Latest news with #Belarusian
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
‘You'll never make it' – Aryna Sabalenka slams ‘brutal' youth coaches
PARIS – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka may be a three-time Grand Slam winner, but the Belarusian has revealed how she had been berated and told she would not succeed by coaches as a youngster. On May 30, top-seeded Sabalenka eased into the French Open last 16 with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Serbia's Olga Danilovic on Court Philippe Chatrier. And the 27-year-old Miami-based player spoke afterwards of the cultural difference of the coaching system in Eastern Europe. 'I've always been quite motivated and they didn't have to push me,' Sabalenka said. 'But I have heard a lot saying I'm not smart enough, that I'm stupid, and I'll never make it, and I don't have anything to make it to the top. 'I guess I want to send a quick message to them to quit their job, because honestly, I think they know nothing and they better quit just to save other players.' The Minsk native won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024 and the US Open last season. She brushed aside 34th-ranked Danilovic in 79 minutes and next plays 16th-seeded American Amanda Anisimova on June 1 for a place in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros. The Belarusian also said she felt lucky with her current coaching team. 'Off court it is important to surround yourself with the right people and have fun with your crew and that's what I'm doing,' she said. 'I am really grateful to have all of them on my team, we are like family.' In contrast, Madrid Open winner Sabalenka has spoken this week about 'the environment and in the history of European countries, we are much tougher'. 'I definitely think that the environment we have in our countries, which is like very tough and coaches are very brutal, there is nothing nice about the way they work with their players, they (are) quite rude,' she said. 'I think that's why maybe our mentality is much stronger, but also, the same time, they kind of like broke so many players because of that aggressive mindset. 'I think in Europe and the States, the environment is much healthier.' In Paris, Sabalenka refuses to consider herself a favourite in a tournament where she has never advanced past the semi-finals. 'Let's just leave it (the pressure) on Iga (Swiatek) since she won it, what, three times in a row, really, right? Let's just... I will just leave it for her,' she added. Anisimova leads Sabalenka 5-2 in previous meetings. The American is competing in her seventh French Open, having an impressive run to the semi-finals six years ago. She beat Sabalenka in straight sets in the second round in 2019. 'When I first got here, I was getting some flashbacks and good memories,' said Anisimova, who got past 22nd-seeded Dane Clara Tauson 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in the third round. 'Obviously (she's) one of the best right now. She's No. 1. I really enjoy the fight and the challenge that she brings on,' added the 23-year-old. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Dubai Eye
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Sabalenka powers into French Open fourth round
World number one Aryna Sabalenka's French Open quest continued as she powered into the fourth round with a 6-2 6-3 victory against Serbia's Olga Danilovic on Friday. The Belarusian dominated her opponent from the start and although she faced some brief resistance in the second set, she easily set up a meeting with 16th seed Amanda Anisimova of the United States. "I am super happy with the win, Olga is a fighter and I knew it would be a fight. She played like a top 10 player; pretty soon she will be in the top 10," said Sabalenka. Sabalenka started in ruthless fashion, racing to a 5-0 lead but Danilovic avoided the bagel by winning the sixth game on serve, going on to pull a break back. The resurgence was short-lived, however, as Sabalenka wrapped up the opening set with another break of serve. Danilovic put up a decent fight in the second set but there was no comeback on the cards as Sabalenka broke for 5-3. The three-time Grand Slam champion wrapped it up with an unreturnable serve on a half-empty Court Philippe Chatrier - a common occurrence on early matches at the French Open.
