Matt Fitzpatrick reveals main physical challenge in collaboration with new coach

BBC

Matt Fitzpatrick shows a part of what we have been expecting from him for a long time, and his performance at the Open Championship really arouses optimism in the public. The 30-year-old has had poor releases in recent years, and all of this forced him to make a bizarre decision: Parting with his long-time coach, Mike Walker. 

Bizarre decision that caused a public response, probably turned out to be positive for him, as the new collaboration turned out to be fruitful, at least for now. 

The 30-year-old started working with the new coach, Mark Blackburn, quite delighted with his approach. 

Matt stressed that it was unusual to get used to new methods and a new coach, but it is clear that if you want to progress, it is sometimes necessary to make concrete decisions.

"It was the first time I've ever had anyone look at my swing, or get a lesson off someone not named Mike Walker or Pete Cowen in 15 years," Fitzpatrick said, as quoted by BBC.

During the first days of cooperation, Blackburn analyzed Fitzpatrick, his physique and abilities, determining that he has unusually long arms. 

While some think this could be an advantage, the English golfer stresses that it is mostly a disadvantage for him.

"Which is not great for hitting irons because its harder to control the depth of the club, and you are going to hit it heavier more often than not," he said.

"The other thing was I don't have great shoulder flexion and because of that, as soon as I swing it too long I come out of posture and my swing is all out of whack."

The famous golfer revealed that he is now changing his body position, pulling his shoulder back and push out his chest.

"It's me trying to pinch my shoulder blades together," he said.

"It is basically to create the radius of my arms, which means I can just rotate there and I don't need to stretch or move my arms."

Methods

Whether the new methods and new coach will turn out to be a good move by Fitzpatrick, time will tell. In the world of sports, including golf, changes usually bring positivities, and some special momentum.

Matt seems to be an optimist, but we will see if his optimism will ultimately pay off.

Raducanu on Relationship with Alcaraz

"“We go back a long way," Emma Raducanu said of US Open mixed doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz.2021 US Open title

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Photo credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty for LTA

Before they were Grand Slam champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu were friends.

The 2022 US Open champion Alcaraz will partner 2021 US Open title holder Raducanu in a star-studded US Open Mixed Doubles event in August.

Tennis Express

That partnership—and Raducanu's appearance to watch Alcaraz play Queen's Club last week—is prompting some media and fans to speculate its destiny the two young superstars will develop a romantic relationship.

Asked about their friendship, Raducanu told BBC "we go back a long way."

“We go back a long way and I think that we both started getting to know each other a lot in 2021,” Raducanu told BBC Sport. "We were like speaking and friends before anyone won anything.”

The pair will play for a $1 Million champion's check in the newly revamped US Open Mixed Doubles event, which features the deepest draw in Flushing Meadows Mixed Doubles history.

Asked if it's destiny the pair will be together, a smiling Raducanu laughed at the question.

"I'm glad the internet is having fun and we're providing some entertainment for everyone," Raducanu replied. 

Petra Kvitova, Dan Evans Lead Wimbledon Wild Cards

Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova will return to SW19.Barbora Krejickova

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Petra Kvitova will return to Wimbledon this month.

Two-time Wimbledon winner Kvitova leads the list of Wimbledon wild cards announced today by Tournament Referee Denise Parnell.

Tennis Express

The left-handed Kvitova swept Maria Sharapova to win the 2011 Wimbledon title. Three years later, Kvitova crushed Eugenie Bouchard to capture her second Wimbledon championship.

Eight different women have won the last eight Wimbledon championships, including successive winners from Czechia. Barbora Krejickova is reigning Wimbledon champion. Left-hander Marketa Vondrousova raised the Rosewater Dish in 2023.

The 35-year-old Kvitova is the only non-British player receiving a main-draw singles wild card today.

On the men's side, Briton's Dan Evans is one of seven British men to receive a main-draw wild card.

"I'm the first to harp on about the wild cards. It's not just about one week or one match. It's about what you do 52 weeks of the year," Evans told the media on Monday in comments published by BBC. "Tennis is not just about the grass court season in Britain. It's great that we've got an amazing set of events, but there is other tournaments.

"I haven't been good enough at those other tournaments, but I've still been professional, still train day in, day out."

Here's the list of Wimbledon wild cards announced today.

Wimbledon Men's Main Draw Wild Cards

Jay Clarke (GBR)
Oliver Crawford (GBR)
Dan Evans (GBR) 
George Loffhagen (GBR)
Johannus Monday (GBR)
Jack Pinnington Jones (GBR)
Henry Searle (GBR)
One more to be announced 

Wimbledon Ladies' Main Draw Wild Cards

Jodie Burrage (GBR)
Harriet Dart (GBR)
Francesca Jones (GBR)
Hannah Klugman (GBR)
Petra Kvitova (CZE)
Mike Stojsavljevic (GBR)
Heather Watson (GBR)
Mingge Xu (GBR)

Wimbledon is set for June 30-July 13th.