Denis Shapovalov Blames Roger Federer for His One-Handed Backhand—And Career Disadvantage

Canadian says he chose the “dying art” because he grew up idolizing the 20-time Grand Slam champion

By Simone Brugnoli & Callum Davies
February 13, 2026 | 3 min read

Denis Shapovalov has pointed an unlikely finger at Roger Federer when explaining why his career never quite reached the heights predicted after his breakthrough win over Rafael Nadal in 2017.

The 26-year-old Canadian, once touted as a future world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, has only flirted with the top 10, peaking at No. 10 and reaching a solitary Wimbledon semifinal in 2021. Now, speaking at the Dallas Open, he’s offered a candid explanation: his one-handed backhand—a shot he adopted because of Federer—has become a liability in the modern game.

“I Blame Roger Federer”

“In a way, the one-handed backhand represents a strength because it allows you to generate more power, find sharper angles, and be more spectacular,” Shapovalov told reporters.

“But in today’s game, it’s very much heading towards the way of having a solid two-handed backhand. The game is so quick today, it helps to have that extra arm.

“That’s why it’s so much more rare to see guys with one-handed backhands. I blame Roger Federer. I grew up watching him and wanted to play like him. That’s definitely a big reason why I have a one-hander.”

The Federer Effect

Federer’s influence on a generation of players is undeniable. Grigor Dimitrov was famously dubbed “Baby Fed.” Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he chose the one-hander as a six-year-old watching Federer. Dominic Thiem credited Federer as the reason he stuck with the shot.

But what worked for Federer—arguably the most elegant player in history—hasn’t translated for others. The one-handed backhand requires flawless timing and footwork, and against the modern power game of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, it’s increasingly a target.

Shapovalov’s comments come as the one-handed backhand becomes increasingly rare. At the 2026 Australian Open, only a handful of players in the top 50 still used it.

Federer himself acknowledged the shot’s challenges in 2025, admitting he spent years trying to fix its inconsistencies.

Shapovalov reached the Dallas Open quarterfinals this week, keeping hopes alive that he can still fulfill some of that early promise. But his candid assessment raises a question: in the era of Alcaraz and Sinner, is there still room for Federer’s signature shot?

For Shapovalov, the answer may determine the rest of his career.

Billie Jean King Named One of America’s Greatest Living Innovators by Forbes

Tennis legend honored for “catalyzing women’s professional sports” with the WTA ahead of US 250th anniversary

By TENNIS.com
Published: February 12, 2026 | 2 min read

NEW YORK — Billie Jean King has added another honor to her storied legacy: the 82-year-old tennis icon has been named one of America’s greatest living innovators by Forbes magazine.

King ranks No. 208 on the publication’s Innovator 250 List—a celebration of “business leaders, founders and entrepreneurs who aren’t just inventors, but have transformed entire industries and created new ones.” The list is part of Forbes‘ year-long campaign commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

“Few stand as tall in the world of women’s sports as Billie Jean King,” Forbes wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

King was recognized specifically for having “catalyzed women’s professional sports with the Women’s Tennis Association” —the organisation she and a handful of peers founded in 1973.

That achievement built directly on the work of King and the Original 9, who in 1970 signed symbolic $1 contracts to launch the Virginia Slims Circuit, the precursor to the modern WTA Tour. Their gamble laid the foundation for women’s tennis to become a global force for equality and opportunity.

King will receive the Glenn Burke Award later this year, which “honors individuals whose courage and authenticity have shifted sports culture.”

From those early battles for equal prize money to today’s WTA, where players compete for millions, King’s fingerprints are everywhere. The Forbes honor places her among the visionaries who didn’t just play the game—they changed it forever.

New 2,000-seat Court 1 to debut at 2026 tournament as venue undergoes biggest upgrade in 30-year history

By Robert Ilsley, Sports Reporter
Last updated: February 13, 2026 | 3 min read

DUBAI — The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set for a dramatic transformation, with organisers unveiling a two-phase redevelopment of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and Aviation Club Tennis Complex—the most significant upgrade in the event’s 30-year history.

