Racket sport. Singles or doubles. Global circuit.
Updated Wimbledon coverage shows notable moments: Muchova advances to a potential final, Schuurs collides with a ball girl but remains in match, and de Minaur opens up on the mental toll after a loss, with Cobolli advancing further; Sabalenka exits in straight sets to Osaka.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has increased Samuel Bensoussan’s ban from one year and 11 months to three years for involvement in fixing matches in lower-tier tennis events. ITIA says investigations linked him to a Belgian crime syndicate that corrupted at least 181 players and affected 375 matches. Bensoussan’s ranking peaked at 405 in 2018 and he has not played since 2019.
The WTA has updated its women’s eligibility policy to require a one-time SRY gene test to determine biological sex. The policy, effective 2026, aligns with IOC standards and follows similar measures by World Athletics and World Boxing. No transgender players are known to compete on the WTA Tour.
Three new indoor padel facilities are underway in Scotland: Crieff Hydro’s Padel Barn opens in September; Galashiels Academy hosts a TSIT project with two covered padel courts; Cromlix Hotel features historic tennis facilities renewed for guests. The developments aim to broaden access to racket sports year-round across communities.
Serena and Venus Williams have received a wild-card entry to compete in the doubles at the Cincinnati Open, marking their first doubles pairing since the 2022 US Open. The event runs in Mason, Ohio, from early next week, with Venus also entering the singles draw.
Draper has suffered a 6-3 2-6 6-2 loss to Terence Atmane in Montreal, crying on court as arm injury recurs. He has been given a wildcard to Cincinnati and is eyeing the US Open, with his form and fitness under intense scrutiny.
The four majors have unveiled a record prize pool and new player welfare measures, including a Grand Slam Player Council and a dedicated funding stream, in response to player protests over remuneration. The US Open will host the first implementation, with substantial increases across categories, and a $2 million allocation to a new player support programme.
The Guardian and AP News report that 22-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils wins the Cincinnati Open, defeating Frances Tiafoe to become the first Masters 1000 final featuring two Black players. Fils overcomes a tense match, dominating late to capture his first Masters 1000 title and rising into the top ranks of the ATP race.
Elena Rybakina has won the US Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to become the new World No. 1. The victory caps a breakthrough year that included an Australian Open title and a Wimbledon triumph, while Sabalenka ends the season without a Grand Slam title. The outcome also ends Sabalenka’s long run atop the rankings and sets up a fresh chapter in their rivalry.