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Aryna Sabalenka calls on players to boycott Grand Slams if they don't get higher share of tournament revenues

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:16:42 -0400

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka said she believes that players should organize a boycott of Grand Slam tournaments if they don’t start getting a bigger share of tournament revenues.

Sabalenka, who is the No. 1 ranked women’s player in the world, and men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner were among a group of highly ranked players who released a statement about the French Open's prize money.

"Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage," Sabalenka said on Tuesday at the Italian Open.

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"I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights."

The players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

The overall prize money for the French Open did increase this year, with a 10% increase for an overall pot of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), with the total amount up 5.3 million euros from last year. While the pot increased, the players claim they are seeing less of the tournament revenues than last year.

The players claim their share of Roland Garros revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026, and in their statement said the underlying figures tell a different story.

The players' statement said Roland Garros generated 395 million euros in revenue in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4%, reducing players’ share of revenue to 14.3%.

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"With estimated revenues of over 400 million euros for this year’s tournament, prize money as a percentage of revenue will likely still be less than 15%, far short of the 22% that players have requested to bring the Grand Slams into line with the ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events," the players said.

The Australian Open this year increased players’ compensation by 16%, and the U.S. Open prize money last year went up by 20%.

Defending French Open champion Coco Gauff cited the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement as inspiration.

"From the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union," Gauff said. "We have to become unionized in some way."

"We definitely can move more as a collective."

AMERICAN TENNIS STAR COCO GAUFF SAYS SHE RECEIVED RACIST MESSAGES FROM GAMBLERS AFTER MADRID OPEN EXIT

Gauff said she hasn’t heard any discussions of a walkout, but said she could "100%" see one happening if "everyone were to move as one."

"I definitely think there’s a consensus around that this needs to be addressed for all players of all levels, especially the lower-ranked players, too," Gauff added. "I want to leave the sport better than I found it. If I can say I played my part when I retire, that’s something I can be proud of."

Jasmine Paolini, the Italian who reached the final of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, said the WTA and ATP Tours do more than the Grand Slams to provide players with benefits, such as maternity leave and retirement plans.

"There’s a lot of things that the Slams are not doing," Paolini said, "that the WTA and I think the ATP are doing."

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She also said a boycott is an option.

"If we’re all in agreement and I think we are — the men and the women are united right now — it’s something we could do," Paolini said.

The French Open starts on May 24, and the singles champions will each receive 2.8 million euros, and the runners-up 1.4 million euros. Semifinalists earn 750,000 euros and first-round losers get 87,000 euros.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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American tennis star Coco Gauff says she received racist messages from gamblers after Madrid Open exit

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:37:40 -0400

At just 22, Coco Gauff has already earned U.S. Open and French Open Grand Slam titles.

But earlier this week, the American star exited the Madrid Open well before the final, falling short in her bid for another tournament victory.

Linda Nosková defeated Gauff Monday in the Round of 16. After her Madrid Open run ended, Gauff said she faced backlash from "angry" gamblers upset their wagers did not pay off.

"@ the angry gamblers saying racist things in my IG comments/dms hiding behind anonymous accounts," Gauff said in a post to her TikTok account Wednesday.

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Gauff also referenced a Young M.A. song, sharing lyrics that read: "Yeah they hate, but they broke though (But they broke though) / And when it’s time to pop, they a no-show (Where they at?)"

The sports betting industry continues to surge in the U.S., generating a record $16.96 billion in revenue in 2025, the American Gaming Association said. Prediction markets have increased competition but have not significantly slowed the industry’s growth.

The surge in revenue also translated into hundreds of billions in losses for Americans who legally placed wagers in 2025, an increase of roughly 11% from the previous year, according to the association’s figures.

Gauff battled an apparent illness during the Madrid Open, even taking a medical timeout in the Round of 32 over the weekend. She vomited on the court and later said she was dealing with digestive issues.

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"I don't know how I got it done," Gauff told Sky Sports. "Just dealing with a lot of trying to keep my food down. But once I threw up — and I was able to throw up after the first set — I felt a bit better.

"It was just a tough match. I think I got the Madrid stomach virus that's going around. I'm usually someone who doesn't get sick. My luck today just wasn't good."

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Serena Williams sparks debate with post about disciplining her child

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:08:15 -0400

Serena Williams can spark a plethora of debates.

Is Williams the greatest female tennis player of all time? Should she be considered in the Mount Rushmore of sporting legends? Could she go toe-to-toe with Roger Federer in her prime? All topics have been broached during her legendary playing career.

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On Sunday night, she sparked a different kind of debate – parenting.

Williams made a mention on social media about her daughter crying.

"I told my daughter to go to bed. She did not, therefore, she missed out on her sleep over. She cried. But what she did not know is I cried harder. I hate when she cries," she wrote on X. "Discipline sucks. But sometimes it’s important."

The post sparked a conversation about disciplining children.

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In her tennis career, Williams won 23 Grand Slam titles in singles and 14 more doubles titles. She was ranked No. 1 in the WTA rankings for 319 weeks, won four Olympic gold medals and was voted Associated Press Athlete of the Year five times.

She has two children with her husband, billionaire Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian – both daughters. Williams and Ohanian married in 2017.

Williams has been rumored to be making a comeback after she re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s testing protocol last year.

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Though she denied she was seeking a return to professional tennis, she was seen in March hitting the ball with Alycia Parks.

Coco Gauff vomits mid-match, still secures win as illness rips through Madrid Open

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:45:41 -0400

Coco Gauff is among the many participants in the Madrid Open to catch a nasty stomach bug, but somehow found a way to power through her Round of 32 match in the Spanish capital and earn a three-set victory.

A handful of players, including World No. 4 Iga Swiatek, chose to pull out of the tournament while battling serious fatigue and illness related to what appears to be a fast-spreading stomach virus. Swiatek retired during the third set of her match against Ann Li in the round of 32 despite winning the second set in the match 6-2.

