The Davis Cup was criticized for organizing an “underwhelming” farewell ceremony for tennis legend Rafael Nadal. In other news, Emma Raducanu received strong reactions for labeling herself a “dangerous player.”
Meanwhile, USA Captain Bob Bryan came under fire for benching doubles specialists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in favor of singles players Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul in a key doubles match during the Davis Cup Finals loss. WTA received flak for omitting Jasmine Paolini from Most Improved Player of the Year nominations.
On that note, here’s a recap of the top tennis controversies from last week:
Rafael Nadal’s “underwhelming” farewell at the Davis Cup Finals drew backlash
Rafael Nadal’s retirement ceremony at the Davis Cup Finals sparked debate about not meeting expectations. On November 19, his legendary career ended with a 6-4, 6-4 loss to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp.
Despite Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Tallon Griekspoor, the Netherlands secured a semifinal spot with a doubles victory over Spain, marking the end of Nadal’s career and Spain’s campaign.
Surrounded by family, including his parents, wife Maria Francisca Perello, and their baby son, Nadal received an emotional farewell at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga. A ceremony featuring a tribute video and a heartfelt speech concluded his illustrious career.
https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1859021429775495334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1859021429775495334%7Ctwgr%5E399983328de55e02440a36ce39ea26e091524140%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportskeeda.com%2Ftennis%2Ftennis-controversies-week-rafael-nadal-s-underwhelming-farewell-causes-furor-emma-raducanu-s-delusional-remarks-lead-backlash
While many were touched, some fans felt the Spanish legend deserved a more grand farewell, drawing comparisons to Roger Federer’s 2022 Laver Cup send-off:
“Gotta say that Federer nailed the retirement thing at Laver Cup. This one felt underwhelming. It was perfectly done.”
https://twitter.com/paraplas5/status/1859021672428564678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1859021672428564678%7Ctwgr%5E399983328de55e02440a36ce39ea26e091524140%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportskeeda.com%2Ftennis%2Ftennis-controversies-week-rafael-nadal-s-underwhelming-farewell-causes-furor-emma-raducanu-s-delusional-remarks-lead-backlash
Fans also voiced their discontent with the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the Spaniard’s retirement. They accused the network of “ruining” the experience, with many labeling the coverage as “disgraceful” due to commentators talking over the 38-year-old’s speech.
https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1859024087332647410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1859024087332647410%7Ctwgr%5E399983328de55e02440a36ce39ea26e091524140%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportskeeda.com%2Ftennis%2Ftennis-controversies-week-rafael-nadal-s-underwhelming-farewell-causes-furor-emma-raducanu-s-delusional-remarks-lead-backlash
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