Category Sports News

Emma Raducanu, the British world number one, defeated compatriot Mimi Xu comfortably to advance to the second round of her “favorite tournament,” Wimbledon.

Xu, 17, who was making her first Grand Slam appearance, was quickly defeated by Raducanu, who won 6-3, 6-3.

The Welsh teenager showed signs of the potential that earned her a wildcard in SW19’s main draw this year.

But Raducanu found her feet on court one and displayed some of the free-hitting play she had enjoyed during the grass-court warm-up events.

As she tries to improve her run to the fourth round of last year, the 22-year-old appeared unaffected by the still-sweltering conditions at the All England Club.

“It’s really nice to be back,” he said. She said, “I just use it as support and I love it.”

“I’m just so happy to get another match here because it’s by far my favorite tournament.”

Sonay Kartal, Arthur Fery, Cameron Norrie, Billy Harris, and qualifier Oliver Tarvet all won on the opening day of the British players’ championship.

Raducanu, who is currently ranked 40 in the world, reclaimed her position at Queen’s earlier this month as the country’s top female.

The 2021 US Open champion, who has already reached two WTA quarter-finals this year, returned to the top 40 overall and appeared happier and more at ease.

However, Raducanu said she “does not expect much” at Wimbledon after a difficult build-up, including an emotional tournament at Eastbourne last week and having to withdraw from the Berlin Open due to an ongoing back issue.

But she quickly yelled “come on Britain” in front of a home crowd that was eager to support both sides in front of her! from the spectators.

Raducanu gained a foothold in the match with a break of serve right away, and more break points followed.

However, Xu, who is ranked just outside the top 300 in the world, prevailed over them in a protracted third game, much to the delight of the Welsh fans present, who were prepared to see their first Wimbledon main singles player in 20 years.

Despite making numerous errors, Xu managed to hold her own and get comfortable with the match.

Raducanu broke the serve early in the second set, which was much the same as the first set.

However, this time, Xu took a break of her own, leading to a topsy-turvy encounter as neither player could hold onto their serve.

Emma Raducanu, the British world number one, defeated compatriot Mimi Xu comfortably to advance to the second round of her “favorite tournament,” Wimbledon.

Xu, 17, who was making her first Grand Slam appearance, was quickly defeated by Raducanu, who won 6-3, 6-3.

The Welsh teenager showed signs of the potential that earned her a wildcard in SW19’s main draw this year.

But Raducanu found her feet on court one and displayed some of the free-hitting play she had enjoyed during the grass-court warm-up events.

As she tries to improve her run to the fourth round of last year, the 22-year-old appeared unaffected by the still-sweltering conditions at the All England Club.

“It’s really nice to be back,” he said. She said, “I just use it as support and I love it.”

“I’m just so happy to get another match here because it’s by far my favorite tournament.”

Sonay Kartal, Arthur Fery, Cameron Norrie, Billy Harris, and qualifier Oliver Tarvet all won on the opening day of the British players’ championship.

Raducanu, who is currently ranked 40 in the world, reclaimed her position at Queen’s earlier this month as the country’s top female.

The 2021 US Open champion, who has already reached two WTA quarter-finals this year, returned to the top 40 overall and appeared happier and more at ease.

However, Raducanu said she “does not expect much” at Wimbledon after a difficult build-up, including an emotional tournament at Eastbourne last week and having to withdraw from the Berlin Open due to an ongoing back issue.

But she quickly yelled “come on Britain” in front of a home crowd that was eager to support both sides in front of her! from the spectators.

Raducanu gained a foothold in the match with a break of serve right away, and more break points followed.

However, Xu, who is ranked just outside the top 300 in the world, prevailed over them in a protracted third game, much to the delight of the Welsh fans present, who were prepared to see their first Wimbledon main singles player in 20 years.

Despite making numerous errors, Xu managed to hold her own and get comfortable with the match.

Raducanu broke the serve early in the second set, which was much the same as the first set.

However, this time, Xu took a break of her own, leading to a topsy-turvy encounter as neither player could hold onto their serve.

British number one Emma Raducanu said she would give her coach Mark Petchey an “11 out of 10” after she secured a comfortable victory over compatriot Mimi Xu to progress to the second round at Wimbledon.

Raducanu swiftly wrapped up the 6-3 6-3 win against 17-year-old Xu, who was making her maiden Grand Slam appearance.

