By Oliver Harrington — 10 July 2026 — 4 min read

Jannik Sinner has defeated Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-finals, ending Djokovic’s pursuit of a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title. Sinner will now face Alexander Zverev in the final.

Sinner delivered a powerful and precise performance, denying Djokovic’s attempt to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight men’s singles titles at the All England Club. Djokovic, who is 39, did not manage to secure a break point until the third set, which Sinner saved with an ace. Sinner ultimately won the match with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

This victory marks Sinner’s progression to the Wimbledon final. He is one win away from potentially becoming the 10th man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title. Sinner will enter Sunday’s final as a strong contender, particularly after his decisive performance against Djokovic.

Djokovic reflects on semi-final exit

For Djokovic, reaching a Grand Slam semi-final at his age, especially after a demanding five-hour and 15-minute match against an opponent 14 years his junior, demonstrates his continued high-level play. However, he acknowledged that his performance against Sinner was “good but not good enough.”

Djokovic expressed his high expectations for himself, stating, “I’m blessed and cursed to be used to something of a highest degree in terms of results and achievements.” He noted that while he can still play at a high level and challenge younger players, he always aims for the best results.

Unlike last year’s semi-final encounter with Sinner, Djokovic confirmed he was not carrying an injury this time. However, he mentioned the impact of another year and significant court time on his body, particularly after his five-set victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the previous round.

Former world number one Andre Agassi commented on the nature of the sport, saying, “In this sport, as in life, hope is fragile but hard to kill.” Djokovic himself stated he felt “physically all right” but acknowledged Sinner was the “much better player” and the “dominant force.”

Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, suggested that this might have been Djokovic’s best opportunity for a 25th Grand Slam title. He added, “I don’t think realistically he has got another Grand Slam in him, unfortunately. I think this was the one.” Cash also noted that while Djokovic could still be a threat, he might not go “all the way.”

Djokovic maintained a high level during his quarter-final win against Auger-Aliassime, but it appeared to have taken a toll. Against Sinner, he seemed slightly slower, particularly on his forehand, and struggled to return Sinner’s accurate and powerful serves. He created only one break-point opportunity, which Sinner saved with an ace.

Despite the loss, Djokovic hopes to return to Wimbledon “at least once more.” He continues to compete effectively against younger players. He will be 40 by the time of next year’s Wimbledon. The oldest man to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open era was Ken Rosewall, at 39 years and 234 days.

Sinner’s path to the final

Sinner’s performance against Djokovic showcased his exceptional form. He did not drop a set since his opening match and demonstrated his best tennis of the tournament in the semi-final. His serving was particularly strong, with 16 aces recorded on Friday.

Sinner will face Zverev in the final. While Sinner has a strong head-to-head record against Zverev, having won 10 of their 14 previous meetings, he acknowledges that Zverev is a different player after winning his first major title at the French Open. Sinner expressed his happiness with his performance and his return to the finals, hoping for a good final on Sunday.

The Centre Court crowd showed significant support for Djokovic during the match, chanting his nickname “Nole! Nole!” when he faced break points. Djokovic acknowledged the crowd’s appreciation as he left the court, placing his hand over his heart and waving. He has been a crowd favourite in almost every match at this year’s championships, a shift from previous years where he sometimes received a more hostile reception.

Agassi observed the crowd’s chants for Djokovic, noting, “He’s now getting the respect he deserves.” He added that the achievements of current players are influenced by what Djokovic has shown is possible in the sport. Djokovic stated he feels no pressure to play and does so because he wants to and believes he can still perform as a top-five player.

Sinner’s victory over Djokovic was achieved in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Oliver Harrington — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

Tadej Pogacar secured a decisive victory on stage six of the Tour de France, riding solo to the summit of the Col du Tourmalet in the Hautes-Pyrénées before continuing to the finish line at Gavarnie-Gèdre. This performance established a significant overall lead in the 2026 race.

