Category: Tennis

Nick Kyrgios Starts Tennis TV Commentary Career with Controversial Attempts at Humour

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, known for his controversial reputation, has made his debut in television commentary. However, his initial foray into this new career path was marked by a less-than-successful attempt at humour. During the commentary, Kyrgios also expressed his eagerness to return to competitive play, emphasising his strong desire to get back on the court.

Kyrgios’ 2023 tennis season has been limited to just one match due to knee surgery, which forced him to miss the Australian Open. Subsequently, a wrist injury further disrupted his plans for a comeback at Wimbledon and participation in the US Open. Despite these setbacks, the 28-year-old found an opportunity to stay involved in the tennis scene by securing a commentary role for the World Tour Finals in Turin. Recently, he took on the role in the commentary booth during the round-robin match featuring Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.

When asked what he was doing in LA, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist replied: ‘I was getting a coffee and saw you guys. You had a spare suit, a spare microphone, and here I am.’

He further added, ‘Every day, doing the rehab, doing the gym work, but to be here, to be able to watch the match we’re about to watch … I’m really looking forward to breaking it down for everyone out there.’

The ATP Finals see the world’s top eight players face off in a round robin format to crown the best player of the season – and Kyrgios believes he’s uniquely qualified to commentate.

‘I love watching tennis. I feel like I’m a bit of a student of a game,’ Kyrgios said.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HHcRJ-rPCo&pp=ygUYbmljayBreXJnaW9zIGNvbW1lbnRhcnkg

Daniil Medvedev disagrees with Stefanos Tsitsipas’ controversial ATP Finals claim

Daniil Medvedev has contradicted Stefanos Tsitsipas’ assertive claim that he views the ATP Finals as “bigger than a Grand Slam” in anticipation of the 2023 edition of the tournament.

The third-ranked player in the world acknowledged the exceptional competitiveness of the field in the year-end championships. However, he contended that the challenging seven-round, best-of-five set format in Grand Slam events makes securing victories in those tournaments more demanding.

In 2019, Tsitsipas triumphed over Dominic Thiem in the ATP Finals’ final, clinching the title in his debut appearance and having previously defeated Roger Federer in the semi-finals. Despite this initial success, the 25-year-old has not progressed beyond the round-robin stage in his three subsequent appearances, including a withdrawal due to injury after one match in 2021.

Although Tsitsipas has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, he reached the runner-up position at the 2021 French Open and this year’s Australian Open, losing to Novak Djokovic on both occasions.

Speaking ahead of his fifth ATP Finals appearance, Tsitsipas made the controversial claim that he places the season-ending event above the four Grand Slams.

“It’s a whole celebration. The ATP Finals is a commemoration and celebration of the best of the best in our sport. We all gather together and we get to play against each other and focus on the fact that we are the best in the world trying to fight for this mega trophy, which is a grand prize in our sport,” said the Greek.

“It means a lot. I would consider it probably a bigger thing than a Slam, honestly. It has big prestige and it’s a very valuable asset if you’re able to conquer and win it.”

Novak Djokovic Denied Visa for Miami Open and Indian Wells; Joe Biden Intervenes.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has reportedly been denied an entry visa for the Miami Open and Indian Wells in the United States. Djokovic, who went through a lengthy period of controversy last year due to his decision to not get vaccinated for Covid-19 may just face similar problems this year in the United States. 

Djokovic had an open training session last week and then held a press conference, where he revealed he had applied for a special permit. “Everything is currently in the process. I have a big desire to be there. I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments”, he said.

The Serbian began this season with his 92nd career title at the 2023 Adelaide International 1. At the Australian Open, he dropped only one set en route to the final, where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to clinch his record-extending 10th Australian Open title. 

He also tied Rafael Nadal for the Open Era record of 22 men’s singles major title, and also snatched the world no. 1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz.

YouTube Link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rujpEhWJzwY

Tennis Ace Djokovic Believes Controversial Australian Open 2022 Exit is Hard to Forget

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic believes he will never forget the controversial turn of events that led to him being deported from the Australian Open 2022. The controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations was the most trending topic in global tennis last year, and Djokovic will have a hard time forgetting it. 

The former world number 1 is currently in Australia for the Grand Slam this year and hopes things go smoothly this time around. 

“You can’t forget those events, it’s one of those things that stick with you,” said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia.

“It stays with you for the rest of your life. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is a valuable life experience for me.

“But I have to move on and coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here.”

“It’s a great place and the people in Adelaide, and generally in Australia, love tennis, love sports and it’s a sporting nation so hopefully we’re going to have a lot of people watching and we can have a good time,” Djokovic said.

“I’m hoping everything is going to be positive. Obviously, it’s not something that I can predict. I’ll do my best to play some good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd.”

Djokovic is motivated for the coming year and specifically the Australian Open for its highly competitive environment. 

YouTube Link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0QN88SbI78

Nadal and Djokovic Agree that Roland Garros Quarter Final Started Too Late

French tennis ace Rafael Nadal has agreed with Novak Djokovic that their French Open Quarter-final clash started too late.

“It is too late, without a doubt,” said Nadal. He had requested not to go ahead with the evening session.

“I can’t complain because we have two days off now but if you only have one day off, or like [Alexander] Zverev had in Madrid when he had to play the final the next day, then it’s a big issue.”

“I understand the other part of the business, without a doubt, that television pays a lot of money. We need to find a balance.”

Djokovic believed the same as he appreciate the grace of Nadal’s tennis in the tough moments of the game.

“I think they are starting too late. But TV decides, that’s the world we live in,” said Djokovic.

“He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those particular moments in the beginning of all sets, except the fourth…”

“I had my chances but he showed why he’s a great champion, staying mentally tough… he deserved it.”

Rafael Nadal now inches closer to winning this year’s French Open. Only time will tell whether the King of Clay gets his hands on the trophy.

 

YouTube Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7vnjuYW8dE