bluetornados
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Sept 2, 2023 22:19:46 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 2, 2023 22:19:46 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Dan Evans loses to Carlos Alcaraz..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12601/production/_130956257_evans_alcaraz.pngEvans, 33, went toe-to-toe with defending champion Alcaraz before going down 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3 in New York. Evans has had a strange season after struggling for victories either side of winning the biggest title of his career in Washington last month. Facing Alcaraz is one of the most daunting prospects in the men's game and Evans knew he would have to bring his best level to stand any chance of causing an upset against the two-time Grand Slam champion. To his credit, Evans tried to take on the 20-year-old Spaniard and the approach created an entertaining contest full of wonderful technique, incredible rallies and exciting points. However, the British number two ultimately paid the price for a slow start. Quickly going a double break down did the damage in the first set and chasing an opponent of Alcaraz's calibre is not a position which any player wants to find themselves in. Evans began to cause more problems for Alcaraz, though, as he grew into the contest and moved 2-0 ahead in the second set. Two double faults in the third game allowed Alcaraz back in, with Evans's frustrations showing in the next game - where Alcaraz hit a thunderous winner on break point - by whacking the loose ball high into the stands. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/89C1/production/_130956253_evans.jpgAlcaraz's hold started a run where he won five of the next six games to move two sets ahead. The chances of Evans turning things around at that point looked slim, but he continued to retain belief in his gameplan and broke for 4-3 on his way to pulling a set back. It was a sign of the Briton's level that Alcaraz began to get annoyed, with the Spaniard flinging his racquet into his bag at the end of the set. But his brilliance dictated which way a tight fourth swung, with Alcaraz somehow landing an outrageous running forehand down the line in the only break point of the set. "It was a pretty good match, the people love that we played great points, great shots," said Alcaraz, who is aiming to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to retain the title. "I'm really happy to get through and play the fourth round at the US Open." Alcaraz goes on to play US Open debutant Arnaldi after the 22-year-old swatted aside an out-of-sorts Norrie. The British men's number one, seeded 16th, came into the tournament after a run of poor form and, after breezing through the first two rounds, saw his level dip again. "I think I was actually playing well, I started well in the tournament, I was hitting the ball really well all week," said 28-year-old Norrie. "I just didn't have the shot tolerance to hang with them. He was really crafty and won a lot of tough points. Credit to him."
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bluetornados
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Sept 2, 2023 22:31:13 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 2, 2023 22:31:13 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Cameron Norrie loses to Matteo Arnaldi..i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/02/20/74996561-0-image-a-34_1693682985813.jpgCameron Norrie's US Open hopes were left withering in the American sunshine when he got ambushed by rapidly emerging talent Matteo Arnaldi last night at the US Open. The British number one was well beaten, 6-3 6-4 6-3 by the world number 61, who prepared for this tournament by practicing with Andy Murray on private courts up in the Hamptons. Murray will doubtless have been aware of how good the 22 year-old is, because he outplayed Norrie to gain a place in the last sixteen at Flushing Meadows, where his opponent would be Carlos Alcaraz. Arnaldi played a grueling five setter in the second round versus Frenchman Arthur Fils, and Norrie would have been hoping to grind him down in the manner that he has done to so many opponents in recent years. The Italian, however, looked perfectly fresh and backed up the prophecy of those in Italian tennis who reckon him to be the next nugget off what is becoming something of a production line. He has an extremely well rounded game that sees him play in all areas of the court, and the world number 16 was unable to find a way to penetrate his defenses. Norrie has not had a great summer, and came in having lost three first rounds since Wimbledon.
