Kevin Anderson upset Roger Federer to reach the semis. He will face John Isner who took out Milos Raonic. Their match is scheduled for this morning at 7 am ET on ESPN.
Novak Djokovic who is attempting his comeback after an elbow injury will have a hard task ahead of him to get past Rafael Nadal to the final. Their Semifinal follows at 10 am ET on ESPN.
The Men’s Final will be this Sunday at 8 am ET. If it is a quick one, it will not clash with the World Cup Final that starts at 10am ET.
Women’s Final
Photo source: ESPN
Serena Williams is back in a Grand Slam final! She will play Angelique Kerber, who she defeated to win Wimbledon in 2016 in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3. The final is tomorrow at 8 am ET on ESPN.
Even though Serena is the G.O.A.T in the open era, will she get to 24 Grand Slams to match Margaret Court?
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis Tournament 2018
WOMEN
The ladies have been battling it out in some neck to neck matches. The focus has been on World #1, Simona Halep, former World #1, Angelique Kerber (21) and current World #2, Caroline Wozniacki.
Simona Halep from Romania a.k.a Jalapeño Pepper (Photo: GotCeleb)
Simona Halep has been struggling with a chronic ankle injury, but showed she was not backing out easily in the Quarterfinals after being down 3-0 in the 1st set to KarolÃna PlÃsková (6) and fighting back to win 6-3, 6-2.
Angelique Kerber (Photo: The Sun)
She then faced Angelique Kerber (21) in the Semifinals last night. Kerber has had a good run this Australian Open so far despite her inconsistencies in winning majors. She defeated huge contenders such as Maria Sharapova and Madison Keys (17).
On the other side of the draw, young Belgian, Elise Mertens had an impressive straight set win (6-4, 6-0) over Elina Svitolina (4). She has been a part of former Belgian Tennis Player and World #1, Kim Clijsters’ Tennis Camp. Kim has been texting her with encouragement for every match.
Elise Mertens (Photo: indianexpress.com)
Elise played one of the favourites, Caroline Wozniacki (2) last night in the Semifinals.
Caroline Wozniacki (Photo: www.usatoday.com)
So who’s meeting in the Women’s Final?!
It will be Caroline Wozniacki (2) versus Simona Halep (1)! Whoever wins will win their 1st Grand Slam title and will be World #1.
Wozniacki’s Semifinal vs Mertens
Wozniacki tightened up towards the end of the match versus Mertens, up 6-3, 5-4 (30-0), then was brought to a tiebreak. She managed to dominate and win the tiebreak, thus the match, 6-3, 7-6 and is heading to her 3rd Grand Slam Final. Will the 3rd time be a charm?
Halep’s Semifinal vs Kerber
The Halep-Kerber Semifinal was epic!
Halep was quite solid versus Kerber until she was up 5-0 to serve out the first set and probably couldn’t believe she got there so fast. It looked like she started to think about it and handed Kerber 2 free points from double faults. Kerber picked up her game after that until Halep broke her to win the first set 6-3.
The 2nd set was a ding-dong battle even though Kerber was still plagued with unforced errors. With Halep looking slightly fresher and up 8-7, both had lost 2 match points until Halep lost a 3rd match point on Kerber’s serve and she kept pressing until she took full advantage of the 4th match point in the same game and won.
Date and Time of the Women’s Final
Saturday (Friday night) at 3:30am
Suga’s Prediction
Simona Halep has the reputation of choking in major matches, always coming close and losing it mentally and physically. However, she has stated there is a new Simona now and I believe her after the courage she showed versus the stubborn, Angelique Kerber.
I do not think Halep is giving up on this opportunity. I also doubt it will be a close or epic final. Suga calls Halep for the win.
MEN
Marin Čilić (6) reached to the Semifinals after World #1, Rafael Nadal retired in the 5th set agonized by a hip injury.
Marin Čilić (Photo: The Sun)
I like to refer to Čilić as Sparta. Whether he reached to the Semifinals by default or not, he is quite a fighter.
He played Kyle Edmund in the Semis.
Kyle Edmund (Photo: www.express.co.uk)
On the other side of the draw lies the young, South Korean, Hyeon Chung. He is the first Korean to reach the Quarterfinals and the Semifinals.
Hyeon Chung (Photo: hindustantimes.com)
Chung sent former World #1, Novak Djokovic packing in the 4th round in straight sets. Djokovic expressed frustration with his chronic elbow injury.
Chung then went on to defeat Tennys Sandgren in the Quarterfinals who previously took out Dominic Thiem (5) in 5 sets.
Who does he meet next?
Roger Federer (Photo: The Indian Express)
He will meet the G.O.A.T and current World #2, Roger Federer tonight at 3:30am. Roger previously defeated Tomáš Berdych (19) in straight sets.
