Matthew Forbes: Michigan State Tennis Star's Electrifying Rise
The tennis world needs more fire, and Matthew Forbes is delivering it in spades. This Michigan State Spartan isn't just winning matches; he's redefining what it means to play with unapologetic passion, sparking a debate and inspiring a new generation along the way.
Key Points on Matthew Forbes' Phenomenal Ascent:
- US Open Debut: Made history as the first active Michigan State player to compete in the US Open men's draw, pushing former world No. 36 Roman Safiulin in a tough first-round clash.
- Viral Sensation: Gained widespread attention for a bold, confidence-infused on-court celebration during his US Open match.
- Collegiate Powerhouse: As a sophomore, earned All-American status and achieved a No. 3 ITA ranking, leading Michigan State's charge.
- Deep-Rooted Drive: His fierce determination is fueled by his family's strong self-belief and the courageous battle of his older brother, Luke Forbes, against leukemia.
Flushing Meadows Firestorm: A Star is Born (and Misunderstood)
Matthew Forbes burst onto the national scene at the 2024 US Open, not just as the USTA Boys’ 18s National Champion, but as the first active Michigan State player ever to grace the men's main draw at Flushing Meadows. His debut against veteran Roman Safiulin was nothing short of electrifying. The 18-year-old unleashed big groundstrokes and booming grunts, pushing the former world No. 36 to a second-set tie-break before a straight-sets defeat (6-4, 7-6(2), 6-2).
But it wasn't just his valiant effort that grabbed headlines. A post-break celebration, emphasizing his "confidence," went viral, drawing both cheers and criticism. Looking back, Forbes admits it was hard to watch. His sister, Abigail Forbes, clarifies that the gesture wasn't arrogance, but a raw expression of pent-up frustration from a challenging period. This included a rough streak on court and a difficult decommitment from UNC Chapel Hill to join MSU.
She argues that perceptions of "cockiness" often mask discomfort with a Black athlete's self-assuredness. "You're making a judgment based off of 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," she asserted.
The Forbes Legacy: Family, Fight, and an Unbreakable "Why?"
The Forbes family's connection to tennis runs deep. It began with Matthew's older sister, Abbey, inspired by *Wii Sports*, and quickly embraced by their late grandmother, Theresa Hamilton. A Jamaican immigrant who found opportunities through the US Open as a J.P. Morgan employee, Hamilton instilled a belief in tennis as a path to confidence and belonging in often unsupportive environments.
This inherited self-belief propelled Abbey Forbes to her own illustrious collegiate career, becoming a Blue Chip recruit, winning the 2019 Wimbledon girls’ doubles title, and earning two All-American honors and a national championship with UNC. She eventually retired from competitive play to pursue an MBA.
However, Matthew's aspirations stretch far beyond college: a **Top 10 world ranking**. His undeniable drive has a profoundly personal root: his older brother, Luke Forbes. In 2019, Luke was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 15. Matthew, then 13, was a constant presence through Luke's grueling treatments and remission.
As Abbey Forbes passionately explains, Matthew's "Why?" is immense. "He puts his heart and soul into this because he knows that absolutely nothing could compare to the pain that his brother went through. Absolutely nothing," she states. This profound experience fuels his every powerful stroke and impassioned yell on court.
Spartan Green's New Dynasty: Matthew Forbes' Collegiate Dominance
Since arriving in East Lansing, Matthew Forbes has rewritten the record books for **Michigan State Tennis**. As the highest-ranked true freshman in Fall 2024, he posted an impressive 20-12 singles record, defeated two Top 100 ITA opponents, and clinched **MSU's first-ever Big Ten Freshman of the Week** honor. Now a sophomore, he’s continued his historic run alongside teammate Ozan Baris, both achieving individual All-American status this season.
His phenomenal performances quickly elevated him to No. 3 in the ITA rankings entering the Spring season, securing him the No. 1 spot for **Michigan State**. His coach, **Mike Flowers**, sees past the viral moment, recognizing **Forbes** as "a good dude" with "a big heart" who simply loves to compete.
Smashing Stereotypes: The Future of Tennis is Here
Beyond the rankings and victories, Matthew Forbes carries a deeper mission. He's acutely aware of the stereotypes surrounding Black players in tennis and is determined to challenge them. He aims to showcase the positive energy, passion, and competitive fire that he and other Black athletes like Ben Shelton, Coco Gauff, and Frances Tiafoe bring to the sport, filling a void he believes tennis has long experienced.
As the **Spartans** eye a strong season, focusing on controllable details, Abbey Forbes remains steadfast in her conviction. While Matthew's "insane" stats speak volumes, she believes his true impact will be his role as a mentor and inspiration for young Black boys. "I really do believe that Matthew will change the sport of tennis forever," she asserts. And watching Matthew Forbes play, it’s hard to disagree.
