Tennis Today: Rory McIlroy draws inspiration from ‘unloved’ Novak Djokovic

Shahida Jacobs
July 17, 2018

In Tennis Today, Novak Djokovic is “unloved” in some quarters, but he still manages to inspire others.

What’s on the site
What makes four-time Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic tick? Andre Agassi is someone who has spent a lot of time with the Serb and the American chatted exclusively to Tennis365 about the 13-time Grand Slam winner.

The Wimbledon final was a step too far for South African Kevin Anderson, but his single-mindedness will spur him on.

Wimbledon is done and dusted for another year, but that doesn’t mean the tennis stops and Deggsy Bilton is back with your ATP Tour betting tips.

Novak Djokovic and Kevin Anderson were the big winners in the post-Wimbledon ATP Rankings.

In the WTA Rankings, Angelique Kerber is up to No 4 while Serena Williams is back in the top 30.

What’s in the news
Telegraph Sport wants to know “Why is Novak Djokovic strangely unloved at SW19?” It’s a very good question, but be warned the content is Premium.

In The Guardian, Kevin Mitchell says “The Serb has been happier with the state of his game – and his mind – since reuniting with his former coach Marian Vajda”.

Djokovic might be “unloved” at Wimbledon, but former world No 1 golfer Rory McIlroy is looking to take a leaf out of his book by regaining form and winning The Open Championship this week.

“Even looking at someone like Novak Djokovic winning Wimbledon the other day, he hadn’t won that in a while. Seeing the emotion he showed after that was really cool,” Independent.ie quotes him as saying.

Wimbledon 2018 was a good one for the ladies with the Daily Mail reporting that “More women’s games at Wimbledon are covered than men’s for the first time on the BBC following stinging criticism in previous years of gender-biased coverage”.

“The BBC’s Today at Wimbledon show dedicated 78 per cent of its time to women”.

From some good news at Wimbledon to some bad news as The Guardian reports “Wimbledon cleaning staff ‘take food from bins due to low pay'”.

“Cleaning staff at Wimbledon claim they were forced to take food from bins because they were given insufficient money by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) to buy lunch and dinner while working,” the report adds.

Tim Henman believes Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slams is under threat by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, according to Express Sport.

“I think Rafa has still got a great chance and I hope that Andy can be back in the mix. Djokovic will really fancy adding more Wimbledon titles to his list here and to his Grand Slam resume.”

If fashion is your thing, then The Independent has done a “Wimbledon 2018: Best-dressed guests, from The Duchess of Cambridge to Emma Watson”,

Some entertainment news for you as that’s probably the only reason you come to the website, Kelly Clarkson will headline the opening night ceremony at the 2018 US Open.

What’s on social media
Throwback to a seven-year-old Djokovic.

“Tennis for me is a duty.” Throwback to @djokernole at only 7 years old! 🎾💪 (📷:@7tennis) Follow us👉@hitwithme for more tennis!

A post shared by Tennis Player App 🎾📱 (@hitwithme) on Jul 16, 2018 at 9:45am PDT

Serena Williams once again leading the way.

These past 2 weeks was a sound for all moms stay home and working you can do it you really can! I’m not any better or diff than any of you all. Your support has ment so much to me. Let’s keep making noise everyday in everything we do. #roadtoUSOpen pic.twitter.com/5OLYk1a6cK

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 16, 2018

Kevin Anderson always the gentleman.

It means so much for me to have played in the #Wimbledon final. There are so many positives and great memories I will be taking with me. Thanks to everyone from South Africa and around the world for your support and messages. It has been an incredibly special fortnight.

A post shared by Kevin Anderson (@kandersonatp) on Jul 15, 2018 at 10:58am PDT

Eugenie Bouchard hits ridiculous heights.