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- 👟 Big shoes to fill
👟 Big shoes to fill
+ PLUS: Davis Cup day two wrap-up and best supplements you can legally take

Hey hey, it’s the daily serve here. We’re the daily newsletter that just like when you hit a net cord winner, you’re secretly happy you got it.
Here’s what we’re serving up today:
👟 Big shoes to fill: Players and their playing kids
🌯 DC wrap-up: Davis Cup day two results
💊 Supplements: Which are the best for tennis?
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👟 Big shoes to fill
Growing up in the shadow of your parents is difficult, especially if they are Grand Slam champions - worse if they are a GOAT. But for many player turn parent it is a natural choice to pass the game on to your young one. Recently several ex-players kids have been making some headlines. Let’s take a look huh?
Roger Federer’s twin boys are now at the Rafael Nadal's academy.
Two years ago, the 20-time Grand Slam champion joked that he would be sending his children to the Mallorcan facility during the opening of the academy and it seems his kept his word. Federer also disclosed that his twin girls have been spending some time and John McEnroe’s Academy in East Hampton. Roger admits to even getting out on court to coach them from time to time.
Leo Borg is paving his own path.
The son of 11 time GS Champion and ice man Bjorn Borg created some headline on day 1 of the Davis Cup while playing for Sweden, coming narrowly close to beating former world no.17 Cristian Garin of Chile. He lost the match in 3 tight sets.
Cruz Hewitt wins 2 pro matches.
Following in his dad’s footsteps, Aussie tennis great Lleyton, Cruz nabbed a couple of professional wins in the qualifiers for Darwin Tennis International ITF Futures tournament. Cruz is just 14 but making a big statement beating players 10 years his senior.
And we can’t forget US Open semifinalist Ben Shelton
Shelton has all but eclipsed his dad Bryan, who reached a career high ranking of 55 in the world. Ben is now ranked 19th in the world following his NYC run.
Not in the news currently, but other children of former players that are worth a note include:
Sebastian Korda, son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Kord.
Brandon Holt, son of former world No 1 and two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin
Elizabeth Mandlik, whose mother Hana Mandlikova is a four-time major champion
Casper Ruud, son of Christian Ruud, who had a career highest ranking of No.39
Stefanos Tsitispas, whose former world No 194 Julia Apostoli, and represented the Soviet Union and Greece in tennis
Taylor Fritz, son of Kathy May, a former top 10 player who reached the quarters of the US Open in 1978.
Interestingly the two most famous tennis parents ever, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, who hold 30 GS titles between them, have shielded their kids Jaden and Jaz from tennis altogether. Both parents believe the sport is a “weird” game and “have had enough, quite honestly” 😲
Dad Knows Best. Bryan Shelton and his son, Ben Shelton practicing at US Open.
— TENNISMEDIA (@luciahoff)
6:59 PM • Sep 7, 2023
🌯 Davis Cup Wrap-up
Davis Cup day two proved a bit more exciting than day one, which should’ve impressed the fans or should we say ‘fan’ according to Stan Wawrinka’s accounts.
Here’s what went down on day two…
Evans & Draper shine for Great Britain
Daniel Evans secured a crucial win for GB in the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage, defeating Australian Alex de Minaur 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. The victory put Great Britain ahead 2-0 in Group B. Earlier, Jack Draper marked his Davis Cup debut with a thrilling win over Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, winning 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-6(4). Final score 2-1 GB.
Canada upsets Italy
Defending champion Canada had an impressive outing in Group A, beating Italy 3-0. Alexis Galarneau upset Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(10), 6-4, and Gabriel Diallo sealed the win against Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 6-4. Canada are here to play ladies and gentlemen.
Lehecka leads Czech Republic
Jiri Lehecka led Czech Republic to a 3-0 victory against Spain with a 7-6(5), 7-5 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Tomas Machac also contributed with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Bernabe Zapata Miralles, boosting Czech Republic's chances in the tournament.
United States & Croatia Battle It Out
In Group D, team USA and Croatia were tied at 1-1 after the singles. Mackenzie McDonald gave his team an early lead, while Borna Gojo leveled the tie by defeating World No. 11 Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6(6). The doubles rubber went down to the wire with Rajeev Ram & Austin Krajicek defeating Ivan Dodig & Mate Pavic 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-2.
Looking ahead to day 3, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic who touched down in Valencia to join team Serbia.
God just landed at the Davis Cup 🛬
— the daily serve (@thedailyserve)
7:49 PM • Sep 13, 2023
⏰ Shot clock
😭 Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears in front of home fans. Djokovic joined by the Serbian men’s national basketball team, who were celebrating their recent silver medal at the FIBA World Cup, was met with rapturous applause from legions of fans.
🧘♀️ Iga Swiatek pulls out of Guadalajara. The world no.2 has withdrawn from the penultimate WTA 1000 event citing the need to rest and reset.
💺 Federer admits to not playing much tennis. Retired now for almost a year, Roger Federer admits to little time spent on court due to his knee rehab and being difficult to find someone to hit against.
😤 Jelena Jankovic applauds Halep’s ban. The former world no.1 follows Serena Williams in taking a jab at Simona Halep’s for her doping ban. Jankovic claims she should have won Indian Wells in 2015 but for a substance taking Halep.
✊ Jabeur and Sakkari look to bounce back in San Diego. Following a disappointing US Open (especially for Sakkari) both players are hoping to pick up all important points to qualify for the year-end championship. The top seeds were all in action today.
💊 Supplements: Ace your game
Tennis, the perfect blend of athleticism and strategy, demands peak physical and mental prowess. Discover how the right and the legal (😉) supplements could revolutionise your on-court game.
Creatine Monohydrate: The Power Surge
Creatine can fuel your explosive serves and lightning speed. But it doesn’t just add power; it aids post-match recovery, keeping you in peak form longer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Joint Savior
Omega-3s from fish oil can keep your joints agile, reducing inflammation and ensuring pain-free movement on the court.
Vitamin D: Bone Health & Immunity
Taking Vitamin D can strengthen bones and bolster your immune system, which is crucial for peak performance and injury prevention.
Electrolytes: Hydration Essentials
Helps to maintain fluid balance and prevent cramps, through sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Beta-Alanine: Endurance Booster
Beta-alanine helps to beat muscle fatigue, giving you the hidden strength for grueling rallies and marathon matches.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Joint Champions
Finally, glucosamine and chondroitin can help support your joints, ensuring they remain agile and strong, match after match.
Remember, supplements are part of a holistic approach. Consult a pro before integrating them into your routine, and you'll unlock your full tennis potential, enjoying a successful, enduring career. Whoop!
