Happy Friday, everyone!
This week on the Served 5 Setter, we share the nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s class of 2026, Gael Monfils’ retirement plans, Sinner and Alcaraz’s latest titles, plus the race to the year-end tour finals is heating up. Don’t miss the top stories that every tennis fan needs to know.
Watch or listen now to stay ahead of the game. Keep scrolling for bonus stories that didn’t make the show!
Shelton Falls Short in Comeback Match
Ben Shelton lost 6-2, 6-4 to David Goffin at the Shanghai Masters on Friday in his first appearance since a shoulder injury forced him to retire during the US Open.
The injury kept the 22-year-old out of both the Laver Cup and Team USA’s Davis Cup tie, pausing what had been a strong summer run. He followed up a Wimbledon quarterfinals appearance with a title at the Canadian Masters in August.
Despite the setbacks, the World No. 6 remains optimistic about qualifying for his first ATP Finals next month. Though, the early exit could cause him to drop in the Race To Turin rankings.
Watch to hear Shelton talk about his chances
Swiatek Pushes Back on Demanding WTA Schedule
Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek voiced concerns over the demanding WTA schedule, stating she may have to skip mandatory tournaments after witnessing a string of player injuries at the China Open.
“We have to be smart about it, not really care about the rules, just think about what’s healthy for us,” Swiatek said after her Round of 16 loss to Emma Navarro.
Last year, the WTA made it mandatory for top players to participate in each Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events, and six 500-level tournaments.
Swiatek emphasized that it is nearly impossible for top players to fit all required events into their schedules without risking injury or burnout.
Draper Plans to Return in 2025
While Jack Draper ended his ATP Tour season early due to a left arm injury, he announced plans to make his comeback at the UTS London Grand Final in December, a shorter exhibition event where he received a wildcard entry.
The injury forced the British No. 1 to withdraw from the US Open in August. The 23-year-old only managed one singles match since Wimbledon, with discomfort from the injury proving too much to continue the season.
UTS founder Patrick Mouratoglou expressed confidence that Draper will be fit to play after allowing ample time for recovery.
Draper had a breakthrough year before the injury, winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells and rising to a career-high No. 4 ranking. The event in London takes place from December 5-7.
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Navratilova’s New Role in Elevating Women’s Sports
In August, Martina Navratilova became a minority owner of the Carolina Ascent FC, a professional women’s soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion said the club’s mission resonated with her immediately, highlighting its community involvement and positive effects on women and girls.
This week, Navratilova joined the team’s visit to the nonprofit Dress for Success Charlotte, which provides women’s clothes for corporate interviews, career coaching and financial empowerment, according to Business NC.
This investment marks Navratilova’s first in a sports team and aligns with her passion for empowering women through sports and beyond.
Bonus: Watch our interview with Navratilova from the Tennis Hall of Fame
Jannik Sinner is the first player to win 13 consecutive semi-final matches at ATP-level events before turning 25 since Roger Federer in 2006.
Amanda Anisimova vs. Coco Gauff will be the first semifinal between two Americans at a Tier 1/WTA-1000 event outside North America since Jennifer Capriati defeated Serena Williams in Rome in 2004.
Four-time winner Novak Djokovic holds an 88.9% win rate in Shanghai
The combined age of 75y 139d for Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic is the oldest between two opponents in an ATP Masters 1000 main draw match, since the format’s introduction in 1990.
In The 5 Setter Podcast we asked: Who was the most recent player to win the WTA Finals during their first appearance?
The Answer: Ashleigh Barty in 2019.
Weekend Draw
China Open (WTA 1000)
Linda Noskova beat Sonay Kartal on Friday and will face Jess Pegula in the semifinals after Pegula defeated Emma Navarro in the quarters. Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova make up Saturday’s other semifinal match. The final is scheduled for Sunday, October 5.
Shanghai Masters (ATP 1000)
Friday marks the start of the second round as Holger Rune, Francisco Cerundolo, and Tomas Machac are among the seeded players who already advanced to the third round.
Full international WTA & ATP broadcast list.
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