based on junior Grand Slam results is risky business. Of the active Wta players who have won a junior Grand Slam until 2020, only six of them - from a list of 47 players - have won a major on the main tour.
Almost half of these 47 players achieved a career-best ranking of World No. 20 or higher. From the same data, it is striking that most players who won one of Roland Garros or Wimbledon went on to scale even greater heights at the Wta level.
About 16 players who won either of those tournaments broke the Top 20 at some point. This includes players like Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, Belinda Bencic, and Elina Svitolina.
While most of them...
- 12/27/2023
- Tennis Infinity
For many years, Elina Svitolina played for the Ukrainian Billie Jean King Cup Team, and now she will manage it through her foundation.
Svitolina and Ukrainian tennis are deeply connected to one another because we haven't seen a player as good as Svitolina from the country in recent years.
For years, she was the one who carried the sport forward in her country, and when she won an Olympic Medal in Tokyo, her place in the country's tennis history was cemented forever.
Things took a turn for the worse for Ukraine in recent years as the country was dragged into a war that deeply affected Svitolina. She worked towards humanitarian relief since the start of it but also saw herself return to tennis following a pregnancy.
It was a happy return as she played some of the best tennis she had ever played, giving a lot of people back home...
Svitolina and Ukrainian tennis are deeply connected to one another because we haven't seen a player as good as Svitolina from the country in recent years.
For years, she was the one who carried the sport forward in her country, and when she won an Olympic Medal in Tokyo, her place in the country's tennis history was cemented forever.
Things took a turn for the worse for Ukraine in recent years as the country was dragged into a war that deeply affected Svitolina. She worked towards humanitarian relief since the start of it but also saw herself return to tennis following a pregnancy.
It was a happy return as she played some of the best tennis she had ever played, giving a lot of people back home...
- 12/18/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Elina Svitolina has been one of the leading Ukrainian voices on the Wta Tour, and she's made another statement ahead of the 2024 season.
The 2024 tennis season is a special one, as is the season in any other summer Olympic sport, because the Olympics will be played in Paris from July 26th to August 11th, 2024.
Recently, Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete at the 2024 Olympics as individual athletes, but tennis players may still face difficulties because of Itf's rules.
Svitolina, who called for actions against Russian and Belarusian tennis players before, once again reiterated her stance after the announcement, as the Ukrainian talked to CNN.
"My position still stays the same, that I don’t think that they should continue playing for their country. But right now, my focus is on helping people. We have to take the situation as it is right now and focus on what...
The 2024 tennis season is a special one, as is the season in any other summer Olympic sport, because the Olympics will be played in Paris from July 26th to August 11th, 2024.
Recently, Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete at the 2024 Olympics as individual athletes, but tennis players may still face difficulties because of Itf's rules.
Svitolina, who called for actions against Russian and Belarusian tennis players before, once again reiterated her stance after the announcement, as the Ukrainian talked to CNN.
"My position still stays the same, that I don’t think that they should continue playing for their country. But right now, my focus is on helping people. We have to take the situation as it is right now and focus on what...
- 12/16/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina have been married for almost three years and are the only active tennis couple (husband and wife) on tour.
Their relationship is unique because both have the rewarding experience of sharing the thrill of competition, providing emotional support to each other, and perhaps fittingly, getting a chance to explore as many romantic dinner dates in different countries all year.
Recently, Monfils shared some of the valuable lessons he has picked up from his wife and Wta star Svitolina, which he detailed in his blog. The Frenchman, popularly known as "La Monf," will be in action at the Uts Grand Final in London this weekend.
The first lesson, which Monfils titled, "There is so much value in taking a stance," is based upon her wife's sense of purpose regarding her stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As he explains, Monfils states that people are always...
Their relationship is unique because both have the rewarding experience of sharing the thrill of competition, providing emotional support to each other, and perhaps fittingly, getting a chance to explore as many romantic dinner dates in different countries all year.
Recently, Monfils shared some of the valuable lessons he has picked up from his wife and Wta star Svitolina, which he detailed in his blog. The Frenchman, popularly known as "La Monf," will be in action at the Uts Grand Final in London this weekend.
The first lesson, which Monfils titled, "There is so much value in taking a stance," is based upon her wife's sense of purpose regarding her stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As he explains, Monfils states that people are always...
