August 28, 2020
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week.
1.) The Most Versatile Grip in Tennis
As an integral part of the game, the continental grip enables players to hit a wide range of shots without changing how they hold their racquet. In this week’s video, I break down this all-important grip, including a brief history, shots you can hit, and how to hold it.
2.) Naomi Osaka Protests
In response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Naomi Osaka shared that she wouldn’t be playing her semi-final match in protest of police brutality. A few hours later, the ATP, WTA, and USTA acknowledged the horrific event by postponing play at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) August 27, 2020
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 27, 2020
— wta (@WTA) August 27, 2020
3.) Bryan Brothers End Partnership
In November of last year, the Bryan Brothers announced their planned retirement to coincide with the 2020 US Open. However, their absence from the US Open entry list didn’t go unnoticed, and now we’ve learned that they made the call not to participate and to retire effective immediately. The Bryan Brothers are the winningest men’s doubles team with highly decorated careers: 1,100 wins, 119 titles, 16 Grand Slam titles, and the list goes on. As fan favorites, they’ll be greatly missed on tour.
4.) Hawk-Eye Live [Behind the Scenes]
Two weeks ago, I asked if our community thought pro tennis should replace line judges with electronic systems as tournaments lean heavily on these systems during the pandemic. This week, we get a quick behind the scenes look at Hawk-Eye from Oliver Clough, their GM of Tennis.
See Hawk-Eye Behind the Scenes
5.) Del Potro Injuries Continue
The gentle giant’s injury woes are rough. Between his wrists (4 surgeries) and his right knee (3 surgeries), he’s been sidelined a ridiculous amount of time throughout his career. Wednesday, he underwent his third surgery in two years on his right knee after fracturing his kneecap in October of 2018 at the Shanghai Masters. I feel for the guy and miss his tennis, so I hope the third times a charm.
Actualización sobre @delpotrojuan.
Update on #Delpo. pic.twitter.com/wqLsVdC5MP
— TeamDelpo (@teamdelpo) August 26, 2020
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.
Naomi was my favourite players for few years now. Not any more. Surrounded by bad advisers. Bye Naomi!
Hey Jon, gotta drop a line on the Bryans’.
Love these 2 for sheer work ethic and their love of the game. Extraordinary skills. For anyone who has not yet seen it, dial up their “Romanian Volley Drill” – the “Annalee birthday” version, and turn up the sound. Guaranteed to make you want to grab a friend and run over to the court, after the goosebumps subside.
Great video, Ralph – thanks for sharing!