LAKE NONA, Fla. — Eight of the top American college tennis players took the courts at the USTA National Campus’ Collegiate Center on Tuesday night, battling for one of the US Open wildcards up for grabs at the American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs. The event’s winners will earn a berth in the 2026 US Open main draw, and the finalists will receive wildcards to the US Open Qualifying Tournament.
Recent graduates Sebastian Gorzny (Texas) and Reese Brantmeier (North Carolina) advanced to the singles finals in straight sets, while Trevor Svajda (SMU) and Katrina Scott (Tennessee) won three-set battles. All four players are now guaranteed to play in Flushing Meadows—all but Scott will be making their US Open singles main draw debuts if they win on Thursday night.
MEN’S
Trevor Svajda [1] def. Aidan Kim [3], 2-6 6-3 7-6(3)
After a slow start against Ohio State’s Aidan Kim, Svajda secured his return to Flushing Meadows in a thrilling three-set tiebreak that ended with him launching his racquet through the air. Kim broke Svajda to take the first set, and he didn’t let the third go easily, holding serve at 6-6 to force the tiebreak. However, Svajda responded with a powerful tiebreak run, complete with an ace and final forehand winner to seal the deal.
“I had a couple of match points early in the third set there, and to just not let it get away from me and stay mentally there was a big deal for me,” Svajda told Inside American Tennis after the match. “I’m happy I could play a really solid tiebreaker, it gave me so much emotion there. It means a lot to me to be able to get an opportunity to play in the US Open.”
Sebastian Gorzny [2] def. Matthew Forbes [4], 6-4, 6-2
A tough beginning for Gorzny was quickly forgotten after the Longhorn came back for an efficient win over Michigan State’s Matthew Forbes. The Longhorn trailed in the first set, but battled through to tie it at 4-4, before breaking Forbes and serving for the set. The second frame was smoother sailing for Gorzny, who served out the match in a confident fashion. On Thursday, Gorzny will compete for the chance to return to the US Open main draw for the first time since his doubles appearance in 2022.
“I feel like this is a pretty unique experience, you get four singles players on the men’s and women’s sides playing at the same time,” Gorzny said of Tuesday night’s atmosphere. “It’s pretty cool knowing we all have a chance of going to the US Open, and the USTA and college tennis gave us that opportunity.”
WOMEN’S
Reese Brantmeier [1] def. vs Piper Charney [3], 7-5, 6-2
Coming off a strong senior season at North Carolina, Brantmeier continued her momentum by notching a straight-set victory over Charney. She got the first break, but the Wolverine always had an answer for the top seed’s powerful shots. The Tar Heel claimed the first set 7-5, then broke her opponent twice to take an early 3-0 lead. She stayed in control for the rest of the match to earn her place in Thursday’s final. Brantmeier is the only athlete in the event playing both singles and doubles, so she will return to the court tomorrow evening alongside Alanis Hamilton as they attempt to claim the doubles wild card for the second year in a row.
“This is such an amazing opportunity,” Brantmeier said after her match. “I’ve been in New York many times, but I’ve never been in [the] singles main draw, so an opportunity for another first. I think I have the best of both worlds where I do have some experience, but I still have that excitement and drive to gain an opportunity that I haven’t had before, so I’m just really looking forward to getting that chance in the finals on Thursday.”
Katrina Scott [2] def. Luciana Perry [4], 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
As the only one of Tuesday’s winners to have played in the US Open singles main draw—reaching the second round in 2020 before falling to Amanda Anisimova—Scott showed her grit and determination, grinding out a three-set win against Perry. Scott commanded the first set, but the Buckeye refused to call it quits, nabbing the second set and going up 4-3 in the decider. However, after a medical timeout, Scott returned to form and rattled off three straight games—including two breaks—to punch her ticket to the 2026 US Open.
“[The US Open] is my favorite place to play, so getting to play quallies or main [draw] is going to be super fun regardless. All the fans come out anyway, so I’m really excited,” Scott said in a post-match interview with Inside American Tennis.
“I really feel like it’s just a testament to all of your hard work getting there—getting there is not easy. Just playing there, playing in front of the fans, the fans go crazy, New Yorkers go crazy. I think it’s one of those Slams where a lot of people show up and they cheer for both players, and I think that creates a really fun environment.”
WEDNESDAY’S LINEUPS - 6:30 p.m. ET start
Court 1: Reese Brantmeier / Alanis Hamilton [1] vs. Valeria Ray / Bridget Stammel [3]
Court 2: Brandon Carpico / Nikita Filin [1] vs. Greyson Casey / Carter Pate [4]
Court 3: DJ Bennett / Ava Esposito [2] vs. Jessica Bernales / Lily Jones [4]
Court 4: Alex Chang / Alex Razeghi [2] vs. Michael Andre / Matteo Antonescu [3]
