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New Delhi: CWG mixed doubles champion Sreeja Akula on Tuesday became the top-ranked Indian woman table tennis player after rising to career-high rank of 38 in latest ITTF Chart, replacing Manika Batra.
Sreeja climbed a spot while Manika who had been India's number one TT player for a while now, slipped two places to 39 in the latest update.  The 25-year-old Sreeja has enjoyed a good run this year, winning the WTT Feeder Corpus Christi and WTT Feeder Beirut titles in January and March respectively besides reaching the quarterfinal of the WTT Star Contender in Goa.
Sreeja had won the mixed doubles gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games alongside veteran Sharath Kamal.  Yashaswini Ghorpade and Archana Kamath held on to their 99th and 100th spot in the rankings.  Sharath continues to be the top-ranked male player, occupying the 37 spot in the rankings while G Sathiyan and Manav Thakar have interchanged places to be 60th and 61st respectively.  National champion Harmeet Desai's, who was the top ranked Indian a couple of months a ago, descent continues as he dropped to the 64th spot.
India has already qualified for the team events at the Paris Olympics.  Two singles entries in men's and women's singles will be decided by the Table Tennis Federation of India by May 16 after considering the world rankings at the time.
—PTI

Sreeja Akula rises to rank 38, becoming India's top woman table tennis player. Updates on ITTF rankings, Commonwealth Games, and Paris Olympics.

Sreeja surpasses Manika as India's No.1 TT player

Miami [US]: World number 14 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her fabulous form at the Miami Open, entering the semifinal with a superb 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 upset of No.5 seed Jessica Pegula at the WTA 1000 event. Alexandrova will face American Danielle Collins in Friday's semifinal clash.
"It was extremely difficult for me because [Pegula] played amazing. In the third set, there were sometimes the kind of rallies where I couldn't understand how it was possible to return that ball, but it always [came] back," Alexandrova said afterwards as quoted by WTA. "I just tried to play every single point [like] I knew she was going to be everywhere, so I need to do something, and I was trying to wait and use any opportunities that I got," she added.
In the first set, Pegula was nearly faultless with her first delivery, winning 13 of 14 first-serve points (92 percent). Alexandrova's power game, on the other hand, sprang into high gear in the second set, when she won 15 to Pegula's 4.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/bopanna-ebden-reach-miami-open-semifinals" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/bopanna-ebden-reach-miami-open-semifinals</a> Alexandrova double-faulted an early breakaway in the deciding third set, leaving the score at 3-3. The Russian, on the other hand, capitalised on another opportunity two games later, breaking Pegula 5-4 with powerful returns and forecourt finishes. Alexandrova then converted her second match point to complete the comeback triumph. Alexandrova's victory over a Top 10 player after losing the first set is the first of her career.
Alexandrova defeated top five women in back-to-back matches for the first time in her career, after shocking World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the previous round. Alexandrova attributed her recent success against Top 5 players to "trying to be more consistent on the baseline, not rushing things, and just playing the points." "Try to use the possibilities, and not be like, 'OK, like, it's so easy, I'm just going to hit a winner right now, right from the first one.' You need to wait and wait and wait, and then something's going to come and you need to use it. So I think it's helping me right now," Alexandrova said.
—ANI

Ekaterina Alexandrova advances to Miami Open semifinals after a stunning victory over Jessica Pegula. Catch up on the intense match highlights here!

Ekaterina Alexandrova upsets Jessica Pegula, reaches Miami semifinal

Miami Gardens: Indian tennis stalwart Rohan Bopanna and his Australian teammate Matthew Ebden advanced to their third men's doubles semi-final this year, defeating Dutchman Sem Verbeek and Aussie John-Patrick Smith at the Miami Open here.
The duo, who had won the Australian Open earlier this year, overcame several unforced errors in the first set to win the gruelling quarterfinal 3-6 7-6 (4) 10-7.  The victory for the 44-year-old Bopanna, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will help him stay in the in top-10 in the ATP doubles ranking and ensure direct qualification for the Paris Olympics in July-August.
The cut-off date for rankings to be considered for direct Paris qualification is June 10.  The Bopanna-Ebden pair, seeded No.1 here, didn't enjoy a dominant first and second-serve percentage but came up with breaks at crucial junctures in the second set to take the match into the tie-breaker before winning it and drawing level.  Bopanna, who won his maiden grand slam at the Australian Open this year, had attained a career-high world No. 1 ranking following the success but has slipped to second spot after a quarterfinal loss at the Dubai Championships and a round-of-32 exit at the Indian Wells Masters.  The Indo-Australian pair will meet the winners of the match between Marcel Granollers (Spain)/Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) and Lloyd Glasspool (UK)/Jean-Julien Rojer (Netherlands) in the last-four.  Bopanna and Ebden had also reached the semifinal of the Adelaide Open in January this year and made the title round before losing to Rajeev Ram (USA) and Joe Salisbury (UK).  The American-British duo, though, will not meet the Indio-Australian pair in the semifinals here after they lost in the quarterfinals.
—PTI

