Osaka struggled from the outset. For long stretches of the first set,she battled to keep the ball in play. “It’s so much pressure I can’t imagine,” her opponent said.
After refusing to speak during the French Open,then withdrawing and shunning Wimbledon,the world No.2 has found her voice again.
The oddest surprise of the Tokyo opening ceremony? That would have to be the video montage featuring none other than Caboolture’s own Keith Urban.
These are the Quarantine Games. There are no crowds inside the venues and nowhere else for the people of Tokyo to join in. The declaration of a state of emergency killed the live sites that would have created a rolling street party across this sprawling megacity.
Even the tennis superstar’s nationality is attracting controversy. You would think carrying Japanese hopes at the Olympic Games is the last thing she needs.
This three-part documentary is all about the quiet moments of reflection off court for the first Asian player to be ranked number 1 in the world.
The Australian Olympic Committee has dumped its medal target for Tokyo but detailed analysis has projected a large gold medal haul in Japan.
The lopsided economy of tennis means staggering riches go to a select few,while many full-time professionals struggle. Now,those behind a new players’ union are aiming to smash the status quo.
Ash Barty is hoping to win the ladies’ singles finals at Wimbledon just as her friend and mentor Evonne Goolagong did just over 40 years ago.
Japan’s world No.2 has reaffirmed her commitment to playing at the Tokyo Olympics,and said she was under pressure to disclose more personal details when she stepped away for a mental health break.
Ashleigh Barty enters the grasscourt championships surrounded by external expectations and her own willingness to “dream big” about nabbing a Wimbledon trophy.