September 15, 2023

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

1.) US Open Champs

Claiming her maiden Grand Slam title, Coco Gauff became the first American teenager to win a major since Serena Williams at the 1999 US Open. Doing so brings her ranking to a career-high of No. 3. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic claimed his 24 Grand Slam singles victory, tying Margaret Court for the most in tennis history. On the heels of his win, he returns to the world No. 1 ranking.

2.) Halep’s 4 Year Ban

After a lengthy lead-up to her doping tribunal, the International Tennis Integrity Agency found Simona Halep guilty of two breaches of anti-doping rules and dished out a four-year ban from competition. Halep plans to appeal the decision and is pursuing legal action against the company she believes is responsible for the contamination of her supplements.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has published the full decision of the independent tribunal in the case of Simona Halep.

— International Tennis Integrity Agency (@itia_tennis) September 14, 2023

My fight continues. pic.twitter.com/kx5uzrLWCz

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) September 12, 2023

3.) Tennis Fails on Pay

Vox put together a clear and easy-to-follow video on why most tennis players struggle to make a living. I found the most insightful part to be when they showcase how tennis fails on pay, comparing tennis’ highest-paid athlete to the NBA, NFL, and MLB.

4.) Heartwarming Coco Video

A video of Coco Gauff dancing as an eight-year-old at the US Open went viral after her win at the tournament 11 years later at 19. If you didn’t stumble upon it already, it’s worth watching.

Coco Gauff went from dancing at the US Open as an 8-year-old to winning her first career Grand Slam at the same tournament 11 years later as a 19-year-old.

What a performance!

She is the youngest American US Open champion since Serena Williams in 1999 🤯pic.twitter.com/QAtd1hWkZC

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) September 9, 2023

5.) Novak’s Serbian Homecoming

As a surprise, Novak Djokovic joined the Serbian basketball team’s homecoming after their runner-up performance at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. During the event, Novak was overcome with emotion at the crowd’s support in celebrating his 24th Grand Slam title.

Novak Đoković in tears at the reception of Serbian basketball national team in Belgrade
byu/Nikolaz3 intennis

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.