Leylah Fernandez has had an unusual start to her grass swing. The Canadian, who opened her campaign at the WTA 500 event at Queen’s Club, was knocked out of singles in the opening round. She, however, reached the final in doubles alongside her partner, Germany’s Laura Siegemund.

It was a peculiar doubles campaign for the pair, who ended up playing only two matches during the tournament. A day after their Sunday final, Fernandez briefly reflected on her week at Queen’s Club.

Leylah Fernandez Revisits Her Queen’s Club Run

Fernandez, seeded sixth in singles, suffered a first-round upset against local favorite Katie Boulter, who staged a 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 comeback. The Canadian wasn’t done at the tournament, though. She had entered doubles with Siegemund, marking their first on-court collaboration.

The day following her singles loss, Fernandez and Siegemund secured their opening win against Alexandra Panova and Demi Shuurs. Notably, they saved a match point en route to the 6-2, 2-6, (11-9) victory on June 9.

In the quarterfinal on Thursday, June 11, the pair was scheduled to face Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko. They, however, received a direct entry to the semifinals when Mboko was forced to withdraw after sustaining a knee injury.

Fernandez and Siegemund then set up a clash with the all-American pair of Iva Jovic and McCartney Kessler on Friday. But their clash was postponed to Saturday at the rain-hit event. On Saturday, in addition to her doubles match, Jovic was also scheduled to face Emma Raducanu in the singles semifinal. Meanwhile, the doubles semifinal was slated to begin only after she had been given adequate time to recover between matches.

She, however, pulled out of the contest after injuring her left foot during her 6-2, 6-2 defeat to Raducanu, helping Fernandez and Siegemund secure a place in the final without competing. Fernandez looked back on the strange turn of events while sharing pictures on her latest Instagram post.

“Grass season has officially started. Honored to play at Queens (just a little),” she joked.

The Canadian star expressed optimism about her campaign on the surface while making a hilarious FIFA World Cup mention. “Feeling ready to play on grass… and no, not the World Cup.”

Fernandez and Siegemund lost their final against Tereza Mihalíková and Olivia Nicholls 6-3, 6-7(4), (10-5). “Thank you, Laura, for playing dubs with me this week. Thank you to the fans for showing up and watching all of our matches,” she said after the tournament.

MORE: ‘Not Their Fault’ – Leylah Fernandez’s Bizarre Path to Queen’s Club Doubles Final Fuels Tennis Community Debate

Leylah Fernandez will now shift her focus to the WTA 250 Nottingham Open. She is the second seed in singles and begins her campaign against Zeynep Sönmez on June 16. In doubles, the 23-year-old is partnering Yuliia Starodubtseva. They face Eri Hozumi and Wu Fang-Hsein in the Round of 16.

Elena Rybakina has become the latest player to speak out about the online abuse athletes deal with, joining the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Coco Gauff in highlighting the damaging effects of the issue. Having taken a significant step to shield herself from such negativity after her loss at the Queen’s Club Championships, Rybakina explained the rationale behind her decision.

Why Elena Rybakina Disabled Her Instagram Account After Queen’s Club Exit

Rybakina commenced her Queen’s Club campaign by fighting back from the brink of defeat to secure a gritty 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-0 win over Tatjana Maria. However, the world No. 2 was unable to produce a similar comeback against Katie Boulter in their quarterfinal clash, as the Brit pulled off a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 upset.

Shortly after the defeat, fans noticed that Rybakina appeared to have deactivated her Instagram account, prompting speculation that the move was intended to prevent disgruntled bettors from sending her abuse online. Those suspicions were confirmed when the Kazakh addressed the decision while speaking to the press at the Berlin Tennis Open.

Rybakina, who has since reactivated her Instagram account while keeping the comments disabled, said it had become “impossible” to curb the negativity without completely cutting off avenues for abusive messages from bettors.

“It’s impossible to control it any other way, and of course it’s not the nicest thing. I usually don’t pay much attention, but at that point it felt important. A lot of it is connected to the job, and I felt that if these people can’t stop in the moment because they lost some money, I’d rather give the option to comment nothing and then bring the account back,” Rybakina said.

The 26-year-old also welcomed the change to step back from social media, saying, “I’m not there to spend all day cleaning my Instagram. I have a little help with the content, but it’s not full-time. So I thought it’s better even for me to spend less time on social media.”

MORE: ‘It’s A Problem’ – Elena Rybakina’s Drastic Social Media Move Stuns Tennis Community After Queen’s Club Exit

Rybakina further emphasized her intention to “just limit all the limits” on social media, noting that if she were not a public figure, she would have a very minimal online presence.

“Sometimes you don’t even notice, and it becomes too much of your time. For me it’s ok not to be on social media, and if I weren’t a public figure, I don’t think I’d post much or do a lot on it,” she added.

On the tennis front, Elena Rybakina has entered the Berlin Tennis Open as the No. 2 seed, receiving a first-round bye. She will face either Alexandra Eala or Donna Vekić in her opening match at the WTA 500 event.

It was a big win for many reasons. First, he defeated Taylor Fritz, his biggest American rival and the BOSS Open defending champion. Second, it gave him three singles titles this year, on all three surfaces. Finally, it gives him a lot of confidence leading into Wimbledon after winning one of the key Wimbledon warmup tournaments.

All of these facts were acknowledged by tennis fans, but they still could not stop talking about Shelton’s BOSS Open trophy.

MORE: Where is former ATP World No. 1 Pete Sampras

The BOSS Open trophy is an eyesore year after year

It does not even look like a trophy. Instead, it resembles an enlarged paperweight or promotional item for the tournament.

The BOSS Open letters are nearly transparent and impossible to read in photos.

In case you are wondering, the trophy has not always looked like this. It resembled a flower vase in 2023.

MORE: Washington, DC’s Robin Montgomery wins maiden WTA title at Libema Open

No matter what iteration it comes in, this is an awkward looking trophy.

It may not be the worst trophy ever

While the BOSS Open trophy is not the best, it may not be the worst either.

Last year, Lois Boisson’s 2025 Hamburg Ladies Open trophy may take that prize.

I guess not all trophies can be elegant and beautiful, given the number of professional tennis tournament there are each year. However, they do not need to look like paperweights or freight train cars either.

As the action gets underway at the 2026 Berlin Tennis Open, the WTA stars had a chance to set their on-court rivalries aside and enjoy one another’s company at the tournament’s glittering players’ party. Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Alexandra Eala, among others, stole the spotlight in elegant ensembles as they embraced the opportunity to unwind and socialize at the bash.

Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and WTA Stars Turn Heads at the Berlin Open Players’ Party

After a crushing loss in the quarterfinals of the French Open, top seed Sabalenka will be eager to get back to winning ways and make a strong start to her campaign at the WTA 500 event in Berlin. Following a first-round bye, the world No. 1 will face Ekaterina Alexandrova in her opening match.

Sabalenka appeared in high spirits at the party, posing for pictures alongside Paula Badosa and putting their close friendship on display. The Belarusian added a stylish touch to her casual ensemble with a leopard-print coat, while Badosa donned an elegant black outfit complemented by a blue Chanel bag.

Badosa is set to lock horns with qualifier Suzan Lamens in the first round. If she wins, the Spaniard will square off against No. 5 seed Coco Gauff in the second round. The American moved up to the No. 4 seeding spot after Amanda Anisimova withdrew from the event.

Ahead of her tournament opener, Gauff relished the company of Eva Lys and Alexandra Eala at the bash. The American stepped out in a stylish all-black ensemble, while Lys opted for an elegant all-white look. Eala, meanwhile, posed in a navy look layered with a sheer white overshirt.

On the court, Eala faces a tough challenge in her opening match as she takes on Queen’s Club champion Donna Vekić. Drawn in the same half, Lys will be up against Magdalena Fręch in the first round.

MORE:‘She’s Back’ – Jessica Pegula, Chris Evert Lead Warm Messages to Donna Vekić After Queen’s Club Triumph

No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula turned heads at the party in chic black-and-white ensembles. Madison Keys and Desirae Krawczyk opted for similar styles, pairing jeans with a white top. Former professional player Andrea Petkovic also attended the event, posing in a glamorous black dress.

Rybakina will kick off her Berlin campaign against the winner of the match between Eala and Vekić, while Pegula awaits either Kateřina Siniaková or Rebeka Masarova in the second round. Meanwhile, Keys will face Wang Xinyu in the first round of the WTA 500 event.

After an unfortunate end to her campaign at Queen’s Club, Serena Williams has arrived in Berlin for her next WTA 500 event. The American has already commenced her practice sessions in the German capital ahead of her doubles run with partner Karolína Muchová. Their opening match against Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16.

Ahead of the opener, Williams’ opponent Routliffe has made an honest admission about facing the tennis legend twice in the span of one week.

Serena Williams and Erin Routliffe Set Up Repeat Clash With New Partners in Berlin

Williams’ comeback after nearly four years away was met with widespread excitement from tennis fans. The American, who’s so far opted only for doubles wildcards, was thrilled to reignite her competitive spirit alongside Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club.

In front of a jam-packed crowd, the pair made a promising debut to beat third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Routliffe 7-6(2), 6-2. Although they couldn’t play their next match due to Mboko’s injury, Williams stayed back in London to train for her next appearance at the Berlin Tennis Open.

In a remarkable twist, Williams has again drawn New Zealand’s Routliffe in her first match, this time with both players teaming up with new partners. While Williams will have Muchová on her side, Routliffe has paired up with Mexico’s Giuliana Olmos.

Ahead of her repeat match with the 23-time Grand Slam singles winner, Routliffe said, “I was kind of like, wow, I can’t believe it!”

“To get another chance is exciting; we’re both with different partners. I’m sure she’ll remember me,” the 31-year-old said, laughing, according to reporter Mike McIntyre. “So she’ll have a little more scouting going into it this time. But to be honest, yeah, I couldn’t believe it!”

Williams’ return has sparked excitement among players eager for the opportunity to share the court with her. Many players are delighted just to be in the “same space” as her.

During her pre-tournament media chat, Coco Gauff said, “It would be cool to step on the court with her just because she’s a legend and someone I looked up to. I’m very excited to be in the same spaces as her again.”

MORE: Coco Gauff’s Serena Williams Remark Offers Clarification on Rejection Rumors in Berlin

Meanwhile, rising star Alexandra Eala said during her chat with the Tennis Channel, “Experiencing the tour at the same time as her is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, even if maybe I don’t get any interactions with her. It would still be an honor to just be in that same space.”

For Serena Williams, her daughters, Olympia and Adira, have been a major source of motivation behind her comeback. Win or lose, the American legend has said that having her daughters watch her play is what matters most.

The French Open quietly opened a door that had so often stayed shut for Alexander Zverev. The German had stood on the brink of a Grand Slam three times before, each run ending in heartbreak and the lingering doubt that he was “just not good enough.” This time, though, the chaos of the draw met a player who refused to let the moment slip again. The opportunity arrived, but it still demanded belief.

“I pretended until I was exhausted,” he said in an interview with Sky Germany. “Now I can also be honest. I lied to myself, for my own good. When Sinner lost, I didn’t sleep that night.”

Things only got tougher for Zverev the following day. While he managed to get past Quentin Halys in the third round, Novak Djokovic was not as fortunate. The Serbian suffered a shock exit, falling to 19-year-old Joao Fonseca in a dramatic five-set battle.

“The next day, fortunately, I only played in the evening against Quentin Halys, and I was able to sleep all day. But what happens during the day? Djokovic loses,” he added.

The upsets just never stopped coming at the French Open, and the majority of the top 10 players got knocked out within the first three rounds. This included the likes of Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, and Alex de Minaur as well. Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Flavio Cobolli were the only players from the bracket to reach the later stages of the Grand Slam.

Seeing the massive number of upsets, it didn’t take long for people to label Zverev as the favorite to win the tournament. As a result, even more pressure piled up on the German as it appeared that he wouldn’t get a better opportunity to win his maiden Grand Slam. Having previously lost three major finals, the 29-year-old was determined to get rid of the “Best Player Without a Grand Slam” tag. Zverev didn’t let the tension affect his performance as he didn’t drop a set in either the R16 or the quarterfinals.

The World No. 3 then faced a stern test against Jakub Mensik in the semifinals, with the young Czech pushing him throughout the contest. The World No. 3 took control early by winning the first two sets, but Mensik responded strongly to force a fourth. Even so, Zverev regained his grip on the match and closed it out in four sets, 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Zverev’s biggest test of the tournament undoubtedly came in the final against Flavio Cobolli. The match went into five sets as both players gave it their all on the court. Despite coming back from a set down on two occasions, Cobolli’s resilience faded in the final set as Zverev triumphed 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1.

The German had to work incredibly hard for the French Open title, but eventually got there, and he couldn’t have asked for anything more. He achieved his lifelong dream by winning one of the most grueling matches of his career. While it may look like the final was Zverev’s toughest clash of the tournament, the truth is actually quite different.

Alexander Zverev opens up on his ‘worst’ match at the French Open

Turns out that the third-round clash against Halys was the grittiest battle that Zverev had to encounter. The German was under a lot of stress during the week, and that took a toll on his performance.

Moreover, the match had even been delayed by an hour after Fonseca had dragged his match against Djokovic to five sets. So, Zverev stepped on Court Philippe-Chatrier, knowing that another top seed had faced an upset.

“The worst match I played at Roland Garros was definitely the one against Halys. I wasn’t free, I didn’t play well, and I didn’t serve well. It was the most stressful week of my life. Suddenly, I became the huge favorite of the tournament, something that had never happened to me in a Slam,” he further said.

Though Zverev did win the match 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, he was far from satisfied with his display. Fortunately, he regained his composure in the next match and never looked back from that point.

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Zverev’s French Open win drew high praise from Wilander

Zverev had already reached three Grand Slam finals before finally winning his first title, making the breakthrough with a win over Flavio Cobolli at Roland Garros.

His path was made easier by early exits from Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, but that shouldn’t take away from what he achieved.

Speaking to Eurosport (quotes via Sportskeeda), Wilander said: “We have to remember that Zverev has been so consistent for a long time and he is still only 27 years old,” Wilander said.

Mats Wilander backs Zverev to become a consistent Grand Slam contender

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Wilander said: “Many people thought he wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure yet again, especially when he became the favourite following the exits of Sinner and Djokovic.

“Instead, this time he managed to turn that tension into positive energy; he motivated himself by thinking he finally had the chance of a lifetime, and played better and better as the tournament progressed and he faced tough opponents like [Rafael] Jodar and [Jacob] Mensik.

“And ultimately, he managed his emotions better in the final too. In my opinion, he’ll play more relaxed; he’s lifted a huge weight off his shoulders.”

Wilander went on to say that Alexander Zverev could now pose a serious threat to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz:

“I think that if we were looking for a third contender between Sinner and Alcaraz, we’ve finally found him. Jannik and Carlos won’t be able to rest easy anymore; in my view, Sascha will get very close to their level.”

Mats Wilander admits Flavio Cobolli caught him off guard

Even though Sinner was no longer in the mix, Italy still had three players reach the quarterfinals at Roland Garros: Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi, and Cobolli.

Speaking about the trio, Wilander said: “You’re experiencing an incredible moment, which reminds me a bit of my Sweden in the early ’80s when, inspired by Borg, a great generation of players emerged.

“Except your movement seems more solid; you have top-level players who can win on all surfaces.

“Cobolli surprised me, but he played exceptionally well. Right now on clay he’s as good as the best. But let’s not forget that last year he reached the quarterfinals on grass at Wimbledon.

Berrettini was forced to retire during his quarterfinal match against Arnaldi due to injury.

Read more:

Amanda Anisimova’s grass-court season hasn’t gotten off to the best start.

Coming off a runner-up finish at Wimbledon last year, the American managed just one win at this season’s Queen’s Club Championships, beating Laura Siegemund before falling in the quarterfinals to 18-year-old Iva Jovic in three sets.

She was then set to play at the Berlin Open but ended up withdrawing from the tournament. Now we know why she pulled out of the WTA 500 event.

Amanda Anisimova withdraws from the Berlin Open after a back injury

According to Tennisform on X, previously Twitter, Anisimova pulled out of the Berlin Open because of back spasms.

She was set to defend just 108 points at the event, after reaching the quarterfinals there last year.

In 2025, she got past Bianca Andreescu and Magdalena Frech before losing to Liudmila Samsonova in the quarterfinals.

The Berlin Open and Nottingham Open were the final two grass-court events ahead of Wimbledon. That means Anisimova’s next appearance will come at the All England Club.

Amanda Anisimova’s Wimbledon campaign last season

With the withdrawal behind her, Anisimova will now look ahead to Wimbledon, where she will aim to go one step further this season after finishing runner-up in 2025.

She recorded her best-ever result at the tournament by making the final, and along the way, she beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

But in the final, Anisimova was stopped by Iga Swiatek, who made history as the first Polish player to win a singles title at Wimbledon.

Swiatek won that match 6-0, 6-0. It was only the second time in a major final during the Open Era that such a scoreline had occurred. The only other instance was Steffi Graf’s 6-0, 6-0 victory over Natasha Zvereva at Roland Garros in 1988.

Read more:

Rafael Jodar is getting set for his Queen’s debut

Rafael Jodar is set to make his first appearance at Queen’s this week as he kicks off the grass-court portion of his season.

The Spaniard had a breakthrough clay-court campaign, which saw him climb up to world number 23.

Jodar made headlines with a semi-final run in Barcelona and followed that up with quarter-final appearances in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros.

The 19-year-old now shifts his focus to grass and will look to claim his first title on the surface at Queen’s. Speaking before the tournament, Jodar sounded positive about how he’s adjusted to grass-court play so far.

Rafael Jodar talks to Tennis TV before stepping onto grass for the first time

During an interview with Tennis TV, Jodar was asked about his experience on grass and how he is adapting to the change from clay.

