2025: The year of the messy handshake

Best Viral Moments of 2025

2025: The year of the messy handshake

The heated exchanges, miscommunications, sarcastic bows, and viral insults that defined this year’s tennis drama.

10 September 2025
Our POTY Countdown Begins With Felix

2025 Year In Review

Our POTY Countdown Begins With Felix

The Canadian showed flashes of brilliance to end a resurgent season.

23 November 2025

✍️ Latest Headlines

The year of the messy handshake: Collins, Townsend, Ostapenko and more

The year of the messy handshake: Collins, Townsend, Ostapenko and more

The heated exchanges, miscommunications, sarcastic bows, and viral insults that defined this year’s tennis drama.

Andy Murray doesn't regret "disappointing" coaching stint with Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray doesn't regret "disappointing" coaching stint with Novak Djokovic

"I look back on it and I'm glad that I did it," Murray told The Tennis Podcast in a new episode.

Elmer Moller closes out 2025 with third ATP Challenger Tour title on Portuguese soil

Elmer Moller closes out 2025 with third ATP Challenger Tour title on Portuguese soil

Rinky Hijikata and Jay Clarke were also among those to stand in the winner's circle over the weekend.

Most aces in 2025: Elena Rybakina becomes first woman in nine years to surpass 500 aces

Most aces in 2025: Elena Rybakina becomes first woman in nine years to surpass 500 aces

While the Kazakh led the women this year, a pair of Americans served up a 1-2 on the men’s leaderboard.

Miami Invitational to present first taste of Carlos Alcaraz versus Joao Fonseca

Miami Invitational to present first taste of Carlos Alcaraz versus Joao Fonseca

The one-night event, also featuring Anisimova and Pegula, takes over the home of the Miami Marlins on December 8.

ATP Match of the Year, No. 5: Tommy Paul and Nuno Borges go deep into the night at the US Open

ATP Match of the Year, No. 5: Tommy Paul and Nuno Borges go deep into the night at the US Open

The American survived a sublimely brutal test of wills, and a late-night house of horrors in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

ATP Player of the Year, No. 5: Félix Auger-Aliassime

ATP Player of the Year, No. 5: Félix Auger-Aliassime

The Canadian showed flashes of brilliance to end a resurgent season; can he go one step further in 2026?

Nicola Pietrangeli, Italy's most accomplished tennis player before Jannik Sinner, dies at 92

Nicola Pietrangeli, Italy's most accomplished tennis player before Jannik Sinner, dies at 92

Pietrangeli was the first Italian player to win a Grand Slam trophy, triumphing at the French Open in 1959.

🗣️ What they said (and got us talking) in 2025

"Good luck" and goodbye? Iga Swiatek turns the tables on reporter after US Open exit

"Good luck" and goodbye? Iga Swiatek turns the tables on reporter after US Open exit

After a listless quarterfinal performance, Swiatek found her target in her press room for one of the Best Quotes of 2025.

Remember when Carlos Alcaraz's haircuts got roasted by his fellow players?

Remember when Carlos Alcaraz's haircuts got roasted by his fellow players?

From his US Open buzz-cut to his bleach-blonde dye job, the world No. 1's coiffure was the subject of more than a few Best Quotes of 2025 from his peers.

The year of the messy handshake: Collins, Townsend, Ostapenko and more

The year of the messy handshake: Collins, Townsend, Ostapenko and more

The heated exchanges, miscommunications, sarcastic bows, and viral insults that defined this year’s tennis drama.

When Frances Tiafoe and Coco Gauff walked onto court without racquets

When Frances Tiafoe and Coco Gauff walked onto court without racquets

From Indian Wells to Roland Garros, this installment of our 2025 Best Viral Moments series proves that even pros have off days.

The tours have wrapped in '25. The tennis hasn't ⬇️

Miami Invitational offers first Alcaraz 🆚 Fonseca

Where to Watch

Miami Invitational offers first Alcaraz 🆚 Fonseca

The one-night event takes place December 8.

Read More
What’s on Tennis Channel before the 2026 season kicks off?

What’s on Tennis Channel before the 2026 season kicks off?

Four one-night-only events in the U.S. are among the offerings.

Advertising

Don't miss the Miami Invitational coming December 8!

🎥 Highlights & Interviews

Don't miss the Miami Invitational coming December 8!

Don't miss the Miami Invitational coming December 8!

