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Paul McNamee has chimed in on Rafael Nadal's controversial comments about Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. The Spaniard recently claimed that Djokovic didn't need to evolve as much as himself and Federer, due to fewer injury issues.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, meanwhile, has revealed his plans to mentor young players in Greece. And tennis journalist Jon Wertheim expressed hope that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's recent injuries are precautionary measures leading up to the 2024 Australian Open.
Also, coach Patrick Mouratoglou favored Serena Williams over Margaret Court in the GOAT debate, stating that Court's records predate the Open Era.
On that note, let’s take a brief look at the most important news of the day:
1) Paul McNamee reacts to Rafael Nadal's ongoing remarks on Novak Djokovic, claims Serb has the high ground
Paul McNamee has shared his opinion on Rafael Nadal’s recent remarks about Novak Djokovic.
Nadal stirred up a storm with his statements about his main rivals, Djokovic and Roger Federer. He told El Pais, a Spanish newspaper, that he and Federer had to adapt constantly, while Djokovic did not have to change much because he did not suffer from injuries as much as they did.
"We have all been reinventing ourselves. That is why there has been this intense rivalry: we always surprised each other. Djovokic too, but he with a difference compared to the two of us (and he has a brutal merit of his own)," Nadal said.
"He has evolved his game - all champions do - but he has not had the need to evolve it as much as we have. He hasn't suffered that many injuries. The only thing that has required him to improve his game has been his rivals, not his physical problems. It's a difference," he added.
The Spaniard also expressed his liking for seeing Federer play more than the Serb.
"Since I can remember, he is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has excited me the most. I have been more excited to see Federer play than Djokovic, and in the end tennis is emotion, emotion is what draws you to it," he said.
Paul McNamee, in response, said that it was surprising that Nadal keeps talking about the top-ranked player. He also said Djokovic always chooses to stay silent rather than respond.
"Of course the media and the fans of Rafa & Novak are the target of the controversy around Rafa who, surprisingly in my opinion, continues talking about Novak, who continues to take the high ground. They’re desperately hoping they face off again, with French Open the most likely," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
2) Stefanos Tsitsipas outlines initiatives to foster tennis development in Greece
Stefanos Tsitsipas shared his new ambitions of offering guidance and assistance to aspiring young tennis players in Greece, in an interview with a Greek tabloid.
Tsitsipas aims to address aims to foster youth development and he invited his compatriot, Maria Sakkari, to join him in supporting emerging players.
"Personally, I have a plan, which I want to implement in a few years from now. I don't expect anything from the federation, they won't be responsible for it, it's a personal matter and something I want to create in the next few years," Stefanos Tsitsipas said to Tennis News Greece.
"Of course, in this project, Maria is also welcome... For me it is a passion and it has nothing to do with money. I am passionate about the development of tennis in Greece and I hope in the future I will find the time because it is something that has been on my mind for the last few months," he added.
Tsitsipas had previously vowed to build a school in Victoria if he clinched the 2023 Australian Open title. He also committed to give $10,000 to the Humane League at the previous year’s ATP Finals.
3) Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal’s injury troubles hopefully just 'abundance of caution,' says journalist
Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim has expressed hope that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's recent injury concerns are just precautionary measures leading up to the 2024 Australian Open.
Nadal made a strong return from a year-long hip injury at the Brisbane International, but suffered a setback against Jordan Thompson. Djokovic, meanwhile, struggled with a wrist injury at the United Cup.
Wertheim hopes both players are erring on the side of caution before the Grand Slam. However, he also voiced concern about Nadal's familiar expressions hinting at injury during the Brisbane International.
"One hopes - and the same goes for Djokovic wrist - this falls under the "abundance-of-caution-before-a-Major" heading….but those familiar Nadal facial expressions were not encouraging….," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
4) Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou chooses the American over Margaret Court in GOAT debate
Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou recently backed Serena Williams over Margaret Court in the GOAT debate.
Court played in the pre-Open Era, with a strict separation between amateur and professional players, and retired in 1977, four years before Williams was born. Mouratoglou, who coached Williams from 2012 to 2022, said on X (formerly Twitter) that Court's records predate the Open Era.
“No, because Margaret Court's record was established before the Open Era when tennis was not a professional sport. Cannot compare. Serena is the Goat of Women's tennis” he said.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