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bluetornados
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Sept 2, 2023 22:42:30 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 2, 2023 22:42:30 GMT
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bluetornados
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Sept 3, 2023 21:28:39 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 3, 2023 21:28:39 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Katie Boulter loses to Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-3...ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/118CD/production/_130158817_boulter_getty.jpgBoulter was also bidding to record her best run at a major but lost 6-4 6-3 against American world number 59 Peyton Stearns. Boulter, 27, was unable to replicate her previous performances at Flushing Meadows and struggled on serve throughout as the hard-hitting Stearns converted three of 12 break points. Stearns has a heavy forehand which Boulter described as "one of the best" on tour, with the American fittingly sealing victory in one hour and 37 minutes with a thunderous winner. "It was tough losing but ultimately I have to be happy with where I'm at, I'm at a career-high ranking," said Boulter, who has climbed to world number 61 after a productive season. "It doesn't stop me wanting more though. Ultimately this is my moment to push on."
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bluetornados
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Sept 3, 2023 21:35:32 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 3, 2023 21:35:32 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof advance in men's doubles..
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Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof are aiming to go one better than last year's runners up finish at the US OpenWimbledon champions Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof were made to work hard to secure their place in the third round of the US Open men's doubles. Britain's Skupski and Dutch partner Koolhof beat Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 7-6 (7-2) 1-6 6-3 on Court 12. Cabal and Farah were vociferously backed by a group of Colombian fans but the top seeds held their nerves well. Having been broken in the first game, Skupski and Koolhof battled back to take the first set on a tie-break. Although Cabal and Farah delighted the crowd as they dominated the second, Skupski and Koolhof remained calm, breaking early in the third before keeping their advantage to win the match. They will face American duo Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow next. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/15D16/production/_130966398_gettyimages-1421392634.jpg**British pair Julian Cash and Henry Patten are also into round three after a straight-set victory. They beat Gregoire Barrere and Quentin Halys, both of France, 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 to set up a meeting with sixth seeds Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden. **There was another British exit in the women's doubles as Heather Watson and Kazakstan's Anna Danilina were beaten 6-3 6-1 by 15th seeds Miyu Kato of Japan and Indonesia's Aldila Sutjiadi. **In the mixed doubles, Britain's Lloyd Glasspool and partner Hao-Ching Chan of Taiwan fell to a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (9-7) loss to fifth seeds Ellen Perez and Jean-Julien Rojer. **Lloyd Glasspool, and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara are out too. The 13th seeds were beaten 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-4) by the American-French duo of Robert Galloway and Albano Olivetti.
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bluetornados
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Sept 3, 2023 21:39:06 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 3, 2023 21:39:06 GMT
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bluetornados
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Sept 3, 2023 21:45:36 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 3, 2023 21:45:36 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Jamie Murray and Bethanie Mattek-Sands lose in mixed doubles..
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Jamie Murray and Bethanie Mattek-Sands won the US Open mixed doubles title in 2018 and 2019Britain's Jamie Murray and American partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands lost to top seeds Jessica Pegula and Austin Krajicek in the second round of the US Open mixed doubles. The pair were beaten 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 by the American duo. Murray also suffered an early exit alongside partner Michael Venus in the men's doubles in New York. Scotland's Murray previously won back-to-back US Open titles in 2018 and 2019 alongside Mattek-Sands. The pair could barely be separated from Pegula and Krajicek in the opening set, dropping just six points on serve, but they were edged out in the tie-break An equally close second set followed but Pegula and Krajicek secured a late break to seal victory and progress to the quarter-finals. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/17815/production/_130977269_gettyimages-1648842084.jpg
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bluetornados
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Sept 4, 2023 21:37:27 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 4, 2023 21:37:27 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Jack Draper loses to Andrey Rublev in fourth round..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows.