- 12/16/2023
- Tennis Infinity
The tennis season is about to start on a clean slate in under a month, with hundreds of tennis players making the trip Down Under.
The Grand Slam journey begins at the Australian Open, a tournament that has witnessed a surge in first-time winners. The women's tour is as unpredictable as they come. This explains why no player won more than one major title in the whole of 2023, which crowned three new winners.
If that trend continues in 2024, the chances of crowing a first-time Grand Slam champion will increase significantly, and in this article, we shall list the five women who can pull this off.
5. Mirra Andreeva
It takes a super-talented teenager to thrust her name into Grand Slam contention, and Mirra Andreeva fits the bill. The 2023 Wta Newcomer of the Year punched above her weight last season, finishing with a year-end ranking of 57.
Andreeva played on the junior circuit...
The Grand Slam journey begins at the Australian Open, a tournament that has witnessed a surge in first-time winners. The women's tour is as unpredictable as they come. This explains why no player won more than one major title in the whole of 2023, which crowned three new winners.
If that trend continues in 2024, the chances of crowing a first-time Grand Slam champion will increase significantly, and in this article, we shall list the five women who can pull this off.
5. Mirra Andreeva
It takes a super-talented teenager to thrust her name into Grand Slam contention, and Mirra Andreeva fits the bill. The 2023 Wta Newcomer of the Year punched above her weight last season, finishing with a year-end ranking of 57.
Andreeva played on the junior circuit...
- 12/16/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Nick Kyrgios has been an outspoken critic of tennis players on both tours receiving equal pay and has latched onto that topic in a recent interview with the Athletic.
The discourse about pay inequity has ruffled the feathers of many Wta players who believe they should be compensated fairly for their efforts and skills as men. One of the ways in which sports promote gender equity is to allow the inclusivity of women to play and receive equal pay.
But traditionally, women have faced considerable discrepancies in monetary incentives in sports, particularly tennis, where only a handful of tournaments offer pay equal to that of their male counterparts. The US Open was the first tennis tournament to set precedence 50 years ago.
Since then, the other three major tournaments followed suit. Some combined Atp and Wta 1000 events, like Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid, have also adopted this module. But discussions to...
The discourse about pay inequity has ruffled the feathers of many Wta players who believe they should be compensated fairly for their efforts and skills as men. One of the ways in which sports promote gender equity is to allow the inclusivity of women to play and receive equal pay.
But traditionally, women have faced considerable discrepancies in monetary incentives in sports, particularly tennis, where only a handful of tournaments offer pay equal to that of their male counterparts. The US Open was the first tennis tournament to set precedence 50 years ago.
Since then, the other three major tournaments followed suit. Some combined Atp and Wta 1000 events, like Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid, have also adopted this module. But discussions to...
- 12/14/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Jessica Pegula was crowned as the new Jerry Diamond Aces Award recipient for her valuable contribution to promoting women's tennis.
The Aces Award was incepted in 1995 in memory of former Wta CEO Jerry Diamond and has been won by the likes of Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina, and, most recently, Maria Sakkari. World No. 5 Pegula has now etched her name on that list.
According to WTAtennis.com, "This award is given to a player who showed consistent professional conduct and willingness to promote women’s tennis to fans, media, and local communities by taking part in off-court promotional and charitable activities."
Pegula, who is serving as a Top 20 representative in the Wta Players Council, is one of the most respected players on tour not just because of her consistency in match results but being an advocate of women's tennis and leveraging on her status as Top 10 player and her social media platform.
The Aces Award was incepted in 1995 in memory of former Wta CEO Jerry Diamond and has been won by the likes of Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina, and, most recently, Maria Sakkari. World No. 5 Pegula has now etched her name on that list.
According to WTAtennis.com, "This award is given to a player who showed consistent professional conduct and willingness to promote women’s tennis to fans, media, and local communities by taking part in off-court promotional and charitable activities."
Pegula, who is serving as a Top 20 representative in the Wta Players Council, is one of the most respected players on tour not just because of her consistency in match results but being an advocate of women's tennis and leveraging on her status as Top 10 player and her social media platform.
- 12/12/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Elina Svitolina won the 2023 Wta Comeback Player of the Year award thanks to her jaw-dropping ascent into the world's Top 25 after an extended maternity break.
The Ukrainian star's second coming to tennis was the stuff of dreams. Svitolina was unranked when she returned to the tour in April 2023. However, she finished the season as one of the Wta's standout performers thanks to her newfound confidence and drawing inspiration from her war-torn homeland.
Svitolina played her last Wta match before taking a leave of absence at the end of March 2022. She announced that she was pregnant with her first child. At the same time, Ukraine was embroiled in an escalating war following Russia's invasion. Tennis was far away from Svitolina's mind.
Svitolina and her husband, Gael Monfils, became parents for the first time in October 2022. She gave birth to a healthy baby daughter named Skai Monfils. It didn't take long...
The Ukrainian star's second coming to tennis was the stuff of dreams. Svitolina was unranked when she returned to the tour in April 2023. However, she finished the season as one of the Wta's standout performers thanks to her newfound confidence and drawing inspiration from her war-torn homeland.
Svitolina played her last Wta match before taking a leave of absence at the end of March 2022. She announced that she was pregnant with her first child. At the same time, Ukraine was embroiled in an escalating war following Russia's invasion. Tennis was far away from Svitolina's mind.
Svitolina and her husband, Gael Monfils, became parents for the first time in October 2022. She gave birth to a healthy baby daughter named Skai Monfils. It didn't take long...
- 12/12/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Amanda Anisimova has been granted a wild card to play at the 2024 Asb Classic in Auckland, marking her first official Wta tournament in eight months.
Anismova, 22, took an indefinite break from tennis in April 2023, following four straight defeats culminating with a first-round exit at the Madrid Open. Defeat to Arantxa Rus in the Spanish capital effectively ended her season, and she did not give details of her return date.
The young American cited concerns about her mental health and struggles with burnout. In her shocking announcement last season, the 22-year-old explained that being at tennis tournaments had become "unbearable" and that she would prioritize her mental well-being.
Anisimova's career at the top level has been bittersweet. The former US Open junior champion scored some impressive wins in her teenage years and was one of the brightest young prospects on tour when she broke the Wta's Top 100 after turning 17.
But the loss of her father,...
Anismova, 22, took an indefinite break from tennis in April 2023, following four straight defeats culminating with a first-round exit at the Madrid Open. Defeat to Arantxa Rus in the Spanish capital effectively ended her season, and she did not give details of her return date.
The young American cited concerns about her mental health and struggles with burnout. In her shocking announcement last season, the 22-year-old explained that being at tennis tournaments had become "unbearable" and that she would prioritize her mental well-being.
Anisimova's career at the top level has been bittersweet. The former US Open junior champion scored some impressive wins in her teenage years and was one of the brightest young prospects on tour when she broke the Wta's Top 100 after turning 17.
But the loss of her father,...
- 12/8/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Tennis returns to New Zealand in the opening week of the 2024 Wta season as the Asb Classic pools together one of the most competitive fields for a 250 tournament.
The Asb Classic is played on outdoor hard courts at the Asb Tennis Centre - one of the country's oldest tennis facilities - and will serve as a preliminary tournament for the stars of the women's tour before they head to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
A 32-player singles field will fly to Auckland, with main draw action set to begin on New Year's Day and running till January 7, 2024. The attention in the first week of the tennis calendar will be diverted to more prestigious events like the United Cup and Brisbane.
However, there is no shortage of star presence in the field in Auckland, judging by the entry list released by the tournament. The reigning champion, Coco Gauff, is returning to...
The Asb Classic is played on outdoor hard courts at the Asb Tennis Centre - one of the country's oldest tennis facilities - and will serve as a preliminary tournament for the stars of the women's tour before they head to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
A 32-player singles field will fly to Auckland, with main draw action set to begin on New Year's Day and running till January 7, 2024. The attention in the first week of the tennis calendar will be diverted to more prestigious events like the United Cup and Brisbane.
However, there is no shortage of star presence in the field in Auckland, judging by the entry list released by the tournament. The reigning champion, Coco Gauff, is returning to...
- 12/7/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Elina Svitolina endured a pretty tough 2022 year with the war back home in Ukraine and her pregnancy, but she came out on top with a spectacular 2023 season.
Svitolina skipped much of last year's season due to her pregnancy, but it was also a very challenging time with the situation back home. She remained quite active in support of her country, working with many organizations to raise funds for people in Ukraine.
