Israel’s representatives at the US Open left without championship trophies, but each made a lasting impression at the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, with Guy Sasson coming closest to achieving a historic milestone.
When Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in Sunday’s men’s singles final, ending the American’s quest to become the first U.S. man to win a Grand Slam singles title since 2003, the two-week tournament in New York officially concluded.
Three Israeli athletes – wheelchair competitors Guy Sasson and Sergei Lysov, along with junior Dan Brand – proudly represented Israel throughout the US Open. While none secured titles, all three earned invaluable experience on one of tennis’ grandest stages.
Sasson, ranked third and seeded third in quad singles, advanced to the semifinals on Friday, where he faced his doubles partner, top seed Niels Vink of the Netherlands.
Sasson mounted a remarkable comeback from 5-2 down in the opening set to level at 5-5, but Vink ultimately prevailed 7-5, 6-3. Vink went on to claim the singles championship.
Following a brief interlude, Sasson and Vink reunited on court as the top-seeded doubles duo with an opportunity to achieve a rare calendar-year Grand Slam. The pair had already captured titles at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this year.
Standing between them and a fourth consecutive Grand Slam title were second-seeded Sam Schröder of the Netherlands and Jin Woodman of Australia. Sasson and Vink fell behind 6-2 in the opening set, rallied to win the second 6-3, but ultimately lost 10-7 in a heartbreaking super tiebreak, ending their pursuit of the calendar-year Grand Slam.
Despite the setback, Boaz Kramer, CEO of the Israel ParaSport Center, applauded both Sasson and Lysov for their performances and ongoing dedication to excellence in their sport.
“The Israel ParaSport Center is proud of our two athletes at the Open,” Kramer stated. “A Grand Slam represents the culmination of a long and demanding journey, requiring dedication and commitment from both athletes and their support teams.”
“Sergei and Guy are the elite of our Paralympians, and we will continue supporting them and their coaches, Ofri Lankri and Damien Martinique, as they prepare for LA28,” he added.
Lysov, competing in his second US Open in the men’s wheelchair division, lost his opening singles match in three sets before exiting in his first-round doubles match during a super tiebreak. Brand, 17, made his US Open debut with a commendable showing in both singles and doubles.
The Israeli secured his opening singles match in three sets before falling in the second round, also in three sets, after enduring severe cramps during the deciding set. In doubles, Brand and Austrian partner Thilo Behrmann, seeded fifth, reached the second round before losing to Yannik Alvarez of Puerto Rico and American Ryan Cozad.
Brand’s father, Shai, expressed immense pride in his son’s achievement and representation of Israel on the Grand Slam stage.
“I am incredibly proud of my son for reaching the US Open and representing Israel across the Grand Slam circuit,” Shai Brand said. “Competing on the world’s biggest courts with the Israeli flag on his chest demonstrates his resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit.”
Despite facing significant challenges in pursuing his development at the highest level, Brand continues to compete, his father noted.
“Even amid conflict, post-pandemic recovery, limited coaching support, and minimal financial resources, he continues challenging the world’s best players – those backed by substantial budgets,” Brand said. “Dan proves that heart, determination, and passion can overcome any obstacle, making our entire nation proud whenever he steps onto the court.”
Brand’s father also acknowledged the International Tennis Federation for including his son in its Grand Slam Player Development Program, which he participated in before the US Open.
After visiting his family in Israel, Brand will resume international competition in Japan, where he is scheduled to compete in the J500 Osaka tournament, known as the Osaka Mayor’s Cup World Super Junior Tennis Championships. The event takes place September 21-27 at the Utsubo Tennis Center in Osaka.
Israel’s senior tennis players will also compete this week, with the national team facing Slovenia in a Davis Cup World Group II tie on September 18-19. The competition will occur on outdoor clay courts at the Tennis Academy Breskvar in Ljubljana.
While the US Open marked the conclusion of the Grand Slam season, Israel’s tennis players continue their international campaigns, with Sasson and Lysov advancing toward the next phase of their Paralympic journeys and Brand progressing on the junior circuit.