The Welsh teenager showed glimpses of the potential that earned her a wildcard in this year’s main draw at SW19.

But Raducanu quickly settled into her rhythm on Court One and showcased some of the free-hitting style she has enjoyed at the grass-court warm-up events.

The 22-year-old has previously struggled to settle on a coach but brought Petchey – a well-known figure in British tennis circles who has previously worked with Andy Murray – into her team on a casual basis at the Miami Open in March.

The result of that partnership, as well as the return of childhood coach Nick Cavaday – who stepped aside for health reasons in January – has appeared pivotal for Raducanu as she looked at ease and comfortable in sweltering conditions at the All England Club.

“I’d give him 11 out of 10,” she said of Petchey.

“He’s been everything the last few months for me. I’ve really enjoyed being around him. He’s helped me so much on all fronts, tennis, off-court. “

Victory comes after a successful opening day for the British players with victories for Sonay Kartal, Arthur Fery, Cameron Norrie, Billy Harris and qualifier Oliver Tarvet.

Currently ranked at number 40 in the world, Raducanu regained her position as British number one at Queen’s earlier this month.

Generally looking happier and more relaxed, the 2021 US Open champion has reached two WTA quarter-finals this year and returned to the world’s top 40.

But, after a difficult build-up which included an emotional tournament at Eastbourne last week and having to pull out of the Berlin Open because of an ongoing back issue, Raducanu said she “does not expect much” at Wimbledon.

But she quickly looked at home in front of a home crowd eager to support both sides with cries of “come on Britain! ” from the stands.

An immediate break of serve gave Raducanu a foothold in the match and more break points followed.

But Xu, who is ranked just outside the top 300 in the world, fended them off in a lengthy third game, much to the delight of the Welsh fans in attendance, willing on their first player to enter the Wimbledon main singles draw in 20 years.

Xu held her own and settled into the match but a slew of mistakes eventually handed Raducanu the first set.

The second set began in much the same fashion, with an early break of serve from Raducanu.

But this time Xu responded with a break of her own and a topsy-turvy encounter followed as neither player could hold onto their serve.

As was the case at Queen’s earlier this month, Raducanu has appeared more relaxed and happy during this grass-court swing.

Much of that seems to be down to the decision to bring back Petchey and Cavaday during a difficult period for Raducanu where she was targeted by a stalker during a match in Dubai.

She was left in tears and hiding behind the umpire’s chair at the tournament in February and has since said she is “wary” of going out.

At Queen’s Raducanu said she is happier when she can be “free and expressive” on court while her partnership with compatriot Katie Boulter in the doubles was evidence of a more content and care-free Raducanu.

It was a welcome sight for the home fans after a period of injury struggle and uncertainty.

Those smiles were on display again in her opening round match at Wimbledon, which she called her “favourite tournament by far”.

After comfortably sealing the first set, Raducanu even turned litter picker when she retrieved a champagne cork that had popped onto court, laughing and smiling at the crowd.

“It was a first! ” she said after.

Following an internal investigation into Sir Lee Pearson’s conduct, British Equestrian and British Dressage have lifted his suspension as a 14-time Paralympic gold medalist.

After his membership was reinstated, Pearson is now free to compete abroad and not compete in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Sir Lee will return to the British Equestrian World Class Program with “urgent effect” and will be able to compete and coach both domestically and abroad, according to a statement from British Equestrian.

With 14 gold medals, the 51-year-old cyclist is Britain’s third-most successful paralympic athlete, only to be surpassed by swimmer Mike Kenny and cyclist Dame Sarah Storey.

The Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028, which ParalympicsGB claimed it was open to, was a statement released last year. Pearson, a British flagbearer at Rio 2016, had already stated his intention to compete there.

Lee has publicly stated that because of personal reasons, he did not intend to apply for Paris 2024.

He and the British Equine team are in charge of this, and it does not diminish his previous accomplishments or the possibility that he might compete in the Paralympics in the future.

Prior to the Paris Paralympics in May of last year, a four-strong British Para-equestrian team was chosen for the event. Pearson’s suspension was in place. He was not qualified for selection because he had not competed since March 2023.

Following an internal investigation into Sir Lee Pearson’s conduct, British Equestrian and British Dressage have lifted his suspension as a 14-time Paralympic gold medalist.

After his membership was reinstated, Pearson is now free to compete abroad and not compete in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Sir Lee will return to the British Equestrian World Class Program with “urgent effect” and will be able to compete and coach both domestically and abroad, according to a statement from British Equestrian.