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden clinch Miami Open men's doubles semifinal, eyeing Paris Olympics qualification amid a competitive season.

Bopanna-Ebden reach Miami Open semifinals

California [US]: After retaining his Indian Wells Open men's singles title, rising Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz said that it means a lot for him to lift the trophy as he overcame a lot of problems "in his head" and "physically". The 20-year-old defeated the world number four Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the 2023 Indian Wells rematch by 7-6(5), 6-1 to secure his first title since his Wimbledon championship win last year in July.
Alcaraz entered the title clash with a win-loss record of 6-3 this season and during his recent outing in Rio de Janeiro, he suffered an injury scare on his ankle, which forced him to retire. But during this tournament in California, Alcaraz overcame a lot of star players on his way to the trophy and has now found a new confidence.
"It means a lot to me, lifting this trophy, winning this tournament, because I overcome a lot of problems in my head, a lot of problems physically," said Alcaraz as quoted by the Indian Wells website. He also expressed his love for the crowd, saying that he loves playing in front of the Californian crowd.
"It is amazing coming back here, playing in such a beautiful court and I am enjoying every time I come here," Alcaraz said. "I enjoy playing so much in front of you. So much energy. I felt the love since the first day until today. Thanks to you, thanks to the energy you bring to me, I could show my best tennis," he concluded.
—ANI

Carlos Alcaraz secures Indian Wells Open men's singles title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in rematch.

"Winning the trophy means a lot because I overcame....": Alcaraz following Indian Wells Open title win

Melbourne: In an exhilarating match the talented tennis player Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus emerged victorious over Zheng Qinwen of China to secure the womens singles championship at the Australian Open. This outstanding accomplishment by Sabalenka marks her triumph in this prestigious tournament.  During the final Sabalenka displayed her dominance on the court as she defeated Qinwen in sets with a score of 6 3 6 2. With this performance she solidified her place on the esteemed Australian Open trophy for the second year running. The impressive nature of Sabalenkas win highlights her skill and unwavering determination, in tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka triumphs at Australian Open, securing back-to-back titles with a dominant win over Zheng Qinwen.

Aryna Sabalenka Secures Australian Open 2024 Titles

New Delhi: The family of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has confirmed that her marriage, with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has ended. This announcement comes after Malik revealed his marriage to actor Sana Javed. The separation marks the conclusion of their high profile union, which had captured the attention of sports enthusiasts in both countries.  On Saturday 41 year old Malik shared a photo from his wedding with Sana on social media platforms. In response Mirzas family released a statement confirming the couples divorce and expressing Sanias well wishes for Shoaibs journey. They kindly requested fans and well wishers to avoid speculating and to respect Mirzas privacy during this time.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/sania-mirza's-sister-confirms-shoaib-malik's-divorce:-separation-for-some-months" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/sania-mirza's-sister-confirms-shoaib-malik's-divorce:-separation-for-some-months</a>&nbsp;
 This revelation follows rumors and speculation about the relationship between Malik and Mirza who got married in April 2010 in Hyderabad, India. The rumors gained momentum when Malik recently unfollowed the 37 year tennis star on Instagram fueling speculation, about their marital discord.  The couple has a five year son named Izaan, who is currently living with Sania Mirza. In an Instagram post Mirza hinted at challenges by stating that "Marriage is hard; divorce is hard. Choose your hard."She highlighted the difficulties that arise in life. Encouraged people to make decisions.  Recognized as one of Indias tennis players Sania Mirza gracefully bid farewell to professional tennis last year concluding a remarkable career that spanned twenty years. Throughout her journey she secured a six Grand Slam titles in both doubles and mixed doubles events. The announcement of the couples separation signifies the close of a chapter prompting contemplation, on the obstacles individuals encounter within their relationships.

Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik announce divorce. Indian tennis star wishes Shoaib well for his new journey.

