Tennis News Round-up - December 2022

December is always the quietest month in the tennis calendar, as it is the off-season where players can recover from the year’s exploits, as well as make improvements to their game on the practice court and in pre-season exhibitions.

Exhibitions

The World Tennis League in Dubai saw the Hawks emerge as winners with a team featuring Alex Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Anastasia Pavyluchenkova, and Elena Rybakina. Zverev defeated Novak Djokovic while Rybakina won against Iga Swiatek and Caroline Garcia. Taylor Fritz won the Dirayah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia, beating Daniil Medvedev in the final. Stefanos Tsitsipas won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, defeating Andrey Rublev in three sets.

Bolletieri's passing

Nick Bolletieri, one of the most esteemed tennis coaches in history, passed away at the age of 91. He coached ten world number one players, including Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Maria Sharapova, and Serena and Venus Williams. Many paid tribute to him following his passing.

Start of the 2023 season in Australia

Although it was still 2022, the first matches of the 2023 season had already taken place. The United Cup, a new mixed event featuring 18 countries, began on 29th December. Players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys, and Petra Kvitova won their opening matches of the season.

We had a great time on Saturday

"Just wanted to let you know that we had a great time on Saturday and that it all went smoothly. I didn’t realise it was better than making a booking in a restaurant, but even then we were very lucky to get a beautiful table for 6 at the Wingfield restaurant. It was the only one available! Thanks for helping me organise this nice day with the family and let’s stay in touch for future years."

Gabriel Buteler

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