Tom Perrotta Tennis Journalism Prize 2026 Now Open for Entries

Aspiring tennis writers aged 35 and under can compete for $2,000 cash prize and travel stipend.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Tom Perrotta Prize for Tennis Journalism, an annual award recognizing outstanding writing in the sport, is now accepting submissions for its 2026 edition. The $2,000 prize honors the legacy of the late American writer Tom Perrotta, whose impactful tennis journalism inspired a new generation of emerging voices.

Why it matters

The Tom Perrotta Prize provides a significant career boost for young tennis journalists, offering both financial support and industry recognition. As the sport continues to evolve, the award aims to cultivate fresh perspectives and celebrate the next wave of insightful tennis storytellers.

The details

To be eligible, applicants must be 35 years of age or younger. Submissions require a brief CV and two recent published writing samples, which will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the International Tennis Writers' Association (ITWA) in a blind review process. The winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize and $500 toward travel expenses to accept the award in New York on the eve of the US Open.

  • The deadline for submissions is midnight (EST) on April 20, 2026.
  • The award presentation will take place in New York on the eve of the US Open.

The players

Tom Perrotta

A late American writer whose impactful tennis journalism inspired a new generation of emerging voices.

International Tennis Writers' Association (ITWA)

The panel of judges who will evaluate the submissions in a blind review process.

Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)

One of the co-sponsors of the Tom Perrotta Prize, along with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Writers' Association.

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What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Tom Perrotta Prize for Tennis Journalism will be announced and presented with the award in New York on the eve of the US Open.

The takeaway

The Tom Perrotta Prize provides a unique opportunity for aspiring tennis journalists to gain recognition and support for their work, furthering the legacy of an impactful writer and inspiring the next generation of insightful tennis storytellers.