When she returned to the courts this year, Svitolina played with a lot of passion. She became just one of many mothers who impressed many with their level upon returning, but more than that, she was playing for people back home.
Even now, ahead of 2024, Svitolina considers herself on a mission. In a talk with Forbes, she talked about playing for people back home.
I feel like I have a mission right now in so many different ways. A...
Svitolina skipped much of last year's season due to her pregnancy, but it was also a very challenging time with the situation back home. She remained quite active in support of her country, working with many organizations to raise funds for people in Ukraine.
When she returned to the courts this year, Svitolina played with a lot of passion. She became just one of many mothers who impressed many with their level upon returning, but more than that, she was playing for people back home.
Even now, ahead of 2024, Svitolina considers herself on a mission. In a talk with Forbes, she talked about playing for people back home.
I feel like I have a mission right now in so many different ways. A...
- 12/7/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Iga Swiatek broke new ground last season when she became the first woman to triumph at every level on the Wta tour in precisely a decade.
The consistent Pole won six singles titles - the most of any woman in 2023 - but that is not where the records end. She replicated a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in 2013, winning at least one tournament in every category - 250, 500, 1000, Wta Finals, and Grand Slam.
She was slow off the blocks at the start of the season but finished with a sprint, passing Aryna Sabalenka in the year-end race for the No. 1 ranking and winning the two big titles in the final weeks. Of her six titles this season, one was at a 250 level in her home city of Warsaw.
It was the first title win in her home country after a very tough loss to Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon. At the 500 level,...
The consistent Pole won six singles titles - the most of any woman in 2023 - but that is not where the records end. She replicated a feat last achieved by Serena Williams in 2013, winning at least one tournament in every category - 250, 500, 1000, Wta Finals, and Grand Slam.
She was slow off the blocks at the start of the season but finished with a sprint, passing Aryna Sabalenka in the year-end race for the No. 1 ranking and winning the two big titles in the final weeks. Of her six titles this season, one was at a 250 level in her home city of Warsaw.
It was the first title win in her home country after a very tough loss to Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon. At the 500 level,...
- 12/5/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Angelique Kerber is returning to tennis in 2024 and the German will make an appearance at the Hamburg Open, not far from where she grew up.
Kerber was a tremendous tennis player at her peak, and while her peak is long gone, she hopes to demonstrate that she's still capable upon her return. She hasn't played for over a year due to her pregnancy but is hopeful to emulate what her compatriot Tatjana Maria did as a mother.
We've seen a couple of tennis players do some great things as mothers, including Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina who both had successful returns to the sport. The comeback will happen soon in Australia, and we'll see how things go.
There is a lot of buzz about her coming back because early reports indicate she's been looking very good in practice. One of the events she'll play on her comeback is the Hambrug...
Kerber was a tremendous tennis player at her peak, and while her peak is long gone, she hopes to demonstrate that she's still capable upon her return. She hasn't played for over a year due to her pregnancy but is hopeful to emulate what her compatriot Tatjana Maria did as a mother.
We've seen a couple of tennis players do some great things as mothers, including Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina who both had successful returns to the sport. The comeback will happen soon in Australia, and we'll see how things go.
There is a lot of buzz about her coming back because early reports indicate she's been looking very good in practice. One of the events she'll play on her comeback is the Hambrug...
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Naomi Osaka returns to tennis in about a month, and former Wta player Pam Shriver wants her to take some cues from the likes of Serena Williams.
Using Serena Williams as a role model is nothing new for Osaka, who grew up idolizing the legendary player. She's not the only one, as Williams was a role model for many tennis players.
When you achieve some of the things she did in her career, then she's a pretty good role model to have. Williams obviously has experience playing as a mother as well, something the Japanese player will soon get to experience.
Serena gave birth, and she came back and played well. That's what Osaka is staring at, though her circumstances are a bit different. She's quite young, which obviously matters as it should allow her to get back into playing shape a bit quicker.
The blueprint of how to do...
Using Serena Williams as a role model is nothing new for Osaka, who grew up idolizing the legendary player. She's not the only one, as Williams was a role model for many tennis players.
When you achieve some of the things she did in her career, then she's a pretty good role model to have. Williams obviously has experience playing as a mother as well, something the Japanese player will soon get to experience.
Serena gave birth, and she came back and played well. That's what Osaka is staring at, though her circumstances are a bit different. She's quite young, which obviously matters as it should allow her to get back into playing shape a bit quicker.