AMERICAN TENNIS STAR COCO GAUFF GIVES HER THOUGHTS ON STATE OF US YEAR INTO TRUMP'S SECOND TERM

Things got so grim for Gauff during the second set of her match against Sorana Cirstea that at one point, she had to walk over to a trash bin behind her bench and vomit. After dropping the first set of the match 4-6, Gauff went on to win the next two 7-5, 6-1 to move on to the Round of 16.

While talking about how bad she was feeling following her victory, Gauff explained she threw up multiple times during the match.

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COCO GAUFF SMASHES RACKET FOLLOWING AUSTRALIAN OPEN DEFEAT

"I don’t know how I got it done," Gauff told Sky Sports.

"Once I threw up and I was able to throw up again after the first set and then throw up again, I felt a little better," she added with a laugh. "I think I got the Madrid stomach virus that’s going around."

With so many players dealing with the stomach virus, rumors understandably began to spread that it was a common food in player dining that potentially caused food poisoning. However, a spokesperson for the tournament told The Athletic that food was not the issue and that the illness was a "gastroenteritis virus."

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Gauff was also participating in the doubles section of the Madrid Open alongside Robin Montgomery, but pulled out due to the ongoing battle against the illness.

The American will take on Linda Noskova on Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Morgan Riddle has gone from Wimbledon star to 'World's Best Ex-Girlfriend' after Taylor Fritz split

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:45:34 -0400

It’s a tough day for love and for the sport of tennis. Tennis star Taylor Fritz and his influencer girlfriend Morgan Riddle have reportedly called it quits.

The couple’s run at the top of the sport, him a top tennis star and her the top WAG in the game, has ended after almost six years together, according to People.

Riddle became a household name during Wimbledon back in 2022 as she grabbed attention cheering her boyfriend on as Fritz’s battle with Rafael Nadal. She leaned into the WAG life, documenting life as a tennis girlfriend on social media, and he didn’t let it distract him.

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The lights never seemed too bright for her and she even stuffed older tennis WAGs critical of her capitalizing on Fritz’s success into a locker. She wasn’t a head down in the box kind of a girlfriend and became "The Most Famous Woman in Men’s Tennis" because of her approach.

Now, Riddle has given herself the title of "World's Best Ex Girlfriend" in an Instagram post that includes, among other breakup clues, her wearing a t-shirt with those words on it.

CARSON BRANSTINE, MODEL AND RISING TENNIS PHENOM, ENTERS SPOTLIGHT AHEAD OF WIMBLEDON MATCH

It was posted on Saturday as People shared what they had been told by their sources about the end of tennis's power couple. One said, according to the outlet, "After nearly six years together, Riddle ended the relationship with the tennis star."

Another told them that "the split was mutual."

The rumors of trouble in paradise started in early April when a post, that Riddle shot down, stated that Fritz had dumped her first surfaced. That was followed by another rumor that the tennis star was seen on a dating app.

Pour one out for tennis. Let’s be honest here, Fritz and Riddle are going to be fine, but who is going to pick up the slack for the sport following her departure?

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Is there someone out there ready to fill her shoes? Does Fritz end up with another lady who refuses to stay head down in the box? Does Riddle fall for another tennis player?

It could be a big summer for someone who wants to step up for tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz makes decision on defending French Open title again amid wrist injury

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:16:14 -0400

There will be a new French Open champion this summer.

Back-to-back reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz announced he will miss the tournament this year after injuring a wrist.

"After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland Garros, while we wait to assess the evolution to decide when we will return to the court," Alcaraz posted to social media.

"It's a complicated moment for me, but I'm sure we'll come out stronger from here."

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No. 2-ranked Alcaraz was injured at the Barcelona Open this month during his first-round win and withdrew the following day.

He pulled out of this week's Madrid Open and attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spanish capital on Monday with his wrist immobilized.

Alcaraz started the year in sensational form, beating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. That made him the youngest man ever to win all four Grand Slam titles in tennis.

He lost the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner at the start of this month and surrendered the No. 1 ranking to his Italian rival.

COCO GAUFF ENDS SOCIAL MEDIA HIATUS TO CLAP BACK AT CRITICS OF HER NATURAL HAIR IN LATEST AD

Last year, Alcaraz beat Sinner in the finals of the Italian Open and French Open, where he saved three match points in an epic match. Alcaraz then lost the Wimbledon final to Sinner before beating him again in the U.S. Open final.

Last year's final between Alcaraz and Sinner lasted five hours and 29 minutes, the longest French Open final ever. Alcaraz came back from down two sets to love, with three of the sets going into tiebreaks.

Either Alcaraz or Sinner has won each of the last nine Grand Slams and has faced the other in each of the last four.

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Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in the 2024 tournament before taking Sinner down.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Dual-threat tennis player and lingerie model Camila Giorgi is ending her retirement after tax drama

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:08:53 -0400

There's big news in the tennis world regarding Italian dual threat Camila Giorgi, who walked away from the sport without saying a word in May 2024. The lingerie model is planning to return to tennis next year.

When she walked away, there was no formal announcement or farewell tour. She simply popped up on the retired list one day a couple of months after her last time stepping foot on a court.

Then came the stories about why she had suddenly retired.

The first was that Camila had done so to pursue her lingerie modeling career full-time. That was followed by stories that she had fled to the United States because the taxman in Florence was after her.

TENNIS STARS CLASH FOLLOWING GAME-ENDING HANDSHAKE: 'NOBODY LIKES YOU'

She and her family were accused of all sorts of bad behavior, from issues regarding tax returns, to not paying rent and stealing furniture. She called fake news on all of it, claiming her exit from tennis was years in the making.

"I wanted to quit for years, being a tennis player is a hard life," Camila said at the time. "I put it off for a long time until, in May, one morning, I decided to do it. I told my father."

Nothing to see here. She had burned herself out on the sport she participated in professionally is all and wanted to focus on her other career as a lingerie model. It's not her fault she had options.

Fast-forward to today and the buzz about Camila Giorgi making her return to tennis is picking up. She did a Q&A with her followers on Instagram where she confirmed the rumors.

