Tennis Today: Mamma mia! Serena Williams reveals ‘awful’ grass diet, Roger Federer enjoys an Italian meal

In Tennis Today, it’s all about food as Serena Williams reveals her grass diet while Roger Federer goes the Italian route.
What’s on the site
Guess who’s back, back again? Serena Williams returned to action with a win at the Italian Open on Monday.
In the men’s draw, it was a mixed day for British tennis as Cameron Norrie was the only Brit to advance.
Wonder how what ATP Rankings look like after this weekend’s Madrid Open? Wonder no more…
As for the WTA Rankings, Naomi Osaka just about held onto top spot.
The out-of-sorts Grigor Dimitrov has added another former player to his coaching set-up ahead of the French Open.
What’s in the news
We have had some strange eating habits from athletes over the years, but Serena Williams’ grass diet certainly takes the cake (grass?).
“I’ve just been on this diet. It has been awful. When you’re sedentary, it becomes hard to manage your body,” she told The Times (Subscription).
“So you have to eat grass. That’s kind of what I did. It was a nightmare. But it worked and paid off.”
In The Guardian, Donald McRae has an interview with Next Gen star Frances Tiafoe, who talks about his “incredible life story”.
If this quote doesn’t want you to read the interview, then nothing will.
“Sleeping on folding tables in the office, was where my adventure started. I was thinking, ‘How’s this story going to end?’ I saw tennis as the way to get me somewhere else. It was me thinking: ‘Can you imagine if we do this right? It would be incredible. You can’t make it up.’ I want to use the story now to inspire others. You don’t have to be from the upper echelon to be great. If you want something in life, go get it.”
We missed this on Monday, but Metro.co.uk is doing a series with WTA players and Belinda Bencic is the latest to pen her piece.
“Coming up behind Federer and Hingis was tough, but I’m ready for it now”.
What’s on social media
Roger Federer enjoys a nice Italian meal.
Alexander Zverev taking care of his young fans…after he accidentally hit them.
Rafael Nadal having a hit in Rome while Uncle Toni watches on.
A familiar face…@RafaelNadal practices in Rome with Uncle Toni watching on! ??#IBI19 pic.twitter.com/SnKN4L9LsO
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 13, 2019
Your pick for best shot in Madrid?
What’s on TV
ATP Rome
LIVE – Amazon Prime Video
WTA Rome
LIVE – BT Sport 2
Latest
-
US Open
Serena Williams retirement: Greg Rusedski not discounting ‘box office’ Serena to retire on a high at US Open
Serena Williams to bow out on a high by winning the US Open?
-
News
Serena Williams retirement: Tennis might never see such a remarkable icon ever again
The remarkable career of Serena Williams is drawing to a close.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams’ greatest milestones as she prepares to bid farewell: Open Era Grand Slam record, prize money
Serena Williams has had quite a career.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams confirms will retire after US Open, but doesn’t want any ‘ceremonial, final on-court moment’
Time to shed a tear or two, the great Serena Wiliams is to retire after the US Open.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Serena Williams wins superb rally, says she went into ‘mom mode’ after spotting daughter in the crowd
Serena Williams wins incredible shot after brilliant defensive work – and her daughter was there to see it.
-
ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev gives positive injury update, but withdraws from Cincy with US Open also in doubt
A fitness update from Alexander Zverev.
-
News
LTA’s first pro padel event in Great Britain a major success as Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez win big
Congratulations to Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez as well as Bram Meijer and Sten Richters.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer keeps his promise to young fan in awe-inspiring video
If this video from Roger Federer and Zizou doesn’t make you smile today, then nothing will.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev shrugs off playing under neutral flag: ‘I’m still Daniil Medvedev. I still want to win big titles’
Daniil Medvedev has moved on from the Wimbledon ban.
-
WTA Tour
Leylah Fernandez keeps her emotions in check to claim comeback win to say ‘thank you’ to family and friends
A first-ever Canadian Open win for Leylah Fernandez.