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

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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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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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