It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Am I quoting Charles Dickens or Taylor Swift? It hardly matters. US Open qualifying always delivers raw emotion. Destanee Aiava was typical of the elation experienced by the 16 men and 16 women who found their way into the main draw starting Monday.
For every Aiava, there were tears of despair, having come to New York and come up one win short of sensing the feeling of belonging. I’ve come to the conclusion that “punching your ticket” means far more than getting into to the big dance. No, it’s the feeling that you belong and are part of something bigger than yourself. That you are in control of an unconventional career that started when you were five years old.
Moments after losing to Jessika Ponchette yesterday, there was a bawling player, her face hidden behind a towel. howling on a picnic table behind Court 13. Elizabeth Mandlik. It’s hard to become numb seeing these emotions on display from virtual strangers as you walk by.
And then there’s the problems everyone wants. Poor Maya Joint. The 18-year-old, born in Michigan, playing under the Australian flag and about to start a tennis scholarship at the University of Texas, needed to clone herself. Classes start Monday, but Joint won’t be there. Instead, she’ll be playing in the main draw of the US Open.
“I’m supposed to be in Texas right now moving myself into college,” Joint said after the win. “I’m thrilled. I don’t know what to say. Yeah. I don’t know what to say. I love this tournament. I was here last year for the first time for Juniors.”
22-year-old Gabriel Diallo entered his first US Open main draw yesterday with a straight sets win over Valentin Royer of France. All week, he had a cheering section that was the loudest on the grounds. Chants of “DI-AL-LO!” rocked the back courts and the young Montrealer agreed that the vibe was an asset.
Maks Kasnikowski held court yesterday after the match like no other first-time qualifier had. Instead of standing around with a racquet bag weighing him down, he plopped on a bleacher bench and had fans line up to come to him. Security wasn’t sure what to do, but everyone got to meet him. As you can see, this is a guy who doesn’t need a minute to get out of Beast Mode and pivot straight to Jokey Mode.
Here’s a look at what other qualifiers had to say yesterday. I’ll keep you posted on their first round exploits.
—S. Fogleman
Tennis Atlantic 
Return Serve?