Tennis Today: Huge boost for women’s tennis while Vietnam trolls Andy Murray

Michael Graham 20 Jul 2018 6:35 AM

In Tennis Today, revealing television statistics are released, Andy Murray gets trolled, and we enjoy some wedding snaps from one WTA Tour star’s big day.

What’s on the site
Let’s get this out of the way first, because it’s a burning question that simply won’t be contained. Have you ever wanted to hear Roger Federer singing ‘happy birthday’ in Chinese?

Of course you have, and don’t you DARE pretend otherwise. Well, here is your chance.

We have an exclusive interview with Wimbledon wheelchair king Gordon Reid, and it’s absolutely splendid.

Kevin Anderson never quite made it to the throne at Wimbledon, which is perhaps understandable given the state he says the semi-final left him in.

Finally, Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has opened up about struggles with vulnerability, and Michael Graham believes that added dimension to him has done nothing but add to his legend.

What’s in the news
The BBC has revealed that its Ultra HD World Cup and Wimbledon coverage received more 1.6m live requests. The peak was 60.3k on July 7 when England took on Sweden in the World Cup and Day 6 at Wimbledon.

However, Phil Layton, Head of Broadcast and Connected Systems, BBC R&D, warns that major improvements are still needed.

On the subject of television, ESPN has revealed that the women’s Wimbledon final absolutely spanked the men’s final in the ratings this year.

TennisworldUSA write: “The ESPN channel picked a 2.1 rating for the championship clash between Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams, getting up to a 2.4 rating in the late stages of the match. This is a better result than the 2017 final between Garbine Muguruza and Venus Williams, that drew a 1.7 rating.

The straight sets men’s final on Sunday won by the Serb Novak Djokovic over Kevin Anderson 6-2 6-2 7-6(3), got a 0.9 initial rating, which is a lot lower than 2017 match between Roger Federer and Marin Cilic that picked a 1.5 rating.

Elsewhere, Andy Murray‘s fall outside the world’s top 800 has caused joy in Vietnam.

Former world number one Murray has plummeted to number 839 in the world after his injury struggles, but Vietnam are just loving it because it is giving them a chance to point out that world number 553 “Ly Hoang Nam is now 337 places higher than Andy Murray.”

What’s on social media
Just Elina Svitolina and Andy Murray on the practice courts. Something very satisfying about seeing Murray back in action. Vietnam really brings out the best in Scotland’s finest.

Easing into the first day back with a little hit with @andy_murray #pressure #nomistakes pic.twitter.com/o3QyZbwQbp

— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) July 19, 2018

It brings a smile to our faces as well Kevin.

This still brings a smile to my face #throwbackthursday #tbt #wimbledon @wimbledon

A post shared by Kevin Anderson (@kandersonatp) on Jul 19, 2018 at 3:29am PDT

Novak Djokovic’s heartfelt message.

[Part 1] Dear Family & Friends, I am writing this message between nappy change and a dinosaurs book. I wish to share, with all of you, how it felt to go through the journey of winning Wimbledon 2018. First of all, let me start by writing that the feeling of having my son in my wife’s arms at the trophy ceremony in the Player’s box was the most wonderful sensation I have had at any tournament that I have ever won in my career. When I became a father, one of my biggest dreams was to have my children present at the stands while I am playing. Let alone winning trophies. That dream came true several days ago. Everyone keeps on asking me to describe the feeling. I have said it is unforgettable, special, fulfilling, wonderful, joyful. But most of all, it is magical! When I thought that moment could not get any better, he shouted “Daddy, Daddy!“. That’s when I completely melted. Overwhelmed with emotions. Happy and joyful beyond belief. I am so GRATEFUL to have experienced that. I have imagined and prayed that one day I would win a Grand Slam trophy in front of my child. Luckily for me, Tara is growing up and I can’t wait for her to see me do the same as I did in front of Stefan. My whole (more or less) was about tennis until I became a father and husband. Everything I did was aimed at tennis success. When I became father and husband, my “world” evolved. It didn’t change, it evolved into something more beautiful. Of course, more responsibilities add up but at the end of the day, it unlocks a new dimension of Love and Energy inside of you that you never knew existed. And the biggest gift that you receive from God is the enhanced feeling of empathy, compassion and devotion to your kids. But it’s not all clear once you become a father. It takes learning and openness to reach that “golden balance” in Life which everyone is in pursuit for. For me it was balance between tennis, priorities and family. My wife was so helpful and supportive all the way since she gave birth to both Stefan and Tara. She always took time to discuss whatever bothered me and to help me find a way where I can feel like I am giving my best at home with kids and her and at the tennis court.

A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) on Jul 19, 2018 at 2:03pm PDT

WTA star Karolina Pliskova had a bit of a big day…