20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and reigning Australian Open titlist Naomi Osaka today both announced they wouldn’t feature at this year’s Championships. The latter confirmed she will compete at the Tokyo Olympics in her native Japan – unlike the 35-year-old Spaniard, preparing to take this summer period off to recover from injuries after listening to his body. Continue reading
Tag: Roger Federer
French Open 2021: Djokovic recovers to overwhelm Tsitsipas in five-set epic final
Having dethroned reigning champion Rafael Nadal during an unforgettable semi-final battle on Friday night, Novak Djokovic remarkably managed to recover from two sets down, leaving first-time finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas (#5) heartbroken – while securing his 19th Major title.
French Open 2021: Djokovic’s defiant defence helps him roar past Berrettini
World number one and last year’s beaten finalist Novak Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 against Matteo Berrettini overnight, booking yet another Grand Slam semi-final – second to only Roger Federer in the all-time ranks (50). However, it wasn’t without a few dicey moments late on…
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French Open 2021: Djokovic, Federer and defending champion Nadal in same half
Play starts Sunday, and it won’t be an easy run into the deep stages for any of the Big Three – as they all look to improve upon their respective Grand Slam singles title tallies.
Juan Martin del Potro to undergo fourth knee surgery, targeting Tokyo Olympics
2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro is undergoing another operation on his right knee today – the fourth of an injury-disrupted career – but the talented Argentine remains hopeful that he’ll be fit to return at the Tokyo Olympics this summer, with a gold medal in sight. Continue reading
Qatar Open: Nikoloz Basilashvili’s dream comes true, topples Federer in three sets
Having come back from a set down to win for the second time this week, Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili described his three-set triumph (3-6, 6-1, 7-5) over a fatigued Roger Federer as unbelievable – saving a match point against the tournament’s second seed in Doha. Up next is Taylor Fritz, who similarly recovered to beat world no. 11 Denis Shapovalov earlier on. Continue reading
Qatar Open: Roger Federer beats Dan Evans in three-set thriller after 405 days out
It wasn’t easy, but 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer made his return one to saviour for the socially distanced fans watching on: involved in a high-quality clash after a 405-day absence from competitive tennis while producing multiple impressive moments en route to a 7-6, 3-6, 7-5 win over Britain’s Dan Evans (#28) in the last-16 of this year’s Qatar Open in Doha.
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Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer withdraws, while Andy Murray given wildcard
20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is officially withdrawing from the 2021 Australian Open as he continues preparation ahead of a proposed return after two operations on his right knee. Elsewhere, Andy Murray (world no.122) has been granted a wildcard ahead of the first Slam tournament next year – two years after he feared the worst for his career in Melbourne. Continue reading
Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu: I see a bright future, he can win more Slams
Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu has heaped praise on the Austrian, after an unforgettable year where the 27-year-old won his first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in September – having fallen short eight months earlier in his maiden hard-court final at the Australian Open. Critics believe this is just the start as he establishes his pedigree, a sentiment Massu agrees with. Continue reading
Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer doubtful to play, knee recovery not 100%
Roger Federer hasn’t played a competitive match since losing in straight-sets against eventual champion Novak Djokovic in last year’s semi-finals at the Australian Open and the 20-time Grand Slam winner has recently admitted his recovery from a troublesome knee injury isn’t yet 100% – creating doubt as to whether he’ll be fit in time for the proposed February 8 start date. Continue reading
Daniil Medvedev’s historic ATP Finals win sets up a very promising 2021
Daniil Medvedev recovered from a set down to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem and win this year’s Nitto ATP Finals, making history in London on Sunday. Eleven years after his Russian compatriot Nikolay Davydenko won the first edition at The 02, the 24-year-old defiantly rose to the occasion in a way that sets him – and others – up brilliantly for a promising 2021 campaign. Continue reading
French Open 2020: Rafael Nadal storms past Novak Djokovic to 20th Slam title
Rafael Nadal was ruthlessly brilliant en route to yet another French Open title, beating world number one Novak Djokovic in straight-sets – 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 – clinching his 13th Roland Garros trophy in style, having returned to competitive action less than a month ago. The Spaniard also joins esteemed company: Roger Federer on a record-tying 20 career Grand Slam titles. Continue reading
