Be Brave

It's not officially a Slam until Jelena Djokovic accuses Naomi Osaka of being so nasty and so rude while Jelena’s husband narrowly avoids a default for something completely of his own making (again). Anyway, how was your first week??? The Australian Open has given us some exciting breakouts (Jovic, Bartunkova, Tien again) and a marquee quarterfinal lineup, with the top 6 men and women through for the first time in the Open Era. Osaka reminded us who she is – and what tennis is missing – with her audacious walk-out jellyfish look. But to be serious for a minute, American players are being asked to speak during this unprecedented and dangerous period in our history, and most are failing miserably. It's time to be brave. 3:45 A historically great quarterfinal lineup 5:45 Highlights of the first week of the men’s draw 11:30 The extreme heat rule: Jannik gets lucky, but it’s not unfair  18:35 Women’s first week: Mboko and Jovic break out; Sabalenka sails; Iga wants a day session, dammit 32:05 The Osaka-Cirstea dustup + a Dramatic Reading 45:25 American players, it’s time to be brave 57:25 It’s fashion! God forbid a girl wants to be a jellyfish!  66:15 Lulu, K-Swiss, New Balance, and a shoulder blade