Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️☀️
Today’s tennis mood: On pins and needles for Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
Correction: Yesterday, I made a reference to Taylor Fritz playing in Turin. He’s, of course, an alternate for Turin who is hoping to play.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
🎾 On tap: At the WTA Tour Finals in Indian Wells, Linda Noskova is the only one playing who is safely into the semifinals, while Marta Kostyuk has been eliminated. The others in the group — Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula — will have to rely on a combination of winning and luck to snatch the other semifinal slot. In Stockholm, it’s quarterfinals day. In action: Taylor Fritz, Alex Michelsen, Lorenzo Musetti, and Holger Rune, among others. Catch the rundown below.
🎾 Turin: The groups are settled for the ATP Tour Finals in Turin. Here’s how they shook out.
John McEnroe Group: Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Arthur Fils, Rafael Jodar
Ivan Lendl Group: Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe
Todd Woodbridge Group: Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten, Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic, Theo Arribage/Albano Olivetti, Orlando Luz/Rafael Matos
Mark Woodforde Group: Christian Harrison/Neal Skupski, Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos, Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori, Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz
WHICH GROUP IS TOUGHER?
🎾 Inbox: Yesterday, based on an email I received from a Court Theory reader, I asked you all how the order of play should go at the WTA Tour Finals, given that they are putting on the two singles matches and then the two doubles matches. Overwhelmingly — 72% — you all voted for alternating singles and doubles as done in previous years. Nearly a quarter of you were indifferent, saying people watch what they want. And less than 5% of you said you liked the scheduling this year.
Noteworthy: It does seem more equitable to alternate. At the same time, the reason they alternated in the past was to sell more tickets with a day session and a night session. However, it’s just one big session each day this year, so splitting it up to maximize profit isn’t necessary.
🎾 One to watch: Jessica Pegula vs. Linda Noskova (Group stage - WTA Tour Finals - Indian Wells): Watch this one for what’s at stake. Noskova is all set for the semifinals, but Pegula is not. And every single time they play, the competitive drama is through the roof.
The record: Linda Noskova leads the head-to-head record over Jessica Pegula 3-1.
On the line: For Noskova, it’s an opportunity to stack some more ranking points and cash. For Pegula, it’s a chance to advance or call it a season.
🎾 🏆 🎤 YOUR CALL
(Yesterday’s poll results: 64% of you called for Mirra Andreeva to defeat Aryna Sabalenka. Andreeva won 6-4, 6-0. )
And that’s game.
In partnership with
Great food takes time. But it doesn’t have to be your time.
A busy day shouldn't leave you choosing between takeout or a sink full of dishes. Because CookUnity delivers fresh meals prepared by top chefs like Food Network stars, ready to heat in minutes.
Choose meals you want for the week from a huge menu featuring over 500 dishes nationwide. And with 60 cuisines and diets, like Mediterranean, Thai, Vegan or Protein Boost, you can hit your cravings and your nutrition goals without buying tons of ingredients.
Make room for better meals in your routine, without making room for more cooking.
Choose your weekly plan, explore the seasonal menu available in your area, and skip, pause, or change your plan size anytime.
