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The Biggest Upsets in Wimbledon History

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Wimbledon, the prestigious Grand Slam tournament held annually in London, has a rich history filled with memorable moments, breathtaking matches, and shocking upsets. From unexpected victories to stunning defeats, the All England Club has seen it all. Here, we dive into some of the most significant upsets in Wimbledon history that left fans and players alike in disbelief.

1. Boris Becker vs. Kevin Curren (1985)

In 1985, 17-year-old Boris Becker became the youngest player to win Wimbledon. His journey included a surprising victory over American Kevin Curren in the final. Becker, who was relatively unknown at the time, played with a mix of aggression and confidence that stunned the tennis world. This match not only marked the beginning of Becker’s illustrious career but also showcased the potential of young talent on such a grand stage.

2. Goran Ivanišević vs. Pat Rafter (2001)

Goran Ivanišević’s victory in the 2001 Wimbledon final was one for the ages. As a wildcard entry ranked 125th in the world, Ivanišević faced Pat Rafter, who was the defending champion. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a thrilling fifth-set tiebreak where Ivanišević triumphed 9-7. This win was a testament to perseverance, as Ivanišević had come close multiple times before, making his victory even sweeter.

3. Maria Sharapova vs. Serena Williams (2004)

In one of the biggest upsets in women’s tennis history, a 17-year-old Maria Sharapova defeated reigning champion Serena Williams in the 2004 final. Sharapova, playing with poise and determination, won in straight sets, marking her first Grand Slam title. This match not only altered the trajectory of both players’ careers but also introduced a new era in women’s tennis, with Sharapova emerging as a formidable force.

4. Roger Federer vs. Kevin Anderson (2018)

In the 2018 quarter-finals, Roger Federer, a five-time champion and the favorite to win, was stunned by South African Kevin Anderson. Federer had a two-set lead but failed to close out the match, and Anderson rallied back to win in a dramatic fifth set. This upset was particularly shocking given Federer’s dominance on grass and his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

5. Angelique Kerber vs. Serena Williams (2018)

In a highly anticipated final, Angelique Kerber faced Serena Williams, who was seeking her eighth Wimbledon title after a long absence from the tour due to maternity leave. Kerber’s incredible performance and strategic play led her to a straight-sets victory, marking her first Wimbledon title. This match not only shocked the tennis community but also symbolized the changing of the guard in women’s tennis.

To read detailed accounts of the GREATEST matches not only at Wimbledon but in history, buy or download the book by Steve Flink “The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time” here https://a.co/d/g5x5iJC

When Tennis Meets the Papacy: Tennis Players Who Have Met The Pope

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Tennis and the Vatican may seem worlds apart—one centered on athletic prowess, the other on spiritual leadership—but the two have crossed paths on several occasions. Over the years, some of the world’s top tennis players have had the honor of meeting popes, symbolizing the sport’s global cultural reach and the Church’s embrace of figures who inspire discipline, perseverance, and unity.

Here’s a look at some notable moments when tennis players met the Holy Father.

Roger Federer and Pope Benedict XVI

One of the most memorable tennis-papal encounters involved Roger Federer, a devout Catholic and one of the most respected athletes in the world. In 2006, Federer had a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. The Swiss star, who grew up in a Catholic household, described the experience as humbling and spiritual.

Given Federer’s deep respect for faith, his meeting with Pope Benedict felt natural and meaningful, reinforcing his image as a grounded, gracious champion.

Novak Djokovic Meets Pope Francis

In 2023, Novak Djokovic was invited to the Vatican where he and his family had an audience with Pope Francis. Djokovic, who often speaks about the role of spirituality in his life and career, described the moment as “one of the most special days” of his life.

The Serb presented the pope with a signed tennis racket and shared reflections on the importance of inner peace and unity—values he said resonate both in sport and faith.

Rafael Nadal’s Brief Encounter

While Rafael Nadal has not had a private audience with a pope like some of his peers, he did participate in a Vatican-hosted charity match in 2005, which earned praise from Church leaders. Nadal has also expressed admiration for Pope Francis, calling him “a modern and positive leader.” Though brief, Nadal’s interactions reflect his deep respect for the pope’s humanitarian values.

