Tennis
Serena Williams Wins The Auckland Classic After 3 Years Without Title
Published
4 years agoon

Serena Williams is the latest among the series of tennis superstars who give to the Australian bushfires relief effort. That’s after winning the Auckland Classic on Sunday, January 12.
She had a two-set (6-3, 6-4) victory against the unseeded Jessica Pegula. Pegula has one title under her name.
Williams donated €38,600 to the relief efforts.
Heating up the Australian Open expectations
The Auckland Classic is Williams’ 73rd title from the WTA, and her first WTA title since 2017. The Auckland Classic title was also her first after becoming a mom to Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.
Interestingly, Williams won the Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant with her.
What’s more interesting about these facts and records is: Williams won her first WTA title in 1999. She’s been playing tennis for four decades!
She turned pro in October 1995.
Her Auckland Classic win only proved that Williams is still on top of her game. She acknowledged her game is sharpening as she heads to Melbourne.
Hopes are high for Williams’ fans as expectations are raised for this year’s Australian Open.
If she wins the title, she would equal Margaret Court’s Grand Slam title records to 24.
Not to mention, Williams had won several Australian Open titles in both singles and doubles. She has seven singles titles and four doubles titles. She also appeared in the finals of the 1999 mixed doubles.
Australia as her second home for 20 years
Seeing the devastation firsthand, Williams had been deeply affected by the ongoing bushfires in the South.
“I’ve been playing in Australia for over 20 years, and it’s been really hard for me to watch all the news and everything that has been happening in Australia with all the fire,” Williams said.
She was already decided to give the money to the relief appeal even before the tournament started.
Other tennis players including Novak Djokovic, Rodger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sharapova, and Simona Halep have also shared their blessings, pledging personal donations.
Some players followed through Kyrgios lead in dedicating their aces to the bushfire relief campaign.
The International Tennis Federation, Wimbledon, French Open, and ATP have donated €806,000.
Indeed, the international tennis community is doing everything it could to extend help to the home of the first Grand Slam tournament.
More updates on the Australian Open
Poor air quality in Melbourne is making practising difficult the ongoing bushfires have caused.
Qualifying rounds were also delayed for about an hour for the same reason.
At least six players were scheduled to play on Melbourne Park at 11 am on January 14. However, the Air Quality Index was at 229, which is categorised as “very unhealthy.”
According to its organisers, the conditions are continuously monitored. They expect improvements in the coming days.
Ongoing consultations with the representatives of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria, the Bureau of Meteorology, and medical teams are conducted.
The organisers said, “As always the health and safety of our players, our staff and our fans is our priority.”
The Australian Open is scheduled to start on January 20.
Do you think Serena Williams would bag the Australian Open title as well? Let us know your thoughts.

With the approach of September, brace yourself for an upsurge in excitement as a captivating lineup of sporting occasions is on the verge of captivating sports enthusiasts worldwide. The upcoming sports tournaments in September are poised to deliver a whirlwind of athletic skill and adrenaline-charged instances, spanning intense basketball clashes to pulse-pounding soccer duels. Enthusiasts and bettors are eagerly awaiting the most favorable wagers for these imminent sports tournaments, while teams and athletes gear up to contend on the grandest stage. In the upcoming weeks, we will dissect the significant matches, delving deeper into the events set to command global attention.
This article was prepared with the help of our partners from Free Betting Reviews!
September upcoming sports tournaments 2023
US Open Tennis Championship
As the calendar flips to September, the US Open Tennis Championship continues its momentum. The onset of September signals the commencement of the third round of the illustrious US Open tennis tournament. Set against the backdrop of Flushing Meadows in New York, this Grand Slam affair holds an esteemed position in the tennis calendar. Being the final Grand Slam event of the year, the competition is expected to intensify as eminent players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and various others engage in a fierce battle for supremacy on the unforgiving hard courts.
NFL Season Kickoff
September heralds the much-awaited return of the NFL, a momentous occasion for American football aficionados. With the preseason wrapping up in August, the NFL season’s kickoff in September ushers in a flurry of excitement and a plethora of betting prospects. Featuring a jam-packed schedule of games every week, bettors have an array of choices at their disposal when strategizing their wagers. It’s a time when teams embark on their journey toward the Super Bowl, and this monumental pursuit begins right from the inaugural game week.
UEFA Champions League starts
Soccer devotees will find themselves glued to their screens as the group stages of the UEFA Champions League kick off during the third week of September. This premier club competition showcases the crème de la crème of European teams vying for continental dominance. Boasting a mix of star-studded lineups and unexpected contenders, the Champions League is renowned for its unpredictability, often giving rise to enticing betting prospects. Brace yourself for witnessing Europe’s finest teams battling it out on the grandest stage, all in pursuit of one of the most coveted titles across the globe.
