Tennis News Today: Casper Ruud echoes Novak Djokovic's sentiments as he urges Rafael Nadal to reconsider retirement; Carlos Alcaraz discloses health issues after ATP Finals loss, and more
Casper Ruud urged Rafael Nadal to reconsider his retirement after his ATP Finals win. Also, Jannik Sinner opened up about his favorite off-court memory of the season. Meanwhile, the WTA extended their support to Barbora Krejcikova after the recent controversy with American journalist Jon Wertheim.
In other news, Carlos Alcaraz revealed he was sick during his match against Casper Ruud during the ATP Finals. Also, Alexis Ohanian shared a picture of his daughter Olympia playing golf.
On that note, here is a list of all the top tennis news from today:
Casper Ruud joins Novak Djokovic in urging Rafael Nadal to reconsider his retirement
Casper Ruud became the latest tennis star to urge Rafael Nadal to reconsider his retirement. The Spaniard is set to hang his boots after the Davis Cup in Malaga and was asked to reconsider his decision by Novak Djokovic during the Six Kings Slam.
Speaking after his win against Carlos Alcaraz, Ruud gave his thoughts on Nadal's retirement and hoped he could stay longer on the tour. However, the Norwegian accepted that Nadal's retirement was inevitable after his recent struggles.
"I kind of think Novak said it well during the Saudi tournament. Please don't retire yet because you have so many fans around the world," Ruud said.
Read more: "Novak Djokovic said it well, please don't retire yet" - Casper Ruud urges Rafael Nadal to rethink retirement with Davis Cup Finals last dance looming
Jannik Sinner reveals his best moment off-court during the season
Jannik Sinner mentioned spending time with his family as his best moment off-court in 2024. The Italian star further hailed his father as a 'hero' while cherishing the limited time he got to spend with his family amid a busy schedule.
Sinner enjoyed the best season of his career, winning two Grand Slam titles and multiple ATP Masters tournaments in 2024. The 23-year-old is set to end the year as the World No. 1 for the first time in his career.
Speaking about his favorite moments of the season, Sinner mentioned winning his maiden Australian Open title as his best moment on-court. However, the Italian star added that spending time with his parents after the Australian Open was his best moment off-court during the season.
"Seeing my parents after Australia—just seeing them happy and spending some time with them. I don't have so much time with my parents, so it was a very nice moment," Jannik Sinner said.
Read more: "I don't have much time with my parents, so it was very nice" - Jannik Sinner discloses his best off-court moment of 2024, calls his father his "hero"
The WTA issues a statement backing Barbora Krejcikova after recent controversy with an American journalist
The WTA has issued a stern statement supporting Barbora Krejcikova after the Czech star was disrespected by American tennis journalist Jon Wertheim. Wertheim made a comment about Krejcikova's forehead during the WTA Finals broadcast, which resulted in him being fired from Tennis Channel.
In their statement, the WTA took a stance against the journalists and commentators who make derogatory comments against the players. The statement further said that women should be respected in all fields and not just in sports.
"Statement from the WTA: There is no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes. The WTA stands in full support of Barbora’s powerful call for respect. This should be the norm for all women in all working environments. Respect is due as a right, not a privilege to be earned."
Read more: WTA breaks silence; issues stern statement after massive controversy sees journalist sacked for derogatory comment toward Barbora Krejcikova
Carlos Alcaraz provides a fitness update after his ATP Finals loss against Casper Ruud
Carlos Alcaraz has provided a health update after his defeat against Casper Ruud in Turin. The Spanish star looked sick and struggled with his health throughout the match before eventually losing in straight sets.
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz revealed he felt 'uncomfortable in the stomach' throughout the match and struggled after long rallies. The World No. 3 claimed that he did not want to use it as an excuse and praised Ruud for his impressive performance.
"Well, a few days before coming here, I got sick at home. And yeah, the days that I was practicing here, I was feeling okay. But today I didn't feel well. In this morning, I feel uncomfortable in the stomach. After long rallies today, I couldn't feel well... I don't want to, you know, say because I don't want to sound like an excuse. But if I feel bad, I feel bad," Alcaraz said.
Read more: Carlos Alcaraz fitness update: After ATP Finals opener loss, Spaniard reveals why he felt 'uncomfortable' and couldn't play at his best
Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian offers a peek of into his golf session with his daughter
Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian shared a picture of his daughter Olympia playing golf. The American businessman shared an image of his seven-year-old daughter trying her hands out at a new sport.
Ohanian often shares pictures of his daughters on his social media account. Recently, he shared an adorable image of him playing golf with his daughter. Olympia could be seen lining up to put the ball, in the image shared on Ohanian's Twitter account.
"Putting pool with Jr this morning. She won a few robux off me," Ohanian wrote.
Read more: "Putting pool with Jr" - Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian offers a peek into his golf session with daughter Olympia