#belinda bencic had two match points

[horriblehistorieschild]

IGA YOU'RE A TRUE CHAMPION!!!!

[queen-of-reptiles]

𝙰𝙲𝙴

description: in which Deyna Castellanos is spotted at readers first tennis match back from injury while Alex Greenwood is there to support her best friend, and there seems to be something more than friendship in mind

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deyna castellanos x female reader

this is fiction - i am not saying Deyna’s sexuality is part of the LGBTQ+ this is all fiction! x

COVID NEVER EXISTED IN THIS AU

warnings: flufffffff and mentions of previous injuries

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y/n just posted

liked by alexgreenwood5, cocogauff and 1, 210, 398 others

y/n see you soon? #USopen22 🎾

view 13, 092 comments

username1: QUEEN OF THE COURT IS BACK ❤️❤️

cocogauff: babe wake up - y/n's just announced her return to tennis

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y/n: xoxo

alexgreenwood5: SO PROUD of you ! 🩷

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y/n: couldn't have done it without ya chicky! 🩷

keirawalsh: so excited for you!! 🤍🤍

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y/n: Thank you Kei! 🤍🤍

username2: Why is the man city women's team here?

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username3: Alex and y/n have been best friends since childhood - so the team must see her a lot!

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username2: thank you!

alexgreenwood5: @deynacastellanos ...

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deynacastellanos: shhhhhh

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username4: omg ?? Does Deyna have a crush on her???

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username5: HAHAHAHAHAH Alex

anydmurray: knock em dead kiddo!

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y/n: 🥺😘

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username6: their relationship !

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twitter/X

username1: ALEX, DEYNA AND LAUREN ARE ALL AT THE US OPEN! AWWWWW

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username2: UPDATE CHLOE KELLY, KEIRA WALSH and LUCY BRONZE HAVE ALL ARRIVED TOO 🥹🥹

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username3: have they got time off or something????

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username4: yeah they have some time off before going back to clubs in September!

username5: IF ANYONE IS WATCHING THE US OPEN - they just showed a video of all the players warming up and y/n waved at Alex and her friends and DEYNA FUCKIN BLUSHED

username6: y/n is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT Deyna's celeb crush! 🤭🤭

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y/n breathed in deeply, her hand gripping her racket tightly as she watched Caroline Garcia move slightly, one more point. One more point was all that was needed to end this three and a half hour match.

y/n hadn't been playing to her full ability her mind still slightly on her recently healed Achilles. It had been spotted by the commentators, and when she inevitably re-watched her matched later, she would cringe at their pity of her recent injury.

She had never watched the video of her going down, she couldn't. At the peak of her career, 2020 Tokyo, one last hurdle for her Gold medal.

She'd won Wimbledon this year, she'd conquered the singles and doubles in the US and French opens and she and Andy had finally taken the doubles in Australia.

Then it happened, she stretched and she could feel the snap of her Achilles tendon, her body crashing to the floor as the crowd all shouted in fear.

The cry of pain she let out, caused her best friend Alex to jump from the crowd, still in her GB uniform from playing and bounce onto court, ignoring the shouts of the guards.

Belinda Bencic was with her too, having rushed to her competitor the second she went down, y/n's body shaking with pain-filled sobs as the medics tried to decipher the source of her pain, finally realising she was holding her ankle.

It took two months for her operation, the rupture being so bad, yet the back up in the hospitals caused a wait time.

It took another twelve months for her body to heal, and then another six to get her fitness back up, at every stretch, ever jump, y/n expected to feel it again, the pain, the snap.

But it never came, and now here she was, one final serve and she would be through, back to the final of the US Open like she deserved to be, needed to be.

y/n breathed in, looking left slightly, her eyes meeting the kind ones of Deyna Castellanos, Alex's teammate and friend, and she smiled, before throwing the ball in the air and bringing her racket down harshly.

"Ace."

She heard the call before she acknowledged it's meaning, standing their confused as to why Caroline wasn't moving, then the woman who she had battled many times now grinned.

She leapt over the net and wrapped the still paused girl in a tight hug, the crowd bursting into cheers and applause.

"Oh my god!" y/n let out, finally realising what the call meant, and Caroline laughed again as she clung to her.

"You deserve this, petit combattant. You deserve this." Caroline promised as they pulled away.

y/n let out a tearful thank you as Caroline walked toward her coach, the man hugging her in sympathy, y/n turned to Alex and the crowd which were screaming for her.

She let out a cry of joy, tears slipping down her red cheeks as she fell to her knees in relief, the photo becoming one that would be used for weeks to come, showing the joy and love of tennis.

A body collided with hers, long nails scratching at her shoulders as Alex pulled her best friend tighter.

"Ace!" Alex grinned into her.

"Ace indeed!" y/n laughed as she stood up, keeping a tight grip on the closest woman in her life. The press loving the inter-sport friendship began snapping pictures, as y/n's coach Mark wrapped an arm around both of them and guided them inside.

"y/n!" A voice called and soon enough a familiar strawberry blonde was wrapped around her, the player laughing as she hugged Keira back.

Keira, Lucy, Georgia and y/n had bonded best of the group Alex had introduced her to, and even though y/n was aware of Keira's impending move, it didn't dampen their close friendship.

Georgia was unable to join today, but the brunette had promised her friend she would be there for the final, stating she had no doubt she would make it.

"I'm so proud." Keira murmured into her friend's shoulder. y/n smiled as they pulled away, pressing a kiss to the hair of Keira's head.

"Thanks Kei." y/n smiled, Lucy moving over to hug the girl, the two having become like sisters very quickly.

"Well done, kiddo." Lucy hummed, a tight hug reassuring y/n that this was real, she really had done it.

"Thanks Luce." y/n chimed as they pulled away, Lauren and Chloe wrapping her in a double hug quickly. Alex was grinning madly as she pulled y/n over to the newcomer by her hand.

"This y/n/n, is Deyna, she's the only one you haven't met yet." Alex explains. "She's a big fan, ain't ya lovie?" Alex then asks Deyna whose cheeks flush.

"Alex." The girl whined, a thick Venezuelan accent ingrained in her voice which nearly made y/n's knees weak.

She turned to y/n, a small smile on her face as she tried to remain calm at the girl in front of her. y/n suddenly felt self conscious of her looks.

Her hair greasy with sweat, face sticky with it too, her eyes were probably slightly red from the tears and she had some many fly-aways she could guess she looked like a manic scientist.

"Hola un placer conocerte, eres una delantera, ¿sí?" y/n asks softly.

hello, lovely to meet you, you're a striker, yes?

"¿tú hablas español?" Deyna asks, eyebrows furrowed.

you speak Spanish?

Sí, pero sé que la versión venezolana también tiene un ligero dialecto, así que disculpas si todo esto es muy básico." y/n smiles.

yes, but I know the Venzuelan version has a slight dialect too it, so apologies if this is all very basic.

"No no eres fantástica!" Deyna exclaimed happily.

No, no, you are fantastic!

y/n smiled, her cheeks heating as Chloe gawked at her friend, confused that she didn't know the girl could speak Spanish.

"You speak Spanish?" Chloe asks confused.

"Chloe, I learnt to play tennis in Spain?" y/n questioned back confused.

"Yeah, but I just assumed they all spoke English." The blonde shrugged.

"Maybe that's why you didn't react when they called Ace, too used to it being in Spanish." Lucy teased and y/n laughs mockingly before shoving her.