Serena Williams and the Vatican’s Recognition of Women in Sports

Serena Williams has not publicly met a pope, but in 2016 she was cited in Vatican discussions as a model of perseverance and excellence in sport. Pope Francis has spoken repeatedly about the role of women in shaping society and sports, and Serena’s legacy has often been mentioned in Vatican circles advocating for gender equity.

The ATP and WTA’s Broader Connections to the Vatican

Beyond individual stars, the tennis world has occasionally connected with the Vatican through charity matches, peace initiatives, and interfaith events. The Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Italian Open), held just miles from Vatican City, has naturally drawn attention from Catholic leaders, and players sometimes visit St. Peter’s Basilica while in Rome for the tournament.

Final Thoughts: A Meeting of Inspiration

When tennis champions meet the pope, it’s more than a photo-op—it’s a meeting of two worlds that value resilience, global dialogue, and the power of human spirit. Whether it’s Federer’s quiet humility, Djokovic’s spiritual searching, or Serena’s strength and grace, these athletes embody virtues that transcend sport and resonate deeply with the universal messages of the papacy.

Patrick Mouratoglou Launches New Florida Tennis Academy In Zephyrhills

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Patrick Mouratoglou, current coach of four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and legendary coach of Serena Williams, has announced the launch of his recent tennis academy in Zephyrhills, Florida just outside Tampa.

This expansion marks a ground breaking chapter in Mouratoglou Academy’s global journey. It showcases a deepened commitment to bringing world-class tennis training to American soil with its very first U.S.-based academy. The Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills will be located at the (former) Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis and Wellness Center, one of the best tennis facilities in the country situated in the heart of Zephyrhills, 29 miles from Tampa and 77 miles from Orlando. It joins the prestigious ranks of other Mouratoglou Academies located in Nice, France; Atlanta, U.S.; and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with an exciting new facility planned for Melbourne, Australia, in 2027. Established in 1996, the flagship academy on the French Riviera stands as Europe’s premier tennis training institution.

“Florida is one of the world’s great epicenters for tennis and one of the major hubs for top-level tennis training so of course it makes complete sense for a Mouratoglou academy to be established here,” said Patrick Mouratoglou.“Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills is the latest and grandest effort in our planned expansion into the United States market. We are very grateful for the cooperation and partnership with the city of Zephyrhills and look forward to getting to work to create and cultivate even more champion tennis players.”

Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills includes:

  • Nine clay courts, featuring a stadium court with seating for up to 3,000 fans.
  • Two hard courts.
  • Additional five outdoor hardcourts and one indoor, air-conditioned court set to open in summer 2025.
  • Five padel courts.
  • Eight pickleball courts.
  • Two beach tennis courts.
  • Tennis & School program.
  • Boarding house for 90 students.
  • Camps year round for adults and juniors.
  • Named the nation’s most outstanding tennis facility in 2021 by the U.S.T.A, the facility hosts an annual $75,000 ITF World Tennis Tour women’s professional tournament every May.

Building on a legacy of excellence, the academy’s Tennis & School program will offer boarding for 90 students, who will follow an American curriculum designed for both local and international participants. Every student athlete will be fully immersed in the Mouratoglou Methodology—a philosophy developed by Patrick Mouratoglou to provide personalized, tailored training that accelerates each player’s growth. This approach developed at the Mouratoglou flagship, allows young athletes to pursue their passion for tennis while excelling academically, with small class sizes ensuring individualized attention and a flexible schedule that balances intense training while maintaining educational focus.

Mouratoglou also operates tennis centers worldwide, in partnership with-5-star hotels and elite country clubs. Staffed by professionals trained in the Mouratoglou Methodology, these centers offer personalized lessons and programs for players of all levels and ages, welcoming both hotel guests and local residents. Current locations include Horseshoe Bay, Texas; Hackensack, New Jersey; Naples, Florida; and international destinations such as Dubai, UAE; Costa Navarino, Greece; Costa Smeralda, Italy; Beijing, China; and Bali, Indonesia.

