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
Tag: Roger Federer
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
US Open 2020: Novak Djokovic ‘felt responsible’ as a top player to feature
World number one Novak Djokovic told the New York Times this week that he ‘felt responsible’ as a top player to participate at Flushing Meadows – which begins on August 31 from New York. Amid coronavirus concerns, multiple top players have decided not to feature in the year’s second Grand Slam after a five-month hiatus. Continue reading
Barbara Schett: Dominic Thiem will be in good shape once tennis resumes
Former WTA no.7 Barbara Schett, who is now a Eurosport pundit, has backed her Austrian compatriot to make an excellent return when the tour resumes.
Roger Federer sets sights on 2021 season, next summer’s Olympics after knee surgeries
Roger Federer is focused on recovering in time to enjoy a competitive and packed 2021 tennis season – which includes next summer’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics – as the world number four continues his return from two knee surgeries.
USTA moving ahead with plans to start US Open on August 31, despite concerns
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) are moving ahead with their plans to play the US Open in its scheduled time frame, starting on August 31. This update comes despite fears from players over logistical and ethical issues surrounding a resumption of play, as the coronavirus pandemic continues worldwide. Continue reading
Stan Wawrinka: It’s possible we won’t play any more tennis in 2020
Stan Wawrinka has admitted there is a real possibility we don’t see any tennis for the remainder of the year, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The season has been suspended since March 12 and there will be no events until July 13 at the earliest. Continue reading
Mats Wilander: Tennis suspension will affect young players more than Big 3
The seven-time Grand Slam champion and current analyst believes the suspension is affecting younger tennis players more adversely than the greats they continue to chase in the rankings – as they’re restricted from gaining more playing experience. Continue reading
Greg Rusedski: Tough for Andy Murray to win Slams again post-lockdown
The former British number one hopes he’ll be once again proven wrong, but believes that the gap between winning ATP Tour events and Grand Slam victories will prove a step too far for Andy after suffering multiple injury setbacks.