Cori Gauff became the youngest player in the professional era to survive the Wimbledon qualifying draw on Thursday as the 15-year-old American thrashed Belgium's Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 to seal her place in next week's main draw.

Gauff, who is combining her practice sessions with her schoolwork, looked like a seasoned grasscourt player as she claimed her a third successive straight-sets victory.

"I knew I was the underdog and I was just enjoying it," Gauff, who says it would be a dream to play idols Serena or Venus Williams at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-roger-federer-seeded-second-rafael-nadal-drops-to-three-230601&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-5smSxYvjAhWKMI8KHeFqAv0QFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3l7uLiLFTymYDwlOAeYYAG">Wimbledon</a>, told reporters fresh from walking off court at Roehampton.

"<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-hopes-to-end-two-year-grand-slam-drought-at-wimbledon-230796&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3xq-ixYvjAhUL3Y8KHf7UCjEQFjAFegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1VKpdZVsgjfg5BjDaUZt4P">Serena </a>is the reason why I play tennis and why my dad decided to get me a racket,'' Gauff said.

"Obviously, I don't care who I play I'm just happy to be in the draw but I would love to share the court with Serena. If I played any one of them it would be a dream come true," she added.

Gauff, who won the French Open junior title in 2018, was given a wildcard into the Wimbledon qualifying event and took advantage in spectacular fashion.&nbsp;

She will be the first 15-year-old in the main draw since Britain's Laura Robson in 2009.

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Remember the name. 
 
Aged 15 years and 122 days, America’s <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> becomes the youngest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> qualifier in the Open Era after beating Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 <a href="https://t.co/PSWlOiRNkB">pic.twitter.com/PSWlOiRNkB</a>
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"I had no expectations really. I feel really blessed. My parents never put any limitations on my goals and told my to shoot as high as I can," Gauff said.

Cori Gauff became the youngest player in the professional era to survive the Wimbledon qualifying draw on Thursday as the 15-year-old American thrashed Belgium's Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 to seal her place in next week's main draw.

Cori Gauff became the youngest player in the professional era to survive the Wimbledon qualifying draw on Thursday as the 15-year-old American thrashed Belgium's Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 to seal her place in next week's main draw. Gauff, who is combining her practice sessions with her schoolwork, looked like a seasoned grasscourt player as she claimed her a third successive straight-sets victory. "I knew I was the underdog and I was just enjoying it," Gauff, who says it would be a dream to play idols Serena or Venus Williams at Wimbledon, told reporters fresh from walking off court at Roehampton. "Serena is the reason why I play tennis and why my dad decided to get me a racket,'' Gauff said. "Obviously, I don't care who I play I'm just happy to be in the draw but I would love to share the court with Serena. If I played any one of them it would be a dream come true," she added. Gauff, who won the French Open junior title in 2018, was given a wildcard into the Wimbledon qualifying event and took advantage in spectacular fashion. She will be the first 15-year-old in the main draw since Britain's Laura Robson in 2009. Remember the name. Aged 15 years and 122 days, America’s @CocoGauff becomes the youngest #Wimbledon qualifier in the Open Era after beating Greet Minnen 6-1, 6-1 pic.twitter.com/PSWlOiRNkB — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2019 × "I had no expectations really. I feel really blessed. My parents never put any limitations on my goals and told my to shoot as high as I can," Gauff said.

Cori Gauff, 15-year old American qualifies for Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal could face a Wimbledon second-round showdown with controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios after the draw for the men's singles took place on Friday.

Spaniard Nadal is in the same half of the draw as eight-time champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-defeats-david-goffin-for-unbelievable-10th-halle-title-229760&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw2-fPgozjAhVDNI8KHdgVBOcQFjABegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rXeGWkvtobHoYuA53fHIJ">Roger Federer</a> who was moved ahead of him to second in the seedings thanks to Wimbledon's grasscourt formula.

Federer starts against Lloyd Harris while defending champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-supports-rafael-nadal-over-wimbledon-seedings-criticism-230554&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEoMSzgozjAhUSinAKHTraASwQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw212yNB5tCSngY2qVej28g5">Novak Djokovic</a> is up against Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Nadal, the third seed, bidding for a third Wimbledon title and first since 2010, will face Japan's Yuichi Sugita in the first round with Kyrgios up against compatriot Jordan Thompson.

If they both win it will set up a rematch of their 2014 fourth-round clash when <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-winner-rafael-nadal-still-lagging-novak-djokovic-in-rankings-226068&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEoMSzgozjAhUSinAKHTraASwQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3UY0066_XyV3AdikI-VjU3">Nadal </a>suffered a shock defeat by a then 19-year-old Kyrgios in the fourth round.

Kyrgios has made headlines for his various misdemeanours more than his tennis since then and Nadal this year accused him of lacking respect after losing to him in Acapulco when Kyrgios served underarm near the end of the match.

In a video post last month Kyrgios described Nadal as "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt6cnigozjAhVRnY8KHcKkB5YQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZwEpxQWegFphwvnTzgCPk">super-salty</a>" after defeats.

Rafael Nadal could face a Wimbledon second-round showdown with controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios after the draw for the men's singles took place on Friday. Spaniard Nadal is in the same half of the draw as eight-time champion Roger Federer who was moved ahead of him to second in the seedings thanks to Wimbledon's grasscourt formula.

Rafael Nadal could face a Wimbledon second-round showdown with controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios after the draw for the men's singles took place on Friday. Spaniard Nadal is in the same half of the draw as eight-time champion Roger Federer who was moved ahead of him to second in the seedings thanks to Wimbledon's grasscourt formula. Federer starts against Lloyd Harris while defending champion Novak Djokovic is up against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Nadal, the third seed, bidding for a third Wimbledon title and first since 2010, will face Japan's Yuichi Sugita in the first round with Kyrgios up against compatriot Jordan Thompson. If they both win it will set up a rematch of their 2014 fourth-round clash when Nadal suffered a shock defeat by a then 19-year-old Kyrgios in the fourth round. Kyrgios has made headlines for his various misdemeanours more than his tennis since then and Nadal this year accused him of lacking respect after losing to him in Acapulco when Kyrgios served underarm near the end of the match. In a video post last month Kyrgios described Nadal as "super-salty" after defeats.

Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal set for potential clash with Nick Kyrgios second round

Spaniard Rafael Nadal got a quickfire reminder of the challenge he faces to win a third Wimbledon title as he was blown away by big-serving Marin Cilic in an exhibition match on Wednesday.

Nadal, who turned 33 this month, has opted not to play any competitive tournaments on grass ahead of the Championships, practising instead at home on grass in Mallorca.

He lacked sharpness at the Hurlingham Club in London as a well-drilled Cilic sent him packing in less than an hour -&nbsp;a sweating Nadal going straight from court to a waiting black Rolls Royce and away minutes after his 6-3, 6-3 defeat.

"This was the first time that I played points and that was too much for me today," Nadal, who won a record-extending 12th French Open title earlier this month, said on the court at the Aspall Tennis Classic alongside the Thames.

"I'm excited to be back at Wimbledon. This type of match today helps to try to be ready. Of course, I decided not to play a tournament before Wimbledon, I'm 33 so I need to save energy. I will just try to improve a little bit every single day and on Friday I have will try to be a bit better," Nadal said.

Nadal, who won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, reached the semi-final last year at the All England Club but had struggled in his previous five appearances at the event.

That was reflected in Wednesday's seedings which put Nadal, the world number two, at three, behind eight-time champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-roger-federer-seeded-second-rafael-nadal-drops-to-three-230601&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimu-m_gYnjAhUHuY8KHSBqBjsQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3UdZGNZdVE4boJeQVRI0yj">Roger Federer</a> who was bumped up one place from his ranking.

Cilic benefited from Wimbledon's unique seeding system and will be 13th -&nbsp;up five from his ATP ranking of 18.

While Wednesday's match was not an official one he showed exactly why he will be a threat with his hefty serve and forehand giving Nadal little opportunity to get his teeth into any rallies longer than three or four strokes.

Nadal has been <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiw0JingYnjAhWLP48KHfdHAzcQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bdnu0By66rlLIT8eyFl-V">critical of Wimbledon's seeding</a> reflecting grasscourt results for the past two years, but Cilic, the runner-up in 2017, was certainly not complaining.

"I think they have been doing it for years. I've moved into the 13 to 16 group so that definitely helps me avoid higher seeds before the fourth round," he told Reuters.

"There are positives and negatives about it. The grass is not as it was in the past when the claycourters struggled to go through one or two rounds at Wimbledon, it's more playable. If you see the top 32 these days they all play well on every surface so I guess you could just stay with the rankings," Cilic said.

Nadal will practise at Wimbledon on Thursday before returning to Hurlingham for another match on Friday.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal got a quickfire reminder of the challenge he faces to win a third Wimbledon title as he was blown away by big-serving Marin Cilic in an exhibition match on Wednesday.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal got a quickfire reminder of the challenge he faces to win a third Wimbledon title as he was blown away by big-serving Marin Cilic in an exhibition match on Wednesday. Nadal, who turned 33 this month, has opted not to play any competitive tournaments on grass ahead of the Championships, practising instead at home on grass in Mallorca. He lacked sharpness at the Hurlingham Club in London as a well-drilled Cilic sent him packing in less than an hour - a sweating Nadal going straight from court to a waiting black Rolls Royce and away minutes after his 6-3, 6-3 defeat. "This was the first time that I played points and that was too much for me today," Nadal, who won a record-extending 12th French Open title earlier this month, said on the court at the Aspall Tennis Classic alongside the Thames. "I'm excited to be back at Wimbledon. This type of match today helps to try to be ready. Of course, I decided not to play a tournament before Wimbledon, I'm 33 so I need to save energy. I will just try to improve a little bit every single day and on Friday I have will try to be a bit better," Nadal said. Nadal, who won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, reached the semi-final last year at the All England Club but had struggled in his previous five appearances at the event. That was reflected in Wednesday's seedings which put Nadal, the world number two, at three, behind eight-time champion Roger Federer who was bumped up one place from his ranking. Cilic benefited from Wimbledon's unique seeding system and will be 13th - up five from his ATP ranking of 18. While Wednesday's match was not an official one he showed exactly why he will be a threat with his hefty serve and forehand giving Nadal little opportunity to get his teeth into any rallies longer than three or four strokes. Nadal has been critical of Wimbledon's seeding reflecting grasscourt results for the past two years, but Cilic, the runner-up in 2017, was certainly not complaining. "I think they have been doing it for years. I've moved into the 13 to 16 group so that definitely helps me avoid higher seeds before the fourth round," he told Reuters. "There are positives and negatives about it. The grass is not as it was in the past when the claycourters struggled to go through one or two rounds at Wimbledon, it's more playable. If you see the top 32 these days they all play well on every surface so I guess you could just stay with the rankings," Cilic said. Nadal will practise at Wimbledon on Thursday before returning to Hurlingham for another match on Friday.

Marin Cilic beats Rafael Nadal, gives him a Wimbledon reality check

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williamss-pursuit-of-24th-major-title-on-hold-after-french-open-exit-223516">Williams </a>has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court, for over two years and has shown little evidence of late that she will be able to snap that drought at the All England Club.

"As long as she's playing, she's going to be a threat to win anything,"&nbsp;former world number one John McEnroe told a conference call.

"But it's just now there's more things that can go wrong, I suppose, like more days where she might not have it and other days where players won't give in as easily. So that just makes it more difficult,"&nbsp;McEnroe said.

The 37-year-old American's time on court has been limited to a handful of matches since the Australian Open in January due in part to a knee injury that kept her from competing in a tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, where action begins on July 1.

After losing in the third round at the French Open, Williams did not exactly sound her confident self when asked if she would have enough time to get in optimal shape for Wimbledon, where she is a seven-times winner.

"I hope so. I'm still working on it and working on getting there. So I think it will be, I think it be enough time. We'll see, but I definitely hope so," said Williams.

When Williams was at the peak of her career, she was so far above the competition that she could barrel her way through a Grand Slam draw even if she was having an off day.

But the combination of injury, a limited playing schedule and an increased standard of women's tennis over the past few years have left many to question whether she can again triumph in one of tennis' blue riband events.