Sania confirms Shoaib's divorce, wishes him well in new venture

New Delhi: In a revelation Anam Mirza, the sister of retired Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has confirmed that Sania and former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik are no longer together. Anam shared this news on her Instagram account mentioning that the couple has legally separated for some months Sania Mirza is known for keeping her life private. Decided to make this announcement after Shoaib Malik recently got married to Pakistani actress Sana Javed. Anams Instagram post stated, "Sania has always maintained privacy regarding her life. However today she felt the need to share that Shoaib and she have been divorced for a months. She wishes Shoaib all the best, for his journey!"
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2WWjAzLwNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_self">https://www.instagram.com/p/C2WWjAzLwNY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading</a> Shoaib Maliks marriage to Sana Javed was documented on media as the former all rounder posted pictures from their wedding ceremony, on his Instagram account. The newlyweds captioned their wedding images with the words ". We created you in pairs." Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik tied the knot in 2010. Have been living in Dubai. They welcomed their son, Izhaan Mirza Malik into the world in 2018. Sana Javed, a figure, in Pakistans entertainment industry made her television debut back in 2012 with the show 'Shehr e Zaat'. Gained recognition for her role in the romantic drama series 'Khaani.' Shoaib Malik, an all rounder and batting sensation of the cricket team played a significant part in their triumphs. He stepped into the arena in 1999 when he debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and played a role in numerous memorable victories. Throughout his career Shoaib amassed a tally of 7,534 runs in 287 ODIs. Additionally he showcased his skills in 124 T20 Internationals (T20Is) scoring 2,435 runs at a strike rate of 125.64. Furthermore he donned the whites, for Pakistan on 35 occasions during Test matches. Accumulated a total of 1,898 runs. His final international match representing Pakistan took place against Bangladesh in the year 2021.

Sania Mirza's sister reveals the truth about her divorce from Shoaib Malik. As Shoaib begins a new chapter, explore the inside story of their separation.

Sania Mirza's Sister Confirms Shoaib Malik's Divorce: Separation for Some Months

New Delhi: In response, to the disclosure made by Shoaib Malik, the former cricket captain of Pakistan regarding his marriage with popular Pakistani actor Sana Javed it has been confirmed by Imran Mirza, Sania Mirzas father that Sania has chosen to exercise her right as a Muslim woman and unilaterally end her marriage.  Shoaib Malik initially got married to Sania Mirza in April 2010. He recently shared a photo on media with his wife captioning it with the words "And We created you in pairs." Sania Mirza is currently taking care of their five year son Izaan from Shoaibs marriage.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/shoaib-malik-ties-the-knot-with-pakistani-actor-sana-javed-amidst-speculations-of-sania-mirza-divorce" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/shoaib-malik-ties-the-knot-with-pakistani-actor-sana-javed-amidst-speculations-of-sania-mirza-divorce</a>&nbsp;
 Speculations about problems in Shoaib and Sanias relationship have been circulating since 2022 as they haven't been seen together frequently in years. The fact that Malik unfollowed Sania Mirza on Instagram fueled these rumors.  Shoaib Maliks latest chapter involves his union with renowned actor Sana Javed who was previously married to singer Umair Jaiswal in 2020. However two months ago there were reports, about Sana Javed and Umair Jaiswal getting divorced.

Sania Mirza invokes 'khula' right as Shoaib Malik reveals second marriage with Sana Javed. Speculations, social media buzz, and celebrity divorce intrigue unfold.

Imran Mirza: Sania took ‘khula’ from Shoaib

Brisbane: World no.2 Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Lucia Bronzetti from Italy in the second round of the Brisbane International, clinching the match in a mere 58 minutes with a commanding scoreline of 6-3, 6-0.  Sabalenka's victorious Brisbane debut extended her Australian winning streak to 12. Last year, the 25-year-old went undefeated to sweep the titles in Adelaide and the Australian Open, where she captured her first major title.  "I'm super happy to play in front of fans here in Australia. They're amazing. I'm not focusing on the record I'm making right now. I'm just focusing on myself and bringing my best tennis in every match I play," Sabalenka was quoted by WTA.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/brisbane-international:-pliskova-thwarts-osaka's-comeback-in-second-round-clash" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/brisbane-international:-pliskova-thwarts-osaka's-comeback-in-second-round-clash</a>  Facing the 52nd-ranked Bronzetti in her first match of the season, Sabalenka broke open the match with a break to 4-2 in the opening set. She proceeded to win 8 of the next nine games, overpowering Bronzetti to lay down a marker on her season.  She fired eight aces in the match and saved the one break point she faced.  Sabalenka will face either Danielle Collins or Zhu Lin next.
—IANS

