Photo credit: Si.Robi/Wikimedia Commons

Chengdu Open
Chengdu, China
September 23-29, 2026
Prize Money: $1,210,115
Surface: Hard Court

Players and Pandas in Chengdu
The Chengdu Open, which debuted in 2016, joins Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai as Chinese hosts during the ATP Tour’s Asian swing. Staged at the Sichuan International Tennis Center, the venue boasts a 6,000-seat center court, two additional show courts accommodating 2,000 spectators each, and a total of 20 outdoor hard courts and 12 indoor courts.Valentin Vacherot is the top seed and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is seeded second.

Chengdu Open Daily Results: Click Here

The post Chengdu Open Draws and Schedule for Saturday, September 26, 2026 appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Laver Cup Facebook

Laver Cup
O2 Arena
London, Great Britain
September 25-27, 2026
Surface: Hard Court

Laver Cup Returns to Iconic O2 Arena
The ninth edition of the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from September 25-27th, 2026, with Team World aiming to back up its 2025 victory against Team Europe in San Francisco. First held in 2017, the Laver Cup pits six of the top players from Europe against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world. The event is comprised of five sessions played over three days. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Carlos Alcaraz have previously represented Europe. Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Nick Kyrgios and Joao Fonseca are among the stars to have played for Team World.

Laver Cup Daily Results: Click Here

The post Laver Cup Order of Play for Saturday, September 26, 2026 appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Rob Stone/@RobStoneTennis

Jannik Sinner isn’t ready to compete yet.

World No. 1 Sinner officially withdrew from the Beijing Open due to the right knee injury that forced him out of the US Open.

The reigning Wimbledon champion said his knee is not ready for match play.

“I’m very sorry to announce I won’t be able to play Beijing this year,” Sinner said in a social media post. “My knee’s not there, where I would like to be, and I’m not ready to compete yet.

“But I will do everything possible to be there on court as soon as I can. What I miss the most is of course the tournament, the fans and the atmosphere. I’ve had great times in the past winning the title last year and I’m very disappointed that I cannot defend it this year.”

pic.twitter.com/sXkEDMa3pH

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) September 25, 2026

A year ago, Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur and Learner Tien in succession to capture the Beijing Open championship.

The 25-year-old Sinner has not played a match since his 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final last July.

Overall, Sinner has posted a 44-3 record winning six titles in 2026.

The ongoing right knee injury has forced Sinner out of Montreal, Cincinnati and the US Open as he tries to recover for the fall swing.

The post Jannik Sinner Withdraws from Beijing appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Chengdu Open
Chengdu, China
September 23-29, 2026
Prize Money: $1,210,115
Surface: Hard Court

Players and Pandas in Chengdu
The Chengdu Open, which debuted in 2016, joins Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai as Chinese hosts during the ATP Tour’s Asian swing. Staged at the Sichuan International Tennis Center, the venue boasts a 6,000-seat center court, two additional show courts accommodating 2,000 spectators each, and a total of 20 outdoor hard courts and 12 indoor courts.Valentin Vacherot is the top seed and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is seeded second.

Chengdu Open Daily Results: Click Here

The post Chengdu Open Draws and Schedule for Friday, September 25, 2026 appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Rob Stone/@RobStoneTennis

Chengdu Open
Chengdu, China
September 23-29, 2026
Prize Money: $1,210,115
Surface: Hard Court

Players and Pandas in Chengdu
The Chengdu Open, which debuted in 2016, joins Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai as Chinese hosts during the ATP Tour’s Asian swing. Staged at the Sichuan International Tennis Center, the venue boasts a 6,000-seat center court, two additional show courts accommodating 2,000 spectators each, and a total of 20 outdoor hard courts and 12 indoor courts.Valentin Vacherot is the top seed and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is seeded second.

Chengdu Open Daily Results: Click Here

The post Chengdu Open Draws and Schedule for Thursday, September 24, 2026 appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Alex Kuperstein

Editor’s Note: We first met Alex when he was living in the Coachella valley and was the favorite practice partner at the BNP tennis event in Indian Wells. We actually first met when he won a contest we ran. It was the vintage club entrance. This past January we outfitted him with a bag of vintage adidas clothing. Dusted him off to start the year. (Many • sorry most tennis players)!aren’t very appreciative. But Alex is not typical. He is a very mature guy. Luckily, he’s got a great support system. ( family and friends.) Everyone loves him. He is smart. Hardworking and dependent. Please help sponsor him. We are thrilled to be part of team Kuperstein. (LJ)

Alex Kuperstein on a mission is Alex’s ongoing journal of life on the pro circuit.

