11 November 2021 | Tennis Australia

It’s certainly been a big week for world No.1 Dylan Alcott, who announced on Tuesday he will retire after Australian Open 2022:

Wow. What a day. Thank you to everyone for all the incredible messages. I feel extremely grateful for all the love and support. I wasn’t sure how I would feel once I announced my upcoming retirement at the 2022 @australianopen – but now I’ve done it, I’m ready for 1 more crack xx pic.twitter.com/oqOihVKcbP

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) November 9, 2021

> READ: Alcott to end career on ultimate high note

Alcott’s doubles partner Heath Davidson led the congratulations:

Dylan Alcott has also been announced as the Victorian Australian of the Year:

https://twitter.com/ausoftheyear/status/1458358787996258308?s=20

Congratulations Dylan, what an achievement! This puts him in contention to win the coveted Australian of the Year honour too.

Now onto the rest of this week’s social round-up …

Our other world No.1, Ash Barty, is preparing for the Australian summer:

Ash Barty isn't hiding her desire to reign supreme at Melbourne Park in January, saying it's now her number one priority.

And with her Open preparations about to ramp up, she's been trying her hand at coaching. @cstanaway #9News pic.twitter.com/GHn2VVmaNf

— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) November 8, 2021

The 2021 season is not over yet for Sam Stosur, who is competing at the WTA Finals in Mexico this week:

> READ: Stosur set for fifth WTA Finals appearance in doubles

Stosur’s Aussie coach Rennae Stubbs is excited for the week ahead:

https://twitter.com/rennaestubbs/status/1457938308617625600?s=20

James Duckworth made his debut in the world’s top 50 this week, following a career-best performance at ATP Masters 1000 level:

James Duckworth got plenty of support from peers, including Lizette Cabrera and Luke Saville, during his thrilling quarterfinal run in Paris:

https://twitter.com/LukeSaville18/status/1456233702388731916?s=20

https://twitter.com/lizzycabrera97/status/1456320086315253771?s=20

After a semifinal appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup, the Australian team is feeling proud of its efforts. Debutante Ellen Perez certainly enjoyed her week:

> READ: Australia rises to No.1 in Billie Jean King Cup rankings

Australian team members Storm Sanders and Ajla Tomljanovic found time for some sight-seeing:

Meanwhile, Thanasi Kokkinakis is happy to be home after eight months on the road:

https://twitter.com/TKokkinakis/status/1457866414497275905?s=20

So too is Luke Saville, who achieved a new career-high doubles ranking at world No.23 this week:

Li Tu is recharging after collecting four ITF singles and two ITF doubles titles in his comeback season:

ICYMI, the Racquets and Red Dust program is promoting tennis in the Northern Territory:

"When we run the program and they know that Anzac’s coming, our attendance doubles.”

With a focus on developing sustainable and meaningful relationships, the Racquets and Red Dust program provides opportunities through tennis for Indigenous youth in the Northern Territory. pic.twitter.com/IIO6au1ctF

— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 8, 2021

And it’s not too late to enter our #WinWithTheWall competition either. Here is Todd Woodbridge with the details:

https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia/status/1448782277639430144?s=20

Don’t forget … the court is calling! Join in the fun, hire a court today and take advantage of the many healthy benefits of a great socially-distanced sport.