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James Gray

@jamesgraysmith.bsky.social
1.9K followers 358 following 115 posts

Sports news editor, The i Paper Posting about tennis, rugby, football and Olympics (winter and summer)

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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Remarkable night on Arthur Ashe. Vomiting, crying, cramping, Novak Djokovic raged, raged against the dying of the light. But maybe the light has now, finally, gone out. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Vomiting, cramping and in tears, Novak Djokovic looks ready to end his career
The four-time champion US Open battled for nearly five hours in the first round but was beaten by Argentina's Mariano Navone
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
TBQH Novak Djokovic vomiting was not a slow-motion replay I needed. ESPN nothing if not thorough! #USOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Cam Norrie the most gutted I've seen him after his third GS first-round defeat in a row. The British No 2 says he beat himself (although Luca van Assche gave him nothing for free) and that nerves, among other things, got the better of him. A very disappointed man. #USOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Britain's Toby Samuel going great guns against Tomas Machac. One set away from the second round, a result which would virtually confirm a top-100 debut, no matter how much further he goes. This time last year, he was ranked 683 in the world. #USOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Roger Federer will play more matches at this year's US Open than Stan Wawrinka.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
There is an awful lot of noise about Roger Federer getting inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend. I am struggling to get particularly excited about it? Maybe because I'm not from the US so not as invested in the whole HOF thing? Interested in other views.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I’m told Jack Draper will not be fit to play at the US Open. Timeline for return unclear. He is, understandably, said to be gutted.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
@andreasthies.bsky.social Hi Andreas - hope you're well! Could you drop me a DM? I'm working on a podcast project I think you might be able to help me with...
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Asked this on *the other app* and got lots of responses, intrigued to know if these will be the same. Tennis fans, who is your favourite / the best WTA analyst out there?
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Spend the day following Bryson Dechambeau around Royal Birkdale ahead of the Open. Third tee, he hit five balls: first two missed right, next two missed left, fifth one in the fairway. As an amateur golfer who has previously hit nine-off-the-tee, I felt very seen.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
#Wimbledon schedule for Tuesday CENTRE (1.30pm) Swiatek vs Townsend Fritz vs Draper Williams vs Joint NO 1 (1pm) Blockx vs Zverev Boisson vs Rybakina Wawrinka vs Berrettini
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Confirmed that Emma Raducanu is managing an "ongoing niggle" that was aggravated by the big load at Queen's. She did not practise at Wimbledon today, and has not been spotted training there since Monday. It means she is an injury doubt for #Wimbledon, which starts in just four days' time.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Alexander Zverev is the French Open champion. But it is hard to remember a winner at #RolandGarros who has been more divisive. The most unpopular French Open champion ever? In a sport built on niceties, he might just be. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
The most unpopular French Open winner ever
Alexander Zverev won his maiden slam in Paris on Sunday night but the news was not received with universal acclaim
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
It's great that Sabalenka vs Osaka is the night match on Monday. But if #RolandGarros organisers think one women's match at primetime in three years wipes the slate clean, they are wrong. Their attitude has clearly not changed. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
One token gesture will not silence sexism allegations at the French Open
Amelie Mauresmo says scheduling men at night over women at Roland Garros is practical not sexist, but the 56 matches out of 60 goes beyond mere pragmatisim
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Serena Williams wants to come back on the grass this summer, at Queen's and then Wimbledon. I cannot wait to see it. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Wimbledon is desperate for some Serena Williams drama
The 44-year-old is planning a comeback on the grass this summer
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Naomi Osaka went for dinner with her friends, wore a fancy dress to work and won a couple of tennis matches. That was enough to get people very angry indeed. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Leave Naomi Osaka alone
The Japanese player is a fashion icon who has been slammed for having the temerity to do things differently
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
There is no doubt that Emma Raducanu made a mistake when Andrew Richardson was sacked immediately after the US Open win. That wrong has, 5 years later, been righted - and the calming presence of "Flex" could be a huge boon for her this summer. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Emma Raducanu has finally learned from her biggest mistake
US Open champion reunites with coach whom she sacked just days after he guided her to maiden grand slam
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Last week I met Ade Adepitan: a Paralympian, a broadcaster, a trailblazer, and an extremely nice guy. We talked about getting hammered at the NTAs, his son trying to "cure" his disability and how Channel 4 changed the Paralympics forever. inews.co.uk/sport/olympi...
