Tennis Today: Roger Federer gets major Halle boost as big-name duo withdraw from event

In Tennis Today, the Halle Open loses two of its biggest names, much to Roger Federer’s apparent delight, and Caroline Wozniacki’s wedding certainly looked like some party.
What’s on the site
We’ve gone very slightly Andy Murray crazy, and we do not apologise about it. The former world number one is firmly on the comeback trail and we re pumped about it.
So, firstly, to get everyone up to speed, here is a recap of his Odyssey though his injury hell, and what it may mean for his participation at Wimbledon this summer.
In addition, Lynsey Thompson also ran us through five great tennis comebacks from which Murray can draw inspiration.
Kevin Palmer, meanwhile, sat down with Juan Martin del Potro, who had some interesting perspectives on Murray himself to offer, as well as some injury tales of his own.
And, thankfully, Nick Kyrgios has promised never to change, and that means Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are likely to remain in his bad books.
What’s in the news
Dominic Thiem has paid the price for his French Open efforts after being forced to withdraw from the Halle Open with exhaustion.
The Austrian, who for the second successive year at Roland Garros, lost to Rafael Nadal in the final of the Paris showpiece.
He was due to take part in Halle, where he was widely expected to challenge Roger Federer for the title, but that now will not happen.
“Unfortunately, Dominic Thiem has to pull out of the 27th Noventi Open.
“We wish him all the best for a successful tournament at Wimbledon.”
Kei Nishikori is also out citing an upper arm injury.
“Unfortunately I have to pull out of Halle next week because my right upper arm is not completely healed yet,” Nishikori said.
“I cannot risk injuring this further and we have decided with my team to take more rest.
“I am very sorry not to play the tournament in Halle as I see it as very good preparation for Wimbledon.”
What’s on social media
Kiki Bertens struggled to come to terms with her defeat in the final of the Libema Open.
Caroline Wozniacki’s wedding certainly looked like a stunning event.
View this post on Instagram
What an amazing wedding‼ 🥂🍾🌞 @carowozniacki @angie.kerber @ularadwanska_official
Roger Federer looked happy to be back on familiar ground.
View this post on Instagram
Early Bird with a big smile! 😁😁😁 #press #conference #noventiopen19 #noventiopen2019 #roger #federer
And Bianca Andreescu had a birthday shindig.
What’s on TV
ATP Queens – Amazon Prime/BBC
ATP Halle – Amazon Prime
WTA Birmingham – Eurosport 1
WTA Mallorca – BT Sport 2
Latest
-
Australian Open
‘Really unjustified’ – Boris Becker leaps to Novak Djokovic’s defence over his quarantine pleas
Boris Becker believes world No.1 Novak Djokovic has come in for unfair criticism after writing a letter to Australian Open chiefs.
-
Tennis News
Umpire suffers heart attack as another Australian Open player tests positive for Covid-19
Spanish player Paula Badosa has announced she has tested positive for coronavirus during quarantine in Australia.
-
News
Laura Robson unsure about tennis future after third hip operation
The 27-year-old said her priority now is to live a pain-free life.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray believes he can still play at the Australian Open as he plots return to action
Former world No.1 Andy Murray is still hopeful of playing in next month’s Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
Players are urged not to feed the mice in their hotel rooms as Heather Watson turns to Tik Tok
Britain’s Heather Watson has turned to Tik…
-
News
On this day in 2014: Stan Wawrinka ends Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open run
The Swiss won a five-set epic to deny Djokovic a piece of history.
-
News
Novak Djokovic hits back at allegations of being ‘selfish, difficult and ungrateful’
Djokovic says he finds it tough to be ‘a mere onlooker’.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open boss defends ‘better deal’ for the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams
Big-name players self-isolating in Adelaide.
-
ATP Tour
Rotterdam Open boss reveals delight as ‘one of his all-time favourite players’ Rafael Nadal joins field
Rafael Nadal will return to Rotterdam.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut says quotes comparing quarantine to ‘jail, but with WiFi’ was ‘taken out of context’
Roberto Bautista Agut issues an apology.