March 11, 2022

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

1.) ATP’s Weak Response

Last month, Alexander Zverev lost his temper and violently struck the umpire’s chair after losing a doubles match. The ATP has reviewed the incident and put him on probation through February 22, 2023. Only if he incurs another Code Violation between now and then will he receive an eight-week suspension and a $25k fine for his actions. I’d say this is a weak response at best, and it’s a shame that they’re letting him off the hook so easily.

Read the ATPs Annoucement

2.) Fernandez Defends Title

Last year’s US Open runner-up and world No. 21, Leylah Fernandez, defended her title at the Monterrey Open this week by saving five match points to outlast Camila Osorio 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3). It was an exceptional match between the two and a hard-fought win for Leylah.

3.) Tennis Supporting Ukraine

The ATP, WTA, ITF, and four Grand Slam tournaments will jointly donate $700k ($100k each) to support GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. If you’d like to participate, you can donate here to help them reach their $1M goal. Andy Murray also announced he’d donate his prize money for the rest of 2022 to support children at risk from the conflict.

Learn More About the Fundraiser

4.) New Speed Racquets

Head released an update to its line of Speed tennis racquets this month, introducing a new auxetic construction intended to react to stroke speed for improved response and feel, along with minor tweaks to each frame’s specs.

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A post shared by HEAD Tennis (@headtennis_official)

5.) Djokovic’s Update

Due to CDC’s confirmation that vaccine regulations won’t change anytime soon, Novak Djokovic announced to fans that he would not be traveling to the US to play at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells or the Miami Open.

While I was automatically listed in the @BNPPARIBASOPEN and @MiamiOpen draw I knew it would be unlikely I’d be able to travel. The CDC has confirmed that regulations won’t be changing so I won’t be able to play in the US. Good luck to those playing in these great tournaments ????

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 9, 2022

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.