Eight Australian men have earned spots in the US Open main draw, with several more possible additions through qualifying as the year’s final major gets underway.
Here’s how the Australian representation looks on paper:
– Alex de Minaur (#8) vs Chris O’Connell (#79)
The long-awaited clash between the two Australians was tentatively set for Toronto’s R16 before O’Connell withdrew pre-match with an oblique injury, a setback that also saw him pull out of Cincinnati and later retire in Winston-Salem with a back issue. De Minaur’s hard-court record at Grand Slams is strong (18-8 across New York and Melbourne), and the big Apple has been his best Slam venue with two quarterfinal appearances. O’Connell has struggled at majors this year, losing in the first round at all three, so this is a real chance for De Minaur to make a deep run. If he advances, the path could feature Hugo Gaston or a qualifier/lucky loser in R2, then Stefanos Tsitsipas or Karen Khachanov in the later rounds, with the potential for a quarterfinal under the toughest part of the draw if he can navigate the challenges.
– Alexei Popyrin (#36) vs Emil Ruusuvuori (ranked around 75 with a protected ranking noted)
This is a first in a while—Popyrin isn’t seeded here because he didn’t defend a Canadian 1000 title. He’ll face Emil Ruusuvuori, who is making a comeback from injuries and personal struggles and is using a protected ranking. Ruusuvuori, a former world No. 37, has only played a limited number of matches this year as he recovers from shoulder and back issues. Popyrin’s last major appearance saw him lose in the first round to a British wildcard, so the matchup could be pivotal for his tournament. If he wins, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner would await in Round 2, with Popyrin defending fourth-round points after last year’s New York run.
– The other Aussie men in this year’s field:
– Jordan Thompson (#58) vs Corentin Moutet (#40)
Thompson has battled injuries that have hampered his results, but he reached a fourth round earlier in 2024 and has shown grit through a tough patch. Moutet has the edge in experience on clay and hard courts. A win for Thompson would set up a potential second-round clash with Mannarino or Griekspoor.
– Adam Walton (#83) vs Ugo Humbert (#23)
Walton makes his eighth major appearance, seeking to turn his recent majors into a breakthrough showing. Humbert comes in as the 23rd seed, and Walton will need a solid effort to upset the higher-ranked Frenchman in their first meeting. A win would put him against Kovacevic or a qualifier in Round 2.
– Alexandar Vukic (#95) vs Jenson Brooksby (#92)
Vukic is making his third main-draw appearance at Flushing Meadows, with no prior first-round wins here. Brooksby—once a top-33 player—has had strong results in the past, so this is a tall order for Vukic. The winner would likely face Flavio Cobolli (seed 24) in Round 2.
– Tristan Schoolkate (#96) vs Lorenzo Sonego (#46)
Schoolkate received a reciprocal wildcard after breaking into the top 100, his fourth major appearance. He faces veteran Lorenzo Sonego, who has Ferraris of experience and a comfortable Grand Slam history. The winner could meet Alexander Bublik (seed 23) or former US Open champion Marin Cilic in the next round.
– Rinky Hijikata (#103) vs Luciano Darderi (#34)
Hijikata has been out with an abdominal issue but is hopeful to start. Darderi has had a strong season, winning three titles, and has shown real competitive fire. The winner could meet one of two American wildcards, Dostanic or Spizzirri, in Round 2.
What to watch
– Injuries could shape outcomes for several Australians. De Minaur’s form and fitness give him a solid chance in a draw that could open up if O’Connell is limited by his back and oblique issues.
– The draw features some challenging early rounds for multiple players, but also opportunities for upsets, particularly if conditions favor big servers and aggressive baseliners.
– The Australian cohort has depth and youth mix with experience, offering a credible path to multiple second-week appearances if they stay healthy and execute.
Summary
Australia’s men bring a robust and varied lineup to the US Open, with De Minaur as the standout flag-bearer and a slate of young and experienced players hoping to capitalize on favorable matchups. Injuries and form will be key determinants, but there’s real potential for several of these players to push into the second weekend and perhaps beyond with strong showings.
A hopeful note
With preparation and focus, this group can build momentum and demonstrate Australia’s continued strength on the global hard-court stage. If they stay healthy and seize early opportunities, a few could turn promising results into meaningful Slam runs this year.