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Column: Rising stars in women’s tennis find a bumpy ride awaits them

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3 years ago

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Column: Rising stars in women’s tennis find a bumpy ride awaits them

Emma Raducanu set a modest objective firstly of her 2021 tennis season: win one spherical in the principle draw of a Grand Slam occasion.

She obliterated that timetable by reaching the fourth spherical at Wimbledon. She modified her life by successful the U.S. Open in September, capping a surprising journey from qualifier to champion with out dropping a set.

It was a dream come true at an absurdly accelerated tempo, a wild journey that made the self-possessed Briton the game’s latest darling at 18. Tiffany requested her to mannequin its sparkly jewellery. Dior signed her to put on its high-end fashions. Evian water declared Raducanu the face of her era.

However with the endorsements and social media cheers from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got here expectations that had been totally unrealistic for somebody who had little expertise with the grind {of professional} tennis. “I believe everybody simply all of the sudden anticipated me to win the whole lot and clear up the whole lot I performed,” Raducanu mentioned.

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She gained solely two extra matches in three tournaments the remainder of the 12 months, together with a defeat in October on the pandemic-delayed BNP Paribas Open. She examined optimistic for the coronavirus in December, limiting her coaching for 2022. After that, she developed blisters and a hip damage that threatened to stop her from competing at Indian Wells this 12 months.

That’s why her pleasure got here from a deep and real place Friday when she wrapped up a 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 victory over tough Caroline Garcia of France at Stadium 1, solely her second win this season. The gang cheered as she powered via the third set and superior to a third-round matchup with Petra Martic of Croatia on Sunday. “I believe this one positively meant loads to me,” Raducanu mentioned.

The expectations she created by successful the U.S. Open nonetheless exist, however she gained’t allow them to smother her. She is aware of that few tournaments would be the thrill journey she skilled in New York and he or she’s placing within the work to remain on the prime, slicing again non-tennis actions and constructing her days round coaching.

“I really feel like now individuals are beginning to notice, ‘It’s going to take a while for her to settle in,’” Raducanu mentioned. “I really feel like endurance is an enormous factor. As soon as I settle in and undergo all these highs and lows, I’ll discover some form of equilibrium.”

Stability has been elusive for different younger ladies who’ve gained Grand Slam singles titles in the previous couple of years.

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Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, who was 20 when she gained the French Open in 2017, reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2018 however hasn’t gotten previous the third spherical of a Slam since then. She dropped out of the highest 80 by July 2019 and solely just lately climbed again to No. 12. Bianca Andreescu of Canada, who was 18 when she prevailed at Indian Wells three years in the past and 19 when she gained the U.S. Open a couple of months later, has been affected by accidents. In December she introduced she would take a psychological well being break from the game.

American Sofia Kenin was 21 when she gained the Australian Open in 2020 and misplaced within the French Open ultimate however she hasn’t gone previous the fourth spherical of a Slam since. Unseeded right here and ranked a hundred and thirtieth on this planet, she misplaced within the first spherical to Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil. One other American, 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, ended a virtually four-year title drought by successful at Guadalajara final month. She then had the misfortune of drawing four-time Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka within the first spherical right here. Osaka, who took time without work final 12 months to guard her psychological well being, gained the final six video games to seal the match.

Paula Badosa of Spain hasn’t gained a Slam singles title however changing into the BNP Paribas Open champion final October added one thing to her life. “Loads of stress, to be sincere,” she mentioned. “I believe if there’s a participant that comes right here and says that she’s not burdened, she’s mendacity. So don’t consider her.

“In fact, there’s expectations. You’re nervous. You’re the favourite now. You are feeling like possibly now you need to win as a lot matches as you’ll be able to. Perhaps the opposite gamers play higher as a result of they don’t have anything to lose, you understand?”

Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2020 French Open champion, is a rarity among the many ladies who’ve just lately gained Slams at a younger age in that she has maintained an upward pattern. Swiatek, at the moment at a career-best No. 4 world rating, gained 12 of the final 13 video games in opposition to Anhelina Kalinina on Friday to advance to the spherical of 32 on Sunday in opposition to Danish teen Clara Tauson.

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Coco Gauff has been coping with huge expectations since she reached the fourth spherical at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old in 2019 and replicated her run in 2021. Gauff, who defeated Claire Liu of Thousand Oaks on Friday to arrange a third-round match on Sunday in opposition to former world No. 1 Simona Halep, has a wholesome perspective on her life and profession.

“For me, truthfully, it’s not likely about on-court accomplishments. It’s extra of how I’ve sort of accepted the whole lot and tried my greatest to be a very good function mannequin for teenagers,” mentioned Gauff, who might be 18 on Sunday.