He replied: “I haven’t played much on it, but I think it’s a surface I can do well on. I’m getting used to this, this week with practices and everything, but it’s fine, you know.”

“You have one month to play on this surface, and if you are not playing in the ATP events, you will never play [well] on this surface. It’s a season to enjoy and to have fun.”

“In Madrid, it’s difficult [to prepare] because we don’t have grass courts, so I came here to London a bit earlier,” he added.

Jodar continued: “I had to get more days to practice. But I’m enjoying London. It’s a nice city and to be here playing Queen’s for the first time it means a lot to me and I’m very happy how the transition from clay court grass is going for me.”

Who will Rafael Jodar face first at Queen’s?

Jodar’s first match at Queen’s will be against Ignacio Buse, who also had a strong showing during the clay season.

The 22-year-old picked up his first career title at the Hamburg Open, coming through qualifying to take the trophy.

Along the way, Buse beat a tough field that included French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik and Tommy Paul.

This will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour, though they have crossed paths before at ITF level.

Buse won their only previous encounter earlier this year, beating Jodar 6-1, 6-3 on clay.

Read more:

Former British number one Dan Evans says it would have been "a classy gesture" to give him a Queen's wildcard in his penultimate tournament before retirement.

The 36-year-old announced last week he will end his professional career after Wimbledon.

But the announcement was not enough for the British Davis Cup stalwart to be given entry by Queen's organisers into the main draw.

Evans had only played two tournaments in 2026 going into Queen's after a string of injuries and dropped to 244th in the rankings as a result.

Without being granted a place in the main draw, he instead entered qualifying and lost to American sixth seed Marcos Giron in the first round.

Jack Pinnington Jones, Arthur Fery and Toby Samuel - all ranked above Evans and inside the world's top 150 - were given the three wildcards.

"You hope to do enough years of service for your country to maybe get one in your last tournament at Queen's, but that wasn't the way they went," said Evans, who reached a career-high ranking of 21st in 2023.

"They went with some younger guys, and that's their prerogative.

"It would have been a classy gesture to give me a wildcard, but obviously that was lacking on this occasion.

"I entered the qualifying here myself, and I got in last minute. I was a bit perplexed that the LTA didn't offer me one into the main draw."

• GB's Jones misses match points in Nottingham loss
• Spain's new Rafa eyes grass-court success in year of firsts

Evans was part of the team that secured Britain's first Davis Cup title in 79 years in 2015 and also won two ATP Tour-level titles.

"I think what some people have forgotten is I'm a professional tennis player and I wouldn't be playing if I wasn't prepared or ready to play or fit to play," Evans said.

"I don't feel like I've been taken seriously."

Tatjana Maria, who won the women's Queen's title in 2025, also did not get a wildcard for the main draw and had to come through qualifying.

The wildcards for this year's Wimbledon will be announced on Tuesday, with Evans waiting to see if he will receive one.

The All England Club can offer up to eight wildcards for the men's singles main draw.

Evans, who has reached the Wimbledon third round on three occasions, is already assured of a place in qualifying based on his ranking.

But the Wimbledon committee - which offers wildcards based on past performances or to increase British interest - could elevate him into the main draw.

"If they give me one or not, it's not up to me," Evans added.

"I feel I've done plenty of time of helping British tennis, off the court, and on the court, so I hope to get one."

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Emma Raducanu narrowly missed out on a title at Queen’s, falling to Donna Vekic in the final.

Raducanu, who stunned the tennis world by winning the US Open in 2021 at just 18, is still searching for her first WTA title since then.

Injuries and frequent coaching changes have disrupted her progress, but she showed impressive form to make it all the way to the Queen’s final.

Despite strong support from the home crowd in London, Raducanu lost 6-0, 7-6(8-6) to Vekic after an hour and 48 minutes on court.

The Brit has chosen to focus on the positives of her impressive run back home, sharing an upbeat message on social media after the match.

Emma Raducanu shares thoughts after Queen’s final loss

Raducanu took to Instagram after the match, posting photos from her week at Queen’s along with a message to supporters. “Thank you Queen’s, all of your support and the atmosphere this week at home meant everything to me.”

She added: “It hurts but it’s just more fuel. Thank you to my team too, all your resilience and efforts to get me here.”

The post drew responses from several players on the WTA Tour. Ons Jabeur and Katie Boulter replied with emojis, while Eva Lys commented: “Yes Emma!”

Raducanu also entered doubles at Queen’s but lost her opening match alongside fellow Briton Boulter.

Emma Raducanu shares reaction after defeat to Donna Vekic in Queen’s final

Raducanu took to Instagram after the match, posting photos from her time at Queen’s and writing: “A special week. Thank you London.

“Thank you Queen’s, all of your support and the atmosphere this week at home meant everything to me.

“It hurts but it’s just more fuel. To my team too, all your resilience and efforts to get me here.”

The post drew plenty of attention from fellow WTA players. Ons Jabeur and Katie Boulter responded with emojis, while Eva Lys simply wrote: “Yes Emma!”

The Briton also featured in the doubles draw alongside Boulter but fell short in their opening match.

Read more:

Kamil Majchrzak has captured his first ATP title after winning the Libema Open, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Majchrzak enjoyed an impressive run at the ATP 250 event in the Netherlands, taking down three top-10 players along the way.

The Pole knocked out top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and third seed Daniil Medvedev before beating second seed Alex de Minaur in the final.

After beating Otto Virtanen and James McCabe early on, Majchrzak capped off his run with a hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(7-5) win over De Minaur. Following his victory, he made mention of Novak Djokovic’s influence on him.

Kamil Majchrzak shares thoughts on Novak Djokovic after Libema Open triumph

Speaking to the ATP website, he explained: “I didn’t even have time to breathe. I will definitely have a nice dinner with my coach and we are going to talk a lot, laugh and celebrate.

“But from tomorrow, I already have to move on for the next one because the Tour doesn’t stop. But today I will definitely celebrate it with a very nice dinner in a nice atmosphere.”

He was then asked: “You have said that Novak Djokovic is his idol. What makes him special to you?”

Majchrzak responded: “He’s one of the greatest tennis players in the world. His mental approach, how he can turn the matches around, including our match [in Indian Wells in March], is just different levels.

The 30-year-old met Djokovic at Indian Wells in March but lost their second-round clash 6-4, 1-6, 2-6.

Kamil Majchrzak reflects on his first ATP Tour win

While Majchrzak may have had time to celebrate, his attention is already back on tennis with Queen’s now up next for him.

He will have a challenging start at the ATP 500 event in London, opening against second seed Jiri Lehecka.

But he’s not taking his breakthrough win lightly, saying: “This is an incredible, unbelievable and emotional feeling for me.

“I am living my dream. I put the hard work from the very early ages – me, my parents, my team – to get here after some difficult times, after some better times.

“It’s just unbelievable to go through these emotions, to live through these emotions, to even compete at that level and to win an ATP title.

“That’s the ultimate goal for a tennis player. Now I’ve accomplished it. Now I have to set myself a new goal.”

Read more:

Coco Gauff and Serena Williams are gearing up for an exciting week in Germany as both players prepare for the Berlin Tennis Open. While Gauff is placed in singles and doubles draws, Williams has accepted a doubles-only wildcard. The American tennis legend is partnering Czech star Karolína Muchová in the German capital.

Ahead of the campaign, Gauff shared her feelings about the return of Williams, consequently quashing rumors about an alleged partnership snub.

Coco Gauff and Serena Williams Set to Compete in Doubles at the Berlin Tennis Open

Williams sent shockwaves in the tennis world after confirming that she was making a competitive comeback at Queen’s Club. She won her first doubles match with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, but their run was short-lived as Mboko withdrew from the tournament after injuring herself during her singles match.

During her Queen’s Club campaign, Williams also accepted a wildcard to compete in Berlin. Speculation was rife about her next partner, with well-known journalist Jon Wertheim reporting that the 44-year-old was hoping to play doubles with Gauff. The rumors were put to rest when Muchová was announced as Williams’ partner. Fans subsequently assumed Gauff rejected Williams’ offer to focus on singles.

The doubles draw announcement, however, raised a few eyebrows when Gauff’s name appeared alongside her former partner, Jessica Pegula. The unexpected move fueled curiosity among fans, who wondered what transpired between Gauff and Williams. Coco Gauff’s recent comments, however, cleared the air.

During her pre-tournament press conference in Berlin, the 22-year-old shared her excitement about her idol’s return. She also expressed her desire to receive an invitation, suggesting that Williams had not previously approached her.

“Ya, it’ll be really cool (to share the court with Williams). I’m hoping that one day she’ll hit up my line to play doubles. That would be really, really cool,” Coco Gauff said.

MORE: ‘Seriously?’ – Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula’s Unexpected Berlin Move Leaves Fans Puzzled Over Serena Williams Angle

“And if she were to compete in singles, it would be cool to step on the court with her just because she’s a legend and someone I looked up to. And yeah, I’m very excited to be in the same spaces as her again,” she added.

In singles, Gauff, the fifth seed, received a bye in the opening round after fourth seed Amanda Anisimova pulled out of the tournament. She awaits the winner of Suzan Lamens vs. Paula Badosa in the Round of 16. In doubles, meanwhile, she and Pegula begin their campaign against Anastasia Potapova and Diana Shnaider.

Williams and Muchová, on the other hand, have drawn Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos in the opener.

Britain's Francesca Jones missed two match points in a narrow defeat by Talia Gibson in the Nottingham Open first round.

Jones battled back from a set and a break down - and a medical timeout - to force a deciding set against Australia's Gibson.

After being an early break down in the third, Jones hit back and held two match points as she served for victory at 5-3.

However, world number 66 Gibson broke back and held firm in the resulting tie-break to win 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-4) after a gruelling three hours and six minutes.

Jones showed good fight in what was the longest match of her career, hitting 15 aces and landing 75% of her first serves.

She also twice appeared in discomfort, particularly after being broken to start the second set when she sat with her head under a towel, breathing deeply.

The doctor was called to court to check her blood pressure and vitals and Jones continued, breaking Gibson back before eventually taking a tight second set.

The 25-year-old took another medical timeout at 5-5 in the third set after appearing to struggle with a nasal problem.

Earlier at Nottingham, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen battled back to beat Maria Sakkari 4-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-4.

Queen's finalist Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter both withdrew from the tournament on Monday.

• Jones breaks through after 'hardest moment of career'
• Spain's new Rafa eyes grass-court success in year of firsts

There were defeats for British hopefuls Harry Wendelken and Jack Pinnington Jones in the first round at Queen's.

World number 224 Wendelken beat two top-100 players in Adam Walton and Aleksandar Vukic in qualifying to reach the main draw.

However, he fell 6-4 7-6 (7-5) to 56th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp on the first match on Andy Murray Arena.

Pinnington Jones, who reached the second round at Wimbledon last year, lost out 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-3) to Denis Shapovalov in a topsy-turvy encounter.

Pinnington Jones was twice a break up in the deciding set and served for the match against the Canadian.

However, former world number 10 and 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist Shapovalov broke back and dominated the tie-break to advance.

In the doubles, British defending champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool beat Francisco Cerundolo and Brendan Nakashima 7-5 6-4.

• Live scores, results and order of play
• Get tennis news sent straight to your phone

The Swiss Maestro isn’t done with the blue and green courts off the 7 train just yet.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Roger Federer swings into Queens’ Arthur Ashe Stadium for a “once-in-a-lifetime exhibition event” billed as ‘Roger Federer: An Icon Returns To New York.’

At this one-off, the five-time US Open champion — he won five consecutive titles from 2004-08 — will be joined by a few fellow greats for a doubles exhibition match. They are:

Andy Roddick
2003 US Open champion

Andre Agassi
two-time US Open champion

John McEnroe
four-time US Open champion

According to the US Open “additional celebrity appearances and iconic surprises will delight fans throughout the evening.”

If you’d like to see Federer serve and volley in Flushing for the first time since 2019, tickets are available for this high-profile August friendly.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats was $238 including fees on SeatGeek.

100-level seats start at $1,310 including fees.

Make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout (Editor’s Note: this discount is only valid for users’ first purchase on SeatGeek).

“So many unforgettable moments of my career happened in New York, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is a place that means a great deal to me,” Federer, 44, said.

“I’ve missed being part of that atmosphere and feeling the incredible energy that the fans bring every year. To return to Arthur Ashe and share the evening with Andy, Andre and John makes it even more meaningful. I’m looking forward to celebrating those memories, seeing the fans again, and enjoying a very special night together.”

In the event you can’t attend, you can see “King Roger” at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island at his induction ceremony on Aug. 29.

For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about Roger Federer’s 2026 US Open exhibition match below.

How much are tickets to see Roger Federer’s 2026 US Open exhibition match?

A complete breakdown of all the best prices on tickets by section at Arthur Ashe Stadium can be found here:

What do 2026 US Open tickets cost?

Although the competitors for this year’s tourney haven’t been announced yet, you can snag 2026 U.S. Open tickets way ahead of time.

Some are fairly inexpensive as of now, too.

Based on our findings, seats can be picked up for as low as $55 including fees on SeatGeek at the time of publication.

We’ll see you there…honey deuce in hand.

Does the honey deuce taste good?

After a few sips, The Post’s Miska Salemann came to her conclusions about the ultra-popular beverage.

Upon first glance, you can’t help but notice the melon ball garnish is very aesthetically pleasing. Nice touch. As for the taste, the honey deuce is great if you like your vodka disguised with an absurd amount of sugar. Gets you tipsy after five minutes. Maybe has some natural electrolytes to help keep you from passing out in the heat. Not my favorite, but would drink again. 7.5/10.

U.S. Open 2026 news

Want to keep an eye on all the competitors, favorites, long shots, hangers-on, and wild cards?

We recommend checking out the NY Post’s comprehensive coverage of the annual two-week event here.

Huge 2026 concerts

If you need something a bit louder than the U.S. Open, we can help in that department as well.

Here are just five household-name acts we can’t wait to see live these next few months.

• Olivia Dean

• J. Cole

• RUSH

• Ariana Grande

• Bon Jovi

Who else is out and about? Take a look at our list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2026 to find the show for you.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

Serena Williams is set to continue her comeback at the Berlin Open, although she won’t be playing alongside Coco Gauff as was originally rumoured.

Williams made her return to competitive tennis at Queen’s earlier this week, partnering with Victoria Mboko in the doubles draw.

The pair won their opening match before an injury to Mboko forced them to withdraw from the tournament. Despite only being back for a short time, Williams had already been considering her next steps.

There were initial reports that Williams wanted to team up with Gauff in Berlin. However, both players have chosen different partners for the event, opting not to link up in the German capital.

Serena Williams and Coco Gauff split up for the Berlin Open doubles

Serena Williams is set to pair up with Karolina Muchova for the Berlin Open, marking her second appearance since rejoining the WTA Tour.

The duo will open their campaign against Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos. It’s a familiar matchup for Williams, who recently faced Routliffe while partnering with Victoria Mboko at Queen’s.

Coco Gauff, meanwhile, will team up with Jessica Pegula, reuniting a partnership that previously produced five WTA titles but hasn’t played together since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Gauff and Pegula will take on Anastasia Potapova and Diana Shnaider in their opening match. While Williams and Gauff aren’t playing together this time, there’s still a chance they could meet later in the tournament if both teams make it to the semi-finals.

Who is Coco Gauff facing in the Berlin Open singles draw?

While Gauff is entered in doubles, her main focus remains on the singles side of the Berlin Open.

Gauff had a relatively disappointing Roland Garros this year, and she will now be hoping to return to form for the grass court season.

This year’s grass swing presents a chance for her to climb back up. She hasn’t picked up a win on the surface in 2025, so there’s plenty of ground to make up.

Amanda Anisimova pulled out of the event, bumping Gauff into a higher seeding and giving her a bye into round two. There, she could face former world number two Paula Badosa.

Elena Rybakina and Linda Noskova are also in her half of the draw, while Aryna Sabalenka could be her opponent if she reaches the final.

Gauff lost early to Xinyu Wang last year and is only defending one point from that appearance. With so little at stake from 2024, there’s room for Gauff to build momentum heading into Wimbledon later this summer.

Read more:

Alexander Zverev is making his return to action at the Halle Open, marking his first appearance since Roland Garros.

The German secured his maiden Grand Slam title in Paris, taking down Flavio Cobolli in the final to complete a remarkable tournament run.

Since then, Zverev hasn’t featured in any events. He pulled out of this week’s Stuttgart Open as he continues to manage his schedule carefully.

Zverev’s opponent for that return has now been revealed, with the world No 4 set to take on qualifier Oscar Otte. The match will be played on Tuesday, June 18th.

Alexander Zverev draws Vit Kopriva in the Halle Open opener

Zverev’s first match back is against world number 65 Vit Kopriva, marking the German’s debut on grass for the 2026 season.

This will be their first meeting on any surface. Should Zverev advance, he may run into Joao Fonseca in the next round, a player he’s already beaten this year in Monte Carlo, though they’ve never faced off on grass.

The top half of the draw includes other notable names such as Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Alexander Bublik. Zverev could face second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final or potentially see a rematch with Cobolli from Paris.

Alexander Zverev’s record at the Halle Open

This year marks Zverev’s 10th appearance at the Halle Open, but he has yet to win a title in front of his home fans.

Grass remains his least successful surface statistically, and he is still searching for his first trophy on it. Zverev has come close before, reaching the final in both 2016 and 2017.

In 2016, he lost to Florian Mayer in an all-German final, and the following year he was beaten by Roger Federer.

The main draw kicks off on Monday, June 15. This year also sees Zverev teaming up with Marcelo Melo for doubles action in Halle.

Read more:

It has been a year of firsts for Spain's breakout teenage star Rafael Jodar.

