6 days ago
Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her five-year marriage to fellow tennis star Gaël Monfils, attributing the decision to the emotional and mental impact of Russia's war in her native Ukraine.
Svitolina, 32, said in a statement posted on both players' Instagram profiles on Monday that she had endured sleepless nights, doubts and a feeling of losing herself, even with Monfils' support, before coming to the conclusion that she could not rediscover herself within their marriage.
"Gaël saw all of it," she wrote. "He never let go of my hand. We fought through this together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.
"With time, I came to understand that I need to find my way back to myself and that I cannot do that within our marriage."
Svitolina's announcement comes a year after she ended her 2025 season early, saying she was not in the right emotional state to compete following Ukraine's Billie Jean King Cup semifinal defeat by Italy. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Svitolina has spoken repeatedly about fearing for family and friends at home while competing overseas.
#herself
Svitolina, 32, said in a statement posted on both players' Instagram profiles on Monday that she had endured sleepless nights, doubts and a feeling of losing herself, even with Monfils' support, before coming to the conclusion that she could not rediscover herself within their marriage.
"Gaël saw all of it," she wrote. "He never let go of my hand. We fought through this together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.
"With time, I came to understand that I need to find my way back to myself and that I cannot do that within our marriage."
Svitolina's announcement comes a year after she ended her 2025 season early, saying she was not in the right emotional state to compete following Ukraine's Billie Jean King Cup semifinal defeat by Italy. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Svitolina has spoken repeatedly about fearing for family and friends at home while competing overseas.
#herself
2 months ago
Not to be outdone by young American Iva Jovic's marathon win on Saturday, 20-year-old Learner Tien produced his own tennis magic with a five set win over Jakub Mensik at the 2026 US Open.
Tien is coached by another former young tennis superstar, 1989 French Open winner Michael Chang. He etches himself in tennis history by being the youngest American man to make it to the US Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002, a year before Roddick won his US Open ******* le.
MORE: Iva Jovic made a relatable admission after defeating Alexandra Eala in US Open thriller
He is not always the first of the 21-and-under generation that comes to mind among his peers: Arthur Fils, Joao Fonseca, and Mensik.
However, his game continues to improve, and Tien is becoming elite and beloved among his peers and fans.
#open #tennis #american #year
Tien is coached by another former young tennis superstar, 1989 French Open winner Michael Chang. He etches himself in tennis history by being the youngest American man to make it to the US Open fourth round since Andy Roddick in 2002, a year before Roddick won his US Open ******* le.
MORE: Iva Jovic made a relatable admission after defeating Alexandra Eala in US Open thriller
He is not always the first of the 21-and-under generation that comes to mind among his peers: Arthur Fils, Joao Fonseca, and Mensik.
However, his game continues to improve, and Tien is becoming elite and beloved among his peers and fans.
#open #tennis #american #year
2 months ago
On August 6, Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) reported second-quarter 2026 results showing royalty revenue up 32% year over year, just weeks after the company closed its acquisition of XOMA Royalty. Total revenue reached $63.7 million for the quarter, up from $47.6 million a year earlier, and Ligand raised the low end of its full-year adjusted earnings guidance. The headline growth numbers are easy to like. What is harder to ignore is that Ligand just more than doubled its royalty portfolio and added $700 million in convertible debt in the same stretch.
Royalty revenue is where Ligand's growth is actually coming from, and it has been strong on its own merits. Royalties totaled $48.0 million in the second quarter, up from $36.4 million a year earlier, with Travere Therapeutics' Filspari, Pelthos Therapeutics' Zelsuvmi, and Merck's Ohtuvayre leading the increase. That growth compounded further in the first half, when royalties reached $91.0 million, up 42% from $63.9 million a year ago. The Filspari story helps explain why: the FDA approved the drug in April to treat FSGS, a second rare kidney disease beyond its original approval, and Travere reported $141 million in US net sales in early August, up 96% year over year.
