Tennis Today: Doubts over Maria Sharapova’s future while Serena Williams gets back to work

Tennis Today
Maria Sharapova downbeat

In Tennis Today, there are questions over Maria Sharapova’s tennis future while Serena Williams swaps the Met Gala red carpet for the clay of Rome.

What’s on the site
The curtain came down on David Ferrer’s professional career on Wednesday and the Big Three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were among those who paid tribute to the Spaniard.

Alexander Zverev has received some support from Nadal and Djokovic after his recent struggles.

And Zverev looked like he turned the corner as he was the man to send Ferrer into retirement with victory at the Madrid Open.

King of Clay Nadal was also a winner in Madrid on Wednesday.

On the WTA Tour side, Simona Halep was in inspired form as she produced a double bagel.

What’s in the news
Maria Sharapova won’t feature at the Nature Valley Classic at Edgbaston this year and Mike Dickson in the Daily Mail says her absence from the “women’s pre-Wimbledon event raised further questions about when, or whether, she will be seen this summer”.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova appeared on The All New Monty: Ladies Night and Daily Mail reports how show broke down “as she compares breast cancer battle to her difficult upbringing… admitting she was more worried about ‘hurting her mum'”.

The Justin Gimelstob case is back in the news with The Telegraph reporting that the assault case could be “reopened after prosecutors in LA claim he breached terms of plea bargain”.

In the latest The Tennis Podcast, they discuss the Justin Gimelstob aftermath, Johanna Konta’s improvement, Roger Federer’s return and more.

What’s on social media
Instagram is filled with Ferrer tributes.

 

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#GraciasFerru

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Here is Alexander Zverev.

 

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Thank you very much David for showing me what it really means to be a top player and to really know how much work and professionalism it takes to be at the top. As I said I have the most respect for you as a player and as a person since the first time we played in my hometown Hamburg back in 2014 where you left me absolutely no chance. Believe it or not it was the best present you could have given me. Showing me what level a top 5 tennis player has and more importantly what level you have. I’m absolutely honored to have shared the court with you on many occasions and also for your last ever professional match tonight. Thank you for everything David. The tennis world will miss you #thankyouferru

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Simona Halep meets Ronaldo…the Brazilian one.

 

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IL FENOMENO ??

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Serena Williams has arrived in Rome.

What’s on TV
ATP Madrid
LIVE – Amazon Prime Video

WTA Prague
LIVE – BT Sport 1

Maria Sharapova Serena Williams

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