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Latvia here we come! Rich Indians' ticket to Europe
Live Events Mumbai: They don't belong to the club of the ultra-rich who pick a pricey passport of the Global North. They neither feature in the cast of serious characters snooping around for citizenship of a Caribbean or South Pacific nation, to escape the law enforcement authorities in India. They are IT professionals, exporters, physicians, and entrepreneurs - a reasonably affluent lot-looking for a free access and foothold in Europe without surrendering their Indian citizenships or shelling out big money on fancy migration of them are opting for Latvia, the Baltic country which has joined the game of golden visa in full earnest-positioning itself as the cheapest gateway to the continent. "As of 2024, Indian nationals may account for approximately 10% of all applications to Latvia 's 'Residence by Investment' programme. Following Latvia's 2022 exclusion of Russian and Belarusian applicants, there has been a noticeable shift in the nationalities of applicants and we have seen a rise in demand from Indian families," said Rohit Bhardwaj, country head, India at Henley & Partners which offers investment migration Indians, keen on a plan-B with their children settling abroad, have changed residency with the intention of eventually becoming a citizen of countries like Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and UAE that levies no personal income tax. The trend deepened with the pandemic, driving many to move wealth and buy jumbo life insurance plans in overseas jurisdictions.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)"I would attribute the increased interest in Latvia to two factors: first, the low cash outflow at entry-only ₹60,000 plus fees compared to ₹500,000 for most other European countries; second, faster processing time. Programmes like the Portugal Golden Visa, though superior, have done themselves no favour by changes in rules and long bureaucratic delays," said Vikas Tandon, who had successfully applied for Portuguese golden visa in 2020, and founded the company Golden Homes Portugal, using his expertise to advise investment going into private companies identified by Latvian authorities is a sunk cost, with no voting rights and only half of which can be recovered if the visa is relinquished. Instead, some buy homes which would cost ₹250,000. "Latvia supports both routes, with clear legal frameworks and minimal bureaucratic hurdles. While investing in foreign companies involves additional disclosures and compliance with regulations like reporting of ODI, the strategic benefits outweigh the procedural formalities," said Moin Ladha, partner at Khaitan & Co. Under India's forex laws, Indian nationals can invest abroad, including capital and current account to Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, a citizenship investment advisory, the majority of its clients interested in accessing the Latvia programme are Indian citizens. "We've observed a 30% year-on-year increase in Indian inquiries since 2023. Many are entrepreneurs and SME owners who desire EU access without high costs associated with Germany or the Netherlands. With several EU nations increasing minimum investment thresholds, or closing programmes, Latvia offers the freedom to live, travel, and work at an attractive price point," said Arton. A few plan to settle at Riga after retirement, said Anurag Manakikar, associate director at Henley, who advised a senior corporate the programme has been there for long, there has been greater awareness as people looked around for options, said Manakikar. What also stoked interest was the high rejection in Schengen visa applications and absence of minimum stay requirement in Latvia."However, to derive real benefit, a person has to reside or settle in Latvia or any other preferred country. If someone continues to reside in India, he would remain a resident here under the Income Tax Act and FEMA. So, benefits would be confined to non-requirement of visa in Europe," said Rajesh Shah, partner at the CA firm Jayantilal Thakkar & Company.A property investment in Dubai for a UAE Golden visa could work better if tax is the sole consideration for anyone planning to become an NRI. Unlike Portugal's Golden Visa, which requires a minimum stay of only 15 days every 2 years to become eligible for an EU passport (after only 5 years since date of application), a Latvian passport requires becoming a physical resident for almost a decade. Nonetheless, for many, Latvia's low cost is the pull factor.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Latvia here we come! Rich Indians' ticket to Europe
