The longstanding Lexington Open starts its milestone 30th edition next week as an ATP Challenger Tour tournament held at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex at the University of Kentucky. Running through Sunday, August 3, 2025, this year’s event will showcase talents for crucial ranking points and prize money.
UK Men’s Tennis Stars Among Local Competitors
Four members of the Kentucky men’s tennis roster will represent: Antoine Ghibaudo, Matt Rankin, Eli Stephenson, and Jaden Weekes.
- Ghibaudo—from Paris and earned a wildcard into the main draw—is currently ranked within the top 500 globally and recently earned All‑SEC and ITA Regional Freshman honors.
- Rankin, Stephenson (a Louisville native), and Weekes each were integral parts of UK’s successful 2024 campaign, contributing to their SEC regular season and tournament championship run.
The singles tournament features a 32‑player draw over seven days, culminating in the championship match on August 3.
Since its founding in 1995—initially as a local professional tournament—the Lexington Open has evolved into the longest-running ATP Challenger Tour event in the United States. Past champions include Jannik Sinner (2019), now world No. 1, along with Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula, currently top 20 in the world. From the women’s side, Madison Keys and Pegula have both lifted titles in Lexington.
The Lexington Open’s 30th anniversary is a celebration of tennis excellence and community support. The tournament has a strong track record of launching careers: Joao Fonseca, last year’s singles champion, went on to win the ATP Next Gen Finals and an ATP 250 event. Lerner Tien, another Lexington alum, now ranks No. 68 worldwide after multiple wins over top‑5 players.
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