Crossbows And Accessories
Anisimova Will Take a Mental Health Break, as Tennis Has Become “Unbearable” for Her
The talented American will step away from the match court indefinitely. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday May 5, 2023
Former World No.21 Amanda Anisimova has elected to step away from tennis in order to focus on her mental health.
The 21-year-old, who reached the semifinals at Roland-Garros as a 17-year-old in 2019, said that the sport has become “unbearable” for her of late.
“I thought I’d make a post explaining what’s been going on and my plans,” she posted on Instagram. “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022. It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time. I’ve worked as hard as I could to push through it. I will miss being out there, and I appreciate all the continuous support.”
Anisimova hasn’t had the easiest coming of age on the WTA Tour. Months after her breakout performance at Roland-Garros in 2019, her father and coach Konstantin passed away from a sudden heart attack just prior to the US Open. He was 52.
The American, a former junior Slam champion and junior World No.2, owns 2 WTA titles.
The Right Way to Decontaminate Your Fishing Gear
It’s spring, which means every angler is itching to hit the water. But don’t forget one of the most important step of a day spent fishing: decontaminating your gear when you’re done. After the optimistic casts and the oh-so-satisfying feeling of a bite lives a responsibility to the waters we enjoy as outdoorsmen and women. […]
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How to Build a Campfire the Right Way
Whether you’re car camping, backpacking, or simply want to be prepared for survival, knowing how to build a fire is a vital skill for anyone that spends time in the outdoors. It is one of the basics every outdoorsman should know. Knowing how to start a fire from scratch is great not only for ambiance […]
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7 Top-of-the-Line Fishing Rods Worthy Of Every Angler’s Dreams
Let’s face it: We all have that wish list, dream list, or bucket list piece of gear that we drool over but never seem to pull the trigger on. For anglers, many of us dream about top-of-the-line fishing rods, with their advanced materials and smooth hardware. Even if it feels like a pipe dream, it […]
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10 Action In Nature Quick Tips
As you know, nature photography isn’t easy. Most of us get excited when we simply see wildlife or a gorgeous…
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Andreescu’s Left Ankle Approaching 100 Percent Ahead of Rome
The Canadian lost her Madrid opener but the good news is that her left ankle is feling strong. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, April 29, 2023
When Bianca Andreescu was carted off the court in a wheelchair in Miami, fear was the dominant emotion. It was a gruesome scene. The Canadian’s cries of anguish echoing around the grounds as she had to end her round of 16 with Ekaterina Alexandrova in a retirement.
But Andreescu’s speedy recovery has eased fears and provided hope. One month later she has made a swift return to the court, and even though she came up short in a three-set battle with China’s Wang Xiyu on Friday in Madrid, the Canadian continues to progress and is targeting 100 percent fitness in a few weeks, when the Internazionali BNL d’Italia gets underway in Rome on May 9.
"Honestly, until two days ago I didn't feel as confident. It was really great to test my ankle in a match like this."
After a three-hour test, Bianca Andreescu eyeing 100% fitness for Rome.
Read: https://t.co/ZeVf2o5iTc pic.twitter.com/PrTLRliVkW
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) April 29, 2023
"I worked really hard during my rehab because I wanted to get back on court as soon as possible," Andreescu told WTA Insider in Madrid. "I've been through the process so I knew what to expect. My progress was pretty up and down. But the last week I would say I made the biggest progress.”
27th-ranked Andreescu recently posted a tik tock update of her strenuous rehab. No stranger to difficult run-ins with the injury bug, she has streamlined her rehab and dealt with the process in a positive manner.
how fun 😆, see you tmrw @MutuaMadridOpen !! Check out my recovery here https://t.co/IfHs0ltauP pic.twitter.com/rk43AsuahJ
— Bianca (@Bandreescu_) April 27, 2023
Andreescu, ranked 27, tells WTA Insider that she’s confident after passing her first test and eager to continue strengthening her ankle in ahead of her next appearance.
"I'm definitely not 100 percent. I would say I'm 90 percent right now, but 90 percent confident, too, to go out there and push. Today was a great test, so hopefully in a week I can be 100 percent for Rome,” she said.
Watch: Ben Shelton’s Behind-the-Back Winner Draws Rave Reviews in Madrid
The American goes the unconventional route to win this point against Jan-Lennard Struff. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, April 29, 2023
Doesn’t matter the surface, or the venue: Ben Shelton simply has that shotmaking swagger about him.
Tennis fans in Madrid were given a glimpse of the American’s eye-catching game on Saturday when they witnessed him make a bid for shot of the week at the Madrid Open.
Or, as Tennis TV tweeted… shot of the year?
However you rank it, this gorgeous, sliding, behind-the-back winner was the stuff of dreams.
