Anthony Joshua will be in line to challenge for Tyson Fury’s WBC world heavyweight title if he beats Francis Ngannou.
Joshua returns on March 8 in Saudi Arabia against ex-UFC champion Ngannou, in only his second boxing bout.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told Gambling.com: “He has had a sensational career and if he beats Francis Ngannou, then he is number one in the WBC while Francis Ngannou is number 10 so the winner will certainly be positioned for great things in the immediate future.”
Ngannou put his MMA career on hold last year to fight Fury on his boxing debut. And he amazingly scored a knockdown only to be beaten via controversial split-decision.
Meanwhile Joshua, 34, takes on Ngannou, 37, just three weeks later.
Winners of the two super-fights could meet but as it stands, Fury and Usyk are already contracted to a rematch.
But WBC boss Sulaiman would consider altering plans if promoters requested.
He said: “The WBC already sanctioned Fury v Usyk and the rematch.
“We received the request and have already accepted a rematch if the promoters put it together so that’s where the WBC stands.
“If the promoters change their request for the rematch, we will certainly address it.”
Swiss sports brand On proudly shared their happiness as they sponsored the on-court outfits of the world’s number-one WTA star, Iga Swiatek. Now Swiatek’s outfit from the same brand received much flak during her match in the first round of the Australian Open 2024 tournament. However, keeping that aside, this Swiss brand is still raising its support for the Polish tennis prodigy.
Tennis legend Roger Federer has been an investor in this brand since 2019. Till last year, Swiatek had ‘Asics’ as her outfit sponsor, and after that, she shifted to ‘On’. In fact, On’s list of notable sponsors also showcases America’s rising star, Ben Shelton.
Sports brand On has continued to support Polish Iga Swiatek in the ongoing Australian Open
Recently, the official Instagram page of ‘On’ shared an on-court moment from Iga Swiatek’s match. Sharing the photo, they added- “Starting the season in pink while winning her 17th consecutive match.” Along with the caption, ‘On’ added a pink heart and sparkle emojis for the Polish tennis star to congratulate her on her recent success.
On also came forward in support of Swiatek when fans criticized her white outfit. The brand said that Swiatek’s all-white outfit is to protect her from the scorching heat of Melbourne. Recently ATP star Jack Draper threw up after winning his match against Marcos Giron. This caused alarming anxiety among players and fans about their health and performance.
On’s support for Iga Swiatek is truly impressive. Despite fans’ criticism, players need comfort while playing for hours in the Melbourne sun. However, what was this outfit controversy all about?
Why did fans get angry with Iga Swiatek during her match at the Australian Open’s first round?
Swiatek donned an all-white outfit, which stirred the controversy among fans. While most tennis tournaments have their official dress code, the Australian Open committee doesn’t offer such guidelines. Now Swiatek’s all-white outfit received criticism as fans said Swiatek thinks of all tournaments as Wimbledon. However, the Polish tennis star still kept her head high and won against Sofia Kenin.
Roger Federer’s partly-owned brand On’s support for Iga Swiatek surely made fans understand that this brand truly respects their associate sports entities. Such an attitude also expressed On’s dedication to helping players with comfortable and resourceful sports gear. However, Swiatek’s fans should also be a little considerate about players’ stress during such warm Melbourne weather. What do you think?
Before he was a world champion, Rafael Nadal was known as a “good person”. Accepting the offer to become Saudi Arabia’s tennis ambassador has shattered the ideal many in the country had of the player.
“Is it clear now who Rafa Nadal is?”
It’s a question that fans of the tennis star have been asking on social media, after the announcement that Spain’s favorite sporting son has inked a deal to become a ‘tennis ambassador’ for Saudi Arabia.
Nadal signed an agreement with the oil-rich Arab country to “promote the development of the sport”, but more than his actions, it was the statement he made that left Spaniards speechless: “Wherever you look, you can see growth and progress here”.
“Money buys everything?” supporters asked at first, criticizing the lack of human rights in the Gulf State. Now the debate has moved on from social networks to office corridors, cafeterias and WhatsApp groups.
“I read the news at night and thought I was so tired I must have misread it, but the next day I saw it was true. The first thing I thought was: why did he sell himself? He’s got a lot of money and he’s won everything, he didn’t need it,” Jaime, from Madrid, whose idol has always been Nadal, told Euronews.
“It was such a hard blow that we could start counting the years from this moment: the first year since Rafa was sold,” he adds.
