Category: Tyson fury

Rory McIlroy has made his admiration for Ludvig Åberg abundantly clear, both through his support leading up to the 2023 Ryder Cup and his statements as they compete against each other at The Tour Championship. McIlroy, who is 35 years old, expressed his enthusiasm for Åberg, 24, particularly during the period leading up to their Ryder Cup team collaboration. This excitement was evident when he mentioned, “I’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” in reference to the opportunity to work alongside Åberg. 

 

As the Tour Championship unfolds, McIlroy and Åberg find themselves tied in 10th place at East Lake Golf Course, a notable venue that is known for its challenging layout. Despite their current standing, both players still hold a slim chance of winning the substantial $25 million prize pool. However, Scottie Scheffler, who is leading by a commanding 13 shots at -21, remains the frontrunner for the title.

 

McIlroy’s high regard for Åberg was apparent even before their competitive paths crossed at East Lake. The Northern Irishman was notably impressed by Åberg’s performance during a team scouting trip for the Ryder Cup in Rome. Speaking during a pre-tournament press conference for the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, McIlroy reflected on the value of the team-building exercise. He noted that despite the novelty of the exercise, it was a worthwhile experience that allowed him to gain insight into Åberg’s skills and demeanor.

 

McIlroy’s praise was not limited to Åberg’s renowned driving abilities. While acknowledging Åberg’s exceptional ball-striking, McIlroy highlighted his impressive wedge play and the skillful control of trajectory with shorter clubs. This admiration was so pronounced that McIlroy admitted he was “on the bandwagon before” Åberg even made his mark in professional golf, and that he was now “certainly at the front of it.”

 

McIlroy had been a strong advocate for Åberg’s inclusion in the Ryder Cup team even before he had seen the Swede play in person. Åberg made history by being the first player to appear in a Ryder Cup before competing in a major championship, a testament to the high expectations placed upon him. McIlroy’s early endorsement was based on extensive recommendations from others who predicted Åberg would become a major force in golf. According to McIlroy, Åberg’s attitude towards the game was ideal, and Åberg’s performance lived up to the considerable hype surrounding him.

 

Åberg’s rapid ascent in the golf world has validated McIlroy’s predictions. Since turning professional in June 2023, Åberg achieved a significant milestone by winning his first PGA TOUR title at the RSM Classic in November 2023. This victory propelled him into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings, marking a remarkable rise in his career.

 

In his rookie season of major championships in 2024, Åberg continued to impress. Entering the Masters as the ninth-ranked player in the world, just under a year after turning professional, Åberg showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Despite ultimately finishing second to Scottie Scheffler, who claimed his second green jacket, Åberg’s performance was noteworthy. He held the lead at the U.S. Open after the first two rounds but experienced a setback in the third round, which resulted in a tie for 12th place.

 

Åberg’s continued success and the praise he receives from McIlroy and other prominent figures in golf are viewed as affirmations of his hard work and talent. Åberg himself acknowledges the flattering nature of McIlroy’s comments and expresses that such recognition is both encouraging and a sign that he and his team are on the right path. Despite the accolades, Åberg remains focused on maintaining his current trajectory and making further progress in his career.

 

As McIlroy and Åberg continue to navigate their respective careers, their competition at The Tour Championship serves as another chapter in their evolving professional relationship. The admiration and respect between the two golfers highlight the supportive nature of the sport, as well as the excitement surrounding the next generation of golf talent.

Scottie Scheffler, the top earner on the PGA Tour this season, has recently shared his thoughts on the subject of prize money and the potential for changes to the format of golf tournaments. With the Tour Championship, the most lucrative event on the PGA Tour calendar, just around the corner, Scheffler’s comments come at a time when the discussion about the future direction of professional golf is particularly pertinent.

 

On Tuesday, ahead of the Tour Championship, a reporter posed a thought-provoking question to Scheffler. The reporter inquired about how open Tour players might be to significant changes in tournament formats, such as shifting from the traditional 72-hole stroke play to match play or holding events under the lights, especially if such changes were driven by sponsors or entities like the Strategic Sports Group. The reporter also wondered if such alterations could be considered for playoff events or other high-profile tournaments.