Read From Atlanta to Zagreb: A Summer of Tennis by Alex Kuperstein here.

The post Tennis Player on his way to earn a living playing the sport he loves. Meet Alex Kuperstein. appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Andrea Jaeger Facebook

WTA standout Andrea Jaeger has spent her post-tennis career helping others.

Former world No. 2 Jaeger has touched lives through her philanthropy and non-profit work founding and leading The Little Star Foundation.

Little Star Foundation’s programs have had a profound impact on the lives of children battling cancer and those in dire circumstances. By providing long-term care and focusing on improving their quality of life, the foundation has not only offered financial assistance and medical support but also education, therapeutic play, and outreach care programs.

The results have been remarkable, with Little Star participants enhancing their motor skills, enriching their self-esteem, and leading engaging, purposeful lives despite their diagnosis.

Now, writer Gabriele Varoni Oliveira has shared this piece on Andrea Jaeger’s post-tennis life on Facebook:

The post Tribute to former World No. 2 Andrea Jaeger by Gabriele Varoni Oliveira appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Rob Stone/@RobStoneTennis

Joao Fonseca is taking time off the Tour for rest and recovery.

The 20-year-old Brazilian announced today he will skip the entire Asian swing to rest and recovery after an injury-plagued stretch.

“2026 has been a very challenging year for me,” Fonseca posted on Instagram. “On top of everything the profession demands, a series of injuries ended up taking me out of important tournaments and keeping me from playing the way I would like to.

“I know that’s just part of an athlete’s life, but even so, it’s still frustrating. I made a huge effort to return and represent Brazil in the Davis Cup, but I still need more time.

“I talked a lot with my team, and we came to the conclusion that the best decision right now is to listen to my body, give my mind and body a break, and skip the Asian swing.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joao Fonseca (@joaoffonseca)

World No. 28 Fonseca fought back from a two-set deficit to stun Novak Djokovic in Paris en route to the Roland Garros quarterfinals. Since that heroic French Open fightback, Fonseca has posted a 6-4 record, including his win over Swiss Dominic Stricker in last weekend’s Davis Cup tie.

Fonseca pulled out of the Cincinnati Open due to an abdominal injury on his left side. The 2023 US Open boys champion Fonseca started this season two months late due to a back injury and posted a 1-3 record in his first four matches.

Though Fonseca picked up his play with that rousing Roland Garros run, he is 20-13 overall with a trio of quarterfinals: Monte-Carlo, Munich and the French Open.

Fonseca, who made his US Open main-draw debut last year, withdrew from the Flushing Meadows major last month due to the abdominal injury.

The post Joao Fonseca Withdraws from Asian Swing appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: European Open Facebook

Czechia stars Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik delivered a jolting sense of Davis Cup deja blue to the United States.

Trailing Team USA 1-2, on the blue hard court of Prague’s O2 Arena, Mensik beat Ben Shelton 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to level the tie and set the stage for Lehecka’s heroics.

In the decisive singles, a calm Lehecka defeated Davis Cup debutant Learner Tien 6-3, 7-5 to clinch Czechia’s 3-2 triumph over the United States in the Davis Cup Qualifying Second Round.

On his second match point, Lehecka lasered a diagonal forehand winner then dropped to his knees in an eruption of emotion as Czech fans and players roared in joy. 

The 24th-ranked Lehecka scored two of Czechia’s three victories in this tie, including a 6-4, 6-4 sweep of Shelton, who was playing his first match since bowing to Alexander Zverev in the US Open final, on Friday night.

Today’s singles wins propel Czechia into the Davis Cup Final 8 November 24-29th at the Super Tennis Arena in Bologna.

This is the second straight year the USA led Czechia 2-1 on the final day of play only to see Mensik and Lehecka deliver heroic singles performances against American stars.

A year ago, Lehecka beat Taylor Fritz, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to level Czechia with the USA in a Davis Cup Qualifying tie in Delray Beach. Then Mensik crushed Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4 to clinch Czechia’s 3-2 victory in Delray Beach, Florida.

“No regrets. There’s zero regrets,” U.S. Davis Cup Captain Bob Bryan said. “We brought the best team possible. Ben’s setting an example, win or lose, he’s setting an example to the younger generation on what it means to prioritize playing for your country.

“That means a lot, and when the dust settles and the results fade away, that’s the most important thing is setting a culture, an example for the younger kids. So, super proud of Ben for how he competed. These guys battle their hearts out. They showed a lot of heart, so I’m proud of it.”

