Serena Williams wins the Australian Open while (accurately) eight weeks pregnant, without dropping a single set! She returned to the Women’s Number One world ranking spot just after winning the Australian Open. She is returning as a mother next year as her first unborn child is due in this autumn. Williams will not play again in 2017 which means she’s missing out on the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
Earlier this week, Serena has faced some racism by Ilie Nastase about William’s unborn child. Nastase was escorted off the court with bad mouthing at officials. The Romanian has yet not apologised for the actions he has caused.
70 year old Nastase publicly made controversial racist remarks about Serena’s unborn child.
Serena commented about this remark on Instagram on 24th April 2017:
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on
Serena Williams isn’t the only athlete to complete a sport while pregnant. Thirty-one year old Alysia Montano ran the 800m at the US race while thirty-four weeks pregnant in the time of two minutes and thirty-one seconds. She has won 800 National titles in the past four years.
Jessica Ennis Hill has backed Serena Williams’s case by saying it is possible to do sports while pregnant.
“I’m sure whatever she decides she’ll do a great job at it because she’s a fantastic athlete.”
Women’s Wimbledon title up for grabs?
With Serena Williams out of this year’s Wimbledon Championships the title is wide open for anyone to win. The current favourite is World No 2 Angelique Kerber.
https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Serena-Williams.jpg385770Callum Earlhttps://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpgCallum Earl2017-04-25 12:48:542017-04-25 13:25:10Serena Williams wins the Australian Open... whilst pregnant!
Andy Murray will not defend his Rogers Cup title in Toronto next week. The Scot hasn’t played since beating Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon final, and was only a spectator as Great Britain won their Davis Cup tie against Serbia in Belgrade at the weekend.
Instead, the three-time Rogers Cup winner will train in Mallorca before defending his Olympic title in Rio next month.
“My body needs some recovery time,” said the 29-year-old. And you have to feel sympathy for him. The years are marching on and he has other kinds of priorities these days having recently become a father.
You never get back missing the early years of baby – they change so fast. So good for Murray that he is putting baby and body first for a while.
But let’s savour for just a moment a wonderful Wimbledon performance by Murray who now has three Grand Slams to his name – two Wimbledon victories and one US Open.
You have to think that men’s tennis is on the cusp of change. Nadal seems almost constantly injured; Federer has been one of the true greats but he too is finding time catching up with him.
Who will come through from the next generation to challenge Djokovic?
Serena Williams reigns supreme with seventh Wimbledon title
You might ask the same of the women.
Serena Williams, who won her seventh Wimbledon singles crown, and equalled the professional era record of 22 grand slam titles, with a 7-5 6-3 victory over Germany’s Angelique Kerber still reigns supreme.
Yet she is 34, an age not long ago akin to being pensioned off, when seemingly only 17/18/19 year olds could win.
Serena is one of just five women, after Maureen Connolly, Margaret Court, Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf, to hold all four grand slam titles at the same time. Number one in the rankings. Someone every young kid can learn from.
Overall, it was a great Wimbledon.
As for Britain, apart from Murray, it is encouraging that more seem to be coming through to challenge in the top 100.
What we now need is for some of them to take the next step up.
Wimbledon 2017 Hospitality Packages and Debenture Tickets Now Available
We are delighted to announce that our Wimbledon Hospitality Packages and Debenture Tickets for the 2017 Championships are now available.
https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Murray-030915.jpg385770Danny Tillhttps://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpgDanny Till2016-07-20 14:00:352018-06-11 10:46:12Andy Murray To Take Break After Wimbledon Championship Victory
With the Wimbledon Championships just a month away we continue our weekly round-up of the latest headlines in tennis; with the French Open at Roland Garros taking centre stage as the world’s elite players fighting it out for the second major of the season.
Murray makes it through two five-set thrillers at Rolland Garos
World No.2 Andy entered the French Open on the back of a thrilling victory over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Italian Open – and many expected him to make smooth progress to the latter rounds of the tournament.