The blueprint of how to do...
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Angelique Kerber is returning to tennis in January, and Boris Becker is excited to see whether Kerber can do some damage.
Angelique Kerber was a fantastic tennis player at her peak. She was the last German number one on the Wta Tour, which Becker mentioned in his talk with Eurosport.
The former legendary player is excited to see what damage she can do after her return. The absence was due to a pregnancy, of course, a pregnancy that went well.
Soon after giving birth, Kerber returned to practice, wanting to prove herself again. While not the youngest anymore, she's certain that she has what it takes to emulate some of the things other mothers like Elina Svitolina and compatriot Tatjana Maria were able to do.
Boris Becker is excited to see it, but he understands that it won't be easy. It will take some time to get into the swing of things fully,...
Angelique Kerber was a fantastic tennis player at her peak. She was the last German number one on the Wta Tour, which Becker mentioned in his talk with Eurosport.
The former legendary player is excited to see what damage she can do after her return. The absence was due to a pregnancy, of course, a pregnancy that went well.
Soon after giving birth, Kerber returned to practice, wanting to prove herself again. While not the youngest anymore, she's certain that she has what it takes to emulate some of the things other mothers like Elina Svitolina and compatriot Tatjana Maria were able to do.
Boris Becker is excited to see it, but he understands that it won't be easy. It will take some time to get into the swing of things fully,...
- 11/26/2023
- Tennis Infinity
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek was among a handful of Top 100 players who did not play doubles in Wta competitions for a full calendar year this season.
In fact, the Polish star hasn't featured in Wta doubles since 2021 when she partnered five-time Grand Slams doubles champion Bethanie Mattek-Sands in Indian Wells which was held in October due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier that same season, Swiatek reached the Roland Garros doubles final together with the American where they would lose to Czech pair Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. The 22-year-old has elected to focus on her singles career since the start of 2022.
And that decision has bore fruits for Swiatek who became World No. 1 for the first time in April and has reigned for more than 75 weeks. It is worth noting that Swiatek played mixed doubles with Hubert Hurkacz at the inaugural United Cup, but not doubles at Wta-level tournaments.
Other...
In fact, the Polish star hasn't featured in Wta doubles since 2021 when she partnered five-time Grand Slams doubles champion Bethanie Mattek-Sands in Indian Wells which was held in October due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier that same season, Swiatek reached the Roland Garros doubles final together with the American where they would lose to Czech pair Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova. The 22-year-old has elected to focus on her singles career since the start of 2022.
And that decision has bore fruits for Swiatek who became World No. 1 for the first time in April and has reigned for more than 75 weeks. It is worth noting that Swiatek played mixed doubles with Hubert Hurkacz at the inaugural United Cup, but not doubles at Wta-level tournaments.
Other...
- 11/25/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Marketa Vondrousova and Elina Svitolina are the biggest favorites to win the prestigious Wta Comeback Player of the Year award after the list of nominees was released.
As the Wta Tour rests after 11 months of intense competition, it's time to hand out the post-season accolades. The Wta does a good job of honoring some of the players in its customary annual awards in five categories.
One of those is the Wta Comeback Player of the Year award which recognizes the forgotten women on tour who enjoyed a resurgence this season. The five-woman shortlist has been determined and it is led by Vondrousova.
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the 24-year-old Czech had just won a W100 title in Shrewsbury. It was her breakthrough comeback tournament after a torrid year was hindered by a wrist injury.
Nobody doubted her talent, but could Vondrousova stay fit for a whole season?...
As the Wta Tour rests after 11 months of intense competition, it's time to hand out the post-season accolades. The Wta does a good job of honoring some of the players in its customary annual awards in five categories.
One of those is the Wta Comeback Player of the Year award which recognizes the forgotten women on tour who enjoyed a resurgence this season. The five-woman shortlist has been determined and it is led by Vondrousova.
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the 24-year-old Czech had just won a W100 title in Shrewsbury. It was her breakthrough comeback tournament after a torrid year was hindered by a wrist injury.
Nobody doubted her talent, but could Vondrousova stay fit for a whole season?...