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Jack Draper was aiming to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in his careerBritain's Jack Draper had his bid for a maiden Grand Slam quarter-final ended by Russian eighth seed Andrey Rublev in the US Open fourth round. Draper, 21, pushed Rublev hard in a physical encounter in a humid New York, but faded to lose 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4. Nevertheless, Draper will look back with pride on the way he was able to put recent injury issues behind him. Draper, who was a doubt for the event with a shoulder injury, was the last Briton remaining in the singles. Reaching the last 16 was the best run of Draper's fledging career at a major tournament and provides further encouragement going into next season. Draper, who reached a career-high 38th at the start of this year, will return to the cusp of the world's top 100. His ranking plummeted after missing almost three months of the season - including Wimbledon - with a shoulder injury. Rublev, 25, goes on to face either compatriot Daniil Medvedev, who is seeded third, or Australian 13th seed Alex de Minaur. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/8320/production/_130986533_draper.jpg
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bluetornados
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Sept 5, 2023 13:24:22 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 5, 2023 13:24:22 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Neal Skupski and Wesley Koolhof lose in third round..Only 1 Briton is left standing, Joe Salisbury.
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Neal Skupski (right) and Wesley Koolhof reached the final of last year's US OpenBritain's Neal Skupski and Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof lost to American pair Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow in the third round of the men's doubles at the US Open. The Wimbledon champions and top seeds were beaten 7-6 (7-2) 6-3. Neither pair created a break point in the first set before the home favourites clinched the tie-break. Koolhof was broken late in the second set before Lammons served out the match to beat last year's runners-up. Skupski and Koolhof had missed three break points on Lammons' serve earlier in the second set. Lammons and Withrow will face India's Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden of Australia in the next round. Skupski's defeat, coupled with Jack Draper's loss in the men's singles, means Joe Salisbury is the last remaining Briton at this year's US Open. He and Rajeev Ram, the defending champions in New York, face Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in the fourth round on Tuesday.
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bluetornados
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Sept 5, 2023 19:58:05 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 5, 2023 19:58:05 GMT
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bluetornados
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Sept 8, 2023 11:35:08 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 8, 2023 11:35:08 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Defending champions Joe Salisbury & Rajeev Ram into men's doubles final..
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Ram (left) and Salisbury could become the first men's doubles pair in the Open era to win three US Open titles in a row
Defending champions Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram are into their third successive men's doubles US Open final after defeating second seeds Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek. It is a 17th successive victory in New York for Britain's Salisbury and American Ram, winners in 2021 and 2022. The third seeds won 7-5 3-6 6-3 against Croatia's Dodig and American Krajicek. They will face India's Rohan Bopanna, a finalist in 2010, and Australia's Matthew Ebden in Friday's final. Ram was emotional as he and Salisbury, who have had a disappointing 2023 season, became the first pair to reach three successive US Open men's doubles finals since Australia's Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde did so between 1994 and 1996. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/1181/production/_131018440_gettyimages-1666275661.jpg"It's been a tough year for us. To play to this level and stick together like we did, we beat probably the best team of the year," Ram said in his on-court interview. "It was a lot to stick it out for two hours out here on the court and I just think we did great, I am so proud of our performance." The 39-year-old, who is playing in his 23rd US Open, was fuelled on in the 35C-plus temperatures by a mid-match meal of sushi. "It was so hot earlier and I couldn't eat as much as a I wanted before the match," Ram explained. "In the warm-up it felt like I was sweating buckets. It felt like I was depleted a little bit. I got my boy to get me a bit of sushi and I think it helped." Aiming to win their fourth major title together at Flushing Meadows, having also won the Australian Open in 2020, Salisbury and Ram were made to wait in the first set before making their move at 5-5 to break before serving out the set. They were unable to convert the first break point of the second set, which allowed for a momentum shift on Louis Armstrong Stadium as Dodig and Krajicek broke Salisbury's serve for a 5-3 lead as they held to level the match. However, Salisbury and Ram raced to a 3-0 advantage in the decider as the American secured the key break with a forehand down the line before wrapping up the match with an unreturnable serve on match point. When they won against Briton Neal Skupski and Dutchman Wesley Koolhof in last year's final they became the the first pair this century to retain the men's doubles title in New York. "It's pretty amazing. We didn't think we would be here. It's not been the best year for us, but there is something about this place that is very special and seems to bring out the best of us," Salisbury said. "Obviously, we are going for three in a row but I don't think we'll be thinking about that too much." No team in the Open era has won three successive US Open men's doubles titles. Final opponents Bopanna and Ebden, the sixth seeds, reached the showpiece with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 victory over French duo Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut.
