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December 5, 2024
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week in tennis.
1.) The Last Challenge
On Sunday, Novak Djokovic joined his friend Juan Martin del Potro for one final exhibition match in Buenos Aires. Juan Martin played his last tour match in 2022, seeing his career cut short due to several debilitating injuries. During the emotional farewell, the two put on a show, with Del Potro coming out on top 7-5, 6-4.
2.) Simona On Swiatek
Last Thursday, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that world No. 2 Iga Swiatek tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in a one-month suspension. The ITIA found it to be an unintentional contamination of melatonin, which she took for jet lag. Shortly after, Simona Halep publicly shared her thoughts on the stark difference in handling her case from 2022, claiming special treatment for a top player.
[Click the post to translate Simona’s message on Instagram.]
View this post on Instagram
3.) Murray Calls Out Novak
Last week, Novak Djokovic announced an exciting new coaching partnership with Andy Murray, who will join him starting at the Australian Open. However, just because Murray is not there with Djokovic doesn’t mean he’s not keeping tabs. Last Friday, Murray left a humorous comment on a Mercedes Instagram post showing Djokovic enjoying himself at an F1 race.
[Click the post to see Murray’s comment on Instagram.]
View this post on Instagram
4.) The Garden Cup
Playing at Madison Square Garden, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton entertained a sellout crowd on Wednesday. Navarro topped Pegula 7-6, 7-5, and Alcaraz defeated Shelton 4-6, 6-2 (7-4). It’s the first time the venue has featured tennis since the Tie Break Tens in 2018. Unfortunately, I could only dig up highlights for the men’s match.
5.) Neale Fraser Passes at 91
Legendary Australian tennis player Neale Fraser passed away on Monday. Neale, a Hall of Fame inductee, held 19 Grand Slam titles, three in singles and 16 in doubles, and helped his country win four consecutive Davis Cup titles from 1959 to 1962. He then capped off a successful career as a player by serving as the Davis Cup captain for Australia for 24 years from 1970 to 1993.
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!
November 22, 2024
Here’s last week’s roundup, just in case you missed it.
1.) Rafa Retires From Tennis
After 22 Grand Slam wins, 92 titles, two Olympic gold medals, four Davis Cup team wins, 209 weeks at No. 1, and a mind-bending 912 weeks in the top 10, Spain’s Rafael Nadal is hanging up the racquets. In a bittersweet final Davis Cup match, Nadal fell to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4. An emotional evening for all, Rafa stated with a smile, “I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So, we close the circle.”
2.) Italy Claims BJK Cup
For the first time in 11 years, Italy has claimed the Billie Jean King Cup. Jasmine Paolini secured the tie 2-0 with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia. The win is especially sweet because they fell short to Canada in last year’s finals.
A moment in history for @federtennis 🏆🇮🇹@JasminePaolini secures the tie 2-0 with a 6-2 6-1 win over Rebecca Sramkova 👏#BJKCup pic.twitter.com/jLQ4pp0Jmf
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) November 20, 2024
3.) Federer’s Letter To Nadal
Before Nadal’s final appearance in the Davis Cup, long-time rival and good friend Roger Federer penned an ultra-special tribute and public letter to Rafa. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, it’s well worth a few minutes of your time.
View this post on Instagram
4.) Black Girls Tennis Club
Founded in 2022, the Black Girls Tennis Club’s mission is to “liberate Black women and girls through play.” With tennis as the backdrop, the community strives to provide holistic wellness opportunities for participants that extend off the court to help fuel personal growth.
View this profile on Instagram
5.) Saudi 1000-Level Event in 2027
According to reports, Saudi Arabia will host a joint ATP and WTA 1000-level event as early as February 2027. The timeframe would place the tournament after the Australian Open in January and before Indian Wells & Miami in March.
Saudi Arabia reported to host new combined ATP and WTA Masters 1000 event in 2027 #Tennis https://t.co/aPg83qFGWo
— TennisUpToDate (@TennisUpToDate2) November 20, 2024
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5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.