Category: Articles

The ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition match between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios has been confirmed, and it will take place next month.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios will face off at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 28 December.

The match has been organised by Evolve, a sports agency founded by Naomi Osaka, which represents both Sabalenka and Kyrgios.

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios will meet in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition

• Aryna Sabalenka said she is ready to bring her A-game and also spoke of her respect for tennis icon Billie Jean King, who won the most famous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in 1973
• Nick Kyrgios asserted he “has never backed down from a challenge”, adding he is “here to entertain”
• Tennis365 readers are unsure the match will be a close contest, but some feel it will be an entertaining watch

Sabalenka won her fourth and most recent Grand Slam title at the 2025 US Open in September, and she will finish the season as the WTA world No 1 for the second straight year.

Kyrgios, a former world No 13, has played just five singles matches this season since returning from a wrist injury that had kept him out of action since June 2023.

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up is currently ranked 652nd in the world having won just one match since October 2022. The Aussie has not featured in singles since the Miami Open in March due to ongoing injury issues.

This will be the fourth match labelled the ‘Battle of the Sexes’

There have been three tennis matches previously billed as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, with two of them featuring former American player Bobby Riggs in 1973.

Riggs, a Wimbledon and US Open champion, was 55 when he played the two women’s tennis legends.

He crushed a 30-year-old Court 6-2, 6-1 in May 1973 before losing 4-6, 3-6, 3-6 to a 29-year-old King four months later in what was by far the most famous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.

Despite the age gap between the two, King’s victory was seen as a big step forward for women in sport and was watched by an estimated 90 million viewers worldwide.

In 1992, 40-year-old Jimmy Connors defeated a 35-year-old Martina Navratilova 7-5, 6-2 in a third ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match played under hybrid rules.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios’ reaction to the announcement

Here is what Sabalenka and Kyrgios said after the match was confirmed.

Sabalenka: “I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.

“I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game.

“I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.”

Kyrgios: “When the world number one challenges you, you answer the call. I’ve got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion.

“But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play, I’m here to entertain. This is what I live for.”

Tennis News

Smear campaign target Novak Djokovic opens up on leaving Serbia for Greece

ATP Finals prize money, ranking points, entry list, key dates: Alcaraz & Sinner lead field

What Sabalenka and Kyrgios have previously said about the match

In a conversation with Alexander Bublik on the First & Red podcast earlier this year, Kyrgios insisted he would not have to try fully to beat Sabalenka.

“I’m super excited for that. I think she’s the type of player who genuinely thinks she’s going to win,” Kyrgios said.

“She (Sabalenka) is not gonna beat me. Do you really think I have to try 100 per cent? I’m going to try. Because I’m representing the men’s side. I’d say [the score will be] like 6-2 maybe.

“I’m not going to go there and say, ‘Oh, she’s so good, I can’t play this.’ That would make me look so bad. I’d imagine the internet would go crazy — go bananas.

“I mean, our serves, women can’t really return those. And then we can just chip and drop shot.

In a press conference during the US Open in September, Sabalenka declared that she believed she would win the match.

“Well I think it’s a cool idea, you know. It’s going to be spectacular to watch, it’s going to be fun, especially against someone like Nick,” Sabalenka said.

“Like he said in another interview, that I genuinely think I’m going to win. And I’ll definitely go out there and try my best to kick his a**. It’s going to be a good thing if I beat him.

“We’re going to bring it to somewhere where there’s going to be a lot of people watching and we’re going to put a lot of pressure on Nick.”

What Tennis365 readers have said about ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash

There is intrigue about what the match between two big tennis personalities will look like, although the tennis community is not convinced it will be a good contest.

Here’s what some Tennis365 readers had to say about the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in response to our Instagram post about the match in September.

“If Nick tries it’ll be 6-0. This isn’t controversial.”

“Anyone who knows anything at all about tennis will know that Nick would beat her 100% of the time whether he gives it his all or not.”

“I love the fact that she (Sabalenka) is doing it.”

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tennis365 (@tennis365official)

“Maybe a college player [could lose to Sabalenka]. Not a player that beat the Big Three (Federer, Nadal and Djokovic) the first time he played all of them.”

“This will be hilarious with both of their personalities on court.”

“There is literally no chance of her winning. Great idea and fun to watch though.”

READ NEXT: Aryna Sabalenka reveals ‘best lesson’ she learned from Novak Djokovic as off-court friendship continues

The post ‘Battle of the Sexes’: What we know and what Aryna Sabalenka & Nick Kyrgios have said appeared first on Tennis365.

