Ahead of Wimbledon 2026, which is set to commence on Monday, Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj shared his insights on various topics, including the prospects of Novak Djokovic and the likelihood of a successful comeback for Serena Williams. Amritraj, a JioStar expert, spoke during a JioStar Media Day event.

Amritraj, who twice reached the quarterfinals of the grass-court Major in 1973 and 1981, noted that Ramesh Krishnan in 1986 is the only other Indian to have advanced as far in singles at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club during the Open Era. His deep connection to the tournament often leads him to share his perspectives candidly.

Djokovic’s enduring temperament and Wimbledon prospects

Regarding the men’s competition, Amritraj addressed whether Novak Djokovic’s era of dominance might be concluding, especially with younger players now securing Grand Slam titles. He acknowledged that many players now feel they have a legitimate chance against top contenders like Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, or Jannik Sinner, particularly in challenging conditions such as heat.

However, Amritraj emphasized that Djokovic has consistently remained at the top of the sport, unlike Serena Williams, who took a break. He highlighted Djokovic’s exceptional mental capacity and incredible temperament as key factors. Given his extensive success, Djokovic is often seen as the favourite when matches become intense. The main challenge for Djokovic, according to Amritraj, lies in recovering after playing multiple long five-set matches, which becomes more difficult with age.

Djokovic, at 39 years old, arrived at the All England Club on Monday to begin his preparations for another Wimbledon. He engaged in practice sessions on the grass courts of Aorangi Park, focusing on movement exercises and sparring with hitting partners. His training included a session with his long-time friend Marin Cilic and later practicing on Court No 1 with the world No 1, Jannik Sinner.

His ultimate goal remains to become the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in history by winning an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. While his chances may naturally decrease with each tournament at his age, Djokovic has consistently demonstrated his capability to capitalize if circumstances align for him during the two-week event. His 2026 season has illustrated his current standing, with astounding performances in terms of pure tennis level, such as his run to the Australian Open final where he defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set semifinal, though he ultimately lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

The period following the Australian Open has underscored the difficulty of maintaining consistent high-level competition. Between February and May, Djokovic faced health issues, playing only once and losing in the fourth round of Indian Wells to Jack Draper. His preparation for Roland Garros was also affected, as he lost his opening match in Rome to Dino Prizmic, the world No 79. In Paris, despite playing well for significant portions of his third-round match and leading by two sets against João Fonseca, he could not sustain the physicality required for a tough five-set encounter.

Maintaining his physical condition throughout a demanding two-week Grand Slam or an entire season is a significant challenge for Djokovic at his age. Wimbledon, where he has won seven times, is considered a likely venue for him to secure another Grand Slam title. The grass courts, with their shorter points, allow Djokovic to leverage his precise serve, net play, and aggressive first-strike tennis, which suits his current physical state.

Serena Williams’ improbable comeback

When questioned about Serena Williams’ return to tennis at the age of 44, Amritraj drew an analogy to Muhammad Ali’s comeback in boxing. He stated that while Serena has achieved unparalleled success in women’s tennis, time is an undeniable factor. He questioned what would motivate her to return at 44 against younger opponents, suggesting that a performance similar to her past achievements would be a significant long shot.

Amritraj speculated that her motivation might stem from the sheer joy of playing tennis, possibly wanting her daughters to see her compete. He believes she might find satisfaction in playing doubles. However, he concluded that the reality of attempting to win a Major at 44 while also managing family responsibilities is certainly improbable, though not impossible.

Women’s tennis and Sinner’s title defence

The discussion also touched upon the women’s competition, noting that no female player has won Wimbledon back-to-back since 2016. Amritraj attributed this to the increased parity among players since the departure of the Williams sisters. While Iga Swiatek had a dominant period, he feels that generally, female players are now much closer in standard, performance, and temperament. He identified Aryna Sabalenka as a strong contender on grass, possessing a powerful game and an improved serve, although other players have found ways to counter her. Women’s tennis is currently wide open, with potential for upsets, especially in the early stages of the tournament.

