September 4, 2020

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

1.) Dissecting Djokovic’s PTPA

Last weekend, Djokovic, alongside world #91, Vasek Pospisil, announced the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), a new group they’re trying to form, and their resignation from the ATP Players Council. The decision has been met with criticism, but there’s still a lot of unanswered questions, so I’ve been in learning mode and thought I’d share a few articles I’ve been reading. If you only read one, I’d suggest the first from SI.

Sports Illustrated

NY Times

Tennis.com

2.) Serena’s Record 102 Wins

Serena Williams defeated Kristie Ahn, world #96, in the first-round of the US Open, which marks her 102nd career win at the tournament and breaks a tie she held at 101 with previous world #1 and six-time US Open champ Chris Evert. As a tribute, the US Open put together a highlight reel for us to relive all 102 wins.

3.) Naomi Osaka’s Face Masks

Naomi Osaka brought seven different face masks to the US Open with the names of Black people who have been killed by police – one for each round of the tournament. She has been outspoken in support of Black Lives Matter and racial injustice, using her platform as an athlete to raise awareness. Last week, she announced that she wouldn’t play her semi-final match at the Western & Southern Open as she reflected on the shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23, 2020.

.@naomiosaka has 7 masks ready with different names for a potential run at the #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/jmARabKhae

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2020

4.) Sampras & Henman Talk Shop

The ATP Champions Tour published a handful of clips showcasing a conversation between Pete Sampras and Tim Henman covering a variety of topics, including which of the big three will finish with the most slams, why players aren’t winning slams at a young age, and more. The full conversation releases today – I’d imagine they’ll publish it on their YouTube page.

Federer. Nadal. Djokovic.
Who will finish with the most Slams?
Pete Sampras gives his opinion with Tim Henman on #legendslive. Full version out Friday! #atpchampionstour pic.twitter.com/QcpHc2aAIs

— ATP Champions Tour (@ATPChampions) September 1, 2020

Will the #USOpen mark a new Grand Slam champion?@PeteSampras shares his perspective on our #legendslive!

Full version out tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/kqiS4O18KY

— ATP Champions Tour (@ATPChampions) September 3, 2020

5.) Steve Flink’s Latest Book

Hall of Fame tennis writer, Steve Flink, released his latest book, ‘Pete Sampras: Greatness Revisited.’ I’m always on the lookout for new tennis books, and an excerpt was shared on the ATPs website for us to check out.

Read Excerpt from Book

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.