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Chico Today
By the People, for the People
Chico Native Earns First Davis Cup Win for El Salvador
Donald Hall, 29, competed for El Salvador in a recent Davis Cup tournament held in Benin, West Africa.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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A Chico-raised tennis player, Donald Hall, is making his mark on the international stage after earning his first victory in the Davis Cup while representing El Salvador. Hall, who became eligible to compete for El Salvador through his mother's Salvadoran heritage, described the experience as 'crazy' and unforgettable, with the tournament in Benin bringing challenging conditions.
Why it matters
The Davis Cup is one of the highest levels of tennis competition, pitting national teams against each other in an international team format. Hall's achievement represents a significant milestone for both himself and the Chico community, which has supported his tennis development over the years.
The details
Hall, who was born in San Francisco but moved to Chico at age 15, played collegiate tennis for four years at California State University, Sacramento. He continued training and competing into his late 20s, feeling he had not fully reached his potential after college. Hall has trained extensively at the Chico Racquet Club and Resort, where he has built a local following. In the recent Davis Cup tournament in Benin, Hall competed in the doubles event and earned his first victory, describing the experience as 'crazy' and unforgettable.
- Hall competed in the recent Davis Cup tournament held in Benin, West Africa.
- Hall became eligible to compete for El Salvador through his mother's Salvadoran heritage.
The players
Donald Hall
A 29-year-old tennis player from Chico, California, who earned his first victory in the Davis Cup while representing El Salvador.
Jake Hall
Donald Hall's father, who is a local tennis professional in Chico.
Chico Racquet Club and Resort
The tennis club where Donald Hall has trained extensively and built a local following.
What they’re saying
“It's basically like the World Cup of tennis. Countries play other countries. It's one of the highest levels of tennis you can play.”
— Donald Hall (krcrtv.com)
“When I first got to walk out on the court when they called El Salvador and all the fans in the crowd were going crazy and trying to get in our head, trying to distract us, that was probably the moment where I felt like, 'okay, this is what I've been training for my whole life.'”
— Donald Hall (krcrtv.com)
“This is the World Cup of tennis. It's a huge deal. Donald is an incredible gentleman off the court and an absolute beast on the court. He has fans that come watch him play in Chico.”
— Coach Bryan, General Manager, Chico Racquet Club and Resort (krcrtv.com)
The takeaway
Donald Hall's achievement in earning his first Davis Cup victory while representing El Salvador showcases the power of perseverance and the ability to balance a professional career with the pursuit of one's athletic dreams. His story serves as an inspiration for others who may be hesitant to continue chasing their passions beyond college or their early 20s.
