Tennis Tips, Tricks And Gear

The American legend will make her first singles appearance since August 2021.By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday, July 21, 2022

Fans of the Williams sisters can double the pleasure at this year’s National Bank Open in Toronto.

Venus Williams will join her sister Serena in the singles draw, after accepting a wild card from the WTA 1000 event.

Venus will start her comeback at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., which will be held from July 30 to August 7.

She will be making her debut in the nation's capital, and her eleventh appearance in Canada.

“I am excited to be playing the Citi Open for the first time this summer,” said Williams. “I love Washington, DC, and returning to the nation’s capital to play in front of a community that has supported me so strongly feels like a homecoming. I am looking forward to being back on the courts and competing in DC soon.”

The following week Williams will continue her comeback north of the border, in Toronto.

“I’m so excited to be back playing the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, said Williams. “I love the city, the tournament, and I look forward to being back in Toronto.”

.@Venuseswilliams joins sister @serenawilliams in Toronto!!!

Venus enters as a wild card into the #NBO22 for her 11th appearance at the tournament.

Read more: https://t.co/S4r8b2g4HD pic.twitter.com/C3qRTP2y8f

— National Bank Open (@NBOtoronto) July 20, 2022

The Citi Open will mark Venus’ first singles appearance on the WTA Tour since August of 2021. More recently, she played mixed doubles at Wimbledon with Jamie Murray, where they lost in the second round.

Former World No.1 Williams, 42, does not currently have a ranking.

She went 3-9 in 2021.

Her sister Serena, who lost in the first-round at Wimbledon to Harmony Tan, has also entered the draw via wild card.

The 40-year-old 23-time major singles champion is also entered in the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, as well as the US Open.

The tennis icon is making a denim statement with Levis. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday, July 14, 2022

Naomi Osaka is launching a playful new Levi’s® x Naomi Osaka denim collection for Spring/Summer 2022.

The collection includes five new denim pieces, each of which were based on original sketches by the four-time Grand Slam champion, and all feature contrasting denim washes and creative plays on proportion. It’s a unique and stylish lineup that can serve as the perfect centerpiece for any outfit.

Here’s more about the five pieces, which will be available Levi.com, the Levi’s App, and select Levi’s stores ($180-$350) on July 18.

Included is a cascading Mermaid Skirt featuring contrasting denim and a ruffled, high-low hemline that makes for a short skirt on one side and a maxi skirt on the other. There’s also the Denim Halter Top, a streamlined light-wash denim halter, perfect for playing off the volume of the Mermaid Skirt, or even better, the oversized Artist Coat – a mid-length, wide-sleeved, drop-shoulder coat featuring big patch pockets (with a Red Tab and arcuate stitching, of course) and contrasting mid and light-wash denim. Each of these pieces are made with 100 percent organically grown cotton.

Rounding out the collection is a cropped and puffed up Zip Bomber Jacket – also made from 100 percent organically grown cotton – with contrasting denim (the bottom half of which features a laser print of Naomi’s flower-bear logo) and elasticated cuffs and hem. Finally, there’s the flower-bear laser print ’93 Naomi Jean, based off of a men’s 501® Jean for that perfect slouchy fit.

“I wanted to keep this collection fun and playful, and also include some pieces for everyone,” Osaka said. “I was trying to bring some light-heartedness with this collection as a reminder for us all to enjoy the life we’re living and not take things too seriously. Best of all, these pieces all make me feel super confident and comfortable because they’re all so flattering and fun to wear.”

Does Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic know something we don't about his US Open status?
Novak Djokovic's offer to break bread with Nick Kyrgios in New York City is prompting speculation about his US Open status.

The top-seeded Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final on Sunday to capture his fourth consecutive Wimbledon crown and seventh overall.

More: Nadal Congratulates Djokovic on Wimbledon Win

Afterward, Djokovic said he had no plan to take the Coronavirus vaccine, which would prevent him from entering the United States under current regulations requiring foreign travellers to show proof of vaccination.

“I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the vaccine card to enter United States,” Djokovic said. “I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about," Djokovic said last Sunday.

"I don't know. I don't have much answers there."

Replying to a Djokovic Instagram post today, Kyrgios joked: "Where is my dinner!!!!!" referencing Djokovic's post final comment "Winner buys dinner."

In response, Djokovic posted: "Sorry mate, I called the restaurants in London on Sunday night and there were no tables available. Dinner is on me in NYC."

