The Flashiest Hope in American Tennis Aims to Prove He's More Than a ‘Servebot'
Few players in Wimbledon history have ever spent less time on court than Ben Shelton did last Friday.
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Teenager Andreeva cruises into Wimbledon last 16
Andreeva is the youngest player since 2006 to reach the fourth round at each of the first three Grand Slams of the season [Getty Images] Teenager Mirra Andreeva showed why she is one of the hottest prospects in the sport after moving into Wimbledon's fourth round with a comfortable win. Seventh seed Andreeva, 18, outclassed American opponent Hailey Baptiste in a 6-1 6-3 victory on Court One. Advertisement Russia's Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open last month and is aiming to surpass that on the Wimbledon grass. She has reached the last 16 for the second time in her career, having previously done the same in 2023. "Before I played today I told myself, 'Just go out there and do something'," said Andreeva, who is making only her third appearance at the All England Club. "I always expect something from myself but I always try to let myself go and enjoy. "I feel with every match I play, my level is rising." Showing supreme movement and clinical ball-striking, Andreeva breezed through the opening set in 31 minutes. Advertisement Baptiste, ranked 55th in the world, was willed on in the second set by an enthusiastic crowd who wanted to see a true contest. When Andreeva broke for a 3-1 lead, the result looked a formality. Baptiste instantly broke back to halt Andreeva's progress but lost serve again as the world number seven secured a straightforward win in one hour and 18 minutes. Under the tutelage of former SW19 champion Conchita Martinez, she has already won two WTA 1,000 titles - the rung of tournaments below the majors - in Dubai and Indian Wells this season. Her impressive progress is demonstrated by the fact she has won 35 tour-level main-draw matches this year - a tally only bettered by world number one Aryna Sabalenka (44) and five-time major winner Iga Swiatek (37). Advertisement A much tougher test than 23-year-old Baptiste awaits Andreeva next, however. Reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic and American 10th seed Emma Navarro meet later on Saturday for the right to face her. Former champion Rybakina knocked out in rain-affected match The early play on Saturday at Wimbledon was affected by rain [Getty Images] Another big seed was sent tumbling out of Wimbledon as former champion Elena Rybakina suffered a straight-set defeat by Clara Tauson in a match that took more than four hours to complete because of rain delays. Eleventh seed Rybakina, who won the Championships in 2022, was beaten 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 by Denmark's Tauson, who knocked out former British number one Heather Watson in the opening round. Advertisement Rain initially caused this match on the exposed court two to be suspended at 4-4, but once play resumed two hours later it was a tight contest as neither player could be separated, before Tauson saved two set points and then took the opener in the tie-break. The Dane continued her momentum by breaking Rybakina's first service game in the second set, before the players went off the court as rain fell once more with Tauson leading 4-2. But this delay was only around 15 minutes and Tauson returned to the court to seal another break and close out the win. Tauson, who had never won on grass before this year, will next face eighth seed Swiatek. Advertisement "Thanks to the crowd it amazing to play here today even though it was a little rainy," she said. "Before this grass season had started I had never won a match on grass, so I am super proud." More than half of the seeded players at Wimbledon in the men's and women's draw have been knocked out. 'The ball is listening to me' - Swiatek has fun on grass Poland's Swiatek continued her impressive form on grass this year as she defeated Danielle Collins 6-2 6-3 to reach the last 16. The five-time Grand Slam champion has not fared well on this surface in recent years and only twice before reached the fourth round at SW19. Advertisement But it has been a different story so far this year and, after Swiatek reached the final of Bad Homburg last month, she has carried that momentum into Wimbledon. Collins beat her in the Italian Open earlier this year, but the American was no match for the former world number one as a clinical Swiatek sealed the success in one hour and 15 minutes. "I was in the zone. I knew I had to be brave, play fast," said the 24-year-old, who will face Tauson next. "Honestly it is much more fun [on the grass] this year. The ball is listening to me. When it listens to me I don't need to do much. It is pretty smooth."
