The US Open Tennis Championships, one of the sport’s biggest stage, is a melting pot of cultures and ambitions. Besides bringing late-night thrillers from Flushing Meadows, this year’s tournament offers African tennis fans, who can watch live on DStv, the chance to cheer on stars of African descent chasing history under the bright New York lights. Here are some names to look out for:
- Victoria Mboko
Speaking of toppling big names, another name quickly rising onto the radar is Victoria Mboko, the 18-year-old Canadian with Congolese roots who stunned the tennis world by toppling Naomi Osaka to win the Canadian Open in Montreal. Her fearless run, which saw her defeat four Grand Slam champions (Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and then Osaka) in one week, has made her one of the most talked-about young talents heading into New York.
Source: Victoria Mboko, after beating Naomi Osaka to win Canadian Open title
- Frances Tiafoe
Source: Tiafore at the the 2023 US Open
Then there’s Frances Tiafoe, the American-born star with Sierra Leonean roots. Tiafoe electrified the US Open in 2022 with a run to the semi-finals, where he famously toppled Rafael Nadal. His charisma, booming forehand, and connection to his African heritage make him a compelling figure for audiences across the continent. When Tiafoe steps on court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, African fans know one of their own has already left a mark on the sport’s grandest arenas.
- Ons Jabeur
At the top of that list is Ons Jabeur, Tunisia’s “Minister of Happiness,” who has already carried the hopes of a continent to three Grand Slam finals. After falling agonisingly short at Wimbledon and in New York last year, Jabeur arrives at the 2025 US Open determined to finally lift a Slam. Her inventive game, mixing deft drop shots with fearless aggression, has made her a crowd favourite across the globe. For African viewers, her journey is deeply symbolic: a North African woman proving that the continent can produce world-class tennis champions.
Source: Ons at Wimbledon 2023
Beyond these headline names, South Africa’s Lloyd Harris remains a dangerous opponent with his big serve, while juniors from Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria are starting to feature in the ITF pathway events linked to the Slam.
Yes, the stories of Djokovic, Alcaraz, or Gauff are some that come to mind when anyone hears “the US Open”; but it’s also about the stories that resonate closest to home. So, as the 2025 US Open unfolds (beginning from August 24 to September 7), these are names to watch out for. Their success carries the dreams of millions who now see tennis as a sport where Africans belong at the very top.
