Who Needs Cartilage?

Not this guy. Rohan Bopanna became the oldest world number 1 in tennis history after winning the Australian Open Men’s Doubles title at the age of 43. Bopanna, who says he has no cartilage left in his knees, attributes much of his recent success to taking up yoga. “It not only strengthens my body, but I also think it has made me calmer on the tennis court.” Zooming out, it is truly remarkable that someone at the age of 43 is the best in the world at a game the requires power, speed, and lightning fast reflexes. Now Siri, please find yoga classes near me.

The Biggest Battle 

“I might appear locked in, but trust me there’s a storm inside. The biggest battle is always within. I have doubts and fears every match. But the difference between those who achieve the greatest heights and the ones who are struggling to is the ability to not stay in those emotions for too long.” - Novak Djokovic on mental strength. Full interview here.

A Statement from Division III Tennis

Vishwa Aduru, senior at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio, recently beat world #785 Justin Roberts in the first round of qualies at the Cleveland Challenger Tournament. Watch match point here. Aduru’s win is a reflection of the rising level across Division III college tennis, where top programs not only offer great educations, but also stellar tennis programs. Hopefully Aduru’s win isn’t just a flash in the pan, and that D3 players on the pro tour become a consistent sight.

Tiny Thought

NBA players always debate who’d win between the 1995-96 Bulls and the best teams today (Lebron in Miami, Curry/Durant at GSW, etc..) That got me thinking, would prime 14-time major champion Pete Sampras have a chance against Djokovic? Or would prime Serena have a chance against whoever is world number 1 in 2040? With better training, equipment, coaching, nutrition, and data, is tennis continuously getting better?

Thanks for reading!

DP 🤠