Tennis Today: Player in face mask U-turn, Rafael Nadal’s cousins following in his footsteps
In Tennis Today, Naomi Osaka notches up another high-profile sponsor, an American player makes a U-turn about wearing a face mask during an on-court interview while two young members of the Nadal family are following in uncle Rafael’s footsteps.
What’s on the site
The big news overnight came from the United States, but it is about the Australian Open as American No 1 John Isner has confirmed he won’t play at the season-opening Grand Slam.
Read the reasoning behind his decision to withdraw from the hard-court major.
British No 2 Kyle Edmund is another player who won’t feature at Melbourne Park, but for a different reason.
Former world No 1 Lindsay Davenport believes Rafael Nadal is yet to solve the Novak Djokovic puzzle at the Australian Open.
Meanwhile, former world No 2 Alex Corretja feels it will be a case of “as you were” for men’s tennis this year as he says Djokovic and Nadal will continue to dominate.
And in case you missed this one last week, our Kevin Palmer spoke to former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button about his love of tennis and the Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal debate.
What’s in the news
Christian Harrison has hit the headlines for several reasons over the past few days. The world No 789 started the week with just two ATP Tour-level wins under his belt, but he stunned top seed Cristian Garin in the round of 16 to reach his maiden quarter-final.
So far, so good.
However, he didn’t do his on-court interview as he refused to wear a face mask (!) and was hit with a $3,000 fine.
On Monday he reached the semi-final by beating Gianluca Mager and decided to do the on-court interview with a mask.
Awfulannouncing.com has the story for you.
Staying with news related to playing tennis in these uncertain times, an Australian Open qualifying match was halted midway (well, it was close to the end) in Doha after news emerged that one of the players had tested positive for coronavirus, reports The Guardian.
Denis Kudla was leading Elliot Benchetrit 6-4, 5-3 when news filtered through that Kudla had returned a positive sample.
Benchetrit later revealed on Instagram that they had to finish the game in progress and Kudla won 6-4, 6-3.
“At 5-3, they got the result. So to sum up: if I’d won that game at 5-3 to make it 5-4, I’d have qualified for the second round,” Benchetrit said on Instagram.
Naomi Osaka can do no wrong as the three-time Grand Slam winner has become the face of Louis Vuitton. Here is the report, featuring plenty of social media pics, from CNN.
The 23-year-old is described as “an exceptional young woman who represents her generation and is a role model for everyone” by artistic director of women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière.
What’s on social media
Stefanos Tsitsipas recently held a Q&A session on Twitter and there were some interesting questions and answers.
I have an answer to everything. Hit me with some questions and let’s get this Q&A started! #AskStefanos
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) January 10, 2021
This one brought out a chuckle.
Rafa playing at the French
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) January 10, 2021
So Tsitsipas might get rid of one Nadal, but it looks like some others are ready to replace Rafa.
Rafael Nadal’s cousins, Toni Jr (17) and Joan Nadal (16), are following in their uncle’s footsteps as they notched up their first ITF match wins over the weekend. Yes, they are the sons of his former coach Toni Nadal.
Nadal Power‼️ 💥🎾
– Toni Nadal ha superado 6-2 6-2 al luxemburgués Lennart Melzer.
– Joan Nadal ha derrotado 6-2 5-7 10-8 al ucraniano Denis Klok.Mañana ambos jugarán la segunda ronda de la fase previa del torneo @ITFTennis que se disputa en la #RafaNadalAcademy‼️ pic.twitter.com/X7f9pER7rB
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) January 10, 2021
Name the band.
View this post on Instagram
What is Maria Sharapova up to these days?
View this post on Instagram
What’s on TV
After the recent starvation of live tennis, it feels like we are back in tennis heaven with so much on the go.
ATP Delray Beach Open
Tennis TV
WTA Abu Dhabi Open
Amazon Prime Video
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”