2026 WTA News & Gossip

[MargaretMcAleer]

You know what made Sampras and Serena such good servers.. They Used the body serve as additional weapon. A great or good player can eventually time your big serve going down the T or to the corner of the box but the body serve usually force a block or chip return which keeps the advantage to the server if they come in behind it. Look how the Czech closed out Joao today..

I am amazed especially in todays womens game they dont use the Body Serve especially against taller players who have wing spans, it blocks them, on the whole women are better returners. Men tend to use the body serve more.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Jess Pegula over played last grass season and I'd argue it cost her at Wimbledon, came out flat vs Cocciaretto in a very weird R1 loss
This year she is not playing Bad Homburg and now out of Queens Only grass lead up will be Berlin

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I just watched a small video of Serena practicing at the Queens Club, looks in good shape I must say, though the real test will be when she actually gets on the court for a match, playing doubles is a good way to start back after being off the tour for 4 years

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I just watched a small video of Serena practicing at the Queens Club, looks in good shape I must say, though the real test will be when she actually gets on the court for a match, playing doubles is a good way to start back after being off the tour for 4 years

I was going to say that Serena definitely looked great on the practice court. It will be nice to see how well she moves during an actual match. I think a smart pairing with Mboko to start. I would be interested to see her play a singles challenger, but I don't think she would go that route.

The body serve mention was interesting because as much as we talk about Serena's serve that is probably the one serve she could have used more especially toward the tail end of her leave from tennis. I think had she been more strategic with her serve maybe some of those losses she sustained could have gone more her way or at least lost by a much closer scoreline.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I was going to say that Serena definitely looked great on the practice court. It will be nice to see how well she moves during an actual match. I think a smart pairing with Mboko to start. I would be interested to see her play a singles challenger, but I don't think she would go that route.

The body serve mention was interesting because as much as we talk about Serena's serve that is probably the one serve she could have used more especially toward the tail end of her leave from tennis. I think had she been more strategic with her serve maybe some of those losses she sustained could have gone more her way or at least lost by a much closer scoreline.

Thanks Sunday
Agree with your comments regarding Serena using the body serve more. Serena did look good at practice, looking forward to watching Serena and Vicky playing doubles together.
Before Serena asked for a wild card to Queens, Venus was granted a WC to Bad Homburg pity the tournament's schedule at the same time, I would have loved to seen the Sisters play together, still I feel they will probably hook up at Wimbledon doubles

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I also want to add I hope Serena starts practicing with the ladies on tour. I think that will help her more in gauging what she needs to do versus hitting with the guys.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I also want to add I hope Serena starts practicing with the ladies on tour. I think that will help her more in gauging what she needs to do versus hitting with the guys.

Agree, seeing she has been off the tour for 4 years, practicing with ladies on the tour would be more beneficial

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Hailey Baptiste has had the operation to repair her ACL on her left knee from the injury she occurred at Roland Garros
Wishing her a successful recovery!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sunday,,

It you are around, Serena has added Berlin to her schedule, as yet her doubles partner has not been confirmed, tournament begins on June 15