Tag: Nalbandian

SHARAPOVA BACK WITH A BANG

Maria Sharapova has returned with a bang after over a year on the sidelines.


She returned to a victory in the first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, getting past Italian Roberta Vinci 7-5, 6-3. During a makeshift interview at the Porsche Arena, she said she had been “waiting for this moment for a long time.”

The tennis star was found guilty of drug abuse. She was banned for two years but she appealed the sentence at the Court of Arbitration (CAS) where she won a reduction to 15 months. She complained that she had a heart issue, aside others, that necessitated her taking a Latvian-produced drug meldonium. She said she was oblivious that the drug was added to the list of banned substance in 2016 by the Anti Doping Agency. The drug is not approved for sale in the United States, and it helps her increase oxygen flow to her heart.

As she returned the biggest questions were the issue of her return after a long time out and her travails during the appeal. There were rumours that the focus of any interview would be the game but so many questions needed answers. Ahead of the game, top stars like Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber asked that Sharapova not get a wild card for the event and Sharapova’s agent blasted them. Sharapova also put the ITF on blast for not publicizing the banning of meldonium. Continue reading SHARAPOVA BACK WITH A BANG

Martina Hingis says she had not expected herself to have the kind of season

Martina Hingis says she had not expected herself to have the kind of season she has had this year.

Hingis emerged the winner of as many as 5 Slam trophies, all partnering with the Indian players.

She clinched the Australian Open, the Wimbledon and the US Open mixed doubles titles with Leander Paes and the Wimbledon and the US Open doubles title with Sania Mirza.

The Swiss veteran is currently in India to take part in a team event and she took time out of her busy schedule for an exclusive interview to a newspaper.

She spoke heartily of India and also expressed her love for the food that she has had there.

In the words of Hingis, “It’s a beautiful country, India. The thing which is the most impressive over here is the food. The sweets, I absolutely love them. Gulab jamun, I’ve been ordering on a daily basis.”

When asked if there is any particular historical place she has visited in India or has planned to visit, Hingis said, “No, not yet. But, I have heard a lot about Charminar. So, I would like to go and have a look.”

On her grand success in the professional circuit this season, Hingis admitted that she had not foreseen herself clinching so many titles. Continue reading Martina Hingis says she had not expected herself to have the kind of season

Kei Nishikori absolutely smashed Leonardo Mayer of Argentina

Kei Nishikori absolutely smashed Leonardo Mayer of Argentina to move forward in Citi Open which is going on in the American Capital Washington DC.

Nishikori, who has been seeded 2nd in the tournament, toppled Mayer in the straight sets by 6-4, 6-4.

After the shocking defeat that Andy Murray suffered, Nishikori is now being seen as the topmost favourite in the singles category in the tournament.

And, if he keeps on playing the way he did against Mayer, there would not be too many obstacles in his way to the title.

The man waiting in the next round for Nishikori is a young Aussie Sam Groth whom the Japanese does not know much about as he suggested in his interview post the first game.

Talking about Groth, Nishikori said, “It’s going to be my first game against him. So, I don’t have that much of idea to be honest. I have heard that he is somebody who serves huge.”

“It’s always tricky to face players like these. But, I am in good form and hitting the ball well. So, I must back myself and concentrate on what my strengths are rather than thinking about what he can do.”

When enquired if his girlfriend is really pregnant as he has been reported, the 25-year old wore a surprising expression on his face. Continue reading Kei Nishikori absolutely smashed Leonardo Mayer of Argentina