No.’s 69-30
No. 64: Marcos Giron
After a terrific career at UCLA, Marcos Giron turned pro in the summer of 2014. Since then, the American has won an ATP title in Newport and reached a career-high ranking of No. 37. It hasn’t always been pretty for Giron, who battled early-career injuries and consistency issues. Still, the 32-year-old has carved out a very respectable decade-plus professional career. He didn’t crack the top 100 until six years after turning pro, but has since won 18 or more tour-level matches every season since 2021. His journey should be a lesson to all up-and-coming aspiring professionals.
No. 60: Aleksandar Kovacevic
Kovacevic ended the season with his highest career ranking; apropos for a player closing out his best professional season. After spending his early seasons grinding in the Challenger ranks, the former Illinois Fightin’ Illini has played 68 ATP matches over the last two seasons. He’s the ultimate competitor, and while he doesn’t have high-end weapons, don’t be surprised to see Kovacevic hang around the top 75 for a few more years.
No. 47: Nuno Borges
The former Mississippi State Bulldog has really turned into a solid professional. Borges is 55-55 in tour-level matches over the last two seasons and won his first ATP title in Bastad in July 2024. Borges is incredibly consistent from the ground, which allows him to compete in most matches he laces ’em up for. He should be a top 50 player for at least a few more years.
No. 41: Gabriel Diallo
Diallo has one of the best serves on tour, helping propel him to a career-best season in 2025. Coming into 2025, the former Kentucky Wildcat had won 12 ATP matches; he won 29 in 2025. Diallo’s serving prowess and forehand power set his ceiling as a top 10 player. His improvement on return will ultimately dictate his ceiling in 2026 and beyond.
No. 33: Brandon Nakashima
A seemingly always under-the-radar fan favorite, Nakashima climbed his way back inside the top 40 after spending a solid portion of the 2024 season recouping lost ranking points at the Challenger level. He is still only 24 years old and only gets rock-solid from the baseline as he gets older. His serve has become a real weapon, allowing him to compete with the best in the sport. If he stays healthy, I expect a big season from the American.
No. 31: Valentin Vacherot
The story of Vacherot is what makes tennis so unique. He vaulted over 150 ranking spots after winning the Shanghai Masters in October. This will allow him to attack ATP main draws throughout the 2026 season while defending very few ranking points. I like Vacherot’s game and mental makeup; I question how he responds to the consistency of week-in, week-out high-level competition.
