Remembering Damian Kust | ATP Tour

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Remembering Damian Kust

The Polish journalist was eager to cover the ATP Challenger events

January 19, 2026

Damian Kust, a well-respected tennis journalist who was widely admired for his coverage of the ATP Challenger circuit, passed away on January 6 at the age of 26.

Kust always highlights underclassmen who may not have been told. As he wrote in his social media bio, Kust has brought together “unsung heroes”.

“Damian Kust’s passing is a great loss to the world of tennis, especially in the Challenger circuit that he followed closely,” said tennis journalist and commentator José Morgado. “His passion for the game was rare and very genuine – he didn’t just report the results, he told the stories of the players, the competitions and the often overlooked moments.

“The grief felt in the tennis community speaks volumes for the impact he had. Damian gave visibility, respect and a voice to a level of tennis that flourished with dedication and perseverance, like his profession. He will be remembered not only as a journalist, but as a true lover of the game.”

Each week, Kust posted to X a list of champions across the Challenger circuit, and during the four majors he provided insightful information on the qualifiers vying for the big prize. Kust’s work was expansive, deeply educational and accessible at all times.

“Damian was a special person,” said analyst Mike Cation. “Besides being an incredible resource to both fans and media alike, his passion for the under-publicized and unpopular level of the game was evident. He got involved because he loved it, and his work made us all love Challenger-level tennis even more.”

“I know there were many times when I didn’t know something about a player or a tournament, and I knew I could count on him for that knowledge, which he freely shared with all of us. Our Challenger eco-system has lost a lot with his passing, and he will be sorely missed.”

^{Credit: Rafał Jagielski/Kozerki Open 2025}

Kust’s extensive expertise and dedicated attention to all levels of tennis helped others develop a greater appreciation and interest in the sport, especially the ATP Challenger events, which he frequently visited. And if Kust wasn’t there in person, he was certainly following online. Each week, he engaged fans by posting a poll inviting them to vote for the best Challenger game of the week.

Kust will be deeply missed by the tennis community. He left a lasting impact on the game he loved and on those who knew him.

“If you asked me the best part about working in tennis, I wouldn’t hesitate to say it was the people — and Damian was the best for us,” said journalist Blair Henley. “He talked tirelessly about the game because of his love for the game, he shed light on the players whose stories may not have been told in any other way.

“It can be a challenge for non-professional commentators to break into the environment of the tennis court, and the fact that Damian was able to do so seamlessly and gain such respect from all corners of the tennis world speaks volumes for his work, knowledge base and most importantly, his kindness. He will be greatly missed.”

Robbie Koenig, tennis commentator, added: “Damian was a great supporter of the game, and his teaching experience and putting together the Challenger Tour with great energy, really helped to highlight just how great those players are. The game of tennis has lost a great one… RIP DK”