Taking Steps

Indian Wells is underway, in autumn, after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, but the big story this week is the ATP’s revelation that they’ve begun an investigation into the abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev. It’s a year or so too late, but it’s a big step nonetheless. That’s the theme of this episode -- steps, mostly in the right direction, as small and plodding as they might be. We also talk about some recent results, persistent vaccine hesitancy among tennis players, the WTA’s race to its new Finals site in Guadalajara, and the ATP’s survey of players on their attitudes toward LGBTQ issues.    1:30 Cute results: Muguruza wins Chicago; both she and Jabeur get closer to the WTA Finals 9:25 Kim Clijsters’ comeback continues 13:10 Ruud works on his hardcourt bona fides; Sinner wins title #4 in his young career 19:30 Previewing Indian Wells: where have all the top boys gone 26:50 The ATP announces that it has begun an investigation into the Olya Sharypova accusations -- why was Laver Cup not mentioned in the press release? Oh, and that injunction doesn’t mean what AZ thinks it means  37:00 Mary Carillo’s decision to quit her Laver Cup broadcasting gig -- why we need prominent people to take a stand 44:30 Aryna Sabalenka - positive for COVID, out of Indian Wells 47:10 Will the Australian Open be off-limits for the unvaccinated? 58:30 Remember that gay survey players mentioned at the US Open? Well, it happened!