"Will you come back to tournament tennis in the future?" a fan asked her during the Q&A. She replied, "Yes, in 2027."

Another asked, "Are you making a comeback?" to which the now 34-year-old confirmed, "Yes, next year."

"Are you sure you’ll come back to play on the WTA circuit? And if so, when?" yet another of her followers asked, reports Tennis World USA. She once again said, "Yes, in 2027."

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Camila is now a married woman. She's put all that speculation about her retirement behind her, and she's gearing up to go full dual threat by picking up her racket again, but that's not all.

Her return to tennis isn’t taking place this year because she's pregnant. Say what you want about her, but she's not leading a boring life. There's action, there's controversy, and there's lingerie.

Daniil Medvedev fined after smashing his racket 7 times during shocking double-bagel loss

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:34:41 -0400

Daniil Medvedev is known for having on-court outbursts, and his latest resulted in a fine for his actions at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.

The former world number one men’s singles star was assessed a $7,000 fine by the ATP Tour on Monday for smashing his racket seven times during a blowout loss to Matteo Berrettini.

Medvedev, who ranks 10th in the world, was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct violation by the chair umpire during the tennis match after what transpired early in the second set of his match against Berrettini on Wednesday.

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Berrettini was dominating Medvedev to the point where he didn’t win a single game in the 6-0, 6-0 loss. The match lasted just 49 minutes, and the crowd in Monte Carlo was egging him on as he had quite the outburst.

"I wouldn’t expect to win like that and it doesn’t happen that often," Berrettini, a 2021 Wimbledon finalist, said after what’s considered a double-bagel loss for Medvedev. "It was definitely one of the best performances of my life."

RUSSIAN TENNIS STAR ANDREY RUBLEV SOUNDS OFF ON US OPEN FINE FOR PROFANITY DURING MATCH

The 30-year-old hit a forehand into the net to fall behind 2-0 in the second set after just losing swiftly in the first. He couldn’t contain his anger with his game, as he slammed his racket near the baseline, and then proceeded to throw it toward the end of the court.

As Medvedev walked over to pick up the racket, he decided his equipment didn’t have enough. He continued to smash it until it was unrecognizable of its original shape.

Medvedev threw the racket away as the crowd sent out their sarcastic cheers and continued with the match.

It’s not the best look to be known for outbursts on the court, but Medvedev’s temper has been showcased in Grand Slams as well as ATP Tour matches.

Last year alone, he was hit with much larger fines for his actions in the Australian Open and U.S. Open, being hit with $76,000 and $42,500 fines, respectively, for what occurred on the world stage.

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In this match, Medvedev also had five double-faults, while winning only 17 points. This was also his first match on clay this season.

Fox news’ Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Coco Gauff ends social media hiatus to clap back at critics of her natural hair in latest ad

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:41:25 -0400

Coco Gauff deleted social media for a month but felt the need to return and post a message on TikTok earlier this week.

The tennis star's message came in an eight-minute-long video after she said she had become aware of negative comments about her appearance, including her natural hair, in a new advertisement for Miu Miu.

Gauff explained the behind-the-scenes of the photoshoot and photo selection process, as well as how she didn't want her hair slicked back for photos because it's "not good for my hair."

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"There are thousands of people talking about the way that I look, and not in a positive way..." Gauff began.

"I’m not gonna apologize for the way that my hair looked, because there are other girls who had the exact same hair as me, and I just wanted them to feel represented that your hair is literally fine the way it is. My hair was good enough for a high-fashionable brand like Miu Miu to promote one of their newest launches. So if my 4C hair is good enough for that, yours is good enough to do whatever it is you need it to do. I'm not going to apologize for that."

Gauff also explained that she did minimal makeup for the photos, rather than a "full face," to connect with fans through that "minimum" Miu Miu "aesthetic."

DANIIL MEDVEDEV DESTROYS RACKET IN STUNNING MELTDOWN AFTER WILDCARD HANDS HIM HISTORIC DOUBLE BAGEL LOSS

"To all the young Black girls out there who have kinky hair like me, do what you want to do with your hair. . . .Do what you want to do, because at the end of the day, people who hate on your appearance and hate on the way you look have something deeply insecure about themselves. The only reason people comment on people's looks, especially people who present themselves in their most natural sense, have something deeply wrong with them. And they're insecure about themselves, so they feel the need to put someone else down to make themselves feel better."

By the same token, Gauff also expressed that those who want to wear weaves, wigs, makeup and "the whole shebang" should if they want to.

"Do what you want to do. Minimal is beautiful. Camp is beautiful. Both spectrums, anything in between, is beautiful."

Gauff admitted she was feeling "rough" after seeing the criticism.

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"Y'all did knock a diva down, I'm not gonna lie," she said. "I'm someone who has struggled with my looks throughout my life just being a young Black girl in this world. . . . But diva got up, and I feel better than ever," she said.

"And I just want any person who's watching this who does feel insecure about themselves, you are perfectly fine, honestly."

The 2023 U.S. Open champion will defend her French Open title beginning May 19.

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Daniil Medvedev destroys racket in stunning meltdown after wildcard hands him historic double bagel loss

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:10:06 -0400

Daniil Medvedev suffered a notorious crashout after a historic loss at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday.

The former world No. 1 smashed his racket seven times in a row midway through a 6-0, 6-0 loss to wildcard Matteo Berrettini. The outburst came after Medvedev fell behind 2-0 in the second set.

He continued to smash his racket against the clay, chasing it down and repeating the tantrum. The crowd egged him on, letting out a drawn-out chant in sync with each swing.

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Medvedev eventually made his way to the bench, throwing the broken racket into the garbage can before receiving a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. He will also likely receive a hefty fine for the outburst.

Medvedev lost the match in 49 minutes, marking his first professional loss without winning a game – also referred to as a double bagel loss.

"I wouldn’t expect to win like that and it doesn’t happen that often," Berrettini, a 2021 Wimbledon finalist, said. "It was definitely one of the best performances of my life."