 

Scheffler’s response was both thoughtful and reflective, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. He emphasized that while he values fair compensation for his participation, his primary focus remains on the love of the game and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

 

“It’s a really in-depth conversation,” Scheffler began. He elaborated that despite his considerable earnings this season, he is driven by a passion for the sport rather than financial incentives alone. “At the end of the day in terms of sponsors, I would play a lot of the tournaments I play throughout the year if the purses were significantly less. I would pick and choose a bit more, but if it was — if it’s the Masters, I’m going to play the Masters. I want a chance to win a major championship. I do not care what you pay me for winning the Masters. I really don’t.”

 

Scheffler’s comments reflect a broader understanding of the interplay between sponsorship, player participation, and tournament format. He conveyed that while sponsorships and prize money are crucial components of the professional golf landscape, they are not the sole determinants of his involvement in tournaments. The opportunity to compete in prestigious events like the Masters holds intrinsic value for him, beyond monetary considerations.

 

In discussing the potential for changing tournament formats, Scheffler acknowledged the evolving nature of golf as a sport and entertainment product. “It’s a business at the end of the day. It’s part of the game. This is a product that appeals to a lot of people. Sports is entertainment, but at the end of the day I still stand on the side of the fence of my golf clubs will always be my entertainment. If you want to come watch me play golf, that’s what we’re going to see.”

 

He continued by expressing his commitment to the traditional 72-hole stroke play format, while remaining open to new ideas. “Golf is a funny game. You’re not always going to — there’s no perfect system in order to play a golf tournament that’s the most entertaining product and also the product that gets the best player each time. A lot of times in golf, the guy that plays the best may not even win that week. In terms of little bounces, it’s a fickle game. It’s a challenging sport. I’m open to suggestions. I do still think that 72 holes of stroke play is the best format for a golf tournament, but if a sponsor wants to come in and change it up a little bit, I love competing.”

 

Scheffler’s perspective underscores his dedication to competition and his openness to innovation within the sport, provided that it aligns with his fundamental love for golf and the competitive spirit it fosters. His willingness to adapt, while maintaining a core respect for traditional formats, highlights his balanced approach to the evolving dynamics of professional golf.

 

The conversation on golf tournament formats and sponsorship is timely, as it intersects with the financial rewards available to players. For instance, the payout for this week’s Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club reflects the substantial financial stakes involved. Here is a detailed breakdown of how much each player earned at the 2024 Tour Championship:

 

1. **Scottie Scheffler**: $25 million

2. **Collin Morikawa**: $12.5 million

3. **Sahith Theegala**: $7.5 million

4. **Russell Henley**, **Adam Scott**, **Xander Schauffele**: $4,833,333 each

7. **Sungjae Im**: $2.75 million

8. **Wyndham Clark**: $2.25 million

9. **Rory McIlroy**, **Hideki Matsuyama**, **Shane Lowry**: $1,608,333 each

12. **Viktor Hovland**, **Sam Burns**: $1 million each

14. **Taylor Pendrith**, **Justin Thomas**: $905,000 each

16. **Ludvig Aberg**: $795,000

17. **Robert MacIntyre**, **Patrick Cantlay**, **Matthieu Pavon**: $755,000 each

20. **Tommy Fleetwood**: $715,000

21. **Keegan Bradley**, **Byeong Hun An**: $660,000 each

23. **Billy Horschel**, **Aaron Rai**, **Tony Finau**: $615,000 each

26. **Akshay Bhatia**: $590,000

27. **Chris Kirk**, **Sepp Straka**: $575,000 each

29. **Christiaan Bezuidenhout**,

Iga Świątek jest obecnie numerem 1 w rankingu światowym w kategorii kobiet w tenisie. Jej gładkie zwycięstwo 6-4, 6-2 w trzeciej rundzie US Open 2024 nie jest zatem zaskakujące. Polska gwiazda tenisa była jednak szczególnie dominująca w sobotę, a Świątek ujawnila, że miała dodatkową inspirację w drodze do czwartej rundy.

„To było naprawdę miłe, zobaczyć ją,” powiedziała Świątek. „Ma w sobie mnóstwo pozytywnej energii.”