What’s Coming in 2026

Fans attending this year’s tournament, which begins Sunday, will be the first to experience the changes:

Tickets for the 2026 Championships start from Dh65, with sales already open.

The second phase, scheduled for completion ahead of the 2027 tournament, will deliver:

• Centre Court expansion: +2,500 seats (≈50% capacity increase)

• Upgraded concourses, seating, and hospitality zones

• Fully reimagined Northern and Southern Fan Villages

• Activation areas, shaded seating, expanded F&B offerings

Why This Matters

“These redevelopment works represent a defining moment for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Organising Committee Chair.

“For more than three decades, this venue has been central to Dubai’s sporting identity. These upgrades and expansions ensure we continue to raise the bar in line with the city’s global ambitions.”

Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, added:

“Our priority has always been to create an atmosphere where players feel at home and fans enjoy world-class entertainment. The upgraded facilities reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.”

The redevelopment ensures Dubai’s premier tennis event keeps pace with the city’s rapid growth—offering players a world-class stage and fans an experience worthy of the game’s biggest stars.

Serena Williams Says Weight Loss Drug Made Her Healthier Than During Tennis Career

23-time Grand Slam champion credits GLP-1 medication for lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and reducing joint stress

By Aria Bendix
NBC News
Published: January 30, 2026 | 3 min read

NEW YORK — Serena Williams has achieved something remarkable: at 44, she says she’s healthier than she ever was during her record-breaking tennis career.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed in an interview with NBC News that a GLP-1 weight loss medication has transformed her health metrics—lowering her cholesterol, steadying her blood sugar, and reducing stress on her injury-prone knees.

“Some of these numbers are from when I was literally winning Grand Slams. So it wasn’t like I was just playing tennis. I was dominating,” Williams said.

Her cholesterol drop is particularly striking. The average GLP-1 user sees only a 5% decrease in total cholesterol—Williams achieved six times that.

Why She Started

Williams announced in August 2025 that she had begun taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist—the class of drugs that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Her decision was driven by multiple factors:

• Family history of diabetes, which disproportionately affects Black Americans

• Knee injuries that plagued her career and could be eased by weight loss

• Inability to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, even during her peak playing days

“Sometimes, no matter what you do, no matter how many steps you take, how many miles you run, you just can’t get over that hump. I know that for a fact. As a woman, as I age, I definitely couldn’t get over that hump.”

Williams’ announcement came as part of a campaign with Ro, a telehealth company that prescribes GLP-1 medications. Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is an investor in Ro and serves on its board.

Williams made clear she views the medication as permanent.

“It’s a lifetime thing.”

Stopping GLP-1 drugs often leads to weight regain—an average of 10 pounds in the first year after discontinuation, according to studies.

Health Scare Averted

Beyond aesthetics, Williams emphasized the serious health implications.

“I was at risk for heart disease, and I didn’t even know that. That’s kind of scary, and that’s the No. 1 thing that kills Americans. So I could have been a statistic.”

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. Black adults are 54% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than white adults, according to a 2023 study.

When asked on the TODAY show whether she plans to return to professional tennis, Williams kept the door slightly ajar:

“It’s not a yes or a no. I’ll see what happens.”

For now, she’s focused on a different kind of longevity—one measured not in Grand Slams, but in years.

Coco Gauff Blasts Broadcasters Over Privacy After Australian Open Racket Smash

Published: 27 January 2026 | 2 min read

MELBOURNE — Coco Gauff has accused broadcasters of violating her privacy after cameras captured her smashing her racket following a crushing Australian Open quarterfinal defeat.

The 21-year-old American, ranked world No. 3, lost 6-1, 6-2 to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in just 59 minutes—a performance marred by 26 unforced errors. Visibly frustrated, Gauff walked behind a wall near the match call area to vent in private, unaware that a camera was still rolling.

“I Tried to Go Somewhere With No Cameras”

“I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras,” Gauff told reporters after the match. “I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments—the same thing happened to Aryna [Sabalenka] after I played her in the final of the US Open—I feel like they don’t need to broadcast.”

