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Karolina Pliskova says Iga Swiatek is a much tougher opponent to face than Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova as the Pole “gives you nothing” as the Czech also opened up about the fear factor that used to exist in the locker room.

Pliskova competed when Williams and Sharapova were at their peaks and she even topped the rankings in 2015 when the pair dominated the sport. Nine years later, the 32-year-old remains active on the WTA Tour and has also come up against current world No 1 Swiatek.

The Czech had a 2-2 head-to-head record against Williams, was 0-2 against Sharapova and 0-2 against Swiatek.

Having faced all three of them, the former world No 1 is in an excellent position to explain why Swiatek is such a difficult rival.

“To play against Iga Swiatek is much harder because she doesn’t give you anything. With Serena, in the end her game was much more aggressive or like Sharapova who I played. But they would at least give you light points or make some mistakes,” she said on the No Challenges podcast.

“I feel like Iga Swiatek is not so aggressive but she really gives you nothing and she doesn’t even have one dip where she would have like one bad game, at least in the matches where I played her.

“Especially on clay, she moves so well. I felt like with Serena, if you can get her on the move you could have some light points.

“I’m sure Serena at her best she would beat Swiatek on hard courts for sure, but it’s a different game, the personality is very different from both of them.”

WTA News

Iga Swiatek criticised for using ‘bad habit’ tactic to disrupt opponents by tennis legend

The 5 women with the highest WTA 1000 win percentage: Iga Swiatek 3rd, Serena Williams with 84%

Iga Swiatek

One of the reasons that Swiatek is more difficult to beat might be the fact that the overall level of the WTA Tour has improved in recent years.

Pliskova believes most players were afraid of stars like Williams-Sharapova back in the day and the locker room was dominated by fear, but things are different these days.

“Before you had bigger stars with bigger personalities and you wouldn’t even say ‘hi’ to them like Serena or Maria… of course there were some like Caroline Wozniacki, she nice girl so she would always speak with others, but then you had a couple they would just completely ignore you,” she explained.

“That was the mood in the locker rooms. For example, you wouldn’t even see Sharapova as she never entered the locker room so there was this fear. I never feared them on court, but you were always wondering ‘is she here, is she not going to play’.

“The stars were trying to be separate, but now I feel everybody is kind of at the same level, everybody is trying to be friendly. I think it is overall more friendly now than it was before, not too many enemies, but of course you always find somebody who hates somebody, but not too obvious.

“But on the other hand, I feel the [current] level is incredibly high from players who maybe 150-200, if they have a good day and the top player has a bad day then it could be an even match. Before I didn’t think that was the case.

“Before I had so many matches where I played completely s*** and I won whereas now if I play s*** there is no chance to win.”

The US Open is all set to start with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek set to be the top contenders for the titles. Along with the duo, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will also be in the mix for the top prizes.

In Short

  • The final grand slam of the year will start from August 26
  • Djokovic is yet to win a grand slam this year
  • Swiatek last won the US Open title in 2022

The US Open is fast approaching, and tennis fans are waiting in anticipation for the final Grand Slam of the year. The excitement for the thrilling hard-court battles and dramatic matches has kept the tennis fans eager for the action to start. Fans of tennis can catch all the hardcore live coverage at the ‘Home of Tennis’ Sony Sports Network. As the tournament nears, let’s examine the top contenders who can win the ultimate prize.

The final grand slam of the year will start from August 26.

Men’s Division

Novak Djokovic

Iga Swiatek was happy to go at it alone during a doubles match in New York.

Iga Swiatek’s double partner walked off court mid-rally during an exhibition match ahead of the US Open.

The WTA world No.1 was partnered with Sebastian Korda for the friendly contest against Italian duo Matteo Berrettini and Jasmine Paolini.

However, for one of the points Korda and Paolini might as well have been sat on the sidelines because Swiatek and Berrettini were playing as if it was a singles match.

The two shared a lengthy rally that lasted all of 18 shots, with the point eventually going the way of Swiatek after Berrettini struggled to return his Polish opponent’s powerful forehand.

But by the time the point had been contested, Swiatek was the only player on her side of the court, with American Korda having jokingly trundled off the court.

