With the US Open just weeks away, this week’s stories highlight Craig Tiley’s vision for the USTA, evolving governance and eligibility policies, fan experience innovations, and the many ways tennis continues to grow both on and off the court.
Can Craig Tiley do the same thing for the USTA that he did at Illinois? In 1993, a graduate student with little experience in college tennis coaching walked into Ron Guenther’s office at the University of Illinois. He set down a binder with a plan for the men’s team on the athletic director’s desk, and made a statement that sounded completely absurd: Craig Tiley claimed that Illinois would win the National Champtionship within the decade. He fulfilled that promise. Now the question is whether Tiley can stimulate that same level of success for the USTA, a fragmented organization with a mixed reputation for efficiency. Full Story: The Athletic
Why Is the WTA Requiring Players to Undergo Genetic Sex Screening? The new eligibility policy sits at the center of the heated debate over transgender participation in sports. So, why did the tour decide to make this move now? Full Story: Sports Illustrated
Wimbledon rode a rain-free fortnight to record-high attendance: Wimbledon reached a record-high attendance of 550,151 over the Grand Slam tournament’s two weeks, up slightly over last year, the All England Club said Tuesday. Attendance at the 139th edition of tennis’ grass-court major was aided by the first rain-free Championships since 2019. The total attendance was 1,381 more than in 2025. Full Story: AP
Savannah Bananas players headline Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day 2026: Members of The Savannah Bananas—including Ty Jackson, Danny Hosley, Bill LeRoy, DR Meadows, Kyle Luigs and Derek Klena, with host Biko Skalla will take over Arthur Ashe Stadium for an action-packed show alongside some of tennis’ biggest stars. Expect a fusion of “Banana Ball” excitement, featuring on-court games, challenges and musical numbers. Full Story: US Open
Team entries announced for 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship: 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship will be played Monday, Aug. 24, to Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Full Story: US Open Editorial Note: Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev are one of the pairings, which creates a moral dilemma for me. I always watch Townsend and never watch Zverev.
The Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Tennis Invitational: On August 27, the newly restored Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria New York will be transformed into a full-size tennis court beneath its glittering chandeliers. The one-night-only event will feature Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari. Full Story: Time Out
WTA Foundation and Special Olympics brought unified tennis to Washington: Special Olympics athletes took to the court alongside WTA players for a morning of unified tennis, where rallies, games, and plenty of laughter replaced the usual divide between professional athletes and aspiring players. Full Story: WTA
At top tennis tournaments, stealthy ‘ballers’ keep the gears turning: The ball crew holds a special place in that snow globe of history and swank. Away from the trained eye, uniformed volunteers turn the gears of every match. At the DC Open, they wear navy blue getups and white caps, and can be anywhere from 14 to 70, so long as they’re capable of following a few rules. Full Story: The Washington Post
US Open offering fans fine-dining experiences alongside world-class tennis: Restaurateurs must have the “labor and ability to handle the US Open. It’s not for the faint of heart,” said Daniel Zausner, chief operating officer for USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “We eat our way through New York City looking for what is new and exciting in the off season. It isn’t great for my health but it is great for the event,” he added. Full Story: The New York Post
What’s new to eat and drink and the 2026 US Open: The USTA is serving up a winning culinary lineup for fans visiting the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the 2026 US Open. Featuring a star-studded cast of global icons and fresh new concepts, this year’s offerings celebrate the diverse flavors and world-class dining experiences that only New York City can deliver. Full Story: US Open
The busiest week in tennis? The one full of weddings: You may have noticed that a slew of tennis players got married the week after Wimbledon. The timing and logistics of a tennis wedding. Full Story: ESPN
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 8/2-13 | National Bank Open Presented by Rogers | WTA 1000 | Toronto |
| 8/2-13 | National Bank Open presented by Rogers | ATP 1000 | Montreal |
