Patrick Kypson on Grand Slam return at 2026 Australian Open: 'That's what we play for'

Despite being sidelined from mid-January to mid-April with a stress fracture in his left foot, the American closed the year at a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 117—a position that puts him on the cusp of direct entry at the majors. With few ranking points to defend in the early part of 2026, a Top 100 place is well within reach. 

"If you would have told me I would finish the year at a career high back in February when I had my surgery, then I definitely would have signed for that," he told USTA.com. "I think it's just a good testament to the work that my team and I put in over the last six months."

Five of Kypson's first seven professional titles came on clay, the surface he grew up on in North Carolina, including his first trophy this year in Bogota. He followed that May triumph with a hard-court crown in Little Rock in his next event, ultimately racking up a 15-match winning streak (including two qualifying victories).

Reflecting on his Helsinki run, Kypson was happy with the way he stuck to his attacking principles: "I think overall I did a pretty good job of that," he said. "If I look back to even four or five months ago, I think I did a really good job. But I know I still have a lot of room for improvement, meat on the bone, if you will, for me to improve in that area still.

"I like the direction that things have been going, for sure, but I know there's still a lot of levels left to unlock in regards to my intent and the way I'm trying to play."

The offseason will provide a fresh opportunity for the American to continue that development. After a week and a half off for rest and recovery, he plans to spend two weeks on physical conditioning and two weeks working on the tennis court. Based in Raleigh, Kypson trains primarily in his home city but often supplements that work with training blocks at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.