2025 ATP General News

[PhiEaglesfan712]

i'm with you that I think not getting even an exho on grass prior seems like an error.

Djokovic didn't either last year, the before, 2022, 2021, or 2019, and he still made deep runs at Wimbledon each of those years. I personally don't like the short turnaround from the French Open to Wimbledon, especially considering the contrasting surface changes, but it's there.

That said, Djokovic has been there and done that many times over. He knows the routine. For a player like that, an all-time great at a familiar place, I don't think it really matters. It's almost like Tiger at the Masters. It doesn't matter if he plays a warm-up event beforehand, you just knew Tiger was going to make the cut every year, and most likely be in contention for the win on Sunday at Augusta. Same with Djokovic at Wimbledon. I couldn't care less if he played a warm-up event on grass because I know he is most likely going to be there at the business end of Wimbledon.

 

[Federberg]

Djokovic didn't either last year, the before, 2022, 2021, or 2019, and he still made deep runs at Wimbledon each of those years. I personally don't like the short turnaround from the French Open to Wimbledon, especially considering the contrasting surface changes, but it's there.

That said, Djokovic has been there and done that many times over. He knows the routine. For a player like that, an all-time great at a familiar place, I don't think it really matters. It's almost like Tiger at the Masters. It doesn't matter if he plays a warm-up event beforehand, you just knew Tiger was going to make the cut every year, and most likely be in contention for the win on Sunday at Augusta. Same with Djokovic at Wimbledon. I couldn't care less if he played a warm-up event on grass because I know he is most likely going to be there at the business end of Wimbledon.

I completely agree. The issue is what the Draw gods come up with. I don't think he can beat Carlito on grass. Other than that I don't see he has any reason to be worried

 

[don_fabio]

I'm curious to see how Sinner puts behind RG final loss. He was very close to victory and lost, but did so in a great fight. Now he has to put all that behind him and come back strong. I think it will be challenging time for him in a way, this year Wimbledon, but also a huge chance to bounce back and maybe even win the title.

Novak has said before that good thing about short turn around between RG and Wimbledon is that after a loss and missed opportunity in one slam, you get a shot at another one in a span of a few weeks. I think top player like Sinner should use this and try to benefit from it.

It would be good for tennis and tennis fans to get another Alcaraz Sinner final. That would add a whole new layer to their rivalry as it becomes more interesting every time they meet in a title match.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Joao Fonseca won his first tour level grass tournament at Eastbourne, came back from a set down to defeat Bergs in very windy conditions 67(8) 60 63, with his 13th tour level win of the season, 18 yo became the youngest match winner at the ATP season since 3 time champion Taylor Fritz in 2015, ironically he will play top seed Fritz in the second round.

 

[Jelenafan]

Well with Sebastian Korda, Arthur Fils, and Casper Ruud out of Wimbledon with injuries, prior W finalist Matteo Berrettini will be seeded.

The young American 20 year old Alex Michelsen may someday tell his grandkids he was seeded at W.

Anybody else out?

 

[Fiero425]

I'm curious to see how Sinner puts behind RG final loss. He was very close to victory and lost, but did so in a great fight. Now he has to put all that behind him and come back strong. I think it will be challenging time for him in a way, this year Wimbledon, but also a huge chance to bounce back and maybe even win the title.

Novak has said before that good thing about short turn around between RG and Wimbledon is that after a loss and missed opportunity in one slam, you get a shot at another one in a span of a few weeks. I think top player like Sinner should use this and try to benefit from it.

It would be good for tennis and tennis fans to get another Alcaraz Sinner final. That would add a whole new layer to their rivalry as it becomes more interesting every time they meet in a title match.

Oh to be that young! Silly people, y'all don't know what a short-turnaround is! Back in the day Wimbledon started the week after the French Open! Since the mid 70's, they've expanded to another week off, now several tournaments created on the turf! Way back when, there was only Queens (Men) & Eastborne (Ladies)! Now players literally have a month to prepare on grass!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Andy Murray's Centre Stage Live Tour in Glasgow and Edinburgh respectively this past week were sold out success in both cities in Scotland. He had another one this past Saturday in London.UK.
The last one will be on June 29th at Wimbledon Theatrre UK. Andy reflects on his career, sharing ancedotes and insights with BBC host Andrew Cotter

 

[Moxie]

I completely agree. The issue is what the Draw gods come up with. I don't think he can beat Carlito on grass. Other than that I don't see he has any reason to be worried

I understand that I'm not arguing from a position of strength to suggest he play an exhibition before W. He's played AO with no prep, too, and done pretty well there, I'd say. I'm just thinking of his age, and how he now shows a bit more rust after a layoff. But who am I to tell him? You also have to weigh rust v. overplaying, and he knows how to play himself into a Major.

