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Sports

Djokovic failed to give props to worthy challenger, FAA

After an epic 5-hour Wimbledon battle, Novak Djokovic never mentioned opponent's name during post-tennis match interview

TIMOTHY COX, Community Contributor
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After congratulating FAA at center court net, Djokovic failed to mention his young opponent's name during his post-match interview. (Photo courtesy of Timothy Cox)
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It was refreshing to see two African-Americans manning the anchor desk during coverage of Wimbledon, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Malika Andrews (l) and Chris Eubanks. (Photo courtesy of Timothy Cox)
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Malika Andrews held down the ESPN senior anchor desk at Wimbledon on July 7, 2026. (Photo courtesy Timothy Cox)
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Chris Eubanks, as recent as 2025, Eubanks was still active as a professional tennis player. He retired last year at age 29. (Photo courtesy of Timothy Cox)

IN MY OPIONION:

By Timothy Cox

After witnessing an epic battle of two professional tennis stars compete in a Wimbledon quarter-final to the bitter end, the old pro, namely Novak Djokovic, 39, outlasted his younger opponent, Felix Auger-Aliassime , better known by his acronym "FAA."

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The Tuesday, July 7, 2026 match aired on ESPN and was held at what's known as The All England Club at Wimbledon.

Djokovic is a perennial winner (and GOAT) at mostly all recent Grand Slam events, including this one. But the biggest disappointment is that "Djoker" failed to acknowledge his young foe's brilliance as a special up-and-coming heir and for being one of the premier talents in the men's tennis game, internationally.

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Djokovic won the match 7-6, 3-6,6-3,6-7-7-6

FAA is a native Canadian. The racially-mixed player has a father who hails from the African nation of Togo, and his mother is of French-Canadian descent.

At 6-4, the bow-legged athlete looks more like an NBA point-guard than a tennis player. He also looks like many of today's soccer players currently playing in the World Cup.

Like those people, he too is very athleticly-gifted.

At 25, look for FAA to enjoy international success on the tennis circuit for many years to come.

In other good news at Wimbledon, ESPN utilized the anchor services of two African-American broadcasters.

Namely, Malika Andrews - popular for her NBA and NFL prowess, along with color man tennis-expert, Chris Eubanks. The recently-retired tennis pro, at age 29 - chose to forgo his sports career in exchange for a move toward a broadcasting career.

Give kudos to ESPN, Wimbledon and the Tennis Network, for having the foresight and courage to produce a program with two blacks. Welcome to the future - thanks guys.

(Timothy Cox can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com. He formerly worked for Scripps-Howard and the Gannett Corporation.)

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