Tennis - 2026+

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Welcome to 2026. Here we go.

Watched Venus Williams on replay today and I love that she's 45 and so able. Australia may give people certain powers.

Saw the end of that Venus / Danilovic match.  Venus had a lot of crowd support, and looked good, but it wasn't enough.  Good match.

I was quite taken with Eliot Spizzirri in his match with Sinner tonight. He played well, kept his focus and composure even when Sinner's cramps were really evident. I'm looking forward to seeing him in the future.

John McEnroe continues to bother me.

Tsitsipas beat Fritz in the United Cup, but he lost in the 2nd round in Melbourne.  Rolled a foot and had a sore knee in the 1st round, so I didn't expect him to make it far, but still...

Zverev and Bublik are playing well and looking happy.

I'm guessing Monfils will retire at the French?

I'm beginning to think that Tsitsipas would be taking better care of his body if he focused on his photography. I like his aesthetic sensibility as he posts on Ig and he wouldn't be injuring himself. Oh, but maybe he wants to be competitive, not just capture interesting and/or beautiful images. I used to love his tennis.

I'm sorry I've missed Bublik's and Zverev's matches. I really like both of them. Stay happy! I did see the very end of Zverev's match, good result.

It makes sense that Monfils will retire in Paris. I hadn't thought about the location of his retirement. I love that guy. I'm glad I saw him play in Australia.

Watching Medvedev v Tien - Tien's doing so well! And Medvedev seems powerless against him. It's only the end of the 2nd set... we'll see what happens.

I'm glad James Blake is there.

 

I watched a lot of the Alcaraz versus Tommy Paul match, too. I think I really like underdogs. Anyway, I really enjoyed a lot of the play. Well fought.

Zverev vs Tien. Seemed uneven, but each of them had some great moments. That one I wanted Zverev to win, but Tien was only a tiny bit behind in my wishes.

Go Zverev!

Tien played really well.  Some good drop shots, reminded me of Alcaraz.  Impressive to make the final 8 as the 25th seed.  Bright future.

Such a shame about Musetti, he was winning!  Djokovic was gracious, "He should have won today. "

I agree, Tien was really something- he's smart and quick and continues to grow and develop - it's really great.

Tonight, all five hours and 27 minutes or whatever it was of Zverev v Alcaraz kept my attention. Wow! 
And it was so close!

I woke up at 6 something this morning so I put ESPN on to see it the same match (Sinner v Djokovic) was on from when I went to sleep at around 2:45 a.m. - it was! It was 3 -3 in the 5th. I watched til the end.

Quite a dramatic day at the AO

It took us until yesterday to see the end of Alcaraz-Zverev.  We had stopped after the first 2 sets, assuming the result was pretty much determined. We sure were wrong!  In the 3rd, when Carlos started to labor, I remembered that the first 2 sets were actually very close, so maybe there was a chance?  What an amazing match!

We're still playing catch-up, and know the results, but we plan to watch the rest of the 5th set of the 2nd semi.  Having the top 4 seeds in the semis sure didn't disappoint. We'll check out the final eventually. 

I feel Zverv still has a chance to get that elusive major.  His forehead has really improved.   I wonder how old Murray was when he won his first.  Zverev has his physio...

I'm glad that Alcaraz won. No surprise.
There was some great play during the AO. I'm glad the tours are moving into Europe, the times are so much better for my watching.

I agree with you (as I often do) that Zverev still has a chance. And I hope it comes about sooner than later, but I'll wait as long as he does.
I think Murray was 25 when he won his first major.

Did you see Mpetshi Perricard hit the ball into his own eye today? I happened to be watching the Tennis Channel and saw him hit the ball off the frame of his racket into his eye. He tried to continue but retired. Scary stuff.

 

I loved watching Mannarino today.

Glad you're doing well, Judit!

Just watched Tsitsipas Medvedev at the Qatar 500, a tidy straight set victory for Stefanos.  He looked really good.  He faces Rublev next.

Thanks, Dave. how are you? 

Gauff v Svitolina - they were good! 

Too bad Sinner didn't have it. I missed Tiafoe versus Tien, looking forward to seeing more of both of them.

I am enjoying what I'm catching of these tournaments more than Slams right now. They're almost sweet.

PS I'm addicted to curling

Looking forward to Indian Wells, one of the best Masters 1000s.