 

„Ona” to Serena Williams – 23-krotna mistrzyni wielkoszlemowa, która zainspirowała Świątek przed kolejnym mocnym zwycięstwem. Williams była widziana rozmawiająca z Świątek przed tym gładkim zwycięstwem w dwóch setach i została żartobliwie nazwana przez WTA „specjalnym gościem”.

 

„Legenda w trakcie tworzenia i GOAT,” napisał jeden z fanów na Twitterze.

 

„Kocham to,” napisał drugi fan. „Ulubiona rozmawia z ulubioną.”

 

„Po prostu najlepsza z najlepszych, Serena!!!” napisał trzeci fan. „Tęsknimy za tobą.”

 

23-letnia Świątek ma 175 cm wzrostu i urodziła się w Warszawie. Zdobyła US Open w 2022 roku i czterokrotnie wygrała French Open. Widok Williams z powrotem blisko kortu wyraźnie zainspirował Świątek, która zdominowała Anastazję Pawluczenkową, przechodząc do czwartej rundy.

 

Retyrada Williams zdobyła 73 tytuły singlowe i zarobiła ponad 94 miliony dolarów w nagrodach pieniężnych podczas swojej kariery. Wygrała US Open sześciokrotnie, zdobyła Wimbledon siedmiokrotnie i jest uważana za jedną z najwybitniejszych tenisistek w historii.

 

Świątek ma przed sobą mecz z Liudmiłą Samsonową w poniedziałek, w czwartej rundzie US Open 2024 w Queens, Nowy Jork.

Scottie Scheffler’s recent comments highlight the challenges he has faced towards the end of the PGA Tour season, and Phil Mickelson’s perspective on the matter might shed light on why Scheffler’s performance has dipped.

 

Scheffler, who began the 2024 PGA Tour season with remarkable success, including victories at the Memorial Tournament and the RBC Heritage, as well as winning The Masters, has struggled in recent months. Despite entering major tournaments like the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open at Royal Troon as a favorite, his finishes have been less than stellar—T8 at the PGA Championship, T41 at the U.S. Open, and T7 at The Open. This poor run continued into the BMW Championship, where he finished tied for 33rd place with a score of +1, while Keegan Bradley secured victory with a score of 12 under par.

 

As the PGA Tour nears its conclusion with the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Scheffler is aiming to end the season on a high note. In a press conference before the event, Scheffler reflected on the grueling nature of the season. He explained that the intense schedule has been challenging for all players, acknowledging that the season has taken a physical and mental toll.

 

Scheffler described the PGA Tour’s schedule as a relentless sprint. He noted that the calendar is packed with key events from early in the year, including The Players Championship in March, The Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June, and The Open Championship in July. After these major tournaments, the FedExCup Playoffs follow, leaving little time for rest. Scheffler mentioned that there are no significant breaks during the season until after events like the Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup, which can contribute to player fatigue and minor injuries.

 

Phil Mickelson, a prominent figure in golf and now a member of the LIV Golf League, has previously commented on the challenges of the PGA Tour schedule. Mickelson has suggested that LIV Golf, despite its controversies, offers a better structure for maintaining peak performance in major tournaments. Last year, Mickelson tweeted, “Love LIV or hate it, it’s the best way/Tour to be your best in the majors.” He emphasized that LIV Golf’s calendar, with fewer events than the PGA Tour, allows players to stay sharp and fresh while avoiding the exhaustion that can come from a more congested schedule. Mickelson’s statement underlined that LIV’s 14-event season provides ample time for players to focus on major tournaments without the burden of excessive travel and tournament commitments.

 

While PGA Tour veterans like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been vocal critics of LIV Golf, Scottie Scheffler has remained neutral. He has expressed understanding of why some players have chosen to join LIV but believes that if they wish to return to the PGA Tour, there should be a structured process for reintegration rather than an immediate return.

 

Several high-profile golfers, including Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, have left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Mickelson, however, has had a challenging season in LIV Golf, currently positioned 44th in the ‘Open Zone,’ with his team, HyFlyers GC, sitting 12th out of 13 in the team standings.

 

In conclusion, Scottie Scheffler’s recent struggles and his comments about the demanding PGA Tour schedule reflect broader issues within professional golf. Mickelson’s praise for LIV Golf’s schedule highlights a different approach to managing player performance and avoiding burnout. As the season draws to a close, the debate over the optimal structure for maintaining peak performance in golf continues to evolve.

