Has a win over Jack Sock ever been more transformational than for Matija Pecotić? Financial news dominated the storylines this week with a piece on the tennis prize money debate and Layla Fernandez stepping into the spotlight as the WTA’s spokesperson for financial literacy.
He’s a Harvard M.B.A. Who Works in Real-Estate Investing. But Can He Beat Novak Djokovic?. Matija Pecotić has become a tennis sensation despite—or because of—his considerable day job. Following his first ever main draw ATP tour win at Del Ray Beach he has decided to compete in about 25 events this year,. His bosses at Wexford Capital are on board with the plan. ” Full Story: WSJ
The Tennis Prize Money Debate. The great prize-money distribution debate is essentially over, at least in the numbers—if not in the minds of those who still don’t like that the very best players earn vastly more than the journeymen and apprentices. Full Story: tennis.com
Leylah Fernandez urges athletes to become financially literate as soon as possible. Fernandez was in New York as Morgan Stanley and the WTA announced a new, multi-year global partnership. The program fosters inclusivity and expands access to the game of tennis. In addition, the partnership will include financial literacy and planning resources for players. Full Story: CNBC
Doubles Tennis Gets the Love It Deserves in Indian Wells. In tournament tennis, singles competition always gets headlines, but at Indian Wells, doubles gets respect. Many of the sophisticated spectators here relish what most sports media all but ignore. Full Story: Palm Springs Life
How Althea Gibson Faced Racial Barriers. Between 1956 and 1958, Gibson became the first Black player to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals. But none of it came easy. Full Story: The History Channel
U.S. Tennis sees rise in Hispanic, Black, Asian players. Citing information from the Physical Activity Council Study on Sports and Physical Activity administered by Sports Marketing Surveys USA and the Tennis Industry Association Participation and Engagement Study, the USTA pointed to participation jumps since 2020 of 90% among Hispanic players, 46% among Black players and 37% among Asian players. Full Story: ESPN
Serena Williams Says Daughter ‘Doesn’t Actually Like to Play Tennis’: ‘A Little Disappointing’. While the athlete says daughter Olympia, 5, isn’t a huge fan of playing tennis, she’s “actually really good at it”. Full Story: People
Fratangelo & Keys Announce Engagement. ATP player Bjorn Fratangelo and WTA player Madison Keys, longtime partners, announced their engagement on social media. Full Story: ATP
International Tennis Hall of Fame: Hit Me With Your Best Shot! The International Tennis Hall of Fame will commemorate Women’s History Month by featuring the work of pioneering tennis photographer Carol Newsom. A retrospective exhibition, titled Hit Me With Your Best Shot!, will showcase curated selections from Newsom’s full photographic archive beginning on March 22. Full Story: What’s Up NewP
Teams set for 2023 ITF Masters World Team Championships in Turkey. Forty players will represent the United States in 10 events at the International Tennis Federation World Tennis Masters World Team Championships in two weeks in Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey. The event is the pinnacle of international competition in the 30-, 35-, 40-, 45- and 50-year-old age groups, the equivalent of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup competitions. Following the team event, the World Individual Championships will be held from March 25 through April 1 at the same site. Full Story: ITF
‘The Last Match’ explores the inner game of tennis. Florida Studio Theatre’s latest production explores the mind games of two fiercely competitive athletes. Full Story: Your Observer Editorial Note: “The Last Match.” The play runs through March 19 at FST Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota, Florida FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Tennis player hits and kills a bat with a serve during a challenger-level match in India.
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 3/8-19 | BNP Paribas Open | WTA 1000 ATP 1000 | Indian Wells California |
