Storm Hunter Makes History at US Open Qualifying

Storm Hunter wasn't supposed to be here, but the 32-year-old Australian just made tennis history in the best possible way.

Hunter fought through three nail-biting qualifying matches to reach the US Open main draw, becoming the only active Australian player to successfully qualify for all four grand slam tournaments. Tennis officials had to dig through the record books to confirm the achievement, a feat so rare that few players from anywhere have accomplished it.

The journey to this moment wasn't easy. Hunter took on fellow Australian Maddison Inglis in her first match, survived two match points in her second, and waited through a 24-hour weather delay before clinching her historic third victory.

"This is the last slam on my list to tick off to get through qualies," Hunter said. "It feels amazing."

The timing makes her achievement even sweeter. Hunter missed more than a year of competition after rupturing her Achilles tendon, an injury that could have ended her career. Now she's back at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2023, proving that late bloomers can still make their mark.

The Bright Side

Her reward for qualifying? A first-round match against 11th-seeded Marta Kostyuk, who reached the semifinals at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year. Most players would be intimidated, but Hunter sees only opportunity.

"She's the one who's under all the pressure to play against me," Hunter said with confidence. "I'm just going to go out and enjoy it and give it a good crack."

That fearless attitude comes from perspective. Hunter, a former world number one in doubles, has faced enough setbacks to know that simply being on the court is a victory worth celebrating.

"There's been lots of times in my career I didn't think I'd be back playing at this level," she explained. "To be back in the main draw of a slam is awesome."

Hunter joins five other Australians competing on opening day, including rising stars Taylah Preston and Talia Gibson. The Australian tennis future looks bright, and Hunter's proving it's never too late to chase your dreams.