Author: Trisha Ghosal

The first men’s semifinal at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open brings together two players on very different journeys — Francisco Cerúndolo, the Argentine in the form of his life, and Casper Ruud, the seasoned Norwegian trying to reclaim his place in the top 10. This clash between consistency and experience is a battle for a first Madrid final and possibly a deeper tilt toward Roland-Garros. Cerúndolo came into Madrid already leading the ATP Tour in match wins for the season, and his run here has only solidified his status as one of the most dependable performers in 2025. On the…

In the second women’s semifinal at the Mutua Madrid Open, Aryna Sabalenka faces Elina Svitolina in a high-stakes clash that will determine who challenges an in-form Coco Gauff for the title. With Gauff demolishing Iga Swiatek 6-1, 6-1 in the first semifinal, the bar has been set high. Both Sabalenka and Svitolina will need to summon their very best to match the American’s momentum. Sabalenka Survives, But Stays Strong Sabalenka, the current world No. 1, had to dig exceptionally deep in her quarterfinal against Marta Kostyuk. In a match that stretched beyond two and a half hours and ended close…

When Coco Gauff took the court against Iga Swiatek in the Mutua Madrid Open semifinal, few could have predicted what was to follow. In just over an hour, the 21-year-old American tore through the five-time Grand Slam champion with a stunning 6-1, 6-1 victory — one of the most one-sided defeats of Swiatek’s clay-court career. Gauff didn’t just beat Swiatek; she outclassed her in every department. From the outset, the American applied relentless pressure, exposing Swiatek’s serving woes and dictating play with ruthless efficiency. Swiatek, usually so composed on clay, looked completely rattled — managing just one ace, committing three…

When Iga Swiatek takes the court for the Mutua Madrid Open semifinal, she won’t just be facing Coco Gauff—she’ll be confronting a version of herself that’s been wobbling ever since that straight sets defeat to Madison Keys in the Australian Open semifinal. The five-time Grand Slam champion had a rocky start to her quarterfinal clash with Keys once again, dropping the first set 0-6 in just 24 minutes. It was the first time Swiatek lost a set by such a margin since Eastbourne 2021—and only the second time in her career she went on to win after doing…

Since India’s loss in the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, the No. 3 position in the batting order has seen multiple contenders. But three years later, as the next World Cup approaches—this time on home soil—Harleen Deol has emerged as the clear and most deserving choice for the role. Harleen’s Case: Form, Consistency, and Home Advantage In 10 innings at No. 3 since April 2022, Harleen Deol has scored 416 runs at an impressive average of 46.22 and a strike-rate of 81.56. She’s the only player among the contenders to notch both a half-century and a century during this period.…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their flawless away run, making it six wins from six and climbing to the top of the table in IPL 2025 with 14 points from 10 matches. Delhi Capitals managed an average 162/8 in 20 overs, but despite a few hiccups, RCB chased it down to seal another vital win. DC’s promising start fizzles out Abishek Porel gave Delhi Capitals a dream start with a lively 28 off 11 balls, but the momentum slipped quickly. Tristan Stubbs showed late flair with an inventive 34 off 18, but DC’s middle-order crumbled on a slow, two-paced pitch.…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have 12 points from nine matches and need to win two out of their next five to seal a playoff berth. They have been phenomenal in away matches this year, having won five out five on the road. Today, in just a few hours, they play their sixth away game of the season — against Delhi Capitals. A win would almost guarantee their spot in the playoffs. What has worked for RCB this year? Batting not top-heavy anymore In the past few seasons, RCB’s runs largely depended on the openers and then a certain AB de Villiers…

Elite athletes are known for the unusual rituals they adopt to fuel comebacks. From superstition-driven habits to motivational games, professional sport often blurs the line between preparation and psychology. Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari has added her own light-hearted twist this season — a secret “number game” she is playing with her team. The former world No.3, currently ranked outside the top 80 after an injury-plagued 2024 season, has made a pact with her close circle, including coach Tom Hill. Each member of her team will privately write down the ranking they predict Sakkari will achieve by the end of…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally brought cheer to their fans at the Chinnaswamy, notching up a much-needed win against Rajasthan Royals. While several factors aligned for RCB on the night, one subtle but crucial influence has gone slightly under the radar — the Decision Review System (DRS). And standing tall behind those sharp, successful reviews has been wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. Jitesh has shown remarkable clarity and conviction, often urging captain Rajat Patidar to take reviews — ones that have turned the tide in RCB’s favour. In fact, he’s done it more than once, and his accuracy has become a vital asset…

By Trisha Ghosal The floodlights at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad lit more than just a cricket ground last night — they illuminated the soul of a nation. Hours after the terror attack in Pahalgam tried to fracture India’s spirit in the name of religion, the Indian Premier League (IPL) responded not with noise, but with silence. It wasn’t the silence of defeat. It was the silence of strength, of resilience, of a country choosing unity over hate. Before a single ball was bowled in the clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI), something remarkable took…