World no.2 Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Lucia Bronzetti from Italy in the second round of the Brisbane International

Brisbane International: Sabalenka beats Bronzetti, races to Round of 16

Brisbane: Three-time champion Karolina Pliskova gritted out a 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over Naomi Osaka in the second round of the Brisbane International on Wednesday, halting Osaka’s WTA Tour comeback event.  Osaka was playing her first tournament since September of 2022, having given birth to daughter Shai in July of 2023. Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka won her first-round match over Tamara Korpatsch to start her return.  The Czech Pliskova is the only three-time champion of this tournament, lifting the trophy in 2017, 2019 and when the WTA event was last staged at the Queensland Tennis Centre in 2020.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/united-cup:-garcia-mannarino-lead-france-into-sydney-qfs" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/united-cup:-garcia-mannarino-lead-france-into-sydney-qfs</a>  In the battle between two former World No.1 players, it was the Pliskova who pulled off the comeback win after 2 hours and 14 minutes to reach the Round of 16.  Despite falling behind by a set, Pliskova was able to turn around another close clash with the Japanese star, improving her lead in their head-to-head to 4-2. Pliskova, who had a first-round bye as a seeded player this week, has now won her last 10 matches in Brisbane.
—IANS

Three-time champion Karolina Pliskova gritted out a 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 victory over Naomi Osaka in the second round of the Brisbane International

Brisbane International: Pliskova thwarts Osaka's comeback in second round clash

Sydney: Caroline Garcia steered France into the Sydney quarter-finals of the United Cup on Wednesday with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win over Italy's Jasmine Paolini.  Garcia's singles win followed a win for Adrian Mannarino over Lorenzo Sonego in men's singles, giving France an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie and clinching its spot atop Group D.  Garcia served 11 aces in victory and broke serve five times. After getting even from 4-1 behind in the second set, she regrouped well to start the decider after the match was briefly paused at that juncture when a spectator required medical attention.  She won four of the first five games of the third, and emphatically slammed the door on the match by holding to love - after Paolini kept the pressure on her by not only closing the deficit from 4-1 to 4-3, but holding serving in the ninth game.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/nadal-roars-to-victory-over-thiem-in-brisbane-singles-comeback" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/nadal-roars-to-victory-over-thiem-in-brisbane-singles-comeback</a>  Earlier in the day, left-hander Mannarino claimed a 6-4, 6-4 win over Sonego, who came into the match having won eight of his past nine matches against Frenchmen.  At 35, Mannarino enters 2024 after playing some of his best tennis last season, when he claimed three titles and 43 match wins, both personal bests. At a career-high No. 22 in the ATP Rankings, Mannarino is closing in on the Top 20 and also the 300-wins milestone (currently 289).  As the group winners, France will face Norway in the quarter-finals.
—IANS

Caroline Garcia steered France into the Sydney quarter-finals of the United Cup on Wednesday with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win over Italy's Jasmine Paolini.

