The Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry, Trump’s US Open appearance, record ESPN viewership, and high-fashion courtside trends.
Why the Carlos Alcaraz–Jannik Sinner Rivalry Is Good for the Sport: The duo’s dominance underscores the beauty of competition. Full Story: Sports Illustrated
How does Alcaraz rank vs men’s tennis legends at 22? The 22-year-old Alcaraz is already talked about among the sport’s greatest-ever players. But just how well does he rank against them so far? BBC Sport has examined how he compares against the men’s game’s legends at the same stage of their careers. Full Story: BBC
Trump greeted by cheers and boos as he attends U.S. Open as Rolex’s guest despite Swiss tariffs: Because of extra security screening, the final between second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard, and No. 1 seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner, 24, of Italy, was pushed back half an hour. The president was watching from Rolex’s suite, and his acceptance of Rolex’s invitation comes mere weeks after the Trump administration imposed a whopping 39% tariff on Swiss products. Full Story: PBS
Trump Is Met With Mostly Boos at U.S. Open as Security Delays a Match: With the president in attendance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the men’s final began as hundreds of people were still waiting to go through security screening. Full Story: The New York Times
ESPN Delivers Most Viewed Tennis Telecast of the Year and Most Viewed US Open Since 2022: The Men’s Championship averaged 3 million viewers on ABC, up 82% vs. 2024 while the Women’s Championship averaged 2.4 million on ESPN, up 50% vs. 2024. Full Story: ESPN Press Release
Boos of Donald Trump heard on ABC’s broadcast of US Open: The USTA requested that broadcasters “refrain from showcasing any disruptions to the President’s attendance in any capacity.” ABC and ESPN didn’t hit the mute button. Full Story: USA Today
Where to Buy 2.3 Million Mellon Balls for Your Honey Deuces: Honeydew melon balls from Turlock Fruit Co. in California garnish the popular cocktail. The honeydews are trucked with their rinds intact from California to New York. Baldor Speciality Foods in the Bronx is the tournament supplier where workers craft the balls offsite. Full Story: The Modesto Bee
How the US Open Went High Fashion: Tennis is Becoming a Hot Ticket in the Fashion World. However, it is emerging rather than heritage brands dominating the play. Full Story: The Guardian
Lleyton Hewitt suspended for 2 weeks for pushing anti-doping official: The incident occurred last November after Hewitt, Australia’s captain, pushed a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone after his team’s semifinal loss to Italy. Full Story: AP
USTA Foundation Launches ‘Williams Family Excellence Program’: To expand opportunities and inspire the next generation of young people, the USTA Foundation has announced the launch of the Williams Family Excellence Program, created in partnership with Venus and Serena Williams. Full Story: Racquet Sports Industry
Andy Murray The Open (Golf) qualifying: Andy Murray has been regularly playing golf since ending his tennis career and eagled the 18th hole of the Wentworth pro-am before the BMW PGA Championship on Wednesday. He is planning to take a crack at qualifying for golf’s oldest major. Full Story: ESPN
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 9/15-21 | Korea Open Tennis Championships Presented by Motiva | WTA 500 | Korea |
| 9/17-23 | Chengdu Open | ATP 250 | China |
| 9/17-23 | Lynk & Co Hangzhou Open | ATP 250 | China |
| 9/19-21 | Laver Cup | Exhibition | USA |
