December 11, 2020

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

1.) Vessel Tennis Backpack

I’ve written about my picks for the best tennis bags, and Vessel shines across different types of bags, but there’s a catch. They’re a luxury brand with some of the priciest on the market. In this week’s video, I review their Baseline Tennis Backpack to help players decide if it’s worth the price.

2.) Indian Wells 2021 Fate

Earlier this week, Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated reported that the cancellation of Indian Wells was coming imminently – three months ahead of its start date. Although an official announcement hasn’t arrived, he’s followed up with the possibility of a reschedule. It’s not necessarily surprising, but adjustments to large tournaments can wreak havoc on the entire year’s schedule. Earlier this year, Indian Wells canceled their tournament at the last minute due to COVID-19.

In 2020 @BNPPARIBASOPEN cancelled (wisely, courageously) on the eve of the event. Announcement of the 2021 cancellation is, I hear, coming imminently, three months in advance….both tours working to adjust schedule and minimize the impact…

— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) December 6, 2020

Maybe there’s a postponement play and IW can land-grab some dates later in the year, Pfizer willing…be interesting to see if @MiamiOpen (in DeSantis Florida; in the same state that will likely host a Super Bowl weeks earlier) follows suit, or breaks serve, as it were. https://t.co/uEyitdtBP8

— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) December 6, 2020

3.) Winners: Osaka & Kenin

Naomi Osaka is one of five athletes selected as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year: The Activist Athlete for her voice in the fight against social injustice. Sofia Kenin, on the other hand, was named the WTA Player of the Year as voted by members of the international media – she’s the eighth American to win it since 1977. Currently ranked #4, Kenin had a fantastic year with noteworthy moments, including her maiden major title at the Australian Open and her finals appearance at Roland Garros.

Presenting the 2020 #Sportsperson of the Year: The Activist Athlete https://t.co/uLEiwWyaDO pic.twitter.com/P7KSjPNoCO

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 7, 2020

Congratulations to the 2020 award winners! ??https://t.co/MYoJQazvEf

— wta (@WTA) December 8, 2020

4.) Using Analytics for Practice

What should you focus on in practice to maximize your chances of winning a match? Strategy coach Craig O’Shannessy, shares that players who win the zero to four-shot rally length win the match over 90% of the time and subsequently informs where you should place your emphasis in practice.

Find Out Where to Focus

5.) One Player to Save Your Life

If you could pick one player to play one set on your behalf to save your life, who would it be? ATP players share their picks for who they’d choose.

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.