A little over 12 months ago, the 19-year-old was outside the world's top 800. He had never played on the main ATP Tour or contested a match at a Grand Slam.

Now, he arrives in London as the world number 23, fresh off a run to the French Open quarter-finals that was only halted by eventual champion Alexander Zverev.

The next stop in his debut season participating on the sport's biggest stages will be Wimbledon, where his namesake, Rafael Nadal, won two titles - including triumphing against rival Roger Federer in one of the greatest matches in history in the 2008 final.

Jodar has not played an ATP Tour-level match on grass before, but he is excited for another round of firsts in his young career.

"When I was younger I could never imagine that I would one day be here," he told BBC Sport at Queen's.

"It's something that I will never forget, to play on grass.

"I haven't played much on it, but it's a surface I can do well on."

• 'The new Emma' - positives Raducanu can take from Queen's to Wimbledon
• How to follow the men's tournament at Queen's on the BBC

While Jodar, like any young aspiring Spanish player, does idolise Nadal, the reason he shares the name with the 22-time major winner is through family tradition: both his father and grandfather were named Rafael.

"Rafa for me is a role model since I was a kid, not just in tennis but in general. I think he's super humble," Jodar said.

"When I had the chance to talk to him he was a very good person, he gave me some advice.

"I am super grateful for everything he has done for Spanish sport and the tennis world."

Jodar only turned professional last year, after a brief period gaining experience in the United States college system.

He broke into the world's top 100 in March after a strong start to 2026 and captured his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech a month later.

He further demonstrated his propensity to thrive on clay by reaching the Barcelona semi-finals and the Madrid quarter-finals, where he lost to world number one Jannik Sinner.

But it was his Roland Garros run - where he became just the fifth man this century to reach the Paris quarter-finals on his main-draw debut - that really caught the eye.

Jodar was due to play at Queen's but withdrew before his first-round match with an abdominal injury.

But what can be expected from him on the grass courts?

Across International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments - the level below the ATP Tour - Jodar has a 90% win record on grass, winning nine of 10 matches in 2024.

That single defeat came at Wimbledon in a straight-set loss to Japan's Naoya Honda at the quarter-final stage of the boy's singles competition.

The loss brought an end to a nine-match winning run in south west London, after he prepared for the tournament by taking the junior title in Roehampton without losing a set.

While it remains to be seen how he will fare at the top level, Jodar appears to possess the weapons that can see him thrive on the grass.

His game is founded on aggressive baseline striking and the Spaniard is behind only tour leader Sinner, renowned for his baseline dominance, in the ATP's 'return rating' value which combines each players' scores across first and second serve return points won, return games won, and break points converted.

Across the past 52 weeks, Jodar's record of winning 34.0% of first-serve return points is ahead of Sinner, and behind only Argentine Mariano Navone in the men's game.

Despite his relative inexperience, he also tends to remain unflinching in key moments.

Jodar is second on the tour for break points converted, his 44.7% putting him ahead of compatriot Carlos Alcaraz (43.6%).

His ATP 'under pressure' rating - calculated by combining a player's number of break points converted, break points saved, and tie-breaks and deciding sets won - is bettered by just nine players across the men's game, and better than five of the world's top 10.

With Alcaraz missing Wimbledon because of a wrist injury, all eyes back in Spain will be on their latest teenage talent - but Jodar is not fazed by the attention.

"Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Spain. It has always had many good players," he said.

"Being a young player who is doing well on tour is cool.

"Everyone who wants a picture, autograph, I will always do that."

• Live scores, results and order of play
• Get tennis news sent straight to your phone

“Right now it obviously really stings, so I’m just going to let myself feel it today but try to get over it pretty quick.” That was Emma Raducanu’s verdict after defeat in the Queen’s Championship final to an inspired Donna Vekic, as her wait for a first title since the US Open in 2021 continues. The 23-year-old was visibly disappointed as an erratic groundstroke handed over a 6-0 7-6 (8-6) victory – but she was also quick to note how significant, and positive, a week this was.

Getting over setbacks quickly, as she will now have to do to shrug off this disappointment, was the hallmark of several tenacious performances by the Briton in west London. Raducanu’s career so far has been dogged by a litany of injury woes and she looked to be heading down a familiar road as she slipped on the sodden grass in her quarter-final against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova.

A nasty fall on the surface had left world No 9 Victoria Mboko with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury earlier in the week. Raducanu evidently was not so badly affected but still went off court for a medical check after losing the next game, returning with heavy strapping. She was tentative on the surface afterwards but did not let the pain, or fear of slipping again, hamper her game, winning in straight sets.

Any concerns over her physical condition were allayed as she came back out just two and a half hours later to play her semi-final, brushing past talented teenager Iva Jovic 6-2 6-2. Being able to maintain physical fitness and durability has been a concern throughout her career and has not been helped by a start to the season very light on matches: she did not play competitively in two months as she struggled to shake off a post-viral illness, then lost quickly in two appearances on clay.

But a week of matches heavily condensed together, thanks to torrential rain at Queen’s delaying play, and many of them intense physical battles, seems to have done her no harm at all. She beat two top-20 players, the resurgent Sorana Cirstea and Jovic, and did not drop a set en route to the final. The signs are encouraging as she continues on to Wimbledon.

The final itself called to mind her recent exit in the first round of the French Open: a first-set shellacking by an opponent quickly out of the blocks and deeply assured on the surface, before a gripping second-set fightback in which her resilience – which has sometimes questioned – was on show.

The scorelines were nearly identical – her defeat to clay-court specialist Solana Sierra a 6-0 7-6(4) – but the tempo of the matches were different. Against Sierra she battled back from 4-1 down in the second set, taking advantage of her opponent briefly wavering, while against Vekic she led 5-2 and had further chances to extend it to a third set at 5-4.

In both cases her opponent wrestled back control, but her fighting spirit, and ability to conjure some of her best tennis with her back against the wall, was encouraging. She saved four match points against Vekic, three on her serve when down 6-5, but was unable to break down the Croatian, who dominated baseline exchanges and seemed to retrieve every ball sent her way.

The fact that Vekic lost in Queen’s qualifying and only made the final as a lucky loser was deceptive: she struggled with illness at the start of the week, but was always going to be a difficult opponent once she recovered. She reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon two years ago and genuinely loves playing on grass. A stunning forehand down the line for her fifth match point, which she would go on to convert, encapsulated a superb performance by the 29-year-old.

Vekic played some of her best tennis of the entire season on Sunday but like against Sierra, Raducanu could and should have exploited her momentum in the second set. In both matches she failed to take her chances to extend the match into a third; learning how to grasp those opportunities, and stand confidently behind her groundstrokes in key moments, will be crucial in future.

Beyond the improvements to her physical condition and the wells of mental toughness she could dip into this week, it has been noticeable how much Raducanu has appeared to enjoy her outing on the grass – a surface which she always appears to play with freedom and creativity on.

The trademark fist pumps and roars of encouragement to herself have been on show, as have big smiles and genuine appreciation for the home crowd. The positive atmosphere, both within her box, her own mind, and the tournament itself, has been key. She thanked the crowd on Andy Murray Arena for “helping me push back in that second set”, and gave Vekic credit for going all the way from qualifying to winning the title – something she is the poster girl for.

It would be remiss not to mention that Raducanu’s uptick in form has coincided with the return of Andrew Richardson, who coached her to the US Open title five years ago.

Throughout her career Raducanu has looked her most relaxed, and played her most impressive tennis, under the guidance of a team she trusts and knows well – evident last year in a positive run under Mark Petchey and Jane O’Donohue. Throughout this week, and the final, she communicated frequently with her box, asking them for more encouragement in the second set, and it worked wonders.

“It’s great to have him back,” she said of Richardson. “The whole week I have been playing really, really good tennis and the brand of tennis that I really want to play. You take all the lessons and experience, all the different ups and downs, and you take everything. You understand a lot more what's going on and what works for you.” Having that “brand of tennis” appears the key to her success.

Raducanu’s muted, businesslike reaction to defeat on Sunday, and desire to get over it “pretty quick”, is another encouraging sign – indicative of a player not satisfied with her progress so far. In a career which has been defined by its stop-start, two steps forward and one step back nature, this must be a point from which she can push on to bigger things. On the basis of her performances this week, she and her team will be confident she can do so.

NEED TO KNOW

• Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert discuss their cancer journeys in a new Netflix documentary premiering June 26
• Both tennis legends emphasize the importance of genetic testing and regular health checkups to catch issues early
• Navratilova credits her tennis career for teaching resilience during her cancer battle and encourages others to stay vigilant

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are encouraging people to stay on top of their health.

The tennis greats spoke to PEOPLE at the Tribeca Film Festival while promoting their new documentary, Chris & Martina: The Final Set, which premieres on Netflix on June 26. In the film, both women discuss the impact of their respective cancer journeys.

Evert, 71, was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2021, a year after her sister died of the disease. Navratilova, 69, first faced breast cancer in 2010 and underwent a lumpectomy. Then in 2023, she learned her breast cancer had returned — and she also had throat cancer.

Evert tells PEOPLE that being vulnerable about their cancer journeys on screen was intentional, hoping to raise awareness in the process.

“It humbles you when you've had the highest of highs and then you get cancer. It just makes you feel like you're just like everybody else, you know? I mean, hopefully we felt that way anyway, but it's like this is a terrible disease that anybody can get,” she explained. “Part of the reason why we're doing this is just to get the word out about genetic testing and about getting your checkups. If you feel anything different in your body, get it taken care of right away.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Navratilova added they were both lucky enough to have access to the best healthcare. However, she notes that not everyone is in the same situation, stressing the importance of staying on top of your own health.

“We just want people to pay attention to their bodies because you never know what that little mole may be,” she said. “So if you see something, say something or go to the doctor, check it out. Don't let it slide.”

Navratilova also told PEOPLE that her lengthy tennis career helped her approach her cancer journey.

“Being a tennis player, you fail all the time. You know, you may win three more points than your opponent, but you win the match, that's what matters,” she said. “And that was the same thing with cancer. You persevere. You get knocked down and you keep getting up, and that's what we did,” she said.

“It made us tougher and more resilient,” Evert said.

Read the original article on People

Serena Williams next match at Berlin Open 2026: TV schedule, scores, results for doubles draw originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Women's tennis legend Serena Williams will continue her comeback tour with a doubles appearance at this week's Berlin Open.

Williams will compete in the WTA 500 grass court tournament alongside Czechia's world No. 10 singles player Karolína Muchová. The 44-year-old made her return at the Queen's Club Championship last week, but her partner Victoria Mboko suffered a knee injury that ended their joint campaign early. 

The Berlin Open has been a premier-level event on the WTA circuit since 1988, drawing top talent to Germany's capital year after year. This week's tournament at Steffi Graf Stadium will serve as a warm-up for Wimbledon, set to take place at the end of June.

Here's everything you need to know about Serena Williams' next appearance at the Berlin Open, including TV channel and streaming options for her first round match. 

When is Serena Williams' next match at Berlin Open 2026?

Serena Williams and Karolina Muchova are scheduled to begin their campaign against Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos. 

The match is set for Tuesday, June 16 but a start time has not yet been confirmed.

Serena Williams match schedule, results from Berlin Open 2026

How to watch Serena Williams at the Berlin Open 2026: TV channel, live stream

• TV channel(s): Tennis Channel
• Live stream: fubo

The Berlin Open is available for live TV broadcast on Tennis Channel in the U.S. For fans who prefer to stream on the go, the tournament will also be available to watch live on fubo, which offers a free trial for new users

Fubo offers a FREE trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Berlin Open 2026 schedule

Here's a look at the round-by-round schedule for the doubles tournament. The Tennis Channel will have coverage every day.

Serena Williams' comeback continues this week in Berlin.

Williams will be playing doubles with a new partner, Karolina Muchova, ranked No. 10 in the world, at the Berlin Open. They begin play against Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe on June 16 at Steffi Graf Stadium.

Williams played Routliffe last week, with then-partner Nicole Melichar-Martinez at the Queen's Club. If Williams and Muchova win two matches in Berlin, they could face American duo Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.

Six countries were represented in the tournament: Guatemala, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Costa Rica and Jamaica. Claverie's efforts led Team Venezuela to the only undefeated record in the group and earned them a spot in next year's World Group II Playoffs.

The six teams competed on hard courts in a round-robin tournament. The top three — Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Guatemala — earned a promotion to next year's World Group II Playoffs, while the bottom two teams — Costa Rica and Jamaica — will be relegated to Americas Group IV.

This past spring, the Caracas, Venezuela, native manned courts one, two and three throughout the dual season in singles while reaching a career-high ranking of No. 89 with Henry Jefferson in doubles. Before his time at Florida, he competed in several ATP tournaments, attaining a career-high singles ranking of 643 and a career-high doubles ranking of 586 in 2023.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida tennis alumnus Lorenzo Claverie undefeated in Davis Cup debut

Dan Evans has criticised the Lawn Tennis Association for not doing the “classy gesture” and giving him a wild card at the HSBC Championships.

Evans, 36, will not be in action at Queen’s Club this week after losing his qualifier to Marcos Giron on Saturday.

“It would have been a classy gesture to give me a wild card, but obviously that was lacking on this occasion and I was in qualifying,” Evans said.

“I think wild cards are a good thing for Brits. I would say you hope to do enough years of service for your country to maybe get one in your last tournament at Queen’s, but that wasn’t the way they went. They went with some younger guys and that’s their prerogative.

“I entered the qualifying here myself, and I got in last minute. I was offered a wild card into qualifying here,” Evans added.

“I was a bit perplexed that the LTA didn’t offer me one into main draw, myself, I obviously made the last 16 last year. It would have helped me a lot to get a few more days preparation to start main draw, but again, that’s up to them, the powers that be.

“I haven’t played a bunch of tennis, but again, that’s the reasons out of my control. I’ve been injured and that’s the reason I’m obviously retiring, because my body hasn’t been great and I no longer want to put myself through the training.”

Evans aiming for one last hurrah at SW19

After reaching a career-high ranking of world No 21 in 2023, Evans struggled with injury, playing just five matches this year, including the defeat by Giron. Earlier this month, Evans announced that he will retire from tennis following this year’s Wimbledon where he hopes to feature.

“I’ve applied via the All England Club. If they give me one or not, it’s not up to me,” Evans said on Monday.

“I’m obviously a temporary member there, so I hope that helps. I use the club during the year. I feel I’ve done plenty of time helping British tennis, off the court, and on the court, so I hope I get one.

“But I’m well capable – I’m in off my own ranking into qualifying and I’m capable of qualifying. I think what some people have forgotten is I’m a professional tennis player and I wouldn’t be playing if I wasn’t prepared or ready to play, or fit to play.”

Wimbledon will meet on Tuesday to discuss who will receive wild cards for the All England Club’s event which starts on June 29. After pressure from players the Championships’ prize money has increased to a total pot of £64.2m, with the first-round losers leaving with £80,000 – an increase of £14,000 from last year – despite not winning a single match.

In 2024, Evans sacrificed the 500 ranking points he had won at the Washington Open the year before to join forces with Andy Murray for his final tournament at the Olympic Games in Paris. The pair went on to reach the quarter-finals in what proved to be the final match of Murray’s career.

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A post shared by Judy Murray (@judymurray_)

“That was one of the best weeks in tennis which I’ve had,” Evans said. “I really enjoyed it. I loved playing the Olympics. It was an amazing experience.

“Playing for my country was the best thing, full stop. Regardless of what I did personally. So, I enjoyed it, Davis Cup and Olympics, and I would always endorse playing for your country, never missing a Davis Cup tie, if you’re asked.”

Tatjana Maria, last year’s champion at Queen’s, also accused the Lawn Tennis Association of a lack of respect after it declined to offer her a wild card invitation to this year’s event.

As the countdown to the 2026 Wimbledon Championships begins, tennis players have stepped up their preparations by competing in a series of warm-up events. Interestingly, Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, has decided not to participate in official tournaments before the Grand Slam event this year.

The World No. 1 hasn’t played competitively since his second-round loss at the French Open. Sinner has now resumed his training, though. After some downtime with his family and friends, he is back on court ahead of his title defense.

Jannik Sinner Shares the Court With Holger Rune As Wimbledon Preparations Begin

Sinner was aiming for a clean sweep at the French Open, having won all three clay Masters 1000 events (Monte-Carlo, Madrid, and Rome) this year. His run, however, came to an abrupt halt in the second round when his body gave out while leading 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. The Italian’s unexpected 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 defeat delayed his pursuit of a Career Grand Slam.

Sinner then opted for an extended break, confirming that he won’t compete at any official tournaments before Wimbledon. He was spotted on a vacation with his family and girlfriend Laila Hasanovic in Sardinia, after which he traveled to Milan to run some medical tests.

“I need really some time off, recover completely, also mentally, and then be ready to go again for Wimby,” he said after his defeat in Paris.

The 24-year-old is now back in Monaco, where he resides, ahead of the grass swing. He opted to begin his training on hardcourts at the Monte-Carlo Country Club on Monday, June 15. Sinner shared the court with Holger Rune, who has been sidelined due to an Achilles injury since last October.

The Dane initially planned to resume his campaign in Hamburg before the French Open but has since delayed his comeback as he continues to recover. Rune also pulled out of the ongoing Queen’s Club Championships but hasn’t shared an update on a potential Wimbledon appearance.

MORE: Jannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stays by His Side As New Moments Emerge During Extended Break

As for Sinner, the four-time Grand Slam champion is confirmed to join the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic line-up at the Hurlingham Club. The exhibition event runs from June 23 to 27. Also participating at the event are Flavio Cobolli, Luciano Darderi, Karen Khachanov, Cameron Norrie, Casper Ruud, and Learner Tien.

Suwak, the second seed, defeated Ryan Palandjian, a rising senior at Manheim Township High School, in the finals.

Palandjian upset No. 1 seed Joey Link in the quarterfinals.

