"Making a living from exhibition matches? The top five players who played the most exhibitions this year"

During the 2025 season, Alcaraz and Sabalenka stood out as some of the most commanding figures on the tour. Alcaraz reached 11 finals and secured 8 titles, two of which were Grand Slams; Sabalenka reached 9 finals and won 4 titles, including the US Open.

After a grueling season, many players opt to unwind during the brief off-season. However, some cannot stay away from tennis for long. Exhibition matches offer players a low-pressure platform to compete while allowing fans to enjoy exciting contests during quieter periods. Here are the five players who participated in the most exhibitions during the 2025 off-season:

5. Pegula

Pegula took part in two exhibition events during the off-season. She first appeared on December 7, 2025, at "Racquet at the Rock" in New Jersey, then moved on to the Miami Invitational on December 8, 2025, in Florida. Initially, she had not signed up for the first event but replaced Raducanu after her withdrawal due to injury.

Pegula lost both her singles matches to Anisimova but teamed up with Alcaraz in Miami to win the mixed doubles exhibition. Anisimova also played two exhibitions, participating in the same events as Pegula.

4. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka also competed in two exhibitions last December. She first played in the Atlanta Cup on December 6 against fellow four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka. The match went to a deciding set, but Osaka ultimately lost 3-6, 6-4, 10-4.

On December 8, Osaka faced Sabalenka again at the Garden Cup held at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. Once more, the Belarusian prevailed with a 6-4, 7-5 victory. Fans hope to see them clash again in official WTA events next year. To date, they have only met once before, at the 2018 US Open, where Osaka won the title.

3. Alcaraz

Despite criticizing the length of the ATP tour season, Alcaraz announced he would participate in multiple exhibitions, drawing some criticism. Nevertheless, he stuck to his plan and took part in "Racquet at the Rock" and the Miami Invitational earlier this month.

At "Racquet at the Rock," Alcaraz lost a tiebreak 7-10 to Francitiavo. Later, at the Miami Invitational, he faced the talented young Fonseca and narrowly won the deciding tiebreak 10-8.

Alcaraz’s exhibition schedule is not yet complete. Before the 2026 Australian Open, he will head to Seoul, South Korea, for another exhibition. On January 10, he will face Sinner in the Hyundai Card Super Match. Additionally, he will participate in the Australian Open’s official One Point Slam event.

2. Sabalenka

Sabalenka took part in three exhibitions last December. She debuted at the Atlanta Cup, then played at the Garden Cup, defeating Osaka in both matches—first in three sets, then in straight sets.

However, her most media-covered exhibition was on December 28, when Sabalenka faced Kyrgios in the latest "Battle of the Sexes." The Australian staged a comeback after being down a break in the second set to win 6-3, 6-3.

This match sparked considerable controversy since the announcement two months prior. Critics questioned the necessity of holding another "Battle of the Sexes" in today’s environment, doubting its effectiveness in advancing women’s sports. Both players dismissed the criticism, defending their participation as a way to bring more attention to tennis.

1. Kyrgios

Kyrgios was the busiest player during the off-season, playing nearly back-to-back exhibitions. He lost in two tight sets to Ben Shelton at the Atlanta Cup, then fell in a three-set battle against Tommy Paul in the next match.

Afterward, Kyrgios traveled to India to compete in the fourth World Tennis League. Playing for Team Kites alongside Kostyuk, Raina, and Suresh, they defeated Team Eagles in the final to claim the championship.

Following that, the Australian headed to Dubai to face Sabalenka in the "Battle of the Sexes." He continued his winning streak by beating the world No.1 woman 6-3, 6-3. Despite not being in peak physical condition, he outplayed Sabalenka and successfully contained her game.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)