Newspapers have also been filled with letters lamenting Nadal’s decision. “I don’t understand the need to sell out like this, but I don’t blame him either: when it comes to large sums of money, dignity and honor disappear,” wrote Pablo Erskine from Alcorcón in El País.
“Is it really worth sacrificing principles for a few million more?”
Gonzalo discussed this with his colleagues during a coffee break at the bank he works for in London. “It’s hard to be objective because for me Nadal is God, but it’s clear that this is not the best thing he could have done”.
There are those who wonder why Spain’s most popular sports star has made this decision and there are those who defend their idol even in the biggest controversies.
“I don’t know if the agreement is good for his image, but I think he is doing it for the development of tennis and his academy, not for the money. I still believe in Nadal’s values and principles,” says Jorge, a Spaniard living in Germany who says he has never missed a single Nadal match.
Spain’s Rafa Nadal returns the ball during his match against Jack Sock of the United States during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome.
Tempted by petrodollars
Rafa Nadal is not the first, nor will he be the last sportsman to work for Saudi Arabia, which is why the Spanish reaction may come as a surprise. All the more so after keeping quiet when other athletes signed contracts with the Arab country.
Another Spaniard, Jon Rham, joined Saudi Arabia’s government-funded golf league with a contract estimated to be worth more than $500 million.
Beyond the country’s borders, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is set to pocket €200 million for promoting Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup, according to media reports.
Very little information has emerged about Nadal’s deal with the Saudis, let alone the amount of money involved. All that has been made public is that it is “a long-term commitment to help grow the sport and inspire a new generation of tennis players in Saudi Arabia”.
The statement from the Saudi Tennis Federation also said that a new Rafa Nadal Academy would be opened in the country and that the player would spend some time there.
Saudi fans holds pictures of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman, left, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Nadal’s reputation as a role model
To understand the stir caused by Nadal’s Saudi deal it is necessary to understand his relationship with Spain. There are many who call him “Spain’s son” or “the model man”.
But how is it that (almost) all Spaniards like Nadal?
His head of communications, Benito Pérez-Barbadillo, gave the answer to the Diario de Cádiz newspaper two years ago.
“Rafa is the way people see him. He is a very normal guy and a very good person. I think Rafa is so popular because he is very authentic, without any double standards and he is not an artificial person,” he said.
The tennis player has always been seen as the boy from Manacor, a town on the island of Mallorca, who does not boast about his victories or have an eccentric attitude. A humble and generous champion who fights defeats with more work and discipline.
In 2017, in an interview with El País newspaper, Nadal said that in terms of managing his wealth, “maybe it would be better to go to another country with more favorable conditions, but where I am happy is in Spain, with my family and friends. In another country I would have twice as much money, but I would be half as happy. Money doesn’t buy happiness.”
Before he was a world champion, Rafa Nadal was known as a “good person”. Accepting the Saudi offer has shattered the ideal that many in the country had of the great tennis player.
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, listens to a question at a press conference ahead of the Rio Open ATP in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
What is Saudi Arabia after?
Since 2021, the country is estimated to have invested $6.3 billion in sports deals, although the figure is likely to be much higher, but the lack of transparency makes it difficult to know the total.
The authoritarian regime invests millions of dollars in sports to project an image of modernity.
“It is trying to promote the image of an open and developed country according to Western standards, but it is still a country that is accused of not respecting human rights,” David Hernández, professor of international relations at the Complutense University of Madrid, told Euronews.
The use of petrodollars serves Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategy, his “Vision 2030”, launched eight years ago with the intention of diversifying the Saudi economy away from its dependence on oil.
The prince claimed that sport had contributed to a 1% increase in his country’s GDP and hoped to see further growth in the sector.
“The Saudis have realized that the international energy markets are changing, more and more renewable energy is being promoted, and so they are trying to transform their economy,” he added.
Hernández believes that Saudi Arabia is trying to achieve several goals. The first is a show of strength by signing big stars, demonstrating that it has the capacity and resources to organize whatever it wants.
The second is to send a message that it is a country that is present and open to contact with other cultures. And the final objective is to become a media powerhouse in the world.
“It is a similar model to the World Cup in Qatar. When it was organized, there were many accusations about the lack of respect for human rights and workers’ conditions, but in the end, with the World Cup, people only talked about football,” says the expert.
“The Saudi regime wants to project the image it wants the world to see of its country. It is a very studied and calculated image.”
