Tennis Today: ‘Brat’ throws tantrum, Wimbledon and co join bushfire relief efforts, Serena Williams ‘beaming’

Shahida Jacobs
January 14, 2020

In Tennis Today, “brat” Yulia Putintseva was at it again, Serena Williams has touched down in Melbourne and Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams have pledged support to Australia’s bushfire relief efforts.

What’s on the site
The inaugural ATP Cup has been hailed as a resounding success, yet the debate over what happens next for this compelling event will now begin in earnest, writes Kevin Palmer.

The smoke from the bushfires Down Under is starting to take its toll ahead of the Australian Open as a player was forced to withdraw from qualifying after a coughing fit while several matches were stopped.

After starting 2020 with a red-hot betting tip that landed, tennis betting guru Derek Bilton is back to help you pick winners from Adelaide and Auckland.

Roger Federer has tipped three Next Gen players to shine at the 2020 Australian Open and we have to admit that we are somewhat surprised by one of the names.

Playing energy sapping tennis before a Grand Slam is not everyone’s cup of tea, but Novak Djokovic hopes his ATP Cup adventure will have a positive impact on his Australian Open campaign.

Sticking with Djokovic, there was high praise for the 16-time Grand Slam winner from world No 1 Rafael Nadal after the ATP Cup.

What’s in the news
Bernard Tomic’s hopes of competing in the 2020 Australian Open are over after he exited in the first round of qualifying, reports The West Australian.

Tomic was one of several players who struggled to breathe due to the smoke from the bushfires.

“Brat” Yulia Putintseva upset fans on Monday with Yahoo! Sport Australia reporting that she “angrily remonstrated with the chair umpire before throwing her racquet and storming off court for a comfort break”.

If you were wondering what Serena Williams wore when she arrived in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open, wonder no more as the Daily Mail has come to your rescue.

“The athlete dressed casually in blue trackpants and a matching longsleeve top,” read the story.

“She teamed her relaxed look with Nike sneakers and accessorised with a colourful bandana and red-framed sunglasses.”

Now you know.

Staying with Serena, in case you missed Metro.co.uk’s piece on her pre-season training camp with Coco Gauff and Mike Tyson then HERE YOU GO.

What’s on social media
The International Tennis Federation, Wimbledon, Roland Garros and US Open are the latest to pledge their support for Australian Bushfire Relief.

#Wimbledon, @ITF_Tennis, @usopen and @rolandgarros pledge support for Australian Bushfire Relief alongside @TennisAustralia‘s #Aces4BushfireRelief campaign 🌏

Read more to get involved ⬇️https://t.co/2MAql2OtQU

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) January 13, 2020

Some Tuesday morning lolz from the ATP Cup.

Serena Williams shows off her non-tennis playing skills.

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Flipping to Melbourne. Thanks @jarmere #rockstarrpartner

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Jan 12, 2020 at 3:00pm PST

Great interview with Rafael Nadal on @60minutes.

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In case you missed @60minutes last night… GREAT Interview with @rafaelnadal?? ??: @cbstv

A post shared by Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rafanadalacademy) on Jan 12, 2020 at 9:03pm PST

Spare a thought for Eugenie Bouchard, but she did manage to come through her qualifier.

Just when you thought Genie Bouchard was finally catching a break, she’s now set to face the ENTIRE CAST of a Netflix series in the AO qualies https://t.co/mlRd2FZGXj

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 13, 2020

Someone puts a phone down in Ash Barty’s ear.

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“It’s @ashbarty… She hung up on me!” ⠀ That’s brutal, @kerrynharrington. 😂 ⠀ #AdelaideTennis

A post shared by WTA (@wta) on Jan 13, 2020 at 5:52pm PST