PGA Tour and LIV Golf: An In-Depth Look at the Current Situation

As the PGA Tour season draws to a close with the highly anticipated Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is deep in preparations for the upcoming season. Monahan has been diligently working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition into the new season and to address ongoing developments within the world of professional golf.

 

This week marks the end of the current PGA Tour season, with the Tour Championship concluding the year’s competitive play. As the premier event of the season, the Tour Championship brings together the top players from the PGA Tour to compete for the coveted title and significant end-of-season rewards.

 

In the meantime, LIV Golf is gearing up for its next set of events, starting with LIV Golf Chicago next month, followed by LIV Golf Dallas. These tournaments are crucial for many of the players on the breakaway tour, especially considering the looming threat of relegation. LIV Golf employs a system where players who finish the season in the 49th position or below face the risk of being relegated from the tour. This system adds an element of urgency and competition for those at risk of dropping out.

 

Notable players who are currently in danger of relegation include Branden Grace, Laurie Canter, and Kieran Vincent, among others. Their performances in the upcoming events will be critical to their continued participation in LIV Golf.

 

In light of these developments, Jay Monahan has recently addressed the situation concerning the PGA Tour’s stance on players transitioning from LIV Golf. During a press conference at the Tour Championship, Monahan was asked about the PGA Tour’s approach to potential returnees from LIV Golf. He acknowledged the importance of the PGA Tour’s existing system and the pathways available for emerging talent. Monahan stated, “As I said earlier, we’ve announced our 2025 schedule. We’re continuing to focus on what we control, moving forward with the great system that we have in place.”

 

Monahan was notably reserved about disclosing specific details of ongoing conversations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund, which is involved with LIV Golf. He emphasized that the PGA Tour’s focus remains on enhancing and managing its current structure, rather than delving into specifics about potential negotiations or agreements with LIV Golf.

 

Monahan highlighted the strengths of the PGA Tour’s existing framework, including initiatives such as PGA Tour University, which provides opportunities for top college golfers to access the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour. This system has facilitated the rise of new and emerging stars, some of whom are still in college, such as Luke Clanton, who has been earning points and demonstrating his readiness to compete at the highest levels of professional golf. Additionally, the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour’s alliance with the DP World Tour have created pathways for talented players to advance their careers. Monahan pointed out that ten players from the DP World Tour have transitioned to the PGA Tour, with three of them making it into the FedExCup Playoffs.

 

The broader relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remains complex and evolving. Last summer, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf announced a framework agreement intended to address their differences and explore potential cooperation. However, beyond the initial announcement, tangible progress towards a merger or substantial collaboration has been limited. Both tours have continued to operate independently, with their own schedules and strategic goals.

 

One notable instance of crossover between the two tours occurred earlier this year when LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open, showcasing the competitive caliber present on both tours. The ongoing competition and achievements of players from both tours underscore the dynamic and competitive nature of professional golf today.

 

Looking ahead, the Ryder Cup adds another layer of interest to the ongoing tour dynamics. LIV Golf player Tyrrell Hatton is set to participate in two additional DP World Tour events before the season concludes, aiming to enhance his chances of securing a spot on Team Europe. Luke Donald will once again captain Team Europe in the Ryder Cup scheduled to take place in New York next September, while Keegan Bradley is set to lead the host team from the United States.

 

As the landscape of professional golf continues to evolve, the interactions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, along with the performances of players across both tours, will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport. The coming months will be critical in determining how these dynamics unfold and what impact they will have on the world of golf.

Anthony Joshua, the prominent British heavyweight boxer, is set to pursue a historic milestone in his career by aiming to become boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion. His next bout will see him face off against Daniel Dubois, the newly-crowned IBF title-holder, in what promises to be a high-stakes match-up. However, Joshua’s journey is already attracting attention from other contenders who are eager to secure a shot at him, whether for a potential first defense of the title or as a possible comeback opportunity following a defeat to Dubois.

 

The heavyweight division is on the verge of a significant shake-up following recent developments. The undisputed championship status previously held by Oleksandr Usyk is set to fragment, leading to a reorganization of the heavyweight hierarchy. This fragmentation has already begun to manifest, with Dubois being elevated from interim champion to full IBF champion shortly after Usyk’s notable victory over Tyson Fury. Yet, Dubois’ reign as IBF champion could be at risk with Joshua poised to challenge him.

