Czech-in Time: Pliskova Outlasts Safarova, Prepares For Sharapova
by Jane Voigt Karolina Pliskova is on a dangerous path. She didn’t choose it for herself, either. The women’s singles draw donated it to the Czech Republic’s sixth seed. Nonetheless — and on one day — she did her job well, advancing to the detriment of her compatriot Lucie Safarova, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Read More
Versed in Climbing: Zverev Stays Alive in Five
by Jane Voigt Alexander Zverev hasn’t performed well at Grand Slams. At 21, he’s earned three top-level tour titles at Masters 1000 events, a mighty record for the young man. But for the life of all concerned, he has not advanced beyond the fourth round at a major, losing in the opening round last year…
Warrior Princess: Serena Williams Triumphs in Grand Slam Return.
by Jane Voigt In her first French Open match in two years and her first major tournament since giving birth to daughter Olympia in September, Serena Williams triumphed over Kristyna Pliskova 7-6(4), 6-4. Read More
The Flip Side
by Jane Voigt Bernard Tomic is one of those players who has pretty much squandered his tennis talents. He’s known more for partying and fast cars, although he won three career titles and reached a career high of number 17 over two yeasr ago. Read More
Lucky Losers Galore as Roland Garros Gets Underway
by Jane Voigt Let’s blame Nick Kyrgios. He frequently throws himself under the media bus. He did the same on Sunday when he withdrew from his first-round match at Roland Garros against countryman and qualifier Bernard Tomic. Nick still had concerns about his injury-prone left elbow, choosing to rest and return down the road rather…
Winners Matter. Power Could Prove Pivotal in Paris.
By Jane Voigt Stan Wawrinka moved into his second French Open final today, sliding past the top seed, Andy Murray, in a brutal semifinal that went four-and-a-half hours. Wawrinka hit over 87 winners to his opponents 36, crushing the ball in the final set to render null and void all of Murray’s extensive skills: 6-7(6),…
Happy Birthday, Jelena Ostapenko
By Jane Voigt Jelena Ostapenko’s high-risk game paid off big time today, yielding a high-reward … a chance to win her first Grand Slam title and first career title on Saturday in Paris. “Just glad to be here in Paris,” she said on court, after her 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 win over Timea Bacsinszky. “I’m enjoying…
Those Who Fight Win
By Jane Voigt Novak Djokovic was on top of the world. He’d just won The French Open for the first time; and, as an added dollop of satisfaction, he’d earned a career Grand Slam. Such were the heights he scaled last year. Today, at the same tournament, Djokovic crashed out. “This is a whole new situation…
Wind and Rain Slowed the Semis in Paris, But Didn’t Dampen Enthusiasm
By Jane Voigt A rain storm swept through Roland-Garros, early today. Another one swept Caroline Wozniacki right off Court Suzanne-Lenglen, as teen ball-blaster Jelena Ostapenko demolished the Dane to move on to her first Grand Slam semifinal. Her opponent will be Timea Bascinsczky, who through variety, ball retrieval and a cool head, sent one of the…
Muguruza Deals Sharapova Worst Loss at Major in Six Years
by Jane Voigt No one should feel sorry for Maria Sharapova. She’s done it all: Won gobs of prize money, millions in endorsements, five Grand Slam titles, as well as serving time for a doping suspension. But when asked Wednesday to win her quarterfinal match against Garbine Muguruza, the Russian came up empty. The loss…