Injured Draper cancels Alcaraz training week
British number one Jack Draper cancells a training week with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz because of a hip injury.
British number one Jack Draper cancells a training week with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz because of a hip injury.
The ATP has announced a record $28.5 million in ATP Challenger Tour prize money for the 2025 season – up $6.2 million year on year and 135 per cent since 2022. The increases are the result of major Challenger Tour reforms delivered under OneVision – ATP’s long-term strategic plan – to expand the number of players able to make a sustainable living from tennis.
A central driver of prize money increases has been the formation of Tennis Data Innovations (TDI) and the successful commercialisation of Challenger Tour rights. Calendar enhancements have helped drive growth, through the introduction of premium Challenger 175 events and a rise in the number of higher category Challenger 100 and 125 events.
Under OneVision, ATP has established a dedicated Challenger Tour team with new leadership to oversee growth and new revenue opportunities. Significant investment in marketing, headlined by the launch of the Challenger Tour’s ‘On The Rise’ brand campaign, has played an important role in enhancing the visibility and commercial appeal of the Tour.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Creating a sustainable player pathway to the ATP Tour is vital for the future of our sport. Since 2022, we’ve invested in significant reforms on the Challenger Tour. The results have been clear: record-breaking prize money, year on year increases and most importantly, more players inside the Top 250 provided with greater financial compensation at this level.”
[NEWSLETTER FORM]Jakub Mensik’s rise up the PIF ATP Rankings has happened at lightning speed, but the #NextGenATP Czech has not lost perspective when it comes to appreciating where he comes from and what he has.
Mensik on Tuesday visited JISTOTA School in his hometown of Prostejov, Czechia. The 19-year-old, whose brother Lukas is a student at the school, later paid tribute to the students and teachers he had met.
[ATP APP]Mensik wrote on Instagram: “I’m living my dream – I play tennis matches at prestigious tournaments, meet legends I looked up to as a child and still admire today, travel a lot, and get to know fascinating places and cultures. I’m incredibly fortunate not only to do what I love but, most importantly, to be healthy!
“I know not everyone is so lucky, and I’m reminded of this every day, not only because of my amazing brother, who has autism spectrum disorder, but also because of his classmates, whom I had the privilege of visiting during class today.
“These incredible young people are true fighters, facing adversity daily with remarkable effort, perseverance, and positivity. They work hard on themselves, supported by their incredible teachers and assistants, much like I work with my own team.”
— Jakub Mensik (@mensik_jakub_) December 10, 2024
True to the spirit of the holiday season, Mensik also made a call for kindness.
“I deeply admire the dedication of everyone involved, whether students or educators, and I’m grateful to contribute in my own way – whether it’s supporting their rehabilitation, providing aids, or helping them experience moments that bring them closer to their dreams,” he wrote.
“I have immense respect for everyone at JISTOTA School, which cares for 76 pupils and students. Thank you, JISTOTA School, for the vital work you do.
“This holiday season, let’s come together to make a difference. No matter how big or small, every act of kindness matters, and doing something is always better than doing nothing. Take a moment to support a cause close to your heart; even the smallest gesture can bring hope and joy to someone in need.”
Mensik, who finished 2024 at a career-high No. 48 in the PIF ATP Rankings, will next compete at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah, which begins on 18 December.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]
Alex de Minaur and Matthew Ebden both hit some standout milestones in 2024. On Monday night in Melbourne, Tennis Australia recognised the duo’s on-court achievements this year by awarding them both the 2024 Newcombe Medal.
De Minaur and Ebden were presented with the prestigious award, which is named after the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings John Newcombe. It is the highest individual honour in Australian tennis and is awarded annually to the country’s most outstanding elite player and ambassador for the sport. This year, De Minaur and Ebden shared the award in recognition of their resepctive outstanding achievements on the global stage.
De Minaur racked up a 47-21 match record in 2024, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, and reached a career-high No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings in July. The 25-year-old, who won tour-level crowns in Acapulco and ‘s-Hertogenbosch to take his career tally of ATP Tour titles to nine, also made his Nitto ATP Finals debut in Turin in November.
“I’m so proud and happy to win the Newcombe Medal award again, and want to say how much I appreciate it, and also being able to share it with Matt,” said De Minaur via video link from London. “It’s been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I’m just so happy to be part of it. I’d like to congratulate Matt, who’s done amazing things this year, and his team – the Olympic gold medal was a highlight, as well as all the other nominees tonight.
“I’d like to thank Tennis Australia, John Newcombe and everyone who has made this possible. Let’s all fight to have an even better year in 2025.”
[ATP APP]While it was a third Newcombe Medal for the current World No. 9 De Minaur, doubles star Ebden was delighted after receiving the prestigious prize for the first time. The 37-year-old won the Australian Open alongside Rohan Bopanna in January, rose to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings for the first time in February, and later claimed the gold medal at the Paris Olympics with John Peers.
