Kiwi flavour, Wallabies hopes in 36-year rugby first
Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12.
He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide.
But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour.
Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp.
In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday.
Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton.
"There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said.
"We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand.
"Each of them has a lot to play for and there's a real sense of anticipation about the unique opportunity in front of us.
"As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide."
AUNZ Invitational XV squad: Aidan Ross, AJ Lam, Angus Blyth, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Daniel Botha, Darby Lancaster, David Havili, Folau Fakatava, George Dyer, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Hoskins Sotutu, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jock Campbell, Joe Brial, Joey Walton, Joshua Fusitu'a, Kalani Thomas, Kurt Eklund, Lachlan Anderson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Mac Grealy, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Ngani Laumape, Pete Samu, Richie Asiata, Seru Uru, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Tane Edmed.
Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has shared the love in finalising the trans-Tasman squad he hopes can "do something special" against the British & Irish Lions ahead of the first Test.
Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12.
He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide.
But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour.
Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp.
In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday.
Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton.
"There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said.
"We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand.
"Each of them has a lot to play for and there's a real sense of anticipation about the unique opportunity in front of us.
"As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide."
AUNZ Invitational XV squad: Aidan Ross, AJ Lam, Angus Blyth, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Daniel Botha, Darby Lancaster, David Havili, Folau Fakatava, George Dyer, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Hoskins Sotutu, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jock Campbell, Joe Brial, Joey Walton, Joshua Fusitu'a, Kalani Thomas, Kurt Eklund, Lachlan Anderson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Mac Grealy, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Ngani Laumape, Pete Samu, Richie Asiata, Seru Uru, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Tane Edmed.
Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has shared the love in finalising the trans-Tasman squad he hopes can "do something special" against the British & Irish Lions ahead of the first Test.
Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt later next year, felt the full force of the Lions last Wednesday when his Queensland Reds led 12-7 but were trampled 52-12.
He's handed 10 of those men, including halves Kalani Thomas and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, another possible shot at the Lions as part of his AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play on Saturday in Adelaide.
But, unlike in the first and only combined side to play in 1989, there is a strong New Zealand flavour.
Blues hooker Kurt Eklund and Chiefs prop George Dyer were confirmed on Monday, joining Crusaders captain David Havili and fellow All Blacks Aidan Ross, Folau Fakatava, Hoskins Sotutu, Ngani Laumape and Shannon Frizell in the squad.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marika Koroibete and Pete Samu had already been named while fringe Wallabies Angus Blyth, Darby Lancaster, Jock Campbell and Tane Edmed were among those Australians included for the Adelaide Oval clash.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Seru Uru, all genuine Wallabies chances to face the Lions later in the series, will push their cases in camp.
In all, 18 players with a combined 300 international caps of experience will trot out on Saturday to provide a stern test to the Lions, who will have met the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday.
Kiss will have the support of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster as well as Force boss Simon Cron and Reds assistant Zane Hilton.
"There has been a lot of work behind the scenes to build this squad and it's exciting to see it come together," Kiss said.
"We have quality coaches and a highly motivated group of players that represent the depth of talent across Australia and New Zealand.
"Each of them has a lot to play for and there's a real sense of anticipation about the unique opportunity in front of us.
"As the first AUNZ side to be assembled in 36 years, we have the chance to do something pretty special here in Adelaide."
AUNZ Invitational XV squad: Aidan Ross, AJ Lam, Angus Blyth, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Daniel Botha, Darby Lancaster, David Havili, Folau Fakatava, George Dyer, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Hoskins Sotutu, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jock Campbell, Joe Brial, Joey Walton, Joshua Fusitu'a, Kalani Thomas, Kurt Eklund, Lachlan Anderson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Mac Grealy, Marika Koroibete, Matt Philip, Ngani Laumape, Pete Samu, Richie Asiata, Seru Uru, Shannon Frizell, Shaun Stevenson, Tane Edmed.
