From Campus Courts to Arthur Ashe: Dostanic and Glozman Earn US Open Wild Cards

The college tennis grind just paid off in the biggest way for Stefan Dostanic and Valerie Glozman. With grit, composure, and breakout performances at the American Collegiate Wild Card Playoffs in Orlando, both players punched their ticket to the 2025 US Open main draw. “It feels surreal,” said Dostanic. “I mean, this is definitely a dream slash goal of mine, I've had for a long time. You know, playing the US Open as an American... to go through college and to get a wild card—I couldn't be more thrilled and thankful to the USTA.”

Above: Stefan Dostanic

Above: Valerie Glozman

“It’s been a roller coaster in my college career,” Dostanic admitted. “Just so thankful to end it on a high note.” He capped off his run with a national championship and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. “Had a great season with Wake Forest this semester… definitely great preparation,” he added. Now, it’s on to the pros.

Glozman is also ready to make the leap. “I mean, I’m super excited,” she said. “I’ve gotten the opportunity to play in the qualifying draw the last three years… I’ve obviously always wanted to experience the main draw. I really pushed myself this week and the weeks leading up to this for training… I’m really grateful that the hard work paid off.”

Both players talked about the pressure of the playoffs—and how it mirrors what they’ll face in New York. “It’s high pressure situations,” Dostanic said. “I think it’s great preparation for the Open… a lot of people are gonna be watching, so I'm getting used to it a little bit.” Still, he came out feeling confident. “I think I handled the pressure pretty well and, yeah, had a great time at this event.”

Glozman also saw the event as a learning opportunity. “Obviously the level is super high at the US Open, so I kind of have to put it all out there and it really pushes me to the next level,” she said. “It exposes a lot of my weaknesses so I'm able to work on them in practice… and now work on them throughout the season.” She also noted how helpful it is to have something to build toward. “It’s always something to look forward to in the summer and train for.”

Michael Zheng and Mary Stoiana also made strong impressions, reaching the singles finals before falling to Dostanic and Glozman. Their efforts were rewarded with wild card entries into the US Open Qualifying Tournament—giving them a shot at earning a place in the main draw through one of tennis’s most grueling gateways.

Above: Michael Zheng

Above: Mary Stoiana

Both winners emphasized how much they’ve grown. “I think I just matured throughout college,” said Dostanic. “I think I’m in my best tennis shape that I’ve ever been in my life, so this is the perfect jump start to my career.” And with their wild cards locked in, the next chapter begins. “Oh, get right back to work,” he said. “You know I’m definitely thrilled, so pumped to have gotten the wild card. But this is just the beginning. The real work starts now and I gotta prepare for it.”

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Written and edited by Florida Tennis Editor Alex Binstok. Photo credits: USTA. Thumbnail photo credit: USTA