by Josh Smith
US Professional Singles 2026 – Report June 2026 and, once again, the very best court tennis players in the world arrive in Newport, and the National Tennis Club (NTC), for the US Professional Singles. The NTC, and The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF), have the pleasure of hosting this fantastic tournament every year, but it is important that we do not forget what goes into the event, and those contributors that make it all possible.
On the first day’s play in the main draw, players and members gathered on the Upper East Porch at the ITHF, welcomed by Brewer Rowe and Jonathan Pardee. Mr. Rowe spoke for the ITHF, reflecting on the wonderful relationship we have here at the club, the sport’s history, the US Pro, and the value that all of those things bring to the Hall of Fame. Mr. Pardee, speaking on behalf of the Schochet Fund and the USCTPF, who hosted the evening’s party, reminded those old and new of the endowment set up by Jay and Suzie Schochet, and the incredible and extended support the fund has been able to provide to this special tournament. We thank the USCTA for their continued support, as well as Dan Di Bartolomeo and Northfield Services, who have contributed to the US Pro Singles for an incredible 32 years. To our members at NTC who support the Annual Sponsorship Program, at all levels, and to our generous hosts with accommodation; thank you. Finally, to our tournament Chair, Amy Wintersteen, your tireless efforts to bring everything together helped make the event a success. It is only through the support of these key contributors that the US Professional Singles can continue to be the success and spectacle that we can all enjoy.
Of course, court tennis takes centre stage. Over ten days of play, the satellite competition comes first, followed by the main draw. The top 8 entrants (this year we were delighted to have the World’s Top 8 players), go straight into the main draw. There are 8 qualification spots in the main draw, given to the players that make it to the satellite quarter finals.
The satellite final would be a rematch from 2026, where Josh Dodgson beat Vaughan Hamilton in straight sets. On the way to this year’s final, Josh first beat Alex Marino-Hume in the quarter finals, who himself had a hard fought, and excellent win over Tim Chisholm in the round of 16. Marino-Hume’s progress was stopped by Dodgson, who then went on to beat Zak Eadle in the semi final, who had wins over the two (one present, one shortly arriving!) NTC professionals; Josh Smith and number 1 seed Lewis Williams. Hamilton, on the other side of the draw, first beat Max Trueman and before taking down the number 2 seed Darren Long, setting up the rematch. The final started with Dodgson in fine form, finding the dedans with ease against the full range of serves that Hamilton was testing him with. In a flash of dedans, and with some clear signs of frustration from Hamilton, the first set went quickly the way of Dodgson, 6/1. Determined not to go down in the same fashion as the previous year, Hamilton settled himself and worked his way into the match. Hamilton continued to improve through the second set, looking more assured in both disposition and quality,
swinging the momentum in his favour. Despite Dodgson’s athletic court coverage, his commitment to the cause finishing with him on the floor multiple times, Hamilton looked the stronger player through the second half of the match. Each reste was hard fought, and well earned, much to the delight of the NTC crowd. Hamilton ultimately found enough quality to finish the comeback and get his revenge, taking the satellite crown in three sets; 1/6 6/4 6/4. Congratulations, Mr. Hamilton.
Throughout the satellite the conditions on court had been hot and humid, which only increased as the main draw matches took to the court. At its best, the conditions impacted the balls; the felt soaking up the water in the atmosphere and slowing them down, negating some of Newport’s usual severeness and pace, testing the players physically with longer, drawn out restes. At its worst, the court was sweating and unsafe for play though, thankfully, we only had to stop play once. The conditions were such that constant monitoring was required, and the fans and dehumidifiers were working just as hard as the players on court.
In the main draw, the Top 8 stood in front of the satellite qualifiers, including Camden Riviere, returning to the event after missing 2026 through an injury. A notable return, to say the least, considering Riviere’s dominance in this event since 2010. There were no slip ups from the Top 8; all of whom moved through their round of 16 matches with straight set victories. The same cannot be said of the quarter final day which turned out to be the most exciting, and draining, day of the tournament. The four matches would last for almost 11 hours, with two of the matches accounting for nearly 8 hours of tennis. Adding to the drama, and further taxing the players, the court conditions were at their most extreme with the high humidity, which stopped play for just over an hour. John Lumley beat Robert Shenkman in four sets, and Camden Riviere beat Robert Fahey in three sets, having gone on court at nearly 10pm. The most significant matches of the day saw Steve Virgona triumph over Ben Taylor Matthews, having been two sets to one down. In the longest match of the day, No.8 seed Bryn Sayers took No.3 seed Nick Howell all the way before Nick was able to close out the fifth and final set; both matches testing the physical limits of all involved.
The semi finals went the way of the seeds, who were also those players who had come through shorter matches. Riviere beat Virgona in straight sets, as did Lumley over Howell, setting up the same player combination for the World Championships held in Newport in 2025. In the final, Riviere would start the better, showing his comfort on the Newport court. Never one to back down, Lumley looked to close the gap, and did so, working his way into the match and making Riviere earn each point. As the match became more physical, Riviere showed signs of discomfort from a niggling injury, also pausing to change his shoes and socks, having sweated through both of them for the second time in the tournament. Lumley would win the third set in relatively comfortable fashion. The fourth set was hard fought and, not to be outdone on his most successful court, Riviere found the extra push, and clinical finishing, to win the fourth set, taking his 15th title at the US Professional Singles. A truly incredible achievement.
Presenting the trophy was four-time world champion and five-time US Pro Singles winner, Wayne Davies. Davies gave his reflections on the growth of the event, since his first time competing in it, as well as calling for clubs to continue to promote home grown talent in the sport. It was a wonderful way to finish an incredible ten days of court tennis; thanking all of those involved, and giving a special thanks to the players for their efforts on court. The National Tennis Club membership delight in enjoying such a spectacle, giving inspiration and energy to the club and our members.
Enjoy a few shots from the final match. Photos by David Hansen Photography
