Tennis News: Steffi Graf, Pam Shriver, Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu

Are you dizzy yet, tennis fans? There are some many tournaments happening right now with high-end players in so many different spots, you need a compass to keep track of everything. Of course, that's partly why we are here: To help!

We don't use these news articles to break down matches, though. We want to offer something a little different here. Up-to-date news that isn't, "Did Novak Djokovic just beat..."?

Plus, maybe some tidbits about stuff you might have missed. Or we missed and thought maybe you had. Either way, here is some tennis news for Wednesday.

Pam Shriver thinks highly of Iga Swiatek compared to Steffi Graf

Are you ready for Iga Swiatek to accomplish something in 2024 that has only happened once before? Pam Shriver believes Swiatek can do it but just barely. No other player than Steffi Graf has won all four Grand Slams in a calendar year plus adding an Olympic gold medal to the mix. Graf accomplished that feat in 1988.

During an X/Twitter Space Shriver was hosting recently, the question was posted about Swiatek winning the calendar golden Slam. Shriver gave an honest response and even put odds on Swiatek. But not much. Shriver simply said Swiatek has a "5 percent" chance of matching what Steffi Graf is the only player to achieve.

Rafael Nadal has a goal of just enjoying tennis

Nadal was extremely impressive in his first singles match in nearly a year defeating Dominic Thiem in the first round of the Brisbane International this week. But he admitted post-match to having "doubts" about being successful in 2024 and that there was a chance his comeback would be a "disaster." In fact, Nadal said one of his goals was to simply be competitive early in 2024 and to enjoy every day of playing.

Based on the way Nadal played against Thiem, he could be much more than just competitive. He could even compete for the 2024 Australian Open title. Tennis fans would love that.

Emma Raducanu happy to no longer be in a wheelchair

Speaking of comebacks, Raducanu also looked impressive in her first match back since being off most of 2023. But while Raducanu was happy to play well, she was more grateful to simply not be bedridden or bound to a wheelchair. In her post-match on-court interview at the ASB Classic after beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse in three sets, Raducanu echoed Nadal's words about just being happy to play again.

Raducanu said, ""It’s difficult after having such a long hiatus. I’m grateful to be healthy and able to move my body. Not bedridden or in a wheelchair. It’s amazing to be out here and playing. I’m just really happy to be back on the tour."

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