Billie Jean King Named One of America’s Greatest Living Innovators by Forbes

Tennis legend honored for “catalyzing women’s professional sports” with the WTA ahead of US 250th anniversary

By TENNIS.com
Published: February 12, 2026 | 2 min read

NEW YORK — Billie Jean King has added another honor to her storied legacy: the 82-year-old tennis icon has been named one of America’s greatest living innovators by Forbes magazine.

King ranks No. 208 on the publication’s Innovator 250 List—a celebration of “business leaders, founders and entrepreneurs who aren’t just inventors, but have transformed entire industries and created new ones.” The list is part of Forbes‘ year-long campaign commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

“Few stand as tall in the world of women’s sports as Billie Jean King,” Forbes wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

King was recognized specifically for having “catalyzed women’s professional sports with the Women’s Tennis Association” —the organisation she and a handful of peers founded in 1973.

That achievement built directly on the work of King and the Original 9, who in 1970 signed symbolic $1 contracts to launch the Virginia Slims Circuit, the precursor to the modern WTA Tour. Their gamble laid the foundation for women’s tennis to become a global force for equality and opportunity.

King will receive the Glenn Burke Award later this year, which “honors individuals whose courage and authenticity have shifted sports culture.”

From those early battles for equal prize money to today’s WTA, where players compete for millions, King’s fingerprints are everywhere. The Forbes honor places her among the visionaries who didn’t just play the game—they changed it forever.

New 2,000-seat Court 1 to debut at 2026 tournament as venue undergoes biggest upgrade in 30-year history

By Robert Ilsley, Sports Reporter
Last updated: February 13, 2026 | 3 min read

DUBAI — The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set for a dramatic transformation, with organisers unveiling a two-phase redevelopment of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and Aviation Club Tennis Complex—the most significant upgrade in the event’s 30-year history.

What’s Coming in 2026

Fans attending this year’s tournament, which begins Sunday, will be the first to experience the changes:

Tickets for the 2026 Championships start from Dh65, with sales already open.

The second phase, scheduled for completion ahead of the 2027 tournament, will deliver:

• Centre Court expansion: +2,500 seats (≈50% capacity increase)

• Upgraded concourses, seating, and hospitality zones

• Fully reimagined Northern and Southern Fan Villages

• Activation areas, shaded seating, expanded F&B offerings

Why This Matters

“These redevelopment works represent a defining moment for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Organising Committee Chair.

“For more than three decades, this venue has been central to Dubai’s sporting identity. These upgrades and expansions ensure we continue to raise the bar in line with the city’s global ambitions.”

Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, added:

“Our priority has always been to create an atmosphere where players feel at home and fans enjoy world-class entertainment. The upgraded facilities reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.”

The redevelopment ensures Dubai’s premier tennis event keeps pace with the city’s rapid growth—offering players a world-class stage and fans an experience worthy of the game’s biggest stars.

Coco Gauff Blasts Broadcasters Over Privacy After Australian Open Racket Smash

Published: 27 January 2026 | 2 min read

MELBOURNE — Coco Gauff has accused broadcasters of violating her privacy after cameras captured her smashing her racket following a crushing Australian Open quarterfinal defeat.

The 21-year-old American, ranked world No. 3, lost 6-1, 6-2 to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in just 59 minutes—a performance marred by 26 unforced errors. Visibly frustrated, Gauff walked behind a wall near the match call area to vent in private, unaware that a camera was still rolling.

“I Tried to Go Somewhere With No Cameras”

“I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras,” Gauff told reporters after the match. “I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like certain moments—the same thing happened to Aryna [Sabalenka] after I played her in the final of the US Open—I feel like they don’t need to broadcast.”

Sabalenka, now world No. 1, had her own racket-smashing moment broadcast after losing to Gauff in the 2023 US Open final—a parallel Gauff clearly hasn’t forgotten.

“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did. Maybe some conversations can be had, because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”

Why She Needed an Outlet

Gauff defended her actions, explaining that venting frustration privately prevents her from lashing out at her team.

“I know myself, and I don’t want to lash out on my team. They’re good people. They don’t deserve that, and I know I’m emotional.

“I just took the minute to go and do that. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I don’t try to do it on court in front of kids and things like that, but I do know I need to let out that emotion.

“Otherwise, I’m just going to be snappy with the people around me, and I don’t want to do that.”

Rafael Nadal Reveals His “Wife Suffers” Because of His New Obsession

22-time Grand Slam champion admits golf has taken over his retirement—and household

By Shahida Jacobs
February 13, 2026 | 2 min read

Retirement was supposed to mean more time with family. For Rafael Nadal, it means more time on the golf course—and his wife isn’t thrilled about it.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who hung up his tennis racket in November 2024, has traded baseline battles for fairway drives. Speaking at a charity tournament in Madrid this week, Nadal made a candid confession:

“I follow golf every week, and my wife suffers because of it.”

Nadal’s passion for golf is no secret. During his tennis career, he frequently played charity events and practice rounds. Since retiring, the obsession has only deepened.

“I watched Jon Rahm play this week in Riyadh. He had a spectacular finish. I generally enjoy following it.”

Nadal revealed he’s received multiple invitations to turn professional in golf but declined—until now, tennis always came first.

“I’ve been offered an invitation several times, but so far the circumstances haven’t been right.”

Would he consider it now?

“You never know. But I would have to feel like I was playing without making a fool of myself, with the hope of at least being able to compete—even if it’s just against myself.”

