October 14, 2022

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

1.) Fritz Hits the Top 10

Competing at the Japan Open, Taylor Fritz claimed the title with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) win over fellow American and friend Frances Tiafoe. The match marked the first time Americans contested an ATP 500 final since 2010, and the win pushed Taylor to a career-high ranking of No. 8. It’s his third title of the year and the first time he’s broken into the top 10. The last player from the US to accomplish the feat was Jack sock, who did it in 2017.

2.) Back-to-Back Titles

For the second week in a row, Barbora Krejcikova claimed a title, bringing her career total to five. First, at the Tallinn Open in Estonia, followed by the Agel Open in the Czech Republic. Her latest triumph was made a little bit sweeter by taking out world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in a battle that lasted 3 hours and 16 minutes. The match tied for the year’s longest WTA final, with Barbora coming from a set down to win 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3.

3.) Pro Tennis to Pro Pickleball

After announcing an indefinite break from tennis last month, Noah Rubin, who runs Behind the Racquet, announced in a lighthearted video that he’d pursue professional pickleball. The sport’s rise in popularity is undeniable, and he seems to dig it. Clearly, there’s a parallel, but it will be interesting to follow and see if he can find some success. Having been outspoken about his ability to play tennis and make a living, I’d love to hear him share his thoughts on what it’s like to earn money playing pickleball.

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4.) Win 10 Years in the Making

Playing at the San Diego Open, Donna Vekic claimed her first victory over Karolina Pliskova in ten years, winning 6-3, 6-2. The last time Donna beat her was in the second round of qualifiers for the 2012 US Open, and since then, she’s suffered six defeats to Karolina.

5.) Djokovic’s Resilience

On the one hand, it’s no surprise Djokovic won back-to-back titles in Tel Aviv and Astana these past two weeks. On the other, it’s hard to believe he was able to return to form so quickly after missing the entire North American hard-court swing, including the US Open. The wins bring his career title count to 90, two from Nadal and 13 behind Federer.

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.