The love story between Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens doesn’t appear to be something written in heaven. The Green Bay Packers’ Safety made some horrendous revelations on his initial take on Simone Biles. On the other hand, the GOAT athlete tried to manage all the circumstances coming out of her personal or gymnastics commitment. Managing both at the same time couldn’t pan out to be without painstaking effort. But the 26-year-old gymnast tried to remain on the happier side.
For a sporty individual who already has a history of facing mental health constraints, the process of staying happy evokes interest. Recently, Simone Biles shared one of such.
Simone Biles gets back her “heart”
For Simone Biles, the grueling distance from her husband Jonathan Owens because of their sporting commitments became a worrying factor. The Olympic champion athlete repeatedly tried to make a conversation with the distance through her presence in the NFL matches or practice seasons. All this came when the athlete tried to evade her busy practice schedule for title contentions. Now, a beautiful visual came into the place when JO made a hasty return after completing his seasonal NFL engagement with the Green Bay Packers. The cheered wife, Simone Biles, could enjoy the moment with an IG story share captioning, “look whose home… my heart” with several emotion-filled emojis.
Reportedly, Simone Biles also made her fence line appearance against that last NFL match of Jonathan Owens. The match result gave a heartbreak to the Green Bay Packers and its fans. But the gymnast cheered wholeheartedly for the husband the complete match, trying her best to fill the moment. But still, eyeing an Olympic return in the French capital, the 4x Olympic champion had to return from California after last weekend’s game day. However, now it was the NFL homebody’s turn to come home to mollify his GOAT wife. However, except few stints, JO tried to play a similar reveling role for Simone Biles.
The Jonathan Owens way to make it
The past days were gloomy for Jonathan Owens, not only for his ill-fetched performance against the top seed in the NFL. Moreover, he had invited flak when he uttered “I always say that the men are the catch” in the Pivot podcast. However, Simone Biles’ comments in the interview with Vanity Fair felt way ahead, more than just breaking the ice. In that interview, the gymnast let slip, “I think what I liked about him was his confidence. He truly believes he’s the best at everything.”
Despite the couple knotted their relationship with jovial promises in May last year, JO was there when Biles had taken an off because of her twisties. Moreover, he had acknowledged his wife’s success thoroughly, if not by physical appearance, then by his virtual presence. In the coming days, Simone Biles would want similar such happenings more often.
Darts sensation Luke Littler has revealed the key advice handed to him by fellow Brit Emma Raducanu.
The 16-year-old shot to stardom over the festive period, as he reached the final of the 2023 World Darts Championship final, only to lose to Luke Humphries.
But Littler has continued where he left off following his recent success, claiming the his first major crown at the Bahrain Masters just a few weeks ago.
Born in Warrington, Littler has become an overnight celebrity following his performances at Alexandra Palace and was even pictured at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground.
Taking part in a darts challenge alongside the likes of Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay, the Darts sensation has continued to make waves around the world.
Comparisons have began to fly in between Littler and Raducanu, giving the sporting feat achieved by both at such young ages.
Then teenager Radacanu shocked the world to win the 2021 US Open at just 18 but has since struggled with injuries and dealing with the resulting fame.
Speaking to The Guardian earlier this week, Littler wasn’t aware of the tennis star, despite her kind words,
“I would just say: ‘Keep your circle close, take time to actually enjoy it and don’t rush into the next thing straightaway,’” said Raducanu ahead of the Australia Open.
My friend just sent me a picture of the boy who was like 16, who made the final, I think? He lost in the final. She was like: ‘I can’t believe this guy’s only 16 years old,” added the 21-year-old.
Emma Raducanu’s US Open triumph has seen her installed as the bookies’ favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Littler’s relationship with Eloise Milburn is another facet to his character which has also faced scrutiny, with the youngster also opening up on how the pair deal with the media attention.
“That’s what I knew from the very start,” Littler added, when asked about the pressure of being in the public eye.
“We knew people would find out [about their relationship] but it started off very bad. As the weeks go on [the abuse of Milburn on social media] has been almost forgotten.
“We’ve been talking for a few months now. I’ve brung her along to the worlds, got to the final and whatever people say, they can say it. It’s not going to affect me or my mental strength.
“I’ve got guys doing my Instagram now and they delete it before I see it.”
For Alpine skiers, maintaining balance is probably the most crucial to ensure they don’t end up in a hospital bed. And yet, after the end of their professional career, hitting the gym is probably at the bottom of their list of priorities. However, the iconic Lindsey Vonn is built differently, and she once again highlighted exactly why she is revered as one of the greatest skiers of all time.