Former WTA Tour star Laura Robson has given her verdict on Iga Swiatek’s crushing loss to Elena Rybakina at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Swiatek fell 6-3, 1-6, 0-6 to world No 6 and 2022 Wimbledon winner Rybakina in her second round robin match at the season-ending championships.

The defeat comes after Swiatek destroyed reigning Australian Open champion and world No 7 Madison Keys 6-1, 6-2 in her opening match in Riyadh.

Laura Robson reacts to Elena Rybakina beating Iga Swiatek at 2025 WTA Finals

• Laura Robson lauded Elena Rybakina’s performance against Iga Swiatek and identified the ways the Kazakh improved to turn the match around
• The former British No 1 thinks Swiatek “hit panic mode” after Rybakina made adjustments in the second set
• Robson said it is “not a good sign” that Swiatek was frequently talking to her coach Wim Fissette

In the opening set, Swiatek made five winners to six unforced errors, while Rybakina registered just one winner and 17 unforced errors.

There was a seismic shift, though, as Swiatek recorded seven winners and an alarming 36 unforced errors across the second and third sets. Rybakina, meanwhile, hit 19 winners to 17 unforced errors in the second and third sets combined.

Robson’s assessment of Rybakina’s comeback

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Robson was full of praise for the tactical changes Rybakina implemented after losing the first set.

“It’s so impressive how she [Rybakina] did not panic after the first set,” said the former world No 27.

Tennis News

Iga Swiatek’s biggest problem exposed again after crushing defeat at WTA Finals

What Elena Rybakina dismantling Iga Swiatek at WTA Finals means for the pair’s qualification hopes

“She got back to work and made the changes that were necessary. She took half a step back with her neutral position once the rally started, so she had some more time on the forehand to play with and what a difference that made.

“Every time she had it at a mid-court position, it was a put away. That is when you see Swiatek start to panic, when she feels she doesn’t have time and she can’t make herself known in the point.

“It was a really strong performance; the serve picked up for sure. From courtside, it was clear that she was getting more shape to Swiatek’s backhand return, but the first [serve] picked up as well in terms of speed, and she completely turned that match around.”

What Robson said about Swiatek

Robson suggested that Swiatek was caught off guard by Rybakina’s adjustments and claimed the six-time Grand Slam champion panicked as a result.

“She (Swiatek) did not anticipate the changes Rybakina made after the first set. From there, that’s where the panic mode was hit by Swiatek,” the Brit said.

“She just felt like she couldn’t do anything out there. You could see she was talking to Wim Fissette and lots of hands signals. That was not a good sign.

“Serving to Swiatek’s backhand made a difference. Then the willingness to compete when the rallies were over three shots was an issue. It’s tough when you are being outplayed.

“On a court like this, when it’s bouncing up so much, she probably didn’t know what the tactics would be. It didn’t really feel like there was a Plan B, but so much of that was to do with how well Rybakina was playing.”

What next for Rybakina and Swiatek at the WTA Finals?

Rybakina has already ensured she will finish top of Group Serena Williams, and she can conclude the round robin stage with a 3-0 record if she beats Madison Keys on Wednesday.

Swiatek will take on Amanda Anisimova, and the winner will progress to the knockout stage with Rybakina.

READ NEXT: Questions over Madison Keys’ health and next WTA Finals match after no handshake

The post What Iga Swiatek did in Elena Rybakina WTA Finals loss was ‘not a good sign’, reveals ex-star appeared first on Tennis365.

The 2025 season is coming to a close, and the ATP Finals in Turin looks set to bring an intriguing year of men’s tennis to an end next week.

With the field nearly confirmed and action getting underway in just a few days, all eyes are beginning to turn to one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar — but what exactly is at stake in Turin?

From the ‘Elite 8’ to key dates, prize money, and ranking points, we take you through all you need to know about the upcoming year-end championships.

Who will be in action?

Seven of the eight spots available at the ATP Finals have been decided, with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti battling for the final spot.

Musetti must win the title in Athens to overtake eighth-placed Auger-Aliassime in the Race and seal his place in the Finals; otherwise, the Italian will likely be the first alternate.

Unsurprisingly, the ‘Elite 8’ will be led by Carlos Alcaraz and reigning ATP Finals champion Jannik Sinner, who are well out in front of the rest of the field as the top two qualifiers in 2025.