TWO STEPS SLOWER

Williams won the most recent of her Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, which led to her taking a year off from competition.

She came <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-2018-3-major-appearances-2-grand-slam-finals-and-an-infamous-controversy-185799&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq1I7ulInjAhXaknAKHVjmBcoQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iQSXWVZXGlW1enWH2gUCE">back with a bang in 2018</a> and despite not playing at her best managed to reach the final at both Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.

"It's hard for me to bet against Serena. Look what happened last year: Two finals in Grand Slams," said 18-times Grand Slam champion Chris Evert.

"The one difference that I see in Serena is since she's come back, she's been one or two steps slower than normal. I think that's a little bit of fitness. I think it's a little bit of match play. I think it's a little bit of confidence,"&nbsp;Evert said.

Healthy legs are key to any player's game but perhaps even more vital for someone like <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-says-thiem-right-to-fume-over-serena-williams-press-conference-row-223698&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq1I7ulInjAhXaknAKHVjmBcoQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ALgZq_sAxw7aSNvXqPi17">Williams </a>who relies heavily on her physicality and court coverage to set up big shots.

Williams has been unable to deliver her trademark big serves on a consistent basis of late but will likely take comfort in the friendly confines of the All England Club given she is most effective on grass.

But unlike in her prime, Williams' rivals know she is not the same player she once was and do not walk onto the court nearly as intimated as they once were when facing one of the game's all-time greats.

"There's so many things that may be going against Serena, and she thrives on that, and she loves that, and that's when she comes through," said Evert.

"I would have said in January, if there was any Grand Slam she was going to win, it would probably be Wimbledon ... and if her serve is on, she's going to be tough to beat," added&nbsp;Evert.

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open.

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open. Williams has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court, for over two years and has shown little evidence of late that she will be able to snap that drought at the All England Club. "As long as she's playing, she's going to be a threat to win anything," former world number one John McEnroe told a conference call. "But it's just now there's more things that can go wrong, I suppose, like more days where she might not have it and other days where players won't give in as easily. So that just makes it more difficult," McEnroe said. The 37-year-old American's time on court has been limited to a handful of matches since the Australian Open in January due in part to a knee injury that kept her from competing in a tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, where action begins on July 1. After losing in the third round at the French Open, Williams did not exactly sound her confident self when asked if she would have enough time to get in optimal shape for Wimbledon, where she is a seven-times winner. "I hope so. I'm still working on it and working on getting there. So I think it will be, I think it be enough time. We'll see, but I definitely hope so," said Williams. When Williams was at the peak of her career, she was so far above the competition that she could barrel her way through a Grand Slam draw even if she was having an off day. But the combination of injury, a limited playing schedule and an increased standard of women's tennis over the past few years have left many to question whether she can again triumph in one of tennis' blue riband events. TWO STEPS SLOWER Williams won the most recent of her Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, which led to her taking a year off from competition. She came back with a bang in 2018 and despite not playing at her best managed to reach the final at both Wimbledon and the US Open. "It's hard for me to bet against Serena. Look what happened last year: Two finals in Grand Slams," said 18-times Grand Slam champion Chris Evert. "The one difference that I see in Serena is since she's come back, she's been one or two steps slower than normal. I think that's a little bit of fitness. I think it's a little bit of match play. I think it's a little bit of confidence," Evert said. Healthy legs are key to any player's game but perhaps even more vital for someone like Williams who relies heavily on her physicality and court coverage to set up big shots. Williams has been unable to deliver her trademark big serves on a consistent basis of late but will likely take comfort in the friendly confines of the All England Club given she is most effective on grass. But unlike in her prime, Williams' rivals know she is not the same player she once was and do not walk onto the court nearly as intimated as they once were when facing one of the game's all-time greats. "There's so many things that may be going against Serena, and she thrives on that, and she loves that, and that's when she comes through," said Evert. "I would have said in January, if there was any Grand Slam she was going to win, it would probably be Wimbledon ... and if her serve is on, she's going to be tough to beat," added Evert.

Serena Williams hopes to end two-year grand slam drought at Wimbledon

Lack of grass courts in Serbia will not be detrimental to Novak Djokovic's bid to defend his Wimbledon title, the world number one said in the early stages of his training for the July 1-14 tournament at the All England Club.

"Find me a grass court in Belgrade and I will practice there," Djokovic joked when asked last week by reporters why he chose a hardcourt complex in the Serbian capital's centre to start his preparations.

"We don't have any in Serbia, do we? I am really hopeful that we will build some grass courts soon enough, but these hard courts will do for the time being.

"The reason I am training here at the moment is because it's the most similar surface to grass in terms of ball speed and player movement," he said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-kyrgios-good-guy-even-if-he-has-no-respect-for-me-228880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjyiM6zvIbjAhXLMY8KHT8lDyAQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1UdgOV7XULNLDtBqrG38A3">Djokovic</a>, who is aiming for a fifth Wimbledon title and his 16th Grand Slam crown, plans to play only one or two exhibition matches in the build-up to the grasscourt major.

Asked why he changed the routine and skipped this year's Queen's tournament in London, Djokovic pointed out that whereas he needed as much action as he could get ahead of last year's tournament, he opted for a different approach in 2019.

"The situation is a bit different this time because I played very few matches prior to last year’s Wimbledon due to my injury and the elbow surgery," he said.

"I plummeted down to 22nd on the ATP Tour but the extensive layoff gave me enough time to prepare for Wimbledon by entering the Queen's tournament as a warm-up. This year, the exertions of a lengthy claycourt season prompted me to skip Queen's and go straight to Wimbledon," Djokovic said.

Djokovic was exchanging stinging baseline shots with compatriot Viktor Troicki, a close friend and also a member of Serbia's 2010 Davis Cup-winning team, in hot and humid conditions which he said would play into his hands.

"I can't really complain because I chose to come to Belgrade this time to see my family en route from the French Open to London," he said.

"The weather could actually be a blessing in disguise because it will probably be much cooler in London so training in this searing heat might increase my fitness levels. That aside, the grass is the rarest surface we play on and it requires a very specific routine and style of play. It requires a different approach and adaption time," Djokovic said.

Having missed a chance to win four grand slam tournaments in row for the second time in his career when he lost to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-thiem-leads-djokovic-in-trouble-as-rain-stops-play-at-semi-final-225374&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjyiM6zvIbjAhXLMY8KHT8lDyAQFjAHegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BH511Zma_-eH5dygAd61M">Dominic Thiem</a> in last month's French Open semi-finals, Djokovic said he was heading to Wimbledon almost devoid of pressure.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself before the French Open to make it four grand slams in a row again but having failed this time, I am going to Wimbledon with less weight on my shoulders as it's the start of a new cycle," he said.

"I always have the highest ambitions and this year is no different. I am top of the rankings and defending my Wimbledon title, hence I am hoping to go all the way again.

"However, reality can be very different. Apart from the usual suspects, there is a bunch of other players who are strong contenders at Wimbledon.

"Federer and Nadal are always among the top candidates of course and the three of us should be the favourites to win the title. It will be a tough tournament and I will have to take it one step at a time, match by match," added Djokovic.

Lack of grass courts in Serbia will not be detrimental to Novak Djokovic's bid to defend his Wimbledon title, the world number one said in the early stages of his training for the July 1-14 tournament at the All England Club.

Lack of grass courts in Serbia will not be detrimental to Novak Djokovic's bid to defend his Wimbledon title, the world number one said in the early stages of his training for the July 1-14 tournament at the All England Club. "Find me a grass court in Belgrade and I will practice there," Djokovic joked when asked last week by reporters why he chose a hardcourt complex in the Serbian capital's centre to start his preparations. "We don't have any in Serbia, do we? I am really hopeful that we will build some grass courts soon enough, but these hard courts will do for the time being. "The reason I am training here at the moment is because it's the most similar surface to grass in terms of ball speed and player movement," he said. Djokovic, who is aiming for a fifth Wimbledon title and his 16th Grand Slam crown, plans to play only one or two exhibition matches in the build-up to the grasscourt major. Asked why he changed the routine and skipped this year's Queen's tournament in London, Djokovic pointed out that whereas he needed as much action as he could get ahead of last year's tournament, he opted for a different approach in 2019. "The situation is a bit different this time because I played very few matches prior to last year’s Wimbledon due to my injury and the elbow surgery," he said. "I plummeted down to 22nd on the ATP Tour but the extensive layoff gave me enough time to prepare for Wimbledon by entering the Queen's tournament as a warm-up. This year, the exertions of a lengthy claycourt season prompted me to skip Queen's and go straight to Wimbledon," Djokovic said. Djokovic was exchanging stinging baseline shots with compatriot Viktor Troicki, a close friend and also a member of Serbia's 2010 Davis Cup-winning team, in hot and humid conditions which he said would play into his hands. "I can't really complain because I chose to come to Belgrade this time to see my family en route from the French Open to London," he said. "The weather could actually be a blessing in disguise because it will probably be much cooler in London so training in this searing heat might increase my fitness levels. That aside, the grass is the rarest surface we play on and it requires a very specific routine and style of play. It requires a different approach and adaption time," Djokovic said. Having missed a chance to win four grand slam tournaments in row for the second time in his career when he lost to Dominic Thiem in last month's French Open semi-finals, Djokovic said he was heading to Wimbledon almost devoid of pressure. "I put a lot of pressure on myself before the French Open to make it four grand slams in a row again but having failed this time, I am going to Wimbledon with less weight on my shoulders as it's the start of a new cycle," he said. "I always have the highest ambitions and this year is no different. I am top of the rankings and defending my Wimbledon title, hence I am hoping to go all the way again. "However, reality can be very different. Apart from the usual suspects, there is a bunch of other players who are strong contenders at Wimbledon. "Federer and Nadal are always among the top candidates of course and the three of us should be the favourites to win the title. It will be a tough tournament and I will have to take it one step at a time, match by match," added Djokovic.

No grass courts? No problem, says Novak Djokovic as he starts Wimbledon preparation

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings.

Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful.

World number one and defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-supports-rafael-nadal-over-wimbledon-seedings-criticism-230554">Novak Djokovic</a> is the top seed.

Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, ranked number two in the world, is therefore guaranteed to be in the same half of the draw as either Federer or Djokovic.

"Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct. It's not only about my particular case. There have been many occasions when players have played well all year on all surfaces but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352">Wimbledon </a>does not respect the ranking they have earned," Nadal said.

South Africa's Kevin Anderson is seeded fourth, well ahead of his ranking of eight, after reaching the final for the first time last year, with Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all bumped down one position.

The women's seedings do mirror the rankings with French Open champion Ashleigh Barty top of the pile for the first time at a grand slam ahead of Naomi Osaka.

Defending champion Angelique Kerber is seeded fifth with seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams down in 11th.

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings. Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful.

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings. Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful. World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic is the top seed. Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, ranked number two in the world, is therefore guaranteed to be in the same half of the draw as either Federer or Djokovic. "Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday. "The only thing that doesn't seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct. It's not only about my particular case. There have been many occasions when players have played well all year on all surfaces but Wimbledon does not respect the ranking they have earned," Nadal said. South Africa's Kevin Anderson is seeded fourth, well ahead of his ranking of eight, after reaching the final for the first time last year, with Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all bumped down one position. The women's seedings do mirror the rankings with French Open champion Ashleigh Barty top of the pile for the first time at a grand slam ahead of Naomi Osaka. Defending champion Angelique Kerber is seeded fifth with seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams down in 11th.

Wimbledon: Roger Federer seeded second, Rafael Nadal drops to three

Spaniard Rafael Nadal received support from Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday after criticising the unique seedings formula used by the grasscourt Grand Slam which gets underway at the All England Club on Monday.

Nadal looks set to fall victim to the formula which tweaks the seedings based on the previous form on grass, with the 33-year-old expected to be seeded third behind <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-winner-rafael-nadal-still-lagging-novak-djokovic-in-rankings-226068&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWxoKy1IbjAhUJQo8KHQMtC4IQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1AvBmH7ndws7GEpTYjzuTh">top-ranked Djokovic</a> and Roger Federer despite being world number two.