This action causes the two to begin to fight playfully, acting like siblings as the rest just huff and roll their eyes, used to the twos childish ways.

"Alright, alright stop!" Keira chides, her voice stern as the two part and sheepishly look down.

"Sorry Keira." y/n chuckles as footsteps move to them.

"Well, well, well." A voice says and y/n turns and grins at the player.

"Andy!" She squeaks, running at the man she saw as a father, he'd done more for her than either of her parents had anyway.

"Told ya you would be fine." The man chuckles as he hugs the girl tightly. "21 and the best in the world." He adds kindly and y/n smiles as the pull away.

"Think that's cause I have a pretty awesome mentor." She denies and Andy chuckles, kissing her head before letting her continue with her friends.

"So, tomorrow?" Alex asks and y/n lets out a small breath.

"Tomorrow, one day to show them all I'm back." She nods. The girls all nods supportively as they begin their walk back toward the recording room, where y/n would have to sit through some classic interviews.

"Un día." Deyna hums.

one day

"Un día." y/n agrees.

one day

"Un día para demostrarte que has vuelto. Ellos ya saben que lo eres." Deyna tells her.

one day to show yourself that you're back. They already know you are.

y/n smiles softly at Deyna's words, realising that maybe she was right and she nudges her shoulder slightly in thanks.

"Ya estoy de vuelta." y/n nods. "Ya estoy de vuelta." She repeats stronger.

I'm back.

Deyna nods, believing her as Alex looks back, smiling sneakily at the pair she had hoped would get along well, Lucy sees her look and rolls her eyes, but as she hears y/n laugh at something Deyna had said she shares a knowing look with Keira.

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y/n just posted

liked by deynacastellanos, lucybronze and 1, 239, 776 others

y/n Thank you Caroline, you are an amazing woman and were a fierce competition. Thank you for all the love. I will see you tomorrow.

View all 80, 362 comments...

username1: the raw emotion from you made me SOB 😭

username2: The way she didn't even hear the 'ace' call! 😂

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username3: Looked like she got stuck buffering for a sec!!

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username4: 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♀️ - 'Please reconnect battries.'

alexgreenwood5: Couldn't be prouder!! 😘

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y/n: i love you so much xxx ❤️

keirawalsh: The photo of your shout of joy will now be my phone background 🥹

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y/n: don't cause I'm still crying all the time...🥹

lucybronze: So proud little fighter!!

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y/n: ly!! 🩷

lauren_hemp: Do I understand tennis? No. Do I love watching you win? Yes.

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y/n: love you hempo!

stanwaygeorgia: Gowan girl!

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y/n: see you soon!!! xx

username5: I have never been so glued to my screen ! 😶😶

username6: Caroline's reaction was so kind, so beautiful! 🥺

username7: she deserves this so much omg

username8: I'm going be a mess if she wins!

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This was the longest match of her life. Even during her Wimbledon win, y/n had never been on the court for over four hours, and now they were running over their fifth, nearly at their sixth.

Iga Świątek was younger, fitter, and was not recovering from an injury. She was clever, a fantastic player, but she was not the world number 1.

Neither was y/n, in fact, she had dropped. She was slower, older that Iga, and recovering still, even now, her mentality taking a bigger hit than her ankle.

But today, she needed this win, she had to have it. Iga was younger, fitter, but she wasn't one point from victory. y/n was.

Her chest moved slowly as y/n inhaled deeply, her head tilting up slightly as the crowd waited, holding their breath. y/n's eyes met the soft ones of Deyna once more and a small smile was sent at her.

That soft smile at the lips of the Venezuelan sent small waves of belief down y/n, and she threw the ball in the air. She brought her racket down, watching as the ball flew.

"Ace!"

y/n's hands flew to her head, she heard it this time, she recognised it this time and she sunk to her knees in tears as Iga sunk to her own in sadness.

y/n took a moment, breathing in as the crowd erupted in cheers, she had done something almost impossible. She had beaten an injury everyone thought would be the end of her.

Rising to her feet, y/n moved over to Iga, helping her to her feet as she cupped her face.

"Jesteś tak młoda. Tak utalentowany. Nie pozwól, żeby to miało na ciebie wpływ." y/n spoke softly.

You are so young. So talented. Don't let this affect you.

Iga seemed shocked that the English player spoke Polish, but she smiled thankfully as she wiped her eyes, and hugged the woman in thanks.

"dziękuję, mistrzu." Iga said kindly.

thank you, champion

y/n chuckled, shaking her hand as she walked away, fling her body against Andy who caught her, her body finally letting out the tears she was desperately trying to hold in.

"I did it." She breathed.

"You did it." Andy promises.

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y/n just posted

liked by alexgreenwood5, andymurray, and 1, 598, 333 others

tagged alexgreenwood5

y/n Two little girls, who knew they would be a European Champion and US open winner.

To those little ones.

We did it guys.

Thank you x

view 400, 638 comments

username1: this is so cute 😭😭

username2: I NEED A FRIENDSHIP LIKE THIS

username3: her reaction made me cry so much 😭

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username4: HER RUNNING TO ANDY 😭😭

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username5: AND THEN IN THE POST INTERVIEW SAYING HE’S MORE OF A FATHER THAN HER PARENTS EVER WERE AND HIM WIPING HIS EYES IN TBE BACKGROUND 😭😭

alexgreenwood5: I cannot express how proud I am - you have been through so much, you deserve every second of this win ❤️❤️

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y/n: Cannot ever say how grateful I am to have you in my life Lex, I love you ❤️

deynacastellanos: 🩷🩷

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y/n: 🩷🩷

keirawalsh: SO PROUD 🩷🥺

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y/n: 🩷🩷🩷

lucybronze: Georgia was screaming so loud, and THEN WE JOINED IT YOU DID IT 🖤🖤

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stanwaygeorgia: I’D DO IT AGAIN 🖤

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y/n: 🥹🖤🖤🖤

username6: Her comforting Iga was so lovely and the fact Iga said she spoke Polish and when asked about it, y/n said she learnt a bunch of things the night before so she could communicate in her language 🥹🥹🥹🥹

lauren_hemp: GO ON!!!

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y/n: LOVE YOU!!!!

chloekelly: Go on babe !! So proud <3

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y/n: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING <3

andymurray: Couldn’t be prouder, you are so fantastic!

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y/n: Thank you Andy, for all you’ve done xo

cocogauff: AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

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y/n: AKDJCIAHWNFKCOSN

username7: 🥺🥺🎾

username8: I am so sad Iga lost :(((((

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username9: then why are you here??

username10: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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alexgreenwood5 just posted on her story

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deynacastellanos just posted on her story

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y/n just posted on her story

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y/n just posted on her story

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deynacastellanos just posted on her story

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y/n just posted

liked by, chloekelly, alexgreenwood5, and 989, 230 others

tagged deynacastellanos

y/n maybe stick to the day job lovie xo

view all 50, 382 comments

username1: OMG they are hanging out again AHHHHHH 🥹🥹

username2: this is so cute omg 🤭🤭

username3: do you think they're 'getting to know' each other???

chloekelly: ace! 🎾

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y/n: ace! 🎾

deyancastellanos: I blame my teacher for me not being very good...

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alexgreenwood5: well, if you spend all lesson staring at the teacher you probably won't learn anything 😘

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username4: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

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y/n: @deynacastellanos - how gd dare you, I'm a great teacher 😠

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deynacastellanos: great looking teacher... 😶

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username5: I SAW THAT DEYNA 😭😭

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username6: you ain't slick Deyna 😭😂

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y/n smiled as the comments continued to flood in, her eyes watching the people call out Deyna for her now deleted comment, the said comment having been seen by the blushing y/n.

"They're going crazy." Deyna hums, a small smile on her face.

"Hmm, well they still think you're useless at flirting." y/n chuckles, leaning back to catch the last bit of sun on her face.

"Luckily you know better." Deyna says and y/n hums.

"Well..." She teases, but she begins to laugh as Deyna's hands begin to poke and squeeze at her sides, tickling her into a breathy apology.

In her squirming, neither have seemed to notice y/n has wriggled herself sideways across Deyna's lap and the tanned woman sighs softly, leaning down and pressing a light kiss to y/n's reddening cheek.

"I'm very glad you made that bet with Alex." Deyna hums as she pulls y/n into her chest, switching her to face forward so the tennis player's back was against Deyna's chest.

The football player sunk further into the trunk of the tree she was resting on as y/n's head fell back against her shoulder, enjoying the feeling of Deyna's arms around her.

"Same." y/n laughed, the bet being made on the day of the final in her head.

"you win a set by an ace today, tonight you kiss Deyna." Alex offered her hand outstretched.

"Alex I met her yesterday?" y/n answered confused.

"And? She's been your crush for years, and you're hers!" Alex fights back, a smirk on her face.

"Ace?" y/n asks, as her hand comes up to shake her best friend's.

"Ace." Alex confirms and the two shake hands.

"Yeah, I'm really glad I made that bet." y/n repeats and Deyna laughs as she cranes her head down, her lips pressing into y/n's.

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END

I really got into this one … is it obvious ?? 😂😂

apologies if the Spanish and Polish was off it was ALL google translate xoxoxoxox

requests are open and I am super grateful to all the love for these xo

-

Queenie xx

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[stateofsport211]

📸 WTA via Women Tennis TV

The last fortnight of WTA 125s in 2024 featured a mother-off in the Angers 125 finals, where third seed Alycia Parks, who steadily regained her form back as she marked her virtual Top 100 return by defeating Mona Barthel 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 in a rather chaotic semifinal match, and wild card Belinda Bencic, former World No. 4 who came back from giving birth to her daughter back in April, and also defeated Dominika Salkova 6-1, 6-2 in a flawless performance. This match kept on giving in the most exciting way possible, but their physicality and anticipation turned out to play a significant role toward the end of the match.

Alycia started the match with an ace, firing another one to generate her initial game point, only for it to be foiled due to a double fault and a forehand error midway. Another double fault did the same before Belinda's working pass created an earlier break point, but the American third seed's third double fault of the game caused the latter's early break of serve to 1-0. The Swiss wild card then consolidated her lead with a service game hold to 2-0, followed by Alycia putting herself on the board (2-1).

Several games later, Alycia had several break points made due to Belinda's +1 forehand error and a double fault, but the latter saved both of them before another error created her break point, but the third seed's forehand pass made it her sixth break point of the game. Despite those, Belinda held her serves to 4-2, and she even started the ninth game with a fourth-shot forehand winner, but Alycia still held her serves to 5-4.

As a result, Belinda had the chance to serve for the first set in the tenth game. Interestingly, the American third seed's forehand winner kicked off the proceedings there, followed by another forehand let cord moment to secure her 2-point lead, but a +1 error generated Alycia's break point before it was converted to 5-5. It took two straight service game holds before the tie-breaker became inevitable, where Belinda's double fault right after Alycia's ace set up the latter's initial mini-break (2-0) only for it to be neutralized due to her backhand error.

The most crucial moment in the tie-breaker came from Alycia's forehand winner to 4-2, followed by 2 straight aces 2 points later not only to set up her consolidation but also her set point to 6-3. After Belinda's serve+1 neutralized the earliest set point to 6-4, Alycia's forehand return winner secured the first set to 7-6(4) to put herself ahead in this match.

[skillstopallmedia]

Sakkari, Pegula and Bencic pass

In two straight sets, Maria Sakkari qualified for the quarter-finals of the WTA 1000 tournament at the expense of Ekaterina Alexandrova. Jessica Pegula, seeded number 2, saved two match points before eliminating Jelena Ostapenko when Belinda Bencic dominated Victoria Azarenka. Maria Sakkari has found her cruising speed. After a difficult start against Qinwen Zheng, the seeded number 5 had much…

[mytennisdiary]

US Open 2021 - Day 10

Bencic vs Raducanu

Nervy start from Emma, not moving her feet, making a lot of errors. Did start serving a bit better in the 3rd game, but Bencic’s return looks like it’s going to put a lot of pressure on her 2nd serve. Bencic making more errors now and not serving well, a double fault and a lot of missed first serves let Raducanu break back, 3-3. Emma painting some lines and coming up with some strong 2nd serves, Bencic a bit frustrated, 4-3. Raducanu is now winning the long rallies, finding the forehand down the line, benefited from a short ball that bencic couldn’t quite get up to in time to hit effectively and had an easy pass to break, 5-3. Emma is serving well now and getting short replies which she’s attacking, she’s stopped making any errors. Takes the first set 6-3. Belinda is not looking super confident, not making enough first serves. Another point where she stayed at home in the backhand corner and was able to get a passing shot. Again though, just like yesterday, the teenager just gets to every ball and doesn’t miss. Emma gets out of a 15-40, bencic just not getting enough on her returns to stop her from getting on offense. Bencic finally making some first serves, maybe the sun not bothering her as much now. No first serves this game and Bencic’s limited movement, combined with her inability to come into net, is really hurting her, making it harder to win points, double faults to give Emma the break in the 2nd. Bencic was on the brink, down 30-40 at 2-3 after a double fault, totally losing her composure, making a bunch of errors, she finally came up with some points where she was able to get into the net. Needs to continue to use power through the center of the court rather than trying to run her sideline to sideline. Had 0-30 after a good return and a double fault, then she made 4 straight errors and gave the game away. Another example of a 40-30 serve game for Emma that she escapes without a deuce. Clutch service game down 15-30 to force Emma to serve it out. Again, 0-30, let her back into the service game with a missed return and then a terrible short one, then Emma hit a great serve and Bencic was too nervy to dictate on match point. The Raducanu wide serve is such a weapon. Now, she’s become the youngest ever men or women to reach the semis as a qualifier.

Zverev vs Harris

Both guys serving very well to start the first set, only real opportunity was at 2-3 when Zverev had a couple of chances at 15-40, Harris found a nice inside out forehand and followed it into the net. Harris gets the break at 3-4 with an awesome return winner, running around the backhand nicely, can hit the inside forehand in either direction, but likes to use the inside in forehand to set up a second one inside out or down the line. Lloyd tried to serve it out, but made a couple early errors including a double fault, then Zverev locked in and played some long points to get the break back. Harris came up with an awesome cross-court backhand pass to prevent himself from going down 0-30 and stop the bleeding, 6-5. Zverev serving 80% plus, but Harris doing a good job of getting the first serve returns back in play. Zverev did some agro early in the breaker about not liking what they were showing on the big screen, but then he did it again at 6-5 when Harris was serving for the set, it caused a big delay, Harris missed his next 2 first serves, and a couple mishits later Zverev had the set. That was some real nonsense from Zverev, really, really lame. Little bit of levity, Harris threw his water bottle in frustration after losing the tiebreak and it got all over the court. Both players, the ball kids, and the chair were all down there with towels cleaning it up. Zverev hit some great returns and played some well constructed points before Harris threw in a poor drop shot to give away the break, 2-0. Zverev looks to be feeling something in his back. Zverev looks in total control right now, hitting massive groundstrokes. James Blake and Darren think that the advances in string technology have been the biggest change in tennis in the last 20 years and particularly have allowed for so many players who hit big down the line to be so dominant, says it was too risky with the older strings. Both players are vulnerable on the 2nd serve, particularly Harris, but Zverev too. Serving for the 2nd set, Zverev, who was making 78% of his first serves, missed 5 straight first serves. He made errors on the first 2 points, but then Harris made some inexplicably bad errors on the next 3, letting Zverev get a first serve in and take the set. Harris was barely making errors and now they’re coming thick and fast, 0-40, and the break. Zverev is totally rolling now and Harris has lost it, looking like a potential bagel set. Harris was down 0-4 0-30 on serve and now has found his forehand again, looks like he’s abut to get it back to 4-3. Zverev came up with some clutch serving to hold at 4-3, Harris really applying pressure, awesome forehands. Zverev got really negative body language wise in the middle of the set for no reason and it helped Lloyd.

Pliskova vs Sakkari

Sakkari off to a strong start, putting pressure on Pliskova with deep returns and hard hitting through the middle of the court, producing errors and short balls, gets the break, 1-2. Pliskova gets back on track a bit, but the 1st serve percentage is below 50%. Sakkari is standing a bit back to return the serve, seems to be effective since she’s making good returns and putting pressure on Karolina to go for more, 2-3. Sakkari is playing aggressive without making errors, Pliskova has more errors than winners, but she battled back from 15-30 down on her serve to force Sakkari to try to serve out the set. Sakkari’s crosscourt backhand looks beautiful, while it’s been Pliskova’s backhand that’s been error prone. Sakkari has now won 20 straight points on serve, including 3 more backhand errors from Pliskova, to close out the set. Big game for Pliskova to start the 2nd set, save two break points which Sakkari made errors on and then a dramatic point where she got to a drop shot and won the point after Sakari failed to do enough with a short pass. The streak ends at 22 straight service points. Pliskova is just not getting any returns in play, she did back up at one point, but she needs to do more to just get balls in play. At 3-3, Pliskova was able to save a break point but on the 2nd she hit a short forehand into the net. The way Sakkari’s service games are going, turning this match around seems like a epic undertaking. Incredible play from Sakkari, it does feel like it would be very different against a player who doesn’t need to look to end the point so early. But, it’s impressive that after showing some nerves and failing to convert 2 match points, including one where she went for a drop shot really early in the point, that she pulled through, won a long rally, and then hit an awesome down the line backhand winner. 6-4 6-4

Djokovic vs Berrettini

Nervy first game for Novak, couple of double faults and some forehand errors, Mateo had a break point but made a few sloppy errors himself. Pretty much every service game for both players has been complicated. Berrettini just isn’t handling the 2nd serve return as well as he could be and he’s not able to produce enough when Djokovic makes him hit a forehand on the run. However, he’s serving an excellent percentage, hitting deep, and moving into the court effectively. Extremely long, 20 point game on Berrettini’s serve at 2-3, saved 2 break points with massive serving. Berrettini had an excellent opportunity for a break point and tugged the short forehand wide. 40% first serves unreturned for Berrettini so far. Berrettini just can’t do any damage with the 2 handed backhand and Novak is starting to effectively attack it, a little sloppy with the slice too. Novak played a few poor 2nd serve returns in a game where Mateo missed a lot of 1st serves, now 5-5. Beautiful 2 hander mateo got on the line, jammed Novka, and then came up with an awesome running forehand pass cross court to break, 6-5. Berrettini got up 40-0, really handling the on the run forehand much better, Novak hit a great return and then Berrettini made a couple of errors, but then he recovered with a huge ace and then Novak threw in another forehand error to lose the set. Fairly comfortably holds for Djokovic to start the set, slight let down in intensity, but no break chances for either yet. Novak through in a drop shot for the first time, see if he can wear Berrettini down. Berrettini lost some early points with some unsuccessful approaches, then Berrettini missed a pass and Novak came up with an incredible backhand return on a 131 serve to get the break and then served really well to back it up at love. Berrettini’s first serve percentage has really dropped off, as has his intensity, throwing in errors and might be looking at a quick set. Big game from a mental standpoint, down 1-4, Berrettini got out of a 0-40 hole and then saved 2 more, but Novak is really making him work hard, 10 min game. Novak is really serving well tho, not as many returns in play as last set. Djokovic has just dug in, barely missing, and Berrettini isn’t having the same kind of success in rallies he did in the 1st, Novak breaks at 5-2 to get the set. Novak’s level has just gone through the roof, he’s getting so many more returns in play, hitting with incredible depth, moving unbelievably, and Berrettini looks totally deflated, making errors everywhere. Gets the break to start the 3rd. They’re closing the roof in anticipation of rain, playing while closing the roof. I think probably the most important thing that the commentators aren’t even mentioning at all is how good Novak’s serve has become since the beginning of the 2nd. Berrettini can’t get into these games at all compared to the 1st when he was in almost every one. Djokovic is winning almost 70% of his 2nd serve points, it’s so deflating for Mateo. Djokovic hit a few groundstrokes in the last game that are harder than anything he’s hit in the match so far, Mateo had to come up with so many big serves, including 4 aces, to get out of the game alive, 4-2. Berrettini finally got into a game on Novak’s serve, he got returns in play deep enough and didn’t make errors and Novak’s level slipped just a little bit with a sloppy error, but Berrettini’s slice backhand let him down on breakpoint and then again on game point when he couldn’t keep it deep and low enough to keep Novak at bay. Djokovic just picking on the backhand now, 5-2. Novak immediately turns around and gets him to 0-40 with more great returns and breaks again to take the set. Breaks immediately in the 4th set, Berrettini fights to get a hold. Novak getting frustrated with the crowd but uses that to get even more intense. Berrettini’s lack of ability to attack with the backhand, notably down the line is always going to put him at a disadvantage in a match like this. It is a bit concerning the way he faded after the first set, whether that was physical or mental is hard to say. Djokovic’s serve is just impeccable at this point, actually probably better than Berrettini’s because of consistency and placement.

[bigyack-com]

Karolina Pliskova, Garbine Muguruza Restore Order, Reach Dubai Quarters

Karolina Pliskova and Garbine Muguruza re-established order among seeds on Wednesday as both reached the quarter finals of the WTA Dubai Championships. While number two Czech Pliskova strolled in barely an hour to a 6-1, 6-2 defeat of qualifier Kristina Mladenovic, it took number nine Muguruza almost two and a half hours to get past Russian Veronika Kudermetova 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. The pair of victories came a day after three major names made exits, with holder Belinda Bencic, third seed Elina Svitolina and Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin all going out. Tournament number one Simona Halep was making her start later, facing sentimental fan favourite Ons Jabeur of Tunisia. Pliskova pegged back Mladenovic after the Frenchwoman earned only her first main draw win of the season in the first round. "It's always a tough one against her. We played in Australia, so I knew what to expect," Pliskova said. "I was not playing amazing but still, even with a couple of mistakes, I didn't give up. "The score looked a little bit easier than it really was, we had a couple of tough games." Muguruza had to struggle two days after ending the current comeback of Kim Clijsters as Spain's double grand Slam champion grappled with her world number 39 opponent. "There's a lot of things that I could have done better," Muguruza, quarter-finalist in 2015 and 2018, said. "But I'm excited that I gave myself another opportunity to be in the quarters." Last month's Australian Open finalist added: "I'm just happy that I get these tough matches. "Honestly, the difference is very, very small, I'm just pleased to go through." Muguruza secured her place with a break in the final game as she converted on her first match point. The ninth-seeded Spaniard will bid for the semi-finals on Thursday, taking on Jennifer Brady, a 4-6, 6-4, 6-21 winner against Marketa Vondrousova.  Read the full article