Miami Open finalist Lehecka came out firing in the decisive duel today. Lehecka blocked a high backhand volley for break point. Defending a series of corner-to-corner drives, Lehecka broke for 2-0 when Tien netted a drop shot.

The left-hander came right back knocking a backhand pass down the line to break back in the third game. Tien held to level after four games.

The 20-year-old Tien came out attacking the Lehecka forehand, In the seventh game, Tien fired a flurry of forehands into the Czech’s backhand wing draining an error for double break point. Lehecka saved both break points, defusing the dilemma in holding for 4-3.

Tightening up a bit, Tien double faulted and flat-lined a forehand into net as Lehecka broke for 5-3. 

Even at 30-All, Lehecka lashed some snapping forehands to serve out the opening set.

Down a set, Tien drew first-break blood in the second for a 2-0 lead.

Holding serve was a challenge for Tien as Lehecka unleashed his all-court skills, climaxed by deadening a drop volley winner to break back for 2-3.

An assertive Lehecka flattened a forehand down the line and approached drawing an errant pass for Love-30. Stepping into the court, Lehecka scalded a forehand down the opposite sideline that singed the baseline for triple break point in the 11th game.

Dashing forward on the second break point, Lehecka dipped a brilliant backhand drop volley winner, breaking with a stylish flourish for 6-5.

Serving to lift his nation to the Davis Cup Final 8, Lehecka drove a serve down the T for match point. 

In a 23-shot rally, Tien countered everything the Czech threw at him, drawing a netted forehand for deuce.

Confronting break point, Lehecka drilled a sharp-angled ace out wide to bring it back to deuce. Backpedaling, Lehecka soared for a smash that gave him a second match point. Lehecka double faulted into net then went to the towel to wipe his arms and clear his mind.

Tien nudged a second-serve return wide giving Czechia a third match point. This time, Tien ran down a drop volley and zapped a forehand pass.

Slashing successive forehand winners, Lehecka dropped to the court completing a Czech comeback to send the USA to its knees for the second straight year.

“A better start would have been winning, but I mean I always think it’s an honor and a privilege to represent my country,” Tien said. “I’m just gutted I wasn’t able to get it done for my team, but I’d love to be able to play more Davis Cups in the future.”

Jakub Mensik (CZE) d. Ben Shelton (USA), 5-7, 6-4, 6-3

Jakub Mensik slammed an ace out wide closing a comeback conquest with a bang.

The Roland Garros semifinalist Mensik fought off US Open finalist Ben Shelton 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to level Czechia with the United States, 2-2.

Menacing on serve, Mensik won 45 of 51 points played on his first serve defeating Shelton for the third time in five meetings.

Mensik’s victory set the stage for the tie clinching showdown between Czech Davis Cup hero Jiri Lehecka and U.S. Davis Cup debutant Learner Tien.

Serving with command, Mensik threw down four love holds and permitted just one point on serve forging a 5-4 lead.

Staring down a set point in the 10th game, Shelton did not shrink.

The US Open finalist fired a series of twisting topspin forehands, drawing the error to erase set point. Shelton slid serve winner down the T to level.

Ruing his lost opportunity, Mensik brain cramped bunting a drop shot into net then watching Shelton chased down another dropper and hammer a smash to fall into a Love-30 deficit. Shelton crunched a crackling return right back through the middle handcuffing Mensik into a netted reply as the American broke for 6-5.

Opening the court with a heavy forehand crosscourt, Shelton stepped up and lanced the line with a diagonal forehand strike to end the 48-minute opening set. Shelton tossed his pocketed ball aside as he walked to the team bench, stealing a set where Mensik seemed to be in charge—and silencing Czech fans who had been playing horns and pounding booming bass drums.

Resilience won Shelton the opening set and carried him through a tough test midway through the second set. Down Love-30, Shelton reeled off four points in a row pumping an ace to hold for 3-All.

Repeating the pattern of the opening set, Mensik again earned set points in the 10th game. Shelton slammed a forehand winner smack off the baseline to save the first set point.

On his second set point, Mensik banged a diagonal return that sent Shelton racing to his left to stab back a defensive reply. Mensik was waiting and whipped a crosscourt forehand winner to close the second set.

Wrapping on a new pair of white wrist bands at the start of the third set, Shelton tried to shake off that final game lapse.

The problem for Shelton was Mensik hit his stride on serve and was increasingly calling the shots in pivotal points.