Two-time champion Alexander Zverev is third in the race and has qualified for the year-end championships for the eighth time, with record seven-time champion Novak Djokovic fourth.

Djokovic’s participation has been questioned after the Serbian withdrew pre-event in 2024, though it appears the Serbian is set to play in Turin next week.

Tennis News

ATP Rankings: Sinner’s one-week No 1 bonus, Auger-Aliassime No 8, Bublik’s career-best, Vacherot +10

Why Carlos Alcaraz ‘has to be careful’ as Jannik Sinner labelled ‘almost unbeatable’ by Slam winner

Ben Shelton has qualified in fifth place, with the US star set to make his debut at the year-end championships, with 2024 runner-up Taylor Fritz sealing his spot for the second straight year.

Alex de Minaur is the seventh qualifier, the Australian back after making his debut in 2024.

ATP Finals field

1) Carlos Alcaraz
2) Jannik Sinner
3) Alexander Zverev
4) Novak Djokovic
5) Ben Shelton
6) Taylor Fritz
7) Alex de Minaur
8) Felix Auger-Aliassime OR Lorenzo Musetti

What ranking points are on offer?

The round-robin format at the ATP Finals means that there is a unique ranking points system on offer, with the eventual champion not guaranteed a fixed number of points.

Each round-robin match is worth 200 points per win, meaning a player who wins one group match will take home 200 points, a player who wins two matches will earn 400 points, and a player with a perfect 3-0 record will earn 600 ranking points.

After the round-robin stage, 400 ranking points will be awarded to the two men who are victorious at the semi-final stage.

The winner of the final — and the title — will then be awarded a further 500 ranking points for their victory.

A champion who wins all three of their round-robin matches will earn 1,500 points, just as Sinner did after his unbeaten campaign in 2024.

If a player fails to win a single match, they will take home zero ranking points from the tournament.

Round-robin: 200 points per win
Semi-final: 400 points
Final: 500 points
Unbeaten champion: 1,500 points

What prize money is on offer?

Huge prize money is on offer at the ATP Finals in Turin, and an unbeaten champion could take home a staggering $5,071,000 — the biggest official paycheck in tennis history.

Though players do not earn any points if they do not win a match, there is a participant fee of $331,000 awarded to all eight men if they complete all three round-robin matches.

Every round-robin match is then worth $396,500 in prize money, meaning a player with a 3-0 record from the group would already be on $1,520,500 — three wins plus participant fee — in winnings.

After the round-robin stage is concluded, the two semi-final winners will add a further $1,183,500 to their prize money winnings for the event.

The winner of the final and the title will then add a staggering $2,367,000 onto their previous event winnings.

If a player wins the title unbeaten, the $5,071,000 would top the record $5,000,000 awarded to Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka for the US Open victories in September.

Participant fee: $331,000 (for three matches played)
Round-robin: $396,500 per win
Semi-final: $1,183,500
Final: $2,367,000
Unbeaten champion: $5,071,000

Key dates

The tournament will start on Sunday, November 9 and then conclude on Sunday, November 16.

The round-robin format will take place from November 9-14, with the two groups competing on alternate days.

Semi-final action will take place on November 15, before the final on November 16.

The draw for the tournament is set to take place on Thursday, November 6.

Read Next: Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: Who is in pole position to seal year-end No 1 ranking?

The post ATP Finals prize money, ranking points, entry list, key dates: Alcaraz & Sinner lead field appeared first on Tennis365.

Novak Djokovic has spoken about moving to Greece from Serbia and divulged that the early stages of his new life with his family have been “very positive.”

The former world No 1 and Serbian sporting icon confirmed he and his family have been living in Greece for the last two months.

Djokovic is competing at the inaugural edition of the Hellenic Championship, an ATP 250 tournament held in Athens, this week

Novak Djokovic discusses his relocation to Greece

• Novak Djokovic has said moving to Greece with his family “wasn’t something I had planned for a long time”, explaining that things have changed in his life “both privately and professionally” in the last two years
• The 24-time major champion stressed that the priority for him and his wife Jelena is for their children Stefan and Tara to grow up in “the most beneficial environment”, and he added they feel “welcome” in Greece
• Djokovic’s move to Greece comes after he was the target of a smear campaign in Serbia following his public support for student-led protests against the country’s government

The Hellenic Championship is organised by the Djokovic family, with Novak’s youngest brother Djordje the tournament director. The event has replaced the Serbia Open, an ATP 250 staged in Belgrade.