However the 28-year-old has given his followers several heart-stopping moments in his opening two matches which have both gone to five-sets.
In round one the former Wimbledon champion found himself starring down the barrel of a first round exit, when two sets down against 37-year-old Radek Stepanek. A rain delay allowed Murray to gather his thoughts and he came out all guns blazing on Tuesday morning taking the remaining three sets to win 3-6 3-6 6-0 6-3 7-5.
British tennis fans would have been hoping that Murray would have little issues seeing off wildcard Mathias Bourgue, but again the Scot found himself embroiled in a five-set epic.
“I showed a lot of heart the last few days & tough, tough matches & tough atmosphere today” #RG16
Early on it looked like it was going to be a routine afternoon for Murray (one set up and leading 2-0 in the second); but then Bourgue began playing some incredible tennis winning eight consecutive games.
Murray was unable to stem the tide as the 22-year-old Frenchman took a 2-1 lead – leaving him facing an early exit. But the two-time major winner was able to use his vast experience and fitness to grind out the final two sets and take the game 6-2 2-6 4-6 6-2 6-3.
If Murray continues to be involved in games like this fans will have very few fingernails left by the time the Wimbledon Championships arrive.
Wimbledon heroes make rapid progress at French Open
Reigning Wimbledon champions Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams made smooth progress at Roland Garros.
Djokovic is looking to become the first men’s singles player since Rod Laver to hold all four Grand Slam titles since Rod Laver in 1969. The World No.1 has yet to win the French Open in his stellar career.
In round one he quickly dispatched Yen-Hsun Lu with a straight-sets victory (6-4 6-1 6-1) which took him just 90 minutes. Djokovic continues his campaign on Thursday afternoon when he faces Belgian Steve Darcis.
Serena Williams had little trouble making into round two as she dismantled Slovakia’s Magdaléna Rybáriková in straight-sets 6-2 6-0. The superstar of the women’s game now faces Teliana Pereira of Brazil in round two.
Nine-time French Open champion Rafa Nadal also made his way into the second round as he slammed Sam Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1.
As the summer draws ever closer we take a look at some of the biggest stories of the week ahead of Wimbledon 2016, the world’s most prestigious grass-court tennis championships. The biggest stars in the game will compete at the hallowed courts of SW19 across two fantastic weeks of action – Monday 27th June – Sunday 10th July 2016.
Sharapova ruling likely to happen before Wimbledon 2016
The ruling in the doping case of five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova is likely to be delivered before the 2016 Wimbledon Championships.
Sharapova was banned from tennis earlier in the year after testing positive for the newly banned substance meldonium, a drug usually used to help out with heart conditions. After failing the test the International Tennis Federation (ITF) banned her from the sport as of 12th March 2016.
The former Wimbledon champion claimed that she had been prescribed the drug in 2006, but it wasn’t added to the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) list until the 1st January 2016.
But the 29-year-old could still feature at the Wimbledon Championships 2016 if her ban is only a short one. International Tennis Federation President, David Haggerty has said that doping cases usually take ”two to three months” to deliver their verdicts.
Is it possible that Sharapova could compete at the Wimbledon Championships?
Former Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal claims ninth Monte Carlo Masters title
Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal claimed his ninth Monte Carlo Masters title as he continues his preparation for the French Open.
The World No.5 saw off Andy Murray in the semi-finals to set-up a final against Frenchman Gael Monfils. But the ‘King of Clay’ was in spectacular form, showing all his class and fighting spirit to claim the title with a 7-5 5-7 6-0 victory.
After two hard-fought sets, the game was perfectly poised. But Nadal was simply unplayable in the final set, using his crushing forehand to devastating effect. Sealing the match with a glorious shot down the line.
After the match the former Wimbledon hero said, “I had a tough season last year, but I’ve had better preparation this year, even with a tough start to the season.
“It’s great to win a Masters title again. I hope this week will help me a lot.”