Wimbledon, which will announce the seedings on Wednesday, is the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments not to stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings.

With Nadal, seeking a first Wimbledon title for nine years, seeded three it would mean he would most probably have to beat eight-time champion Roger Federer and four-time winner Djokovic to get his hands on the trophy for a third time.

"Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday.

"It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept. I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula," Nadal siad.

Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four.

SEEDING SURPRISE

Wimbledon top seed Djokovic said he could understand <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWxoKy1IbjAhUJQo8KHQMtC4IQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0INPU-ffhy0_7cu7bmBYTR">Nadal's frustration</a>.

"It's their rules and you have to respect it although it's a little bit surprising to be honest," the Serb told Reuters after playing at the Boodles exhibition event on Tuesday.

"Roger is the greatest of all time and has won the most Wimbledon titles of any player in history and if any player deserves it it's him. But at the same time it's Nadal that he is taking over (from as) the second seed so it's surprising to be honest," Djokovic said.

The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos.

The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw".

Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal received support from Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday after criticising the unique seedings formula used by the grasscourt Grand Slam which gets underway at the All England Club on Monday.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal received support from Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Tuesday after criticising the unique seedings formula used by the grasscourt Grand Slam which gets underway at the All England Club on Monday. Nadal looks set to fall victim to the formula which tweaks the seedings based on the previous form on grass, with the 33-year-old expected to be seeded third behind top-ranked Djokovic and Roger Federer despite being world number two. Wimbledon, which will announce the seedings on Wednesday, is the only one of the four Grand Slam tournaments not to stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings. With Nadal, seeking a first Wimbledon title for nine years, seeded three it would mean he would most probably have to beat eight-time champion Roger Federer and four-time winner Djokovic to get his hands on the trophy for a third time. "Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday. "It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept. I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula," Nadal siad. Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four. SEEDING SURPRISE Wimbledon top seed Djokovic said he could understand Nadal's frustration. "It's their rules and you have to respect it although it's a little bit surprising to be honest," the Serb told Reuters after playing at the Boodles exhibition event on Tuesday. "Roger is the greatest of all time and has won the most Wimbledon titles of any player in history and if any player deserves it it's him. But at the same time it's Nadal that he is taking over (from as) the second seed so it's surprising to be honest," Djokovic said. The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order. "The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos. The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw". Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Novak Djokovic supports Rafael Nadal over Wimbledon seedings criticism

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has criticised Wimbledon's unique seedings formula, which could hinder his chances of a third title when the tournament starts on Monday.

Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon does not stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings, meaning players can be bumped up the order to reflect their previous form on the grass.

Wimbledon will announce the seedings on Wednesday when it is likely world number two Nadal could find himself seeded third behind defending champion Novak Djokovic and eight-time champion Roger Federer, who is currently third in the world rankings.

"Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday.

"It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept.

"I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula."

Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four.

If the 12-time French Open champion is dropped to third it means he could potentially have to beat both Djokovic and Federer to claim his first All England club title since 2010.

The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos.

The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw".

Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has criticised Wimbledon's unique seedings formula, which could hinder his chances of a third title when the tournament starts on Monday. Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon does not stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings, meaning players can be bumped up the order to reflect their previous form on the grass.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has criticised Wimbledon's unique seedings formula, which could hinder his chances of a third title when the tournament starts on Monday. Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon does not stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings, meaning players can be bumped up the order to reflect their previous form on the grass. Wimbledon will announce the seedings on Wednesday when it is likely world number two Nadal could find himself seeded third behind defending champion Novak Djokovic and eight-time champion Roger Federer, who is currently third in the world rankings. "Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday. "It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept. "I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula." Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four. If the 12-time French Open champion is dropped to third it means he could potentially have to beat both Djokovic and Federer to claim his first All England club title since 2010. The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order. "The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos. The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw". Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Rafael Nadal says Wimbledon's seedings system 'not a good thing'

World number four Alexander Zverev's quest for a first title at the Halle Open came to a grinding halt as the two-times runner-up was stunned 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by David Goffin in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Belgium's Goffin saved seven of 10 break points to overcome the tournament's second seed and home favourite in two hours and 16 minutes to set up a semi-final clash with Italy's Matteo Berrettini, who beat third seed Karen Khachanov 6-2, 7-6(4).

Although <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-alexander-zverev-cruises-into-second-round-gael-monfils-ousted-228212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj40-GjuPziAhXGeisKHdyEC30QFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-6IgsW1C3wUqbbi8PVUKS">Zverev </a>fired 14 aces in the match, his erratic serve was on display at the Gerry Weber Stadion as the 22-year-old made nine double faults to lose to Goffin for the first time in three meetings between the pair.

Goffin had a chance to seal the match in the third set at 5-4 but Zverev saved two match points to take it to a tiebreak, where the Belgian triumphed after winning all his service points.

Later, Roger Federer survived a mid-match scare to get past Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and reach the last-four at Halle for a 15th time as he chases a 10th title in the tournament.

Up next for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-roger-federer-comes-through-tricky-jo-wilfried-tsonga-test-to-reach-quarters-229131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj40-GjuPziAhXGeisKHdyEC30QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TaWABlb-WS6UAlQmfbd-S">Federer </a>is Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert who progressed after defending champion Borna Coric was forced to retire from their quarter-final after dropping the opening set 7-5 due to a suspected back injury.

World number four Alexander Zverev's quest for a first title at the Halle Open came to a grinding halt as the two-times runner-up was stunned 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by David Goffin in the quarter-finals on Friday.

World number four Alexander Zverev's quest for a first title at the Halle Open came to a grinding halt as the two-times runner-up was stunned 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(3) by David Goffin in the quarter-finals on Friday. Belgium's Goffin saved seven of 10 break points to overcome the tournament's second seed and home favourite in two hours and 16 minutes to set up a semi-final clash with Italy's Matteo Berrettini, who beat third seed Karen Khachanov 6-2, 7-6(4). Although Zverev fired 14 aces in the match, his erratic serve was on display at the Gerry Weber Stadion as the 22-year-old made nine double faults to lose to Goffin for the first time in three meetings between the pair. Goffin had a chance to seal the match in the third set at 5-4 but Zverev saved two match points to take it to a tiebreak, where the Belgian triumphed after winning all his service points. Later, Roger Federer survived a mid-match scare to get past Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and reach the last-four at Halle for a 15th time as he chases a 10th title in the tournament. Up next for Federer is Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert who progressed after defending champion Borna Coric was forced to retire from their quarter-final after dropping the opening set 7-5 due to a suspected back injury.

Halle Open: Alexander Zverev tumbles out of quarters after defeat by David Goffin

Reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber continued her build-up to the grasscourt Grand Slam as she beat sixth seed Caroline Garcia 6-3, 7-6(5) to reach the semi-finals of the Mallorca Open on Friday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/angelique-kerber-too-strong-for-maria-sharapova-at-mallorca-open-229136&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimlc6WufziAhVBs48KHUW9AKgQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ujfGRFkavr7DWiWrikl0f">The 31-year-old German</a>, seeking a first title of the year, again showed no sign of the ankle injury that dogged her claycourt season as she ended Garcia's seven-match winning run.

She will take on world number 13 Belinda Bencic after she got the better of American teenager Amanda Anisimova.

"The first time (on grass) is very special because you wait all year to get on the grass again," Bencic said after her 6-2, 6-2 victory. "I feel like with every match, you figure out more what works on grass and what doesn't."

Latvian second seed Anastasija Sevastova maintained her remarkable record at the grasscourt tournament as she thrashed China's Yafan Wang for the loss of three games, 6-2, 6-1.

Sevastova has reached the final on all three editions of the Santa Ponsa event, winning the title in 2017.

In the semis, she will face Belgium's Elise Mertens who won a three-setter against American Sofia Kenin.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber continued her build-up to the grasscourt Grand Slam as she beat sixth seed Caroline Garcia 6-3, 7-6(5) to reach the semi-finals of the Mallorca Open on Friday.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber continued her build-up to the grasscourt Grand Slam as she beat sixth seed Caroline Garcia 6-3, 7-6(5) to reach the semi-finals of the Mallorca Open on Friday. The 31-year-old German, seeking a first title of the year, again showed no sign of the ankle injury that dogged her claycourt season as she ended Garcia's seven-match winning run. She will take on world number 13 Belinda Bencic after she got the better of American teenager Amanda Anisimova. "The first time (on grass) is very special because you wait all year to get on the grass again," Bencic said after her 6-2, 6-2 victory. "I feel like with every match, you figure out more what works on grass and what doesn't." Latvian second seed Anastasija Sevastova maintained her remarkable record at the grasscourt tournament as she thrashed China's Yafan Wang for the loss of three games, 6-2, 6-1. Sevastova has reached the final on all three editions of the Santa Ponsa event, winning the title in 2017. In the semis, she will face Belgium's Elise Mertens who won a three-setter against American Sofia Kenin.

Angelique Kerber reaches semi-final in Mallorca Open

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty warmed up for Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Friday.

The 23-year-old Australian fired six aces, won four break points and won 77 per cent&nbsp;of points on her first serve in a match that lasted an hour and 25 minutes.

World number two Barty was given a scare in the opening set when Williams flew into a 4-1 lead but the American was undone by her rising unforced error count (28), which gave Barty the opening she needed to get back into the contest.

"I knew my level would have to be very good today to make it a contest. Venus was an inspiration to every single girl and boy around the world, she still is," Barty said on court after her win.

"What she's been able to do for this sport is incredible. Her career has been phenomenal and it's not over yet," adding that she could "absolutely not" see herself playing at 39 like Williams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osakas-birmingham-exit-gives-ashleigh-barty-shot-at-number-one-229124">Barty </a>is now two wins away from becoming the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years as a title win in Birmingham will allow her to leapfrog world number one Naomi Osaka, who exited in the second round.

"You start to think ahead, it's natural, it happens," Barty said of the potential number one ranking. "It's important for me to come out and focus tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens."

Barty will now face Barbora Strycova who beat Kristyna Pliskova 6-2, 6-4.

The other semi-final will be played between Germany's Julia Goerges and Croatia's Petra Martic, who outlasted Jelena Ostapenko 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-1 in a marathon encounter.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty warmed up for Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Friday.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty warmed up for Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Friday. The 23-year-old Australian fired six aces, won four break points and won 77 per cent of points on her first serve in a match that lasted an hour and 25 minutes. World number two Barty was given a scare in the opening set when Williams flew into a 4-1 lead but the American was undone by her rising unforced error count (28), which gave Barty the opening she needed to get back into the contest. "I knew my level would have to be very good today to make it a contest. Venus was an inspiration to every single girl and boy around the world, she still is," Barty said on court after her win. "What she's been able to do for this sport is incredible. Her career has been phenomenal and it's not over yet," adding that she could "absolutely not" see herself playing at 39 like Williams. Barty is now two wins away from becoming the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years as a title win in Birmingham will allow her to leapfrog world number one Naomi Osaka, who exited in the second round. "You start to think ahead, it's natural, it happens," Barty said of the potential number one ranking. "It's important for me to come out and focus tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens." Barty will now face Barbora Strycova who beat Kristyna Pliskova 6-2, 6-4. The other semi-final will be played between Germany's Julia Goerges and Croatia's Petra Martic, who outlasted Jelena Ostapenko 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-1 in a marathon encounter.

Ashleigh Barty eases past 'inspirational' Venus Williams into Birmingham Classic semi-final

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined a total of $17,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the ATP after a series of outbursts at officials at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.

The 23-year-old became embroiled in an expletive-laden rant at umpire Fergus Murphy in his first-round win against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, at one point accusing a line judge of "rigging" his match.

In his second round match later in the day against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, which he lost in three sets, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-kyrgios-good-guy-even-if-he-has-no-respect-for-me-228880&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC2JHRvPziAhUXiXAKHXEbDYUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VmE8YMZOSNsLkV2AbjJZm">Kyrgios </a>was given another warning by umpire James Keothavong for smashing a ball out of the ground after a call went against him.

Kyrgios, who is never far from controversy wherever he plays, also rowed with fans and a courtside photographer and appeared to be going through the motions in the final games.

