Russian professional tennis player, Olympic silver medalist, WTA titleist
Today’s updates have sharpened focus on ongoing policy shifts as officials face new pressures. The events have prompted immediate reactions and signal potential future changes.
Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz have been given a wild card to the US Open mixed doubles main draw. The pair will compete in a revamped two-day, 16-team format with a $1 million prize. Williams is not planned to play singles, while Alcaraz is returning from a right wrist injury. The field also features other high-profile duos as the tournament reshapes its schedule.
At the US Open, Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík have won the mixed doubles title, with a renewed emphasis on singles players amid the revamped format. The event drew big crowds and featured high-profile appearances, including Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, though several doubles specialists exited early.
Sabalenka has expressed concern over the smell of cannabis drifting onto Louis Armstrong Stadium during her third‑round win at the US Open. She has called for greater awareness around the stadium area as players continue their campaigns for a third consecutive title. Other top players are also advancing, with Alcaraz and Medvedev confirming progress to the fourth round.
Aryna Sabalenka has retained focus at the US Open, addressing questions about her schedule and off-court activities while stressing that training and mental strength drive her. She is preparing for the next rounds after a dominant performance, with rivals pushing for top rankings.
Aryna Sabalenka has signaled a smoking incident at the U.S. Open, saying “Someone is smoking weed,” as she faced Kamilla Rakhimova. The moment occurred with Sabalenka up 2-0 in the first set; play continued after the umpire’s response. The incident highlights ongoing concerns around smoke near the site amid a smoking-prohibited environment.
Elena Rybakina has moved to world No. 1 after defeating Aryna Sabalenka en route to winning the US Open final. Rybakina seals the top ranking while Sabalenka ends the year without a Grand Slam title, after a season of high drama and new milestones.
Elena Rybakina has won the US Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to become the new World No. 1. The victory caps a breakthrough year that included an Australian Open title and a Wimbledon triumph, while Sabalenka ends the season without a Grand Slam title. The outcome also ends Sabalenka’s long run atop the rankings and sets up a fresh chapter in their rivalry.
Elena Rybakina has reached the Ningbo Open final after defeating Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, with Shnaider in the other semifinal. The US Open champion will defend her title in a final set to determine the Ningbo Open champion, as Eala exits in the last 16 and Jovic advances.
Briton Stojsavljevic has defeated former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin in Hong Kong, reaching the second round after a dramatic 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory. The 17-year-old Briton, ranked 411, overcame a late challenge to secure a notable win and will meet Zeynep Sonmez next.
Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala has captured her maiden WTA title in Hong Kong, defeating Claire Liu 6-3, 6-0 after a hard-fought week. The 21-year-old enters the season-ending stretch at a career-high ranking, beating a sequence of near-champions en route to the title.