A tennis news roundup covering NCAA rule changes, Swiatek’s new coach, record viewership, ATP Fantasy launch, and tennis culture trends.
How Reese Brantmeier’s college tennis lawsuit will change NCAA prize-money rules: According to the person briefed on the case, the settlement will end prohibitions on pre-enrollment income and create a $2 million fund for athletes who have been affected by the existing rule in recent years, if they can prove they qualify. The settlement will also allow tennis players who have forfeited prize money while enrolled since 2020 to apply for reimbursement. Full Story: The Athletic
Patrick McEnroe suggests he would ‘easily’ beat women’s world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka: 59-year-old Patrick McEnroe, 59, has suggested he could beat Aryna Sabalenka and that the top-ranked boys’ junior would destroy the world No 1. Full Story: The Daily Mail Editorial Note: McEnroe is looking for his own exhibition payday?
Clay court of many colors: How American tennis gets ready for the real deal at home: For the dozens of players who choose not to head straight to Europe, come the end of the tennis’ calendar’s winter swing on hard courts in Australia, West Asia, and North America, being in the U.S. for the start of clay season feels plenty familiar. The points and matches get slower, your abductor muscles begin to howl from daily sliding around on courts, and the dirt starts showing up on socks and in shower drains. Just one thing: There is no red clay here. Full Story: The Athletic
Women’s tennis makes viewership history on Tennis Channel—twice in two weeks: The Sabalenka vs. Gauff Miami Open Final Tops Previous Record, Set Weeks Earlier at Indian Wells—the Two Become Tennis Channel’s Most-Watched Women’s Matches Ever. Full Story: Tennis
Iga Świątek hires Francisco Roig as her Coach: Iga Świątek has hired Francisco Roig, a longtime coach of Rafael Nadalwho most recently worked with Emma Raducanu. Świątek confirmed the hire on social media Thursday. Roig replaces Wim Fissette, who Świątek split with following her shock loss to compatriot Magda Linette at the Miami Open. Full Story: The Athletic
How tennis can add 10 years to your life: Research has found that hitting the court regularly could have greater health benefits than jogging or going to the gym – here’s why. Full Story: The Telegraph
ATP launches official fantasy game: ATP Fantasy invites fans to step into the coach’s seat by selecting a team of eight players, six starting and two alternates, within a 100-credit budget. Player pricing is determined by the PIF ATP Live Rankings. Full Story: ATP Editorial Note: It’s about time.
Tennis, pickleball players hold court at Ashland Parks Commission meeting: An overflow crowd of pickleball and tennis fans played their best game Wednesday, April 1, as the Parks & Recreation Commission debated changes to eight tennis courts at a public park. The city has seen the number of tennis courts dwindle over the years, converted to pickleball. Full Story: Ashland News
The most beautiful tennis court in the world is hidden in a building in Paris: La Cavalerie, a club located on the seventh floor of a listed building next to the Eiffel Tower, is one of the best-kept secrets of the French capital. Full Story: El Pais
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 4/5-12 | Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters | ATP 1000 | Monaco |
| 4/6-12 | Upper Austria Ladies Linz Open | WTA 500 | Austria |