He was fined a total of $7,500 for his conduct in the first match and then another $10,000 for his behaviour in the second.

Watch the video:

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"... your hat looks ridiculous also, it's not even sunny" - <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> <a href="https://t.co/CQnHQZfzp5">pic.twitter.com/CQnHQZfzp5</a>
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Afterwards, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kyrgios-kicks-water-bottle-throws-chair-gets-disqualified-from-italian-open-219215&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjC2JHRvPziAhUXiXAKHXEbDYUQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw203pZGK-rn-DkvL-Je_GpT">Kyrgios </a>described the performance of the match officials as "a joke" and "horrendous".

"I think it's ridiculous. Like, why not have another umpire ready to come in if that guy has a terrible day?" Kyrgios said. "I don't understand. I have to pay the fines for it.

"The calls are horrendous, but I get fined and he gets nothing. It's like a black star. I don't know what happens. It's rubbish," said&nbsp;Kyrgios.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined a total of $17,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the ATP after a series of outbursts at officials at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been fined a total of $17,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct by the ATP after a series of outbursts at officials at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday. The 23-year-old became embroiled in an expletive-laden rant at umpire Fergus Murphy in his first-round win against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, at one point accusing a line judge of "rigging" his match. In his second round match later in the day against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, which he lost in three sets, Kyrgios was given another warning by umpire James Keothavong for smashing a ball out of the ground after a call went against him. Kyrgios, who is never far from controversy wherever he plays, also rowed with fans and a courtside photographer and appeared to be going through the motions in the final games. He was fined a total of $7,500 for his conduct in the first match and then another $10,000 for his behaviour in the second. Watch the video: "... your hat looks ridiculous also, it's not even sunny" - @NickKyrgios pic.twitter.com/CQnHQZfzp5 — Tom Hartley (@TomHartley_7) June 20, 2019 × Afterwards, Kyrgios described the performance of the match officials as "a joke" and "horrendous". "I think it's ridiculous. Like, why not have another umpire ready to come in if that guy has a terrible day?" Kyrgios said. "I don't understand. I have to pay the fines for it. "The calls are horrendous, but I get fined and he gets nothing. It's like a black star. I don't know what happens. It's rubbish," said Kyrgios.

Nick Kyrgios fined $17,500 for accusing line judge of 'rigging' his match at Queen's Club

Andy Murray&nbsp;returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon.&nbsp;

However, Barty rejected the opportunity as she is already playing singles and women's doubles.

Responding to Andy's story, French Open champion Ashleigh Barty admitted that her decision to turn down Murray's offer was "the hardest decision" she has ever had to make.

"I took some time to think about it, and playing three events is just a little bit too much. I was very flattered but said to him, 'I think there are some pretty good options out there for you'. I'm sure he'll find someone," Barty said.

Andy Murray may have been rejected by Barty but he was flooded with offers from players past and present who want to partner up with him.&nbsp;

"*Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray," multiple Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King, 75, wrote on Twitter.

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*Checks calendar* 
Available, and lacing up, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a>.🙋🏻‍♀️
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1141872812841472001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Britain's Naomi Broady said, "I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA Liam Broady to play with you #SORRYBRO."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA <a href="https://twitter.com/Liambroady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Liambroady</a> to play with you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SORRYBRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SORRYBRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LOVEYOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LOVEYOU</a> 😬
— Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBroady/status/1141836462314479616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Barty's former doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe out due to injuries also offered to play with Murray.

"I'll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry Ash Barty," Vandeweghe tweeted.

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I’ll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry <a href="https://twitter.com/ashbar96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbar96</a> 💁🏼‍♀️
— CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoCoVandey/status/1141860447936585728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Barbora Strycova, ranked fourth in women's doubles, said she would not make the "same mistake" as her fellow peers.

"Hey, @andymurray I heard rumors that you got rejected by my fellow players a couple of times when finding a partner for mixed doubles in Wimbledon," she wrote on Instagram. "I swear I wouldn't do the same mistake like them."

Andy Murray returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon.

Andy Murray returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon. However, Barty rejected the opportunity as she is already playing singles and women's doubles. Responding to Andy's story, French Open champion Ashleigh Barty admitted that her decision to turn down Murray's offer was "the hardest decision" she has ever had to make. "I took some time to think about it, and playing three events is just a little bit too much. I was very flattered but said to him, 'I think there are some pretty good options out there for you'. I'm sure he'll find someone," Barty said. Andy Murray may have been rejected by Barty but he was flooded with offers from players past and present who want to partner up with him. "*Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray," multiple Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King, 75, wrote on Twitter. *Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray.🙋🏻‍♀️ — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 21, 2019 × Britain's Naomi Broady said, "I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA Liam Broady to play with you #SORRYBRO." @andy_murray I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA @Liambroady to play with you #SORRYBRO #LOVEYOU 😬 — Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) June 20, 2019 × Barty's former doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe out due to injuries also offered to play with Murray. "I'll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry Ash Barty," Vandeweghe tweeted. I’ll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry @ashbar96 💁🏼‍♀️ — CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) June 21, 2019 × Barbora Strycova, ranked fourth in women's doubles, said she would not make the "same mistake" as her fellow peers. "Hey, @andymurray I heard rumors that you got rejected by my fellow players a couple of times when finding a partner for mixed doubles in Wimbledon," she wrote on Instagram. "I swear I wouldn't do the same mistake like them."

Ashleigh Barty rejects but Andy Murray flooded with Wimbledon mixed-doubles offers

Britain's Andy Murray made a successful return to action after six months out following hip surgery as he partnered Feliciano Lopez to a first-round doubles win at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.

The 32-year-old, five-times a winner of the singles at the prestigious Wimbledon warm-up event, delighted a large evening centre court crowd with some fluent shot-making as he and Spanish veteran Lopez beat top seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 7-6(5), 6-3.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-set-to-play-doubles-at-queens-club-224103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwji7snY8_niAhUDFYgKHcqCDGcQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw37g8jeeQWsBudzuPQqD-z1">Murray</a>, who missed most of 2018 with a hip injury, last played at the Australian Open in January when it appeared his career might be over following an emotional second-round defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut.

The two-times Wimbledon champion, by far Britain's most successful player in modern times, underwent hip-resurfacing surgery shortly after that but has been coy about his chances of making a return to the singles court.

While not too much can be read into Thursday's doubles win, Murray certainly appeared to be moving without the trademark limp that was present when he played his last singles match at Wimbledon two years ago -&nbsp;a loss to Sam Querrey.

He had the crowd roaring their approval, producing two crunching forehand winners to secure a vital break of serve in the second set and a superb backhand overhead volley in the last game as he and Lopez closed in on victory over the Colombians who will rue such a demanding draw.

"It was brilliant. I enjoyed it a lot. I was a little bit slow at the beginning but got better as the match went on," former world number one Murray said.

"I'm very fortunate to be back playing tennis again. I love playing on this court, it's a brilliant place to play tennis. I felt quite relaxed in the build-up today but I started to feel a bit nervous walking to the court. You want the nerves and the butterflies in the stomach and I had that today," Murray said.&nbsp;

Murray later said he had been "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pain-free-andy-murray-optimistic-about-return-to-tennis-220472&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwji7snY8_niAhUDFYgKHcqCDGcQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ji_BqDd0bywQ0SzA_1Ji7">pain-free</a>" and confirmed he would play with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the Wimbledon men's doubles and would also play mixed.

"I have spoken to a couple of players. I've been rejected a couple of times so far," Murray joked.

Britain's Andy Murray made a successful return to action after six months out following hip surgery as he partnered Feliciano Lopez to a first-round doubles win at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.

Britain's Andy Murray made a successful return to action after six months out following hip surgery as he partnered Feliciano Lopez to a first-round doubles win at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday. The 32-year-old, five-times a winner of the singles at the prestigious Wimbledon warm-up event, delighted a large evening centre court crowd with some fluent shot-making as he and Spanish veteran Lopez beat top seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 7-6(5), 6-3. Murray, who missed most of 2018 with a hip injury, last played at the Australian Open in January when it appeared his career might be over following an emotional second-round defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut. The two-times Wimbledon champion, by far Britain's most successful player in modern times, underwent hip-resurfacing surgery shortly after that but has been coy about his chances of making a return to the singles court. While not too much can be read into Thursday's doubles win, Murray certainly appeared to be moving without the trademark limp that was present when he played his last singles match at Wimbledon two years ago - a loss to Sam Querrey. He had the crowd roaring their approval, producing two crunching forehand winners to secure a vital break of serve in the second set and a superb backhand overhead volley in the last game as he and Lopez closed in on victory over the Colombians who will rue such a demanding draw. "It was brilliant. I enjoyed it a lot. I was a little bit slow at the beginning but got better as the match went on," former world number one Murray said. "I'm very fortunate to be back playing tennis again. I love playing on this court, it's a brilliant place to play tennis. I felt quite relaxed in the build-up today but I started to feel a bit nervous walking to the court. You want the nerves and the butterflies in the stomach and I had that today," Murray said. Murray later said he had been "pain-free" and confirmed he would play with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the Wimbledon men's doubles and would also play mixed. "I have spoken to a couple of players. I've been rejected a couple of times so far," Murray joked.

Andy Murray marks 'pain free' return with doubles win at Queen's Club

Roger Federer was made to work hard by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-nothing-to-lose-says-jo-wilfried-tsonga-ahead-of-roger-federer-clash-228891&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjokM299fniAhWD7GEKHU_EAOEQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0k5StyJlQHGNByiXCXauFw">Jo-Wilfried Tsonga</a> at the Halle Open on Thursday before he sealed a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the second round to continue his charge towards a 10th title at the grasscourt tournament.

The 20-times Grand Slam winner, who is using the tournament to prepare for next month's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-roger-federer-begins-grasscourt-season-with-win-over-john-millman-228558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjokM299fniAhWD7GEKHU_EAOEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14QoR62UxCyzgiEmtJZhqV">Wimbledon </a>championships, converted two out of four break points to come through a tight match in two hours and 16 minutes.

The 37-year-old Swiss, who has reached the Halle quarter-finals for a 17th time, next meets Roberto Bautista Agut who defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4.

Germany's Alexander Zverev, the runner-up in 2016 and 2017, stayed in the hunt for a first Halle title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Steve Johnson to set up a quarter-final against the unseeded David Goffin.

"I'm definitely happy with how things went," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/halle-open-alexander-zverev-cruises-into-second-round-gael-monfils-ousted-228212&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjokM299fniAhWD7GEKHU_EAOEQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1oh95QoFBjhf1AtNyxTjFa">Zverev</a>, who withdrew from the doubles competition on Tuesday due to a knee problem, said.

"Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago. I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better,"&nbsp;Zverev said.

Belgium's Goffin, the 2017 ATP finals runner-up who has slipped to number 33 in the world, has lost his two meetings with second seed Zverev but both matches were played on clay.

Matteo Berrettini, who rallied past Italian compatriot Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, is seeking his third ATP title and second on grass following his success in Stuttgart last week.

Up next for Berrettini is Russian Karen Khachanov who has failed to defeat the big-hitting world number 22 in two previous attempts, including in the second round at Stuttgart.

Roger Federer was made to work hard by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Halle Open on Thursday before he sealed a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the second round to continue his charge towards a 10th title at the grasscourt tournament.

Roger Federer was made to work hard by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Halle Open on Thursday before he sealed a 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5 victory in the second round to continue his charge towards a 10th title at the grasscourt tournament. The 20-times Grand Slam winner, who is using the tournament to prepare for next month's Wimbledon championships, converted two out of four break points to come through a tight match in two hours and 16 minutes. The 37-year-old Swiss, who has reached the Halle quarter-finals for a 17th time, next meets Roberto Bautista Agut who defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-4. Germany's Alexander Zverev, the runner-up in 2016 and 2017, stayed in the hunt for a first Halle title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Steve Johnson to set up a quarter-final against the unseeded David Goffin. "I'm definitely happy with how things went," Zverev, who withdrew from the doubles competition on Tuesday due to a knee problem, said. "Obviously my knee is still swollen but the pain is much less than it was a few days ago. I hope when the swelling goes out it will be much better," Zverev said. Belgium's Goffin, the 2017 ATP finals runner-up who has slipped to number 33 in the world, has lost his two meetings with second seed Zverev but both matches were played on clay. Matteo Berrettini, who rallied past Italian compatriot Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, is seeking his third ATP title and second on grass following his success in Stuttgart last week. Up next for Berrettini is Russian Karen Khachanov who has failed to defeat the big-hitting world number 22 in two previous attempts, including in the second round at Stuttgart.