Also, just saw the mixed doubles pairs for the "Eisenhower Cup", a pre-tournament promo/charity event, apparently "10 point tiebreak" format.  I wouldn't normally be overly interested, except I was really surprised by the many excellent, interesting pairs.  Check it out!

Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz
Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud
Jessica Pegula & Tommy Paul
Emma Navarro & Ben Shelton
Leylah Fernandez & Felix Auger-Aliassime
Mirra Andreeva & Alexander Bublik
Jasmine Paolini & Matteo Berrettini
Amanda Anisimova & Learner Tien
(I think this is correct/complete)

I saw a little of it last night and some this morning; As you said, excellent interesting pairs. And they really played!

See you (figuratively) at Indian Wells. It's said that the players love it there, they always play like they do.

Twists and turns...

Haven't watched any doubles yet, but we did see Tsitsipas-Shapovalov today.  Competitive match.  I guess since Stefanos is 0-4 against Denis on hard courts, the result wasn't surprising.  I believe they said it's the first match in 7 years Stef wasn't seeded.  Hoping he can claw his way back into contention, but there are so many good players!

Today was a great day on the TC. It must have been really great at Indian Wells.

Each of the men's matches I saw was good, but Tien playing Davidovich Fokkino was so good, and then Fonseca v Sinner! Thrilling, intense, beautiful, suspenseful!
What I saw of Zverev v Tiafoe was good. I didn't see much of Fils v Felix.

I saw snippets of the women's matches and the doubles of all combinations.

It was a great day in the desert.

I think Buster Posey is the most baseball name in baseball. I think Rinky Hijikata is one of the best names in tennis.

Draper v Djokovic - Yowza! Glad I watched it.

I'm bummed that I have a lymphedema P.T. appt tomorrow during the Tien v Sinner match. I need the appt. and hope I can catch the match later in the day.

There's some great tennis going on. I hope you're seeing it.

Zverev v Fils on Prime T2 - 

also at 5 o'clock on T2 is Draper versus Medvedev. 
 

i'm so glad my son is willing to share his Prime

I enjoyed the men's final, glad it wasn't a rout. 

Rinky Hijikata!  We made a point of watching Bublik, not familiar with Rinky, but Rinky really made an impression, fun player.

Saw the last 45 minutes or so of Djokovic - Draper, that was great!  Seemed that took too much out of Draper for him to prevail against Medvedev.

Disappointed by Zverev in the semi, especially after his win over a resurgent Fils in the quarters.  Sinner doesn't handle the heat especially well, and Zverev had his chances.  Missed opportunity, but you have to hand it to Sinner.

Enjoyed the Medvedev - Alcaraz semi, and the final.  Such amazing, high quality tennis!  Agassi was courtside for the final, and I think he was just shaking his head a few times.  Like with Draper, it seemed Medvedev was the slightest bit lower energy in the final after the win against Alcaraz.  And Sinner, despite appearing to labor in the heat, made some amazing, clutch plays when he needed to.  "It's Sinner and Alcaraz's world, and we're just living in it."  On the other hand, Medvedev looks much improved and can beat anyone, and there are so many great players now who can get a win on any given day.

Missed the women's final, though it sounds like it was a really good one.

Wishing you well, Judit.  On to Miami.

 

Miami happens!

I missed Zverev yesterday, it sounded like he's playing really well. Cilic v Zverev seems like it could be a very good match. I hope the timing works for me to see it. Sorry I missed Tien, he's on my list of people I'm going to be looking for as the season continues.

I did see Alcaraz v Korda, that was something! Fils v Tsitsipas was something else. I felt sad.
So many seeded women lost today, too.

I'm beginning to think I want the Tennis Channel app - good offer for $77 for the first year, but I wouldn't like the cost of the second year.

Our problem with TC app is no majors.

Not sure what happened to Tsitsipas after his big win against De Minaur.  Fils is quite an athlete, with a huge forehead.  Seems Fils really upped his game since his loss to Zverev at Indian Wells.

Zverev should be okay against Cilic, I can't believe Cilic has the court coverage to compete. Thinking that match might br on T2 at ~1:00 today.

 

Cilic made the 2nd set against Zverev very interesting.

The Fils - Tommy Paul match was fantastic!  3 tiebreaks, lots of saved break points and match points, see-saw momentum.  Super compelling match.

