An 18-year-old collegiate player experienced autograph requests, private player transport and a Grand Slam main-draw debut at Court 11. Thirty-five current or former college players competed in singles at the U.S. Open, matching a recent Wimbledon total that included a 25-year high of 26 men at the All England Club. The field included NCAA champions such as Emma Navarro and Ben Shelton. The historical choice between immediate professional pursuit and college attendance is shifting toward hybrid paths. College competition and NCAA successes are providing new entry points and exposure for players aiming at professional careers.
Glozman is one of 35 current or former college players competing in singles at the U.S. Open. A couple of months ago, Wimbledon matched that number, including 26 men, the highest count at the All England Club in 25 years. In New York, the group includes NCAA champions such as No. 10 women's seed Emma Navarro from the University of Virginia, and No. 6 men's seed Ben Shelton from the University of Florida. Simply put, current and former college players are everywhere these days.
"Historically, high-level players in their teens faced a choice between going to college and trying to make it on the pro tour right away. More and more are choosing both now. "There was just always a stigma ... that going to college was kind of death for your professional tennis aspirations," said Shelton, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist. His first appearance at the U.S. Open, in 2022, was via a wild-card entry earned by winning the NCAAs."
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