Tennis News You Can Use
The Laver Cup sideshow was more interesting than the main event, some early rumors on Australian Open travel protocols, and one sick tweener.
Laver Cup is blocking Twitter users over Alexander Zverev abuse allegations – but it cannot silence them
Twitter users responded to a Laver Cup promotional tweet featuring Zverev with questions about the domestic abuse allegations leveled by a former girlfriend. The Laver Cup responded by blocking all those users. It is a tone deaf social media strategy. Full Story: inews.co.uk (9/24)
Alexander Zverev abuse allegations prompts Mary Carillo to quit Laver Cup presenter role
Former tennis player and renowned sports broadcaster Mary Carillo stepped down from her presenting role at the Laver Cup over domestic abuse allegations made against Alexander Zverev, who is playing the event this year. “In the end I just felt like I’d be complicit in the whitewashing of very serious allegations. I couldn’t be part of it,” she said of her decision. Full Story: express.co.uk (9/25)
Australian Open plans may force tennis stars to spend Christmas away from home
The Times (UK) is reporting that the logistical challenges of the Covid pandemic have forced the Australian Open organizers to consider staging the qualifying event in the Middle East for a second consecutive year. Main draw players may have to quarantine over Christmas. Full Story: The Times (9/22)
Emma Raducanu plays tennis with the Duchess of Cambridge
The 18-year-old, who never lost her compusure during her first Grand Slam win, was asked if she was more nervous playing Kate or her US Open finals opponent Leylah Fernandez. The champion replied: “I was actually very nervous playing the Duchess – I was like, ‘Don’t miss, don’t miss’.” Full Story: express.co.uk (9/24)
Naomi Osaka Appeared on “The Shop”
“The Shop” is a talk show created by Paul Rivera and produced by LeBron James. The guests on Osaka’s episode included tennis enthusiast and comedian Wanda Sykes, rapper Jadakiss, and Kevin Love. Full Story: tennis.com (9/21)
After Backlash, Anti-Vaxxer Tennis Ace Tsitsipas Will Get COVID Shot
After harsh criticism over his refusal to take the Covid vaccine, Stefanos Tsitsipas reversed direction. “I am not a doctor; I am a tennis player, so I may not have the most substantiated opinion when it comes to medical issues,” he admitted. He now has plans to get the shot. Full Story: The National Herald (9/24)
Tennis Great Rod Laver Has The Only Shoe With A Stadium Named After It
Laver, the only player to win the calendar Grand Slam on two separate occasions, is the namesake of not only an Adidas sneaker since 1970, but also Australia’s largest tennis venue, Rod Laver Arena, since 2000. Full Story: Forbes (9/21)
Alize Cornet Autobiography Translation Released
Inspired by a self-reflective meditation journey, the French former world No. 11 shares her side of the story of her roller coaster career (so far) in this English translation of her book. Full Story: tennis.com (9/19)
Zero Fucs Given 😎 Marton Fucsovics Sick Tweener
The ATP tour official channel provided that headline for the video clip of the week. Full Story: YouTube ATP Tennis TV (9/23)
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Dates | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location (Timezone) |
| 9/27-10/3 | Chicago Fall Tennis Classic | WTA 500 | Chicago USA (CT UTC – 6) |
| 9/27-10/2 | Astana Open | WTA 250 | Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (UTC + 6) |
| 9/27-10/3 | San Diego Open | ATP 250 | San Diego USA (PT UTC – 8) |
| 9/27-10/3 | Sofia Open | ATP 250 | Sofia Bulgaria (UTC + 3) |