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bluetornados
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Sept 9, 2023 10:07:53 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 10:07:53 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram win to secure third successive title..
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Salisbury and Ram have won four Grand Slams together, three US Open titles and one Australian OpenBriton Joe Salisbury and American partner Rajeev Ram came from behind to secure a historic third US Open men's doubles title in a row. Salisbury and Ram trailed by a set but eventually triumphed 2-6 6-3 6-4 over India's Rohan Bopanna and Australian Matthew Ebden. The pair have won all three finals they have competed in at Flushing Meadows. The feat has never been achieved in the Open Era with the last hat-trick of titles coming more than 100 years ago. "This partnership is really special," said Salisbury on court after the win. "We just know we're going to give it our all. We're going to fight hard, we're going to give it our best until the very end and that's what we did today. "We didn't play our best in the first set but we knew we were going to keep going and that's what happened. I'm just really proud of the effort that we put in today," he added. "We don't take it for granted, we savour every moment." Heavily backed by a US crowd cheering on their home player Ram, the pair struggled in a disjointed opening set with Salisbury making three double faults and Ram dropping serve in the opening game. But, after a time out early in the second set to close the roof because of the oppressive heat in New York, they secured a crucial break when Bopanna's forehand flashed just wide to level the match and force a decider. Salisbury and Ram saved three break points in the third set before taking their opponents' serve in the fifth game as the duo finally found their rhythm. In a sporting moment, Bopanna, a finalist in 2010, conceded a point when an Ebden forehand brushed his elbow, which the umpire had failed to spot. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/057C/production/_131040410_gettyimages-1668228123.jpgRam praised his good friend for his actions, saying he had "never seen something like that". "That act of sportsmanship on the court - we've been playing for the better part of 20-25 years on tour together - we would have had no idea, so it just shows what kind of guy he is and how deserving he is at this point of his career to be playing for these titles," said Ram. At 43 years old, Bopanna was the oldest man to compete in a Grand Slam men's doubles final. The victory marks an 18th successive one in New York for Ram and Salisbury and the pair appeared emotional in their chairs after Ram served out the match. The pair, who have had a disappointing 2023 season, were the first to reach three successive US Open men's doubles finals since Australia's Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde did so between 1994 and 1996. But it is more than a century since a men's team have won three Slams on the spin at Flushing Meadows, with Maurice McLoughlin and Tom Bundy securing three consecutive wins between 1912-14. The title is the fourth for the duo, who also won the Australian Open in 2020, and gives Salisbury a sixth Grand Slam title across the men's and mixed doubles, leaving him just one major title away from Jamie Murray's tally.
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bluetornados
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Sept 9, 2023 10:10:44 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 10:10:44 GMT
US Open 202 final: Coco Gauff faces Aryna Sabalenka in New York showpiece..
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Coco Gauff will move up to third in the world rankings with victory in the US Open final, and fifth if she losesCoco Gauff will meet incoming world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final on Saturday as she bids for a first Grand Slam title. The 19-year-old, appearing in her second major singles final, is the youngest American finalist in New York since Serena Williams in 1999. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/185DC/production/_131040899_gettyimages-1666817697.jpgSabalenka is the first women's player to make the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams in a calendar year since Serena Williams in 2016On Saturday, Sabalenka will attempt to become the first woman to win both hard court Slams in the same year since Angelique Kerber in 2016. "I think the Australian Open final will definitely help, with all those emotions I went through in that final," Sabalenka added. "I'll be different in this final. I know which kind of emotions to expect. I know how to handle them. "Going into this final, I think I just have to focus on myself and prepare myself for another fight. "No matter what, just keep fighting and keep playing my best and do my best. What else can you do? You just have to be there and you have to fight for it." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/4596/production/_131041871_gauffsabalenka.png
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bluetornados
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Sept 9, 2023 10:21:11 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 9, 2023 10:21:11 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Daniil Medvedev to play Novak Djokovic in New York final..