Sabalenka, now world No. 1, had her own racket-smashing moment broadcast after losing to Gauff in the 2023 US Open final—a parallel Gauff clearly hasn’t forgotten.

“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did. Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”

Why She Needed an Outlet

Gauff defended her actions, explaining that venting frustration privately prevents her from lashing out at her team.

“I know myself, and I don’t want to lash out on my team. They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional.

“I just took the minute to go and do that. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I don’t try to do it on court in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion.

“Otherwise, I’m just going to be snappy with the people around me, and I don’t want to do that.”

Rafael Nadal Reveals His “Wife Suffers” Because of His New Obsession

22-time Grand Slam champion admits golf has taken over his retirement—and household

By Shahida Jacobs
February 13, 2026 | 2 min read

Retirement was supposed to mean more time with family. For Rafael Nadal, it means more time on the golf course—and his wife isn’t thrilled about it.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who hung up his tennis racket in November 2024, has traded baseline battles for fairway drives. Speaking at a charity tournament in Madrid this week, Nadal made a candid confession:

“I follow golf every week, and my wife suffers because of it.”

Nadal’s passion for golf is no secret. During his tennis career, he frequently played charity events and practice rounds. Since retiring, the obsession has only deepened.

“I watched Jon Rahm play this week in Riyadh. He had a spectacular finish. I generally enjoy following it.”

Nadal revealed he’s received multiple invitations to turn professional in golf but declined—until now, tennis always came first.

“I’ve been offered an invitation several times, but so far the circumstances haven’t been right.”

Would he consider it now?

“You never know. But I would have to feel like I was playing without making a fool of myself, with the hope of at least being able to compete—even if it’s just against myself.”

With Federer already a regular playing partner and Andy Murray also reportedly golf-obsessed, could a Big Four golf showdown be coming?

Nadal teased last year:

“Yes, it could happen. But they have to get training. I have a bit of an advantage. On the tennis court, there wasn’t that much difference between us. In this, I’m much better than them.”

Alcaraz Visits F1 Stars Alonso & Sainz in Bahrain Before Doha Return

World No. 1 takes a paddock pit stop ahead of Qatar Open title bid

February 12, 2026 | 2 min read

SAKHIR, Bahrain — Carlos Alcaraz is trading tennis balls for racing tyres—just for a day.

Fresh from his historic Australian Open triumph, the world No. 1 made a detour to the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday, where he caught up with compatriots Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz during F1 pre-season testing .

The 22-year-old, a known motorsport enthusiast, visited the Williams garage to spend time with Sainz before heading to Aston Martin to meet two-time world champion Alonso . Both drivers are preparing for the 2026 F1 season, which opens in Melbourne on March 8 .

Alcaraz’s admiration for Alonso runs deep. At January’s Australian Open, he celebrated his semi-final victory over Alexander Zverev by mimicking Alonso’s signature “samurai” gesture—a tribute the F1 veteran acknowledged .

The Spaniard previously attended the 2024 Italian Grand Prix and ranked Alonso as the top driver in a blind F1 ranking exercise alongside ATP stars .

The Bahrain visit is a brief pause before Alcaraz resumes business in Doha. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open (ATP 500) begins February 16, with Alcaraz entering as the top seed . His great rival, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, headlines the opposite side of the draw .

Alcaraz has never won the Doha title, falling in the quarter-finals last year to Jiri Lehecka. He arrives on a seven-match winning streak after his Melbourne heroics .

Djokovic Withdraws From Qatar Open Citing Fatigue; Alcaraz and Sinner Lead Stacked Field

24-time Grand Slam champion pulls out of Doha just 10 days after epic Australian Open final defeat

February 12, 2026 | 3 min read

DOHA, Qatar — Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Qatar Open, citing “strong fatigue” following his gruelling Australian Open campaign, tournament organisers confirmed Wednesday.