As you say, the draw will tell more. To me, Sinner still deserves the #2 slot in terms of odds to win it, based on game, mentality, youth, and recent performance. However, if the wiley veteran finds himself in the final again, I won't be shocked. And if he's facing neither Sinner nor Alcaraz there, I will not be at all shocked if he wins it.

 

[Moxie]

Joao Fonseca won his first tour level grass tournament at Eastbourne, came back from a set down to defeat Bergs in very windy conditions 67(8) 60 63, with his 13th tour level win of the season, 18 yo became the youngest match winner at the ATP season since 3 time champion Taylor Fritz in 2015, ironically he will play top seed Fritz in the second round.

He took a tumble again in today's match. Came up holding his wrist, but then was ok. Seems he needs to find his footing on the grass. Took a few spills last week, too. But he's, what, 18?

 

[Jelenafan]

I understand that I'm not arguing from a position of strength to suggest he play an exhibition before W. He's played AO with no prep, too, and done pretty well there, I'd say. I'm just thinking of his age, and how he now shows a bit more rust after a layoff. But who am I to tell him? You also have to weigh rust v. overplaying, and he knows how to play himself into a Major.

As you say, the draw will tell more. To me, Sinner still deserves the #2 slot in terms of odds to win it, based on game, mentality, youth, and recent performance. However, if the wiley veteran finds himself in the final again, I won't be shocked. And if he's facing neither Sinner nor Alcaraz there, I will not be at all shocked if he wins it.

Interesting, Novak is already at Wimbledon, apparently the earliest he has arrived at the Champhionships

Novak Djokovic has already given sign just how seriously he is taking Wimbledon this year as his preparation takes shape

A seven-time champion at SW19 ️

www.thetennisgazette.com

 

[Moxie]

Interesting, Novak is already at Wimbledon, apparently the earliest he has arrived at the Champhionships

Novak Djokovic has already given sign just how seriously he is taking Wimbledon this year as his preparation takes shape

A seven-time champion at SW19 ️

www.thetennisgazette.com

That seems like a reasonable compromise. Won't do a tune-up, but arrive earlier than usual to get the practice on the courts.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

He took a tumble again in today's match. Came up holding his wrist, but then was ok. Seems he needs to find his footing on the grass. Took a few spills last week, too. But he's, what, 18?

Hi I just got back in and saw your post
Grass is still slippery, usually it takes about 1 week before it calms down, in saying that this was just his 2nd match on grass, I will be interested to see how he plays against Fritz, who has found his grass feet, I dont know why some players who played at both Halle and Queens and won matches, are now deciding to play tournaments just before a major quite frankly Fritz dosent need to be playing at Eastbourne, regardless if he is the defending champion, players can pick up unwanted injuries playing a week out from a major, of course in saying that other players may need grass practice
BTW where the hell is Mrzz he is one of my favorite posters at TF he has been missing in action, I hope he is okay
I did see photos yesterday of Novak arriving at Wimbledon, no I totally disagree, getting practice 1 week early is not a reasonable compromise at all? playing Boodles which is just an exho is the way to get proper match practice, he has played in the past and I cant see why he cant play the Boodles this year, I know he hasnt played Boddles and done well at Wimbledon before, he got a very favorable draw at Roland Garros this year, lets see if he gets the same at Wimbledon

 

[Moxie]

Hi I just got back in and saw your post
Grass is still slippery, usually it takes about 1 week before it calms down, in saying that this was just his 2nd match on grass, I will be interested to see how he plays against Fritz, who has found his grass feet, I dont know why some players who played at both Halle and Queens and won matches, are now deciding to play tournaments just before a major quite frankly Fritz dosent need to be playing at Eastbourne, regardless if he is the defending champion, players can pick up unwanted injuries playing a week out from a major, of course in saying that other players may need grass practice
BTW where the hell is Mrzz he is one of my favorite posters at TF he has been missing in action, I hope he is okay
I did see photos yesterday of Novak arriving at Wimbledon, no I totally disagree, getting practice 1 week early is not a reasonable compromise at all? playing Boodles which is just an exho is the way to get proper match practice, he has played in the past and I cant see why he cant play the Boodles this year, I know he hasnt played Boddles and done well at Wimbledon before, he got a very favorable draw at Roland Garros this year, lets see if he gets the same at Wimbledon

To me, Novak needs to get his footing in the grass more than match practice, which is why I call it a decent compromise. You say, yourself, above, that a player risks injury competing too close to a Major, and I think an older player, especially. Even perhaps, an exho. Anyway, we'll see if his method works for him.

 

[El Dude]

Summoning @mrzz for mags.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

To me, Novak needs to get his footing in the grass more than match practice, which is why I call it a decent compromise. You say, yourself, above, that a player risks injury competing too close to a Major, and I think an older player, especially. Even perhaps, an exho. Anyway, we'll see if his method works for him.