Then there is the XOMA deal. On July 14, Ligand closed its acquisition of XOMA Royalty, adding more than 120 commercial, clinical, and preclinical **** ets, including Roche's Vabysmo, Servier's Ojemda, and Zevra Therapeutics' Miplyffa. That pushed Ligand's total portfolio past 200 royalty **** ets, more than double what it held before. Management expects the deal to add roughly $0.50 per share to 2026 adjusted earnings and $1.50 per share in 2027, and it came with about $700 million in deployable capital left over to keep buying royalty streams at a stated pace of $150 million to $250 million a year.
That growth is not coming cheap. G&A expense jumped to $29.1 million in the second quarter from $20.2 million a year earlier, driven by transaction costs tied to the XOMA deal along with higher headcount and stock compensation. R&D expense nearly tripled to $14.7 million, largely because of a $12.3 million funding arrangement with Orchestra BioMed. A large share of the quarter's reported profit also did not come from the royalty business at all: net non-operating income of $55.7 million included a $35.7 million non-cash gain tied to swings in the value of Ligand's Pelthos Therapeutics stock holdings, a figure that can move the other way just as easily.
#reported
Royalty revenue is where Ligand's growth is actually coming from, and it has been strong on its own merits. Royalties totaled $48.0 million in the second quarter, up from $36.4 million a year earlier, with Travere Therapeutics' Filspari, Pelthos Therapeutics' Zelsuvmi, and Merck's Ohtuvayre leading the increase. That growth compounded further in the first half, when royalties reached $91.0 million, up 42% from $63.9 million a year ago. The Filspari story helps explain why: the FDA approved the drug in April to treat FSGS, a second rare kidney disease beyond its original approval, and Travere reported $141 million in US net sales in early August, up 96% year over year.
Then there is the XOMA deal. On July 14, Ligand closed its acquisition of XOMA Royalty, adding more than 120 commercial, clinical, and preclinical **** ets, including Roche's Vabysmo, Servier's Ojemda, and Zevra Therapeutics' Miplyffa. That pushed Ligand's total portfolio past 200 royalty **** ets, more than double what it held before. Management expects the deal to add roughly $0.50 per share to 2026 adjusted earnings and $1.50 per share in 2027, and it came with about $700 million in deployable capital left over to keep buying royalty streams at a stated pace of $150 million to $250 million a year.
That growth is not coming cheap. G&A expense jumped to $29.1 million in the second quarter from $20.2 million a year earlier, driven by transaction costs tied to the XOMA deal along with higher headcount and stock compensation. R&D expense nearly tripled to $14.7 million, largely because of a $12.3 million funding arrangement with Orchestra BioMed. A large share of the quarter's reported profit also did not come from the royalty business at all: net non-operating income of $55.7 million included a $35.7 million non-cash gain tied to swings in the value of Ligand's Pelthos Therapeutics stock holdings, a figure that can move the other way just as easily.
#reported
2 months ago
Naomi Osaka had her first round match at the US Open interrupted by influencers in the crowd. The tournament has seen an influx of influencers this year and the reaction has not been mixed as people just seem generally annoyed by their disruptions.
Osaka was asked about the influencers during a press conference following her round two victory. She noted that the umpire had "told everyone to be quiet more than I've ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet." And in her first round match she mostly ignored the noise, but there was a moment when people were shouting.
Osaka was diplomatic, pointing out that they could help grow the game, but wished they better followed the etiquette of the sport.
MORE: ESPN criticized for not showing conclusion of Gael Monfils, Learner Tien US Open match
"I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," Osaka said. "And I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette. I feel like it could be a good thing for people to make the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience, but I think it has to be managed a lot better, especially in the situation like my first-round match. Overall, I think there are huge positives. I'm not the one to… you want people to continue to grow the sport."
#match #first #like #open
Osaka was asked about the influencers during a press conference following her round two victory. She noted that the umpire had "told everyone to be quiet more than I've ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet." And in her first round match she mostly ignored the noise, but there was a moment when people were shouting.
Osaka was diplomatic, pointing out that they could help grow the game, but wished they better followed the etiquette of the sport.
