Tennis Roundup: Historic Retirements and US Open Drama
End of an Era and US Open Surprises
The tennis world bid farewell to six-time Grand Slam champion Salisbury as the veteran announced his retirement. The announcement came as the sport processed a dramatic US Open campaign that saw Alexander Zverev claim the men's title amid tournament chaos, while Elena Rybakina captured the women's crown in an unexpected run. The men's final drew record viewership with 3.2 million US viewers tuning in to watch Zverev and runner-up Shelton compete.
Roster Changes and Season Disruptions
The US Open aftermath brought significant roster adjustments, with Frances Tiafoe's conqueror Nakashima stepping in to replace Shelton for the Laver Cup competition. Meanwhile, British hopes suffered a setback as Jack Draper confirmed he will miss the remainder of the 2026 season, dealing another blow to the home contingent after a challenging campaign.
WTA Future and Season Developments
In structural news for women's tennis, the WTA Finals will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning in 2027 for a three-year tenure. Elsewhere on tour, Kostyuk advanced to the Guadalajara last eight without needing to take court, securing her progression through circumstances unrelated to match play.
Today's tennis headlines
- Six-time Grand Slam champion Salisbury retires — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Nakashima replaces US Open runner-up Shelton for Laver Cup — espn.com
- Kostyuk into Guadalajara last eight without playing a point — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- WTA Finals head to Charlotte in 2027 to start 3-year run — espn.com
- Charlotte to host WTA Finals from 2027 — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- More than the Score — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- US Open men's final watched by record 3.2M; Tiafoe-Shelton averaged 3.1M — espn.com
- Zverev claims the US Open title amid a chaotic tournament -- and season — espn.com
- Jack Draper to miss rest of 2026 season — espn.com
- Draper decides not to play again this season — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Against the odds: Rybakina's unexpected US Open title — espn.com
- From influencers to brutal finishes, US Open 2026 was worst grand slam in recent memory | Tumaini Carayol — theguardian.com