Three minutes a day, knowing about tennis in the world. Hello fans and friends, today is Friday, February 28, 2025, and welcome to listen to the afternoon newsletter brought to you by "Home of Tennis".
Last night, Beijing time, the Laureus Sports Awards officially issued a statement deciding to withdraw the nomination for the world No. 1 and Italian rising star Sinner. "Following discussions at the Laureus World Sports Academy, it has been decided to withdraw Sinner's nomination for this year's Laureus Male Athlete of the Year Award. We have followed the case and heard the decisions of the relevant global bodies, and while we note that some of these circumstances are extenuating, we do not believe that a three-month ban is not eligible for nomination. Yannick and his team have been informed. Some fans said that although the Sinner incident came to an end on the surface, the sequelae of his three-month ban will gradually appear.
In addition, the WTA announced that the new brand identity will be launched on all WTA platforms, including social media platforms and wtatennis.com official websites, starting immediately. The new logo is a solid green background with white WTA letters. Some fans complained that this new LOGO is not as good as the original purple one, and there is no new idea in exchange. What do you think?
Let's pay attention to China's first sister Zheng Qinwen. Coach Pere Ribba, who underwent hip surgery at the end of last year, has largely recovered and has recently returned to Zheng. Previously, Xiao Zheng had been working with Dante Botini from Argentina on an ad hoc basis. After returning from recovery, head coach Pere Riba will accompany Zheng Qinwen for the North American season.
Let's get back to the field. Last night, Beijing time, the ATP500 Dubai station ended the singles quarterfinals. Top seed Dmitry Medvedev of Russia wasted four match points in the second set to defeat Dutch star Grykspoel 6-2 6-7(7) 5-7 to miss out on the semi-finals. During the match, Medvedev also had a heated argument with the referee, calling people soft eggs and discriminating against Russians, and was punished by referee Adel Nour for unsportsmanlike behavior. Mr. Mei apologized to the referee afterwards.
Grykspur will face Greece's Tsitsipas, who beat Italy's Berrettini 7-6(5) 1-6 6-4. The other two semi-final spots were secured by Canada's Aliassime and France's Aris.
ATP 500 Acapulco: In the quarterfinals this morning, 19-year-old American Lerner Chin, who upset world No. 2 Zverev Jr. in the last round, failed to extend his victory, losing 3-6 5-7 to Czech Makhac, missing out on the semi-finals. American Brandon Nakashima defeated Belgium's Goffin 7-6 6-2 to secure a place in the semi-finals.
ATP 250 Santiago: In the second round of singles, second seed Tabilo lost 6-7(11) 6-4 3-6 to Argentine Coria and miss out on the quarter-finals. Defending champion Báez extended his title defence with a 6-3 5-7 7-6(5) victory over compatriot Komesana.
Women's Field: In the WTA 500 Merida singles second round matchup, Slovakia's Slamkova defeated third seed and Brazilian sister Maia 7-6(8) 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals. Spain's Badosa swept past Romania's Christian 6-2 6-1 to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
WTA 250 Austin: Romania's Kostya defeated second seed Russian teenager Schneider 6-3 2-6 6-4 in the second round of singles to advance to the quarter-finals against American Kessler, who defeated Spaniard Buksa 5-7 6-3 7-6(4).
In the doubles quarter-finals, the Chinese and Russian pair of Yuan Yue/Blinkova swept past Brooks/Silva 6-2 6-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
Finally, let's guess and recognize. The picture below shows a player clenching his fist and roaring after winning a crucial point. Can you recognize who she is without prompting?
In the last guess, the golfer gave the correct answer. That's right, the person in the picture is the Czech star Kvitova, who has made a comeback after giving birth.
(Source: Tennis Home Author: Maverick)