A player can arrive at the US Open ranked outside the sport’s spotlight and, three wins later, find themselves on one of tennis’s biggest stages. That route runs through qualifying: a short, unforgiving tournament where players compete for a place in the main draw at Flushing Meadows.
For fans, qualifying week offers a closer look at the fight to reach a Grand Slam. For players, it is a demanding test in its own right, with no easy matches and little time to recover. Here’s how US Open qualifying works, what it takes to get in, and what to watch if you’re following the event.
What is US Open qualifying?
US Open qualifying is a singles tournament held before the main draw. It gives players who did not receive direct entry or a main-draw wildcard another chance to earn a place in the tournament. The men’s and women’s qualifying draws each typically have 128 players, with 16 players from each draw advancing to the main draw.
To earn a spot, a player must win three consecutive matches. There are no group stages or second chances: lose once and the qualifying run is over. The qualifiers join the main-draw field alongside players accepted by ranking and those given wildcards.
The competition takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, usually during the week before the main draw begins. It is part of the lead-up to the US Open, not a separate tournament with a different champion.
How the qualifying draw works
Players are placed in a knockout draw. Win the first round, and they move on; win the second, and they reach the final qualifying round. A win there secures a main-draw place. Qualifying singles matches are best of three sets, like the US Open’s main-draw singles matches.
| Stage | What it means |
|---|---|
| First qualifying round | Players begin their run; a loss ends their chance to qualify. |
| Second qualifying round | Winners move within one match of the main draw. |
| Final qualifying round | Win and earn a place in the main draw; lose and qualification is missed. |
Draw sizes and procedures can change, so check the US Open’s official information for the current year’s confirmed field and schedule. In a standard 128-player qualifying draw, three rounds produce 16 qualifiers.
Who can enter US Open qualifying?
Qualifying places generally go to eligible players who enter by the deadline and have a high enough ranking to be accepted into the qualifying field. The entry list is based on the applicable ranking rules, so a player’s position at the relevant deadline can matter more than their ranking on the day qualifying begins. Protected rankings and other tour regulations may affect individual cases.
Some players enter qualifying with the help of a wildcard. Wildcards are awarded by the tournament and can go to players who might not make the field through the usual ranking route, including promising young players or competitors returning from injury. A wildcard into qualifying is different from a wildcard into the main draw: it gives the player a chance to compete for a main-draw spot, not a guaranteed place in it.
Players who are accepted directly into the main draw do not need to play qualifying. The same goes for main-draw wildcards. Singles qualifying is also separate from the doubles entry process, which follows its own rules and does not use this three-round singles route.
What happens if a qualifier loses in the final round?
A player who loses in the last round of qualifying may still get into the main draw as a lucky loser. That can happen when a player withdraws from the main draw after qualifying has finished. Lucky-loser selection follows tournament rules and is not simply a matter of choosing the highest-ranked player who lost.
It is a welcome second chance, but not one a player can count on. Qualifiers should prepare as if the final-round match is their only route in—and lucky losers who do get called up may have to switch quickly from disappointment to main-draw preparation.
Why qualifying week is worth watching
Qualifying matches can have the tension of a main-draw match, sometimes more. A player might be one point away from a place in the tournament, while their opponent is trying to save a season’s worth of effort. The setting is often more intimate than a show court, too, making it easier to see how players manage nerves, adjust their tactics and respond to a difficult stretch.
The surface adds another layer. On New York’s hard courts, a strong serve can help a player shorten points, but it is rarely enough on its own. Returners who take the ball early can put pressure on second serves, while players who defend well and change direction can frustrate aggressive opponents. In the heat and humidity, energy management matters: a long opening match can make the next round harder even if the player wins.
Emma Raducanu’s 2021 run is the clearest example of how far a qualifying campaign can lead. She won three qualifying matches and then seven more in the main draw to claim the title, becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles championship in the Open Era. That achievement was extraordinary, but it also shows why a qualifying win should be seen as the start of a challenge, not the finish. A qualifier has to win three matches just to enter a main draw where another seven victories are needed for the title.
How to attend or follow qualifying
Qualifying week is often promoted as part of the US Open’s broader pre-tournament festivities, and admission has commonly been free. Policies, ticket requirements, court access and event schedules can vary by year, so check the official US Open site before travelling. Even when entry is free, popular sessions or special events may have limits.
If you’re following from home, look for the official order of play, live scores and broadcast details. Coverage may be more limited than it is during the main draw, particularly for matches on smaller courts. Checking the schedule on the day is useful: qualifying sessions can change because of weather, match duration or court availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many matches must a player win to qualify?
In the standard 128-player qualifying draw, a player must win three matches to earn a main-draw place.
How many players qualify for the US Open main draw?
Typically, 16 players from the men’s qualifying draw and 16 from the women’s draw advance. Check the current year’s tournament information in case the format changes.
Is US Open qualifying free to attend?
Qualifying week has commonly offered free admission, but access rules and ticket arrangements can change. Confirm the details with the US Open before making plans.
Can a player enter the main draw after losing in qualifying?
Possibly. A player who loses in the final qualifying round may be selected as a lucky loser if a main-draw place opens, subject to the tournament’s rules and selection process.
Final Thoughts
US Open qualifying is a three-round singles tournament with a simple prize and a steep demand: win every match to earn a place in the main draw. It gives emerging players and those just outside direct entry a route to the Grand Slam, while giving fans a chance to see the competition before the biggest courts take center stage. Follow the draw, check the day’s schedule, and don’t overlook the qualifiers once the main event begins—some arrive in New York already battle-tested.
