The first week of the tennis season is in the books and a lot of top names started the new year on the right foot by picking up titles while several familiar faces made their much-anticipated return to the court.
Grigor Dimitrov (Brisbane) and Andrey Rublev (Hong Kong) were crowned champions on the ATP Tour. It’s Dimitrov’s first title since 2017 and the 15th singles trophy of Rublev’s career. The WTA Tour featured two marquee finals in week one as Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win in Brisbane and Coco Gauff topped Elina Svitolina to capture her second straight title in Auckland. Meanwhile, at the United Cup, Germany, led by Angelique Kerber, Alexander Zverev, and Laura Siegemund, beat a Polish team featuring the dynamic duo of Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz.
In addition to Kerber, Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, and Amanda Anisimova also hit the comeback trail and we learned that two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova will be stepping away from the game as she awaits the birth of her first child. Not to mention another tennis star sighting as former World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty checked out the action in Brisbane.
Final Grand Slam Preparations
Looking ahead to this week, the final tune-up tournaments ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2024 are on deck.
Canadians Denis Shapovalov and Félix Auger-Aliassime are in the ATP Auckland draw which is headed by the fast-rising Ben Shelton while his compatriot Tommy Paul is the top seed in Adelaide. Shapovalov lost his first match since Wimbledon in the opening round. On the women’s side, Rybakina will be looking to pocket another title at the WTA 500 tournament in Adelaide, but reigning National Bank Open champion Jessica Pegula will surely have something to say about that.
Qualifying is underway in Melbourne as players, including a handful of names you might recognize, look to earn their place in the Australian Open singles main draw and we’ll also find out which section of the draw our favourites will fall in.
Be sure to tune into the comprehensive coverage offered throughout the fortnight by TSN and RDS beginning this Saturday.
The ATP's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open from August 3 to 12, 2024 at IGA Stadium. Get your tickets today!
The WTA's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open from August 4 to 12, 2024 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!