Males’s tennis has been dominated by Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for twenty years, although Daniil Medvedev broke via on the U.S. Open final 12 months. Ladies’s tennis has change into far much less predictable. With 23-time Slam singles winner Serena Williams on the sidelines — she hasn’t competed since a hamstring damage led her to retire within the first spherical at Wimbledon final 12 months — the Slams are up for grabs. No lady has gained a couple of Slam singles title in a calendar 12 months since 2016, when Angelique Kerber gained the Australian and U.S. Open championships.

Gauff, nonetheless evolving, seems on monitor to win her first Slam singles title within the subsequent few years. Osaka, who mentioned she’s specializing in bettering on clay, is able to successful many extra Slams. So is Swiatek. And preserve Raducanu within the dialog.

Earlier than she walked to the courtroom Friday she fist-bumped her compatriot and idol Andy Murray, who had simply earned his 700th profession victory. “Seven hundred wins is one thing I can simply dream of,” Raducanu mentioned. “I believe I’ve gained three now, so I’ve an extended solution to go.”

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Protecting her objectives modest might assist her get there.

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Saquon’s hurdle, Josh Allen’s heroics: The NFL season’s best moments, week by week

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7 hours ago

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January 9, 2025

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Saquon’s hurdle, Josh Allen’s heroics: The NFL season’s best moments, week by week

After 272 games and 1,387 touchdowns — and Camryn Bynum’s many interpretive dances — the NFL’s regular season is officially in the books. It was an awesome, serpentine and sometimes surreal four months of football. Cheers to all of us that made it through and did not blink.

Of course, the playoffs are a zero-sum game, and only one person will be commemorated Most Valuable Player. But there was so much to celebrate across the past 18 weeks, and the Super Bowl outcome certainly does not negate all the coolness that preceded it.

Here, we’ll remember the top three on-field moments from each weekly slate. May this be a space for recollection and appreciation as we trek toward the postseason.

Week 1

An un-Likely finish — The games kicked off with an absolute banger in Ravens-Chiefs. Lamar Jackson led a furious final push down the field, capped with Isaiah Likely’s spectacular would-be game-tying touchdown snag. Better still, Baltimore’s offense looked ready to go for the two-point conversion and steal a win. Upon further review, Likely’s toe grazed the back of the end zone. Kansas City eked out the narrowest of wins — a season’s motif if there ever was one.

Saquon Barkley’s first Eagles score — What a bonkers introduction by Philly’s new running back. Barkley established himself from the jump in Brazil, and his three TDs were the deciding factor in a win over the Packers that went to the brink.

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A new-age rivalry in overtime — The latest episode of the Goff-Stafford Exchange was a thriller. Week 1’s Sunday night game went back and forth for 70 minutes, sealed by David Montgomery’s walk-off plunge.

Week 2

Jefferson Starship — The ascending Sam Darnold to the intergalactic Justin Jefferson, for 97 yards, six points and one of the loudest crowd reactions of the year.

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Sack City — Aidan Hutchinson notched 4 1/2 sacks in one afternoon, wholly terrorizing the Tampa Bay front line. We didn’t know it, but this would be the triumphant last highlight before a broken leg truncated his season.

Another Bengals-Chiefs stunner — With under a minute to go, Patrick Mahomes and company trailed 25-23 and faced fourth down from their own territory. They converted on a deep ball to Rashee Rice, only for a Wanya Morris penalty to set them back to fourth-and-16. The subsequent try fell incomplete … but a pass interference call on Daijahn Anthony gave the Chiefs new life, and ultimately set up their game-winning 51-yard field goal.

Week 3

Hook-and-Lions — If video-game makers choose to revive the Backyard Football or NFL Street franchises, well, here’s their mood board:

Daniels goes deep — Jayden Daniels forced a collective double-take with the start to his pro career: fourteen consecutive scoring drives (excluding two kneel downs), obliterating the previous rookie record. The few remaining skeptics noted that Washington’s No. 2 pick was relying on short throws and cautious offense. They were promptly quieted on Monday night.

A modern-day Mossing — Jauan Jennings put Quentin Lake on a poster. It was the jewel of his breakout three-touchdown game in Los Angeles.

Week 4

Ogunbowale calls game — The Texans passing offense was sporting Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell … yet it was journeyman back Dare Ogunbowale who caught the game-winning touchdown from C.J. Stroud. He got to celebrate in the corner end zone with his sister, WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale.

Throwing a perfect game — Once again finding itself in a national TV spot, Detroit’s offense was systematically grooving against the Seahawks. Jared Goff connected on all 18 of his throws, setting an NFL record, and he also caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Koo, calm and collected — In a decidedly NFC South-y game, Younghoe Koo drilled a 58-yarder for the win in Atlanta.

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Week 5

Surtain chance — Pat Surtain II’s 100-yard pick-six may have re-routed Denver’s season. It certainly trumpeted the arrival of this Broncos defense, and kick-started the fourth-year corner’s campaign for Defensive Player of the Year.

Thursday night chaos — This 36-30 overtime marathon won by the Falcons was sneakily one of the most fun watches of 2024. On a short comeback route, KhaDarel Hodge broke a tackle and then outran a half-dozen Buccaneers for the walk-off.

“He threw him away like a rag doll!” — Both Ravens-Bengals matchups this season were pure serotonin releases. The world would be a better place if we had more Ravens and Bengals. More on this later. For now, play us out, Kevin Harlan:

Week 6

Shenault’s vault — The new kickoff rules took some getting used to, with the landing zone being particularly harsh on the eyes. But Laviska Shenault’s 97-yard house call looked instantly familiar.

Turning back time — Thinking about these New York Jets is bad for our well-being, and there were few highlights from their dystopian season. But Aaron Rodgers connecting on yet another Hail Mary was undoubtedly one of them. Allen Lazard was the recipient of this buzzer-beating 52-yard heave vs. Buffalo.

Courtland’s catch — Superhuman stuff from Sutton here.

Week 7

Bates’ first magic moment — With the 4-1 Lions and 5-0 Vikings scrapping for supremacy atop the NFC North, everything came down to Detroit’s rookie kicker Jake Bates … a kickoff specialist and soccer player in college. But Bates was right on the money to give Detroit the win 31-29. We’ll revisit him shortly.

Conner in the clutch — For a moment, the Arizona revival (Cardinalissance?) looked like it had staying power. It was hard to not dig the desert vibes after James Conner plowed his way into game-winning field goal range on Thursday night.

Getting tricky with it — Geno Smith slung a swing pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who about-faced and heaved it field. The loping ball hung in the air forever, only for DK Metcalf to come down with a particularly acrobatic grab.

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Week 8

Winston for the win — Two more football axioms that rang true in 2024: The Ravens will find bizarre ways to lose games, and Jameis Winston will be a vehicle for metaphysical chaos. Kyle Hamilton dropped what would’ve been the clinching interception. With the extra chance, Winston hit Cedric Tillman for the decisive touchdown. As we did for the aforementioned Jets, we’ll do our best to limit your exposure to the Cleveland Browns … but this was a cool moment.

“It’s a miracle! It’s Noah Brown” — Are we positive this really happened? Was it some sort of fever dream conjured to torment the Chicago Bears?

(Almost) Paid in Full — Week 8 nearly had a second completed Hail Mary. Much like the Ravens and Bengals, the Falcons and Bucs combined for two deeply entertaining games this season. Rakim Jarrett caught Baker Mayfield’s prayer ball but couldn’t keep himself in the end zone.

Week 9

Come What Maye — The 2024 Patriots may well be remembered for botching the No. 1 draft pick and immediately canning their coach. But this was bonkers, delightful and borderline-inexplicable:

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Saquon breaks Madden — When EA Sports has to develop new animations based on something that happened in real-life football, well, you’re singularly awesome and deserve extended cheers. Saquon Barkley’s “reverse hurdle” was instantly canonized.

One-handed walk-off — Matthew Stafford’s dime and Demarcus Robinson’s showmanship not only made the year-end highlight reel but also helped decide the log-jammed NFC West. If the Rams make a run this postseason, this game-winner will be remembered as a primary propellant.

Week 10

Chiefs block upset bid — Kansas City routinely reduced football fans to a Jesse Pinkman impression … they couldn’t keep getting away with these last-second victories. Denver looked set to blemish the Chiefs’ undefeated campaign, until Wil Lutz’s 35-yarder was stuffed at the line. Kevin Harlan hit that upper vocal register accordingly.

Everything about Bengals-Ravens — In what may well be considered the game of the year, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson traded dizzying haymakers until the final whistle. The final numbers: Burrow threw for 428 yards and four scores, while Ja’Marr Chase had an absurd 11-catch, 264-yard, 3-TD stat line. But Jackson had four touchdowns of his own, and Baltimore’s defense hung tight on the deciding two-point conversion. To paraphrase Tracy Morgan, live every week like it’s Bengals-Ravens week.

Bates’ second magic moment — We promised we’d circle back here, too. Detroit survived a five-interception Goff game thanks to Bates, who squeezed clutch kicks of 58 and 52 yards between the uprights.

