DOWN THE LINE isn’t your usual tennis newsletter. It digs into the stories the game gives us, finds the angle others miss, and brings them to life with the care they deserve.

This newsletter is the natural extension of PAINTING THE LINES. More depth, more data, more detail. It’s where everything comes together

Make sure you’re in — hit the subscribe button below if you haven’t already and stay updated on every DOWN THE LINE episode.

FROM PAINTING THE LINES: GRAZIE FABIO 🫶

After an extraordinary match that pushed Carlos Alcaraz to a fifth set, Fabio Fognini said this might have been not only his final match at Wimbledon — but the final match of his career.

“I think this probably [the] best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe for the tennis. That's what I'm thinking now,” Fognini said.

Together with quindici.zero, I wanted to pay tribute to the genius — and the achievements — of this incredible player.

LINES THAT HIT 💬

A few days ago, Holger Rune launched a digital platform allowing fans to buy signed gear — including broken rackets for as much as €6,000. The idea quickly drew criticism for being out of touch.

Bublik, never one to sugarcoat things, reacted in an interview with Tennis World Italia: “I don’t need that. I already have enough money—thankfully, I don’t have to do stuff like that to earn more.” - TennisTemple

Judging by the reaction, Babolat wasn’t too happy either… - CLAY Magazine

TOP PICKS 🔗

• From Mannarino to Federer: Wimbledon’s strict access rules – “They denied me entry!” - CLAY Magazine

• Can Jack Draper emerge from the shadow of Wimbledon Centre Court? - Tennis.com

• Why is Carlos Alcaraz wearing a chest patch at Wimbledon? - TNT Sports

CAPTURED 📸

Mpetshi Perricard fires the fastest serve in Wimbledon history (153 mph, 246 km/h).

Fun fact: Fritz responded, and won the point (and the match).

BY THE NUMBERS 📊

• 20-0. Novak Djokovic is unbeaten in Wimbledon first rounds since his debut in 2005.

• Only five 5 in the Open Era had a better record in Women’s Singles Major opening Rounds than Iga Swiatek (25-1) after their first 26 appearances: Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Evonne Goolagong, Monica Seles and Serena Williams (26-0). 

• In this edition of Wimbledon, 13 seeded players were knocked out in the first round — a new record for any Grand Slam tournament.

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