College tennis has a new fire, and it’s burning brighter than ever—thanks to Michigan State’s Matthew Forbes. But here’s where it gets controversial: is his unapologetic confidence a game-changer or a distraction? Let’s dive in.
Matthew Forbes, the No. 9 men's singles player in the ITA Collegiate Tennis Rankings, is not just playing tennis—he’s rewriting its narrative. With a season ahead that promises to be as bold as his personality, Forbes is on a mission to make history, and he’s doing it his way. Published on February 21, 2026, this story isn’t just about rankings; it’s about a player who brings a spark that college tennis hasn’t seen in years.
On Court 4 of the U Open grounds, Forbes is a force of nature. His game is a symphony of power and passion: a thunderous 'venga' after a forehand winner, a booming 'yeah' following a supersonic serve, and now, a proud 'Go Green' to celebrate match wins at the NCAA Singles Championship—all as a sophomore. But Forbes wasn’t waiting for college to make his mark. Before even stepping foot in East Lansing, he became the first active Spartan to compete at the US Open, facing off against Roman Safiullin in the 2024 tournament.
And this is the part most people miss: Forbes’ journey to the US Open wasn’t just about tennis. It was about overcoming a rough patch in his career, decommitting from UNC Chapel Hill, and joining MSU amidst a string of disappointing results. His on-court celebration that went viral—a gesture emphasizing his 'confidence'—wasn’t just a moment of bravado. It was a release of months of frustration, a statement that he belonged, and a challenge to those who doubted him.
‘When people say Matthew is cocky and arrogant, I call that a cop-out,’ said his sister, Abigail. ‘You’re making a judgment based on who you want him to be, because what [they] don’t want to see is a person who is confident in themselves while being Black.’ Abigail’s words highlight a deeper issue: the bias that Black athletes often face in predominantly white spaces like tennis.
Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Forbes siblings were inspired by their late grandmother, Theresa Hamilton, a Jamaican immigrant who introduced them to tennis. For Theresa, tennis wasn’t just a sport; it was a pathway to opportunity. For Matthew and Abigail, it became a source of confidence and belonging in environments that weren’t always welcoming. ‘We always felt like we belonged, and that our racquets could do the talking,’ Abbey recalled.
Abbey, a former Blue Chip recruit and Wimbledon girls’ doubles champion, knows firsthand the impact her brother can have. ‘I really do believe that Matthew will change the sport of tennis forever,’ she said. And Matthew’s aspirations are sky-high: he aims to be a Top 10 player in the world, a goal that seems increasingly within reach.
As the highest-ranked true freshman in the 2024 Fall season, Forbes posted a 20-12 singles record, went 2-0 against top-100 opponents, and earned MSU’s first-ever Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor. Now a sophomore, he’s already competed in the NCAA Singles Championship and earned All-American status alongside teammate Ozan Baris. His performances have catapulted him to No. 3 in the ITA rankings, securing him the No. 1 spot at Michigan State in just his second collegiate season.
But Forbes’ fire isn’t just about tennis. It’s fueled by his older brother, Luke, who battled B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia while managing moderate-to-severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. ‘Matthew truly just loves tennis for tennis,’ Abbey explained. ‘He cares so much because his ‘Why?’ is so big. He knows nothing could compare to the pain his brother went through.’
Assistant coach Mike Flowers sees Forbes not as an arrogant player, but as a kid ‘having fun on a tennis court.’ ‘He’s got a big heart,’ Flowers said. ‘He’s one of the good guys.’
This spring, Forbes and the Spartans are focused on the details, aiming to maximize their ‘top-five talent.’ But beyond the stats and rankings, Forbes is becoming a mentor to young Black boys who see themselves in him. ‘The amazing person that Matthew is—that’s what should be talked about,’ Abbey said.
Here’s the controversial question: Can Matthew Forbes’ unapologetic confidence and on-court intensity truly change the face of tennis, or will it alienate traditionalists? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Matthew Forbes is not just playing tennis—he’s igniting a revolution.
