In today’s dose of social media, we take a look at the main activities and entertainment of ATP and WTA players. Andy Murray took to X to slam the US Open schedule, calling the programming that results in matches finishing in the early hours of the morning “amateurish.”
As the last Grand Slam tournament of the year is played, one of the highlights was Karolina Muchova making an incredible point that reminded fans of Roger Federer’s best moments with the “SABR”.
Tennis scheduling under fire: Murray calls it “amateurish”
Andy Murra slammed the tour’s scheduling on X, calling it “total chaos” and “amateurish.” Zheng Qinwen’s fourth-round win over Donna Vekic ended at 2:15 a.m., making it the last women’s match in US Open history.
The match between Alexander Zverev and Tomas Martin Etcheverry also ended at 2:35 am, just 15 minutes earlier than the last final in Flushing Meadows history, when Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played an epic quarterfinal in 2022 that ended at 2:50 am.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, who has experienced late finals at Grand Slam tournaments himself, such as his second-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open, which lasted 5 hours and 45 minutes and ended at 4:05 a.m., joins the players’ criticism.
“Tennis scheduling is a total mess. It looks so amateurish when matches are happening at 2, 3, 4am 👎 Fix it,” Murray wrote, tagging the accounts of the four Grand Slam tournaments as well as the ATP, WTA and ITF, the organizations responsible for the men’s and women’s tours.
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Muchova emulates Federer with SABR tactic in US Open victory
Karolina Muchova performed excellently at the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals with clear victories against opponents such as Naomi Osaka, Anastasia Potapova and world number 5 Jasmine Paolini.
In the match against the Italian, the Czech proved that she is one of the most talented players on the circuit with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory. Just two days ago, a debate arose when Chris Evert remarked that Muchova plays “like a man”: “I don’t think I play like a man,” the former French Open finalist later said in a press conference.
Nonetheless, Muchova has admitted that she draws inspiration from players such as Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. In the match against Paolini, she showed off one of the great weapons of the Swiss champion, who popularized the SABR (SneakAttack By Roger) towards the end of his career. Muchova used the same tactic and revolutionized tennis by approaching the service box to quickly return her opponent’s serve and finish the point at the net. This requires a special talent in terms of feel for the game and volley technique. Relive the moment Muchova recreated the SABR.
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The dance duo steals the show at the Gauff-Navarro match
A funny scene in the crowd was captured after Coco Gauff’s match against Emma Navarro. There was a real party atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium as the defending champion lost in three sets after committing an incredible 18 double faults.
Beyond the result, two fans stole the show by dancing in a special way in the stands. The television broadcasts showed two lively women stealing the spotlight with a striking dance. You can watch the moment during the match between Gauff and Navarra: “These two ladies had too much honey in their mouths,” wrote one user on X.
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From rush to nap: Pegula’s TikTok shows Navarro’s Olympic days
Jessica Pegula documented Emma Navarro’s journey through the Olympics. Both players were part of the USA tennis team at the Olympics. Navarro was eliminated in the third round by eventual gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, while Pegula was eliminated in the second round after losing to Elina Svitolina.
Despite the losses, the players enjoyed days that were different from their usual schedule, staying in the Olympic Village and spending more time together than they normally would on tour. Pegula shared a video on TikTok showing Navarro behind the scenes at the Olympics. The 23-year-old is often seen rushing, running late or taking a nap in various locations.
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Berrettini and Alcaraz enjoy the Italian Grand Prix in Monza
Matteo Berrettini and Carlos Alcaraz met in Monza to compete in the 2024 Italian Grand Prix. The four-time Grand Slam champion suffered an early loss to Botic Van De Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open, while Berrettini also lost in the second round to Taylor Fritz.
Both players are enjoying a few days off before their next challenges and enjoyed Formula 1 at one of the oldest races, held in Monza, where Charles Leclerc took the win. Berrettini and Alcaraz posted a photo together enjoying the event.
The Spaniard was asked about his love for Formula 1 before the race: “Very good, very good,” Alcaraz said in Spanish about his love for the sport. “The truth is that we have been able to come here to Formula 1. The truth is that for me it is a pleasure and we are going to enjoy it.”
Jannik Sinner, a friend of Leclerc, took the time to send a greeting to the youngest Grand Prix winner, even though he is still competing in the US Open.
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Jack Draper reveals his dream partner in a double pack in a Sky Sports interview
Jack Draper has spoken about his “dream scenarios” in an interview with Sky Sports. The British number 1 reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career after beating Tomas Machac in straight sets. Draper was asked who his dream partner in the men’s doubles would be.
“I would say Andy (Murray). There are many players I would like to play with, but I think playing with Andy like we saw with Carlos (Alcaraz) and Rafa (Nadal). That’s something I would like to do,” he said.
Draper was also asked who his ideal mixed doubles partner would be and he answered Laura Robson, the former Olympic silver medalist, specifically in mixed doubles.
Read the rest of Draper’s answers about his dream Grand Slam win, his dream meal and more.
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