“It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. I’ve been nominated a few times over the years and never thought I’d actually win,” said Ebden. “I am proud and happy because I look back on the year and honestly, I put everything out there at all times and was able to get some great achievements.
“It’s hard to digest and reflect on all the great things that have been happening this year. I’m just super grateful that they’ve happened. To cap it off with this award, and to be recognised, not just for this year, but I feel for 20 years of hard work and just improving little bit by little bit over all the years, it’s probably led me to this.”
Both De Minaur and Ebden will begin their 2025 season on home soil at the United Cup, where Australia will compete in Sydney. The host country of the mixed teams event will take on Argentina and Great Britain in group play as it looks to better its semi-final run from 2024.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]
The ATP Challenger Tour prides itself in being a launching pad for young players aiming to compete at the highest levels of the sport. This season, a handful of players went from the ATP Challenger Tour to making memorable breakthroughs at Grand Slam events. ATPTour.com highlights five players who exemplified that journey in 2024.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
The Frenchman won three Challenger titles in the first four months of the year and quickly became one of the ATP Tour’s breakout players this season. At Wimbledon, the 6’8” Mpetshi Perricard crushed 51 aces in the first round, upsetting 20th seed Sebastian Korda in five sets. The dramatic victory doubled as Mpetshi Perricard’s first major main-draw win.
As a lucky loser at the grass-court major, Mpetshi Perricard reached the fourth round. The 21-year-old also won two tour-level titles this season, lifting the trophy in his home city Lyon and at the ATP 500 event in Basel. Mpetshi Perricard is the first player since 2014 to win multiple ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour titles in a season.
“When he was winning those Challengers in Mexico, he was like [World No.] 140 and I was thinking, ‘This guy is going to be the best French player,’” said prominent coach and analyst Brad Gilbert.
<img alt=”Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard triumphs at the Acapulco Challenger.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/04/22/03/26/mpetshi-perricard-acapulcoch-2024.jpg” />
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard triumphs at the Acapulco Challenger in April. Credit: Jorge Reyes
Nuno Borges
The 27-year-old’s Slam season was bookended by fourth-round runs, at the Australian Open and the US Open. Now at World No. 36 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Borges added his name to the Portuguese record books, becoming just the second player — man or woman — from his country to reach the fourth round at a Grand Slam tournament (Joao Sousa, two times). Borges earned the highest-ranked win of his career in Melbourne when he defeated then-World No. 13 Grigor Dimitrov to reach the last 16.
“It’s a dream come true just being in these tournaments and belonging, feeling like I belong in these tournaments and competing with the best,” Borges said in Melbourne.
Borges successfully defended his title at the ATP Challenger 175 event in Phoenix, where he downed Matteo Berrettini in the final. Borges won his maiden tour-level title in July in Bastad.
This looks familiar 😉 #ATPChallenger | @aztennisclassic pic.twitter.com/ZvhVMN5P4T
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 18, 2024
Arthur Cazaux
Cazaux started the year on a red-hot run. In week one, the 22-year-old was crowned champion at the Noumea Challenger and he did not slow down. The Frenchman extended his match-winning streak to eight (across all levels) by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
A wild card in Melbourne, Cazaux stunned eighth seed Holger Rune in the second round. Cazaux powered 51 winners, showcasing clean baseline hitting and electric athleticism throughout the clash Down Under.
“It’s a show. Tennis is a show. I gave all I have in me, and I hope you enjoyed the show,” Cazaux said to the crowd after the milestone victory. Cazaux finished the season at a career-high No. 63 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Mariano Navone
Navone made Slam history this season. The 23-year-old became the first player in the Open Era to be seeded in his first major main draw, Roland Garros.
In the first half of the season, few players were in better form than Navone. The Argentine won his biggest career title at the ATP Challenger 175 event in Cagliari, where he cruised past home hope Lorenzo Musetti in the final. Navone also made his first tour-level final at the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro and repeated that result in Bucharest.
Navone’s success was enough to earn him the 31st seed at the Paris major, marking a historic first Slam showing. Navone, who in 2023 collected a season-leading five Challenger titles, rose to a career-high No. 29 following Roland Garros.
Francisco Comesana
While Navone earned the most Challenger titles last season, his countryman Comesana tallied a season-leading 45 match wins at that level in 2023. The 24-year-old also built off that success to mark a career-best season this year.
Comesana flourished on all three surfaces. He won the clay-court Oeiras Challenger in April to make his Top 100 debut in the PIF ATP Rankings. At Wimbledon, Comesana upset sixth seed Andrey Rublev in the first round. Comesana eventually reached the Round of 32 and matched that feat at the US Open. Comesana fell to eventual finalist Taylor Fritz at Flushing Meadows.