[thisdaynews]

Australian Open: Simona Halep overwhelms Anett Kontaveit to make semi-finals

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/australian-open-simona-halep-overwhelms-anett-kontaveit-to-make-semi-finals/

Australian Open: Simona Halep overwhelms Anett Kontaveit to make semi-finals

Simona Halep reached the Australian Open final in 2018, losing to Caroline Wozniacki

2020 Australian Open Venue:Melbourne ParkDates:20 January to 2 February Coverage:Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app; Watch highlights on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Simona Halep brilliantly took apart Anett Kontaveit in just 53 minutes to race into the Australian Open semi-finals.

Estonian Kontaveit won the first game but was never in it from that point as Halep raced to a 6-1 6-1 win.

Wimbledon champion Halep won 11 games in a row before the 28th seed managed to hold serve in the penultimate game.

The Romanian, 28, will face Garbine Muguruza or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the last four in Melbourne.

“I felt great on court. I feel strong in my legs and I knew how to play against her. I was focused in every point I played,” said Halep.

The fourth seed is yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament and was never in danger of doing so on Rod Laver Arena, totally dominating the 24-year-old once she had the first break in the third game of the match.

Kontaveit, playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, had beaten sixth seed Belinda Bencic in 49 minutes in the third round but was on the wrong side of a hammering in the quarter-finals.

Halep moved Kontaveit around the court throughout and was ruthless in knowing when to increase the pace and kill off points, sealing a superb victory with her fifth ace.

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US Open: Nadal wins clash of former champions

Rafael Nadal ramped up his quest for a fourth US Open title on Monday with an impressive win over 2014 champion Marin Cilic to advance to the quarterfinals while Alexander Zverev slumped to a four-set defeat. Second seed Nadal - the winner at Flushing Meadows in 2010, 2013 and 2017 - produced some electrifying moments of brilliance to end the challenge of Croatian 22nd seed Cilic 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. After barely breaking a sweat in reaching the last 16, a run that included a second-round walkover, Nadal stared down his stiffest test so far to surge into a quarterfinal meeting with Argentine 20th seed Diego Schwartzman. The Spaniard exchanged the first two sets with Cilic but grasped control by breaking for 3-1 in the third, a series of dazzling winners drawing an animated fist-pump from golf legend Tiger Woods at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Nadal reeled off nine games in succession across the third and fourth sets and 12 of the final 15 to nail down a 40th Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, nine of which have come at the US Open. "The emotions I have when I play here are impossible to describe. I love the sport and feel very lucky to still be playing tennis here. Eight years ago I didn't think that would happen as my body was suffering badly," Nadal said. "It's a huge honour playing in front of all of you and playing in front of Tiger is a very special thing. I always say I don't have big idols but one idol is him and I always try to follow him." Nadal's path to the final sees him take on Schwartzman next after the 5ft 7in (1.70m) Argentine chopped down sixth seed Zverev. "He is playing amazing, nothing new, he's one of the players with best talent on tour," the 18-time Grand Slam champion said of his upcoming opponent. "It will be a big challenge. I have to play my best. I'm happy for him. He's a close friend and I hope to play a great match." Zverev rolled through the opening set against Schwartzman under the roof on Ashe during a rainy afternoon session, but he lost his way to go down 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3. The German was enjoying his deepest run in New York but committed 17 double faults and 65 unforced errors and received a point penalty for swearing as Schwartzman advanced to a second US Open quarterfinal in three years. "Generally my season so far has not been the best," said Zverev, who has reached just two quarterfinals in 18 Grand Slam appearances. Zverev said he was hindered a "very swollen" back and right hip following a fall in his previous match. "I had a lot of chances which I didn't use early in the match. He kind of ran away with it." Zverev lost his serve three times during the second set but appeared to have steadied himself when he moved a break ahead at 3-2 in the third, only for Schwartzman to wrest the momentum back in his favour after a lengthy sixth game. "It was tough because I was feeling I had the chance to win this and I had a few break points I could not take," Schwartzman said. "He was up a break and then I recovered really quickly and I felt great after that." Matteo Berrettini became just the second Italian man to progress to the US Open quarterfinals, 42 years after Corrado Barazzutti's run to the last four in New York. Berrettini, the 24th seed, eased to a 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win over Russia's 43rd-ranked Andrey Rublev to reach the last eight at a Grand Slam for the first time. "It's something really crazy. I cannot believe it right now. I need a few hours to understand what happened," said Berrettini, 23, who goes on to play French 13th seed Gael Monfils. "I'm just happy. Seeing my team and family here and crying, for me it's unbelievable." Berrettini went one step further than his run to the last 16 at Wimbledon in July, where he was beaten by Roger Federer. Monfils, a 2016 US Open semifinalist, crushed the 33-year-old Andujar's bid to become the oldest player in the Open era to reach his first Grand Slam singles quarterfinal with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 rout. 

RESULTS

Men 4th round Matteo Berrettini (ITA x24) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) Gael Monfils (FRA x13) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 Diego Schwartzman (ARG x20) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x6) 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x22) 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 Women 4th round Belinda Bencic (SUI x13) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN x1) 7-5, 6-4 Donna Vekic (CRO x23) bt Julia Goerges (GER x26) 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-3 Bianca Andreescu (CAN x15) bt Taylor Townsend (USA) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 Elise Mertens (BEL x25) bt Kristie Ahn (USA) 6-1, 6-1 Read the full article

[mastcomm]

The Quiet Confidence of Naomi Osaka

MELBOURNE, Australia — As the reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka opened her season earlier this month, she checked herself as she expressed her goals for the rest of the year.

“I think just to try as hard as I can every match,” Osaka said. “Because for me, when I feel like I do that, I somehow end up winning the match.” As she heard herself, her eyes widened. “Oh, that sounds really arrogant,” she said, clearly embarrassed.

Osaka had spoken into a microphone what she has already made clear with her racket over the past two years: Underneath her quiet demeanor, she has an assured confidence that has helped carry her to two Grand Slam titles. She may be soft-spoken in public, but she is also steely and determined.

Osaka, 22, showed that mettle most unmistakably during the 2018 United States Open final against Serena Williams, closing out a title even as Williams got into heated arguments with the umpire over penalties and the crowd booed what they felt was unfair treatment for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

She followed up that victory by winning the Australian Open last year. Now, as the reigning champion, the No. 3 seed Osaka is a heavy favorite as she plays 42nd-ranked Zheng Saisai in a second-round match on Wednesday morning. If Osaka wins, she could face the 15-year-old phenom Coco Gauff in the next round.

Osaka’s first attempt at a Grand Slam title defense ended in the fourth round last year at the U.S. Open, where she lost to Belinda Bencic, an opponent who had beaten her twice previously in 2019. “There were moments where I accepted defeat and I was O.K. with it,” Osaka said this week. “After the match, I was just so disgusted with myself, because when I was a kid, I would dream to be in that position so I could fight to go to the finals and win it. But for me to like sit there and think that it’s O.K. to like lose in the fourth round is like kind of pathetic.”

