The 2025 tennis season concluded on Sunday with Italy securing its third consecutive Davis Cup title by beating Spain 2-0.
Players are now enjoying the off-season, and quite a few have chosen the Maldives as the place for their holiday. However, this doesn’t mean that there will be no tennis going on from now until January. In fact, top names such as Jack Draper, Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Naomi Osaka have all opted to take part in exhibition events during December.
It is a somewhat peculiar situation when those on the Tour complain about how long the season is before deciding to play in exhibition events when it ends. One of the main attractions for players to do so is the earning potential with events offering appearance fees. Furthermore, some want to continue playing some competitive tennis to keep themselves sharp for the start of next year.
Here is a breakdown of the events taking place in December, and who is playing?
Northern Palmyra Trophies exhibition, Russia
DATE: November 29-30
PLAYERS: Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov, Veronika Kudermetova, Yulia Putintseva, Alexander Bublik, Anastasia Potapova and Diana Schneider.*
*full players list yet to be confirmed
This is currently the only event in Russia that features ATP and WTA players. The country is banned from hosting any Tour-level events since its invasion of Ukraine back in 2022. Players are allowed to play in the event as they are self-employed contractors within the sport. However, there is controversy surrounding the tournament given its funding by Gazprom, a state-backed energy company that is believed to be financially aiding Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
Source – npt.formulatx.com
UTS London final, UK
DATE: December 5-6
PLAYERS: Alex de Minaur, Jack Draper, Andrey Rublev, Tomas Machac, Adrian Mannarino, Casper Ruud, Francisco Cerúndolo and David Goffin.
Eight players will be split down into two groups of four for the round-robin stage, with the top two of each group progressing to the semi-finals. The event will be the first time Jack Draper has been seen playing in public since shutting down his season early due to injury. UTS differentiates itself by having a series of unique rules, such as that matches are made up of four quarters of eight minutes. The total prize-money pot in London is $1,865,000 (£1,394,000).
Source – uts.live
A Racquet at The Rock, New Jersey USA
DATE: December 7th
PLAYERS: Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula.
Held at the Prudential Center, two best-of-three singles matches and a mixed doubles match will take place. The event will also highlight the achievements of Althea Gibson, who was the first black player to win a major title at the 1956 French Open. According to organisers, players will receive a ‘custom commemorative plaque bearing Gibson’s name as a tribute to her lasting impact on the sport.’
Source – prucenter.com
2025 Miami Tennis Invitational, USA
DATE: December 8th
PLAYERS: Jessica Pegula, Carlos Alcaraz, Amanda Anisimova and João Fonseca.
The evening showdown will feature two full singles matches and a 10-point mixed doubles match. It will be held at loanDepot Park, home of the baseball team Miami Marlins.
Source – miamiandbeaches.com and mlb.com
The Garden Cup, USA
DATE: December 8th
PLAYERS: Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios and Tommy Paul.
Held at Madison Square Garden in New York, the format will be two singles matches followed by a mixed doubles. The event is a benefit for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Source – Garden Cup Instagram account
Tennis Premier League, India
DATE: December 9-14
PLAYERS: Luciano Darderi, Arthur Rinderknech, Corentin Moutet, Alexandre Muller and Damir Džumhur.
The league features a combination of India’s best players and a series of top 100 players on the ATP Tour. Matches have a 25-point format, which organisers claim ‘makes tennis more exciting and accessible to Indian audiences.’ Former world no.1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna will also be taking part.
Source: sportsmintmedia
World Tennis League, India
DATE: December 17-20
PLAYERS: Daniil Medvedev, Rohan Bopanna, Magda Linette, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Denis Shapovalov, Yuki Bhambri, Elina Svitolina, Maaya Revathi, Nick Kyrgios, Dakshineswar Suresh, Marta Kostyuk, Ankita Raina, Gaël Monfils, Sumit Nagal, Paula Badosa and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty.
For the first time in its history, the World Tennis League will be held in India at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru. The event is made up of four ‘franchises’ – Game Changers Falcons (owned by Amandeep Singh), VB Realty Hawks (owned by Vashu Bhagnani), Aussie Mavericks Kites (owned by Dr Umed Shekhawat, Amit Sahni and Kewal Kalra) and AOS Eagles (owned by AOS Sports Tournament in Dubai and led by Satender Pal Chhabra). The format is typical of any team event, but with four-set matches.
Source: worldtennisleague/Economic Times
2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, China
DATE: December 27-28
PLAYERS: Li Na, Conchita Martínez, Mirra Andreeva, Alexandra Eala, Shang Juncheng, Jack Draper and Jakub Menšík.
Captains Li Na and Conchita Martinez are expected to headline this tournament, which will feature singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches. The format will be three sets, with a tie-break in the final set.
Source – mgm.mo
Battle of the Sexes: The Dubai Showdown, UAE
DATE: December 28th
PLAYERS: Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios.
The modern take on the Battle of the Sexes event has raised questions about whether such a match is needed. Nevertheless, both Sabalenka and Kyrgios have vowed to take it seriously. Even if there is nothing significant on the line like there was when Billie Jean King played Bobby Riggs in 1973.
“I have a lot of respect for Nick and his talent, but make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game,” said Sabalenka.
“I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game,” she added.
“I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match.”
Source – BBC Sport
The World Tennis Continental Cup, China
DATE: December 26-28th
PLAYERS: Iga Swiatek, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Belinda Bencic, Andrey Rublev, Wang Xinhyu, Elena Rybakina and Zhang Zhuzhen.
The concept of the World Tennis Continental Cup (WTCC) is similar to that of the Laver Cup, with Europe taking on the rest of the world. Over three days, 10 matches will take place with each winner claiming points for their team.
Source – instagram/cityline.com
Event line-ups are correct as of November 25th.
NOTE: The ATP Next Gen Finals will also take place in Saudi Arabia between December 17-21. Despite happening during the off-season, it is still classed as a Tour-level event.
