Dane Sweeny's gallant and “career-changing” US Open campaign has come to a frustrating end with a tough third-round loss to seeded Italian Luciano Darderi. Sweeny complained of a hip injury during the 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 defeat to the world No 22 that left Australia without a second-week singles hope in New York for the first time in five years.
A frustrating end to a breakthrough week
Sweeny, the world No 123, gained a last-minute entry to the season's final grand slam after two late withdrawals allowed Tennis Australia to grant him the reciprocal wildcard initially handed to Alexei Popyrin. Despite his disappointment, Sweeny cashed in on his good fortune, parlaying his maiden US Open main-draw appearance into a watershed run to the last 32 of a grand slam for the first time.
“It's been an amazing week, a career-changing week, but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed just with today's performance,” Sweeny said. “I just wasn't really feeling it, just not really feeling the timing and the rhythm as I have been. Just made a lot of cheap errors and that was quite frustrating.”
Financial and ranking rewards
The 25-year-old Queenslander will walk away with a life-changing cheque for $US290,000 ($A402,500) and a fresh career-high ranking. Sweeny is provisionally slated to climb to No 109 in the world. “The financial side of things, that will help with coaching and people you travel with,” Sweeny said. “I'm always investing back in my tennis. That's the number one goal, to do all I can to be the best player I can be, so I don't really worry about spending on my tennis.”
Alex de Minaur's shock second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp had left Sweeny as Australia's last man standing at Flushing Meadows. Sweeny's defeat means Australia has no singles representative in the second week of the US Open for the first time in five years.
Looking ahead to the Australian Open
If he can crack the top 100 by season's end, Sweeny will earn direct entry to the Australian Open for the first time. “That's exciting too. But that will take care of itself,” Sweeny said. “It's hard not to worry about that because we're indoctrinated to want that low number next to our name, but I can just focus on working hard, focus on improving. Particularly just staying really kind to myself and trying to enjoy the journey.”
Despite the loss, Sweeny's run to the third round represents a significant milestone in his career, providing both financial security and a platform for future success on the ATP Tour.
