In a calculated decision reflecting her priorities for the upcoming season, Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has announced her withdrawal from the United Cup mixed-teams tournament scheduled to commence later this month. This choice underscores a growing trend among elite athletes to prioritize their mental and physical well-being, particularly after an exhausting competitive season. Unlike
Tennis
In a bold move to embrace emerging sports, the Australian Open will make history by introducing the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam during the tournament’s final weekend, set to take place from January 24-26, 2024. With an impressive prize pool of $100,000, this event will spotlight pickleball, a sport that has seen an exponential surge in
Jenson Brooksby has been navigating through significant challenges in his young career as a tennis professional. With an extraordinary talent that once placed him among the top contenders in his field, Brooksby has faced a tumultuous path that included injuries, a lengthy absence from the tour, and an unexpected suspension. As he prepares to make
In a groundbreaking move aimed at redefining financial support for tennis players, the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) introduced its Baseline program in 2024. The initiative is designed to ensure a minimum annual income for players ranked in the top 250, recognizing the financial disparities within the sport. With a total payout of $1.3 million
In a surprising turn of events that showcases the dynamic nature of professional tennis, Novak Djokovic is set to partner with the enigmatic Nick Kyrgios for doubles at the upcoming Brisbane International. The Australian, once known for his sharp criticisms of Djokovic, referred to the 24-time Grand Slam champion as “boneheaded” and a “tool.” However,
The University of Virginia’s women’s basketball program has recently become the recipient of a landmark donation from Alexis Ohanian, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his dedication to supporting women in athletics. While the specific financial figure has not been disclosed, the gift is heralded as the largest in the program’s history. This transformative
Stacey Allaster, a formidable figure in the world of professional tennis, is set to leave her influential roles as chief executive of professional tennis at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and tournament director for the US Open following the 2025 tournament. This announcement marks the end of an era, but Allaster reframes her departure
In a remarkable affirmation of her talent and determination, Aryna Sabalenka was awarded the prestigious WTA Player of the Year honor for the first time. This accolade comes in the wake of her significant successes during the 2024 season, where she clinched two Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open and the U.S. Open—and concluded the year
Carlos Alcaraz, a name that has echoed through the annals of tennis since he burst onto the scene, is gearing up for the 2025 season with a revamped coaching team. As a four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz has already cemented his legacy at a remarkably young age. However, he understands the importance of continuous growth
The world of tennis has experienced a profound loss with the passing of Neale Fraser at the age of 91. Fraser, a decorated athlete and revered team captain, leaves behind a legacy that is not only integral to Australian tennis but also resonates globally. His accomplishments as a player and mentor shaped the sport for
In a surprising yet strategic move, Novak Djokovic has announced that former rival Andy Murray will take on the role of his coach as he prepares for the upcoming Australian Open. This decision comes after Djokovic spent half a year without a coach, marking a significant shift in his approach as he aims to reclaim
The world of professional tennis has recently been embroiled in controversy regarding the apparent disparities between how doping violations are dealt with among the sport’s elite players. Notably, former world No. 1 Simona Halep has publicly questioned the contrasting treatments she and current world No. 2 Iga Swiatek received following doping allegations. Swiatek received a