This Week's Drop Shots
“This Week’s Drop Shots” details the latest results, hot takes, and breaking news from around the tennis world in a quick and easy to read format.
Today’s Newsletter is Presented By:
DraftKings has an exclusive offer, just for Cracked Racquets fans! Check it out today, and play along with us during the 2020 US Open.
Good news. The USTA-created bubble in New York hasn't burst. Which means I don't have to burst your bubble with unfortunate news. Tennis is still in full swing.
Okay, with that awful pun out of the way let's get to the tennis news.
Quote of the Week
Frank Franklin Ii/Associated Press
"Before I am an athlete, I am a black woman. And as a black woman, I feel there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis."
Naomi Osaka
In a landmark moment last week, the sports world came to a halt in protest of racial injustice following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI.
At the Western & Southern Open, Naomi Osaka led the charge and announced she would default in protest of the shooting. The NBA postponed play after the Milwaukee Bucks announced a boycott of their schedule playoff game. The MLB and NHL also followed suit.
Though many players feared their return to the court would distract from these ongoing social issues, leagues have embraced athletes using their platforms for change. These moves have brought further attention to the ongoing battle for racial equality, but there's still a long road ahead for us all.
23 & Counting
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the winner's trophy after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in the men's singles final of the Western & Southern Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Will Novak Djokovic lose in 2020? There's a good chance he could record the first ever undefeated season. While there'd be an asterisk in the history books, it'd still be an incredible feat.
Djokovic kept his streak alive with a come-from-behind victory over Milos Raonic in the finals of the Western & Southern Open. After dropping the first set 6-1, Djokovic found his rhythm to claim the title. With the win, Djokovic claimed his 35th Masters 1000 title and became the first player to win all of the events at least twice.
On the women's side, Naomi Osaka was poised for a slugfest with Victoria Azarenka. Unfortunately, Osaka withdrew with a hamstring injury that she suffered in her semifinal victory.
The real storyline.
Known for his well-coiffed hair, Milos Raonic has let loose. He's sporting the shaggy surfer look, and it seems to be working.
Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports
After a series of injuries, Raonic's ranking dropped to 30 in the world. But this past week he showed the tennis that took him to a career high of #3 in the world.
Could it be the power of the hair?
Challenge Accepted
It's not every day a three-time Grand Slam champion puts his name on the entry list for an ATP Tour Challenger event. Then again, Stan Wawrinka isn't your typical Grand Slam champion.
Instead of trekking across the pond in the middle of a pandemic, Wawrinka elected to stay in Europe, honing his groundstrokes on the red clay in Prague.
As the #1 seed, you'd expect Wawrinka to cruise to victory. Though he ultimately won the title, he brushed some dust off along the way. Four of his five matches went to three sets. And in three of those matches he found himself a set down.
I wouldn't get used to seeing Wawrinka in Challengers. But it could be the norm for the foreseeable future. If that's the case, best of luck to up and comers trying to work their way up the ranks.
Shot of the Week
Known for his eccentricity and flare, Benoit Paire is a magician on the court. Tune in to one of his matches, and you're likely to see a signature trick shot or delicate touch.
Usually, Paire's magic is greeted with roars and applause from the crowd, but sadly fans weren't allowed at the Western & Southern Open.
Nonetheless, Paire managed to entertain as he finessed this point against Borna Coric.
I'm not sure about you, but I'm convinced Paire would drop outside of the top 100 if he shaved the beard now.
Bright Lights, No Fans
It's that magical time of the year. The top players in the world will descend on the grounds of Flushing Meadows to duke it out in the final major of the year.
Well, that would be the case in an ordinary year. But it's 2020. Instead of raucous late night crowds, players will compete in empty stadiums, and Roland Garros will actually be the final Grand Slam of the year.
Luckily, you can still watch live to get your tennis fix, and CR has you covered with a full preview and daily updates.
More Tennis Please
It's no mystery — at Cracked Racquets we love tennis. But not only do we love tennis, we also love watching tennis. We've hosted a few tournaments over the past months, and we're excited to announce we're back for more.
This fall (September 25 to 27), Cracked Racquets will host a junior tournament in Indianapolis, featuring events for Boys 12s, 14s, and 16s.
Sound like your sort of weekend getaway? Register to play here.
Aces & Winners
Brian Boland abruptly resigned as head coach of Baylor Men's Tennis following an investigation by university officials for sending inappropriate text messages to a student. Michael Woodson has been named interim head coach.
When Denis Shapovalov isn't busy ripping jumping one handers, he's busy... writing raps? Yes, you read that correctly. Rumor has it CR is organizing a rap battle with the Canadian star. Stay tuned.
Milos Raonic may have amazing hair, but JJ Wolf might have him beat. Who else can pull off a mullet like this?
Check Out Our Recent Coverage
Written Content
Cracked Interviews Podcast
Great Shot Podcast
Mini-Break Podcast
YouTube