Latest news with #ITFJuniorCircuit
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Holger Rune gets witty reply after texting Russian tennis star: 'I'm probably too old for you'
Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Russian player Elena Vesnina, Veronika Kudermetova revealed receiving a text from the rising tennis star from Denmark and how she playfully turned down the 22-year-old's approach. read more Veronika Kudermetova had to remind Holger Rune of her marriage to long-time coach Sergei Demekhine after the latter tried to approach her with a text. Image: Reuters/Instagram Russian tennis star Veronika Kudermetova recently opened up on a light-hearted conversation with Holger Rune, in which she gave the rising star from Denmark a reminder on her personal life. Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Russian player Elena Vesnina, Kudermetova revealed receiving a text from the 22-year-old, currently ranked ninth in the world, and how she responded to the Dane's approach. Kudermetova turns down Rune's approach in a witty manner 'Rune recently texted me. I told him, 'Boy, I'm probably too old for you. If you looked at my Instagram, you'd see I have a husband.' He replied, 'Oh, sorry.' After that, he stopped saying hi to me,' 28-year-old Kudermetova told the former doubles world No 1, as per The Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kudermetova had married Sergei Demekhine, her coach since the age of 15 who also happens to be 13 years her senior, in a private ceremony in 2017. Their marriage, however, has not come in the way of their professional relationship as Demekhine continues to coach Kudermetova. The world No 42, who had gone as far as the quarter-finals of the 2022 French Open, had won her maiden Grand Slam title last month at Wimbledon by clinching the women's doubles title along with Belgium's Elise Mertens. Rune, who had charted a meteoric rise through the ITF Junior Circuit and had announced himself on the ATP Tour with his victory over Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Paris Masters, was reportedly romantically linked to Caroline Donzella, a Dutch-Italian high-end real estate agent based in Monte Carlo, in 2023. Donzella, whom Rune had initially referred to as his 'friend', was spotted cheering for the Danish player at the 2023 Wimbledon. Both Rune and Kudermetova, meanwhile, are competing at the National Bank Open which is taking place at Canada's Toronto and Montreal for men and women respectively. Rune has advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Frenchmen Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 and Alexander Muller 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets. Kudermetova, meanwhile, lost her third-round clash against world No 2 Coco Gauff of USA 6-4, 5-7, 2-6 after victories over Cristina Bucsa and Olga Danilovic. She is also competing in the women's doubles along with Mertens, the pair advancing to the next round after beating the Brazilian-German pair of Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund 6-4, 4-6, 10-8. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Holger Rune immediately rebuffed after 'messaging' married tennis star - 'Ignores me now'
Wimbledon doubles winner Veronika Kudermetova has claimed she was messaged by fellow tennis star Holger Rune, but turned the Dane down as she is married and six years his senior World No. 9 Holger Rune was allegedly turned down by married tennis star Veronika Kudermetova after she claimed he texted her. Kudermetova, 28, claims the 22-year-old Dane now doesn't talk to her after she told him that she was 'too old' for him and is married. Rune, a commanding presence on the ITF Junior Circuit as a teenager, burst onto the ATP Tour in 2022 and secured the most significant victory of his fledgling career at the Paris Masters, where he triumphed over both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. At 22, he remains an emerging talent on tour, but he has now faced allegations of sending a text to a fellow female player who is six years his senior. Speaking on Russian former No. 1-ranked doubles player Elena Vesnina's podcast, Kudermetova alleged that Rune privately contacted her and now avoids greeting her at tournaments after she dismissed his text message and informed him that she was married, reports the Express. "Rune recently texted me," she revealed. "I told him, 'Boy, I'm probably too old for you. If you looked at my Instagram, you'd see I have a husband.' He replied, 'Oh, sorry.' Since then, he doesn't even say hello to me anymore." Kudermetova is married to Sergei Demekhine, who is 41, 13 years her senior. Demekhine also serves as Kudermetova's coach and helped guide her to doubles glory at SW19 earlier this month alongside Elise Mertens. In 2023, Rune confirmed on Instagram that he was in a relationship with Caroline Donzella, a high-end estate agent of Dutch-Italian descent based in Monte Carlo. Donzella was first seen cheering for Rune at Wimbledon two years ago, and although he initially referred to her as a 'friend,' the pair appeared to strike up a romantic relationship. However, it remains uncertain whether they are still an item. It's not suggested that Rune was seeing anyone when he allegedly made contact with Kudermetova. Rune's representatives have been approached for comment. Both Rune and Kudermetova are competing in the Canadian Open this week. Rune triumphed over big server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round and is due to face another Frenchman, Alexandre Muller, next. Kudermetova, meanwhile, has been performing well, staging a comeback in the opening round to defeat Cristina Bucsa before breezing past Olga Danilovic in straight sets. She's up against a formidable opponent in No. 1 seed Coco Gauff on Thursday evening, who rebounded from her early Wimbledon departure by defeating Danielle Collins on Tuesday. However, the Russian will be keeping a close eye on the American's serving difficulties. Despite 23 double faults during her victory against Collins, Gauff remains optimistic about her performance against Kudermetova in the next round. "It was a frustrating match for me. I felt like I was practising well and then I don't think I transferred it today, but hopefully I got my bad match of the tournament out of the way and I can come back stronger."
