Tennis Today: Lewis Hamilton ‘challenges’ Serena Williams, while Andy Murray has ‘grumpy’ tendencies

In Tennis Today, Lewis Hamilton has issued a “challenge” to Serena Williams while Andy Murray can sometimes be “grumpy” on the court.
What’s on the site
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer had plenty of fun at the Laver Cup, but if you think that will change their “intense” ATP Tour rivalry, then you are wrong.
World No 1 Simona Halep is in a race against time to be fit for the WTA Finals after injuring her back at the China Open.
Pencil in New Year’s Day for a great day of tennis as it will be Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic up against Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the 2019 Hopman Cup.
What’s in the news
On the back of Fernando Verdasco berating a ball boy at the China Open, Guardian Sport has a brilliant piece with former ball boy Francisco Navas about his three years at the Miami Open.
“Between 2009 and 2011, I was lucky to be on court with every player – male and female – in the world top 25, except Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro. Andy Murray could be grumpy but he was never abusive. Novak Djokovic and Gaël Monfils were fun and kind, but Marcos Baghdatis, who once told us jokes throughout a memorable doubles match, was my favorite.”
Staying with the Verdasco incident, The Independent reports that the “ATP are planning to relieve ball-boy butlers of their towel duties and accelerate plans to install back-court towel-racks for future events”.
Telegraph Sport reports that Britain will host a Fed Cup tie for the first time in 25 years and the honours have been given to Bath University.
This week’s Tennis Podcast discusses the political state of tennis, Aryna Sabalenka’s latest win and Bernard Tomic’s return to the winner’s circle.
In his latest interview with Metro.co.uk, American Todd Martin believes Novak Djokovic can surpass Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles.
“I think if he stays at that level, he’ll get past.”
What’s on social media
Lewis Hamilton’s “challenge” to Serena Williams
View this post on Instagram
Players at the China Open are taking part in the “chopstick challenge”. Here is Alexander Zverev in action.
You need a tiny break after that intense set of tennis? Here is Zverev competing in our chopstick challenge 💪🏻🤗 (music credit: Aleksey-Zaykov, stomps and claps, https://t.co/kEbKRN3sS6 ) pic.twitter.com/vaEmKG68se
— China Open (@ChinaOpen) October 2, 2018
In case you missed Angelique Kerber’s effort.
You really need to watch @AngeliqueKerber compete in our chopsticks challenge! This was quite something! #IncredibleAngie pic.twitter.com/IXL8NCu2Ms
— China Open (@ChinaOpen) October 1, 2018
Eugenie Bouchard asked for Halloween ideas and Twitter delivered.
Halloween ideas? Serious suggestions only plz
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) October 2, 2018
Please don’t confuse Nishioka with Nishikori.
‘Please remember my name. It’s not Nishikori, it’s Nishioka.’ pic.twitter.com/2M6meD8poz
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 30, 2018
What’s on TV
ATP China Open
05:30-12:30
LIVE – Sky Sports Arena
ATP Japan Open
04:00-12:00
LIVE – Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Action
WTA China Open
06:30-14:30
LIVE – BT Sport 1
Latest
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Every winner from Carlos Alcaraz during his Miami Open victory over Taylor Fritz
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t make a single unforced error against Taylor Fritz!
-
French Open
WATCH: Rafael Nadal receives replica of Roland Garros sculpture, sets low-key goal for French Open
Rafael Nadal now has a replica of his Roland Garros statue in Manacor.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Elena Rybakina ups the aggression to beat Jessica Pegula and stay on course for Sunshine Double
Elena Rybakina edges closer to joining an elite list.
-
ATP Tour
‘Carlos Alcaraz tougher to face than Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and ahead of Big Three at the same age’
High praise for Carlos Alcaraz from Taylor Fritz.
-
Tennis News
Tennis umpire hit with lifetime ban for manipulating scoring in several matches
ITIA comes down hard on corrupt official.
-
US Open
Novak Djokovic gets good news for 2023 US Open and other tournaments in America
Novak Djokovic is set to return to the United States.
-
Tennis News
Joao Sousa opens up about torrent of death threats, abuse, insults on social media from gamblers
Something needs to be done about social media abuse, says Joao Sousa.
-
Tennis News
Former Dutch No 1 says ATP top 20 is weaker than a decade ago, urges sport to move with the times
Robin Haase on the state of the game.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Novak Djokovic rewards youngster after his lost credit card is returned at basketball match
This way for some wholesome content featuring Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hopes to inspire ‘beast’ Fernando Alonso to a 33rd F1 race win
Carlos Alcaraz a big fan of Fernando Alonso.