Tennis News Today: Paula Badosa quips about Emma Raducanu dating her over Carlos Alcaraz; Roger Federer’s former coach dies at 59

Paula Badosa playfully suggested that Emma Raducanu is dating her over Carlos Alcaraz. In other news, Roger Federer’s former coach Peter Lundgren died at the age of 59.

Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina ended her partnership with long-time coach Stefano Vukov ahead of the 2024 US Open. Emma Raducanu issued a heartfelt apology for not being able to meet a young fan during practice in New York. Also, Jannik Sinner spoke out on his doping controversy for the first time.

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

Paula Badosa jests about Emma Raducanu dating her over Carlos Alcaraz

Paula Badosa humorously suggested that Emma Raducanu was in a relationship with her and not Carlos Alcaraz after the British tennis player was seen with a personalized Nike bag bearing the Spanish version of her name.

Ahead of her US Open campaign, Raducanu visited a Nike outlet in New York and got a bag customized with ‘Emmita’ spray-painted on it.

A fan humorously inferred that Raducanu might be dating either Carlos Alcaraz or Paula Badosa, given the Spanish rendition of her name. Badosa responded to the post with a jest that she was the one in a relationship with Emma Raducanu, not Carlos Alcaraz.

“Obviously me,” Badosa responded.

2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu will take on Sofia Kenin, while 26th seed Paula Badosa will face Viktorija Golubic in their respective first-round matches. Third seed Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, will lock horns with Li Tu in the opener on August 27.

Roger Federer’s ex-coach Peter Lundgren dies at the age of 59

Roger Federer’s former coach Peter Lundgren passed away at the age of 59. Lundgren had been fighting diabetes, and following a fracture, he underwent an amputation of his left foot and lower leg last year. His children, Lukas and Julian, announced their father’s passing on Facebook on August 23:

“Rest in peace Dad. One of the best has unfortunately left us far too soon. A coach, player, friend and father. An inspiration and helping hand for many, both on and off the court. The imprint you made and the memories will always live on.”

Lundgren, a former World No. 25, played a significant role in Federer’s early career. The Swede guided Federer to his first ATP singles championship in 2001 and his maiden Wimbledon title in 2003.

Elena Rybakina splits with long-time coach Stefano Vukov ahead of US Open 2024

Elena Rybakina parted ways with her long-time coach Stefano Vukov ahead of her 2024 US Open campaign. Vukov had been coaching Rybakina since February 2019 and was instrumental in her winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, two WTA 1000 titles, and a total of eight career titles.

However, despite their successful partnership on the court, Vukov was often under fire for his contentious behavior during Rybakina’s matches.

Rybakina shared the news of her split with Vukov on her Instagram stories, where she expressed gratitude for his contributions and extended her best wishes for his future pursuits.

Fourth seed Elena Rybakina will take on Australian player Destanee Aiava in the first round on August 26.

Emma Raducanu expresses regret for not meeting a young fan at the US Open

Emma Raducanu has issued a heartfelt apology to a young girl after being unable to engage with her during a practice session at the 2024 US Open. The girl, who had reportedly named Raducanu as her favorite tennis player in an interview during a US Open practice session, was disappointed when her hopes of meeting the British star were dashed as Raducanu quickly left the court after her session.

Emma Raducanu took to X to apologize to the young fan, explaining that she had to skip interviews and fan interactions because she was in a hurry to leave.

“To the little girl far up in the stands who said I was her favourite player at this mornings practice, I heard you and it made my heart smile. I’m very sorry I had to rush off after practice and I couldn’t see you near the court but please forgive me and I hope to find a way to meet you or arrange a signed something or photo,” Emma Raducanu wrote.

Jannik Sinner opens up about his doping controversy

Jannik Sinner at the 2024 French Open (Source: Getty Images)

Jannik Sinner has at last addressed the doping scandal during his pre-tournament press conference at the 2024 US Open. News surfaced earlier this week that Sinner had tested positive for a banned substance: Clostebol, in March.

However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) deemed it an unintentional exposure and only imposed a minor ranking point penalty and a fine on the Italian player. This decision was met with disapproval by many who believed that Sinner had avoided a ban and that the ITIA had shown excessive leniency.

During a pre-tournament press conference at the US Open, Sinner emphasized his consistent compliance with anti-doping regulations and expressed relief at the resolution of the issue.

“I know that I haven’t done anything wrong. I had to play already months with this in my head, but, you know, just remembering myself that I haven’t done really anything wrong. I always respect that these rules, and I always will respect these rules of anti-doping,” Sinner said.

“Yeah, just obviously a relief for myself having this result,” he added.

Top seed Jannik Sinner will take on home favorite Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the New York Slam on August 26.