While Vonn is spending her retired life in Miami, soaking up the sun, she also has a lot of things to keep her busy throughout the day. As the Chair of Athete Experience, Vonn is currently advocating heavily for the NHL to make its debut in the state. Amidst all her newfound responsibilities, Vonn still finds time to stay in shape and fans can’t believe the routine of the Olympic gold medalist.
Lindsey Vonn appears to have things under control
In her recent post on Instagram, Vonn shared behind-the-scenes snippets of her incredible training routine that can put even young athletes to shame. Seen balancing like a pro on a piece of circular apparatus with a footboard above it, Vonn reiterates her life’s philosophy in her post. “Life is a balancing act“, wrote the two-time World Championships gold winner, mentioning that such moments help to develop skiing skills as well.
If her balancing act wasn’t impressive enough, Vonn can be seen training with weights as she finds her inner center on the intimidating equipment. Her training regimen shows exactly why (and how) Vonn stayed on her feet during those thrilling downhill skiing moments. After her post went online, Vonn’s fans came in flocks to express their disbelief about how can an athlete maintain such a pique mindset years after hanging up their boots.
Fans having a hard time believing their eyes
One fan confirmed the workout looked intense without hesitating to mention that they’d take a hard facefirst tumble if they tried to do that themselves. “I know thats hard“, commented the fan under Vonn’s post. Another fan thinks such a routine can signify only one thing, and wrote, “U makin a comeback“. Yet another fan looked fascinated about Vonn’s equipment.
TOPSHOT – Third placed US Lindsey Vonn celebrates with the national flag during the flowers ceremony after the Women’s Downhill event of the 2019 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships at the National Arena in Are, Sweden on February 10, 2019. – Vonn, 34, who will retire from competitive skiing, is the most successful women skier of all time, with a record 20 World Cup titles to her name and 82 victories on the circuit. (Photo by FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT/AFP/Getty Images)
The fan wrote, “I need to get one of those for my leg workouts.” Vonn’s post also prompted fan Corie to think that a similar product would be helpful for their training as well. “I need to get one of those for my leg workouts,” commented Corie. Connor had to agree, Vonn looked like “…an absolute machine“. With her fans still in awe of her skills, it waits to be if Vonn’s new goals are realized with equal poise.
The 2024 US gymnastics season is all set to fill up the air soon. Winter Cup, US Classics and Championships, Olympic trials, and numerous more await the gymnasts and the enthusiasts alike. Now as the dates near the brink, one of the world’s most decorated gymnasts Simone Biles, has stepped up to bear presents in honor of the season ahead. And has done so, with some help from the cherished gymnastics brand, GK Elite.
Simone Biles and GK Elite have boosted a long-standing partnership, celebrating the legacy of gymnasts as a marking step. Beginning in 2015, the gymnast has often presented new collections and surprises for her staunch following through the leading brand of gymnastics apparel. Now, ahead of the new gymnastics season, the gymnast is back yet again with more to her name.
Simone Biles arrives with a surprise
Simone Biles and GK Elite recently took to their Instagram profiles to drop a collaborative post announcing a newer collection. “This is the drop we’ve been waiting for! @simonebiles Season to Shine collection is finally here and is all yours!” the caption read. In the shared carousel, the 7-time Olympic medalist adorned 3 different looks for the collection. A swirl patterned ‘Scarlet Starlight’ takes the first thread. A rich navy blue, with silver glitter lining the waist, named ‘Shooting Star’ frames the second while subtle white and blue tones with floral patterns, tagged ‘Moonbeams’ call for the third.
Each of the leotards carries the text, ‘Simone’ embossed to the left thigh corner. Over time, following multiple collaborative releases, the text has grown to be a signature, adding accent to every piece. While the collections inspired and designed in collaboration with athletes might be a known practice of late, Biles’ first collection held a different story.
A goal to inspire
Despite joining GK Elite back in 2015, the partnership saw an extension in 2021 and saw it in a different light. A few weeks ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles and the brand revealed that the partnership would include first-ever athlete-designed competitive leotards. The collection was named ‘Simone Biles Legacy’ and aimed at inspiring the aspirants looking up. “I am thrilled to continue my partnership with GK Elite as we work together to inspire the next generation of gymnasts and encourage them to pursue their own goals and dreams,” said Biles according to Business Wire.
Girisha Chandraraj, President and CEO of GK Elite Sportswear revealed that what impressed the team more than Simone Biles’ accolades was her dedication to growing the sport. Since then, the gymnast and the apparel brand have worked to put out numerous inspiring designs. A wedding homage, a life motto, or a holiday celebration, the gymnast has got it all.