Mensik earned break point in the eighth game of the decider. 

2026 Davis Cup Qualifying Second Round

USA vs. Czechia
September 18-19
O2 Arena (Indoor Hard Court)
Prague, Czechia
Television Coverage: Tennis Channel

Friday, September 18 

Learner Tien (USA) d. Jakub Mensik (CZE) 6-2, 6-4

Jiri Lehecka (CZE) d. Ben Shelton (USA) 6-4, 6-4

Saturday, September 19 

Christian Harrison / Austin Krajicek (USA) d. Adam Pavlasek/Patrik Rikl (CZE) 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(8) 

 Jakub Mensik (CZE) d. Ben Shelton (USA)  5-7, 6-4, 6-3

Jiri Lehecka (CZE) d. Learner Tien (USA) 6-3, 7-5

The post Lehecka and Mensik Break American Hearts Again, Lift Czechia to Davis Cup Final 8 appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: USTA

Two of tennis’ top young talents lit up the US Open in a late-night thriller.

Tomorrow, Learner Tien takes on Jakub Mensik again with a trip to the Davis Cup Final 8 decided this weekend.

World No. 13 Tien will launch the United States’ quest to return to the Davis Cup Final 8 against Mensik in tomorrow’s opening match of the USA v. Czechia Davis Cup Second Round Qualifying tie in Prague.

It’s the second time this month the pair will square off.

The 20-year-ol Tien, making his Davis Cup debut, owns a 2-0 advantage over the 21-year-old Mensik, who is ranked No. 15. Tien defeated former Miami Open champion Mensik in the third round of the US Open almost two weeks ago, coming from down two sets to one to post a physically-demanding 6-3, 1-6, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 on Louis Armstrong Stadium in a match that finished after 1:30 a.m. 

The draw for the tie was conducted today in Prague.

The Tien v. Mensik match will be followed by US Open finalist Ben Shelton playing Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka in Friday’s second singles match.

Last September, Mensik and Lehecka were Davis Cup heroes leading Czechia to a 3-2 day two rally over the host USA on the hard courts of Delray Beach, Florida. Mensik and Lehecka delivered a rousing comeback for Czechia leading Captain Tomas Berdych’s squad to the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, Italy.

After dropping the doubles, Lehecka took out Taylor Fritz, overcoming a 0-4 record against the world No.5, and Mensik clinched the victory with a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Frances Tiafoe.

Team USA, which is without Fritz and Tommy Paul, who both withdrew, will aim to avenge that home defeat this weekend.

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Empowered by his historic run to the US Open final, Shelton takes on Jiri Lehecka in Friday’s second singles.

World No. 4 Shelton is 3-0 vs. the 24-year-old world No. 24 Lehecka, with a third-set-tiebreak victory coming this season in Stuttgart on grass. They played last year in Cincinnati on a hard court, and Shelton won in straight sets.

Play begins on Friday at 3 p.m. local time, 9 a.m. ET. Tennis Channel will carry coverage in the U.S. 

The best-of-five-match tie continues on Saturday, beginning with the doubles that pits 2026 US Open and Australian Open doubles champion Christian Harrison and former doubles world No. 1 Austin Krajicek against Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl. The tie then concludes with the reverse singles matches — Shelton vs. Mensik and Tien vs. Lehecka.

The first team to register three wins will advance to the Davis Cup Final 8.

2026 Davis Cup Qualifying Second Round

USA vs. Czechia 
September 18-19
O2 Arena (Indoor Hard Court)
Prague, Czechia 
Television Coverage: Tennis Channel

Friday, September 18 at 3 p.m. local (9 a.m. Eastern time)

Learner Tien (USA) v. Jakub Mensik (CZE)

Ben Shelton (USA) v. Jiri Lehecka (CZE)

Saturday, September 19 at 2 p.m. local (8 a.m. Eastern time)

Christian Harrison / Austin Krajicek (USA) v. Adam Pavlasek/Patrik Rikl (CZE)

Ben Shelton (USA) v. Jakub Mensik (CZE)

Learner Tien (USA) v. Jiri Lehecka (USA)

The post Tien Opens U.S. Davis Cup Tie v. Czechia with Mensik Rematch appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Rob Stone

Tennis’ ultimate endurance tournament returns this month—and you can join the field.

Players can prove they have the mettle to reign as a tennis’ true Iron Man this month.

The Iron Man Tournament is a best-of-five tournament format where players can “play like the pros” competing for cash and prizes. The tournament is open to everyone, sanctioned by the USTA and contested on California’s hard courts. 

