Tennis News

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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'Lots of dark moments' – Draper now ready for Davis Cup

Jack Draper says he has had to overcome “lots of dark moments” during his injury lay-off as he prepares to make his long-awaited return in Great Britain’s Davis Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo

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How Alcaraz, Nadal combined to make Spanish history

Carlos Alcaraz added another golden chapter to Spanish tennis history on Sunday, when he lifted the Australian Open trophy to complete the Career Grand Slam and join Rafael Nadal in one of the sport’s most exclusive clubs.

With his triumph in Melbourne, the 22-year-old became the second Spanish man to win the Australian Open men’s singles title, following Nadal’s victories in 2009 and 2022. More significantly, Spain became the only country in the Open Era to have produced two men who have won the Career Grand Slam, with Alcaraz joining fellow ATP No. 1 Club member Nadal in the history books.

The Career Grand Slam has been achieved by only a select group of players in men’s tennis. Alongside Alcaraz and Nadal, the list includes Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Serbian Novak Djokovic, American Andre Agassi and Australian Rod Laver.

Career Grand Slam (Men, Open Era)

*Laver completed the Career Grand Slam as an amateur in 1962, and in the Open Era in 1969

The occasion was even more special with Nadal in the stands at Melbourne Park. It marked the first time the 22-time major champion had attended the Australian Open since his last appearance at the major in 2023, offering a rare opportunity for him to watch his countryman compete on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

“For me it’s a little bit weird seeing Rafa in the stands. I think it’s the first time [he has watched me play] professionally, if I’m not wrong,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. “I know you watched me when I was 14 or 15 years old, so it’s been a long time. It’s such an honour playing in front of you. We had great battles on the court… Now seeing you watch my match, it’s just a privilege.”

Nadal completed his own Career Grand Slam at the 2010 US Open, aged 24 years and 88 days, becoming the first Spanish man to achieve the feat. More than 15 years later, Alcaraz followed the same path.

Alcaraz, who was making his 20th major appearance, improved to 7-1 in Grand Slam finals. He has won each of the other three majors (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open) twice. The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings is the youngest male in the Open Era to win seven major singles titles. Alcaraz is now level with Djokovic at 5-5 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series and is the 12th player to have defeated the Serbian on five or more occasions.

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Fils wins first match since August in Montpellier

Arthur Fils made a triumphant return to the ATP Tour on Tuesday at the Open Occitanie Montpellier, where he overcame Valentin Royer 7-6(7), 6-7(4), 6-2.

Competing for the first time since August, the dynamic Frenchman saved one set point in the first set and produced a thrilling third-set display to raise the roof at the ATP 250 indoor event. Fils, who has been battling a back injury since the end of May, had last tasted victory in July in Toronto.

“It was a tough match. He is a great opponent and he put me under pressure,” Fils said. “I was running a lot and my legs feel it now, but I am very happy to win. It has been a long time out of the court and [to have] an atmosphere like this was [amazing].

“At the end of the first set I felt pretty good. Then the second set started and I felt a bit worse, but I finished very strongly… I had so much fun. I was talking to my box. I am enjoying this. It has been a long time.”

The 21-year-old, who reached the semi-finals in Montpellier in 2023, has now earned 50 tour-level hard-court wins. He will continue his comeback against Ugo Blanchet, who defeated doubles star Andrea Vavassori 6-4, 6-3.

Earlier, fifth-seeded Frenchman Ugo Humbert continued his impressive home form indoors, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4 to reach the second round. Humbert has won 19 of his past 20 matches indoors in France, lifting titles in Metz and Marseille (twice) in that time, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

With his 73-minute win, Humbert improved to 5-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against Van de Zandschulp.

American qualifier Martin Damm scored an upset win against seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz. The 22-year-old, currently No. 160 in the PIF ATP Rankings, recorded his third Top 100 victory in one hour and 33 minutes. Damm will face Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round.

Pablo Carreno Busta and French qualifier Titouan Droguet also earned wins at the ATP 250 event on Day 2. Carreno Busta beat Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), while Drouget downed Jan Choinski 6-2, 7-6(2).

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Who is 16-year-old Moise Kouame?

Moise Kouame has caught the attention of the tennis world this week. The 16-year-old became the sixth-youngest man to qualify for an ATP Tour event since 2000 at the Open Occitanie.

What should you know about the fast-rising French teenager? Read on to learn more about Kouame.

Where It All Started
Kouame began playing tennis aged six with his older brother Michael. A fan of Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, Kouame considers the Serbian his idol. Kouame, a native of Sarcelles, France in the northern suburbs of Paris, trained at the National Tennis Center in Poitiers.

Need For Speed
Away from the court, Kouame enjoys F1 and golf. Kouame’s dream job is to be an F1 driver. He supports Red Bull Racing’s F1 team and also likes footballer Lionel Messi. His other hobbies include playing PlayStation, golf, chess and Skyjo.

Pop Culture Picks
Kouame’s favourite superhero is The Flash. While naming Harry Potter as his favourite movie, Kouame also enjoys TV shows Drive To Survive and Top Gear. His favourite actor is Damson Idris. His favourite musician is Michael Jackson.

Montpellier Milestone
The No. 552 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Kouame will make his main-draw debut in Montpellier against eighth seed and last year’s finalist Aleksandar Kovacevic. Kouame, a wild card in the qualifying draw, needed a deciding set in both of his wins. He beat Elias Ymer 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in the opening round before ousting Clement Chidekh 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-3.

Click here to view the list of the six youngest men to qualify for an ATP Tour event this century, which includes Richard Gasquet, Rafael Nadal and Kouame.

Rankings Rise
Kouame is the youngest player in the Top 1,000 of the PIF ATP Rankings. He began the year at World No. 833 and has since surged nearly 300 places. In January, Kouame captured two ITF World Tennis Tour titles on home soil.

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