Just now finishing Zverev - Cerundolo.  Not competitive, though I suppose Cerundolo is saying "See you on the clay".

Hoping for a Fils - Zverev final.  On to the semis.

I saw the Fils v Tommy Paul match. Wow.

Didn't see Cerundolo Zverev, nor Zverev's Match today. I'm in Berkeley for one ofmy sister's 50th wedding anniversary party and I'm not able to see anything as it's happening.

Thanks for your reporting, it gives me a little bit of the feeling of being involved. I can't remember any Sinner versus Lehečka matches, that might be exciting.

Sinner amazes me.  He doesn't seem to have the physique for such a dominant server.  His court movement is deceptively fast.  How is he so much better than everyone else?  Alcaraz has that dynamic spark, it's easier to see.  Maybe it's like Nadal vs Federer.  Alcaraz has that spark, Sinner executes.  He has such effective serving because of accuracy as a spot server, and such powerful groundstrokes because of his footwork.  That, and handling stress.  In the tiebreak with Zverev, his didn't miss a single first serve.

Yes. Amazing. That precision and finesse. 
I'll be home tomorrow night and will be back to my tennis watching ways.

Hope you're getting to see some Monte Carlo, despite the time difference.  High- (and low-) lights for us:

- Tsitsipas (3 time champ) out in the first round, didn't look bad, but not good enough, and he's plummeting in the rankings.

- Monfils and Bublik was fun, as expected.

- Just now saw the end of Zverev - Garin.  Good match, I can save comments for the moment, since perhaps they'll replay?

Enjoy!

Tsitsipas's descent is sad. I wonder what has to change in (in his brain)? I miss him (but not his dad).

I'm going to miss Monfils, for sure. He's been my favorite for some time. I love his athleticism, his playfulness, his fierceness, and kindness at the same time. I'm sorry I missed his match with the ever-intriguing Bublik. I think I've told you I think of him as something of a Zen ninja.

I saw today's semi's on replay today. Thank you, Tennis Channel. Both Sinner and Alcaraz played as champions - what will tomorrow bring?
I had fun watching Zverev, but Sinner is so good! And Vacherot played well enough to bring out some occasional tricks and great tennis.

Thanks for checking in - and for real, what will tomorrow bring?

I usually don't care if I know who won before I see the match but this time I do and that darn tennis channel showed who won on their reader strip at the bottom of the screen. I'm watching the Linz WTA final and hope that the Monte Carlo replay will follow.

Haven't seen the final, so I won't read your 2nd post just yet.

Sinner sure has Zverev's number!  I didn't think Zverev looked super sharp, but it seems for him to beat Sinner at this point, Sinner has to really under-perform.  And that's despite Zverev really improving his forehand and his approaches, volleys, and drop shots.  Amazing how the skill level has gone up so much in recent years.

I didn't reveal who won in earlier post, and I won't now.

Agreed - the skills have improved so much in recent years and it's going to keep happening. We're lucky.

I enjoyed the final, I'll only post my observations after you do.

Caught the Monte Carlo final this morning.  Did you see the Sinner-Alcaraz statistics shown by the Tennis Channel?  How even they are, in terms of titles, weeks at #1, and in points against each other?  Amazingly, exactly even.  It's really something to see that these two guys are so clearly a level above everyone else.

On to Munich and Barcelona.  We really do like the clay season.

I did see the stat comparisons. Sort of otherworldly, how exactly even they were. Truly amazing!

I like the clay season, too. Onward.

Watch out for Cobolli. He's got a way about him.

Cobolli was super sharp against Zverev, great match!  Enjoyed the final, too.

Starting to look at the Madrid draw.  Tsitsipas plays a lucky loser, and if he advances, plays #8 Bublik coming off a bye.

Zverev is #2 seed, as Alcaraz misses Madrid a 2nd time.  Wrist tendonitis, hoping to come back for the French.  Too bad.

These guys hit so hard, I'm surprised more aren't out with wrist or elbow injuries.

I'm happy that Tsitsipas won his match, it gave him some confidence. He's up against Bublik next, it could be a really fun match to watch.

Sorry to see Monfils out. 

Sad for him that Alcaraz's wrist injury is keeping him from playing until after Roland Garros. Opens up the game for others, but sad to see.

Surprised and disappointed to hear about Alcaraz extending his time off.  Zverev should be #2 seed at RG, which could set up a final with Sinner, but let's not get ahead of ourselves!

