Lessons from the Miami Open

Miami Open

Lessons from the Tournament

Sunshine, tennis and tequila—our crew’s mission last week at the Miami Open. While we overachieved in the latter (which is why this is a day late), I’d go back for more tennis in a heartbeat, it was so damn good.

What did I learn from my time in Miami Gardens? Two things:

Returning the Return

The pros are incredible at returning serve. They routinely send 130 mph serves zipping back over the net, landing their returns just inches inside the baseline.

But what really blew me away was the next shot. The best players don’t just absorb these blistering returns—they handle them with pinpoint precision, allowing them to stay in control (or at least neutral) in the rally.

I can’t emphasize enough how hard this shot is. Since the return is coming in so fast, making clean contact requires perfect timing. And when the return lands deep, players have to shorten their swing and rely on what we call “hand skills”—the ability to make micro-adjustments to the racket face, swing path, and grip strength to produce a quality shot.

And just making it over the net isn’t enough. Players have to keep this shot low to force the returner to hit up on the next ball, limiting their ability to hit the ball hard. If you float it, you’re toast.

So next time you watch a match, look for this shot. It’s what separates the Top 100 from the rest of the scrubs world. Notice how tough it is—and how effortlessly the pros make it look. It’s jaw dropping.

The Future is Fonseca

If you don’t know Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, you’ll want to add him to your roster of favorite players now. Drop Taylor Fritz if you have to make space.

Last Thursday, I watched his first round match against American Learner Tien. While the tournament is on American soil, this was overwhelmingly a home game for Fonseca. His fan base, called the “Fonsequizados”, were decked out in bright yellow shirts and caused an earthquake every time he won a big point. They even turned his name into a synchronized chant, making the match feel more like a European soccer game.

What makes this kid so special? His game is electric. At just 18, he’s got a cannon of a forehand, and often cranks the ball north of 100 mph off that wing. He’s consistently winning matches against Top 50 players, including a Top 10 win over Andrey Rublev earlier this year. And many (including me) believe he has the game to beat the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and hoist multiple Grand Slam trophies.

TLDR: $100 on Fonseca to win a slam by 2028

Trivia

By wearing a Rolex during her matches, this WTA legend started the trend of sporting expensive watches while playing. She won 7 Grand Slams and Olympic Gold (2004) with the ice on her wrist. Which player was it?

A. Justine Henin

B. Lindsay Davenport

C. Martina Hingis

D. Maria Sharapova

Find out at the bottom!

Meet the Player

Jack Draper

From: Great Britain 🇬🇧

Best Slam Result: Semis (2024 US Open)

Career High Ranking: 7

Fun Fact: Avoids the ocean at all cost because he’s afraid of sharks

Game Analysis: Don’t be fooled by the tenderhearted man-child making flower bracelets for Vogue. The 23 year old lefty is a ferocious competitor armed with big everything — serve, forehand, and backhand. Draper hits both huge and with a crazy amount of spin on his forehand, a combo that makes playing him a nightmare for most righties.

Career Prediction: Draper has the game to win a grand slam. That said, fitness is his biggest weakness. If he can figure out how to close up his sweat glands and not puke on court, there’s a slam with his name on it.

Memes

Hell is two straight Sundays without a runny yolk on my avo toast

Answer

A. Justine Henin

I hear that ice on your wrist goes straight to your veins when playing. If someone would lend me their Rolex to see if that’s true, they’d be supporting a great cause.