Connect with us

SPORTS

Serena Williams eager to hit with big guns again

Published

7 years ago

on

Serena Williams is through taking baby steps on the comeback trail after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles winner is ramping up her return this week by playing in Indian Wells, her first WTA Tour event since she won the 2017 Australian Open.

After a couple of exhibitions and a Davis Cup doubles match, Williams is eager to hit with the big guns as she opens her campaign on Thursday night against Zarina Diyas.
“I’m ready to just jump in and get started and see what happens,” the 36-year-old American told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. “Obviously I’m going to have a few hiccups, I would imagine, and I’m ready for that.”

Earlier this week she played one tiebreaker in an exhibition tournament in New York. In February she played a doubles rubber for the US Fed Cup team, and took part in another exhibition in Abu Dhabi in late December.

Indian Wells features a star-studded women’s field in a tournament that looks wide open.

Many of the players on Wednesday said they welcomed Serena’s return.

“We are all going to look to see how she is playing,” said reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza.

“She is one of the best players so it is good that she is back, especially after being a mom. It is great.”

French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko said Serena’s contribution to women’s tennis cannot be overstated.

“She is an amazing athlete,” said sixth seeded Latvian Ostapenko. “She is a very special and what she has done for women’s tennis is huge.”

– Pliskova doubts –
But Czech fifth seed Karolina Pliskova said it is going to take more than one WTA event for Serena to get back in championship form.

“Obviously it is tough to get back even for a champion like her,” Pliskova said Wednesday. “I don’t have that experience with having a baby, but I think it changes the body and the mindset a lot.

“We will see in the first round. For sure she is going to be a little bit nervous. I don’t know what kind of shape she is in and if she was practising or not practising.

“She can play good tennis again but I don’t know if it is going to be at this tournament maybe it will take her a while.”

The first clues to Williams’ form will be displayed in Thursday’s night game against Diyas,

Serena’s first match in Indian Wells will be Thursday night against Diyas, the 24-year-old world number 53 from Kazakhstan.

Serena boycotted this event, with her sister Venus, for 14 years after she was booed in the 2001 final. She returned in 2015 but had to pull out before her semi-final against Simona Halep with a knee problem.

Times have changed for the most successful female player of the Open era. If you asked her 10 years ago if she envisioned herself playing after the age of 30, Serena would have replied no.

But that was before she started collecting Grand Slam titles like others collect antique furniture or vinyl records.

“There’s nobody’s rule that says you have to retire at 30,” she told The Wall Street Journal. “All the best players in the world now are well into their 30s, so you know, technology is better at enabling athletes to play a longer life.”

Guardian

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

SPORTS

John McEnroe Says He Can Be The Commissioner Tennis Needs Amid Doping Crisis

Published

6 days ago

on

January 8, 2025

By

John McEnroe says he can be commissioner tennis needs | fab.ng

Recent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’s reputation, but John McEnroe believes that appointing a single commissioner for the sport would significantly enhance the clarity and transparency surrounding doping cases.

Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March for trace amounts of the anabolic androgenic steroid clostebol, but an independent tribunal cleared him of any wrongdoing by accepting his explanation of unintentional contamination.

Women’s world number two Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban in November after testing positive for the hormone and metabolic modulator trimetazidine, which she attributed to contamination of her sleep medication.

The ITIA, responsible for managing tennis’s anti-doping program, stated that both cases involved “inadvertent breaches of the rules.”

“I don’t think it has done any damage because if you look, it’s way worse in the other sports,”McEnroe, a former world number one turned ESPN broadcaster, told reporters ahead of the Australian Open.

“In my opinion, tennis is cleaner than any other sport. Now that doesn’t mean there are not issues.”

John McEnroe emphasised that the confusion surrounding the timing of information release significantly exacerbates the situation.

The confusion is such as the delayed public disclosure of Sinner’s positive test at the Indian Wells tournament in March until just before the US Open in August.

“That part I really don’t like,”he said.

Rennae Stubbs, a former player, current coach, and ESPN commentator, stated that players undergo frequent testing.

She further emphasised that a commissioner could play a vital role in enhancing transparency when a positive test occurs, particularly when a player’s reputation is at stake.

“We need a commissioner of tennis that actually gets out there and speaks on behalf of players to defend or not defend them,” she said.

“The bottom line is we have no one talking for them.”

McEnroe revealed that he has long advocated for the appointment of a commissioner and expressed his readiness and willingness to assume this role.

“If I wasn’t the commissioner, there still should be a commissioner,” he said.

“It doesn’t look like it’s ever going to happen because people are too busy, these tournaments protect their own interests. They care about themselves, they don’t care enough about the sport.