Wimbledon Champions Djokovic and Williams win top Laureus World Sports Awards
Wimbledon champions Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams claimed the sportsman and sportswoman of the year accolades at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
The pair enjoyed phenomenal seasons in 2015, both reached the finals of all four Grand Slam events, winning three of them. Djokovic claimed his third Wimbledon title with a four-set victory over Roger Federer.
While Williams an astonishing sixth Wimbledon title as she defeated Garbiñe Muguruza in straight sets.
Great Britain, led by the sensational Andy Murray, made the perfect start to the defence of their Davis Cup title with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Japan in first round at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham.
The hotly anticipated tie saw the holders and hosts sent out their star player Murray for the opening game, as the World No.2 faced the World No.87 Taro Daniel. The 28-year-old has been out of action since the start of February after the birth of his first child, but showed few signs of rust as he cruised to a 6-1 6-3 6-1 victory.
Japan levelled the scored at 1-1 later in the day as World No.6 Kei Nishikori beat Dan Evans 6-3 7-5 7-6 (7-3) in a superb contest.
On day two the Andy Murray joined forces with brother Jamie to but Britain back into the lead as they beat Yoshihito Nishioka and Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-3 6-2 6-4. This win meant that if Andy Murray could overcome Kei Nishikori, Britain would make it into the quarter-finals.
Murray and Nishikori play out five-set Davis Cup thriller
Sunday’s clash between two of the world’s finest players was without doubt the best match of the tie. The packed Barclaycard Arena was buzzing with anticipation, with Union Jacks draped all over the fabulous arena.
The players, particularly Murray, were greeted by huge roars as they stepped onto the court. The Scot made a good start to the match and raced into a 3-1 lead, but Nishikori battled back to level the set at 4-4. Some stunning rallies and defensive shots from Murray proved enough to see him through the opener 7-5 as took a one set lead.
These two exceptional athletes slugged out another outstanding set, the crowd were in awe of some of the shots being played. Nishikori proving his mental strength and silencing the raucous crowd as the second-set headed to a tie break; Murray came out on top to take a two-set lead.
The third set saw Japan stage a fightback, as their star player produced some classy shots to take a 5-3 lead, before seeing out the set to make it 2-1. It was a similar story in set four as Nishikori took the set 4-6 to set up a decider.
The crowd could sense that the momentum had swung away from Murray and the tension was evident on the faces of everyone. But the renowned stamina of the former Wimbledon champion came into play as three consecutive breaks saw him win the set 6-3 to send Britain into the next round.
That’s now 14 consecutive Davis Cup wins for Murray, what an astonishing record.
Murray delighted with Davis Cup win
After the match Murray said: “The crowd helped for sure. Physically I struggled a little at the end of the third set and a little in fourth.
“I was a little bit calmer in the fifth set. I was panicking a little bit at the end of the third when I was struggling physically, I didn’t quite know what to do.
“Last year was incredible every time I played in the Davis Cup. This team did something special and I would like to do the same again this year.
“Obviously the next match will be extremely tough and if we stick together and fight we have a chance.”
Members of the Eventmasters team enjoyed some outstanding hospitality inside the Barclaycard Arena on the superb final day. The food was excellent and the seats were some of the finest in the house providing unrivalled views of the brilliant five set match.
https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DavisCup070316.jpg385770Danny Tillhttps://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpgDanny Till2016-03-07 10:20:152016-03-07 10:34:04Davis Cup 2016 – Great Britain v Japan Review
The big-serving American, saved two match points and almost levelled the tie having raced ahead 5-1 in the second-set tiebreak. But Istomin, who also became the first Uzbekistani to lift an ATP World Tour title, recovered his composure to land the title. After the match Istomin commented “I was a little bit nervous and he took his chance to break for 5-5. During the tiebreak, I just forgot about the score and I just tried to fight. In the end it worked, and I’m happy to have my first title.”
12th seed and World No. 44 Querrey, who toppled second seed and World No. 13 Gilles Simon in the semi-finals, said his comeback in the final was outdone by some magical moments from his opponent. “It was kind of an emotional rollercoaster toward the end, he came up with some good shots.”
