NEWS
Rodionov reaches final US Open qualifying round
The Austrian defeats Frederico Ferreira Silva in three sets and continues to dream of making his main draw debut in New York.
Jurij Rodionov is just one win away from qualifying for the US Open main draw for the first time!
The 27-year-old Austrian defeated Portugal's Frederico Ferreira Silva (ATP-236) 6:2, 3:6, 6:1 in the second round of qualifying.
As the 21st seed in qualifying, Rodionov entered the match against the unseeded Portuguese as the favorite – and initially lived up to that role.
Rodionov starts strong
After an even start, the Austrian ace secured the first break of the match at 1:1. Rodionov immediately consolidated it to lead 3:1.
At 4:2, the Austrian struck again, breaking Ferreira Silva's serve once more. While attempting to serve out the set, Rodionov had to defend two break points for the first time but remained composed, converting his first set point to clinch the set 6:2.
Period of Weakness Punished
The second set began as an even contest. Both players held their first four service games before Rodionov seized his first break opportunity in the set, making it 3:2.
However, the Austrian then completely lost his way. Ferreira Silva won four consecutive games, turning the set in his favor. After the Portuguese claimed the set 6:3, Rodionov was forced into a deciding set.
Deciding Set Becomes a Clear Affair
There, the Lower Austrian rediscovered his game. Rodionov started furiously, breaking Ferreira Silva's serve twice and storming to a 5:0 lead.
The Portuguese managed to get one more game on the board, but Rodionov allowed no comeback. The 27-year-old served out confidently, securing his spot in the third and final qualifying round with a 6:1 win.
This marks Rodionov's fifth attempt to qualify for the US Open main draw. His previous four attempts were unsuccessful. In 2021 and 2024, the Austrian reached the third qualifying round – and now he has achieved this step for the third time.
Just One More Win Needed
In the final qualifying round, Rodionov will face either the fourth-seeded Briton Jacob Fearnley (ATP-100) or France's Luka Pavlovic (ATP-203).
Rodionov is vying for his first-ever entry into the main draw of the Grand Slam tournament in New York. His only other Grand Slam main draw appearance came at the French Open.