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Daniil Medvedev had lost twice to Carlos Alcaraz this year - the Indian Wells final and a one-sided Wimbledon semi-finalCarlos Alcaraz had his reign as US Open champion ended by Daniil Medvedev 27 as the Russian set up another New York final against Novak Djokovic. The Spanish top seed lost 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 3-6 6-3 to Medvedev, ensuring there will be no repeat of the Wimbledon final between Alcaraz and Djokovic. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1388E/production/_131041008_djoko.jpgNovak Djokovic is aiming to become the oldest US Open men's singles champion in the Open eraDjokovic swatted aside young American Ben Shelton to move within one more win of a record-equalling 24th major title. The Serb, 36, won 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to close in on Margaret Court's tally.
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bluetornados
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Sept 10, 2023 23:18:59 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 10, 2023 23:18:59 GMT
US Open 2023 final: How Coco Gauff fulfilled her potential in New York..By Jonathan Jurejko, BBC Sport at Flushing Meadows.
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Coco Gauff became only the fourth American teenager to win the US Open title - after Tracey Austin, Serena Williams and Pete SamprasShortly after she won the US Open title, there was a video doing the rounds on social media of Coco Gauff dancing on Arthur Ashe Stadium as an excited eight-year-old. Eleven years later, the American teenager was standing in the same stadium - this time on the court lifting a Grand Slam trophy like she had long dreamed. Gauff burst on to the scene as a 15-year-old phenomenon at Wimbledon in 2019, now fulfilling her date with the destiny many had predicted ever since - and with the charisma she showed even then. After beating Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-3 6-2 in Saturday's New York showpiece, she took the microphone to deliver an accomplished and heartfelt speech that covered every base. She spilled the secret of her dad Corey crying in celebration - "he thinks he is hard" - and also threw shade on the people who doubted whether she would live up to the "hype". "I want to say 'thank you' to the people who didn't believe in me," she said. "I tried my best to carry on with with grace but, honestly, to those who thought you were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it. "I'm burning so bright right now." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/C32C/production/_131046994_gettyimages-1670605265.jpgWithout any written notes in front of her, she also thanked her parents, grandparents, coaches and the crowd and spoke of the importance of her faith. Crediting Billie Jean King, the pioneering major champion who fought for gender equality in the sport, for enabling her to take home a $3m prize pot was another endearing touch. Gauff had even called one of her brothers while waiting for the trophy ceremony but had to hang up because the noise in the stadium was "so loud" and "hurting" her ears. She was prepared for this moment and is also ready for whatever comes next. "I feel like this is a big achievement, but honestly I feel like I've been so used to being in the public eye since I was basically 15 years old in high school," she said. "I'm sure it might be a much bigger scale now because of this achievement, but I'm ready. I embrace it. "I think the pressure has been taken off a little bit and I still am hungry for more." Not only has Gauff become a leading light in the sport because of her tennis ability, but also because of her engaging personality. In simple terms, she has the one ingredient you can't teach or learn: star quality. And she uses her voice - and uses it powerfully. She has also spoken out strongly in the past about racial injustice and gun crime in the United States. "She's well beyond her years," Jarmere Jenkins, part of Gauff's new-look coaching team, told BBC Sport. "For a 19-year-old, how grounded she is, how well spoken she is, it's incredible. I love how she's an advocate. "Me at 19? I'm so glad I didn't have the spotlight. I wouldn't know how to handle it."
