Djokovic is instructed to withdraw, and Carlos Alcaraz responds to Rafa Nadal’s message
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The French Open of 2024 is over, but the consequences still exist. In yesterday’s five-set final, Carlos Alcaraz prevailed over Alexander Zverev. Because of Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, which completely upended the competition, Alcaraz was able to win his maiden Roland Garros title.
The 21-year-old Spaniard put up a strong fight against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, overcoming a set down to eliminate the Italian at the penultimate hurdle. He also had to earn his third Grand Slam victory after dropping the second and third sets.
Right now, the only significant competition he hasn’t won is the Australian Open. Zverev has lost all three of his final appearances and is still without a Grand Slam victory.
Raducanu meets up with an old confidant again
With Wimbledon approaching, Emma Raducanu has Jane O’Donoghue back in her corner as she looks to gain momentum in Nottingham this week.
Due to the illness of her primary coach Nick Cavaday, O’Donoghue has stepped in to assist, according to the Telegraph.
Raducanu will play Japanese player Ena Shibahara, ranked No. 279 in the world, in the opening round on Tuesday. Raducanu trained with Ons Jabeur over the weekend.
While O’Donoghue and Lawn Tennis Association employee Mark Hilton observed Jabeur’s practice session, the Wimbledon finalist from the previous year, Jabeur was under observation.
It is possible that Cavaday will be in Nottingham tomorrow, given he was exercising with Raducanu as recently as last week.
O’Donoghue served as the national coach for women in the LTA from 2009 to 2019, and rumour has it that she was part of Raducanu’s support system throughout that time.
Andy Murray is thrilled to be back in Stuttgart after losing to Matteo Berrettini in the final on his previous visit in 2022.
“I’m doing great,” the British man stated. I’m glad to be participating here again. When I attended the tournament a few years ago, I had a great time.
It’s a lovely city. Tennis is highly cherished in Germany. They had fantastic support and admirers at the start of the previous campaign.
“I’m hoping for another successful tournament.”
13:51 in 7 hoursCharlie Malam’s coach, Carlos Alcaraz, issues a caution
Carlos Alcaraz’s coach says the Spanish superstar hasn’t even reached his “full potential” yet despite him winning his third Grand Slam at the age of only 21.
John McEnroe hailed Alcaraz’s talent and claimed on TV coverage of the French Open: “He’s better than Federer, Nadal and Djokovic at 21.”
The world No.2 has already become the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces.
But the scary prospect for his rivals is that his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero says the best is still to come.
“He can get better in a lot of things,” Ferrero declared. “He has not achieved his full potential – he is a long way from that.
“We are looking to find this mental stability which he lacks so he can maintain a very high level throughout. That will come with experience. We need to continue to get better.”
Andy Murray begins Wimbledon prep
Andy Murray is set to play in Stuttgart tomorrow as he gears up for what could be his final ever Wimbledon appearance.
The two-time SW19 champion’s French Open ended in the first round at the hands of Stan Wawrinka.
But he will begin his preparations for Wimbledon on the grass in Germany as he dreams of a fairytale farewell at the All England Club where his best memories were made.
The world No.1 is due to face American Marcos Giron, and has been having some comical conversations with the tournament’s social media team ahead of the match…Novak djokovic