MORE: ESPN criticized for not showing conclusion of Gael Monfils, Learner Tien US Open match
"I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," Osaka said. "And I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette. I feel like it could be a good thing for people to make the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience, but I think it has to be managed a lot better, especially in the situation like my first-round match. Overall, I think there are huge positives. I'm not the one to… you want people to continue to grow the sport."
#match #first #like #open
2 months ago
Unpredictable French star Gaël Monfils sprung a surprise with his next career move after playing his final match at a grand slam.
Monfils, a two-time major semi-finalist and former world number 11, lost in straight sets to Learner Tien on Thursday night, two days after his 40th birthday.
One of the sport's great entertainers will hang up his racket at the end of the year, but he is not moving into commentating like Tim Henman, coaching like Goran Ivanisevic or even hitting the golf course like Andy Murray.
Instead, Monfils, the husband of women's world number nine Elina Svitolina, is taking an office job in finance.
"I have a new chapter coming next year. I will work in finance," he said. "I already signed to work in wealth management in a Swiss company. So my next chapter (is) working in an office and working in finance.
#finance #number #work
Monfils, a two-time major semi-finalist and former world number 11, lost in straight sets to Learner Tien on Thursday night, two days after his 40th birthday.
One of the sport's great entertainers will hang up his racket at the end of the year, but he is not moving into commentating like Tim Henman, coaching like Goran Ivanisevic or even hitting the golf course like Andy Murray.
Instead, Monfils, the husband of women's world number nine Elina Svitolina, is taking an office job in finance.
"I have a new chapter coming next year. I will work in finance," he said. "I already signed to work in wealth management in a Swiss company. So my next chapter (is) working in an office and working in finance.
#finance #number #work
2 months ago
ESPN made a curious decision in the midst of its Thursday night September 3, primetime tennis coverage of the 2026 US Open.
Following Coco Gauff's straight set win over Paula Badosa and before Alexander Zverev took the court to play Quentin Hays, the network opted to air a desk commentary segment with Malika Andrews and Sam Querrey instead of showing live footage of the conclusion of the Gael Monfils, Learner Tien match.
Gael Monfils lost in straight sets. This match marked his last ever as a player at the US Open. He is retiring at the end of the year to take a desk job. Monfils, who celebrated his 40th birthday with a win on Tuesday night, has played at the US Open for over two decades beginning as a junior.
MORE: US Open influencers get credentials revoked after online flex goes wrong
In addition to missing live coverage of American tennis star Learner Tien achieving a career best by advancing to the third round at the US Open, fans missed the emotional farewell by Monfils.
#monfils #learner #night #desk
Following Coco Gauff's straight set win over Paula Badosa and before Alexander Zverev took the court to play Quentin Hays, the network opted to air a desk commentary segment with Malika Andrews and Sam Querrey instead of showing live footage of the conclusion of the Gael Monfils, Learner Tien match.
Gael Monfils lost in straight sets. This match marked his last ever as a player at the US Open. He is retiring at the end of the year to take a desk job. Monfils, who celebrated his 40th birthday with a win on Tuesday night, has played at the US Open for over two decades beginning as a junior.
MORE: US Open influencers get credentials revoked after online flex goes wrong
In addition to missing live coverage of American tennis star Learner Tien achieving a career best by advancing to the third round at the US Open, fans missed the emotional farewell by Monfils.
#monfils #learner #night #desk
2 months ago
In his first Grand Slam tournament as the top seed, Alexander Zverev had all that he could handle with Lorenzo Sonego in the opening round of the US Open.
Zverev has never lost to Sonego in his career, in six prior meetings, before this year's US Open.
He cruised through the first set before dropping the second and third. Zverev was two points from being ousted from the tournament in the fourth set.
MORE: Ageless Gael Monfils joins Jimmy Connors in US Open lore
It is a massive credit to both Zverev and Sonego's athleticism that both played a high level of tennis until the bitter end which was at nearly 2 AM EDT.
#zverev #grand
Zverev has never lost to Sonego in his career, in six prior meetings, before this year's US Open.
