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Tennis legend Serena Williams' former hitting partner sarcastically criticized Victoria Azarenka's confrontation with coach at the 2024 Italian Open. In other news, Iga Swiatek playfully remarked on skipping Aryna Sabalenka and Danielle Collins’ late-night semifinal in Rome.
Meanwhile, Chris Evert endorsed non-nationality-based Grand Slam wildcard selections amid the French Open controversy. Former Estonian tennis star Anett Kontaveit revealed pregnancy with boyfriend Brent Lepistu.
Also, the University of Virginia's men's tennis team suffered a huge setback as All-American Chris Rodesch was out for the season with illness.
On that note, here's a recap of today's top tennis news:
Serena Williams' former hitting partner takes a sarcastic dig at Victoria Azarenka
Serena Williams' former hitting partner Sascha Bajin sarcastically criticized Victoria Azarenka's confrontation with her coach during the 2024 Italian Open quarterfinals. Azarenka, trailing 4-1 in the second set against Danielle Collins, expressed frustration with her coach's encouragement.
Watch the video below:
"What do you want me to come on? What do you want me to come on?" she yelled.
Bajin, who worked with Azarenka in 2015 and 2016, reacted to the incident and mockingly referred to her as a "nice person" on social media, accompanied by an eye-roll emoji.
"Yeah she is such a nice person 🙄," he commented.
Victoria Azarenka went on to lose the match 6-4, 6-3 against Collins, who reached the semifinals before losing 7-5, 6-2 to second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Iga Swiatek jokes about skipping Aryna Sabalenka vs. Danielle Collins late-night Italian Open semifinal
Iga Swiatek had a funny response when asked if she would stay up late to watch the second Italian Open semifinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Danielle Collins. During her on-court interview after beating Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals, Swiatek was asked if she planned to watch the late-night match.
The pole joked that she would rather enjoy some risotto than watch her competitor's game.
"I think it's too late. It's better to go eat some risotto or something, so just that. For sure my coach will watch and we'll get ready," Iga Swiatek said.
Chris Evert advocates for impartial Grand Slam wildcard selections amid French Open controversy
Chris Evert supported the idea that wildcards should not be based on nationality, amid controversy at the French Open. The French Open announced eight main draw wildcards, with six going to French players and two to American and Australian players. The uproar was mainly because Dominic Thiem, who plans to retire soon, did not receive a wildcard.
Journalist Carole Bouchard criticized nationality-based wildcard decisions on X (formerly Twitter), which Evert endorsed by reposting the former's tweet.
"Totally agree…," Evert wrote.
Anett Kontaveit announces pregnancy with boyfriend Brent Lepistu
Former Estonian tennis star Anett Kontaveit has revealed that she is pregnant with her first baby with footballer boyfriend Brent Lepistu. This announcement comes less than a year after she retired from tennis.
Kontaveit shared the news on Instagram, posting photos of herself with Lepistu, proudly showing off her baby bump.
"New family member on the way," Anett Kontaveit her Instagram post.
University of Virginia's men's tennis team faces a setback with Chris Rodesch's season-ending injury
University of Virginia men's tennis team key player Chris Rodesch will miss the rest of the 2024 tournament due to illness. The Virginia Cavaliers, two-time defending NCAA champions, are currently in the quarterfinals and aiming for a third consecutive title.
Alex Gruskin, a well-known college tennis podcaster, announced the news on X (formerly Twitter).
"Breaking News: UVA All-American Chris Rodesch will MISS the remainder of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The fourth-year has officially been pulled from the lineup for the weekend due to illness. A devastating blow to the 2x defending NCAA Men's Champs," he wrote.
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