United Cup: Garcia, Mannarino lead France into Sydney QFs

Brisbane: Rafael Nadal marked his singles comeback after being out injured for nearly a year with a convincing 7-5 6-1 victory over Austrian former world number three Dominic Thiem in the Brisbane International first round on Tuesday.
The 22-times Grand Slam champion had arthroscopic surgery last June after injuring his left hip flexor during his second round defeat by Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in early 2023.  Nadal returned to competitive tennis in the new season on Sunday and crashed to a doubles defeat while partnering retired veteran Marc Lopez but showed glimpses of his top form ahead of the Jan. 14-28 Melbourne Park major.  "Today is honestly an emotional and important day for me after probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career," Nadal said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/djokovic-hampered-by-wrist-issue-at-united-cup-as-serbia-reach-quarters" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/djokovic-hampered-by-wrist-issue-at-united-cup-as-serbia-reach-quarters</a>&nbsp;
"I had the chance to come back after a year and play in front of an amazing crowd and play at a very positive level on the first day is something that makes us feel proud - my team and family who have been there every day in the last year."  The 37-year-old looked razor sharp again during his latest meeting with qualifier Thiem in a rematch of their 2018 and 2019 French Open finals which he won, as he ramped up the pressure and claimed the opening set with a break.  Roared on by fans inside a heaving Pat Rafter Arena, Nadal grabbed an early break in the second set with a superb backhand pass and barely looked back as he racked up a 5-1 lead before closing out the match on serve.  "I missed being healthy an feeling competitive, playing in front of full crowds that have been amazing all my career here in Australia," Nadal added.  "I can't thank everyone enough."  Nadal's 1,069th men's tour-level victory meant he surpassed Ivan Lendl to sit fourth in the all-time list.  "As you can imagine, today it wasn't a statistic I was aware of," Nadal said. "I had enough work just to be focused and come back on court and remember how to play in a competitive match. There were nerves and doubts before the match.  "But things went well and I'm excited to be back."  In the women's draw, Arina Rodionova overcame 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin 7-5 7-6(7) while double Melbourne Park champion Victoria Azarenka beat Anna Kalinskaya 6-1 7-6(8).  U.S. Open holder Coco Gauff started her new season with a victory at the Auckland Classic as the 19-year-old defending champion beat fellow American Claire Liu 6-4 6-2.  Gauff, who is looking to improve on last year's fourth-round finish at the Melbourne Park, next plays world number 117 Brenda Fruhvirtova after the Czech 16-year-old defeated Anna Blinkova 7-5 6-4.  Second seed Elina Svitolina eased to a 6-4 6-3 victory over Caroline Wozniacki and next meets 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu who returned following wrist and ankle surgeries to beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3 4-6 7-5.
—Reuters

Rafael Nadal marked his singles comeback after being out injured for nearly a year with a convincing 7-5 6-1 victory over Austrian former world

Nadal roars to victory over Thiem in Brisbane singles comeback

Perth: Novak Djokovic received treatment for a wrist issue during his United Cup match against Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday but the world number one battled to a 6-1 6-7(3) 6-1 win that put Serbia on track to pip Czech Republic 2-1 and make the quarterfinals.
Djokovic drew Serbia level at 1-1 in the $10 million mixed team tournament and had been scheduled to compete in the mixed doubles decider with Olga Danilovic before being replaced by the 20-year-old Hamad Medjedovic.  The young Serbian duo overcame Petr Nouza and Miriam Kolodziejova 4-6 7-6(2) 10-8 to send Serbia into the last eight where they will play hosts Australia on Wednesday.
Djokovic, gearing up for a tilt at a record-extending 11th Australian Open title this month, appeared to be bothered by his right wrist in practice and occasionally grimaced in the opening set at the RAC Arena.  The Serb had his wrist worked on by a trainer after the first set and Lehecka sensed an opportunity, winning the second set in a tiebreak.  Djokovic took a medical timeout before the start of the third and came out firing, running up a 5-0 lead before sealing the match.  The 36-year-old said the wrist was sore.  "But I managed to play it through and it's not the first or the last time," he added. "These things happen. You just have to manage and find a solution. Let's see what happens now."  Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova had earlier given the Czechs a 1-0 lead by beating Danilovic 6-1 3-6 6-3.  Poland will take on China in Wednesday's other quarter-final in Perth.  Greece were stunned by Chile in their Group B opener, with Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas losing 6-7(5) 6-3 10-6 to Daniela Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera in the mixed doubles decider at Sydney's Ken Rosewell Arena.  Sakkari beat Seguel 6-0 6-1 in the opener before Chile's Jarry downed Stefanos Sakellaridis 6-3 3-6 7-5 to level the tie after the Greeks decided not to field Australian Open runner-up Tsitsipas in the singles.  The Australian Open runs from Jan. 14-28 at Melbourne Park.
—Reuters

Novak Djokovic received treatment for a wrist issue during his United Cup match against Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday but the world number one battled

