Monday Digest: Five Canadians Competing in Indian Wells

Watching the Canadians compete in Indian Wells this week can function a little bit of a March psychological getaway for tennis followers. Not solely do they get to observe some nice tennis on the BNP Paribas Open, however they will benefit from the views of Tennis Paradise on the similar time. 

Half one of many Sunshine Double kicks off this week with one of many greatest occasions on the 2024 calendar. Right here’s what you should know. 

In Case You Missed It: Robust Begin for Stakusic 

Marina Stakusic made her long-awaited season debut final week on the WTA 500 occasion in San Diego, her first event since her Billie Jean King Cup breakout final fall. 

The younger gun impressed in her first occasion of 2024, profitable a pair of qualifying matches after which scoring her first match win on the WTA 500 stage over Marina Melnikova in three units. 

Her run got here to an finish in a hard-fought second-round match in opposition to No. 7 seed Donna Vekic in three units. 

Leylah Annie Fernandez retired in her first-round match on the similar occasion with a shoulder damage, however she doesn’t seem more likely to miss any time. 

Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, and Rebecca Marino competed in tour occasions final week however all misplaced within the first spherical. 

What to Watch: Canadians in Tennis Paradise 

All eyes shall be on the Coachella Valley and Tennis Paradise for the primary mixed 1000-level occasion of the season beginning this week in Indian Wells. 

5 Canadians are anticipated to be competing in Indian Wells: Félix Auger-Aliassime, Gabriela Dabrowski, Leylah Annie Fernandez, Milos Raonic, and Denis Shapovalov. 

The draw has not but been launched for the principle attracts, which get underway on Wednesday. Fernandez and Auger-Aliassime will each be seeded in singles. Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe would be the second seeds within the ladies’s doubles.  

It’s the first ATP Masters 1000 occasion of the yr and the third WTA 1000 event. 

Underneath the Radar: Shaw Will get on the Board 

Rob Shaw stored Canada’s title streak alive on the ITF tour final week by choosing up his first title of 2024 on the Georgia Open wheelchair occasion. 

Shaw and accomplice Heath Davidson obtained a little bit of revenge within the quad doubles closing the place they beat Andy Lapthorne and Gregory Slade of Nice Britain 6-3, 3-6, 10-5. Lapthorne had knocked Davidson and Shaw out within the Australian Open semifinals with accomplice David Wagner.  

It’s the twenty fourth ITF doubles title for Shaw in his profession. He gained 4 titles every of the final two years.  

The victory must also assist his bid to qualify for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris this summer time. He at present sits ninth within the ITF quad rankings, which might be sufficient to clinch a spot in Paris. 

Learn additionally: All the things You Have to Know About Paris 2024

There was a Canadian winner on the junior tour as effectively, with 16-year-old Zachary Plante profitable the singles title on the J30 occasion in Addis Ababa. It’s the primary ITF junior title of Pante’s profession. 

Canadians Andrea Taylor and Finn Muller additionally reached finals at ITF junior occasions, however have been each defeated. However in doubles, Taylor and fellow Canadian Anastasia Malysheva gained the title on the J60 in Gjovik, Norway. 

Liam Draxl had his greatest efficiency of the yr thus far at an M25 occasion in Tucuman, Argentina, reaching the semifinals. 

Learn additionally: Tennis Canada prioritizes psychological well being and wellness by unveiling pioneering Psychological Well being Technique

Skilled tennis lands in Canada this week with the primary full ITF event of the yr on Canadian soil happening in Brossard, Quebec. It’s the first version of the brand new W15 occasion and can characteristic a big contingent from the host nation. 

Three Canadians, led by Ana Grubor, acquired direct entry to the singles predominant draw, with an extra 16 competing in qualifying. 

There are many Canadians competing in ITF occasions everywhere in the globe this week. 

You possibly can observe the Canadians in motion each week right here.