News & updates

Elise Mertens produced the biggest result of her China Open campaign by defeating third seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 in the Round of 16 in Beijing. The Belgian had lost all five of her previous meetings with Gauff but finally ended that run in convincing fashion, sealing victory in 78 minutes. Mertens broke Gauff eight times from 12 opportunities and faced just one break point herself. Gauff struggled badly with her serve and consistency, committing eight double faults and 34 unforced errors. The American also appeared short of energy after a draining few days surrounding online abuse following her previous-round match. Mertens advanced to her first China Open quarterfinal, where she will face six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek

Carlos Alcaraz has clear advice for Holger Rune as he continues his return to tennis from injury. Rune spent nearly a year on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles at the Stockholm Open last year.

The Sauk Valley Community College women's tennis team is competing at the regional meet this Friday and Saturday. Dixon grads Grace Ferguson and Addison Arjes went undefeated in singles and doubles in the regular season. They've played together since elementary school.

Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff are among the early names confirmed for the 1 Point Slam at the 2027 Australian Open. Hosted by the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, the one-point, winner-takes-all event will take place in Australian Open Opening Week.

Bartunkova booked her place in the China Open semi-finals with a dominant victory over Karolina Muchova on Thursday. The world number 34 defeated her Czech compatriot 6-3, 6-0 in only 66 minutes. She will face either Mirra Andreeva or Ekaterina Alexandrova in the next round. The 20-year-old controlled the opening set after winning five straight […]

China has always been a happy hunting ground for Coco Gauff. In the last three seasons, the American has won 22 of her 25 matches in Beijing and Wuhan combined, while winning the China Open in 2024 and securing the title at the Wuhan Open in 2025.