MATCH POINT: Marathon man Flavio Cobolli seals title for Italy | 2025 Davis Cup Finals

MATCH POINT: Marathon man Flavio Cobolli seals title for Italy | 2025 Davis Cup Finals

MATCH POINT: Marcel Granollers/Pedro Martinez seal Spain's place in Davis Cup final

MATCH POINT: Marcel Granollers/Pedro Martinez seal Spain's place in Davis Cup final

ATP FINALS PRESS CONFERENCE: Jannik Sinner ends 2025 campaign "extremely happy with the season"

ATP FINALS PRESS CONFERENCE: Jannik Sinner ends 2025 campaign "extremely happy with the season"

ATP FINALS PRESS CONFERENCE: Carlos Alcaraz believes Jannik Sinner "always comes back stronger from the losses"

ATP FINALS PRESS CONFERENCE: Carlos Alcaraz believes Jannik Sinner "always comes back stronger from the losses"

"Amazing" all around! Sinner on finishing 2025 in style with Turin title defense

"Amazing" all around! Sinner on finishing 2025 in style with Turin title defense

SPEECH: Jannik Sinner shares with Carlos Alcaraz after ATP Finals triumph that "I need" motivation from you

SPEECH: Jannik Sinner shares with Carlos Alcaraz after ATP Finals triumph that "I need" motivation from you

SPEECH: Carlos Alcaraz tells Jannik Sinner after ATP Finals loss, "I hope you will be ready for next year because I will be ready!"

SPEECH: Carlos Alcaraz tells Jannik Sinner after ATP Finals loss, "I hope you will be ready for next year because I will be ready!"

Carlos Alcaraz presents Lionel Messi and Inter Miami with MLS Eastern Conference champions trophy

Pop Culture

Carlos Alcaraz presents Lionel Messi and Inter Miami with MLS Eastern Conference champions trophy

The world No. 1's latest offseason "side quest" saw him have a front-row seat to Messi making history.

Read More

ATP Finals in Review

Sinner wins back-to-back ATP Finals without dropping a set

Stat of the Day

Sinner wins back-to-back ATP Finals without dropping a set

He's the first this century to achieve the feat, and the second ever.

Read More

The final rankings

More players
Carlos Alcaraz
1
Carlos Alcaraz
ESP
Ranking Points
Change
0
Jannik Sinner
2
Jannik Sinner
ITA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Alexander Zverev
3
Alexander Zverev
GER
Ranking Points
Change
0
Novak Djokovic
4
Novak Djokovic
SRB
Ranking Points
Change
0
Felix Auger-Aliassime
5
Felix Auger-Aliassime
CAN
Ranking Points
Change
0
Taylor Fritz
6
Taylor Fritz
USA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Alex de Minaur
7
Alex de Minaur
AUS
Ranking Points
Change
0
Lorenzo Musetti
8
Lorenzo Musetti
ITA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Ben Shelton
9
Ben Shelton
USA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Jack Draper
10
Jack Draper
GBR
Ranking Points
Change
0
Birth of a Rivalry: Alcaraz & Sinner’s first match

Birth of a Rivalry: Alcaraz & Sinner’s first match

The seeds of today’s top rivalry were sown at an unlikely venue.

WTA Finals in Review

Rybakina rose to a "challenging" 2025 with a year-end title

WTA Finals

Rybakina rose to a "challenging" 2025 with a year-end title

On her up-and-down season, coaching turmoil—and her satisfying conclusion.

Read More

The final rankings

More players
Aryna Sabalenka
1
Aryna Sabalenka
Ranking Points
Change
0
Iga Swiatek
2
Iga Swiatek
POL
Ranking Points
Change
0
Cori Gauff
3
Coco Gauff
USA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Amanda Anisimova
4
Amanda Anisimova
USA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Elena Rybakina
5
Elena Rybakina
KAZ
Ranking Points
Change
0
Jessica Pegula
6
Jessica Pegula
USA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Madison Keys
7
Madison Keys
USA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Jasmine Paolini
8
Jasmine Paolini
ITA
Ranking Points
Change
0
Mirra Andreeva
9
Mirra Andreeva
Ranking Points
Change
0
Ekaterina Alexandrova
10
Ekaterina Alexandrova
Ranking Points
Change
0

📈 Ranking Reflections

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner achieved rare levels of ranking dominance in 2025

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner achieved rare levels of ranking dominance in 2025

One example: with 12,050, the Spaniard finished with the most ranking points in a single season in nine years.

Coco Gauff becomes youngest woman to finish in the Top 3 for three straight years this century

Coco Gauff becomes youngest woman to finish in the Top 3 for three straight years this century

At 21 she's already a two-time Grand Slam champion, winning the US Open in 2023 and Roland Garros this year.

Lorenzo Musetti single-handedly keeps one-handed backhand year-end Top 10 streak alive

Lorenzo Musetti single-handedly keeps one-handed backhand year-end Top 10 streak alive

With the Italian finishing 2025 at No. 8, there's still been at least one one-handed backhand in every year-end Top 10 in ATP rankings history, which dates back to 1973.

Novak Djokovic becomes oldest player to finish a year in the Top 4 in ATP rankings history

Novak Djokovic becomes oldest player to finish a year in the Top 4 in ATP rankings history

The 24-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 finished 2025 at No. 4, his record 16th career Top 4 finish.

