Hey, Tennis Pro! Halfway through the week!

Andy the Hustler. To watch a Murray game is to prepare yourself to have to win a point from him two or three times. Watching his matchup against Davidovich Fokina was no exception, with some points where the Englishman chased the Spaniard's relentless smashes all over the pitch. At 35 years old, Murray remains true to his racing style and he showed it with his straight-set victory over the hosting player.

Unwatchable Gijon. What did the organizers of the Spanish tournament intend when painting the central court with that intense orange tone? The only thing they achieved is that it is practically impossible to see the ball go from one side to the other. As if it's not already difficult to follow such a small ball in the TV, now imagine yourself with an impossible combination with the background. Get it right next time!

I loved how this graph turned out visually, since the trend for each of the Big Three's careers is very noticeable. The strong start of Roger who was sprinted ahead of the Spanish and the Serbian; Nadal's progressive entrance to the tour and his dominance in the first half of the last decade; and the evident permanence of Nole at the highest level with his entry into third place.

Somewhat painful not being able to see any Roger title since 2019 and to think that the dream of lifting one more trophy will not be fulfilled in this life. Meanwhile, Novak faces a wide-open door to add to his personal record with Federer's first exit and the twilight of Nadal's career as he continues to be plagued by injuries.

Roger is really gone (... for now)

I think we are all still in some level of denial that the Swiss GOAT has permanently retired from the sport we love. However, the words of the Basel Tournament Director seem to confirm the worst: Roger will be out for a while.

Roger Brennwald (funny coincidence) confirmed Federer's absence from his local Basel tournament, arguing that another farewell would be too soon for Roger. Although the Swiss was considered to play the ATP 500 in his homeland, it seems that this option is off the table at the moment. "I have been trying to process everything that's happened recently. The celebration in Basel at home will have a very special meaning, and now is too soon for me following London.” declared the Swiss.

Nevertheless, a farewell down the road is not ruled out. We'll keep waiting on you Roger!

Yesterday’s Spotlight

🔝 ATP 250 Firenze Open

🇰🇿 A. Bublik / 🇨🇱 C. Garin [7/5, 6/2]

🇫🇷 R. Gasquet / 🇺🇸 B. Nakashima [2/6, 2/6]

🇧🇪 D. Goffin / 🇮🇹 F. Passaro [Cancelled]

🔝 ATP 250 Gijón Open

🇫🇷 M. Guinard / 🇮🇹 F. Fognini [4/6, 6/0, 2/0]

🇺🇸 M. Giron / 🇪🇸 A. Ramos-Viñolas [4/6, 6/4, 6/2]

🇪🇸 A. Davidovich Fokina / 🇬🇧 A. Murray [5/7, 2/6]

What’s cooking today…

🔝 ATP 250 Firenze Open

🇷🇺 A. Karatsev / 🇸🇪 M. Ymer

🇪🇸 R. Carballés Baena / 🇮🇹 M. Berrettini

🇰🇿 A. Bublik / 🇫🇷 C. Moutet

🔝 ATP 250 Gijón Open

🇪🇸 N. Alvarez Varona / 🇺🇸 T. Paul

🇧🇷 T. Monteiro / 🇪🇸 P. Carreño

🇦🇹 D. Thiem / 🇺🇸 M. Giron