He cruised through the first set before dropping the second and third. Zverev was two points from being ousted from the tournament in the fourth set.
MORE: Ageless Gael Monfils joins Jimmy Connors in US Open lore
It is a massive credit to both Zverev and Sonego's athleticism that both played a high level of tennis until the bitter end which was at nearly 2 AM EDT.
#zverev #grand
2 months ago
Most people celebrate their 40th birthday with a slap-up meal or a surprise party.
Gael Monfils, the maverick Frenchman who always knows how to have fun on the court, marked his milestone by winning a Grand Slam match at the US Open.
Playing in the final major of his career, Monfils ensured he had a unforgettable night with a 2-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 victory over Paraguayan opponent Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.
The former world number six is the oldest man to win a US Open main-draw match since Jimmy Connors - who also won on his 40th birthday in 1992.
The New York crowd made the occasion even more memorable for Monfils by bursting into an impromptu rendition of 'Happy Birthday' during his post-victory interview.
#monfils #birthday #frenchman #slam
Gael Monfils, the maverick Frenchman who always knows how to have fun on the court, marked his milestone by winning a Grand Slam match at the US Open.
Playing in the final major of his career, Monfils ensured he had a unforgettable night with a 2-6 6-1 6-2 6-0 victory over Paraguayan opponent Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.
The former world number six is the oldest man to win a US Open main-draw match since Jimmy Connors - who also won on his 40th birthday in 1992.
The New York crowd made the occasion even more memorable for Monfils by bursting into an impromptu rendition of 'Happy Birthday' during his post-victory interview.
#monfils #birthday #frenchman #slam
2 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Stefanos Tsitsipas was not surprised that Nick Kyrgios was suspended from tennis for drugs.
"Pretty much expected, to be honest," Tsitsipas said. "I am surprised it came so late, though."
Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected.
Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open.
"I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said.
#surprised #suspended #expected
"Pretty much expected, to be honest," Tsitsipas said. "I am surprised it came so late, though."
Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected.
Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open.
"I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said.
#surprised #suspended #expected
2 months ago
After Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner split last year's Grand Slams, the two superstars were expected to continue their see-saw rivalry in 2026.
That hasn't happened.
Instead, injuries have foreclosed the possibility of a clash between the two champions in three of the four Grand Slams, with the Spaniard missing the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury and the Italian absent from New York because of a knee injury.
Alcaraz and Sinner are far from alone among top players missing big tournaments in 2026 due to injury, a trend that has been a source of growing alarm in the sport.
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti and France's Arthur Fils missed earlier Grand Slams in 2026 due to injury but are playing in New York, while women's number two seed Elena Rybakina is nursing a heel injury as she prepares for her first round. Canada's Victoria Mboko missed both Wimbldedon and the US Open due to injury, along with Britain's Jack Draper.
#slams #alcaraz #carlos
That hasn't happened.
Instead, injuries have foreclosed the possibility of a clash between the two champions in three of the four Grand Slams, with the Spaniard missing the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury and the Italian absent from New York because of a knee injury.
Alcaraz and Sinner are far from alone among top players missing big tournaments in 2026 due to injury, a trend that has been a source of growing alarm in the sport.
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti and France's Arthur Fils missed earlier Grand Slams in 2026 due to injury but are playing in New York, while women's number two seed Elena Rybakina is nursing a heel injury as she prepares for her first round. Canada's Victoria Mboko missed both Wimbldedon and the US Open due to injury, along with Britain's Jack Draper.
#slams #alcaraz #carlos
2 months ago
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND - AUGUST 28: Inductee Roger Federer of Switzerland receives his ITHF blazer during the Fit for Fame of the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Ceremony on August 28, 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/ITHF/Getty Images)
Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame today, along with tennis commentator Mary Carillo. Federer gave an emotional and tearful speech during his induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island.
He enters the Hall of Fame while several players from his era are in the main draw of the 2026 U.S. Open.