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bluetornados
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Sept 10, 2023 23:28:43 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 10, 2023 23:28:43 GMT
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Sept 11, 2023 8:26:32 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 11, 2023 8:26:32 GMT
US Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic wins 24th major by beating Daniil Medvedev
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Margaret Court's record of 24 major singles titles has stood for 50 years
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How Djokovic celebrated historic number 24After shaking hands with his opponent, Djokovic sobbed as he knelt on the court before picking out his daughter Tara from the crowd. Further tears followed as he went to celebrate with his nearest and dearest, which included parents Srdjan and Dijana, wife Jelena, son Stefan - and Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey. Addressing his family, Djokovic thanked them for all their "sacrifices" when he was a child growing up in war-torn Serbia in the 1990s. "The odds were pretty much against me and my family. It was not accessible, not affordable, but I fell in love with tennis," he said. "No-one in my family played tennis but [there was] incredible resilience and belief from my family. "My wife, my kids, my team, this is your trophy as much as it is mine." Djokovic also pulled on a T-shirt which paid tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his friend who was killed in a helicopter crash in 2020 and wore 24 in his playing days. "Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winners' mentality when I was struggling with injury and trying to work my way back to the top. "He was one of the people I relied on the most, he was always there for support in the most friendly way. "His passing hurt me deeply and 24 is the jersey he wore at Lakers so I thought it would be nice to acknowledge him." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/9/11/e28bec3f-715a-4884-9105-b27534ae2286.jpgOn Monday, Djokovic will return to world number one, replacing 20-year-old Spaniard Alcaraz - beaten by Medvedev in the semi-finals - who now appears the biggest threat to his bid for an all-time record 25th major. Here's what US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev had to say after his loss:"I want to ask Novak, what are you still doing here? "Jokes aside, it's my third final, maybe not the last I hope. Novak will probably be in many more - I don't know when you're planning to slow down a bit? Congrats to you and your team on 24, I feel like I had not a bad career and I have 20 titles and you have 24 Grand Slams. Wow. "I was here two years ago when I won and I thought what a great [wedding] anniversary for my wife. Today not really. Our anniversary is the same date then and today so I thought come on, do it one more time. "I want to thank everyone who supports me through this sometimes tough, sometimes easy, sometimes happy and sometimes sad journey." On his rivalry with Djokovic:"From one side I can say I beat Novak in a Grand Slam final, that is the pinnacle of my career so far. But I played five finals against him and Rafa [Nadal] and I only managed to win one of them soo I don't know if it's good or bad [rivalry]. "He pushes me to be better, I said in Australia that we met when I had played five finals and he was super kind to me. He treated me normal and he still does, 12 Grand Slams, 24, 30, nothing changed. That's something great you can say about a person." And to the crowd: "Thank you very much. You are amazing, this stadium is special. I came here and thought I want to play good here, I wanted to play well and feel the energy and I did. I really hope that one time I can hold that trophy again." US Open champion Novak Djokovic:"I don't know where to start, this means the world to me. I'm repeating myself but I have to say every time that I'm living my childhood dream to compete at this highest level. "This sport has given my family so much. Wars in our countries in the 1990s and being able to do this, sacrificing so much, especially my parents, to support me to play a sport that was very expensive at that time. Not accessible, not affordable, but I fell in love with tennis. "No one in my family played tennis but incredible resilience and belief from my family. My wife, my kids, my team, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. "To make history on this court is truly remarkable and special, in every way and every meaning of the word special. I had a dream when I was seven - I wanted to become the best player in the world and win Wimbledon that was the only thing I wanted. "But I started to dream new dreams, I never imagined I would be standing talking about 24 Grand Slams but the last couple of years I've felt I have a chance and I have a shot at history and why not grab it."
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bluetornados
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Sept 11, 2023 13:56:48 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 11, 2023 13:56:48 GMT
Davis Cup 2023: Andy Murray returns to Great Britain squad for group stage..By Michael Emons, BBC Sport.