Players have between 7 and 10 days to coordinate and play each round on a court of their choosing leading up to the final. The 2026 Iron Man Tournament will be contested on a stadium court to be determined on November 14, 2026.

Tournament entry fee is $70.

Registration deadline is September 20th. Questions? Call or text Tournament Director Rob Stone at 818.601.9566 or email Rob at RobStone22@Gmail.com.

An avid and accomplished player himself, Stone created the Iron Man Tournament after watching archrivals Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal battle out it for five pulsating sets.

Watching that match prompted Stone to ponder the idea of hosting a best-of-five-set tournament open to all.

“I was watching Federer vs. Nadal and was completely captivated by it,” Rob Stone told Steve Pratt for a Southern California section article. “I thought: Geez, what would it be like to play a best-of-five-set match?

“I was doing some regular tournaments besides the ladder and thought I was the only one crazy enough to do this besides a few others.”

Running the Iron Man, Stone soon learned tennis crazies hungry for the challenge of going the distance are all over the state.

2026 Iron Man Tennis Tournament Facts

Who’s Eligible: Everyone.

Prizes: Trophies, Prize Money (amount determined based on number of entries), and other surprise tennis swag courtesy of tournament sponsor Solinco. 
There will be a Consolation Playoff if you lose your first round. Entrants are guaranteed two matches and a minimum of six sets!

When: Entry deadline is September 20, 2026. Players will have about 7 to 10 days to coordinate and complete each round. Players can set up their own matches according to their schedules, however it is strongly encouraged to complete matches ASAP within the week. 

Where: Matches can be played at any mutually agreed upon location between the players. Final to be played on a stadium court.

Format: Singles: Best three out of five sets with regular scoring. USTA Rules apply.

Deadline: Entries must be received by September 20, 2026.

Past Champions Honor Roll

Maalik Konop-Defreitas (2025), Anish Gupta (2024), Bobby Rodriguez (2023), Gabe Joseph, Jason Magnes, Aaron Colbert, Michael Thoeresz, Joe McCauley

This year, musician and die-hard tennis player and supporter Redfoo, formerly a member of Team Vika Azarenka, is planning to play the tournament.

Photo credit: Rob Stone

A year ago, Redfoo, renowned for his heavy topspin forehand and crackling serve among SoCal players, played the Iron Man and reached the quarterfinals.

That performance came years after Redfoo famously aced Serena Williams at an exhibition even in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

The post Iron Man Tennis Tournament Returns This Month, Enroll Now! appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: WTA

The WTA has found its Finals home.

The WTA Tour will host the 2027-2029 WTA Finals in Charlotte, N.C., the Tour announced today.

“At a defining moment for women’s sports around the world, the WTA today announced that Charlotte, North Carolina, will become the new home of the WTA Finals beginning in 2027, launching a new chapter for the Tour’s season-ending championship and its ambition to build the preeminent championship experience in women’s sport,” the WTA announced today.

The 2026 WTA Finals will be staged at Indian Wells.

A new chapter awaits

Charlotte, North Carolina, will become the home of the WTA Finals from 2027! This new beginning brings the season’s top singles players and doubles teams together, to compete for the most prestigious title in women’s tennis

Find out more:… pic.twitter.com/RIApnaLOjL

— wta (@WTA) September 16, 2026

.“The WTA Finals represents everything that makes women’s tennis extraordinary: the world’s best athletes, competing at the highest level, on a stage worthy of what they have accomplished,” said Valerie Camillo, Chair of the WTA. “Women’s tennis has spent generations helping push women’s sports forward, and we have an opportunity now to lead again by building a championship experience that reflects just how far women’s sport has come and where it is going next. In Charlotte, we found more than a host city.

“We found partners who share that ambition and a place where we can build a true home for the Finals and for the WTA.”

The post WTA Finals Moving to Charlotte for 2027-2029 appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: International Tennis Hall of Fame

Surrounded by several of Hall of Fame colleagues, Mary Carillo received the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s highest honor with her induction last month.

In New York City, Carillo received a very special symbol of her Hall of Fame status.

Pioneering broadcaster and former French Open mixed doubles champion Carillo received her Hall of Fame ring on Saturday evening at the annual Legends Ball at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

Carillo was presented with her ring on stage by Hall of Fame President Kim Clijsters and Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova. The presentation followed video tributes celebratingCarillo’s lifelong involvement in tennis, storied broadcasting career, and Hall of Fame induction two weeks prior. Carillo was inducted on August 29 as a member of the Class of 2026, earning tennis’ ultimate honor in the Contributor Category for her contributionsto tennis media and commentary.

