Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez captured her sixth career title by winning the WTA 500 Singapore Open, defeating a strong field that included Mirra Andreeva, Maja Chwalinska and Talia Gibson. Eight‑time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors praised the victory but warned her not to rest on her laurels as she looks ahead to the China Open.
Fourth seed Mirra Andreeva dropped the first set to wildcard Yue Yuan at the China Open but rallied to win 6-0, 6-0, advancing to the third round. She said the opponent’s toilet break gave her extra time to refocus and turn the match around. Andreeva will next face Polina Kudermetova.
Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime announced on Instagram that he has hired former world No.3 Ivan Ljubicic as his new coach. The move follows Auger-Aliassime’s split with longtime coach Frederic Fontang after a disappointing Wimbledon quarter‑final loss. Federer praised Ljubicic’s impact on his own career, adding weight to the coaching appointment.
Tatjana Maria, the 39‑year‑old German, is the oldest player currently in the WTA top 100, holding a world ranking of No.84 after a successful 2025‑2026 season that included four WTA titles and a recent final in Eastbourne. The article also notes that Novak Djokovic is the oldest ATP player in the top 100, both serving as inspirations for younger players.
The article highlights growing complaints from tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka about the sport’s grueling schedule. They argue for a shorter season, suggesting it end in October to give players adequate rest. The piece calls on the ATP and WTA to consider these changes for the long‑term health of the sport.
Arthur Fils celebrated his entry into the world top ten by qualifying for the Tokyo Open after an administrative mistake forced him into the qualifiers of the ATP 500 event he won last year. He explained the mix‑up with his team and described the experience as a tough challenge, but ultimately a successful one.
Kei Nishikori announced his retirement after a 19‑year career, bowing out with a 6‑4 6‑4 loss to Frances Tiafoe in the Japan Open final in Tokyo. The emotional farewell included a lap of honour on the main showcourt and tributes from fellow stars such as Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Michael Chang.
Holger Rune made his comeback to the ATP Tour at the Japan Open in Tokyo, but was beaten in the first round by France’s Kyrian Jacquet, 6‑3, 6‑1. The 23‑year‑old, returning from Achilles‑tendon surgery that forced him out of all four Grand Slams, fell to world No. 188 and will now look to rebuild form at upcoming events such as the Shanghai Masters and Paris Masters.
Britain’s Sonay Kartal returned to the WTA Tour after a six‑month injury lay‑off and defeated Spain’s Andrea Lazaro Garcia 6‑2 6‑3 at the China Open in Beijing. The win moves her into the next round where she will face Chinese seed Wang Xinyu as she looks to climb back up the rankings.
Former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova has ended her 2026 season early, citing ongoing ankle injury problems. After a second‑round exit at the US Open, she announced she will miss the Asian swing and will aim to return for the 2027 WTA season.