Sri Lanka’s #1 Telecommunication provider and Prolific promoter of Sports, Dialog Axiata PLC is proud to support Sri Lanka’s national contingent at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Achi Nagoya Japan, continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting Sri Lankan athletes and helping them compete at the highest levels of international sport. As the team sponsor, Dialog is backing a group of 21 athletes whose journeys have been shaped by determination, discipline and a strong desire to represent their country on the international stage. For Dialog, however, the value of this team goes well beyond the medal tally.Each athlete has taken a different path into elite sport. Their physical abilities may differ, as do their individual stories, challenges, and ambitions. What they share is the commitment and determination required to train, compete, and continue pushing themselves to achieve their goals. Dialog’s support reflects its wider commitment to creating opportunities for Sri Lankans to pursue their ambitions and represent the country with pride. For 26 years, Dialog has supported Paralympic sport in Sri Lanka, helping athletes compete at national and international level. Its continued support for the Asian Para Games contingent is part of that long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for athletes and recognizing sporting talent. “As Team Sri Lanka begins its journey at the Asian Para Games in Japan, we are honoured to support these exceptional athletes whose determination, resilience and dedication continue to inspire the nation. Dialog is proud to play its part in powering their pursuit of excellence, as they strive to bring glory to Sri Lanka and make the nation proud,” said Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC. The Sri Lankan contingent includes athletes competing in Para athletics, para badminton, para swimming, para table tennis, wheelchair tennis and shooting. The squad features several experienced campaigners who will be hoping to build on their previous achievements and leave their mark at the Games. Among them is javelin thrower Samitha Dulan, a silver medalist at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. Palitha Bandara, another experienced member of the athletics team, has also won medals at both the 2018 Jakarta and 2022 Hangzhou Games. Nuwan Indika arrives with an impressive record after winning gold in the 100 meters and silver in the long jump at Hangzhou, while Pradeep Somasiri returns as an Asian Para Games champion after winning gold in the 1,500 metres. Dhananjana Wickramasingha will also be looking to build on her silver medal-winning performance in the women’s long jump at Hangzhou, while Madhuranga Subasinghe, who won bronze in the 400 metres, is also back in the squad. Sri Lanka’s medal-winning experience extends beyond athletics. Swimmer Naveed Rasheen won bronze in the 400-metre freestyle at Hangzhou, while Nadin Basnayake claimed silver in the women’s event. The squad also includes Buddika Indrapala, who won bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games. Together, the contingent includes nine athletes who have previously won medals at the Asian Para Games, bringing valuable experience to the 2026 campaign. Dialog is the principal sponsor of Sri Lanka’s national cricket, volleyball and esports teams. It also supports the Sri Lankan teams competing at the National Para Games and the Paralympic Games and is the principal sponsor of the Sri Lanka Open Golf Championship. The company also supports the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championship and school rugby tournaments. Through its partnership with the National Olympic Committee, Dialog will continue to support Sri Lanka’s preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics. Sri Lanka Asian Para Games 2026 contingent Athletes- Para Athletics: K.A. Samitha Dulan – Men’s F44 javelin throw; H.G. Palitha Bandara – men’s discus throw/shot put; C.N. Buddika Indrapala; M.G. Nuwan Indika – men’s 100m; S.M.A.S. Madhuranga Subasinghe – men’s 400m; P.W. Pradeep Somasiri; D.D.B. Heshan Fernando; S.M. Deshan Silva; A.P. Theekshana Jayathilaka; M.S. Mohammadu Safran; Y. Mohamed Salmaan; W.A.J. Dhananjana Wickramasingha – women’s 100m/long jump; J.M.S. Swarnamali Jayasundara. Dulan is a major medal prospect after winning silver in the F44 javelin at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, while Dhananjana won silver in the women’s T47 long jump at the 2022 Asian Para Games. Para Badminton: M.K. Sanjeewa Perera,Para Swimming: Y.A.G.C. Nadin Basnayake; R. Naveed Rasheen,Para Table Tennis: P.D.S. Dinesh Deshappriya; Walimunige Munidasa,Wheelchair Tennis: D.S. Ranjan Dharmasena; D.M. Gamini,Para Shooting: Ms. Niranjala Ranasinghe. Officials and support staff-Chef de Mission: Brig. D.K. Aludeniya (Retd),Administration: Ms. M.K.P. De Silva – Administrative Personnel,Para Athletics: Lt. Col. L.R.T.D. Herath (Retd) – Manager; Mr. A.B.P.N. Appuhami – Coach; Mr. G.L.S. Jayalal – Coach; Mr. U.P.D. Perera – Coach; Mr. B.M.S.N. Senarath – Coach,Para Badminton: Col. M.N.K. Kumara – Manager,Para Swimming: Maj. A.S.M.C.K. Arthanayaka – Manager; Mr. M.D. Abeysinghe – Coach,Para Table Tennis: Mrs. P.M.N.D.K. Wariyapola – Manager; Mr. P.D.S. Nuwan Sampath – Coach,Wheelchair Tennis: Maj. Gen. H.R. Wickramasinghe (Rtd) – Manager,Medical: Dr. C.A. Edirisinghe – Chief Team Physician; Mr. Ruwan Wanigasena – Masseur,Para Shooting: Col. Samantha Kumara – Manager. Image Caption : Mr. Lasantha Theverapperuma (4th from left) presents the sponsorship exchange cheque to Brig, Dhananjaya Aludeniya (5th from left) , marking Dialog Axiata’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lankan para-athletes for the 5 th Paralympic Asian Games. Also present at the occasion were (from left) : Mr. Sudharshana Muthuthanthri , Brand Manager – Sports Marketing, Brand & Media, Dialog Axiata PLC; Mr. Riyaz Haniffa , Head of Marketing Operations, Dialog Axiata PLC; Mr. Harsha Samaranayake , Vice President – Group Marketing, Dialog Axiata PLC; Mr. Lasantha Theverapperuma , Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC; Brigadier Dhananjaya Aludeniya , President, NPC and Chef de Mission; Ms. Dilini Wariyapola , Treasurer, NPC; and Ms. Galina Basnayake , athlete, Captain of the Sri Lankan contingent for Asian Games Mr.Samitha Dulan.

Philta says sanctions are meants more for players skipping top WTA events to play in exhibition matches - not those representing their countries

Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a backhand against Rafael Jodar of Spain during the Men’s Singles Quarter Final match on Day 10 of the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain, on April 29, 2026. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic defeated Alex de Minaur in the China Open final to win his first title of the season and edge closer to ATP Finals qualification. Earlier in the week, Djokovic said he wanted to compete in the ATP Finals if he qualifies this year, having skipped the event in 2024 and 2025.

Players from 17 countries are competing while Nepal reported a first round win for Abhilasha Bista on Wednesday. The post International tennis tournament brings women players to Islamabad appeared first on PakTribune .

Spain staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Croatia 2-1 at the Poljud Stadium in Split, maintaining their flawless run in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The hosts drew first blood in the 17th minute when veteran Ivan Perišić headed home to ignite the passionate home crowd. Croatia defended their lead resiliently, restricting the world champions for much of the match despite controlling only 33% possession. Luis de la Fuente turned to his bench at halftime, introducing Mikel Merino. Merino pulled Spain level on 61 minutes with a clinical left-footed finish. The task grew steeper for Croatia in the 79th minute when Perišić picked up a second yellow card and was sent off. Spain completed the turnaround in the 89th minute. Martín Zubimendi picked out Merino inside the box, who controlled smartly and fired past Dominik Livaković to seal all three points. The victory keeps Spain perfect, securing their progression to the Nations League quarterfinals.