Jack Draper withdraws from another exhibition after the UTS. There are doubts about his participation at the Australian Open

Draper

Jack Draper has officially withdrawn from the MGM Macau Tennis Masters, scheduled for December 27 and 28 in China. This marks his second withdrawal from exhibition events in recent weeks, following his absence from the UTS London Grand Final.

Concerns over physical condition

The repeated withdrawals have raised concerns about Draper’s physical condition as the new season approaches. His decision not to compete in Macau comes at a time when fans and analysts are questioning whether he will be fit enough to participate in the Australian swing of the tour.

Australian Open participation in doubt

With the Australian Open looming in January, Draper’s fitness remains uncertain. His absence from back-to-back exhibitions suggests that he is prioritizing recovery, but it leaves open the question of whether he will be ready to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year.

The young British player has shown flashes of brilliance on the ATP Tour, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress. His team has yet to confirm his exact plans for Australia, leaving supporters waiting for clarity on whether he will step onto the courts in Melbourne.

Jack Draper in 2025

Jack Draper

34 - 10win/loss

Hard
15-4
Clay
15-4
Grass
4-2
23 year old
WLWLWWWLWW
2025 Highlights

Ranked world no.10, Jack played his last match on the 25th of August when he defeated world no.183 Federico Agustin Gomez 6-4 7-5 6-7(7) 6-2 in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).

Currently, during this year the Brit achieved a 30-9 match record. Draper has won 1 title in Indian Wells. The Brit was the finalist in Doha and Madrid.

Draper
U.S. Open
Draper's Record

Barnabé Zapata Miralles announces retirement and asks forgiveness from those he disrespected.

Barnabé Zapata Miralles Announces Retirement And Asks Forgiveness From Those He Disrespected.

Barnabé Zapata Miralles, who turned professional in 2015, began his journey on the ITF and Challenger Tours. Over the first years of his career, he collected 13 titles at the lower-tier level. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he reached the French Open round-of-16 as a qualifier, a remarkable achievement that placed him among the rising names in Spanish tennis.

In 2023, Zapata Miralles enjoyed his first full season on the ATP Tour, climbing to a career-high ranking of No. 37. His consistency and determination during that period marked him as one of the promising players of his generation.

Decline in Form

Despite his success, the following seasons proved difficult. Zapata Miralles struggled to maintain his momentum and spent much of 2024 and 2025 competing on the Challenger circuit. In May 2025, he managed to win an ITF tournament, but the remainder of the year was marked by disappointment as he lost 14 consecutive matches.

These struggles highlighted the demanding nature of professional tennis, where maintaining peak performance requires both physical and mental resilience.

Retirement Announcement

On Instagram, Zapata Miralles announced his decision to retire at the age of 28. He shared a heartfelt message with his fans and fellow players, acknowledging his shortcomings and expressing regret for moments when he did not act respectfully.

“Dear friends, after some time to reflect, I want to let you know that I have decided to officially retire as a professional player,” wrote Zapata Miralles.

“I want to begin by asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness from all the people I have disrespected during these years. Tennis is very demanding and often pushes you to the limit. I think that many times I didn’t act correctly with the people around me.”

He further explained his decision, saying, “I feel and know that I am still young, but after a lifetime of playing, I am no longer willing to continue making the sacrifice required to be an elite player. I don’t have the same hunger or the motivation that a player needs to improve day after day.”

Legacy and Reflection

Although his career ended earlier than expected, Zapata Miralles leaves behind moments of brilliance, particularly his run at Roland Garros in 2022. His journey reflects the challenges faced by many professional athletes who balance ambition with the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level.

His candid farewell message resonated with fans and peers, offering insight into the emotional and mental toll of elite competition. For Spanish tennis, his career remains a reminder of the depth of talent and the unforgiving nature of the sport.

VIDEO. Jannik Sinner shares his excitment of playing an exhibition in Korea with Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the Hyundai Card Super Match at Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea, on January 10, 2026. The clash comes just eight days before the Australian Open, giving fans a preview of what could unfold in Melbourne.

The event continues a tradition of bringing tennis icons to Korea, with past editions featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Maria Sharapova, and Venus Williams.

Rising Rivalry

Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated men’s tennis over the past two years, winning nine of the last ten majors between them. Their rivalry has been compared to legendary duels such as Federer vs. Nadal, with both players consistently pushing each other to new heights.

Carlos Alcaraz recently joked about their frequent encounters, saying, “We see each other more than our own families”. This lighthearted remark underscores how often the two meet in finals and high-profile matches.

Sinner’s Excitement

Jannik Sinner has openly shared his enthusiasm for the Korean exhibition, noting the importance of preparing in front of passionate fans. He emphasized that matches like these help sharpen his game before a major tournament. While not a ranking event, the exhibition offers both players a chance to test strategies and build momentum.