Since retiring in 2022, Federer has watched Venus Williams, 46, return from inactive to active and Serena Williams, 44, evolve back into tennis. His compatriot Stan Wawrinka, 41, and friend Gael Monfils, who turns 40 on September 1, are retiring this year, but are also playing in the U.S. Open.
WEEHAWKEN, NJ - AUGUST 25: Drones form the likeness of tennis player Roger Federer in front of the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City on the night Federer was honored at the US Open on August 25, 2026, as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
#rhode #island #hall #open
Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame today, along with tennis commentator Mary Carillo. Federer gave an emotional and tearful speech during his induction ceremony in Newport, Rhode Island.
He enters the Hall of Fame while several players from his era are in the main draw of the 2026 U.S. Open.
Since retiring in 2022, Federer has watched Venus Williams, 46, return from inactive to active and Serena Williams, 44, evolve back into tennis. His compatriot Stan Wawrinka, 41, and friend Gael Monfils, who turns 40 on September 1, are retiring this year, but are also playing in the U.S. Open.
WEEHAWKEN, NJ - AUGUST 25: Drones form the likeness of tennis player Roger Federer in front of the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City on the night Federer was honored at the US Open on August 25, 2026, as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
#rhode #island #hall #open
2 months ago
Ahead of the 2026 US Open, five Last Word on Tennis writers – Ilemona Onekutu, Shane Black, Amanda Bergman, Zain Mustafa, Coby Spratte – made their US Open predictions. Let's dive in.
I know picking a guy whose best US Open is R2 sounds risky, but Fils just won his first Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, crushing Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0. His serve is a weapon (94.3% holds), paired with athleticism and a heavy forehand. He's 10-0 in deciding sets this year and 8-0 against Americans.
At 22, he's the youngest French Masters 1000 champion ever—and peaking as the draw opens up. After missing eight months with a stress fracture, he's reached the Doha final, Miami and Madrid semis, and won Barcelona and Cincinnati. In a tournament where Sinner is out, Alcaraz is rusty, and Djokovic is 39, I'm not saying it's likely—but I'm saying it's possible, and that's more than you can say for almost anyone else.
All eyes are pointed on Carlos Alcaraz, and rightfully so. I don't believe his team would have him play this event if he wasn't 100 percent healthy (wrist injuries are no joke; look at Dominic Thiem). That said, just because he is healthy does not mean he will have the consistency to win 21 sets.
In steps Alexander Zverev. The 29-year-old German got the Grand Slam monkey off his back at the French Open. He followed that up with a Wimbledon runner-up. Even before his ***** le in Paris, Zverev was a final eight mainstay at majors. With the pressure removed from looking for that elusive maiden slam, paired with his hunt for year-end No. 1, he is going to be very tough to beat in New York.
#open
I know picking a guy whose best US Open is R2 sounds risky, but Fils just won his first Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, crushing Tiafoe 6-3 1-6 6-0. His serve is a weapon (94.3% holds), paired with athleticism and a heavy forehand. He's 10-0 in deciding sets this year and 8-0 against Americans.
At 22, he's the youngest French Masters 1000 champion ever—and peaking as the draw opens up. After missing eight months with a stress fracture, he's reached the Doha final, Miami and Madrid semis, and won Barcelona and Cincinnati. In a tournament where Sinner is out, Alcaraz is rusty, and Djokovic is 39, I'm not saying it's likely—but I'm saying it's possible, and that's more than you can say for almost anyone else.
All eyes are pointed on Carlos Alcaraz, and rightfully so. I don't believe his team would have him play this event if he wasn't 100 percent healthy (wrist injuries are no joke; look at Dominic Thiem). That said, just because he is healthy does not mean he will have the consistency to win 21 sets.
In steps Alexander Zverev. The 29-year-old German got the Grand Slam monkey off his back at the French Open. He followed that up with a Wimbledon runner-up. Even before his ***** le in Paris, Zverev was a final eight mainstay at majors. With the pressure removed from looking for that elusive maiden slam, paired with his hunt for year-end No. 1, he is going to be very tough to beat in New York.
#open
2 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli advanced to the U.S. Open mixed doubles final Wednesday night by rallying to end the run of spouses Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.
