Category: Tennis

Novak Djokovic Gets Stick for Weird US Open Celebration

It takes no microscope to see just how everything that Novak Djokovic does these days doesn’t go well with fans and followers. From organizing a tennis tournament without any COVID-19 precautions to defending his role in it, Djokovic hasn’t really been the perfect advert for the game of late. 

World No.1 Djokovic, however, remained unfazed with the criticism as he started his first round US Open match against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia in style. Djokovic beat the world no. 109 with readings of 6-1 6-4 6-1. 

However, the Serbian star then went on to proceed with his usual celebration of thumping his chest and bowing down in front of the crowd. With no one inside the court, Djokovic kind of looked absurd and weird doing his routine celebrations. 

Djokovic had come into the tournament saying he would keep the celebrations alive and didn’t worry about the public backlash it would receive. 

“Look, I’m going to keep on doing it because I just – I don’t know. I think it’s part of the routine,” Djokovic said.

“It’s part of also me paying a tribute and a thanks to the match and to the court and to the occasion.”

We all know the reason behind crowd restrictions in place at the U.S. Open, but does Novak still want his stands to be full of people? Has he heard of a certain pandemic in place currently? 

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytr32bZehEo

Teen Sensation Coco Gauff Drags Roger Federer Into Sexism Controversy

If we had a dollar for every time a female tennis player had to face sexism from fans, we’d be the newest billionaires on the block. Coco Gauff, from USA, has been making quite the sensation due to her teen tennis exploits. 

However, Coco hit the news recently with something other than just her backstroke or rally, and she even pulled Federer in with her. 

Gauff was hosting a live session on TikTok when a user turned the sexism meter at full blast and said, “Bro what do you not understand she plays GIRLS tennis, he plays BOYS tennis, the skill gap is unmeasurable. A pro girl wouldn’t even win boys states,” a user wrote.

But, Gauff was in no mood to take this sudden attack and came up with a strong response of her own. “First things first: even though I am a girl, I don’t play ‘girls’ tennis. I play women’s tennis, I play with grown women. So that’s one thing,” Gauff said.

“As an athlete, I have no problem in people saying they are better than me because their skill level is better than me,” Gauff added. “But if you think you are better than me for the sole reason that you think you’re a boy and I’m a girl… That doesn’t make any sense.” 

While Gauff had made her point clear, she didn’t stop here and went on to include 20 times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer to make her point even clearer than it was. 

“For example – Roger Federer. If Roger Federer says he can beat me, he 100% can say that because of skill level and his actual game is way better than mine,” she said. “But if you say that you can beat me solely because of the fact that I’m a girl, that’s stupid.”

Gauff made rounds by being the first ever 15 year old to make an appearance at Wimbledon 2019. She then went on to defeat idol, Venus Williams, in the first round. 

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIObgwv69Xw

Novak Djokovic Tests Positive for Corona Virus after Controversial Tennis Tour

Siberian Tennis star Novak Djokovic has tested positive for the viral pandemic COVID-19 after he organized a controversial tennis tournament in Eastern Europe with almost little to no regard for social distancing and the problems that can arise due to negligence. 

Djokovic issued a statement in late June, suggesting that he had caught the dreaded Corona Virus along with his wife, and coach. His children tested negative for the virus after double tests. 

Djokovic still went on to defend his decision for organizing the recent tennis tournament, saying that it was held in good intentions. 

“We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus had weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met,” he mentioned in his statement.

“Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions. Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region,” he further added.

Toni Nadal spoke to ESPN about the tournament and about Djokovic’s eventual COVID positive result. He mentioned this was a mistake literally anyone could make, and Djokovic has been the bigger man by coming out and apologizing for it. 

“It was a shame. A good initiative ended up being a coronavirus problem that has not been good for tennis or Djokovic. Everyone should have been more cared for,” he said. 

“It’s a mistake anyone can make and Novak Djokovic has apologized for it” 

“In Serbia, they were not so strict. It’s a mistake anyone can make and Djokovic has apologized but it’s a setback in the process of normalizing the circuit,” he said. 

The fallout after the Adria Tour has made USTA and ATP even more careful of what’s to come. With the cramped calendar this year, it won’t be a surprise if players opt out of major Grand Slams. 

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=820TsEkIAWg

Dominic Thiem Spurs Controversy after Criticizing Tennis Relief Fund

The current COVID-19 outbreak has had a massive impact on the world of sports and tennis. The International Tennis Federation recently came up with an idea to generate a fund for supporting lower-ranked players amidst the Coronavirus. However, 26-year-old Australian Dominic Thiem didn’t respond well to the news.

He mentioned that most lower-ranked players aren’t professionals and do not commit 100 percent to the sport.

“None of the lower-ranked players have to fight for their lives. I’ve seen players on the ITF Tour, who do not commit to the sport 100 per cent. Many of them are quite unprofessional. I don’t see why I should give them money,” Thiem said in a recent interview.

“I would rather donate to people and institution, who really need it. There is no profession in the world, where you are guaranteed success and high income at the start of your career. None of the top players took anything for granted. We all had to fight our way up the rankings,” Thiem further added.

Thiem has been criticized by many other players including Nick Kyrgios for his ideas, but he has mentioned that he won’t back down from them.

“There are just a few things that bother me about the whole thing,” Thiem told Sky Sport Austria.

“I don’t want to back down from my opinion that there are some players I don’t want to support. I’d much prefer it to be chosen by the players themselves because then those players who really need it and who really deserve it will benefit.”

Dominic Thiem has also found support from some other players, while a few players have slammed him for his strong and uncalled for opinion during this hour of need for all professional tennis players.

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

Tennis Stars Lash Out at French Open For New Tournament Dates

The new COVID-19 virus seems to have brought a halt to all sporting events across the world as we won’t be seeing live action in the time to come. The French Open, which was originally supposed to be held in May this year, has postponed its dates to just one year after the US Open.

Also the dates for the new French Open directly coincide with the dates for the Laver Cup. Managers for the cup aren’t happy as they have already sold out tickets for the event in Boston. Players like Roger Federer who are slotted to play in both tournaments might have a hard time choosing.

The news hasn’t gone down well with tennis players, as they have lashed out at the authorities for the poor decision making.

“[French Open] asked for forgiveness, not permission,” a ‘top ATP player’ told journalist Jon Wertheim.

“Because they knew they wouldn’t get permission. But I’m not sure they’ll get forgiveness either.”

Jamie Murray showed his disdain at the event managers by tweeting: “Strong Move by French Open/FFT to move to end of Sept. I thought the powers that be in tennis were supposed to be all about working together these days?”

Alla Kudryavtseva was also highly critical of the administration for the open as she mentioned, “Dear, Roland Garros while I’m happy the French tennis federation is taking precautionary steps to ensure the tournament will be held eventually, I’d appreciate a heads up to players before a twitter announcement.” Her statement was issued through her twitter account.

Vasek Pospisil, a member of the Players Council at ATP, was perhaps the most vocal in his criticism of the decision. He said, “This is madness. Major announcement by Roland Garros changing the dates to one week after the US Open! No communication with the players or the ATP. We have ZERO say in this sport.”

All tournaments slotted to be held before June 7 have been cancelled because of the Covid-19 scare.

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2vnbiWK_gk