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15 minutes ago
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Damian Lillard Sends 'Jackpot' Message To His Doubters After Entering Free Agency
Damian Lillard Sends 'Jackpot' Message To His Doubters After Entering Free Agency originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Former Milwaukee Bucks guard and 9x All-Star Damian Lillard finds himself in an odd position heading into the offseason. Amid the doubts about the 34-year-old guard's ability to bounce back in free agency, Lillard shared a comment in response to these naysayers. He said: Advertisement "If they call it a gamble at this stage... Tell them this is the jackpot." After being waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard has inevitably found himself on the free agency market. While some reports suggest that Lillard was happy about leaving the Bucks, the future outlook isn't completely in the guard's favor. At 34 years old, Lillard is entering the last stages of his career. While his averages of 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game from last season were impressive, there are more pressing concerns surrounding the 7x All-NBA guard. Lillard tragically tore his Achilles during the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers this year. Although the Bucks were already backed up against the wall, the injury sustained by Lillard saw Milwaukee make an early exit from the postseason. Advertisement The Bucks' offseason was marked by rumors revolving around a potential move for their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, Milwaukee stunned the league by waiving Lillard's contract, a decision that even Antetokounmpo hasn't been too happy about. As things stand, the Bucks will be stretching Lillard's $112.5 million contract over the next five years, effectively paying the guard approximately $22 million each season. With this move, the 9x All-Star is free to assess the quality of the teams in the league and potentially also join on a short-term, team-friendly contract. The immediate obstacle in Lillard's journey is recovery. Given that the guard is expected to be sidelined for the majority of the season, if not the entire season, teams may be cautious about indicating an interest in signing the 34-year-old. As the star guard recovers close to his family in Portland, he will have a lot of time to think about his prospects. Advertisement If winning titles is a priority, Lillard would be best served by entertaining veteran minimum deals or MLE contracts to join a title contender. But if the primary outlook is to sign a large contract, the veteran guard may face more challenges along the way. Currently, Lillard still has some suitors interested in his services. As a competent point guard with tremendous shooting ability, he immediately increases the offensive firepower of any roster he's on. The Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as potential landing spots for the 9x All-Star. Should he sign a contract with either team, he would undoubtedly strengthen the backcourt once he returns from injury. Related: Ranking The 5 Best Destinations For Damian Lillard After Getting Waived By The Bucks This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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15 minutes ago
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Emotional Tyrese Haliburton Breaks Silence On Achilles Injury In Game 7: "The Frustration Is Unfathomable"
Emotional Tyrese Haliburton Breaks Silence On Achilles Injury In Game 7: "The Frustration Is Unfathomable" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The NBA world stood silent when Tyrese Haliburton went down screaming in pain during Game 7 of the Finals series against the Thunder. The Pacers fans knew that their title hopes took a major hit, seeing what happened to Haliburton. And they eventually lost the most important game of the season. It was tough to even imagine how terrible Haliburton must be feeling. Advertisement Now, following the gut-wrenching incident, Haliburton has finally broken his silence and penned down an emotional message on social media. "Man. Don't know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I've worked my whole life to get to this moment, and this is how it ends? Makes no sense. Now that I've gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I'm going to 'come back stronger'. What a cliche lol, this shit sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what's hurting most I think is my mind. Feel like I'm rambling, but I know this is something I'll look back on when I'm through this, as something I'm proud I fought through. It feels good to let this shit out without y'all seeing the kid ugly cry. At 25, I've already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I'll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don't regret it. I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special. Advertisement Indy, I'm sorry. If any fan base doesn't deserve this, it's y'all. But together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot, and get over this hurdle. I don't doubt for a second that y'all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. 'There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.' And that's exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right. My journey to get to where I am today wasn't by happenstance; I've pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that. The most important part of this all is that I'm grateful. I'm grateful for every single experience that's led me here. I'm grateful for all the love from the hoop world. I don't 'have to' go through this; I get to go through this. I'm grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I'll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton. -0 Proverbs 3:5-6 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, G-Eazy, and other celebrities also showed love to Haliburton in the comments section on Instagram. Advertisement Tyrese Haliburton averaged 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in the 23 games he played in the 2025 NBA playoffs. His absence cost the Pacers down the stretch as their failure to run plays resulted in T.J. McConnell needing to carry the offensive load on his shoulders in the third quarter, which was not enough to stop the rampaging from Thunder. The Thunder extended their lead to 22 points early in the fourth quarter, and without Haliburton, it was very tough for the Pacers to gather any momentum to cut down that deficit. Pacers eventually lost the game 91-103. In an unfortunate coincidence, there have been three Achilles injuries in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, all three of them were in the Eastern Conference, and all three players wear the number 0 (Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard). Even the Western Conference was riddled with injuries in the Thunder's run to the Finals. The NBA now needs to seriously look into its scheduling, especially in the Playoffs, as many players have criticized it this season. It may be the reason why we saw so many injuries in these Playoffs. Related: "My Heart Dropped For Him": Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander On Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles Injury This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