South Wales Argus
14-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Clervie Ngounoue named Rising Star at 2025 Tennis Black List Awards
Clervie Ngounoue became a Wimbledon Juniors champion in 2023 and is an emerging talent in tennis, having reached the top of the ITF Junior Circuit world rankings that same year, while also picking up the girls' doubles title at the 2023 French Open alongside partner Tyra Caterina Grant. The Rising Star award aims to promote and display emerging player talent in the UK and internationally for players up to 21 years old, and Ngounoue was one of two names to receive the award, alongside Kenyan Angella Okutoyi, at this year's Tennis Black Awards, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA. 'I'm so honoured to receive a prestigious award like this one alongside such inspiring and impactful individuals,' said Ngounoue. 'As an African American female athlete, it's so important to me that we continue to celebrate initiatives like this one that have such an impact on so many people by breaking down barriers in sports.' Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers. Taking place in the run up to The Championships at Wimbledon, the Tennis Black List recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally. It follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport. The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners on and off the court. Awards were handed out in ten categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the The Queen's Club. Ngounoue added: 'A heartfelt thank you to the Tennis Black List founders Richard and Anne-Marie for this initiative in particular. I'm so grateful that you guys continue to uplift and celebrate excellence in black and mixed black communities in tennis both on and off the court.' Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo said: 'This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.' Launched in 2022; Tennis Black List is the only global platform dedicated to celebrating and documenting Black and mixed-black impact in tennis — from grassroots organisers to elite players. A movement rooted in recognition, legacy, and cultural celebration.
North Wales Chronicle
14-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Clervie Ngounoue named Rising Star at 2025 Tennis Black List Awards
Clervie Ngounoue became a Wimbledon Juniors champion in 2023 and is an emerging talent in tennis, having reached the top of the ITF Junior Circuit world rankings that same year, while also picking up the girls' doubles title at the 2023 French Open alongside partner Tyra Caterina Grant. The Rising Star award aims to promote and display emerging player talent in the UK and internationally for players up to 21 years old, and Ngounoue was one of two names to receive the award, alongside Kenyan Angella Okutoyi, at this year's Tennis Black Awards, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA. 'I'm so honoured to receive a prestigious award like this one alongside such inspiring and impactful individuals,' said Ngounoue. 'As an African American female athlete, it's so important to me that we continue to celebrate initiatives like this one that have such an impact on so many people by breaking down barriers in sports.' Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers. Taking place in the run up to The Championships at Wimbledon, the Tennis Black List recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally. It follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport. The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners on and off the court. Awards were handed out in ten categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the The Queen's Club. Ngounoue added: 'A heartfelt thank you to the Tennis Black List founders Richard and Anne-Marie for this initiative in particular. I'm so grateful that you guys continue to uplift and celebrate excellence in black and mixed black communities in tennis both on and off the court.' Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo said: 'This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.' Launched in 2022; Tennis Black List is the only global platform dedicated to celebrating and documenting Black and mixed-black impact in tennis — from grassroots organisers to elite players. A movement rooted in recognition, legacy, and cultural celebration.
Powys County Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Clervie Ngounoue named Rising Star at 2025 Tennis Black List Awards
A rising star from Washington D.C. was among those acclaimed at the 2025 Tennis Black List awards. Clervie Ngounoue became a Wimbledon Juniors champion in 2023 and is an emerging talent in tennis, having reached the top of the ITF Junior Circuit world rankings that same year, while also picking up the girls' doubles title at the 2023 French Open alongside partner Tyra Caterina Grant. The Rising Star award aims to promote and display emerging player talent in the UK and internationally for players up to 21 years old, and Ngounoue was one of two names to receive the award, alongside Kenyan Angella Okutoyi, at this year's Tennis Black Awards, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA. 'I'm so honoured to receive a prestigious award like this one alongside such inspiring and impactful individuals,' said Ngounoue. 'As an African American female athlete, it's so important to me that we continue to celebrate initiatives like this one that have such an impact on so many people by breaking down barriers in sports.' Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers. Taking place in the run up to The Championships at Wimbledon, the Tennis Black List recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally. It follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport. The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners on and off the court. Awards were handed out in ten categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the The Queen's Club. Ngounoue added: 'A heartfelt thank you to the Tennis Black List founders Richard and Anne-Marie for this initiative in particular. I'm so grateful that you guys continue to uplift and celebrate excellence in black and mixed black communities in tennis both on and off the court.' Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo said: 'This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.'
