Tennis Tour Tidbits – Williams, Federer, Connors ands more…

Written by: Staff on 8th May 2013

Tennis Tour Tidbits - Williams, Federer, Connors ands more...

epa03690889 Swiss tennis player Roger Federer returns the ball to Czech Radek Stepanek during their second round match of the Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica tennnis centern in Madrid, central Spain, 07 May 2013. EPA/JUAN CARLOS HIDALGO |

WTA CEO Stacy Allaster was honest in an interview with the BBC, saying the loss of its title sponsor, Sony Ericsson, at the end of 2012, after a six-year partnership really hurt. The WTA did end up signing Xerox to a different type of sponsorship, but not at the same financial level as Sony. “Previously we had a title sponsor, and when they went away our organization was turned upside down overnight,” she says. “We don’t have Sony, but we do have diversified revenue sources, and we are moving through it incredibly well. We had built up reserves for a rainy day and… we have been aggressive over the past three years in creating new assets.” . . .

Jimmy Connors, who is promoting his new book, tells NBC: “I have never ever apologized for anything. I have felt if I do it, it’s done. That’s the way I’ve always gone about it, and I was brought up that way.” . . .

Serena Williams took the high road when responding to Sloane Stephens allegations that she is not really friendly. “I’m a big Sloane Stephens fan and always have been,” Serena said. “ I’ve always said that I think she can be the best in the world. I’ll always continue to think that and always be rooting for her.” Stephens then apologized publicly, tweeting: “Guilty of being naive. Much respect 4 ?@serenawilliams, a champ & the GOAT. We spoke, we’re good. ONWARD! ?#lifelessons” . . .

Roger Federer misses the days when clay courters would be service bombed off the grass. or when grass courters would fall on their face on clay. “Before I thought that was pretty funny sometimes to see a guy feeling so uncomfortable having to play the other expert, but trying with what he had to make the other player feel uncomfortable,” he said. “It’s not so much that anymore now, because everybody hits a good forehand, everybody hits a good backhand, everybody serves well now and moves well and is fit. It’s more one dimensional now.”

The ATP has revoked the credentials of Bernard Tomic’s father, John until further notice….

Jimmy Connors will be live on “TODAY” this Friday to discuss his memoir “The Outsider.” Later that night on the same network, Connors will be interviewed by Harry Smith on “Rock Center with Brian Williams.”

Topics: Atp, Bernard Tomic, Jimmy Connors, John Tomic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens, Stacy Allaster, Wta