Good morning, Court Theorists! ☕️🍓
Today’s tennis mood: Refreshed and ready for action with a side of serious shoe envy.
Let’s tennis!
-Allen
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🎾 Day One: It’s opening day at Wimbledon and, as you know, the first day of any tournament is our favorite day here at Court Theory HQ, so… 🥳 We’re being treated to some truly outstanding match-ups at the All England Club, plus the two world number ones are in Centre Court action. More on all of that below. What are you watching today? Hit reply and let me know!
🎾 Check it out: Be sure to check out the Court Theory Wimbledon Preview to get you started on this two-week journey on the right foot. (You may have to sign in with your email address.)
🎾 The boot: Emma Raducanu was slated to play Antonia Ruzic on Court 1 first thing this morning, but a lower right leg/right foot injury that had been plaguing her became worse in the lead-up to Wimbledon. The writing was on the wall when, in the final preparation days, Raducanu canceled practice sessions and was seen wearing an orthopaedic boot.
What she said: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu said. “I’ve done everything possible to try to get to the start line tomorrow but after a final scan tonight, the niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through.”
🎾 One to watch: Casper Ruud vs. Hubert Hurkacz (1st round - Wimbledon): Watch this one for landing on the “Unfortunate First-Round Matches” list in our Wimbledon preview. These two nice guys of the tour, facing off immediately, are deserving of our attention. Beyond that, their contrasting styles of play — aggressor vs. counterpuncher — should provide entertaining grass court tennis.
The record: Casper Ruud leads the head-to-head record over Hubert Hurkacz 3-1. However, they have never faced off on grass.
On the line: Neither one played Wimbledon last year, so there are no points to defend. Theoretically, that should allow them to play more freely. But Ruud is still the 11th seed, and Hurkacz is still feeling the pressure of getting his career back on track after a lengthy injury.
🎾 🏆 🎤 YOUR CALL
And that’s game.