It was after that match that Osaka told herself she would fight for every point. She entered the Australian Open with a 14-1 record since then, winning titles in Beijing and her birthplace of Osaka, Japan, in the fall. Her lone defeat since the U.S. Open came against second-ranked Karolina Pliskova in the Brisbane semifinals earlier this month, a match Pliskova won in three sets after fending off a match point for Osaka.

On the court, Osaka has thrived by turning one of her weaknesses into a strength. A shoulder injury forced her out of the year-end championships in Shenzhen, China, but since then she has been hitting more aces than usual, maximizing her serves to make the most of each use of her shoulder. “I feel like every serve that I serve should count,” she said, “and it’s been working out really well.”

She also arrived in Melbourne with a new guide: the coach Wim Fissette, a Belgian who coached Kim Clijsters and Angelique Kerber to Grand Slam titles, and also worked with other top players, including Simona Halep.

Fissette said Osaka set herself apart by setting her goals so high. “I’ve worked with many top-10 players but there’s a big difference in ambition; you would expect it all to be the same, but it’s not,” Fissette said.

“With a player like Naomi, you go to tournaments to win them, not to play finals or semifinals,” Fissette added. “That’s the ambition, and I love that ambition. I love working under pressure.”

Fissette said he found Osaka to be more tactical than he had expected. And while others would try to avoid pressure at the top of the sport, Osaka has embraced her status as a favorite, he said. “Some players, they really need to be an underdog,” Fissette said. “Others, are like her; she doesn’t want to be in an underdog position, because she feels she’s the best out there.”

By hiring Fissette, Osaka broke up a pattern of hiring people who had previously worked with the Williams sisters. And Fissette has coached players to five wins over Serena Williams in the last 11 years, more than any individual player has earned against her on the court.

Osaka has looked up to Williams since she started in the sport as a girl (“I said, ‘I want to be like her,’” Osaka said in 2018 as she described a report she had done on Williams in third grade). Last week, Osaka posted a photo of herself with Williams on Instagram as they sat together during an exhibition for Australian fire relief. She captioned it: “me and my mom lol.”

Williams, who has not always taken kindly to the young players who have made star turns by beating her at Grand Slams, responded with heart emojis to Osaka, whom she first met in 2014. “I have always had some sort of admiration for her, because I met her when she was super, super young,” Williams said of Osaka. “It was really cool to see her grow from that age to No. 1 and multi-Grand-Slam champion. I thought the picture was cute, so I felt like I should like it and comment on it — definitely not the mom, though.”

Osaka said she still felt star-struck around Williams and other tennis stars, and characterized her interactions with Williams as one-directional. “I’m going to have to give you a briefing of how I am as a person,” Osaka said during the Australian Open draw when asked about Williams. “I don’t talk to people; I just stare at them from a distance. That’s lesson No. 1. Lesson No. 2 is that if I were to talk to Serena, she talks to me and I get surprised that she talks to me, and then I don’t talk back.”

One space where Osaka has been increasingly comfortable expressing herself is in documenting her fashion choices on Instagram. “It’s really weird because people have been telling me they really like my fashion sense,” Osaka said. “Honestly, I’m very sorry, but that’s way more of a compliment than when people tell me they like my tennis.”

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[torentialtribute]

US Open 2019: Bianca Andreescu was not even born when Serena Williams won her first Slam!

won

Bianca Andreescu is preparing for her first Grand Slam final … but the Canadian teenager was not even born when the US Open final opponent Serena Williams won her first Slam!

Bianca Andreescu faces Serena Williams in the US Open Women's Final of Saturday

The Canadian teenager did not live when Serena won her first Slam in New York

It has been 20 years since US veteran Martina Hingis for her first defeated Mike Dickson for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:30 BST, 6 September 2019 | Updated: 22:30 BST, September 6, 2019

Twelve months ago a rapidly rising young opponent – not to mention a vigilant referee – changed the US Open final to something of a nightmare for Serena Williams

A year later, it was not Naomi Osaka who was between the American and a historic state 24th Grand Slam, but a Canadian teenager who wasn't even born when Williams won her first Slam in 1999, and whose own meteoric rise Osaka of Japan looks almost slow.

By the time Williams suffered her collapse at the Arthur Ashe Stadium last year, Bianca Andreescu had long since disappeared from the US Open, not even a footnote at an event where she lost in the qualifying tournament.

Bianca Andreescu (R) R) was not born when US Open rival Serena Williams (L) won her first Slam

The American won her first Grand Slam at the US Open 20 years ago against Martina Hingis

Now she faces the great American on the biggest podium of all, with defea Belinda Bencic 7-6, 7-5 from Switzerland calling to secure her place.

A year ago, the 19-year-old from Toronto was ranked as 208th in the world and he struggled to meet the expectations of a promising junior career.

& # 39; I did not go through a good period & # 39 ;, she said. "I had problems with some relationships in my life, with my body, and even my mind too.

" I played 25ks [small $25,000 tournaments] for the qualifications of the US Open. But I'm glad I went through it, because at some point you have to. & # 39;

She arrives at Saturday's final with a 44-4 match record on the main tour and an unusually versatile style of play that can make her sniff the pressure on the back of the field and volley with confidence through the net.

She has not lost a completed game since the beginning of March, although her participation is limited by shoulder injuries, so she missed the lawn season.

Canadian teen Andreescu impressed with her power on the way to Saturday's final

Just 12 months ago, the 19-year-old Andreescu from Toronto was ranked as 208th in the world

V Andreescu comes from a young tennis star directly from the central casting, as a child of immigrants from Romania. She was born in Canada and spent four years in Romania before settling in Toronto. She mentions the all-round nature of her game on the fact that she did a lot of gymnastics and skating when she was younger.

Confident and handsome, her only brush of controversy this year was when Angelique Kerber called her & # 39; the greatest drama queen ever & # 39; in Miami.

Andreescu also has an interesting history with Williams. The two met at the end of the Canadian Open, only for the American to retire to the first set with what she said were spasms.

Williams – desperate to match Margaret Court's 24 Grand Slams – had the perfect start to this event, beat Maria Sharapova in the first round. Since then it has been her most convincing campaign with a Slam since she became a mother two years ago.

The question is whether she can keep her calm in the champion competition. Wimbledon destroyed by very mobile opponents, Kerber and Simona Halep.

Williams knows her chances run out three weeks from her 38th birthday. & # 39; I think it's cool that I've played more finals than I think someone who's currently on tour after I was pregnant, & # 39; said Williams. & # 39; I think that's a bit great. I look at it like that because it's not easy to continue what I did and come back, and it's so fast. & # 39;

Williams, approaching her 38th birthday, knows that time is running out to add to her Slam titles

]

But she looks in the mood in the same place she got the line 20 years ago against Hingis

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Serena Williams will turn 38 in 20 days time but that is just a number for her, still playing on a very high level and challenging much younger competitors. Serena is through to her 33rd Grand Slam final (the second-best result of all time) following a one-sided 6-3, 6-1 victory over the 5th seed Elina Svitolina in 70 minutes, moving into the tenth US Open final and catching Chris Evert with 101 triumphs in New York. Making a debut here way back in 1998, Serena played in the first US Open title match two decades ago and she is now through to another one, dominating against Svitolina from start to finish in what was her tenth consecutive semi-final at home Major! Elina played well to reach the last four but stood no chance today, wasting all six opportunities for a break and giving serve away three times to propel Serena into the final against Belinda Bencic or Bianca Andreescu.