The 21-time Grand Slam champion punctuated his post with emojis and prayer hands prompting some Djokovic fans to wonder if the former No. 1 is expressing hope restrictions will be eased permitting him to play Flushing Meadows or if he knows more about his US Open status than we do and is actually hinting at a US Open return.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)

Photo credit: Getty

The coach of the Wimbledon champ says that it's no use to have a gameplan for facing Kyrgios – not even the Aussie knows what he'll do next.By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, July 10, 2022

Goran Ivanisevic tells reporters that it was a fruitless endeavor to draw up a gameplan for Nick Kyrgios. Simply put, the Aussie is just too unpredictable.

Whether or not the Croatian’s words are true – he could be using some poetic license to avoid giving away of Djokovic’s tried-and-true tactics – they were still interesting words to hear the former Wimbledon champ. He tossed ample praise in the Aussie’s direction after Djokovic topped Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) in three hours and one minute on Sunday.

“You cannot prepare a match against Nick Kyrgios,” he said. “Nick Kyrgios is a genius, tennis genius.

Ivanisevic says part of the problem about preparing for Nick is the Aussie’s spontaneity.

“He doesn't know what he's going to play next in the point,” the 2001 Wimbledon singles champion said. “We just concentrate what Novak has to do, the things he has to do, the things he has to be careful [of].

“When somebody [is] serving like Nick Kyrgios – for me is the best server in the game by far – it's impossible to make tactics.

Ivanisevic was impressed with how Kyrgios was able to defuse Djokovic – considered the best returner in the world, by many – for long spells of the match.

“15 minutes, best returner in the world, he does not touch his serve,” Ivanisevic said, adding that Djokovic had to be opportunistic to prevail in the contest.

“You get the chance, then he breaks him.”

Ivanisevic said that he and Djokovic stressed the importance of staying the course, and being ready to capitalize when Kyrgios’ level dropped.

“That is what we saw happen in the critical ninth game of the third set. Kyrgios led 40-0 after banging two aces and a service winner to start. But he missed first serves and volleys on each of the next two points. Then, at 40-30, Djokovic pounced, smacking a handy forehand return that put Kyrgios on the back foot. It led to a forehand down-the-line winner by the Serb on the next shot.

From deuce, things unravelled quickly: a double-fault by Kyrgios and a backhand error on break point. 5-4, Djokovic, just like that.

You could feel that Djokovic was perpetually ready for moments like these on Sunday. He had to be, and he knew it. The way Kyrgios was serving, it was the only way through.

“Key point was to concentrate on what Novak has to do, and just to stick to those little things,” said Ivanisevic. “To be ready for the big serves, for the big second serve winners.

“But also he knew on this stage, when Nick starts to talk, he's going to be vulnerable. You know, that happened. Happened in the third set when Nick was 40-Love up… 4-All, suddenly Novak broke him and he was talking to his box – that's Nick.

“You need to take every chance you get because you don't have too many chances.”

The Serb is in danger of missing 2022's final Grand Slam due to his decision not to get vaccinated. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, July 10, 2022

Novak Djokovic has successfully closed the gap on Rafael Nadal in the all-time men’s singles Grand Slam titles race to one, but the Serb may not have another chance to get back on equal footing with Nadal in 2022.

After defeating Nick Kyrgios, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) in Sunday’s men’s singles final, the Serb reconfirmed his status with regard to vaccination.

“I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the vaccine card to enter United States,” Djokovic said. “I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't know. I don't have much answers there.

The 21-time major champion still holds out hope that the United States government will change its regulations regarding mandatory vaccination for foreign travellers.

“I think it's just whether or not they remove this in time for me to get to USA,” he said. “I'll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there.

“That would be probably the next big tournament, the next big swing, playing a tournament or two before US Open and US Open. If that doesn't happen, then I have to see what the schedule will look like.”

The quarters are set on the men's side at Wimbledon. Have a quick look at the matchups… By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday, July 4, 2022

The quarterfinals are set at the Championships! Let’s have a quick glance at the matchups on the men’s side:

[1] Novak Djokovic v [10] Jannik Sinner
Head-to-Head: Djokovic d. Sinner 6-4, 6-2, round 2, Monte-Carlo, 2021
Key Stat: Djokovic has won his last 25 matches at Wimbledon. The six-time champion has won three titles in succession at Wimbledon and he owns a 83-10 lifetime record at SW19.
Key stat No.2: Sinner is the youngest player remaining in the draw and the youngest Wimbledon quarterfinalist on the men’s side since Nick Kyrgios in 2014.

David Goffin v [9] Cameron Norrie
Head-to-Head: Norrie d. Goffin, 6-0, 3-5 RET, round three, 2021 Barcelona
Key Stat: Goffin has reached the quarterfinals on his last two appearances at Wimbledon. He is 16-7 lifetime at SW19.
Key Stat No.2: Norrie has won 39 percent of his return games at Wimbledon, which leads all quarterfinalists.

Cristian Garin v Nick Kyrgios
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Key Stat: Kyrgios has fired 103 aces and held serve in 80 of 85 service games at Wimbledon, leading all quarterfinalists.
Key Stat No.2: Garin saved two match points in his five-set victory over Alex de Minaur in the second round.

[2] Rafael Nadal v [11] Taylor Fritz
Head-to-Head: Tied 1-1
Key Stat: Nadal has won 18 consecutive matches at the Grand Slams in 2022. He is into his 47th Grand Slam quarterfinal (third all-time among the men) while Fritz is into his first.
Key Stat No.2: Fritz defeated Nadal at Indian Wells for the biggest title of his career.

Men’s Quarterfinals, By the Numbers:

3 – Unseeded players to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals, with 58th-ranked Goffin the lowest-ranked.

2 – Top-10 players remaining in the draw: Djokovic and Nadal.

3 – First-time Grand Slam quarterfinalists in the draw: Norrie, Garin and Fritz

52 – percent of unreturned serves struck by Fritz during Wimbledon. The American leads all quarterfinalists in that category.

63 – Sinner has won 63 percent of his second-serve points during the tournament, while Djokovic has won 62 percent of his second-serve return points.

2 – Former Wimbledon champions remaining in the draw: Djokovic (6), Nadal (2).

Nick Kyrgios opens up on fuel for his run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, July 4, 2022

There was a time when an early-morning pub-crawl was prelude to Nick Kyrgios' Centre Court appearance.

These days, the sight of Kyrgios' colorfully-tattooed right arm slashing serves has lit up Centre Court like a rainbow.

More: Garin's Dark Winter Prelude to Breakout Summer 

Flying high again, Kyrgios clubbed 35 aces against just 3 double faults subduing 20-year-old American Brandon Nakashima 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-2 to advance to his second career Wimbledon quarterfinal.

Afterward, the mercurial Aussie credited the massive chip on his shoulder for fueling his Wimbledon run.

"I almost just wake up and read things, and I just laugh," Kyrgios told the media. "And I never forget things, like the people say, whether it was three, four years ago, things that just stick with me.

"I have a massive chip on my shoulder. Like I sit here now in quarterfinals Wimbledon again, and I just know there's so many people that are so upset."

Of course, the fact Kyrgis' agent isn't dragging him out of the local pub is a positive too.

Kyrgios says he's in a happier place these days, which makes his matches danger zones for opponents.

"Look, there was a time where I was having to be forced out of a pub at 4 a.m. to play Nadal second round," Kyrgios said. "My agent had to come get me out of a pub at 4 a.m. before I played my match on Centre Court Wimbledon. I've come a long way, that's for sure.

"But I think just daily habits and the people around me. I've got an incredible support crew. My physio is one of my best friends. My best friend is my agent. I've got the best girlfriend in the world. I've just got so many people around me, they just support me. I feel like I can reflect on all those dark times when I pushed them all away.

"Now to sit here quarterfinals of Wimbledon, feeling good, feeling composed, feeling mature, having that around me, I'm extremely blessed. I feel like I'm just comfortable in my own skin."

The 2014 Wimbledon quarterfinalist said embracing the challenge of fifth-set pressure—as he did in his first-round win over British wild card Paul Jubb and again today to raise his Wimbledon five-set record to 6-0—has been pivotal to his progress. Kyrgios said he's relishing the moment rather than stressing the outcome.

"That's probably the first time in my career where I wasn't playing well, regardless of playing Centre Court Wimbledon, fully packed crowd, I was able to just say, Wow, look how far I've come, to myself," Kyrgios said. "I was bouncing the ball before I served. I really just smiled to myself. I was like, We're here, we're competing at Wimbledon, putting in a good performance mentally.

"It was rewarding. I thought if I didn't play and stayed calm… It was a really good mental performance today. I think I'm enjoying the battle a bit more. I'm expecting everyone to play well against me now 'cause for him, I was that kid once who stepped on that court, being the underdog. Where today it was me walking on Centre Court being the favorite. It was completely different for me, different feeling. But I was able to navigate that."

Australian Open doubles champion Kyrgios, who scored his ATP-best 11th grass-court win of the season today, will try to maintain the positivity amid the pressure of being the heavy favorite against 43rd-ranked Cristian Garin with a semifinal spot on the line.

It's safe to say, Kyrgios' preparation for Garin won't include a Wimbledon pub crawl.

"I look at it as a big opportunity. Garin is obviously playing great tennis," Kyrgios said. "I walked on Centre Court today with seeing the score two sets to love de Minaur. They were in a battle. I was expecting to play Alex. I think Alex is a bit more comfortable on the grass. Then when I walked off the court and I got told it was Garin. It was surprising.

"But I look at it as an opportunity. But I need to do so many things before that match to get ready. I need to rest, recover, eat right, get good sleep. There's so many things, so many steps before I go out there and compete again."

