From Rod Laver Arena’s versatile configuration shifts to a home slam wildcard snub, and Ash Barty enjoying tennis as a spectator, catch the latest in tennis news that you probably missed last week.
The transformation of Rod Laver Arena from concert to tennis mode: Unlike the center courts at other Grand Slam venues, Rod Laver Arena regularly hosts world-class music, entertainment, and non-tennis sporting events – a truly multi-purpose venue. An interesting inside look at the transformation. Full Story: Australian Open
Australia’s No 1 Arina Rodionova overlooked for home grand slam wildcard: An interesting look at how wild cards are awarded. Arina Rodionova recently moved up to a career-best #105, but was snubbed by her home country in favor of former top-20 star Daria Saville for Tennis Australia’s final discretionary wildcard into the season’s first Grand Slam. Full Story: The Guardian
Barty takes in tennis as a spectator in Brisbane: Ash Barty was spotted in the stands at the Brisbane International, taking in the early-round action at the combined ATP 250 and WTA 500 event alongside her mother, Josie, and five-month-old son, Hayden. Full Story: WTA
The US Tennis Association is reviewing its safeguarding policies and procedures: Lew Sherr, the CEO and executive director of the USTA, sent an email to the Board of Directors, various staff, and volunteers indicating that the organization has enlisted two lawyers at a Washington-based firm to look into its safeguarding policies and procedures to protect players from sexual misconduct and other abuse. Full Story: AP News
College Tennis Is Back: 2024 ITA Spring Championship Calendar: A brand new college tennis dual-match season has arrived, meaning many of the most exciting championships of the spring season are just a few weeks away. Full Story: ITA
Extended Television Coverage for NCAA Division I Tennis Team Championships: The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is pleased to share today’s announcement from the NCAA regarding the new media rights agreement between the NCAA and ESPN, which adds television coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Team Championships to the list of NCAA Championships on the ESPN platform. Full Story: ITA
Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova pregnant with first child: Two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova started the new year by announcing she is expecting her first child. “On the first day of 2024, I wanted to wish you a happy new year and share the exciting news that Jiri and I will be welcoming a baby into our family this summer!” the Czech player wrote on social media. Full Story: ESPN
In the debate over the birthplace of Australian lawn tennis, it’s advantage Sydney: The Naval Historical Society of Australia suggests in the paper Australia’s First Tennis Match, released on Monday, that the military base of Garden Island was the site of the first grass court, the game having been introduced by a British Royal Navy officer. Full Story: Sydney Morning Herald
Snakes on a Tennis Court: Dominic Thiem had a brush with one of Australia’s most venomous snakes during a qualifying match at the Brisbane International on Saturday. His first-round qualifying match against Australian James McCabe was temporarily suspended when fans courtside spotted the snake. Full Story: ESPN
Movie Poster for Challengers Movie Released by Zendaya on Instagram:
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 1/8-13 | Adelaide International | WTA 500 ATP 250 | Australia |
| 1/8-13 | ASB Classic | ATP 250 | New Zealand |
| 1/8-13 | Hobart International | WTA 250 | Australia |
