The clay season continues with Madrid’s unique mix of altitude, spectacle, and unpredictability. This week’s headlines also stretch beyond the baseline, touching on leadership changes, player technology, and the hidden culture surrounding professional tennis.
UGA women’s tennis champions visit White House — and stand behind the men: While many on social media congratulated the women on their success and national championship, they were quick to point out that the team was largely hidden behind the standing men, none of whom actually played. Full Story: USA Today
Why one of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments is full of curiosity, from calendar to conditions: The Madrid Open and the Canadian Open are two of the six biggest mixed events in tennis outside the Grand Slams, known as ATP Masters 1000s and WTA 1000s. The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Calif., the Miami Open, the Italian Open, and the Cincinnati Open are the others. Full Story: The Athletic
Bernabéu transformed into tennis court: The Bernabéu stadium, home of Real Madrid, has been transformed into a clay tennis court. A clay court has replaced the emerald green grass at the famous stadium in the Spanish capital for the Madrid Open. Full Story: ESPN
U.S. to host Hungary in Billie Jean King Cup playoffs: The United States will host Hungary in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in November when the record 18-time champion looks to get back on track in women’s team tennis. The U.S. reached the final last year for the first time since 2018 but lost to Belgium 3-1 this month in qualifying for this year’s finals. Full Story: ESPN
Venus Williams loses 10th straight singles match: Williams, 45, is the first former number one to lose 10 matches in a row since the rankings were first published in 1975. Full Story: BBC
What Markéta Vondroušová’s Anti-Doping Charge Reveals About the Sport: The 2023 Wimbledon winner could face up to a four-year ban after being charged with refusing a doping test by the ITIA. Full Story: Sports Illustrated
WTA Tour chief executive Portia Archer leaves organization after less than two years: Portia Archer, the former NBA executive who has served as chief executive of the WTA Tour since August 2024, has departed the organization. Full Story: The Athletic
Grand Slam wearable technology gets a boost after Australian Open controversy: Players will be allowed to wear approved devices that track biometric data on a trial basis at Roland Garros, and that trial will also be implemented at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Full Story: The Athletic
How BOSS is Taking Over Tennis on a Global Scale: The Italian heritage brand’s latest investment in the sport comes as it is named the Official Lifestyle Outfitter of the Australian Open. Full Story: Sports Illustrated
USTA Announces Winners of the 2025 Umpire Awards: Shirley Damiano, Darren Potkey and Carl Richko were recognized with national awards for their dedication and exemplary service to the game of tennis. Full Story: Racquet Sports Industry
Depression candy and death stares: inside the secret world of the tennis locker room: Part of the job description is sharing locker rooms around the world with the same people they are charged with battling on the court, an arrangement that can lead to awkward interactions for all involved. Full Story: The Guardian
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 4/21-5/3 | Mutua Madrid Open | WTA 1000 ATP 1000 | Spain |