Under the watchful eye of President Emmanuel Macron, Pogacar’s display was described as imperious. His long-standing rival, Jonas Vingegaard, attempted to keep pace but ultimately conceded 2:38 to the leader by the stage’s end, not even contesting the sprint for the finish line. Pogacar’s lead, which was under half a minute at La Mongie ski station, extended to nearly three minutes by the time he reached Gavarnie-Gèdre.

Pogacar’s solo effort on the Tourmalet, a characteristic move for him, was noted for its impact on his competitors’ morale. His lead over the peloton is now considered both physical and psychological, with rivals potentially focusing on podium or top-five finishes rather than challenging for the overall win.

Dominance in the Mountains

The stage, which ventured deep into the Pyrenees, included formidable climbs such as the Col d’Aspin and the much-feared Col du Tourmalet. The pace set by Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates XRG at the base of the Tourmalet was intense, transforming the 17 kilometres of climbing into a platform for Pogacar and a challenging section for others.

The peloton was reduced to 16 riders by the midpoint of the climb. Among those who struggled to maintain the pace were Thymen Arensman, leading the Netcompany Ineos team in the absence of an injured Oscar Onley, and Tom Pidcock of Pinarello Q36.5. The then-race leader, Torstein Traeen, experienced a difficult day, falling behind the group of favourites with 11km remaining on the Tourmalet. He later crashed on the descent, finishing nearly 30 minutes behind Pogacar after receiving medical attention.

Five kilometres from the Tourmalet summit, as the lead group entered La Mongie, Pogacar and teammate Isaac del Toro moved ahead, with Pogacar then pushing on alone. Despite Vingegaard’s initial efforts to limit the time gap on the climb’s final ramps, Pogacar’s attack also highlighted the difficulties faced by riders like Paul Seixas, who had previously competed closely with the Slovenian.

Impact on the Race

Pogacar’s performance marks his 23rd stage win in the Tour de France, including 11 in the Pyrenees, making him the fifth most prolific stage winner in the race’s history. He has already secured two stage victories in this year’s Tour, with another gifted to his teammate Del Toro, indicating his strong control over the race.

The early stages of the 2026 Tour have been particularly demanding, with the combination of Pogacar’s dominance, the Pyrenean climbs, and the heat contributing to an increasing number of riders abandoning the race. Cian Uijtdebroeks of the Movistar team, for example, withdrew due to gastrointestinal problems and a fever.

The stage began with an early breakaway attempt by Victor Campanaerts and Mads Pedersen, who were later joined by Huub Artz. Pedersen secured points at an intermediate sprint before being reabsorbed by the peloton. Other riders, including Ben O’Connor and Xabier Mikel Azparren, also made efforts to break away on earlier climbs.

Vingegaard, taking precautions against infection, wore a mask before the stage, having been involved in a stressful finish on the previous day. The race saw one non-starter, Alex Molenaar, who had crashed heavily on the prior day.

The day’s weather was hot, with a risk of thunderstorms, though none materialised during the race.

The race is set to conclude in Paris on 26 July.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Day 1 Highlights and Key Matches

The opening day of Wimbledon 2026 saw significant action across the courts, with several top players competing. Jannik Sinner, the world number one, began his campaign with a five-set victory against Miomir Kecmanović on Centre Court. Fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka secured a straight-sets win over Teodora Kostović. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, the seventh seed, advanced after a four-set match against Wu Yibing.

American players also made progress, with fourth seed Jessica Pegula and seventh seed Coco Gauff both achieving straight-set victories. The day concluded with matches on outer courts being suspended due to darkness, set to resume the following day.

Among the men’s seeds who advanced were Felix Auger-Aliassime (3), Daniil Medvedev (8), and Tommy Paul (21). On the women’s side, seeds like Mirra Andreeva (5), Karolína Muchová (10), and Belinda Bencic (11) moved on to the next round. The highest seed to be eliminated was Maja Chwalińska, who retired due to a foot injury.

