Tennis fans around the world are rejoicing as the season resumes today, December 27, with the United Cup kicking off in Perth, Australia. As the excitement builds for what promises to be an action-packed year in tennis, The Athletic‘s tennis writers Matt Futterman and Charlie Eccleshare are back to answer some burning questions about the state of the sport in 2025.
One of the key topics of discussion is the generational transition brewing in the men’s game. Young talents like Jack Draper, Arthur Fils, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Ben Shelton are on the cusp of breaking into the top 10 and challenging the established players like Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Hubert Hurkacz. The writers express excitement about the potential of these young stars to make a real impact next year.
In addition to these rising stars, other names to watch out for include Shang Juncheng, Joao Fonseca, Flavio Cobolli, Tomas Machac, and Holger Rune. Each player brings their own unique skills to the court and could shake up the rankings in 2025.
When it comes to coaching shifts, the writers highlight Wim Fissette and his work with Iga Swiatek as a partnership to watch. Swiatek’s talent combined with Fissette’s guidance could lead to even greater success for the young Polish player in the coming year.
Looking ahead to potential comebacks in 2025, names like Belinda Bencic, Nick Kyrgios, Reilly Opelka, and Jenson Brooksby stand out. Bencic, in particular, is determined to return to top form after a challenging year. The writers also mention the resurgence of players like Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, and Karolina Muchova, who are looking to build on their recent successes.
On the topic of changes to the ATP/WTA scheduling and the proposed premium tour ideas, the writers note that progress has been slow. However, with players becoming increasingly vocal about their concerns, there could be some movement in the near future.
In terms of British tennis, the writers discuss the potential of players like Jack Draper, Katie Boulter, and upcoming talents like Mika Stojsavljevic, Hannah Klugman, and Sonay Kartal. The future looks bright for British tennis with a new crop of talent emerging on the scene.
Finally, the writers address the evolving popularity of tennis in the United States and the challenges the sport faces in terms of broadcasting and accessibility. As the media landscape continues to change, tennis will need to adapt to ensure its continued growth and relevance in the sports world.
Overall, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for tennis fans, with plenty of young talent and established stars vying for success on the court. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season unfolds.
