Third win: Rodionov qualifies for the US Open

Jurij Rodionov has secured his place in the main draw of the U.S. Open after defeating three opponents in qualifying, marking his first appearance in the tournament’s main event. The 27-year-old Austrian reached the second round following a hard-fought victory over British player Jacob Fearnley with scores of 4–6, 6–4, and 6–4. His match was interrupted by rain in the third set on Thursday before he ultimately prevailed. This achievement comes after fellow Austrian Filip Misolic, who had already qualified through protected ranking due to injury, will face Francisco Cerundolo in the first round. Rodionov’s success adds to Austria's representation in the men’s singles at the U.S. Open, which features six players, including two from the Österreichischer Tennisverband (ÖTV). The U.S. Open, held in New York, saw several notable performances from Austrian players. Lilli Tagger, an 18-year-old from Lienz, made history by advancing to the second round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career. She defeated German opponent Tamara Korpatsch with a score of 6–0, 7–6(4), showcasing early dominance before facing challenges in the second set. Korpatsch managed to level the match by winning five consecutive games, forcing Tagger into a tiebreak. Despite the pressure, Tagger recovered, saving two match points, and eventually won the tiebreak to secure her spot. Tagger expressed excitement about potentially facing Amanda Anisimova, the world-ranked tenth player and former Wimbledon finalist, in the next round. Meanwhile, Sinja Kraus, another Austrian woman competing in the tournament, faced an early exit. She lost to top-seeded Czech player Karolina Muchova in straight sets, 3–6, 0–6, within less than an hour. Her defeat ended her participation in the U.S. Open, while Tagger continues her journey against Anisimova. For Rodionov, the path ahead includes a potential clash with the winner of the match between Czech Jakub Mensik and Japanese Shintaro Mochizuki. Rodionov’s performance in the second round was equally impressive, as he beat Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard with scores of 7–6(2), 6–0, and 7–6(4). His win came after a tough battle in the third set, during which he saved four match points. Austria’s presence in both men’s and women’s singles at the U.S. Open highlights the country’s growing competitiveness in international tennis. Alongside Rodionov and Misolic, the men’s contingent includes other Austrian players, while the women’s side features Anastasia Potapova, Lilli Tagger, Julia Grabher, and Sinja Kraus. Tagger’s breakthrough marks a significant milestone for Austrian tennis, especially given her young age and the high stakes of the U.S. Open. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and adapt to changing conditions demonstrated her readiness for the challenge of Grand Slam competition. The U.S. Open, one of the four major tournaments in professional tennis, attracts players from around the globe, offering a platform for emerging talents to shine. Rodionov’s qualification represents a personal triumph, particularly considering his previous struggles in reaching the main draw of the French Open. His performance in New York underscores his determination and resilience, qualities essential for success at this level. As the tournament progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how these Austrian players perform against some of the world’s best. With Tagger set to take on Anisimova and Rodionov preparing for his next challenge, the Austrian contingent looks poised for further achievements in the upcoming matches.