Tennis Today: Novak Djokovic ‘feeling out of shape’ in Japan as he returns from injury
In Tennis Today, Novak Djokovic undergoes unusual fitness testing in Japan, and Maria Sharapova shocks the world by actually allowing herself to be seen with her boyfriend.
What’s on the site
The Asian swing steps up a gear this week, and the China Open draw looks absolutely stacked full of talent.
The man that is probably not great news for is Andy Murray, who has received a pretty tough draw that may not be all that productive in getting matches under his belt…
It does, though, as ever, present a chance to win some money off the bookies. Our man Deggsy was desperately close to landing a 50/1 tip last week, so it’s definitely worth seeing who he fancies for China and Tokyo.
Daniil Medvedev is impressing everyone right now, but has attracted a high-pedigree fan in Andre Agassi. He has been explaining exactly what he believes makes the Russian special.
What’s in the news
Novak Djokovic is feeling ‘out of shape’ – for sumo wrestling.
The world number one is making his comeback from a shoulder injury bt playing the Japan Open for the first time, and he has taken advantage of that by doing some unique promotion.
That meant a visit to Ryogoku Edo-Noren to attempt to move a 23-stone local sumo wrestler, which he couldn’t manage to do.
“It’s a great experience. I’ve never had this experience before,” Djokovic is widely quoted in the press to have said.
“It’s one of the most popular sports in Japan. Speaking with my father yesterday on the phone I was telling him that I’m going to have an opportunity to meet sumo wrestlers.
“He and I were remembering many years ago at home [when] we used to watch Akebono [Taro, who reached Yokozuna status], who was someone that we supported a lot.
“I felt that I am out of shape [for sumo] a little bit. I think with a few more kilos, I’ll be ready to compete.
“Probably three times as much as I have right now would be the right measurement for me to compete.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail has reported on Maria Sharapova making “a rare appearance with her boyfriend Alexander Gilkes” at Paris fashion week.
So that gives you some idea of how quiet the tennis news wires are today…
What’s on social media
Novak Djokovic, sumo wrestler, etc etc…
Chris Evert appreciates her weekends more than most, it seems…
View this post on Instagram
Maria Sharapova without boyfriend, at the same event that the Daily Mail reported on…
Call us cynics if you like, but we are still not really getting the ‘I miss tennis’ vibes from Genie Bouchard…
What’s on TV
WTA Beijing – BT Sport
ATP Beijing – Amazon Prime
ATP Tokyo – Amazon Prime
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WimbledonWimbledon day four: Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal battle on
Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Liam Broady won on Thursday to keep the British flag flying.
-
WimbledonAlex De Minaur joins girlfriend Katie Boulter in Wimbledon third round
The 20-year-old won the first set on Court One but fell to a 5-7 7-6 (0) 6-2 6-3 defeat.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal at Wimbledon: ‘Every day is a challenge’
Rafael Nadal is prepared to grind his way into the second week at SW19.
-
NewsIga Swiatek made to sweat to progress at Wimbledon and extend streak
Karolina Pliskova was the big seed to exit the women’s draw on Thursday while Kirsten Flipkens bowed out.
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios has the belief he can win Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios believes in himself even if nobody else does.
-
WimbledonExclusive – John Lloyd on the key reason for the stunning form of Katie Boulter and British players at Wimbledon
The stunning success of British players at Wimbledon contunued as Katie Boulter, Heather Watson and Liam Broady all won.
-
WimbledonHeather Watson ‘pretty relaxed’ as she looks to break new ground at Wimbledon
This is Heather Watson’s fourth time in the Wimbledon third round.
-
WimbledonLiam Broady hails ‘amazing feeling’ after beating Diego Schwartzman for biggest win of his career
The British No 5 lost 11 games in a row but fought back to down the 12th seed.
-
WimbledonKyle Edmund set to end 18-month injury nightmare with Wimbledon mixed doubles appearance
The former world No 14 will play mixed doubles in SW19.
-
WimbledonWimbledon Centre Court delight for Katie Boulter and home crowd as she upsets Karolina Pliskova
Katie Boulter reached the third round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career.