SHOT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER 🤑@BenShelton goes behind-the-back!!!#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/BXQVp8mzLC
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 29, 2023
Unfortunately for Shelton it wasn’t a dream finish – the American fell to Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets, 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-5. That first main draw win at Madrid will have to wait…
Looking To Camp for Free? The Dyrt Launches Database of 5,000+ Free Sites
The only thing better than getting outside to camp? Scoring a campsite for free. Dyrt, a popular app to find camping spots around the country, just launched a new feature highlighting over 5,000 campsites that are accessible by car and completely free to stay at. These free campsites include spots on public lands, established campgrounds, […]
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Go Wide Assignment Winner Ross Stone
Congratulations to Ross Stone for winning the Go Wide Assignment with the image, “Black Mountain Pond.” Be sure to check…
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Venison Taco Pizza Recipe
For us, it’s a toss up on which wins: taco night or pizza night. So what’s better than combining the two? Oh, adding everyone’s favorite game meat on top. This pizza is a flavor explosion, combining the bold and spicy flavors of taco toppings with the savory, delectable taste of venison. The taco seasoning packs […]
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7 Most Beautiful Fly Fishing Destinations In the World
There are a lot of beautiful places to cast in the Unites States–but there’s also a whole world of beautiful rivers out there for fly anglers. Those willing to travel beyond the United States can witness some truly breathtaking scenery. Why not take that passion for fly fishing a step further and visit some of […]
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9 Best National Parks for Hiking, Fishing, and Every Kind of Outdoor Adventure
From lush forests in the Pacific Northwest, to scenic drives in the Southeast, to celestial mountains and striking red rocks in the Southwest, America has never been at a loss to present natural beauty to those looking. And when you consider the 423 designated national park sites, it can be hard to narrow down which […]
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10 Best Spring Bass Lures
Wherever you’re fishing in the world, there comes a point when the days get longer, the sun shines a little more, and the water in your favorite fishing hole gets warmer. Once water temperatures reach a certain point and the light begins the penetrate it, large and smallmouth spring bass start getting active–and it’s not […]
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Critically Sharp Captures
To obtain excellent-quality, tack-sharp nature images, I pose two scenarios: Wildlife: Is the animal still or moving? How big in…
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Everything Jeff Gustafson Used To Win the 2023 Bassmaster Classic
During the 2023 Bassmaster Classic, Jeff Gustafson was the one angler who found fish, got on them, and stayed with them for a wire-to-wire finish tight right up to the end. In addition to the Bassmaster Classic, Gussy also took on the Tennessee River system out of Knoxville this year. The Canadian Bass Pro, who […]
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The Ultimate Guide to Leave No Trace Principles for Earth Day
Politics aside, I think we can all agree: If we don’t care for the wild spaces that we hunt, fish, and recreate on, we’re screwed. While hunting and fishing licenses contribute greatly to this cause, the small action of trying to leave trails, rivers, and other wild places as good as you found them (or […]
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‘I Felt Slow’ – Novak Djokovic May Be Struggling on Clay, but Time is on His Side
The Serb was disappointed with his play on Friday in Banja Luka, but believes that his best tennis is coming.By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 21, 2023
To anyone who watched Novak Djokovic‘s two matches at Banja Luka this week, it’s clear that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is operating well below his peak level. Today’s loss to compatriot Dusan Lajovic was proof of that, but it doesn’t mean that the Serb is in big trouble when it comes to hitting his peak at Roland-Garros.
There were actually some good signs this week.
First, Djokovic took off the compression sleeve that he was wearing to protect his elbow and said that he feels good in that regard. Second, he got two matches under his belt. Whether they were up to snuff by his lofty standards or not, there is real value in that for the World No.1.
He is disappointed in his play, but is experienced and knows that time is on his side. There are five weeks until Roland-Garros starts, and two Masters 1000 events at Madrid and Rome in between. He’ll have time to put the pieces together.
It could be rust after a long-layoff or the elbow could be a genuine concern. Worrying times for Novak fans https://t.co/4LlryVeZty
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) April 21, 2023
“I had my chances, but I didn’t take them,” he said of his effort on Friday in Banja Luka, according to Tennis Majors. “I played quite passively, with many mistakes and that resulted in the defeat.
“I was way below my desired level. I can’t win against opponents who are so solid on this surface with this game. I didn’t even feel good physically on the court: I felt slow, with sluggish legs; I missed a lot of balls and was totally out of [position]. At times I played well, but well below my level.”
It’s not ideal, but it is fairly normal to see Djokovic struggle in his first few outings on clay. In the past we’ve seen him find his game at Rome and carry that form over to Roland-Garros. Barring any unforeseen injuries, why should we suspect that this season would be any different?
With Nadal struggling to get fit, Djokovic knows he has a good opportunity to claim a third title in Paris, and a 23rd major. It’s reasonable to think he was playing it safe in Banja Luka, being careful not to hit out too much so that his elbow continues to recover. Or that he simply hasn’t gained comfort timing the ball and his footwork on the clay.
But let’s not make the mistake of thinking that he isn’t one of the best clay-court players of his generation and the man to beat at Roland-Garros if Nadal isn't at full fitness.
#Djokovic: I hope to be ready for Roland Garros. Last few years I would start slowly on clay as well, only to start playing better.
— SaÅ¡a Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) April 21, 2023
Caroline Garcia Reunited with Coach Bertrand Perret
The pair split surprisingly last fall. Now they are working together again. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 21, 2023
Caroline Garcia has reunited with coach Bertrand Perret, the man who helped her achieve her career-best season in 2022.
The pair split last season before the WTA Finals, which Garcia coincidentally won for the biggest title of her year, and after several months they have decided to work together again.
"Why we split up, why we come back, it's part of the past," Garcia told WTA Insider from Stuttgart. "But it's a good chemistry between the two of us, and he understands very well my aggressive game style. He's open-minded to make me train very inside the court or to make me return in that position.”
Caroline Garcia has made five quarterfinals and gone on to two finals this season. But confidence has been hard to come by.
A reunion with Bertrand Perret could be the answer.
Read: https://t.co/L7jGThYpRS pic.twitter.com/hPjwpTivhI
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) April 21, 2023
Garcia’s unique brand of tennis was a sensation last season, as she fully committed to first-strike tennis with the help of Perret. To be fair, that has always been the tennis she wanted to play, but as injuries and doubts crept in she slipped into a more passive – and less effective game style.
Garcia isn’t blazing quite the trail that she did last season, but she’s still winning at an impressive clip. The World No.5 fell to Anastasia Potapova on Friday at Stuttgart to fall to 18-9 on the season.
"It's paying off,” she said of her work with Perret. “Now we are just focused on the present and what can we do and what can we improve for the future."