Swiatek’s Performance and Other Court Action

Reigning Wimbledon women’s singles champion Iga Świątek (3) was in action, taking the first set against Taylor Townsend 6-0. However, she was broken immediately in the second set. Townsend’s strategy involved taking the ball early and applying pressure, holding her first service game and creating early break opportunities against Świątek.

In other matches, Jasmine Paolini (13) secured a notable win against Robin Montgomery with a score of 0-6, 6-4, 7-5. Paolini demonstrated resilience, recovering from losing the first set 6-0 and being a break down in the third to earn match points. She will now face either Shymanovich or Golubic in the second round.

Brandon Nakashima led Jack Pinnington Jones by two sets and a break, with their match suspended and scheduled to resume on Court 18. Jacob Fearnley trailed Michelsen 3-6 in their match. Valentin Royer defeated Henry Wendelken 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, setting up a potential match against Blockx or Zverev.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

Day 2 is anticipated to feature the return of Serena Williams, the 23-time Slam champion, in the singles draw. French Open champion Alexander Zverev (2) is also scheduled to play. The defending women’s singles champion, Iga Świątek, will continue her campaign.

Novak Djokovic spoke about his first-round match, describing it as challenging and praising Wu Yibing‘s performance. He noted the increased physicality for a first-round encounter. Djokovic, at 39, extended his first-round Slam winning streak to 78 consecutive matches, with his last first-round loss at a Slam occurring at the 2006 Australian Open.

During his match, Djokovic faced a potential suspension due to the 11 p.m. curfew, but he managed to secure the win in four sets. The match between Jesper de Jong and Rinky Hijikata was also suspended and will resume on Court 10.

Taylor Fritz was leading Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, 3-2, nearing a spot in the second round. Hanfman defeated Mpetshi Perricard 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-3. Keys advanced to face Katie Swan next after a close match against Day.

The tournament continues with more matches, including Alexander Zverev (2) and Iga Świątek (3) both scheduled to be in action.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Williams returns to singles play

Serena Williams is set to make her return to singles tennis at Wimbledon, facing Maya Joint in the first round. This marks her first singles match since the US Open in 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion had previously indicated she was “evolving away” from the sport in 2022, but later clarified that she was not retired and that the chances of a return were high.

Her comeback follows her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool, a commitment that suggested her intention to play professionally again. The grass-court season was seen as a suitable period for her return due to her comfort on the surface and its potentially lower physical demands compared to clay courts.

Prior to her singles return, Williams participated in doubles events. She impressed in her opening doubles match at Queen’s Club alongside Victoria Mboko. However, Mboko’s injury meant Williams only played one match there. Her subsequent appearance in Berlin saw her suffer a first-round loss with Karolina Muchova.

Expert reactions and expectations

Monica Puig, an Olympic gold medallist, expressed surprise at Williams’ decision to accept a singles wild card for Wimbledon, especially given earlier statements about easing back into singles play. Puig noted that Williams’ return is beneficial for tennis and Wimbledon, highlighting Williams’ champion mindset and competitive nature. She suggested that Williams would not take a wild card unless she felt physically fit, especially considering the tricky nature of grass courts.

Puig also commented on Williams’ serve, which reached an impressive 120mph at Queen’s, stating that it would be a crucial asset at Wimbledon. She believes Williams will aim to secure many free points and keep rallies short, leveraging her confidence at the net and her intimidating presence.

Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport observed that Williams appears to be in excellent physical condition, possibly better than when she last competed. Davenport acknowledged that grass is a challenging surface to start on due to its speed and physical demands. While Williams has stated she has nothing left to prove, Davenport remains sceptical, suggesting that Williams’ inherent drive to be the best means results are still important to her. Davenport believes Williams is returning because she feels capable of making an immediate impact in women’s tennis, though she cautioned against expecting immediate tournament wins.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli expressed concerns about the physical challenges of returning at Williams’ age, particularly after two pregnancies. However, Bartoli noted that playing in front of her children seemed to give Williams strength, as evidenced by her performance in her first doubles match at Queen’s.

