January 14, 2026 – Tommy Paul, who made history by breaking into the ATP Top 10 for the first time during the 2025 season, is set to return to the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston this March. This will mark his fifth appearance at this distinguished tournament, which is the only clay court event on the ATP Tour in North America.
Joining Paul in the lineup are notable players including Ben Shelton, the 2024 champion, and Frances Tiafoe, who clinched the title in 2023. Additionally, two emerging American talents, Learner Tien and Alex Michelsen, will also compete, making for a compelling field of competitors. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 28 to April 5 at the River Oaks Country Club, and excitement is already brewing as the Australian Open unfolds.
Bronwyn Greer, the Tournament Director, expressed enthusiasm for Paul’s return, highlighting his popularity at River Oaks. With the promising lineup and the buzz surrounding the upcoming tennis action, the countdown to the event is officially underway.
Tommy Paul’s remarkable rise through the ranks last season was significantly influenced by his strong performances in Grand Slam tournaments. He reached the quarterfinals in both the Australian Open and the French Open, achieving a career-best ranking of No. 8. Notably, Paul became the first American since Andre Agassi in 2003 to reach the last eight in both of the season’s initial Grand Slams.
In addition to his Grand Slam success, Paul enjoyed a solid start to the 2025 season, making it to the semifinals in three of his first six ATP tournaments, including a strong performance at the River Oaks event. Although injuries hindered his play in the latter half of the year, he secured a final ranking of No. 20.
Off the court, Paul recently announced his engagement to Paige Lorenze, adding to a remarkable year both personally and professionally. Throughout his career, he has claimed four ATP titles and reached the finals on three other occasions, further cementing his status as a former junior champion at Roland Garros.
Ben Shelton, who also had a breakout year in 2025, will be looking to build on his successes after achieving a Top 10 ranking and peaking at No. 5. Not only did he celebrate a Masters 1000 title victory in Toronto, but he also made it to the semifinals at the Australian Open and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, marking a significant year in his burgeoning career.
Frances Tiafoe, another American star, aims for his fourth consecutive final appearance at River Oaks. The former Top 10 player had a commendable performance at the 2025 French Open, where he reached the quarterfinals, and he has an impressive ten ATP finals under his belt, with three titles to his name.
Learner Tien ended his last season on a high note, winning the title at the Next Gen ATP Finals and marking his first ATP final appearance in Beijing, subsequently claiming his inaugural title in Metz. Alex Michelsen also had a fruitful year in 2025, earning three semifinal spots, including at River Oaks, and achieved noteworthy success on clay with a title at the Challenger event in Estoril.
As anticipation builds for the tournament, more players will be announced ahead of the full field release in early March. The event will kick off with qualifying rounds on March 28, marking the first time preliminary matches will take place on Stadium Court. The finals on April 5 will culminate the week with both singles and doubles competitions.
This year’s River Oaks promises to deliver thrilling tennis action and showcases a talented roster of players ready to contend for the coveted title.