Williams had 33 winners and 20 unforced errors, taming her shots beautifully and never stepping back against one of the best baseliners in the game to mount the entire pressure on her. The American fended off three break chances in the first game to avoid a shaky start, prevailing in a marathon second game with a backhand return winner to steal Svitolina's serve and move 2-0 up. Serving at 3-1, Serena repelled three more break chances and sailed through games seven and nine to close the opener with a service winner after 41 minutes.

Elina was never a contender in set number two, taking three points on the return and suffering three straight breaks to push Serena into another title match, unable to match the rival's pace and stay on the title course. Hitting with depth and precision from both wings, Williams grabbed a break in the third game of the second set and extended the gap when Elina sprayed a forehand error in game five, holding at 15 in the next game thanks to a forehand down the line winner and forcing Svitolina to serve to stay in the match. The Ukrainian couldn't do anything to prolong the encounter, allowing Serena to seal the deal with a backhand down the line winner and get a chance to fight for the seventh US Open crown on Saturday.

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[biofunmy]

‘Is This Real Life?’ Yes, and Bianca Andreescu Is the Real Deal

It will be the teen prodigy Bianca Andreescu against the former teen prodigy Belinda Bencic in the semifinals of the United States Open on Thursday night.

Neither has been this deep into a Grand Slam tournament before, and Andreescu, a 19-year-old from Canada, had never even played a main-draw match at the U.S. Open until this year.

“This is honestly so crazy,” the 15th-seeded Andreescu said after her 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Elise Mertens on Wednesday night. “A year ago, I was in the qualifying round. I remember I was suffering from a back injury, and now what I’ve accomplished this year, I’m honestly speechless. I need someone to pinch me right now. Is this real life? Is this real life?”

Her remarkable run and remarkable rise this season are 100 percent real.

Not long after the Toronto Raptors conquered the N.B.A. for their first title, Andreescu has a chance to become the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title.

“It hasn’t really entered my mind, but that would be pretty awesome,” Andreescu said.

Andreescu has a genuine challenge in front of her in the semifinals in the 13th-seeded Bencic, a prodigious talent from Switzerland, who secured her spot with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over her good friend Donna Vekic on Wednesday afternoon.

Andreescu and Bencic are daughters of immigrants; Andreescu’s parents are originally from Romania; Bencic’s are from Slovakia.

Both players have defeated plenty of bigger stars with much longer résumés in 2019. Both have all-court games that can give tennis purists the chills and their opponents the shakes.

But only one of them will get to play in the U.S. Open final on Saturday, quite possibly against Serena Williams, the 37-year-old American icon, who will face a tough test of her own against No. 5 seed Elina Svitolina in Thursday night’s first semifinal.

“At this point, I think anyone can win the tournament; the other semifinalists are incredible athletes,” Andreescu said. “Hopefully I can do good things tomorrow.”

Bencic certainly has the skills to disrupt Andreescu’s game, just as she disrupted the defending champion and No. 1 seed Naomi Osaka’s game in the fourth round, beating her for the third time this season.

“I practiced with her once in Toronto,” Andreescu said of her recent session with Bencic. “I found that she takes the ball really early. She likes to be very aggressive. She has a very good serve and she moves pretty well, too. So I’m going to do my best to just focus on myself mainly and just keep doing what I’m doing because I think my game is throwing off a lot of players.”

Andreescu is 7-0 against top 10 players this season and 13-3 in three-set matches. Ranked No. 178 at the end of last season, she is about to break into the top 10 and has not lost a completed match since March. That statistic is misleading because she missed significant playing time with a rotator cuff injury, including most of the clay-court season and all of the grass-court season.

She is on quite a roll again after winning the Rogers Cup in Toronto, her hometown. She prevailed in the final after Williams retired with a back injury when trailing by 3-1.

Andreescu’s form has fluctuated in New York, particularly in her last two matches, both played in the cavernous confines of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

But she is not only a remarkable talent with a varied game, explosive footwork and baseline power. She is also a scrapper, and she managed to work her way out of a corner against Mertens, who started the match in a deep, counterpunching groove.

“I just told myself to keep fighting and hope that I can switch things around,” Andreescu said.

The turning point came early in the second set, with Andreescu serving at 2-2 and 15-30. Mertens hit a shot deep into the corner. Andreescu took a huge swipe at the ball in extension and threw up a towering lob that might have met with resistance if the Ashe Stadium roof had not been open.

It landed, finally, on the opposite baseline and Andreescu ended up winning the point. Instead of facing two break points at 15-40, it was 30-30. She went on to hold serve and change the flow of the match, winning five straight games.

“Sometimes it just takes a point and a shot like that to change things around,” said her coach, Sylvain Bruneau, late Wednesday night, taking a quick break from answering his scores of new text messages.

“You wouldn’t believe how many of these I’m getting,” he said.

Bencic and her camp have been through something similar.

At age 17, when she reached the quarterfinals at the 2014 U.S. Open with a surprisingly sophisticated game, it looked as if deeper runs were right around the corner.

But plenty can knock a young prodigy back, which is a good reason to fight the urge to expect 15-year-old Coco Gauff or Andreescu to zoom straight to the top.

Bencic is wiser for the wait.

“People tend to think I’m older than I actually am,” she said.

She is 22 now, no longer a wunderkind, but she is ready to fulfill her promise after reaching the top 10 as a teenager and then dropping out of the top 300 because of wrist surgery.

“You take it for granted and then when you can’t play, you miss it so much,” she said. “I’m enjoying my tennis so much now.”

Though Vekic defeated her on clay at the French Open, Bencic is at her best with true bounces on hardcourts, where she can lock in her timing.

The biggest change in her game of late has been the serve. Fitter and stronger in the lower body, she is generating new power and penetration. She struck seven aces against Vekic and won 84 percent of her first-serve points.

The serve is also what separates Bencic’s game from that of her longtime mentor Martina Hingis, who won five Grand Slam singles titles in her teens only to be usurped by the rise of the Williams sisters in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Bencic, whose game was developed by Hingis’s mother and coach, Melanie Molitor, said that she lacked some of Hingis’s chess master’s qualities but possessed more power — a vital component to success in this era.

Above all, she counters others’ power very effectively, be it in the backcourt or the forecourt, and she is now the first Swiss woman since Hingis in 2001 to reach the final four at the U.S. Open.

“I worked hard for this,” she said. “It’s not like I never imagined I could do this. Still, I stayed in the moment, a very nice feeling.”

Andreescu is trying to avoid getting ahead of herself, too. A longtime practitioner of meditation and visualization, she said that morning routine had been a key to her success this year in new situations against veteran opposition.

“I think if you can control your mind, you can control a lot of things, and I think that’s what’s been working really well for me,” she said. “I’ve just kept doing that, and when I’m on the court in front of these big stages, I’m really good at just blocking everything and staying in the zone.”

It won’t get easier from here, not with Canadians and others realizing just what kind of talent they are dealing with.

Bruneau, a calming presence in the player’s box, understands the dangers better now after being part of Eugenie Bouchard’s support team in 2014, when she broke new ground for Canada at age 20 by reaching the final at Wimbledon and hitting No. 5 in the rankings. She is now outside the top 100.

“We just need to be calm about it, and not get too excited,” Bruneau said. “And believe me, it’s exciting, but at some point you need to take a step back and say, ‘Listen, this is something we would like to see keep happening for a few years, so we need to just be very poised, keep our heads down and keep doing what she needs to do.’”

