Lleyton Hewitt, a former No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, is stepping out of retirement to play doubles with compatriot Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp. “I’m excited to play with Jordan in the doubles,” said Hewitt, who will partner his fellow Australian against 2017 Brisbane singles champion Grigor Dimitrov and Ryan Harrison in the first round. “There’s always such a great atmosphere at this tournament, and we’re looking forward to a tough match against Grigor and Ryan.” Hewitt's last tour-level match was also alongside Thompson, reaching the second round at Wimbledon in 2016. The former World No. 1 will also be playing doubles at the Australian Open with Sam Groth. It will be a thrill...
Rafael Nadal, 10-time winner of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, was honored by tournament officials with the Conde de Godo trophy to commemorate his career event achievements on Monday. Albert Agusti, president of the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona 1899, and Javier Godo, Count of Godo in Barcelona, traveled to the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Manacor, Spain, to award the World No. 1 player with his second silver replica of the trophy. "There's no one better fit to receive this award in his own museum than Nadal," Agusti said. [ALSO LIKE] Nadal received his first replica of the Conde de Godo trophy in 2009 following five consecutive Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell triumphs. In addition to his 10 Barcelona Open Banc...
A couple weeks after announcing his retirement from professional tennis, Radek Stepanek already has a new gig: coach to Novak Djokovic. The pair broke the news Thursday on Instagram Live. “I’m ready to go,” said Stepanek to Djokovic on the split screen as they spoke to each other from their phones. “Where are you?” Djokovic asked, before opening a door to reveal the recently retired Czech on the other side. “All right guys, this is the new team, baby!” said Djokovic. Stepanek joins Andre Agassi on the Serbian’s coaching team, and will be working with Djokovic in Monte Carlo as he prepares for the 2018 season. Djokovic is scheduled to return to the court at the season-opening Qatar ExxonMobil Open...
Roger Federer has earned many honourifics over the years, from maestro to magician. Now, he can add doctor to that list. The University of Basel awarded seven honourary doctorates on Friday, and Federer was one of the recipients. Federer’s recognition came from the Faculty of Medicine, which bestowed the honour on the 36-year-old for his efforts to boost his home city and nation’s reputation. The Swiss was also lauded for his charitable efforts. The Roger Federer Foundation is spreading sustainability in Southern Africa, where it helps children through support for a variety of educational projects for the disadvantaged. The foundation has reached more than 850,000 children in nearly 14 years. A University of Basel press release states that Federer “claimed that...
After more than 20 years competing on the ATP World Tour, Radek Stepanek has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The Czech star hangs up his racquet after winning five tour-level singles titles and 18 doubles trophies. Stepanek got off to a good start in 2017, advancing to the quarter-finals in Doha before reaching the second round of the Australian Open as a qualifier. But back surgery on 22 March to deal with a chronic condition stopped his season. And after months of recovery, rehab and an attempt to get back into proper playing shape, the Czech told his family and team that he was done. “Every day has been a question mark. I had small pain every day and...