Week 11

Un-Bear-able — Caleb Williams had pieced together a spirited if imperfect first game since the waning of the Shane Waldron era. Cairo Santos was set up to lift Chicago over its archrival. Then special teamer Karl Brooks won the gap, elevated and got a hand on the football for a wild Packers win.

McPherson’s misses — The Sunday night squabble-up between the Bengals and Chargers was also Game of the Year material. Cincinnati completed a massive comeback, down 24-6 at halftime, on the heels of two fourth-down touchdown passes. We can only imagine how sorely the Bengals want those biffed Evan McPherson tries back.

“The play of the year in the NFL” — Chiefs-Bills never disappoints. Without further ado, Jim Nantz:

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Week 12

Barkley’s blasts — The Eagles’ star running back rushed for a franchise-best 255 yards, with 182 coming in the second half. Momentum-seizing house calls of 70 and 72 yards deflated the Rams and cemented Philly as a team to fear. As Mike Tirico said: “What a night, and what a player.”

Mamba mentality — Much-needed fourth-down stop? Yup. Galvanizing defensive moment for Mike McDonald’s group? For sure. Coby Bryant for six? Put it on the board.

How does this keep happening?! — Jayden Daniels seemingly fit a lifetime of heroics into his rookie season. Here, he lofted a desperation ball to Terry McLaurin between a Cowboys prevent zone, only for McLaurin to hit the accelerator and stun the football universe.

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Don’t worry, Austin Seibert’s subsequent extra point sailed wide, recalling an all-time NFL blooper from the Saints and Jaguars in 2003.

Week 13

Time keeps on slippin’ — Caleb Williams had a shot at upsetting the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. It could’ve been a signature career moment. But some disarmingly strange sideline decisions left the Bears with no time left. Coach Matt Eberflus was fired the next day.

Vengeance in the Meadowlands — Geno Smith and Leonard Williams each stuck it to their former team in the Seahawks’ 26-21 win over the Jets. The latter stole the day with a soul-crushing 92-yard pick-six of Aaron Rodgers.

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Blizzard in Buffalo — If/when a Josh Allen statue gets put up in Orchard Park, it just might look like this:

Week 14

Lord Byron — Safe to say that Kirk Cousins did not enjoy his return trip to Minnesota. Byron Murphy, in his sixth year, had his best season to date as a chaos element in Brian Flores’ defense.

Fantasy football history — Every snap of Josh Allen’s herculean Week 14 performance deserves consideration here. Even if the Bills didn’t win this relay race in Los Angeles against the Rams, those employing Allen on their fantasy teams certainly got the dub. Buffalo’s captain tallied six total touchdowns: three through the air to go with his 342 passing yards, and three on the ground as part of his 82 rushing yards.

Sweet Charbonnet — Zach Charbonnet, Seattle’s second-year second-stringer, enjoyed a massive day against the Cardinals. He evaded tacklers and scrapped for extra space all afternoon long, capped by an electrifying 51-yard scoring burst.

Week 15

Yes, another Josh Allen highlight — Take your pick from the presumptive MVP’s cinematic effort against the Lions. Perhaps it was when he escaped two pass rushers and threw across his body to connect with James Cook. Maybe it’s his fake-out keeper to walk into the end zone and give his Bills a 14-0 lead. It could certainly be the evasion of a stunting Josh Paschal that created a Keon Coleman chunk play. Allen finished game with 430 yards, four touchdowns and a whole bunch of jaw-dropping plays.

Pose for the Kamara — For the second time this season, a receiver’s surprise drop back was redeemed by a sublime catch. Cedrick Wilson Jr. is not a professional quarterback, but Alvin Kamara is not a professional wideout. It balanced out here:

Bonitto cashes in — After scanning the list, here’s a necessary reminder that not every trick play works out. Nik Bonitto accentuated his spectacular season with a fourth-quarter defensive touchdown off Indianapolis’ attempted deception.

Week 16

Jourdan Lewis, by sheer will — Tampa Bay looked on its way to a Sunday night comeback in Dallas, with a streaking Jalen McMillan having a step on the Cowboys secondary. Lewis had other ideas, and his first interception of the season was ice-cold.

Crowder for the win — Once again, Jayden Daniels with some late-game alchemy. Washington beat Philadelphia in the final minute, after Daniels connected with Jamison Crowder, who started the game with four catches all season and finished it with a game-winning touchdown.

Jared to Jameson Williams — This was a riveting play in itself, with the Lions’ primary vertical threat getting loose for a clean 82-yard strike. But the coolest moment was when the camera panned to receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, who celebrated his wideout’s catharsis with the joy of a proud father.