Photo credit: International Tennis Hall of Fame

ifer Capriati, Rosie Casals, Michael Chang, Lindsay Davenport, Rick Draney, Gigi Fernanez, Steve Flink, David Hall, Monique Kalkman, Leander Paes, Brad Parks, Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario, Stan Smith and Chantal Vandierendonck.

“If you’ve ever listened to me, I love this game,” said Carillo. “I love its players. I love that I get to work with so many of them now. I’m very honored and humbled to behere, so I just want to thank everybody.”

The post Mary Carillo Receives Official International Tennis Hall of Fame Ring at Legends Ball appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Jon Buckle/ROLEX

The United States’ road to the Davis Cup finals has taken a sharp left turn.

Ben Shelton, fresh off his contesting his maiden US Open final, and fellow left-handers Learner Tien and Martin Damm Jr. join doubles standouts Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek on the American squad that will face host Czechia in this weekend’s Davis Cup Qualifying tie in Prague.

Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul have both withdrawn from the team.

Two-time Canadian Open champion Shelton defeated Hubert Hurkacz, Denis Shapovalov, defending-champion Carlos Alcaraz and buddy Frances Tiafoe to reach his maiden major final in Flushing Meadows where he fell to top-seeded Alexander Zverev in four sets.

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Shelton is set to make his second Davis Cup appearance, and first since the 2024 Finals. World No. 4 Shelton is the top-ranked American man. 

This is also the debut Davis Cup nomination for both Tien, 20, and Damm, 22. Tien’s run to the US Open fourth round saw him rise to No. 13 in the world, the fourth-ranked American man. The 6’8″ Damm, who owns a massive lefty serve, is ranked No. 104 after pushing Frances Tiafoe to five sets in the US Open first round. 

Team USA will take on Czechia this weekend, September 18-19th at the O2 Arena on an indoor hard court in Prague.

The two nations will play for a place in the Davis Cup Final 8, one year after Czechia toppled a U.S. team led by Fritz and Tiafoe in Delray Beach, Florida.

The Czech team and captain Tomas Berdych have nominated Jakub Mensik, Jiri Lehecka, Tomas Machac and Vit Kopriva for the host.

The Second Round Qualifying tie is a best-of-five match series that will begin with two singles matches on Friday, September 18, then continue with a doubles match and two more singles matches beginning on Saturday, September 19.

The first nation between the USA and Czechia to win three out of those five matches wins the Qualifier and will advance to the eight-nation Davis Cup Final 8 to compete for this year’s championship November 24-29 in Bologna, Italy.

Flavio Cobolli and Matteo Berrettini led Italy to its third consecutive Davis Cup championship, and fourth overall, last fall.

Tennis Channel will carry coverage of the USA v. Czechia this weekend.

The post Shelton, Tien to Lead U.S. Davis Cup Squad v. Czechia appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Pete Staples/USTA/Getty

By Alix Ramsay

For most of his 29 years on this planet, Alexander Zverev has been dreaming of moments like these and he has been pushing himself to his physical and mental limits to make them become a reality. But then, when the dream finally comes true, he does not notice.

So it was that Zverev served out against Ben Shelton to win the US Open title. He had kept the 23-year-old American with the blunderbuss serve and the thumping forehand at arm’s length for two sets, got tight – and a little weary – in the third set and then regained control from the opening game of the fourth.

At 5-2, he went to serve for the trophy and unleashed two massive serves to secure two match points and a third to clinch it. He patted the balls down to the other end of the court for Shelton to serve again. Only when heard the commotion in the stands did he look up. What was all the fuss about? Why was the crowd making a noise? And the he realised that the umpire, Marijana Veljovic, was calling the score: game set and match Zverev: 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2. What? Me? I’ve won? Er, yes, Sascha, you are the new US Open champion.

“I thought it was 5-1,” Zverev told the Sky TV team as he cradled the trophy. “I knew that I broke him twice, but I thought he only held once. So, I thought it’s 5-1; OK, I’m going to have a relaxed service game here and then I’m going to get tight on the next one.

“You know, tennis teachers always tell you, just play each point, forget about the score. Well, that moment I forgot about the score and it helped me.”

