February 14, 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.) Shapovalov’s Clutch Title
At 25, Denis Shapovalov claimed his biggest title, an ATP 500, defeating these top-10 players en route: Taylor Fritz (4), Tommy Paul (9), and Casper Ruud (5). It was his third title overall, pushing him from No. 54 to No. 32 in the rankings.
2.) Rybakina’s Ex-Coach Ban
In January, Elena Rybakina’s former coach was provisionally suspended from the WTA Tour due to a breach in their Code of Conduct. On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that the ban would stick. It’s unclear how long the ban will last, and many details will remain confidential, but The Athletic gave some disturbing insight.
EXCLUSIVE: The WTA Tour has banned Stefano Vukov, Elena Rybakina’s former coach, from coaching and obtaining credentials.
The organization did not specify the length or violation, but sources briefed on the WTA investigation, said it is a one-year ban.https://t.co/yKiPudpLCJ pic.twitter.com/i8OWa7U1Ip
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 12, 2025
3.) US Open Mix-Dubs Changes
The US Open will change its mixed doubles format in 2025 to attract more fans. However, not everyone’s happy about it. That includes last year’s champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who voiced concerns. You can read about all of the changes here and the champion duo’s response below.
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4.) Bencic’s 1st Title As New Mom
Playing in Abu Dhabi, former world No. 4 and Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic claimed her first title as a mom and her ninth overall. Belinda gave birth to her daughter Bella in April 2024 and returned to action in October. Ranked No. 157 going into the tournament, she’s now the third-lowest-ranked player to win a WTA 500 title since the tier was created.
5.) Djokovic Heals Quickly
During his semifinal Australian Open match against Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic suffered a muscle tear in his left hamstring, forcing him to retire. Initially, it was unclear how long he’d be out, but speaking with the Serbian newspaper Vijesti, he shared that he is almost 100%. With the green light to train, he’s expected to return for the Qatar Open on 2/17.
Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury “experts” out there. pic.twitter.com/ZO5mBtw9zB
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 25, 2025
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!
February 7, 2025
Here’s last week’s roundup, just in case you missed it.
1.) Simona Halep Retires
Surprising fans worldwide, Simona Halep announced her retirement on home soil at the Transylvania Open following a 6-1, 6-1defeate. After a lengthy 19-month doping suspension that received plenty of criticism, especially in the wake of positive tests from Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, she returned to tennis last March. However, she’s only managed a single match win in six tournaments and decided to move on to the next chapter. At 33, Simona is a former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champ with 24 titles during her nearly 20-year career.
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2.) Davis Cup Collision
Now, here’s a new one. During a Davis Cup qualifier tie, Zizou Bergs of Belgium won a crucial break in the final set. Then, running back to his bench celebrating, collided with his opponent, Chilean Cristian Garin, knocking him down. Bergs received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, but Garin refused to finish the match. Garin then received a warning, point penalty, and game penalty, gifting the win to Belgium and sending them through to the next round. You gotta see it to believe it.
Zizou Bergs makes a HUGE shot to break serve… but accidently collides with Cristian Garin in celebration 😮 pic.twitter.com/6H2RqRmx4m
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) February 2, 2025
Cristian Garin refusing to play after being knocked down by Zizou Bergs during changeover. His eye is swollen and Garin and Chile team are asking for a default.
byu/Expensive_Window_538 intennis
3.) How & When Players Get Paid
Chatting in the Nothing Major podcast, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson provide a quick snapshot into how and when players get paid following a tournament, along with a bit of humor, of course.
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4.) Kvitova Returning To Tennis
Following a 15-month maternity break from tennis after giving birth to her son Petr in July of last year, two-time Wimbledon champ and former world No. 2 Petra Kvitova will return to tennis this month in Austin, TX. She announced the return in a video to fans this week.
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5.) Walk-On Songs In Tennis?
Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has an idea: walk-on songs for players before a match, similar to those used in boxing or when pitchers take the field in baseball. She thinks it would add some “spice” before big matches on show courts. What’s your take on the idea?
can somebody on the player council put forward a request for walk on songs that we choose ourselves for wtas/slams like they have in boxing
it would add so much spice especially if u and ur opp have beef and ur throwing shade from the get go with ur choice of walk on song— Des Aiava (@destaneeaiava) January 30, 2025
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