In Comesana’s first appearance following the US Open, he triumphed on home soil at the Buenos Aires Challenger. Comesana lifted his third Challenger title of the year in November, when he won in Sao Paulo. That triumph propelled Comesana to a career-high No. 84.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]Transgender women will no longer be allowed to play in some female domestic tennis and padel tournaments in Britain, in changes to the Lawn Tennis Association’s rules.
Brandon Nakashima and Jannik Sinner. Two names that resonate deeply with #NextGenATP star Alex Michelsen.
The young American speaks with admiration about the impact both have had on his journey, drawing inspiration from Nakashima’s steady brilliance as a fellow Californian and 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, while recounting valuable lessons learned from his encounters with Sinner, including a memorable piece of advice the Italian shared after their Cincinnati clash this year.
In our latest ‘My Influences’ feature, Michelsen delves into the figures who have shaped his game and mindset, both on and off the court. From the tactical insights of top-tier pros to the unwavering support and guidance of his tennis-playing parents, Michelsen offers a compelling look at the forces driving his rise in the tennis world.
[ATP AWARDS]Which former NextGen champs do you most identify with?
I would say probably Brandon Nakashima, just because he is a fellow Southern California boy like me. He has got a sick backhand. Plays super well, super solid all around. I like to think I am pretty solid. So, I feel like we’re similar that way. And seeing him win the tournament in 2022, I remember being at home watching. I am actually really good friends with his cousin and his brother, so it was really cool to see him win. I think I am definitely going to draw a little bit of inspiration, a little SoCal inspiration from him before I go there.
Read more from our Influences series
When did you get to know Brandon?
I see him around at most tournaments and he has been very friendly which is very cool. I mean, growing up, we were all watching his progress. He went to college for a little bit and then he turned pro. I have been playing the same tournaments. We haven’t spent a lot of time together. But in passing, he is nothing but nice. He is a little bit of a quiet guy. Nothing wrong with that. I like him a lot.Out of the other former champions, have you hit much with Alcaraz, Sinner or Tsitsipas?
I have played Sinner twice now. I went close to him in Cincy, and at the US Open, he absolutely waxed me. But I remember we talked a lot in Cincinnati, because obviously he won that tournament. And I was actually there for doubles and I made the final. So I was seeing him every day in the locker room. And we chatted up. He actually told me I was saying sorry too much, because I tried to keg him. He knew I was going after him. And he’s like, ‘It’s a good play, don’t say sorry’. He is actually a super nice guy. Unfortunately, I am 0-2 against him. But I guess that’s OK because he is the number one player in the world.
Who have been your biggest other influences?
My parents both played tennis in college. And they inspired me to play. They put a racquet in my hand before I even remember. I was two years old and they put a racquet in my hand. I am glad they started me young. You have to start tennis young or else you are not going to be great. They both were very good college players. And I hit with my mum almost every day until I was 15 or 16. And she was the one that wanted me to hit a million balls and my dad was the one that wanted me to be a little more creative, hit some drop shots, slices. Some funky shots like that. I feel like I got a really good mix from both of them. And I have taken that really far.
Also, my coach, Jay. I have been with Jay for four years now. He actually told me you know, ‘Kid, you will be Top 100 and be a professional tennis player’ before I had any ATP points. And being where I am right now that means a lot to me. Those are definitely the biggest influences in my life.
What have you learned on Tour this year?
The Tour is absolutely brutal. You lose every week. I haven’t won a tournament this year. I had a match point in the Newport final and I got aced on the match point. It was a good week. I feel like last year I was winning a lot because I went from 600 to 97 in the world. I won a lot of matches in Futures and Challengers. Even though you are not winning every week, you are still winning a ton of matches. And this year I think I might be 50/50. I might have the same number of wins and losses. It is definitely tough mentally, experiencing all this for the first time. And I think becoming a good loser, as lame as that sounds, you have got to become a good loser just because it is going to happen all the time.
Everybody is good. Anyone can beat anyone on a given day in the Top 100. And there is not a lot of job security in tennis if you’re thinking about that. It’s tough out here. And that’s I think the biggest thing that I have learned. And definitely a little more patience. Patience for results. Patience during matches. I feel like I have grown a lot this year. It has been a great first year. Got a lot of great experiences. I am doing pretty well. I have surpassed my goal of Top 50. So I am happy with that.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]What does tennis mean to Matteo Berrettini?
The Italian wears his heart on his sleeve and conveyed that in an emotional message he shared in ATP’s ‘Love Letter To Tennis’ series.
[ATP APP]“You taught me to be resilient, to keep fighting, to trust the people that you’re working with,” he said.
The former No. 6 player in the PIF ATP Rankings shared anecdotes from his childhood and his relationship with tennis. What did Berrettini say?
Watch the full video below to find out!