Suwak and Max Arkans then repeated as doubles champions, beating Ryan and Jake Palandjian in the finals.

In the mixed open doubles, Cami Townsend and Matt Muoio defended their title from a year ago. Townsend played for Texas A&M Corpus-Cristi and Muoio was as standout at Albright College.

Suwak was named the Adult Tournament MVP for his two championships and finals appearance in the mixed doubles.

The tournament drew a record number of players (328). It raised $5,000 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

In the junior tournament, Conrad Weiser freshman Juliet Perkins earned her second tournament MVP.

Perkins won the girls under-14 draw, teamed with Natalie Nelson to win the under-14 doubles and partnered with Chris Uzar to win the under-14 mixed doubles.

Perkins was also a finalist in the under-18 girls event and made the finals with Ariana Plevrakis in the under-18 girls doubles and Uzar in the under-18 mixed doubles.

She also partnered with older sister Emma Perkins to capture the Sister/Sister Doubles championship in three sets over the team of Alice and Olivia Liang from Methacton.

Ethan Menegel, the Berks County singles finalist from Wilson, won the boys 18 singles title over Henry Wright, a native of Kentucky.

The boys 18 doubles was won by Uzar and Landon Lubart.

Olivia O’Neill of Kentucky won the girls under-18 title and teamed with Wright to win the under-18 mixed doubles title.

Matt Muoio and Joe Muoio won their record seventh straight Father/Son Doubles championship with a straight sets win over William Arp and Joshua Arp in the finals.

At the Night of Champions ceremony on Saturday night, along with the BCTA Hall of Fame and many other awards, it was announced that Don Hutchison and Pat Shields have been elected into the USTA Middle States Hall of Fame with the induction set to take place in Reading at the Reading Country Club on Oct. 29.

Hutchison is a longtime player, coach and administrator in Berks County, and Shields is the longtime owner of Fromuth Tennis.

The 2027 Conrad Weiser Hits for Hope Tournament will be June 7-13, 2027

French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli begins his grass-court campaign at the Terra Wortmann Open with a first-round clash against Frances Tiafoe. The American is coming off a quarterfinal run in Stuttgart and has a decent grass-court record, giving this match all the ingredients for a fascinating match.

Flavio Cobolli vs Frances Tiafoe Match Details

Date: June 15, 2026

Tournament: Terra Wortmann Open 2026

Round: Men’s Singles First Round

Venue: OWL Arena, Halle, Germany

Surface: Outdoor Grass

Category: ATP 500

Live Telecast: Tennis Channel, Sky Sports, TSN

Cobolli vs Tiafoe Head-to-Head Record

Tiafoe has had the upper hand over Cobolli, winning 3 of their 4 matches on tour. Cobolli defeated Tiafoe when they met in the Mexican Open final earlier this year before the American gained a measure of revenge by winning in straight sets at Indian Wells. This will be their first grass-court meeting.

Cobolli is coming off a remarkable run at the French Open, where he reached his maiden Grand Slam final before losing to Alexander Zverev in five sets. The Italian has little grass-court experience but did reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals last year, losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets.

Tiafoe started his grass swing by reaching the quarterfinals in Stuttgart, where he lost to Jiří Lehečka in two tight sets. He has a decent history of success on grass, with his big serve and first-strike approach working in his favor.

Cobolli vs Tiafoe Prediction and Pick

Cobolli has the momentum on his side after making the French Open final. But he might need some time to adjust to the surface.

Tiafoe has had time to make the switch from clay to grass and also holds a decent overall record on the surface. The head-to-head lead and his impressive win over Cobolli at Indian Wells will also give him confidence in defeating the 24-year-old again.

Cobolli has the attributes to succeed on grass, with his aggressive baseline game and sharp footwork allowing him to control points and counteract the surface’s low bounces. However, transitioning from clay to grass may prove challenging, especially after a grueling French Open campaign.

The sixth seed will be the favorite going into this match, but Tiafoe’s problem-solving skills and ability to thrive during fast rallies mean that he is well placed to pull off an upset.

MORE: Why Alexander Zverev’s Comments Involving His Daughter and Girlfriend Have Fans Suspecting a Dig at Alcaraz and Sinner

We expect this to be a close match, with Tiafoe’s experience and more recent grass-court play giving him the edge.

Pick – Tiafoe in three sets.

Steffi Graf received heartfelt wishes from son Jaden Agassi and daughter Jaz Agassi on her birthday. Both of them shared unseen pictures of the legendary tennis player on social media.

Graf started dating Andre Agassi in 1999 and read their vows to each other in 2001. Shortly after their wedding they welcomed their first child, Jaden, into their family, and after two years in 2023, the former tennis player gave birth to her second child, Jaz. Before starting her family and dating Agassi, Graf announced her retirement from tennis in August 1999 at the age of 30.

She ended her historic career of almost 17 years shortly after winning the French Open and advancing to the finals of the Wimbledon Championships. Currently, she is frequently seen playing pickleball with her counterpart and usually shares updates with her family on social media. She just turned 57 on June 14, 2026, and received loving birthday messages from her family.

Her son, Jaden Agassi, posted an unseen picture of his childhood with her on his Instagram story, penning a sweet message for her birthday. It read:

Following him, her daughter, Jaz, also uploaded an unseen picture of Graf posing with a fish in front of a scenic view. She penned a message that read:

When Steffi Graf weighed in on raising her children in America

In 2011, Steffi Graf once sat for a conversation with FurSie, where she opened up about why she raised her children in America rather than Germany. Revealing that comfort was one of the biggest reasons to raise the kids in America, she said that her entire family, including her mother, her brother, and Andre Agassi’s family, also lived here.

In addition to this, she also opened up the charitable nature that the American children are taught about, saying:

Steffi Graf enjoyed an illustrious career, winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, placing second in the Open Era behind Serena Williams. In 1988, she became the only player in tennis history to win the Golden Slam by winning all four majors and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year.

Read more:

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College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to build what looks like Wimbledon in the desert.

The Gulf state’s Qiddiya Investment Company has announced the construction of a national tennis centre bearing a striking resemblance to the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Footage and images of what would be the largest tennis facility in the region shows a number of courts sporting the famous green and purple colours of the AELTC, the exteriors of which are clad with plants.

It also shows a “centre court” with 15,000 seats and a retractable roof – albeit for “climate control” rather than rain – exactly the same configuration as the best-known arena in tennis.

The facility has even been designed by the same architects behind Wimbledon Centre Court’s retractable roof, the firm Populous.

However, none of the surfaces are grass, with the centre boasting 28 hard courts and two clay courts.

It has been billed as Saudi’s “future home of international tennis” and will be located in Qiddiya City, the kingdom’s capital of entertainment, sport and culture, 30 miles west of the capital, Riyadh.

It is part of plans to build a new city three times the size of Paris, which include a Sir Nick Faldo signature-designed 18-hole championship golf course set to open later this year.

The tennis centre appears likely to host an ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia from 2028. The tournament was announced in October.

Monday’s announcement came a fortnight before the start of Wimbledon, as well as during Queen’s, which ended up being sponsored by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund following an about-turn by British tennis chiefs.

A deal that had been rejected less than 18 months earlier was also announced weeks after PIF pulled the plug on its multibillion-dollar investment in LIV Golf.

Tennis was threatened with a LIV-style battle for its future when PIF announced multi-year partnerships with both the ATP and WTA in 2024.

The latter deal prompted a backlash led by Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert after it included staging the season-ending WTA Tour Finals in Saudi Arabia, a country notorious for the oppression of women.

Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority, also created the so-called Six Kings Slam, an annual exhibition event for men in Riyadh which features a record $6m (£4.7m) in prize money for the winner. Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the first two editions.

Announcing the new tennis centre, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi sports minister and president of its Olympic and Paralympic committee, said: “The centre has the necessary capabilities to host major tournaments and elite players, having been built according to the highest international specifications and standards. This reflects the commitment to developing the tennis ecosystem in the kingdom, as with other sports, by enhancing infrastructure and programmes that support the scouting and development of Saudi talent. These efforts help guide players from the amateur stage to professionalism while contributing to the achievement of the sports objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Eno Polo, the ATP chief executive, said: “The national tennis centre at Qiddiya City is a remarkable addition to the global tennis landscape. As the largest tennis facility of its kind in the region, it reflects a bold vision for the future of tennis and a commitment to creating more opportunities for people to engage with our sport, whether as players, fans or members of the wider community.

“Facilities of this scale and quality play an important role in the continued growth of tennis. By providing a world-class stage for competition alongside opportunities for participation at all levels, the national tennis centre has the potential to make a lasting impact on the sport across the region for years to come.”

Sampras, 54, won the 2002 US Open, his 14th and final Grand Slam title. He retired one year later after having not played the 12 months after his New York win. He was just 31 when he left the game. Sampras won 64 career ATP titles and posted an impressive 762-222 record over the course of his career.

MORE: Where is former WTA World No. 1 Jennifer Capriati

Sampras leads quiet life away from spotlight

Sampras preferred to ride into the sunset as a champion and live a quiet life afterward. He and Wilson have two sons, Christian and Ryan, born in 2002 and 2005, respectively. Sampras and Wilson reside in California. Both made conscious decisions to retire from their professions at a young age to raise their family outside the public eye.

In 2022, Wilson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and has been rarely seen since. Neither Wilson nor Sampras shared details on her diagnosis; however, Pete once said: “Watching Bridgette continue to be an incredible mom and wife through it all has been very inspiring… With that said, I will end this by humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey.”

Sampras was spotted in last year in a California coffee run, in photos that went viral, because of his obscurity.

MORE: Where is former WTA World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka

Sampras family is still heavily involved in tennis

Sampras’s older sister, Stella, 57, is UCLA’s head tennis coach, a role she has held for 30 years. She is a member of the UCLA Hall of Fame and coached 2021 Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady. Pete’s niece and Stella’s daughter, Sophia Webster, is playing NCAA tennis at Vanderbilt. Sophia’s twin sister, Savannah, is playing at Belmont University.

Coco Gauff has been enjoying a positive week ahead of her upcoming campaign in Germany. From wishing the newly-crowned Stuttgart champion Ben Shelton well to receiving a massive boost for her upcoming Berlin Open, Gauff’s week has been nothing short of perfect.

At the Boss Open, Ben Shelton dethroned fellow American Taylor Fritz to lift his first grass-court title in a three-set win: 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

America’s dominance continued on the women’s side at the Libema Open, where Robin Montgomery took home her first WTA singles title after her opponent, Barbora Krejcikova, withdrew due to illness before the final match.

Gauff was quick to celebrate the global American triumph by sending out heartfelt congratulatory messages to both new champions via her Instagram. She posted two separate stories with photos of the new champions, alongside clapping emojis to salute their historic milestones.

Soon after, Gauff hit an on-court jackpot, as the abrupt withdrawal of Amanda Anisimova from the Berlin Open made headlines. Anisimova has decided not to show up in Germany following a disappointing quarterfinal loss to Iva Jovic at the Queen’s Club last week.

Anisimova is currently ranked within the top five, while Gauff stands at number seven, but with the American’s last-minute withdrawal, Gauff has now received a first-round bye in the draw of the German tournament. She will, however, play a qualifier or Paula Badosa in the second round.

Originally, Coco Gauff was in line to meet World No. 1 Sabalenka in the quarterfinals. But now, the American has now moved to the bottom half, and can only meet her in the final.

Coco Gauff Has Never Reached The Finals Of The WTA 500 Berlin Open

Coco Gauff has had a tough time at the grass courts of Germany since 2022 and is yet to make it past the semifinal round of the Berlin Open. Back in 2022, the American fell to Ons Jabeur in the semifinals and was again defeated by Ekaterina Alexandrova the next year in the Round of 16.

Gauff returned in 2024, only to once again fall short in the semifinal round, this time against Jessica Pegula. Then last year, the American suffered another Round of 16 exit at the 2025 Berlin Open to Wang Xiyu.

Now, since the American has received a startling relief with a first-round bye, it remains to be seen if she can break the curse this year and finally attain glory in Germany.

Read more:

“Alexander Zverev Is Insufferable” – Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner Fans Slam German For Controversial ‘Yacht & Ferrari’ Comment

Madison Keys Teases Anxious Men’s Players For Ruining the Locker Room Vibe With French Open Panic

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!

This week, Serena Williams returned, an awkward run of results for two best friends continued, and the dog days might be over at Wimbledon.

If you’d like to follow our fantastic tennis coverage, click here.

How did Serena Williams’ comeback feel?

It was the headbands that got me.

I can’t think of a moment I’ve been excited about a GOAT coming out of retirement. Call me grumpy, but I tend to get bummed out at the idea of a monumentally accomplished athlete returning to see what’s left to squeeze out of their career. I want these all-time greats to be satisfied enough to move on with life; I want them to avoid having to face being fractionally as good as they once were; I want society to be able to let its legends lie.

I also know this type of mindset is utterly opposed to one of the things that makes generational athletes spectacular: The undying desire to push one’s limits as far as possible.

Still, I had mixed personal feelings about Serena Williams’ return. As a reporter, I am interested in getting a look at her tennis. As a follower of the sport, I wasn’t quite as swept up with the Queen returning as others seemed to be, though I understood Williams wanting her children to see her play competitive tennis — to know her fully.

I did not expect to be so transported watching her play.

It wasn’t Williams’ tennis that did it at first, but rather the sights and sounds of her game on a grass court in London, coming through my TV on a late summery afternoon, just the way I watched her win so many Wimbledons as a kid — first as a teen, then as a young adult.

I chuckled to myself when she first walked out and I saw the two skinny headbands bobby-pinned to her bouncy curls, her specific bubble ponytail trailing down her back. A friend texted, “she’s still loyal to that hairstyle.” I smiled. Then I heard the grunts, the wails, a “YES!” the familiar sounds of Williams competing. Watching her service motion was like climbing into a time machine, though I appreciate its grace and power much more now than I was able to 15 years ago.

Then it was over, and I was watching Williams twirl in victory as she waved at the crowd alongside Victoria Mboko, as she always does after a match. I wasn’t thinking about how far Williams might make it at a Grand Slam, or if she would play singles. I wasn’t trying to analyze the broader impact of a 44-year-old woman playing professional sports.

I was sat on my couch, awash in nostalgia, thinking how lovely it is to spend an afternoon watching Williams play tennis.

— Ava Wallace

How do best friends cope with one-sided matchups?

For Iva Jović, last week’s women’s event at Queen’s marked the second straight tournament in which she thrashed Alexandra Eala — one of the 18-year-old American’s best friends on tour. They’ve played doubles together at a couple of events this year, and their friendship goes back to the 2022 U.S. Open girls’ tournament.

That was when they first faced one another, with Eala of the Philippines, who is now 21, and future French Open champion Mirra Andreeva beating Jović and compatriot Shannon Lam 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the girls’ doubles.

Close friends having to face one another is a longstanding tennis dynamic, and can lead to some uneven head-to-heads or strange matchups. Serena and Venus Williams were too close for their matches to have any real edge or needle, which resulted in a few disappointing matches for the neutral. Russian pair Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev meanwhile are so friendly that the latter is the godfather to Medvedev’s daughter. Medvedev leads the head to head 7-2, creating a “big brother-little brother” dynamic, in which the older sibling has almost always won out.

So far in their young rivalry, Jović, the world No. 19, has won both meetings with Eala, ranked No. 33, handsomely: 6-4, 6-2 in the French Open first round in May and then 6-2, 6-2 in the second round at the Queen’s Club in west London last week.

“I wish we could play at later stages of the tournaments,” Jovic said in a news conference after her latest win. This echoed a sentiment offered by America’s Tommy Paul a couple of years ago, when asked how he found facing good friends like fellow Americans and contemporaries Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz. “I hate playing them first or second round,” he said in an interview.

“Playing semis or finals of a big tournament? That’s what we dreamed about when we were young.”

During an interview ahead of Wimbledon 2024, Fritz said that he hates such matchups.

“It’s tough to get into it when you’re playing a friend. I’ve had a good record in these matches, but it’s definitely uncomfortable.”

Jović and Eala will hope they’ll soon be meeting when the stakes are even higher.

— Charlie Eccleshare

Why are tennis players’ dogs back in the spotlight?

Tennis players’ dogs were everywhere at the French Open this year. They were sitting in boxes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, running around the players’ lounge, napping in news conferences and, in the case of one dog, celebrating on court with Mirra Andreeva after she won her first Grand Slam title. Luna, canine companion to Conchita Martinez, Andreeva’s coach, surely made Andreeva’s own pup, Rassy, jealous watching from home.

Roland Garros treated the pups like royalty. Responding to a notable uptick in recent years of players traveling with their dogs on tour, the French Open partnered with a luxury dog concierge who provided individualized care for players’ pups. Roland Garros viewed the service as an extension of how they take care of their players, who got to focus on their day jobs while knowing their beloved pets were being pampered.

Wimbledon, in keeping with its stately tradition, isn’t quite as dog friendly.

Chief executive Sally Bolton reiterated the tournament’s policy earlier this week.

“The only dogs that we permit on site are service dogs, and those security and search dogs,” Bolton said in a news conference. “We’re in constant communication with the players and we don’t anticipate that being a problem, but that’s our policy and always has been our policy.”

That doesn’t mean there won’t be any dogs at Wimbledon. Several of the dogs who travel the tennis circuit are registered service animals. But will Wimbledon be catering to pups in the same manner as Roland Garros? It doesn’t sound like it — and it’s a bit hard to imagine a four-legged friend sitting at Centre Court.

Still, Wimbledon is known as the tournament that dotes on its players most. It’s hard to imagine their reputation for impeccable player care taking a hit because there isn’t a doggy pool on site.

— Ava Wallace

How much should tennis fans pay attention to viewing figures?

