Emma Raducanu is taking back her comment that she regrets winning the 2021 US Open as the 21-year-old Briton says she “would not trade” that unique achievement for anything else in the world.

Two and a half years ago, an 18-year-old Raducanu wrote tennis history and achieved something that no one else had done before in the game – she won a Grand Slam as a qualifier. That year, Raducanu won a total of 10 matches at Flushing Meadows – all of them in straight sets – en route to becoming a Grand Slam champion at the 2021 US Open.

After reaching the stars, Raducanu experienced the negative side of fame after she started getting heavy criticism and scrutiny when her results went south. Last June, Raducanu made a very honest but sad confession, telling the Sunday Times: “Sometimes I think to myself I wish I’d never won the US Open, I wish that didn’t happen.”

At the time of making that statement, Raducanu was coming off multiple surgeries she underwent in May. In her third comeback tournament at this week’s Abu Dhabi Open, Raducanu was asked how she is feeling now about her US Open win.

“Yeah, I think when I was saying those things, I hadn’t necessarily had the time to take a step back and reflect. Now in the position that I’m in, I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Raducanu told CNN.

“But I think I was so wrapped up and so caught up in everything, in the whirlwind that happened after. And now having come through injury with a different perspective, I’m really grateful that I did so.”

Raducanu on needing surgeries and the post-surgery period
Throughout the entire 2022 season, Raducanu was dealing with constant injuries and physical setbacks. During that period, Raducanu was advised by many to work hard on getting her body right and stronger in the offseason. Raducanu listened to that advice, hiring Andy Murray’s former strength and conditioning coach Jez Green.

After putting up some big work in the gym during the offseason, Raducanu felt she was fully ready and prepared for the 2023 season and that she would avoid constant injury issues in 2023. But then, Raducanu suffered a major blow in her 2023 season-opener in Auckland, slipping badly and injuring her right ankle.

After sustaining an ankle injury, Raducanu’s wrist injuries reappeared and the Briton again started dealing with major wrist issues. Following first-round losses in Miami and Stuttgart – where Raducanu was evidently struggling with wrist pain and discomfort – Raducanu made the call it was time to surgically fix her injuries.

Reflecting on that decision, Raducanu admitted it felt “disappointing” to know she needed three surgeries and that she felt bored after initially having surgeries. Also, Raducanu noted it was difficult being “very immobile” and having to use a wheelchair following her ankle injury. But reflecting on everything now, Raducanu is drawing positives as it helped her “reset” and rediscover her “tennis hunger.”

“Well, I think initially I was disappointed of course, like anyone when they found they had to have three surgeries. I had three in the same week so that was very difficult. I was very immobile, I couldn’t do anything,” Raducanu said.

“After the initial boredom and disappointment, I think that I quite enjoyed the time off because I felt like it gave me time to reset and reflect on why I do tennis, why I play, what I enjoy about it and then it really gave me time to miss it and be hungry again, and I think me when I have that hunger is… yeah, it’s pretty dangerous.

“So now, when I got back to training in late November, because I had a setback, I was really, really looking forward to just making the most of every second on the court.”

Can a healthy Raducanu win a Grand Slam again?
Raducanu’s decision to undergo three surgeries was mostly praised by analysts and former tennis stars as the general belief was that continuing to play injured wouldn’t do the 21-year-old Briton much good. Also, many argued that being fully healthy and ready was the only situation in which Raducanu could fulfill her potential to the fullest and become the player she was tipped to be after her 2021 US Open win.

Since returning to tennis at the start of the 2024 season, Raducanu confirmed a couple of times that she is playing pain-free and without feeling any discomfort. Describing that feeling and state, Raducanu described it as “amazing.”

When addressing her game and ambitions, Raducanu highlighted that for now her goal remains improving in practice and then showing that in real matches. When it comes to her predictions for the future, Raducanu underlined that she is “far from a finished product” and that she hopes to land big titles in the future.

If Raducanu stays healthy long-term and keeps improving, there is no doubt that she could make some Grand Slam noise in the future

The newest member of Serena Williams’ family is getting a lot of love from Nike!

On Wednesday, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, 42, shared video on Instagram of a special delivery from her longtime partner brand — including cute shoes and tiny, adorable outfits for daughter Adira River, 5 weeks.

“Look at all this stuff for baby Adira,” she begins her Instagram Story, as she shuffles through the different outfits with one hand.

“I really love the little Nike shoes, just always so sweet,” Williams — who is also mom to daughter Olympia, 6, with husband Alexis Ohanian — says as she pans shoe boxes and then stops to focus on a tiny pullover sweater. “Look at this little crop top!”

