Stephen Higgins

Surely all no.1s and/or multiple grand slam winners should get in.

Interview | Michael Agwi The Irish no.1 on playing Davis Cup, the 2025 season so far and learning to 'enjoy the suffering' of professional tennis

If you haven't seen it, check out my new interview with Ireland's no.1 player, Michael Agwi

crosscourtview.com/interviews/m...

After an enthralling battle, China break Ireland at the end of set two and hold on to clinch the Davis Cup tie with a 6-2 7-5 scoreline.

The Irish side were probably the better pair in the second set, but fine margins went against them.

China lead 3-0 and there will be another singles.

After a close first set, China's Yunchaokete Bu showed his top 100 class to put away Ireland's Peter Buldorini 6-4 6-1 in the first singles.

Up next, Michael Agwi in the second singles against Yi Zhou.

Preview | Ireland v China With the Chinese no.2 absent, Conor Niland's side hope to pull off an upset in Abbotstown

Not long to go now until Ireland take on China in the Davis Cup.

Check out my full preview with quotes from Captain Conor Niland and exclusive photos.

crosscourtview.com/irish-tennis...

Preview | Ireland v China With the Chinese no.2 absent, Conor Niland's side hope to pull off an upset in Abbotstown

Ireland take on China this weekend in the Davis Cup.

While the Chinese are missing their no.2, they can still call on world no.74 Yunchaokete Bu.

Can Conor Niland's side pull an upset?

Check out my full preview with quotes from the captain.

crosscourtview.com/irish-tennis...

The draw for this weekend's Davis Cup clash between Ireland and China has been set.

On Saturday, Irish no.2 Peter Buldorini will start off against Yunchaokete Bu (ranked 74th in the world).

Then should be a competitive one with no.1 Michael Agwi against Yi Zhou (ranked 301).

Preview on the way!

Thoughts on the 2025 US Open Alcaraz avenges Wimbledon, solid Sabalenka, Naomi returns and who's stepping up in 2026?

Better late than never!

I had a few other commitments so finally got around to my US Open thoughts piece.

Alcaraz avenges Wimbledon, Sabalenka's solidity, Naomi is back, and who's stepping up on the men's side in 2026? It's all in there.

crosscourtview.com/comment/2025...

I absolutely get that. It seems endlessly depressing as so many things you take for granted erode. At least there's tennis.

Ireland and the Davis Cup - Tennis Ireland A history of Ireland in the Davis Cup throughout the decades written by Stephen Higgins of Crosscourt View

Ireland take on China this weekend in the Davis Cup in Abbotstown.

As part of the build up, I have written a piece for Tennis Ireland on the nation's history in the competition.

You can have a read and relive some glory days below.

www.tennisireland.ie/news/ireland...

I think on the women's side: the Australian because it was great to see Madison fulfill her potential and beat the top three with that kind of tennis.

Tough on the men's side because the lads were so far ahead of everyone else. I have to go with Roland Garros because the final was extraordinary.

So two slams a piece for Alcaraz at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

If he wins in Melbourne, the Spaniard would have the career grand slam aged 22!

That was just a fabulous exhibition of Carlos Alcaraz's unparalleled range of skills.

Apart from that dip in the second set, Jannik Sinner couldn't live with the Spaniard.

It must strike a bit of fear in the Italian's camp for 2026.

Carlos can go to another gear that Sinner can't reach.

Carlos Alcaraz earns the sixth major of his career with a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory over the world no.1 Jannik Sinner in New York.

It's his second grand slam at Flushing Meadows and second major title for 2025.

With 6, he matches Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker on the all-time list at the age of 22.

It shows you Alcaraz's extraordinary quality that Sinner actually looks stressed.

The Italian has only lost four times this year in 41 matches.

Three of those times to Alcaraz.

I know now if I ever meet Springsteen, I can talk to him about this final and 'Meeting Across The River'.

Should be a solid conversation.

What a superb set from Alcaraz there.

It was almost a statement of that long held belief that the Spaniard's highest level is greater than the Italian's.

Sinner will need Alcaraz to come down from the clouds or this final will go in one direction.

Right so one set all.

Understandably, Alcaraz's level dropped and Sinner found his normal level.

Now where will the third set go?

Will Alcaraz summon some of that magic or will Sinner close in on a third major of the year.

I do think Alcaraz has to win this to take the match in the end.

What a level from Carlos.

It's as if Sinner is shell shocked by the quality. Has looked edgier than usual.

Now how long can he keep this up, because it's unplayable? But it also may be unsustainable.

Amazing stuff.

An astonishing level, particularly off the forehand, from Alcaraz so far.

I do wonder if he can sustain this level, and if so, for how long.

a man wearing glasses and a suit is smiling for the camera ALT: a man wearing glasses and a suit is smiling for the camera

Have Rolex created a situation where the men's final won't start...on time?

So another installment of Sinner v Alcaraz.

Alcaraz has looked refreshingly focused in the event so far and he will need all of it.

Interesting to see if there are any tactical shifts from the Spaniard after SW19?

Until things shift, Sinner still the favourite on a hard court.

Fine piece from Bryan Armen Graham.

Had to watch the women's final back after Ireland.

Very impressive from Aryna to manage a match against a sometimes outrageous, but often error-strewn, Anisimova.

She was the more experienced player and showed it. Finally a major in 2025.

As for AA, a positive step forward from the SW19 final.

Well here we go!

Very much looking forward to this one. Think we'll see a very aggressive Djokovic try to shorten things as much as possible.

I hope the bodies of both men hold up so we can have some epic exchanges.

Alcaraz has the edge, particularly if it's long. But Djokovic has been superb.

An interesting contest that was at times compelling.

In the end, at those crucial moments, Aryna Sabalenka showed the mettle that makes her a multiple major winner.

Jessica Pegula gave a great account of herself but the match was decided by the Belarusian's racquet.

That was just a fabulous level of play to watch.

Delighted to see Osaka back at this kind of level as she has such unique star power. Impressive patience to close it out.

As for Muchova, what a trooper. Clearly hampered but able to pull off those signature acts of magic between the lines.

How fantastic is that for Amanda Anisimova?

Turns that awful final on its head with a brilliant performance where she showcased her rare timing on those groundstrokes.

Just glad for her that she could show that level against the world's best so soon after London.

So Jannik looks ok then

Preview | 2025 US Open Alcaraz the favourite by a hair while Swiatek looks the woman to beat

Well we've made it to the last grand slam of the season.

Given the slight question over Sinner, Alcaraz is my slight favourite for the men's title while Swiatek has a brilliant chance to add to her 2022 success in New York.

Here's my full preview:

crosscourtview.com/news/2025/pr...