Global Appeal

The “Super Match” is not only a sporting event but also a showcase of tennis’s global reach. Organizers highlighted that bringing the world’s top two players to Korea reflects the sport’s expanding popularity across Asia.

Their appearance is expected to draw significant attention, with tickets prioritized for Hyundai Card holders before general release. The match is part of a broader effort to elevate tennis in South Korea and inspire the next generation of players.

With the Australian Open looming, both Sinner and Alcaraz will use the exhibition as a stepping stone. Their rivalry has already defined the current era of men’s tennis, and fans worldwide eagerly anticipate whether one of them will continue their dominance in Melbourne.

Jannik Sinner in 2025

Jannik Sinner

60 - 8win/loss

Hard
25-4
I Hard
15-1
Clay
12-2
Grass
8-1
24 year old
WWWWWWWWWW
2025 Highlights

Now the world no.2, Jannik played his last match on the 16th of November when he overcame world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 25th career title.

At present, during this year Sinner has managed to achieve an overall 58-6 match record. Jannik has won 6 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. The Italian was the runner-up in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.

Sinner
the Nitto ATP Finals
Sinner's Record

Carlos Alcaraz in 2025

Carlos Alcaraz

72 - 13win/loss

Hard
28-7
I Hard
11-2
Clay
22-3
Grass
11-1
22 year old
LWWWWLWWWW
2025 Highlights

Currently ranked no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 16th of November when he was defeated by world no.2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).

Currently, during this year Alcaraz has managed to achieve a 71-9 record. Alcaraz conquered 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. The Spaniard was the finalist in Barcelona, Wimbledon and the Nitto ATP Finals.

Alcaraz
the Nitto ATP Finals
Alcaraz's Record

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz played each other 17 times. Their current record is 11-6 for Alcaraz.

ATP renews its long-standing partnership with Rolex as official timekeeper and gold partner

Rolex Tennis

The ATP has renewed its long-standing partnership with Rolex, ensuring the Swiss watchmaker continues as the Official Timekeeper and Gold Partner of the ATP Tour.

A partnership rooted in history

Rolex’s relationship with tennis began in 1978, and since then the brand has supported many of the sport’s most prestigious events. With this renewal, Rolex remains the Official Timekeeper of the ATP Tour, an Official Partner of the Nitto ATP Finals, and the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, reinforcing its commitment to young talent and the future of the game.

Global visibility and fan engagement

Rolex will maintain year-round brand presence across ATP’s social and digital platforms, providing match start times and game durations to a global fanbase of over one billion. This visibility strengthens the connection between the sport and its audience worldwide.

Voices from ATP and Rolex

Daniele Sano, ATP Chief Business Officer, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “It’s difficult to understate the commitment Rolex has shown towards our sport and the ATP Tour. For almost 50 years, it has championed the qualities that define tennis – elegance, prestige, and precision. As a valued partner of the ATP since 2005, we’re proud to reinforce such an iconic legacy.” Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communication and Image, added: “Rolex is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to tennis. While celebrating the dedication and remarkable performances at the highest levels of the game, Rolex supports the leading tournaments, governing bodies and players, as they continue to shape the future of the sport.”

Expanding across tennis and beyond

Rolex is also an Official Partner of all ATP Masters 1000 events, as well as the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Beyond tennis, the brand maintains a strong presence in golf, motorsport, yachting, and equestrianism, further highlighting its global sporting influence.

Supporting champions of today and tomorrow

Rolex counts several leading ATP athletes among its family, including current World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, alongside Ben Shelton, João Fonseca, and tennis legends Roger Federer and Björn Borg. This renewal underscores Rolex’s dedication to both established champions and the rising stars shaping the future of tennis.

Belinda Bencic wins WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year Award

Bencic

Belinda Bencic has been named the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year after an extraordinary 2025 season. At the beginning of the year, she returned to competition following the birth of her child, starting from a ranking of world No. 421. Her journey back to the top has been one of resilience and determination.

Titles and milestones

Bencic quickly made her mark by winning the Abu Dhabi and Tokyo tournaments, proving she could compete at the highest level once again. Her run at Wimbledon was historic, as she reached her first semifinal at the prestigious Grand Slam. By the end of the season, she had climbed to world No. 11, a stunning rise in less than twelve months.

Recognition of her achievement

The award highlights not only her success on the court but also the inspiration she provides to athletes balancing professional careers and personal milestones. Her comeback has been celebrated across the tennis world as one of the most impressive stories of the year.

A season to remember

From starting outside the top 400 to finishing inside the top 15, Bencic’s 2025 season will be remembered as a defining chapter in her career. Her ability to overcome challenges and return stronger has solidified her place among the sport’s most resilient competitors.