 

In the broader heavyweight landscape, contenders are actively vying for top positions with the sanctioning bodies. They are strategically positioning themselves for potential opportunities to face Usyk or to contend for a vacant title in the aftermath of Usyk’s anticipated rematch with Fury this December.

 

Among the rising contenders, the recent resurgence of Joseph Parker has been noteworthy, as well as the unexpected climbs of Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole. However, a new name has emerged on the scene, seeking to make a significant impact. Italian heavyweight Guido Vianello has recently expressed his desire for a high-profile match-up with Anthony Joshua. In an interview with Boxing Social, Vianello voiced his interest in fighting Joshua, noting that he would be willing to face any opponent ranked above him.

 

Vianello’s call for a bout with Joshua comes on the back of a mixed year in his career. Earlier this year, he suffered a narrow split-decision loss to Efe Ajagba but rebounded with a notable upset victory against Arslanbek Makhmudov, a hard-hitting Russian-Canadian fighter. Vianello’s win over Makhmudov, who sustained a severe eye injury during the bout, has positioned him as a notable threat in the heavyweight division. Currently, Vianello is unranked by the major sanctioning bodies, but Makhmudov’s rankings with the WBC (#9) and IBF (#15) suggest that Vianello’s own ranking is likely to improve once the ratings are updated.

 

Looking ahead, the outcome of the Joshua-Dubois fight will significantly influence the heavyweight landscape. Turki Al-Alshikh, a key figure in the boxing world, has expressed a strong desire to see a bout between Joshua and Fury, regardless of whether Fury can secure a victory over Usyk. Such a match would be highly anticipated, potentially serving as a second undisputed title fight within a single year.

 

In the interim, the IBF champion, whether it be Joshua or Dubois, may face another contender before any potential showdown with Fury. Agit Kabayel, who remains undefeated and has previously been underestimated by other top fighters like Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez, could emerge as a leading candidate for such a bout. Kabayel’s solid performance record and strategic positioning make him a formidable opponent for anyone looking to defend or secure a title in the heavyweight division.

 

The heavyweight division’s evolving dynamics underscore the excitement and unpredictability of the sport, with emerging contenders like Guido Vianello positioning themselves for major opportunities. As the rankings shift and the top fighters prepare for their upcoming bouts, fans can anticipate a thrilling period in boxing as new challenges and rivalries take shape.

Scottie Scheffler has made an impressive start in his quest for his first FedExCup title, positioning himself as the frontrunner at the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship. Scheffler, currently the world No. 1, ended the first round with a commanding seven-shot lead over his nearest competitors, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa, after a stellar performance at East Lake.

 

Entering the tournament with a two-shot advantage over Schauffele, Scheffler quickly took control of the competition, despite a rocky start. After an initial bogey at the par-four first hole, which allowed Schauffele to briefly draw level, Scheffler responded with resilience. He birdied the third hole to reclaim the lead and went on to showcase his remarkable form throughout the round.

 

Scheffler’s round of 65, the lowest of the day, was marked by seven birdies, including a remarkable surge with five birdies over his final seven holes. This performance propelled him to a 16-under total, putting him in a dominant position as the leading contender for the $25 million prize awarded to the FedExCup champion.

 

Schauffele’s round of 70 left him tied for second place with Morikawa, who also impressed with his performance. Morikawa made a dramatic comeback on his back nine with six consecutive birdies, ending the round at 9 under par. Hideki Matsuyama and Keegan Bradley, who won the first two playoff events, are tied for fourth place at eight under par.

 

Scheffler’s round was not without its challenges. The early bogey at the first hole seemed to momentarily undermine his pre-tournament advantage, but he quickly regained his composure. His birdie at the third hole restored his lead, and despite missing a chance to extend his advantage at the fifth hole, he maintained his edge by sinking a long putt at the seventh.

 

The lead widened further as Scheffler continued to capitalize on his opportunities. At the 14th hole, a birdie followed a missed eagle attempt, and he added another birdie at the 17th, further solidifying his position. A brilliant up-and-down from a greenside bunker at the 18th allowed him to take advantage of the par-five hole, expanding his lead to its largest margin since the stroke-based system was introduced at the Tour Championship in 2019.