After claiming his first title Istomin can head into Wimbledon full of confidence, he takes on Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the opening round. Earlier in the day, the pairing of Chris Guccione and Andre Sa also lifted their first ATP crown after defeating second seeds Pablo Cuevas and David Marrero 6-2 7-5 in the doubles final on Centre Court.
Williams is on course for a calendar Grand Slam having already won the Australian Open and French Open. She opens her campaign against Margarita Gasparyan on Court One at 13.00, the second match on Centre Court pits fourth seed Maria Sharapova against Britain’s Johanna Konta. The 24-year-old has played consistently well in all of the grass-court competitions leading into Wimbledon and could cause the former champion a lot of problems.
A record prize fund of £26.75m is on offer at the 129th Championships, with the men’s and women’s singles champions each receiving £1.88m and first-round losers collecting £29,000. Almost half a million spectators will pass through the gates at SW19 over the 13 days of action and Wimbledon hospitality guests will enjoy the best seats in the house.
https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpg00Elliot Sheasbyhttps://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpgElliot Sheasby2015-06-29 09:55:242016-01-07 10:49:39Wimbeldon Hospitality Packages - Top seeds in action on day one
British number one Andy Murray has been seeded number three for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships, which begin on Monday 29th June. Eventmasters are delighted to provide Wimbledon hospitality packages for the biggest event in tennis.
Two-time champion Rafa Nadal has been seeded tenth, meaning he could face one of the leading contenders in the quarter-finals. While Murray will meet either Djokovic or Federer in the semi-finals should he progress to that stage.
Serena Williams is the top seed in the women’s draw ahead of 2014 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.
Our Wimbledon hospitality packages provide you with the very best VIP hospitality packages for the biggest event in British tennis. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event with our Wimbledon hospitality packages.
For more information on our Wimbledon hospitality packages please click here.
Top seeds – Men’s singles
1 DJOKOVIC, Novak (SRB), 2 FEDERER, Roger (SUI), 3 MURRAY, Andy (GBR), 4 WAWRINKA, Stan (SUI), 5 NISHIKORI, Kei (JPN), 6 BERDYCH, Tomas (CZE), 7 RAONIC, Milos (CAN), 8 FERRER, David (ESP), 9 CILIC, Marin (CRO), 10 NADAL, Rafael (ESP), 11 DIMITROV, Grigor (BUL), 12 SIMON, Gilles (FRA), 13 TSONGA, Jo-Wilfried (FRA), 14 ANDERSON, Kevin (RSA), 15 LOPEZ, Feliciano (ESP), 16 GOFFIN, David (BEL)
Eventmasters Catering Services have received excellent reviews and feedback from VIP guests in attendance including the LTA Chief Executive himself, Michael Downey, following the 2 opening days of this new grass court tennis tournament, introduced as part of the buildup to the Championships at Wimbledon.
Hospitality guests in attendance have enjoyed a fantastic environment in which to entertain their important guests, combined with a high quality corporate hospitality package, as you would expect from any major tennis tournament. Following a Moet & Chandon and canape reception, a three course a la carte lunch is offered at your private table (Private tables are available regardless of the number of guests in your party). A deluxe afternoon tea and a full complimentary bar is also included along, of course, with the very best reserved VIP seating within Centre Court.
“I wanted to say what a wonderful time I had today with my friends. I’ve been to Wimbledon and Roland Garros and booked hospitality, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed today. I thought the hospitality was spot on.
The whole experience was effortless which is how I like it, oh and the tennis was pretty good too!!!
Thank you for all your help.”
Sally Brennan
A number of players as well as Judy Murray mingled with guests in a relaxed and conducive atmosphere.
Please see below for the choice of menu and list of wines served on the day. If you are interested in attending the Men’s ATP Aegon Open Nottingham and enjoying the superb hospitality experience, prices start from as little as £129 plus VAT per person. Major stars from the tennis world that have been confirmed as playing in this tournament include; recent French Open semi-finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Britain’s own Davis Cup hero James Ward. Please contact Elliot Sheasby (esheasby@eventmasters.co.uk 0121 233 6500).
