Tennis News You Can Use
The crisis in Ukraine continues to dominate the news. Coco Gauff speaks out on gender identity and Rafa Nadal has harsh words for how the ATP handled the Alexander Zverev situation.
Tennis Plays For Peace: Governing Bodies Unite To Support Ukraine
The ATP, WTA, ITF, and the four Grand Slams announced a new initiative to support the humanitarian relief efforts for the war in Ukraine. The organizations issued a unified statement of condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announced the newly created Tennis Plays For Peace campaign. Each of the seven entities donated $100,000 USD to the humanitarian relief efforts. Full Story: ATP
At Indian Wells, Ukrainian Tennis Stars Take Their Fight to the Court
Playing through fear of the war, Marta Kostyuk said that she must show “what it’s like having a Ukrainian heart” and that it “hurts” to see Russian players at the tournament. Full Story: New York Times
Tennis star Coco Gauff attacks Florida law that marginalizes LGBTQ+ people
Tennis star Coco Gauff has voiced her opposition to a bill in her home state of Florida that would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for many young students. “I’m against it,” Gauff told reporters on Wednesday in California, where she is preparing for the Indian Wells tournament. “I think these conversations are important, and for me, who has friends in the LGBTQ+ community, I couldn’t imagine not being able to talk about your identity. I feel that’s something that is normal.” Full Story: The Guardian
Nadal says stronger penalties needed to curb player outbursts
Tennis players lashing out at umpires is hurting the sport and stiffer penalties need to be imposed to discourage it from happening, Rafa Nadal told reporters on Thursday. Nadal’s comments came after Alexander Zverev received a one-year probation – but no immediate suspension – following an outburst in Acapulco last month where he smashed his racket against the umpire’s chair and verbally abused him. Full Story: WTVB
Zverev’s Swings Merited More Than a Slap on the Wrist
After striking the umpire’s chair during an outburst at a tournament in Mexico, Alexander Zverev can avoid a fine and suspension if he does not commit further violations for one year. Full Story: New York Times
United States Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic Section Plans $42M tennis campus
The campus will feature local, regional and national tennis events and daily programming. It will have 20 outdoor courts, 16 indoor courts, eight pickleball/youth courts and more than 190,000 square feet of tennis infrastructure. Full Story: Virginia Business
Ex-tennis star and BBC pundit Boris Becker Standing Trial
The 54-year-old German national, who was declared bankrupt in June 2017, is accused of failing to hand over trophies from his glittering career to settle debts. The trophy haul is alleged to include the 1985 Wimbledon men’s singles title, which catapulted the then-unknown 17-year-old to stardom, as well as his Australian Open trophies in 1991 and 1996. Full Story: The Independent (UK)
Felder versus United States Tennis Association
A black security guard is in litigation with the USTA claiming that the organization gave preferential treatment to white personnel and then pulled his US Open credentials in retaliation. Full Story: Reuters
How Life Is and Isn’t Like Tennis
Tennis legend Andre Agassi said: “Advantage, service, fault, break, love—the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence because every match is a life in miniature.” So, would playing tennis make someone a better decision-maker off the court? In many aspects, possibly yes. Full Story: Psychology Today
Inspiring photos of women in tennis – with Getty Images
In collaboration with Getty Images, the LTA (UK) selected a few of the most incredible and emotional moments in tennis from the last year, each showcasing a story from inspiring women in the game. Full Story: LTA
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location (GMT) |
| 3/9-20 | BNP Paribas Open | WTA 1000 ATP 1000 | Indian Wells, CA (GMT – 8) |