 

Scheffler expressed satisfaction with his performance, telling Sky Sports, “I’m pleased with the day. I tried not to think about any sort of lead or anything like that; my job was to go out there and execute, and I felt like I did a really good job of that. I felt like I was doing some good stuff to start the day. I had the bogey on one but after that I felt like I played some really good golf.”

 

In contrast, Schauffele’s round included a mix of three birdies and two bogeys, reflecting a frustrating start. Morikawa’s 66 was the second-lowest score of the day until Scheffler’s late surge. Matsuyama and Bradley are joined eight shots behind the leader by Adam Scott, Sam Burns, and Wyndham Clark, while Sahith Theegala surged to ninth place with five birdies in his final six holes.

 

Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of a record fourth FedExCup title got off to a challenging start. Despite making three birdies in the last five holes to finish with a two-under-par 69, McIlroy finds himself ten strokes behind Scheffler. Defending champion Viktor Hovland also faced a tough opening round, finishing with a four-under-par 69 and tying for 20th place despite a strong performance that included seven birdies.

 

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he aims to convert his commanding lead into a maiden FedExCup victory.

Iga Świątek kontynuowała swoją świetną formę w US Open 2024, odnosząc najbardziej dominujące zwycięstwo turnieju do tej pory przeciwko Ene Shibaharze.

 

W tym meczu zadebiutowało „Piekarstwo Igi”, gdyż polska zawodniczka wygrała spotkanie w popularnym stylu „bagiel” i „bułeczka”. W sezonie na trawie i twardych kortach nie miała zbyt wielu bardzo dominujących zwycięstw, również dlatego, że jej przeciwnicy zaczęli lepiej rozumieć jej grę.

 

Ostatnio Świątek rzadziej zmiatała przeciwniczki z kortu, ale w tym meczu zaprezentowała się rewelacyjnie. Shibahara, która wciąż w dużej mierze jest zawodniczką deblową, stanowiła kontekst dla tego spotkania.

 

Japońska zawodniczka spędziła większość swojej kariery grając w deblu i osiągnęła znakomite wyniki, docierając do drugiej rundy US Open 2024, co było jej debiutem w singlu na Wielkim Szlemie.

 

Ostatnio Shibahara postanowiła grać niemal wyłącznie w singlu i powoli wspina się po szczeblach rankingu. Chociaż wciąż nie jest w czołówce, mając 26 lat, ma jeszcze sporo czasu przed sobą.

 

Brak doświadczenia z dominującymi zawodniczkami w singlu było bardzo widoczne w tym meczu. Pierwszy set był całkowicie jednostronny. Wynik nie oddaje nawet rzeczywistej różnicy, ponieważ Shibahara ledwo zdobywała jakiekolwiek punkty.

 

Należy jednak sprawiedliwie zauważyć, że Shibahara napotkała również świetnie dysponowaną Świątek, która zagrała naprawdę mocny mecz. Polka popełniła tylko pięć błędów własnych w pierwszym secie, co jest dobrym wynikiem jak na jej standardy.

 

Świątek trafiała w linie, szczególnie przy returnie, co wywierało na Shibaharze presję, do jakiej nie była przyzwyczajona. Większość jej doświadczenia singlowego pochodzi z mniejszych imprez i rywalizacji z niżej notowanymi zawodniczkami.

 

Świątek była zdecydowanie najsilniejszą przeciwniczką, z jaką się zmierzyła. Plan był taki, by grać agresywnie. Musiała to zrobić, ponieważ każdorazowo, gdy nie grała agresywnie, zawodniczka numer jeden na świecie mogła po prostu uderzyć winnera.

 

Plan jednak zawiódł, ponieważ Shibahara popełniła 13 błędów własnych w pierwszym secie. Jej uderzenia były niedokładne, co tylko przyspieszyło postęp Świątek, która wygrała go 6-0.

 

Najlepsza gra Shibahary miała miejsce na początku drugiego seta, kiedy wreszcie wygrała gema. Prawie nie udało jej się to, gdyż Świątek była już przy 40-15 w tym gemie i niemal złamała jej serwis po raz kolejny.