“It’s pretty awesome,” she concludes, adding, “Thanks to my Nike family!”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Serena Williams Shares Huge Haul of Nike Clothes Gifted to Her for Baby Adira: ‘Always So Sweet’
Nike gifts for baby Adira. SERENAWILLIAMS/INSTAGRAM
Serena Williams’ Daughter Olympia Shows Off Back-Hand In New Instagram: ‘Papa Is My Ballboy’
The couple announced Adira’s arrival first on TikTok, and Ohanian then shared an Instagram of their two daughters together.

“Welcome, Adira River Ohanian,” the new dad of two captioned a family photo, revealing their baby girl’s name.

“I’m grateful to report our house is teaming [sic] with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama. Feeling grateful. @serenawilliams, you’ve now given me another incomparable gift — you’re the GMOAT,” he wrote.

“Thanks to all the amazing medical staff who took care of my wife & our daughter 🙏 I’ll never forget the moment I introduced @olympiaohanian to her baby sister.”

Speaking with PEOPLE earlier this summer, Ohanian said he was looking forward to getting the hang of having a newborn in the house again.

“I think I’ve I’ve definitely forgotten what it’s like to have a new one around, so it might be a rude awakening, maybe literally,” he said with a laugh. “But right now, we’re excited.”

Ohanian also revealed that he was feeling more confident the second time around, noting, “We’re not first-time parents anymore. I feel more confident about having a newborn, all of those things that I just had zero confidence about with Olympia because I’d never even been around babies at that point in my life.”

1. Her Swing
Spiranac played college golf at both the University of Arizona and San Diego State University, winning All-Mountain West Conference honors during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons, and leading the Aztecs to their first Mountain West Conference Championship.

She went on to play professionally in 2015, on the Cactus Tour and elsewhere, earning her first and only win so far at Scottsdale’s Orange Tree Country Club.

2. Her IG
Spiranac currently has close to 2 million followers on Instagram and it’s easy to see why. At first glance, she looks more like an Insta-model.

_paige.renee on Instagram

3. She’s a Steelers Fan
Not only can she rock the links but she has damn good taste when it comes to picking sports teams. We’d love to see her wearing, I mean, waving a terrible towel at Heinz Field.

_paige.renee on Instagram

4. She’s Degreed
Besides looking Insta-stunning, this beauty has brains to match. She started college at the University of Arizona before transferring to San Diego University to finish up her major in communications. Before she graduated in 2015, she was part of her college’s golf team. But this wasn’t her only passion.

_paige.renee on Instagram
5. She’s a Marvel Fan
We love her 3000.

_paige.renee on Instagram

_paige.renee on Instagram
6. She’s an SI Swimsuit Model
Spiranac blessed us with her beauty on the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2018. The golfing goddess looked incredibly fit as she sat on a dirt bike wearing a Top by Mikoh and a swimsuit by SLATE SWIM.

Swimsuit 2018: Aruba Athletes Paige Spiranac Aruba 11/10/2017 X161518 TK3 Credit: James Macari
7. She’s Got a Couple of Haters
English female professional golfer Laura Davies isn’t impressed by Spiranac.

She said: “If she’s here for any other reason than she’s a great golfer, then it’s a little bit pointless.” Ouch! So why was she getting so much backlash? I think we know why. Keep hatin’ ladies.

_paige.renee on Instagram

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 35th Grand Slam final by defeating Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the semifinals of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

The former World No. 1 is now just a win away from equaling Margaret Court’s record of winning the most number of Grand Slam singles titles in the history of tennis. En route to his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Sinner, the Serbian landed 11 aces to book a place in Sunday’s final.

The highly anticipated match also had its share of controversies, from Djokovic being called out for hindrance due to his grunt to him mocking the hostile Centre Court crowd.

Things unfurled during the third set when a couple of fans screamed at the Serb while he was set points down, attempting to throw him off his rhythm. However, the veteran managed to hold his serve and retaliated by mocking the fans in return.

Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg reacted to the World No. 2’s actions, supporting his behavior.

“Djokovic suddenly running out of f**ks to give about the Centre Court crowd is a joy to behold, and very overdue.”

Expand Tweet

One fan jokingly made a reference to the Serb’s previous controversy due to his non-vaccination status, saying:

“Djokovic regular tennis villain era is much better than his public health disaster villain era.”

Expand Tweet
Fans, for the most part, proclaimed that they liked this new version of the Serb who does not care about anything.

