Tennis News You Can Use
Tennis news this week largely centered on action from the Olympics and Novak Djokovic’s quest for the Golden Slam.
Naomi Osaka lights the cauldron
Naomi Osaka becomes the first ever tennis player to light the Olympic torch.Her appearance at the ceremony prompted a move of her opening round match from Saturday morning to Sunday. Full Story: The New York Times (7/23)
The Toughest Part of Novak Djokovic’s Golden Slam Is the Gold
A Golden Slam is winning all four Grand Slams and Olympic Gold in a calendar year. For Djokovic, the Gold medal is the hardest part since matches are best of 3 sets. Steffi Graf is the only other player in history to accomplish the feat. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (7/23)
Novak Djokovic wins his first match in punishing heat, after spells of dizziness in the sun.
Djokovic said he was dizzy at times on the sunny side of the court and suggested that organizers consider starting the matches a few hours later, allowing the athletes to play into the evening. Full Story: The New York Times (7/24)
Novak Djokovic Just Pulled the Splits With Belgian Gymnasts
The week is dominated with news from the Olympics and Djokovic’s golden quest. Here he demonstrates his superior flexibility and mastery of social media. Full Story: Mens Health (7/25)
Georgia’s error costs tennis players Oksana Kalashnikova, Ekaterine Gorgodze trip to Summer Olympics
Two tennis players from Georgia missed the Olympics because the Georgian Olympic Federation failed to submit their entry paperwork. Full Story: ESPN (7/23)
First Year of Tennis Gets Ball Rolling with Students
A PE teacher at a private school in Kansas has introduced a tennis unit the curriculum for all her students. Bringing introductory tennis to the gym floor is a great way to maximize exposure to the game. Full Story: USTA (7/22)
Lin-Manuel Miranda Voices New US Open Marketing Campaign
The commercials were said to start airing on July 15. “The Greatest Return,” the multi-dimensional marketing campaign captures the anticipation and excitement of the return to full capacity of America’s Grand Slam. Full Story: Racquet Sports Industry (7/15) 30 Second Commercial: (on Google Drive)
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tour / Level | Tournament | Location/Timezone |
| 7/26-8/1 | ATP 250 | Truist Atlanta Open | Atlanta / UTC – 4 (ET) |
| 7/26-7/31 | ATP 250 | Generali Open | Kitzbuhel, Austria / UTC + 1 |
| 7/26-7/31 | WTA 125 | Belgrade Ladies Open | Belgrade, Serbia / UTC + 2 |
| 7/26-8/1 | WTA 125 | LTP Women’s Open | Charleston / UTC – 4 (ET) |
