By Scoop Malinowski
Midway through the 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, the long-time tournament announcer and post-match on court interviewer Ray Collins made a prophetic comment: “In all my years watching the Sarasota Open, Yibing Wu is playing the highest level of tennis I’ve ever seen played here except for Nick Kyrgios.” The Australian marvel Kyrgios won the Sarasota Open in 2013 beating Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic in straight sets.
When Ray Collins talks, one would be wise to listen. The former ABC news anchor-turned-real estate honcho was spot on with every one of his match reads all week! At one point during the event, I even called him “Raystradamus.”
In today’s final inside a jam-packed Nick Bollettieri Stadium court at IMG Academy, Yibing (or Jason) Wu looked like a Grand Slam second week contender, stunningly dominating challenger Stefan Dostanic to the tune of 6-1. 24 year old Dostanic is no fluke, he’s won matches in Grand Slams and Masters 1000s and was a key member of Wake Forest’s 2025 NCAA championship team. 26 year old Wu was sensational, exhibiting a dazzling display of baseline mastery, except for a few misses, Wu was playing near perfect tennis.
In the second set Wu appeared to become a fraction passive which allowed the world’s 291st ranked ATP player Dostanic to punch his way back into the fight. Give a hungry player an inch and he will take a mile. Set two went to Dostanic 64.
The third set was a high-level slugfest and the two combatants matched each other shot for shot. At 33 it was Wu, ranked 115 in the world, who managed to generate his best tennis which was fueled by his inner fire, expressed with numerous Yeah! and fist pumps and mini roars. From my perspective behind the north bleacher, Wu clearly wanted it more than Dostanic, who was in his first ATP Challenger final. Wu stepped up and got the job done, this was his seventh ATP Challenger title win (7-2 in finals). He’s also won an ATP World Tour title in Dallas three years ago (defeated John Isner in final).
As expected, Wu was elated with the victory, he dropped his orange Head Radical racquet, shook hands, savored the momentous occasion and then proceeded to embrace with his three man entourage in the corner box area. Wu is currently coached by Dante Bottini.
After accepting the Jorge Blanco sculpture trophy and doing several most match interviews, Wu was asked if this week was the best tennis he’s ever played. The Chinese born resident of Bradenton smiled and said, “No, I’ve played better.” Wu has career wins vs. Daniil Medvedev, Isner, Sebastian Korda, Richard Gasquet, Taylor Fritz, Adrian Mannarino, Denis Shapovalov, Ugo Humbert,
It is certainly in the realm of possibility that what we saw this week from Wu could spark and evolve into the kind of tennis that makes future headlines at Grand Slam tournaments. Yes, Yibing Wu was that impressive this week at the latest successful edition of the 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open.
Martin Damm Jr, a resident of Bradenton, and Hynek Barton won the doubles title with a 61 62 rout over Garrett Johns and Sarasota resident Theo Winegar.
Photos of Yibing Wu/Ray Collins by Janet Combs.
Photo of sponsors by Larry Greenspon/Elizabeth Moore by Ray Collins.
Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open · IMG Academy · Stefan Dostanic · Yibing Wu
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