Halle Open: Roger Federer comes through tricky Jo-Wilfried Tsonga test to reach quarters

World number two Rafa Nadal has entered next week's Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to get some grass court play under his belt ahead of next month's Wimbledon Championships.

The tournament organisers confirmed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-champ-rafael-nadal-considered-ending-season-after-indian-wells-injury-226420&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwim_O-v6ffiAhVPl48KHSwMCioQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vVZsBu4KAHisycg_FmpBN">Nadal</a>, who has opted to skip competitive tennis since his 12th French Open title triumph earlier this month, will participate in two exhibition matches next Wednesday and Friday.

"I am always happy to play at The Hurlingham Club and be close to UK tennis fans," the 33-year-old Spaniard said in a statement.

"It is a prestigious ground in one of the best settings in the UK, making it the perfect way to warm up for Wimbledon."

The tournament will also feature last year's Wimbledon runner-up Kevin Anderson, Nick Kyrgios, Marin Cilic, Lucas Pouille, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marcos Baghdatis.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-win-french-open-title-225750&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwim_O-v6ffiAhVPl48KHSwMCioQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw36lUX4n6OeuSeTBSyNxZyh">Nadal</a>, a&nbsp;18-time&nbsp;Grand Slam winner, will be bidding for his third title at Wimbledon, which kicks off on July 1, after winning the tournament in 2008 and 2010.

He reached the semi-finals last year where he was beaten by rival Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller.

World number two Rafa Nadal has entered next week's Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to get some grass court play under his belt ahead of next month's Wimbledon Championships.

World number two Rafa Nadal has entered next week's Aspall Tennis Classic in Hurlingham to get some grass court play under his belt ahead of next month's Wimbledon Championships. The tournament organisers confirmed Nadal, who has opted to skip competitive tennis since his 12th French Open title triumph earlier this month, will participate in two exhibition matches next Wednesday and Friday. "I am always happy to play at The Hurlingham Club and be close to UK tennis fans," the 33-year-old Spaniard said in a statement. "It is a prestigious ground in one of the best settings in the UK, making it the perfect way to warm up for Wimbledon." The tournament will also feature last year's Wimbledon runner-up Kevin Anderson, Nick Kyrgios, Marin Cilic, Lucas Pouille, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Marcos Baghdatis. Nadal, a 18-time Grand Slam winner, will be bidding for his third title at Wimbledon, which kicks off on July 1, after winning the tournament in 2008 and 2010. He reached the semi-finals last year where he was beaten by rival Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller.

Rafael Nadal to prepare for Wimbledon at London's Hurlingham club

Austria's Dominic Thiem has extended an olive branch to Serena Williams after their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-says-thiem-right-to-fume-over-serena-williams-press-conference-row-223698&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj44vCFouPiAhUS73MBHXanDe8QFjAEegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29hYpjHTvzM-z9uVux4pIH">media room misunderstanding</a> at the French Open by offering to partner the American in mixed doubles at Wimbledon or the US&nbsp;Open.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-win-french-open-title-225750&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNqPntoePiAhWx4XMBHW8CBD8QFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1y5aCDnP91U72DNdaUfVmD">Thiem</a>, who finished runner-up at Roland Garros, was left fuming after being asked to make way for Williams at a post-match news conference following her third-round defeat in the first week of the tournament.

Williams, who had just lost in straight sets to Sofia Kenin, was pushing organisers to give her a room right away and Thiem accused the American of showing "bad personality" and treating him like "a junior".

"Probably it was not Serena's mistake. I find her achievements unbelievable, sensational. I would like to make amends with her in Wimbledon or the US&nbsp;Open mixed doubles," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"In retrospect, it was funny that such an organisational mistake happened at a Grand Slam tournament. What I do not understand is that it blew up so much," Thiem said.

Thiem, a clay court specialist, said he wanted to improve his record at Wimbledon, where he has never reached the quarter-finals. He retired midway through his opening round match against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis last year.

"Wimbledon is special. I want to show myself better than last year. At that time I was slightly injured and had to give up in the first round. Now I see good chances to get relatively far," the 25-year-old added.

Austria's Dominic Thiem has extended an olive branch to Serena Williams after their media room misunderstanding at the French Open by offering to partner the American in mixed doubles at Wimbledon or the US Open.

Austria's Dominic Thiem has extended an olive branch to Serena Williams after their media room misunderstanding at the French Open by offering to partner the American in mixed doubles at Wimbledon or the US Open. Thiem, who finished runner-up at Roland Garros, was left fuming after being asked to make way for Williams at a post-match news conference following her third-round defeat in the first week of the tournament. Williams, who had just lost in straight sets to Sofia Kenin, was pushing organisers to give her a room right away and Thiem accused the American of showing "bad personality" and treating him like "a junior". "Probably it was not Serena's mistake. I find her achievements unbelievable, sensational. I would like to make amends with her in Wimbledon or the US Open mixed doubles," he told reporters on Tuesday. "In retrospect, it was funny that such an organisational mistake happened at a Grand Slam tournament. What I do not understand is that it blew up so much," Thiem said. Thiem, a clay court specialist, said he wanted to improve his record at Wimbledon, where he has never reached the quarter-finals. He retired midway through his opening round match against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis last year. "Wimbledon is special. I want to show myself better than last year. At that time I was slightly injured and had to give up in the first round. Now I see good chances to get relatively far," the 25-year-old added.

Dominic Thiem seeks to end Serena Williams row with mixed doubles offer at Wimbledon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Andy+Murray">Andy Murray</a> will make his competitive return from hip surgery later this month at the Queen's Club grasscourt tournament where he will play in the doubles event.

"I am really excited to return to the match court for the first time since my surgery," Murray was quoted on the Lawn Tennis Association website.

"Queen's has always been a special place for me and it's the perfect place to return. It's where I won my first ATP match, my first title in Britain and on grass, and it's been my most successful tournament overall."

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, 32, will likely partner Spain's Feliciano Lopez.

He has not played since the Australian Open in January, after which he had a hip-resurfacing operation.

Murray's return to the court will raise hopes that he could appear at Wimbledon, although he played down his chances of appearing in the singles there.

"I'm not yet ready to return to the singles court, but I've been pain-free for a few months now," he said.

"I've made good progress in training and on the practice court, and this is the next step for me as I try to return to the tour."

The Queen's event, where Murray has won the singles title five times, begins on June 17.

Andy Murray will make his competitive return from hip surgery later this month at the Queen's Club grasscourt tournament where he will play in the doubles event.

Andy Murray will make his competitive return from hip surgery later this month at the Queen's Club grasscourt tournament where he will play in the doubles event. "I am really excited to return to the match court for the first time since my surgery," Murray was quoted on the Lawn Tennis Association website. "Queen's has always been a special place for me and it's the perfect place to return. It's where I won my first ATP match, my first title in Britain and on grass, and it's been my most successful tournament overall." Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, 32, will likely partner Spain's Feliciano Lopez. He has not played since the Australian Open in January, after which he had a hip-resurfacing operation. Murray's return to the court will raise hopes that he could appear at Wimbledon, although he played down his chances of appearing in the singles there. "I'm not yet ready to return to the singles court, but I've been pain-free for a few months now," he said. "I've made good progress in training and on the practice court, and this is the next step for me as I try to return to the tour." The Queen's event, where Murray has won the singles title five times, begins on June 17.

Andy Murray set to play doubles at Queen's Club

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Andy+Murray">Andy Murray</a> is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan's return from hip surgery.

The two-time Wimbledon champion, 32, in January, announced plans to retire after this year's Wimbledon due to injury, expressing doubt as to whether he would even make it to the All England Club.

The Scot has all but ruled out an appearance in the singles draw, nearly four months after surgery on a career-threatening hip problem, but he could return by playing in the men's doubles.

The former world number one told Tuesday Times there was "very little chance" he would play singles during the grass-court season.

"Potentially doubles, but I'm not trying to get ready for singles just now," he said.

"The thing I said before was that, if I wasn't feeling good, there was more chance that I would play and then stop after Wimbledon.

"Whereas if it's feeling good, it makes a bit more sense to give it time to make sure that it's as good as possible before I try to play singles on it."

Murray, whose ranking has plummeted to 218 due to his time away from the court, said he was pain-free as he spoke about the example set by Bryan.

"I know from seeing what Bob Bryan has done (he had similar surgery last year) that for doubles it will be absolutely fine. I will need to see from there how it would work singles-wise.

"It has been really good so far. I'm playing lots of golf. I don't have any pain walking round the course and swinging clubs. When I'm on the court hitting, it has been perfect.&nbsp;

"If I continue to feel good, then I will obviously give it a shot in singles and see what happens. Whereas in doubles I am pretty certain I will be able to play, just based on having an example to look at.

"I can look at Bob Bryan and say, this is what he has done, he is playing top three or four in the world-level doubles. He's also nine years older than me, so why would I not be able to do the same and hopefully a bit more?"

Murray has an official deadline of June 18 to apply for a wildcard for this year's Wimbledon, where he was the champion in 2013 and 2016, and could also use his protected ranking to enter.

Andy Murray is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan's return from hip surgery.

Andy Murray is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan's return from hip surgery. The two-time Wimbledon champion, 32, in January, announced plans to retire after this year's Wimbledon due to injury, expressing doubt as to whether he would even make it to the All England Club. The Scot has all but ruled out an appearance in the singles draw, nearly four months after surgery on a career-threatening hip problem, but he could return by playing in the men's doubles. The former world number one told Tuesday Times there was "very little chance" he would play singles during the grass-court season. "Potentially doubles, but I'm not trying to get ready for singles just now," he said. "The thing I said before was that, if I wasn't feeling good, there was more chance that I would play and then stop after Wimbledon. "Whereas if it's feeling good, it makes a bit more sense to give it time to make sure that it's as good as possible before I try to play singles on it." Murray, whose ranking has plummeted to 218 due to his time away from the court, said he was pain-free as he spoke about the example set by Bryan. "I know from seeing what Bob Bryan has done (he had similar surgery last year) that for doubles it will be absolutely fine. I will need to see from there how it would work singles-wise. "It has been really good so far. I'm playing lots of golf. I don't have any pain walking round the course and swinging clubs. When I'm on the court hitting, it has been perfect. "If I continue to feel good, then I will obviously give it a shot in singles and see what happens. Whereas in doubles I am pretty certain I will be able to play, just based on having an example to look at. "I can look at Bob Bryan and say, this is what he has done, he is playing top three or four in the world-level doubles. He's also nine years older than me, so why would I not be able to do the same and hopefully a bit more?" Murray has an official deadline of June 18 to apply for a wildcard for this year's Wimbledon, where he was the champion in 2013 and 2016, and could also use his protected ranking to enter.

Pain-free Andy Murray optimistic about return to tennis

Andy Murray has returned to a tennis court two months after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery.

Murray, who has not played competitively since his first round exit at the Australian Open in January, said last month he could possibly play at Wimbledon as he was now pain-free after the surgery.

The 31-year-old posted a short video on Instagram, where he was seen hitting the ball in an outdoor court while rallying with a wall with a caption, "It's a start."

Murray had said he was not sure he could play in the singles draw at Wimbledon, a tournament he has won twice, but targeted a possible return in doubles at this year's tournament as it put less stress on his hip.

The three-time Grand Slam champion compared his situation to that of American doubles player Bob Bryan who returned to the court 5-1/2 months after a similar procedure.

This year's Wimbledon begins on July 1.

Andy Murray has returned to a tennis court two months after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. Murray, who has not played competitively since his first round exit at the Australian Open in January, said last month he could possibly play at Wimbledon as he was now pain-free after the surgery.