Djokovic hampered by wrist issue at United Cup as Serbia reach quarters

Pune (Maharashtra): The final day of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) season 5 saw the teams give it their all on the court as they vied for the coveted trophy. After a few heated contests, it was eventually Bengaluru SG Mavericks, who were crowned champions of Season 5 of the Tennis Premier League. Sunday's first semi-final saw Bengaluru SG Mavericks go head-to-head with Delhi Binny's Brigade. Arina Rodionova of Bengaluru SG Mavericks beat Sahaja Yamalapalli of Delhi Binny's Brigade in a game that ended 11-9.
It was followed by the Men's Singles category in which Ramkumar Ramanathan of the Bengaluru SG Mavericks beat Denis Novak of Delhi Binny's Brigade in a game that ended 12-8. Arina Rodionova and Vishnu Vardhan from Bengaluru SG Mavericks beat Sahaja Yamalapalli and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan of the Delhi Binny's Brigade in the Mixed Doubles category, in a game that ended 11-9. The final game of the fixture was the Men's Doubles category which saw Ramkumar Ramanathan and Vishnu Vardhan from Bengaluru SG Mavericks lost to Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Dennis Novak of Delhi Binny's Brigade, 7-9. Bengaluru SG Mavericks amassed 41 points and booked their spot in the final. Ramkumar Ramanathan of the Bengaluru SG Mavericks secured yet another Player of the Match award as he led his team to the finals with a stunning display in the semi-final. The second semi-final saw the Bengal Wizards go up against the Punjab Patriots. Maria Timofeeva from Bengal Wizards beat Conny Perrin of Punjab Patriots in the game which ended 12-8, a release said.
In the Men's Singles category, Sriram Balaji of the Bengal Wizards bested Digvijay Pratap Singh of the Punjab Patriots, in a game that ended 13-7. The subsequent game was the Mixed Doubles category. Maria Timofeeva and Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards drew with Conny Perrin and Arjun Kadhe of the Punjab Patriots after the game ended 10-all. The last game of the fixture was the Men's Doubles which Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards lost to Digvijay Pratap Singh and Arjun Kadhe of the Punjab Patriots, in a game that ended 5-8. Bengal Wizards reached the magical 41 points mark and booked their spot in the final, where they were gearing up to face Bengaluru SG Mavericks. Sriram Balaji of the Bengal Wizards was awarded the Player of the Match.  The Season 5 of the TPL saw the Bengaluru SG Mavericks take on the Bengal Wizards, in what promised to be an electric match. Arina Rodionova of Bengaluru SG Mavericks comfortably lost to a spirited display by Maria Timofeeva from Bengal Wizards in the Women's Singles, Category ending 9-11. It was followed by the Men's Singles category which saw Ramkumar Ramanathan of the Bengaluru SG Mavericks defeat Sriram Balaji of the Bengal Wizards, 11-9. Arina Rodionova and Vishnu Vardhan from Bengaluru SG Mavericks won 14-6 in their Mixed Doubles game against Maria Timofeeva and Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards in what was a feisty affair. Going into the last game of the final, which was the Men's Doubles category Bengaluru only needed seven points to clinch the TPL season 5 trophy. Ramkumar Ramanathan and Vishnu Vardhan from Bengaluru SG Mavericks dominated Sriram Balaji and Anirudh Chandrasekar of the Bengal Wizards and rushed to seven points to secure the TPL season 5 crown.  Season 5 of the Tennis Premier League came to an end after exhilarating displays throughout the tournament by the Bengaluru SG Mavericks, who were crowned champions.
—ANI

The final day of the Tennis Premier League (TPL) season 5 saw the teams give it their all on the court as they vied for the coveted trophy.

Tennis Premier League: Bengaluru SG Mavericks crowned champions of season 5

Malanga: Australia fought back from the brink to beat Czechia 2-1 and reach the semifinals of the Davis Cup for the second straight year.  Tomas Machac gave Czechia the lead with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Jordan Thompson, and Australia looked set for elimination when Jiri Lehecka led Alex de Minaur 6-4 5-3 in the second singles match.  But from deuce in his 3-5 service game, the 24-year-old won 10 straight points to turn the match on its head, battling back to win 4-6, 7-6(2) ,7-5.  "I prided myself on a never-say-die attitude and he’s certainly in the same category”, said captain Lleyton Hewitt. "For him to go out there and put the boys on his back again, we’re so proud of him. He had to dig really deep and yet again he saved us."  Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell then ensured that De Minaur’s heroics were not for nothing, clinching the tie with a 6-4 7-5 decisive doubles win over Lehecka and Adam Pavlasek.  “It would have been hard to look at Alex in the hotel if we hadn’t won”, Purcell joked afterwards.  The 28-time Davis Cup champions will next face surprise semi-finalists Finland on Friday. Australia is second only to the United States (32 titles) on the all-time Davis Cup trophy list.
—IANS

Australia fought back from the brink to beat Czechia 2-1 and reach the semifinals of the Davis Cup for the second straight year.

