Current and former college tennis players are doing remarkably well at this year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open. After five tennis players already qualified directly, sixteen players also qualified for the main tournament through the qualifications. In total, 21 tennis players with a college background were at the start for the first round in the single. Or all college tennis players who show that college tennis is a great preparation for a professional career. Check out the overview of all male and female (former) college tennis players in the main draw below.
Men’s singles main draw
Women’s singles main draw
UCLA is the university with the most participants in the singles schedule. Maxime Cressy, Marcos Giron, and Mackenzie McDonald are all top 100 players looking to throw a stunt this year. McDonald has already caused a nice stunt, he managed to beat Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the second round. Seven players made it through the third round and are still competing for the title.
The women’s schedule features four players with a college tennis past. With perhaps the most famous name Arianne Hartono. As an old Ole Miss student, she was the only Dutch person to qualify for the main tournament for the second year in a row.
But that’s not all, college tennis is also well represented in doubles. No less than 55 (former) college tennis players are part of the main draw in the men’s or women’s doubles this year. And it’s not just Division I players; Nicolas Barrientos (Division II) and Sadio Doumbia (NAIA) prove that you can also reach a Grand Slam through other levels.
There are also many well-known names among the participants of the doubles, for example, the Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer (UCLA alumni) will be present again this year. He is seeded sixth with his doubles partner Marcelo Arevalo (alumni Tulsa). Neal Skupski will also not be an unknown name to many, the former college tennis player from LSU and number 1 in the world in doubles, will be chasing their first Grand Slam victory this year together with Wesley Koolhof. Know who all the other doubles players are with a college tennis history? Then quickly check this article.
The Australian Open started last Monday and will continue until Sunday, January 29. Are you also going to enjoy all the (college) tennis talent?!
Would you also like to become a college tennis player in America? Then contact us quickly and we will be happy to help you!
