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

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.
Novak Djokovic’s heartfelt message.
WTA star Karolina Pliskova had a bit of a big day…
While Kristyna looked stunning at her sister’s side.
What’s on TV
WTA Bucharest Open
11:00-20:30
LIVE – BT Sport2
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu shrugs off pressure talk after Wimbledon exit: ‘I’m still 19. It’s a joke. I literally won a Slam’
Emma Raducanu bats away pressure talk.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray not making long-term predictions, but insists ‘if physically I feel good, then I’ll keep playing’
Andy Murray vows to keep going if his body holds up.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon TV channels, streaming info: How to watch Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff on Thursday
Your Wimbledon TV, streaming, order of play guide.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day four: British favourites fall but Cameron Norrie keeps home flag flying
Cameron Norrie ensured at least one Briton would reach the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray will ask how much more he can take after Wimbledon defeat
It was almost as if Andy Murray…
-
News
Cameron Norrie not trying to ‘make a name’ for himself at Wimbledon
The British number one won in five sets to make the third round at SW19 for a second consecutive year.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic offers support to family of Boris Becker
Novak Djokovic has hosted Becker’s family in his player’s box in both rounds of Wimbledon so far.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic to make Laver Cup call after Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic is interested in taking part in the Laver Cup.
-
US Open
John McEnroe paints a grim picture for Novak Djokovic
John McEnroe sees a future where Novak Djokovic ends the year ranked outside the top 40.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon dream dies – but what comes next matters more
Raducanu may have failed to live up to ridiculous Wimbledon expectations, but it is far too early to write her off.