Tennis News Today: Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni hails Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz for Paris Olympics medal wins; Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend Ayan Broomfield stunned by controversial line call in Canadian Open 1R loss

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(Left to Right) Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Frances Tiafoe (Source: Getty Images)
(Left to Right) Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Frances Tiafoe (Source: Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni commended Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz's 2024 Paris Olympic feats. In other news, Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend Ayan Broomfield expressed shock at the controversial line call that led to the American's first-round loss at the National Bank Open in Montreal.

Meanwhile, Martina Navratilova slammed "left-winger" for misgendering her following the American's controversial comments about boxer Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics. Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal from the 2024 US Open, citing a lack of preparedness.

On that note, here's a recap of today's top tennis news:


Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni lauds Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz's Olympic performance in Paris

Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni has expressed admiration for Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz's Paris Olympic achievement of winning gold and silver medals, respectively. In a thrilling encounter that echoed their recent Wimbledon final, Djokovic emerged victorious against Alcaraz with scores of 7-6(3), 7-6(2).

Toni Nadal remarked that despite Alcaraz’s defeat to Djokovic, the young Spaniard’s performance is commendable.

"The images of Carlos [Alcaraz] crying on the court with clear signs of grief and frustration have left us with a bitter feeling, but they must not make us think that this is a defeat," Toni wrote in El Pais column.
"He lost a match that could have been in his favour, giving his best at all times, fighting until the last ball as we know he usually does, and holding in suspense an entire country that enjoyed watching him for his great tennis and his passion. His silver medal against the best tennis player in history deserves, without a doubt, all our admiration," he added.

Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend Ayan Broomfield questions controversial line call in Canadian Open 1R loss

Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, has slammed a disputed line call that went against the American during his 4-6, 2-6 loss to 15th seed Alejandro Tabilo in the first round at the National Bank Open in Montreal.

The controversial moment occurred in the tenth game of the first set when a shot by Tabilo was out, as shown by electronic evidence, but chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani awarded the point to Tabilo.

Broomfield later expressed her disbelief on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the wrong decision was upheld despite "electronic proof" to the contrary.

"Someone please explain to me how they didn’t give Frances this point when it was clearly stated that his opponent hit the ball out … genuinely confused. 30-30, serving down 4-5. no player challenges, only electronic line calling. There was ELECTRONIC proof that he won the point," Broomfield wrote.

Martina Navratilova criticizes "left-winger" for misgendering her following controversial Imane Khelif take at Paris Olympics

Martina Navratilova faced criticism for her comments about controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's participation in the Paris Olympics.

Khelif, competing in the women's 66kg category, allegedly failed a gender test but was allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics by the IOC, sparking outrage. Navratilova, who advocates for excluding transgender athletes, shared a post on X about South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya, implying a connection to Khelif.

"Sounds familiar?" Navratilova wrote.

When an account called Navratilova "masculine," she responded:

"Yet another left-winger trying to misgender me. You guys are pathetic."

Rafael Nadal announced withdrawal from the 2024 US Open

Rafael Nadal has decided to skip the 2024 US Open, citing concerns over his ability to deliver a top performance.

Following a less than stellar performance at the Paris Olympics, where Novak Djokovic defeated him in the singles second round, and a quarterfinal exit in the doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, losing to the American pair Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek who went on to win the silver medal, Nadal has chosen to withdraw.

On August 8, Nadal shared via X (the platform previously known as Twitter) that his next appearance would be at the Laver Cup.

"Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories. I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time," the 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote.
"Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of lucks to all for the always amazing US Open! My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin," he added.

Rafael Nadal will be missing his third Grand Slam of the year (Australian Open and Wimbledon Championships) following his comeback earlier this year.

What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here

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Edited by Vaishnavi Iyer
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