Monday, January 09, 2023

Weekend Tennis Roundup


The heat is on Down Under, as we prepare for the year's first major. This weekend saw the U.S. win the inaugural United Cup plus singles crowns for CoCo Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Tallon Griekspoor and some guy named Novak Djokovic. All of this and more BELOW.


Taylor Fritz clinched the United Cup title for the U.S. on Sunday evening when he defeated Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6(6). Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe had each earned a point for the Americans earlier in the day, giving their country an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Italy. The United States produced a dominant performance throughout the United Cup, dropping only two individual matches. None of the ties were closer than 4-1.


Although I'm still not a fan of non Davis/BJK Cup team events, I was pleased to learn that the United Cup replaces the (idiotic) ATP Cup, and with its Hopman Cup format allows for mixed doubles (fun) AND players are awarded ATP and WTA points. Strangely, I'm reading that the actual Hopman Cup -- which was bumped to make room for the erstwhile ATP Cup -- is coming back in July in Nice, France, for reasons that are unclear. (It remains an exhibition.)


Tallon Griekspoor started the new year in the best way possible. The 26-year-old dropped just one set all week en route to claiming his maiden Tour-level title at the Tata Open Maharashtra in Pune, India. In the championship match, the Dutchman rallied from a set down to defeat Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.


Coco Gauff captured her first title of the season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, defeating Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-1, 6-1 in Sunday's final. The title is Gauff's first since 2021 Parma and her first on hard court since winning her first at 2019 Linz.


Aryna Sabalenka has ended Linda Nosková's impressive Adelaide International campaign, defeating the 18-year-old qualifier Nosková 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to claim her 11th WTA Tour title.



Novak Djokovic battled back from the brink of defeat to capture the 92nd ATP title of his career in Adelaide on Sunday, fighting off a match point serving at 5-6, 30-40 in the second set to edge an inspired Sebastian Korda in the final, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (3), 6-4. With the grueling three-hour, nine-minute victory, Djokovic ties Rafael Nadal for fourth-most ATP titles in the Open Era. 




Lloyd of London starts the year out right


I'd definitely need a buttered tub watching these two go at it





Marton Fucsovics took home a Challenger title -- plus this week's winning photo (poolside at top of post!)



Fit Fabien 


MAGA pinup and his Latin lover


Oh, Denis, oobie do ...


Matteo Berrettini can barely fit on that private jet




Quentin Halys put on an impressive show against Novak -- and I'm not just talking about his appearance! Check out his new Fila endorsement HERE.


The big dipper


Always a good time with Tom Hill 


Dominic Thiem has a new friend



Don't count Borna Gojo out just yet!


Hot Mick alert! 


Jonny O'Mara on Henman Hill


Challenger title for Dennis Novak


No, thank you!


Borna for Asics


I've got my money on Enzo Couacaud, assuming he switches to lap dancing 


Oh, Daddy! 




Is Novak back on track?


Benoit giving us what we want


Team Italy


Could Holger win a major?





I'm suddenly feeling outdoorsy


Stan is losing his grip


What a smile! 


Does the ATP have its first nonbinary player?





Djokovic vs. Korda



How do I invest in this kid’s underwear drawer?




Let me just give you all my credit cards, J.J.


Neal Skupski and friend

(With wire services)

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