Tennis Today: Praises and problems in equal measures

Shahida Jacobs

In Tennis Today, Alize Cornet, Rafael Nadal and Boris Becker aren’t exactly have a good week while Hyeon Chung and Kyle Edmund have plenty to cheer about.

What’s on the site
Alize Cornet is facing a possible ban from the International Tennis Federation after missing three out-of-competition doping tests in the past year.

She, however, has defended herself saying she passed 20 tests in 2017, missed just three, and the ITF don’t want to hear what she has to say.

We bring your part 2 of T365’s exclusive interview with the legend that is Andre Agassi as he talks Novak Djokovic, the women’s game and tennis in the USA.

Have a look at the top-ten unseeded Australian Open semi-finalists from Hyeon Chung to Marcos Baghdatis.

There is more praise for Chung and Kyle Edmund, and this time it coming from Roger Federer.

And you can catch all Thursday’s tennis action live on T365’s new live centre.

What’s in the news
Rafael Nadal’s doctor says years of tennis and a demanding schedule have taken their toll on the world No 1’s body.

“The physical condition that Rafa had with 20 years is different from the one he has with 32, after a life dedicated to high competition.

“This is logical in professional sports, as happens to Nadal happens to other players,” he said.

Roger Federer has wished Nadal a speedy recovery.

“It’s hard to watch someone go out in five sets and not being able to finish,” he said of seeing Nadal struggle.

“I wrote Rafa late last night (Tuesday) before I went to bed. Last thing I did. I said I have to write Rafa and see how he’s doing.”

Never going to win a Wimbledon trophy? That’s okay you might be able to purchase one of Boris Becker’s six Grand Slam trophies after the German fell into a bit of financial trouble.

It is time the ladies stepped up to five-set Grand Slams, that’s according to Pat Cash.

What’s on social media
There’s a big baby love-in between Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams.

We all like a tweener and Mark Philippoussis delivered.

https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/956134448453464065

These legends sure know how to entertain.

https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/956133397809655808

It is a goodbye to Sam Goth…

https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/956082001756479488

What’s on TV
It is time for the semi-finals and the women are first up as Elise Mertens takes on Caroline Wozniacki before Simona Halep squares off against Angelique Kerber. Then it’s the big one with Kyle Edmund take on Marin Cilic for a place in the final.

07:00-14:00 (Thursday morning)
LIVE – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

0:00-13:30 (Thursday morning)
LIVE – Eurosport 1

On Friday, Hyeon Chung will face defending champion Roger Federer in the second semi-final. It’s also the women’s doubles finals as Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic take on Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina.

08:00-12:00 (Friday morning)
LIVE – BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

00:00-13:30 (Friday morning)
LIVE – Eurosport 1

* The BBC Sport website will stream live radio and TV highlights