On Wednesday Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer didn’t play a match. Yet they still managed to attract widespread attention in the newspapers. Meanwhile, Amazon has secured a deal that will revolutionized how tennis fans in the UK watch the sport.
Here are the key stories to read today.
The Times – Amazon’s bid
Stuart Fraser outlines the change in tennis viewing patterns among the British audience. It has been announced that Amazon has been granted the right to broadcast the US Open in the UK for five years in a deal worth £30 million. It also highlights that from 2019 Sky Sports will show no elite tennis matches for the first time since 1990.
El Pais – Federer is the king of awards
Alejandro Ciriza writes about Roger Federer overtaking Tiger Woods to become the leader in prize money earnings in sport. Writing about how the Swiss player has managed to maintain his place at the top regardless of his age.
“Federer has been the elite player who has won seven trophies and has a best percentage of: 92.7% of victories, 51 appearances well won and only four defeats.” Ciriza wrote about his season.
The Guardian – Nadal’s exit
Kevin Mitchell comments about how the calendar of the men’s tour is taking its toll on the best players in the world, but fans continue to come to The O2 Arena. Earlier this week the world No.1 ended his season early due to a knee injury. Joining a extensive casualty list that also features Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori.
“The fans, however, continue to flock to the O2 Arena, even if they suspect their favourites are less than 100% fit to entertain them. It is a chance to see eight days of potentially excellent tennis, with 17,500 packed into a magnificent setting in each of the day and nightly sessions from Sunday to Sunday.”
The Evening Standard – Zverev’s goal
The newspaper focuses on Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who believes he has what it takes to set up a showdown with Roger Federer in the final of the ATP Finals. Zverev lost to the 36-year-old earlier this week, but still has a chance of qualifying for the semifinals.
“Maybe you’ll see me this weekend still. I feel very confident going into tomorrow’s match against Jack Sock.” He said.
The Daily Mail – Murray’s win
Mike Dickson focused on Jamie Murray’s one-sided win alongside Bruno Soares in their match at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. The articles summarize perfectly all the key tennis events that took place during the day, including Dimitrov’s win and Serena Williams’ date for her upcoming wedding.