ABOUT MOURATOGLOU ACADEMY

Nestled between Nice and Cannes in the heart of the French Riviera, the Mouratoglou Academy stands as an exceptional complex covering 32 acres. With state-of-the-art infrastructure at the forefront of innovation, the academy has received widespread recognition as one of the most proficient training centers in the world. Mouratoglou Academy’s mission is to guide young aspiring players as well as professionals towards achieving their full potential. Each year, the Academy hosts over 6,000 campers and supports the daily training of 250 student-athletes, all striving to fulfill their tennis dreams. Since its establishment in 1996, Mouratoglou Academy has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the world’s most promising talents, including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune, Coco Gauff and many more. For more information, go to www.Mouratoglou.com

ABOUT PATRICK MOURATOGLOU

Over the last 25 years, Patrick Mouratoglou has stood at the forefront of tennis as one of the most respected and influential coaches of the 21st century. With 10 Grand Slam titles, 4 Coach of the Year awards, 39 singles titles, 2 Olympic medals, and more than 40 players reaching the Top 100 under his guidance, Mouratoglou knows how to succeed. As the former coach of Serena Williams and current coach of Naomi Osaka, his impact extends well beyond rankings. He is dedicated to transforming tennis through initiatives like UTS, a revolutionary league aimed at attracting the next generation of fans, and the Champ’seed Foundation, which he founded in 2014 to support young talents lacking financial resources to reach the highest international level. Notable alumni include Coco Gauff, Holger Rune, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexei Popyrin, many of whom he continues to mentor. In addition to his coaching achievements, Patrick has worked as a television commentator for ESPN and Eurosport and starred in Netflix’s *The Playbook* alongside renowned coaches Doc Rivers, José Mourinho, and Dawn Staley, directed by LeBron James

Patrick Mouratoglou during practice with Naomi Osaka of Japan at the 2024 China Open WTA 1000 tennis tournament

Slaying the Court: How Serena Williams Changed the Game of Tennis Forever

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Grab your tennis racquets and get ready to be inspired, because today we’re talking about the one and only Serena Williams. The queen of the court, a powerhouse of athleticism, and a true icon of our time. Not only has she dominated the tennis world with her unmatched skills and fierce determination, but she’s also broken down barriers and shattered stereotypes along the way. From her iconic outfits to her legendary outbursts, Serena has never been one to shy away from making a statement. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at how Serena Williams changed the game of tennis forever, and why her impact goes far beyond the court. So, let’s dive in and celebrate the one and only Serena!

How Serena Williams changed the tennis game forever

Serena Williams, the queen of tennis who has left an indelible mark on the sport, has now hung up her racket. With a whopping 39 Grand Slam titles under her belt – 23 in singles, 14 in doubles and 2 in mixed doubles – she has achieved what many can only dream of. However, as they say, all good things must come to an end. But, let’s be honest, Serena Williams is not just any good thing. She is a force to be reckoned with and has inspired generations of players with her powerful strokes, fierce competitiveness and unbreakable spirit. Even in retirement, the name Serena Williams will continue to be synonymous with excellence and domination in tennis.

Serena Williams
Serena Williams

Serena Williams: An Unparalleled Career in Tennis

As we bid adieu to Serena Williams post-retirement, we can’t help but marvel at the unparalleled influence she has had on the game. Her skill and passion for tennis has spurred on countless young athletes to pick up a racket and pursue their dreams of becoming professional players. Her fierce competitive spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport has set a benchmark for women’s tennis that will be hard to match. It’s safe to say that Serena will forever remain a legend in the world of tennis, her name etched in the annals of sports history as one of the greatest players of all time. As she steps away from the court, we can only hope that her legacy continues to inspire generations of young tennis enthusiasts to follow in her footsteps and take up the sport with passion and gusto. Goodbye, Serena. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on forever.

All in all, Serena Williams’ post-retirement legacy in tennis is unmatched. Her unparalleled success on the court and her vocal advocacy for equal pay and opportunities for female tennis players have undoubtedly made her one of the greatest athletes of all time. Even after retiring from the sport, Williams continues to inspire young athletes around the world to pursue their dreams relentlessly and to use their platforms to push for change. As we look to the future of tennis, we can only hope that more players will follow in Williams’ footsteps and use their influence to make a positive impact on and off the court. The sport would be better for it.

