Tennis News: November 6, 2023

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals gets underway this week in Seville. How much do we really know about the 12 captains? This and more from the world of tennis.

Captain Fantastic: A closer look at the 12 captains drawing up their battle plans for Seville: Twelve captains are busy plotting a path to Billie Jean King Cup glory at the women’s World Cup of Tennis, which begins in Seville on 7 November. Full Story: Billie Jean King Cup

Peyton Stearns replaces Madison Keys on 2023 Billie Jean King Cup Finals team: Peyton Stearns is heading back to team tennis. The former University of Texas star has been called up for her U.S. Billie Jean King Cup debut as a replacement for Madison Keys at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Seville, Spain. Full Story: USTA

Tennis’ top women say the sport is broken. This is why: Long-simmering tensions between top players and leaders of their pro tour boiled over in Cancun, Mexico, at the WTA Tour Finals. The tipping point was a stadium court at what is supposedly their sport’s signature event that they have deemed unpredictable and unsafe. It also wasn’t ready for practice until the day before the start of the event. Full Story: The Athletic

WTA concedes Finals ‘not a perfect event’ after player complaints: The WTA has conceded that this year’s edition of the tour Finals was “not a perfect event” and signaled changes to the operation of the circuit after a series of complaints from top players about how they are treated. In a letter to the players leaked to Sports Illustrated, WTA chief Steve Simon said the late selection of the Mexican resort of Cancun to host the WTA’s showpiece tournament was “based on a number of complicated factors.” Full Story: Reuters

German court orders Zverev to pay a fine in physical abuse case: Alexander Zverev has been ordered by a Berlin court to pay an undisclosed fine for physically abusing the mother of his child, the German tennis player’s lawyers said, adding that he would contest the court order. Full Story: Reuters

Wimbledon OK’d for expansion that includes new stadium, 38 courts: The All England Club’s plan to build an 8,000-seat stadium and 38 other courts at Wimbledon that would allow the Grand Slam to hold its qualifying tournament on-site has won approval from a local planning council. The expansion would take place on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club, which the All England Club bought in 2018. Full Story: ESPN

Wholesale Tennis Equipment Shows Declines: Wholesale equipment data for racquets, balls, and strings are down in 2023 but still slightly above pre-Covid levels. Full Story: Racquet Sports Industry

Coco Gauff’s US Open Outfit on Display at the Hall of Fame: Coco Gauff has loaned a set of her iconic New Balance shoes and outfit from her remarkable victory at the US Open last month to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The gear is now on display for fans to view in the museum. Full Story: International Tennis Hall of Fame

Venus Williams to give lecture at San Antonio’s Trinity University: Tennis legend Venus Williams is coming to San Antonio’s Trinity University this winter as a 2023-2024 distinguished lecturer, school officials said Wednesday. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will discuss themes including determination and leadership while delving into the intersection of sports, culture, and personal growth. Full Story: San Antonio Current

Letter to the Editor on Tennis vs. Pickleball: An interesting letter to the editor revealing bad faith behavior by pickleball enthusiasts as two more tennis courts are sacrificed to the trendy new sport. Full Story: Milpitas Beat

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