Iga Świątek, the No. 1 tennis player in the women’s world ranking, may not have made it all the way to Wimbledon (she was defeated in the quarterfinals by Elina Svitolina), but she is evidently not letting it bother her as she unwinds in Crete.

The 22-year-old Pole, having the opportunity to rest before crossing over to the other side of the Atlantic (as the US Open follows in September), found herself in Greece for the second time in a few years, namely in Crete, which is becoming her favourite destination.

However, returning five years later, her adoration for Crete grew even more.

“I have to say I have the best job in the world as it allows me to travel to places like this. I’m seriously considering staying here until the end of the month.. Just don’t say anything to my team. For the wonderful holidays in Crete, I would like to thank @planet_escape, who took care of the smallest detail and made the short trip full of quality rest, beautiful views and delicious food,” she wrote in her post.

The Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport interviewed Hanspeter, father of Jannik Sinner, winner of the 2024 edition of the Australian Open. Hanspeter spoke with the usual reserved politeness that distinguishes his son, describing the emotions experienced in these two intense Australian weeks.

“Great joy, really nice. We spoke after the final, even if for a short time. I can say that watching him play on TV makes you suffer more, it was easier to follow him at Indian Wells or the Finals in Turin. As a child he was so, already as good at all sports as he is at his job,” he told.

Jannik’s dad also expressed his thoughts on the words expressed by his son during the award ceremony. “His words didn’t surprise me. That’s how he is, he quickly learned the culture of work, commitment and humility.”

Dad Hanspeter and mum Siglinde conveyed an important message to Sinner from day one. Hard work always pays off. Jannik grew up with humility and constant commitment. Values that allowed him to think about his path without paying attention to criticism and overcoming negative moments with determination.

Jannik’s words
In a press conference today in the new headquarters of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation in Rome, Jannik spoke again about the victory in Melbourne but also about the plans regarding his imminent come back to train.

“The way a tennis player reacts to a success like this is important, as well as to defeats. I’m a simple boy, I’m 22 years old and I like playing on the computer like the others. I think they really appreciate that about me. The Paris Olympics is a key event of the year. To bring a medal but also to experience the atmosphere, meet athletes from all over the world. And I obviously hope we bring home a lot of medals.”

Jannik then explained why he didn’t immediately return to his house in Sesto, once again showing his maturity and virtuous behivior.

“I didn’t go immediately because it would have taken away attention in a very difficult moment. A few days ago there was an accident and two children died along with their mother. I preferred to do everything here,” he told.

Coco Gauff thought it was “funny” how her outfit went viral on X after a fan account posted a made-up Gauff quote claiming that the 19-year-old American was paying homage to Serena Williams with her yellow Australian Open outfit.

Last week, Gauff’s outfit for the 2024 Australian Open featuring a yellow top and a yellow shirt was revealed. After seeing Gauff’s outfit, one fan was reminded of a yellow outfit that Williams rocked during the 2016 Australian Open.

The fan decided to have some fun with it, posting the outfit and writing a made-up Gauff quote: “With this kit, I definitely wanted to channel my inner Serena. She is an inspiration on and off the court so this one is for her… it even has the lil crop top she had.”

On Monday, Gauff introduced her yellow outfit as the top-ranked American made a winning start at Melbourne Park after dismantling Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-3 6-0.

After the match, Gauff admitted she fell for the prank initially and even contacted her agent before realizing that the post was fake. Still, Gauff found it funny and noted she has no problems if some consider her yellow outfit a homage to Williams, the player she idolized.

Gauff: If some think this is a homage to Williams, that’s cool
“Yeah, if you want to make it a homage to her [Serena Williams], that’s really cool. That wasn’t the thought process behind it. I love Serena, and I think she has the best fashion game on the court and off the court and everything,” Gauff added.

“So, yeah, it wasn’t an homage to her, but it was funny how that tweet kind of circulated. I know that account was probably, like, going to laugh at this.”

For Gauff, the most important thing is that she has gotten off to a fast start to her Australian Open campaign. After losing just three games in her opener, Gauff will also be looking to deliver a strong performance against Caroline Dolehide in the Australian Open second round.

Canada’s tennis star Leylah Fernandez has revealed that she is looking forward to recovering from her impressive start at the Australian Open by watching a crime drama.

The first Grand Slam of the year has begun on Sunday where players from all over the world are participating to showcase their talent and battling it out to secure the ultimate prize.

Fernandez secured a thumping win in her first-round clash of the mega-event against the Czech Republic’s Sara Bejlek with a score of 7-6, 6-2. Talking after the match, the 21-year-old revealed that she is looking forward to recovering by watching a crime drama.