FIBA Basketball World Cup
The commencement of the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup takes center stage. This event stands as one of the most renowned and eagerly anticipated spectacles in the global sports arena. The tournament ignites a captivating showcase of skill, tactics, and passion that goes beyond geographical boundaries, uniting basketball enthusiasts worldwide as nations from every corner of the globe converge on the court.
F1 Italian Grand Prix
With the arrival of September each year, the F1 Italian Grand Prix takes the spotlight, drawing the gaze of the motorsports community toward the iconic Monza Circuit situated in Italy. This event serves as the second F1 race following a brief summer hiatus. The question on everyone’s mind: Will Verstappen maintain his dominance in the world of F1 this year?
September ushers in an exhilarating arena encompassing a spectrum of upcoming sports tournaments including tennis, American football, soccer, basketball, and Formula 1. The US Open tennis tournament stirs fervor as it enters its dynamic third round, simultaneously marking the commencement of a fresh NFL season. Meanwhile, the UEFA Champions League illuminates the soccer world with its captivating group stage clashes, while the FIBA Basketball World Cup provides its own dose of exhilaration. Not to be outdone, the F1 Italian Grand Prix captivates the hearts of motorsports enthusiasts. To explore more news tied to these upcoming sports tournaments, ensure to stay connected with Half A Goal!
Tennis
ATP Washington: Citi Open 2023 – Ranking the Top 5 Tennis Players
Published
4 months agoon
August 3, 2023
The Citi Open 2023, part of the ATP Washington, is poised to once again showcase an impressive array of skill and expertise on the global tennis stage. While now a combined event with the former Mubadala Silicon Valley WTA tournament, the Citi Open has transformed into an ATP 500 tournament, promising a twofold surge of excitement, entertainment, and competitiveness. Positioned at the heart of Washington, D.C., this annual tournament will retain its venue this year, consistently attracting a diverse lineup of highly ranked players from across the world. In this article, we will delve into the top tennis contenders projected to emerge as the primary challengers in the upcoming ATP Washington: Citi Open of 2023. Join us as we uncover the attributes, encompassing strengths, weaknesses, and notable qualities, that have guided our selection of these exceptional athletes.
This article was prepared with the support of our partners at Free Betting Reviews;
What are the dates for the Citi Open 2023?
Following the conclusion of the qualifying rounds, the 2023 Citi Open, alternatively referred to as the 2023 Mubadala Citi DC Open, is scheduled to occur from Monday, July 31st, through Sunday, August 6th.
Where Citi Open 2023 is held?
The distinguished William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., United States, will serve as the venue for this ATP 500 tournament.
How can I watch Citi Open 2023?
You have the option to stream the matches live on platforms such as tennis TV, Supersport, Amazon Prime Video, among others. For comprehensive details, please refer to the ATP TV schedule.
Schedule of Citi Open 2023
- Qualifying phase: Saturday, 29 July – Sunday, 30 July
- Main Draw commences: Monday, 31 July – Saturday, August 5
- Men’s Singles Final: Sunday, 6 August
Prize Money
The Citi DC Open has a total prize pool of $2,013,940
Singles
- Winner: $353,445
- Finalist: $188,505
- Semi-finalist: $97,785
- Quarter-finalist: $51,055
- Round of 16: $26,905
- Round of 32: $14,725
- Round of 48: $7,855
ATP Tennis Washington DC Men’s singles participants
Seeded Players
- 1. Taylor Fritz, 2. Frances Tiafoe, 3. Félix Auger-Aliassime, 4. Hubert Hurkacz, 5. Grigor Dimitrov, 6. Alexander Bublik, 7. Adrian Mannarino, 8. Sebastian Korda
- 9. Dan Evans, 10. Yoshihito Nishioka, 11. Christopher Eubanks, 12. Tallon Griekspoor, 13. Ugo Humbert, 14. Ben Shelton, 15. Andy Murray, 16. J. J. Wolf
Wildcards
- Kei Nishikori, Gaël Monfils, Kevin Anderson, and Ben Shelton.
Protected ranking
- Lloyd Harris
Qualifying Draw
- Bjorn Fratangelo, Bradley Klahn, Shintaro Mochizuki, Kiranpal Pannu, Shang Juncheng, and Zachary Svajda.
Top Five Tennis Players at Washington ATP 500
Taylor Fritz
- Taylor Fritz emerges as a prominent contender deserving of close attention. This 25-year-old tennis sensation from the United States has surged to an impressive ninth position in the global ATP rankings, securing his status as the nation’s highest-ranked tennis representative. Throughout the season, Fritz has showcased remarkable prowess, amassing a notable win-loss record of 37-16, notably excelling with an outstanding 21-5 performance on hard courts.