Since his move, Djokovic has attended sporting events in Athens, including a Davis Cup tie between Greece and Serbia and a basketball match between Panathinaikos and Maccabi.

What Novak Djokovic said about his move to Greece

Ahead of his appearance at the Athens tournament, Djokovic spoke about his experience of life in Greece so far.

“It wasn’t something I had planned for a long time, to be honest,” the 38-year-old said in an interview with Greek outlet SDNA.

“Actually, in the last two years, things have happened, decisions have changed in our lives, both privately and professionally. But that’s okay, that’s how life is.

“We have two young children and we are trying to adapt and find the best environment for them as well. Because that is the priority, how the children will grow up in the most beneficial environment for them for their psychological, physical and emotional health. To be in an environment where we feel like we have more time as a family, privately.

“For the last two months we have been trying out life in Greece and things are very positive. We feel that we are welcome, the people are very kind, generous and friendly towards us.

“At the same time, however, we feel as a family that we have time to do things that bring us closer.”

Tennis News

Why the Serbian government ‘set its sights’ on Novak Djokovic with a smear campaign

Novak Djokovic appears to have made his decision on competing in the ATP Finals

The rumoured reason Djokovic and his family left Serbia

Djokovic has not explicitly stated the reason for his relocation from Belgrade, but it reportedly involves the Serbian government.

In December last year, Djokovic – who is perhaps Serbia’s biggest national icon – expressed support for the student-led protests against Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic and the government as a whole.

The previous month, mass protests took place in Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia, after the collapse of a railway station canopy killed 16 people, with demonstrators accusing Serbian police and local authorities of negligence and corruption. Protests had spread to 400 cities by March and remain ongoing.

“As someone who deeply believes in the power of young people and their desire for a better future, I consider it important that their voice is heard,” Djokovic wrote on X.

“Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”

According to journalist Jaschar Dugalic, reporting for German news outlet Neue Zurcher Zeitung, the Serbian government “set its sights” on Djokovic as a result of his stance.

Dugalic reported, that “regime-friendly media” in Serbia has attacked the character of Djokovic, with tabloid newspaper Informer branding Djokovic a “disgrace” in response to his public support for protests.

After it was reported that Djokovic was considering moving to Athens with his family, the same outlet labelled him “a false patriot who had presented himself as a symbol of Serbia for years only to now flee to Greece.”

READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic leaps up rankings as Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev slide in our unofficial list

The post Smear campaign target Novak Djokovic opens up on leaving Serbia for Greece appeared first on Tennis365.

Elena Rybakina came from a set down to claim a resounding win against Iga Swiatek in the pair’s second round robin match at the 2025 WTA Finals.

The world No 6 prevailed 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 against second-ranked Swiatek in an hour and 37 minutes to end a five-match losing streak against the Pole. The head-to-head is now 6-5 in Swiatek’s favour.

Rybakina remarkably won the last nine games and 11 of the last 12 games as she stormed to the finish line.

How Elena Rybakina beating Iga Swiatek at WTA Finals affects battle to reach knockout stage

• Elena Rybakina’s win over Swiatek has put her in pole position to qualify for the WTA Finals knockout stage from Group Serena Williams
• Iga Swiatek’s loss means her qualification fate will be decided by the final round robin matches in Group Serena Williams
• Swiatek will likely qualify for the semi-finals if she wins her third round robin match, and it is possible she could progress even if she loses

Swiatek destroyed Madison Keys 6-1, 6-2 in her opening round robin match in Riyadh, and she continued her impressive form in the first set against Rybakina.

Things swiftly unravelled for the six-time Grand Slam champion thereafter, though, as she hit 36 unforced errors across the second and third sets.

Rybakina, a Wimbledon champion in 2022, lost just 12 points in the third set as she hit 15 winners to seven unforced errors.

Tennis News

WTA Rankings: Sabalenka No 1, Mboko and Eala secure milestones, Tjen +29, Boulter -21

Coco Gauff serves up alarming stats as reigning WTA Finals champ falls to Jessica Pegula defeat

What the result means for Rybakina and Swiatek at the WTA Finals

Rybakina has moved top of Group Serena Williams with two wins, having dismantled Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-1 in her opening round robin match.

The Kazakh’s place in the semi-finals will be confirmed if Amanda Anisimova beats Madison Keys in the second match on Monday.

Irrespective of that result, Rybakina will progress to the knockout phase as the group winner if she beats Keys in her final round robin match.

