Tennis Today: Andy Murray a ‘comedy talent’, Boris Becker says ‘buddy’ Novak Djokovic has a ‘weak smash’

In Tennis Today, Andy Murray is so funny that he could have a career as a stand-up comedian after his tennis career while Boris Becker is not afraid to “shame” his “buddy” Novak Djokovic for his poor smashing abilities.
What’s on the site
Naturally the US Open continues to dominate headlines and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash is unimpressed with the “bio-bubble” protocols that are in place.
Away from health and safety measures, the great Brad Gilbert concedes Novak Djokovic is the “huge favourite” to win the US Open, but he also believes there will be some surprises.
And just because we are talking about Brad Gilbert, here is a T365 Recall about Andy Murray’s first-ever ATP Tour win over Roger Federer with none other than Gilbert coaching the young Scot.
Meanwhile, Garbine Muguruza is a major doubt for the US Open after she was forced to pull out of the Western & Southern Open.
And in case you missed it, world No 2 Simona Halep is the latest high-profile player to withdraw from the US Open.
Away from the US Open and past year was a good one for the top WTA Tour stars as they dominate the 2020 Forbes Highest-Paid Female Athletes list.
What’s in the news
Andy Murray is known for his dry sense of humour and the hosts of TV show A League of Their Own believe he could have a career as a stand-up comedian once he hangs up his tennis racket.
According to the Daily Record, “Freddie Flintoff claims Murray is one of the most ‘iconic’ guests they’ve had” while “co-host Romesh Ranganathan claims Murray is so funny it’s ‘crazy'”.
Ranganathan added: “I could not believe it – he could be a stand-up.”
In case you wanted to know, Murray will appear on A League of Their Own on Thursday.
Here is WTAtennis.com’s obituary to Angela Buxton after the former Wimbledon singles finalist and two-time Grand Slam doubles champion died. Buxton partnered American Althea Gibson to win the French Open and Wimbledon in 1956.
“Buxton and Gibson weren’t like other tennis players in the 1950s. Because Buxton was Jewish and Gibson was Black, they were sometimes excluded from clubs and shunned by other players. But although they were outsiders among their peers, together they made history.”
There is a good interview with Daniil Medvedev’s coach Gilles Cervara on ATPTour.com about life in lockdown and tennis’ big return.
What’s on social media
We know you are here for Boris Becker declaring his “buddy” Novak Djokovic has the “weakest smash in the top 100”.
Do you know who has the weakest smash in the top 100 of the world? It’s @TheBorisBecker buddy! ?? pic.twitter.com/HMdgq2DCiP
— Top Level Tennis (@topleveltennis) August 18, 2020
And here is Becker’s buddy hitting Flushing Meadows.
It has been a while since we had a G.E.M.S video (to be fair, it has been a while since we have done anything) so here you go.
The Murray brothers in New York.
Venus Williams’ Wonder Woman series.
What’s on TV
ATP and WTA
No live tennis until the joint ATP-WTA Western & Southern Open starts over the weekend.
Thursday
A League of Their Own featuring “funny man” Andy Murray (Sky One HD)
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
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