Holiday Unwrapping: The perfect present for tennis' most notable names
The time has come for chestnuts roasting on an open fire and opening presents. As we approach Christmas Day we took the time to award a few gifts.
With the holiday season upon us, the time has come to award gifts to tennis notables. Herein, just a few.
1. ATP and WTA
Permanent mutual Zoom account for instant contact.
2. The Original Nine
July trip to Newport, Rhode Island, for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame
3. Naomi Osaka
Given how well she has thrived in the global arena, an invitation to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games.
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4. Garbine Muguruza
Over the last 14 months, Muguruza has climbed one of the world’s highest mountains and also participated in “Stories from Tomorrow,” a literacy program. Her gift: a first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s classic tale, The Snows of Kilimanjaro.
5. Simona Halep
To take advantage of the openings she so often creates with her groundstrokes -- a volley (emphasis on drop or angle).
6. Ons Jabeur
TED talk gig, addressing business executives on “The Art of Creative Disruption.”
7. Bianca Andreescu
Clean bill of health.
8. Alize Cornet, Andrea Petkovic, Gilles Simon, Fabio Fognini
A translator, who can help each of these distinct personalities bring out English language versions of their books (though word has it that Petkovic is already putting in the hard yards herself).
9. Roger Federer
Holiday screening of matches won by fellow elegant greats, Ken Rosewall and Pancho Gonzales, each of whom won many matches past the age of 40. Suggested opener: 41-year-old Gonzales’ 1969 Wimbledon battle with Charlie Pasarell, a two-day, five-hour and 12-minute epic where Gonzales fought off seven match points and ended up winning by the unrepeatable score of 22-24, 1-6, 16-14, 6-3, 11-9.
10. Novak Djokovic & Vasek Pospisil
Consulting sessions with Chris Paul and Michele Roberts, president and executive director of the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association).
11. Rafael Nadal
Twenty jars of his beloved confection, Nutella (one for each Slam).
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12. Daniil Medvedev
In hopes of improving his 0-6 five-set record, training sessions with fitness guru Gil Reyes.
13. Alexander Zverev
Three Zoom calls with Andre Agassi to build and master a reliable kick serve.
14. Diego Schwartzman
The “People’s Choice” trophy that for so long resided on David Ferrer’s mantle.
15. Stefanos Tsitsipas
Cameras, notepads, pens and an anthology of quotes from great philosophers, so he can continue chronicling his tennis journey.
16. ATP & WTA doubles teams
Colorful matching outfits, complete with names on the back.
17. Rod Laver
Gift certificate for Tavern in the Square, a Boston-based pub located near the TD Garden, site of the 2021 Laver Cup.
18. World Team Tennis
Sponsorship deal with Coco Krispies, celebrating shot of the year, a toasty forehand return winner struck by Coco Vandeweghe that clinched the championship for her New York Empire squad.