Regarding Jannik Sinner’s chances of defending his Wimbledon title, particularly with Carlos Alcaraz out due to injury, Amritraj emphasized that winning seven matches against high-quality opponents is always a challenge, regardless of who is absent. He highlighted the unique nature of playing on a fresh grass surface, which takes a match or two for players to adapt to. The heat and grass thickness in the early stages can also create opportunities for upsets, similar to what was observed in Paris.

Sinner’s recent season has been eventful. After dominating the clay-court season by sweeping the Masters 1000 tournaments in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome, his collapse against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo in the second round of Roland Garros, where he led by two sets and 5-1 in the third, was a tough defeat. Sinner stated that the loss was not heat-related and spent weeks after Paris undergoing tests to understand his physical issues. He will aim to approach his title defense with resilience and a focus on learning from past experiences.

The absence of two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz due to a right-wrist injury leaves a void in men’s tennis, both in terms of spectacle and competition. This absence, however, presents an opportunity for other players. Djokovic has been drawn into Sinner’s half in SW19, meaning they could potentially meet in a semifinal. Alongside Djokovic and Sinner, Matteo Berrettini is the only other player in the bottom half to have reached a Wimbledon final. Other strong grass-court players like Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur, Flavio Cobolli, Mensik, and Arthur Fils (if healthy) will also have high hopes for a breakthrough in this half of the draw, making for a potentially unpredictable tournament.

Source: sportstar.thehindu.com

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Men’s Singles Draw Highlights

The 2026 Wimbledon draw has positioned defending champion Jannik Sinner and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the same half of the men’s singles bracket. This setup could lead to a significant semifinal encounter between the two players.

Novak Djokovic, who is seeking a record eighth Wimbledon title, is scheduled to begin his campaign against Wu Yibing. His projected path includes potential matches against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Hugo Gaston in the second round, followed by Arthur Rinderknech in the third. Further into the tournament, Djokovic could face either Andrey Rublev or Joao Fonseca in the fourth round, with a projected quarter-final clash against third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.

World number one and reigning champion Jannik Sinner is set to open his tournament against Miomir Kecmanovic. His projected second-round opponents are Nuno Borges or Tristan Boyer. The Italian’s potential third-round match could be against Ignacio Buse, before a possible fourth-round meeting with Rafael Jodar or Luciano Darderi. Should both Sinner and Djokovic advance as projected, a semifinal match awaits. Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is projected to be Sinner’s quarter-final opponent, with Medvedev starting his tournament against 2017 finalist Marin Cilic.

In the other half of the men’s draw, French Open champion Alexander Zverev is scheduled to start against Alexander Blockx. Zverev is seeded to potentially face Matteo Arnaldi in the third round, and then Jiri Lehecka or Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round. A likely quarter-final match-up for Zverev is against sixth seed Taylor Fritz. However, Fritz faces a challenging opening round, having been drawn against Jack Draper, who is returning to the ATP Tour at Eastbourne this week. Draper holds a 10-5 record over Zverev and has won their last seven matches, including at Wimbledon in 2024 and Halle last month.

Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time Wimbledon titlist, is absent from the tournament due to a wrist injury. Sinner recently experienced a second-round loss at the French Open and has not played competitively since. The defeat in Paris occurred under extremely hot conditions. Alexander Zverev, while successful at Roland-Garros, considers grass his weakest surface. Novak Djokovic, at 39, is noted to be most comfortable on grass courts, with four trophies, two finals, and one semifinal appearance in his last seven visits to Wimbledon.

Women’s Singles Draw Preview

The women’s singles draw features a significant return and potential high-profile clashes. Serena Williams, a wild card entrant, is making her comeback to Grand Slam singles action for the first time since the 2022 US Open. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is set to play against Maya Jantchene in her opening match. Jantchene is an emerging prospect who won WTA titles in Morocco and Eastbourne in 2025.

