Looking Back at 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026: Steve Flink Breaks It Down

The Florida Tennis Podcast delivered a wide-ranging conversation with Hall of Fame tennis historian Steve Flink that touched many of the major storylines shaping the sport over 2025. From the legacy of Chrissie Evert and her family’s roots in Florida, to the Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry defining the men’s game, to a women’s season filled with breakthroughs and balance, Flink walked through what 2025 revealed before discussing why 2026 feels loaded with possibility. It was equal parts history lesson, state-of-the-game analysis, and educated predictions of where tennis is heading.

Above: Steve Flink. Photo credit: International Tennis Hall of Fame.

“Can't believe we reached the end of another year here,” Flink said. “This one went by even more… swiftly than… any I can recall in recent years.” That sense of speed framed his reflections on how tennis has evolved, especially when it comes to preserving its own history. “Until then there was just a really a handful of us worldwide who really kept track of that stuff,” he said. “And reporters would turn to us for the information.”

That perspective shaped Flink’s memories of Chris Evert, whose greatness was built on focus rather than reflection. “She did not like… dwelling too much on the past results,” he said. “She was always sort of really focused sharply on what she needed to do next.” Flink traced that discipline directly back to Jimmy Evert, whose influence remains central to Florida tennis history. “I admired him immensely,” Flink said, recalling time spent at Holiday Park watching practices unfold. “He just was implacable,” he added, describing how Jimmy knew when to guide and when to stay silent. More than technique, Flink emphasized philosophy. “He didn't put a lot of pressure on her,” he said, calling it the foundation of Chrissie’s composure and longevity.

On the men’s tour, Flink pointed to a season dominated by two names and one growing rivalry. “The stories were that Sinner and Alcaraz, for the second year in a row, won all four majors between them,” he said. “The story was that they met in the last three finals in a row.” Even with Carlos Alcaraz’s brilliance, Flink stressed that timing and choices matter. “I feel like the players have to pick and choose those very carefully,” he said, referencing exhibitions and preparation in a long, demanding season.

Still, Flink sees Alcaraz as a rare case. “He's such an artist, and he's so driven,” he said. “It's a rare combo that he's got there of talent and ambition.” That blend makes the stakes higher heading into 2026, especially with questions around coaching continuity and how quickly adjustments settle. “I was as shocked as everybody else. I thought, ‘Wow, what could have caused this?’” Flink said in reference to the split between Carlos Alcaraz and longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Photo credit: © Rolex/Jon Buckle

On the women’s side, Flink saw a season that made sense from start to finish. “There were four US ladies in the top seven in the world,” he said, pointing to a strong American presence alongside elite international contenders. “My complaint sometimes… has been a lack of continuity,” he added, “but I thought we had the continuity even with the four different champions.” For Aryna Sabalenka, the year felt earned. “She was clearly the best woman player in the world this year,” Flink said, “so it made sense that she would win.”

Looking ahead, Flink framed 2026 as a year defined by legacy moments and unresolved ambitions. Whether it’s Novak Djokovic chasing history, young stars solidifying rivalries, or the Hall of Fame welcoming icons, the through-line is momentum. “It was very enjoyable looking back on last year and looking ahead to next year,” Flink said. “I think we've got a great year ahead, no doubt about that.”

Year End Podcast Part 1

Year End Podcast Part 2

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Written by Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Top photo credit: © Rolex/Antoine Couvercelle