Tennis News

Who is competing in Indian Wells? Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic headline

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are on the entry list for the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season in March at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

The hard-court event, which runs from 4-15 March, is set to feature all of the current Top 10 players in the PIF ATP Rankings. Alcaraz will return to Indian Wells off the back of completing the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

The 22-year-old Spaniard has fond memories in the Californian desert, having lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024. The World No. 1 holds a 20-2 tournament record overall, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

Sinner has triumphed at the other five hard-court Masters 1000 events but has never won Indian Wells. The Italian, who lost in the semi-finals at the Australian Open to Djokovic, reached the last four in 2023 and 2024.

Djokovic, a finalist in Melbourne earlier in February, is a joint-record five-time champion in Indian Wells. The Serbian has clinched the crown on five occasions (joint with Roger Federer), with his last success coming in 2016. The 38-year-old triumphed in Miami that same year to complete the Sunshine Double (winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back) for a record fourth time.

Former champions Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie will also compete. Home favourite Fritz won the title in 2022, while British lefty Draper defeated Holger Rune in the championship match last season to claim his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown. Norrie triumphed in 2021.

Former Next Gen ATP Finals champions Learner Tien and Joao Fonseca will both be in action and Ben Shelton will help lead home hopes alongside Fritz. Austrian Filip Misolic is the last direct entry in the initial player entry list.

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Kartal loses 10 straight games in Abu Dhabi exit

British number two Sonay Kartal suffers a 6-0 6-2 defeat by Sara Bejlek in the Abu Dhabi Open quarter-finals.

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Andrea Gaudenzi re-elected as ATP Chairman through 2028

The ATP today announced that Andrea Gaudenzi has been re-elected as Chairman. Gaudenzi will serve a third term through 2028, having held the position since January 2020.

Under Gaudenzi’s leadership, men’s professional tennis has undergone a period of unprecedented growth. Since the start of his tenure, total annual ATP-level player compensation has risen by $100 million, reaching an all-time high of $269.6 million in 2025 and $400 million when combined with the Grand Slams.

A series of landmark reforms introduced under OneVision, the ATP’s long-term strategic plan, have enhanced the fan experience, elevated the Tour’s top-tier events, and aligned the interests of players and tournaments under the ATP.

In his third term at the helm of the organisation, Gaudenzi will lead the Tour as it undertakes a comprehensive product review, expected to be implemented in 2028 to coincide with the introduction of a 10th ATP Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia. The review will focus on four key areas: rankings, compensation structure, calendar optimisation and event format.

Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman, said: “It’s an honour to continue serving the ATP – an organisation that has shaped my career since my time as a player on the Tour. When I reflect on what we’ve achieved, I see a sport with stronger foundations than ever, underpinned by record growth that speaks to tennis’s potential.

“Now is the time to keep pushing. The second phase of OneVision is about unifying our governance, adapting and becoming more agile, because our sport is undeniably stronger when we move forward together. Thank you to the ATP Board and our members for their continued trust and support.”

Among the most impactful reforms of Gaudenzi’s tenure has been the introduction of tournament profit-sharing at ATP Masters 1000 events—a landmark reform underpinned by financial transparency for the players through tournament financial auditing. Over the past three years, it has distributed more than $37 million to players. From 2026, tournament profit-sharing will expand to ATP 500 events through a new model tailored to that category, further strengthening alignment between players and tournaments and ensuring athletes share more directly in the sport’s growth.

The expansion to 12-day ATP Masters 1000 events has increased total compensation at this level by 59% in just three years, creating more earning opportunities for a wider cohort of players. It has also unlocked major infrastructure investments in Shanghai, Cincinnati, Madrid, Rome, Paris, and more, improving conditions for players and driving record fan attendance of 5.6 million across ATP Tour events in 2025.

The expansion of the Masters 1000 Bonus Pool, from just 12 to 30 players, has further boosted compensation, reaching a record $21.5 million in 2026, and is set to rise significantly further from 2028. Meanwhile the ATP 500 Bonus Pool, newly created in 2023, stands at $3.07 million in 2026.

