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5-Point Friday | A Weekly Tennis Roundup

January 17, 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.) Djokovic’s Cover Story

Featured on GQ’s February cover, Novak Djokovic shares and discusses a wide range of topics, from tennis to his plans beyond the sport, which is a great read to understand the athlete better, whether you’re a fan or not.

Read Djokovic’s GQ Feature

2.) Osaka Finding A Way

Leading up to the Australian Open, Naomi Osaka fought her way to the finals at the ASB Classic in New Zealand, including a 6-4 lead in the final before being forced to retire due to an injury. Despite that hurdle and forfeiting a shot at her first title since 2021, she has returned to the Australian Open. Now, she finds herself in the third round after two wins over formidable opponents: Caroline Garcia and Karolina Muchova. Her next match, which should have wrapped up early this morning, pits her against Belinda Bencic. You can click here to check out the results.

3.) Revealing Rublev Article

Last year, Andrey Rublev’s on-court tantrums and public self-harm reached a fever pitch, which was tough to watch for many fans because he’s one of the most loved players on tour. However, despite his apparent struggles, it was unclear precisely what was going on behind the scenes that caused his anger and frustration. In an interview with The Guardian, Rublev gave us an honest look at his struggles and why he feels he’s now on the right path.

Learn Why Rublev Has Struggled

4.) Rybakina Hits 4 Aces At 0-40

Playing against 16-year-old Emerson Jones in the first round at the Australian Open, Elena Rybakina found her way into a 0-40 service game to serve out the first set at 5-1. Then, she dug herself out in dramatic fashion, blasting four consecutive aces before closing out the set, quickly erasing any hope for an Emerson comeback.

5.) 3 AO Points to Replay

Australia continues to dish out fantastic tennis early this year, with three stunning points in the past week standing out to me. If you have a few moments to spare, you won’t be disappointed.

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!

Five Point Friday - TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener Package & Dampener

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!

Five Point Friday - TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener Package & Dampener

January 10, 2025

Here’s last week’s roundup, just in case you missed it.

1.) Australian Open Kicking Off

And just like that, we’re back! Starting next week, the main draw for the Australian Open will be underway, with another year of stunning tennis and intriguing storylines coming our way.

Check Out The AO Draws

2.) Opelka’s Stuns In Brisbane

After two years on the bench and hip and wrist surgery, Reilly Opelka returned to the tour with a successful run at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, RI, last year. Since then, he’s flown under the radar as he works to regain his form—that is, until Brisbane. Notching the biggest win of his career against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinal, he’d push through to the final before being forced to withdraw due to his back. For now, the hope is that it was simply overuse and that he can quickly recover in time for the AO.

3.) Sabalenka Starting Strong

After some brief time off for the holidays, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is back to her winning ways, defeating Polina Kudermetova 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the final of her first event of the New Year. Next week, she’ll begin her campaign for a third consecutive Australian Open title, drawing Sloane Stephens to start.

4.) United Cup Champs

Playing Poland in the finals, Coco Gauff took out Iga Swiatek in straight sets before Taylor Fritz got the best of Hubert Hurkacz in three sets to seal the win, which is the second for the US in three years. Notably, Gauff ended the tournament with a perfect week, winning all six of her singles and doubles matches, earning her the award as the tournament’s MVP.

5.) Two Points To Replay

As is usually the case, we’ve seen some fantastic tennis to start the New Year, but I bookmarked two points that stood out to me that I think you’ll enjoy. The first captures Djokovic vs. Monfils, and the second is Gauff vs. Swiatek. Enjoy!

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5-Point Friday

A brief recap of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about in tennis.

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