🎾 BREAKING: Djokovic Announces Shock Retirement

Happy Tuesday and APRIL FOOLS! Novak Djokovic is here to stay, did we get you? Miami showcased both established force and new star power as Sabalenka finally captured her first title there while teenager Menšík stunned Djokovic in a two-set thriller.

In this week's newsletter:

• 🤯 Menšík Stuns His Hero to Claim First Title

• 🎾 Weekly Roundup: Kasatkina’s New Flag & Messi’s Tennis Appearance

• 🌴 Miami Champion Sabalenka Ready for Clay Season

🧠 Tennis Trivia Challenge 🧠

Think you know your tennis? Take a swing at this week’s question!

🤯 Menšík Stuns His Hero to Claim First Title 🤯

The unseeded 19-year old Jakub Menšík stormed through the Miami Open, defeating Indian Wells champion Jack Draper in the second round and No. 3 seed Taylor Fritz in the semifinals. Menšík’s path to the title showcased his massive serve and a perfect 7-0 record in tiebreakers, making him just the ninth-youngest ATP Masters 1000 champion in history and the second-youngest ever in Miami, behind only Carlos Alcaraz.

Menšík faced his idol, Novak Djokovic, in Sunday's rain-delayed final. The teenager, who took up tennis because of Djokovic, found himself across the net from the 37-year-old legend, who was seeking his 100th career title. The match featured the largest age gap in a Masters 1000 final since the series began in 1990. Despite the fans chanting "Novak!" throughout the match, Menšík stayed focused on the opportunity of a lifetime rather than the intimidating presence across the net.

Menšík put on a serving clinic against tennis's greatest returner, racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set and blasting 14 aces. The 6-foot-4 Czech captured the championship with back-to-back tiebreak wins, 7-6(4), 7-6(4). His poise under pressure outmatched Djokovic's experience. After sealing the win with an unreturned serve, the teen collapsed on his back in disbelief, then told his childhood hero during the trophy ceremony, "I started playing tennis because of you."

🎾 Weekly Roundup: Kasatkina’s New Flag & Messi’s Tennis Appearance 🎾 

Daria Kasatkina announces she will represent Australia after her permanent residency application was accepted. The world No. 12, who has competed as a neutral athlete since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, plans to settle in Melbourne.

Andrey Rublev adds former world No. 1 Marat Safin to his coaching team for the clay court season. The two-time Grand Slam champion will work alongside Rublev's longtime coach Fernando Vicente as the world No. 9 looks to snap a three-match losing streak and regain his form after winning in Doha in February.

Lionel Messi attends the Miami Open semifinals, watching Novak Djokovic defeat Grigor Dimitrov from a courtside suite. Jakub Menšík humorously revealed he didn't wash his hand after shaking Messi's, calling it "probably the key" for his upset victory over Taylor Fritz.

Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić became the sixth men’s doubles team to complete the “Sunshine Double,” winning both Indian Wells and Miami, defeating Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. Meanwhile, Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider captured the women’s title by beating Cristina Bucsa and Miya Kato, marking their second WTA doubles title as a team.

Tim Henman has been named Team Europe vice captain for the 2025 Laver Cup, replacing Thomas Enqvist. He'll work alongside captain Yannick Noah as they face Team World's Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter in San Francisco this September.

🌴 Miami Champion Sabalenka Ready for Clay Season 🌴

Aryna Sabalenka secured her first Miami Open title on Saturday with a dominant 7-5, 6-2 victory over Jessica Pegula. The Belarusian claimed her second title of 2025 behind powerful groundstrokes, hitting 22 forehand winners on her way to the $1.1 million prize. The win snapped a frustrating finals losing streak after runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Indian Wells. Despite their intensifying rivalry, Pegula acknowledged Sabalenka's dominance during the trophy ceremony, joking she really didn't want to like her, but recognized she’s "the best player in the world for a reason."

Sabalenka now shifts focus to the clay season, aiming to challenge Iga Świątek's reign. Though she has reached seven clay finals and won two titles, she holds a 1-5 record against Świątek on the surface. However, her improved movement and greater use of slice and drop shots could tip the scales this year. With her career-best semifinal finish at Roland-Garros, Sabalenka is eager to take the next step, confident she has "everything to be a good player on clay courts."

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