Were there any Upsets and Who’s Already in the Men’s Final?!
Marin Čilić has booked his spot in the Final and will wait on the winner of the Chung-Federer Semifinal! No surprises there. Čilić beat beat Edmund 6-2, 7-6, 6-2.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Garbine Muguruza (14), who reached the Final in 2015, upset World no. 1 Angelique Kerber today in quite a showdown, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Kerber hasn’t been playing well all year and even had a scare after losing the 1st set and going to a tiebreak in the 2nd set with American, Shelby Rogers in the round before.
Kerber will lose the no. 1 ranking as a result of losing in the 4th round to Muguruza.
Venus moves on to the round of 8! Â Photo: theguardian.com
Venus Williams (10) is also moving on to the Quarter Finals. She had a few early, hard fought matches but cruised pass Ana Konjuh (27) in the 4th round, 6-3, 6-2.
Photo: www.firstpost.com
French Open finalist, Simona Halep (2), who has never won a major, put a halt to Victoria Azarenka’s post-baby return.
The young American, Coco Vandeweghe (24) has been playing well under the guidance of her new Coach and upset Caroline Wozniacko (5) in straight sets. Wozniacki usually has difficulties on the grass.
Jelena Ostapenko through to the Round of 8! Photo: www.eurosport.com
Jelena Ostapenko (13) has not lost a match since her 1st career win at the French Open this year! She beat Elena Svitolina (4), who has been suffering from a foot injury in straight sets, 6-3, 7(8)-6(6).
Svetlana Kuznetsova took out Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets to get to the Quarterfinals. Radwanska had the task of beating Timea Bacsinsky in the 3rd round before meeting Kuznetsova.
Home favourite, Johanna Konta (6) is also through to the Quarters.
Quarterfinal Schedule and Match ups for Tomorrow morning:
Gentlemen moving on to the Quarterfinals!
Photo: www.express.co.uk
Gilles Müller (16) upset Rafael Nadal (4) in an epic 5-set thriller today, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 15-13! They went really deep into that 5th set.
Home fave and World no. 1, Andy Murray is safely through to the Quarterfinals.
Roger Federer (3), who decided to forego the Clay court season at his age, is doing well on his road to claiming a historic title. He beat Grigor Dimitrov (13) in straight sets to advance to the Quarterfinals.
Here is the Schedule for the Men’s Quarterfinals and Match ups for Wednesday morning:
Tomás Berdych (11) upset Dominic Thiem (8) in 5 sets. Berdych now awaits the winner of the Novak Djokovic (2) and Adrian Mannarino match tomorrow morning at 6am. Mannatino just defeated Gaël Monfils (15).
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How could we forget about KarolÃna PlÃÅ¡ková?! The rankings of players differ on the various websites, but according to the WTA Rankings, PlÃÅ¡ková is ranked closely behind Serena Williams at No. 3.
Photo: ESPN
The experts have favored Simona Halep (4) to win her first ever Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. Elina Svitolina (6) is also a popular pick. It turns out that Halep and Svitolina will meet in the Quarterfinals and the winner could play PlÃÅ¡ková in the Semis.
Caroline Wozniacki (12) is still in it. She has come close to winning a Grand Slam a few times. Her Quarterfinal was suspended due to rain at a set a piece between her and Ostapenko.Â
Timea Bacsinszky (30) who eliminated Venus Williams is also playing in the Quarterfinals today but her match was suspended as well versus Miladenovic. Bacsinszky was up a set.
Wozniacki and Bacsinszky could meet in the Semifinals.
Men’s Singles
Photo: SB Nation
Although Rafael Nadal (4) is not in his prime, the ‘King of Clay’ is still in it and has been playing well. Of course we know that he could meet Novak Djokovic (2) in the Semis. But Djokovic has the challenge of defeating Dominic Thiem (6) in the Quarterfinals first.
Marin Cilic (7) defeated Gaël Monfils and will play Stan Wawrinka (3) in the Quarterfinals.
World no. 1 Andy Murray will play Kei Nishikori (8) in the Quarterfinals.
Suga thinks we may have a Murray-Wawrinka Semifinal.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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There will be a new French Open Winner for the Ladies this year, as Garbiñe Muguruza and Venus Williams were both eliminated yesterday.
Photo: ESPN
Venus was eliminated by Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland for the second year in a row. Venus now looks forward to Wimbledon.
Men’s Singles
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal continue on their collision course to the Semifinals. They both beat their opponents in straight sets to advance to the Quarterfinals.
World No. 1, Andy Murray advanced to the 4th round.
NBA FINALS – Basketball
The Warriors blew out the Cavs in Game 1, 113-91 on Thursday night.
