About this episode
Lucy and Eugene talk about what they’ve been up to, including applying for Wimbledon 2023 accreditation, interviewing Erick Mathelier ( Furi Sports co-founder) and also touch on Wimbledon’s decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players. Alycia Parks’ stunned in Lyon beat top seed Caroline Garcia in the final to claim her biggest title to date (WTA 250). Since then she’s been experimenting with her set-up – was working with Jarmere Jenkins during the Sunshine Double as well as strength and conditioning trainer Josh Evenden . Coco Gauff’s been going along nicely – reached a few quarter-finals, won a couple doubles titles with Jessica Pegula too including Miami where Taylor Townsend and Leylah Fernandez were fellow finalists. Robin Montgomery secured her first win on the WTA Tour in Miami and then faced Madison Keys in the second round where she put up a good fight. Clervie Ngounoue won the prestigious girls’ event in Indian Wells. Ngounoue also won the doubles event with partner Qavia Lopez . Arthur Fils is about to crack the top 100 after making back-to-back semi-finals at ATP 250 level – picked up some big wins en route including one over Stanislas Wawrinka. Young Frenchman is such a joy to watch. Christopher Eubanks was the story in Miami and is now a top 100 player for the first time after a career fortnight at the Masters 1000 event where he reached the quarter-finals after coming through qualifying. Was very emotional after the win that confirmed his place in top 100. Frances Tiafoe reached his first Masters 1000 semi-final in Indian Wells – didn’t drop a set en route before going down 5-7, 6-7 to eventual runner-up Daniil Medvedev. Jill Smoller also has him signing all the endorsement deals too and rightly so. Felix Auger-Aliassime , defending champ in Rotterdam, reached the quarters – lost to eventual champion Medvedev. Went on to reach the semis in Qatar the following week where he lost to Medvedev again who went on to win the tournament. Gael Monfils returned to the tour in the US after seven months away due to a foot injury. Lost in the first round in Indian Wells and was forced to retire from his first-round match in Miami due to a wrist injury. To close, we quickly preview clay-court events in Charleston, Houston, Estoril and Marrakech. Don't forget to subscribe and share your comments. #BlackSpinGlobal