Rafa is BACK

That’s right! After missing most of the 2023 season due to a hip injury, and pulling out of last month’s Australian Open, Nadal is making his return at Indian Wells this coming week.

A few things we’ve missed about Rafa:

• His meticulous routines, like gently placing his hair back behind his ears and untangling his wedgie before serving, and the way he never steps on lines as we walks to and from change-overs

• His fighting spirit

• Every few minutes going, “how the hell did he win that point?” because of the insane defensive skills, foot speed and shot-making ability he possesses

Nadal has said that this is likely his last year on the tour. The 22 time Grand Slam champ has redefined “leaving it all out there”, and the sport owes him a ton for it. Hopefully he can give the young guys a run for their money, stay healthy, and then leave the sport on his own terms.

My Highest World Ranking: PIFteen

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) secured a multi-year partnership with the ATP this week. What does this mean? Through 2027, the PIF will be the official naming sponsor of the ATP Rankings, and partner with major events like Indian Wells, Miami, The World Tour Finals, and more.

Quick Thoughts & Questions:

1. It seems like the PIF learned from its recent attempt to move (read buy) PGA players to its exclusive league, LIV, which caused major uproar in 2023. Instead, it has merely opened the door for itself to host more tournaments in the Middle East, and attract more top players with hefty appearance fees and higher prize money.

2. How will this partnership affect the pay gap between ATP and WTA players? Will the WTA get an investment like this anytime soon?

Want more opinion on this partnership? Former World No 1. Andy Roddick gives his two cents, how it may impact a players’ tournament schedule, and much more on his new podcast called Served. Episode here.

Around the Tours

• Coco Gauff was nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough Player of the Year. Iga was also nominated for Sportswoman of the Year. See all nominations here.

• Medvedev added former world No. 6 Gilles Simon to his coaching team. The final exam for Simon? Tactics on 16 players Medvedev doesn’t like to play. See the press release.

• Jamie Murray feels like doubles is losing its value on the tour

• Many players have complained about the court conditions at the Chile Open (ATP 250). I don’t blame them, check out this awful bounce.

• $150,000 - that’s the cost for a 1 hour lesson with Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz (woah). Check out this hilarious video of what that will get you from former world No. 11 Sam Querrey (includes doing your laundry)

There’s a ton of tournament results, player stories and more that happened over the last two weeks that aren’t in this edition. That’s what happens when you follow a global sport with weekly tournaments! That said, we’re moving into a stretch of two big ones in friendly time-zones, Indian Wells and Miami. My eyes will be glued to the tv.

Thanks for reading!

DP 🤠

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