Welcome to the Monday Tennis Briefing from The Athletic, where we delve into the key stories from the past week in tennis.
This week saw a dramatic match point in 2025, the WTA Tour demonstrating its depth, and echoes of past tennis temptations reemerging.
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A Perfectly Chaotic Match Point for Two Titans
A match between Corentin Moutet, known for his underarm serves, and the versatile Daniil Medvedev typically includes strategic plays, unexpected shots, and lengthy rallies. Therefore, it was fitting that their quarterfinal at the D.C. Open was filled with all these elements.
Interrupted by a lightning storm and characterized by sweltering conditions, the match resumed with Moutet ahead 1-6, 6-4, 5-4. Medvedev struggled with his serve, committing three double faults, which gave Moutet a chance to clinch the victory. Although Moutet failed to convert two match points, the third attempt unfolded with trademark unpredictability from both players.
Medvedev seemed to save another match point, luring Moutet to the net with a drop shot. However, a net cord mishap turned the tide, allowing Moutet to respond with a brilliant lob-volley, leading to a dramatic conclusion. Despite Moutet’s struggles to finish the point, he ultimately triumphed with an angled backhand volley that caught Medvedev off-guard.
As the match concluded, Medvedev displayed frustration, smashing his racket and water bottle, adding an explosive end to a chaotic but thrilling match.
WTA Tour Highlights Its Depth in D.C.
While facing elite players is inevitable at Grand Slams and top-tier events, the WTA Tour’s 500-level competitions reveal just how pervasive talent is, especially in the weeks following majors. This was evident at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., which unfolded without top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff.
The absence of these stars paved the way for Jessica Pegula to shine, but she was upset by Leylah Fernandez, a Grand Slam finalist, in a thrilling three-set clash. On the opposite side, Emma Navarro faced Maria Sakkari, a consistent top-10 competitor, who then played an outstanding match against Fernandez, showcasing the tournament’s exciting matchups.
The action continued as Fernandez battled to a nail-biting semifinal with 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, ultimately overcoming the challenge and winning her first WTA 500 title against Anna Kalinskaya in the finals.
Unfulfilled Title Aspirations
In both finals at the D.C. Open, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Kalinskaya faced disappointing outcomes, leaving them still searching for their first tour titles. Kalinskaya, fresh off a stellar semifinal performance, struggled against Fernandez, failing to find her rhythm in the final.
On the men’s side, Davidovich Fokina suffered a similar fate, leading against Alex de Minaur before losing crucial championship points, leaving him frustrated once again.
Taylor Townsend Achieves Doubles Milestone
At 29, Taylor Townsend has reached the pinnacle of doubles, recently winning her third title of the year with partner Zhang Shuai. After a solid week in singles, where she advanced to the quarterfinals, Townsend is now ranked No. 75 in singles, although her ranking is a hurdle for her upcoming U.S. Open participation.
Despite the challenges, she and Ben Shelton are hoping for a wild card entry to compete together at the Grand Slam, seeking their chance at the $1 million prize.
🏆 This Week’s Winners
🎾 ATP:
🏆 Alex de Minaur (7) defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (12) 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(3) at the Citi D.C. Open (500). It’s his first title of 2025.
🏆 Luciano Darderi (2) triumphed over Carlos Taberner 6-3, 6-3 at the Croatia Open Umag (250).
🏆 Alexander Bublik (1) won against Arthur Cazaux 6-4, 6-3 at the Austrian Kitzbühel Open (250).
🎾 WTA:
🏆 Leylah Fernandez defeated Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 to win the Citi D.C. Open (500).
🏆 Marie Bouzkova (5) came back to beat Linda Nosková (1) 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 at the Prague Open (250).
📈📉 On the Rise / Down the Line
📈 Taylor Townsend rises to No. 75 in singles rankings.
📈 Alex de Minaur climbs back into the top 10, moving to No. 8.
📈 Leylah Fernandez returns to the top 30, jumping to No. 24.
📉 Francisco Cerúndolo drops to No. 24.
📉 Magda Linette falls to No. 34.
📉 Matteo Berrettini tumbles to No. 57.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎾 ATP:
📍Toronto: Canadian Open (1,000) featuring Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz.
🎾 WTA:
📍Montreal: Canadian Open (1,000) featuring Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek.
Let us know your thoughts on this week’s highlights as both tours continue to unfold.
(Top photo: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
