Top Tennis Stars, Including Defending Champions, Lead U.S. Open Entry Lists

Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka lead the entry lists for the U.S. Open, along with 10 former winners. The fields include 18 past Grand Slam singles champions, with direct entry based on rankings through July 14. The U.S. led all countries with 30 players earning direct entry. Players using special or protected rankings to qualify include Nick Kyrgios, Petra Kvitova, and Sorana Cirstea. Play begins August 24.

The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has released the preliminary entry lists for the 2025 U.S. Open, with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka leading the charge. The tournament, scheduled to begin on August 24, includes 18 past Grand Slam singles champions and 30 players from the United States, who led all countries in securing direct entry [2].

Direct entry into the final major of the tennis season is based on rankings through July 14. The cutoff was at No. 101 for men and No. 99 for women. Among the notable entries are Nick Kyrgios, Petra Kvitova, and Sorana Cirstea, who used special or protected rankings to qualify [1].

Petra Kvitova, who is ranked No. 14, and Sorana Cirstea, ranked No. 37, are among the six players with protected rankings, reflecting a recent trend of using such rankings to secure entry [1]. On the men's side, Nick Kyrgios, ranked No. 21, is also entered with a protected ranking. However, his participation remains uncertain due to his limited play in the last two years [1].

The entry lists also feature several players who have fallen off the tennis map but have returned to the scene. On the women's side, notable names include Alizé Cornet, Madison Brengle, and Jennifer Brady. Brady, who turned 30 in May, missed two years due to foot and knee issues but has returned to the tour this year, albeit with limited success [1].

The U.S. Open has become an overcrowded, expensive event, with the fields filled with both top-ranked players and those seeking a comeback. The tournament's format and the increased number of players have led to a more competitive and dynamic field, attracting both seasoned professionals and aspiring players [1].

The entry lists provide a snapshot of the tennis landscape, highlighting the mix of established stars and up-and-coming talents. As the tournament approaches, the focus will shift to the qualifying rounds and the main draw, where the true test of the season's best will begin.

References:
[1] https://opencourt.ca/2025/07/15/no-surprises-in-us-open-entry-lists/
[2] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/45748832/jannik-sinner-aryna-sabalenka-10-former-winners-us-open-singles-entry-lists