If Williams advances, a potential third-round meeting with defending champion Iga Swiatek awaits, with Alexandra Eala projected as the second-round opponent. Swiatek will begin her title defense against Taylor Townsend. World number one Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to play qualifier Teodora Kostovic, while second seed Elena Rybakina faces Lois Boisson. Fourth seed Jessica Pegula opens against Czech qualifier Darja Vidmanova.

Other notable matches in the women’s draw include home favourite Emma Raducanu beginning her Wimbledon defense against Antonia Ruzic. Naomi Osaka is set to play Elsa Jacquemot, Coco Gauff will face Tamara Korpatsch, and Mirra Andreeva meets Magda Linette. The projected women’s quarter-finals include Sabalenka versus Andreeva, Pegula versus Gauff, Swiatek versus Elina Svitolina, and Rybakina versus Amanda Anisimova. Serena Williams is also a wild card entrant in doubles, where she will partner with her sister Venus, aiming for their seventh doubles crown at SW19.

The tournament is set to begin on Monday.

Source: telanganatoday.com

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In Tamil Nadu politics, key figures like Vijay and Senthil Balaji are under the spotlight as election updates emerge. Reports indicate that the DMK is gearing up for a competitive race against the BJP. Observers note that PM Modi’s recent engagements could influence voter sentiment in upcoming elections.

That context matters because it sets the stage for understanding the political dynamics at play. The stakes are high as both parties vie for control in a region known for its vibrant political landscape.

On the international front, breaking news includes developments related to Trump and China, which could reshape diplomatic relations. These stories are crucial as they illustrate how local decisions can resonate on a global scale.

In sports, the Madrid Open tennis tournament is capturing attention. Players like Zverev and Sinner are making headlines with their performances. Tennis fans eagerly await the outcomes as these matches not only affect rankings but also impact players’ careers.

The video report from Maalaimalar provides detailed insights into these topics. Visuals and footage credited to Thanthi TV enhance the storytelling experience, making it easier for viewers to grasp complex issues.

As we move forward, analysts expect more developments in Tamil Nadu politics, especially with elections approaching. The next significant update may come as voter turnout trends become clearer in May.

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Jannik Sinner, the world number two tennis player, was eliminated from the Qatar Open quarter-finals after a surprising defeat to Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik. The match concluded with scores of 6-7, 6-2, and 3-6, marking a significant upset in Sinner’s recent performance.

Why It Matters

This loss ended Sinner’s impressive streak of 22 wins in 23 matches, with his only prior defeat occurring against Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Sinner had previously reached ten finals in 2025, securing titles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. His unexpected exit from the Qatar Open raises questions about his current form as he prepares for upcoming tournaments.

What’s Next

Following this defeat, Jakub Mensik will advance to face Frenchman Arthur Fils in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Sinner will look to regroup and focus on his training as he aims to return to winning form in future competitions.

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Denis Shapovalov faced Ben Shelton in the semifinals of the Nexo Dallas Open, where he was defeated in a closely contested match that ended in a final-set tie-break. Shelton triumphed with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4), advancing to the final against Taylor Fritz.

Why It Matters

This match was significant for Shapovalov, the defending champion, as it marked a critical point in his season. Prior to the Dallas Open, he had struggled with a 1-4 record in his last five matches. His performance in Dallas included victories over Rafael Jodar, Aleksandar Kovacevic, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, indicating a potential return to form.

What’s Next

Shapovalov’s defeat means he will not defend his title at the Dallas Open. Meanwhile, Shelton will face top seed Taylor Fritz in the final, aiming to secure his first title of the season. Shapovalov’s next steps will involve reassessing his game as he prepares for upcoming tournaments.

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Alexander Bublik faced a challenging match against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals of the Rotterdam Open, where he was defeated 6-1, 6-2. The match lasted just 54 minutes, showcasing Auger-Aliassime’s dominant performance, which included 25 winners and an impressive first serve success rate.

