The word on the street is that the USTA will soon publish tables of new Adult tournament rankings points that are observably already in effect in 2023. Two domestic abuse allegations in professional tennis reach some semblance of closure.
New USTA Adult Tournament Ranking Tables. As a follow-up to a post from last week, the current prevailing explanation of ranking points discrepancies observed from January Level 5 tournament play is that the USTA has implemented new tables for 2023. They have not been published, but are expected to be released soon. Previous Post: “Will The Real Rankings Table Please Stand Up” Editorial Note: I am refraining from further speculation or comment until after the new tables are released.
Celebrating American tennis: Success is a true team effort. Celebrating the USTA player development program and competitive pathway in light of recent successes. Full Story: USTA
Are off-season exhibitions the new tennis pre-season? Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka hardly hung up their racquets after the 2022 season ended, and played straight through to Grand Slam victories in Melbourne. Full Story: Tennis
Zverev Investigation Completed. The investigation was unable to substantiate the allegations of abuse or determine that violations of ATP’s On-Site Offenses or Player Major Offenses rules took place. As a result, no disciplinary action against Zverev will be taken by ATP. Full Story: ATP
Nick Kyrgios: Tennis star admits assaulting ex-girlfriend but avoids conviction. Kyrgios pushed Chiara Passari onto the pavement during a row in Canberra in 2021. Full Story: BBC
Varvara Lepchenko’s doping ban was cut to 21 months. The reduction was agreed to on appeal because the banned substance wasn’t listed on the label of a supplement she was taking. Full Story: Seattle Times
The Quiet Coaching Revolution in Tennis. In-match coaching has always happened on the sly, but this year was the first time the Australian Open has allowed players to be coached from the stands. Full Story: New York Times
No, professional tennis players aren’t nepo babies. Last week the New York Times made the case that the sport is in the midst of a golden age of family favoritism. This week the Tennis Channel claps back. Full Story: Tennis
‘Serving Herself’ Review: Althea Gibson, Tennis Trailblazer. Gibson’s victories in the 1950s made her the first black tennis champion on the world stage. But she refused the role of a political symbol. Full Review: WSJ This book will be released on February 7 and this site’s review is slated to run on February 16 as I was unable to secure an advance copy.
Break Point Viewership Numbers. Break Point on Netflix was supposed to serve as both an entry point for unfamiliar fans and a sweet reward for the sport’s most passionate fans. Viewership numbers are falling flat. Full Story: Awful Announcing
Closing the gap between the sport of tennis and kids in Detroit. After over a decade since the start… the People for Palmer Park Tennis Academy brings in over 200 kids every summer. Whether it’s just something to do or a path to college or professional tennis, the academy fights against the sport’s biggest roadblocks for inner-city kids: Exclusivity, cost, and accessibility. Full Story: WXYZ
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 2/6-12 | Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open | WTA 500 | Abu Dhabi |
| 2/6-12 | Upper Austria Ladies Linz | WTA 250 | Linz, Austria |
| 2/6-12 | Dallas Open | ATP 250 | Dallas, Texas |
| 2/6-12 | Cordoba Open | ATP 250 | Cordoba, Argentina |
| 2/6-12 | Open Sud de France – Montpellier | ATP 250 | Montpellier, France |
