11 Must-Read Tennis Stories for Sports Industry Professionals

The US Open kicks off with an unusual sense of uncertainty and high-profile comebacks, making it a pivotal moment for tennis fans and industry watchers alike. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications using media monitoring, here is a curated press review of the top 11 stories dominating print media.

This media intelligence roundup ensures you stay ahead of the biggest narratives in tennis, powered by comprehensive print media monitoring.

1. Alcaraz Returns After Wrist Injury

A front-page report in Economic Times says Carlos Alcaraz, who has won seven major titles, is back playing tennis after a long absence. He partnered with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event preceding the US Open, winning one match but losing the next. Despite some observers describing him as "rusty," there is no doubt that tennis has missed him as much, if not more, than he has missed the sport.

Why it matters: Carlos Alcaraz is back after four months out, ready to defend his US Open title. The young Spaniard partnered with Serena Williams in mixed doubles and was described as 'rusty' by some observers.

Key detail: He opens against Roman Safiullin and feels at '100 percent'.

Source: Economic Times, The Pioneer, Times of India, Deccan Herald, Navbharat Times, The Hindu, Hindustan, Free Press Journal.

Next step: Watch his first-round match to gauge his form.

2. US Open Wide Open Without Clear Favourite

A front-page report in Deccan Chronicle says that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominated men’s tennis last year, but with Sinner sidelined and Alcaraz returning after a four-month absence, the US Open feels open. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka’s ranking is at risk after poor performances, potentially opening the door for other players.

Why it matters: Injuries and inconsistent form have left both draws unpredictable, creating opportunities for dark horses.

Key detail: No player has dominated recently; Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sabalenka all face question marks.

Source: Deccan Chronicle, Asian Age, Tribune.

Next step: Monitor early-round upsets.

3. Sabalenka Aims for Third Straight US Open Crown

A front-page report in The Hindu says Aryna Sabalenka, the World No.1 from Belarus, arrives in New York following a disappointing run of recent results and has not won a tournament since her victory in the Miami Open in March. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion insists she is ready to turn the page at Flushing Meadows over the next fortnight.

Why it matters: Aryna Sabalenka targets a hat-trick despite poor recent form. She hasn't won since Miami in March.

Key detail: The World No.1 insists she is ready to turn the page.

Source: The Hindu, Haribhoomi.

Next step: Watch her mental resilience in early matches.

4. Another Title Tilt for Nole

A front-page report in New Indian Express says, The Serb great last won a Slam here in 2O23. It’s very clear that he’s still the best of the rest but can he outlast Zverev and/or Alcaraz in a best of five at 39? If he does, it’s likely he will get to 25. Easier said than done. He has lost six of his last eight Major semifinals. But till the time his quest for 25 burns bright, there’s always a chance.

Why it matters: Novak Djokovic, at 39, still seeks his 25th Slam. But he has lost six of his last eight Major semifinals.

Key detail: Can he outlast Zverev and Alcaraz in a best-of-five?

Source: New Indian Express, Morning Standard.

Next step: Track his path through the draw.

5. Djokovic Documentary: From War-Torn Serbia to 24 Grand Slams

"Selon Morning Standard, Novak Djokovic’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, tracing his rise from the courts of war-torn Serbia through 24 Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and 428 weeks at world No. 1. The documentary features insights from renowned tennis players like Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and Pete Sampras, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access."

Why it matters: A documentary chronicles Djokovic's journey with exclusive insight from Nadal, Agassi, and Sampras. n

Key detail: Features behind-the-scenes access and his Olympic gold medal.

Source: Morning Standard.

Next step: Look for streaming details. n

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6. Open Door for Gauff and SwiateknnWhy it matters: Top women's seeds face questions, leaving room for past winners Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek.n

A front-page report in Economic Times says major question marks hang over the top two seeds in the women's field, leaving the door open for past winners Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek to bring home another trophy from Flushing Meadows.

Key detail: Both have won at Flushing Meadows before.n

Source: Economic Times.n

Next step: Watch their early matches as potential dark horses.n

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7. Rei Sakamoto Earns US Open SpotnnWhy it matters: The 20-year-old defeated his idol Kei Nishikori in qualifying, signaling a generational shift.n

A front-page report in The Pioneer says Rei Sakamoto defeated Kei Nishikori 6-4, 7-6 (3) on Friday in the final qualifying round to enter the US Open main draw. The 20-year-old Sakamoto, who considers Nishikori his idol, secured the spot as Nishikori faces his final season.

Key detail: Sakamoto won 6-4, 7-6 (3).n

Source: The Pioneer.n

Next step: Follow his first main-draw match.n

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8. US Open Grand Slam Finale PreviewnnWhy it matters: Djokovic aims for a record as Sinner returns, with Rune and Auger-Aliassime in the mix.n

A front-page report in Dainik Jagran says that the US Open's final match has Novak Djokovic aiming for a record as Jannik Sinner returns. Holger Rune, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and others are expected to compete.

Key detail: Dainik Jagran highlights the star power.n

Source: Dainik Jagran.n

Next step: Watch for Sinner's fitness updates.n

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9. National Tennis Center Hosts the TournamentnnWhy it matters: The venue in Queens, New York, features top players live on Star Sports & JioHotstar.n

A front-page report in Economic Times says, National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, will host a prestigious tournament featuring top players from around the world. The event will be broadcast live on Star Sports & JioHotstar from 8:30pm onwards.

Key detail: Broadcast begins at 8:30pm.n

Source: Economic Times.n

Next step: Tune in for opening night.n

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10. US Open Men's Champions ReviewnnWhy it matters: Recapping the last five winners: Alcaraz (2025), Sinner (2024), Djokovic (2023), Alcaraz (2022), Medvedev (2021).n

A front-page report in Millennium Post says the US Open is currently underway, with a review of the last five men's singles champions. A Spanish star secured the trophy in 2025 by defeating Jannik Sinner in four sets.

Source: Millennium Post.n

Next step: Use this as context for current form.n

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11. Star Power and Questions at US OpennnWhy it matters: Rigorous competition and uncertainties around Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sabalenka define the event.nnKey detail: The tournament feels wide open on both sides.n

A front-page report in Economic Times says rigorous competition and questions surrounding the return of Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sabalenka define the upcoming US Open tennis event at Flushing Meadows.

Source: Economic Times.nnNext step: Watch for early statement wins.nn---

Which of these stories will have the biggest impact on the tennis business? Share your thoughts in the comments. Tracked by Press Monitor.