As the tennis season shifts toward the final Grand Slam of the year, Italian players are launching their campaigns across multiple hard-court tournaments. According to official tournament schedules, qualifying rounds for the US Open are underway in New York, while Lorenzo Sonego prepares for the ATP 250 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Lorenzo Sonego Heads to Winston-Salem Open
Lorenzo Sonego is tuning up his game at the Winston-Salem Open in North Carolina, serving as part of his final preparation ahead of the US Open, according to tournament previews. Sonego, who previously claimed a tournament title in 2024, opens his campaign against Czech player Vit Kopriva, who currently holds the number 71 spot in the ATP rankings. According to tournament statistics, Kopriva defeated the Italian in three sets during their only previous meeting at Marrakech last season. The winner of this opening-round clash will advance to face the tournament’s ninth seed and 2022 champion, Adrian Mannarino.
Italian Men Begin US Open Qualifying Campaign
A total of 11 Italian male tennis players have entered the US Open qualifying draws in search of a spot in the main tournament, with seven slated for opening-round matches. Marco Cecchinato, a 33-year-old Sicilian making his sixth career appearance in the New York qualifying rounds, opens play against 32-year-old British player Liam Broady, according to the official schedule. Stefano Travaglia also faces British opposition, matching up against Harry Wendelken as the 34-year-old Italian seeks to replicate his second-round run achieved over nine years ago.
Stefano Napolitano is chasing his first-ever main draw appearance at Flushing Meadows, opening his schedule against American player Mackenzie McDonald. Andrea Guerrieri makes his tournament debut against Norwegian player August Holmgren. Meanwhile, Francesco Maestrelli targets his third attempt to reach the New York main draw, holding a previous best result of reaching the third qualifying round. The 23-year-old Italian faces seventh seed Toby Samuel, who reached main draws at Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier in the season.
Francesco Passaro aims for a repeat of last year’s first-round qualifying appearance, starting against British player Felix Gill. Raul Brancaccio faces a challenging opening fixture against Brazilian player and former world number 58 Thiago Seyboth Wild, according to tournament entries.
Italian Women Enter US Open Qualifying Draws
On the women’s side, four Italian players begin their qualifying campaigns at Flushing Meadows. Lucrezia Stefanini enters as the 28th seed, targeting her first career main draw appearance in New York, and opens against Turkish player Ayla Aksu. Lisa Pigato, seeded 22nd, makes her tournament debut against Linda Klimovičová.
Lucia Bronzetti, who advanced to the third round in 2023, opens her campaign against Argentine player Luisina Giovannini, looking to improve on last year’s first-round exit. Eighteen-year-old Tyra Grant returns to New York after making her Grand Slam debut in the US Open qualifiers, following a second-round run at Wimbledon earlier this year. Grant faces Savannah Broadus in her opening match.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the US Open qualifying matches take place?
Qualifying matches for the US Open begin on Monday, August 24, featuring both men’s and women’s draws.
Who is Lorenzo Sonego playing in Winston-Salem?
Lorenzo Sonego opens his Winston-Salem campaign against Czech player Vit Kopriva.
How many Italian men are in the US Open qualifiers?
A total of 11 Italian male players are competing in the US Open qualifying rounds to secure a place in the main draw.
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