Wimbledon is officially underway this week with the men’s and women’s qualifying draws in action. A slew of PTT players are hoping to win three qualifying matches and secure their places in the main draw. There are also a number of PTT stars in the main draw and a 2023 Universal Tennis Foundation Hurd Award winner.
Knutson, Tu Make Qualifying Push
The women’s qualifying draw is stacked with former PTT champions including Gabriela Knutson, Darja Semenistaja, Irina Bara, Kayla Day, McCartney Kessler, Taylah Preston, and Yuliia Starodubtseva.
"On the PTT, I was really enjoying myself," Knutson said. "I saw that you can go pro, make it fun, and travel. It's not this really stressful be-all-end-all thing where you either are Top 10 in the world or you failed. With PTT, you can go and enjoy the experience, which was eye-opening.”
The men’s qualifying features five-time PTT champion Li Tu, four-time PTT winner Dane Sweeny, and two-time PTT champion Tristan Boyer. Omar Jasika, who as won one PTT crown so far, is also in the qualifying event.
Join UTR Sports, the largest racquet community in the world! Click here to get started.
Townsend, Michelsen Feature in Main Draw
Taylor Townsend won a PTT title in Bradenton in 2022 when she started her comeback to professional tennis. Now she’s gearing up for the main draw and will be a threat for the title in doubles.
The men’s main draw features some big stars who have used the PTT to develop and hone their skills, including Ben Shelton, Dallas 2022 titlist Jacob Fearnley, and two-time champions Adam Walton and Alec Michelsen.
“The way it's structured is great because it’s a minimum of three or four matches, and high-level players come in,” Michelsen said. “When I first played PTT, I got absolutely stumped. The guys were so good. I still got some money, which was cool.”
Stearns Seeks First Wimbledon Win
After winning her first WTA title in Morocco, 2023 Hurd winner Peyton Stearns reached the third round at Roland Garros. Now she’s poised for a big summer, starting at Wimbledon before heading back home to the United States for the hard-court swing.