Tennis Today: Li Na’s heart of gold, Roger Federer’s ‘epic selfie’, ATP star in ‘I f***ing hate tennis’ rant

Shahida Jacobs
February 7, 2020

In Tennis Today, we go from good to bad as Li Na digs deep to help fight the coronavirus, Roger Federer has fun while an ATP star throws a tantrum.

What’s on the site
The days of “extreme competitiveness” with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are now something of the past, says the other member of the Big Three, Rafael Nadal.

Staying with Nadal and the Spaniard is still the King of Clay and he will be the favourite to win another title at Roland Garros.

However, former world No 1 Lleyton Hewitt has named two players who will be a real threat to Nadal this year.

Patrick Mouratoglou, the man who is coaching Serena Williams, has welcomed the WTA decision to trial some in-play coaching this season, and he believes it is long overdue.

And some more Federer news ahead of Match in Africa Cape Town, the 20-time Grand Slam winner hopes to see South Africa back on the ATP Tour calendar.

What’s in the news
Well done Li Na!

The South China Morning Post reports that the two-time Grand Slam winner, who is from Wuhan, is donating ¥3 million ($430,000) to help fight the coronavirus.

The Australian Open audience was up 4% on ESPN and ESPN2 in 2020 when compared to last year, according to figures released by ESPN.

Interestingly, the women’s final between champion Sofia Kenin and Garbine Muguruza was the second-best day over the fortnight with f 673,000 viewers while Saturday, January 25 (which included the Next Gen clash between Kenin and Coco Gauff) was the best with 725,000 viewers.

What’s on social media
Roger Federer’s “epic selfie” with Rafael Nadal and some rich bloke.

View this post on Instagram

I can’t ever thank you enough for your support of the @rogerfederer.foundation ?? @thisisbillgates @rafaelnadal #epicselfie #matchinafrica

A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) on Feb 6, 2020 at 8:07am PST

It’s becoming a common theme for players to express just how much they hate tennis while playing, erm tennis. Yes, we are looking at you Mr Nick Kyrgios.

Alexander Bublik is the latest player to go off during a match with the Kazhak player yelling “I f*cking hate tennis, with all my heart. F*cking hate tennis” while taking on Henri Laaksonen at the Open Sud de France.

Bublik:
“I f*cking hate tennis, with all my heart. F*cking hate tennis. The f*cking ugliest of all sports. I hate every day I have to play it. I hate to fight, I don’t like it.”

Note: Bublik then won 2nd set and recovered from a break down in the 3rd to win 3rd set tiebreak.

— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) February 5, 2020

Friends, but not “close friends”.

View this post on Instagram

#MatchInAfrica Super happy to be in Cape Town sharing this unique event with my friend @rogerfederer

A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) on Feb 6, 2020 at 9:07am PST

Roger Federer and his foundation doing good work in Namibia.

View this post on Instagram

Incredible visit to Namibia to see our future education initiatives in this incredible country. Children are tomorrow’s future. ???? @rogerfederer.foundation #education

A post shared by Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) on Feb 6, 2020 at 12:37am PST

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ fitness session.

Your V.I.P. pass inside a @StefTsitsipas fitness session ?? pic.twitter.com/CW4RlUQAtn

— Mouratoglou Tennis Academy (@MouratoglouAcad) February 6, 2020

‘Uncle’ Andy Murray and Aidan McHugh.