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The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
COLD: Is this the GOAT Wimbledon celebration?
When Elena Rybakina won Wimbledon in 2022, she celebrated with such nonchalance that it basically broke the internet. The big-serving Kazakh superstar fought from a set down to beat Tunisian Ons Jabeur. The way she celebrated set the internet into a frenzy. Carlos Alcaraz ignores the inevitable to bag an era-defining Wimbledon win in 2023 The internet went nuts over Rybakina's apparent non-celebration, which has become her signature after winning matches. Even matches as big as a grand slam final at SW19. The tears did come in her post-match press conference, where she said, 'You asked me for emotion.' Wimbledon 2025 context Rybakina has endured an inconsistent ride on the tour since winning the Venus Rosewater dish in 2022. The Kazakh star has slipped outside the world's top 10, and the 26-year-old's best performance at a slam since the Wimbledon triumph in 2022 was a loss in the 2023 Australian Open against Aryna Sabalenka. Still, grass is arguably her best surface, and she did reach the quarters here in 2023 and lost to eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova in the 2024 semi-finals. Rybakina's massive serve and effortless power off both wings always make her a threat. Carlos Alcaraz is gunning for a third straight Wimbledon crown. Image: HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP 22-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly the man to beat at Wimbledon in 2025. He's won 18 matches on the trot this year, including titles at Roland Garros and Queens, the warm-up event to Wimbledon. That Roland Garros win still reverberates around the tennis world; an epic five-set triumph against Jannik Sinner spanning five hours and 29 minutes. Alcaraz came from two sets down, saving three consecutive match points deep into the fourth. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Two-time former Wimbledon champion, 35, announces retirement just days before start of tournament
The Czech star previously returned to the sport after recovering from a knife attack ON A WIMB Two-time former Wimbledon champion, 35, announces retirement just days before start of tournament Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PETRA KVITOVA will appear at Wimbledon for the final time after announcing plans to retire at the end of the tennis year. The Czech ace won the singles Championship in south-west London on two occasions, in 2011 and 2014, and is a member of the All England Club. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Petra Kvitova won the Venus Rosewater dish in 2011 and 2014 Credit: Getty - Pool 4 Kvitova, 35, opened the new Andy Murray Arena at Queen's last week Credit: Getty The 35-year-old was handed a wildcard for the 2025 Championships as she has dropped down to 572nd in the world rankings. Her inactivity can be explained by the fact she gave birth to son Petr in July 2024 and she has only won one of her seven matches this calendar year. Kvitova will say goodbye to the sport following the conclusion of the US Open – where she has twice made the quarter-finals – and it is fair to assume New York chiefs will hand her a wildcard, too. Her career was badly affected in December 2016 when she was attacked by a knife-wielding man, who entered her flat on the pretence he needed to inspect her boiler. READ MORE TENNIS NEWS GOOD TO KIA AGAIN Retired Wimbledon champion, 29, resurfaces in viral ad with Rafael Nadal The former world No.2 suffered severe wounds to her left hand in the fight to free herself and in March 2019, the culprit, Radim Zondra, was sentenced to eight years in jail. When she returned to the sport five months after the ordeal, she said she was 'fortunate to be alive' and doctors never expected her to play at the top level again. She also won an Olympic bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games, reached the 2019 Australian Open final – where she lost in three sets to Naomi Osaka – and was part of six Billie Jean King Cup-winning squads for her country. In an Instagram post, the left-hander said: 'Growing up in my hometown of Fulnek and hitting the first tennis balls with my father on the local courts, I never imagined becoming a professional tennis player. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 Kvitova beat Genie Bouchard in the 2014 SW19 final Credit: Getty 'Being able to travel the world, and playing in the most beautiful stadiums around the world. 'And sure enough… somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more. Former Wimbledon champion resurfaces in viral ad with Rafael Nadal three years after bombshell retirement 'I've been privileged to reach incredible heights over the past 19 years since becoming a professional tennis player. 'From winning my two Wimbledon Championships, bringing home six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, reaching the world No.2 ranking and so much more. 'I've accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and I'm so grateful to everything that tennis has given me all these years. 'It has taught me countless lessons, not only on the court or in the gym, but also in life. 'I'd never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport and everything it has given me both on and off the court. 'As will all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now. 'I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional. 'I'm excited and very much looking forward to soaking in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me. 'And while I'm not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I'm intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer. 'While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment! 'I'll leave the sport with the biggest smile on my face – the same smile you've seen from me on and off court throughout my whole career. 'Through all these years, I'm so incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family, my closest friends, my team, and all the incredible fans that have always supported me around the world over all these years. 'I could not have asked or wished for anything more – tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.'
The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Two-time former Wimbledon champion, 35, announces retirement just days before start of tournament
PETRA KVITOVA will appear at Wimbledon for the final time after announcing plans to retire at the end of the tennis year. The Czech ace won the singles Championship in south-west London on two occasions, in 2011 and 2014, and is a member of the All England Club. Advertisement 4 Petra Kvitova won the Venus Rosewater dish in 2011 and 2014 Credit: Getty - Pool 4 Kvitova, 35, opened the new Andy Murray Arena at Queen's last week Credit: Getty The 35-year-old was handed a wildcard for the 2025 Championships as she has dropped down to 572nd in the world rankings. Her inactivity can be explained by the fact she gave birth to son Petr in July 2024 and she has only won one of her seven matches this calendar year. Kvitova will say goodbye to the sport following the conclusion of the US Open – where she has twice made the quarter-finals – and it is fair to assume New York chiefs will hand her a wildcard, too. Her career was badly affected in December 2016 when she was Advertisement READ MORE TENNIS NEWS The former world No.2 suffered severe wounds to her left hand in the fight to free herself and in March 2019, the culprit, Radim Zondra, was sentenced to eight years in jail. When she returned to the sport five months after the ordeal, she said she was 'fortunate to be alive' and doctors never expected her to play at the top level again. She also won an Olympic bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games, reached the 2019 Australian Open final – where she lost in three sets to In an Instagram post, the left-hander said: 'Growing up in my hometown of Fulnek and hitting the first tennis balls with my father on the local courts, I never imagined becoming a professional tennis player. Advertisement Most read in Tennis BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 Kvitova beat Genie Bouchard in the 2014 SW19 final Credit: Getty 'Being able to travel the world, and playing in the most beautiful stadiums around the world. 'And sure enough… somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more. Advertisement Former Wimbledon champion resurfaces in viral ad with Rafael Nadal three years after bombshell retirement 'I've been privileged to reach incredible heights over the past 19 years since becoming a professional tennis player. 'From winning my two Wimbledon Championships, bringing home six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, reaching the world No.2 ranking and so much more. 'I've accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and I'm so grateful to everything that tennis has given me all these years. 'It has taught me countless lessons, not only on the court or in the gym, but also in life. 'I'd never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport and everything it has given me both on and off the court. Advertisement 'As will all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now. 'I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional. 'I'm excited and very much looking forward to soaking in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me. 'And while I'm not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I'm intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer. Advertisement 'While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment! 'I'll leave the sport with the biggest smile on my face – the same smile you've seen from me on and off court throughout my whole career. 'Through all these years, I'm so incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family, my closest friends, my team, and all the incredible fans that have always supported me around the world over all these years. 'I could not have asked or wished for anything more – tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.' Advertisement 4 Kvitova poses alongside fellow Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic Credit: Getty - Pool