While in jest, it was a move that hinted Swiatek didn’t need his help and was more than capable on her own.

Korda was quick to congratulate his partner though, with the 24-year-old serving up a gigantic high five to the Polish superstar.

Unfortunately for Swiatek and Korda, they would go on to lose the exhibition match, with Berrettini and recent Olympic gold medalist Paolini coming out on top.

Iga Swiatek

It came as part of a warm-up event at the Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of this year’s US Open.

However, in the build-up to the final Grand Slam of the year, Swiatek has blasted the tennis organisers for scheduling ‘too many tournaments’.

Speaking at last week’s Cincinnati Open, she told Sky Sports: “Well, what can I say? I’ve been kind of an advocate saying that we shouldn’t like, I don’t know, be pushing and pushing for us to play more.

“Obviously it’s not our decision but for sure, I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It’s not going to end well and it makes tennis less fun for us, let’s just say.”

The 23-year-old continued: “Obviously I love playing in all these places but it’s pretty exhausting and I think most of the WTA players would tell you that. Especially when you’re playing at a high level and going to high rounds at every tournament.

“So I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to rest a little bit more. Obviously maybe people are going to hate me for that.”

The five-time Grand Slam is on the hunt for her second US Open victory, having taken the title for the first and only time in 2022.

We last seen Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at the Olympic Games where he was paired with the No 3 in the world: Carlos Alcaraz.

While the pair delighted the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, they did not manage to achieve a medal for Spain. In singles, the Mallorcan was eliminated in the 2nd round by the gold medalist: Novak Djokovic. Since then, he has left us with little or no news. Rafa announced his withdrawal from the US Open, which did not fail to worry fans who are impatiently waiting for the date of his retirement, while hoping that it will be as late as possible.

On Sunday, August 18, the Bull of Manacor spoke to MARCA, announcing that he has not yet made a decision, and that he is not in a hurry: “I will warn you. When I know, you will know, I am not in a hurry to make a decision about my future. What is certain is that I will be at the Laver Cup and then we will see“.

RAFA BACK TO TRAINING WITH A SMILE

This Wednesday, Rafael Nadal once again stirred up the tennis world by posting a photo of himself returning to training on his social media accounts.

No one knows what the Spaniard’s future holds, but he is still there, preparing for the competition that saw Roger Federer’s career end alongside him in a doubles loss to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal brandishes the spoils of his U.S. Open final victory over Russian Daniil Medvedev on Sunday. The Spaniard’s win in New York City — his fourth U.S. Open title — gives him 19 career individual grand slam wins, just one shy of rival Roger Federer’s record.

 

THE TEAMS OF THE LAVER CUP

Below are the teams that will compete in the Laver Cup.

Team Europe:

  • Rafael Nadal (ESP)
  • Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
  • Daniil Medvedev
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)
  • Casper Ruud (NOR)
  • Alexander Zverev (GER)

Team World:

  • Taylor Fritz (USA)
  • Ben Shelton (USA)
  • Tommy Paul (USA)
  • Frances Tiafoe (USA)
  • Alex De Minaur (AUS)
  • Alejandro Tabilo (CHI)

Aryna Sabalenka has called for equal pay in tennis after she won the Cincinnati Masters but both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have previously spoken out against it

Aryna Sabalenka has reignited the debate over equal pay in tennis after lifting the Cincinnati Masters trophy with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal previously having their say on the matter.

While enjoying a stellar 2024 season and heading into the US Open full of confidence, Sabalenka made headlines on Monday not solely for her on-court heroics but also for challenging the ongoing disparity in prize money between male and female players after her tournament triumph over Jessica Pegula.

The Belarusian sensation highlighted the glaring gap as she took home half of what Jannik Sinner earned for his concurrent men’s final victory with Sabalenka’s $524,730 (£400,000) paling in comparison to Sinner’s $1,049,460 (£775,000).

The 26-year-old brought attention to the issue stating: “From the TV point of view, from the ticket selling, from every point of view, it’s unfair. Of course, guys are always going to be physically stronger than women but it doesn’t mean we’re not working as hard as they do. Women deserve to be paid an equal amount of money that men do.”

