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Tsonga returns to form in Montpellier

AP

By Editorial Team

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga has let the ATP Tour know that he is back in full form after winning his first title in over a year against countryman Peirre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-2 at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.

This result is good news for Tsonga fans after having to miss seven months of the 2018 season due to left knee surgery in April. Jo-Wilfred was in great form in 2017 with multiple titles including his most recent prior title in Antwerp. Now it seems that he has been able to find his game and fully recover both physically and mentally.

With a ATP ranking of 210, Tsonga (picking up 250 ATP points in France this week) should be able to quickly rise among the ranks and finish the year within the top 50 giving him a chance to compete for a major grand slam title. After multiple semi-final appearances, Tsonga is training with much more intensity to accomplish his goal of lifting the big trophy later in this Summer/Fall season.

Next up for Tsonga is the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament where he faces qualifier Thomas Fabbiano of Italy in the first round on February 12th.

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2021 Calabasas Championships

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Battle of the ages: Venus vs. CoCo

Getty Images / BTM Group

By Editorial Team

In addition to becoming the youngest player to enter the main draw of Wimbledon via qualifying, Cori “CoCo” Gauff has earned a prim-time match-up against one of the greatest grass court players of all time in the first round of play.

This match is not only a first, but also a sharp contrast of current generation talent versus veteran grand slam champion. Venus just turned 39 this month and must now face the 15 year old dynamo that goes by CoCo making this a true battle of the ages. Ironically, as in a Hollywood movie, these two are respectively the oldest and youngest players in the tournament.

Venus can sure respect Cori’s hustle in advancing her career at the ripe age of 15. Venus shares a similar start, but was able to win 5 Wimbledon titles with the last win in 2008.

Coming off of a great 2017 season, Venus (unseeded this year) has struggled lately with injuries and fatigue late in matches. This year has not rolled out favorably for Venus after several on-off coaching relationships and hitting partners. Taking on a more independent role of seasoned veteran, Venus is going at it alone on tour. She has a strong management team in place, but they appear to be more assistants than highly experienced coaches giving her instruction.

In contrast, Cori has a tight-knit team around her not to mention her father as head coach. There have been several assistants offering advice, but Corey remains the largest influence on Cori’s progress.

Progress is exactly what they have made – and in short record time. Just last year Cori was making her way toward the Roehamption Championship title as the world’s number one ranked junior. It seems as if Cori has a trusting relationship with her Dad and is able to take constructive criticism in stride. Hard work has been Cori’s mantra since the beginning of her junior career, and that hard work and preparation has landed her here at Wimbledon with a main draw match against Venus Williams.

The odds heavily favor Venus, but nothing is out of the question for Cori. Given the fact that she has played each qualifying round with a “nothing to lose” attitude, it can only be assumed that she will continue to do the same in her first round match.

The big stage is also a factor as Cori has not played on such a large WTA Tour center court yet in her career. This will definitely be a learning experience for Cori. It may be a little ambitious to expect Cori to figure out the atmosphere and surroundings all within a 2 out of 3 match. Cori is undefeated at Roehamption (ITF Juniors and WTA Qualifying), but it remains to be seen if she can muster a win against a declining, but a still very capable Venus Williams on her favorite surface.

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Dustin Brown vs Felix Auger Aliassime Highlights STUTTGART 2019

ATP Tour

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