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Andy Murray helped Great Britain win the Davis Cup in 2015The Davis Cup Finals group stage begins this week with Great Britain one of 16 nations trying to make it through to the knockout stage. Great Britain take on Australia, France and Switzerland in their round-robin group matches at Manchester's AO Arena. Andy Murray missed the 3-1 victory over Colombia in February but is back in the squad, alongside Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Neal Skupski and Jack Draper. The top two from Britain's group will advance to November's knockout stages. "We can't wait to play Davis Cup in Manchester in front of a huge home crowd," Britain's captain Leon Smith said. "We have a great team with a lot of Davis Cup experience who will be ready to give it everything in a tough group with Australia, Switzerland and France." Murray, who was integral to Britain ending a 79-year wait for glory in the men's team competition as they triumphed in 2015, was left out of their qualifying win on the Colombian clay. Smith suggested the surface was not ideal for Murray, who at the time had played just three matches on clay since 2017. Draper, 21, was the last player to be added following his run to the fourth round of this the US Open, where he lost to Russian eighth seed Andrey Rublev. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/7580/production/_131008003_jackdraper.jpgJack Draper reached round four of the US Open in 2023 after making the third round in 2022Calling up Draper also indicates that Smith will rely on Wimbledon doubles champion Skupski and Evans as his doubles partnership, having overlooked Joe Salisbury, who, along with American partner Rajeev Ram, won a third successive US Open men's doubles title on Friday. Britain need to finish in the top two of the four-team group, played from 12 to 17 September, to make it through to the final stages of the competition in Malaga, Spain, from 21 to 26 November. What is the format?Four nations received automatic qualification to the Finals group stage - last year's winners Canada, runners-up Australia and wildcards Italy and Spain. They have been joined by 12 qualifiers - Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Serbia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and United States. The nations have been divided into four groups of four. Group A plays in Bologna, Italy, Group B in Manchester, Group C in Valencia, Spain, and Group D in Split, Croatia. Each tie features two singles rubbers and one in doubles. The top two in each group after the round-robin phase will move into the knockout phase in Spain in November. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/18682/production/_131007999_daviscup.pngFixtures (all 2pm unless stated, groups in brackets)Tuesday, 12th September: Sweden v Chile (A), France v Switzerland (B, 13:00 BST), Serbia v South Korea (C), Netherlands v Finland (D) Wednesday, 13th September: Canada v Italy (A), Australia v Great Britain (B, 13:00 BST), Spain v Czech Republic (C), Croatia v United States (D) Thursday, 14th September: Canada v Sweden (A), Australia v France (B, 13:00 BST), Czech Republic v South Korea (C), Netherlands v United States (D) Friday, 15th September: Italy v Chile (A), Great Britain v Switzerland (B, 13:00 BST), Spain v Serbia (C), Croatia v Finland (D) Saturday, 16th September: Canada v Chile (A), Australia v Switzerland (B, 13:00 BST), Serbia v Czech Republic (C), United States v Finland (D) Sunday, 17th September: Italy v Sweden (A), Great Britain v France (B, 13:00 BST), Spain v South Korea (C), Croatia v Netherlands (D) Who will Great Britain be up against?
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Australia's Alex de Minaur (right) beat Andy Murray in the first round at the Queen's Club in JuneGreat Britain's squad includes three players - Norrie, Evans and Murray - ranked in the top 45 in the world, while Skupski won the men's doubles at Wimbledon in July alongside Wesley Koolhof of the Netherlands. Australia are without Nick Kyrgios because of a wrist injury, while their strength in depth is shown with top-50 players Alexei Popyrin and Aleksandar Vukic not being included. Alex de Minaur is 12th in the world, while Jordan Thompson and Thanasi Kokkinakis are inside the top 80. Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden won the men's doubles at Wimbledon in 2022. France have a mixture of youth and experience with 19-year-old Arthur Fils, an ATP Tour winner at the Lyon Open in May, alongside doubles specialists Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Nicolas Mahut, who are 39 and 41 years old respectively. Top 40 players Ugo Humbert and Adrian Mannarino are also in the French squad. Switzerland won the Davis Cup in 2014, but no longer have the retired Roger Federer to call upon, although three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka, who was in the victorious Swiss side nine years ago, again features. Dominic Stricker, 21, defeated Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2023 US Open before losing in the last 16, while their side also includes Marc-Andrea Huesler and doubles specialists Alexander Ritschard and Leandro Riedi. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/ACE3/production/_130995244_andymurray.jpg
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bluetornados
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Sept 12, 2023 21:00:13 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 12, 2023 21:00:13 GMT
Simona Halep: Two-time Grand Slam champion handed four-year ban for doping..By Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent.
