US Open qualifiers set for blockbuster battle as Andreescu, Zheng, Kenin headline entry list

Every Grand Slam has its favourites, but some of the most compelling stories begin long before the main draw.

This year's US Open qualifying tournament promises exactly that, with former champions, Olympic medallists and teenage prodigies all battling for a coveted place at Flushing Meadows from August 24.

Leading the field is 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, who returns to qualifying for the first time since 2018.

The Canadian, currently ranked World No. 179, famously lifted the trophy on her maiden main-draw appearance seven years ago before injuries disrupted her career.

She heads into New York after winning two World Tennis titles this season, reaching the Austin WTA 125 final in March and successfully qualifying for Wimbledon.

Joining Andreescu is 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who enters the qualifying competition ranked No. 118. The American, whose best US Open result remains a fourth-round finish in 2020, has endured a difficult 2026 campaign with a 5-19 win-loss record.

Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen also features among the biggest names.

The former World No. 4 has been rebuilding after elbow surgery restricted her to just one tournament between July 2025 and February this year.

Now ranked No. 125, Zheng has compiled an 11-13 record since her return and will compete in Grand Slam qualifying for only the second time in her career.

The qualifying event will also spotlight one of tennis' brightest young prospects.

Sixteen-year-old Kristina Liutova is set for her maiden Grand Slam qualifying appearance after becoming the first player born in 2010 to capture a WTA title, achieving the feat in Memphis on her tour-level debut last week.

Liutova is one of two 2026 WTA champions in the qualifying field alongside World No. 200 Robin Montgomery, who claimed the 's-Hertogenbosch title after returning from a nine-month wrist injury layoff.

The depth of the field is further underlined by the presence of 2026 WTA finalists Darja Vidmanova and Veronika Podrez, while former French Open semifinalists Nadia Podoroska and Tamara Zidansek will also attempt to secure places in the season's final Grand Slam.

With established stars seeking redemption and emerging talents chasing breakthroughs, the road to the US Open main draw promises to be as captivating as the tournament itself.