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Australian Open: Angelique Kerber beats Camila Giorgi in three sets

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Australian Open: Angelique Kerber beats Camila Giorgi in three sets

Karolina Pliskova has yet to win a Grand Slam – the closest she came was when she reached the final of the US Open in 2016

2020 Australian Open Venue:Melbourne ParkDates:20 January to 2 February Coverage:Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova has been knocked out of the Australian Open in a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) third-round loss to Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Pliskova struggled with her returning game against the 30th seed who had lost their previous six matches.

The 75-minute first set saw only two of the 16 break points converted before Pavlyuchenkova won the tie-break.

Pliskova could not convert two set points in the second set and then lost a second tie-break to go out.

Where does Melbourne exit leave Williams’ chase for another Grand Slam?

Gauff shines before getting on with homework, Federer through and Williams exits on epic day five

Live scores, schedule and results

Alerts: Get tennis news sent to your phone

There was another surprise as Swiss sixth seed Belinda Bencic was blown away by Estonia’sAnett Kontaveit, losing 6-0 6-1 in only 49 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.

Kontaveit, the 28th seed, won the first nine games as she completely dominated last year’s US Open semi-finalist.

She will now play 18-year-old PoleIga Swiatekwho defeated 19th seed Donna Vekic of Croatia 7-5 6-3. Prior to Melbourne, the teenager had not been past the second-round stage at a Grand Slam.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has reached the last eight at all four Grand Slams

Plsikova’s conqueror Pavlyuchenkova, a quarter-finalist last year, joked in her on-court interview: “I’m really happy, but will realise it later because I’m still focusing on the next point.

“I did enjoy the match – to beat Karolina for the first time was amazing.

“I won the Australian junior title twice, it makes me think I can win the senior crown.”

Pavlyuchenkova will next play 2016 championAngelique Kerber, who was made to fight by Camila Giorgi but managed to win 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 6-3.

It was a battle between Giorgi’s aggression and Kerber’s defence with the Italian’s 65 unforced errors key as the German 17th seed went through.

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Wawrinka squeezes into Cincinnati second round

Stan Wawrinka won a first-round battle as he eliminated 2017 Cincinnati Masters champion Grigor Dimitrov 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Tuesday.

Under leaden skies after an overnight thunderstorm, Dimitrov broke in the 12th game of the first set to take the lead.

The 33-year-old Swiss fought back with the only break in the second.

He then raced into a 5-1 lead in the final set but wasted two match points in the eighth game and was broken twice while serving for victory.

Wawrinka had to hold off his Bulgarian opponent in the final-set tiebreaker before squeezing through in more than two and a half hours with his 10th ace.

The loss left Dimitrov with just two victories out of six matches played since Roland Garros and four consecutive losses to Wawrinka, including last week’s opening round in Montreal.

The Swiss who played a 2012 semi-final here, will face Russian qualifier Andrey Rublev, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2 winner over 15th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia.

In other opening-round matches, Belgian David Goffin beat Taylor Fritz of the United States 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and France’s Benoit Paire advanced 6-4 as Spaniard Fernando Verdasco retired.

In women’s play, 2013 champion Victoria Azarenka reached the second round when Belinda Bencic retired injured, trailing 6-4, 1-0.

The post Wawrinka squeezes into Cincinnati second round appeared first on HviRAL.

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2019 Australian Open: Women's Final Betting Tips

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2019 Australian Open: Women's Final Betting Tips Please share.

We hit on 2/2 betting tips in the two Australian Open Women’s semifinals as Naomi Osaka defeated Karolina Pliskova and Petra Kvitova took down Danielle Collins to advance to the final on Saturday night! The game gets underway at 7.30pm and we have a full betting preview below!

Australian Open Women’s Singles Final

Naomi Osaka (4) vs Petra Kvitova (8)Saturday, 26th of January, 7.30pm AEDT

Naomi Osaka took care of Karolina Pliskova in the semi in three sets. She won the first set 6-2 before taking her foot of the second and losing that 6-4. The Japanese World No.4 bounced back in the deciding set to win 6-4 and book a place in her second straight Grand Slam Final.

Osaka has arguably been the most in form Women’s tennis player in the world over the past few months. Her shock upset win over Serena Williams in the US Open Final was followed by a string of impressive performances on hard court throughout the Asian leg of the WTA as well as the early stages of the Australian hardcourt season.

Osaka has had a few tough games throughout her Australian Open run, including a great performance over World No.7 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinal.

Round 1: dft. Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2Round 2: dft. Tamara Zidansek 6-2, 6-4Round 3: dft. Su-Wei Hsieh 5-7, 6-4, 6-1Round 4: dft. Anastasija Sevatosa 4-6, 6-3, 6-4QF: dft. Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-1SF: dft. Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4

Osaka’s serving has been one of the key factors of her successful run thus far. She served a whopping 15 aces in her semifinal win over Pliskova and while she is still refining other aspects of her game, the base for potential World No.1 is there.

Osaka will be looking to become the first woman not named Serena Williams to win back to back Grand Slam titles since Belgian Kim Clijsters took out the US Open and Australian Open in 2010-11. In an era of Women’s tennis that has almost thrown up a new Grand Slam winner in every tournament where Williams is not holding the trophy at its conclusion, it would be a monumental effort.

World No.6 Petra Kvitova will be attempting to win her first Grand Slam tournament since her Wimbledon win back in 2014 and her third overall. She has racked up two Wimbledon wins in her career, proving that grass is her preferred surface, however, her hardcourt form has been unquestionable to start the 2019 WTA season.

Kvitova bowed out in the second round of the Brisbane WTA with a loss to World No.20 Anett Kontaveit. However, since then, Kvitova has gone on to win her 11 games in Australia, dropping just one set along the way as she hoisted the Sydney International trophy in early January before breezing through the rounds of the Australian Open.

Kvitova was dominant in Sydney, winning all four of her games in the lead up to the final in straight sets. It took a little more work to get past Aussie Ash Barty in the final, however, she came up trumps in a third set tiebreaker to lift her 26th WTA title. Since then, it’s been smooth sailing for Kvitova, as she has rolled through her Australian Open draw in second gear, not dropping a set through her six games.

Kvitova Road to the Final:

Round 1: dft. Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3, 6-2Round 2: dft. Irina Begu 6-1, 6-3Round 3: dft. Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-4Round 4: dft. Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-1QF: dft. Ash Barty 6-1, 6-4SF: Danielle Collins 7-6, 6-0

Kvitova’s career so far has been defined by a few dominant years from 2011-2014 where she made the quarter final of five straight Wimbledon’s and picked up two trophies. However, she is yet to really prove herself outside of London, especially given she has been a mainstay in the WTA Top 10 for some time now.

She has reached the semifinal of the Australian Open on just one occasion, back in 2012 and since then has been bounced in the first three rounds in every visit to Australia. A win here would cement a fantastic return to form after a few down years and also solidify her spot as one of the greats of Women’s tennis.

Kvitova’s form through the draw of the Australian Open has arguably been more impressive, but she has only faced off against one seeded player to this point, that being Ash Barty in the quarterfinal, who she made light work of in straight sets.

Osaka’s run has been a little tougher, and while she has looked vulnerable at times, dropping the first set of a match on two different occasions, her serve has been able to bail her out of some tough situations. We have picked the Japanese sensation from the start and we are going to stick with her here as an underdog.

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