Swiatek’s defeat leaves her qualification hopes in the balance heading into the third and final set of round robin matches.

Given Swiatek beat Keys in straight sets and won a set against Rybakina, she is still in with a strong chance of qualifying if she defeats Anisimova in her final match.

It is possible that Swiatek could qualify even if she loses her last match as she, Anisimova and Keys could all finish with one win and two losses.

In the scenario of a three-way tie, qualification would be decided by total sets won and total games won.

READ NEXT: WTA Finals: What ranking points have Sabalenka, Swiatek, Gauff & co dropped from 2024 tournament?

The post What Elena Rybakina dismantling Iga Swiatek at WTA Finals means for the pair’s qualification hopes appeared first on Tennis365.

The tennis year is rapidly reaching a conclusion and the biggest prize up for grabs in the men’s game will be fought out between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

After his early exit at the Paris Masters last week, Alcaraz opened the door for Sinner to jump back up to the world No 1 ranking heading into the final big event of the season.

Predictably, Sinner snapped up the chance that was presented to him as he won the final ATP 1000 event of the season and will now head to Turin for next week’s ATP Finals knowing he may need to retain the title he won last year to finish 2025 as the world No 1.

The players who will contest the ATP Finals in Turin will be chasing big ranking points, but who are the form players heading into the lucrative tournament?

Here is your Tennis365 guide to the men who are finishing the year on a high, as we reveal our latest unofficial rankings:

More Tennis News

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: Who is in pole position to seal year-end No 1 ranking?

Jannik Sinner reacts to return to world No 1 after Paris Masters triumph

1. Jannik Sinner
ATP Ranking: 1

The Italian appeared to have given up on his hopes of clinching the year-end No 1 ranking after he was well beaten by Alcaraz in the US Open final, but he is back on top after some brilliant performances in recent weeks.

Sinner will be the player to beat at the ATP Finals and if Alcaraz loses in the group stages in Turin.

2. Carlos Alcaraz
ATP Ranking: 2

A defeat against Sinner in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia was dismissed as irrelevant by many observers, but it was a big moment for the Italian.

He needed to raise his levels after a heavy defeat in the US Open final against Alcaraz and the confidence he got from that win has flipped the momentum in this compelling rivalry. Carlos suddenly has questions to answer at the ATP Finals.

3. Novak Djokovic
ATP Ranking: 5

The Serbian great is back in action this week at an ATP 250 event in Greece, but there will be doubts over whether he will play at next week’s ATP Finals until he shows up in Turin.

He reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam events in 2025 and confirmed he is still a step ahead of everyone in tennis apart from Sinner and Alcaraz, which is remarkable at the age of 38.

4. Taylor Fritz
ATP Ranking: 4

The American got the better of Alexander Zverev once again in the Six Kings Slam event last month and he is finishing the year on a real high.

His powerful serving should be effective at the ATP Finals and he has proved he can beat Alcaraz on an indoor surface after his win at the Laver Cup a few weeks ago.

5. Jack Draper
ATP Ranking: 10

The British No 1 was on course to qualify for the ATP Finals until another injury halted his year, but Draper can still be satisfied with a season that saw him break into the top 10 of the rankings and win his first ATP 1000 title.

He is back in training ahead of the new season and if he can regain his form from the first quarter of 2025, he will be a player to watch next year.

6. Alex de Minaur
ATP Ranking: 7

One of the most under-rated players in the men’s game is on his way to the ATP Finals after a consistent year full of battling victories.

He doesn’t have the weapons to compare to some players at the top of the men’s game, but his scrambling skills and eagerness to battle for every point is second to none.

7. Felix Auger-Aliassime
ATP Ranking: 8

The Canadian is a master in indoor conditions and he will be a real threat if he gets to the ATP Finals in Turin..

Auger-Aliassime looked set to be one of the new superstars of the men’s game when he first broke through three years ago, but now he looks to be a more mature and complete player.

8. Alexander Bublik
ATP Ranking: 11

Bublik has a flamboyant game that can threaten any player when he is at his best, but he doesn’t have the steady temperament to hold everything together when the tide turns against him.

He will be a player to watch in 2026 and on current form, he deserves to be in the top 10 of our rankings.

9. Alexander Zverev
ATP Ranking: 3

This German has done well to cling on to the No 3 ranking in the ATP list as he has been out-of-form for most of 2025.