inews.co.uk
Ade Adepitan: I was so drunk when I met my wife, I fell out of my wheelchair
The Paralympic bronze medallist and Channel 4 presenter talks breaking down boundaries, his son's attempts to cure his disability and trailblazing his way through the TV industry
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Reposted by James Gray
Professor Simon Chadwick @professorchadwick.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
The Olympics faces an 'existential threat' in Trump and Putin's new world order This week's IOC presidential election takes place under a geopolitical storm cloud, with Russia plotting to start a rival event to the pinnacle of world sport inews.co.uk/sport/olympi... @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social
inews.co.uk
The Olympics faces an 'existential threat' in Trump and Putin's new world order
This week's IOC presidential election takes place under a geopolitical storm cloud, with Russia plotting to start a rival event to the pinnacle of world sport
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
The World Men's World Curling Championship gets underway this week in Canada. In a city called Moose Jaw. I would love that to be my address.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
You've probably forgotten all about the Club World Cup - but it's happening, for a month this summer, and both Chelsea and Manchester City will compete in the 32-team tournament. There is currently no UK TV deal - but I'm told both ITV and Channel 5 are actively bidding inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
inews.co.uk
Channel 5 bid against ITV for rights to Chelsea and Man City Club World Cup games
The 32-team tournament will lasts for a month between June and July
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Emma Raducanu is due to make her "comeback" (she only had a week off) after the awful stalking incident in Dubai. Spoke to my colleagues out in Indian Wells compellingly and openly about what she went through last month - and what has changed in her life. 👇👇👇 inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Emma Raducanu will be 'chaperoned everywhere' after stalking ordeal
The former US Open champion will have an overhauled security operation after being targeted by a man with 'fixated behaviour' in Dubai
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
After a week where Emma Raducanu's security was compromised in Dubai, I took a deep dive into the world of close personal protection. Experts explain how celebrities and athletes deal with the threats of being a high-profile individual. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
The ‘invisible security’ that could be the answer to Emma Raducanu’s horror week
High-profile female athletes like Raducanu need to think about close protection services in 'a different kind of way' to their male counterparts, industry experts say
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 15/02/2025
Meet Lina Nielsen, a Team GB runner who refused treatment for her MS for 10 years because she was worried what it would do to her career. Now she's finally become an Olympian, she's getting treatment - but has hopes of running even faster. inews.co.uk/sport/olympi...
inews.co.uk
I'm an Olympic medallist with MS - this is why I went public with my diagnosis
Team GB athlete Lina Nielsen is starting treatment for multiple sclerosis – a decade after being diagnosed. She tells The i Paper she now wants to help others too
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina's coach Stefano Vukov has been banned for a year by the WTA. As per Matt Futterman and Charlie Eccleshare, they found his relationship with Rybakina to be "toxic" and that he subjected her to "mental abuse", pushing her beyond her limits and making her ill.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
One second this Chinese AI was giving me a detailed answer about Peng Shuai, then five seconds later, it censored itself and deleted it. I asked large language model DeepSeek about Peng Shuai - and it did not surprise but did shock me with its answers. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
I asked Chinese AI bot DeepSeek about Peng Shuai - the results were chilling
The Chinese tennis player has disappeared from public view since accusing a former high-ranking Communist Party official of sexual assault in 2021
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Emma Raducanu is on the lookout for a new coach - but maybe needs to think about more than just one appointment. Djokovic, Sinner, Alcaraz... they all employ two coaches. Maybe it's time to copy them? 👇👇👇 inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Emma Raducanu does not need a new coach - she needs two
The 22-year-old should look at how some of the world’s best have approached their coaching set-up and take note
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Novak Djokovic currently warming up on Rod Laver for his clash with Carlos Alcaraz. His chosen practice partner? British No 3 Jacob Fearnley, who will shortly head to Japan for the Davis Cup. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Goran Ivanisevic confirms that his trial period coaching Elena Rybakina is over after the Australian Open. Ivanisevic had said before the tournament that he was "here, for now" with Stefano Vukov, Rybakina's preferred coach, currently banned by the WTA. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Incoming, the anticipated match of the tournament. I've broken it down to three key areas. Due on court around 9.30am UK time. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
Three key battles that will decide Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic
Djokovic holds a narrow 4-3 record lead over Alcaraz in the head-to-head, with the pair set to clash in a blockbuster quarter-final at the Australian Open on Tuesday
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
A statement from Tennis Australia on behalf of Novak Djokovic, regarding his boycott of the Channel 9 interviews on Sunday. "Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested, and is now moving on and focusing on his next match." #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Great when you do a piece and it changes your perception of things. Working with Jeff Sackmann of Tennis Abstract on this did exactly that. What is Emma Raducanu's real world ranking? Jeff's Elo rankings have her at No 13. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
The stat that proves Emma Raducanu is world-class, and has a shot at Iga Swiatek
A more opponent-based analysis shows Raducanu is the 13th-best player in the world
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
WHAT A WIN! Jack Draper wins the longest match of his career, beating Thanasi Kokkinakis and 10,000 Aussies over five sets and more than 4.5 hours. Incredibly gutsy in very challenging conditions, two days after the previous longest match of his career. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
I try to be impartial almost universally when at tennis tournaments - but you can't help but enjoy it when Naomi Osaka wins. Infectious enthusiasm. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
There was a period in the 2010s when Andy Murray seemed to be forever in the fourth set of a thriller at around 5.30pm. He has retired and been replaced by Katie Boulter in the third set at around 10.30pm. Plus ca change. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
If you're just waking up, Emma Raducanu is through to the second round of the Australian Open. It was straight sets - but she also served 15 double-faults because her serve "had a mind of its own", in her words. 👇Analysis and reaction from Melbourne👇 inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
The worst second serve of the tournament - but Emma Raducanu still won
The 22-year-old is through to the second round after a scrappy win over Ekaterina Alexandrova
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Edinburgh's Jacob Fearnley currently giving out a high-profile tennis lesson to Nick Kyrgios. There are 10,000 Aussies in the John Cain Arena and Fearnley's 7-6, 3-0 lead has silenced just about every one of them. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Ahead of the Australian Open and his off-court debut with Novak Djokovic, here is a long read on Andy Murray the coach. With input from his own coaches, rivals, former team-mates and more. #AusOpen inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
The new shoes, machismo and tactics behind the Murray-Djokovic alliance
Djokovic will play his first Australian Open match next week with Murray in his box
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Emma Raducanu and Jodie Burrage hitting on a perfect day in Melbourne. #AusOpen
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Tim Henman talks about how being a professional tennis player is like being CEO of your own business - but you have to do it at 19 or 20. Emma Raducanu, he says, is still adjusting. inews.co.uk/sport/tennis...