TENNIS STAR MIRRA ANDREEVA ERUPTS WITH PROFANITY-LACED TIRADE TOWARD FANS AFTER INDIAN WELLS DEFEAT

Medvedev had five double-faults, won just 17 points, and had just 36% of his first serves in play. It was his first clay match of the season.

Medvedev paid a large fine for a similar incident at the U.S. Open last year following a first-round elimination. He was fined $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and an additional $12,500 for racket abuse.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Robot plays tennis with humans in real time

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:09:14 -0400

A humanoid robot is now rallying tennis shots with a human in real time. It runs without a script or remote control, so it can react instantly on a tennis court.

The robot stands about 4 feet tall, giving it a compact, human-like frame. Galbot Robotics released a video showing its robot going shot-for-shot with a human player. The system behind it is called LATENT and runs on the Unitree G1.

And it is not just returning the ball. It is moving, adjusting and competing during live play.

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CHINA'S COMPACT HUMANOID ROBOT SHOWS OFF BALANCE AND FLIPS

Why this tennis robot is different from others

Most athletic robots you have seen follow scripts. They perform pre-programmed actions or rely on a remote control. This one operates differently. It reacts to a human opponent in real time, tracking fast-moving balls, shifting across the court and returning shots with surprising accuracy. It also adjusts to changing trajectories and unpredictable shots during rallies. Researchers say it can sustain long rallies with millisecond-level reactions and full-body coordination. That marks a major step forward.

How the AI learned to play tennis

Training a robot to play tennis is extremely complex. Tennis involves:

Tennis ball speeds can reach up to 67 miles per hour
Split-second racket contact
Constant movement across a large court

Capturing complete human gameplay data is difficult. So the researchers used a different method.

Training the robot using motion fragments

Instead of recording full matches, they focused on small segments of movement:

Forehands
Backhands
Side steps

They gathered about five hours of motion data from five players. The sessions took place on a compact 10-by-16-foot court. That space is more than 17 times smaller than a standard tennis court.

RESTAURANT ROBOT GOES HAYWIRE, SENDS TABLEWARE FLYING BEFORE BREAKING OUT IN DANCE MOVES

How the robot plays tennis during live rallies

The system first learns individual movements. Then it combines them into coordinated sequences. That allows the robot to:

Move toward the ball
Strike it with control
Recover and reposition

To improve performance, the team trained the model in simulation. They varied physical conditions such as mass, friction and aerodynamics. This helps the robot adapt to real-world unpredictability. As a result, the system responds dynamically instead of following a fixed routine.

How well does it actually perform against humans?

In testing, the system achieved up to 96% success on forehand shots in simulation. In real-world trials, the robot can sustain rallies with a human and consistently return the ball across the net.

Watching the demo, it appears competitive. At times, the robot places shots away from the human player. That suggests more than a simple reaction. It points toward early forms of decision-making.

There are still limits. The robot can look unstable at times. Its motion is not yet as fluid as a trained athlete. High or unpredictable shots may still present challenges. Even so, the progress is clear.

Why this matters beyond tennis

This breakthrough goes far beyond tennis. It shows how robots can learn complex human skills without perfect data. The same approach could apply to:

Football
Badminton
Industrial work
Search and rescue

Any task that lacks complete motion data could benefit from this method. That is the bigger picture.

WORLD'S FASTEST HUMANOID ROBOT RUNS 22 MPH

Could robots compete with humans one day?

The path forward is becoming clearer. Today, the robot rallies. Next, it competes. In time, robots could train with or challenge professional athletes. Exhibition matches between humans and machines may become part of the sport. That future no longer feels far away.

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Kurt's key takeaways

This demo shows how quickly things are changing. Robots are no longer stuck following scripts. They can now react, adjust and compete in real situations. What used to feel far off is starting to show up right in front of us.

So here is the question: If a robot could outplay you on the court, would you still want to compete, or would you rather train with it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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American tennis star sparks row with French player after accusing him of getting flirty with her

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:59:28 -0400

American tennis star Danielle Collins caused a stir over the weekend after she claimed that a French player sent flirty messages to her on social media.

Collins’ comments came off the court, as she appeared as a broadcaster for the Tennis Channel on Sunday. French player Corentin Moutet was allegedly shouting at Collins while he was warming up for his Miami Open match.

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"I said to him, if you’re going to be flirting with me like that, you’re gonna have to get a bigger serve," she said. "Some people think it comes down to height. Some people think it comes down to personality but really what it comes down to is big forehands and big serves.

"It was kind of funny, too, because he unfollowed me after my viral dating profile when I said I wasn’t interested in the short kings. Come on people, you have to understand that I’m 5 (foot) 10 (inches), and for me, it’s fair. It’s just a preference. Nothing against the short kings, but he was upset about that. He messaged me, then unfollowed me. Then, he slid back into the DMs last night, asking me if I saw his match and all the big serves he was hitting yesterday. … He did win, but …"

Collins, 32, said she didn’t think he had a "chance" with her, yet adding that Moutet would have to "bring a lot to the table."

TENNIS STAR MIRRA ANDREEVA ERUPTS WITH PROFANITY-LACED TIRADE TOWARD FANS AFTER INDIAN WELLS DEFEAT

Moutet denied the interaction ever taking place.

"How can I unfollow you when I never followed you," he wrote in response on X. "@TennisChannel how can you let someone say BS like this on tv. You followed me . You asked me for mixed dubs. And I’ve never even followed you.

"You ready to say anything so people talks about you. You should learn how to love yourself so you won’t have to do stupid things for people loves. @TennisChannel good sport journalist."

Collins is the No. 99-ranked women’s tennis player in the world after reaching as high as No. 7 in 2022. She didn’t play in the 2026 Australian Open.

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Moutet, 26, and also listed at 5-foot-11, made his professional debut in 2014. He’s currently ranked No. 33 in the world. He reached the third round of the 2026 Australian Open.

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Tennis star Mirra Andreeva erupts with profanity-laced tirade toward fans after Indian Wells defeat

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:53:16 -0400

Tennis star Mirra Andreeva had a total meltdown on the court after losing to Katerina Siniakova 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the Round of 32 at Indian Wells in Coachella Valley on Monday.