 

Był to pozytywny moment dla zawodniczki specjalizującej się w deblu, ale to było za mało. Udało jej się wygrać tylko jeden gem, a musiała wytrzymać osiem równych punktów przed ostatecznym zwycięstwem.

 

Kolejny gem serwisowy Shibahary był kolejną szansą na wygraną, ale nie udało jej się to, więc Świątek objęła prowadzenie 3-1. Od tego momentu, mecz przebiegł dość gładko, jako że Shibahara nie była w stanie wywierać większej presji na serwisie Świątek.

 

Ostateczny wynik brzmiał 6-0, 6-1 dla Polki, która prezentuje się coraz lepiej z każdym meczem, awansując do trzeciej rundy US Open 2024.

 

**Statystyki meczu Iga Świątek vs Ena Shibahara:**

– **Iga Świątek**: 4 asy, 0 podwójnych błędów, 71% pierwszego serwisu, 83% (20/24) punktów wygranych po pierwszym serwisie, 80% (8/10) punktów wygranych po drugim serwisie, 56% (5/9) konwersji break pointów, 13 winnerów, 6 błędów własnych.

– **Ena Shibahara**: 0 asów, 4 podwójne błędy, 68% pierwszego serwisu, 51% (20/39) punktów wygranych po pierwszym serwisie, 22% (4/18) punktów wygranych po drugim serwisie, 0% (0/0) konwersji break pointów, 9 winnerów, 28 błędów własnych.

Swiatek i inni zawodnicy US Open krytykują ignorowanie problemów ze zdrowiem psychicznym i fizycznym

Na US Open w Nowym Jorku, Iga Świątek, numer 1 na świecie z Polski, wyraziła rosnące zaniepokojenie stanem profesjonalnego tenisa. Jej obawy nie są nowe, ale odzwierciedlają pogłębiające się frustracje zawodników dotyczące wymagającego kalendarza sportowego oraz braku uwagi poświęcanej ich zdrowiu psychicznemu i fizycznemu.

 

Świątek, pięciokrotna mistrzyni Wielkiego Szlema, była głośna w swoich uwagach na temat presji, jakiej doświadczają tenisiści z powodu przeładowanego harmonogramu i coraz dłuższych sezonów. W wywiadzie udzielonym na początku miesiąca podczas Cincinnati Open podkreśliła, że obawy zawodników są często ignorowane. Powiedziała: „Chcemy przynajmniej być na bieżąco. Miło by było mieć jakiś wpływ, ponieważ nie sądzę, żeby nasz sport zmierzał w dobrym kierunku.”

 

Komentarze Świątek podkreślają szerszy problem w profesjonalnym tenisie. Wiele osób, takich jak Mackie McDonald, coraz częściej wyraża swoje zaniepokojenie wpływem wymagającego harmonogramu na zdrowie fizyczne i psychiczne sportowców. McDonald, który w 2023 roku pokonał Rafaela Nadala na Australian Open, a na US Open przegrał z Jannikem Sinnerem, skrytykował brak jedności i wsparcia ze strony tourów. „Toury nie są wystarczająco zjednoczone, aby współpracować bez ego i zaangażowania finansowego. Zawodnicy są absolutnie wyciskani pod wieloma względami — fizycznie, psychicznie, finansowo,” powiedział McDonald. Dodał również, że utrzymanie normalnego życia i uzyskanie sprawiedliwego wynagrodzenia stanowi wyzwanie, wyrażając niezadowolenie z obecnego stanu rzeczy na głównych turniejach.

 

Obawy Świątek zostały pogłębione przez niedawne zmiany w harmonogramie WTA, które teraz nakładają na zawodniczki obowiązek uczestniczenia w 16 turniejach w sezonie, w porównaniu do 10 w poprzednim roku. Zmiany te wprowadzone zostały w przekonaniu, że zawodniczki średnio brały udział w około 20 turniejach w ostatnich latach. Nowe zasady zwiększają również częstotliwość turniejów połączonych dla mężczyzn i kobiet, co dodatkowo ogranicza czas na odpoczynek i regenerację. Świątek i inni zawodnicy argumentują, że pozostawia to niewiele czasu na regenerację lub poprawę formy, ponieważ są często przemieszczani z jednego turnieju do drugiego bez praktycznie żadnej przerwy.

