As the US Open approaches, anticipation is building not just for the main draw but also for the unfolding drama in the qualifying rounds, which have already delivered unexpected twists and intense battles. Among the most intriguing developments is the news surrounding Iga Świątek, the world No. 1 and a dominant force in women’s tennis. Though Świątek did not need to go through qualifying given her ranking, she has sparked excitement by hinting at participation in the mixed doubles event. Such a move is noteworthy since top singles players often skip doubles, focusing on their primary discipline to conserve energy for the grueling singles schedule. If Świątek steps onto the court in mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows, it could inject fresh energy into the event and spotlight the evolving strategies players adopt during major tournaments. Doubles specialists and fans alike will be eager to see whether she can replicate the kind of success that past legends like Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe enjoyed by competing concurrently in singles and doubles events.

The qualifying rounds have also proven unforgiving for some players with considerable pedigree. Two former Grand Slam semifinalists, Martina Trevisan of Italy and Slovenia’s Tamara Zidanšek, both known for their tenacity — notably on clay courts at the French Open — have faced early exits. Despite their past runs to the latter stages of Grand Slams, their struggles in recent times have forced them to battle through qualifying rather than securing direct entry into the main draw. Trevisan suffered a straight-sets defeat to Tatiana Prozorova, a younger rising talent, underscoring the cyclical nature of professional tennis where emerging players continually challenge established names. Meanwhile, Zidanšek’s qualifying campaign was marked by a marathon contest against Brazil’s Laura Pigossi, lasting over three hours and showcasing remarkable endurance and fighting spirit. Yet despite her resilience, Zidanšek was ultimately unable to progress, highlighting how tight margins are in the sport’s feeder events. Their performances offer a reminder of the physical and mental demands even at the fringes of major tournaments, where the battle for a place in the spotlight is as fierce as in the main event.

On the men’s side, a notable development has been the withdrawal of French player Terence Atmane from the qualifying rounds. While reports claiming he reached the semifinals of last year’s US Open appear to be incorrect—as no record indicates such a deep run—Atmane has been recognized on the Challenger circuit for his steady progress. His decision to pull out was reportedly due to a tight turnaround between tournaments, an increasingly common issue on the professional tour, where a packed schedule can strain players’ ability to compete consistently at peak levels. His withdrawal has opened the door for Argentine player Andrea Collarini to enter the qualifying draw. Collarini himself is a veteran of the Challenger Tour, with extensive experience seeking breakthroughs at Grand Slam events. This constant shuffle of players highlights the fine margins and logistical challenges behind the scenes at tennis majors, which extend far beyond the stars featured in the main draw.

Stepping back, the US Open itself holds a rich historical significance in tennis. Launched in 1881, it is one of the sport’s four Grand Slam tournaments and the only one played on hard courts, specifically the DecoTurf surface at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Over the decades, it has witnessed countless iconic moments—from Billie Jean King breaking gender barriers, to the 2001 epic final between Sampras and Agassi, and the recent reigns of players like Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, who have defined modern tennis excellence. The tournament’s mix of intense competition and electrifying atmosphere cements its status as a stage where legends are made and dreams often hang in the balance.

As the qualifying rounds wrap and the main event looms, tennis fans face a tantalizing array of questions: Will Iga Świątek’s venture into mixed doubles energize the field and add a fresh narrative to her dominant singles campaign? Can former semifinalists like Trevisan and Zidanšek rediscover their form and excite crowds with deep runs in future tournaments? And how will players like Atmane and Collarini navigate their careers amid the relentless demands of the tour? Above all, the US Open is poised once again to thrill with its blend of established stars, emerging talent, and unforgettable moments, ready to captivate audiences around the globe. As the serves fly and rallies unfold, one thing is certain: the spirit of competition and the quest for greatness will shine brighter than ever under New York’s late-summer sky.