Belinda Bencic in 2025

Belinda Bencic

42 - 19win/loss

Hard
34-13
Clay
3-4
Grass
5-2
28 year old
WWWWWWWLWW
2025 Highlights

Now the world no.11, the Swiss played her last match on the 30th of October when she defeated world no.278 Yafan Wang 6-2 6-2 in the 2nd round in Hong Kong (draw).

During this season Bencic has an overall 39-17 record. Bencic has won 2 titles in 2025 in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo.

Bencic
Hong Kong
Bencic's Record

Djokovic to start 2026 season in Adelaide

Djokovic

Novak Djokovic will begin his 2026 campaign at the Adelaide International, a key warm-up event before the Australian Open. The Serbian star is joined by Jack Draper and Stefanos Tsitsipas, adding further strength to the field.

About the tournament

The Adelaide International, founded in 2020, is staged at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre on outdoor hard courts. As an ATP 250 event, it has quickly become one of the most important lead-in tournaments to Melbourne’s Grand Slam.

Previous champions

Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed the 2025 edition but has chosen not to defend his title, leaving the door open for a new champion. Djokovic and Draper are the two top 10 players confirmed, while Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Jiri Lehecka, and Tommy Paul ensure five top 20 competitors will be present.

Player field

The men’s singles draw will feature 28 players, with the top four seeds receiving a bye into the second round. Nineteen direct entrants have been confirmed, alongside four qualifiers and three wildcards.

2026 Adelaide International ATP entry list

  • Novak Djokovic (No. 4)

  • Jack Draper (No. 10)

  • Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (No. 14)

  • Jiri Lehecka (No. 17)

  • Tommy Paul (No. 20)

  • Francisco Cerundolo (No. 21)

  • Joao Fonseca (No. 24)

  • Tallon Griekspoor (No. 25)

  • Arthur Rinderknech (No. 29)

  • Valentin Vacherot (No. 31)

  • Tomas Machac (No. 32)

  • Brandon Nakashima (No. 33)

  • Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 34)

  • Corentin Moutet (No. 35)

  • Jaume Munar (No. 36)

  • Ugo Humbert (No. 37)

  • Arthur Fils (No. 40)

  • Gabriel Diallo (No. 41)

  • Alexei Popyrin (No. 54)

Schedule

The 2026 Adelaide International will take place from January 12 to 17, serving as the final preparation for players ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Quotes

Tournament director Alistair MacDonald said: “We are thrilled to welcome Novak Djokovic back to Adelaide. His presence adds incredible prestige to the event.” 【source: RMC Sport】

This year’s edition promises high-quality tennis and a competitive field, setting the stage for an exciting start to the ATP season.

Novak Djokovic in 2025

Novak Djokovic

42 - 15win/loss

Hard
22-9
I Hard
5-0
Clay
10-5
Grass
5-1
38 year old
WWWWWLWWWW
2025 Highlights

Now ranked no.4, Djokovic played his last match on the 8th of November when he beat world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Athens to win his 101st career title.

Currently, during this year Novak owns a 39-11 record. Novak has won 2 titles in 2025 in Geneva and Athens. Novak was the runner-up in Miami.

Djokovic will play next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 29th of December.

Djokovic
Athens
Djokovic's Record

VIDEO. Novak Djokovic trains in Athens with rising Greek talent

Novak Djokovic Trains In Athens With Rising Greek Talent

A new glimpse into Novak Djokovic’s weekend in Athens captures the world No. 1 hitting the court alongside European U14 champion Rafael Pagonis, offering a rare look at the interaction between a global superstar and one of Greece’s most promising young players.

Novak Djokovic in 2025

Novak Djokovic

42 - 15win/loss

Hard
22-9
I Hard
5-0
Clay
10-5
Grass
5-1
38 year old
WWWWWLWWWW
2025 Highlights

Currently ranked no.4, Djokovic played his last match on the 8th of November when he overcame world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Athens to win his 101st career title.

This season Novak has achieved a composed 39-11 win-loss record. The Serbian has won 2 titles in 2025 in Geneva and Athens. Novak reached the final in Miami.

Djokovic is scheduled to compete next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 29th of December.

Djokovic
Athens
Djokovic's Record

EXPLAINED. Why Roger Federer stopped practicing with Andy Murray and never trained with Nadal or Djokovic

Why Roger Federer Stopped Practicing With Andy Murray And Never Trained With Nadal Or Djokovic

Andy Murray has explained why Roger Federer chose not to practice with him after their early sessions and why the Swiss champion avoided training with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Speaking to Stephen Hendry on the Stephen Hendry Cue Tips YouTube channel, Murray recalled his experiences with the top players of his era.

“I would practice with them, I’d practice with Djokovic and Nadal,” Murray said. “When I first started, I would practice with Federer. But after a year or two he stopped, he wouldn’t practice with me anymore. He never practiced with Djokovic or Nadal, I think because he considered them to be a competitor.”