With 14 gold medals, the 51-year-old cyclist is Britain’s third-most successful paralympic athlete, only to be surpassed by swimmer Mike Kenny and cyclist Dame Sarah Storey.

The Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028, which ParalympicsGB claimed it was open to, was a statement released last year. Pearson, a British flagbearer at Rio 2016, had already stated his intention to compete there.

Lee has publicly stated that because of personal reasons, he did not intend to apply for Paris 2024.

He and the British Equine team are in charge of this, and it does not diminish his previous accomplishments or the possibility that he might compete in the Paralympics in the future.

Prior to the Paris Paralympics in May of last year, a four-strong British Para-equestrian team was chosen for the event. Pearson’s suspension was in place. He was not qualified for selection because he had not competed since March 2023.

Wimbledon 2025

Venue: All England Club, June 30 – 13 .

In the first round of Wimbledon, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Italian veteran Fabio Fognini met in a meeting with British qualifier Oliver Tarvet to prepare for a seismic shock.

Alcaraz won the grass-court Grand Slam tournament 7-5, 7-5, 7-5, 7-5, 7-5, 7-5, 7-5, and 6-1 as he broke through the first day’s sweaty opening session.

After a 15-minute break in the final set, the 22-year-old Spaniard quickly seized control of the match.

A sunburned spectator was taken to the hospital, and Alcaraz gave them a bottle of cold water to aid in their recovery.

Alcaraz struggled on serve and made uncharacteristic errors off the ground throughout the four-and-a-half hour contest at temperatures topping 32C, finishing second to Italian rival Jannik Sinner.

Fognini, 38, twice fought back in his final Wimbledon match before his planned retirement, but Alcaraz resurrected control and shortened his winning streak to 19 matches.

Alcaraz won the Queen’s trophy on his return to British grass after defeating Sinner in an all-time classic final earlier this month. Alcaraz won his fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open.

Alcaraz burst into a wide smile and shared a warm embrace with his rival as he finally put an end to Fognini’s resistance.

“I tried my best, but I can’t.” In the upcoming round, I need to improve, Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz is well-versed in playing in the scorching heat because he is originally from Murcia’s sun-soaked region.

However, it was not ideal to have to start his most recent title defense with a protracted contest in the challenging circumstances.

The players hoping to win the fortnight want to keep as much energy as possible in the opening matches, but Alcaraz needed to work up his physical and mental reserves to defeat Fognini.

Playing in such high heat is “incredibly challenging,” Alcaraz said, “and it gets even more challenging when you play long matches and rallies.”

“Part of the match is when the sun starts to hit you constantly, so you may feel a little down.” I must be prepared for battle.

Alcaraz is familiar with playing the opening game of Wimbledon on its most famous court, as tradition dictates, but he lacks the freedom and fluency he is known for.

Alcaraz’s first shot has been inconsistent this season, which may have contributed to Fognini’s constant pressure-adjusted first-serve percentage below 50%.

Fognini turned professional when Alcaraz was just a toddler, but the expressive Italian showed how much he still enjoys displaying his talents on the biggest stages.

Alcaraz, who was criticized for gesturing and hurling at his team, was puzzled by his return, which showed his trademark variety and continued to play with his trademark variety.

Alcaraz’s free attack, however, causes trouble for his rivals.

Alcaraz’s face was brightened by a humorous exchange at the start of the decisive, when Fognini playfully threatened to hit a ball at his younger rival.

From that point, he found more rhythm and dominated the fifth set, passing both the forced emergency break, which had stifled Fognini’s concentration.

Alcaraz remarked, “Playing the first match on Center Court is never simple.”

However, his pushed Alcaraz in a way that recalled the fluid, natural talent that has frequently caused the best players to struggle over the years.

Andy Murray’s ability on the red dirt also troubled the former world number nine, who is one of the few players to have won in a row over Rafael Nadal on clay.

Fognini, who reached the 2011 French Open quarter-finals, has announced he plans to retire at the end of this year, though he has not specifically stated when. His best major appearance came in 2011.

Before hurling his shoes into the crowd, Alcaraz quickly led the crowd to applaud Fognini, who was then given a heartfelt ovation.

Because of his level of play, Alcaraz can play for another three or four years, he said, “I don’t know why this is his last Wimbledon.”

“Fabio has consistently demonstrated his level and talent throughout his career.