The return of the WTA tour to China reminds us that Peng Shuai’s well-being is still in question. Simona Halep has been suspended for four years for doping. Coco Gauff sets a viewership record at ESPN.
WTA must keep Peng case in public eye on China return, says human rights advocate: Elite women’s tennis returns to China for the first time in four years after the WTA ended a boycott over concerns about Peng Shuai, but her well-being should remain the focus. The women’s tour had been widely praised for suspending its tournaments in the Asian nation after Peng said in a now-deleted 2021 social media post that a senior former Chinese government official had sexually assaulted her. Full Story: Reuters
Halep Gets 4-Year Suspension for Doping Violation: An independent panel overseeing anti-doping rules for tennis has issued a four-year suspension to Simona Halep . She was charged with two separate breaches of the sport’s anti-doping rules following a failed drug test at the U.S. Open in 2022. Full Story: New York Times Editorial Note: I have read the full International Tennis Integrity Agency report and do not anticipate a successful appeal.
Coco Gauff’s US Open Victory Marks Most-Viewed Women’s Major Tennis Final Ever on ESPN: Gauff’s victory ranks as the second most-viewed telecast for the US Open overall, second only to Serena Williams’ final match in 2022. It was also the most-streamed telecast of the 2023 tournament on ESPN+. The 2023 US Open Men’s and Women’s Championship on ESPN this past weekend averaged 2.8 million viewers, up +40% compared to 2022, making it the second most-viewed US Open of all time on ESPN, behind only 2019’s Championships. Full Story: ESPN
College tennis was a big winner at the 2023 US Open: This year, many former and current college tennis players took the court across both men’s and women’s events vying for their shot at Grand Slam glory. Full Story: US Open
USTA commits $3 million to refurbish up to 200 tennis courts across America: The USTA has committed to the refurbishment of up to 200 courts across the country, as part of the newly created US Open Legacy Initiative. In total, the USTA will allocate $3 million to reinvigorate courts at public parks and facilities across America, dedicated in Coco Gauff’s name. This $3 million matches the prize money for the US Open women’s singles champion. Full Story: USTA
Lacoste, Venus Williams, and City Parks Foundation Court Renovation: A grand reveal of the two renovated Bronx public tennis courts is a partnership between Lacoste and the City Parks Foundation. Venus Williams — who has served as Lacoste’s global ambassador since 2022, was also on hand. The newly renovated courts are decorated with pink silhouettes of her as well as the signature Lacoste alligator. Full Story: Bronx Times
USTA Launches ‘USTA Ventures’ Strategic Investment Initiative: The USTA has launched USTA Ventures through the USTA Strategic Investment Committee, which will be charged with evaluating a broad spectrum of long-term investment opportunities. The focus will be on acquiring potential equity stakes in technologies and other companies that will help to advance the USTA’s mission of promoting and developing the growth of tennis in the United States and elevating experiences at the US Open, which is owned and operated by the USTA. Full Story: Racquet Sports Industry
Roger Federer’s Life After Tennis: Less cardio, more carpool. The tennis champion talks about parenting, his retirement routines, and watching Wimbledon from the stands. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal
Serena Williams’ Husband Is Trying to Get Her Back on Tour: “I’m not used to working out with no goal or to be honest — no championship in my mind,” Williams, 41, wrote on social media. “This is super weird.” Full Story: People
Seeing Tennis in an Unusual Light: An infrared-converted camera literally captured the US Open in a different light. Full Story: The New York Times
Sphere in Las Vegas Became a Tennis Ball: The Sphere transformed into a giant tennis ball this weekend to recognize the athletes competing at the US Open. Full Story: News 3 Las Vegas
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 9/17-23 | Guadalajara Open AKRON Presented by SANTANDER | WTA 1000 | Mexico |
| 9/22-24 | Laver Cup | Exhibition | Vancouver, Canada |
| 9/20-26 | Chengdu Open | ATP 250 | China |
| 9/20-26 | Huafa Properties Zhuhai Championships | ATP 250 | China |
| 9/18-23 | Galaxy Holding Group Guangzhou Open | WTA 250 | China |
| 9/18-23 | Parma Ladies Open | WTA 125 | Italy |