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Mum Bencic hoping to follow Aussie trailblazers
The odds are against Belinda Bencic winning the Wimbledon women's singles, and not just because she is 35th in the rankings and faces the impressive seventh-seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. She is also a mother, and only three mums have won a grand slam in the Open era. Even Serena Williams cold not do it, though she did reach four finals. Of the trio two are Australians: Margaret Court, who won the Australian, French and US Opens in 1973, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley whose 1980 Wimbledon crown came after she had given birth to daughter Kelly. The only player to do it since is Belgian Kim Clijsters, who triumphed in the US Open in 2009. Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic champion, gave birth to Bella in April 2024, which ruled her out of last year's Wimbledon. Returning as a mum appears to have helped as the 28-year-old had never reached a quarter-final here before, but has now done so, 11 years after her All England Club debut. She beat Russian 18th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on Monday. Victory came with a break point having squandered five match points when serving at 5-3. Bencic said she was surprised how quickly she has found form since coming back on the tour, returning earlier than anticipated as felt so good on the practice court. "I think it's a result of the work we put in and also the mindset that I have now. I still want to win very badly." Bencic said travelling with a child on tour is still relatively easy while Bella is so young, but added: "I'm juggling it like every mum does. So, props to the mums." She subsequently clarified: "I'm really lucky I have a great support from all my family, especially my husband. I didn't want to say just mums who juggle, but also dads and parents in general. I want to make that clear." That juggling, she said, has meant learning to compromise, not easy for an elite athlete. "You have to be really prepared for not being able to do everything just have to let some things go. You have to compromise. "I don't practice as much as I used to. I still try to do the best on the practice court and on the match court. I feel like I am more productive because I have less time. "Then it's also really nice to spend time off the court and pretend that it's the real life, try to make the day as normal as possible and not hang out on-site all the time." Bencic's best result at a grand slam was reaching the 2019 US Open semi-finals. Andreeva powered her way into her first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2 6-3 win over American 10th seed Emma Navarro , becoming the youngest player in the last eight of the women's singles since 2005. The 18-year-old looked at home on Centre Court, using her booming serve and power from the baseline to match the feat of compatriot Maria Sharapova in 2005 at the exact same age - 18 years and 62 days at the start of the tournament. Another Russian, Daria Kasatkina's conqueror Liudmila Samsonova, reached her first grand slam quarter-final by beating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. Samsonova, who has yet to drop a set this tournament, now meets former world No.1 Iga Swiatek. The Pole beat Dane Clara Tauson 6-4 6-1 in 65 minutes to reach her second Wimbledon quarter-final.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Farrell: Lions Test spots still 'up for grabs'
Andy Farrell has picked his strongest British and Irish Lions team to take on ACT Brumbies with a warning they have yet to guarantee their selection for the first Test against Australia. Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell. The fixture with the Brumbies is being treated by Farrell as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on July 19. But he insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday's match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress. "The truth of the matter is we have got a good side that's going to take the field on Wednesday and I will tell you what I said to the team," the head coach said. "There's always going to be speculation, but it's up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on in with regards to the chance they have got on Wednesday and on Saturday. "Players can play themselves in and players can play themselves out, but we are looking for a cohesive team performance and that is what we are trying to achieve. "There has to be movement in selection. The nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded. "We play on Saturday after this and have a full week's worth of training, so you have to stay open-minded. A closed book is not good for anyone. "I wouldn't call it a blank slate, you have always got ideas, but you need to leave wriggle room for things to unfold and make a judgement on what you see over the next couple of games." Providing X-factor on the bench are back row Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are viable options against Australia. In normal circumstances flanker Tom Curry and prop Tadhg Furlong would be assured of Test places, but they need big games following underwhelming tours so far. Prop Ellis Genge, flanker Ollie Chessum and full-back Blair Kinghorn must also put their best foot forwards amid fierce competition for places. The likes of Dan Sheehan, Itoje, Gibson-Park, Russell and Jack Conan are nailed-on starters. After a disappointing performance against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, the Lions are looking to build momentum before heading to Adelaide for their penultimate midweek game. The Brumbies were the only provincial side to beat the Lions in 2013 and are dangerous opponents. "There is a real sense of excitement because there's a lot of history that goes with this fixture," Farrell said. "The last two occasions we have played the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against. We know the challenge ahead and it's something we have been looking forward to." Andy Farrell has picked his strongest British and Irish Lions team to take on ACT Brumbies with a warning they have yet to guarantee their selection for the first Test against Australia. Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell. The fixture with the Brumbies is being treated by Farrell as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on July 19. But he insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday's match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress. "The truth of the matter is we have got a good side that's going to take the field on Wednesday and I will tell you what I said to the team," the head coach said. "There's always going to be speculation, but it's up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on in with regards to the chance they have got on Wednesday and on Saturday. "Players can play themselves in and players can play themselves out, but we are looking for a cohesive team performance and that is what we are trying to achieve. "There has to be movement in selection. The nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded. "We play on Saturday after this and have a full week's worth of training, so you have to stay open-minded. A closed book is not good for anyone. "I wouldn't call it a blank slate, you have always got ideas, but you need to leave wriggle room for things to unfold and make a judgement on what you see over the next couple of games." Providing X-factor on the bench are back row Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are viable options against Australia. In normal circumstances flanker Tom Curry and prop Tadhg Furlong would be assured of Test places, but they need big games following underwhelming tours so far. Prop Ellis Genge, flanker Ollie Chessum and full-back Blair Kinghorn must also put their best foot forwards amid fierce competition for places. The likes of Dan Sheehan, Itoje, Gibson-Park, Russell and Jack Conan are nailed-on starters. After a disappointing performance against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, the Lions are looking to build momentum before heading to Adelaide for their penultimate midweek game. The Brumbies were the only provincial side to beat the Lions in 2013 and are dangerous opponents. "There is a real sense of excitement because there's a lot of history that goes with this fixture," Farrell said. "The last two occasions we have played the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against. We know the challenge ahead and it's something we have been looking forward to." Andy Farrell has picked his strongest British and Irish Lions team to take on ACT Brumbies with a warning they have yet to guarantee their selection for the first Test against Australia. Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell. The fixture with the Brumbies is being treated by Farrell as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on July 19. But he insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday's match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress. "The truth of the matter is we have got a good side that's going to take the field on Wednesday and I will tell you what I said to the team," the head coach said. "There's always going to be speculation, but it's up to people to put their best foot forward for a Test spot from now on in with regards to the chance they have got on Wednesday and on Saturday. "Players can play themselves in and players can play themselves out, but we are looking for a cohesive team performance and that is what we are trying to achieve. "There has to be movement in selection. The nature of the format of these two games allows for us to be open-minded. "We play on Saturday after this and have a full week's worth of training, so you have to stay open-minded. A closed book is not good for anyone. "I wouldn't call it a blank slate, you have always got ideas, but you need to leave wriggle room for things to unfold and make a judgement on what you see over the next couple of games." Providing X-factor on the bench are back row Henry Pollock and versatile playmaker Marcus Smith in an opportunity for both England stars to prove they are viable options against Australia. In normal circumstances flanker Tom Curry and prop Tadhg Furlong would be assured of Test places, but they need big games following underwhelming tours so far. Prop Ellis Genge, flanker Ollie Chessum and full-back Blair Kinghorn must also put their best foot forwards amid fierce competition for places. The likes of Dan Sheehan, Itoje, Gibson-Park, Russell and Jack Conan are nailed-on starters. After a disappointing performance against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, the Lions are looking to build momentum before heading to Adelaide for their penultimate midweek game. The Brumbies were the only provincial side to beat the Lions in 2013 and are dangerous opponents. "There is a real sense of excitement because there's a lot of history that goes with this fixture," Farrell said. "The last two occasions we have played the Brumbies there have been four points in it, for and against. We know the challenge ahead and it's something we have been looking forward to."
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Mum Bencic hoping to follow Aussie trailblazers
The odds are against Belinda Bencic winning the Wimbledon women's singles, and not just because she is 35th in the rankings and faces the impressive seventh-seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. She is also a mother, and only three mums have won a grand slam in the Open era. Even Serena Williams cold not do it, though she did reach four finals. Of the trio two are Australians: Margaret Court, who won the Australian, French and US Opens in 1973, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley whose 1980 Wimbledon crown came after she had given birth to daughter Kelly. The only player to do it since is Belgian Kim Clijsters, who triumphed in the US Open in 2009. Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic champion, gave birth to Bella in April 2024, which ruled her out of last year's Wimbledon. Returning as a mum appears to have helped as the 28-year-old had never reached a quarter-final here before, but has now done so, 11 years after her All England Club debut. She beat Russian 18th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on Monday. Victory came with a break point having squandered five match points when serving at 5-3. Bencic said she was surprised how quickly she has found form since coming back on the tour, returning earlier than anticipated as felt so good on the practice court. "I think it's a result of the work we put in and also the mindset that I have now. I still want to win very badly." Bencic said travelling with a child on tour is still relatively easy while Bella is so young, but added: "I'm juggling it like every mum does. So, props to the mums." She subsequently clarified: "I'm really lucky I have a great support from all my family, especially my husband. I didn't want to say just mums who juggle, but also dads and parents in general. I want to make that clear." That juggling, she said, has meant learning to compromise, not easy for an elite athlete. "You have to be really prepared for not being able to do everything just have to let some things go. You have to compromise. "I don't practice as much as I used to. I still try to do the best on the practice court and on the match court. I feel like I am more productive because I have less time. "Then it's also really nice to spend time off the court and pretend that it's the real life, try to make the day as normal as possible and not hang out on-site all the time." Bencic's best result at a grand slam was reaching the 2019 US Open semi-finals. Andreeva powered her way into her first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2 6-3 win over American 10th seed Emma Navarro , becoming the youngest player in the last eight of the women's singles since 2005. The 18-year-old looked at home on Centre Court, using her booming serve and power from the baseline to match the feat of compatriot Maria Sharapova in 2005 at the exact same age - 18 years and 62 days at the start of the tournament. Another Russian, Daria Kasatkina's conqueror Liudmila Samsonova, reached her first grand slam quarter-final by beating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. Samsonova, who has yet to drop a set this tournament, now meets former world No.1 Iga Swiatek. The Pole beat Dane Clara Tauson 6-4 6-1 in 65 minutes to reach her second Wimbledon quarter-final. The odds are against Belinda Bencic winning the Wimbledon women's singles, and not just because she is 35th in the rankings and faces the impressive seventh-seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. She is also a mother, and only three mums have won a grand slam in the Open era. Even Serena Williams cold not do it, though she did reach four finals. Of the trio two are Australians: Margaret Court, who won the Australian, French and US Opens in 1973, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley whose 1980 Wimbledon crown came after she had given birth to daughter Kelly. The only player to do it since is Belgian Kim Clijsters, who triumphed in the US Open in 2009. Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic champion, gave birth to Bella in April 2024, which ruled her out of last year's Wimbledon. Returning as a mum appears to have helped as the 28-year-old had never reached a quarter-final here before, but has now done so, 11 years after her All England Club debut. She beat Russian 18th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on Monday. Victory came with a break point having squandered five match points when serving at 5-3. Bencic said she was surprised how quickly she has found form since coming back on the tour, returning earlier than anticipated as felt so good on the practice court. "I think it's a result of the work we put in and also the mindset that I have now. I still want to win very badly." Bencic said travelling with a child on tour is still relatively easy while Bella is so young, but added: "I'm juggling it like every mum does. So, props to the mums." She subsequently clarified: "I'm really lucky I have a great support from all my family, especially my husband. I didn't want to say just mums who juggle, but also dads and parents in general. I want to make that clear." That juggling, she said, has meant learning to compromise, not easy for an elite athlete. "You have to be really prepared for not being able to do everything just have to let some things go. You have to compromise. "I don't practice as much as I used to. I still try to do the best on the practice court and on the match court. I feel like I am more productive because I have less time. "Then it's also really nice to spend time off the court and pretend that it's the real life, try to make the day as normal as possible and not hang out on-site all the time." Bencic's best result at a grand slam was reaching the 2019 US Open semi-finals. Andreeva powered her way into her first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2 6-3 win over American 10th seed Emma Navarro , becoming the youngest player in the last eight of the women's singles since 2005. The 18-year-old looked at home on Centre Court, using her booming serve and power from the baseline to match the feat of compatriot Maria Sharapova in 2005 at the exact same age - 18 years and 62 days at the start of the tournament. Another Russian, Daria Kasatkina's conqueror Liudmila Samsonova, reached her first grand slam quarter-final by beating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. Samsonova, who has yet to drop a set this tournament, now meets former world No.1 Iga Swiatek. The Pole beat Dane Clara Tauson 6-4 6-1 in 65 minutes to reach her second Wimbledon quarter-final. The odds are against Belinda Bencic winning the Wimbledon women's singles, and not just because she is 35th in the rankings and faces the impressive seventh-seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. She is also a mother, and only three mums have won a grand slam in the Open era. Even Serena Williams cold not do it, though she did reach four finals. Of the trio two are Australians: Margaret Court, who won the Australian, French and US Opens in 1973, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley whose 1980 Wimbledon crown came after she had given birth to daughter Kelly. The only player to do it since is Belgian Kim Clijsters, who triumphed in the US Open in 2009. Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic champion, gave birth to Bella in April 2024, which ruled her out of last year's Wimbledon. Returning as a mum appears to have helped as the 28-year-old had never reached a quarter-final here before, but has now done so, 11 years after her All England Club debut. She beat Russian 18th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on Monday. Victory came with a break point having squandered five match points when serving at 5-3. Bencic said she was surprised how quickly she has found form since coming back on the tour, returning earlier than anticipated as felt so good on the practice court. "I think it's a result of the work we put in and also the mindset that I have now. I still want to win very badly." Bencic said travelling with a child on tour is still relatively easy while Bella is so young, but added: "I'm juggling it like every mum does. So, props to the mums." She subsequently clarified: "I'm really lucky I have a great support from all my family, especially my husband. I didn't want to say just mums who juggle, but also dads and parents in general. I want to make that clear." That juggling, she said, has meant learning to compromise, not easy for an elite athlete. "You have to be really prepared for not being able to do everything just have to let some things go. You have to compromise. "I don't practice as much as I used to. I still try to do the best on the practice court and on the match court. I feel like I am more productive because I have less time. "Then it's also really nice to spend time off the court and pretend that it's the real life, try to make the day as normal as possible and not hang out on-site all the time." Bencic's best result at a grand slam was reaching the 2019 US Open semi-finals. Andreeva powered her way into her first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2 6-3 win over American 10th seed Emma Navarro , becoming the youngest player in the last eight of the women's singles since 2005. The 18-year-old looked at home on Centre Court, using her booming serve and power from the baseline to match the feat of compatriot Maria Sharapova in 2005 at the exact same age - 18 years and 62 days at the start of the tournament. Another Russian, Daria Kasatkina's conqueror Liudmila Samsonova, reached her first grand slam quarter-final by beating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. Samsonova, who has yet to drop a set this tournament, now meets former world No.1 Iga Swiatek. The Pole beat Dane Clara Tauson 6-4 6-1 in 65 minutes to reach her second Wimbledon quarter-final. The odds are against Belinda Bencic winning the Wimbledon women's singles, and not just because she is 35th in the rankings and faces the impressive seventh-seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals. She is also a mother, and only three mums have won a grand slam in the Open era. Even Serena Williams cold not do it, though she did reach four finals. Of the trio two are Australians: Margaret Court, who won the Australian, French and US Opens in 1973, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley whose 1980 Wimbledon crown came after she had given birth to daughter Kelly. The only player to do it since is Belgian Kim Clijsters, who triumphed in the US Open in 2009. Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic champion, gave birth to Bella in April 2024, which ruled her out of last year's Wimbledon. Returning as a mum appears to have helped as the 28-year-old had never reached a quarter-final here before, but has now done so, 11 years after her All England Club debut. She beat Russian 18th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on Monday. Victory came with a break point having squandered five match points when serving at 5-3. Bencic said she was surprised how quickly she has found form since coming back on the tour, returning earlier than anticipated as felt so good on the practice court. "I think it's a result of the work we put in and also the mindset that I have now. I still want to win very badly." Bencic said travelling with a child on tour is still relatively easy while Bella is so young, but added: "I'm juggling it like every mum does. So, props to the mums." She subsequently clarified: "I'm really lucky I have a great support from all my family, especially my husband. I didn't want to say just mums who juggle, but also dads and parents in general. I want to make that clear." That juggling, she said, has meant learning to compromise, not easy for an elite athlete. "You have to be really prepared for not being able to do everything just have to let some things go. You have to compromise. "I don't practice as much as I used to. I still try to do the best on the practice court and on the match court. I feel like I am more productive because I have less time. "Then it's also really nice to spend time off the court and pretend that it's the real life, try to make the day as normal as possible and not hang out on-site all the time." Bencic's best result at a grand slam was reaching the 2019 US Open semi-finals. Andreeva powered her way into her first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2 6-3 win over American 10th seed Emma Navarro , becoming the youngest player in the last eight of the women's singles since 2005. The 18-year-old looked at home on Centre Court, using her booming serve and power from the baseline to match the feat of compatriot Maria Sharapova in 2005 at the exact same age - 18 years and 62 days at the start of the tournament. Another Russian, Daria Kasatkina's conqueror Liudmila Samsonova, reached her first grand slam quarter-final by beating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. Samsonova, who has yet to drop a set this tournament, now meets former world No.1 Iga Swiatek. The Pole beat Dane Clara Tauson 6-4 6-1 in 65 minutes to reach her second Wimbledon quarter-final.
