2025 US Open Qualies kick off in Flushing Meadows
Aug 19, 2025
The 2025 edition of the US Open began in (pre) earnest on Monday August 18, with the first day of Qualifying matches. For the first time, the tournament begins in earnest this year on a Sunday, August 24th: That is when the 128 men and women who have made in into the main draw begin their quest to be among those still playing into the following week. There is always a buzz of excitement during the early days of a big event such as the Open; players can still harbor dreams of being among the few still standing into the quarters… semis… and even the finals. Those dreams of course often die rather abruptly, but there is no denying the excitement of hopeful anticipation that greets the start of the Open.
If you have never been to the qualifying rounds of the US Open, one word for you: Go! It is of course, a much different experience than watching Sinner vs Alcaraz, but in many ways it is better (especially if you were watching the final from Cincinnati on Monday). The entire vibe at the Tennis Center is far more easy-going than it will be in less than a week. It isn’t very difficult to get pretty darn close to most any of the matches being played — watching a match in Ashe Stadium the following week from similar viewing positions will run you $1,000/seat. And you will see some great tennis. Players are all ranked in the #100-#300 range, and they All have game. Sure, they have things to work on… serve, consistency, footwork. But if they are playing here, even in qualies, they have already accomplished much in their careers, and are definitely worth checking out. And putting a cherry on this, the Qualies are Free to attend – though a burger will run you $20 in the Tennis Center.
Among matches observed on Monday were two that featured American players.
On Court 10, Patrick Maloney, from Oyster Bay Long Island, took on a player presently ranked almost 100 spots above him, Elias Ymer of Sweden; and on court 11 American Kristina Penickova was matched against Mai Montama of Japan. Both the male and female Americans displayed real grit, with both of their matches ending with tie-breakers (we love tie-breakers). Maloney made some solid shots at clutch times in getting the win 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
Penickova dropped the first set 6-0, but then showed great resiliency and determination in turning it into a highly competitive and entertaining match. While Montama emerged as the victor, 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (10-4), Penikova should take some solace in having been able to lift her game.
More soon from Qualy week, including USTA’s experiment with having mixed doubles played before the Open actually begins!
Photo Gallery
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Written by Florida Tennis contributor Todd Pechter. Photo credits (inside article): pechterphotos.com. Photo credit (top): David Dow/USTA. Photos above (from top to bottom): Katrina Penickova fought her way back into her match before losing in a third set tie-breaker; Long Islander Patrick Maloney made some high quality shots in his first round win; When you win, handshakes are great. When you lose, not so much.