Long-term ambitions and financial standing

Tennis expert Mats Wilander believes that Williams’ comeback is not a short-term endeavour. He anticipates her participation in the US Open later this year and suggests that she may be targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Wilander highlighted Williams’ strong serve as a significant advantage on grass courts, potentially the best in the history of women’s tennis. However, he raised concerns about her movement in longer rallies, especially against opponents who can consistently return her serve and extend points.

Williams’ financial success remains notable. By the time she initially stepped away from tennis, her estimated pre-tax income from her professional career, which began in 1995, had reached nearly $450 million. This figure positioned her significantly ahead of other female athletes. Her off-court business ventures have also been thriving, with estimated earnings of $50 million before taxes and agent fees in the last 12 months. This pushes her lifetime earnings to approximately $620 million, and her net worth is estimated at $400 million, making her the world’s richest woman to have primarily earned her fortune as an athlete.

During her time away from the sport, Williams gave birth to her second child in 2023 and remained active with her business interests. She maintains ten long-term sponsorships and has expanded into speaking engagements, publishing children’s books, and establishing Nine Two Six Productions. Her investment firm, Serena Ventures, has funded numerous startups, including 16 unicorns by 2022, and she holds stakes in sports teams such as the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, and the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA. Williams is currently unranked in singles after her hiatus.

Source: skysports.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 29 June 2026 — 3 min read

Early Matches and British Hopes

The opening day of Wimbledon features several British players competing across various courts. On No.1 Court, Harriet Dart is scheduled to play against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia. Over on No.2 Court, Cameron Norrie, seeded 26, is set to face Michael Zheng from the United States. Additionally, Felix Gill is scheduled to compete against Rafael Jodar, who is seeded 23, on No.3 Court.

Further British representation includes Hannah Klugman, who will play against Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic on No.3 Court. On Court 4, Alicia Dudeney is set to meet Alycia Parks from the United States. Later in the day, Oliver Tarvet is scheduled to play against Arthur Rinderknech, seeded 25, on Court 12, while Jack Pinnington Jones will face Brandon Nakashima, seeded 28, on the same court.

Other British players in action include Max Basing, who will play against Shintaro Mochizuki of Japan on Court 14. On Court 16, Mimi Xu is scheduled to compete against Daria Kasatkina. Finally, Francesca Jones will play against Diane Parry of France on Court 17, and Mika Stojsavljevic is set to face Belinda Bencic, seeded 11, on Court 18. An unassigned court will see Emma Raducanu, seeded 30, play against Antonia Ruzic.

Centre Court Highlights and Tournament Access

The Centre Court schedule for the first day includes Jannik Sinner of Italy, seeded 1, who will play against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia. Following this, Aryna Sabalenka, also seeded 1, is set to compete against Teodora Kostovic of Serbia. The final match on Centre Court for the day will feature Novak Djokovic of Serbia, seeded 7, playing against Yibing Wu of China.

For those looking to attend the tournament, Wimbledon maintains its tradition of offering tickets on the day of play. The All England Club accommodates over 40,000 spectators daily. A key method for securing tickets is through ‘The Queue’ at Wimbledon Park, which is a short walk from Southfields tube station. This tradition allows fans to purchase tickets for Centre Court or Court 1 during the initial ten days of The Championships.

Approximately 500 tickets are allocated for each of these show courts. Fans joining ‘The Queue’ receive a dated and numbered Queue Card, which must be kept until ticket sales begin. While some arrive the evening before, others join in the early hours of the morning. Ticket sales commence at 9:45 am in Wimbledon Park, with the grounds opening at 10 am. Play on the outside courts starts at 11 am, followed by Court 1 at 1 pm, and Centre Court at 1:30 pm.

