Former champion Simona Halep sealed her place in the semi-finals of Wimbledon after an impressive straight-sets win over American Amanda Anisimova on Wednesday.
The Romanian followed up her demolition job of fourth seed Paula Badosa in the previous round by swatting aside Anisimova – seeded 20th – 6-2, 6-4 on Centre Court. Halep, 30, extended her winning streak at the All England Club to 12 matches.
The 16th seed will now take on Elena Rybakina in the last four after the Kazakh came from a set down to defeat Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Former world No 1 Halep triumphed in SW19 three years ago but has endured a rocky time since and failed to defend her title in 2021 due to a calf injury.
Form and fitness have been hard to come by for the Romanian, who suffered a panic attack at the French Open in May to highlight her continuing struggles.
Grass has always been good to Halep, though, and the confidence appears to be flowing once again after a convincing triumph over a player 10 years her junior.
“It's great to be back in the semi-finals,” said Halep. “I'm very emotional right now. It means a lot. I played a tough opponent today – she could crunch the ball in the end.
“I had to stay strong on my legs – they helped me today. I also needed my serve – everything was good, and it finished well.”
When asked if she playing her best tennis since winning in 2019, Halep added: “Definitely this is my best tennis. I am trying to build my confidence back, and it's good.”
Russian-born Rybakina, who switched international allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018, produced a fine display to make the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.
The first set was close but swung on the third game when, after five deuces, Tomljanovic broke before serving strongly to take it 6-4.
Rybakina, 23, broke early in the second and though Tomljanovic’s athletic court coverage enabled her to hit straight back, the tall Kazak then took total command, breaking to love to win the second on the back of 11 straight points.
Rybakina, who took her tournament ace tally into the 40s with another 15, cranked up the pressure in the decider, taking a 3-0 lead after winning seven games in a row, and breaking again for 5-1.
Although her progress was briefly held up, she served out brilliantly and fittingly finished the match with an ace.
“I really want to say thanks to the people who came to watch us and support us. It was really nice, amazing atmosphere,” said 17th seed Rybakina, who becomes the first Kazakh – male or female – to reach the semi-final of a Slam.
“It is amazing. I am really happy to be into the semi-final. It was a really tough match.
“I started a bit slow, I didn't serve that well. Maybe I was nervous. She played really well and was defending really good but I just tried to focus on my serve and try to find my way and in the end I found it.”
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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The Bloomberg Billionaire Index in full
1 Jeff Bezos $140 billion
2 Bill Gates $98.3 billion
3 Bernard Arnault $83.1 billion
4 Warren Buffett $83 billion
5 Amancio Ortega $67.9 billion
6 Mark Zuckerberg $67.3 billion
7 Larry Page $56.8 billion
8 Larry Ellison $56.1 billion
9 Sergey Brin $55.2 billion
10 Carlos Slim $55.2 billion
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press