Bencic and Cobolli won 4-5 (7), 4-1 (10-5) and waited to return to the Arthur Ashe Stadium court later against the winner of the second semifinal. Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik faced Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev in that one.
The winning team receives $1 million.
Bencic and Cobolli knocked Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament Tuesday in the quarterfinals.
Then they dropped a set for the first time in the tournament, but began to dominate midway through the second set, winning the final 11 points to force a match tiebreaker.
#cobolli
Bencic and Cobolli won 4-5 (7), 4-1 (10-5) and waited to return to the Arthur Ashe Stadium court later against the winner of the second semifinal. Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik faced Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev in that one.
The winning team receives $1 million.
Bencic and Cobolli knocked Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament Tuesday in the quarterfinals.
Then they dropped a set for the first time in the tournament, but began to dominate midway through the second set, winning the final 11 points to force a match tiebreaker.
#cobolli
2 months ago
Frances Tiafoe might not have his biggest support system with him before facing Arthur Fils in the Cincinnati Open final on Sunday.
This is because Tiafoe's longtime girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, was in New York as recently as Saturday night.
Frances Tiafoe of the United States looks on against Marin Cilic of Croatia during their singles second round match on day three of the ATP 1000 National Bank Open presented by Rogers at Stade IGA on August 4, 2026, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Getty Images) Getty Images
Broomfield made multiple posts to her Instagram Story at what looked to be a collaborative event with EOS (Evolution of Smooth, a skincare company based in New York) and Ayan's Aces, which is an initiative launched by Broomfield that organizes gatherings of women of color to diversify tennis tournaments.
Broomfield also made an Instagram post on Sunday morning where she could be seen stepping out of a car and entering the event while rocking a revealing, glittering white dress. The post was captioned, "glow was created by eosproducts (vanilla cashmere collection to be exact)."
#open #images #Instagram
This is because Tiafoe's longtime girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, was in New York as recently as Saturday night.
Frances Tiafoe of the United States looks on against Marin Cilic of Croatia during their singles second round match on day three of the ATP 1000 National Bank Open presented by Rogers at Stade IGA on August 4, 2026, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Getty Images) Getty Images
Broomfield made multiple posts to her Instagram Story at what looked to be a collaborative event with EOS (Evolution of Smooth, a skincare company based in New York) and Ayan's Aces, which is an initiative launched by Broomfield that organizes gatherings of women of color to diversify tennis tournaments.
Broomfield also made an Instagram post on Sunday morning where she could be seen stepping out of a car and entering the event while rocking a revealing, glittering white dress. The post was captioned, "glow was created by eosproducts (vanilla cashmere collection to be exact)."
#open #images #Instagram
2 months ago
Arthur Fils charged into the men's final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters on Saturday as he dispatched Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-4 in a match delayed for 45 minutes by rain and lightning.
In his first ever Masters 1000 final, 22-year-old Fils will play the winner of the all-American semi-final clash between Brandon Nakashima and Frances Tiafoe.
Fils beat Cobolli -- the Roland Garros finalist from Italy -- for the third time in their career series to become the youngest French Masters finalist since a 20-year-old Richard Gasquet in Toronto two decades ago.
The 68-minute match finished with perfect timing as rain began only minutes after the conclusion, briefly delaying the start of a women's semi-final between holder Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.
Fils said the weather delay that had halted the start of his match as the players took to the court was difficult to deal with.
#fils #semi
In his first ever Masters 1000 final, 22-year-old Fils will play the winner of the all-American semi-final clash between Brandon Nakashima and Frances Tiafoe.
Fils beat Cobolli -- the Roland Garros finalist from Italy -- for the third time in their career series to become the youngest French Masters finalist since a 20-year-old Richard Gasquet in Toronto two decades ago.
The 68-minute match finished with perfect timing as rain began only minutes after the conclusion, briefly delaying the start of a women's semi-final between holder Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula.
Fils said the weather delay that had halted the start of his match as the players took to the court was difficult to deal with.
