From Peng Shuai’s still unexplained absence, Djokovic’s zany potential feat, and a very overdue ITF rebrand, this week’s tennis news is roaring into the off-season.
Four Years Later, ‘Where Is Peng Shuai?’ Still Unanswered: The WTA has returned to China, but there is little clarity on Peng’s whereabouts and well-being. Full Story: Sports Illustrated
Players ‘misunderstood’ over exhibition criticisms: Carlos Alcaraz says players are misunderstood when they want to play in exhibition tournaments alongside the demanding tennis calendar. Alcaraz, 22, was among those critical of the workload in Asia, where some players struggled physically, with the Spaniard saying he would consider skipping mandatory events to prioritise his health. He is top seed at this week’s lucrative Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. Full Story: BBC
Novak Djokovic may end the ATP season with his zaniest achievement: Starting 2026 at No. 3, by winning more points than all those players a decade or more his junior, while playing much less often than they do, would be one of the zaniest. Full Story: The Athletic
Novak Djokovic says tennis innovation is ‘sabotaged’: Novak Djokovic has said that tennis’ norms and structure leave “so much potential that is unused” and that “innovation is obstructed” and “sabotaged” as a result. Full Story: The Athletic
What is the importance of stats in professional tennis? Can knowing your percentages be a silver bullet for the game’s best? Elite coaches weigh in. Full Story: Tennis
ITA Community Service Challenge: College tennis programs throughout the country are immersing themselves in their respective communities in participation of the ITA Community Service Challenge, a two-month initiative built on service and community involvement. Full Story: ITA
ITF to change name to World Tennis in bid for ‘clearer identity’: The International Tennis Federation will change its name to “World Tennis” as of 2026. Full Story: AP ITF
Why the Australian Open Is the World’s Best Tennis Tournament for Travelers: The Australian Open has earned a reputation for good times, cultivating a feel-good atmosphere across nearly 100 riverside acres of Melbourne Park. Full Story: Travel & Leisure
Watch ATP Tour stars guess iconic TV characters: In an entertaining new video, stars Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, and several others put their memory to the test as they try to identify famous TV and cartoon characters. Full Story: ATP
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 10/20-26 | Erste Bank Open | ATP 500 | Austria |
| 10/20-26 | Swiss Indoors Basel | ATP 500 | Switzerland |
| 10/20-26 | Guangzhou Open | WTA 500 | China |
| 10/20-26 | Toray Pan Pacific Open | WTA 500 | Japan |
