As the tennis calendar shifts into full rhythm after the Australian Open, the tour delivered drama both on and off the court. From player complaints about tournament conditions to career milestones, emotional breakthroughs, and unexpected relocations, here is a comprehensive look at the most important stories from the past week in professional tennis.
Rotterdam Controversy: Players Criticize the Balls
The ATP 500 event in Rotterdam became an unexpected talking point — not because of match results, but because of the balls used during the tournament.
Daniil Medvedev was the first to publicly criticize the Head balls provided for competition, describing them in colorful terms and suggesting they were difficult to control. His comments quickly gained traction.
However, the issue did not remain isolated. Several players echoed similar concerns, including eventual champion Alex de Minaur.
De Minaur explained that the balls felt “dead” and were hard to control, particularly during extended rallies. According to him, they seemed to favor players with heavy spin and powerful serves rather than those relying on precision and timing.
Ball consistency has become a recurring discussion on tour in recent seasons. Players frequently note how small variations in ball characteristics — pressure retention, felt texture, bounce behavior — can meaningfully impact match dynamics, especially on indoor hard courts.
The Rule of Three: Persistence Pays Off
An interesting pattern emerged across multiple tournaments this week — success on the third attempt.
Alex de Minaur (Rotterdam)
After losing the Rotterdam final in 2024 to Jannik Sinner and again in 2025 to Carlos Alcaraz, de Minaur finally captured the title on his third try. The victory marked a significant mental milestone for the Australian, who has steadily evolved into one of the most consistent hard-court players on tour.
Karolina Muchova (Doha)
Karolina Muchova won her first WTA 1000 title in Doha — in her third final at this level. For a player widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted competitors on tour, it was only the second WTA title of her career. Her first came back in 2019.
Given her Roland Garros final appearance and multiple Grand Slam semifinals, Muchova’s career has often been defined more by potential and resilience than by trophy count. Doha may represent a turning point in converting elite performance into tangible titles.
Francisco Cerúndolo (Buenos Aires)
Francisco Cerúndolo also secured a title on his third attempt in Buenos Aires. In doing so, he ended Luciano Darderi’s impressive 17-match clay-court winning streak, reinforcing Argentina’s continued presence as a clay-court force.
Ben Shelton’s Emotional Win in Dallas
Ben Shelton captured his fourth career ATP title in Dallas after an intense week of three-set battles. Four of his five matches went the distance.
In the semifinals, Shelton survived a deciding tiebreak against Denis Shapovalov. In the final, he saved three match points against Taylor Fritz before completing the comeback.
The physical effort was evident. During the trophy ceremony, Shelton embraced his girlfriend, Trinity Rodman — one of the most prominent figures in women’s football — who jokingly protested after being drenched in sweat.
Moments like these highlight Shelton’s growing profile not only as a competitor, but as one of the tour’s emerging personalities.
Novak Djokovic Relocates to Greece
Off the court, Novak Djokovic made headlines with reports of relocating to Greece.
The Serbian champion has reportedly purchased property there and was seen meeting with Greek officials during the week. When asked about the move, Djokovic stated that he feels “like a Greek,” though he acknowledged that learning the language will take time.
His remarks were lighthearted but also revealing. Djokovic emphasized that his main goals this season are to remain healthy and happy — a pragmatic focus as he balances late-career ambitions with long-term planning, including the upcoming Olympic cycle.
Relocations among elite players are not uncommon, often tied to lifestyle considerations, tax structures, training environments, or family priorities.
Alina Korneeva Wins Career-Defining Title
Alina Korneeva claimed the biggest title of her professional career at a WTA 125 event in Oeiras, Portugal.
The 2023 Australian Open junior champion — who defeated Mirra Andreeva in that final — has progressed more gradually on the senior tour. However, this title lifts her to world No. 131, placing her within realistic reach of the top 100.
Her development suggests steady adaptation rather than explosive ascent — a pathway often more sustainable over the long term.
Teenagers Return to the Top 10
Mirra Andreeva is no longer the only teenager inside the WTA top 10.
Nineteen-year-old Victoria Mboko joined her after reaching the Doha final. Just one year ago, the Canadian was ranked outside the top 200 — an extraordinary rise that underscores the accelerating generational shift in women’s tennis.
The last time two teenagers simultaneously occupied the WTA top 10 was in 2009 (Victoria Azarenka and Caroline Wozniacki). Both eventually became Grand Slam champions and world No. 1s.
Notably, Andreeva lost to Mboko in Doha despite holding match points. Cameras captured her visibly emotional afterward — a reminder that rapid ascent often brings new layers of expectation and pressure.
Veterans Continue to Defy Time
Experience remains a powerful asset on tour.
Marin Cilic (37)
Cilic reached the semifinals in Dallas and is set to return to the top 50 for the first time since 2023. His resurgence reflects careful scheduling and intelligent match management.
Stan Wawrinka (40)
Wawrinka, competing in what is widely expected to be his final season, defeated 17-year-old Thijs Boogaard in Rotterdam — a 23-year age difference. Only one larger age gap has been recorded in ATP history.
Following results in Australia and Rotterdam, Wawrinka is projected to return to the top 100 — a remarkable achievement at 40.
Alexander Bublik Reaches 200 Career Wins
Alexander Bublik reached the milestone of 200 ATP match victories en route to the Rotterdam semifinals.
His path was dramatic: he broke Hubert Hurkacz while the Pole served for the match, defeated Jan-Lennard Struff — historically a difficult matchup — and survived a deciding tiebreak against Jaume Munar.
By the semifinals, however, physical reserves appeared depleted. Still, crossing the 200-win mark reinforces Bublik’s status as one of the tour’s most unpredictable yet resilient competitors.
Looking Ahead
With Masters-level events gaining momentum and the clay season approaching, the post-Australian Open recalibration phase is clearly ending. Young talents continue rising, veterans refuse to fade quietly, and off-court narratives remain as compelling as match results.
For more in-depth news, analysis, and updates on the world’s top tennis players, visit our tennis news section, where we cover the latest stories from the ATP and WTA Tours.