#fils #semi
3 months ago
Britain's Katie Boulter and new husband Alex De Minaur, the Australian world number seven, are among the latest batch of entries for the US Open mixed doubles.
Fellow married couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, ahead of what is expected to be his final Grand Slam event, were also announced by the US Tennis **** ociation on Monday, along with Venus Williams playing alongside Alexander Bublik.
Jack Draper was among the players already announced, alongside American Jessica Pegula, as well as fellow Briton Henry Patten with Katerina Siniakova, plus Novak Djokovic and world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
The tournament takes place on August 25 and 26 before the main tournament begins on August 30.
Of the 29 announced pairings, the six with the best combined singles rankings and eight wildcards will be joined in the 16-strong field by two teams from a qualifying tournament on August 24.
#katie
Fellow married couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, ahead of what is expected to be his final Grand Slam event, were also announced by the US Tennis **** ociation on Monday, along with Venus Williams playing alongside Alexander Bublik.
Jack Draper was among the players already announced, alongside American Jessica Pegula, as well as fellow Briton Henry Patten with Katerina Siniakova, plus Novak Djokovic and world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
The tournament takes place on August 25 and 26 before the main tournament begins on August 30.
Of the 29 announced pairings, the six with the best combined singles rankings and eight wildcards will be joined in the 16-strong field by two teams from a qualifying tournament on August 24.
#katie
3 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — An additional 13 teams, one featuring Venus Williams and some comprised of married couples, have entered the U.S. Open mixed doubles championship.
The new duos announced Monday by the U.S. Tennis ***** ociation raised the total to 29 teams for the 16 spots in the main draw, which will be held on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26.
Williams is partnering with Alexander Bublik for the tournament that was overhauled last year, with a $1 million prize to the winning team, in an effort to get top singles players to compete. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam singles champion Novak Djokovic headlined the initial list of 16 teams who entered.
Elina Svitolina and her husband Gael Monfils, who is expected to play his final Grand Slam event at the U.S. Open, and newlyweds Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur also were among the new entries.
The other new teams: Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, Anna Kalinskaya and Lorenzo Musetti, Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul, Maria Sakkari and Karen Khachanov, Tatjana Maria and Valentin Vacherot, Reese Brantmeier and Michael Zheng, Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo, Gabriela Dabrowski and Harri Heliovaara, Demi Schuurs and Julian Cash, and Caty McNally and Robert Cash.
#teams #grand #maria #singles
The new duos announced Monday by the U.S. Tennis ***** ociation raised the total to 29 teams for the 16 spots in the main draw, which will be held on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26.
Williams is partnering with Alexander Bublik for the tournament that was overhauled last year, with a $1 million prize to the winning team, in an effort to get top singles players to compete. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam singles champion Novak Djokovic headlined the initial list of 16 teams who entered.
Elina Svitolina and her husband Gael Monfils, who is expected to play his final Grand Slam event at the U.S. Open, and newlyweds Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur also were among the new entries.
The other new teams: Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, Anna Kalinskaya and Lorenzo Musetti, Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul, Maria Sakkari and Karen Khachanov, Tatjana Maria and Valentin Vacherot, Reese Brantmeier and Michael Zheng, Jelena Ostapenko and Marcelo Arevalo, Gabriela Dabrowski and Harri Heliovaara, Demi Schuurs and Julian Cash, and Caty McNally and Robert Cash.
#teams #grand #maria #singles
3 months ago
Two former Cincinnati high school standout tennis players have been awarded wild cards to the Cincinnati Open.
JJ Wolf (Cincinnati Country Day) and Vignesh Gogineni (Mason) were granted qualifying wild card spots, the tournament announced on Friday, July 31.
The main draw wild cards were awarded to former Cincinnati Open champion Grigor Dimitrov, three-time Major champion Stan Wawrinka, Jack Draper and Gael Monfils.
Wolf, who has been ranked as high as No. 39 throughout his career (2023), is on the comeback trail after shoulder injuries sidelined him for over a year. He has recently played in ATP Challengers in Bloomfield Hills, Lincoln and Cary.
