Tennis News You Can Use
Billie Jean King in advance of the release of her new autobiography “All In” and other offbeat news from the world of tennis. The professional tours head to Cincinnati for the Western & Southern Open.
Tennis Legend Billie Jean King Transformed the Game
The Wall Street Journal ran a nice feature on the life of Billie Jean King in advance of the release of “All In” this Tuesday. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (8/13)
Tennis Ball Shortage Details
Most tennis players have already felt the pinch of the ongoing tennis ball shortage. This article investigates the supply chain to understand why. Big picture, the shortage is a combination of COVID protocols which has reduced manufacturing capacity coupled with port delays. The article contains links to fascinating detail on the tennis ball supply chain for anyone interested in diving down that rabbit trail. (Me!) Full Story: Vice (8/12)
Naomi Osaka gets a tennis racquet from artist Takashi Murakami
The four-time Grand Slam winner will debut a new racquet designed by Takashi Murakami at the US Open. Made in collaboration with Yonex, the racquet and a matching bag feature Murakami’s signature flower motif in pink as well as a cartoon bear holding a single flower. The racquet won’t go on sale, but a limited number will be auctioned off at a later date in support of the Play Academy with Naomi Osaka. Full Story: InputMag.com (8/13)
LTA #EverythingsANet Competition
The UK Lawn Tennis Association is staging a fun social media competition encouraging players to post video or photos of of yourself playing tennis in the weirdest place and over the strangest net. Sadly only UK residents are eligible for the prizes which is AMC Tennis Gear Full Story: LTA (12/8)
NBA & Sixers superstar Joel Embiid spotted on Drexel campus playing tennis
The NBA superstar declined an interview by the Drexel university newspaper following the event. The campus courts require a swipe of a “Dragon Card” to unlock the gate and it is unclear how the NBA star gained access. (Long arms?) Full Story: The Triangle (8/13)
Alberta Tennis Centre aiming to keep more girls in sport with new program
The “SHE CAN PLAY” program was launched to empower girls though the sport of tennis! It is intended to increase the female participation in tennis in Alberta and across Canada, create a positive social environment, and support female players and coaches. Full Story: 660 City News (8/14)
Two park tennis courts to be converted to… Futsal?
Another two park tennis courts bite the dust to make was for a Futsal court. Futsal is similar to soccer and is played on a hard court that is about the size of two tennis courts. At least it isn’t Pickeball this time. Full Story: WTHI TV 10 (8/11)
Dog Frustrated After Jameis Winston Sails Tennis Ball 5 Feet Over Head
Outside of the mention of a tennis ball, this is not about tennis. It is also The Onion, so it not real news either. However, as I gear up for my Fantasy Football drafts, it made me laugh. Full Story: The Onion (8/12)
This Week In Professional Tennis
| Dates | Tour / Level | Tournament | Location / Timezone |
| Aug 15-22 | ATP Masters 1000 | Western & Southern Open | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (ET/UTC-4) |
| Aug 16-22 | WTA 1000 | Western & Southern Open | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (ET/UTC-4) |
| Aug 16-22 | WTA 125 | WTA Chicago 125 | Chicago, Illinois, USA (CT/UTC-5) |