With this statement, she joins an enduring dialogue on gender pay equality in the sports conversation previously marked by contrasting views from heavyweights such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The pair notably voiced their opposition to equal pay; back in 2016 at Indian Wells, Djokovic contended that male players should campaign for more money.

The Serbian stirred up quite the storm with his comments following then-tournament CEO Raymond Moore’s controversial claim that women players “ride on coattails of the men” and should “get on their knees and thank God” for top male stars like Nadal and Federer.

The 37-year-old initially argued: “I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches, I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more”, but he swiftly shifted his opinion saying: “I never had an issue with equality in gender or sport or other areas of life.”

His retraction continued with a heartfelt acknowledgement: “I feel very sorry if, in any way, I hurt my female colleague tennis players. I have a very good relationship with all of them. I have a huge respect for all of them.”

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, who once appeared to suggest that men deserve higher pay in tennis, has since become a proponent for equal prize money and enhanced earnings for those lower down the rankings, even setting up the Professional Tennis Players Association with Vasek Pospisil in 2020.

Nadal was another major force opposing equal pay in tennis, telling Italian magazine Lo Donna in 2018: “Female models earn more than male models, and nobody says anything. Why? Because they have a larger following. In tennis, too, who gathers a larger audience earns more.”

The Spaniard, reflecting on the gender equality debate, delivered a bold message to the tennis world, speaking earlier this year during a TV interview with La Sexta. He asserted that both male and female players should indeed be given the same opportunities but insisted prize money should reflect the revenue they generate: “I don’t want to be hypocritical and say things that are easy to say and that I don’t feel.

“What do you want me to say? For me, the investment for women should be the same as for men,” stated the 22-time major champion. “The opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity.

“I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course, I want equality.”

The celebrated tennis star revealed his frustration over calls for identical prize payouts: “For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men.

“What bothers me is when people tell me that income and earnings should be equal. In tennis, for some reason, the payouts are almost equal in most events because at the time there was an opportunity for women’s tennis to be seen.”

Angel Reese is not only a double-double machine on the court, but she’s proving to be a marketing phenomenon as well.

The Chicago Sky forward is now an official brand ambassador for Reese’s, the Hershey’s brand of chocolate and peanut butter candies, and the two sides have partnered on an apparel collection. On Wednesday, the first batch of limited-edition apparel for the “Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection” was released on her website, with Reese taking to social media to show appreciation to the fans who seemingly willed the partnership to happen.

Back in July, TMZ Sports reported that the star rookie out of LSU was in talks with Hershey’s about a sponsorship deal. The talks came not long after the Sky’s June 25 win over the rival Indiana Fever, where Reese finally gave a name to her faithful with a post on Twitter/X, saying “Reese’s pieces yall at?????”

The social media account for the candy brand replied, “Where are we? Just following our favorite player” along with an image of several Reese’s Pieces, including one with a black headband in the same style she wears on the court.

Reese has also worn sneakers styled by shoe artist Marvin Baroota with the Reese’s Pieces branding on them.

Reese emphasized a desire to reward her fans for their support immediately with the collection. “I wanted to deliver something that they could proudly wear this season,” Reese said in a Wednesday interview with Boardroom. “We worked as quickly as possible with Reese’s to build a collection that really reflected who I am—bold, vibrant and unapologetically me.”

Angel Reese

The Hershey’s partnership isn’t the only branding news surrounding the star forward. Her team announced that it will host “Barbie Game Night” when the Fever come to Chicago on Aug. 30. In partnership with Mattel, the Sky will have activations throughout Wintrust Arena that will champion women in sports while continuing to celebrate the famed doll’s 65th anniversary.

While the release itself did not directly mention Reese’s name, it has a certain connection to the star forward, who was nicknamed “the Bayou Barbie” during her time at LSU for her on-court appearance: long, painted fingernails and prominent eyelash extensions that gave her a distinctive look while playing.

The upcoming “Barbie Game Night” has two fitting opponents, as the two teams have engaged in the WNBA’s fiercest rivalry this season, with Reese and Indiana’s Caitlin Clark in starring roles. The games have not only helped break new ground in TV viewership but attendance and secondary ticket sales as well.

