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Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou suggested Rafael Nadal's comeback motivated Novak Djokovic's gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In other news, Jessica Pegula broke down in tears after winning her second consecutive National Bank Open title.
Meanwhile, Martina Navratilova slammed an English media outlet for celebrating controversial boxer Imane Khelif's Paris Olympics gold medal victory. Alexei Popyrin playfully acknowledged his girlfriend Amy Pederick following the Canadian Open victory.
On that note, here's a recap of today's top tennis news:
Serena Williams' ex-coach suggests Rafael Nadal's resurgence propelled Novak Djokovic to win Olympic gold
Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou attributed Novak Djokovic's gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics to his longstanding rival Rafael Nadal's comeback. Djokovic overcame Nadal in a second-round match and then put up a fight against the tournament’s second seed, Carlos Alcaraz, to win the final match in straight sets.
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In an Instagram post, Mouratoglou suggested that Nadal's resurgence and the strong form of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz likely fueled Djokovic's competitive spirit and drove him to victory.
"I think he [Novak Djokovic] really struggled with motivation until the Olympics," Mouratoglou said. "Everyone felt like it was the end for Rafa [Nadal], Novak felt it too. For sure, it hit his motivation really hard. But after that, Rafa came back on clay, his level was good and I think this gave extra motivation to Novak Djokovic."
"[Jannik] Sinner started to play great, [Carlos] Alcaraz again, I think it touched his ego and he came back really strong and finally won the title that he was chasing for all his career, which was a gold medal at the Olympics to complete his collection of trophies," the Frenchman added.
Jessica Pegula overcame with emotions after defending the Canadian Open title
Jessica Pegula was in tears after successfully defending her Canadian Open title, defeating fellow American Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in the final.
During her post-match on-court interview, Pegula shared her joy at winning the title, expressing that she "wanted it so bad." The American also shed tears of happiness during the interview.
"I can't believe it, I wanted it so bad, so I am getting emotional thinking about it. No, I am so happy to take the title here, it's awesome. I am just like flooded with emotions. It's been an up and down year, but these are like happy tears, I am so happy," Jessica Pegula said.
Pegula also participated in doubles with partner Giuliana Olmos. The Mexican-American pair reached the quarterfinals before losing 6-7(5), 6-7(6) to the third seeds Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk.
Jessica Pegula will next participate in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. The sixth-seed American received a bye into the second round where she will take on either Karolina Muchova or Dayana Yastremska on August 14.
Martina Navratilova criticizes English media outlet for celebrating controversial boxer Imane Khelif's gold medal victory at Paris Olympics
Martina Navratilova sharply criticized the British media outlet The Guardian for praising Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which has been surrounded by controversy regarding her gender.
The Guardian’s recent piece was largely centered on feminist themes and highlighted the controversy surrounding Khelif’s gender. This prompted Navratilova, who has previously spoken out against Khelif’s inclusion in the Olympics, to react.
"What utter drivel. Shame on you Guardian for publishing this," Navratilova wrote on X.
Alexei Popyrin offers humorous shoutout to girlfriend Amy Pederick after winning Canadian Open
Alexei Popyrin gave a hilarious shoutout to his girlfriend, Amy Pederick, after claiming his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open, where he defeated fifth seed Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 in the final.
During the presentation ceremony, the Australian warmly thanked his parents, girlfriend, and team for their immense sacrifices to support his career. Popyrin also jokingly noted that his victory in Montreal might be linked to Pederick not traveling with him to the tournament.
"This is one of the few weeks when my girlfriend isn't traveling with me and I win the tournament. I hope she comes to New York now," he joked.
Alexei Popyrin will participate in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati next, where he will face Gael Monfils in the first round.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
