Doubles Take: Back to work for the WTA and off-court news

Doubles Take looks at what’s happening on and off the court with the pros.

BACK IN BUSINESS

Bibiane Schoofs of the Netherlands sums up how it feels to win a match point this week at the Palermo Open.

On the heels of a successful World TeamTennis season that showcased doubles, this week, the WTA tour is holding its first official event of the revamped schedule in Palermo, Italy.

Schoofs and her countrywoman, Rosalie Van Der Hoek, the fourth seeds, defeated Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu and Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round. The top seeds are Georgina Garcia Perez and Sara Sorribes Tormo, followed by Raluca Olaru and Dayana Yastremska.

THAT’S HOW YOU MIX UP A PRACTICE ROUTINE

It looks like world No. 10 Yifan Xu has decided variety is the spice of life when it comes to getting some exercise in.

It’s not exactly clear if her shot went in, but the form was there, and the footwork looked pretty tight when kicking around the soccer ball. Xu, who won her first tournament of the year in Adelaide with new partner Nicole Melichar, must be thinking of getting off to a fast start when she takes the court again—hence, the bike.

FLEX APPEAL

A lot goes into hitting reflex volleys, tracking lobs for overheads, cross-court drives and all the other facets of doubles play. World No. 88 Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela makes sure his body’s in tune for the tasks ahead with some yoga.

The Pincha Mayurasana pose, or forearm stand, calls for flexibility and strength, which the two-time Newport finalist and 2018 Los Cabos champ—all with Marcelo Arevalo—shows he has plenty of both.

RIGHT ON TARGET

Over the past couple of years, Demi Schuurs has shot up the doubles rankings. The just-turned 27-year-old recently showed some of what it entails to get that high.

Since 2018, she’s reached 14 finals with a range of different players, winning seven titles. Overall, she’s won 10 titles and finished runner-up on 11 occasions, which shows she’s doing something right.

A MOST SPECIAL MOMENT

Ten years ago, Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Rohan Bopanna reached the final of the US Open. The “Indo-Pak Express” partnership was a special one, demonstrating the strength of unity. The trophy presentation represented a memorable moment for Qureshi, as it occurred during Eid al-Adha.

Pakistan’s top player has been keeping busy during stoppage by helping others in need in his country.