On the ATP Challenger Tour, total prize money has increased by 167% since 2022 to a record $32.4 million in 2026, strengthening the pathway for the next generation of players.

Revenue growth has been underpinned by the creation of Tennis Data Innovations (TDI) in 2021 and aggregation of media rights under ATP Media. Together, these initiatives have helped to maximise the commercial value of the Tour’s media and data assets, contributing to record revenue levels.

Additional achievements under Gaudenzi’s leadership include the expansion of the ATP Pension Plan to cover 300 players, with total contributions reaching a projected $26 million in 2025, up from $12.7 million in 2019. The introduction of Baseline has further strengthened financial security by guaranteeing minimum earnings for the Top 250 for the first time in history.

Looking ahead, the second phase of OneVision focuses on deepening collaboration between the T-7 (ATP, WTA, ITF, and the four Grand Slams) to maximise tennis’ growth potential.

Following a successful professional career on the ATP Tour, during which he won three ATP titles and reached a career-high World No. 18 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Gaudenzi obtained a law degree from the University of Bologna, Italy, followed by a Master of Business Administration at the International University of Monaco. He went on to forge a successful career in business over the next 18 years across sports marketing, entertainment, data, technology and media, before returning to tennis.

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2026 Rotterdam tennis prize money

The ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, Netherlands, which this year runs from 9-15 February, has announced a prize money total of €2,462,660 for the 2026 edition.

The singles champion will earn €460,555. The winning doubles team will split €151,280.

View the full prize-money breakdown and the PIF ATP Rankings points at stake below.

2026 Rotterdam Singles Prize Money

2026 Rotterdam Doubles Prize Money (per team)

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2026 Dallas tennis prize money

The Nexo Dallas Open, which this year runs from 9-15 February, has announced a prize money total of $2,833,335 for the 2026 edition.

The singles champion will earn $529,945. The winning doubles team will split $174,050.

View the full prize-money breakdown and the PIF ATP Rankings points at stake below.

2026 Dallas Singles Prize Money

2026 Dallas Doubles Prize Money (per team)

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Wawrinka downs Medjedovic for historic win in Montpellier

Stan Wawrinka made history at the Open Occitanie Wednesday.

With his 7-6(3), 6-4 win over Hamad Medjedovic in the opening round, the 40-year-old, competing in his final season on Tour, became the oldest man to record a tour-level win indoors outside the Davis Cup since Ken Rosewall (45) in Melbourne in 1980.

“I always enjoy. I’m still passionate about the game,” Wawrinka said. “For me, [it] was important to keep pushing myself and trying to win as much as possible.”

The Swiss relied on his experience in his maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting against 22-year-old Medjedovic. He won 83 per cent (24/29) of his first-serve points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, cruising to victory in one hour and 38 minutes. He fended off 80 per cent (4/5) of the break points he faced, including a crucial save at 5-5 30/40 in the opening set.

“It is always a pleasure to play the young generation. I was happy to face him for the first time. Tough player. I am happy with the level. It is a pleasure to be back here,” he said.

He will next play defending champion Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Eighth seed Aleksandar Kovacevic spoiled the hopes of 16-year-old Moise Kouame on Wednesday in Montpellier, where the French teenager was aiming for his first tour-level win. Kovacevic, a finalist last year in Montpellier, rallied to a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2 victory after one hour, 54 minutes.

Kovacevic won 82 per cent of his first-serve points (41/50), according to Infosys ATP Stats, and did not face a break point until his final service game of the match, which he erased before applying the finishing touches on his fourth tour-level win of 2026.

“He was outplaying me in the first set,” Kovacevic said of Kouame. “I didn’t feel super comfortable, first match of the week. And then I got settled in a little bit and I think he dropped his level just a tad. It’s tough to play a player like that, I’ve never really seen him play at all, but definitely impressed.”

