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July 21, 2023
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week in tennis.
1.) Wimbledon Champs
Marketa Vondrousova became the first unseeded Wimbledon champion in the Open Era, upsetting Ons Jabeur. She was a spectator with a cast on her left wrist a year earlier. This week, she debuted as world No. 10 for the first time. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz claimed his second major title, breaking Novak Djokovic’s four-year win streak in the third-longest final in Wimbledon history. He also became the third youngest to win the event in the Open Era and the first in 20 years outside the Big 4 to raise the trophy.
2.) Halep On US Open Entry List
Despite still being listed as provisionally suspended for testing positive for a banned substance and irregularities found in her Athlete Biological Passport, Simona Halep was found on the US Open’s entry list this week. Most fans hope this means her hearing that finally took place went well, although there’s no official word yet.
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3.) Wilson Shift v1 Launch
After the Shift prototype found its way into playtesters’ hands last October and a soft launch this February, the final version of the first concept racquet from Wilson Labs has launched. Reminiscent of the Clash, the Shift’s patented design allows the racquet to bend laterally in alignment with the modern swing path, accentuating spin while reducing twisting to maintain stability. The racquet promises controllable power, excellent spin production, and optimal feel for experienced players.
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4.) WTA Line Call Debacle
Playing at the Hungarian Grand Prix this week, world No. 45 Zhang Shuai retired against No. 548 Amarissa Toth following a lengthy exchange about a close line call. Two moments that led the situation to go viral were Toth erasing the ball mark a few points later and celebrating after her opponent retired, with many fans calling her out for poor sportsmanship. However, to make matters worse, the WTA released a statement the next day about their zero-tolerance policy for racism following a post by the tournament on their FB page.
Comment on the Toth/Zhang from the Hungarian GP facebook account. There is no way a tournament account should ever say this. Players need to be careful of playing this tournament going forward. pic.twitter.com/jXIc0xsV6D
— Owen (@kostekcanu) July 19, 2023
Statement from WTA
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The WTA has zero tolerance for racism in any form or context. The unfortunate incident that took place yesterday at the Hungarian Grand Prix and subsequent posts are being reviewed and will be addressed.— wta (@WTA) July 19, 2023
5.) Borg’s 1st ATP Victory
At 20, Bjorn Borg’s son Leo received a wild card at the Swedish Open and claimed his first ATP victory over Elias Ymer, winning 7-6(7-5) 6-3. Unfortunately for Leo, his brief moment in the spotlight was cut short by Federico Coria the following day with a 6-4 6-2 loss.
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.
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5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.
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