Practicing with rivals

Murray explained that he valued training with Nadal and Djokovic as a way to measure his own level.

“I like practicing with them just because it gave me the chance to see where my game was at,” Murray said. “I wouldn’t practice with them a couple of days before a big match, but a couple weeks out from a major tournament, then I would practice with those guys.”

He added that while he respected his rivals, he did not socialize with them during his career. “I was never going for dinner with them. Whereas now I’d love to do that, see them a few times socially.”

Rivalry with Federer

Federer and Murray shared a fierce rivalry on the court, meeting 25 times. Federer won 14 of those encounters, including three Grand Slam finals. Murray claimed one of their most significant matches at the London 2012 Olympics, where he defeated Federer to win gold.

The difficulty of friendships at the top

Murray reflected on the challenges of building friendships with direct competitors.

“Generally, if I’m socialising with friends and family, you want to feel like you can tell them if you’re struggling with something,” Murray said. “But if you’re competing against them, you wouldn’t do it.”

Stephen Hendry compared Murray’s experiences to snooker, noting that Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump also kept their distance from rivals on tour.

Federer’s decision to avoid practicing with his closest competitors highlights the intensity of rivalries at the highest level of tennis. Murray’s reflections show how competition shaped relationships among the sport’s greatest players, balancing respect with the need to maintain an edge.

Novak Djokovic in 2025

Novak Djokovic

42 - 15win/loss

Hard
22-9
I Hard
5-0
Clay
10-5
Grass
5-1
38 year old
WWWWWLWWWW
2025 Highlights

Currently ranked no.4, the Serbian played his last match on the 8th of November when he beat world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the final in Athens to win his 101st career title.

This year Djokovic has a composed 39-11 win-loss record. The Serbian conquered 2 titles in 2025 in Geneva and Athens. Djokovic was the runner-up in Miami.

Djokovic will compete next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 29th of December.

Djokovic
Athens
Djokovic's Record

Top players confirmed for ATP 500 Rotterdam, with Alcaraz to top the list

Alcaraz

The ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam will feature some of the biggest names in tennis. Organizers have confirmed the participation of Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Tallon Griekspoor. Their presence ensures a highly competitive event that will draw global attention.

Alcaraz leads the lineup

Carlos Alcaraz, currently one of the brightest stars on the ATP Tour, will be a major attraction. His aggressive style and youthful energy have made him a fan favorite, and his participation adds prestige to the Rotterdam event.

Zverev and Tsitsipas bring experience

Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both established top players, will bring their experience and consistency to the tournament. Their rivalry and ability to perform under pressure could set the stage for thrilling matches.

Rising stars and local hopes

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex de Minaur represent the younger generation of players who are steadily climbing the rankings. Meanwhile, Tallon Griekspoor, the Dutch number one, will carry the hopes of the home crowd. His presence guarantees strong local support and adds national pride to the competition.

Anticipation builds

With such a lineup, the ATP 500 Rotterdam promises to deliver high-quality tennis and memorable encounters. Fans are eager to see how these players will perform against each other in one of the most prestigious indoor tournaments of the season.

Carlos Alcaraz in 2025

Carlos Alcaraz

72 - 13win/loss

Hard
28-7
I Hard
11-2
Clay
22-3
Grass
11-1
22 year old
LWWWWLWWWW
2025 Highlights

Ranked world no.1, Carlos played his last match on the 16th of November when he surrendered to world no.2 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).

This year Carlos achieved an overall 71-9 match record. Alcaraz conquered 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Carlos was the runner-up in Barcelona, Wimbledon and the Nitto ATP Finals.

Alcaraz
the Nitto ATP Finals
Alcaraz's Record

VIDEO. Jannik Sinner enjoys a round of golf in Dubai

Jannik Sinner Enjoys A Round Of Golf In Dubai

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner takes a break from the courts to showcase his skills on the golf course in Dubai. The video captures a lighter side of the athlete, highlighting his precision, focus, and enjoyment as he swings under the sun in one of the world’s most iconic sporting destinations. It’s a glimpse into how Sinner balances his competitive spirit with relaxation, offering fans a unique look at his versatility beyond tennis.

Jannik Sinner in 2025

Jannik Sinner

60 - 8win/loss

Hard
25-4
I Hard
15-1
Clay
12-2
Grass
8-1
24 year old
WWWWWWWWWW
2025 Highlights

Now the world no.2, Sinner played his last match on the 16th of November when he defeated world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 25th career title.

Until now, during this year the Italian has achieved a compiled 58-6 win-loss record. The Italian clinched 6 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Jannik was the finalist in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.

Sinner
the Nitto ATP Finals
Sinner's Record

Padel World