- Remarkably, he stands as the frontrunner among the participants of the Citi Open this year with the most remarkable track record on hard court surfaces. While his previous appearances have been noteworthy, his most stellar showing occurred in the preceding year, highlighted by his advancement to the round of 16. Undeterred by challenges, this resilient athlete is resolute in etching his mark on this year’s competition and is resolutely aiming for an even more elevated level of achievement.
Frances Tiafoe
- In a recent significant career milestone, Frances Tiafoe accomplished a remarkable feat by securing a position within the top 10 rankings, a noteworthy achievement in his illustrious journey. His outstanding performance throughout the season is underscored by an impressive record of 30 victories and 14 defeats, notably highlighted by a remarkable 14-5 record on hard court surfaces. As he marks his return to the Washington Citi Open, this occasion signifies his inaugural participation in a tournament since his presence at Wimbledon.
- Tiafoe’s previous accomplishments at the Citi Open stand as a testament to his prowess, having advanced to the quarterfinals in the preceding season. The ongoing season has witnessed his triumphant emergence with two title wins, notably clinching the prestigious titles at Stuttgart and Houston.
Andy Murray
- Amid fervent anticipation, the distinguished British tennis luminary, Andy Murray, is poised for a highly awaited resurgence this week, gracing the courts of the Citi Open in the vibrant backdrop of Washington, DC. Notably, this heralds his return following his untimely departure in the second round of Wimbledon. With the crescendo of excitement resonating, it merits attention that the tournament’s landscape has been marked by a few prominent withdrawals, encompassing notable figures such as Daniil Medvedev and reigning champion Nick Kyrgios.
- In light of these unforeseen vacancies, Murray may be harboring aspirations of seizing a prospective opportunity to assert a robust presence within the competition. Awaiting avidly on a global scale, the return of this tennis luminary is ardently anticipated, with enthusiasts worldwide eager to bear witness once again to his unparalleled skill, tenacity, and unwavering determination on full display.
Sebastian Korda
- Presently holding the 28th spot in the ATP rankings, Sebastian Korda has been notably absent from the tennis arena subsequent to Wimbledon. At the age of 23, he proudly displays a season performance tally of 12 victories and eight setbacks, an admirable accomplishment further underscored by his notable 8-2 hard court record. In the preceding year, Korda adeptly showcased his mettle by securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the DC tournament.
- Infused with his remarkable skills and an impressive hard court history, Korda undeniably emerges as a commanding presence within this tournament, solidifying his stature as a significant contender to watch.
Felix Auger-Aliassime
- Following an early departure from Wimbledon, the exceptionally talented Canadian, Felix Auger-Aliassime, is poised to make a compelling resurgence onto the tennis stage. Presently holding the 12th spot on the global rankings, the 22-year-old athlete boasts a commendable 10-6 record on the hard court terrain.
- Auger-Aliassime substantiated his skillfulness in the preceding season by clinching four prestigious titles. Nevertheless, as he embarks upon the journey of this year, the budding luminary remains steadfast in his pursuit of securing his inaugural championship victory. Could this be the moment when he finally claims the long-awaited title on the courts of Washington?
The aforementioned players are projected to deliver formidable performances in the imminent Citi Open 2023. This assessment does not diminish the potential of other competitors; rather, it highlights those who have established a track record of achievement or are presently displaying an impressive streak of success.
Tennis
World-Class Tennis: Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic 2023
Published
4 months agoon
August 2, 2023
Calling all tennis enthusiasts! Get ready for the highly anticipated arrival of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic – the moment you’ve eagerly awaited has finally arrived! This renowned event is set to deliver electrifying matches, awe-inspiring displays of skill, and indelible moments that will have you at the edge of your seat, showcasing the pinnacle of women’s tennis for the year. However, please take note that the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic and the Washington Open officially merged in 2022. Therefore, what we’re gearing up for is not the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic 2023, but rather the Washington Open 2023. With this new development, the Mubadala Citi Open has now become the exclusive tournament combining ATP and WTA players at .500. As the qualification phase is already in progress, join us as we unveil all the essential details in anticipation of an unparalleled exhibition of women’s tennis excellence.
This article was created with the support of our partners Free Betting Reviews
Mubadala Citi DC Open 2023 tournament details
Date: Monday, 31st July – Sunday, 6th of August 2023
Stadium: The FitzGerald Tennis Center, Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C
Surface: Hard
Level: ATP & WTA 500
Prize: $2,013,940 ATP, $780,637 WTA
Seedings of Players
The rankings of the participants in the Mubadala Citi DC Open are structured in this manner to guarantee an equitable and competitive tournament draw. This approach also serves to avert matchups between highly-ranked players during the initial stages of the competition.
