Qualies: The Best Value Ticket in Tennis

Opinion

Qualies: The Best Value Ticket in Tennis

Everyone loves the main draw of a Grand Slam. But don’t sleep on the real drama happening before that: the qualifying tournament. These matches aren’t about chasing titles—they’re about survival. At this year’s US Open, just making the main draw earns you $110,000. Not for winning the first round—just for getting into the tournament. That kind of money can be life changing when you’re struggling to keep your career alive.

Here’s how it works: 128 players enter qualies, but only 16 get through. These folks aren’t playing for fame; they’re playing for airfare, coaching, and stringing money. They’re playing for a chance at another season on tour.

For context, well-known vlogger and tour pro Karue Sell cracked the top 300 in the world in 2024. He earned $38,051 in prize money—before taxes—yet his expenses came in at $39,137. Savings for retirement? Negatory ghost rider.

Which is why qualies feel different. The tension is palpable, because every win is such a big deal. Every swing, every C’mon is one step closer to months more of life on the tour. You’re not watching legends chase gold—you’re watching underdogs fight for keeps.

And there’s something beautiful about that. These players dreamed of being on the main stage, of feeling this moment. It’s raw — hope mixed with fear, sweat, and grit. It’s a grassroots, gladiator-level contest that costs you nothing to watch.

Also? It’s sooo fun. Since fewer fans go, you can score courtside seats or glimpse future stars without elbowing your way through the crowd. At the US Open, qualies—ready for this?—is free. It’s the best value in all of tennis in my opinion.

Look, Jannik Sinner says the money isn’t what he’s all about—he’s chasing trophies. But in qualies, players are chasing the ability to buy guac without an internal fight. So if you can, go watch qualies. You’ll see hunger. You’ll see storylines before they become headlines. That’s where the tour’s soul still lives.

Trivia

Which country has the most players inside the Top 50 on the ATP tour?

A. Spain

B. Italy

C. United States

D. Russia

Find out at the bottom!

Meet the Player

Brandon Nakashima

From: United States 🇺🇸

Best Slam Result: 4th round

Career High Ranking: 29

Fun Fact: is a big Gossip Girl fan

Game Analysis: Blink twice if you’re having fun Brandon. The 6’ 2” American boasts a big boy serve, and a rocket launcher of a backhand. He’s a smooth operator on court. My only complaint? That he barely emotes. I’d love to see some fighting spirit come out of the big fella.

Career Prediction: Brandon hit his career high ranking just a few months ago. At the spritely age of 24 years old, I think he’s got the game to crack the Top 20. No slams in his future, but definitely some 250 titles and a ton of respect from the tennis world.

Around the Net

Some of the best tennis content I found on the internet this week…

🧠 How to raise your tennis IQ from one of my favorite coaches, Joel Myers

📹️ A day in the life of Nick Kyrgios’ coach

😟 The strangest way to celebrate a win, by none other than you have no idea who this is Nikoloz Basilashvili

Answer

C. The United States (7)