“So it’s too bad. But nonetheless, if it’s not me, it should be someone else. We’ll see if it happens in the next 10 years.”

Check out more sports updates here.

Continue Reading

SPORTS

Taiwo Awoniyi’s First Goal Of The Season Seals Nottingham Forest’s Win Over Wolves

Published

6 days ago

on

January 8, 2025

By

Taiwo Awoniyi’s Goal Lifts Nottingham Forest Past Wolves | fab.ng

Taiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to Premier League action. He scored in stoppage time to help Nottingham Forest crush Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 on Monday evening.

The Super Eagles striker completed his dramatic comeback from injury, finding the net for the first time in the 2024/25 season, precisely 324 days after a devastating setback had forced him to watch from the sidelines.

Forest manager Steve Cooper introduced Awoniyi in the 88th minute, and the Nigerian international seized his opportunity with both hands.

Morgan Gibbs-White orchestrated the decisive moment, threading a precise pass through Wolves’ defensive line.

Awoniyi, demonstrating his predatory instincts, latched onto the ball and dispatched it into the net with clinical precision, sending the City Ground into rapturous celebration.

The emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed Taiwo Awoniyi as he sank to his knees after scoring.

He reached for his shin pads, which carried a deeply personal message – the Bible verse James 1:17.

The passage reads, “Every good and perfect gift is from above,” and pressed them against his face in a poignant display of gratitude and relief.

This victory carried significant implications for Nottingham Forest’s remarkable 2024/25 campaign. The team has now strung together an impressive sequence of six consecutive Premier League victories.

This cemented their position in third place on the table. Forest’s 40-point tally matches Arsenal’s in second position. Meanwhile, Liverpool maintains a six-point advantage at the summit with a game still in hand.

Awoniyi’s goal served as the perfect exclamation point on Forest’s commanding performance, underlining their transformation into genuine title contenders.

The striker’s emotional celebration resonated throughout the stadium. Furthermore, it marks not just a personal milestone in his recovery journey but also symbolises Forest’s remarkable ascent into English football’s top flight.

Don’t miss the inspiring photos of his celebration! Watch the goal video below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Awoniyi Taiwo (@awoniyi18)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nottingham Forest (@officialnffc)

Check here for more sports updates.

Continue Reading

SPORTS

NBA Roundup: Giannis Triple-Double Leads Milwaukee Bucks To Win Over Toronto Raptors

Published

1 week ago

on

January 7, 2025

By

NBA roundup: Giannis triple-double leads Milwaukee Bucks | fab.ng

Giannis Antetokounmpo (30) recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, contributing 11 points, 12 rebounds, and a season-high 13 assists.

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard (34) scored 25 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a decisive 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

Antetokounmpo’s exceptional passing, including 10 assists in the first half alone, ignited the Bucks’ offence and propelled them to victory, snapping a two-game losing streak.

The Bucks had recently faced a challenging period, losing four of their last five games, all against teams with losing records.

However, they convincingly overcame the struggling 8-28 Raptors, despite the absence of Khris Middleton due to an ankle injury.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers praised Antetokounmpo’s playmaking abilities, stating, “Giannis’ passing set the whole tone for our team.”

“When your best player does that, it becomes contagious and the ball just moved,” Rivers said.

The only downside for the Bucks was a cut Antetokounmpo suffered on his right little finger when he hit the rim on a block attempt late in the first half.

Rivers said it required stitches to stop the bleeding, but Antetokounmpo wanted to stay in a game in which he and Lillard were both able to rest the entire fourth quarter anyway.

Zach LaVine led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 114-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Chicago, scoring 35 points while also contributing 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The Bulls staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the third quarter.

Coby White played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 23 points. He drove for a go-ahead layup and followed it up with a powerful dunk, giving the Bulls a 113-110 lead with 15.9 seconds remaining. LaVine then sealed the win with a free throw.

The Bulls successfully countered another impressive performance from San Antonio’s star rookie, Victor Wembanyama. He recorded 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and an astonishing eight blocked shots.

In Detroit, Cade Cunningham orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Pistons.

They scored 32 points and dished out nine assists as they overcame an early 22-point deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-115.

Tim Hardaway Jr. ignited the Pistons’ fourth-quarter surge, scoring 11 of his 26 points during the final period. He drained back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Pistons a 109-106 lead with less than three minutes remaining.

The Trail Blazers mounted a late challenge, twice narrowing the deficit to just one point. Anfernee Simons’ three-pointer with 12 seconds left brought the score to 117-115.

However, Malik Beasley sealed the Pistons’ fourth consecutive win by making one of two free throws and securing a crucial steal.