With Federer already a regular playing partner and Andy Murray also reportedly golf-obsessed, could a Big Four golf showdown be coming?

Nadal teased last year:

“Yes, it could happen. But they have to get training. I have a bit of an advantage. On the tennis court, there wasn’t that much difference between us. In this, I’m much better than them.”

Alcaraz Visits F1 Stars Alonso & Sainz in Bahrain Before Doha Return

World No. 1 takes a paddock pit stop ahead of Qatar Open title bid

February 12, 2026 | 2 min read

SAKHIR, Bahrain — Carlos Alcaraz is trading tennis balls for racing tyres—just for a day.

Fresh from his historic Australian Open triumph, the world No. 1 made a detour to the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday, where he caught up with compatriots Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz during F1 pre-season testing .

The 22-year-old, a known motorsport enthusiast, visited the Williams garage to spend time with Sainz before heading to Aston Martin to meet two-time world champion Alonso . Both drivers are preparing for the 2026 F1 season, which opens in Melbourne on March 8 .

Alcaraz’s admiration for Alonso runs deep. At January’s Australian Open, he celebrated his semi-final victory over Alexander Zverev by mimicking Alonso’s signature “samurai” gesture—a tribute the F1 veteran acknowledged .

The Spaniard previously attended the 2024 Italian Grand Prix and ranked Alonso as the top driver in a blind F1 ranking exercise alongside ATP stars .

The Bahrain visit is a brief pause before Alcaraz resumes business in Doha. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open (ATP 500) begins February 16, with Alcaraz entering as the top seed . His great rival, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, headlines the opposite side of the draw .

Alcaraz has never won the Doha title, falling in the quarter-finals last year to Jiri Lehecka. He arrives on a seven-match winning streak after his Melbourne heroics .

Djokovic Withdraws From Qatar Open Citing Fatigue; Alcaraz and Sinner Lead Stacked Field

24-time Grand Slam champion pulls out of Doha just 10 days after epic Australian Open final defeat

February 12, 2026 | 3 min read

DOHA, Qatar — Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Qatar Open, citing “strong fatigue” following his gruelling Australian Open campaign, tournament organisers confirmed Wednesday.

The 38-year-old, ranked world No. 3, reached his 11th Melbourne final earlier this month—surviving a four-hour semi-final against Jannik Sinner before falling in four sets to Carlos Alcaraz. The physical toll of that run proved decisive.

Djokovic’s decision aligns with recent signals that he will prioritise Grand Slams and national duty over regular ATP Tour events.

“I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family, and then I’ll see what’s next.”

The Serb previously skipped Davis Cup qualifiers in February to avoid travel to South America. His next scheduled appearance is at Indian Wells, beginning March 1.

Djokovic, a two-time champion in Doha (2016, 2017), holds a 15-3 record at the event. His replacement, Valentin Royer, steps into a draw now headlined by Alcaraz and Sinner.

Defending champion Andrey Rublev returns, joined by Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Jakub Mensik.

What’s Next

The ATP 500 event runs February 16–22. Djokovic’s focus now shifts to the North American swing, with Indian Wells and Miami looming.

For Doha, the champion’s absence has only sharpened the spotlight on the sport’s next generation.

Davis Cup: Nigeria Set for Another Showdown Against Morocco

Tennis rivals renew hostilities in World Group II tie this September

By Tunde Eludini

Nigeria will face Morocco in the Davis Cup World Group II this September following a commanding victory over Uzbekistan in Lagos, as the country’s tennis team continues its steady rise on the international stage.

The draw, concluded by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Thursday, paired Nigeria with the North African side and confirmed Morocco as host of the tie. The two-day event is scheduled for 18–20 September, meaning Team Nigeria will travel to Morocco for the crucial encounter.

The fixture adds fresh intrigue to a growing sporting rivalry between both nations. Only recently, Morocco edged Nigeria on penalties in a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match—a result that still resonates with Nigerian sports fans. Attention now shifts from football to tennis, where Nigeria will hope for a different outcome.

Nigeria secured their place in World Group II with an impressive sweep of Uzbekistan in Lagos. Backed by home supporters, the team delivered confident performances across both singles and doubles rubbers.

The doubles pairing of Canice Abua and Michael Emmanuel defeated Denis Istomin and Khumoyun Sultanov 7–6, 6–4, edging a tense first-set tie-break before taking control in the second.

In singles, 19-year-old Daniel Adeleye beat Sultanov 6–3, 6–4 in a composed display that highlighted his growing maturity on the court. Adeleye, who switched allegiance from Zimbabwe to Nigeria, continues to emerge as one of the country’s brightest tennis prospects.

Progress Beneath the Surface

The victory strengthened Nigeria’s Davis Cup campaign and underscored recent efforts to rebuild the sport domestically. Tennis administrators have pointed to renewed grassroots programmes and increased international exposure for players as key drivers of this upward trajectory.

Nigeria Tennis Federation President Victor Ochei described the win as a significant step for the sport, noting that the team had defied expectations against opponents considered stronger on paper.

“This team has shown character and belief. We are building something sustainable here.”
— Victor Ochei, Nigeria Tennis Federation President

The Road Ahead

Morocco, however, presents a far tougher test. With a stronger tennis pedigree and the advantage of home soil, they will enter the September tie as slight favourites.

For Nigeria, the challenge is clear: translate momentum from Lagos into another statement performance on foreign soil and keep alive hopes of climbing further up the Davis Cup ladder.