Qualies is the shortened term used to refer to the Qualifying Rounds or the preliminary tournaments that players must participate in to earn points so they can play in the main draw of a professional event, including the Grand Slams.

How Qualies Work

The Qualies take place the week before the main tournament begins.

Players ranked outside the Top 100 or so in the world often have to play in the qualies to get into the main draw.

In Grand Slams, 128 players compete in the qualies for 16 spots in the main draw. To make it through, a player must win three rounds of matches. That means winning three matches in a row in just a few days.

The Challenges of the Qualies

Playing in the qualies is tough both physically and mentally. Matches are often scheduled back-to-back with little rest in between. Players also feel a lot of pressure because every match is like a final - if you lose, you’re out.

The courts and facilities for qualies are usually not as nice as the main tournament site. Crowds are smaller and there is less prize money and perks for the players.

Qualies Success Stories

Despite the challenges, many players have used the qualies as a springboard to success. In 2021, Emma Raducanu won the US Open as a qualifier, one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history.

Other notable players who came through qualies early in their careers include:

For these players and many others, the qualies were a gateway to bigger and better things. It gave them a chance to prove themselves and launch their careers to the next level.

YouTube Video:

Daniil MedvedevUS Open 2017 Qualifying Round 1FULL MATCH - Qualies