Photo credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty

With his check for $5.5million safely pocketed (yes, he did check that the cheque was in the envelope handed to him during the trophy presentation), he could just enjoy himself and share the moment with his team. When he won his first grand slam title at Roland Garros in June, he was in floods of tears – tears of joy and relief – but this time he was simply loving every second of the experience.

“I think I’ll be able to enjoy this one a lot more than in Paris because in Paris I was just full of stress,” he explained. “The entire two weeks I was just a massive ball of stress and it was just a massive relief when I finally did it.

“The difference was then I came to Wimbledon, I played a lot freer and I played with a lot more joy and I feel like the same thing happened here. I was playing free; I was playing with a lot of joy. It was just fun to be out there in those moments whereas in Paris it wasn’t fun. It was just a lot of stress. So I think once you win one, there’s definitely something coming off and there’s a massive relief there. And I think it helped me here.”

That win in Paris also helped erase the lingering memories of his first final in New York. Back in 2020 and playing under the Covid restrictions with no crowds, he held a two-set lead and served for the championship only to lose to Dominic Thiem. That haunted him for years but beating Flavio Cobolli in five, fraught sets on the Court Philippe Chatrier exorcised that ghost forever.

“I had flashbacks the last six years of when I was that final because I was two sets to love up, the match was on my racket back then,” he said. “I had a lot of flashbacks until I won the French Open, and then again, I think that everything disappears, and you’re just having fun on these big courts.”

Photo credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty

How many more times he will have fun at the grand slams remains to be seen. He has made hay while the sun has shone: as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have been sidelined with injury (Alcaraz in Paris and Wimbledon, Sinner in New York), Zverev has stepped up to claim his place on the winner’s podium.

But Sinner will be back soon and Alcaraz has already shown by his run to the US quarter-finals that he is getting back to full fitness. All things being equal, they will both be waiting for the German when the Australian Open starts in January. Zverev’s grand slam window of opportunity may be closing behind him as he heads to JFK and his flight back to Europe.

That, though, is a problem to ponder in the future. On Sunday, the night belonged to Zverev and the party was set to continue long into it.

He may be a divisive figure to some and certainly the New York crowd was cheering for Shelton, their all-American hero, after every point, but you could not begrudge Zverev his moment in the spotlight.

He heaped praise on Shelton on court and made a point of going to congratulate Shelton’s team. Both men are surrounded by a close-knit crew and both are coached by their fathers – there is a connection between the two finalists in that.

As he thanked everyone he could think of, he reserved a special mention for his mum. Without her – although she never comes to see him play – he would not be a two-time major champion.

“I want to thank one more person who is never actually watching my matches,” he told the crowd, “but she is the most important person in my tennis life and in my life in general. When your four-year-old son gets diagnosed with diabetes and the doctors in their office tell you that life and sports will be very, very limited for that child, it takes a very, very strong mother to walk out of those offices and to say ‘my son will be whatever he wants to be. If he wants to be a tennis player, he’ll be a tennis player. If he wants to do something else, he’ll do something else. But this illness will not define us’.

“And I’m happy that we worked through it. And we’re doing things that we’re doing right now. My mother is the most important and the strongest person I know because it takes an unbelievably strong woman to do what she did.”

Whether you like Zverev or not, or even if you do not really care, it is impossible to deny that after a lifetime of effort and six years of heartache after that first US Open final defeat, to reach three grand slam finals in three and a half months and win two of them is an almighty achievement.

Doing it all again next year, of course, is a whole new story.

The post Tennis News Zverev Beats Shelton to win The 2026 US Open appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.

Photo credit: Ricky Dimon. Karen Pestaina presents Coach Art Carrington with the coveted 10sBalls.com Coach of the Year Award.

Editor’s Note: we chose Arthur Carrington for this award for a simple reason. He is the “coaches coach “ that remark was from Sven Groeneveld. Louise Pleming was in his magical powerful presence. She was blown away. The story is also about the two Arthur’s. Arthur Carrington and Arthur Ashe were in same climb into global elites when Carrington decided to go home to Elizabeth NJ to be the worlds smartest coach. He can simplify the confusing regarding strokes. Body movement and swinging the racket. Elizabeth NJ just named a park in his name. So Arthur Ashe became the great player and Arthur Carrington became one of the best coaches in the world. Other coaches chimed in. Max Mirnyi’s said he had never seen such clean simply strokes that will provide a lifetime of being able to play. Rick Leach was sorry he missed the ceremony. He had a Forest Hills gig … but he loves Arthur’s teaching methods. The Bruthas had to leave town the day before. They were missed. Sorry Bryce and Issac. Coach Andy Fitzell. Had the remark “ smooth” and said his mentor Vic Braden would have put art on a pedestal. Art sets the bar high. KT Kim and Norman Tam were also sorry to miss the award. Solinco has been sponsoring the Carrington family . KT Kim said we’d like to congratulate and Thank Arthur for his incredible contributions to The sport of tennis. His passion and dedication and commitment have helped open the door to the sport and have helped open the door to multiple generations of players. We are grateful for everything he has done.