It’s tempting to draw conclusions about the state of tennis by using viewing figures from its most important matches, but their sensitivity to stardom means that context is key.

This year’s French Open men’s final, in which No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev beat No. 10 seed Flavio Cobolli over five tense sets, delivered 1.3 million viewers across TNT and truTV, according to data from Sports Business Journal. It was the least-watched French Open men’s final in more than 20 years, and was also down 25 percent on last year, when the two best players and biggest stars in men’s tennis, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, played out one of the most dramatic matches in the history of the sport.

That’s not exactly a surprising outcome.

It was a similar story with the women’s final. 826,000 watched Mirra Andreeva defeat Maja Chwalińska in straight sets, down 44 percent from 1.5 million for Coco Gauff’s three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka last year. That too was a hugely eventful match. Andreeva’s win over Chwalińska, the world No. 114 and qualifier who made a stunning run to the final attracted more viewers than the 756,000 that NBC drew two years ago for Iga Świątek’s similarly one-sided victory over Jasmine Paolini.

Overall, TNT had similar viewing numbers this year as 2025 — helped by an action-packed first week in which big names like Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Gauff suffered dramatic exits. The price a tournament pays for those kinds of upsets is having finals with less star power than usual. This year’s French Open averaged 387,000 viewers, down just one percent from 390,000 last year.

At a Wimbledon where many of the star names may have better fortunes, and Serena Williams could make a Grand Slam comeback after four years out, there will likely be another bounce in viewership.

— Charlie Eccleshare

Shot of the week

Serena Williams’ two-handed backhand winner off an overhead in her first match back was a ripper …

But the prize has to go to 17-year-old Thijs Boogard, for this audacious use of the underarm serve against deep-return master Daniil Medvedev when down break point:

🏆 The winners of the week

🎾 ATP: 

🏆 Ben Shelton (1) def. Taylor Fritz (2) 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to win the Stuttgart Open (250) in Stuttgart, Germany. It is Shelton’s third title of 2026; he defeated Fritz in two of his three finals played.

🏆 Kamil Majchrzak def. Alex de Minaur 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) to win the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships (250) in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. It is the 30-year-old’s first ATP Tour title.

🎾 WTA:

🏆 Donna Vekić (LL) def. Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6(6) to win Queen’s (500) in London. It is the Croatian’s first WTA 500 title.

🏆 Robin Montgomery (Q) def. Barbora Krejčíková (8) (W/O) to win the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships (250) in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. It is the 21-year-old’s first WTA Tour title.

📈📉 On the rise / Down the line

📈 Donna Vekić moves up 44 places from No. 76 to No. 32 after winning the title at Queen’s.

📈 Kamil Majchrzak ascends 29 spots from No. 76 to No. 47, a new career-high ranking.

📈 Robin Montgomery reenters the top 200 after rising 290 spots from No. 484 to No. 194.

📈 Jesper de Jong rises 11 spots from No. 83 to No. 72.

📉 Gabriel Diallo falls 30 places from No. 54 to No. 84.

📉 Tatjana Maria leaves the top 100, dropping 65 places from No. 52 to No. 117.

📉 Reilly Opelka also leaves the top 100, tumbling 16 places from No. 86 to No. 102.

📉 Zheng Qinwen falls 38 spots from No. 122 to No. 160.

📅 Coming up

🎾 ATP 

📍London: Queen’s (500) featuring Alex de Minaur, Jakub Menšík, Rafael Jódar, Tommy Paul.

📍Halle, Germany: Halle Open (500) featuring Alexander Zverev, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Ben Shelton, João Fonseca.

📺 UK: Sky Sports; U.S.: Tennis Channel 💻 Tennis TV

🎾 WTA

📍Berlin: Berlin Tennis Open (500) featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Serena Williams.

📍Nottingham, England: Nottingham Open (250) featuring Zheng Qinwen, Maria Sakkari, Leylah Fernandez, Emma Navarro.

📺 UK: Sky Sports; U.S.: Tennis Channel

Tell us what you noticed this week in the comments below as the men’s and women’s tours continue.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Sports Business, Culture, Tennis, Women's Tennis

2026 The Athletic Media Company

A wave of high-profile withdrawals has shaken up the women’s draws at the Berlin Tennis Open and the Nottingham Open. Amanda Anisimova, Iva Jovic, Victoria Mboko, and Mirra Andreeva are among the notable names to pull out, triggering major reshuffles to the tournament fields as players gear up for the Wimbledon Championships.

Amanda Anisimova, Mirra Andreeva, and Others Abandon Berlin Tennis Open

Although the Berlin Tennis Open boasts a star-studded draw featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Coco Gauff, the event has also been rocked by several major withdrawals.

Anisimova recently kicked off her grass-court season at the Queen’s Club Championships, where she suffered a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 loss to Iva Jovic in the quarterfinals. The American was originally slated to compete at the WTA 500 event as the No. 4 seed, but she withdrew. As a result, No. 5 seed Gauff moved up one spot in the seedings, giving her a bye in the first round.

Fresh off winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open, world No. 5 Andreeva opted to delay the start of her grass-court season to prioritize her recovery.

“My team and I have decided to take more time to rest, recover and better prepare for grass,” she said. “I’ll miss the time in Berlin. Hope to be back next year!”

After suffering a devastating knee injury during her singles match at the Queen’s Club Championships, which also ended her and Serena Williams’ doubles campaign, world No. 9 Victoria Mboko had to pull out of the event in Berlin and will also miss the Wimbledon Championships.

World No. 11 Belinda Bencic has likewise announced her withdrawal after sustaining a right ankle injury that also forced her to abandon her Queen’s Club campaign before her opening match.

Meanwhile, world No. 14 Jasmine Paolini has been sidelined by a foot injury, with world No. 18 Sorana Cîrstea also missing the Berlin Tennis Open and the Bad Homburg Open due to injury.

“Unfortunately due to a small injury I picked up this week, I have to pull out of Berlin and Bad Homburg. I was looking forward to my time in Germany, but the body needs a bit of time to recover. See you all back in Wimbledon,” Cîrstea posted on her Instagram story.

As a result of the string of withdrawals, Elise Mertens, Diana Shnaider, Anastasia Potapova, Wang Xinyu, and Anna Kalinskaya have secured spots in the main draw of the WTA 500 event.

MORE:‘She’s Back’ – Jessica Pegula, Chris Evert Lead Warm Messages to Donna Vekić After Queen’s Club Triumph

Iva Jovic Pulls Out of Nottingham Open as Emma Raducanu Faces Uncertainty

Jovic recently fell short in the semifinals of the Queen’s Club Championships, with Raducanu securing a 6-2, 6-2 victory in their blockbuster encounter. The American, who competed with her left ankle heavily strapped, later withdrew from her doubles semifinal before pulling out of the Nottingham Open due to the injury.

Jovic was set to be the No. 1 seed at the WTA 250 event, but her absence has paved the way for Raducanu to take the top spot on the draw sheet after accepting a wildcard into the tournament. However, the Brit’s participation remains uncertain.

Speaking to the press after her 6-0, 7-6(6) loss to Donna Vekić in the Queen’s Club final, Raducanu revealed that she had yet to make a final decision on whether she would compete in Nottingham.

“Yeah, I don’t know right now. I pretty much came straight into here. I haven’t necessarily decided,” she said. “We’ll see. We’ll see.”

If Raducanu does decide to play, she will face Karolína Plíšková in her opening match.

MORE:Emma Raducanu’s and Donna Vekić’s Prize Money After HSBC Championships 2026 Final at Queen’s Club

Meanwhile, Barbora Krejčíková has pulled out of the event due to an upper respiratory illness, while No. 7 seed Jaqueline Cristian has been sidelined due to a right knee injury.

Sofia Kenin, Kimberly Birrell, and Taylah Preston have entered the main draw of the tournament as the lucky losers following the withdrawals.

French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska may be forced to go through qualifying - as she did at Roland-Garros - to make the Wimbledon main draw despite her stunning result in Paris.

The world No 114 when she won nine matches in a row to get through three rounds of qualifying and make the French Open final, where she lost to eighth seed Mirra Andreeva, Chwalinska has now soared 93 places up in the WTA Tour standings to 21st.

But despite that being technically enough to qualify her for a seeding, with the top 32 players in the world becoming seeds, she will in fact either need a wildcard or to go through qualifying again in order to make the main draw at Wimbledon.

That is due to Wimbledon having an entry cut-off six weeks before the tournament actually begins, meaning that any changes in the rankings in the six-week period leading up to the tournament - which encompasses the entire French Open - are not reflected in the seedings or the draws at SW19.

So Chwalinska will need a main-draw wildcard in order to automatically qualify for the tournament, but is far from guaranteed one.

The All England Club, which announces its singles and doubles wildcards for the 2026 tournament in the week beginning June 15, typically chooses to give them to lower-ranked British players.

Chwalinska herself was doubtful she would receive one, telling press in Paris: “That would be the news of a century. Honestly, I don’t expect it, but I’ll see.”

The Wimbledon website states: “Wild cards are usually offered on the basis of past performance at Wimbledon or to increase British interest”.

Queen’s, the major warm-up tournament to Wimbledon, came under fire earlier this month for not granting a wildcard to defending champion Tatjana Maria but instead offering four to British players ranked lower than the German.

Maria had to go through three rounds of qualifying - winning two matches in one day - in order to reach the main draw and have a chance to defend her title.

Will Serena Williams play at Wimbledon?

One of the major questions around this year’s tournament concerns whether 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams will return to SW19.

The American great announced she would be “evolving away” from tennis in 2022, playing her last competitive match at the US Open that year, before announcing her return to the sport this month.

She has only played doubles so far, partnering 19-year-old Victoria Mboko at Queen’s and sharing the news that she will also play in Berlin, another warm-up tournament.

Her partnership with world No 9 Mboko came to a premature end after just one match as the teenager suffered a nasty knee injury in her singles opener at Queen’s and was forced to withdraw both from that encounter and the doubles, where she and Williams had reached the quarter-finals.

There has been no word yet on whether Williams will continue her grass-court adventure at Wimbledon, although it seems highly unlikely that she would pass on the opportunity, or whether she will receive a doubles wildcard or embark on a return to singles too.

Speaking at the annual pre-tournament press conference, the All England Club’s chief executive, Sally Bolton, said: “We ​can all see how much excitement Serena being back on a tennis court, and particularly back on a grass court, has created. And so one can only imagine what ​that would be like if it was the Championship.

“The wildcard committee will ‌make ⁠their decisions formally next week and we'll be communicating those early next week.

“She has certainly created a fantastic buzz, and that is exciting for the sport.”

All England Club chairwoman Debbie Jevans added: “I'm sure it [the wildcard committee] won't ignore her success at ​Wimbledon when ⁠making that decision.

The official Wimbledon Instagram account also appeared to spoil the news in advance, commenting on one of the American great’s posts: “See you at SW19 for The Championships, Serena,” a week before the wildcards were announced.

Serena won the women’s doubles tournament at Wimbledon twice as a wildcard, alongside sister Venus, who is still competing.

Novak Djokovic had the best seat in the house to witness history being made, as he waved the checkered flag when F1 icon Lewis Hamilton crossed the finish line at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix to secure his first win as a Ferrari driver. Djokovic later expressed his admiration for Hamilton’s achievement, with Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, joining in the celebrations.

How Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams Celebrated Lewis Hamilton’s Victory

When Hamilton last stood on the top step of the podium at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, he was still driving for Mercedes before his high-profile switch to Ferrari in 2025. After going winless for 40 Grands Prix, the Brit finally ended his drought at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, finishing ahead of former teammate George Russell and defending world champion Lando Norris.

Hamilton celebrated his long-awaited victory with an empowering message.

“REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE,” Hamilton captioned his Instagram post.

While many of his fellow ATP stars have been busy competing during the grass-court season, Djokovic opted to enjoy a brief break before Wimbledon. The Serb attended the Grand Prix in person, where he was given the honor of waving the checkered flag when Hamilton crossed the finish line in Barcelona.

Djokovic paid tribute to the seven-time world champion’s “greatness” in a heartfelt reaction after the race.

“Greatness 👏🙌👏,” the Serb posted on his Instagram story.

Serena Williams, who is close friends with Hamilton, also shared an uplifting message in support of the F1 icon.

“Never forget. I love you bro,” she posted.

Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, also expressed his delight at Hamilton’s remarkable victory.

“LFG!!!!” Ohanian commented.

MORE:‘Seriously?’ – Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula’s Unexpected Berlin Move Leaves Fans Puzzled Over Serena Williams Angle

Williams took a break from her preparations for the Berlin Tennis Open to celebrate Hamilton’s victory. Although she initially retired at the 2022 US Open, the 23-time Grand Slam champion recently made her return to professional tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships, opting to compete in doubles.

Partnering with Victoria Mboko, she secured a 7-6(2), 6-2 win over No. 3 seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in their opening match.

Following the win, Williams shared a heartwarming embrace with her daughters, Olympia and Adira, as well as her husband, who were cheering her on from the stands. The moment had added significance, since the former world No. 1 previously revealed that her motivation for the comeback was to give her children the chance to see her compete.

In an unfortunate twist, the duo was forced to abandon their campaign at the WTA 500 event after Mboko sustained a knee injury in her singles match. Williams has now teamed up with Karolina Muchova at the Berlin Tennis Open, and the pair will face Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos in the first round.

MORE: Did Wimbledon Prematurely Drop Serena Williams Hint? All About the Unexpected Move

While Serena Williams has yet to officially confirm whether she will be in action at the Wimbledon Championships, a premature clue from the tournament has fueled speculation that she could be set for a return to SW19. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is expected to head straight to Wimbledon without any warm-up tournaments beforehand, aiming to capture his eighth title at SW19.

Ben Shelton has only extended his lead over Taylor Fritz after their All-American meeting in Stuttgart. The World No. 5 secured his third straight win in his and Fritz’s four-match rivalry, beating the fellow American 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in Sunday’s Boss Open final.

After the win, Shelton was appreciative of everything Fritz has done in his career so far. The pair shared a light-hearted moment when the champion misestimated his opponent’s grass-court titles.

Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz React After Their Boss Open Final

Fritz was defending his title in Stuttgart this week. The 2025 champion opened his run with a hard-fought 6-7(4), 7-5, 7-6(3) comeback against Martin Landaluce. He again came from behind in his quarterfinal against Mattia Bellucci to secure a 5-7, 7-5, 7-5 win. In the semifinal, Fritz beat Alexander Bublik with a 6-4, 6-4 score to secure a place in the final showdown.

The American entered the grass swing after a forgettable clay season. He was sidelined for the most part due to a lingering knee injury and failed in both matches upon his return in Geneva and Paris. During his champion’s speech, Shelton recognized his compatriot’s efforts in returning to winning ways.

“I want to congratulate Taylor, you, and your team. What you guys do day in, day out is incredible to get you healthy, to get you playing. It hasn’t been the easiest year, but what you’ve done for American tennis, your resume, every time that we’re warming up and we’re about to play and they’re listing off the things that you did. You’ve had an insane career and you’re not anywhere close to done,” he said of the 2024 US Open runner-up.

Shelton then highlighted Fritz’s grass-court prowess. The latter was, however, forced to correct Shelton when he hilariously misremembered the correct number of titles. “Six grass-court titles out of seven finals, right? What was it? Oh, five. Still ridiculous,” the champion said, laughing.

Five of Fritz’s ten career titles have come on the surface. Before his defeat on Sunday, he had won all five grass finals he contested. The 28-year-old also reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2025 after two failed quarterfinal attempts.

“You’re a contender. You’re a contender every year at Wimbledon, and you get better each week that you play on the grass. So I’m really looking forward to seeing what you do the rest of this swing,” Shelton said.

Fritz, meanwhile, commended his compatriot for battling through a rain-hit and chaotic schedule. “He had an insane schedule this week, playing half matches one day, finishing the other day; playing another match that night, waiting around all day. So, it’s deserved and it speaks to the kind of player he is. He’s an amazing competitor. So, congrats to you and congrats to your team.”

MORE: Coco Gauff and Others Join Ben Shelton’s Sister and Trinity Rodman in Reacting to His Stuttgart Win

After their campaigns in Stuttgart, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton will travel to Halle for the ATP 500 Terra Wortmann Open. The former begins his campaign against Zizou Bergs while the latter faces Nick Kyrgios in his opener.

Ben Shelton’s grass swing is off to an excellent start. The 23-year-old clinched his third title of 2026 and his first-ever title on grass, dethroning his compatriot, Taylor Fritz, in Sunday’s Boss Open final in Stuttgart. During the match, Shelton received support from his coaching team and his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman.

Rodman later showed her love and appreciation on social media. Shelton’s sister Emma, too, acknowledged his milestone win, as Coco Gauff and other tennis stars joined in.

Ben Shelton Beats Taylor Fritz To Win the Boss Open

Shelton and Fritz entered the Boss Open as the top two seeds. The latter was the defending champion at the tournament, having won his fifth grass-court title in Stuttgart last year. Shelton, meanwhile, reached his first grass-court final on Sunday after surviving a series of tough tests en route. Each of his four matches went the distance.

The top seed started his campaign with a scare against compatriot Marcos Giron, saving a match point to secure a 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(5) win. He then staged a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback against Japan’s Sho Shimabukuro before saving a couple of match points against Jiří Lehečka to win the semifinal 6-7(4), 7-6(14), 7-6(6). In the all-American final, Shelton edged out Fritz with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 score.

The player’s sister, Emma, proudly showed off her brother’s achievement on Instagram. Shelton’s girlfriend, Rodman, made an appearance at the event after competing for the United States women’s national soccer team in Brazil. She received a special mention from her partner during the victory speech.

“I want to thank my girlfriend for flying here from Brazil. I won a title at I think every tournament that she’s been at this year, maybe not in Auckland, but that doesn’t count. You’re definitely the lucky charm, so I really appreciate you making the effort,” Ben Shelton said.

