Tennis Today: Roger Federer used to be ‘a bit of brat’, the tide turns for Boris Becker

Shahida Jacobs

In Tennis Today, Roger Federer used to be ‘a bit of a brat’ and there is good news for Boris Becker.

What’s on the site
Tennis365 caught up with Juan Martin del Potro at The Boodles and the Argentine explained why Andy Murray’s return to action is good news for everyone.

Wimbledon has announced their seedings for 2018 and it is good news for seven-time champion Serena Williams and not such good news for world No 32 Dominika Cibulkova.

Back to Murray and his Eastbourne journey came to an end as he was beaten by British No 1 Kyle Edmund in the second round.

In the women’s draw, Johanna Konta is also out after she lost against top seed Caroline Wozniacki.

Finally, Wimbledon 2018 is just around the corner so do take our quiz to test your knowledge on The Championships.

What’s in the news
Jay Clarke was one of the highlights at Eastbourne this week as he beat Ryan Harrison the first round before going down to fellow Brit Cameron Norrie in the second round.

After his match he spoke to the Daily Telegraph, among others, about online racist abuse, saying: “It has happened every time I have played this year – and for the last two or three years. It would be a surprise if I don’t get it.”

The Boris Becker saga is back in the news and the Daily Telegraph reports the auction of his trophies and memorabilia has been put on hold as his “legal team applied for an injunction, saying it would have stripped their client of his ‘personal dignity'”.

Becker said in a statement: “I am delighted that this auction has been called off and that the tide is now starting at last to turn in my favour.”

Sportsmail reports that Laura Robson is facing an extended period out of the game as she set to undergo a hip operation. The 24-year-old hasn’t played since May and she will have keyhole surgery next week.

Also in Sportsmail, Wimbledon officials are determined to make this year’s tournament “the most secure in history”.

“Staff have been trained in ‘behaviour detection’ — the ability to spot suspicious activity which may otherwise go unnoticed in crowds.”

Roger Federer was “a bit of a brat on the Tour” during his younger days, according to former Nike director Mike Nakajima.

During an interview with the Sports Business Radio Podcast, transcribed by Express Sport, Nakajima said: “I met Roger in 94/95 he was just coming out of juniors he was a really, really talented player but super fiery, he would smash racquets in a heartbeat.

“He wasn’t the Roger Federer that we all know. I asked Roger one day when he stopped being a bit of a brat on the Tour to become someone that everybody loves.

“I asked him what happened. He said when he was just coming out as a pro there was a player named Marat Safin, a Russian player who has won the Australian Open, US Open and he was one of them guys who Roger was competing with in one of his final junior events.”

Federer won the match but…

“He came home and watched the highlights and all they showed was Marat and I [Federer] being bad boys on the court. Yelling, screaming, smashing, throwing things – that was the highlight – not the great shots that they hit.

“He said that it was the most embarrassing thing that he has ever done and he vowed never to do that again and he hasn’t.”

What’s on social media
Roland Garros champions meet at Wimbledon.

Federer finally makes an appearance at SW19.

It’s nearly time for Wimbledon which means players will be switching to their all-white attire. Here’s a sneak of Garbine Muguruza and Alexander Zverev’s Adidas gear.

Johanna Konta joins the Jaguar Show Your Edge campaign.

What’s on TV
Wimbledon qualifying
11:00
LIVE – BBC Red Button & Online

ATP Eastbourne
13:00
LIVE – Amazon Prime

WTA Eastbourne
13:00
LIVE – BBC Two / BBC Red Button & Online

Related Articles