Anthony Joshua lauded Francis Ngannou an ‘inspiration’ and won’t ‘underestimate’ him when the two come face-to-face in an eagerly-anticipated bout in Saudi Arabia
Anthony Joshua has been inspired by Francis Ngannou’s journey – even though he plans to end it in March.
Anthony Joshua has lauded Francis Ngannou an ‘inspiration’
The British heavyweight star takes on the MMA fighter in a 10-round clash in Saudi Arabia. Joshua, 34, is hoping an impressive knockout can fire up interest in a Tyson Fury showdown after the Gypsy King was almost upset by Ngannou last October.
Cameroon-born Ngannou made it to the top of UFC after travelling as a refugee from Africa to Europe which included harrowing journeys by sea and truck. It’s something which has inspired Joshua. “The journey he has taken,” said ‘AJ’. “He’s a go getter. He is someone who sets a goal and goes and gets it.
Francis Ngannou’s journey has been hailed by Anthony Joshua
He continued: “To travel across that desert. He said like people that travel across there, they fall off the car, back of the truck and they’re left to die. Think of how many people that you know that have come before you that have tried that same route and you’re going through it. It takes a lot.
“It takes a lot to travel the Mediterranean, the sea, he crossed, it’s a lot man. He said he couldn’t swim either. It is inspiration. It is someone who searched for a better life and he’s doing it in one of the toughest sports, combat sport. He’s a determined person and I find it inspirational.”
Ngannou almost shocked the boxing world against Tyson Fury
Ngannou almost stunned the world when he floored Fury on his boxing debut in October before the Gypsy King recovered to edge out a win on points and save embarrassment. It was clear Fury gave the MMA fighter no respect and expected it to be a walkover.
Joshua added: “Would I have underestimated him? No, the problem with me is I train the same for every fight; obviously we train differently, but I do always work hard, so I wouldn’t have underestimated him.
Anthony Joshua celebrates his victory Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia
“But now I know the guy can fight, I know. There’s no element of surprise, like, ‘He’s gonna be s***, he’s not gonna be able to move, he’s gonna have s*** footwork, his feet are gonna be like he’s stuck in the sand.’ No, he can move, he can come forward, so it’ll be good to see how I deal with that – and how he deals with me as well.”
“We’ve got to do this again,” a thrilled and adrenaline-induced Mike Tyson declared as he bowed out at Staples Center in Los Angeles after making a return to the boxing ring in 2020. It seems the time has come. Reports have emerged that the baddest man on the planet is ready to make another comeback to his playground. But this time against MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. The two spheres of MMA and boxing will collide once again in a fight that will shake the money tree.
The intriguing update comes from MMA Pack, which revealed talks of a potential showdown between two former heavyweight champions were underway. The probable fight might take place in Saudi Arabia, which has helped broker many super fights recently. After hanging his MMA gloves, the former Bellator champion wants to venture into the square circle and seize eyeballs. Meanwhile, ‘Iron Mike’ will be excited to exchange punches with one of the best out there and put on a show for fans.
Mike Tyson vs. Fedor Emelianenko: Clash of two giants of combat sports
Mike Tyson, with a record of 50-6-2 NC, and Fedor Emelianenko, with a record of 40-7-1, are two of the greatest fighters to ever grace the ring. While the American fighter dismantled and evoked fear among his opponents, the Russian MMA fighter broke down foes inside the cage. Emelianenko retired as one of the greatest MMA fighters when he hung up the gloves in February 2023.
The probable fight holds the charm and allure of a bout between two great fighters. They will not only put their skills to the test but also put their bodies on the line. The fans still want to witness how an MMA champion fares against a skilled boxer. In this case, both Tyson and Emelianenko hold accolades and belts to move the needle.
Both fighters had prolonged careers and remained at the top of their game for a while. They have millions of fans spread over the globe, and they still want to see their idols throw a punch in the ring. Then add a couple of good names on the undercard, and you have an event guaranteed for success. It’s a recipe well cooked before, when ‘Kid Dynamite’ made his return to boxing against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.
The spice of entertainment and nostalgia
When Tyson made his comeback, what was offered was not an exciting matchup with another legend. But it was nostalgia that sold the fight. How Emelianenko or Tyson performs or what they do against each other doesn’t matter. It’ll be a show to remind the fans what prime Emelianenko and Tyson looked like.