The 38-year-old, ranked world No. 3, reached his 11th Melbourne final earlier this month—surviving a four-hour semi-final against Jannik Sinner before falling in four sets to Carlos Alcaraz. The physical toll of that run proved decisive.

Djokovic’s decision aligns with recent signals that he will prioritise Grand Slams and national duty over regular ATP Tour events.

“I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family, and then I’ll see what’s next.”

The Serb previously skipped Davis Cup qualifiers in February to avoid travel to South America. His next scheduled appearance is at Indian Wells, beginning March 1.

Djokovic, a two-time champion in Doha (2016, 2017), holds a 15-3 record at the event. His replacement, Valentin Royer, steps into a draw now headlined by Alcaraz and Sinner.

Defending champion Andrey Rublev returns, joined by Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Jakub Mensik.

What’s Next

The ATP 500 event runs February 16–22. Djokovic’s focus now shifts to the North American swing, with Indian Wells and Miami looming.

For Doha, the champion’s absence has only sharpened the spotlight on the sport’s next generation.

Raducanu Retires Again: British No. 1 Forfeits Qatar Open First-Round Match

Chest infection and blood pressure issues force early exit in Doha, just days after first final appearance since 2021

By Paul Battison
BBC Sport journalist
Published: 9 February 2026 | 2 min read

DOHA, Qatar — Emma Raducanu’s search for consistency suffered another setback Monday as the British No. 1 was forced to retire from her first-round match at the Qatar Open, just 48 hours after contesting her first final since the 2021 US Open.

The 23-year-old forfeited her match against Colombia’s Camila Osorio at 2-0 down in the deciding set after requiring medical attention for blood pressure issues.

Match Summary

Raducanu started strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead before sealing the first set 6-2. But Osorio fought back in the second, breaking for 3-2 and forcing errors from the Briton to level the match.

At the start of the third set, Raducanu saved two break points but was immediately broken again. After gingerly failing to chase down a drop shot, she called the trainer to have her blood pressure taken—then retired moments later.

This marks the third time in four months Raducanu has required medical attention during a match:

After Saturday’s Transylvania Open final—her first final appearance in over four years—Raducanu revealed she had been “battling a bit of a chest infection” affecting her fitness.

Since her historic 2021 US Open triumph, Raducanu has struggled to build momentum amid a recurring cycle of injuries, illnesses, and coaching changes.

In January, she split with Francis Roig—her ninth coach since 2021—following a second-round exit at the Australian Open.

Monday’s retirement raises fresh questions about her physical readiness for the demands of the WTA Tour as she attempts to recapture the form that announced her arrival on tennis’s biggest stage.

“Really Terrible”: Rotterdam Tennis Ball Backlash Grows as De Minaur and Fils Join Medvedev’s Crusade

By Charlie Eccleshare
2 min read

ROTTERDAM — The mutiny over tennis balls at the Rotterdam Open is escalating.

Alex de Minaur and Arthur Fils have become the latest top players to condemn the Head Tour XT ball, joining Daniil Medvedev who called it “not round” and “horrible” after his first-round exit Monday.

“They Are Terrible”

Fils, speaking after his loss to de Minaur, did not hide his frustration:

“They are terrible. Really terrible. The ball is very bad. After two games they get bigger and very slow. That is not normal. ATP have to do better.”

De Minaur, the world No. 8, agreed:

“I have struggled a lot. They are definitely not my favourite. I don’t think they’re anyone’s favourite. Very difficult to control.”

His diagnosis: a “dead ball” that favours “big hitters who can hit through that.”

Medvedev’s Meltdown

The firestorm began 24 hours earlier when Medvedev summoned the supervisor mid-match:

“These balls are not round. Are you sure? Because I see it not round.”

His verdict was unsparing:

“Please delete these f—ing balls from this f—ing life.”

The Deeper Issue

Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev have long demanded an end to tournaments switching balls week-to-week. Fritz has linked the heavy balls to rising injury rates.

The ATP promised centralization by 2027, moving away from tournament-selected suppliers. For now, Rotterdam’s balls remain.

De Minaur’s take:

“It is what it is. My job is to adapt.”