Competition for Centre Court Tickets

A competition is being offered in conjunction with Pimm’s, an exclusive supplier of Wimbledon, for a chance to win Centre Court tickets to The Championships on Saturday July 4, 2026. The prize includes two Centre Court tickets and £500 towards travel expenses, which will be paid via BACS payment.

Subscribers can enter by signing in to their account and spinning a wheel on the rewards homepage between Sunday, June 28, 2026, and Monday, June 29, 2026. Non-subscribers can also enter by signing in to their account, entering a Unique Number from the back page of the newspaper, and spinning the wheel during the same period. The competition closes at 23:59 on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 13 June 2026 — 3 min read

Emma Raducanu has advanced to her first WTA 500 final after a successful day at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club. The British No. 1 secured two victories on Saturday, culminating in a straight-sets win over Iva Jovic in the semi-final. This achievement marks her as the first British woman in 56 years to reach the final at Queen’s.

Raducanu’s journey to the final included a 6-2, 6-2 triumph against Jovic, the world No. 19. This semi-final match, which lasted an hour and 29 minutes, followed an earlier quarter-final victory against Kamilla Rakhimova. The compacted schedule, due to heavy rain earlier in the week, required Raducanu to play two matches in one day.

Despite an injury scare in her quarter-final match against Rakhimova, where she required a medical time-out and returned with a heavily-bandaged left thigh, Raducanu showed no signs of discomfort against Jovic. Her performance against Jovic was described as world-class, showcasing her ability to compete effectively even after a demanding day.

Raducanu expressed her enjoyment of playing at Queen’s, stating, “It means everything to be doing it here at Queen’s in front of everyone. The support today was electric. This week has been incredible. I’ve really enjoyed playing here, and it really shows in my tennis and how I’ve been able to compete in some really tough moments.”

The final will see Raducanu face Croatian lucky loser Donna Vekic. This will be their first career meeting. Raducanu is aiming for her first WTA title since the 2021 US Open, and this marks her second WTA final of the season, having previously been a runner-up at the Transylvania Open.

Her coach, Andrew Richardson, has been guiding her through a recent resurgence. Raducanu acknowledged her team, noting, “Me and my team have stuck through some really tough moments in the last few months when the results haven’t been going our way but we’ve been putting in the work day in and day out. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for getting me to this situation.”

Raducanu’s aggressive play was evident throughout her match against Jovic. She was on the attack in 25% of the points and converted 71% of points in attack. She also returned 100% of second serves from inside the baseline during the week.

In the semi-final, Raducanu secured an early 4-1 lead in the first set with two clean down-the-line winners. Jovic, who had defeated Amanda Anisimova in the previous round, struggled with a foot issue and required a medical timeout. Raducanu maintained her momentum, taking the first set and moving to a 2-0 lead in the second.

Jovic attempted to fight back, breaking serve, but Raducanu quickly re-established her lead, moving to 4-1. A missed break point for Jovic in the subsequent game further solidified Raducanu’s position. Raducanu ultimately broke for a third time to win the set and secure her place in the final.

The other semi-final saw Vekic defeat Katie Boulter, preventing an all-British final. Boulter, making her first last-four appearance at Queen’s, was unable to replicate her earlier form, losing 6-1, 6-3 to Vekic in 66 minutes. Vekic, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, dropped only six points on her serve during the match.

Boulter reflected on her performance, stating, “I am not supposed to make the semi-finals of this tournament. This competition had an incredible line-up. My game is moving in the right direction. This week has been a great learning curve for me. It has given me a lot of belief knowing that I can beat a lot of good players on this surface. Wimbledon is another opportunity to do that.”

Raducanu will compete in the final on Sunday, 14 June, with the match available to watch live on the BBC, BBC digital services, and Tennis Channel.

Source: lta.org.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 12 June 2026 — 3 min read

Raducanu’s path to the quarter-finals

Emma Raducanu has secured her place in the quarter-finals of the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, following a victory over Sorana Cirstea. The British number one defeated Cirstea, the world number 18 and seventh seed, in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2. The match lasted an hour and 27 minutes, marking Raducanu’s second consecutive year reaching the last eight at the tournament.

