Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️☀️
Today’s tennis mood: Bracing for upsets but also a little ready for an accident I can’t look away from.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
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🎾 ICYMI: Yesterday was a relatively quiet start to this week’s tournaments. But there were a few notable results.
In Barcelona, Cameron Norrie took down Stan Wawrinka in a tight three-setter (and a truly unfortunate match point) 6-4, 6-7, 6-4.
Jack Draper was, once again, forced to retire with injury against Tomas Martin Etcherverry.
And Rafa Jodar is continuing his rise on the tour, tearing apart fellow countryman Jaume Munar 6-1, 6-2.
In Munich, Ben Shelton required three sets to defeat compatriot Emilio Nava, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3.
In Rouen, Ann Li defeated Daria Kasatkina in three sets, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.
And Sloane Stephens was dismantled by qualifier Veronika Podrez 6-2, 6-1.
🎾 The new BOSS: The Australian Open will look a little different starting next year. Tennis Australia and BOSS have struck a new multi-year deal that will dress 4,000 staffers and volunteers at the AO in a partnership that will make the brand the Official Lifestyle Outfitter of the tournament. The new partnership replaces Ralph Lauren.
What he said: “The Australian Open has always been about more than just great tennis – it’s about atmosphere, innovation, and setting the benchmark for major sporting events worldwide,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said. “BOSS is a global brand with impeccable credentials in sport and style, and together we will enhance how our tournament looks, feels, and connects with fans from around the world.”
🎾 Rafa doc: The documentary we’ve been waiting for is nearly here. On Monday, Netflix dropped a preview of Rafa, the doc in the making for years. It’s a look at his final year on tour, his career, his life, and his legacy. And if the film lives up to the expectations set in the teaser, we’re in for a treat. The film premieres on May 29th.
🎾 One to watch: Martin Landaluce vs. Lorenzo Musetti (1st round - ATP 500 - Barcelona): Watch this one for a potential upset as 20-year-old Landaluce, who has been producing some excellent ball this spring (which landed him in the quarterfinals of Miami), goes up against a shaky Musetti, as he is on the cusp of losing his top 10 ranking.
The record: This is the first time Lorenzo Musetti and Martin Landaluce will face each other.
On the line: Landaluce wants to crack the top 100, and a win here will do that for him. Meanwhile, all the pressure is on Musetti after two first-match exits in a row and 2250 of his 3625 rankings points to defend this clay season.
🎾 🏆 🎤 YOUR CALL
(Yesterday’s poll results: 71% of you called for Stan Wawrinka to defeat Cameron Norrie. Norrie won 6-4, 6-7, 6-4.)
And that’s game.