Rodman responded in kind, calling herself his “no. 1 fan.”

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iva Jovic, and Victoria Mboko, too, shared their reactions.

Tennis legend Monica Seles congratulated Shelton alongside Queen’s Club champion Donna Vekic, who beat Emma Raducanu to clinch her career’s biggest title yet. “Two exciting finals this morning. I could feel the players’ tension through the TV. Congratulations to Donna and Ben. Love the game even when played on grass,” she wrote.

With his win against Fritz, Shelton has now collected a title on each surface. Alongside his win in Stuttgart, he has two hardcourt titles (the 2023 Japan Open and the 2025 Canadian Open), two clay-court titles (the 2024 ATP Houston and the 2026 BMW Open), and one indoor hardcourt title (the 2026 Dallas Open).

MORE: Ben Shelton Stunned by Girlfriend Trinity Rodman’s Energy As They Reunite in Stuttgart

Shelton now has little time to celebrate as he heads to Halle to chase his first ATP 500 trophy on grass. He has drawn Nick Kyrgios in the first round.

Donna Vekić’s fairytale run at the 2026 Queen’s Club Championships ended in style, as the Croatian snapped her title drought with an impressive victory over home favorite Emma Raducanu in the final. Vekić’s performance drew admiration from across the tennis world, with Jessica Pegula and Chris Evert among those applauding her achievement.

How Jessica Pegula and Chris Evert Reacted to Donna Vekić’s Queen’s Club Victory

Vekić’s triumph at the Queen’s Club Championships is all the more remarkable because she nearly failed to reach the main draw of the WTA 500 event. After suffering a 6-2, 6-4 loss to Anna Blinkova in the final round of qualifiers, she was handed an unexpected lifeline when Marta Kostyuk withdrew from the tournament, allowing her entry as the lucky loser.

Vekić kicked off her campaign with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 win over Mika Stojsavljevic and defeated Marie Bouzková 7-6(9), 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals. She then survived a hard-fought battle against Karolína Plíšková, securing a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory. With a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Katie Boulter, the 29-year-old set up a blockbuster final against Emma Raducanu.

Although the Croatian made a commanding start to the battle by clinching the opening set 6-0, Raducanu looked poised to force a decider when she established a 5-2 lead in the second set. However, Vekić fended off two set points and mounted a stellar comeback to claim a 6-0, 7-6(6) victory, securing her fifth tour-level title and her first at the WTA 500 level. It was also her first title since triumphing at the 2023 Monterrey Open.

Pegula was quick to send a heartfelt message to Vekić, celebrating her impressive triumph.

“She’s backkk congrats @donnavekic 👏🏻💎,” Pegula shared on her Instagram story.

Although Boulter fell short against Vekić in the semifinals, she graciously congratulated the 29-year-old on her victory. Chris Evert and Victoria Azarenka also shared warm messages for the Croatian.

“Way too good 👏🏻👏🏻,” Boulter commented.

“🙌🏆,” Pegula posted.

“great effort, Donna!❤️👍💪🏼💃,” Evert said.

“Idemo Donna ❤️❤️❤️,” Azarenka wrote.

MORE:‘Seriously?’ – Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula’s Unexpected Berlin Move Leaves Fans Puzzled Over Serena Williams Angle

Raducanu had also reserved words of praise for Vekić during her on-court interview with BBC Sport, saying, “Today was a really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish. So thanks for getting me through some tough moments this week and also for helping me push back in that second set. What a week for you, from qualifying all the way to the title. You played really well, so all the best.”

Donna Vekić will now join No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula at the Berlin Tennis Open, though the Croatian faces a challenging path to the title. She is set to lock horns with Alexandra Eala in her opening match, with No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina awaiting the winner in the second round.

Donna Vekic had a couple of Grand Slam champions in mind when asked about which players could follow in the footsteps of Serena Williams.

Vekic is currently competing at the Queen’s Club Championships, where Williams recently returned to action, partnering with Victoria Mboko in doubles and winning her first match in nearly four years.

The Croatian wasn’t expecting to play after falling short in qualifying, but was given a second chance as a lucky loser. Since then, she has strung together four straight wins to reach the final.

Speaking after booking her place in the final, Vekic was asked if there were any other Grand Slam champions she would like to see make a comeback.

Sloane Stephens, among Grand Slam champions, tipped for a comeback

In reply, Vekic pointed out that Sloane Stephens has already made something of a comeback this year. After stepping away from tennis last August, Stephens returned at the Miami Open back in March.

She later played her first singles match since 2018 at the Charleston Open before returning to Wimbledon for the first time since 2017. Although she lost early on at SW19 and again at Eastbourne, Kerber reached the third round of Queen’s Club before losing to Leylah Fernandez.

Vekic Picks Chris Evert and Pam Shriver as Her Ideal Comebacks

After beating Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the final at Queen’s, Vekic was asked in her post-match interview about which retired player she would most like to see return.

She picked Chris Evert, a familiar name for her, having trained at Evert’s academy as a teenager and spent time working with her brother, John.

Pam Shriver was another name Vekic mentioned. She had helped coach Vekic during her run to the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2024.

“Maybe Chrissie Evert,” Vekic responded in her post-match press conference at Queen’s. “She’s always been a bit of a mentor to me before — I would love to see Pam Shriver, as well. That would be great (smiling),” she added.

Shriver is a 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion and when asked whether she’d be interested in partnering up with her again, Vekic replied:

“Oh, I would but I don’t think she’d like to be playing with me (smiling). She always says: ‘Oh I want to see you play more doubles’ and I’m like: ‘Yeah maybe in another lifetime’.”

How Donna Vekic’s ranking will change after Queen’s

Vekic has previously reached as high as world number 17, but she arrived at Queen’s ranked outside the top 70 after a difficult year.

Her performance this week has been a positive sign, and she is now set to climb back up the rankings following her run to the final of the WTA 500 event in London.

The latest live rankings project her to move up to world number 44 thanks to her strong showing.

If she can get past Emma Raducanu in the final, Vekic could move even higher, with a potential jump up to world number 32.

Reaching that mark would be significant, as it could put her in position to earn a seeded spot at Wimbledon.

Read more:

Emma Raducanu looks like she’s already given herself a better shot at Wimbledon this year.

After missing much of the clay court swing with a viral illness, Raducanu entered the grass season without a win in more than two months.

The British number one made her way through to the final of the Queen’s Club Championships, notching wins over Iva Jovic and Sorana Cirstea along the way. It’s her biggest final appearance since that stunning US Open title run in 2021.

And even before playing in that Queen’s decider, Raducanu had already put herself in a stronger position heading into Wimbledon.

Emma Raducanu may have secured a seed for Wimbledon

Raducanu’s two-month break from the tour saw her ranking drop to world number 42 before the start of Queen’s this year.

That left her unseeded for Wimbledon, meaning she could have drawn anyone, including world number one Aryna Sabalenka, as early as the first round.

But after four straight wins at Queen’s, she’s moved up to 31st in the live rankings. With Victoria Mboko and Hailey Baptiste withdrawing from the tournament, the seeding cut-off has shifted to 34.

That leaves Raducanu in a strong position to be seeded for Wimbledon this year, regardless of how things go against Donna Vekic in the Queen’s final.

A win over Vekic would take her up to 29th in the live rankings, putting her well inside that revised seeding bracket. Even without it, she looks set for a more favourable draw at SW19 this time around.

Emma Raducanu set for busy spell after taking late Nottingham Open wildcard

Raducanu is in for a busy spell, having accepted a late wildcard entry into the WTA 250 event in Nottingham next week.

This week at Queen’s has already taken a toll on her physically, especially since rain delays forced her to play both the quarter-final and semi-final on the same day. Given that workload, it wouldn’t be a shock if she chose to pull out of Nottingham.

But there are good reasons for her to play, even if she’s feeling tired. A run at Nottingham could not only solidify her seeding but also push her ranking even higher ahead of Wimbledon.

Players seeded between 25 and 32 typically face a top-eight seed by the third round, while those ranked 16 to 24 avoid such matchups until at least the fourth round. A strong showing in Nottingham could lift Raducanu into that safer bracket.

The draw has already given Raducanu an interesting path: she’ll start against a qualifier before potentially facing Leylah Fernandez in the second round—a rematch of their US Open final from 2021.

Read more:

The well-heeled residents of Baron’s Court, west London, had never heard anything like it. A cacophony of cheering and foot-stamping emanated from Queen’s Club as Emma Raducanu strove to land her first title since the 2021 US Open.

The crowd here is normally the quietest on the circuit. But on Sunday the fans gave full-throated support to Raducanu – and even banged their feet rhythmically on the stands – as she duelled her way through a riveting, 80-minute second set with Croatia’s Donna Vekic.

Sadly for anyone looking for omens for Wednesday’s World Cup clash in Dallas, it was Vekic who came through a stern examination, fending off a set point to seal a 6-0, 7-6 victory on her fifth match point.

LONDON CHAMPION! 🏆@DonnaVekic is victorious at Queen's winning in straight sets against Raducanu!#HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/ED2KTy2cD3

— wta (@WTA) June 14, 2026

When Raducanu spoke to reporters after the match, however, she sounded hugely cheered by the crowd’s reaction. The Briton attracts so many brickbats throughout the rest of the year, most of them from faceless twerps on social media, that it must be reassuring to walk on court and hear the fans get behind you.

“I was in awe of the atmosphere and in awe of the support I received all week,” Raducanu said. “I couldn’t really believe it. Even though I know I’m playing at home, it just trumps anything that you ever really think of.

“For that, I’m really grateful, and I just see how many people are behind me and rooting for me. It means a lot, because the results don’t always go your way the whole season. You see things written about you or spoken about you, but when you play at home, you’re just reminded how much support there is actually for you.”

"The support I've received all week has been incredible." ❤️

Emma Raducanu after her Queen's final defeat against Donna Vekic. pic.twitter.com/pONXJhOXiD

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 14, 2026

Admittedly, the rousing Raducanu chorus did not really get going – like the woman herself – until the second set. Some of this came down to a sluggish start, especially on serve, but we should also credit her 29-year-old opponent. During those first few games, Vekic was sharper than a New Zealand sauvignon blanc.

The opening set disappeared in just 28 minutes. During this period, we wondered to what extent Raducanu, 23, was struggling with her body, especially after she had slipped and fallen during Saturday’s quarter-final against Kamilla Rakhimova. But while the trainer did come on after the fifth game, all she seemed to do was remove the strapping on Raducanu’s left thigh.

Asked whether fatigue had been a factor in her slow start, especially after being required to play two matches the previous day, Raducanu replied: “I think part of it. I think Donna also didn’t allow me to really play my game.

“She came out serving very well, and striking from the back really well. In the first service game, I didn’t really make a first serve, so that was straight away a break.

“But yeah, of course [there is] fatigue, and you’re not driving up as much for your serve, which is such a big thing on grass. It’s just been an amazing week, but it’s also been a long week, waiting around [during several weather delays] and some long days.”

The crowd finally made their voices heard when Raducanu held for 1-1 in the second set, and she then went on a run of games that took her to 5-2 before Vekic recovered from a slight dip in form. Raducanu was flowing elegantly around the court in this period, but despite her staunch defensive coverage, her ball never had quite the sting that Vekic’s did.

Shifting the momentum 🌊

Emma Raducanu is looking to take the match to a deciding set.#HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/nfCdnLAY2D

— wta (@WTA) June 14, 2026

This proved to be crucial when Vekic rediscovered her forehand in the final few games, eventually sneaking the second-set tie-break by an 8-6 margin with the help of three winners that landed on the line.

Vekic and Raducanu: made in London

These two players actually have a fair bit in common – even beyond the fact that the new set of WTA rankings will show them standing side by side at No 31 and No 32 respectively.

Although Vekic was born in Croatia, both women learnt their tennis in a suburb of London: Raducanu at Bromley Tennis Centre and Vekic at the Virgin Active Riverside Club in Northwood.

They also both recently rehired a coach from their teenage years. For Raducanu, that man is Andrew Richardson, while Vekic has reunited with David Felgate – formerly Tim Henman’s coach during his glory days – during these few weeks on the grass.

“We worked together when I was 12 years old,” said Vekic of Felgate. “He raised me as a player. He took me to Wimbledon for the first time. Like I said on court, I wouldn’t even know what grass is without him.”

While a delighted Vekic celebrated the biggest title of her career with a glass of Pimm’s, Raducanu looked understandably frustrated after a match that she came close to turning around.

The pendulum seemed to be swinging in her favour when she held that set point at 5-4, and found herself at the net after driving a short ball towards the Vekic backhand.

But Vekic, who started and finished this match in magnificent form, conjured up a perfectly judged lob which curled tantalisingly over Raducanu’s extended racket and dropped a foot inside the baseline.

Raducanu’s reasons to be cheerful

Despite the disappointment of the eventual result, we should not ignore the positives. As Raducanu matched Vekic stroke for stroke down the home straight, it was easy to forget that she had arrived at this event without a victory in 95 days.

So for her to beat two top-20 players – a level of opponent she had not overcome since March last year – and give herself a shot at a title should still provide a significant boost.

“I haven’t really played much this season,” said Raducanu, “but to think I have made two finals so far, which I haven’t done in years, it has to be celebrated. It’s a good achievement for me and I’m proud of it. Right now it obviously really stings, so I’m just going to let myself feel it today but try and get over it pretty quick.”

She has also left herself in a strong position to claim a Wimbledon seeding as one of the 32 highest-ranked players. While some of the placings could change after next week’s events – which she hinted she would probably sit out – Raducanu has an insurance clause. There are two players ranked above her who cannot play because of injury, as well as a third – surprise French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska – who would need a wild card.

Overall, it has been a week to blot out some of the bleaker memories of a bumpy season to date. And also a week to underline the value of Richardson, who has now sat at courtside for five events – the first three in the summer of 2021 – and seen Raducanu reach the final in three of them.

“I think I’m playing pretty freely, pretty aggressively, but finding the right balance,” Raducanu said. “Returning and serving pretty well. It’s important on grass.

“It’s just nice to have the team that I do. I mean, I actually felt bad, because there were so many things in my head and people to thank. I think I forgot to mention them out there in the trophy presentation.

“But they have helped me through some really sticky situations in the past few months, and it honestly means the world to me for them to believe in me unconditionally. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Goodbye!

Thank you for tuning in for our coverage of the Queen’s women’s final. After a blistering start, lucky loser Donna Vekic stormed to a 6-0 first set inside 30 minutes. Hitting 13 winners, compared with Emma Raducanu’s four, and winning all three break points she was presented with, the Croatian looked unstoppable. 

With the help of her box and the British crowd, Raducanu fought back in the second set, going a double break up and setting herself up with set points. The Briton was unable to convert however, despite serving for the set twice and lost her momentum to go from 5-2 up to 5-6 down. She held on for a tiebreak, which  was as nail-biting as the rest of the second set

Both players left everything on the court, pushing each other to every corner of the Andy Murray Arena. After they changed ends at 6-6, however, there was nothing Raducanu could do as Vekic set up two mammoth points to take the title.

Both players will be back in action at the Nottingham Open and Wimbledon, and we will be back for more live text soon!

Plenty of grass to go

An incredible Cinderella story of lucky loser to champion is only the start of the 2026 grass court season. 

LONDON CHAMPION! 🏆@DonnaVekic is victorious at Queen's winning in straight sets against Raducanu!#HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/ED2KTy2cD3

— wta (@WTA) June 14, 2026

The Nottingham Open starts tomorrow (Monday), where most of the British hopes are set to feature. Queen’s semi-finalist Katie Boulter is due to play fellow Briton Harriet Dart in the first round, while Francesca Jones will meet Australia’s Talia Gibson.

Emma Raducanu has also entered the tournament, drawn against Karolina Pliskova, who was beaten by Donna Vekic in the quarter-finals in London. This would be a brutal schedule for any player, let alone one who played two games on Saturday before leaving everything out on the court in a final on Sunday.

Thanks to their performance at Queen’s, both Raducanu and Vekic will jump in the world rankings, putting them in contention for seeding at Wimbledon. As it stands, Raducanu has jumped from 42 to 31, while Vekic has gone from 76 to 32. This may change after Nottingham. 

‘See you in two weeks’: Vekic

It took the new champion a few moments to gather her thoughts, but she was full of praise for her opponent: “Wow. First of all congrats Emma on such a great week, you’re such an incredible player and I wish you and your team all the best for the remainder of the grass season.”

“This really is my favourite time of the year, my favourite surface and I really made the most of it this week],” she added. “I’ll see you guys in two weeks, thanks for all your support.”

She continued: “[I’ve been dreaming of this for] the last couple of years, for sure. [After the first set] I was thinking, I won 6-0 that’s kind of a curse in tennis, but [Raducanu] really stepped up, she played some amazing tennis, just try to stay with her, make her serve it out, try to play every single ball. To be honest, her last service game and the tiebreak is still a bit of a blur.”

‘The support has been incredible’: Raducanu

Speaking as she was received her runner-up award, Raducanu thanked the public that had cheered her on throughout the tournament.

“It’s been an incredible week for me making the final here, playing in my home city, in my home tournament where I feel the best,” she began. “The support I’ve received all week has been incredible so I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone, today especially it was a really tough match.

“Donna played extremely well from start to finish so thanks for getting me through again,” she added.

“Of course I would like to congratulate Donna, what a week for you from qualifying all the way to the title,” she laughed. “You played really well, so all the best.”

VEKIC TAKES THE CROWN! Raducanu 0-6 6-7 (6-8) Vekic

Vekic finds the line again with yet another backhand winner that catches the tramline. Fifth match point.

After another mammoth exchange of shots along the baseline, Vekic finally gets her moment as Raducanu bends low to reach a forehand but sends it wide.

