Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Former champion Kvitova sails through with ease

Having claimed a grasscourt title in Berlin as a warm-up for Wimbledon, Kvitova demonstrated her prowess on the court

Former champion Kvitova sails through with ease

Twice former champion Petra Kvitova secured a comfortable victory in the second round of Wimbledon on Friday (07). As the ninth seed, she faced minimal resistance from Belarusian player Aliaksandra Sasnovich, ultimately triumphing with a 6-2, 6-2 scoreline on Court Two, which was bathed in sunlight.

At 33 years old, the Czech tennis player, who previously claimed Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014, has reached the third round only once since her second victory.


However, in this match characterised by numerous errors, the majority of which came from Sasnovich, Kvitova did not need to showcase her best form.

Sasnovich, who has made attempts in Grand Slam tournaments for a decade, has never advanced beyond the fourth round.

Having claimed a grasscourt title in Berlin as a warm-up for Wimbledon, Kvitova demonstrated her prowess on the court.

Despite trading early breaks with her opponent, the Czech player appeared to have the upper hand throughout the match. She secured a crucial break for a 4-2 lead in the first set, while Sasnovich, who concluded the set with a double fault, experienced another service drop.

In the second set, although Sasnovich briefly rallied to break Kvitova's serve and level the score at 1-1, her momentum was short-lived.

The Belarusian struggled to minimise errors in the face of Kvitova's powerful and precise groundstrokes. Ultimately, Kvitova comfortably sailed through the match, wrapping up the victory in a total playing time of 74 minutes.

"It’s always difficult to play her, always a battle, and I’m happy that somehow I found a way and I’m through," said Kvitova, who is the fifth-highest earning female player with almost 37 million dollars banked.

"I really enjoyed the it. You never know how long you can play but I wish it never ends – all the support is always amazing.”

(Reuters)

More For You

Mohammed Siraj 'loving the challenge' of leading India's attack

Mohammed Siraj in action. Reuters/Paul Childs

Mohammed Siraj 'loving the challenge' of leading India's attack

MOHAMMED SIRAJ said he "loved the challenge" of leading India's attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah after taking a six-wicket haul in the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Friday (4).

There was widespread criticism when India, who lost last week's series opener at Headingley, omitted outstanding spearhead quick Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, from their team in Birmingham.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bengaluru youth train at Spurs

Kickstart players at at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground.

Bengaluru youth train at Spurs as part of development partnership

A GROUP of young footballers from Bengaluru trained at Tottenham Hotspur’s facilities in London this week as part of the club’s partnership with Kickstart FC.

The visit included technical training sessions delivered by Tottenham's Global Football Development coaches, health and nutrition workshops, and matches against grassroots teams in the UK. Former Spurs captain Ledley King conducted a coaching masterclass during the programme.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek Overcomes McNally to Enter Third Round

The third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek rallies past McNally to reach Wimbledon third round

Summary

     
  • Swiatek battles back: Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
  • Early scare: McNally, ranked 208, came from 1-4 down to take the first set, capitalising on Swiatek’s struggles on grass.
  • Swift turnaround: Swiatek raised her aggression in the second set, dominating the rest of the match and losing just three more games.
  • Grand Slam consistency: The 23-year-old became only the third woman this century to reach the third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams.
  • Familiar foe: Swiatek and McNally were former junior doubles partners, winning the French Open girls' title together in 2018.


Keep ReadingShow less
Akash-Deep-Getty

Akash Deep gave away 12 runs in his first over but returned to bowl a double-wicket maiden in his second. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

England in trouble after Gill’s double century and Akash Deep’s early strikes

INDIA captain Shubman Gill scored his first Test double century as India posted 587 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. England were 77-3 at stumps, trailing by 510 runs.

Gill’s 269 was the foundation of India’s innings, before stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep removed two England batters in consecutive balls. Deep is playing in this match as Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is being rested. Bumrah is set to play only three of the five matches in this series due to a back injury.

Keep ReadingShow less
Novak Djokovic

His pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace

Getty Images

Novak Djokovic cruising as seeded players recover at Wimbledon

Summary

  • Sinner cruises through to third round
  • Draper stunned by inspired Cilic
  • Sixth-seeded Serbian swats aside home favourite Evans
  • Holder Krejcikova battles past American Dolehide
  • Rybakina and Swiatek both progress into third round

Novak Djokovic showed signs that he is easing into the old routine at Wimbledon as the seven-times champion sauntered into the third round on Thursday while Barbora Krejcikova also made it through as her title defence continued.

World number one Jannik Sinner also eased into round three as his pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace, the Italian thrashing Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1 6-1 6-3.

Keep ReadingShow less