This Week's Drop Shots: July 29, 2020
“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.
Good Afternoon, CR fans.
If the return of tennis were a game, it would be a never-ending service game. Deuce, ad, deuce, ad, deuce, ad. Forever and ever.
After quickly falling behind 0 – 40 to COVID-19, the tennis world battled back. Players organized televised exhibitions, and WTT created a bubble at the Greenbrier.
The collective effort saved all three break points, and the tennis world fired an ace to arrive at game point. But COVID-19 hit a banana passing shot to snuff out the return of pro tennis.
Back to deuce.
Tennis Presses Pause… Again
Three weeks away from the return of tennis, the tennis community suffered another setback. The Citi Open officially cancelled, halting the return of tennis.
Though organizers had been preparing for months, the changing landscape of the pandemic presented operational and regulatory hurdles.
“The tournament was just getting closer and we still had a lot of unresolved issues,” Mark Ein, chairman and CEO of MDE Tennis, operator of the tournament, told ESPN. “And more were popping up than getting solved.”
What were these key issues?
Confusion over the global immigration and quarantine policies and their effects on international travelers.
The ongoing spike in COVID-19 cases across the United States.
Doubts about the ability of tournament partners to fulfill obligations.
Initially, Ein expected the tournament to go ahead with a limited number of fans. However, the reopening of the economy presented a new set of hurdles that were too much to overcome.
So what about the U.S. Open?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. If the Citi Open cancelled, will the U.S. Open take place?
Ein cited the changing travel restrictions as the primary cause for cancellation. Under current policies, international players either can’t get into the country or risk getting stuck.
Since tennis is such an international sport, this is a major hurdle. However, tournament organizers are confident the Big Apple will be buzzing with squeaking shoes in the coming weeks.
My Take.
You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again. There’s too much moulah on the line for organizers to not go forward with the Open.
However, they’ll need to work closely with government agencies on travel requirements and healthcare professionals on maintaining player health.
Countdown to the WTA’s Return
Though the ATP cancelled its planned return in Washington D.C., the WTA is moving forward with its official return to the court.
On August 3, players will begin action at the Palermo Ladies Open in Italy. Included in the field are Jelena Ostapenko, Marketa Vondrousova, and Johanna Kanta, among others.
Usually a lower-tier tournament, tournament director Oliviero Palma is impressed with the entry list. Since it’s the first tournament in five months, players are scrambling for competition, ranking points, and prize money.
How will they keep players safe?
While Palma is ecstatic with high-profile field, his top priority is ensuring player safety. To make this happen, the tournament has implemented the following rules:
Players will handle their own towels. (Not sure why this rule hasn’t always been in place.)
No handshakes, autographs, or photos.
No players showers at the venue.
Nasal swab tests before departing for Palermo, upon arrival, and every four days there after.
The tournament still faces one major hurdle.
Even with the heightened measures around player safety, the tournament will be hindered by travel restrictions.
For example, Simona Halep was originally slated to compete. But she withdrew after Italy’s health ministry issued a quarantine ordinance.
Karolina Pliskova also wanted to play, but only if the US Open was cancelled.
Big Picture.
The Palermo Open will be a welcome return for professional tennis, but the pandemic still poses major risks to a broad return.
Due to ongoing concerns, 11 tournaments in China scheduled for November and December were cancelled, including the WTA Finals.
Without a vaccine or measurable improvement in halting the spread of COVID-19, players will continue to rely on regional tournaments and exhibitions.
All Aboard
Cracked Racquets is excited to announce that original racquet cracker Jamie McDonald will be joining the team full time.
A graduate of Denison University, Jamie has been a consistent voice on CR podcasts over the last several years.
CR’s Newest full-Time Team Member Jamie McDonald
In his new role, he will over see brand marketing for CR as a whole and assist in efforts to grow our media management and hosted events.
Welcome to the team, Jamie! To keep up with Jamie’s thoughts on the tennis world, follow him on twitter @Jamie_McDonald.
Quote of the Week
“If I can’t beat the best player in the world, I don’t deserve the trophy, and I certainly don’t deserve it if I can’t beat him when he’s sick.”
Andre Agassi
If you had to choose between a guaranteed title or beating Pete Sampras to win that title what would you choose?
If you’re a competitor like Andre Agassi, you’d choose the hard route every time and square off against Sampras.
In 1994, Agassi and Sampras were set to meet in the finals of Key Biscayne when Sampras fell ill. Agassi refused to win by walkover, though. Instead he agreed to delay the finals until Sampras was fit to play.
Unfortunately for Agassi, Sampras didn’t return the favor and took home the title.
This Week’s Hot Shot
Jennifer Brady set up the point to perfection. Big serve. Solid approach shot. Stick volley.
Next thing she knew she was on her heels. Sofia Kenin finessed a touch lob into the corner, but Brady chased the ball down for this incredible passing shot.
Aces & Winners
The ITF is moving forward with plans to resume the World Tennis Tour starting August 17th. Junior and Beach Tennis Tours will resume two weeks later.
Retired wheelchair tennis player Esther Vergeer successfully completed her breast cancer treatment. A legend in wheelchair tennis, Vergeer had a record-setting winning streak of 470 matches.
Danielle Collins was dismissed from the WTT event at the Greenbrier after breaking tournament protocols.
Mike Lopresti caught up with Indiana native Rajeev Ram to discuss how he has spent his time during the pandemic.
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