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Tag: tennis

  • Andy Murray retires from tennis after Paris Olympics

    Andy Murray retires from tennis after Paris Olympics

    Andy Murray has officially announced that he will retire from professional tennis following the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    The 37-year-old British tennis star plans to compete in both the singles and doubles events at his fifth and final Olympic Games.

    “Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament,” Murray wrote on X. “Competing for Team GB has been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I’m extremely proud to get to do it one final time!”

    Murray’s Olympic journey began in Beijing in 2008, where he faced a disappointing first-round exit against Lu Yen-hsun.

    However, he rebounded spectacularly four years later at London 2012, where he overcame the heartbreak of a Wimbledon final loss to Roger Federer by defeating the Swiss maestro in straight sets to claim the gold medal.

    The Scot made history at the Rio 2016 Olympics, becoming the first male tennis player to win two Olympic singles titles after a grueling victory over Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro.

    His Olympic success stands out as a highlight in a career decorated with three Grand Slam titles and two Wimbledon championships.

    Murray’s career has been marked by remarkable resilience, especially after undergoing hip surgery in January 2019, which allowed him to continue playing at a competitive level. However, physical challenges have increasingly limited his ability to compete.

    Earlier this month, Murray made his final competitive appearance at Wimbledon, where he and his brother Jamie were knocked out in the first round of the doubles competition.

    A back injury had already forced him to withdraw from the singles event at the last moment, and a planned mixed doubles pairing with Emma Raducanu was canceled due to her wrist injury.

    Reflecting on his Wimbledon experience, Murray expressed the emotional toll of his decision to retire. “It is hard because I want to keep playing, but I can’t. Physically it’s too tough now. I want to play forever. I love the sport,” he said.

    Murray had hinted earlier this year that he would not play much beyond the summer but held onto the hope of competing in Paris. Now, he has confirmed that the 2024 Olympics will be his swan song.

    In Paris, Murray will partner with Dan Evans, the British number three, in the doubles event. The tennis competition at the Olympics will be held at Roland Garros, starting on 27 July and concluding on 4 August, with medal rounds scheduled for early August.

  • Marketa wants beer after becoming first unseeded winner to win historic Wimbledon final

    Marketa wants beer after becoming first unseeded winner to win historic Wimbledon final

    Marketa Vondrousova defeated Ons Jabeur in the women’s singles final on Saturday, becoming the first unseeded champion in Wimbledon history.

    Jabeur was seeking revenge after losing to Elena Rybkina in the final last year, but the Tunisian trailblazer has now finished second twice.

    Both players sought to win their first major championship of their professional careers, but it was Czech world No. 42 Vondrousova who triumphed and won her first Grand Slam trophy.

    Not many have predicted Vondrousova to win Wimbledon but she beat four seeded players to become the second-lowest ranked player to reach the final since the WTA rankings were introduced, before stunning sixth-seed Jabeur 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court.

    ‘Tennis is crazy!’ Vondrousova said in her on-court interview. ‘I don’t know how I’ve done it. The comebacks are not easy you never know what to expect. I was hoping I could comeback to this level and now I am here.

    ‘I want to thank my box, all you guys are amazing, my little sister is crying up there. It’s amazing [to have my husband here], tomorrow is [the] first anniversary of our wedding. It’s amazing to have you guys being here with me.

    ‘I made a bet with my coach [over a tattoo]. He said if I win a Grand Slam he’s going to get one also. So I think we’re going to go tomorrow! I think I’m going to have some beer maybe.

    ‘It was an exhausting two weeks, and I was getting myself together the last few days. I was so nervous before this game. Thank you so much guys for the support and coming here.’

    Jabeur got off to a strong start with a hold and break in the first two games of the match, going 40-15 up on Vondrousova’s serve as the Czech fired into the net at 40-30.

    But Vondrousova produced two break points of her own in game three, converting the second as a forehand shot from Jabeur missed the mark.

    Vondrousova looked to level up the set in a marathon game four as Jabeur produced her third, fourth, fifth and sixth break points of the match – but the unseeded star fended them off to make it 2-2.