Davis Cup: After De Minaur's heroics, Ebden-Purcell pair sent Australia to semifinals

New York: Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic levelled with the Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles after securing the US Open title, beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in an extremely fatiguing final at New York on Sunday night. Djokovic beat Medvedev by 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3.&nbsp;
With this win, the 36-year old legend has won his third Grand Slam of the year after the Australian Open and French Open.&nbsp;
Also, Djokovic has avenged the loss to Medvedev in the title clash of US Open 2021.&nbsp;
Despite fatigue, Djokovic captured his fourth US Open title after winning it in 2011, 2015 and 2018. The tennis star will return to the top of ATP Rankings on Monday after a tough 104-minute second set, which saw him save a set point and surge to a win. He is also at the top of ATP Live Rankings right now.&nbsp;
He has won three Major titles in a three times before as well, in 2011, 2015 and 2021.
For atleast set and a half, Djokovic dominated the match but Medvedev was not going down without a fight. There was a 31-shot rally in the second set, causing Djokovic to fall from fatigue. There was a change in the tone of the game from 3-3 in second set, but Djokovic pulled out a set winning volley.
The final set was more easier for Djokovic and he won the match.
Following the match, Djokovic was quoted as saying by WTA, “To make history of this sport is just something truly remarkable and special,”&nbsp;
“Obviously in every in every possible way, in every possible meaning of the word special. It is hard to describe in words. I had the childhood dream when I was seven, eight. I wanted to become the best player in the world and win the Wimbledon trophy. That was the only thing I wanted."
“But then when I realised that, obviously I started to dream new dreams and set new objectives, new goals. I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams," he added.
Medvedev also said, "24. I feel like I have not a bad career and I have 20 titles, you have 24 Grand Slams. Wow. Congrats to you and your team. You guys are amazing."&nbsp;
—IANS

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic levelled with the Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam titles after securing the US Open title

US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic beats Medvedev in a gruelling final, captures record-equalling 24th major title

Pyeongchang (South Korea): China dominated the 2023 Asian Table Tennis Championships, clinching all seven gold medals on offer here on Sunday.
The tournament concluded with world No.2 Ma Long securing a victory over top-seeded Fan Zhendong in the men's singles.
Ma edged out world No.1 Fan in a closely contested match, winning in five sets, 3-2, reports Xinhua.&nbsp;
Earlier in the day's semifinals, Fan and Ma defeated their respective opponents, Liang Jingkun of China and Lin Yun Ju of Chinese Taipei.
Earlier, the women's doubles final was another all-Chinese affair, with Wang Manyu and Chen Meng emerging victorious 3-0 over Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi in a swift 27-minute match.
In the semifinals leading up to the final, Wang and Chen overcame the Japanese duo of Kihara Miyuu and Nagasaki Miyu. Meanwhile, Sun and Wang bested South Korea's Jeon Ji-hee and Shin Yu-bin.
The championships featured seven events of both men's and women's singles, doubles, teams, and mixed doubles.&nbsp;
—IANS

China dominated the 2023 Asian Table Tennis Championships, clinching all seven gold medals on offer here on Sunday.

China sweeps seven gold medals at Asian Table Tennis Championships

Doha (Qatar): India’s Saurav Ghosal and Ramit Tandon made it to the second round of the Qatar Classic Squash Championship, registering emphatic wins in the PSA World Tour Platinum tournament at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Sunday.
Ghosal beat Balazs Farkas of Hungary in 39 minutes to advance to the next round. The World No. 17 started on a shaky note in the first game but recovered in quick time to take the first game 11-6. He followed in the same streak to pocket the second game 11-8.&nbsp;
However, in the third game, the Hungarian made Ghosal toil for every point and tied at 11-all but the Indian top-ranked player broke free to take the third and deciding game and win in straight games.
Tandon got past David Baillargeon of Canada in three games to one and qualified for the second round.&nbsp;
He took the first two games in his stride to win it at identical scores of 11-5 but dropped the third game at 11-9, but then came back strongly to win the fourth 11-5 and won the match in 41 minutes.&nbsp;
Ghosal and Tandon are the only two Indians in the fray in the one-week-long tournament which features the top players in both the men’s and women’s sections.
The women’s event is returning to Qatar after a gap of eight years and was last staged in 2015.&nbsp;
—IANS

India’s Saurav Ghosal and Ramit Tandon made it to the second round of the Qatar Classic Squash Championship, registering emphatic wins

Squash: Saurav Ghosal, Ramit Tandon reach second round of Qatar with emphatic wins