Photo credit: Getty

The Ukrainian is playing for her family, with a heavy heart, at Wimbledon. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday, June 27, 2022

Much talk has been made about Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players, and the conversation has sometimes overshadowed what the Ukrainian players have had to go through since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

After her first-round victory over Anna Bondar at Wimbledon on Monday, Anhelina Kalinina shed some light on what the situation has been for her and her family – and it is harrowing.

“First of all, their house was attacked,” she said. “There are huge holes in the house, like huge holes. There are no apartments anymore.

“So now this home is getting rebuilt, so they can't live there. So they live in my apartment where I'm living with my husband. It's a very small apartment for my family, because, like, my mom, my dad, my brother, and they have pets. So they are so happy and we are grateful that they can move, you know, that they have place to move from Irpin city because Irpin city, everyone knows how Bucha, Irpin, is fully bombed.

“Currently, they are rebuilding the house. Now they are at home safe. They have everything. Yes, I'm grateful that they have opportunities to live, and I am playing tennis. So that's good.”

YES! Tough first match but glad to be qualified for the 2nd round! 💪😁 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/G1KhdbyZsC

— Anhelina Kalinina (@angie_kalinina) June 27, 2022

Kalinina, the No.29 seed at Wimbledon, has put together a strong season on tour under the most difficult circumstances. She is 18-12 and playing at a career-high ranking of No.34. She is also seeded at a Slam for the first time.

While talking to reporters after her maiden Wimbledon win she revealed her motivations. She says that providing financial assistance to family and friends back home is most important to her.

“I'm helping a lot to my family,” she said. “I'm helping a lot to my grandmother and grandfather who is in occupied territory now. They can't leave. So next door is like Russian soldiers with all their military stuff."

Kalinina explained the link between her tennis and her family's survival – as well as the survival of others inside Ukraine. She's proud and invigorated that she can play a role.

Not an ideal situation, but like so many from Ukraine, she's making the best of it.

"I understand it's hard to focus, but for me it matters if I win or if I lose. Because more I win, of course I've got currently money. I'm not only helping my family, I'm helping other families and other people. It's not a pressure, it's a privilege to play here. It's a privilege to play every tournament, and to get the quality of the game means better events. You go further. You earn more money.

"Then I'm able to help, and I'm helping as much as I can and not only to my family. So for me that matters."

World No. 2 Ons Jabeur shares one main goal.
Ons Jabeur handed Iga Swiatek her last Wimbledon loss.

The second-ranked Jabeur aim to match world No. 1 Swiatek's lofty level of play and someday succeed the Pole as world No.

Onwards: Jabeur Passes First Test

Empowered by memories of her Roland Garros first-round loss to Magda Linette last month, Jabeur dismantled 125th-ranked Mirjam Borkland 6-1, 6-3 in a confident Wimbledon first rounder that spanned just 54 minutes on No. 1 court today.

"I learned a lot from the first round in Roland Garros. Obviously everything feels different here," Jabeur told the media at Wimbledon. "I feel like more ready. Starting Monday not Sunday is much better for me. Let's say I opened the Court 1, and it was great.

"I enjoy playing a lot on grass. Scheduling, playing few matches, just get the perfect amount of playing on grass was great.

"Plus, you know, gaining more confidence playing along Serena also helped me with the great attitude on the court. Kind of start to be a leader on the court. That's what I'm trying to do. Trying to have that attitude."

An assertive attitude has seen the Tunisian trailblazer bounce back from a disappointing dirt season end to embracing the grass. Jabeur, who beat Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic back to back to win Berlin, scored her sixth straight lawn win today.

The second-ranked Jabeur is striving for a first-rate goal: reach world No. 1.

"I do feel more confident. I do feel like I deserve to be in this level," said Jabeur, who knocked Swiatek out of Wimbledon last summer. "Hopefully next step will be No. 1."

To supplant the superb Swiatek, who rides a 35-match winning streak into her Wimbledon opener vs. Croatian Jana Fett on Centre Court tomorrow, Jabeur knows she must elevate her level even more.

"It's going to be tough, but not impossible. Obviously Iga is kind of a little bit far from us now. Yeah, you never know," Jabeur said. "Well, not this Grand Slam, but there is the US Open, other 1000s on tour, and hopefully the Masters. I'll try my best to catch up to her.

"Obviously if I don't do it this year, hopefully beginning of next year. But the most important thing, I want to have the level to be No. 1. I don't just want to be No. 1 like that, put a lot of pressure on myself. I mean, everybody is looking forward to win against No. 1. I want to be, like, really deserve that spot. Hopefully I can be the level that Iga is playing right now."

Photo credit: Getty