Tennis
LEGENDS PAY TRIBUTES TO RETIRED MARIA SHARAPOVA
Novak Djokovic hailed Maria Sharapova as a “legend” with “the mind of a champion” after the Russian superstar announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 32 on Wednesday (Feb 26).
Five-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Sharapova called time on her career after losing a long-term battle with shoulder trouble, having amassed a total of 36 WTA titles, spending 21 weeks on top of the rankings and with a personal fortune estimated at US$300 million (S$419 million).
“Her impact on the sport, not just women’s tennis, but tennis in general, was great. It still is great,” said world No. 1 Djokovic in Dubai, where he made the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
“She’s a very smart girl, someone that I know very well for a long time. She has the mind of a champion, someone that never gives up. She’s shown that especially in the last five years.
“She had a lot of obstacles and difficulties, especially with her injuries and everything that she had to endure in order to give herself at least another chance to play competitive tennis.
“For someone that has won five Grand Slams and has been No. 1 of the world, a legend of the sport. She should be proud of everything she has achieved.”
US legend Billie Jean King said Sharapova had been a “great champion” ever since becoming an overnight sensation as a 17-year-old Wimbledon champion in 2004.
“From the day @MariaSharapova won her first #Wimbledon title at age 17, she has been a great champion. A 5x major champion and a former World No. 1, her business success is just as impressive as her tennis achievements. Maria, the best is yet to come for you! #MissYouMaria,” tweeted 12-time Grand Slam winner King.
Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon winner, who defeated Sharapova in the 2011 final at the All England Club, praised the Russian’s “hard work and fight”.
“It was a pleasure to share the court with you @MariaSharapova. We always had great battles when we played and I have so much respect for your hard work and the way you always fight for everything,” tweeted the Czech. “You have achieved a lot in your life so far and I know this is just the start.”
Men’s world No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was only five when Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004, said many of the Russian’s rivals can only be envious of her success.
“I think many people are jealous of the career that she had,” said the Greek, also playing in Dubai this week.
“Obviously she was behind Serena, another great athlete. I would say after Serena she’s probably the best after her.
“She had a really good career with great victories, great achievements in tennis. I think she added a lot to our sport.”
WTA chief executive Steve Simon added: “She will be greatly missed by her millions of fans around the world, but I know this will also mark an exciting new beginning for Maria as she now focuses on her many business ventures, charitable activities and other outside interests.”
Sharapova’s coach Riccardo Piatti tweeted: “It’s been an honour to have worked with such an amazing athlete and person. I’ll miss her on court and outside.”
Olympic champion Monica Puig praised Sharapova for helping in relief efforts when Puerto Rico was devastated by a hurricane in 2017.
“Thanks for being such a great friend and a true example of what a champion really is. I wish you nothing but the best. You deserve it,” she tweeted.
-AFP
Serena Williams has been listed as eligible to return to tennis by the sport’s drug-testing body (ITIA) as of February 22, though it remains unclear whether the 23-time Grand Slam champion will make a stunning comeback to the women’s tour.
The 44-year-old raised eyebrows late last year after rejoining the tennis anti-doping testing pool, though she denied at the time the move signalled she was preparing to return to the sport she dominated for nearly two decades.
She reignited speculation last month when she deflected questions about a possible return during an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show.
The Women’s Tennis Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.
Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017, has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open.
-Reuters
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Serena Williams has re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool but the 23-times Grand Slam champion denied on Tuesday that the move had anything to do with her making a return to the sport she dominated for nearly two decades.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed to Reuters that Williams, who has not competed since the 2022 U.S. Open, was among the list of players in its testing pool, which requires individuals to provide their whereabouts at any given time, every day, and participate in random testing
But as the story of 44-year-old Williams’ inclusion on the list, first reported earlier on Tuesday by The Athletic, gained traction and sparked talk about her potential return, the tennis great took to social media to deny a comeback was in her plans.
“Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy,” Williams wrote on X.
Her agent did not immediately respond to an email from Reuters asking why the player had re-entered the testing pool.
Williams’ name appears on the ITIA website’s list of retired players and would be able to return to a sanctioned event after making herself available for out-of-competition testing for at least six months.
Last week former world number one Williams posted a series of photos on Instagram showing herself on a tennis court with her youngest daughter, Adira River, whom she gave birth to in August 2023.
In August 2022, ahead of her final U.S. Open, Williams announced in a Vogue article that she was “evolving away from tennis.”
Williams, who won her last Grand Slam singles title in 2017, had been chasing an elusive 24th crown that would have drawn her level with Australian Margaret Court, who holds the record.
The American came tantalisingly close to achieving that feat, featuring in four major finals since giving birth to her first daughter, Olympia, in 2017.
-Reuters
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Tennis
Victor Ochei Elected Nigeria Tennis Federation President, Promises New Era of Growth and Unity
A new chapter has opened for Nigerian tennis following the election of Victor Ochei as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), ushering in optimism for revival and reform in a sport long in need of renewed structure and vision.
The former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly emerged victorious in an election held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, securing 11 votes to defeat Ifekuo Omogui Okauru, who garnered one. Mr. Datti was elected Vice President unopposed, in what stakeholders have hailed as a “unity election” for Nigerian tennis.
In his acceptance speech, Ochei struck a conciliatory and forward-looking tone, describing his victory as one for all stakeholders in Nigerian tennis.
“To the glory of God, it was an election where we all campaigned and we all won together,” he said. “It’s a clear demonstration that the Federation is one body. Regardless of the fact that there’s a winner, for me there’s no victor, no vanquished.”
He emphasized that the real work begins after the election — rebuilding the sport’s ecosystem, strengthening grassroots structures, and ensuring inclusion across all levels.
“What’s important is what we do going forward,” he continued. “By God’s grace, we’ll activate the entire tennis ecosystem. Everyone has something to contribute, and our focus is to bring all efforts to the optimal level so that no constituency within the Federation is left behind.”
Plans for Reform and Revival
Ochei outlined an ambitious plan to restructure the Federation for better performance, transparency, and sustainability.
“We intend to dismantle the existing structure, repackage it, and ensure seamless operation across every organ of the Federation,” he declared.
“When we bring in the right influence, sponsorships, and funding, and create career paths for players and coaches, you’ll begin to see the difference. The changes will be visible in the short term — that’s a promise.”
Observers say his commitment to institutional reform and partnership with corporate sponsors could be the catalyst Nigerian tennis needs to regain relevance regionally and globally.
A Proven Leader with Passion for Sports
Beyond politics, Victor Ochei is known for his deep involvement in sports development. A barrister, engineer, and philanthropist, he has sponsored several national and international competitions, including the Davnotch Tennis Tournament and Wheelchair Basketball Championship.
He also built a mini football stadium in his hometown of Onicha Olona, Delta State, to promote grassroots sports.
Ochei has long championed the idea that sports can be a vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and national pride. His entry into tennis administration is seen by many as a natural extension of his passion for development and service.
As Ochei begins his tenure, optimism runs high within the tennis community. Stakeholders believe his inclusive leadership style, political experience, and managerial competence could help reposition Nigerian tennis, attract private sector investment, and nurture a new generation of players.
With Victor Ochei at the helm, Nigerian tennis appears poised for a new serve — one defined by structure, unity, and sustainable progress.
“This is not just about winning elections,” said one Federation official. “It’s about winning the future of Nigerian tennis.”
If his words and track record are anything to go by, the game may just be entering its most promising era yet.
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