Tennis News

From around the world

Nadal Awarded Second Conde De Godo Trophy

  • Posted: Dec 13, 2017

Nadal Awarded Second Conde De Godo Trophy

Spaniard’s Barcelona achievements honored by tournament officials

Rafael Nadal, 10-time winner of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, was honored by tournament officials with the Conde de Godo trophy to commemorate his career event achievements on Monday. 

Albert Agusti, president of the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona 1899, and Javier Godo, Count of Godo in Barcelona, traveled to the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Manacor, Spain, to award the World No. 1 player with his second silver replica of the trophy. 

“There’s no one better fit to receive this award in his own museum than Nadal,” Agusti said. 

You May Also Like: Nadal Notches 10th Barcelona Title

Nadal received his first replica of the Conde de Godo trophy in 2009 following five consecutive Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell triumphs. In addition to his 10 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell titles, the Spaniard is also a 10-time champion of both the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and Roland Garros.

“(Nadal) is going to have to make room in this museum because there are surely more trophies to come,” Agusti said. 

Godo backed Agusti’s sentiments by jokingly suggesting that even by taking appropriate measures to keep another trophy from Nadal, no accolade is out of reach. “We’ll shield off our tournament trophies from him but even then, nothing is safe from this guy.”

Nadal, who confirmed he’ll compete in the 66th edition of the tournament (23-29 April 2018) and would need another five event victories in Barcelona to add a third Conde de Godo trophy to his collection, was humble in his response.

“I’m very excited about this second big Barcelona trophy, but there will be no more,” said the 16-time Grand Slam champion.

Source link

Australian Open: Former champion Victoria Azarenka awarded wildcard

  • Posted: Dec 13, 2017

Former world number one and two-time champion Victoria Azarenka has been given an Australian Open wildcard.

The 28-year-old pulled out of the US Open and Belarus’ Davis Cup final earlier this year because of a custody dispute over her young son.

“Vika’s current situation is obviously very difficult for her. We have reached out to offer any support we can,” said tournament director Craig Tiley.

Azarenka is ranked 201 in the world and has not played since Wimbledon.

The champion in 2012 and 2013 at Melbourne Park, Azarenka has claimed that a judge in California has not allowed her to travel outside of California with 11-month old Leo while a legal case is ongoing.

“I’m so excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open, it’s my favourite tournament,” Azarenka said.

“I’ve won there twice and always feel so comfortable on court and the city is great.”

Azarenka has already received a wildcard to the WTA event in Auckland where she will begin her 2018 season.

The Australian Open begins on 15 January.

Source link