June 26, 2020

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

1.) The Best adidas Tennis Shoes?

Last year, after nearly two decades, adidas didn’t launch an updated version of their hugely popular Barricade tennis shoes. Although they’ve hinted at plans to relaunch them, adidas treated us to the SoleCourt Boost – one of my current favorites. In this week’s video, I share my official review and playtest.

2.) Court of Dreams [A Tearjerker]

In this expertly filmed and touching video, Mark Kuhn tells the story of building a grass tennis court on his Iowa farm, forming the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club, and starting the Alex J. Kuhn Invitational after their families devastating loss. You won’t be disappointed.

3.) Adria Tour’s Messy Ending

As exciting as it was for the start of the Adria Tour, a series of exhibition matches with top ATP players, it was equal parts puzzling to watch players, event staff, and attendees ignore the fact that there’s a global pandemic. Now in a string of announcements world #1 Novak Djokovic, #19 Grigor Dimitrov, #33 Borna Coric, and #184 Victor Troicki have announced contracting COVID-19, resulting in the cancellation of the tour.

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A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) on Jun 23, 2020 at 10:58am PDT

4.) Strange Match Endings

Most tennis matches end predictably, others exciting, and a few downright strange. In this compilation, the ATP recounts 10 of the most unusual endings to tennis matches, including the 2012 rain delay on match point between Federer and Nadal.

5.) Get Your Live Tennis Fix

Although the Adria Tour was a harsh reminder of the current state of the world, there’s still live tennis to watch with extensive precautions to protect players and event staff. The Credit One Bank Invitational in Charleston, SC, features a solid lineup of WTA players. At the same time, the Schroders Battle of the Brits showcases an all-British team competition, both of which you can watch on Tennis Channel through June 28th.

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Introducing the Credit One Bank Invitational, presented by @tennischannel. ???? Tune into Tennis Channel Tuesday, June, 23 to Sunday, June 28 at 4:00pm EST for live match coverage each day. #CreditOneBankInvitational

A post shared by Volvo Car Open (@volvocaropen) on Jun 15, 2020 at 1:10pm PDT

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It’s the UK’s very first ‘behind-closed-doors’ tennis tournament, Schroders Battle of The Brits will see the top ranked male players face off to be crowned singles and doubles champions. The 6 day event held at the National Tennis Centre from 23rd-28th June will be televised on Amazon Prime Video, bringing live sport back to our living rooms. Who’s ready for the #battleofthebrits ???????????????????? More details coming soon! @jamie__murray @battleofthebrits @primevideosport @nhscharitiestogether

A post shared by Schroders Battle of the Brits (@battleofthebrits) on Jun 1, 2020 at 5:06am PDT

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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.