Last Monday I wrote that February is one long, slow drift back to the game for the top players, as they recover from their efforts during the Australian swing and prepare for the rigors of the U.S. Masters events in March. This week, the last of the month, that drift will be complete on the men’s side when the last two hold-outs, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, make their tour returns in Dubai. Nothing so momentous will happen on the women's side. For the WTA, which reached its February pinnacle last week, also in Dubai, this will mostly be a time of rest before everyone gathers again in Indian Wells, and the first signs of tennis’s spring begin.
The Week in Preview: Dubai, Acapulco, Sao Paulo
By Feb 24, 2014WTA Stuttgart, Germany
Iga Swiatek beats Emma Raducanu in Stuttgart quarters while Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff lose
By Apr 19, 2024ATP Barcelona, Spain
Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas reach Barcelona semis, one step away from another title clash
By Apr 19, 2024WTA Stuttgart, Germany
Marta Kostyuk earns best win by ranking against Coco Gauff in Stuttgart quarterfinals
By Apr 19, 2024Football star Reggie Bush is now a tennis dad
By Apr 19, 2024ATP Barcelona, Spain
Stefanos Tsitsipas climbs Barcelona "mountain" after saving match points to edge Diaz Acosta
By Apr 19, 2024Style Points
Zendaya pays tribute to the Williams sisters in Carolina Herrera gown and white beads
By Apr 19, 2024WTA Stuttgart, Germany
Iga Swiatek defeats Emma Raducanu, extends Stuttgart win streak into semifinals
By Apr 19, 2024Anti-Doping & Corruption
Tennis umpire banned for life for manipulating scores and gambling
By Apr 19, 2024ATP Munich, Germany
Cristian Garin repeats history by ousting Alexander Zverev in Munich quarterfinals
By Apr 19, 2024The Week in Preview: Dubai, Acapulco, Sao Paulo
Looking ahead at five tour events, and the return of Djokovic and
Published Feb 24, 2014