Tennis Today: Lewis Hamilton ‘challenges’ Serena Williams, while Andy Murray has ‘grumpy’ tendencies

Tennis Today
Andy Murray upset

In Tennis Today, Lewis Hamilton has issued a “challenge” to Serena Williams while Andy Murray can sometimes be “grumpy” on the court.

What’s on the site
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer had plenty of fun at the Laver Cup, but if you think that will change their “intense” ATP Tour rivalry, then you are wrong.

World No 1 Simona Halep is in a race against time to be fit for the WTA Finals after injuring her back at the China Open.

Pencil in New Year’s Day for a great day of tennis as it will be Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic up against Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the 2019 Hopman Cup.

What’s in the news
On the back of Fernando Verdasco berating a ball boy at the China Open, Guardian Sport has a brilliant piece with former ball boy Francisco Navas about his three years at the Miami Open.

“Between 2009 and 2011, I was lucky to be on court with every player – male and female – in the world top 25, except Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro. Andy Murray could be grumpy but he was never abusive. Novak Djokovic and Gaël Monfils were fun and kind, but Marcos Baghdatis, who once told us jokes throughout a memorable doubles match, was my favorite.”

Staying with the Verdasco incident, The Independent reports that the “ATP are planning to relieve ball-boy butlers of their towel duties and accelerate plans to install back-court towel-racks for future events”.

Telegraph Sport reports that Britain will host a Fed Cup tie for the first time in 25 years and the honours have been given to Bath University.

This week’s Tennis Podcast discusses the political state of tennis, Aryna Sabalenka’s latest win and Bernard Tomic’s return to the winner’s circle.

In his latest interview with Metro.co.uk, American Todd Martin believes Novak Djokovic can surpass Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles.

“I think if he stays at that level, he’ll get past.”

What’s on social media
Lewis Hamilton’s “challenge” to Serena Williams

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Fun times with my dad and brother @nicolashamilton today. @serenawilliams I’m coming for you next??????

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on

Players at the China Open are taking part in the “chopstick challenge”. Here is Alexander Zverev in action.

In case you missed Angelique Kerber’s effort.

Eugenie Bouchard asked for Halloween ideas and Twitter delivered.

Please don’t confuse Nishioka with Nishikori.

What’s on TV
ATP China Open
05:30-12:30
LIVE – Sky Sports Arena

ATP Japan Open
04:00-12:00
LIVE – Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Action

WTA China Open
06:30-14:30
LIVE – BT Sport 1

Andy Murray Serena Williams

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