To be automatically entered into a free prize draw for 2 full hospitality places at the Men’s ATP Aegon Open Nottingham final, please comment on this post.
Smoked Chicken & Mango Salad, Mirin Dressing Warm Goats Cheese in Pea Dust, Rocket Salad & Beetroot Glaze Gazpacho Andalusia
Main
Fillet of Beef, Fondant Potato with Roast Shallot Syrup, Barolo Jus & Vegetable Bundle Salmon Escalope, Deep fried Samphire, Chive Mash, Fricasse of Peas & Beans Breaded Thai Risotto Croquette
Dessert
Apricot & Almond Tart, Vanilla Cream Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries & Shortbread
Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Traditional Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Cucumber Roast Sirloin of Beef, Creamed Horseradish & Rocket Free Range Egg and Watercress
Afternoon Tea
Warm Fruit Scones, Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream Bowl of Fresh Strawberries & Cream Pot of Tea & milk
WINE LIST
Red Château Méaume, Bordeaux Supérieur A nose of fruitcake, spice and ripe, plummy fruit. Soft and rich on the palate, with blackcurrants, plum, and smoky cedarwood. This is an extremely soft wine which is a classic right bank style with velvet tannins.
Beaujolais-Villages, Georges Duboeuf Packed with juicy strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit flavours. A bright and youthful wine with a fresh finish and voilet tones. Excellent on its own or with some light canopies.
White Montagny Vielle Vignes This Montagny offers ripe lemon aromas, accompanied by subtle hints of white blossom. More refreshing citrus flavours on the palate, and an elegant, steely dry finish. An elegant and classic Burgundian wine
Sauvignon de Touraine/11, Joël Delaunay Aromatic, steely Sauvignon just bursting with gooseberry fruit, cut grass and citrus. This is a fresh wine with elderflower characteristics and a lingering finish, perfect for a summers day.
https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/open-eventmasters-catering.jpg300600David Goodwinhttps://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpgDavid Goodwin2015-06-10 15:54:282018-07-24 12:47:14A Superb Start for Eventmasters Catering Services at the WTA Aegon Open Nottingham
British number two and Aljaz Bedene and youngster Kyle Edmund have followed Davis Cup star James Ward in being awarded a wild card into the Aegon Open Nottingham (ATP) field. The pair will entertain the crowd enjoying the tennis hospitality facilities at the Aegon Open Nottingham.
Edmund has already qualified for both Grand Slam events this season and won his first main draw match at Roland Garros with a dramatic five-set win over Stephane Robert. Bedene has won two Challenger titles this year and is embarking on his first grass court season as a British citizen in front of a home crowd.
Bedene said: “I am really pleased to receive the wild card to the Aegon Open Nottingham and look forward to playing on the great grass courts at the tennis centre.”
The Aegon Open Nottingham will form part of a new British grass court season that will run for three weeks between the French Open and Wimbledon. The WTA event takes place from 6-14 June 2015, and the men’s ATP event is staged from 20-27 June 2015. The extended grass court season will enable some of the world’s elite players extra time to find their feet on grass and make the most of the very best grass-courts in the country.
Aegon Open Nottingham (ATP) Tournament Director Paul Hutchins, said: “Having a good contingent of GB players is good for the event so I am pleased that currently three out of our four wild cards are going to well-known British players as local Nottingham spectators will like to see a mix of great international players such as Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Feliciano Lopez as well as the home guys.”
For more information on our wide range of tennis hospitality packages including packages for the Aegon Nottingham Open please click here.
https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpg00Elliot Sheasbyhttps://www.eventmasters.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.jpgElliot Sheasby2015-06-01 11:35:092018-07-24 13:44:51Kyle Edmund and Aljaz Bedene confirmed for Aegon Open Nottingham
“Last year was incredible every time I played in the Davis Cup. This team did something special and I would like to do the same again this year.
