Emerging talents Tristan Schoolkate and Talia Gibson were rewarded for their breakout years with wildcards into the US Open main draw, taking Australia’s total to 14.
The last major tournament of the year will begin on Sunday August 24 and qualifying will begin next Monday.
But the youngsters can skip this phase after gaining direct entry into the New York tournament, with world number 8 Alex de Minaur leading the Australian charge.
West Australian Schoolkate broke into the ATP top 100 for the first time last week after a string of good results, including a remarkable victory over world number 47 Joao Fonseca at the Toronto Masters – his first victory against a top 50 opponent.
Tristan Schoolkate also earned a spot at the US Open via wildcard. (Getty Images: Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu)
Now ranked 97th, the 24-year-old narrowly missed out on direct entry, ranked No. 110 at the July 14 entry deadline.
Reaching the second round of the 2024 US Open, Schoolkate also made three Challenger finals this season, winning the titles in Brisbane and Ilkley, UK.
“It’s such an incredible experience to compete in the Grand Slam main draws. This is what we as players work towards week in and week out, so I’m excited and ready to take on the challenge in New York,” Schoolkate said.
Gibson, 21, has also had a breakthrough year, peaking at No. 107 in the world last month.
Also from WA, Gibson recently won his 10th ITF singles title at the W75 event in Granby, Canada.
After claiming his first Grand Slam main draw victory at the Australian Open, following a set in a memorable debut at Melbourne Park, Gibson made his first Wimbledon main draw appearance this year by winning three qualifying rounds.
“It’s an incredibly rewarding recognition for all the hard work my team and I have put in and the results I’ve achieved this year,” Gibson said of the Tennis Australia wildcard.
“I can’t wait to go there, give my best and make everyone proud.”
Schoolkate and Gibson will join 12 other Australians – eight men and four women – in the main draw.
Seven other men and nine women will represent Australia in the qualifiers.
PAA