Mumbai: They don't belong to the club of the ultra-rich who pick a pricey passport of the Global North. They neither feature in the cast of serious characters snooping around for citizenship of a Caribbean or South Pacific nation, to escape the law enforcement authorities in India. They are IT professionals, exporters, physicians, and entrepreneurs - a reasonably affluent lot-looking for a free access and foothold in Europe without surrendering their Indian citizenships or shelling out big money on fancy migration programmes. Settling Abroad Some of them are opting for Latvia, the Baltic country which has joined the game of golden visa in full earnest-positioning itself as the cheapest gateway to the continent. "As of 2024, Indian nationals may account for approximately 10% of all applications to Latvia 's 'Residence by Investment' programme. Following Latvia's 2022 exclusion of Russian and Belarusian applicants, there has been a noticeable shift in the nationalities of applicants and we have seen a rise in demand from Indian families," said Rohit Bhardwaj, country head, India at Henley & Partners which offers investment migration advisory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Wealthy Indians, keen on a plan-B with their children settling abroad, have changed residency with the intention of eventually becoming a citizen of countries like Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and UAE that levies no personal income tax. The trend deepened with the pandemic, driving many to move wealth and buy jumbo life insurance plans in overseas jurisdictions. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "I would attribute the increased interest in Latvia to two factors: first, the low cash outflow at entry-only ₹60,000 plus fees compared to ₹500,000 for most other European countries; second, faster processing time. Programmes like the Portugal Golden Visa, though superior, have done themselves no favour by changes in rules and long bureaucratic delays," said Vikas Tandon, who had successfully applied for Portuguese golden visa in 2020, and founded the company Golden Homes Portugal, using his expertise to advise others. Live Events Benefits Outweigh Formalities The investment going into private companies identified by Latvian authorities is a sunk cost, with no voting rights and only half of which can be recovered if the visa is relinquished. Instead, some buy homes which would cost ₹250,000. "Latvia supports both routes, with clear legal frameworks and minimal bureaucratic hurdles. While investing in foreign companies involves additional disclosures and compliance with regulations like reporting of ODI, the strategic benefits outweigh the procedural formalities," said Moin Ladha, partner at Khaitan & Co. Under India's forex laws, Indian nationals can invest abroad, including capital and current account transactions. According to Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, a citizenship investment advisory, the majority of its clients interested in accessing the Latvia programme are Indian citizens. "We've observed a 30% year-on-year increase in Indian inquiries since 2023. Many are entrepreneurs and SME owners who desire EU access without high costs associated with Germany or the Netherlands. With several EU nations increasing minimum investment thresholds, or closing programmes, Latvia offers the freedom to live, travel, and work at an attractive price point," said Arton. A few plan to settle at Riga after retirement, said Anurag Manakikar, associate director at Henley, who advised a senior corporate honcho. Greater Awareness While the programme has been there for long, there has been greater awareness as people looked around for options, said Manakikar. What also stoked interest was the high rejection in Schengen visa applications and absence of minimum stay requirement in Latvia. "However, to derive real benefit, a person has to reside or settle in Latvia or any other preferred country. If someone continues to reside in India, he would remain a resident here under the Income Tax Act and FEMA. So, benefits would be confined to non-requirement of visa in Europe," said Rajesh Shah, partner at the CA firm Jayantilal Thakkar & Company. A property investment in Dubai for a UAE Golden visa could work better if tax is the sole consideration for anyone planning to become an NRI. Unlike Portugal's Golden Visa, which requires a minimum stay of only 15 days every 2 years to become eligible for an EU passport (after only 5 years since date of application), a Latvian passport requires becoming a physical resident for almost a decade. Nonetheless, for many, Latvia's low cost is the pull factor.
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
French Open 2025: Sabalenka thrashes Danilovic to enter last 16; Zheng also advances
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka eased into the French Open last 16 with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 win over Serbia's Olga Danilovic on Friday. The world number one brushed aside her 34th-ranked rival in 79 minutes on the sun-drenched Court Philippe Chatrier. 'I'm super happy with the win, Olga is a fighter,' said three-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka. ALSO READ | Djokovic saves set point, battles past Moutet to stay on course for record Grand Slam 'Here it's about dreams, I give my all,' added the Belarusian, who has never gone past the semi-finals in Paris. The 27-year-old next plays 16th-seeded American Amanda Anisimova for a place in the quarter-finals. Anisimova ousted Danish 22nd seed Clara Tauson 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in their third-round tie. Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen became the first woman to qualify for the French Open last 16 on Friday after a 6-3, 6-4 win over Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. Chinese eighth seed Zheng has won nine successive matches at Roland Garros following her run to Olympic gold last year. She is through to the fourth round in Paris for the second time and will next play either Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova or Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska.