Wolf is still searching for his first main draw victory in his hometown tournament. He lost in the Round of 64 in 2020, 2022 and 2023. In his last Cincinnati Open appearance, he fell in the opening round of qualifying.
#wolf #high
JJ Wolf (Cincinnati Country Day) and Vignesh Gogineni (Mason) were granted qualifying wild card spots, the tournament announced on Friday, July 31.
The main draw wild cards were awarded to former Cincinnati Open champion Grigor Dimitrov, three-time Major champion Stan Wawrinka, Jack Draper and Gael Monfils.
Wolf, who has been ranked as high as No. 39 throughout his career (2023), is on the comeback trail after shoulder injuries sidelined him for over a year. He has recently played in ATP Challengers in Bloomfield Hills, Lincoln and Cary.
Wolf is still searching for his first main draw victory in his hometown tournament. He lost in the Round of 64 in 2020, 2022 and 2023. In his last Cincinnati Open appearance, he fell in the opening round of qualifying.
#wolf #high
3 months ago
As the beginnings of a Mexico City thunderstorm swirl high above, dark clouds circling like a slow-motion whirlpool, a pair of English fans do not give a jot.
It is three hours before Mexico face England in the most anticipated match at the Estadio Azteca in 40 years. Attendees are being warned to take cover as the police implement their electrical storm protocol. But these adults, merry on pure vibes, are engrossed in the most childlike of games: a chalk-drawn hopscotch on the gravel, outside the stadium's Cabecera Norte end, with 'Viva Mexico' at the top. And the locals, kids and adults alike, are loving it.
And when embarking on a lap of the outer perimeter of the World Cup's most iconic venue before the blockbuster last-16 occasion, similar feel-good scenes are at every corner. Event volunteers dressed in blue and green form a 'Limbo' dance opportunity for passers-by; half a dozen Mexican dance groups greet ticket holders to the south of the main entrance; Mexicans joust with English in gentle ribbing as they queue for entry into the arena.
It is an intoxicating, smile-inducing, dopamine-hitting environment. This is the essence of the biggest event in world sport: the amalgamation of different nationalities and cultures, old and young, male and female. All coalescing, with passion and fervour, in a setting completely irrational and illogical, if it were not for two national football teams going head-to-head.
This is the premise of founder Jules Rimet's vision when he formed the very first World Cup in 1930. In his words: "It's about bringing together countries from around the world, people who might otherwise have nothing in common… at least for a little while." And, mercifully, 96 years on in its 23rd edition, the tournament still fulfils this overarching ethos, despite all the factors working against those in the stands.
It is three hours before Mexico face England in the most anticipated match at the Estadio Azteca in 40 years. Attendees are being warned to take cover as the police implement their electrical storm protocol. But these adults, merry on pure vibes, are engrossed in the most childlike of games: a chalk-drawn hopscotch on the gravel, outside the stadium's Cabecera Norte end, with 'Viva Mexico' at the top. And the locals, kids and adults alike, are loving it.
And when embarking on a lap of the outer perimeter of the World Cup's most iconic venue before the blockbuster last-16 occasion, similar feel-good scenes are at every corner. Event volunteers dressed in blue and green form a 'Limbo' dance opportunity for passers-by; half a dozen Mexican dance groups greet ticket holders to the south of the main entrance; Mexicans joust with English in gentle ribbing as they queue for entry into the arena.
It is an intoxicating, smile-inducing, dopamine-hitting environment. This is the essence of the biggest event in world sport: the amalgamation of different nationalities and cultures, old and young, male and female. All coalescing, with passion and fervour, in a setting completely irrational and illogical, if it were not for two national football teams going head-to-head.
This is the premise of founder Jules Rimet's vision when he formed the very first World Cup in 1930. In his words: "It's about bringing together countries from around the world, people who might otherwise have nothing in common… at least for a little while." And, mercifully, 96 years on in its 23rd edition, the tournament still fulfils this overarching ethos, despite all the factors working against those in the stands.
