Aleksandar Kovacevic Returns to US Open as Professional Tennis Player

QUEENS, New York — Aleksandar Kovacevic, a 26-year-old tennis player from the Upper West Side, has returned to the US Open for the second consecutive year, this time as an established professional ranked 71 in the world. Kovacevic, who grew up attending the event every summer with his family, is set to face Cole Wong of Hong Kong in the first round on Monday.

“It’s been a good year for me for sure,” Kovacevic said from the players’ locker room at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “My best year on tour.” His ascent to the main draw comes after a successful season that included reaching his first ATP finals in Montpellier and Los Cabos.

Kovacevic has enjoyed significant victories this year, including a match against Andrey Rublev that propelled his ranking to a career-high of 62. The US Open holds personal significance for him, as his beginnings in tennis were rooted in local schools and community programs.

After moving to Florida at age 15 to intensify his training, he opted to complete four years of college at the University of Illinois, earning a degree in business. Last year’s Open featured a memorable first-round matchup against his friend, Francis Tiafoe, where he lost in four sets.

This year, Kovacevic looks forward to an easier draw with Wong, who has worked his way into the tournament through three qualifying matches. Kovacevic reflects on the challenges of the tour, mentioning, “It’s not always easy to be in the best head space when you’re playing each and every week.”

In addition to his singles career, Kovacevic participated in mixed doubles at last year’s tournament with partner Tyra Grant, where they lost to the eventual champions. Looking ahead, he has faced many of his tennis idols, including Novak Djokovic, but has yet to compete against the top-ranked players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“Those kinds of matches you can win or lose, but you learn a lot,” Kovacevic said. “I’m not super sad that I don’t have to play them in the first round here.” He is preparing with hope for his grand slam debut, expressing excitement for the New York crowds that energize him.

The US Open means more to Kovacevic than just another tournament — it represents his journey and connection to the city. “I love New York – just being back where I grew up — it’s a nice feeling,” he said as he gears up for round one.