    Jabeur looked fired up and responded with a dominant hold before racing into a 40-love lead on the Vondrousova serve in game six, this time getting the job done first time to regain her lead and edge towards the first set.

    Vondrousova, though, responded emphatically by taking a 40-love lead on Jabeur’s serve and once again handed herself the chance to level things up in her next service game.

    After Vondrousova made it 4-4, she turned the first set on its head in game nine with a crucial break, her third of the match, which gave her the chance to serve for the set, closing it out 6-4 with an impressive hold to love.

    Things looked dangerous for Jabeur as Vondrousova took a 30-love lead on her serve in the first game of the second set – and despite the North African battling back to 30-30 – she was once again broken by her lower-ranked opponent.

    Jabeur, who has produced numerous comebacks in SW19 this year, broke Vondrousova straight back, though, to prompt the loudest roar on Centre Court of the match so far.

    Jabeur then hit a real purple patch as she held and secured a potentially match-turning double break, resulting in another huge cheer from spectators, who were determined to see the final go the distance.

    Another twist followed, though, as Vondrousova registered her fifth break of the match in game five and held to level up the second set at 3-3.

    The duo traded service games but Vondrousova broke again and held to take the second set 7-5 and secure the Wimbledon title, falling to the floor in front of a star-studded crowd that included the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Emma Watson, Andrew Garfield and Dame Maggie Smith.

    ‘I don’t really know what’s happening right now, it’s an amazing feeling,’ Vondrousova added.

    ‘Ons, congratulations, you are such an inspiration to all of us. I hope you will win one day, you are an amazing person. Congratulations to the team.

    ‘After everything I have been through, I had a cast last time, it’s amazing I can stand here and hold this.’

  • Caroline Wozniacki to return to tennis after 3-year absence

    Caroline Wozniacki to return to tennis after 3-year absence

    Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one in women’s tennis, has announced her return to the sport after a three-year retirement.

    The 32-year-old Danish player, who claimed victory in the Australian Open in 2018 and reached the finals of the US Open in 2009 and 2014, is set to make a comeback to the professional tennis circuit.

    Her decision marks a significant development for her fans and the tennis community.

    “I became a mother and now have two beautiful children I am so grateful for,” Wozniacki wrote on Twitter.

    “But I still have goals I want to accomplish. We decided as a family it’s time. I’m coming back to play and I can’t wait.”

    Wozniacki announced the birth of daughter Olivia in June 2021 and then son James in 2022.

    She added: “I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter your age or role.”

    During the first stage of her career, Wozniacki won 30 tour-level titles, including one Grand Slam triumph when she beat Simona Halep in three sets in the 2018 Australian Open final.

    At Wimbledon, she reached the last 16 on six occasions, but lost at that stage every time.

  • Second seed Tsitsipas knocked out by Khachanov

    Second seed Tsitsipas knocked out by Khachanov

    Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was bundled out of the Miami Open in straight sets during Tuesday’s fourth round by 2022 US Open semi-finalist Karen Khachanov.

    The Russian 14th seed prevailed 7-6 6-4 over Tsitsipas in one hour and 34 minutes, powering 25 winners and making only nine unforced errors, compared to the Greek’s 14.

    Khachanov’s triumph ended a winless 0-6 head-to-head record against Tsitsipas, while it also snapped his own 23-match losing streak against top-10 opponents.

    The Russian, who also made this year’s Australian Open semi-finals, has qualified for four of his six tour-level events this year.

    Khachanov will take on 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the quarter-finals, with the Argentinian fighting back to get past Lorenzo Sonego 3-6 6-3 6-2 in just over two hours.

    Defending champion and top seed Carlos Alcaraz had less trouble against Tommy Paul, cruising into the quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-4 victory.

    Alcaraz won the winners’ count 24-9, setting up a quarter-final clash with ninth seed Taylor Fritz, as the Spanish 19-year-old chases a rare Sunshine Double, having won last week’s Indian Wells Open.

    Fritz progressed after getting past seventh seed Holger Rune 6-3 6-4 in 86 minutes, sending down eight aces and 22 winners for the match.

    Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev played late into the evening after a lengthy rain delay in Miami, but made light work of Quinten Halys 6-4 6-2, triumphing just past 1.30am local time.

    Medvedev, who is into his third straight Miami quarter-final, will face American qualifier Christopher Eubanks in the last eight after he got past Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-6 7-6 in another rain-delayed contest.

    Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner knocked off sixth seed Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4, advancing to face Emil Ruusuvuori after he beat Botic van de Zandschulp 4-6 6-4 7-5.

  • Former national tennis champion Georgina Amoafi Kingsley-Nyinah laid to rest

    Former national tennis champion Georgina Amoafi Kingsley-Nyinah laid to rest

    Wife of the former Chief Justice Kingsley-Nyinah and former national tennis champion Kingsley-Nyinah was laid to rest.

    Madam Georgina Amoafi Kingsley-Nyinah was laid to rest in Accra on March 17, 2023, following a funeral service at St. John Methodist Church, Tantra Hill.

    On February 18, 2023, Mrs. Kingsley-Nyinah, a former national champion in ladies’ tennis, passed away in Accra.

    Her late husband, Justice Joseph Kingsley-Nyinah, was a former Ghanaian electoral commissioner.

    She was also Mother to Mrs. Patricia Christabel Kyerematen, Wife of Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen.

    Madam Georgina Amoafi Kingsley-Nyinah’s love for Tennis started in her early years at the Adabraka Tennis Club and she maintained the passion throughout the years.

    The climax of her competition career came in 1976 when she defeated Victoria Dowuona to win the Ghana Lawn Tennis Association Women’s Single Title.

    She won the national title at the age of 44 and defeated her younger and powerful opponent who was 18 and pre-tournament favorite, prevailing over three sets of nail-biting tennis.

    It was an extraordinary demonstration of skill, determination and strength of spirit which were the hallmarks of the career of the deceased.

    It was the last competitive match of the woman known in Tennis circles as Auntie Georgina, who subsequently shifted from Social Tennis and also played Administrative roles in the Sport serving on the Board of the Ghana Lawn Tennis Club and on the National Sports Council for many years.

    Madam Georgina Amoafi Kingsley-Nyinah was 90.

  • Rafael Nadal misses world top 10

    Rafael Nadal misses world top 10

    For the first time in almost 18 years, Rafael Nadal is no longer ranked among the top 10 male tennis players in the world.

    Since April 2005, Nadal had consistently ranked in the top 10, but due to an injury that prevented him from competing in Indian Wells, he dropped to number 13 on Monday.

    After defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, the 36-year-run old’s came to an end on the same day his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz recovered the top ranking from Novak Djokovic.

    Since losing to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January, Nadal has struggled with a hip issue from which he has not yet fully recovered.

    Though the 22-time grand slam winner could return to the top 10 once he is back in action, it will not be in the next month as he has also withdrawn from the Miami Masters.

    The latest ATP rankings saw Djokovic drop to second place, while Medvedev moved from sixth to fifth, Felix Auger-Aliassime leapt from 10th to sixth, Hubert Hurkacz nudged into the top 10 as he moved up two places to ninth, while Taylor Fritz dropped from fifth to 10th.

  • Swiss tennis international Federer announces retirement

    Tennis giant, Roger Federer has revealed that he will be exiting the scene after next week’s Laver Cup in London following continued struggles with a long-term knee injury.

    The Swiss great, 41, has called time on an extraordinary 24-year career which has seen him win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, behind only Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21) on the men’s all-time list.

    A social media post from him read: “As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form.

    “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years.

    “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.

    “The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, or course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”

    At age 16, Federer made his competitive debut in 1998 and won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003.

    He surpassed idol Pete Sampras’ record when he beat Andy Roddick in the 2009 Wimbledon final to claim his 15th.

    The veteran has not played a competitive match since suffering a quarter-final exit to Hubert Hurkacz at last summer’s Wimbledon.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/serena-williams-welcomes-roger-federer-to-retirement-club

    He then announced he would require more surgery on his knee having previously undergone two operations in 2020 that kept him out for more than a year.

    Having failed to recover from the latest setback, the sport will lose a true legend of the game.

