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Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner paid an emotional tribute to his late aunt Meggi after the China Open first-round triumph. In other news, Coco Gauff disclosed the name of her latest coaching hire ahead of her China Open campaign.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel lauded Alina Korneeva for the ITF title win after an inspiring injury comeback. Andy Roddick's wife Brooklyn Decker expressed her delight as her husband took on a role in a Pickleball-themed comedy movie.
Also, Paula Badosa reflected on the time spent with her close friend Aryna Sabalenka at the China Open player's party.
On that note, here's a recap of today's top tennis news:
Jannik Sinner honors late aunt Meggi after China Open 1R victory
Jannik Sinner honored the memory of his late maternal aunt, Meggi Rauchegge, after securing a 6-3, 6-1 win against Nicolas Jarry in the first round of the 2024 China Open. Sinner's aunt had been battling illness for a considerable period and passed away last week at 56.
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Upon sealing his China Open victory, the Italian tennis star paid tribute to his aunt by blowing a kiss to the sky.
Watch the video here:
Defending champion and top seed Jannik Sinner advanced to the second round, where he will take on either lucky loser Roman Safiullin or wildcard Stan Wawrinka on 29 September.
Coco Gauff confirms new coach appointment for 2024
Coco Gauff has introduced Denis Shapovalov's former coach Matt Daly as her new coach, following her recent split with Brad Gilbert. Gilbert, who helped guide Gauff to her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 US Open, had worked with the American for 14 months before their separation. The decision came after the American tennis star was unable to defend her US Open crown this year.
During their partnership, Gauff and Gilbert claimed four titles, including her maiden Grand Slam, and achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 2. However, Gauff's form started to dip at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, where she exited in the fourth round.
Subsequent disappointing performances in Canada and Cincinnati were followed by a fourth-round loss to fellow American Emma Navarro at the US Open. Gauff has now confirmed Daly’s addition to her team, alongside her longtime coach Jean-Christophe Faurel, ahead of the China Open.
In an interview with WTA Insider, Gauff expressed her enthusiasm for this new coaching chapter and her commitment to refining areas of her game that need improvement.
"I'm really excited," she said. "I think this is probably what it will look like next year too. I'm super excited for a new change and hopefully to improve other parts of my game. Already, the little bit we've done has made a drastic improvement to where I was three weeks ago. At this point, there's not a crazy amount. It's just subtle things that, doing it for a week now, will help me."
Last year's semifinalist and fourth seed Coco Gauff received a bye into the second round where she will take on Clara Burel on 27 September. The winner of the match will take on either 26th seed Katie Boulter or Taylor Townsend in the third round.
Tennis icon Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel praises Alina Korneeva's ITF title win after injury comeback
Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel praised Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy's student Alina Korneeva for winning the ITF title after coming back from an injury.
Korneeva, a two-time junior Grand Slam champion and winner of the 2023 ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals, had her momentum halted in early 2024 due to an arm injury sustained during a WTA 125K event in Mumbai, India, keeping her out of action since February.
Recently, she captured the title at the Caldas da Rainha Open, a W100 event in Portugal. Korneeva marked the victory by posting photos on Instagram, showing herself lifting the trophy, while also expressing gratitude to Nadal's academy and her team.
Maribel noticed the post and commented in support:
"Vamosss! Congrats 👏🏼👏🏼"
Andy Roddick's wife Brooklyn Decker lauds the American as he lands a role in a Pickleball-centric comedy movie
Andy Roddick's wife Brooklyn Decker shared her excitement and admiration for her husband as he prepares to star in a pickleball-themed comedy film.
Roddick, who previously competed in the inaugural Pickleball Slam with tennis legends Andre Agassi and John McEnroe, will appear in the movie The Dink alongside Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ben Stiller, and Ed Harris. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum, with the screenplay produced by Stiller's company, Red Hour Films.
After news of Roddick's role in the comedy surfaced, Decker took to social media to express her pride in her husband's versatility and talent.
"Jesus, what can't this man do?!" Decker captioned her Instagram story.
Roddick has made cameos in films such as Just Go with It with Decker. The former World No. 1 also appeared in shows like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and was the first male tennis player to host an episode of Saturday Night Live.
Paula Badosa enjoys time together with close friend Aryna Sabalenka at the China Open
Paula Badosa expressed her excitement about spending time with her close friend and fellow tennis player Aryna Sabalenka at the players' party for the 2024 China Open.
After the event, Sabalenka shared photos and videos from her time in Beijing on her Instagram account, including one of their dinner together, accompanied by a note reflecting their time spent.
"Wish we’d hang out more often," Sabalenka wrote.
Badosa later reposted the image on her Instagram story, adding:
"Sister from another mister."
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka and 15th seed Paula Badosa received a bye into the second round where they will take on Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Viktoriya Tomova, respectively. The Spanish tennis star will also participate in doubles with partner Karolina Muchova.
