Alexandr Dolgopolov becomes the latest Ukrainian player to take up arms in the defense of Ukraine. Russia and Belarus have been suspended from Davis Cup and Billie Jean Cup competition. “Gold Balls” gets some coverage in the mainstream tennis media.
Another former professional tennis player takes up arms to defend Ukraine
Retired Ukrainian professional tennis player Alexandr Dolgopolov talks with CNN’s Erin Burnett on why he is fighting to defend Ukraine. Full Story: CNN
Australia to replace suspended Russian team in Billie Jean King Cup Finals
Australia will replace the suspended Russian team for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, governing body International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Monday. Russia was banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup titles following its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. Full Story: Reuters
Lucky Loser: Canada gets wild-card berth for 16-team Davis Cup Finals
Canada has been chosen as a replacement wild-card entry for the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals in September. The International Tennis Federation announced Thursday that Canada would receive the berth as the highest-ranked losing nation at this year’s qualifiers. The vacancy was created after the recent suspension of the Russian Tennis Federation and Belarus Tennis Federation from ITF membership. Serbia was named as the replacement for Russia. Full Story: The Toronto Star
Gold Rush: The USTA “Gold Ball” is a Coveted Tennis Talisman
Every year in the U.S., teenagers to nonagenarians—and all groups of tennis players in between—hit optic yellow balls in hopes of winning one of a different color. Full Story: Tennis.com Editorial Note: Previous “Gold Ball “content on this site includes “Gold Balls and Specialized Awards: USTA Level 1 National Championships” and “The NTRP ‘National Championship’ Trophy on my Mantle.”
Tennis participation and equipment sales surged for second straight year in 2021
For the second straight year, the sport of tennis saw significant growth in participation and equipment sales in the U.S. in 2021. Full Story: USTA Editorial Note: This article signals that the 2021 PAC report has been released, though the free public version has yet to he posted to the PAC website.
A Syllabus on Senior Tennis
Success in senior tennis requires analysis, buy-in, guts and fitness. The drop shot is forever king, and always looming. To have success at the highest levels you must be able to hit this ball, retrieve it, or take it away. And you must hurt your opponent before he or she hurts you. Full Story: Tennis.com (Baseline)
Find Your Lifelong Sport: Smashing Serves at the Tennis Court
Enthusiasts of all ages have a decreased risk of developing heart disease and are more likely to have a lower body-fat percentage and stronger bones. Additionally, tennis promotes teamwork and sportsmanship while having the potential to extend your life by nearly 10 years. Full Story: Philly Mag
Should Tennis Players Get Ranking-Protected Mental Health Breaks?
In the best of times, this is a brutal sport. Too often we get caught up in the prize money and exotic locations and perceived sexiness of a “circuit.” We don’t see the flight delays and the injuries and the dislocation. We see the champion gleefully hoisting trophies. We don’t much stop to consider that every other entrant heads to the next tournament trying to snap a losing streak. Full Story: Sports Illustrated
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location (GMT) |
| 3/22-4/3 | Miami Open presented by Itaú | WTA 1000 | Miami (GMT – 4) |
