Tennis Today: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic ‘risking their good name’
In Tennis Today, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are “urged to break their silence” while Juan Martin del Potro starts the road to recovery.
What’s on the site
Andy Murray is seen as one of the world greats of this era, but Johnny Nic believes his brother Jamie deserves to be rated more highly.
Joe Tyler caught up with rising British tennis star Jake Draper and asked whether he could swap his junior Wimbledon trophy for the real thing in the next few years.
World No 1 Simona Halep won’t feature at the WTA Finals as she has failed to recover from injury.
There is finally good news for the revamped Davis Cup as Rafael Nadal has committed to the 2019 tournament.
Results round-up:
ATP Antwerp
ATP Moscow
WTA Moscow
WTA Luxembourg
What’s in the news
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are set to play an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia in December, but the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has made things uncomfortable for the pair.
“Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, men of conscience and integrity, continue to risk their good name by accepting an invitation to play in a meaningless exhibition in Saudi Arabia, a regime under critical scrutiny for the disappearance of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi,” writes Guardian Sport’s Kevin Mitchell.
From serious news to “entertainment” news as The Sun goes with “Maria Sharapova seen with millionaire British boyfriend for first time as tennis star heads on Cotswolds date”.
What’s on social media
Michael B. Jordan’s belated birthday gift to Naomi Osaka.
This one is better and more recent. LOL ?? Happy Belated Bday Naomi. But seriously I want to invite you to the Creed 2 premiere as a bday present ?? pic.twitter.com/TS8vmSsRdM
— Michael B. Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) October 17, 2018
Serena Williams and the Duchess of Sussex wearing the same blazers.
Juan Martin del Potro on the road to recovery.
.@delpotrojuan is already following the rehabilitation plan put together by his medical team. For the past few days he’s been using a splint that keeps the knee immobilized while he follows the doctors’ advice.#Delpo #DelPotro pic.twitter.com/NiJGVKcuWa
— Jorge Viale (@jorgeviale) October 17, 2018
What’s on TV
ATP
Sky is not broadcasting any of the ATP events this week.
WTA Kremlin Cup
11:00-19:30
LIVE – BT Sport 1
WTA Luxembourg Open
13:00-22:00
LIVE – BT Sport 2
Latest
-
NewsAndy Murray confirms Surbiton Trophy entry following French Open absence
Murray and Dan Evans have been given wild cards, while Venus Williams will play in Birmingham.
-
NewsCameron Norrie invites rock royalty to his Wimbledon player’s box
The Briton revealed an unlikely friendship earlier this year when he hit with the singing superstar.
-
French OpenTeen sensation and Andy Murray fan Mirra Andreeva to crack 100 in rankings
Mirra Andreeva set to surge to a career-high of No 97.
-
Tennis NewsDenis Shapovalov says he is ‘a huge fan’ of Carlos Alcaraz ahead of French Open clash
The Canadian praised the world No 1 for being “super humble” given what he has already achieved.
-
French OpenAryna Sabalenka refuses to answer questions about war from Ukrainian journalist
The world No 2 was asked about her apparent links to Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.
-
French Open‘Iron Man’ Novak Djokovic keeps mum about mysterious object on chest
Novak Djokovic trying to impersonate Iron Man.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu splits with fifth coach in two years
The former German player was appointed in mid-December.
-
French OpenCarlos Alcaraz says he ‘does not copy’ Djokovic, Nadal or Federer
The world No 1 has declared he is “simply 100% Alcaraz”.
-
French OpenThanasi Kokkinakis after brutal win: ‘S*** I have to go again in two days’
“To try and win five sets is brutal. It’s a pain, especially on clay.”
-
ATP TourTennis player cops big fine, docked ranking points after disgraceful incident
Mikael Ymer lost his prize money, fined and docked his ranking points.