Coach Steve Kerr returned to coach the Warriors in the Finals, starting with Game 2. The game seemed close up to Half Time with the Warriors only up by 3. After that, Kevin Durant (KD) was unstoppable with 33 points and Steph Curry stepped up with 32 points to lead the Warriors to a 132-113 win and a 2-0 lead in the series. Even Klay Thompson got to find his rhythm and contributed 22 points.
Cavs’ LeBron James who scored 29 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists, tied Magic Johnson for the most NBA Finals triple doubles. But it wasn’t enough for his team to win, despite 27 points from Kevin Love. Kyrie Irving was only able to score 19 points.
KD’s defense to offense was sensational.
The Cavs are in the same position as last year’s Finals, but versus a team who now has KD. After last night you cannot help but think a sweep is possible, but Suga thinks the Cavs may win Game 3 at home and sees the Warriors winning the Finals 4-1.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Serena Williams (2)Â is on maternity leave and watching from the stands this French Open. So who is still in it for the Ladies?!
Photo of Venus Williams: ESPN
Her sister, Venus of course! Can Venus Williams (10) win another Grand Slam before she retires? It is very possible. She has been on top of her game and already through to the 4th round.
Who will stand in her way?
The Women’s side of the draw is usually a toss up, especially without Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.
Photo of Angelique Kerber: ESPN
World #1, Angelique Kerber has been inconsistent and was defeated in the 1st round in straight sets by Tsurenko Makarova. Makarova was defeated in the 2nd round.
Suga thinks Venus’ biggest threat is Defending Champ, Garbine Muguruza(4), who is also moving on to Round 4.
Photo of Simona Halep: ESPN
Simona Halep (3) was questionable to enter the French Open because she injured her ankle in a tournament before this, but she is already through to Round 3. I don’t think she is in it for the long run though.
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) and Elina Svitolina (5) are through to Round 3.
Rounding off the top 10 ladies, Svetlana Kiznetsova (8) is through to the 4th round.
If Venus doesn’t win the French, my money is on her to win Wimbledon.
Men’s Singles
Photo of Rafael Nadal (L) and Novak Djokovic (R): ESPN
Novak Djokovic (2) seems to be back in Championship shape and he is now being coached by one of the greats, Andre Agassi. He is already through to Round 4 but may be destined to clash with the clay court specialist and veteran, Rafael Nadal (4)Â who is also through to Round 4.
Photo of Andy Murray: ESPN
Andy Murray (1) says he is feeling good again but he is still not at his best just yet. He will play Juan del Potro (29) in Round 3.
Milos Raonic (5) and the Austrian, Dominic Thiem (6) are through to Round 4.
Kei Nishikori (8), Stan Wawrinka (3) and Marin Cilic (7) who round off the top 10 Men are in Round 3.
Gaël Monfils (15), who is usually very competitive is in Round 3 as well.
Suga thinks either Djoko or Rafa will take the French Open for the Men.
Remember the veteran, Roger Federer is sitting this one out to save his energy for the grass and hard courts. If he stays in top shape, I believe he will win Wimbledon. Do we have another vintage Finals coming up at Wimbledon for the Ladies and Men? Possible.
Stay tuned everyone!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The weekend belonged to Angelique Kerber and Stan Wawrinka! They both won their 1st US Open titles.
Photo: ESPN Score Center
Angelique Kerber (#2) beat Karoline Pliskova (#10) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Her first major won was in January at the US Open this year, beating Serena Williams and she looks like she has more to go!
She will be taking over the World’s #1 ranking from Serena Williams today.
Congrats to Angelique Kerber. The German has started to follow her idol, Steffi Graf’s footsteps very well.
‘STAN the Man’ WAWRINKA (#3) defeated World #1 Novak Djokovic to win the US Open in 4 sets, 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
Stan is now 3 for 3 for Grand Slam Finals. He was fully focused and did not panic at crucial points in the game. Even when the 1st set looked like it would have been lopsided, he came back and forced a tiebreak. He also recovered quickly mentally after coming back from so far to end up losing the 1st set and held for the 1st game in the 2nd set.
He made clutch shots when it counted and won the majority of rallies including arguably the best point of the tournament. Djokovic struggled with his serve all tournament and it definitely hurt him in the Final. Stan was determined, fit and ready for the battle though. Well deserved win. Congrats Stan!
Germany’s Angelique Kerber has a chance to knock Serena Williams from the top of the tennis rankings.
Serena will not only need to reach the US Open Finals to remain at #1, but if she meets Kerber she will also have to beat her.
Photo: wtatennis.com
If Serena wins the US Open she would not only pass the monumental 22 Grand Slam title wins, but also be tied with Steffi Graf for the longest stay at #1 (186 weeks).
Currently, Serena surpassed Martina Navratilova for the most Grand Slam match wins and is now equal with Roger Federer’s mark for the men. Amazing.
If Aga Radwanska wins the Open she can also be #1.