Andreeva, 18, entered the tournament as the defending champion, but her emotions got the best of her throughout her match with Siniakova.

Andreeva rallied from a 0-3 deficit to win the first set 6-4, but things spiraled from there. After she lost the second set in a tiebreaker, she took out her frustrations on her racket, earning a code violation. During the tiebreak, while smashing her racket, she asked her team to leave the court.

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After she lost the match, Andreeva flung her racket toward the bench and briefly shook hands with Siniakova. She then erupted and let the fans hear it as she screamed "F--- you all" to the crowd multiple times.

When asked who she was telling off, Andreeva said her explicit outburst was intended for everyone.

"It was to myself, to everyone, basically," Andreeva said, according to the New York Post. "I mean, after the loss, I just get very angry, so I say those things sometimes to myself. I mean, first to myself, of course, but then, yeah, it was just anger coming out, just a lot of emotions. Not really towards anyone."

TENNIS PLAYERS RECEIVE THREATENING MESSAGES, INCLUDING PHOTOS OF A GUN, DEMANDING THEY LOSE MATCHES

Andreeva expressed regret for her actions after the loss when she later spoke to the press following her doubles win with partner Victoria Mboko.

"Well, of course, I can say that there were a lot of emotions that I was going through after the loss," Andreeva said. "But, of course, I’m not really proud of how I managed it. I’m not really proud of how I handled it in the end."

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"Those are the things that (I) really need to work on soon. I don’t know. Not in the future but whenever I get the chance."

Andreeva is currently the No. 8 player in the world. She has two WTA 1000 titles under her belt, winning Indian Wells and Dubai last year.

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Tennis players receive threatening messages, including photos of a gun, demanding they lose matches

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:12:20 -0500

Two women's tennis players were sent threatening messages, and each received a photo of a gun and were ordered to lose matches.

Panna Udvardy and Lucrezia Stefanini detailed the disturbing messages in which they and their families were threatened.

"Last night around midnight I received several very disturbing messages on WhatsApp from an unknown number on my personal phone. The person told me that if I didn’t lose my match today, they would harm members of my family," Udvardy posted on Instagram.

She included screenshots of the messages regarding her match against Anhelina Kalinina at the Megasaray Hotels Open, which she lost in two sets.

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"They said they knew where my family lives, what cars they drive and that they had their phone numbers. They even sent photos of my family members and a picture of a gun."

The message Udvardy received said the culprit or culprits "know everything about your family and you" and were "ready for war if necessary, and we won't hesitate to send them to your mother's house to kidnap her until she returns the money we would lose because of your disobedience."

Udvardy said she contacted the Women's Tennis Association, and three additional police officers were sent to her match, "which I’m extremely grateful for." Police also went to her parents' and grandmother’s homes, she added.

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA CALLS TRUMP 'PSYCHOPATH' FOR IRAN STRIKES BUT SAYS KHAMENEI’S DEATH IS ‘GOOD NEWS’

The message Stefanini received was eerily similar.

"I received a WhatsApp message in which I was threatened over winning yesterday's match. They threatened me and my family and named my parents, the place where I was born, and they sent me a photo of a gun," Stefanini said in an Instagram post of her own.

Stefanini also told the WTA about the situation, and she also received boosted security.

"I'm making this video and explaining what happened because I don't think it's right to put me under this pressure and unease before a match," Stefanini said.

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Udvardy said the messages are "not normal."

"Even as athletes or public figures, it’s not acceptable to receive threats against our families, especially not on our private phone numbers and alongside disturbing images. We should not normalize abuse like this in sport."

Stefanini lost her Indian Wells qualifying match in three sets.

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Martina Navratilova calls Trump 'psychopath' for Iran strikes but says Khamenei’s death is ‘good news’

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:39:17 -0500

Women's tennis legend Martina Navratilova weighed in on the U.S-Israeli strikes against Iran Saturday.

Navratilova, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, labeled him a "psychopath" for the decision to attack Iran in a post on X.

"OMG… Trump is a psychopath- he totally doesn’t give a damn how many people he is personally responsible for killing," Navratilova wrote in response to a post by Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizing Trump for the strike.

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Navratilova also expressed support for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a later post.

"That would be good news," she wrote in response to an earlier news report that Khamenei might be dead.

Khamenei was confirmed dead on Saturday after an Israeli strike in Tehran after his compound was reduced to rubble. Khamenei ruled the Islamic Republic for more than three decades and oversaw an era of harsh internal repression and confrontation with the United States and Israel.

JOHN FETTERMAN BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATS OPPOSED TO IRAN STRIKES, BACKS TRUMP'S DECISION TO ACT

Navratilova previously joined a coalition of athletes, along with Riley Gaines, signing a letter in November condemning the Iranian regime for its death sentence of boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

Still, Navratilova levied similar criticism against Trump after the military strike on Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.

"He is absolutely insane. Not to mention this is completely illegal," Navratilova wrote on Jan. 4 of Trump after the Venezuelan strike. "Peace president my a--! Trump is breaking more laws than all the previous presidents combined. A serial criminal on so many different fronts!"

Navratilova has cited her background as a refugee who fled the former Czechoslovakia to escape a totalitarian communist government in her criticisms of Trump. Navratilova has said she left her homeland in 1975, citing her experience under Soviet rule, resenting the limitations on personal liberties.

Navratilova has compared Trump to her home country's authoritarian rule in the past, including in the tennis legend's pinned post on X.

"I lived in a totalitarian authoritarian country growing up and I will not vote for that now or ever," she wrote in October 2024, referencing Trump.

Saturday's strikes on Iran prompted a growing bipartisan push in Congress to rein in Trump's war powers, with lawmakers in both parties demanding votes on resolutions aimed at limiting his authority to use military force in the region.

