Tennis

Djokovic qualifies without forcing into the quarters, Miracle Rublev

Published

3 years ago

March 1, 2023

Nancy

Djokovic qualifies without forcing into the quarters, Miracle Rublev

PHOTO: KAMRAN JEBREILI, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Novak Djokovic

(Dubai) Novak Djokovic qualified for the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai on Wednesday, beating Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-3.

After being manhandled in the previous round by the Czech Tomas Machac to whom he had to leave a set, the world number one regained confidence and gave no chance to Griekspoor, 39^e global.

It only experienced a small failure on 2^e set when he let his opponent, then trailing 5-1, save two match points then take his serve to come back to 5-2 then 5-3. But the Serb quickly set the record straight to win the last game.

“I was not far from the best today,” Djokovic said after his victory. “From the start, it went very well and I played much better quality tennis than yesterday (Tuesday editor’s note). The last three, four games weren’t perfect but I managed to serve well again and I’m very happy with my performance and things are going in the right direction,” he added.

He will meet the winner of the meeting between the Russian qualifier Pavel Kotov and the Pole Hubert Hurkacz which was to be played in the evening on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Russian Andrey Rublev (6^e world) had miraculously qualified for the quarterfinals by beating the Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich (29^e) 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) after saving five match points.

PHOTO KARIM SAHIB, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Andrey Rublev

“Being down 6 points to 1 in the tiebreaker (from the second set, editor’s note) and saving five match points, I don’t think that’s ever happened to me in my life,” said the Russian, seeded N.2, after his victory.

“He was playing very well and I couldn’t find a solution,” he added.

Rublev, quarter-finalist at the Australian Open, will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp (33^e global).

Source: lapresse

Nancy

I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.

Tennis

PHOTOGRAPH. Svitolina showed her life: educational and personal

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Nancy

PHOTOGRAPH. Svitolina showed her life: educational and personal

Elina Svitolina New photos showing how the preparations are going and a few shots of daily life were published on social networks.

In the photos, the tennis player works out under the guidance of a trainer in the gym, does strength exercises and maintains excellent physical shape.

Brighter photos from the life of athletes on the Telegram channel LIFESTYLE on Sport.ua

The athlete also shared Christmas photos from her home – a festive dinner and family atmosphere. Separately, Elina showed a rapid test, noting a slight malaise that did not affect the training process.

The publication received an active response from fans who wished Svitolina health and all the best.

Check out this post on Instagram

Additions, expansions by Svito (@elisvitolina)

Source: Sport UA

Nancy

I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.

Tennis

Kyrgios wins ‘Battle of the Sexes’ against Sabalenka

Published

10 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Nancy

Kyrgios wins ‘Battle of the Sexes’ against Sabalenka

(Paris) Nick Kyrgios won the exhibition match presented as a new episode of the “Battle of the Sexes” against Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday in Dubai.

The rules had been modified to balance the debates, the Australian playing on a field 9% larger than the Belarusian, which immediately made any interpretation of the result difficult. Furthermore, the two opponents only had one serving ball.

Kyrgios, former Wimbledon finalist (2022) fell beyond 650^e world number one, who is preparing to make yet another return to the circuit at the age of 30, won 6-3, 6-3, against the world No.1 without running much or hitting the ball very hard, without us knowing if it was because the field opposite was smaller or for other reasons.

The title of the event referred to another “Battle of the Sexes”, which in 1973 pitted former American champion Bobby Riggs, then aged 55, against the two best players of the time, Margaret Court Smith and then Billie Jean King.

At that time, it was about women asserting their worth while their professional circuit was being organized and King’s victory over Riggs, who had initially dominated Court Smith, had a certain impact.

Nothing like this this time, because women’s tennis is firmly established, as shown, among other things, by the equality of winnings in major tournaments.

This return still attracted 17,000 spectators to Dubai, including celebrities like Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, who did not attend a major tennis match.

The Australian seemed to control the situation and allowed himself some fantasies like a spoon serve (winning), a weapon he had already used in serious matches.

Source: lapresse

Nancy

I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.

Tennis

Sabalenka said she wants a rematch against Kyrgios

Published

10 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Gary

Sabalenka said she wants a rematch against Kyrgios

Arina Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios / Photo: © Christopher Pike / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

The first racket of the world, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, said that she would like to have a rematch against Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios.

On Sunday, Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios with a score of 3:6, 3:6 in an exhibition match in Dubai (UAE). According to the regulations, athletes could only serve with the first ball – if a mistake was made, the opponent received a point. In addition, the size of the side of the court where Sabalenka played was 9% smaller than the standard.

“I feel great, I fought really well.” Nick struggled, and I’m glad the man had a hard time in the match against me. I liked the show. I think next time I will already know his tactics, strengths and weaknesses. I want revenge, I would play again.

Of course, playing against a man is a completely different tennis, everything happens faster. I hope that I will recover in a couple of days. I understand that I’m ready for the season,” Sabalenka said after the game.

Kyrgios admitted that Sabalenka at times played at the level of a good tennis player.

— Honestly, it was very difficult. Sabalenka is a very serious opponent. I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be quite a battle. It was a great opportunity for me. I had to work hard, because Arina performed great shots. I’d love to play with her again.

I was a little nervous because I was in a difficult position. Arina almost made a break, and I had to answer. Due to the injury, I couldn’t really play with my right hand,” Kyrgios noted.

Source: Sportbox

Gary

I am a sports journalist who has written for a number of Sportish. I have a background in journalism and have been writing since I was young. My main focus is sports news, but I also write about general news. I am currently working as an author at Sportish.