The Impact of Serena Williams on the Future of Tennis Post-Retirement

Serena Williams may have retired from the tennis court, but her impact on the sport will be felt for years to come. Her powerful presence on the court was matched by her determination to elevate the game, and now she’s taking that same drive off the court. With her post-retirement efforts, Serena is sure to continue making waves in the world of tennis. Whether it’s through her philanthropic work or coaching up-and-coming players, there’s no doubt that Serena will continue to be a driving force in the future of tennis. So, while we may miss seeing her killer serves and fierce returns on the court, we can rest easy knowing that Serena’s legacy will continue to be felt in every aspect of the game.

Again, Serena Williams proves that she is more than just a professional athlete. Her charity work and dedication to creating opportunities for young athletes show that she is a champion on and off the court. Williams has used her platform as a global icon to inspire future generations of tennis players and demonstrate that success is more than just winning titles. As she enters retirement, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams and work towards achieving their goals. Serena Williams will forever be remembered not just as a tennis player, but as a game-changer who impacted the sport in countless ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Serena Williams is much more than just a tennis player – she’s a cultural phenomenon. Her incredible talent and hard work have revolutionized the game of tennis, but it’s her unapologetic nature and refusal to conform that make her truly iconic. Serena has shown us that it’s possible to be both a fierce competitor and a fashion icon, to be passionate and outspoken without sacrificing professionalism. She has inspired generations of young athletes to dream big and chase their goals relentlessly. So here’s to Serena – the queen of the court, the trailblazer, and the ultimate role model. Thank you for changing the game – forever.

Serena Williams Falls for the Beauty of the State of Yucatan

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Tennis superstar, Serena Williams, is the latest celebrity to fall for the beauty of the state of Yucatan’s natural wonder, traditions, gastronomy, and nature. Williams who posted on her Instagram account on her stay at the exclusive Chablé Resort last week, visited the state while on holiday with friends and family who also experienced the destination as part of an engagement celebration.   

The athlete, who was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks and won 23 Grand Slams and 73 titles, and her friends toured the state of Yucatan extensively making their home base the “White City” of Merida.

The group visited the Tsukán Sanctuary of Life, where the group enjoyed the natural wonder of a cenote surrounded by nature and vegetation. Later, they saw the emblematic archaeological zone of Chichén Itzá, where they took pictures in front of the mystical and imposing temple. Finally, they visited the “Magical Town of Valladolid,” where they tasted the delicious gastronomy of the region in the restaurant “La Casona de Valladolid” by the Xcaret group.

Williams is the latest in a group of celebrates who have made the state of Yucatan a must for the holidays. Other athletes and personalities who have visited the state this year include The Batman’s Zoe Kravitz, Magic Mike’s Channing Tatum, Supermodel Cindy Crawford and her daughter, Kaia Gerber, Formula One race car drivers Estaban Gutiérrez and Charles Lecrerc, and Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Visitors to the state of Yucatan will have cultural, gastronomic, and historical experiences that reliable and safe, particularly after the pandemic.

Serena Williams in the Yucatan

Two legends retire: Roger Federer and Serena Williams

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I was doing the laundry when the news hit that Roger Federer was going to retire and the Laver Cup was going to be his last dance. The last dance has become such a popular saying after the Netflix series about Michael Jordan that I am casually stealing it from him.

Roger Federer announcing his retirement has had a profound impact on me. Memories of more fun times, when I would discuss tennis with my grandmother, who sadly passed away in 2013. We each had our own preferences in tennis. We were huge fans but had different tastes.

Team Kim vs Team Venus

I remember having a pseudo fight with her over Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters at the Miami finale of 2010. She was team Venus and I was team Kim. She loved Venus because she was a fighter. I loved Kim because of her determination. But we both agreed that Serena was the GOAT. She was more ferocious than Venus we found. Looking at the number of tournaments Serena won in total, we were both right.

