Here is your tennis news for Friday, April 11.
Emma Raducanu suffers blow
Emma Raducanu is set to slump down the WTA rankings as she carefully manages her schedule. The Brit recently moved up to world No. 47 after an excellent performance at the Miami Open, but decisions about her immediate future will likely see her drop out of the top 50 before the French Open.
Raducanu will lose the 108 ranking points she earned at the Stuttgart Open and has pulled out of Billie Jean King Cup matches for Great Britain.
It is reported that she will skip next week’s WTA 250 tournament in Rouen, France, in order to focus on a training block and avoid overloading her body with matches.
The 2021 US Open champion will get the chance to return to the top 50, however, at the Madrid and Italian Opens later this month.
Jack Draper explodes
Jack Draper was far from happy as he bowed out of the Monte-Carlo Masters to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round. The Brit lost 6-3 6-7 (8-6) 6-4, struggling with his serve and double-faulting on no less than 10 occasions.
During that difficult first set, Draper lost his cool and shouted “wake up” to himself after being broken to love.
Naomi Cavaday, on commentary duty for Sky Sports, said: “Jack Draper is seething.”
Ryan Harrison, on co-commentary, explained: “Telling himself to wake up, he’s in a bit of a lull at the moment, he’s trying to ignite a bit of fire.” And Cavaday later added: “He is furious, second time he’s been broken in the match, but this time it could be more costly.”
The 23-year-old continued to be animated throughout the set, but was unable to channel that passion en route to a victory, exiting before the quarter-finals.
Daniil Medvedev makes prize money admission
Alex de Minaur claimed a commanding 6-2 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in Monaco, before the Russian star confirmed he would be playing mixed doubles with Mirra Andreeva at this year’s US Open.
They are linking up again after disappointment at the Paris Olympics, exiting at the last 16 stage, following a change to the Major’s mixed doubles format.
The tournament is being reduced to 16 selected teams and will take place during the qualifying week, enabling top stars such as Medvedev and Andreeva to compete before their singles duties.
A record prize money of £770,000 is a contributing factor too, according to the ATP no. 11.
“Usually you can’t play mixed because it coincides with singles event but now it’s scheduled the week before the tournament,” Medvedev explained. “Prize money is good. Why not play? Mirra is one of the best on the tour, I’m lucky to partner her. I hope this time I won’t let her down.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk