Remembering Damian Kuster | ATP Tour

ATP Tour

In memory of Damien Kuster

Polish journalists keen to cover ATP Challenger events

January 19, 2026

Damian Kust, a respected tennis journalist cherished for his unparalleled coverage of the ATP Challenger Tour, has died on January 6 at the age of 26.

Kuester continually highlights lower-ranked players who might otherwise slip into obscurity. As he writes in his social media bio, Kuster talks about “unsung heroes.”

“Damian Kuster’s death is a huge loss for the tennis community, especially the Challenger Tour, which he followed closely,” said tennis journalist and commentator Jose Morgado. “His passion for the game was rare and genuine – he didn’t just report the results, he told the stories of the players, the games and the often overlooked moments.

“The sadness across the tennis community speaks volumes about the impact he had. Damian provided visibility, respect and a voice to a sport that thrives on dedication and perseverance, as much as his own work. He will be remembered not only as a journalist, but as a true lover of the sport.”

Each week on X, Kuster publishes a list of Challenger Tour winners, providing insightful analysis of the qualifiers heading into the main draw across the four majors. Kuster’s work is wide-ranging, informative, and accessible.

“Damian is a very special guy,” commentator Mike Keshen said. “In addition to being an incredible resource to fans and media alike, his passion for this under-promoted and under-loved sport is evident. He is in it because he loves it, and his work has given us all a greater love for Challenger level tennis.

“I know there are many times I may not be sure about a certain player or certain situations in a tournament, but I know I can count on him to have that information and he freely shares it with all of us. Our Challenger ecosystem has suffered a significant loss with his passing and he will be greatly missed.”

^{Photo credit: Rafał Jagielski/Kozerki Open 2025}

Kuster’s extensive expertise and dedication to tennis at all levels helped create a greater appreciation and interest in the sport among others, particularly the ATP Challenger events in which he regularly competed. If Kuster wasn’t there in person, he was certainly paying attention online. Each week, he engages fans by posting polls, inviting them to vote for the best Challenger match of the week.

Kuster 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 ask me the best part of my job in tennis, I would say without hesitation the people – and Damian is the best of us,” journalist Blair Henry said. “He worked tirelessly to cover the game for his love of it and shine a light on players whose stories might not otherwise be told.

“It can be challenging for analysts who are not former pros to break into the world of tennis media, and the fact that Damian was able to do so seamlessly and earn respect from every corner of the tennis world speaks to his work ethic, knowledge base and, most importantly, his kindness. He will be greatly missed.”

Tennis commentator Robbie Koenig added: “Damian was a great supporter of the game and his informative insights and energetic coverage of the Challenger Tour really helped highlight the greatness of these players. Tennis has lost a good man… RIP DK”