New York: India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden went down fighting in the men’s doubles final at the US Open, losing 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
History was on the line in the men’s doubles final as both pairs had a chance of getting into the record books.
Rohan Bopanna, the oldest male player to reach a Grand Slam final, was hoping to become the oldest winner while Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury were gunning for a hat-trick of US Open titles.
In the end, the 2021 and 2022 champions pulled off a captivating comeback to navigate past the gallant duo of Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden. It was the second time unlucky for Bopanna in the final as he lost in the finale once again after going down in the 2010 final.
It was a dream start from Bopanna, with a volley putaway and ferocious forehand bringing an immediate break to love.
The reigning champions Ram and Salisbury ramped up the pressure in a collection of quickfire exchanges to chalk up a chance, but Bopanna’s booming delivery and Ebden’s clean net play dissolved danger to go 3-1 up.
Ebden, who was a career-high world No. 39 in singles play a few years back in 2018, was simply in the zone and reading the play with authority to secure another telling break before the Australian soared through a hold to love to snatch away the opener.
Bopanna screeched along the baseline to arrow a backhand pass just over the net tape for another early break chance.
However, Ram and Salisbury stood firm and began to wrestle back the initiative, reading the patterns of the play and reeling the errors from their opponents for a 4-2 lead.
Ram flicked a laser-like inside-in forehand return winner to fire a warning sign to their rivals—they were back in the groove in New York.
Into the decider and Bopanna fell 0-40 behind on his serve. A spellbinding forehand lob, while back peddling, provided the catalyst to escape with five successive points.
The Indian rifled a backhand return to split Ram and Salisbury for a break chance. The reigning champions hung in and saved three break points themselves to level, 2-2.
Ram/Salisbury were claiming the key points, driving through three consecutive games to edge towards glory with 4-2 on the scoreboard.
There was time for some highly commendable sportsmanship. At a pivotal juncture, Bopanna conceded a point at 2-4, knowing an Ebden forehand brushed his arm to change direction.
Ram and Salisbury didn’t blink again and with two hours on the clock, they completed quite the turnaround to rule New York once again.
With this win, the American-British combination extended their New York winning streak to an astonishing 18 matches and collected their fourth Grand Slam as a combination. They became the first team in the Open Era to win three straight US Open men’s doubles crowns.
–IANS

India’s Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matthew Ebden went down fighting in the men’s doubles final at the US Open, 

US Open: Bopanna falls short again as Ram/Salisbury retain men’s doubles title

New York: For the second time in her career, American teen sensation Coco Gauff will play in a Grand Slam final after a straight-sets win against Karolina Muchova at the US Open.
Extending her exceptional summer run, Gauff defeated Muchova 6-4, 7-5 on Thursday night to earn her first trip to the women's singles final at the Flushing Meadows.&nbsp;
The sixth-seeded Gauff has won 11 straight matches, the best streak of her career, and 17 of 18, a stretch that includes titles in Washington D.C. and Cincinnati.
Gauff is the youngest of the four semifinalists here -- by nearly six years. The 19-year-old, is also the youngest American women's player to appear in the final of the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999.
She’s looking to become the fourth American woman to win the Open this century after Serena, her sister Venus and Sloane Stephens.
Moreover, Gauff is the youngest woman to appear in multiple Grand Slam finals (including 2020 Roland Garros) since Maria Sharapova (2004 Wimbledon and 2006 US Open) and the youngest American woman to do it since Monica Seles, from1990-93.
In the Saturday's final, Gauff will meet No.2 Aryna Sabalenka, who narrowly escaped No.17 Madison Keys in a third-set tiebreak in the second match of the night.
Sabalenka, the WTA No. 1 in-waiting, emerged 0-6, 7-6(1), 7-6(5) from a back-and-forth semifinal against Keys to advance to her first US Open final.
The 25-year-old Belarusian hadn't dropped a set en route to the semifinals, and had only lost 21 games in 10 sets played, but was put on the back foot early by a dazzling performance from Keys in the opening set.
Officially rising to the top of the rankings after the US Open, Sabalenka continues a breakthrough season at the majors with her second Slam final this year. She is also the first player to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slam events in a single year since Serena did so in 2016.
The post-midnight victory marks Sabalenka’s 50th match-win of the year. It is the first time in her career that Sabalenka has hit that total number of tour-level wins in a single season.&nbsp;
—IANS

For the second time in her career, American teen sensation Coco Gauff will play in a Grand Slam final after a straight-sets win against Karolina Muchova

The Hawk

Tennis

Sreeja surpasses Manika as India's No.1 TT player

The Hawk

Tennis

Sreeja surpasses Manika as India's No.1 TT player

The Hawk

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