Reese, the 22-year-old Baltimore native, is an investor in the women’s soccer team DC Power Football Club and has other endorsement deals including with Reebok, Beats by Dre and Panini America. The 6’3” power forward was drafted seventh in this year’s WNBA draft and is averaging 13.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in her first pro season.

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s partnership with The Hershey Company can truly be considered the perfect match.

The company and star WNBA player used her “Reese’s Pieces” nickname from fans to run with a unique idea in creating an apparel collection with tees, hoodies, hats, and more.

Reese mentioned that she was ecstatic about the partnership and gave a shoutout to the fans who helped make the collection a possibility.

“This is definitely one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments, where everything feels like it is coming full circle,” Reese said.

Following one of Reese’s matchups with the Chicago Sky this season, her fans started to call themselves “Reese’s Pieces,” and the WNBA star ran with it.

She believes they started this wave and has dedicated this collection to her fans.

“The fans really made this happen,” said Angel Reese. “This collection is for my Reese’s Pieceswho’ve been with me every step of the way.”

Angel Reese went in depth about the partnership with Nick DePaula from the “Boardroom.”

She gave some background on how the idea for the partnership started and how social media helped her create an opportunity with something as simple as her name.

“The connection between my name and the Reese’s brand was obvious, but it went deeper than that,” Reese said. “My fans started calling themselves ‘Reese’s Pieces,’ and after I kept seeing it on social, I started engaging with some of my fans about it.”

Angel Reese

Reese’s apparel is currently listed on her site “theangelreese.com” where fans have the opportunity to purchase the limited edition collection.

The shirts are selling for $49, while the hoodies are $79, and the hats are $39, all of which are listed without shipping and handling included in the price.

While the details of the partnership are unknown, based on the revenue and percentage share for Reese, she’s now tied in with a historic billion-dollar brand.

Aryna Sabalenka defeated world number one Iga Swiatek for the first time this season to reach the Cincinnati Open final.

The pair had met twice before in 2024, in the finals of the Madrid Open and the Italian Open, but Sabalenka had lost both.

On Sunday, after failing to convert nine match points, Belarusian Sabalenka, who will become the world number two on Monday, finally got the better of her rival 6-3 6-3.

The match was also the first time Sabalenka, 26, had beaten Swiatek, 23, in straight sets.

“It sounds like I broke the wall finally,” Sabalenka, who is now in her first Cincinnati Open final, said when asked how being a finalist sounded.

 Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek, of Poland, reacts after defeating Ons Jabeur, of Tunisia, to win the women’s singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

“I’m super happy. After such a tough battle against Iga, I’m super happy with the win.”

She will play Jessica Pegula in Monday’s final after the American beat Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-2 3-6 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Pegula has won her last nine matches and victory over Sabalenka would secure the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open double after she triumphed in Montreal last week.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, the all-time leader in Roland Garros titles picked the best player among Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and himself.

According to the ATP rankings, Jannik Sinner currently holds the title of world No. 1. However, even the Italian acknowledges that when it comes to historical significance, he trails behind the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. These two, along with Roger Federer, have dominated the conversation around the GOAT debate.

Each player has their unique accomplishments, but Djokovic seems to have made a compelling case, especially after securing the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games—one of the few accolades that had eluded him. In a recent interview, Nadal decisively ended the GOAT debate, offering his own pick.

Speaking on the Spanish program ‘El Objetivo,’ Nadal did not hesitate to name Novak Djokovic as the best player in history“I would say Djokovic is the greatest of all time. The numbers say so, and to me, he is the best,” the Spaniard stated. It’s worth noting that Djokovic has surpassed both Nadal and Federer in Grand Slam titles, with 24 to his name, and recently clinched his first Olympic gold in Paris.

Nadal also commented on Djokovic’s temperament, saying, “When I see someone with so much success get so angry, I don’t like it. However, I think the image he projects is worse than what he truly is. He’s a good person with his flaws. His frustration lasts as long as it takes to break a racket. After that, he’s ready to play at 100% again.” Nadal concluded, “He’s the best I’ve seen. He’s had the better physicality, and that counts.”