Why It Matters

This loss marks a significant setback for Bublik, who struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match. Auger-Aliassime’s relentless pressure and effective serving left Bublik with limited opportunities to compete, as he managed to hold serve only three times in seven attempts. The defeat highlights the challenges Bublik faces against top-tier opponents, particularly in high-stakes matches.

What’s Next

Following this semifinal loss, Bublik will need to regroup and reassess his strategy as he prepares for future tournaments. Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime advances to the final, where he will face top-seeded Alex de Minaur, setting the stage for a highly anticipated championship match.

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In the Qatar Open final, Karolina Muchova defeated Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko with a score of 6-4, 7-5. This victory marks Muchova’s first title since 2019 and her first WTA 1,000 event win, moving her up to 11th in the world rankings.

Why It Matters

This win is significant for Muchova, who has faced multiple injuries, including a 10-month hiatus due to a wrist injury in 2023. The victory not only ends her title drought but also highlights her resilience and skill on the court. For Mboko, reaching the final represents a major milestone in her young career, showcasing her potential as she prepares to enter the world’s top ten rankings.

What’s Next

Following this match, Muchova will look to build on her momentum in upcoming tournaments, while Mboko aims to continue her impressive form and gain more experience at the highest levels of competition.

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Taylor Fritz, the world No. 7 tennis player, is currently competing at the Delray Beach Open, where he aims to secure his third title at the event. Fritz is the top seed and will face either Ethan Quinn or Rafael Jodar in his opening match. He previously showcased his skills by defeating fellow American Sebastian Korda in the semifinals of the ATP Dallas Open, winning in a closely contested match that ended with a score of 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

Why It Matters

Fritz’s victory over Korda highlighted his resilience, as he overcame a right elbow injury during the match. His performance included 22 aces and a perfect record on break points, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure in critical moments. This success not only solidifies his standing in the ATP rankings but also contributes to the ongoing conversation about the competitiveness of his generation compared to the previous era dominated by the Big Three.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Fritz will compete against Marin Cilic in the semifinals of the ATP Dallas Open, with the potential to advance further in the tournament. His upcoming matches at the Delray Beach Open will be crucial as he seeks to continue his winning streak and further establish his legacy in the sport.

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Australia’s Alex de Minaur secured his place in the final of the Rotterdam Open on Saturday, defeating France’s Ugo Humbert with a score of 6-4, 6-3. The semifinal match was characterized by numerous unforced errors from both players, but De Minaur’s consistent performance during critical moments allowed him to save 10 break points and ultimately prevail.

Why It Matters

De Minaur’s victory is significant as it showcases his mental resilience and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in challenging service games. His statement following the match emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in tough situations, which could be pivotal as he prepares for the final.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, De Minaur will compete in the final of the Rotterdam Open, where he aims to continue his strong performance. Meanwhile, the draw for the Dubai Tennis Championships has also been confirmed, with Emma Raducanu set to face qualifier Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her opening match.

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Ben Shelton, the 23-year-old American tennis player, has reached the quarterfinals in every tournament he has entered this season, including his latest performance at the Dallas Open. In a challenging round-of-16 match against French veteran Adrian Mannarino, Shelton triumphed after a grueling contest that lasted over two hours and thirty-nine minutes, winning 7-6, 6-7, 6-3.

Why It Matters

This victory marks Shelton’s third consecutive quarterfinal appearance in 2026, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor on the ATP Tour. His ability to overcome Mannarino, who had previously held a 3-1 advantage in their head-to-head matches, demonstrates Shelton’s resilience and skill. After the match, Shelton praised Mannarino’s performance, stating, “Ridiculous tennis. I thought [Adrian] played at an extremely high level. We’ve had some crazy matches. It was undoubtedly a dogfight.” This mutual respect highlights the competitive nature of professional tennis.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Shelton is set to face defending champion Denis Shapovalov in the semifinals of the Dallas Open. Shelton holds a 3-0 record against Shapovalov, which adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming match. As the tournament progresses, Shelton’s consistent performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as he aims to secure a spot in the finals.

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