Check out my custom vibration dampener
May 3, 2024
Five Point Friday
Here’s your roundup of the five most interesting things I’m enjoying or thinking about this week in tennis.
1.) Epic Tennis Rallies
From the perfectly manicured grass of Wimbledon to the intense summer heat of the Australian Open, I unravel the stories of the longest rallies in history, shedding light on these unforgettable moments.
2.) Tennis vs. Pickleball Turf War
In an entertaining bit, Daily Show correspondent Michael Kosta recruits Patrick McEnroe to discuss the turf war and commentate a showdown between Kosta and Ronny Chieng and The Pickleball Doctor and his twin brother.
3.) Rybakina’s Stunning Comeback
Playing Yulia Putintseva in the Madrid Open quarterfinals, Elena Rybakina pulled off a stunning comeback in the third set down 2-5, 15-40. Saving two match points, Elena rallied to win the match 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 in a 2 hour and 48-minute thriller. If you watch the highlights, the comeback begins at 3:35 in the video.
4.) Rafa’s Olympic Dubs Partner
Assuming both players can stay healthy enough for this year’s Summer Olympics, Rafa shared that he’d happily partner up with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles. The topic first surfaced last year when Carlos suggested it would be a “dream” for the two to compete for a medal, but up until a Madrid Open interview, it hadn’t been confirmed by either player.
View this post on Instagram
5.) Tennis Australia Warns ATP
In a letter to the ATP, Tennis Australia strongly opposed any attempt to schedule a new Masters tournament in Saudi Arabia during the first week of the season starting in 2027, citing a potential breach of contract. They also argued that the existing schedule is in the best interest of the players and fans, with a streamlined narrative that drives viewership.
EXCLUSIVE: In a thinly veiled warning, Australian Open chiefs informed the ATP Tour that they would regard an attempt to host a January tournament in Saudi Arabia as a request for a potential “breach” of an existing contract.
✍️ @mattfuttermanhttps://t.co/mWLM85SVhB
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 30, 2024
While you’re here, check out the TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener to enhance your racquet’s feel and sound. As a bonus, your purchase helps keep my website (and emails) running. Cheers!
While you’re here, check out the TennisCompanion Vibration Dampener to enhance your racquet’s feel and sound. As a bonus, your purchase helps keep my website (and emails) running. Cheers!
April 26, 2024
Here’s last week’s roundup, just in case you missed it.
1.) Awards for Djokovic & De Groot
For the fifth time, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic received the coveted Laureus Sportsman of the Year award on the heels of his historic 2023 campaign. Dutch wheelchair tennis player Diede de Groot also won the 2024 Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award for her stunning results, including three straight calendar Grand Slams and an undefeated record stretching back to 2021.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
All Tennis Nominees
- Novak Djokovic
Sportsman Winner - Iga Swiatek
Sportswoman Nominee - Coco Gauff
Breakthrough Nominee - Marketa Vondrousova
Comeback Nominee - Diede de Groot
Sportsperson With a Disability Winner - Rafa Nadal Foundation
Sport For Good Winner
2.) Garbine Muguruza Retires
Former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza announced her retirement from pro tennis after more than a year since her last official tour-level match. Renowned for defeating both Serena and Venus Williams in Grand Slam finals and capturing ten career titles, Muguruza reflected on her journey from hitting her first tennis balls to achieving remarkable milestones and talked about how she’s looking forward to the next chapter.
View this post on Instagram
3.) Ruud Excels In Barcelona
Casper Ruud secured his biggest title yet at the Barcelona Open, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-5, 6-3 in the final of the clay-court ATP 500 event. The victory marks a significant milestone for Ruud, who had previously only won 250-level tournaments. Casper, who didn’t drop a set in Barcelona, will look to maintain his form in Barcelona and Paris, where he was a runner-up in 2022 and 2023.
4.) Nostalgic WTA Matchup
Caroline Wozniacki’s return to clay faced an early setback at the Mutua Madrid Open, as she fell short to Sara Errani in a nostalgic and entertaining match. Despite holding a one-set lead, Wozniacki couldn’t maintain her edge against Errani, the 2012 Roland Garros runner-up and former world No. 5. This match marks the first win for Errani against Wozniacki, whose head-to-head is now 1-4.
5.) Murray Back to Practice
Andy Murray recently shared a glimpse of himself back on the practice courts, signaling positive steps forward in his recovery journey from a serious ankle injury sustained at the Miami Open. It is unclear when he will return to action, although he’s included on the entry list for the French Open, which begins May 20.
Things you love to see😍
After sustaining ‘significant’ ankle ligament damage in Miami last month @andy_murray is back on a tennis court 💪
🎥 Andy Murray IG pic.twitter.com/bcJx33T2C3
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 19, 2024
Home > Five Point Friday
Play Better Tennis
Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players
Why join?
Discussion Boards
Join the conversation with other members of the community.
5 Point Friday
Read our weekly recap of the 5 most interesting things we dig up in tennis.