ATP Mubadala Citi Open Seeding
With only 16 players ranked so far, here’s how the men are seeded ahead of the 2023 Mubadala DC Citi Open;
- 1. Taylor Fritz, 2. Frances Tiafoe, 3. Félix Auger-Aliassime, 4. Hubert Hurkacz, 5. Grigor Dimitrov, 6. Alexander Bublik, 7. Adrian Mannarino, 8. Sebastian Korda
- 9. Dan Evans, 10. Yoshihito Nishioka, 11. Christopher Eubanks, 12. Tallon Griekspoor, 13. Ugo Humbert, 14. Ben Shelton, 15. Andy Murray, 16. J. J. Wolf
- The following players have gained entry into the tournament’s Men’s singles draw as wildcards: Kevin Anderson, Gaël Monfils, Kei Nishikori, Ben Shelton, and lastly, Lloyd Harris got in via protected ranking.
- Also, Bjorn Fratangelo, Bradley Klahn, Shintaro Mochizuki, Kiranpal Pannu, Shang Juncheng, and Zachary Svajda all gained entry via the qualification draw
WTA Silicon Valley Classic Seeding
Only eight WTA players have been ranked in the upcoming Mubadala Citi Open, so this is how the women are seeded ahead of the tournament.
- 1. Jessica Pegula, 2. Caroline Garcia, 3. Coco Gauff, 4. Maria Sakkari, 5. Daria Kasatkina. 6. Belinda Bencic, 7. Madison Keys, 8. Liudmila Samsonova
- Meanwhile, Bianca Andreescu, Danielle Collins, Sofia Kenin, and Elina Svitolina gained entry into the tournament as wildcards. Jennifer Brady gained entry as a protected ranking, on the other hand.
- Lastly, Hailey Baptiste, Lauren Davis, Leylah Fernandez, and Magdalena Fręch have booked their spots via the qualifying draw and have now joined up with the main draw.
Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Tournament Structure
The draw format for the Men’s singles competition involves a roster of 32 players. To ensure that the top eight seeded players do not face each other until later stages, they are strategically positioned within the draw. Higher-ranked players are exempted from the round of 64, receiving a BYE.
Reigning Champions
- In the Men’s singles division, Nick Kyrigos holds the title of reigning champion, having emerged victorious by defeating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 6-3 in the 2022 finals, securing the then-known Washington Open championship. Unfortunately, due to an injury, the Australian athlete will be absent from this year’s tournament.
- For the Women’s singles category, Liudmila Samsonova currently holds the reigning champion status. Her triumphant journey involved overcoming Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi in a three-set battle (4–6, 6–3, 6–3) during the 2022 WTA Washington Open climax. Notably, Samsonova enters this year’s competition as the eighth seed.
Mubadala Citi DC Open Favorites
Men’s Singles
- With the reigning champion absent from this tournament, the men’s singles category presents an open field for all contenders. While Taylor Fritz holds the highest rank among participants this year, his consistent struggle to progress beyond the round of sixteen in past editions of the tournament raises doubts about his suitability. Hence, Frances Tiafoe emerges as a logical choice.
- Notably, the French player has recently secured his inaugural appearance in the top 10 rankings. With a record of 14-5 on hard surfaces and an overall score of 30-14, Tiafoe’s performance is commendable. Having reached the quarterfinals in Washington, DC, last year, this tournament marks his return to the competitive stage since Wimbledon. Impressively, Tiafoe has clinched two championships this year, triumphing in Houston and Stuttgart.
Women’s Singles
- The prospect of Liudmila Samsonova retaining her title in the women’s singles category appears highly challenging. The primary obstacle to her successful defense is posed by Jessica Pegula, positioned at the fourth spot in the WTA rankings, boasting a remarkable record of 35 wins and 12 losses. Notably, Pegula’s performance on hard surfaces stands at an impressive 19-6. As the highest-ranked American participant in the tournament, her exceptional achievements on hard courts position her as the leading contender for victory in the 2023 Citi DC Open.
Mubadala Citi DC Open Dark Horses
- In the realm of men’s singles, it is Sebastian Korda who stands as the dark horse poised to disrupt the equilibrium. Holding the 28th rank, Korda’s hiatus from competition extends since Wimbledon. This year, the 23-year-old athlete holds a commendable 12-8 overall record, particularly shining with an 8-2 performance on hard courts. After making his mark in the DC quarter-finals last year, anticipation builds for Korda to elevate his performance in the current edition.
- Turning our focus to the women’s singles, the spotlight is undeniably on Coco Gauff. This teenage prodigy boasts the second-best hard surface record (15-5) among the participants of the 2023 WTA Silicon Valley Classic tournament. With a season tally of 27 victories and 12 losses, Gauff has already secured a championship title in Auckland earlier this year, marking her as an unequivocal dark horse in this competitive race.
The amalgamation of the Washington Open and the Mubadala Silicon Valley tournament to give rise to the Mubadala Citi DC Open fuels excitement. To catch all the captivating action, be sure to stay tuned to FBR for comprehensive tennis news and updates.


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