Andy Murray has returned to a tennis court two months after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery. Murray, who has not played competitively since his first round exit at the Australian Open in January, said last month he could possibly play at Wimbledon as he was now pain-free after the surgery. The 31-year-old posted a short video on Instagram, where he was seen hitting the ball in an outdoor court while rallying with a wall with a caption, "It's a start." Murray had said he was not sure he could play in the singles draw at Wimbledon, a tournament he has won twice, but targeted a possible return in doubles at this year's tournament as it put less stress on his hip. The three-time Grand Slam champion compared his situation to that of American doubles player Bob Bryan who returned to the court 5-1/2 months after a similar procedure. This year's Wimbledon begins on July 1.

Andy Murray returns to court after hip surgery

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Andy+Murray">Andy Murray</a>, who had announced that he will be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murray-breaks-down-at-press-conference-as-he-announces-intention-to-retire-189518">retiring this year</a> because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip, might return to return to competitive tennis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Murray's mother&nbsp;Judy said that the former world number one might return to the game after regaining full fitness but she also admitted that her son is aware that it might "not be possible."&nbsp;

"I think he will (return)," Judy was quoted as saying by Sky Sports at the Rio Open. "(But) I think he's aware that it might not be possible.&nbsp;

"He's a smart guy, he has a lot of interest in different things, he has a lot of options in life after tennis. But the most important thing is that he's free from the pain he's had for 20 months.&nbsp;

"He has a young family, you have to think about the quality of life for the rest of your life. Actually, that's the most important thing."&nbsp;

Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray has been struggling to recover from hip surgery and regain top form.&nbsp;

He recently underwent a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/british-tennis-star-andy-murray-undergoes-hip-surgery-in-london-informs-fans-via-instagram-193659">hip resurfacing surgery</a> in London.&nbsp;

The two-time Olympic champion said last month surgery was the only option if he wanted to extend his career.&nbsp;

"There is a strong possibility I won't come back and play after an operation. I want to play tennis, but not with the hip I have right now," Murray had said earlier.&nbsp;

Andy Murray, who had announced that he will be retiring this year because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip, might return to return to competitive tennis.

Andy Murray, who had announced that he will be retiring this year because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip, might return to return to competitive tennis. Murray's mother Judy said that the former world number one might return to the game after regaining full fitness but she also admitted that her son is aware that it might "not be possible." "I think he will (return)," Judy was quoted as saying by Sky Sports at the Rio Open. "(But) I think he's aware that it might not be possible. "He's a smart guy, he has a lot of interest in different things, he has a lot of options in life after tennis. But the most important thing is that he's free from the pain he's had for 20 months. "He has a young family, you have to think about the quality of life for the rest of your life. Actually, that's the most important thing." Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray has been struggling to recover from hip surgery and regain top form. He recently underwent a hip resurfacing surgery in London. The two-time Olympic champion said last month surgery was the only option if he wanted to extend his career. "There is a strong possibility I won't come back and play after an operation. I want to play tennis, but not with the hip I have right now," Murray had said earlier.

Andy Murray could make return after hip surgery, says mother Judy

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies.&nbsp;

The top three seeds at Melbourne Park raffled all four of the majors between them last year, with Federer winning his sixth Australian Open, Nadal claiming his 11th French Open and world number one Djokovic sweeping Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.&nbsp;

The Swiss master is bidding for his 21st Grand Slam crown and a hat-trick of Melbourne titles this year, and he sailed into the third round on Wednesday with a straight sets win over British qualifier Dan Evans.

Before the tournament, top seed Djokovic declared the three should be favourites to win the Slams, and Federer agreed when asked after his Evans match.

"Yes, I guess so," the third seed told reporters.

"I mean, look, I think we know how to win Slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the number one favourite, I don't care how he feels, before the French.

"Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court if he's feeling 100 percent, if he plays like last year.

"Maybe just because of my amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well."

The last time a player not named Federer, Djokovic or Nadal won a Grand Slam was at the 2016 US&nbsp;Open where Swiss Stan Wawrinka claimed his third Grand Slam trophy.

Pundits have decried the younger generation's failure to break into the Grand Slam cartel enjoyed by the old guard but have some tipped change at the top this year.

The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who claimed the ATP Tour Finals and is seeded fourth in Melbourne, is often touted as the player most likely to upset the apple cart but has only a solitary Grand Slam quarter-final to his name, at Roland Garros last year.

"There are other guys, no doubt about it," said 37-year-old Federer, who will play American Taylor Fritz in the third round.

"I think also with Sascha (Zverev) holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those Slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them.

"Maybe even here. We'll see."

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies.

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies. The top three seeds at Melbourne Park raffled all four of the majors between them last year, with Federer winning his sixth Australian Open, Nadal claiming his 11th French Open and world number one Djokovic sweeping Wimbledon and the US Open. The Swiss master is bidding for his 21st Grand Slam crown and a hat-trick of Melbourne titles this year, and he sailed into the third round on Wednesday with a straight sets win over British qualifier Dan Evans. Before the tournament, top seed Djokovic declared the three should be favourites to win the Slams, and Federer agreed when asked after his Evans match. "Yes, I guess so," the third seed told reporters. "I mean, look, I think we know how to win Slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the number one favourite, I don't care how he feels, before the French. "Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court if he's feeling 100 percent, if he plays like last year. "Maybe just because of my amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well." The last time a player not named Federer, Djokovic or Nadal won a Grand Slam was at the 2016 US Open where Swiss Stan Wawrinka claimed his third Grand Slam trophy. Pundits have decried the younger generation's failure to break into the Grand Slam cartel enjoyed by the old guard but have some tipped change at the top this year. The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who claimed the ATP Tour Finals and is seeded fourth in Melbourne, is often touted as the player most likely to upset the apple cart but has only a solitary Grand Slam quarter-final to his name, at Roland Garros last year. "There are other guys, no doubt about it," said 37-year-old Federer, who will play American Taylor Fritz in the third round. "I think also with Sascha (Zverev) holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those Slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them. "Maybe even here. We'll see."

Djokovic, Nadal and I know how to win Grand Slams: Roger Federer

Andy Murray has criticised Britain's Lawn Tennis Association for failing to build on his success and grow the game over the last decade.

Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-out-of-australian-open-after-five-set-thriller-190245">went out of the Australian Open</a> in the first round on Monday, and said the match could be the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murray-breaks-down-at-press-conference-as-he-announces-intention-to-retire-189518">last of his professional career</a> due to pain in his right hip.

The 31-year-old Scot has been hailed as one of Britain's greatest sportsmen, a double Olympic gold medallist who in 2013 also became the first British man to win a Wimbledon singles title in 77 years.

"I'm not sure Britain has really capitalised on the last seven or eight years of success we've had," the BBC quoted the former world number one as saying.

"Whether it be myself, my brother, Jo (Konta), Kyle (Edmund), the Davis Cup, those sorts of things, I'm not sure how much we've done there," added Murray, who has been critical of the LTA in the past.

"Maybe it's something I should have given more thought to while I was playing but I never felt that was my job to do that."

Murray said he could not understand how the number of people playing tennis had dropped over the past decade despite unprecedented success.

"I know in Scotland that there have not been many indoor courts built in the last 10 years. That seems madness. I don't understand why that is. You need to get kids playing; you need to have the facilities that allow them to do that," he said.

Older brother Jamie echoed the concern to British media as he prepared to start his Australian Open doubles campaign on Thursday.

"My greatest worry was that he would stop one day... and you would look around the country and there wouldn't be much to show for it. And if you go around the country you probably see that," he said.

"And that is sad because how on earth are you going to grow a sport if you can't do it when you've got one of the biggest stars in tennis for the last 10 years, and one of Britain's most prominent sportspeople?".

Andy Murray has criticised Britain's Lawn Tennis Association for failing to build on his success and grow the game over the last decade. Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray went out of the Australian Open in the first round on Monday, and said the match could be the last of his professional career due to pain in his right hip.

Andy Murray has criticised Britain's Lawn Tennis Association for failing to build on his success and grow the game over the last decade. Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray went out of the Australian Open in the first round on Monday, and said the match could be the last of his professional career due to pain in his right hip. The 31-year-old Scot has been hailed as one of Britain's greatest sportsmen, a double Olympic gold medallist who in 2013 also became the first British man to win a Wimbledon singles title in 77 years. "I'm not sure Britain has really capitalised on the last seven or eight years of success we've had," the BBC quoted the former world number one as saying. "Whether it be myself, my brother, Jo (Konta), Kyle (Edmund), the Davis Cup, those sorts of things, I'm not sure how much we've done there," added Murray, who has been critical of the LTA in the past. "Maybe it's something I should have given more thought to while I was playing but I never felt that was my job to do that." Murray said he could not understand how the number of people playing tennis had dropped over the past decade despite unprecedented success. "I know in Scotland that there have not been many indoor courts built in the last 10 years. That seems madness. I don't understand why that is. You need to get kids playing; you need to have the facilities that allow them to do that," he said. Older brother Jamie echoed the concern to British media as he prepared to start his Australian Open doubles campaign on Thursday. "My greatest worry was that he would stop one day... and you would look around the country and there wouldn't be much to show for it. And if you go around the country you probably see that," he said. "And that is sad because how on earth are you going to grow a sport if you can't do it when you've got one of the biggest stars in tennis for the last 10 years, and one of Britain's most prominent sportspeople?".

Andy Murray criticises LTA for failing to make the most of his success

As Australia sizzles, 'Serena-tard' clashes with tennis dress code

By Francesca Cavallerio

Two things struck me while watching Andy Murray’s press conference from the Australian Open, in which he announced his intention to retire. He spoke about the pain he had lived with “over the past 20 months or so”, and how he had planned to continue until Wimbledon this summer but was no longer sure he could. Then there was a long pause, that lump in the throat before he was able to utter the words “stop playing”.

My first question was: “Why not sooner?” Why would someone put himself through such suffering for such a long time, despite knowing that the consequences of this overuse of his body would haunt him for the rest of his life? Why not stop before? And my second question was: “Will he be OK after retiring?”

Scrolling through the numerous tweets from tennis celebrities on the subject, I found one regret kept appearing over and over again: “Sorry you cannot retire on your own terms.” Not only is retirement considered a tough process for athletes, but research has confirmed that retirement due to injury is especially difficult. The athlete is forced into the decision of abandoning their life, not because of lack of motivation but because their body has given up.

The question is whether there is a way to avoid this. Should we just accept that elite sport is bad for the body, and not just in the long term, but more and more often in the short term? Like many retiring athletes, Andy Murray is only in his early thirties and has suffered painful injuries throughout his career. What is it that makes it OK to be in severe pain for 20 months and keep playing?

Sport sociologists have identified that what is known as a culture of risk dominates the professional sport. Its ethical values of sacrifice, striving for greatness, taking chances, rejecting limits and playing through pain are reflected in the way pain is portrayed as normal and risks are glorified. In particular, injury and pain are seen as a constant fixture in a competitor’s life, and they are not a “real athlete” if they do not train and play through these problems.

Although warm and encouraging, many tweets directed to Murray highlighted this tendency to glorify risk and pain, such as “everyone wants you to keep fighting” or “stay strong and keep fighting”, “continue to keep fighting on the court”. Wasn’t fighting for 20 months enough?

This culture encourages athletes not to listen to and take care of their bodies, something that perhaps Murray has now realised. When discussing the hip surgery he is considering, he said: “The reason for having an operation is not to return to the professional sport, it’s just for a better quality of life.” At 31, Murray still has a lot of life to live. As 12-time grand slam champion Billie Jean King put it: “[His] greatest impact on the world may be yet to come.”

Yet if you believe in the idea that “sport is life and life is sport”, it becomes difficult to imagine how Murray will ever be happy and fully satisfied again. The dominant culture makes it very difficult for athletes to say goodbye to their sport and move onto something new.

A developing branch of sport psychology that focuses on the narratives that we use to talk and think about sport might help understand this process, the bumps in the road and potential ways to reach a happy ending. According to this narrative research, humans are “storied beings”, which means that they make sense of their lives through creating and sharing their personal stories. Stories have a plot, and narrative researchers argue that each culture has a shared number of plots (narratives) that we use to understand and inform their lives.