Members in both chambers had already planned to force votes before the first bombs fell Saturday. Now, they are doubling down on calls to restrict the president’s military authority.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has repeatedly forced votes to curb Trump’s war powers abroad, and he was nearly successful in halting further military action in Venezuela until Republicans blocked the effort earlier this year.

In the House, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., are preparing their own war powers resolution for a vote.

Massie said in a post on X he opposed "this war. This is not ‘America First.’"

Trump has called for the people of Iran to "take control" of the country's government.

"This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country," the president wrote. "We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, 'Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!'"

Trump said he hopes the IRGC and police will "peacefully merge" with Iranian patriots to stabilize the country.

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"That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated," he wrote. "The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!"

Fox News' Efrat Lachter, Ruth Marks Eglash, Alex Miller and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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Tennis player claims sport's culture is 'racist' in scathing social media post

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:25:14 -0500

Australian women’s tennis player Destanee Aiava announced Saturday that the 2026 season will be her last in a scathing statement about the sport posted on her social media.

Aiava, 25, described tennis as her "toxic boyfriend" in the statement posted on Instagram. She lamented being so young when she started, with her breakthrough coming when she was just 17.

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She wrote that tennis gave her some of her best friends and she was able to travel to places she only dreamed of. But she said the sport "took things from me," including her relationship with her body, her family and her self-worth.

"I want to say a ginormous f--- you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than," her statement continued. "F--- you to every single gambler who’s sent me hate or death threats. F--- you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career, or whatever the f--- they want to nitpick. And f--- you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values. Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit its mould.

CARLOS ALCARAZ MAKES TENNIS HISTORY WITH AUSTRALIAN OPEN TITLE WIN OVER NOVAK DJOKOVIC

"Life is not meant to be lived in misery or half a--ed. My ultimate goal is to be able to wake up everyday and genuinely say I love what I do – which I think everyone deserves the chance at. I’m 25, turning 26 this year, and I feel so far behind everyone else, like I’m starting from scratch. I’m also scared. But that’s better than living a life that’s misaligned, or being around constant comparison and losing yourself."

Aiava, then, thanked those who supported her career.

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She has 10 International Tennis Federation titles on her resume and is 269-178 in singles matches. In Grand Slam events, she hasn’t made it further than the second round – which came during the 2025 Australian Open.

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Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history with Australian Open title win over Novak Djokovic

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:36:18 -0500

Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday when he topped Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to win the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne.

Alcaraz, 22, became the youngest male tennis player to complete the career Grand Slam. The Australian Open was the last tournament on his list. Previously, he hadn’t made it further than the quarterfinal. But all that changed against Djokovic.

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"Job finished. 4/4 Complete," Alcaraz wrote on the lens of the TV camera.

Alcaraz needed to pull out some of his usual wizardry to beat Djokovic. The two had a handful of extended rallies where the Spaniard would need to go deep into his bag to pick up points. Alcaraz converted on five of the 16 breakpoints. Djokovic was two of six.

He thanked his support team for helping him get through the tournament with a Grand Slam win to start the 2026 season. He parted ways with former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of last season and Samuel Lopez took over the reins.

ELENA RYBAKINA DEFEATS TOP-RANKED ARYNA SABALENKA TO WIN FIRST AUSTRALIAN OPEN TITLE

"Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy. I just chased this moment so much," Alcaraz said.

"We just did the right work, you were pushing me every day to do all the right things," he added. "I’m just really grateful for everyone I have in my corner right now."

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Djokovic’s attempt at picking up his 25th Grand Slam title has now been blocked by either Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Elena Rybakina defeats top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka to win first Australian Open title

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:29:29 -0500

Elena Rybakina stunned top-ranked women’s tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to win her first Australian Open and her second Grand Slam title, earning redemption after her previous loss to Sabalenka in 2023.

Rybakina, 26, rallied from 3-0 in the third set to defeat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and win her second title since claiming her first at Wimbledon in 2022.

"It’s an incredible achievement, I’m super happy and proud," Rybakina said of her win, speaking to the media after the match. "It was a really tough battle, and I didn’t expect to turn it around . . . . Aryna is a very tough opponent, but I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy."

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Rybakina had a chance against Sabalenka in 2023, but it would be Sabalenka’s first of back-to-back Australian Open titles.

"Last time, I was close but I did not really play that well," Rybakina recalled. "I knew even today if I get a chance to lead that I will need to try some risky shots and just go for it."

It was a tough loss for Sabalenka, who fell in last year’s Australian Open final to American tennis star Madison Keys.

ARYNA SABALENKA ADDRESSES UKRAINIAN OPPONENT'S DECISION TO SKIP HANDSHAKE AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN SEMIFINAL

"Of course, I have regrets. When you lead 3-Love and then it felt like in a few seconds it was 3-4, and I was down with a break — it was very fast," Sabalenka said. "Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me.

]"But as I say, today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’m a winner. Hopefully I’ll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now and praying."

Saturday’s win moved Rybakina into the No. 3 spot.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open final after stunning win over Jannik Sinner in historic title pursuit

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:17:00 -0500

The only thing Novak Djokovic is "chasing" is records.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner earned the chance to extend his title record, including his current Australian Open record, after he stunned world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the men’s semifinals on Friday in a five-set thriller.

The 38-year-old Serbian tennis star defeated the defending two-time champion 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the men’s final where he will face top-ranked player Carlos Alcaraz.

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"I’m lost for words right now, to be honest," an emotional Djokovic said during an on-court interview, as the crowd erupted into "Novak" chants. "It feels surreal, to be honest, playing almost four hours. It’s almost 2 a.m."

"The level of intensity and I guess the quality of tennis was extremely high and I knew that was the only way for me to have a chance to win against him tonight," he continued. "I have tremendous respect for him, an incredible player. He pushes you to the very limit, which is what he did tonight to me."

Djokovic fended off 16 of the 18 break points he faced against Sinner and ended a run of five losses to the Italian tennis star. It also marked the end of a run of four semifinal exits for Djokovic at the majors.

"He’s won 24 Grand Slams and we know each other very well – how we play, so I always said, never [underestimate him] because I feel like he’s the greatest player for many, many years," Sinner said when asked if he was surprised by Djokovic’s performance on Friday.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC CALLS REPORTER'S QUESTION 'DISRESPECTFUL' AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUARTERFINAL MATCH

Earlier this week, Djokovic sparred with a reporter after advancing to the semis with a walkover match against fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti. The reporter suggested that Djokovic began his career "chasing" Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and now at the "back end" of his career, he was "chasing" Sinner and Alcaraz.

"I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense?" he interrupted. "So, I’m always the chaser and never being chased?"

The reporter then conceded, "In the meantime, you won 24 Grand Slams," to which Djokovic responded with a smile, "Thanks, it's worth saying that sometimes. Right?"

Djokovic gave his rivals their flowers, but noted that he found the suggestion "disrespectful."

"Well, I find it a little bit disrespectful that you kind of miss out on what happened in between the times when I started ‘chasing,’ as you say, Rafa and Roger and now that I’m chasing Carlos and Jannik. There’s probably about a 15-year period in between where I was dominating the Grand Slams."

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He later added, "I don't feel like I'm chasing. I'm creating my own history."

And history could be made on Sunday in the men’s final. A win would extend Djokovic’s record to an unprecedented 25 Grand Slam titles, and his 10-title record at the Australian Open to 11.

"Let the God decide the winner," he said of those odds.

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Aryna Sabalenka addresses Ukrainian opponent's decision to skip handshake after Australian Open semifinal

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:27:53 -0500

Top-ranked women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka said she respected her opponent’s decision not to shake hands after their semifinal match at the Australian Open Thursday, a decision she says most Ukrainian players have been making "for so long."

Sabalenka, who is Belarusian but is only permitted to play under a neutral flag at Grand Slams since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, defeated Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 6-2, 6-3.

Before the conclusion of the match, a message on the big screen from Australian Open organizers informed the crowd that the pair would not be shaking hands at the net after the match.

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"At the conclusion of the match, there will be no handshake between the players. We appreciate your respect for both athletes during and following the match."

After the match, Sabalenka was asked directly about Svitolina’s decision.

"I’m not focusing on that, and they’ve been doing it for so long. It’s their decision, and I respect that. And I have time right now to respect her and [in the] on-court interview.

"I think that she knows I respect her as a player, I know she respects me as a player. That’s all I care [about.] But no handshake, it's their decision. I respect that."

NOVAK DJOKOVIC CALLS REPORTER'S QUESTION 'DISRESPECTFUL' AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUARTERFINAL MATCH

Svitolina spoke highly of Sabalenka’s performance during their semifinal matchup. She was not asked directly about the handshake but did say she chooses to remain optimistic despite such a crushing defeat because of the circumstances in her home country.

"I feel like I should not be allowed to really be sad. I have a great position. Firstly, not just as a personal perspective, I have this amazing opportunity to play in the center court here, represent my country, to do it in a decent way, to have an opportunity to use my voice and just be there for my people.

"When I wake up in the morning, I see, of course, terrifying news. But then I see people watching my matches. They write comments, and they’re really – I think it’s a big exchange of positive emotions so I can not complain. The people are really living a horrible and terrifying life in Ukraine, so I should not be allowed to really be sad because I am a very, very lucky person."

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With her victory on Thursday, Sabalenka set up a rematch of her 2023 final against Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka became the third woman in the Open era to reach four consecutive singles finals at the Australian Open.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Novak Djokovic calls reporter's question 'disrespectful' after Australian Open quarterfinal match

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:03:41 -0500

Novak Djokovic sparred with a reporter after his Australian Open walkover match sent him to the semifinals following the journalist's suggestion that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has spent his career "chasing" his rivals.

Djokovic, 38, advanced over fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals Wednesday to set up a semifinal matchup against two-time winner Jannik Sinner.

Despite owning a record 24 Grand Slam titles, including a record 10 at the Australian Open, Djokovic was asked during his post-match news conference how it felt to be "chasing" Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal early in his career and now "chasing" Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the latter stages.

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"I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense?" he interrupted. "So, I’m always the chaser and never being chased?"

The reporter then conceded, "In the meantime, you won 24 Grand Slams," to which Djokovic responded with a smile, "Thanks, it's worth saying that sometimes. Right?"

The Serbian tennis star allowed the reporter to finish his question before making his position clear.

LEARNER TIEN SHUTS DOWN TRUMP QUESTION AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN AMID POLITICAL GRILLING OF AMERICAN PLAYERS

Djokovic admitted that despite not feeling like he’s "chasing" anyone, Alcaraz and Sinner are "better right now" than almost everyone. But that is good for the game, according to Djokovic.

"You're going to have another two superstars that are going to maybe have a third guy that I'm going to cheer for because I've always been the 'third guy' at the beginning. It's good for our sport. I think these kinds of rivalries and the contrast of personalities and the styles of play are very good for tennis. And how is that affecting me? I don't feel like I'm chasing. I'm creating my own history."

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Djokovic is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title when he faces Sinner in the semifinals Thursday.

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Learner Tien shuts down Trump question at Australian Open amid political grilling of American players

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:19:13 -0500

American tennis players continued to face questions about the Trump administration and U.S. politics at the Australian Open, with rising star Learner Tien the latest to shut down that line of inquiry.

Tien, who turned 20 just last month, was speaking to the media after his quarterfinal loss to No. 3 Alexander Zverev on Tuesday when he was asked by a reporter, "In the context of everything that’s been happening at the moment with [President Donald] Trump and ICE, what does your heritage mean to you and how important are immigrants to American sport today?"

Tien, a California native whose parents emigrated from Vietnam, briefly paused before rubbing his brow and declining to engage.

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"Um, sorry, I don’t really want to talk about that right now."

Tien was the latest American asked to speak out about U.S. politics over the last week. Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova had a similar reaction when asked, and Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula attempted to answer the questions without getting too political.

OutKick reported that freelance journalist Owen Lewis, who has previously written for The Athletic, was the reporter asking those questions, but Tien appeared to be asked that question by another journalist.