The world No 76 and lucky loser has won the Queen’s title. She drops to the floor with a smile on her face before going to shake hands at the net, and go over to her box to hug her team.

Raducanu 0-6 6-6 Vekic (Tiebreak)

Every point on a knife edge, and Raducanu finds more joy at the net. 3-4

She gets a lucky as Vekic serves her second double fault of the final, bringing the scores level to 4-4.

The Briton whips a forehand long to go 4-5 down, but draws level again after a mammoth point that has Vekic running back and forth along the baseline. The Croatian runs out of steam and sends her forehand into the net, 5-5.

Vekic builds an excellent point, burying her shots deep into the corners to keep Raducanu under pressure. The Briton reaches for a return but it drifts wide, 5-6. 

Fourth time of asking and Vekic still cannot take the match point, sending another unforced error into the net with the court wide open, 6-6.

They change ends again.

Raducanu 0-6 6-6 Vekic (Tiebreak)

Vekic makes a statement of intent with a huge ace to start the tie break, 0-1.

Raducanu levels but Vekic makes an incredible reach to catch the line with a forehand to take the advantage, 1-2.

Both players are breathing heavily, pushing each other to every end of the court. Vekic is showing no signs of slowing down though, and holds her serve to go up 1-4. 

Raducanu goes into the change of ends with a wide ace, keeping Vekic within touching distance, 2-4.

*Raducanu 0-6 6-6 Vekic

There is a lot of encouragement coming from Raducanu’s box as she tries to dig deep. An error into the net brings up 15-15, and her team are telling her to “be brave”.

An excellent return of serve from Vekic and a long forehand have now brought up two match points for the Croatian. 

Staring down the barrel though, Raducanu steps into court and whips a forehand cross court, bringing up 30-40. A brave second serve on match point is rewarded by the error from Vekic for deuce.

Raducanu comes into the net but the volley is again to soft and Vekic is able to chase it down and whip it past her at the net. Another match point. But with nerves of steel Raducanu whips a forehand to the corner and brings it back to deuce. 

The Briton manages to force a tiebreak after two exhausting exchanges. The mental toll on both players, who have had set points and match points come and go, must be huge.

Raducanu 0-6 5-6 Vekic

All the way through this match, the points have been on Vekic’s racket. Her forehand went on the blink in the middle of the second set but it’s back firing and Raducanu has an uphill task to make to the tie-break.

Raducanu 0-6 5-6 Vekic*

Vekic gets new balls for her service game, which will suit her very nicely. She has won three games on the trot and denied Raducanu the second set.

Suddenly the tide has turned and with a confident hold to 15, Vekic takes the lead in the second set with a forehand that finds the backhand corner. 

Now Raducanu is serving to stay in the second set. 

*Raducanu 0-6 5-5 Vekic

Incredible hustle and the crowd are on their feet. 

Both players are pushing each other to every corner of the court, but Raducanu pulls a delicate forehand slice and whips Vekic’s return past the stranded Croatian.

The British No 1 brings up set point at 40-30, but again catches the top of the next, giving Vekic a high bounce which the Croatian duly buries.

At deuce, Raducanu whips a forehand cross court to set up another set point. She is not clinical enough at the net however when her chance comes and Vekic sends a lob over her head.

Vekic takes the advantage with her own cross court forehand, and Raducanu sends a slice wide to level the second set. She will be very frustrated she did not take the set when she had the chance.

Raducanu 0-6 5-4 Vekic

The Vekic forehand was back with bang in those last two games. Raducanu has twice been two points from the set, but now has a tricky service game ahead of her if she wants to force the decider.

Raducanu 0-6 5-4 Vekic*

An unforced error again perhaps a sign of nerves for Vekic as another forehand goes long. 

The Croatian gets herself back into the game at 30-30, finding her attack into the forehand corner which is offsetting her errors into the net.

Vekic holds from 0-30 down, with a big serve down the middle, before finding the corner with a forehand winner down the line.

Raducanu has one more chance to serve for the set.

*Raducanu 0-6 5-3 Vekic

It is not done yet though. A series of errors from Raducanu puts her 0-40 down, facing three break points. 

She handles the first with a big serve out wide. The second is dealt with courtesy of a backhand winner and the third is a gift from Vekic, who buries her serve return in the net.

Vekic gets first advantage, hitting hard and flat and sending a forehand winner into the corner. 

She takes the game at the fourth time of asking, as Raducanu sends a forehand long over the baseline. Vekic will now serve to stay in the second set.

Raducanu 0-6 5-2 Vekic

By my count, Vekic has gone from 10 winners and four unforced in set one to six winners and ten unforced in set two. A major shift in performance levels. Raducanu has harried her into several of those errors with her solidity from the back of the court, with the forehand looking in excellent fettle today. 

Raducanu 0-6 5-2 Vekic*

An excellent point at 15-15, as both players are striking balls deep and making each other move. Raducanu comes up trumps as Vekic hits a forehand wide – the kind of shot she was burying consistently in the first set.

Raducanu puts herself in position for another break, and takes it first time of asking as Vekic makes another forehand error, sending her shot long.

The Briton is now one game away from levelling the match.

*Raducanu 0-6 4-2 Vekic

Raducanu races to 40-0 with the crowd behind her, but gets slightly caught off guard by a very deep forehand for 40-15.

Chasing down a forehand that tagged the tramline, she sends a slice forehand back and Vekic is unlucky with the top of the net, putting Raducanu 4-2 up in the set.

Raducanu 0-6 3-2 Vekic

A considerable margin in this match in terms of the two serves: Vekic has been winning 83 per cent of her first serves, and also landing more of them, while Raducanu’s much more vanilla delivery gives her only a 60 per cent win rate.

Raducanu 0-6 3-2 Vekic*

A few more errors creeping into Vekic’s game here, but she comes up with a huge serve out wide to steady the ship at 40-15.

Another ace seals the hold and keeps Raducanu within reach in the second set. 

*Raducanu 0-6 3-1 Vekic

The crowd are doing some very heavy lifting when it comes to the momentum on Andy Murray Arena.

As Raducanu seals another hold the British public are louder than they have been all afternoon.

“Let’s do it Emma” and “Come on Emma” are the lines coming from her coaching box.

Raducanu 0-6 2-1 Vekic

“Say something, you’re not saying anything!” was Raducanu’s line to her support box, just before that game. Vekic was unlikely to stay in the zone for the full two sets, and she gave enough time and space there for a brief reversal of fortunes.

Raducanu 0-6 2-1 Vekic*

This is a big service game to see how Vekic maintains control in this match.

A sign of a wobble as Raducanu goes 0-30 up, as she gets lucky with a bounce off the net and Vekic fires a forehand out wide.

Raducanu creates two break point opportunities but takes the break from deuce, another error from Vekic suggesting she may be losing her cool somewhat.

Raducanu* 0-6 1-1 Vekic

A big first serve is greeted with huge applause from the crowd as Raducanu displays some aggression.

Another rare error from Vekic puts Raducanu 30-0 up, before the Croatian sends another forehand long to put her opponent on the verge of a first game in the final.

As Raducanu comes towards the net, Vekic makes her third error of the game. The Briton is on the scoreboard at last.

Raducanu 0-6 0-1 Vekic*

Thanks to the break of serve at the end of that set, Vekic starts serving again. She won 92% of her first-serve points, compared to Raducanu’s 50%.

She races to 30-0, making Raducanu run along the baseline until she finds space to bury a backhand winner down the line.

She continues mixing up her shots, with a dropshot sealing the next point. A rare error gets Raducanu on the board, but it is merely a consolation point as she comes to the net on the next point and buries yet another forehand winner.

She is burying Raducanu, that’s seven games in a row.

Raducanu* 0-6 Vekic

Roars from the crowd as Raducanu puts away a volley at the net to put herself on the scoreboard.

She can only follow it up with a double fault though, and after both players exchange baseline shots in the next rally, Vekic seals 15-30 with a stylish dropshot.

Raducanu levels on 30-30 after an error from Vekic, and after some discussion with her box, decides her toss is too low.

She was so focused on the serve though that she finds the net again.

Vekic does not waste any time on set point, and after a mammoth rally, the Croatian hits yet another backhand winner to seal the opening set in just 29 minutes.

Raducanu 0-5 Vekic

Raducanu has called the trainer over, but it is only to take the strapping off her thigh before her next service game

Raducanu 0-5 Vekic*

Both players are having some trouble with first serves, but Vekic double faults to put Raducanu 15-30 up. 

Raducanu finds some joy with her slice backhand, the lower ball testing Vekic, but the Croatian is coming up with all the answers. She has been clinical.

After a battle at deuce, Vekic holds on and puts herself very much in the driving seat of this first set.

Raducanu* 0-4 Vekic

Two errors from Raducanu put her 0-30 down, before two errors from Vekic bring the game back level.

Raducanu is really trying to take her time between points to find some rhythm of her own, but she double faults to give Vekic another break point opportunity.

A huge, wide return of serve pushes Raducanu out wide before another Vekic forehand seals the double break.

Shouts of “come on Emma” are echoing around Andy Murray Arena.

Vekic ready to beat her second Briton at Queen’s

Devastating start from Donna Vekic who looks like she is determined to spoil the British party at Queen’s. Having already taken out one home hope on Saturday – in Katie Boulter – she has now won 12 of the first 15 points here, with five clean winners and just a single unforced error.

Raducanu 0-3 Vekic*

A huge second serve from Vekic keeps Raducanu under pressure, and absolutely silences the crowd.

Yet another forehand tags the baseline and before the British No 1 has time to react, she’s already 30-0 down.

A volley at the net is what seals the third game in a row for Vekic and Raducanu has not had any time to settle into her game.

Raducanu* 0-2 Vekic

A second serve gives Vekic some space to take control of the first rally of Raducanu’s service game, before the Briton sends a forehand long.

A huge return on another second serve allows Vekic to hit a forehand winner to put pressure on Raducanu at 0-30.

Though Raducanu plays a clever drop shot to bring up 15-30, Vekic hits another forehand winner to bring up two break points.

A long rally sees Raducanu’s shot clip the net and bounce high for Vekic to put away another clinical forehand, giving her the early break.

First Set: Emma Raducanu 0-1 Donna Vekic* (*denotes server)

Vekic won the toss and chose to serve first. She raced to a quick 30-0 as Raducanu struggled to return serve. 

Another good serve brought up 40-0 but Raducanu hit a clean forehand winner to get herself on the scoreboard at 40-15.

A fourth strong serve down the centre sealed the opening service game for the Croatian in a tidy fashion.

Struggling for form

Both players have struggled for form recently, with Vekic reaching a career best ranking of 17 in January 2025. She has had problems with illness, like Raducanu, and coming into Queen’s she had fallen down to world No 76.

Raducanu has withdrawn from several tournaments since her US Open triumph due to illness and injury, entering Queen’s as world No 42.

Players coming onto the court

Both players are making their way on to the Andy Murray Arena to huge applause. Raducanu still has some strapping on her left thigh but is smiling as she makes her way on to court.

Some warm-up on court and then we’ll be underway!

Road to the final...

Here’s what the path looked like for both players:

Emma Raducanu

• First round: Anna Blinkova 6-0, 6-3
• Second round: Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-2
• QF: Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5
• SF: Iva Jovic 6-2, 6-2

Donna Vekic

Vekic lost to Raducanu’s first-round opponent, Anna Blinkova, in qualifying but was awarded a place in the main draw when Belinda Bencic withdrew with an injury.

• First round: Mika Stojsavljevic 6-2, 6-3
• Second round: Marie Bouzkova 7-6 (11-9), 6-3
• QF: Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
• SF: Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-3

Can Raducanu take the title at Queen’s?

It’s a big day for British tennis as Emma Raducanu features in her biggest final since she stormed to US Open victory five years ago.

In the first leg of this week’s double header between England and Croatia (the World Cup leg kicks off on Wednesday 9pm BST) the British No 1 will face Donna Vekic for the Queen’s title.

After disappointing results in the clay-court swing – first-round defeats in Strasbourg and the French Open – Raducanu has been ruthless on grass, reaching the final without dropping a set.

She played two matches on Saturday as rain hampered play on Friday, but powered through her quarter-final and semi-final in quick succession. She beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5, before returning to Andy Murray arena just two and a half hours later to dispatch American teenager Iva Jovic 6-2, 6-2.

The rain was not the only challenge Raducanu had to overcome. She survived an injury scare in the fifth game of the second set of her quarter-final, needing her left thigh strapped after slipping on the grass while changing direction. Though she went off court for treatment, she was able to close out the match when she returned, and only wore a small patch of strapping for her semi-final.

Best of @emmaraducanu's epic semi-final win over Iva Jovic at the #HSBCChampionshipspic.twitter.com/2re9dxCauS

— HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 13, 2026

“It means everything to be doing it in front of everyone. The support all day was electric so thank you so much,” the 23-year-old said after her semi-final. “This week has been incredible, I really enjoy playing here and that shows in my tennis. Ask any British player and they would love to lift the title here.”

Her Croatian opponent, who beat British No 3 Katie Boulter in straight sets in her semi-final, has also been a tour de force on the grass, dropping her only set of the tournament in her quarter-final against Karolina Pliskova. She entered the tournament as a lucky loser but has not looked back, setting up her first WTA final since 2024 and her first meeting with Raducanu.

From lucky loser to the #HSBCChampionships final 👏 pic.twitter.com/Z11nXVLl3j

— HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 13, 2026

The British number one had finally succumbed to Croatia's Donna Vekic in a slow-burning Queen's final, unable to save a fifth Championship point and continue a match which she had admirably stoked into a scrap.

The 23-year-old has undoubtedly enjoyed a productive week at the quaint club nestled in the Victorian terraces of west London.

But missing out on a first WTA Tour title - and a first trophy since that unforgettable US Open victory in 2021 - still hurt.

"Right now it obviously really stings, so I'm just going to try and let myself feel it today - but try and get over it pretty quick," Raducanu said.

With Wimbledon around the corner, BBC Sport looks at the positives Raducanu can take from her encouraging start to the grass-court season.

• Raducanu loses Queen's final as trophy wait continues

Playing with freedom on a surface that suits her game

When Raducanu dissected her French Open first-round exit just three weeks ago in Paris, things looked much bleaker.

Skipping the entire clay-court season had been a viable option, considering she had only played four matches in the previous three months because of a viral illness and its after-effects.

Instead, Raducanu felt the hours spent on the clay courts - getting time in her legs - would pay dividends when she returned to Britain for the grass season.

Crucially, it meant she did not have to make a standing start under the guidance of Andrew Richardson, the coach who helped Raducanu win the US Open and has been reappointed until the end of the season.

Raducanu has long been searching for freedom on the court, playing with a looseness which allows her natural game to flourish.

Over the past week at Queen's, Raducanu has found what she is looking for.

Raducanu reached the final without dropping a set and, while she ultimately came up short against Vekic, there was clear evidence of how the grass courts suit her.

Firstly, Raducanu's movement on the surface is natural and confident - unlike many of her peers who are brought up playing on clay and hard courts.

Secondly, the ball's tendency to have a lower, skiddier bounce on grass means Raducanu's serve and groundstrokes have more punch.

"I think I'm playing pretty freely, pretty aggressively, but finding the right balance," she said.

"I've been returning well, serving pretty well. It's important on grass."

Another familiar face - and playing with a smile

Rehiring Richardson looks to have been a masterstroke.

Under his tuition she has played four tournaments - including the 2021 US Open and this year's Queen's - and won 14 of her 17 matches.

Richardson is an old-school coach who brings volume to create good habits - basically, hitting plenty of balls and putting in the hard yards.

Known as a 'gentle giant', Raducanu says Richardson also has a fiery side that ignites the competitive spark in her.

His messaging can sometimes be sparse, but the targeted input has an impact with a player who likes to be challenged by her coaches.

During the second set against Vekic, Richardson could be heard telling Raducanu to drive returns up the middle of the court - to drag her opponent into the longer duels that she did not relish.

It was a tactic which changed the complexion of the match.

"It's great to have him back. I think we have been working on this game style. The whole week I have been playing really, really good tennis and the brand of tennis that I really want to play," Raducanu said.

"I wouldn't say it's necessarily the old Emma. I think it's the new Emma.

"You take all the lessons and experience, all the different ups and downs, and you take everything. You understand a lot more what's going on and what works for you."

Raducanu has shown she plays better when surrounded by long-time confidants who she trusts implicitly.

On home turf, with a swell of support from friends and fans, it has been striking how relaxed she has looked - and that has enabled her to play with the freedom she craves.

That has also been evident at Wimbledon where, aside from her fairytale in New York, she has produced the best Slam results of her career.

Showing a resilience which many questioned

Questions have often been asked about Raducanu's spirit.

Has she got the heart for the fight? Is she resilient enough to come through tough situations?

This week she has shown she does possess that vital ingredient for any elite player.

The way she recovered in the second set against Vekic was another admirable example and a positive sign for the future - even though she ultimately faded.

"I managed to get myself back into the second set and I'm proud of how I fought," Raducanu said.

"That's not something that in the past years I have always done, so that's a positive."

Raducanu cannot be accused of having an easy path to the Queen's final, either.

She beat a pair of top-20 players in Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea and American teenager Iva Jovic on the way - and overcame an injury scare to win two matches on Saturday.

But this is only the first step

An injury-disrupted start, shoots of hope in the spring, a chastening clay swing, blooming on the British grass.

Rinse and repeat.

The past couple of years have broadly followed a similar pattern for Raducanu.

This season has, so far, fit the mould. Now Raducanu has to break it.

The next challenge is maintaining the level she has shown at Queen's - arguably her best tennis since that unfathomable US Open triumph - for a sustained stretch of time.

The momentum she has generated in west London is a huge step in the right direction with Wimbledon, which starts in a fortnight, fast approaching.