- 11/21/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Husband and wife Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina will both play at the Asb Classic in Auckland, where they'll kick off their 2024 season.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils had exciting 2023 campaigns. On the one hand, Svitolina was amazing, making some incredible runs and earning the respect of the whole tennis community by doing that. Monfils didn't play as well but hit some solid peaks at different times of the year.
There are a couple of things important for him to do in 2024, one of which is the Olympics, so the start of the season will be crucial for him. He'll begin in Auckland together with his wife, as they both signed up for it.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin confirmed it and spoke about Monfils particularly, whom he knows really well.
He knew he could still play at that level, but the big difference was to show it on court. He...
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils had exciting 2023 campaigns. On the one hand, Svitolina was amazing, making some incredible runs and earning the respect of the whole tennis community by doing that. Monfils didn't play as well but hit some solid peaks at different times of the year.
There are a couple of things important for him to do in 2024, one of which is the Olympics, so the start of the season will be crucial for him. He'll begin in Auckland together with his wife, as they both signed up for it.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin confirmed it and spoke about Monfils particularly, whom he knows really well.
He knew he could still play at that level, but the big difference was to show it on court. He...
- 11/16/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Elina Svitolina returned to her war-torn homeland for the first time in nearly a year to fulfill some very important appointments.
The 29-year-old made the gravely disturbing trip to Ukraine via train from Poland. Her first stop was in Odesa to celebrate her grandmother's 85th birthday. Then she visited the city of Iprin, one of the most heavily bombed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began last year.
There, she saw the restoration project currently taking place which involved the reconstruction of the buildings that were destroyed during the war thanks to United24, the official Ukrainian government-run charity, which has raised over $325 million since the creation of the initiative.
Svitolina who has served as the ambassador for the fundraising platform has used her voice to pool donations from the tennis world. In a recent interview with Ukrainian outlet Tribuna, she revealed that Atp star Stefanos Tsitsipas contributed to her own...
The 29-year-old made the gravely disturbing trip to Ukraine via train from Poland. Her first stop was in Odesa to celebrate her grandmother's 85th birthday. Then she visited the city of Iprin, one of the most heavily bombed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began last year.
There, she saw the restoration project currently taking place which involved the reconstruction of the buildings that were destroyed during the war thanks to United24, the official Ukrainian government-run charity, which has raised over $325 million since the creation of the initiative.
Svitolina who has served as the ambassador for the fundraising platform has used her voice to pool donations from the tennis world. In a recent interview with Ukrainian outlet Tribuna, she revealed that Atp star Stefanos Tsitsipas contributed to her own...
- 11/14/2023
- Tennis Infinity
After 11 months of entertainment and intense competition, the 2023 Wta season came to an end this past week.
Iga Swiatek played second fiddle in the Wta Live Race in 43 of 44 weeks but sprinted to the finish line in the final lap ahead of Aryna Sabalenka who can count herself unfortunate not to hold onto the No. 1 ranking. Going to the Wta Finals, just 630 points separated the world's top two.
The math was very simple. If Swiatek defeated Sabalenka and won the Wta Finals she would reclaim the No. 1 ranking that she momentarily lost after the US Open. The Pole did just that, beating Sabalenka in a one-off semifinal in Cancun and demolishing Jessica Pegula in the title match.
Swiatek pipped Sabalenka to the top spot by just 245 points. The Belarusian will have to do it all over again in Australia at the start of next year where she will defend 2,500 points in January.
Iga Swiatek played second fiddle in the Wta Live Race in 43 of 44 weeks but sprinted to the finish line in the final lap ahead of Aryna Sabalenka who can count herself unfortunate not to hold onto the No. 1 ranking. Going to the Wta Finals, just 630 points separated the world's top two.
The math was very simple. If Swiatek defeated Sabalenka and won the Wta Finals she would reclaim the No. 1 ranking that she momentarily lost after the US Open. The Pole did just that, beating Sabalenka in a one-off semifinal in Cancun and demolishing Jessica Pegula in the title match.
Swiatek pipped Sabalenka to the top spot by just 245 points. The Belarusian will have to do it all over again in Australia at the start of next year where she will defend 2,500 points in January.
- 11/13/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Elina Svitolina is back in her native Ukraine and was in awe of the massive restoration project that is currently taking place in the city of Irpin.
During the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Irpin was a battlefield site against Russian forces. The city of about 65,000 inhabitants was damaged by 70-75%, according to official estimates. But a year on, workers have played their part in restoring some of the city's buildings.
