Sports

The hidden hierarchy of tennis practice courts: ‘I was back in the park, smelling the weed’

January 13, 2026

Jessica Pegula highlights the shift in practice-court conditions as she has risen in tennis rankings, reflecting a broader hierarchy among players regarding access to these courts. While unwritten rules discourage hogging practice time, many leading players experience different realities, often receiving preferential treatment.

The hidden hierarchy of tennis practice courts: ‘I was back in the park, smelling the weed’

Credit: Theguardian

Key Highlights

Jessica Pegula notes changing practice conditions with her ranking rise.
The unwritten rule in tournaments discourages hogging practice courts.
Leading players often have different experiences regarding court access.
Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev were spotted practicing before the US Open.

Australian Open 2026 Tennis Sport Australian Open Australia sport US sports

Sources

The hidden hierarchy of tennis practice courts: ‘I was back in the park, smelling the weed’

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

The hidden hierarchy of tennis practice courts: ‘I was back in the park, smelling the weed’

Key Highlights

Sources

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