February 19, 2021

Five Point Friday

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

1.) Djokovic Set to Break Record

With Nadal’s loss in the Australian Open’s quarterfinals, no player can overtake Djokovic in his quest to break Federer’s record 310 weeks at number one. On March 8, 2021, he’ll pass Federer reaching his 311th week.

2.) Serena vs. Naomi

Their highly anticipated semi-final match turned out to be fairly one-sided as Naomi Osaka defeated Serena 6-3, 6-4. It was a tough loss for Serena, but Naomi clearly outplayed her.

3.) Alcott’s 7th Aus Open Title

Australian Dylan Alcott claimed his seventh consecutive Australian Open quad singles title defeating Sam Schröder 6-1, 6-0. It’s a massively impressive run on his home turf, which brings his total Grand Slam titles to 12.

Another one 🏆🇦🇺@DylanAlcott claims his SEVENTH #AusOpen Championship! 👏 #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/P5AphGDjxJ

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 17, 2021

4.) Kenin’s Surprise Surgery

On Monday, world #4 Sofia Kenin went to the Australian Open tournament physician for abdominal pain and was referred to the hospital for further evaluation. After a CT scan, they diagnosed her with appendicitis, so she had surgery that day to remove her appendix. It’s unclear how soon she’ll return to playing, but she did attend the semi-final match between Serena and Oska, so she looks to be doing well.

Acute appendicitis was diagnosed following the completion of my CT scan. I had to have surgery and had my appendix removed on Monday, February 15, at Epworth Hospital Richmond. I want to thank everyone at Epworth Hospital Richmond for taking good care of me!

— Sofia Kenin (@SofiaKenin) February 17, 2021

5.) Overlooked No More: McDaniel

Overlooked is a series of obituaries about remarkable people whose deaths, beginning in 1851, went unreported in The Times. Jimmie McDaniel, who passed in 1990 at the age of 73, is one of the latest individuals remembered as part of this series. He had a significant influence on our sport, so it’s great to see his story acknowledged.

Read McDaniel’s Story

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.