The most common – and encouraged – narrative in elite sport is the performance narrative, which runs along the lines of: “I love my sport. My sport is everything in my life. Nothing is more important than my sport and succeeding in it.” Not surprisingly, this narrative means that to be successful an athlete needs to be single-minded and focused on their sport to the exclusion of other areas of life.

Changing the narrative

As a result, things then become much more difficult for athletes once the professional chapter of the story ends. My own research with retired elite gymnasts highlights how athletes who fall under a performance narrative while at the top of their game, end up with a much more confused personal story, an entangled narrative, once they retire. The plot of their story is: “I was a successful gymnast. I am not a gymnast anymore. I want to be a gymnast again.” Because other areas of their lives aren’t developed, they fix a melancholic gaze on the past, unable to refocus on, enjoy or develop from present experiences.

But it doesn’t have to be like this. Other narratives allow athletes to step away from the classic expectations of the culture of risk, and allow them to develop more successfully towards their happy-ever-after. For example, the discovery narrative involves developing other identities outside of the sport.

Thankfully, Murray has already started to do this, becoming a father, as well as an inspirational role model and feminist. Hopefully, these roles will help him get through the reinvention of his story and further inspire the next generation of athletes.

(Francesca Cavallerio is Lecturer in Sport Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/andy-murray-breaking-away-from-sports-no-pain-no-gain-culture-109824">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Francesca Cavallerio Two things struck me while watching Andy Murray’s press conference from the Australian Open, in which he announced his intention to retire.

By Francesca Cavallerio Two things struck me while watching Andy Murray’s press conference from the Australian Open, in which he announced his intention to retire. He spoke about the pain he had lived with “over the past 20 months or so”, and how he had planned to continue until Wimbledon this summer but was no longer sure he could. Then there was a long pause, that lump in the throat before he was able to utter the words “stop playing”. My first question was: “Why not sooner?” Why would someone put himself through such suffering for such a long time, despite knowing that the consequences of this overuse of his body would haunt him for the rest of his life? Why not stop before? And my second question was: “Will he be OK after retiring?” Scrolling through the numerous tweets from tennis celebrities on the subject, I found one regret kept appearing over and over again: “Sorry you cannot retire on your own terms.” Not only is retirement considered a tough process for athletes, but research has confirmed that retirement due to injury is especially difficult. The athlete is forced into the decision of abandoning their life, not because of lack of motivation but because their body has given up. The question is whether there is a way to avoid this. Should we just accept that elite sport is bad for the body, and not just in the long term, but more and more often in the short term? Like many retiring athletes, Andy Murray is only in his early thirties and has suffered painful injuries throughout his career. What is it that makes it OK to be in severe pain for 20 months and keep playing? Sport sociologists have identified that what is known as a culture of risk dominates the professional sport. Its ethical values of sacrifice, striving for greatness, taking chances, rejecting limits and playing through pain are reflected in the way pain is portrayed as normal and risks are glorified. In particular, injury and pain are seen as a constant fixture in a competitor’s life, and they are not a “real athlete” if they do not train and play through these problems. Although warm and encouraging, many tweets directed to Murray highlighted this tendency to glorify risk and pain, such as “everyone wants you to keep fighting” or “stay strong and keep fighting”, “continue to keep fighting on the court”. Wasn’t fighting for 20 months enough? This culture encourages athletes not to listen to and take care of their bodies, something that perhaps Murray has now realised. When discussing the hip surgery he is considering, he said: “The reason for having an operation is not to return to the professional sport, it’s just for a better quality of life.” At 31, Murray still has a lot of life to live. As 12-time grand slam champion Billie Jean King put it: “[His] greatest impact on the world may be yet to come.” Yet if you believe in the idea that “sport is life and life is sport”, it becomes difficult to imagine how Murray will ever be happy and fully satisfied again. The dominant culture makes it very difficult for athletes to say goodbye to their sport and move onto something new. A developing branch of sport psychology that focuses on the narratives that we use to talk and think about sport might help understand this process, the bumps in the road and potential ways to reach a happy ending. According to this narrative research, humans are “storied beings”, which means that they make sense of their lives through creating and sharing their personal stories. Stories have a plot, and narrative researchers argue that each culture has a shared number of plots (narratives) that we use to understand and inform their lives. The most common – and encouraged – narrative in elite sport is the performance narrative, which runs along the lines of: “I love my sport. My sport is everything in my life. Nothing is more important than my sport and succeeding in it.” Not surprisingly, this narrative means that to be successful an athlete needs to be single-minded and focused on their sport to the exclusion of other areas of life. Changing the narrative As a result, things then become much more difficult for athletes once the professional chapter of the story ends. My own research with retired elite gymnasts highlights how athletes who fall under a performance narrative while at the top of their game, end up with a much more confused personal story, an entangled narrative, once they retire. The plot of their story is: “I was a successful gymnast. I am not a gymnast anymore. I want to be a gymnast again.” Because other areas of their lives aren’t developed, they fix a melancholic gaze on the past, unable to refocus on, enjoy or develop from present experiences. But it doesn’t have to be like this. Other narratives allow athletes to step away from the classic expectations of the culture of risk, and allow them to develop more successfully towards their happy-ever-after. For example, the discovery narrative involves developing other identities outside of the sport. Thankfully, Murray has already started to do this, becoming a father, as well as an inspirational role model and feminist. Hopefully, these roles will help him get through the reinvention of his story and further inspire the next generation of athletes. (Francesca Cavallerio is Lecturer in Sport Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Andy Murray: Breaking away from sport’s ‘no pain, no gain’ culture

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is likely to be honoured with a statue at the historic Grand Slam venue, the All England Club's chief executive told the BBC.&nbsp;

The 31-year-old Scot - who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016 - announced last Friday retirement was on the cards due to a chronic hip injury.

He then choked back tears and broke down as he revealed he hoped to end his career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open which began Monday could be his last event because the constant pain was so bad.

Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Club, said Murray could well be honoured in the same manner as fellow Briton and multiple Wimbledon men's singles champion Fred Perry.

Perry - who won three successive Wimbledon titles from 1934-36 - had a statue unveiled in 1984.

"We always felt that when Andy retired, that would be the appropriate time to recognise his extraordinary career," said Lewis.

"I am sure something like (a statue) will be done, but meanwhile down at the club he is seen as a highly-respected person both on and off the court."

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is likely to be honoured with a statue at the historic Grand Slam venue, the All England Club's chief executive told the BBC.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is likely to be honoured with a statue at the historic Grand Slam venue, the All England Club's chief executive told the BBC. The 31-year-old Scot - who won the grasscourt Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016 - announced last Friday retirement was on the cards due to a chronic hip injury. He then choked back tears and broke down as he revealed he hoped to end his career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open which began Monday could be his last event because the constant pain was so bad. Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Club, said Murray could well be honoured in the same manner as fellow Briton and multiple Wimbledon men's singles champion Fred Perry. Perry - who won three successive Wimbledon titles from 1934-36 - had a statue unveiled in 1984. "We always felt that when Andy retired, that would be the appropriate time to recognise his extraordinary career," said Lewis. "I am sure something like (a statue) will be done, but meanwhile down at the club he is seen as a highly-respected person both on and off the court."

Andy Murray likely to have statue erected: Wimbledon CEO

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career.

Federer's comments arrive at a time when the tennis world is celebrating the achievements of his long-time rival Andy Murray, who said next week's Australian Open could his last as he struggles to recover from a hip injury.

Two-time Australian Open defending champion Federer said he does not have a "fairytale ending" to his own career in mind but he would like to leave the court in good health.

"I have a lot of places that are very special to me, thankfully," Federer told CNN. "I've been very fortunate. But yeah, sure, like a Wimbledon stands out as maybe a place.

"I don't have the fairytale ending in my head saying it has to be another title somewhere and then I have to announce it big, I don't have to have it that way."

Federer, who turned professional in 1998, has collected an incredible 99 career singles titles, 20 of which have been Grand Slams.

He is not expected to hang up his racket before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he will look to add an individual gold alongside his doubles triumph at Beijing 2008.

"I think there is expectation from the media (that) it all has to end so perfectly. I've given up on that a long time ago," Federer added.

"As long as I'm healthy and I'm enjoying myself, I know it's going to be emotional anyway... it should be a happy celebration day, not like a sad funeral type of day."

Federer will begin his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin on Monday.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career. Federer's comments arrive at a time when the tennis world is celebrating the achievements of his long-time rival Andy Murray, who said next week's Australian Open could his last as he struggles to recover from a hip injury. Two-time Australian Open defending champion Federer said he does not have a "fairytale ending" to his own career in mind but he would like to leave the court in good health. "I have a lot of places that are very special to me, thankfully," Federer told CNN. "I've been very fortunate. But yeah, sure, like a Wimbledon stands out as maybe a place. "I don't have the fairytale ending in my head saying it has to be another title somewhere and then I have to announce it big, I don't have to have it that way." Federer, who turned professional in 1998, has collected an incredible 99 career singles titles, 20 of which have been Grand Slams. He is not expected to hang up his racket before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he will look to add an individual gold alongside his doubles triumph at Beijing 2008. "I think there is expectation from the media (that) it all has to end so perfectly. I've given up on that a long time ago," Federer added. "As long as I'm healthy and I'm enjoying myself, I know it's going to be emotional anyway... it should be a happy celebration day, not like a sad funeral type of day." Federer will begin his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin on Monday.

Roger Federer names Wimbledon as potential future farewell venue

An emotional British tennis player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=andy+murray">Andy Murray</a> said that he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-star-andy-murray-to-retire-this-year-due-to-injury-189468">plans to retire</a> after this year's Australian Open as the former world number one continues to be plagued by injuries.&nbsp;

Murray, who has been struggling to recover from hip surgery a year ago, was in tears at a press conference in Melbourne ahead of the this year's first grand slam, Australian Open.&nbsp;

The 31-year-old was on the verge of tears as he entered the press conference room and, asked how his hip was feeling, managed to say "not great" before being overcome by his emotions and having to leave the room.&nbsp;

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An emotional Andy Murray says he will play <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> and hopes to play the final tournament of his career at <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wimbledon</a>. 
 
"Not feeling good. Been struggling for a long time...I'm not sure I can play through the pain for another four or five months." <a href="https://t.co/g4sLpuiyF4">pic.twitter.com/g4sLpuiyF4</a>
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Speaking at a press conference, Andy Murray said: "Not feeling good, obviously been struggling for a long time, I've been in a lot of pain for what has been probably 20 months now, I've pretty much-done everything that I could to try to get my hip feeling better, hasn't helped loads. I'm in a better place than I was six months ago, but still in a lot of pain, it's been tough." 

On being asked if Australian Open is his last tournament, Murray said, "I think there's a chance for that, for sure. There's a chance of that for sure because like I said I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months." &nbsp;

"The pain is kind of the driving factor. I can play with limitations; that's not an issue. It's having the limitations and also the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training or any of the stuff that I love about tennis," added Murray.

Murray will contest his first-round match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday but that may prove to be the final match of his illustrious career.&nbsp;

An emotional British tennis player Andy Murray said that he plans to retire after this year's Australian Open as the former world number one continues to be plagued by injuries.

An emotional British tennis player Andy Murray said that he plans to retire after this year's Australian Open as the former world number one continues to be plagued by injuries. Murray, who has been struggling to recover from hip surgery a year ago, was in tears at a press conference in Melbourne ahead of the this year's first grand slam, Australian Open. The 31-year-old was on the verge of tears as he entered the press conference room and, asked how his hip was feeling, managed to say "not great" before being overcome by his emotions and having to leave the room. An emotional Andy Murray says he will play #AusOpen and hopes to play the final tournament of his career at @Wimbledon. "Not feeling good. Been struggling for a long time...I'm not sure I can play through the pain for another four or five months." pic.twitter.com/g4sLpuiyF4 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 11, 2019 × Speaking at a press conference, Andy Murray said: "Not feeling good, obviously been struggling for a long time, I've been in a lot of pain for what has been probably 20 months now, I've pretty much-done everything that I could to try to get my hip feeling better, hasn't helped loads. I'm in a better place than I was six months ago, but still in a lot of pain, it's been tough."  On being asked if Australian Open is his last tournament, Murray said, "I think there's a chance for that, for sure. There's a chance of that for sure because like I said I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months."  "The pain is kind of the driving factor. I can play with limitations; that's not an issue. It's having the limitations and also the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training or any of the stuff that I love about tennis," added Murray. Murray will contest his first-round match against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday but that may prove to be the final match of his illustrious career.