This win also represents Raducanu’s first top-10 victory of the season. She will join fellow British player Katie Boulter in the quarter-finals, who also advanced by defeating Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets. Raducanu expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting that she had to play aggressively against Cirstea, who had previously beaten her earlier in the year.

Raducanu’s match against Cirstea saw her get off to a strong start, taking a 4-0 lead in the first set. Although Cirstea managed to break back, Raducanu secured the set with two unreturnable serves. In the second set, Raducanu continued her strong play, breaking Cirstea in the opening game and extending her lead to 4-1. She dropped only six points on her serve in the second set, ultimately closing out the match with another unreturnable first serve on her second match point.

Dart’s exit and upcoming quarter-final

While Raducanu advanced, it was a different outcome for another British player, Harriet Dart. Dart was defeated by lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova in a three-set match on Court 1. Rakhimova won with scores of 5-7, 6-1, 7-5, after two hours and 50 minutes of play. Dart had been aiming to reach the quarter-finals of a grass court WTA 500 event for the second time in her career.

Dart showed resilience, breaking Rakhimova at 5-4 in the deciding set to level the score, but she was unable to consolidate the break. Rakhimova then secured another break with a forehand winner, ultimately closing out the match. Raducanu is now set to face Rakhimova in the quarter-finals, which will be the first meeting between the two players.

Match details and weather interruptions

The matches at Queen’s Club have faced some interruptions due to weather conditions. Play was cancelled on one day, and on another, there were significant delays. Ground staff were observed attempting to clear the courts with squeegees amidst a mist of rain. At one point, Raducanu and Cirstea were on court for less than five minutes before being asked to return inside due to a shower.

Despite the delays, Raducanu eventually played her match against Cirstea. Raducanu had previously defeated Anna Blinkova in the first round, securing a straight-set victory that marked her first match-win since Indian Wells in March. Her goal in this tournament was to defeat a top-20 ranked opponent for the first time since her victory over Daria Kasatkina at Strasbourg over a year ago.

Key statistics from Raducanu’s performance against Cirstea include her effective first serve, with 42% of her first serves going unreturned, compared to a draw average of 25%. She also excelled in short rallies, winning 61% of points in rallies of 0-4 shots. Additionally, Raducanu achieved early breaks in both sets, breaking Cirstea’s opening service game.

The quarter-final match between Raducanu and Rakhimova will be a new encounter for both players.

Source: lta.org.uk

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By Callum Ashford — 10 June 2026 — 3 min read

Emma Raducanu has commenced her grass-court season with a commanding victory, advancing to the second round of the Queen’s Club tournament. The British player defeated qualifier Anna Blinkova in straight sets, winning 6-0, 6-3. This win marks her first on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz since Indian Wells in March.

Raducanu expressed her satisfaction with her performance, highlighting it as a significant step forward. She noted that she enjoyed her movement and overall presence on the court, aiming to carry this approach into future matches during the grass-court season. The match, which was interrupted by rain, saw Raducanu secure her victory in approximately one hour.

The win comes after a challenging period for Raducanu, who was sidelined for over two months due to a post-viral illness. Her return to competition occurred less than a week before the French Open, where she experienced a straight-sets defeat in the first round. Following her exit from the French Open, Raducanu had a fortnight to train and prepare for the grass-court season.

During her match against Blinkova, Raducanu displayed an offensive style of play, taking the ball early and redirecting it effectively from both wings. She aimed to dominate with her forehand from the baseline, showcasing a clear-minded approach. Despite Blinkova landing a higher percentage of first serves, Raducanu was more effective, winning 72% of those points compared to Blinkova’s 29.6%.

Raducanu also demonstrated efficiency in converting break-point opportunities, securing six out of eight during the match. Her performance in the first set was particularly strong, as she did not drop a game. Even when Blinkova rallied in the second set, Raducanu maintained her composure, breaking serve at 4-3 to close out the match.

