The compelling stories from the world of tennis. Are we in a golden age of… sportsmanship? Controversies, generational shifts, fashion statements, and an inspiring milestone.
Is tennis in a golden age of congeniality? What a lousy time it is for controversy on the professional tours. With the exception of thorny doping sagas, we are in a golden age of congeniality. Sportsmanship is suddenly, of all things, cool. Full Story: Tennis
Tennis is facing an existential crisis over doping. How will it respond?: It’s clear that tennis has a problem, which has the potential to tarnish its reputation. So, how will it move forward? Full Story: The Conversation
The generational shift in men’s tennis comes to the Australian Open: The new crew have youth on their side, but they have something else, too. They’ve been coming of age and putting the seasoning touches on their games in the era of Alcaraz and Sinner, knowing all along that power, physicality, and aggressive, first-strike tennis is the new meta and that return prowess is mightier than a serve. Full Story: The Athletic
Pam Shriver’s tennis trophies, car stolen after evacuating L.A. wildfire: Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver’s car was stolen while staying at a local hotel after being evacuated from the Palisades Fire. Inside the car, were many of her prized tennis accolades. Full Story: KTLA
Djokovic backs ‘funny’ Collins, says tennis could loosen up a bit: Novak Djokovic has backed Danielle Collins for her cheeky response to hostile fans at the Australian Open and said the sport could afford to take itself a little less seriously. Djokovic, who endured constant heckling from one fan throughout his third round victory on Friday, said he had every sympathy for Collins and thought she had handled the situation well. Full Story: Reuters
World number 219 Habib puts Lebanon on the map at Australian Open: Lebanese qualifier Hady Habib broke new ground for the strife-torn nation on Sunday as he beat China’s Bu Yunchaokete 7-6(4) 6-4 7-6(6) to reach the second round of the Australian Open. The world number 219 became his country’s first player to win a men’s singles main draw match at a Grand Slam in the professional era. Full Story: Reuters
How We Talk About Silence in Tennis: Tennis sportswriters Ben Rothenberg and Lindsay Gibbs discuss the investigation into Elena Rybakina’s coach and parallels to the new film “Julie Keeps Quiet.” Full Story: Ben Rothenberg
Elena Rybakina disagrees with the WTA’s provisional suspension of coach Stefano Vukov: Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, disagrees with the WTA Tour’s decision to provisionally suspend her longtime coach, Stefano Vukov, and reiterated that she never made a complaint about him. Full Story: Tennis
Daniil Medvedev destroys a TV camera attached to the net during his 5-set Australian Open win: Daniil Medvedev used his racket to smash a tiny camera attached to the net at the Australian Open while he was trailing someone ranked 418th. He eventually won the match, but will surely be fined. Full Story: AP
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova designing her own Australian Open tennis outfits: Previously sponsored by Lacoste, the Russian player had been without an apparel sponsor for about a year before unveiling her new kit. Full Story: Tennis
Destanee Aiava’s Secret Weapon on the Court? Vintage Fashion: During the first week of the Australian Open, Destanee Aiava who has no apparel sponsor, revived iconic looks from tennis champions. In the qualifying rounds, she wore a pink and gray dress that Maria Sharapova wore for the 2012 US open semifinals. When up against Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, Aiava sported a pink and purple adidas dress that Ana Ivanovic wore at the 2010 US Open. Full Story: Vogue
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 1/11-26 | Australian Open | Grand Slam | Australia |
