April 25, 2025
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week in tennis.
1.) Rune Defeats Alcaraz In Barcelona
Holger Rune defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6–3, 6–4 to win the Barcelona Open, his first ATP 500 title. With the win, Rune returned to the ATP Top 10 at No. 9. Meanwhile, Alcaraz withdrew from Madrid, citing a groin injury and focusing on staying healthy ahead of Roland Garros.
2.) ITIA Shower Rule Sparks Backlash
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) addressed criticism over its anti-doping protocol, which requires players selected for testing to remain under observation until a sample is provided. If a player chooses to shower before giving a sample, they must do so under the supervision of a chaperone. The ITIA emphasized that this measure, in line with WADA standards, is essential to maintain the integrity of the testing process and prevent potential tampering.
3.) Alcaraz Documentary Now Live
Carlos Alcaraz: My Way premiered on Netflix this Wednesday. The three-part docuseries follows his 2024 season and features interviews with family, coaches, fellow players, and Alcaraz himself. It offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at his journey on and off the court.
4.) Ostapenko Stuns Top 2 in Stuttgart
Jelena Ostapenko won the Stuttgart title, defeating both World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek. She clinched the championship with a 6–4, 6–1 win over Sabalenka—her first title of 2025 and the ninth of her career.
5.) Rafa Named Global Sports Icon
Rafael Nadal was honored as a global sports icon at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards. The recognition highlights his achievements, influence, and legacy. Nadal retired in late 2024 after his final match at the Davis Cup Finals.
While you’re here, check out the TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener to enhance your racquet’s feel and sound. As a bonus, your purchase helps keep my website (and emails) running. Cheers!
While you’re here, check out the TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener to enhance your racquet’s feel and sound. As a bonus, your purchase helps keep my website (and emails) running. Cheers!
April 18, 2025
Here’s last week’s roundup, just in case you missed it.
1.) Federer Making Return… Kinda
During an interview for one of his sponsors at The Masters in Augusta, Roger Federer shared that he has barely played since retiring, but that he would love to get back to training a few days a week with the hope of playing some exhibition events. Although nothing is official, the small tease has fans eagerly awaiting his potential return.
Roger Federer wants to play exhibitions & fill stadiums around the world:
“I’d love to start playing 2 or 3 times a week & hopefully get myself back on the exhibition court. Maybe fill up a few nice stadiums around the world.” 🥹
(via @tntsports)
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 12, 2025
2.) Still At The Top Of Her Game
Curious what Serena Williams has been up to lately? Well, it’s a lot, and according to Time Magazine, she’s still at the top of her game. From being a mom to running Serena Ventures, dancing at the Super Bowl’s halftime show, investing in the WNBA, and her stance on Jannik Sinner’s ban, there’s a lot of ground to cover.
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3.) Carlos Gets His Mojo Back
With Jannik Sinner out of the picture for months, Carlos Alcaraz admits to putting pressure on himself to close the gap between the world No. 1. However, after a tough semifinal loss at Indian Wells and an early exit in Miami, he lost some confidence. That is, until Monte Carlo, where he found his rhythm on clay, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the final to regain the world No. 2 spot.
4.) Forehand Forces Withdrawal
Body shots in doubles are nothing new, but having one hit so hard that it fractures a player’s rib and forces them to withdraw from their next event… that’s something new. Turns out, that’s exactly what happened to Andrea Vavassori, who was hit by Ben Shelton’s rocket forehand in Monte Carlo. Although Andrea finished the match, he decided to skip this week’s ATP 500 in Barcelona to recover.
if you actually watched doubles, you would know “it’s doubles bro” is in reference to the hypocrisy of a DOUBLES SPECIALIST complaining about body shots because they happen all the time! both ben and rohan were hit in this very match by them
and also BEN DID APOLOGIZE https://t.co/AUVGdjUUPg pic.twitter.com/N5Updcq5UT
— cam 🇯🇲 (@cammyreborn) April 11, 2025
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5.) World’s Smartest Ball Machine?
The Partner is Tennibot’s latest addition to their line of tennis robots, which, according to their team, “moves like a human.” Rather than maintaining a static position like other ball machines, it moves around the court for a more human-like playing experience. Right now, you can get a 30% discount by preordering.
Home > Five Point Friday
5-Point Friday
A brief recap of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about in tennis.