Advertising

Mobile seat back
Tennis Channel Logo
Defending Champion Animation Defending Champion Animation
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Airplane seat back with screen

Advertising

The burdensome bonus pool on the ATP tour, explained

Tennis Lessons

The burdensome bonus pool on the ATP tour, explained

This year, players had $3.8 million reasons to feel obliged to play even if they’d rather not: the ATP OneVision Bonus Pool.

Read More
Ben Johnson 101: How an Instagram auteur is defining modern tennis lifestyle

Tennis.com Interview

Ben Johnson 101: How an Instagram auteur is defining modern tennis lifestyle

Odds are, you’ve watched his reels—ahem, cinematic art. Where is he taking us, and the sport, next?

Read More

Advertising

Elmer Moller closes out 2025 with third ATP Challenger Tour title on Portuguese soil

ATP Challenger Tour

Elmer Moller closes out 2025 with third ATP Challenger Tour title on Portuguese soil

Rinky Hijikata and Jay Clarke were also among those to stand in the winner's circle over the weekend.

Read More

ATP Challenger Tour

More on the Tour

📈 On the Rise: Next Gen Stars

Elmer Moller closes out 2025 with third ATP Challenger Tour title on Portuguese soil

Elmer Moller closes out 2025 with third ATP Challenger Tour title on Portuguese soil

Rinky Hijikata and Jay Clarke were also among those to stand in the winner's circle over the weekend.

Five ATP players poised to break through in 2026: Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and a new crew

Five ATP players poised to break through in 2026: Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and a new crew

With the end of the season approaching, who should we be watching heading into next year?

Michael Zheng channels Ivy League balancing act into rapidly blossoming pro tennis future

Michael Zheng channels Ivy League balancing act into rapidly blossoming pro tennis future

The first-generation American and reigning NCAA champion has won the last three ATP Challenger Tour events he's contested.

Luis Guto Miguel: 16-year-old Brazilian to bring energy to inaugural Costa do Sauípe Open

Luis Guto Miguel: 16-year-old Brazilian to bring energy to inaugural Costa do Sauípe Open

A junior US Open semifinalist this summer, Miguel will be a starring attraction at the new ATP Challenger 125 event.

💪 Grinders of the Game

Patrick Kypson, former college teammate of Rinderknech and Vacherot, is writing his own perseverance story

Patrick Kypson, former college teammate of Rinderknech and Vacherot, is writing his own perseverance story

Out of the Top 450 in April, the one-time Texas A&M standout has bounced back from left foot surgery with a strong push on the ATP Challenger Tour.

Valentin Vacherot looks back on leap from Challenger Tour to Shanghai triumph in Paris

Valentin Vacherot looks back on leap from Challenger Tour to Shanghai triumph in Paris

The Monegasque rising star won his first match since claiming a stunning Masters 1000 title.

ATP Challenger Tour veteran Szymon Walków looks to go a step further with new perspective

ATP Challenger Tour veteran Szymon Walków looks to go a step further with new perspective

"I took three weeks off, rested, regained freshness, and that brought me the victory in Genoa," the 30-year-old doubles specialist reflects.

Who is Valentin Vacherot? Monegasque keeps rewriting tennis history with Shanghai surprise

Who is Valentin Vacherot? Monegasque keeps rewriting tennis history with Shanghai surprise

The seeds for Vacherot's history-making triumph were sown both in college and on the ATP Challenger Tour.

🗡️ Sharpening their Swords

Pablo Carreno Busta wins Challenger title where his professional journey began

Pablo Carreno Busta wins Challenger title where his professional journey began

The full-circle moment was just one of many notable happenings on the ATP Challenger Tour.

Adrian Mannarino plays Newport Challenger just four days after third-round loss at Wimbledon

Adrian Mannarino plays Newport Challenger just four days after third-round loss at Wimbledon

The chase for ranking points takes players around the world—quickly.

Marin Cilic never lost belief he could build himself back up to another major moment

Marin Cilic never lost belief he could build himself back up to another major moment

The Croatian used the ATP Challenger Tour to his advantage ahead of Thursday's Wimbledon win over world No. 4 Jack Draper.

Marco Cecchinato, former No. 16, overcome with emotion after ATP Challenger Tour victory in Milan

Marco Cecchinato, former No. 16, overcome with emotion after ATP Challenger Tour victory in Milan

It's the 32-year-old Italian's eighth career Challenger Tour title—and the first of what he calls a potential "second career."

The ATP Challenger Tour, by Sam Querrey

The ATP Challenger Tour, by Sam Querrey

Everything you need to know about this must-see circuit.

🧠 Matchup Mindset

How Collins, Navarro + Paul became 🇺🇸 stars

Special Feature

How Collins, Navarro + Paul became 🇺🇸 stars

All former Top 10 players, they also couldn't be more different in how they've cultivated success, or tackle challenges on the court.

Read More