January 20, 2023

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

1.) Murray’s Crazy 5-Setters

Yesterday, Andy Murray notched his second five-set victory at the Australian Open, coming back from two sets down in both. In the first, he took out 13th seed Matteo Berrettini and in the second, he defeated local Thanasi Kokkinakis in what turned out to be the longest match of his career, second-longest match in Australian Open history, and second latest finishing match ever at a major. The point he won vs. Kokkinakis when he was down a break at two sets to love is unreal. At age 35, Murray also takes the all-time lead for most comeback wins from two sets down with 11.

2.) Celebrating Too Early?!

During her second-round match, Danielle Collins accidentally forgot that the final set tiebreaker at the Australian Open is a ten-point breaker, so she celebrated when she hit seven. Whoops! It was a bit of an awkward moment for her, but she took it in stride and still managed to close out the win, booking a trip to round three.

Whoops! ???? Danielle Collins forgot how tiebreaks works and celebrated much, much, MUCH too early! ????????

????️ #AusOpen LIVE | https://t.co/80XjQpwd6J#9WWOS #Tennis pic.twitter.com/CRSdC57H03

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 18, 2023

3.) Financial Reality of Tennis

The challenging financial reality of pro tennis for lower-ranked players isn’t new, but I enjoyed D’Arcy Maine’s ESPN deep dive article covering the topic. I like how she tackled the subject and some of the fresh insight she provided, including tying in how the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) might be able to help address the issue.

Read the Full ESPN Story

4.) Rafa’s AO Ending Injury

During his second set match against world No. 65 Mackenzie McDonald, reigning Australian Open champ Rafael Nadal suffered a grade 2 left hip flexor injury, likely putting him out for the next 6-8 weeks. As a result, the earliest we’ll probably see him back on the court is for Indian Wells and Miami in March.

Buenas tardes. He realizado pruebas médicas tras la derrota en el día de ayer. La resonancia magnética muestra una lesión grado 2 en el Psoas Iliaco de su pierna izquierda. Ahora toca reposo deportivo y fisioterapia anti inflamatoria. Tiempo normal de recuperación 6 a 8 semanas. pic.twitter.com/xwcKSyTzhp

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 19, 2023

5.) Emotional Win for Popyrin

Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin notched the biggest win of his career, defeating world No. 9 Taylor Fritz in five sets during their second-round clash at the Australian Open. In his emotional post-match interview, he was overwhelmed by the win and crowd support. Next, he’ll face American Ben Shelton, who’s having his moment.

Great Alexei Popyrin interview by @caseydellacqua#AusOpen
pic.twitter.com/rJU8GgYbyV

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 19, 2023

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.