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“A 19 year old named Rafael Hodar showed up and reminded everyone why Spanish tennis doesn't stay quiet for long. Born and raised literally 12 kilometers from the Madrid open courts, Hodar came back from a set down to beat Yesper De Jong two six seven five six four in two and a half hours. With that win, he became just the third Spaniard to earn a main draw win in Madrid before turning 20. He's now at a career high of 42 in the world after winning his first ATP title in Marrakesh earlier this month and reaching the Barcelona semis last week.”

“In 2026, there's an elephant in the room, or more accurately, an elephant not in the room. Fan Zhendong, the reigning Olympic singles champion and the sport's biggest star is not competing for China. His absence has ignited speculation online that there's tension between Fan and the Federation. He actually withdrew from the ITTF world rankings entirely after Paris to avoid fines for non participation. Despite his absence, China's men are still the heavy favorites. They're chasing their twelfth consecutive title.”

“If you weren't watching the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday, you missed a clinic in why tennis is having a moment. Known as the Oscars of sport, the Laureus Awards gather the biggest names in global athletics once a year to honor excellence. Carlos Alcarez won the World Sportsman of the Year. Irina Sabalenka won the World Sportswoman of the Year. Both accepted their awards in Madrid just days before the Madrid Open draw came out.”

“On Tuesday, Anz Jabeur announced the birth of her son, Elian Kamun, born April 20. Jabeur shared the news on Instagram with a message, a tiny miracle, a lifetime of love, alongside a photo of her and husband Kareem cradling their boy. The tennis world immediately flooded her comments. Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu, Alina Svitolina, Leila Fernandez, Paola Badosa, Billie Jean King, the list goes on. They all showed up. Jabeur has confirmed her plans to return.”

“On Wednesday, Roberto Bautista Agut played his final match at Caja Magica, and the crowd gave it right back to him. The 38 year old Spaniard, who announced his retirement at the end of this season just last week, lost his first round match to Argentina's Thiago Agustin Terrante, six two six four. But the score line was, in the words of the tournament itself, completely secondary. After the match, tournament directors Feliciano Lopez and Gabriin Muguruza, two legends of Spanish tennis in their own right, joined him on court to present a commemorative plaque. His wife Anna and sons Roberto Junior and Lucas were there. It was, by all accounts, the kind of farewell that players dream about and rarely get.”

“Camilla Giorgi, the Italian former world number 26, announced that she is expecting her first child with her husband, former ATP player Andreas Pizzuti. Giorgi retired from tennis in 2024 without so much as a goodbye tweet. But earlier this week, she responded to a few fan questions on Instagram stories confirming her plans for a 2027 return. For those who need a recap, Georgie's exit was one of the stranger stories in recent years. Her name appeared on the ITIA's retired players list without any announcement. Then came reports out of Italy alleging she and her family had fled to Argentina to avoid tax collectors. Allegations she has denied.”

“On Wednesday, the WTA confirmed that CEO Portia Archer has stepped down effective Monday, April 20, right at the end of her initial contract and ahead of renewal talks. The news came through a memo from WTA chair Valerie Camilla to staff, members, and stakeholders, which was then shared publicly. No reason was given for the departure. In her note, Camilla credited Archer with expanding the tour into new markets, pushing player first initiatives, enhancing safeguarding standards, and driving tech innovation.”

“Multilingual, charismatic, commanding the room. Is there anything this guy isn't good at? I'd like to know so I can feel better about myself.”