As we close out the first quarter of the 2025 tennis season, the results have been a mixed bag for Black tennis players on tour. While there have been a few shining performances—especially on the women’s side—the men’s title drought continues.

Let’s start with the good news.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a rising French talent, captured his second ATP Challenger title in February. He lifted the trophy in Nottingham after a straight-sets win over fellow Frenchman Matteo Martineau (7–6², 6–4). It’s a big win for the towering 6’8” player and one of the few bright spots for Black men on the tour so far this year.

Other notable results from the men include semifinal appearances from Frances Tiafoe (Delray Beach), Arthur Fils (Auckland), Ben Shelton (Auckland and Dallas), Félix Auger-Aliassime (Montpellier), and Gaël Monfils (Doha). There were also a handful of quarterfinal showings, but no other titles—on any level.

When we look back at 2024, we didn’t see a Black male titlist until April, when Tiafoe won Houston. So this slow start isn’t unprecedented, but it’s still a bit concerning. Players like Christopher Eubanks and Michael Mmoh have struggled to gain momentum so far in 2025, with no major upsets or deep runs.

On the women’s side, the energy is stronger. Coco Gauff started the year by defending her title in Auckland. Jasmine Paolini also made waves by winning the WTA 1000 in Dubai—an impressive milestone for the Italian player.

Although no other titles have been claimed by Black women yet, several have posted solid results:

• Hailey Baptiste has been the standout, reaching three semifinals and one final.
• Taylor Townsend has made it to the Round of 16 in multiple tournaments.
• Whitney Osuigwe has one semifinal and one quarterfinal finish.
• Sloane Stephens had a R16 showing at the ATX Open.

As of this post, Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, and Gaël Monfils were still alive in the Miami Open draw. On the Challenger circuit, Elias Ymer posted a dominant double-bagel win in the first round of Napoli qualifying before falling in the second round. Christopher Eubanks recently lost a tight match to Alexander Zverev 6⁴–7, 3–6.

The season is still young, and there’s plenty of tennis left. I’ll be watching to see who steps up in Q2. In the meantime, shoutout to everyone grinding out there—especially those who don’t always get the spotlight.

Know of any international Black players I haven’t mentioned? Drop a comment and let me know who you’re rooting for this season! I’ll see you on the other side of the net!