His huge serve has got him out of trouble in some matches, but he was destroyed by Sinner in Paris and heads to the ATP Finals with big doubts over his form and fitness.

10. Ben Shelton
ATP Ranking: 6

On his way back from the injury that ended his US Open hopes, Shelton showed some decent form in Paris last week and he will move into 2026 with confidence growing again.

Still only 23, there is so much more to come from a player who has the raw components in his game to blow any rival away when he is on fire.

The post Novak Djokovic leaps up rankings as Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev slide in our unofficial list appeared first on Tennis365.

Gossip seekers suggested there was some tension between Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper as they exchanged pleasantries at the net following their US Open mixed doubles encounter back in August and inevitably, rumours began to swirl on social media platforms.

Raducanu’s partnership with Carlos Alcaraz created one of the most eagerly anticipated moments in the tennis season as the superstar duo took to the court together.

The pair were drawn to play against Draper and his partner Jessica Pegula, with the brief encounter going against Raducanu and Alcaraz.

As the four players greeted each other at the net, some cynics suggested the exchange between Raducanu and Draper lacked some warmth, especially as the duo have spent plenty of time together as they have risen up the tennis later at a similar time.

Yet any unfounded suggestions that there is tension between the pair were banished when it was confirmed last week that they would team up on the United Cup tournament in Australia in January.

More Tennis News

Emma Raducanu’s first tournament of 2026 tennis season confirmed

Jack Draper reveals comeback event and he could be set for a huge cash windfall

Any stories suggesting there was an issue between Raducanu and Draper were wildly out of place as the pair have always been complimentary about each other, with Draper offering up these comments in an interview with The Times earlier this year.

“She has always been there for me. I’ve always been there for her,” said Draper of Raducanu.

“She’s extremely bubbly, very kind, very thoughtful, always giggling, really smart. A really, really, really good girl.

“I think it’s important that people give her time to be on her journey and to improve physically and to put years of working to get back to that point.

“There’s no doubt it was extremely difficult for Emma, because she’d done her A Levels and she’d just come out of school. All of a sudden she came here and she had a dream run and won. I think the expectation on her after that was huge.”

The United Cup will be a warm up for the Australian Open in January, where both Raducanu and Draper are in line to be seeded.

Raducanu will look to win some matches at the United Cup to confirm her seeded position for the Australian Open and if the 2021 US Open champion can find her form alongside a fresh and firing Draper as he returns from an arm injury, they could be contenders to win the tournament.

Eighteen teams – each featuring up to three male and three female players – are set to play in the United Cup and they will be split into six groups of three, with teams playing those in their groups in a round robin format.

Each tie will comprise one men’s singles and one women’s singles match featuring the number one-ranked singles players, and one mixed doubles match.

In theory, Draper and Raducanu could partner in the doubles, but the the Great Britain team captain is more likely to select a doubles specialist if the tie is on the line and the Brits have plenty of options as their players are prominent in the doubles rankings.

“I’m honoured to be able to make my United Cup debut in January,” said Raducanu. “Being able to play for Team GB with my team-mates is a unique opportunity and week to enjoy.

“It’s great to be able to experience a new format on the tour, represent my country and spend a couple extra weeks in Australia.”

Draper also gave his comments on the United Cup as he said: “I am excited to get back on court and compete in the United Cup. I’ll be looking out for the draw to see if Team GB will play in Perth or Sydney. “I haven’t been to either, so it will be nice to compete in a brand new city in Australia.”

Perth will host the first day of United Cup action on January 2 at RAC Arena, while the group stage in Sydney will begin on January 3 at Ken Rosewall Arena.

The post Emma Raducanu banishes one big myth as her plans for the first part of 2026 are crystallised appeared first on Tennis365.

Felix Auger-Aliassime’s decision to withdraw from the Moselle Open has put him at risk of being overtaken by Lorenzo Musetti in the ATP Rankings Race To Turin, but he may have taken a strategic decision.

The Canadian pushed himself into contention by reaching the semi-final of the US Open, and the quarter-finals at the Shanghai Masters and the Swiss Indoors before moving into a qualification spot by finishing runner-up at the Paris Masters.

Auger-Aliassime’s run to the final helped him to overtake Musetti in the ATP Rankings Race To Turin with the top eight qualifying, but the battle between the two was down to go down to the wire as they separated by just 160 points.