The notorious finale that cost me desert

Serena Williams has more talent in her pinkie toe than everyone else

My grandmother and I often wondered how it was possible that Serena was still so incredibly dominant on the WTA Tour. Even after she was less motivated she would still come out on top. Or even after long absences, she would just train and come back on top. It was ridiculous.

So we figured: she either has so much more talent in her pinkie toe than the entire WTA Tour OR the competition was too weak. We like to think that the pinkie toe was the reason for her dominance on the WTA Tour.

Ofcourse things weren’t always that sunny on the WTA Tour for Serena. Like I mentioned before, at times she would just not be there but elsewhere in her mind or physically. And I wasn’t the only one who noticed it. Many fans did. And so did Chris Evert who wrote an open letter to Serena to not let her amazing tennis talent go to waste.

The letter is hard to find but Pro Tennis Fan’s Mike McIntyre has kept a copy on his website protennisfan.com. The letter is a really good read and we see it from Chris’ perspective. But I can understand Serena as well. You have won it all at some point and your hunger is stilled. What do you want out of your career? I am sure many of you can relate to some degree. What do you do when you have reached all your goals?

You evolve away from tennis. And that’s what Serena did when she retired at the US Open in 2022. I wish her a happy retirement and I hope to see her in some capacity talking about her new ventures.

Roger Federer has more talent in his big thumb than everyone else

Remember when I was doing the laundry? I left the laundry room to read up on Federer’s announcement to retire. I watched old videos of him beating his adversaries. I remember being happy when he finally beat Nadal. Or the moment he finally won his career Grand Slam by winning the French Open. Federer didn’t like the Paris clay much and it took him a long time to finally win that tournament. And I remember watching that with my grandmother. We didn’t like Nadal or Djokovic. Our hero was Roger Federer. His tennis was magical.

Or the times that he played in Rotterdam and I always wanted to go but something else got in the way that needed my attention more. I am sad to say that I had plenty of opportunities to watch him play in real life and realize now that I never will see him compete at the highest level. I will maybe see him play on the old man’s tournaments like they have at each Grand Slam tournament or the Champions Series.

When Federer announced his final match was going to be a doubles match and preferably with Nadal, I knew I just had to watch that. Nadal and Federer on the same side of court, that’s just amazing.

The moment came on September 23rd, 2022 and I was about to go watch when I saw pictures popping up online of a crying Federer holding Nadal’s hand. This time it was really over.

I still haven’t watched his final goodbye or his last dance. I just couldn’t do it. I know I will get very emotional. Not just because it’s the tennis player I have been following all these years but also the memories I have of my grandmother.

Thanks for everything Serena and Roger.

Serena Williams Makes ESPN Tennis History

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Friday’s US Open Third Round match on ESPN – apparently the last in the remarkable career of Serena Williams, as she lost to Ajla Tomljanovich of Australia 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 – is the most-watched tennis telecast on record in ESPN’s 43-year history.  An average of 4.6 million viewers (P2+) tuned in for the telecast from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.  The previous record of 3.9 million was for the 2012 Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Championship, when Roger Federer defeated Andy Murray, in ESPN’s first year with exclusivity and first-ball-to-last-ball coverage from London.

The Primetime telecast on ESPN was the best ESPN tennis telecast on record and was the most viewed telecast of the day for broadcast and cable networks in total viewers and all key male and person demos.  Serena’s match averaged 4.8 million viewers from 7:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. ET and peaked with 6.9 million viewers in the 10:15 p.m. quarter-hour.

Through the first five days of the US Open, an average of 1.1. million viewers tuned in to ESPN networks, up +101% versus 2021. These are the most-viewed first five days of the US Open on record on ESPN networks.

On ESPN+, US Open coverage has to date delivered 622,000 unique viewers and 58.6 million minutes, up +65% and +72% versus 2021 through Day 5.

