Grass court prep could be key for Raducanu’s Wimbledon hopes June 7, 2022 When Emma Raducanu faces Viktorija Golubic today in Nottingham, it will mark the beginning of her first grass court season as a Grand Slam champion. A year on from a loss against compatriot Harriet Dart at the same event, the British No1 will be looking to hit the ground running after a period of faltering [...]
Nadal’s 14th French Open could be his crowning glory June 6, 2022 The King of Clay has done it again; Rafael Nadal is the French Open champion at Roland Garros for the 14th time. His win in the Parisian suburbs yesterday afternoon, coming in straight sets 6-3 6-3 6-0 against Norwegian Casper Ruud, took him to 22 Grand Slams – two beyond the chasing Novak Djokovic and [...]
Let them eat clay: Brits are winning at the French Open again May 25, 2022 We’re just four days into the French Open at Roland Garros and it’s already been one of the most successful campaigns for British singles tennis in recent years. The progression of Emma Raducanu, Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans – who all play today – into the second round equals the tally from 2018 and 2017 [...]
French Open: Swiatek on form, Brits a mixed bag, Osaka out May 24, 2022 It may have only been the second day of the French Open but there was drama all around at Roland Garros yesterday as favourites battled on, big names fell and British players offered a mixed bag of fortunes. Here are the three key takeaways. Over it and out There was a sense of unease about [...]
Is Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz ready to be the next teen Grand Slam winner? May 19, 2022 At the conclusion of the French Open, which begins on Sunday, we could see rising star Carlos Alcaraz win his first Grand Slam at the same age – and the same venue – as his hero Rafael Nadal’s maiden major. There’s a sense that the baton is changing hands in the world of men’s tennis. [...]
Former England batter Graham Thorpe ‘seriously’ ill in hospital May 10, 2022 Former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe is “seriously ill” in hospital. The 52-year-old’s “prognosis is unclear” say the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). Thorpe was appointed Afghanistan’s head coach in March after leaving his role as England’s batting coach following the humiliating 4-0 Ashes defeat. In a statement, the PCA said: “Graham Thorpe has recently [...]
Boris Becker could be deported after prison time ends May 6, 2022 Jailed former tennis star Boris Becker is likely to be deported after being released from prison. The ex world champion, 54, is serving a sentence of two-and-a-half years for hiding £2.5m worth of assets to avoid paying up on them after bankruptcy. According to the Times, a Home Office source said he is eligible for [...]
Andy Murray joins Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic, saying: I don’t support Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players May 2, 2022 Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is “not supportive of players getting banned” because of the war in Russia. The tennis star came out against the decision, calling the UK government’s guidance “not helpful”. This comes after the All England Club, which runs the tournament, banned Russian and Belarusian players, citing the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. [...]
Ed Warner: Russia ban shows Wimbledon chiefs have backbone – and other sports will take note April 28, 2022 Fans at the Wimbledon Championships aren’t prone to booing, even in the face of a Nick Kyrgios meltdown. And for now they have been spared the challenge to their usual decorum of a Russian or Belarusian player striding onto Centre Court this summer – to the chagrin of the men’s and women’s tours, not to [...]
Novak Djokovic set to play Wimbledon after chiefs confirm vaccination is not mandatory April 26, 2022 Novak Djokovic will be able to defend his title at Wimbledon this summer after organisers said that players unvaccinated against Covid-19 would be allowed to enter. World No1 Djokovic was forced to miss the Australian Open in January because of his stance on the jab, which caused a convoluted legal row and led to his [...]