Kouame, was seeking to become the seventh man this century to win a tour-level match before his 17th birthday. The teenager advanced through qualifying, becoming the youngest man to qualify for an ATP Tour event since Rudolf Molleker in 2017.

The American will next face another French qualifier, Titouan Droguet, who beat Kovacevic 7-6(4), 7-6(8) last week at the Quimper Challenger.

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Zverev withdraws from Rotterdam

Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam. The tournament shared the news on social media on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old last competed in Rotterdam in 2023, when he fell to Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. He’s competed in the tournament six times previously.

“I find it incredibly unfortunate that I have to make this decision. At the ABN AMRO Open, I was already given a chance as a young player, and that’s why I always enjoy returning,” Zverev said. “However, given my history with my ankle, I have to prioritise my recovery and can’t take any risks. I wish everyone in Rotterdam a wonderful week.”

Alexander Zverev Withdraws from Rotterdam.
The 28-year-old German withdrew today. Due to recurring ankle problems, his physio advised him to recover thoroughly before playing matches again.
Wishing him a smooth recovery.
Read more: https://t.co/xFWGOrMpVu#AlexanderZverev #Zverev… pic.twitter.com/ihXkA87JFo

— ABN AMRO Open (@abnamroopen) February 4, 2026

“Given his history, we would naturally have liked to see Alexander back on court, but we also understand his decision here. Everyone still remembers the images and the impact of his previous ankle injury,” Tournament director Richard Krajicek shared.

Zverev began his 2026 season at the United Cup before reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets. He holds a 6-2 record this year, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

The ABN AMRO Open runs from 9-16 February, with Top 10 players Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Bublik among those in field.

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How a tire change underpinned Skupski's return to doubles World No. 1

Neal Skupski has returned to the summit of the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, climbing to World No. 1 for the first time in 29 months.

The Briton’s rise to the top was sealed in emphatic fashion, having won the Australian Open alongside Christian Harrison. Their partnership only started this offseason and featured a memorable beginning, with the duo changing a tire together. Following the pair’s triumph in Melbourne, Skupski skyrocketed from No. 9 to No. 1.

“I knew then that there was a chance of getting back to World No. 1,” said the 36-year-old Skupski. “I think that’s the best way to get No. 1 — winning a Grand Slam.”

Harrison and Skupski were competing in their second tournament together in Melbourne, arriving at the season’s first major after a semi-final run in Adelaide. Down a set in the opening round of the Australian Open and twice facing 0/40 on their serve in the second set, Harrison and Skupski dug out of early trouble against Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner.

“We watched a lot of film after that to see where we could improve,” said Skupski. “And it definitely helped us moving forward throughout the two weeks.”

Harrison and Skupski downed home favourites Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans 7-6(4), 6-4 in the championship match. The pair’s teamwork and chemistry, which formed in the offseason in an unexpected manner, proved effective as the duo did not drop a set after its first-round scare.

“Probably our first team bonding event was changing one of Christian’s tires,” Skupski said. “Christian came to Baton Rouge to do preseason with me in December for one week. He got a flat on his rental car, so we did that as a team together. It was quite funny.”

Skupski has amassed 18 tour-level doubles titles across his standout career, including two major crowns (2023 Wimbledon, alongside Wesley Koolhof). In November 2022, Skupski ascended to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings for the first time. A three-time qualifier for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals, Skupski most recently held No. 1 honours in August 2023.

“I think the only thing that was different was the first time being very nervous going into one of the matches in the end of 2022 knowing that if I won that match in Paris, we knew we’d be No. 1, me and Koolhof,” said Skupski.

After reflecting on his journey back to the top, Skupski is already looking ahead to new challenges and goals in 2026.

“Getting back to World No. 1 definitely brings confidence and it’s been a great start to the year with Christian,” said Skupski. “Now it’s time to push on again and we need to reevaluate our goals.