inews.co.uk
'Emma Raducanu is learning how to be the CEO of her own little world'
The 22-year-old is three years removed from winning the US Open but is still 'adjusting' to the business of tennis, says Tim Henman
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Order of play for Day 1 of the #AusOpen (UK times, on Saturday night/Sunday morning) RLA 12.30am - Todoni vs Zheng, Ruud vs Munar 8am - Sabalenka vs Stephens, Pouille vs Zverev MCA 12.30am - Virtanen vs Fils, Vekic vs Parry 8am - Lehecka vs Tu, Blinkova vs Saville
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
An interesting interview with Novak Djokovic in GQ, particularly talking about his rivals. - "Both of [Federer and Nadal] maybe liked that in the early days" - "Maybe it’s a little bit early for Alcaraz to think about history" Worth a read. www.gq.com/story/novak-...
gq.com
Novak Djokovic Conquered Tennis. What’s Next?
After winning Olympic gold last summer, the 24-time Grand Slam champion took care of the last thing he had left to accomplish in the sport. Where he plans to turn his relentless energy next—wellness, ...
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
I’ve arrived (unrested) in Melbourne for the Australian Open. I’ve grown a moustache to try and fit in. Mullet pending. If you want daily updates from the Australian Open, on everything from drinks prices to doping, sign up for the Inside Tennis newsletter, linked below.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
I have an occasional Substack called Not Just Tennis. Today, it's very much not tennis. It's a brief ode to radio, which is one of my New Year's resolutions. open.substack.com/pub/jamesgra...
open.substack.com
Why I'm listening to more radio in 2025
It's like an algorithm for your ears
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
Not a great start to the 2025 season for Emma Raducanu. She is out of her opening tournament in Auckland with a back problem, just hours before her opening match. Will now head to Melbourne and hope to recover in time for the Australian Open.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
1-0 to the Ars-en-al might be efficient but it hardly passes for festive entertainment. Ipswich offered almost nothing at all. Painful stuff for a late kick-off in a freezing Friday.
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Reposted by James Gray
James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 21/12/2024
I had the pleasure of spending an hour chatting with Clive Tyldesley this week. He is one of the great voices on football, the soundtrack to so many amazing moments (Barcelona 99, Istanbul 05 et al). But it is a voice that, in all likelihood, is leaving the airwaves. inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
inews.co.uk
Clive Tyldesley: I think this is my last Premier League game as a commentator
'It's a competitive business... like being selected for a football team. And I am probably that aging midfield player,' the 70-year-old tells The i Paper
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 21/12/2024
I had the pleasure of spending an hour chatting with Clive Tyldesley this week. He is one of the great voices on football, the soundtrack to so many amazing moments (Barcelona 99, Istanbul 05 et al). But it is a voice that, in all likelihood, is leaving the airwaves. inews.co.uk/sport/footba...
inews.co.uk
Clive Tyldesley: I think this is my last Premier League game as a commentator
'It's a competitive business... like being selected for a football team. And I am probably that aging midfield player,' the 70-year-old tells The i Paper
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
NEW Not a great start to the year for Jack Draper, who has announced he will miss the United Cup because of a hip problem ahead of the Australian Open. Draper has also pulled out of the Davis Cup team, after the Aus Open, to avoid extra strain.
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James Gray @jamesgraysmith.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
The top three "tennis coaching" books in Amazon right now. Is the modern-day equivalent of an agent going round and putting all their client's books in front of others in other sections?
Jimmy Anderson's Finding the Edge, All About Darts and How to Read F1 appear top of the Tennis Coaching best sellers on Amazon
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