Tennis

Monte Carlo “gladly welcomed Djokovic”

Published

4 years ago

February 10, 2022

MONACO – “If Djokovic is in good health as required by the (French) government, we will be happy to welcome him,” said Zeljko Franulovic, director of the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 tennis tournament scheduled for Wednesday. . April 9 to 17.

Asked if Novak Djokovic, the world number one, would play in the next Monte Carlo tournament, Zeljko Franulovic, his manager, said the Serb should be “in good shape” for that.

“To enter France, the first rule is to get vaccinated,” he continued on the sidelines of the tournament presentation on Wednesday at a Monegasque hotel.

“The ATP protocol, he added, also offers the possibility of issuing a COVID infection certificate one month before the start of the competition. As far as I know, Djokovic is currently unvaccinated. Once he settles down we will welcome him with open arms. »

“We talked to all the players,” Franulovic continued. Everyone is vaccinated, except him at the moment. You can not take his place to know what he wants to do. His participation will depend on him. »

The 1970 Roland Garros finalist would like to be able to say that Djokovic will be 100% there. “But it is his decision,” he said. “It is easy to say that the tournament is stronger than one player. But we would like to. “Novak should be there. He likes the tournament and we like it. That being said, I do not think the tournament will suffer without him. Because it will be explained.”

He sees “all the players in top 10 present, except for Roger Federer, who is still injured and in whom, apart from a miracle, we can not count.

The final list of registered players for the tournament, which is expected to host 135,000 people, will close on March 14 and the draw for the final draw will take place on April 8.

As for Djokovic, he plans to return to the games in Dubai from February 21st to 26th. “This is very good news,” said ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi, also during the presentation of the Monte Carlo tournament. We want him in shape and happy that he will play tennis again. It is our No. 1 in the world. »

The Monte-Carlo Country Club, where the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 tournament takes place, is actually located in the French city of Roquebrune-Cap Martin, at the northeastern tip of the Principality.

Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez is an author at Sportish, a publication dedicated to sports news and analysis. She covers various topics related to sports and provides insightful commentary on the latest developments in the world of sports.

Tennis

Kyrgios wins ‘Battle of the Sexes’ against Sabalenka

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Nancy

Kyrgios wins ‘Battle of the Sexes’ against Sabalenka

(Paris) Nick Kyrgios won the exhibition match presented as a new episode of the “Battle of the Sexes” against Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday in Dubai.

The rules had been modified to balance the debates, the Australian playing on a field 9% larger than the Belarusian, which immediately made any interpretation of the result difficult. Furthermore, the two opponents only had one serving ball.

Kyrgios, former Wimbledon finalist (2022) fell beyond 650^e world number one, who is preparing to make yet another return to the circuit at the age of 30, won 6-3, 6-3, against the world No.1 without running much or hitting the ball very hard, without us knowing if it was because the field opposite was smaller or for other reasons.

The title of the event referred to another “Battle of the Sexes”, which in 1973 pitted former American champion Bobby Riggs, then aged 55, against the two best players of the time, Margaret Court Smith and then Billie Jean King.

At that time, it was about women asserting their worth while their professional circuit was being organized and King’s victory over Riggs, who had initially dominated Court Smith, had a certain impact.

Nothing like this this time, because women’s tennis is firmly established, as shown, among other things, by the equality of winnings in major tournaments.

This return still attracted 17,000 spectators to Dubai, including celebrities like Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, who did not attend a major tennis match.

The Australian seemed to control the situation and allowed himself some fantasies like a spoon serve (winning), a weapon he had already used in serious matches.

Source: lapresse

Nancy

I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.

Tennis

Sabalenka said she wants a rematch against Kyrgios

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Gary

Sabalenka said she wants a rematch against Kyrgios

Arina Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios / Photo: © Christopher Pike / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

The first racket of the world, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, said that she would like to have a rematch against Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios.

On Sunday, Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios with a score of 3:6, 3:6 in an exhibition match in Dubai (UAE). According to the regulations, athletes could only serve with the first ball – if a mistake was made, the opponent received a point. In addition, the size of the side of the court where Sabalenka played was 9% smaller than the standard.

“I feel great, I fought really well.” Nick struggled, and I’m glad the man had a hard time in the match against me. I liked the show. I think next time I will already know his tactics, strengths and weaknesses. I want revenge, I would play again.

Of course, playing against a man is a completely different tennis, everything happens faster. I hope that I will recover in a couple of days. I understand that I’m ready for the season,” Sabalenka said after the game.

Kyrgios admitted that Sabalenka at times played at the level of a good tennis player.

— Honestly, it was very difficult. Sabalenka is a very serious opponent. I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be quite a battle. It was a great opportunity for me. I had to work hard, because Arina performed great shots. I’d love to play with her again.

I was a little nervous because I was in a difficult position. Arina almost made a break, and I had to answer. Due to the injury, I couldn’t really play with my right hand,” Kyrgios noted.

Source: Sportbox

Gary

I am a sports journalist who has written for a number of Sportish. I have a background in journalism and have been writing since I was young. My main focus is sports news, but I also write about general news. I am currently working as an author at Sportish.

Tennis

Battle of the sexes. Kyrgios beat world number one Sabalenka in straight sets

Published

4 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Nancy

Battle of the sexes. Kyrgios beat world number one Sabalenka in straight sets

Australian tennis player and entertainer Nick Kyrgios (ATR 671) won Battle of the Sexes in women’s singles against world number one Arina Sabalenko.

The exhibition match, which took place in Dubai (UAE) on December 28, ended with Kyrgios winning in two sets in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Battle of the sexes. Dubai (UAE), 28 December

Arina Sabalenko Nick Kyrgios – 3:6, 3:6

In the second match, Sabalenka won 3:1, but Nick made a comeback and won the match in two sets.

Each had only one serve without a second ball.

It is also worth noting that the share of the field on which Sabalenka plays has decreased by 9%. Despite this, Arina still could not keep up with the blows of Kyrgios, who was already playing at half strength.

Photo gallery of the match

Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine

Source: Sport UA

Nancy

I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.