Since becoming a Grand Slam champion as a teenage qualifier, Raducanu has reached the second week of a major on just one other occasion - at Wimbledon two years ago.

The Grand Slam tournaments remain the barometer for success - at least in the eyes of a wider audience - and another deep run in front of a supportive home crowd at the All England Club would further elevate Raducanu's reputation.

"Going into Wimbledon you want as many matches on grass as possible. This week was great. I played five matches on grass," said Raducanu, who now looks unlikely to play the WTA event in Nottingham which starts on Monday.

"It has to be a positive. You take things that work, take things that didn't work, and apply it to when I play next."

• How to follow the men's tournament at Queen's on the BBC
• Live scores, results and order of play
• Get tennis news sent straight to your phone

With his first Grand Slam now on the shelf, Alexander Zverev’s collection of trophies has grown even more impressive.

Even before lifting that first major title, Zverev had already built up a trophy haul that most players could only dream of. His career was already well-decorated with ATP titles and big wins.

His multiple runs to Grand Slam finals, though ending in disappointment, added to an already strong list of achievements that included Olympic gold and success at the ATP Finals.

Zverev was recently asked how it compared to his 2020 Tokyo Olympics win during a press conference after his long-awaited victory.

Alexander Zverev compares Olympic gold to his first Grand Slam

Zverev was asked by Sky Germany whether the Roland Garros win now took precedence over his Olympic gold.

The German star replied: “No. Not for me. The Olympic Games are the most difficult title to win. They are held once every four years.”

“We have very few Olympic champions and many great players who never managed to win a Games. You don’t just win for yourself. The whole country supports you. You have a whole nation behind you. The Olympic Games are simply something much more special.”

Zverev recently stated when he plans to retire from tennis, and if that is to be the case, then there will be plenty more opportunities to add to his Olympic success.

Alexander Zverev says his French Open win was deserved

In the same interview, Zverev addressed why he felt he had earned his Grand Slam win, even if some believe the path to it was a bit fortunate.

With Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic going out early, and Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing before the tournament started, it did open up a clearer path.

Zverev didn’t shy away from that, saying: “I think we have earned this victory by hand. We did almost everything, or many things, to achieve this success. Of course, there have been comments from many people who said: ‘Okay, Sinner lost, Alcaraz didn’t even play.’ But how much bad luck have I had in the Grand Slams in recent years?

“I think it’s good to have a little luck once in a while, and I’m more than happy to accept it.”

Zverev also touched on just how difficult it is to claim these titles with so many strong players around now and in the past.

“Before there were Novak [Djokovic], Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer], and now there are Alcaraz and Sinner. There is never a guarantee of winning. But of course I’m happy. I am happy to have finally won this title,” he added.

Read more:

Emma Raducanu fell short of a dream title on home soil after she was defeated 6-0, 7-6 (6) by Croatian lucky loser Donna Vekic at the HSBC Championships in London.

The British No 1 was swiftly beaten in the first set but saved three championship points in the second on the way to a tiebreak, where she saved another and came agonisingly close to taking it to a deciding set.

Rain earlier in the tournament resulted in Raducanu having to power through a two-match day on Saturday, beating Kamilla Rakhimova then American Iva Jovic to reach the first grass-court and third tour-level final of her career.

It meant the Briton had spent two hours and 19 minutes more on court the previous day than her opponent – who played just one match, a swift one-hour, six-minute victory over British No 3 Katie Boulter.

Raducanu was looking for her first trophy since her stunning win as a qualifier at the 2021 US Open, and brought up two set points in the 10th game.

The 23-year-old finished runner-up to Sorana Cirstea in the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, her second final, in February, but missed two and a half months of the season with post-viral illness and had just one win under her belt since March.

Raducanu slipped in the first of those matches and danced around just how much she was feeling the effects after booking her place in the final, saying she and her team would do “everything they possibly can” ahead of the final and insisting “adrenaline and support” had spurred her on.

Raducanu emerged on court wearing a patch on her left thigh, the same location where she sported one in her semi-final victory, and the support, at least, was in abundant supply from the home crowd from the start.

They upped their ante as Raducanu struggled to do the same, finding herself down two breaks within a quarter of an hour, and, after making the fifth game more of a battle, took a medical time-out, during which the patch on her leg was removed.

Whatever struggles the Briton was having with her leg – and she did appear to move a bit more gingerly – were not helped by the form of her opponent, who was comfortable and clinical.

At the end of the first set, lasting just over half an hour, Vekic had won 92 per cent of her first serve points in contrast to Raducanu’s 50 per cent, and had hit 13 winners compared to the Briton’s four.

Raducanu, who had not dropped a set in this tournament until the final, had been called “ruthless” throughout the week, but on Sunday it was often more a matter of resilience and, often, fine margins.

She twice failed to win set points in the 10th game, when she then lost her serve for the second time in the set.

But Raducanu dug even deeper, capitalising on the support of the crowd to fend off three championship points and force the tiebreak, then another to draw the tiebreak level at 6-6 before Vekic finally denied the Briton a chance at a comeback.

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic made the same decision before Wimbledon

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are both looking to put a disappointing French Open behind them as they turn their focus to the grass-court season.

Both players will be keen to rebound quickly, especially after seeing Alexander Zverev lift the trophy in Paris.

Sinner exited early, falling to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in just the second round, while Djokovic was knocked out by Joao Fonseca in the third.

With the clay season now wrapped up, attention shifts to grass. There are several tournaments leading into Wimbledon, which kicks off on July 1st.

The former World No. 1’s will be missing from those draws, though, with both skipping their home tournaments as they did in 2023. While this is common for Djokovic these days who has only played three times since his last Roland Garros victory in 2016.

Sinner and Djokovic opt out of pre-Wimbledon tune-ups

Both players have chosen to skip the pre-tournament tune-ups, passing up several events that could have helped them adjust to grass courts.

It’s a decision that carries some risk, as moving directly from clay to grass without any match practice can make the adjustment period more challenging.

Still, with extra training time available, both will have plenty of chances to get comfortable on grass without the pressure of competition.

Sinner struggled with the heat at Roland Garros and now has time to address those issues away from the spotlight. Meanwhile, Djokovic, now 39, continues to be selective about his schedule, focusing on staying healthy rather than chasing rankings points.

Sinner and Djokovic given early advantage before Wimbledon kicks off

With the grass season underway, both Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have plenty of reasons to feel good about their chances at Wimbledon.

Djokovic’s track record speaks for itself: he’s won seven titles at SW19 and finished runner-up in both 2023 and 2024, falling to Carlos Alcaraz on each occasion.

Sinner, meanwhile, secured his first Wimbledon crown in 2025 by beating Alcaraz in the final. He also made deep runs the two years prior – reaching the semi-finals in 2023 and finishing as runner-up in 2024.

Both players are clearly comfortable on grass, but Alcaraz’s decision not to compete this year is another factor that works in their favour.

The absence of a player like him always has a knock-on effect. It doesn’t just affect title expectations either; it changes how players are seeded and who might stand out as an early favourite before a ball is even hit.

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The 29-year-old Croatian, who lost in qualifying but got into the main draw after French Open semifinalist Marta Kostyuk withdrew, eased through the first set and then recovered from 5-2 down in the second to lead 6-5. But Raducanu saved three championship points on her serve to force a tiebreak, appearing to tip the momentum of a seesawing set back her way.

In that tiebreak, Vekić reset again after Raducanu got back from 4-1 to 4-4, taking her fifth championship point to seal a 6-0, 7-6(6) triumph and the biggest title of her career.

“Going up and playing on the tour, I was always jealous of the boys having the chance to play on this court,” Vekić said during the trophy ceremony. Queen’s resumed hosting a WTA event last year, having not done so since 1973.

Vekić, who lost to Russia’s Anna Blinkova in qualifying, defeated Karolína Plíšková, the Czech 2021 Wimbledon finalist in the quarterfinals and then Britain’s Katie Boulter to set up the final against Raducanu, who was searching for her first title since the 2021 U.S. Open. Had Vekić won that qualifying match, she would have played Raducanu in the first round, instead of the final.

Raducanu went into Sunday’s final in surging form, but she picked up an injury to her upper left leg Saturday in beating first Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan and then Iva Jović of the U.S. Like Vekić on Friday, Raducanu had to play two matches on the same day thanks to fixture congestion caused by a rain-splattered tournament.

Come Sunday, Vekić started as hot as Raducanu did cold. She lasered winners into the corners and mixed in deft drop shots to establish a 5-0 lead.

Raducanu, who won 29 percent of the points she played behind her serve in the opener, spoke to her coach, Andrew Richardson, about her ball toss being too low in the sixth game. Vekić duly broke again to seal a bagel set.

In the opening game of the second set, the 23-year-old Brit turned to her box and said, “Say something, you’re saying nothing,” with Vekić up 40-15 on her own serve. Richardson recently returned to Raducanu’s coaching setup after nearly five years away; their final tournament together was that 2021 U.S. Open, which Raducanu won as a qualifier.

After holding serve for the first time in the subsequent game, Raducanu got back into the match, aided by a net cord that got Raducanu to 0-15 on the Croatian’s serve for the first time. Vekić’s close-to-unplayable level dropped and her decision-making grew ragged, allowing Raducanu to gain a foothold with support from a very full and very partisan Andy Murray Arena.

She surged to a 5-2 lead but despite twice having the opportunity to serve out the set, Raducanu could not convert. Vekić was able to subdue the crowd with some tenacious defense — and one sublime re-drop crosscourt off a delicate Raducanu drop shot — and she then subdued Raducanu herself.

Roared on again by her home crowd, Raducanu saved those three championship points with some confident, aggressive tennis, but come the tiebreak, Vekić did enough to earn two more chances for victory, extracting one last forehand error on the second and falling to her knees in triumph.

The loss extends Raducanu’s wait for a second career title.

“It’s been an incredible week for me: making the final here, playing in my home city, my home tournament… the support I’ve received all week has been incredible,” Raducanu said during the trophy ceremony.

Both players’ exploits put them in line to be seeded at Wimbledon, which starts June 29.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Tennis, Women's Tennis

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Shelton bested his compatriot Taylor Fritz in the BOSS Open Stuttgart final on Sunday in three sets.

Rodman wins girlfriend of the year for flying 24 hours from Brazil after playing a USWNT soccer game and arriving for his semifinal.

MORE: Washington, DC’s Robin Montgomery wins maiden WTA title at Libema Open

Not the first time Rodman came to the rescue

Rodman was on site at the Dallas Open when Shelton won the title.

Two professional athletes at the peak of their respective sports could prove problematic in some relationships, but it seems as though Shelton and Rodman thrive.

They are a great support system for one another, and both have a sense of humor. While Rodman is not a tennis player, we love that she gets on social media and tries to learn and understand the sport, asking valuable questions all of us want to know.

MORE: Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula will reunite to play doubles in loaded WTA Berlin draw

One of our favorite moments was when Rodman snuck into the pressroom and asked Shelton a question at the US Open last year.

The next question is whether Shelton can win Wimbledon. He has the grass court chops and the big serve so anything is possible.

An alternative question is what can fans expect from Taylor Fritz this summer. He is presumably healthy after spending a lot of time off tour this spring recovering from an injury, but he lacks match play.

Raducanu, 23, paid the price for a slow start as she lost 6-0 7-6 (8-6) to Vekic, who was a Wimbledon semi-finalist two years ago.

The Briton valiantly fought off three championship points at 6-5 in the second set - and saved a fourth on Vekic's serve in the tie-break - but could not deny her opponent on the fifth as she sprayed a forehand wide.

Vekic, 29, was a lucky loser - meaning she was beaten in qualifying and put into the draw when French Open semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk pulled out injured - and has taken full advantage of her fortune to lift the trophy.

"Right now it obviously really stings, so I'm just going to try and let myself feel it today - but try and get over it pretty quick," said Raducanu.

• Watch Queen's doubles final as Britain's Nicholls seeks to win title

Raducanu, ranked 42nd in the world, seemed hampered by a leg issue as Vekic cruised to the first set in less than half an hour.

The British number one rallied superbly to move a double break ahead in the second set, but twice failed to serve out victory - and could not convert two set points at 5-4.

Vekic, who is ranked 76th but adept on the grass, is an experienced campaigner and held her nerve to level.

Both players looked to be tiring in a physical encounter, but Raducanu - backed by a vociferous home crowd - dug deep to force a tie-break.

Despite the defeat, Raducanu will take a lot of pride from an encouraging week on the British grass as she builds up towards Wimbledon.

Raducanu's season has been disrupted by a viral illness, meaning she was limited to only playing six matches from early February up to Queen's.

The ranking points she has earned in west London will push her up to the brink of the world's top 30, which could be enough to ensure she is seeded at the All England Club.

"I haven't really played much this season, but to think I have made two finals so far, which I haven't done in years, it has to be, in a way, celebrated," said Raducanu, who lost in the Cluj final in February.

"It's a good achievement for me and I'm proud of it."

'Amazing week' catches up with Raducanu

Raducanu has enjoyed a productive week at Queen's, which is hosting the WTA event for the second season since returning after a 52-year hiatus.

The question mark coming into Sunday's final was in relation to her fitness.

Raducanu played two singles matches on Saturday because of rain disruption earlier in the week and slipped on the baseline during her quarter-final win over Kamilla Rakhimova.

She wore strapping on her left thigh during the second match - her semi-final win over American teenager Iva Jovic.

The taping was evident again when she walked out on to Andy Murray Arena to face Vekic and it immediately looked like her mobility was hampered.

As well as being unable to move as freely along the baseline, Raducanu was not getting as low in her groundstrokes as she had over the previous days.

Raducanu found herself 5-0 down after little over 20 minutes as Vekic produced an almost flawless returning game.

Raducanu asked for more treatment from the physio at that changeover, but then Vekic broke again to wrap up the opening set in less than half an hour.

Afterwards Raducanu said she felt the workload was "part" of her slow start.

"Of course, fatigue - you're not driving up as much for your serve, which is such a big thing on grass," she said.

"It's just been an amazing week, but it's also been a long week, waiting around and some long days."

At the start of the second set, Raducanu implored her team for more vocal encouragement - and the home crowd further increased their level of support.

Raducanu suddenly had more spring in her step and took her third break opportunity in the third game.

Raducanu was now able to elongate the rallies - which always felt like it would be the key to her success - as Vekic's level dropped.

Another break for 5-2 provided further hope to the home crowd.

Everyone could feel it was a different match - but could Raducanu make her dominance count?

Vekic particularly looked like she would not have relished a decider, but it was Raducanu who buckled first - perhaps through mental fatigue as much as physical.

After being unable to serve out, Raducanu's grip on the contest loosened and Vekic held her nerve to ensure a compelling second set did not lead to the match going the full distance.

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The 23-year-old Raducanu was looking for her first singles trophy since her stunning win as a qualifier at the 2021 U.S. Open.

The British No. 1 was swiftly beaten in the first set but saved three championship points in the second on the way to a tiebreaker, where she saved another and came close to taking it to a deciding set.

Rain earlier in the tournament resulted in Raducanu having to power through a two-match day on Saturday, beating Kamilla Rakhimova then American Iva Jovic to reach the first grass-court and third tour-level final of her career.

Raducanu finished runner-up to Sorana Cirstea in Cluj-Napoca, her second final, in February.

___

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Donna Vekic won her first title in three years as the Croatian beat former US Open champion Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6 (8/6) in the Queen's Club final on Sunday.

Vekic took the first set in dominant fashion before holding her nerve in a tense second set tie-break.

The fifth title of Vekic's career was a long-awaited triumph for the world number 76, who got her hands on a trophy for the first time since the 2023 Monterrey Open.

The 29-year-old was only able to compete in the grass-court event in west London as a 'lucky loser' after Marta Kostyuk pulled out injured on the eve of the tournament.

Struggling with illness, Vekic had lost to Anna Blinkova in Queen's qualifying but Kostyuk's exit allowed her to make the most of an unexpected second chance.

The 29-year-old has pedigree on grass after reaching the 2024 Wimbledon semi-finals and winning the Nottingham Open in 2017.

Playing in her first final since the Paris Olympics two years ago, when she lost the gold medal match to Zheng Qinwen, Vekic had to dig deep to subdue British number one Raducanu in a rollercoaster second set.

The Croatian trailed 5-2 and wasted four match-points before finally delivering the knockout blow.

"This is really my favourite time of the year, my favourite surface. I love the grass. I've really enjoyed myself this week," Vekic said.

"Winning 6-0 is sometimes a curse in tennis. Emma rally stepped up and played some amazing tennis. I just tried to stay with her, make her play it out, stay with every single ball. 

"Her last service game and the tie-break is a bit of a blur right now, but I'm really happy I managed to win."

Praising David Felgate -- Vekic's coach for the grass-court campaign this year -- the Croatian added: "We have worked together since I have been 12 years old. You raised me, without you I wouldn't even know what grass is.

"When I called you two weeks ago to ask you to help me you said yes. Thank you so much, without you I wouldn't be here with this trophy."

- Raducanu wilts on home turf -

It was another final disappointment for Raducanu in 2026 after she lost to Sorana Cirstea in the Transylvania Open showpiece in February.

Raducanu was hoping to win her first title since her stunning US Open victory as a teenage qualifier in 2021.

The 23-year-old's bid for the second trophy of her career fell at the final hurdle. 

But Raducanu has been revitalised since rehiring Andrew Richardson, who coached her to that historic title in New York five year ago.

The world number 42 had been hampered by fitness issues for several years and arrived at Queen's with only one win in her previous seven matches after battling a viral illness.

Raducanu will head to Wimbledon, which starts on June 29, with renewed belief.

"It's been an incredible week for me, making the final here, playing in my home city, in my home tournament," Raducanu said.

"Today was an really tough match. Donna played extremely well from the start to the finish."

smg/ea