Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️
Today’s tennis mood: Affirming plus bewilderment.
Aryna Sabalenka says she’s taking the tour’s “insane” scheduling matters into her own hands. ESPN has kicked some commentator staples to the curb. And Elena Rybakina and Karolina Muchova are set for a tasty quarterfinal battle.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
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Four Points
🎾 Sabalenka chooses self-care: World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she plans to skip some tournaments this year to maintain her health, labeling the tour schedule and the punishment for bowing out of tournaments as “insane.” At press following her win over Sorana Cirstea in Brisbane, she was asked if she would consider playing a lighter schedule like Serena Williams did during her career.
What she said: “The season is definitely insane, and that’s not good for all of us, as you see so many players getting injured and also the balls are quite heavy. It’s a lot of struggle for all of us,” Sabalenka said on Thursday. “What Serena did, the rules were different. Right now, like last season, by the end of the season, because I didn’t play enough of 500 [level] events, they fine us with points.” She added: “This season we will try to manage it a little bit better, even though they are going to fine me by the end of the season…You cannot skip a 1000 event. It’s really tricky, and I think that’s insane what they do. I think they just follow their interests, but they’re not focusing on protecting all of us.”
Previously: Iga Swiatek, who has been an outspoken critic of the schedule for a few years, hinted at skipping mandatory events in September. But there have been no definitive statements from her since.
Noteworthy: The WTA Tour has offered no response.
🎾 ESPN shake-up: Ahead of Australian Open coverage, ESPN announced some changes that have left staples in the standard team in the cold. Pam Shriver and Brad Gilbert, who have been with the network for decades, are out — and seemingly against their wishes.
What she said: “Thanks for the 35+ amazing years,” Shriver posted on X. “I recall AO 1990, after an early round loss, working for ESPN for the first time. I was prepared for more, but was told it was time to streamline.”
And what he said: “Had a great 23 year run,” Gilbert posted on X with a thumbs up and running man emoji.
Other changes: Chris McKendry, who has been the host helming the desk, will move to a play-by-play announcer — a role she reportedly requested. Katie George and NBA Today host Malika Andrews will split hosting duties.
Intriguing: Darren Cahill is in “TBD” status, per an ESPN spokesperson.
Noteworthy: The shake-up comes half a year after a highly successful TNT takeover of Roland-Garros. Let’s hope there’s more to this facelift than just shuffling the deck chairs.