“Winning a Grand Slam was one of our goals at the start of the season, so we’ll have to think about that and come up with new targets.”

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Kartal beats lucky loser after Bencic withdraws in Abu Dhabi

Great Britain’s Sonay Kartal beats lucky loser Renata Zarazua to reach the last eight of the Abu Dhabi Open after original opponent – and defending champion – Belinda Bencic withdraws through illness.

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Relive Roger Federer’s first ATP Tour title, 25 years on

A quarter of a century has passed since a 19-year-old Roger Federer lifted his first ATP Tour trophy, a moment that marked the beginning of his historic career. Long before the records, the rivalries and the reverence, there was Milan, the city where Federer first learned what it felt like to finish the job.

By the time the then-19-year-old arrived in northern Italy in February 2001, Federer was no longer just a promising teenager trying to break through. He had already reached two ATP Tour finals the previous season, in Marseille and Basel, only to fall short on both occasions. Those defeats stung, but they also served as an education. Ranked inside the Top 30, Federer felt closer than ever and it was no longer a question of if he would win a title, but when.

The draw in Milan was anything but forgiving. Federer’s path to the final included victories against Goran Ivanisevic and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, names synonymous with major glory and big-match experience. For a young player still learning to manage expectations and nerves, it was a demanding test of belief.

Federer moved past Rainer Schuettler and Cyril Saulnier in his first two matches and then took out Ivanisevic in straight sets in the quarters. The Croatian Ivanisevic would go on to win Wimbledon just a few months later.

Standing between Federer and a third tour-level final was Kafelnikov, who arrived in Milan at No. 7 in the PIF ATP Rankings. On paper, the former World No. 1 Kafelnikov appeared the favourite among the remaining semi-finalists, a group that also included Julien Boutter and Greg Rusedski.

“Out of the four guys in the semis, I felt the title was in my hands,” Kafelnikov told ATPTour.com.

Kafelnikov had beaten Federer in all three of their previous Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings, yet he recalls that even then, the sense of anticipation surrounding the young Swiss was impossible to ignore.

“We all knew that Roger was the best junior at the time,” Kafelnikov said. “I remember playing him for the first time in Rotterdam when he was still 18. It took me three sets to get past him. I knew all he needed at that time was someone who could lock him up in the frame of mind when he could be really focused on his tennis.

“[He was] playing the PlayStation with the coach. He was not so focused compared to when he turned 22, when he started to really believe that he could be No. 1. He had the game to be the best player in the world, we all knew that.”

Federer backed that belief on court, battling past Kafelnikov 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-3 to earn his first victory against the ATP No. 1 Club member and secure his place in the Milan final. Awaiting him in the championship match was Frenchman Boutter, contesting his first tour-level final.

Federer claimed the opening set 6-4, but Boutter pushed him to the edge in a tense second-set tie-break, which the Frenchman won 9/7. For a teenager still chasing his first title, it was a familiar danger moment. Instead of faltering, Federer reset. He steadied his nerves, trusted his instincts and closed out a 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-4 victory to finally lift his first ATP Tour trophy.

“I really wanted to win my first ATP Tour title,” Federer once told the ATP. “That was a big week, beating Boutter in the final. It felt like I had pressure because maybe I went into that final a little bit as the favourite. But it was fast indoors and Boutter was a big server, so you never knew what was going on.

“I think it was more of a relief rather than joy or happiness. I think that kicked in 24 hours later. I remember I thought, ‘At least I have one’.”

The triumph was a milestone years in the making. Federer had earned his first ATP Tour match win in Toulouse in 1998, three years before Milan, and then steadily climbed the rankings.

“I am a really small space in the career of Federer,” Boutter said. “I am the first one to lose in a final against him, but many guys did the same as me.”

With the benefit of hindsight, Milan stands as a defining early chapter rather than an isolated success. Federer would go on to capture 103 tour-level titles, including 20 Grand Slam crowns, with his final triumph arriving in Basel in 2019.

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