Five Point Friday: January 12, 2024
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January 12, 2024
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week in tennis.
1.) Rafa’s *New* Injury
Playing in only his third match after a whooping 347 days away from the court, Rafael Nadal sustained a micro tear but luckily not in the same place as the injury that took him out last year. We don’t have a return date, but we do know he’s withdrawn from the Australian Open. Let’s hope for a quick recovery!
2.) Rybakina Bagels Sabalenka
Bagels in tennis, i.e., winning a set 6-0, aren’t all that uncommon. However, bageling the No. 2 player in the world during the finals is anything but typical, and that’s just what Elena Rybakina did in Brisbane. Ranked No. 3, Elena took out Aryna Sabalenka 6-0, 6-3, completely dismantling the hard-hitting Belarusian and current Australian Open champion.
3.) Good Trouble With Kyrgios
Plagued with a knee and subsequent wrist injury, Nick Kyrigios has yet to return to the court fully, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy. Teaming up with Hana Kuma, Naomi Osaka’s production company, Nick will launch Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios, a new video podcast exploring the personal journeys of individuals making waves doing things on their own terms. The first episode with Gordon Ramsay drops in two weeks on January 24th.
4.) Dimitrov Ends 7-Year Drought
On Sunday, Grigor Dimitrov took down Holger Rune 7-6(5), 6-4 in Brisbane, claiming his first title in seven years, previously winning the ATP Finals in 2017. Long-time fans enjoyed his performance and look forward to seeing what he can accomplish at this year’s Australian Open. Dark horse material?
5.) 2 Points to Replay
Iga Swiatek hitting a forehand rocket past Alexander Zverev in doubles, and Jordan Thompson outlasting Rafa in a 33-shot rally to seal his victory over the 22-time Grand Slam champ? Yes, Please.
Iga is COOKING 👩🍳@iga_swiatek | #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/S5KEZJdHXd
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 7, 2024
Comeback COMPLETE 🥶@jordanthommmo2 saves 3 match points to defeat Nadal on his return 5-7 7-6 6-3 and reach the last 4 in Brisbane#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/4r5IMtYCfP
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 5, 2024
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.
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