Watch: Andy Murray breaks down at press conference as he announces intention to retire

Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to outclass South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday (November 17) to set up an ATP Finals title showdown with Alexander Zverev.

The world number one was immaculate from start to finish against the 32-year-old as he put himself within touching distance of a record-equalling sixth title at the year-ender.

He offered up a mere 14 unforced errors and not a single break point as he again proved too good for Anderson, who he beat to win Wimbledon this year.

"I think it was the best match I've played so far this week -- it came at the right time," Djokovic, who has been almost unstoppable in the second half of the year, said.

"Kevin has been playing great tennis this week. He lost his serve in the first game which was big because he relies so much on his serve. I tried to win as many points on his second serve as possible. It worked very well.

"I'm very happy to reach the final."

Djokovic found his range immediately and the writing was on the wall for Anderson when he dropped serve in the opening game.

Anderson, the first South African to reach the semi-finals in the tournament's 48-year history, simply had no answer to the relentless accuracy of Djokovic's groundstrokes and had to save two break points in his next service game.

Breezing through his own service games - he is yet to be broken this week - Djokovic was able to exert maximum pressure on Anderson's delivery and his opponent buckled to drop serve again as Djokovic pocketed a one-sided opener.

There was no let-up at the start of the second set for Anderson as he double-faulted to go 0-40 in his opening service game, Djokovic duly breaking again as the world number six dumped a forehand into the net.

Anderson received a code violation for an audible obscenity but it was hard to blame him for losing his cool as Djokovic continued to turn the screw.

Breaks were arriving with the frequency of London buses for the Serb and a rasping crosscourt forehand gave him another one as he romped into a 5-1 lead.

Anderson nicked one game back but it was a hopeless task and Djokovic put him out of his misery with a netcord on matchpoint to claim a 35th win in his last 37 matches -- a run including the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles to swell his collection of Grand Slam titles to 14.

Not bad for a man who began the year plagued with an elbow injury that needed surgery and who slumped to 22nd in the ATP rankings as recently as June.

Should he win against the 21-year-old Zverev, who he beat convincingly in the round-robin stage here, the 31-year-old will become the oldest player to claim the title.

Roger Federer, the previous oldest, was beaten 7-5, 7-6(5) by Zverev in the day's first semi-final.

Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to outclass South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday (November 17) to set up an ATP Finals title showdown with Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to outclass South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday (November 17) to set up an ATP Finals title showdown with Alexander Zverev. The world number one was immaculate from start to finish against the 32-year-old as he put himself within touching distance of a record-equalling sixth title at the year-ender. He offered up a mere 14 unforced errors and not a single break point as he again proved too good for Anderson, who he beat to win Wimbledon this year. "I think it was the best match I've played so far this week -- it came at the right time," Djokovic, who has been almost unstoppable in the second half of the year, said. "Kevin has been playing great tennis this week. He lost his serve in the first game which was big because he relies so much on his serve. I tried to win as many points on his second serve as possible. It worked very well. "I'm very happy to reach the final." Djokovic found his range immediately and the writing was on the wall for Anderson when he dropped serve in the opening game. Anderson, the first South African to reach the semi-finals in the tournament's 48-year history, simply had no answer to the relentless accuracy of Djokovic's groundstrokes and had to save two break points in his next service game. Breezing through his own service games - he is yet to be broken this week - Djokovic was able to exert maximum pressure on Anderson's delivery and his opponent buckled to drop serve again as Djokovic pocketed a one-sided opener. There was no let-up at the start of the second set for Anderson as he double-faulted to go 0-40 in his opening service game, Djokovic duly breaking again as the world number six dumped a forehand into the net. Anderson received a code violation for an audible obscenity but it was hard to blame him for losing his cool as Djokovic continued to turn the screw. Breaks were arriving with the frequency of London buses for the Serb and a rasping crosscourt forehand gave him another one as he romped into a 5-1 lead. Anderson nicked one game back but it was a hopeless task and Djokovic put him out of his misery with a netcord on matchpoint to claim a 35th win in his last 37 matches -- a run including the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles to swell his collection of Grand Slam titles to 14. Not bad for a man who began the year plagued with an elbow injury that needed surgery and who slumped to 22nd in the ATP rankings as recently as June. Should he win against the 21-year-old Zverev, who he beat convincingly in the round-robin stage here, the 31-year-old will become the oldest player to claim the title. Roger Federer, the previous oldest, was beaten 7-5, 7-6(5) by Zverev in the day's first semi-final.

Novak Djokovic thumps Anderson to set up final clash with Zverev

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday.

Wimbledon runner-up Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the season-ender since Wayne Ferreira in 1995, was comfortably the better player in a one-sided first set.

The second set was a much tighter affair with serve dominating but Anderson sneaked a gripping tiebreaker 12-10 on his fourth match point, banging down his 13th ace to open his account in the Lleyton Hewitt group.

Anderson, 32, celebrated by leading the packed crowd in singing 'happy birthday' to his wife Kelsey.

Swiss Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-extending seventh title at the eight-man season-ender when he faces Japan's Kei Nishikori in the evening session.

The opening action featured two of this year's Grand Slam runners-up but it was Anderson who looked best-equipped to make a big impression alongside the River Thames.

Standing at six foot eight, it would be easy to dismiss him as just a big server but his all-round game was too good for Thiem.

"He's very dangerous. He serves well. I think out of the taller guys, he's playing outstanding from the baseline," Thiem told reporters. "Of course, he can win the title here."

Anderson had lost both his matches against Thiem this year, having won their previous six clashes, and he looked fired up to reassert his dominance over this year's French Open runner-up, clenching his fist regularly after winning points.

He broke serve in the fourth game after a deep service return forced an error from the Austrian and had chances for a double break two games later but Thiem hung in.

Anderson wrapped up the set on serve at 5-3 but Thiem came out striking the ball with more aggression in the second set and improved his serving percentage to such an extent that he conceded only two of 25 points after landing his first delivery.

Thiem could make little impression on the Anderson serve either, though, and the match drifted into a tiebreaker.

The 25-year-old Austrian saved a match point at 5-6 before playing a sensational point to earn a set point of his own, only to then net a forehand off a powerful Anderson first serve.

World number six Anderson earned a second match point and again Thiem responded strongly, saving it with a deft volley.

Anderson fired down an ace to save a second set point and, despite failing to convert a third match point, he would not be denied. There is still time for Thiem but with Federer still to play he faces a third consecutive group phase exit.

The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner begins on Monday.

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday.

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday. Wimbledon runner-up Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the season-ender since Wayne Ferreira in 1995, was comfortably the better player in a one-sided first set. The second set was a much tighter affair with serve dominating but Anderson sneaked a gripping tiebreaker 12-10 on his fourth match point, banging down his 13th ace to open his account in the Lleyton Hewitt group. Anderson, 32, celebrated by leading the packed crowd in singing 'happy birthday' to his wife Kelsey. Swiss Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-extending seventh title at the eight-man season-ender when he faces Japan's Kei Nishikori in the evening session. The opening action featured two of this year's Grand Slam runners-up but it was Anderson who looked best-equipped to make a big impression alongside the River Thames. Standing at six foot eight, it would be easy to dismiss him as just a big server but his all-round game was too good for Thiem. "He's very dangerous. He serves well. I think out of the taller guys, he's playing outstanding from the baseline," Thiem told reporters. "Of course, he can win the title here." Anderson had lost both his matches against Thiem this year, having won their previous six clashes, and he looked fired up to reassert his dominance over this year's French Open runner-up, clenching his fist regularly after winning points. He broke serve in the fourth game after a deep service return forced an error from the Austrian and had chances for a double break two games later but Thiem hung in. Anderson wrapped up the set on serve at 5-3 but Thiem came out striking the ball with more aggression in the second set and improved his serving percentage to such an extent that he conceded only two of 25 points after landing his first delivery. Thiem could make little impression on the Anderson serve either, though, and the match drifted into a tiebreaker. The 25-year-old Austrian saved a match point at 5-6 before playing a sensational point to earn a set point of his own, only to then net a forehand off a powerful Anderson first serve. World number six Anderson earned a second match point and again Thiem responded strongly, saving it with a deft volley. Anderson fired down an ace to save a second set point and, despite failing to convert a third match point, he would not be denied. There is still time for Thiem but with Federer still to play he faces a third consecutive group phase exit. The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner begins on Monday.

Anderson off to flyer at ATP Finals with win over Thiem

Tennis's marathon man John Isner has welcomed Wimbledon's decision to introduce tiebreaks at 12-12 in the final set.

The American became something of a Wimbledon cult hero when beating France's Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set in 2010 - a record-breaking duel lasting 11 hours five minutes and spanning three days and in which the last set alone (eight hours 11 minutes) would have broken the previous longest-match record.

After his 2010 exploits Isner, 33, was involved in the second-longest Wimbledon match in this year's semi-finals when he went down 26-24 in the fifth set to South Africa's Kevin Anderson - a battle lasting six hours and 36 minutes.

That led to further calls to bring in sudden-death tiebreaks and Wimbledon's organisers announced this week that next year's Championships would use them after 24 games in deciding sets.

"I have said all along 12-all is good," he told BBC Radio 5 on Sunday. "That is sensible - you're getting people who like the advantage and people who like tie-breaks.

"It is bucking tradition but a lot of people believe that is not a bad thing."

The world number 10 even joked that the new ruling should be named after him.

"The next match that gets to that, they should just say we will now play the Isner Rule," he said.

"I don't think they are going to do that, but I think I've been a big driving force for it."

Wimbledon has followed the U.S. Open which has employed tiebreaks at 6-6 in deciding sets, but by allowing a set to reach 12-12 organisers say they are maintaining tradition and allowing dramatic deciding sets to evolve.

The Australian and French Opens do not have final set breakers.

"It may be that Wimbledon acting like this could drive them to do it as well," Isner said.

"There is drama enough in a tie-breaker. You could argue there is more drama in that."

Tennis's marathon man John Isner has welcomed Wimbledon's decision to introduce tiebreaks at 12-12 in the final set. The American became something of a Wimbledon cult hero when beating France's Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set in 2010 - a record-breaking duel lasting 11 hours five minutes and spanning three days and in which the last set alone (eight hours 11 minutes) would have broken the previous longest-match record.

Tennis's marathon man John Isner has welcomed Wimbledon's decision to introduce tiebreaks at 12-12 in the final set. The American became something of a Wimbledon cult hero when beating France's Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set in 2010 - a record-breaking duel lasting 11 hours five minutes and spanning three days and in which the last set alone (eight hours 11 minutes) would have broken the previous longest-match record. After his 2010 exploits Isner, 33, was involved in the second-longest Wimbledon match in this year's semi-finals when he went down 26-24 in the fifth set to South Africa's Kevin Anderson - a battle lasting six hours and 36 minutes. That led to further calls to bring in sudden-death tiebreaks and Wimbledon's organisers announced this week that next year's Championships would use them after 24 games in deciding sets. "I have said all along 12-all is good," he told BBC Radio 5 on Sunday. "That is sensible - you're getting people who like the advantage and people who like tie-breaks. "It is bucking tradition but a lot of people believe that is not a bad thing." The world number 10 even joked that the new ruling should be named after him. "The next match that gets to that, they should just say we will now play the Isner Rule," he said. "I don't think they are going to do that, but I think I've been a big driving force for it." Wimbledon has followed the U.S. Open which has employed tiebreaks at 6-6 in deciding sets, but by allowing a set to reach 12-12 organisers say they are maintaining tradition and allowing dramatic deciding sets to evolve. The Australian and French Opens do not have final set breakers. "It may be that Wimbledon acting like this could drive them to do it as well," Isner said. "There is drama enough in a tie-breaker. You could argue there is more drama in that."

John Isner welcomes Wimbledon's new tiebreak rule

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