Tennis Today: Dominic Thiem escalates Serena Williams feud, and gets the backing of Roger Federer

Serena Williams deep in thought

In Tennis Today, the argument between Serena Williams and Dominic Thiem has escalated, with the Austrian gaining a powerful supporter.

What’s on the site
Let’s start with Serena Williams’ needless spat with Dominic Thiem. If you need catching up, Williams kicked up a bit of a stink after her match and had Thiem removed from the main media room so she could get her press duties done and dusted.

Naturally, Thiem was not very happy about it, and you can see the incident for yourself right here. 

We’ve had our say too, with Michael Graham questioning what this does for Williams’ credibility in the fight for equality in tennis. 

In more pleasant news, it seems that Andy Murray is serving again – so we have the latest on his comeback.

And we continued our legends of Roland Garros mini-series by looking back at the achievements of a very special Belgian woman.

What’s in the news
Frankly, it’s all about the growing feud between Serena Williams and Dominic Thiem.

Thiem initially simply walked out and refused to partake in his media duties after the Williams-prompted shun by French Open officials.

Now, though, he has given his take on it to German Eurosport.

“Actually, I wasn’t angry or frustrated. Maybe for a couple of minutes or so. It is just the principle,” Thiem said.

“It doesn’t matter, if it is me who sits in there. I still made a wrong statement. I said that I am not a junior anymore. But even if a junior is in there, every player has to wait.

“It also shows a bad personality in my opinion. I am 100 percent sure Federer or Nadal would never do something like that.”

What is perhaps even worse for Williams’ reputation coming out of this is that Roger Federer agrees.

“Something went wrong for this to happen,” said Federer.

“There’s always a way to go, that the one who is still in the tournament gets priority.

“If I would have lost today against (Leonardo Mayer) I would let him go first or decide when he wants to go to press as he’s got a next match.

“I understand Dominic’s frustration. For him it’s just about how in the world did this happen?”

What’s on social media
Martina Hingis added to her ‘hiking with baby’ picture collection…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Catching some sun on another beautiful hike. Becoming expert front and back- packers! 💪🏼☀️the views better from here! #mauijim

A post shared by Martina Hingis (@martinahingis80) on

Sofia Kenin paid her respects to a vanquished legend.

Genie Bouchard stripped, in a typically subtle fashion that in no way courted public attention…

 

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FULL TRANSPARENCY: I was wearing a pink shirt while sight seeing and I was sweating A LOT. The sweat marks were very visible to the point where it was awkward and people were staring. So I ran into a tourist shop and got a white ‘I ♥️ Paris’ shirt cuz at least white hides sweat marks better lol. Had to absolutely change right away outside the store. And girls, I know y’all feel me and have this skill cuz we’ve all been there doing a quick change in public lmao. The guy on the right is a fan waiting for me to change to take a pic hahaha poor guy witnessed the whole thing. Gotta do whatcha gotta do 🤷🏼‍♀️ ALSO please excuse my f bomb!!! My grandma films everything lmao

A post shared by Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) on

And Serena Williams reacted to her French Open exit.

 

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Yesterday was not my day. But it’s about getting up time and time again after you fall. Here’s to a multitude of tomorrows.

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

What’s on TV
ATP & WTA Roland Garros
LIVE – Eurosport 1/2 and ITV4

Dominic Thiem Roger Federer Serena Williams

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