The US Open this year has followed its tradition of awarding wildcards to eight players. These generally could fall into five categories – local players, young talents on the rise, players recovering from injuries, winners of wildcard tournaments, and recipients of wildcard swaps with other Slams.
This year, the wildcard recipients for the 2023 US Open form an exciting mix of experience and youth, each with their unique backgrounds. Let’s check out the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
John Isner: Continuing an Impressive Streak
American ace king, John Isner, a former Top 10 player, has secured a remarkable feat by not missing a single US Open main draw since his debut in 2007. With a string of appearances spanning over two decades, Isner remains a consistent and formidable presence on the courts. As a two-time US Open quarter-finalist, his 17th career main-draw participation is set to captivate fans once again.
Alex Michelsen, Ethan Quinn, and Learner Tien: Emerging talents
This year’s wildcard allocation showcases the upcoming generation of American tennis. Eighteen-year-old Alex Michelsen, the youngest player in the ATP’s Top 150, has decided to turn professional after a promising start. Ethan Quinn, the men’s singles champion at the Division I NCAA Championships, and Learner Tien, who triumphed at the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championship.
Steve Johnson and Michael Mmoh: Resurgent tennis stars
Steve Johnson, a former world No. 21, has demonstrated a resurgence in his post-Wimbledon performance. Winning two ATP Challenger titles and securing the top spot in the US Open Wild Card Challenge standings, Johnson’s journey adds experience to the tournament. Meanwhile, Michael Mmoh’s return to the Top 100 is marked by a career-high ranking and significant victories in Grand Slams this year.
Rinky Hijikata and Benjamin Bonzi: Global flavor
Rounding out the wildcard recipients are international players who have secured their spots through wildcard swaps with Tennis Australia and the French Tennis Federation. Rinky Hijikata, part of the 2023 Australian Open men’s doubles-winning team, and France’s Benjamin Bonzi bring a global flair to the competition.
Wildcards bring diverse talent to the women’s singles draw of the US Open 2023
As in the case of men’s wild card entries, the 2023 US Open women’s entries also showcase a dynamic mix of tennis talents. This inclusion brings together legends, emerging stars, and rising juniors, presenting a rich set of recipients.
Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki: Icons Return
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams and former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki lead the wild card recipients. Williams, a two-time US Open title holder (2000 and 2001), makes her 24th appearance despite a recent injury hiatus. Wozniacki, now a mother to two young children, embarks on her first Grand Slam return since her retirement after the 2020 Australian Open.
Krueger, Montgomery, Day, and Ngounoue: Young guns
The future of tennis is in good hands with the next generation eager to make their mark. Kayla Day, Ashlyn Krueger, Robin Montgomery, and Clervie Ngounoue represent this fresh wave. Day, a former junior champion, and recent Top 100 entrant, clinched her wild card by conquering the US Open Wild Card Challenge and has had notable performances in Roland Garros.
Krueger, victorious in an Italian event, and Montgomery, the 2021 US Open girls’ singles and doubles champion, aim to shine in the main draw. Seventeen-year-old Ngounoue arrives with momentum after triumphing at the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’18s National Championships and claiming her first junior Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
Storm Hunter and Fiona Ferro: Global mix
The wildcard list extends internationally with Australia’s Storm Hunter and France’s Fiona Ferro, as part of reciprocal wild-card agreements with Tennis Australia and the French Tennis Federation.
The diverse gathering of players brings their unique styles and experiences to the US Open courts. The stage is set for an electrifying tournament as this diverse mix of wild card recipients adds excitement and depth to the 2023 US Open main draw, scheduled to kick off on Monday, August 28th.