Other US Open Viewership Highlights

Day Four

  • ESPN2’s Primetime coverage of the Williams sisters’ doubles match was the third most-viewed Third Round telecast ever on ESPN networks
  • The match averaged 2.2 million viewers

Day Three

  • On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Williams’ second-round victory over Anett Kontaveit averaged 3.6 million viewers and peaked with five million. 
  • The entire prime-time telecast averaged 2.3 million, up 289% from last year and is No. 10 on the list of ESPN’s most-watched US Open telecasts of all time.
  • That night, ESPN led all networks – broadcast or cable – in delivering both Men and Adults in the demo groups 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.  The network placed second for households and P2+.
  • That day’s entire 12.5 hours of matches averaged 1.4 million people, the largest for any ESPN US Open early round (Rounds 1-3) telecast.

Opening Day

  • Monday, Aug. 29, was ESPN’s most-watched opening-day and opening day prime-time US Open telecast ever.  The evening doubleheader averaged 1.7 million, up 279% from 2021 and 40% higher than the previous high in 2019.  The first match in that window, Williams defeating Danka Kovinic in the first round, averaged 2.7 million fans.
  • The audience that day for the entire 12 hours of coverage was ESPN’s largest for a US Open opening day, an average of 843,000 viewers.
Serena Williams

Iga Swiatek Is The Women’s Favorite To Win The 2022 U.S. Open

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Sportsbooks are expecting a big jump for the World number one this year. Iga Swiatek has never even made it to a quarterfinal at the US Open, yet sportsbooks are backing her to win the whole thing.  

Swiatek is given +400 odds, or an implied 20% chance to win the US Open. Her biggest competition is expected to be Simona Halep who’s also searching for her first US Open win. Halep is given +800 odds, or an implied 11.1% chance to be victorious.  

Last year’s winner Emma Raducanu is 7th on the market with +2000 odds, or an implied 4.8% chance to win her second straight US Open. That puts her ahead of former world number one Naomi Osaka who’s given +2500 odds, or an implied 3.8% chance. 

The best odds given to an American this year belong to Coco Gauff who’s given +1600 odds, or an implied 5.9% chance. That puts Gauff third on the market.  

Quote from OddsChecker spokesman Kyle Newman, “The women’s bracket is wide open. Last year we saw a qualifier win the event for the first time in history. So we know anything can happen with these women. For now, Swiatek is the favorite thanks to a phenomenal season. However, it wouldn’t be a shock to see any of the women win this year. That’s why even though Swiatek is the favorite, her odds are only equal to those of Rafa Nadal on the men’s side, second on the market. With a wide open field comes much longer odds.” 

For more detailed information, go to https://www.oddschecker.com/us/tennis/us-open-womens 

Iga Swiatek

Key Players To Watch For At The 2022 U.S. Open

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The year’s fourth and final grand slam gets underway on Monday 29th August with much to compete for at the US Open.

Defending men’s champion and world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev returns to grand slam action after being banned from competing at Wimbledon, however the unvaccinated Novak Djokovic and world number 2 Alexander Zverev are unlikely to be present. Despite this the markets have Djokovic as one of the favourites despite him not being expected to play. You can find the best in spread betting odds for Flushing Meadows here.

Daniil Medvedev

The world’s top-ranked player won his first grand slam at last year’s Open, defeating Djokovic in straight sets. Medvedev was absent from Wimbledon due to his Russian nationality however he has retained his number 1 rating as no ranking points were awarded for the Championship. Looking to be the first men’s player to retain the US Open title since 2008, he will become de facto favourite for the event once Djokovic is confirmed absent.

Carlos Alvarez

The US Open in 2021 was the first in ALvarez’s career, yet he still managed to make the quarter-final in an impressive debut performance. WInning on the hard-court surface at the Miami Open this year bodes well for the 19-year old Spaniard, who has both the health and fitness to confirm his status as Tennis’ next global superstar.

Rafael Nadal

The injury that forced Nadal to pull out of his Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios looks to have been cleared and it will be his first time at the tournament for two years having been absent in 2021 and 2020 through injury. Needless to say, Nadal’s chance of victory rests on his health through multiple matches at Flushing Meadows.