The Phoenix Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.

Coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to shake up the starting lineup by moving Bradley Beal to the bench proved successful. Beal ignited the Suns’ offence, scoring 25 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half.

The Suns trailed by as many as 12 points in the first quarter and entered halftime with a four-point deficit. However, their bench outscored the 76ers’ reserves by a significant margin, 54-7.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points and 10 assists. And Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry due to injuries.

In New York, the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic upset the struggling Knicks 103-94.

Cole Anthony led the Magic with 24 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring 19 points. The Magic remain without their top four scorers: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner.

Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 24 points for the Knicks. The Knicks suffered their third consecutive loss after a nine-game winning streak.

In Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. dominated. He scored 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks, missing key players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, dropped their fifth straight game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped their three-game losing streak with a thrilling 108-106 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Anthony Edwards fuelled the comeback, scoring 37 points for the Timberwolves.

For more sports updates, check here.

Continue Reading

Latest

5 Things To Expect In Afrobeats In 2025 | fab.ng 5 Things To Expect In Afrobeats In 2025 | fab.ng
MUSIC2 days ago

5 Things To Expect In Afrobeats In 2025

Afrobeats is poised to reach unprecedented heights in 2025 as Nigerian music continues its remarkable global ascent. The genre’s explosive...
7 oldest countries in the world | fab.ng 7 oldest countries in the world | fab.ng
TRAVEL2 days ago

Here Are The 7 Most Ancient Countries On Earth

The oldest countries in the world stand as remarkable testaments to human civilisation, each containing landscapes and monuments that narrate...
Why self-reflection is more important than resolutions | fab.ng Why self-reflection is more important than resolutions | fab.ng
LIFESTYLE3 days ago

Why Self-Reflection Is More Important Than Resolutions

Millions of people embark on a yearly ritual: they sit down with a notebook and pen, eager to craft a...
Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba teases King of Boys 3 | fab.ng Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba teases King of Boys 3 | fab.ng
MOVIES5 days ago

Nollywood Director, Kemi Adetiba Teases King Of Boys 3

Nollywood director Kemi Adetiba has revealed that another instalment of King of Boys will be released on December 25, 2025....
John McEnroe says he can be commissioner tennis needs | fab.ng John McEnroe says he can be commissioner tennis needs | fab.ng
SPORTS6 days ago

John McEnroe Says He Can Be The Commissioner Tennis Needs Amid Doping Crisis

Recent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’s reputation, but John McEnroe believes that appointing a single commissioner...
Everybody Loves Jenifa Nollywood’s highest-grossing film | fab.ng Everybody Loves Jenifa Nollywood’s highest-grossing film | fab.ng
MOVIES6 days ago

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” Becomes Nollywood’s Highest-Grossing Film Of All Time

Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a historic milestone with her latest film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa.” The film has officially...
Hidden Riches: FG to premiere TV series on mining sector | fab.ng Hidden Riches: FG to premiere TV series on mining sector | fab.ng
MOVIES6 days ago

FG To Premiere TV Series, “Hidden Riches” On Mining Sector On January 25

Nigeria’s Federal Government will launch an ambitious television drama series focused on the nation’s mining sector, premiering “Hidden Riches” on...
Watch Qing Madi Perform "Favourite Pyscho" Soulfully | fab.ng Watch Qing Madi Perform "Favourite Pyscho" Soulfully | fab.ng
FAB FRESH6 days ago

Qing Madi Delivers A Soulful Performance Of “Favourite Pyscho”

Rising Afro-RnB sensation Qing Madi launches into 2025 with a mesmerising performance on the prestigious COLOURS platform, showcasing her latest...
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Goal Lifts Nottingham Forest Past Wolves | fab.ng Taiwo Awoniyi’s Goal Lifts Nottingham Forest Past Wolves | fab.ng
SPORTS6 days ago

Taiwo Awoniyi’s First Goal Of The Season Seals Nottingham Forest’s Win Over Wolves

Taiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to Premier League action. He scored in stoppage time to help Nottingham Forest crush...
56th NAACP Image Awards: Tems, Ayo Edebiri, Wizkid nominated | fab.ng 56th NAACP Image Awards: Tems, Ayo Edebiri, Wizkid nominated | fab.ng
ENTERTAINMENT6 days ago

Tems, Ayo Edebiri, Wizkid & More Nominated For The 56th NAACP Image Awards

The 56th NAACP Image Awards have unveiled their nominations. It highlights various exceptional talents. These talents include Nigerian stars Tems,...

-Ad-

under40ceos-starting-a-business
under40ceos-starting-a-business

Trending