Tennis News You Can Use
The highest ranking ITF tennis official resigns, Novak Djokovic grants his first interview on his vaccination status, and Alex de Minaur denies paying for a fake Covid vaccine certificate.
Highest ranking international tennis official resigns following breach of conduct
Soeren Friemel’s resignation has been confirmed by the ITF. It was prompted by a finding earlier this month that he had breached the code of conduct for officials due to “inappropriate comments and invitations” to a subordinate. Friemel is best known as the official who defaulted Novak Djokovic out of the US Open in 2020. Full Story: The Washington Post
Novak Djokovic Says He Is Prepared to Sacrifice Trophies to Stay Unvaccinated
In his first public comments since being deported from Australia, the world No. 1-ranked tennis player said that his chase for the Grand Slam record was ‘the price I’m willing to pay’. Full Story: WSJ
Tennis player Alex de Minaur denies paying for fake COVID vaccine certificate
Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur has denied wrongdoing after being linked to a Spanish police investigation of people suspected of paying for false COVID-19 vaccination certificates. Full Story: ESPN
Celebrating Black History: Arthur Ashe Served Up Tennis Excellence (Video)
Professional tennis player, Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon and the US Open. Full Video: NBC New York
Zendaya To Star In New Tennis Film “Challengers”
The Emmy-winning actress is set to star in a new romantic drama set in the world of professional tennis. The Dune star is one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood at the moment The tennis-themed film Challengers, is set in a fictionalized world at the Challenger tour. Full Story: tennis.com
Tennis Canada is Running Tennis Bracket Challenges
Tennis Canada is running a free “March Madness” style tennis bracket challenge for upcoming ATP and WTA tour events. Unfortunately you have to be a Canadian resident to enter. It is a great idea to engage people in televised professional tennis. Full Story: Tennis Canada
Former NFL Quarterback Kirk Cousins on Tennis (Video)
The USTA released a video this week where former Washington Football Team quarterback Kirk Cousins discusses his love of tennis. Full Video: YouTube
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location (GMT) |
| 2/20-26 | Qatar TotalEnergies Open | WTA 1000 | Doha, Quatar (GMT + 3) |
| 2/21-27 | Abierto Akron Zapopan | WTA 250 | Guadalajara, Mexico (GMT -6) |
| 2/21-26 | Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships | ATP 500 | Dubai, U.A.E (GMT + 4) |
| 2/21-26 | Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC | ATP 500 | Acapulco, Mexico (GMT – 6) |
| 2/21-27 | Chile Dove Men+Care Open | ATP 250 | Santiago, Chile (GMT – 3) |