If Serena continues to win as well as her sister, Venus, they are on a collision course to meet in the Semi-Final.
Can Serena come out on top this time around with all of the pressure mounted against her again?
Roberta Vince who pulled off what was considered to be the biggest upset in Sports last year, beating Serena in the Semi-Final of the US Open is through to the Quarterfinals (QF) on the other side of the draw from Serena. She has dropped just 1 set so far in the tournament.
She could meet Kerber on her side of the draw who is also through to the QF after beating Kvitova.
Upsets so far for the Ladies?
Caroline Wozniaki just upset Madison Keys (#8) in straight sets.
World #3, French Open 2016 winner, Muguruza was sent home in Round 2.
Defending Champ, Lepchenko was defeated in Round 3.
Matches to be played today for the Ladies?
Simona Halep (#5), Radwanska (#4), Serena (#1) and Venus (#6), should be playing their Round 4 matches today.
What’s happening with the Men?
Photo: bbc.com
Novak Djokovic is through easily to the Quarterfinals, as well as Tsonga and Monfils.
Andy Murray, Wawrinka, Nishikori and Juan MartÃn del Potro should know their fate for the Quarterfinals today.
Juan Martìn del Potro is one to watch as he seems to be making quite a comeback.
Upsets so far?
Rafael Nadal was defeated by Lucas Pouille in 5 sets and has failed to reach the Quarterfinals for the 3rd straight year.
Wimbledon 2016 Finalist, Milos Raonic was out from the 2nd round. Veteran John McEnroe is no longer his Coach after Wimbledon possibly because of a conflict of interest since McEnroe is a commentator on ESPN. Looks like the change hurt him.
Juan del Potro beat David Ferrer (#11) in the 3rd round.
Alia Atkinson swims in the Final of the 100m Breastroke tonight with the 5th fastest time of 1:06.52.
What exactly are Alia’s chances to medal in the event?
Let us recap the London 2012 Olympics where she came 4th with a time of 1:06.93.
Rūta  Meilutytė of Lithuania is currently the World Record holder. She set the World record of 1:02.36 at the 2013 FINA World Championships in Moscow. Of the medallists in London 2012, she is the only one that has returned to the Finals in Rio.
At the London 2012 Olympics, she was just 15 years old. By age 17, she was the first and only to win all possible swimming titles in all age groups.
She has been looking pretty consistent over the years at the different European Championships with times of 1.04.35 etc. She also edged out Alia at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan taking the silver and Alia, bronze.
How did she look in the Semis in Rio?
How did the others look in Alia’s Semi Final?
So, the questions are, how fast can Lilly King, Shi  Jinglin, Katie Meili and Yulia Efinova really go? And what kind of shape is World record holder, Rūta  Meilutytė in? Has she just been taking it easy? Has Alia just been taking it easy as well?
Because Alia is also capable of swimming as fast as RÅ«ta, which I don’t believe the others have proven just yet. Alia won the gold at the World Championships in DOHA 2014, beating RÅ«ta who got the silver. Alia not only won the gold but equalled RÅ«ta’s World record time of 1:02.36, which is now her Personal best.
If Alia swims even just a second slower than her Personal best in the Finals tonight, she is contention of not only an Olympic medal but that Olympic Gold medal.
Let’s go Alia! Strive for GOLD. You can do it!
In other RIO 2016 News,
GYMNASTICS:
Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Williams took Jamaican Gymnastics to the world, ending her floor routine with the famous Usain Bolt, ‘To di Worl’ pose. However she did not make it to the next round. Her weakest event was the uneven bars but she had a strong vault with 14.1 being her highest score. Great floor routine but low degree of difficulty, which factors into the scoring. The beam was ok for her as well. She remains in good spirits hoping she encouraged others from Ja and will see Gymnastics improve in Jamaica. Well tried Toni-Ann, you made history and made Jamaica proud.
TENNIS
Photo: i.stuff.co.nz
Juan MartÃn del Potro of Argentina upset World No. 1 Novak Djokovic from Serbia with a 7-6(4), 7-6 (2) win after being stuck in an elevator for 40 minutes before the match. The power went out, he had no phone signal and had no choice but to yell for help. He was rescued by his Argentinian handball team, nicknamed, ‘The Gladiators’.
Juan’s biggest accomplishment was winning the 2009 US Open, defeating Rafael Nadal in the Semifinal and Roger Federer in the Final.
Novak Djokovic defeats Andy Murray in 4 sets 3-6,6-1,6-2,6-4 to win 12th Grand slam and 1st French Open Title!
This win also means he has won all 4 Grand Slam titles in 1 year. Amazing. This has not been done since 1969.
Djokovic now stands in the middle of the greats with Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras above him with 14 Grand Slams and of course the legendary Roger Federer with 17.
Suga expects to see more titles from Djokovic in the near future.
