Tennis News You Can Use
Chris Evert announces a cancer diagnosis and Netflix is filming a documentary series with behind-the-scenes look at life on the ATP and WTA tours. Australia makes a final decision on the immigration status of Novak Djokovic who continues to be one of the most divisive figures in tennis. Australian Open play is underway!
Chris Evert opens up about her stage 1C ovarian cancer diagnosis
Chris Evert has been diagnosed with stage 1C ovarian cancer. It’s in an early stage, discovered following a preventive hysterectomy. This week, she began her first of six rounds of chemotherapy. Full Story: ESPN (1/15)
Novak Djokovic leaves Australia after court rejects visa challenge
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has left Australia without contesting the Australian Open after losing a legal challenge against a decision revoking his visa for the second time. Full Story: CNN (1/16)
Novak Djokovic, a Master on the Court, Keeps Making Errors Off It
Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, is at the center of some of the most divisive debates of the pandemic: Individual versus community, science versus quackery. Full Story: The New York Times (1/15)
ATP Says 97 of Top 100 Players are Vaccinated
“ATP continues to strongly recommend vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, which we believe is essential for our sport to navigate the pandemic. This is based on scientific evidence supporting the health benefits provided and to comply with global travel regulations, which we anticipate will become stricter over time. We are encouraged that 97 percent of the Top 100 players are vaccinated leading into this year’s Australian Open.” Full Story: Sports Illustrated (1/15)
Liam Broady Makes Australian Open Draw for the First Time
In 2019 I attended most of the night sessions of the RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas. With excellent seats in a small venue, fans are very close to the players. It was the first (and only) time I have seen Liam Broady play in person and I walked away from the tournament as a huge fan. He was incredibly polite to the ball kids and fans. I was thrilled to see him finally earn a spot in the draw for the Australian Open. You can see by the video in this tweet from the Australian Open just how much it means to him.
Reilly Opelka Feuds with the Tennis Media
In 2019 I attended most of the night sessions of the RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas. With excellent seats in a small venue, fans are very close to the players. It was the first (and only) time I have seen Reilly Opelka play in person and I walked away from the tournament with the impression that he was a huge jackass. He was incredibly rude and abrasive to the officials, ball kids, and fans. He is currently in an open feud with the tennis media and continues to reinforce that initial impression.
The Strategy, and Importance, of the Service Toss
Tennis players work for years perfecting the move, and finding the sweet spot can strikingly improve their game. Full Story: The New York Times (1/15)
Stars Weigh In On Upcoming Netflix Tennis Documentary Series
An upcoming Netflix series, which purportedly offers an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at life on the ATP and WTA Tours a la the popular Formula 1: Drive to Survive, was all the buzz on Media Day at the Australian Open, with several players weighing in on news of its production. Full Story: ATP Tour (1/15)
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location/Timezone |
| 1/17-30 | The Australian Open | Grand Slam | Melbourne, Australia (GMT + 11) |