Week 17

Myles Garrett’s greatness — With a sack of Miami quarterback Tyler Huntley, Cleveland’s prodigious edge rusher became the first player in league history to post at least 14 sacks in four straight seasons.

Lamar Jackson breaks Vick’s record on Christmas — Beyoncé is a transcendent talent. But she did not break Michael Vick’s career QB rushing mark. That was, of course, the two-time MVP under center in Baltimore.

Mims is Him(s) — The enduring image may be “Joe Shiesty” dancing in the end zone after the overtime victory, but we should never let this miraculous fourth-down connection go unrecognized. If aliens beamed down to our planet and asked why we like football so much, we’d probably show them this:

Week 18

Special revenge — The stakes were not quite the same, but good on Chicago for avenging its Week 11 special teams disaster against Green Bay. Between Cairo Santos’ redemption on the game-winning field goal and a crafty misdirected punt return for 94 yards by Josh Blackwell, the Bears won Sunday thanks to their kicking unit.

Wiggins caps it off — They already had one bewildering Browns loss this season. Could the Ravens find themselves in some wonky wild-card territory by dropping Saturday’s finale? Nope. Rookie corner Nate Wiggins certainly wasn’t going to let it get that far.

Barnett’s big man TD — What’s a season-long highlight reel without a defensive lineman’s stumbling scoop-and-score? Derek Barnett seemed predestined to cross the plane this past Sunday.

(Top illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; photos: Mitchell Leff, Jonathan Bachman, Cooper Neill, Bryan M. Bennett, Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

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Deion Sanders reveals only way he would coach in NFL

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7 hours ago

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January 9, 2025

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Deion Sanders reveals only way he would coach in NFL

Deion Sanders made clear last month before the Alamo Bowl that he planned on staying to coach the Colorado Buffaloes for the long-term future despite rampant rumors he could jump.

On Wednesday, Sanders appeared to throw in a caveat to his previous statement. He suggested the only way he would ever leave for the NFL was for an opportunity to coach his sons.

General view of an advertisement for the Colorado Buffaloes football team featuring head coach Deion Sanders during the second half of a game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

“You know what? The only way I would consider it is to coach my sons,” he said Wednesday on “GMA3.” He put an emphasis on “sons,” suggesting he would want to coach both Shedeur and Shilo Sanders.

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“I love Colorado. I love my Buffaloes. I love everything we’re building. I love what we’re doing, and I love Boulder, Colorado,” he added.

He said in a trailer for the upcoming season of “Coach Prime” on Amazon Prime Video that the 2024 season was special because he was “99%” sure it would be the final opportunity for him to coach his sons.

Sanders could very well do that, but it would take a lot.

Deion and Shedeur Sanders

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, left, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, #2, talk with the media after the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome in San Antonio on Dec. 28, 2024.. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

EX-PATRIOTS COACH JEROD MAYO PLAYED CARDS WITH PLAYERS ON FLIGHT HOME FOLLOWING DOUBLE-DIGIT LOSS: REPORT 

Of the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears each have head coach openings. Only the Raiders could really have a shot at selecting a quarterback.

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Shedeur Sanders is expected to be one of the first players taken in the draft, but it will all depend on what the five teams in front of them do. The Tennessee Titans definitely need a quarterback and will likely choose one if they stay at No. 1. The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback but could opt to go for a veteran free agent. The New York Giants are also in need of a quarterback, but they also have a bunch of other needs to address as well.

Shilo Sanders may not be a first-round pick, which could make it easier for Deion Sanders and whatever team he may coach to select him.

Deion Sanders walks the line

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders watches his players warmup prior to the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 23, 2024. (Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images)

It is a lot of hypothetical work for each of the Sanders boys to play together. A perfect storm will have to be created, but crazier things have happened in the NFL. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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Prep talk: Defending champion Cleveland is team to beat in City Section girls' soccer

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8 hours ago

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January 9, 2025

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Prep talk: Defending champion Cleveland is team to beat in City Section girls' soccer

Cleveland’s girls’ soccer team has been to four consecutive City Section championship games, winning last season in overtime over El Camino Real.

Now the Cavaliers (6-1-3) look like the team to beat again, along with Granada Hills, Palisades and El Camino Real.

West Valley League play begins this week.

Cleveland returns the City Section player of the year, Alexa Monge, and the player who delivered the overtime goal to beat El Camino Real, Yesenia Gomez. …

The first Southern Section girls’ soccer rankings are out. Redondo Union, Santa Margarita and Oaks Christian are unbeaten and lead the rankings. Here’s the link. …

Unbeaten Mater Dei tops the first Southern Section boys’ soccer rankings. Here’s the link. …

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

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