The world No 8 was due to be in action in Metz this week while Musetti has signed up for the Hellenic Championships, but the 25-year-old is one of three seeded playerse to withdraw from the ATP 250 event in France as Daniil Medvedev (No 2) and Tallon Griekspoor (No 5) have also pulled out.

“I won’t be going,” said. “I’ve been struggling with a lot of physical issues this week. I’m not going to make the same mistakes I made in the past. My physical condition and health are really my priority, above qualifying.”

He added: “If I qualify, great. If not, Lorenzo will deserve his place.”

ATP News

ATP Rankings: Sinner’s one-week No 1 bonus, Auger-Aliassime No 8, Bublik’s career-best, Vacherot +10

Felix Auger-Aliassime’s full press conference after Paris Masters final against Jannik Sinner

Although Auger-Aliassime is quite relaxed about potentially missing out, he could still play at the season-ending tournament in Turin even if he finishes ninth in the Race.

That is because seven-time ATP Finals champion Novak Djokovic could withdraw from the event.

The tennis great was the third player to secure his ticket to the event at the Inalpi Arena after Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but he has made it clear that the ATP Finals is no longer his top priority.

After winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, Djokovic also qualified for last year’s edition, but withdrew from the event and he has so far given no indication that he will feature in Turin.

If Djokovic does indeed withdraw, it will mean both Auger-Aliassime and Musetti will play in Turin.

Musetti, though, faces an uphill task to overtake his rival as he needs to reach at least the final of the Greek event to overtake Auger-Aliassime and qualify outright for the ATP Finals for the first time in his career.

Don’t be too surprised if Musetti also withdraws from the Hellenic Championships in the coming days to start preparing for the ATP Finals.

The post Felix Auger-Aliassime explains ATP Finals gamble, but it may be strategic as Novak Djokovic decision looms appeared first on Tennis365.

The WTA Rankings for the last week of the regular 2025 WTA Tour season have been confirmed, and rising stars Victoria Mboko and Alex Eala have hit new career highs.

The Hong Kong Open, Chennai Open and Jiangxi Open were the final three events of the season with only the WTA Finals in Riyahd left where the top eight players in the world are competing for the biggest prize cheque in women’s tennis.

Thus, world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina, Madison Keys and Jasmine Paolini did not play last week and their positions and points in the rankings remain unchanged.

Sabalenka was confirmed as the year-end No 1 and she has now topped the rankings for 54 consecutive weeks to take her overall tally to 63. She will stay there for at least another nine weeks, which will see her move up to 11th on the all-time list, surpassing Caroline Wozniacki (72) with Lindsay Davenport in 10th on 98.

Swiatek will remain second while Gauff could still lose third and the American No 1 ranking to Anisimova or Pegula, although the latter would have to win the WTA Finals undefeated.

There is only one change in the top 20 with teenager Mboko making her bow as she is up three places to No 18 following her title run in Hong Kong, beating Cristina Bucsa in the final to win her second WTA singles trophy following her Canadian Open title in August.

Mboko – who started the year at No 333 – also secured the Canadian year-end No 1 ranking ahead of Leylah Fernandez, a player she beat in the semi-final.

WTA News

Coco Gauff serves up alarming stats as reigning WTA Finals champ falls to Jessica Pegula defeat

Aryna Sabalenka reveals ‘best lesson’ she learned from Novak Djokovic as off-court friendship continues

The 19-year-old also defeated Eala in the second round, but the Filipina’s first-round win was enough for her to break into the top 50 for the first time, coming in at exactly No 50. The 20-year-old Eala started the year at No 138, but broke into the top 100 on the back of her run to the Miami Open semi-final.

The other players to reach new career-highs in the top 100 are: Lois Boisson (36), Eva Lys (40), Janice Tjen (53), Bucsa (54), Sara Bejlek (75) and Oksana Selekhmeteva (96).

Tjen was the other title winner last week as she defeated Kimberly Birrell in the final in Chennai to win her maiden WTA singles trophy.

The Indonesian, who finished runner-up at the SP Open in Brazil in September, was at No 411 in January, but now finds herself on the cusp of the top 50 while Birrell is up 23 spots to No 94.

Former world No 34 Anna Blinkova was the third title winner as she tasted success at the Jiangxi and her reward is a 32-place jump to No 63.

Former world No 23 Katie Boulter was the biggest dropper as she is now on the verge of exiting the top 100 after slipping 21 places to No 100 following her retirement from her first-round match in Hong Kong.