Currently ranked No. 42 in the PIF WTA Rankings, Raducanu will now face No. 17 seed Sorana Cirstea in the second round. Cirstea advanced by defeating qualifier Maddison Inglis. Raducanu’s goal will be to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year, building on her previous best grass-court result.

Other British success and withdrawals

In other matches at Queen’s Club, Katie Boulter also progressed to the second round. She overcame the eighth seed, Leylah Fernandez, in a hard-fought match, recovering from a set and a break down to win 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5. Boulter’s victory adds to the positive start for British players at the tournament. She will next compete against Jaqueline Cristian for a spot in the quarter-finals.

However, Jack Draper’s injury issues have persisted, leading to his withdrawal from the men’s Queen’s Club event, which is scheduled to begin on Monday. Draper has not played since sustaining a knee injury two months ago at the start of the clay-court season. This injury followed a serious arm injury he experienced in February.

Draper issued a statement indicating that his recovery is progressing, but he intends to take another week for rehabilitation, aiming to return at Eastbourne. He expressed disappointment at missing one of his preferred events of the year. Meanwhile, Marta Kostyuk, a Roland Garros semifinalist, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a right ankle injury. She will be replaced by lucky loser Donna Vekic in the draw.

In other first-round action, Filipina Alexandra Eala secured a straight-sets victory over qualifier Shuai Zhang, winning 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour. This sets up a second-round encounter with sixth-seeded Iva Jovic of the United States. Jovic also advanced by defeating qualifier Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 6-4. This upcoming match will be the second time Eala and Jovic have met in their careers, with their previous encounter at Roland Garros last month resulting in a straight-sets win for Jovic.

Raducanu’s strong start at Queen’s Club, coupled with Boulter’s resilient win, provides a positive outlook for British tennis as the grass-court season continues. Raducanu’s next match against Sorana Cirstea will be a key test as she aims to build momentum towards future competitions.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Callum Ashford — 4 June 2026 — 3 min read

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk is set to compete against Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the French Open semi-finals. This match occurs amidst heightened discussions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on the tennis world.

Kostyuk, a semi-finalist at the French Open, has openly criticised Russian tennis players for their perceived silence on the conflict. Her comments followed a night of drone and missile attacks in Ukraine, including Kyiv, which resulted in at least 23 fatalities. Kostyuk dedicated her victory over compatriot Elina Svitolina to the Ukrainian people and their resilience, stating that her presence at the tournament is a blessing and her focus is on representing Ukraine.

Players’ Stances and Geopolitical Context

When questioned about Russian rivals like Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, who have previously stated their focus is solely on tennis and not politics, Kostyuk asserted that these players are adults aware of current events. She expressed a desire for a clearer stance from them, particularly given the actions of their country.

Kostyuk highlighted Daria Kasatkina, who switched allegiance from Russia to Australia, as an example of someone who has publicly spoken out despite potential pressure on her family. Kostyuk noted that many players do not reside in Russia, suggesting that there is little preventing them from expressing their views if they disagree with the conflict.

The French Open has been significantly influenced by the conflict, creating a divide between players from Ukraine and those from Russia and Belarus. Tennis, more than some other sports, has become a focal point due to the number of players from both regions, including Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one.

The one-on-one nature of tennis, with its inherent aggression, contributes to the intensity of these encounters. Ukrainian players have consistently expressed solidarity and spoken about the devastation in their homeland, while many Russian players have remained silent.

Kostyuk‘s first-round win at the French Open occurred shortly after a Russian missile strike near her family home in Kyiv. Her semi-final match against Svitolina followed another round of bombings across Ukraine, which killed at least 18 people. Kostyuk, aged 23, became emotional after both matches, emphasising her role in raising awareness.

The tournament’s atmosphere is unusually charged politically, with the final four potentially including a Russian-Ukrainian final. Such a match would likely forgo traditional post-match courtesies like handshakes and joint podium photos.