By Karen Pestaina

There are tennis coaches, and then there are people who spend a lifetime giving something back to the game.

Arthur “Art” Carrington is one of those people.

10sBalls.com is proud to name Art Carrington our Coach of the Year, joining an extraordinary group of previous honorees that includes Gardnar Mulloy, Judy Murray, Sven Groeneveld and Louise Pleming.

Art’s tennis journey has lasted more than six decades—as a player, champion, coach, teacher, author, historian and mentor. And what a journey it has been.

Growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Art discovered tennis at the historic North End Tennis Club. It became much more than a tennis court. It was a gathering place where young players were surrounded by successful Black doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals who played tennis, socialized and looked after the next generation.

Art learned tennis there, but he also learned about life.

One of his early mentors was Sydney Llewellyn, who coached the great Althea Gibson. Art has spoken about the lessons Llewellyn taught him—not only about tennis, but about spirituality, family and becoming a man.

Those lessons never left him.

Art became quite a player himself.

He was recruited to Hampton College, now Hampton University, where he became the school’s first student to receive a full athletic scholarship. He became a three-time collegiate champion and later one of the best players in the American Tennis Association.

In 1972, Art played 18-year-old Horace Reid in the ATA Men’s Singles Championship final—the first televised ATA men’s championship match. The incredibly close five-set battle was broadcast on Boston Public Television with legendary broadcaster Bud Collins behind the microphone.

Art lost that one.

But champions have a way of coming back.

In 1973, Arthur Carrington became the ATA Men’s Singles Champion.

Along the way, he was a frequent practice partner of Arthur Ashe and shared courts with some names very familiar to the 10sBalls family: Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and our beloved Vitas Gerulaitis.

And if you ever had the opportunity to watch Art play, you could immediately see something special about his game.

Those smooth strokes.

Art has always made hitting a tennis ball look almost effortless. There is a rhythm and flow to his strokes that became an important part of the way he would eventually teach the game.

Because tennis is not an easy sport to learn.

In fact, it can be incredibly difficult.

One of Art Carrington’s gifts as a coach is his ability to simplify tennis. Instead of making an already complicated game even more complicated, Art helps players understand movement, rhythm and how the body naturally works.

He has described his philosophy as one of whole-body integration and flowing movement, even incorporating elements of martial arts and music into his teaching. Art believes a good teacher must first be his own best student.

Perhaps that is why those beautiful, smooth strokes look so effortless.

Art coached Vera Zvonareva, who reached No. 2 in the world, and since founding the Carrington Tennis Academy in 1980, he has helped thousands of students learn and improve their games.

But Art has given tennis something else that may prove equally important.

He has helped preserve its history.

His book, Black Tennis: An Archival Collection: 1890–1962, preserves historic newspaper accounts and stories documenting generations of Black tennis players, clubs and communities that are too often missing from traditional tennis history.

Art understood something important: you cannot tell the complete stories of Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson without telling the stories of the communities that produced them.

When Art discovered tennis as a boy, everyone he saw around the courts was Black. As he recalled years later, he essentially grew up thinking tennis was a Black game. There was nothing telling that young boy that he didn’t belong on a tennis court.

Art later helped co-curate the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s groundbreaking “Breaking the Barriers” exhibition chronicling Black tennis history.

Player. Champion. Coach. Author. Historian. Mentor.

But we think teacher may describe Arthur Carrington best.

Tennis is a difficult game. Great coaches have the rare ability to make it simpler. Great teachers can take something complicated and make it feel natural.

And when you watch Arthur Carrington’s smooth, effortless strokes—or watch him teach someone else how to find that same rhythm—you understand why he has remained a student and teacher of this game for more than half a century.

10sBalls.com proudly honors Arthur Carrington as our Coach of the Year.

Congratulations, Art—and thank you for a lifetime of teaching, mentoring, preserving history and giving back to the game we all love.

The post Arthur Carrington: 10sBalls.com / TennisBalls.com Tennis Coach of the Year in NYC  appeared first on 10sBalls.com • TennisBalls.com.