Rafael Nadal and tennis figures around the world have expressed condolences following the death of longtime Associated Press journalist Howard Fendrich at age 55.
Howard Fendrich died after a battle with cancer, according to reports published May 22. The veteran reporter covered nearly 70 Grand Slam tournaments and 11 Olympic Games during a career that began with an internship in Rome in the early 1990s.
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Journalist Soledad Gallego-Díaz, the first woman to direct EL PAÍS, died on Tuesday night in Madrid at age 75. Political leaders and colleagues have praised her rigor, independence, and commitment to truth. She was a key figure in Spanish journalism since the Transition.
Sixteen months into retirement, Rafael Nadal has been honored with a Spanish noble title and is teasing a potential exhibition match with Roger Federer. He is also filming a documentary in New York City and launching a US padel tour through his academy. These activities highlight Nadal's busy post-tennis life.
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Former tennis player Rafael Nadal has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) in a ceremony held on Tuesday. During the event, Nadal emphasized the importance of humility, effort, and the link between elite sport and scientific research. The honor recognizes his career with 22 Grand Slam titles and the values of perseverance he embodies.
The tennis community is paying tribute to Alejandro Burillo Azcárraga, founder of Mextenis who brought elite ATP tournaments to Mexico—including the Acapulco Open—at age 75 following his death on April 16. Stars and organizers credit him with transforming the sport in Latin America.
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ESPN has signed former US Open champion Andy Roddick to a multi-year deal as an analyst for Wimbledon and the US Open starting in 2026. The 43-year-old, who retired from professional tennis in 2012, will provide match and studio coverage. The move follows his success with the podcast Served with Andy Roddick.
The family of Brazilian basketball legend Oscar Schmidt, who died on April 17 from cardiorespiratory arrest, expressed gratitude for global tributes on social media. Highlights include a homage by Flamengo's Arrascaeta during a match on April 19.
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David Goffin reflected emotionally on his retirement decision following a loss at the Monte Carlo Masters. The 35-year-old Belgian fell to Emilio Nava in a three-set battle, marking his final appearance at the tournament. Goffin shared insights into his fading motivation and the demands of professional tennis.