Moreover, the event is not supposed to judge either of the fighters on their prowess or showcase of technical skills. Both former champions will step into the ring and give fans a night to remember. Entertainment will be the parameter fans will measure the night on.
Something similar happened when Tyson went blow-for-blow against Roy Jones Jr. The crowd enjoyed the flashes of brilliance, which made the event a dream success. Tyson’s Legends Only League later disclosed that the event generated 1.6 million PPV buys and collected over $80 million in revenue. The card found its place in history records and made it in the top 10 all-time among combat sports events in PPV buys. You can expect a similar spectacle this time around.
Fans simply want Mike Tyson to run it back
What has the fans buzzing about Mike Tyson’s return to the ring? Tyson doesn’t fight a boring fight. He brings carnage to the ring, and when he fought Roy Jones Jr., he looked in shape. Tyson, at 57, still looks like he can fight any quality opponent. His performance against ‘Superman’ had fans wanting to see him fight again.
Lastly, the New York native still remains the biggest draw in the boxing world. You put him on any card, and fans will pour out their support and shell out their money. The Baddest Man on the Planet has the hunger to go one more time, and there is no better opportunity than to do it against another elite fighter, Emelianenko.
What do you make of this rumor about Mike Tyson returning to the boxing ring? Who do you believe will emerge victorious between the two? Let us know in the comments below.
The American insists she wasn’t put off by Aryna Sabalenka’s grunting during her straight-sets loss in the Australian Open semi-final.
Coco Gauff has shut down talks that she may have been put off by Arnya Sabalenka’s grunting during the American’s straight-sets Australian Open semi-final defeat. Many tennis players grunt during play but Sabalenka’s noises have often been ridiculed for being at times excessive or unnecessary.
Gauff famously complained about Martina Trevisan’s grunt during their Roland Garros match two years ago. However, she refused to blame the Belarusian’s grunting for her 7-6 6-4 loss on Thursday night.
“I have played her a lot, so I can’t sit here and say that the grunt is distracting. I don’t even know, it’s like the fifth time we have played,” Gauff said post-match. “I don’t notice. I feel like at least with her it’s consistent, so it doesn’t bother me.
“I’ve played a player in the past where the grunt wasn’t consistent, where they would grunt longer on purpose on 30-all or deuce point. I don’t think it’s a tactic or anything. I think that’s just how she plays tennis.”
Coco Gauff famously complained about Martina Trevisan’s grunt during their Roland Garros match two years ago, however, she refused to blame the Belarusian’s grunting for her 7-6 6-4 loss on Thursday night.
Gauff last met Sabalenka in the US Open final, where the American came from a set down to win 2-6 6-3 6-2. The World No 5. admits she wasn’t on her game on Thursday night while the World No.2 was and that is what ultimately cost her.
“She served better (tonight). (In the) US Open … she made less errors, but also I feel like I played a little bit more aggressive this time,” Gauff said. “So, you know, US Open I felt like wasn’t, like, a great match, like, for me. Yes, I won, (but) I think I played better tonight.”
“I’m going to dwell on it tonight. But as Brad (Gilbert, coach) told me as soon as the match was over, the sun is going to rise tomorrow and you have a new chance to live a good day,” Gauff said. “Tomorrow, I don’t know. I’m going to try to go to the movies or something, be proud of myself. ” Sabalenka will meet 21-year-old Qinwen Zheng in the Australian Open women’s final on Saturday.
Sabalenka credits relaxed approach for Australian Open dominance
The defending Australian Open champion says in years gone by at this stage in a tournament she would have been an emotional wreck. But this year Sabalenka says she is in a better headspace than ever before as she prepares to take on China’s Qinwen.
“I would say emotionally I’ll be very ready to fight. Not going crazy, because when you play (your) first final, you get emotional and are rushing things sometimes,” Sabalenka said.
“When you’re third time in the finals, you’re, like, ‘OK, it’s a final, it’s OK’. It’s just another match and you’re able to separate yourself from that, just focus on your game.”
While she admits she is fully aware of how big a favourite she will be going into Saturday’s final, the World No.2 is trying not to pay attention to any added stresses such as if she is to win the title in 2023 she will be the first woman to win back-to-back Australian Open’s since fellow Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in 2013
“Yeah, I’m defending champion, but worst case I’m going to lose this tournament, and it’s less points to defend next year. Then that’s it,” she said. “That’s helping me to just stay focused. It’s not like I’m ignoring the pressure. I’m just shifting my focus and it’s working well so far. It’s one more to go, and I’ll do my best.”
