November 15, 2019

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

1.) Nadal & Kyrgios Match Highlights

In a highly anticipated match, Nadal and Kyrgios met in the fourth round at the Australian Open, and it didn’t disappoint. Early in the match, they traded sets and then battled it out in third and fourth set tiebreakers, keeping the Australian fans on the edge of their seats. Nadal took the win.

2.) Protesting Margaret Court

Margaret Court, who currently holds the WTA record for most Grand Slam victories at 24, also has the third-largest stadium at the Australian Open named after her. However, her unsavory views on same-sex marriage and criticism of LGBTQ+ rights have raised concerns about the arena donning her name.

This year, Court was honored in a ceremony that celebrated the 50th anniversary of her 1970 Grand Slam, but not everyone was thrilled about it. In particular, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova publically expressed their thoughts, including a mild on-court protest suggesting Evonne Goolagong as a worthy replacement.

“Please win two more Grand Slams so we can leave Margaret Court and her offensive views in the past where she belongs”

John McEnroe aka the Comissioner of Tennis is back and he’s got a request for @SerenaWilliams ???? pic.twitter.com/3TeKa8JS2B

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) January 26, 2020

Martina #Navratilova makes a statement about changing the name of #MargaretCourt Arena after her legends doubles match on that court. Tennis Australia cuts off the feed to @Eurosport. Let’s share her message here.#AusOpen #AusOpen2020 #LGBT pic.twitter.com/ZdI92ZS6Za

— Kevin Chang ????⚖️ (@KevinCChang) January 28, 2020

3.) Fed’s Miracle in Melbourne

In the quarter-finals of the Australian Open against Márton Fucsovics, Federer did what we expect; he won. However, to muster the win, he had to save a staggering seven match points before closing it out in the fifth. Although Fed fans were sad to see him taken down by Djokovic in the semis, he left them with lasting memories.

4.) WTA Coaching Change

Throughout the remainder of the 2020 season, coaching from the stands will be allowed as a trial at all WTA Premier and International events. The news comes 16 months after Serena Williams was penalized at her controversial US Open final against Naomi Osaka for receiving hand signals.

Read About the Changes

5.) New Hall of Fame Inductees

On July 18th, 2020, Goran Ivanišević and Conchita Martínez will receive tennis’ ultimate honor: Induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Both former world number twos are still incredibly active in the sport with Ivanišević coaching Novak Djokovic and Martínez coaching fellow Spaniard Garbiñe Muguruza who’s on a heck of a run.

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.