Nadal reflects on his rivalry with Federer

For many years, the most anticipated match in tennis was Nadal versus Federer, a clash of styles that often defined the biggest tournaments. Reflecting on this period, Nadal said, “We pushed each other to new heights. We also took a lot from each other. We achieved a level of self-demand that is hard to replicate because we knew we couldn’t afford to fail. That competition pushed us to the limit.” He added, “I wouldn’t call him a friend, but he’s someone I have a deep familiarity with, and we share a great relationship.”

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Grand Slam record

  • Novak Djokovic: 24
  • Rafael Nadal: 22
  • Roger Federer: 20
  • Pete Sampras: 14
  • Roy Emerson: 12
  • Rod Laver: 11
  • Bjorn Borg: 11

    Novak Djokovic: How many players have won the career Golden Slam in tennis?

    Novak Djokovic just completed the career Golden Slam in Paris 2024 Olympics. The big question is how many players have done that in tennis history.

    • How many sets are played in tennis matches at the 2024 Olympic Games?
    • Who was the masked man in the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony?

      Novak Djokovic has finally won the career Golden Slam after a brilliant performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was an amazing run knocking out in his way to the title many big names such as Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.

      Now, the Serbian legend holds the most impressive trophy case in tennis history. Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open, individual gold medal, Davis Cup, ATP Finals and all the Masters 1000.

      As a consequence, one of the biggest questions in the tennis world is how many players have achieved the Golden Slam in history. It’s a very surprising answer which, by the way, doesn’t include Roger Federer.

      Which tennis players have won a career Golden Slam?

      Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are the five players with a career Golden Slam. It’s important to emphasize that, in a career Golden Slam, it doesn’t matter if you win all trophies in different years.

      Has anyone done the Golden Slam?

      Steffi Graf is the only player in history who has conquered the true Golden Slam in history. That milestone is different from the career Golden Slam as you must win everything in the same year to achieve it.

      In 1988, the German star won the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. Furthermore, she got the individual gold medal in Seoul beating Gabriela Sabatini in the final. No man in singles has done that.

The 2024 US Open is set to take place without Rafael Nadal, with the Spaniard closing in on retirement.

The 22-time grand slam champion is coming towards the end of an incredible career, and as he winds down, he’s decided to withdraw from the US Open.

The Spaniard recently competed at the Paris Olympics and formed a dream doubles duo with Carlos Alcaraz.

However, Nadal was to have no Olympic glory, as he and Alcaraz failed to make it to a medal match.

And with the last grand slam of the year approaching, Nadal has elected to skip this one, with Mackenzie McDonald taking his place.

Why is Rafael Nadal not playing at the US Open?

Nadal was initially on the entry list for the men’s singles at Flushing Meadows.

He was set to enter as ranked player at No.9, but earlier in August, he announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he wouldn’t be competing.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
2018 French Open Tennis Tournament – Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia while playing a tie break doubles exhibition match against Simone Halep of Romania and Alexander Zverev of Germany on Court Philippe Chatrier during a packed Children’s Day at Roland Garros before the start of the 2018 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 26th 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

He said: “I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories.

“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.

“Thanks to all my U.S. fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time.”

So, it’s clear that Nadal doesn’t feel he would be able to do himself justice if he were to compete in this year’s US Open.

Despite withdrawing from the US Open this year, Nadal indicates he will return to America.

This doesn’t mean he will make the US Open next year, but he should play in at least one more US-based tournament before retiring.

Since winning the last of his 22 grand slam singles titles in New York, Nadal has only played at Flushing Meadows once.

A hip injury in 2023 robbed him of that whole season, while a muscle problem in January earlier this year saw him miss the hard-court campaign and Wimbledon.

However, despite all these injuries, Nadal has yet to decide when to retire.

He’s set to play in the Laver Cup in Berlin and might make a decision after that.

But what is clear is that the US Open will miss Nadal’s presence.

Speaking about the Spaniard pulling out, US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster said: “We wish him all the best and look forward to having him back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.”

Certainly, they and tennis fans around the world will hope to see Nadal back at the US Open one last time, but that is far from guaranteed.

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