Federer’s message to the new generation as Nadal returns to Jeddah: Top 10 matches of the 21st century, Mushroom takes charge

Three minutes daily to stay updated on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Friday, December 12, 2025. Welcome to the midday news report brought to you by "Tennis Home."

The day before yesterday, at the press conference announcing the partnership between the WTA and Mercedes-Benz, Swiss legend Federer appeared via video call to offer advice to young players: “My advice to those aspiring to be professionals is to work hard, aim high, dream as if reaching the moon, give your all, train diligently, and enjoy the journey. But also understand it will be a battle, and setbacks will come.” Many fans responded to Federer’s advice by saying, “Isn’t that a bit too vague? Just slogans don’t help!”

Let’s turn our attention to Spain’s warrior Nadal. According to the latest news, Nadal will arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a week to participate in multiple events during the ATP Next Gen Finals. On December 19, he will also meet fans in the fan zone. Nadal’s participation was confirmed upon invitation from the event organizers, aiming to inspire Saudi youth to actively engage in tennis.

Now for some other news. Recently, foreign media selected the top ten classic matches in world tennis since the 21st century. Among these ten matches, the male side features the “Big Three” Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, as well as the new generation leaders Alcaraz and Sinner; the women’s side has only one match included.

The detailed list is as follows:

1. 2012 Australian Open Final: Djokovic vs. Nadal

2. 2008 Wimbledon Final: Nadal vs. Federer

3. 2019 Wimbledon Final: Djokovic vs. Federer

4. 2025 French Open Final: Alcaraz vs. Sinner

5. 2017 Australian Open Final: Federer vs. Nadal

6. 2022 Australian Open Final: Nadal vs. Medvedev

7. 2009 Australian Open Semifinal: Nadal vs. Verdasco

8. 2009 Wimbledon Final: Federer vs. Roddick

9. 2005 Wimbledon Final: Serena Williams vs. Davenport

10. 2013 French Open Semifinal: Nadal vs. Djokovic

Are you satisfied with this selection? Are there any other matches you believe were more thrilling?

Next, three quick updates: First, early this morning Beijing time, the ATP announced that Spain’s Alcaraz’s coaches, Ferrero and Samuel López, won the 2025 ATP Coach of the Year award.

Second, Italy’s second-ranked player Musetti was named Italy’s Best Athlete of 2025 by local media. Some fans wondered, “Isn’t Sinner more outstanding?”

Third, former world No.1 female player and Spanish star Muguruza will serve as the co-tournament director for the Madrid event. Congratulations to Muguruza!

Now for a match update. Last night Beijing time, in the second round of the WTA125 Limoges singles, 7th seed and Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai lost 3-6, 6-3, 1-6 to Germany’s Fredesam, missing out on the quarterfinals. This marks the end of Zhang Shuai’s 2025 singles season.

Finally, a guessing game. The photo below shows a player on vacation. She has retired. Can you identify who she is?

Last time’s guessing challenge saw many fans hesitate to answer. Only a fan from Shanghai, nicknamed “Liu Yang,” gave the correct response. Indeed, the person in the photo is Avanesyan, originally Russian but now representing Armenia.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Maverick)