August 19, 2022

Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.

1.) Exceptional Point in Canada

En route to his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Candian Open, 31-year-old Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain put on a show against Hubert Hurkacz. Early in the third set, Pablo tracked down a near-impossible lob and scrambled to win the point with the help of an ecstatic crowd. He won the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and is now ranked no. 14 in the world, four positions shy of his career high of no. 10 in 2017.

2.) Serena Out in Cincy 1st Round

Playing her second tournament since her return to Wimbledon in June and only fourth match in 14 months, Serena Williams lost to Emma Raducannu 4-6, 0-6 in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters. Last week, Serena announced her retirement with the expectation that the 2022 US Open would be the final tournament of her career.

3.) Unusual Ball Confusion

During the Candian Open, rouge tennis balls were hit back and forth between two active tennis courts, causing a few lets and confusion among players and fans. You’d think the players would have known better than to hit a ball into a court where a match is happening, but it made for an entertaining moment.

4.) The Head Extreme 2022

Known for its power and spin, the Head Extreme line of tennis racquets will get an overhaul in 2022. The update is an iterative refinement retaining most of the tech from the previous generation except for an Auxetic construction in the racquet’s throat for improved stability and feel. The new racquets will be available in September.

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5.) Who is Ben Shelton?

American Ben Shelton is 19 years old and currently ranked no. 229 in the world. Earlier this week, he entered the Cincinnati Masters as a wild card and, in the first round, took out world no. 56, Lorenzo Sonego. He followed that up with a more impressive 6-3, 6-3 win over world no. 5, Casper Ruud, which included a tweener lob winner that’s worth a replay.

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If you have a moment, I’d love to hear your feedback. Which topic is your favorite? What would you like to see more or less of each week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and have a great weekend.