Impact on Tennis Governance

The conflict has exposed the complexities within tennis governance, which involves four Grand Slams, two tours, and the ITF. This fragmented structure has led to a lack of a unified stance on how to address the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Many other sporting bodies, including those in winter sports, international football, and athletics, have banned Russian athletes entirely. However, tennis has largely allowed them to compete as neutrals, without national flags.

Wimbledon 2022 was an exception, banning Russian players, a decision that resulted in penalties from the ATP and WTA, including the removal of ranking points and significant fines for the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Lawn Tennis Association.

The issue extends beyond the sport itself, encompassing significant political, ethical, and moral considerations. Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova highlighted the stark contrast between the tennis tournament environment and the reality in her home country, where her life is defined by the conflict.

The ongoing situation continues to cast a shadow over the French Open, with little clear leadership on how to navigate these complex challenges.

Source: theguardian.com

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By Oliver Harrington — 3 June 2026 — 3 min read

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, experienced a significant defeat in the quarter-finals of the French Open in Paris, losing to Diana Shnaider. The match concluded with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 in Shnaider’s favour, marking an unexpected turn in the tournament.

Sabalenka had been considered a strong contender for her first Roland Garros title, especially given that she was the only Grand Slam singles champion remaining in the women’s draw. However, she was unable to maintain her early advantage, having been a set and a double break up against Shnaider.

Momentum Shift on Court Philippe Chatrier

The match saw a dramatic shift in momentum after Sabalenka took the first set 6-3 and established a 4-1 lead in the second. Shnaider, the Russian 25th seed playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, then mounted a remarkable comeback, winning 12 of the final 13 games.

Sabalenka expressed her frustration after the match, stating, "Mentally I got into a very deep, dark hole over there, and I just couldn’t get back on track." She also remarked, "I just think that there is something in specific moments during the match [where] I lose control." Her performance included 57 unforced errors, outweighing her 46 winners.

The windy conditions on Court Philippe Chatrier were noted as a factor, causing difficulties for Sabalenka’s powerful hitting style. This was reminiscent of her defeat in last year’s final, where she also struggled with blustery conditions and committed 70 unforced errors.

Former British player Naomi Broady commented on Sabalenka’s approach, suggesting that in windy conditions, players need to "increase your margins." Broady added, "When that is not your game style and there is the refusal to have a plan B, every now and then it is going to really hurt."

Sabalenka’s Grand Slam Record and Future Outlook

Despite her dominance in women’s tennis over the past two years, securing 11 WTA titles and a 93-week stint at the top of the rankings, Sabalenka’s Grand Slam singles title count stands at four. These include two Australian Open and two US Open triumphs, all achieved on hard courts.

Sabalenka has maintained a consistent record of not losing before the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since the beginning of the 2023 season. However, she has faced challenges in the latter stages of major tournaments, particularly when under pressure as the top-ranked player.

Her defeat means that either Shnaider, Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska, Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, or Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk will lift the French Open trophy. Shnaider is set to face Chwalinska in the semi-finals, while Andreeva will play Kostyuk.

Sabalenka’s focus will now shift to Wimbledon, where she has reached the semi-finals in her last three appearances. She acknowledged the need to find a solution to her emotional control during matches, stating, "This is something that I have to step back [from] and try to find a solution, because I just am so tired of losing some matches – not in the best way, [but] because I was overemotional."

The loss marks another missed opportunity for Sabalenka to secure a Grand Slam title away from hard courts, in a tournament that has seen several upsets, including the early exits of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

Shnaider, reflecting on her victory, said, "She is the world number one, so I was just trying to do my best. I had to fight for every point." This unexpected outcome means that for the first time since the 1977 French Open, a former major champion will not feature in either the men’s or women’s semi-finals.

The French Open continues to deliver surprising results, with the women’s semi-finals now featuring a lineup of players vying for their first major title.

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