Taylor Fritz

The 24-year old American is close to having his breakout win. Fritz pushed Djokovic to five sets in the 2021 Australian Open third round, Tsitsipas to five sets in the 2022 Australian Open fourth round and Nadal to five sets in the quarter-finals of WImbledon 2022. Inching closer, he has the serve, power on both backhand and forehand and is gaining confidence with the more high-rankin matchups. He could be a surprise package in a fascinating US Open.

Iga Swiatek

Although the women’s side of the tournament appears more open (at least in betting circles), Swiatek is the favorite to achieve victory at the US Open. The world number 1 who went on a 37-match winning streak that ended on her weakest surface at Wimbledon, is in tremendous form. With two French Open titles under her belt already she looks primed to make the US Open her third grand slam title.

Emma Radacunu

The defending US Open champion won last year as an 18-year old, but has found it a struggle with injuries and at major tournaments this year. No doubt she will be glad to be back on hard surfaces once again as she looks to finish her season off with a bang. She finally started to show some impressive form dispatching Victoria Azarenka and Serena WIlliams at the Cincinnati Masters in preparation for Flushing Meadows.

Jessica Pegula

The top ranked American’s performances have gone somewhat under the radar this year and she is currently third in the race for the WTA Finals, behind only Swiatek and Ons Jabeur. Pegula has only reached the third round of the US Open, although she has made the quarter-finals of two majors this year. The 28-year old has had one of the best seasons of her career showing steady improvement in her game and achieving personal records. Her quest for a maiden Grand Slam is very much on the cards.

Naomi Osaka

This season has been a struggle for Osaka. The 24-year old four-time Grand Slam champion has won twice before in New York and were she flying on all cylinders would be one of the shorter price favourites. Life in the limelight has taken its toll on the former world number 1, who has opened up about issues with mental health that caused her to take a break from sport last year. Injuries have plagued her in 2022, having to retire with back issues from her US Open tune-up in Toronto recently.

Serena Williams

Serena’s imminent retirement from the sport she has graced with her talent will ensure that this will be a US Open to remember. Williams evolved the game with her power, precision and mindset, leaving rivals no choice but to catch-up if they ever wanted to compete for grand slam titles. She has won at New York six times and since the last of her 23 grand slam triumphs in 2017, there have been 13 different champions across the four majors. Playing at home in her final tournament one should not count Serena completely out of the running, it would be a massive finale were the 41-year old to turn back the clocks for one final occasion.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz

Serena Williams ousted in first round at Wimbledon

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Serena Williams has lost in the first round of Wimbledon. After a match that lasted almost three hours, the winner of 23 Grand Slam tournaments, lost versus Frenchwoman Harmony Tan 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7).

With only one day of preparation, Williams hadn’t played an official match for a year in singles. She was forced to give up last year at Wimbledon with the score set at 3-3 in the first set.

With a wildcard because she dropped to 1204th place on the WTA rankings, Williams decided to go to Wimbledon anyway. So far Serena has won Wimbledon 7 times. The only training she has had so far to get some match rythm was a doubles match with Ons Jabeur.

And the lack of rythm showed as did her fitness. Her fighting spirit was there though so wait until the US Open and we will see the old Serena again. However that didn’t save her against Harmony Tan, 115th on the world ranking, who made her debut at Wimbledon.

Williams looked to make it at 5-4 in the third set when she had matchpoint but Tan’s fighting spirit did not let her down and that cost Serena the match. In a supertiebreak, 10 points, Williams took a 4-0 lead but still couldn’t win.

British crowd favorite Emma Raducanu loses in first round

The British winner of the US Open, Emma Raducanu lost in the second round of Wimbledon. Much to the dismay of the British audience she lost to Caroline Garcia 3-6, 3-6.

The 19 year old Raducanu had her breakthrough at Wimbledon 2021. She was ranked 338 of the world when she reached the 1/8 finales. After that she sensationally won the US Open title as a qualifier. However after that she reached a slump and was plagued by injuries to get consistent good results on the courts.

28 year old Garcia looks to be in bloodform after she won the grass tournament of Bad Homburg. She completely dominated Raducanu in rally’s, broke her serve seven times, hit 24 winners and won her seventh match in a row.