We will have to agree to disagree, you read my post incorrectly, a player eg Fritz who has played Queens and has had enough practice on grass, I feel dosent need to go and play another tournament like he is doing at the moment, thats when I feel he could pick up a niggling injury?
I then said other players may need to play? eg, players that went out early in a previous tournament
You cannot compare practice to actual match practice, playing in a tournament, or even a exho like the Boodles, anyway that is his call.
Updated news due to my fine detective skills

Novak will play this Friday against Daniil Medvedev in the Giorgio Armani Classic at the Hurlingham club this is a part of the pre- Wimbledon exhibition events

 

[El Dude]

Well, we know that Wimbledon is particularly prone for upsets in the early rounds, but...Novak. Also, a scary stat: It has probably been mentioned, but he's been in the final in each of the last six Wimbledons.

I suppose I'd rank him above Jannik is if the draw gods are particularly kind to him and harsh to Jannik, but all things being equal he's still my #3.

Regardless, this is an interesting Wimbledon. Can Carlos become the fifth player in the Open Era to three-peat? Novak, Sampras, Federer, Borg...nice company, there. Can Jannik recover from the RG loss and muster his best game? Does Novak have one more in him?

It is a veritable Gulf of Mexico, er America, the United States of Israel between those three and the field.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

A statue of Andy Murray will be unveiled at Wimbledon in 2027.

news.stv.tv/sport/wimbledon

Personally speaking and no offence to Andy Murray he only one Wimbledon twice in comparison to Roger Federer who won it 8 times, let us not forget Martina Navatilova who won it 9 times!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well, we know that Wimbledon is particularly prone for upsets in the early rounds, but...Novak. Also, a scary stat: It has probably been mentioned, but he's been in the final in each of the last six Wimbledons.

I suppose I'd rank him above Jannik is if the draw gods are particularly kind to him and harsh to Jannik, but all things being equal he's still my #3.

Regardless, this is an interesting Wimbledon. Can Carlos become the fifth player in the Open Era to three-peat? Novak, Sampras, Federer, Borg...nice company, there. Can Jannik recover from the RG loss and muster his best game? Does Novak have one more in him?

It is a veritable Gulf of Mexico, er America, the United States of Israel between those three and the field.

Going on the tournaments leading up to Wimbledon it will be a hell of a player to defeat Carlos, the most important thing that impressed me with this play at Queens was his serve, I know he has been fine tuning it for awhile, it clicked and in the last 3 matches he had 40 Aces, his movement on grass is comparable to his movement on the clay in my opinion, great to watch, also he has the other tools to call on eg drop shot,slice, he has the variety. What a feat it would be if Carlos does defend his Chanel slam of 2024 and wins it again in 2025. A very special player in my opinion.,presently the No 1 favorite to win Wimbledon in my opinion, ahead of Sinner or Novak, the draw will be vital in ways, though I have always said it is on 'paper' and things happen along the way in any tournament and GS tournament.

 

[El Dude]

Going on the tournaments leading up to Wimbledon it will be a hell of a player to defeat Carlos, the most important thing that impressed me with this play at Queens was his serve, I know he has been fine tuning it for awhile, it clicked and in the last 3 matches he had 40 Aces, his movement on grass is comparable to his movement on the clay in my opinion, great to watch, also he has the other tools to call on eg drop shot,slice, he has the variety. What a feat it would be if Carlos does defend his Chanel slam of 2024 and wins it again in 2025. A very special player in my opinion.

I know this isn't how odds work, but at this point I'd say:

60% Alcaraz
20% Sinner
15% Djokovic
5% Someone else

Or something like that.

 

[Jelenafan]

Well, we know that Wimbledon is particularly prone for upsets in the early rounds, but...Novak. Also, a scary stat: It has probably been mentioned, but he's been in the final in each of the last six Wimbledons.

I suppose I'd rank him above Jannik is if the draw gods are particularly kind to him and harsh to Jannik, but all things being equal he's still my #3.

Regardless, this is an interesting Wimbledon. Can Carlos become the fifth player in the Open Era to three-peat? Novak, Sampras, Federer, Borg...nice company, there. Can Jannik recover from the RG loss and muster his best game? Does Novak have one more in him?

For all that people lament that the standardized/homogenization of tennis surfaces has altered the game (personally I think the rackets/strings have more to do with today's power game) IMO grass is still grass.

Here are the "non superstars" who have made it to the finals of Wimbledon since 2016

2016 Milos Raonic
2017 Marin Cilic
2018 Kevin Andersen
2021 Matteo Berrettini
2022 Nick Kyrgios

Of course none of them made the leap to winning the actual championships, it was one of the usual suspects (Novak, Federer, Murray & now Alcaraz)

Now not dissing them but no way in hell do these same guys make the final of Roland Garros, but do we see a common thread?
I see big servers with first strike capability/tendencies.

Serve is still huge on grass, more than any other of the surfaces IMO. You can debate how much, but again that list of finalists...