Former champion John Newcombe warned that Australian tennis is in decline, urging Tennis Australia to overhaul its programs and development pathways. He criticised new CEO Andrew Abdo’s format‑change proposal and highlighted the nation’s lack of Grand Slam success at the 2026 US Open. The comments come as Tennis Australia seeks to balance commercial growth with nurturing homegrown talent.
Britain’s Alfie Hewett defeated Japan’s Tokito Oda 6-0 7-6 (7-5) to claim his fifth US Open men’s wheelchair singles crown, halting Oda’s bid for a clean Grand Slam sweep in 2026. Hewett, who lost to Oda earlier in the season at the French Open and Wimbledon, described his performance as “possessed” and credited a period of reflection for his resurgence.
Former champion Jim Courier told the Tennis Channel that, contrary to the betting odds favouring Aryna Sabalenka, he believes Elena Rybakina’s slightly quicker game on the US Open’s slower hard courts will give her the edge in the final. The prediction comes ahead of the first US Open final featuring the world’s top two players since 2013.
Russian player Karen Khachanov was defeated by Germany’s Alexander Zverev in three tight sets in the US Open semi‑final. After the match Khachanov criticised Zverev’s lengthy ball‑bouncing routine, saying it disrupted his rhythm, while Zverev admitted he had no clear reason for the habit.
Coco Gauff and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina are set to clash in the US Open semi‑final, a match that will decide who reaches the tournament final. The two have met twice before, with Gauff winning in 2022 and Rybakina taking the 2026 Canadian Open semi‑final. Both players have strong Grand Slam semi‑final records, making this a highly anticipated showdown.
Reunited British‑American duo Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram knocked out last year’s champions Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos 6‑4 6‑4 to book a place in the Wimbledon men’s doubles final. The pair, three‑time US Open champions, will face 2024 runners‑up Kevin Krawietz and Tim Putz in the final.
Jessica Pegula, after hard‑fought wins over Leylah Fernandez and Emma Navarro, looks ahead to her US Open semi‑final against Aryna Sabalenka. She noted Sabalenka’s confidence after a recent ten‑point tie‑break win and reflected on their head‑to‑head history, emphasizing the challenge ahead.
Frances Tiafoe rallied from two sets down to beat fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) in the US Open quarter‑final, securing his place in the semi‑finals. After the match he embraced a tearful Michelsen on Arthur Ashe Stadium, offering words of support that were praised by former champion Andy Roddick.
Elena Rybakina is on the brink of the world No.1 ranking, needing just one more win at the US Open. Former champions Jim Courier and Lindsay Davenport discussed her form and offered advice, noting her strong recent performances and the challenge posed by Qinwen Zheng. The article highlights Rybakina’s mental composure and recent victories, including a win over Naomi Osaka.
Holger Rune, the former world No.3, revealed on Instagram that he will return to competition at the Davis Cup tie in Copenhagen on 18 September, ending an 11‑month hiatus caused by a ruptured Achilles tendon. He discussed how the injury reshaped his approach to training, nutrition and recovery, citing inspiration from top players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.