Tsitsipas was really sharp against Bublik, and Bublik didn't play his best.  Again, a bit more confidence for Stefanos, maybe he can make a run.  And that's despite the relatively quick conditions, which I wouldn't think favor him.  His serve took full advantage.

p.s. I enjoyed watching Zverev today, he's continuing to grow and play from/with inner strength. 

Did you see Baptiste vs Sabalenka? Wow wow wow! I don't usually get excited about the women's matches but this one got me.

Tsitsipas vs Ruud was a nailbiter!  Stefanos saved 10 or 11 break points, but got broken serving for the match.  Always liked Ruud, so wishing him luck.

Only saw a couple points of the women's.  How about Baptiste beating both Rybakina and Sabalenka both!

I did see quite a bit of Tsitsipas v Ruud - I've been able to catch more than usual of the really good matches. Tsitsipas is still going in the right direction

Jodar has been exciting, too, as has Cobolli. 
 

Madrid has been especially interesting. I'm really enjoying it.

Saw the last few games of the women's final, pretty fun, and high quality.

Looking forward to tomorrow.  Zverev's had some really strong play these last few rounds.  Hoping he can solve Sinner this time.

Word has it Sinner may sit out Rome.  Fatigued, after so much recent success.  That would make Zverev the top seed.  Could be entering the French with a lot of confidence.

Well, that was disappointing!

So disappointing. I woke up early for it. At least it was quick if that was going to be the result.
I hope Zverev's body heals and he's back to feeling good.

On to Rome.

Sad fate for Tsitsipas. Seeded too low for a bye, knocked out in the first round in straight sets. 

Zverev advanced, looking pretty good, though he might have some breathing issues?

Zverev lost to Darderi (didn't see it) and didn't make the quarters.  Disappointing.  Lowers hopes/expectations for the French.

Darderi v Jodar was really good, really close, until cramping set in.  Haven't seen Darderi v Ruud, don't know the outcome, maybe we'll see part of a replay.

Happy for Svitolina to advance (nothing against Swiatek, my wife is 50% Polish), could be a good final.

Sad about Zverev's loss. A lot of players I want to win, doUninstalln't.
Darderi keeps showing up, I won't tell you the results with Ruud. I'm excited about Jodar's play, I hope he maintains his recent level, and then some.

I'm looking forward to Svitolina vs Gauff for the final, I might want Svitolina to win, but will be happy for either.
I liked Swiatek better this tournament but I'm happy about the way things turned out for the final. I like her new connection with the Nadal group. I think it's working for her.

Well, here's to injury-free, high caliber finals.

Enjoyed the challenge Medvedev gave to Sinner in the semi.  That second set was great!
Saw that Ruud beat Darderi handily, unsurprising given the likely letdown Darderi would feel after that great quarter final.

Really enjoyed the women's final!  Nothing against Coco, would be happy for her to have prevailed, but we've liked Svitolina a long time, so we were pulling for her.  She was more consistent.  Coco would show flashes of brilliance but she couldn't sustain it.  They seemed so evenly matched, it forced both to try different tactics, so there was a lot of variety, just a great match.

Men's final in comparison was not very compelling overall, though it had individual points that were jaw-dropping.  As good as Ruud is, it seemed he accepted he couldn't win a baseline shootout, so he went to drop shots to end rallies an awful lot.  Sometimes effective, some times not!  Happy for Sinner to be the first Italian man to win their home Open in 50 years.

Thank you for your analyses (is that the plural of analysis?), I enjoy how you look at it.

I keep wondering how the new, more open top of the rankings will encourage players to aim for their best.

So Tennis Channel and TNT, huh? I searched where TNT is on my channel lineup - it's going to take some getting used when and where matches will be show. TC starting in the middle of our night shifting to TNT, then back to TC in our evening? Hold on!

Hi, Dave, Mike Edwards sent this to me in an email and I wanted you to see it. I don't remember seeing it before today.

1779413447080.jpg

From the June 1970 edition of Esquire.

According to a FB post by Tales From The Golden Road, the accompanying caption read:

“Reflective of the magnetic appeal of an old sport for new players is this random grouping of Beautiful People, resting between sets (from bottom, clockwise): writer A.E. Hotchner, Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, film star Peter Strauss, artist David Levine, and Broadway actor Joel Grey.”