Big Names Already Exiting Before Main Draw Begins
The 2025 US Open has yet to officially begin, but the excitement—and heartbreak—has already started. Fan Week in New York is in full swing, showcasing everything from mixed doubles exhibitions to the all-important qualifying rounds, where players battle for a coveted spot in the main draw. Despite the festive atmosphere, the tension on the courts is undeniable, and several high-profile names have already made early exits.
Among the surprising casualties are two Grand Slam semifinalists, and now, former world No. 20 Daria Saville has joined that list after a tough outing in the qualifying tournament.
Daria Saville’s Challenging Return
Daria Saville, the Australian who once held a spot among the WTA’s top 20 and boasts wins over stars like Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, and Simona Halep, entered the US Open as world No. 157. With that ranking, she was required to play in the qualifying rounds to earn a place in the main draw.
Saville hadn’t played a match since Wimbledon 2025, where she made headlines not just for her performance but for speaking out about the treatment of players in qualifying. Unfortunately, her return to the court in New York didn’t go as planned.
A One-Sided Match Against Jule Niemeier
Saville faced Germany’s Jule Niemeier, a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist known for her powerful baseline game. From the start, Niemeier was in control, dominating the match and leaving little room for Saville to find her rhythm.
In a lopsided affair, Saville managed to win only two games before falling 6-0, 6-2. The loss marks a disappointing end to her US Open campaign before it truly began.
What’s Next for Saville?
As a player who has battled injuries and staged multiple comebacks, Saville is no stranger to adversity. Despite the early exit, her fighting spirit and past achievements suggest she may yet find her form again in future tournaments. For now, though, the US Open continues without her, and fans will be watching to see which rising stars make the most of this year’s qualifying opportunities.