Tennis news today: Bianca Andreescu makes winning return in Stuttgart, Maria Sharapova announces pregnancy | 20 April 2022
After almost six months away from the tour, Bianca Andreescu made her comeback at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart on Tuesday, winning her opening match in straight sets. Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova, meanwhile, has announced that she's pregnant with her first child.
Naomi Osaka is gearing up for the clay season, while Dominic Thiem lost in the first round of the Serbia Open.
Elsewhere, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has confirmed her participation in the Poland Open, which will be held from July 25-31. Here's a round-up of the day's news:
Bianca Andreescu makes winning return
Having last played in October, Bianca Andreescu's first match in six months went relatively smoothly. The 2019 US Open champion came away with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Jule Niemeier.
Andreescu looked a tad rusty and was a little slow in her movements, but that was expected given her lengthy break.
Her second-round opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, has had a dreadful season so far and the Canadian will fancy her chances against the out-of-form Belarusian.
Maria Sharapova annoucnes pregnancy
Maria Sharapova, who celebrated her birthday on 19 April, revealed that she's pregnant with her first child.
"Precious beginnings!!! Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty," Sharapova captioned her Instagram post.
Following her retirement in February 2020, the Russian got engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes.
Congratulations poured in from fans and well-wishers alike, with the former Grand Slam champion about to embark on a new journey in her life.
Naomi Osaka arrives in Europe for the clay season
While most of her contemporaries began their clay season in Charleston, Naomi Osaka is yet to play a match on the surface. She has now arrived in Europe to kick off her campaign on the red dirt. She likely to compete in the Madrid Open and Italian Open ahead of Roland Garros.
Tbh ever since I signed with Nike I feel like I consistently have the hardest tennis shoes to come out every season. Lol anyways here’s EU clay for ya. https://t.co/tYsIctVc4Q
Osaka's clay season was rather tumultuous last year. Pressure from early losses built up, eventually leading to her withdrawal from Roland Garros due to mental health reasons.
Dominic Thiem loses in first round of Serbia Open
Dominic Thiem, competing in his first ATP tournament since June 2021, lost in the first round of the Serbia Open on Tuesday. John Millman defeated the Austrian 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. The 2020 US Open champion showed glimpses of his best, but lacked consistency.
He's set to compete at the Estoril Open, which begins on Monday.
Iga Swiatek confirms participation at 2022 Poland Open
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has been officially confirmed for the 2022 Poland Open. The second edition of the tournament will be held from July 25-31. The event was held in Gdynia last year, but will be hosted in the capital city of Warsaw this time around.
Swiatek is currently competing at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, where she is set to square off against Eva Lys in the second round on Wednesday.
Also Check Out :-Maria Sharapova Net worth