Thanks to United24, the official Ukrainian government-run charity, it has raised £15.8m since May 2022 from more than 100 countries worldwide. Some of these donations have significantly helped to build 18 apartment buildings that were destroyed by the war last year.
It is estimated that over 4,000 Ukrainians will be able to return to their homes. Ukrainian tennis icon Svitolina served as the ambassador for United24 last year and has taken part in many fundraising projects using her own platform and her tennis skills to fight the unceasing conflict.
During the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Irpin was a battlefield site against Russian forces. The city of about 65,000 inhabitants was damaged by 70-75%, according to official estimates. But a year on, workers have played their part in restoring some of the city's buildings.
Thanks to United24, the official Ukrainian government-run charity, it has raised £15.8m since May 2022 from more than 100 countries worldwide. Some of these donations have significantly helped to build 18 apartment buildings that were destroyed by the war last year.
It is estimated that over 4,000 Ukrainians will be able to return to their homes. Ukrainian tennis icon Svitolina served as the ambassador for United24 last year and has taken part in many fundraising projects using her own platform and her tennis skills to fight the unceasing conflict.
- 11/9/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Iga Swiatek won this year's Wta Finals and truncated Coco Gauff's huge lead in the Olympics Race.
The Polish star reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking after besting the eight-woman field in Cancun, Mexico, to win the prestigious season-ending championships for the first time. Swiatek walked away with the full 1,500 points on offer for going undefeated during the week.
Her dominant title win was historic for a number of reasons. At 22, she became the youngest Wta Finals champion in 12 years and broke Serena Williams' decade-long record of dropping the fewest games to win the title by some margin (only lost 20 games).
Among the impressive feats she conjured in Cancun, Swiatek's performance in the final match was simply breathtaking. She completed a rout over World No. 5 Jessica Pegula, in the most one-sided championship match in Wta Finals history.
As such, she accrued 1,500 points and took her tally in the Olympics Race...
The Polish star reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking after besting the eight-woman field in Cancun, Mexico, to win the prestigious season-ending championships for the first time. Swiatek walked away with the full 1,500 points on offer for going undefeated during the week.
Her dominant title win was historic for a number of reasons. At 22, she became the youngest Wta Finals champion in 12 years and broke Serena Williams' decade-long record of dropping the fewest games to win the title by some margin (only lost 20 games).
Among the impressive feats she conjured in Cancun, Swiatek's performance in the final match was simply breathtaking. She completed a rout over World No. 5 Jessica Pegula, in the most one-sided championship match in Wta Finals history.
As such, she accrued 1,500 points and took her tally in the Olympics Race...
- 11/9/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka exited the Wta Finals in the semifinal stage, but she did not walk away empty-handed.
The Belarusian star left the Mexican resort city of Cancun having earned $648,000, taking her career prize money past the $20 million mark. Sabalenka becomes just the fifth Wta player under the age of 30 to hit this milestone.
Sabalenka's career earnings now stand at $20,377,563 joining Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, Ashleigh Barty, and Iga Swiatek in that club. The 25-year-old is also the 24th player overall to achieve this figure in the all-time prize money leaderboard.
Sabalenka has surpassed Sam Stosur into the 23rd spot in the list after tallying two wins in the round-robin stage of the Wta Finals. Her campaign in Cancun was ended by Poland's Iga Swiatek, who also knocked her off Sabalenka from top spot in the rankings.
Despite her short-lived reign as World No. 1 (accounting for just eight weeks), the woman...
The Belarusian star left the Mexican resort city of Cancun having earned $648,000, taking her career prize money past the $20 million mark. Sabalenka becomes just the fifth Wta player under the age of 30 to hit this milestone.
Sabalenka's career earnings now stand at $20,377,563 joining Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, Ashleigh Barty, and Iga Swiatek in that club. The 25-year-old is also the 24th player overall to achieve this figure in the all-time prize money leaderboard.
Sabalenka has surpassed Sam Stosur into the 23rd spot in the list after tallying two wins in the round-robin stage of the Wta Finals. Her campaign in Cancun was ended by Poland's Iga Swiatek, who also knocked her off Sabalenka from top spot in the rankings.
Despite her short-lived reign as World No. 1 (accounting for just eight weeks), the woman...
- 11/8/2023
- Tennis Infinity
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