Break Points is a daily roundup of tennis news, videos, links, and tweets. If you have something you think I should include, email me at amy@changeovertennis.com.
Today’s notable results:
- Eastbourne: Bernard Tomic d. James Ward, 6-3, 6-4
- Eastbourne: Julien Benneteau d. Kevin Anderson, 7-6(4), 6-2
- Eastbourne: Jamie Hampton d. Agnieszka Radwanska, 7-6(2), 6-2
- Eastbourne: Sam Stosur d. Nadia Petrova, 6-2, 6-3
- ‘s-Hertogenbosch: Xavier Malisse d. David Ferrer, 7-6(3), 6-3
News and Links:
Venus Williams is out of Wimbledon. Per her Facebook page:
Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in Wimbledon this year. I am extremely disappointed as I have always loved The Championships, but I need to take time to let my back heal. I look forward to returning to the courts as soon as possible, with my goal being to return to Mylan World Team Tennis on July 8th in Washington DC. Many thanks to my fans for the love and support and I will be seeing you very soon back on the courts.
Speaking of Venus, before her withdrawal from Wimbledon, Pete Bodo thoughtfully pondered her future over at Tennis.com.
Venus and Serena Williams remain the best of all women’s doubles teams, and probably the best ever. Furthermore, they’re such iconic players that people flock to watch them. I’d bet you’d have a tougher time finding a seat at one of their doubles matches than for a singles battle between Angelique Kerber and Agnieszka Radwanska. That must not only help soften the mental blows Venus has endured, but it also enables her to take a good look around, enjoying the scenery, as she winds down her career. Lots of players don’t get that chance; they’re forced to skulk away from the game with their tails between their legs, beaten down by an accumulation of losses that make even the best of time seem too far way and too long ago.
Richard Gasquet turns 27 today.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has reportedly parted ways with coach Martina Hingis:
“Pavlyuchenkova and Hingis didn’t agree on the methods of preparation and I had expected it,” Kamelzon said. “In order to win Grand Slam tournaments you need to have a coach, not a player with a big name.”
Pavlyuchenkova is to reunite with her brother Alexander, who coached her from September 2009 through October 2010 and guided her to her first two WTA titles in Monterrey and Istanbul.
Serena Williams’ latest practice attire is pretty amazing.
The WTA released a series of cool images commemorating the WTA’s 40th anniversary.
Tennis on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/346982024604696578
They should change the rule @Wimbledon not to have chairs but lets make a picnic!!! pic.twitter.com/uSF6skifxB
— Tomáš Berdych (@tomasberdych) June 18, 2013
I can’t help but feel that Berdych’s twitter presence is a calculated PR stunt. The tweets are funny, sure, but they are so at odds with his image outside of Twitter as ‘tinman Berdych’.