May 26, 2023

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

1.) Rafa Drops Big News

Speaking at a press conference he hosted at his Mallorca academy in Spain late last week, Rafael Nadal announced he’d miss Roland Garros despite four months of diligent effort to recuperate from an injury he sustained in Australia. However, he also shared he’d take an extended break from training to give his body time to heal, with intentions to return for a 2024 farewell season, which he hopes would include an appearance at the Paris Olympics next year.

2.) Halep’s Ongoing Battle

Simona Halep’s provisional suspension started in October of last year after she tested positive for a banned substance at the US Open. Now the ITIA has hit her with a second violation relating to her “biological passport” and, for the third time, postponed her hearing to present her case. It would appear there’s no end in sight for a fair trial, despite her pleas and continued support from the tennis community.

View the ITIA’s Second Doping Charge

pic.twitter.com/mAE528Tndq

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) May 24, 2023

3.) Break Point Round #2

Netflix has released a new trailer for the second batch of Break Point episodes, which is set to debut on June 21 ahead of Wimbledon. However, instead of the grass court season, the episodes bring us back to last year’s US Open, with all eyes on Serena Williams.

4.) Poor Conduct x2

With his opponent serving for the set, Hugo Gaston pulled a tennis ball out of his pocket and threw it on the court, hoping for a let, resulting in a massive $155,000 fine from the ATP for unsportsmanlike conduct. Meanwhile, at the Lyon Open, Mikael Ymer smashed his racket on the umpire’s chair in frustration because the ump was unwilling to check a ball mark on the court moments earlier. Crazy moments that you’ll have to see to believe.

BREAKING 🚨

Hugo Gaston has been fined €133,000 by the ATP for intentionally throwing a ball into the court during his match against Coric in Madrid, trying to replay the point.

This is the video 👇pic.twitter.com/EeU4RVFg3w

— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) May 22, 2023

What a dramatic ending to a fascinating contest…

Ymer is disqualified vs Fils in Lyon 🇫🇷#OpenParc @OpenParcARA pic.twitter.com/N7E2a1pS6E

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 24, 2023

5.) Medvedev’s 1st Clay Title

Few players are more adamant about their distaste for clay than Daniil Medvedev, who favors hard courts. However, with his latest title at the Italian Open, his tune might be changing. Daniil took out Holger Rune 7-5, 7-5 to claim his victory and will be one to watch at Roland Garros.

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.