“First I’m gonna recover. After, I’ll probably watch a show called ‘Reacher’,” she said. “It’s pretty good one. Maybe I’m gonna crochet a bit. I love crocheting. It was a tough first-round match against Sara; she is a very, very good young player.

“I haven’t played many lefties, so it was a tough one, but I’m super happy that I was able to play some good points in some important moments, and playing in front of an amazing crowd feels good.”

Fernandez will have some time to recover from the contest as she is now set to face America’s Alycia Parks in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Aryna Sabalenka acknowledges Elena Rybakina “crushed” her in the Brisbane International final and admits she was just grateful to have won at least three games against the Kazakh.

Sabalenka, who was the top-seeded player in Brisbane, pretty routinely made the final in her first tournament of the year with four convincing straight-set wins. Although Sabalenka entered the Brisbane final playing great and convincing tennis, she didn’t stand a single chance against world No. 3 Rybakina, who crushed the Belarusian 6-0 6-3.

After getting destroyed by Rybakina in Brisbane, defending Australian Open champion Sabalenka returned to the practice court with the intention of fixing the mistakes she made against the Kazakh.

“Elena just played incredible tennis. She just crushed it. I tried to do my best, and I’m just thankful for those three games,” Sabalenka said in her pre-tournament press conference at Melbourne Park.

“Before the finals, I think I played really great tennis. After the finals was another week to work on those mistakes and just prepare myself as good as I can for Melbourne.”

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina© Getty Images Sport – Chris Hyde

Sabalenka, Rybakina weren’t placed in the same part of the draw
Last year, 25-year-old Sabalenka became a Grand Slam champion after beating Rybakina in a high-quality final at Melbourne Park. 12 months ago, Sabalenka came back from a set down to beat Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4.

This year, Sabalenka and Rybakina are again among the top favorites for the Australian Open. Sabalenka, seeded at No. 2, landed in the bottom half of the Australian Open draw, while third-seeded Rybakina is in the top half of the Australian Open draw. That means Sabalenka and Rybakina could potentially meet only in the final at Melbourne Park.

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina© Getty Images Sport – Mark Kolbe

Meanwhile, Sabalenka is set to kick off her Australian Open title defense by taking on qualifier world No. 172 Ella Seidel. When Sabalenka and 18-year-old Seidel meet, it will be the first time that they are clashing against each other. Going into the match, Sabalenka is undoubtedly the major favorite and everything but a routine Belarusian win would be a surprise.

Serena Williams teased Christopher Eubanks following the American’s collaboration with J. Lindeberg, telling the 27-year-old she knew his “legs” would land him a modeling gig one day.

Eubanks, who made the Wimbledon quarterfinal last year, has been announced as the newest ambassador for Swedish clothing brand J. Lindeberg. J. Lindeberg, which began as a golfing enterprise, today offers a wide range of clothes that include tennis, golf, and ski clothing.

“Tennis star @chris_eubanks96 joins the @jlindebergofficial team. We’re excited to welcome Chris as our newest ambassador,” J. Lindeberg said in a statement.

Eubanks, who made a big breakthrough last year, is thrilled to be working with J. Lindeberg.

”I am incredibly excited to be partnering with J. Lindeberg. To see a brand that offers so much individuality offers a world of possibilities with creative expression,” Eubanks said in a statement.

Williams teases Eubanks: Knew your legs would land you a modeling gig
Eubanks and Williams have a good relationship, having been hitting partners numerous times.

Reacting to the news in the comment section, Williams wrote: “I knew your legs would land you a modeling gig one day! (the hands up emoji).” Eubanks responded by posting three hands-up emojis.

Williams also received a response from J. Lindeberg, who wrote: “@serenawilliams Chris was (fire emoji).”

Meanwhile, world No. 34 Eubanks is preparing to kick off his Australian Open campaign by playing against Taro Daniel. On Monday, Eubanks will be kicking off his fourth main draw appearance at Melbourne Park.

When Eubanks takes on 30-year-old Daniel, it will be their first meeting on the main level. Previously, Eubanks and Daniel met once in 2018, when the American beat the Japanese in the New York Open qualifying event.

After picking up back-to-back first-round exits at Melbourne Park in 2019 and 2020, Eubanks clinched his first Australian Open win last year when he beat Sonwoo Kwon before losing to Jiri Lehecka in the second round. It remains to be seen if Eubanks can make a more notable run this year and earn his new best Australian Open result.