As we welcome the new year, 2026 is already shaping up to be a defining season for racquet sports, with momentum building across elite competition, innovation, and industry investment. On court, the year opens with the Australian Open setting the global tennis tone, followed closely by the US Open Pickleball Championships as it launches its milestone 10th Anniversary celebration. Off court, innovation takes center stage at CES 2026, where the future of tennis training will be on full display through breakthrough AI-powered systems from Tenniix and Pongbot, signaling a new era of intelligent, match-ready practice. From there, the focus shifts to the business of the game at the PGA Show and its expanding Racquet Sports Exhibition, underscoring a powerful and fast-moving start to the year across the racquet sports ecosystem.

• Battle of the Bots

• People in the news

• Pickleball tournaments

BATTLE OF THE BOTS

AI Takes the Court: Inside the Next Generation of Intelligent Tennis Training

At CES 2026, the future of tennis training will be on full display as two breakthrough AI-powered systems—Tenniix and Pongbot—redefine what solo practice can look like. Tenniix will showcase the world’s first vision-based AI tennis robot, combining dual-camera tracking, adaptive learning, voice control, and modular design to deliver human-like rallies, personalized drills, and real-time performance feedback in a lightweight, portable platform. Meanwhile, Pongbot makes its CES debut with the Pace S Pro, an intelligent training system that replaces rigid ball-machine patterns with UWB-based player tracking and proprietary Recovery Trigger technology, synchronizing ball delivery to a player’s natural movement and recovery rhythm. Together, these innovations signal a major shift in tennis technology—away from static machines and toward responsive, partner-like systems that adapt in real time, bringing match-level realism, data-driven insight, and AI-powered progression to players at every level.

PEOPLE

Jieke Stroobant named CEO of HotelPlanner Tennis Tour

The HotelPlanner Tennis Tour announced Jieke Stroobant is the new CEO of HotelPlanner Tennis Tour, who will lead the tour as it forges toward global expansion. Formerly known as the Progress Tour, the HotelPlanner Tennis Tour aims to provide competitive play and maximum prize funds to up-and-coming tennis stars. The previously exclusively British tour has added a weekly shootout series in South Florida, USA, and aims to establish another US location in 2026. Barry Fulcher vacated the CEO role on January 1 and is transitioning responsibilities over the coming weeks. A lifelong tennis player, Stroobant brings a deep passion for the sport and extensive experience across the global tennis industry. She has worked with several leading tennis organisations, including NCAA tennis programmes, USTA Player Development, and the ITF.

IC Markets Partners with Australian Tennis Star Alexei Popyrin Ahead of Blockbuster 2026 Season

IC Markets, a global leader in online Forex and CFD trading, is proud to announce its partnership with Australian tennis sensation Alexei Popyrin as he gears up for an exciting 2026 season. At just 26 years old, Popyrin boasts an impressive resume with three ATP singles titles and one doubles title, including his historic Montreal Masters 1000 victory at the 2024 Canada Open—making him the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003 to claim an ATP Masters 1000 crown.

PICKLEBALL

US Open Pickleball Championships 

The Road to the US Open Pickleball Championships is officially underway as the tournament gears up for its landmark 10th Annual celebration in 2026, with the mandatory player lottery opening January 14–20. This milestone edition promises to be bigger than ever, featuring fully refereed matches, expanded singles and junior brackets, more than 3,500 matches, and the return of fan favorite Anna Leigh Waters alongside her mother—delivering nonstop action at what’s proudly known as the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™. Players can begin lining up partners through the official US Open Connection Page on Facebook, while fans and athletes alike are encouraged to make plans for Naples, Florida, where the sport’s top professional and amateur competitors will converge for an unforgettable anniversary celebration, whether competing or cheering from the stands.

Carvana Named Title Sponsor of The PPA Masters, One of Pickleball’s Most Prestigious Tournaments

Carvana announced it will become the title sponsor of The PPA Masters tournament, one of the PPA Tour’s largest Slam events. The tournament will be renamed The Carvana Masters, further strengthening the company’s long-standing commitment to pickleball fans, players, and the sport’s continued growth. The Carvana Masters will bring together top pros, rising talent, and passionate fans for a week of world-class competition, community, and celebration. Featuring the iconic tradition of players wearing all-white, set against the backdrop of pristine green courts, The Carvana Masters will kick off 2026 in style. The event is scheduled for Jan. 12-18, 2026, at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California.