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Simona Halep has not played in a Grand Slam tournament since a first-round exit at the 2022 US Open
Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been banned for four years following breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. An independent tribunal determined the 31-year-old Romanian had committed "intentional" anti-doping violations. Halep said in a statement she intends to appeal against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. "I am continuing to train and do everything in my power to clear my name of these false allegations," she said. Halep tested positive for the use of roxadustat at last year's US Open. She was also found guilty of using an unspecified prohibited substance or method in 2022 after irregularities were found in her biological passport. The tribunal accepted Halep's argument she had taken a contaminated supplement, but decided that would not have resulted in the concentration of roxadustat found in her urine sample. Roxadustat is an anti-anaemia drug which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. The panel also stated they had no reason to doubt the unanimous "strong opinion" reached by three independent experts that "likely doping" was the explanation for the irregularities in her biological passport. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/130F5/production/_131096087_simonahalep.jpgHalep has been provisionally suspended since October 2022, which means she will be able to play again on 7th October 2026, by which time she will be 35. The findings of the tribunal, however, can be appealed against and Halep indicated that she would challenge the verdict. She said: "The last year has been the hardest match of my life, and unfortunately my fight continues. I have devoted my life to the beautiful game of tennis. "I take the rules that govern our sport very seriously and take pride in the fact I have never knowingly or intentionally used any prohibited substance. I refused to accept their decision of a four-year ban." Halep said she "adjusted" her nutritional supplements on the recommendation of her team before the hard court season in 2022 and that "none of the listed ingredients included any prohibited substances". However, she acknowledged that "one of them was contaminated with roxadustat" and she also planned to "pursue all legal remedies against the supplement company in question". Halep added: "I was tested almost weekly after my initial positive test through early 2023, all of which came back negative. "I believe in a clean sport and in almost two decades as a professional tennis player, through hundreds of tournaments and two Grand Slam titles, I have taken 200 blood and urine tests to check for prohibited substances - all of which have been clean." The Professional Tennis Players Association called the "repeated and unexplained delays" in Halep's case "both unfair and unacceptable" and said it was "fully committed to supporting her in any future appeals". Halep, who won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon the following year, is the highest-profile tennis player to fail a drugs test since Maria Sharapova in 2016. She has won 24 WTA tour singles titles and earned £32.2m ($40.2m) in prize money and was ranked number one in the world in 2017 and 2018. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/71FF/production/_129838192_gettyimages-1161769745.jpg
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bluetornados
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Sept 13, 2023 20:17:55 GMT
Post by bluetornados on Sept 13, 2023 20:17:55 GMT
Davis Cup 2023 results: Great Britain's Jack Draper & Dan Evans earn wins..Great Britain's bid to reach the Davis Cup Finals knockout stage started with a superb victory over Australia as debutant Jack Draper and Dan Evans both won their singles matches. In the first of a best-of-three-match tie, Jack Draper won 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) against Thanasi Kokkinakis. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/9/13/3ea8a6c0-c90a-4559-9302-8c344e30fac2.jpgDan Evans beat Alex de Minaur, ranked 12th in the world, 6-1 2-6 6-4 in the second singles match on Wednesday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/9/13/e37d19a8-8e66-44cc-af86-1f8bdffa2146.jpgFour nations - Britain, Australia, France and Switzerland - are playing in the group stage event held at Manchester's AO Arena. They all play each other once in a round-robin format, with the top two countries going through to the knockout stage - known as the 'Final Eight' - in Malaga in November. Britain play Switzerland on Friday and face France in the final tie of the event on Sunday. France are top of the group as it stands after winning all three matches in Tuesday's opening tie against the Swiss.
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