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United News of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Swiatek crushes Raducanu after tough year
Paris, May 28 (UNI) Iga Swiatek silenced any doubts about her form and focus with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Britain's Emma Raducanu on Wednesday, extending her unbeaten streak at the French Open to 23 matches and making a resounding statement after a turbulent year on and off the court. The World No.5, playing under her lowest Grand Slam seeding since 2022, showed no signs of rust on Court Philippe-Chatrier as she delivered a performance worthy of her title as the "Queen of Clay." The dominant win comes on the back of a challenging year that included a one-month suspension for a doping violation and the personal loss of her grandfather ahead of the Madrid Masters. Despite not having reached a final since last year's triumph in Paris, Swiatek appeared firmly in control from the outset, brushing aside the British No.2 in just 79 minutes to book her place in the third round for the seventh consecutive year. Raducanu, currently ranked 41 in the world and making only her second French Open appearance since debuting in 2022, showed flashes of aggression early on but failed to capitalise on four break point chances. She has now lost all five meetings against Swiatek without claiming a set. Swiatek struck 31 winners to Raducanu's eight and converted four breaks of serve while saving all break points against her. The gap in class and consistency was evident throughout, with the Polish star sealing the first set in 35 minutes with an ace and continuing to dominate the second with powerful groundstrokes and relentless pressure. Raducanu, who missed last year's edition due to injury, now exits in the second round again, continuing her search for stability on clay. For Swiatek, however, the win was about far more than progression to the next round — it was a reminder to the field that, despite personal trials and a recent drop in ranking, she remains the standard-bearer at Roland Garros. With four titles already to her name in Paris, the 22-year-old looks poised for a fifth as she rediscovers the form and fire that once made her nearly untouchable on red dirt. UNI BDN SSP
7NEWS
23-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Novak Djokovic smashes racquet during Geneva Open victory on his birthday
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1 celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland when he was also surprised with a cake. 'I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones,' Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. 'Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here.' Later he reflected: 'I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. 'I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow.' Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Djokovic enjoys fine 38th birthday gift with Geneva win
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland. "I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. "Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here." Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. "I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow." Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner. Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland. "I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. "Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here." Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. "I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow." Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner. Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland. "I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. "Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here." Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. "I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow." Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner. Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland. "I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. "Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here." Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. "I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow." Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Djokovic enjoys fine 38th birthday gift with Geneva win
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland. "I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. "Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here." Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. "I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow." Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Djokovic enjoys fine 38th birthday gift with Geneva win
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open. The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday. But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie. It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month. Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1. Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win. Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland. "I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview. "Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here." Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates. "I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow." Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open. He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