    Meanwhile, Serena Willams, who recently retired has welcomed Federer to the “retirement club.”

     

  • Kenin ends long wait for win in Cleveland

    Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin claimed her first victory since January at Tennis in the Land on Monday.

    Kenin, who has struggled mightily with illness and injury since her triumph in Melbourne in 2020, has seen her ranking drop to 415 in the world.

    She had lost her last nine matches but was back to winning ways in Cleveland, where Kenin earned a 6-4 6-3 win over qualifier Dalayna Hewitt in an all-American clash.

    Bernarda Pera and Madison Brengle gave the home fans plenty to cheer about with first-round victories, while Lauren Davis came up short in three sets against third seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

    Seeds Martina Trevisan, Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Alize Cornet all sealed wins, the latter thrashing Dayana Yastremska for the loss of just three games.

    At the Granby Championships, top seed Daria Kasatkina had to come from a set down to beat Greet Minnen 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-2 in just under three hours.

    Seventh seed Kaja Juvan lost to 17-year-old Cadence Brace but seeds Jasmine Paolini, Anna Bondar, Nuria Parrizas Diaz, Tereza Martincova and Marta Kostyuk all emerged victorious.

    Source:livescore.com

  • Accra Social Tennis Club inaugurated

    The Accra Social Tennis Club was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the National Tennis Centre.

    The Chairman of the Club is Mr. Eric Kyei will be assisted by Vice Chairperson Ms. Cathy Morton.

    Giving a brief background of the club, Mr. Kyei said the formation of the club is to ensure that members feel part of a community whose goals are to unite and have fun as well as improve the infrastructure of their home courts and the lives of its members.

    An executive committee was sworn in by guest of Honour; Tennis Foundation Ghana President, Roger Crawford.

    Mr. Crawford advised members to support their executives so the club will achieve its aims and objectives. He also reiterated the support of Tennis Foundation Ghana to the Accra Social Tennis Club. Mr. Prempeh Bannermann is Patron of the club.

    Source: Gabriel Amoakoh, Contributor

  • Henry Akwaboah elected Chairman of Sakumono Tennis Club

    The Managing director of Engen Ghana Limited, Henry Akwaboah has been elected as the chairman of Sakumono Tennis Club for a 2-year term after Mr. Frank Addy’s tenure came to an end.

    Henry is expected to continue the good works of Frank who has been at the helm of the tennis club since 2018.

    Under the stewardship of Frank, Sakumono Tennis Club became one of the most attractive club in the country. All tournaments hosted by Sakumono Tennis Club have been corporate-sponsored, further underpinning the attractiveness of the club to corporate Ghana.

    The tennis courts of the club have also seen enormous transformation with the renovation of the courts and installation of floodlights.

    Notable initiatives under Frank Addy’s tenure include the institution of the Bayport Annual tennis tournament, the completion of the changing rooms with hot water facility for men and women, and the continuous support for the education of ball boys and girls.

    Addy pledged his support to Akwaboah in his quest to continue the good works.

    The executive team to work with Henry Akwaboah are as follows: Frank Tony Eshun -Vice Chairman, Secretary- Kofi Ntow, Henry Dwuma – Treasurer and Godwin Martey – Deputy. Organizer is Kofi Owusu Ansah of Republic Bar Osu and Ruweuda Lamptey is his deputy.

    Source: Gabriel Amoako, Contributor

  • Tennis stars battle it out online

    With most actual sports off limits at the moment, some athletes have taken their skills to the virtual realm. A few of the world’s top tennis pros have played each other on the Nintendo Mario Aces game.

    The Stay At Home Slam took place on Sunday and paired up tennis stars with other celebrities for doubles matches, with British emeritus John McEnroe as one of the commentators.

    The line-up included the Williams sisters, Japan’s Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori and the recently retired Maria Sharapova from Russia.

    The tournament was won by US player Taylor Fritz and his doubles partner, Tik Tok personality Addison Rae, beating Japan’s Nishikori who’d been teamed up with DJ Steve Aoki.

    The tournament was organised by talent management company IMG and Facebook Gaming with all the prize money going as donations to the struggle against the virus pandemic.

    Source: bbc.com