January 6, 2023

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

Bonus: Official Break Point Trailer

1.) United Cup Final

The inaugural edition of the United Cup, which replaced the ATP Cup, kicked off on 12/29 and will wrap up on Sunday in Sydney, Australia. If you want to watch the final, keep the time change in mind and check the broadcaster list. If you didn’t catch it, the match between Nadal and De Minaur was excellent.

2.) Iga Goes Around the Net

During her mixed doubles match with partner Hubert Hurkacz, Iga Swiatek closed out a point by slicing a backhand around the net near the umpire’s chair for a winner. It’s definitely worth the 47 seconds of your day.

⚡Iga doing Iga things ⚡@iga_swiatek, around the net post! #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/gMsqbKpbIR

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 1, 2023

3.) The Pickle Juice Returns

The heat during the Australian summer can be brutal, leaving more than a handful of players over the years turning to the salty elixir to ward off cramps and stay hydrated. Paula Badosa is the latest to be caught hydrating with pickle juice as she suffered from cramps, which she credited to helping her get through her United Cup singles match on New Year’s Day. Perhaps one of the more comical outcomes is the before and after pickle juice serve speed stats that were logged during the match.

That graphic tho ???? pic.twitter.com/0Ojprbxzou

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 1, 2023

4.) WTA Status on Peng Shuai

On Wednesday, the WTA confirmed that they would not be returning to China this year unless a resolution to the situation with Peng was reached. More specifically, they continue to call for a formal investigation into the allegations and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with her privately to discuss the situation.

Read the Full Update & Story

5.) Qranc Ball Subscription

Tired of running out of tennis balls and having to remember to order them or return to the store to buy a few extra cans? Check out Qranc, a new tennis ball subscription service. The balls are ITF approved, and you can have them delivered to your doorstep monthly. Easily the biggest downside is cost, as the discounted five-pack purchase of their cans will run players $5.70/can, a healthy premium for convenience.

Check Out the Service

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.