AMANDA ANISIMOVA DEFENDS RIGHT TO AVOID 'CLICKBAIT' QUESTIONS ABOUT US POLITICS AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Anisimova recently revisited the line of questioning during one of her postmatch press conferences. She said the reporter was looking for "clickbait" responses and that her decision not to answer was not an indication of her politics.

"In my other press conference, the fact that I didn’t want to answer a question that was obviously intended for just like a headline and clickbait, that was my right. It had nothing to do with my political views or anything like that."

She continued, "The fact that people assume that they know my stance on certain important topics is just wrong. It’s not factual. It’s tough, but I’ve learned to get used to it."

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Many social media users, including former American tennis stars John Isner and Tennys Sandgren, came to the defense of the American players, while others on social media have called on the Australian Open to step in.

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Amanda Anisimova defends right to avoid 'clickbait' questions about US politics at Australian Open

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:40:48 -0500

American tennis star Amanda Anisimova called out a reporter at the Australian Open for asking "clickbait" questions about representing the United States under the Trump administration, saying it was her "right" not to speak on political matters.

Speaking to reporters after her fourth-round victory over Wang Xinyu, Anisimova was asked about how she is handling the "discourse" that has surrounded her after a reporter asked her and several American tennis players about their thoughts on representing the Stars and Stripes.

"I feel like the internet is – it's tough. It comes with the job, which is something I've learned to get used to," she said, adding that there are days "where it bothers me a little bit."

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Anisimova, a finalist at the 2025 U.S. Open and Wimbledon, later addressed the incident involving the reporter, who OutKick reported was freelance journalist Owen Lewis.

Anisimova was initially asked at an earlier press conference how it felt to "play under the American flag right now."

"I was born in America. So, I’m always proud to represent my country," the New Jersey native said. "A lot of us are doing really well, and it’s great to see a lot of great athletes on the women’s side and men’s side. I feel like we’re all doing a great job representing ourselves."

TENNIS STAR AMANDA ANISIMOVA DISMISSES REPORTER'S CYNICAL QUESTION ABOUT US: 'I DON'T THINK THAT'S RELEVANT'

But the reporter later clarified his question, asking "in the context of the last year of everything that’s been happening in the U.S., does that complicate that feeling at all?"

Anisimova fired back, "I don’t think that’s relevant."

Speaking to reporters Monday, she said it was wrong for fans to assume her politics based on that response, saying, "The fact that people assume that they know my stance on certain important topics is just wrong. It’s not factual. It’s tough, but I’ve learned to get used to it."

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Many social media users, including former American tennis stars John Isner and Tennys Sandgren, came to her defense and criticized the reporter’s line of questioning, which other American tennis players, including Taylor Fritz, were asked.

Fox News Digital’s Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Coco Gauff smashes racket following Australian Open defeat

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:10:28 -0500

American tennis star Coco Gauff smashed her racket several times in the tunnel on her way back to the locker room following a tough defeat at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Gauff, the No. 3 seed in the Grand Slam tournament, fell to Elina Svitolina in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Gauff had five double faults and was 1-of-2 on break points.

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The broadcast cameras caught Gauff’s frustrations being taken out on her racket. She took exception to the moment being shown to the viewing audience.

"Certain moments — the same thing happened to Aryna (Sabalenka) after I played her in the final of the U.S. Open — I feel like they don’t need to broadcast," Gauff told reporters after the match. "I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking rackets.

"I broke one racket (at the) French Open, I think, and I said I would never do it again on court because I don’t feel like that’s a good representation. So, yeah, maybe some conversations can be had."

THREE-TIME GRAND SLAM WINNER ENJOYS BEER ON COURT AFTER EMOTIONAL FINAL AUSTRALIAN OPEN MATCH

She added that it was much better for her to take her frustrations out on the racket than her support staff.

"They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional," Gauff said. "So, yeah, I just took the minute to go and do that.

"I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Like I said, I don’t try to do it on court in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion."

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Gauff has never won the Australian Open. She made it as far as the semifinals in 2024. She was ousted in the quarterfinals last year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jannik Sinner battles exhaustion, heat rule to avoid Australian Open upset

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 09:20:11 -0500

While large swaths of the U.S. faced ice and snow this weekend, tennis stars in Australia battled extreme heat.

The conditions took a noticeable toll on Italian Jannik Sinner, who tried to stretch through apparent cramps and needed the assistance of an air-conditioning tube during the third round of men’s singles at the Australian Open.

Nearly 100-degree temperatures in the third set appeared to spark Sinner’s cramping issues. Sinner struggled to deliver a high-velocity serve in the third set, with one attempt registering just 69 mph. Sinner’s opponent, American Eliot Spizzirri, led 2-1 in the set.

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However, the tournament's two-time defending champion was likely aware that a much-needed respite was on the horizon considering the Australian Open’s Heat Stress Scale. The scale takes multiple factors into account, including the temperature, radiant heat (or the strength of the sun), humidity and wind speed.

NAOMI OSAKA'S AUSTRALIAN OPEN RUN ENDS IN HEARTBREAK WITH ABDOMINAL INJURY

When rules permitted, players were instructed to exit the court while the Rod Laver Arena roof was closed. Despite Spizzirri’s visible frustration with the timing of the break, tournament rules required that play be suspended at even games when heat thresholds are exceeded. After the stoppage, Sinner returned and looked revitalized.

Sinner won five of the next six games to take the set against Spizzirri. Sinner trailed early in the fourth set but rallied to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory that highlighted a dramatic contrast of intense light and shade.

"I struggled physically today. I got lucky with the heat rule," Sinner said, agreeing that the cooler indoor conditions suited him much more than the energy-sapping heat of the first two sets. "I try to stay calm even in a moment like this. If he keeps playing the way he was playing, maybe I was dropping a little bit, maybe my tournament was over today. I don’t know."

Spizzirri was magnanimous about it, adding: " That’s the rules of the game, and, you know, you got to live with it."

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Sinner will face fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the fourth round on Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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