How to Qualify for U.S. Open Tennis

If you dream of lobbing the No.1 seed on championship point at the U.S. Open, then the odds may be stacked against you. A path is open, however, for anyone over the age of 14 years who wants to compete in one of the most prized Grand Slams on the tennis calendar. The U.S. Open National Playoffs were created in 2010, allowing tennis players of all abilities to follow their dream and attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Things You'll Need

  • Current U.S. Tennis Association membership
  • Tournament entry fees
  • Tennis clothing
  • Tennis equipment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Win one of the 16 sectional competitions. If you're not ranked among the top 32 tennis players in the world or famous enough to warrant a wild card entry into the main tournament, then U.S. Open qualification begins at one of 16 sectional competitions held throughout the United States. The draw at each competition is capped at 256 players for both male and female events, and to take part you must be 14 years of age or older and a current U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) member.

    • 2

      Win the U.S. Open National Playoffs final. Winners of the 16 sectional tournaments progress to a 16-player knockout tournament with the top four players seeded, based on their international rankings. The winner of the men's and women's tournaments earn a wild card to the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament, where they join other hopefuls.

    • 3

      Win enough matches at the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament to qualify for the U.S. Open. If you are lucky enough to win a wild card into this tournament, then the standard gets even harder as players compete for a part of the $1 million (in 2011) prize fund. This competition regularly attracts top players, including Grand Slam winners and former top 20 players. Both the men's and women's draws are made up of 128 players, with 16 from each draw qualifying for the U.S. Open.