TENNIS
Most recent Slam = USOpen 08/23 – final 09/13
Upcoming Tournament(s): Shanghai Masters
Asian Swing // Indoor Hard-Court Swing
SHANGHAI MASTERS: 10/07 – 10/18 ATP 1000 Tournament: Shanghai, China
Kind of a weird first two rounds..
Djokovic fell early (after winning the previous masters days ago & Cobolli choked (whats new?)
Round of 32: Jodar x Lehecka had some insane points, super aggressive and fast paced match the whole way through, very entertaining. Think Jodar needed a good win like that one to re-gain some confidence
Round of 16: Admittedly I wanted the Medvedev Tsitsipas to be a bit more entertaining given the history there ( and Stefanos consistent posting) But I was going to be happy with either outcome
This is now Jodar’s 3rd “controversial” moment of just this first breakout year for him. He is only 20, just starting his career and still behaving this way?? I’m all for the passion, aggression& know how intense the moment can get but to yell at a ball kid like that – With no experience/ presence to back the behavior up?? It’s bad either way! I really want to like him but that was a tough look today
Player Updates:
Rumor: Ferrero (Alcaraz old HC) will be coaching a ‘high profile’ player come 2027.. Seen many reports that its Jannik but given what we know about his respect/relationship with Carlos AND he already has a seasoned coach, I doubt it. I’ve also heard it could be Jodar and hoping that is the case – it seems more plausible despite the media reports
Holger Rune makes his return at Davis Cup for his country
POST USOPEN ↓
Favorite Moments of the Tournament:
1
Serena x Carlos Mixed Doubles – specifically this point of the match
2
My personal favorite match of the tournament (with no question) was Jovic V Eala – my dad and I were watching and nearly jumping off the couch and freaking out each point/ break. The fact that the girls are close friends and so young competing at this level was just contagious energy
3
Michelson x Taifoe Match – I was pulling for Michelson just because I think he played such a great tournemnt (not dropping a set the entire time). But after the brutal loss and comeback from Taifoe, the moment/hug they shared was so emotional and just a great moment from the two Americans
Key USO Takeaways:
Djokovic with an early exit in Round 1 quickly became overlooked as the tournament progressed. We haven’t heard much from him or his team but I can’t imagine this is how he ends his career. As emotional as it was, I can see him taking time off in this season to return (and maybe retire?) at the Australian Open because it is the slam he’s dominated the most in his career
The most disappointing losses on the men’s side I’d say was probably Jodar who had so much buzz coming into the tournament and moved through the rankings so fast this year – and also Taylor Fritz who crumbled after being up two sets
As for the women – the two American’s going out in the Semi’s might have been the hardest loss. Coco had admitted she didn’t play her best, which I’d agree with – but Pegula mentioned in her press conference that Sabalanka maybe played her match of the year, which I also agree with. Two totally different losses but unfortunate regardless to not get an American in the final
Rivalry: I think it is safe to say after this year that the duo of Sabalanka and Rybakina is a historic rivalry now. Sabalanka has had some seriously disappointing losses in the 2026 season (ending the year how it began – losing to Rybakina in the AUS & US Open). She makes it far nearly every slam & won the sunshine double as well – so its impossible to say she had a “bad” year – but maybe by her own standards. Making nine grand slam finals and losing five of them in a career must be devastating so I’m not buying into the sore loser narrative just yet. Regarding Rybakina – she dominated the tournament in my opinion and deserved this win. She undoubtedly has the best serve on tour and the return precision is insane – number 1 ranking absolutely deserved
The smirk Carlos gave in the tunnel at nearly 4am after losing to Shelton told me all I needed to know about his return. He proved the wrist injury is fully recovered, that he loves the competition and sport, AND that he knows he’ll have the opportunity to play so many more of these big moments in his career- I think him and his team are probably feeling really good despite the loss
Shelton played an unbelievable tournament and hard court swing. Not much he can do when Zverev was so laser focused that he didn’t even realize he won (give me a break). I know a slam is a slam – but I will be bitter forever that he had an entirely open top half of the draw. To not have to go through a single top 20 player and still have nail biting five setters against qualifiers to make the Final is utterly ridiculous. My first full year as a true fan of tennis and Zverev wins two slams……smh
If you need any clarification on who/what got me into tennis just watch this video….
(and shout-out to Alexis for the introduction to this very heated rivalry)
FAVORITE MATCHES
Alcaraz v Sinner 2025 Wimbledon Final ( duh)
Nadal v Kyrgios 2022 Indian Wells Quarterfinal
Medvedev v Alcaraz 2026 Indian Wells Semifinal
Nadal v Djokovic 2013 French Open Semifinal
NFL
Opener 09/09/26 – Super Bowl 02/14/26
Well sadly, I am living in another country where American football is essentially nonexistent & I’m a Jets fan… so naturally my interest in the NFL is dwindling BUT I still enjoy watching & do participate in my fantasy league from abroad
FANTASY TEAM – drafted Monday 08/31
QB: SF Brock Purdy (starting)/ Justin Herbert (benched)
RB: Buf James Cook
RB: TB Bucky Irving
WR: NYJ Garrett Wilson
WR: LAC Ladd McConkey
TE: Atl Kyle Pitts
FLEX: SF Mike Evans
D/ST: Denver Broncos
K: Cam Little
Do NOT get me started on my bench – the only player I think I’ll have rotating in is DK Metcalf & maybe Braelon Allen but lord knows we cannot trust the NYJ
MY GAME OF THE WEEK
WEEK 1: Bills 36 x Texans 31
Fantasy Points: 98.5 LOSS
WEEK 2: This week was cursed, I’m completely blocking it from my memory
Fantasy Points: 99.8 WIN
WEEK 3: Rams x Broncos WTF
Fantasy Points: 111.4
WEEK 4: Bills x Patriots
Fantasy Points: 83.02 LOSS
WEEK 5: Falcons x Ravens (despite that stupid ending bruh)
Fantasy Points:
PREM LEAGUE
This is completely new to me… doing my best to follow along as we go for my first season – Mostly because of how much fun I had during 2026 World Cup summer AND my move abroad.
MY SPORTS PODCASTS
Tennis Insider Club with Caro Garcia
Monday Match Analysis -Gill Gross
NFL Daily -Greg Rosenthal