 

Elina Svitolina, trzykrotna półfinalistka wielkoszlemowa, ujęła dylemat, przed jakim stają zawodnicy: „Chcesz grać więcej, ponieważ chcesz być wysoko w rankingu i chcesz wygrywać turnieje, ale musisz także dbać o swoje zdrowie psychiczne i fizyczne.” Ten balans staje się coraz trudniejszy w miarę jak wymagania touru intensyfikują się.

 

Sytuację komplikuje krytyka, którą Świątek otrzymała od byłego zawodnika Yevgeny’ego Kafelnikova, który zlekceważył jej obawy, pytając, czy ktoś zmusza ją do gry. Odpowiedź ta, według Świątek, ignorowała kluczowy punkt: nowe zasady WTA wymagają od zawodniczek udziału w większej liczbie turniejów, a aby zdobywać więcej punktów rankingowych, muszą grać często i wygrywać regularnie.

 

Ponadto, długość sezonu tenisowego stała się istotnym problemem. Sezon 2025 ma rozpocząć się w ostatnim tygodniu grudnia 2024 roku, co wydłuża już i tak wyczerpujący kalendarz. Świątek oraz inni zawodnicy, w tym Holger Rune i Donna Vekic, wyrazili frustrację z powodu ciągłych wymagań i napiętego harmonogramu.

 

Holger Rune, 15. rozstawiony na US Open, ujawnił, że zmaga się z problemami z kolanem i czuł się zmuszony do dalszej gry mimo potrzeby odpoczynku. Zauważył: „Chcemy być gotowi i grać w najlepszych turniejach, ale harmonogram jest tak napięty. To chyba najcięższy harmonogram sportowy, jaki istnieje. Jest grudzień, kiedy powinniśmy mieć przerwę. A potem są jeszcze wydarzenia pokazowe i wszystko. To niemal ciągłe, 24/7.” Taki nieustanny harmonogram może prowadzić do kontuzji, wypalenia i obniżenia wydajności.

 

Donna Vekic, która przeżywa przełomowy sezon po dotarciu do półfinału Wielkiego Szlema na Wimbledonie i zdobyciu srebrnego medalu na igrzyskach olimpijskich w Paryżu, również skrytykowała harmonogram. Wspomniała, że po obu tych wielkich wydarzeniach zachorowała i uznała kalendarz za niezwykle wyczerpujący. „Harmonogram jest absolutnie brutalny. W porównaniu do innych sportów, które mają rzeczywisty okres międzysezonowy — mamy, co, miesiąc, miesiąc i pół? Nie masz nawet czasu, żeby się zrelaksować, odpocząć, zanim musisz znów zacząć treningi,” powiedziała Vekic. Wyraziła wątpliwości co do potencjalnych zmian, ale podkreśliła niezdrowy charakter obecnego systemu.

 

W odpowiedzi na te obawy, Portia Archer, nowa CEO WTA, przyznała, że zawodnicy napotykają trudności związane z długim sezonem. Oświadczyła: „Nie ma wątpliwości, że profesjonalny sezon tenisowy jest długi, i zdajemy sobie sprawę z wymagającego harmonogramu, zwłaszcza dla zawodników grających na najwyższym poziomie. Nowy harmonogram, który został opracowany w konsultacji z przedstawicielami zawodników i turniejów, nie wymaga od zawodników (średnio) grania więcej niż w poprzednich latach, ale zapewnia większą przewidywalność dla najlepszych zawodników i lepsze ścieżki dla aspirujących graczy.” Archer zapewniła, że WTA będzie nadal zbierać opinie i wprowadzać zmiany w miarę potrzeby.

 

Mimo tych zapewnień, wielu zawodników pozostaje sceptycznych. Argumentują, że chociaż harmonogram może wyglądać na zrównoważony na papierze, rzeczywistość to nieustanna walka o zachowanie wydajności, zdrowia i życia osobistego. Trwająca debata odzwierciedla rosnącą potrzebę reform w zakresie sposobu, w jaki profesjonalny tenis zajmuje się dobrostanem swoich sportowców w kontekście wymagającego i coraz bardziej nieustępliwego krajobrazu konkurencyjnego.