Having been in a tight battle for the British No 1 ranking with Emma Raducanu and Sonay Kartal earlier this year, Boulter is now the British No 4. Raducanu is the leading player from Great Britain as she sits at No 29, followed by Kartal (71), Francesco Jones (76) and Boulter.

WTA Rankings Top 20

1. Aryna Sabalenka – 9,870 points
2. Iga Swiatek Poland – 8,195
3. Coco Gauff United States – 6,563
4. Amanda Anisimova United States – 5,887
5. Jessica Pegula United States – 5,183
6. Elena Rybakina Kazakhstan – 4,350
7. Madison Keys United States – 4,335
8. Jasmine Paolini Italy – 4,325
9. Mirra Andreeva – 4,325
10. Ekaterina Alexandrova – 3,375
11. Belinda Bencic Switzerland – 3,168
12. Clara Tauson Denmark – 2,770
13. Linda Noskova Czech Republic – 2,641
14. Elina Svitolina Ukraine – 2,595
15. Emma Navarro United States – 2,515
16. Naomi Osaka Japan – 2,487
17. Luidmila Sansonova – 2,209
18. Victoria Mboko Canada – 2,157 (+3)
19. Karolina Muchova Czech Republic – 1,996
20. Elise Mertens Belgium – 1,969

The post WTA Rankings: Sabalenka No 1, Mboko and Eala secure milestones, Tjen +29, Boulter -21 appeared first on Tennis365.

Jannik Sinner is the Paris Masters champion for the first time, with the Italian defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime to triumph inside the La Defense Arena.

There were physical concerns for Sinner earlier in the week, but the 24-year-old ultimately produced an impressive run to his fifth title of 2025, beating his Canadian rival 6-4, 7-6(4).

Here, we look at the prize money and ranking points that Sinner, Auger-Aliassime, and their ATP contemporaries will receive for their efforts at the event.

What ranking points were on offer?

For lifting the title, Sinner picked up a staggering 1,000 points from the final Masters 1000 event of 2025.

Having missed the event in 2024 due to injury, that moves the Italian up from 10,500 to 11,500 ranking points — enough to see him move back above Carlos Alcaraz as the world No 1.

A runner-up finish earns Auger-Aliassime 650 points, moving the Canadian up to eighth in both Monday’s official ATP Rankings, and in the ATP Race to Turin.

Having exited the tournament at the semi-final stage, both Alexander Zverev and Alexander Bublik earn 400 points.

Zverev entered the tournament as the defending champion, meaning he will drop 600 points to 5,560 points on Monday, though Bublik is set to rise three places to a new career-high of world No 13.

Tennis News

Players told court speed criticism is ‘not constructive’ after claims of Sinner/Alcaraz favouritism

Hellenic Championship draw: Djokovic the favourite as Musetti makes late-gasp ATP Finals bid

Wildcard Valentin Vacherot, sixth seed Alex de Minaur, 11th seed Daniil Medvedev, and fifth seed Ben Shelton all exited at the quarter-final stage, and pick up 200 points as a result.

Players beaten in the third round will take home 100 points, with 50 points on offer for those who reached the second round, and just 10 points on offer in round one.

However, having received byes in the opening round, top seed Alcaraz, seventh seed Lorenzo Musetti, and eighth seed Casper Ruud all receive just 10 points for their second-round defeats.

Champion: 1,000
Runner-up: 650
Semi-finalists: 400
Quarter-finalists: 200
Round 3: 100
Round 2: 50
Round 1: 10

What prize money was on offer?

The final Masters 1000 event of the season saw significant prize money at stake, with Sinner taking home a paycheck of €946,610 for his efforts inside the La Defense Arena.

And, Auger-Aliassime is also well-rewarded after reaching the second Masters 1000 final of his career, with the Canadian receiving €516,925 for his efforts.

Semi-finalists Zverev and Bublik take home €282,650 in prize money for reaching the last four, while quarter-finalists Vacherot, de Minaur, Medvedev, and Shelton all earn €154,170.

Players eliminated in the third round will receive €82,465, while those eliminated in round two will earn €44,220, and those eliminated in round one will receive €24,500.

Champion: €946,610
Runner-up: €516,925
Semi-finalists: €282,650
Quarter-finalists: €154,170
Round 3: €82,465
Round 2: €44,220
Round 1: €24,500

Read Next: Ranking points and prize money earned by Victoria Mboko and Cristian Bucsa after Hong Kong Open final

The post Paris Masters: Prize money & ranking points won by Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime appeared first on Tennis365.