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Matt Forbes created history by becoming the first Michigan state player to qualify for the US Open main draw. The 18-year-old won 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 against Jack Kennedy to win the singles title at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Boys' 18-Under National Championships at Kalamazoo College's Stowe Stadium.
Forbes and Kennedy were both not expected to reach the finals. However, the duo played the best tennis of their lives to have a shot at qualifying for the US Open. The 16-year-old Jack Kennedy was seeded eighth while Forbes was the No. 20 seed.
In a see-saw encounter, Forbes began well by winning the first two sets, and looking like he had a firm grip on the match at that point. However, Kennedy hit back by claiming the third set. In the fourth set, Forbes held his nerve to close out the match in a tie-break and earn himself a wildcard for the US Open.
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After the match, Forbes divulged that winning the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Boys' 18-Under National Championships felt "unbelievable". The 18-year-old also shared that he was delighted to win the event and that his mood on the court helped him to win:
“This is unbelievable for me and it’s amazing for my confidence. Going into the fall, it’ll give me so many opportunities that I don’t know if I get if I make it this far or even win it. But I just had fun, and that’s been my mindset throughout the whole tournament – just stay loose. If I’m happy on the court, I win most of the time.” Forbes said.
The 18-year-old hailed the Spartan's "underdog" mentality and acknowledged that it pushed him toward success:
“Michigan State has that underdog mentality and everything you have to get is earned. You don’t get handed anything and that just caught my eye and the team is coming up, too. What they’re building here, I just wanted to be a part of it," Forbes added.
With his win, Forbes became the first ever Michigan State tennis player to qualify for the US Open main draw.
Matt Forbes is set to forfeit his tournament earnings to compete at the US Open
Matt Forbes's historic win at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Boys' 18-Under National Championships has earned him an impressive prize money of $100,000. However, the 18-year-old will have to forfeit all his prize money.
According to the rules, Forbes will have to give up on his NIL prize money earnings in order to compete at the US Open. The 18-year-old will be in the main draw of the US Open 2024 as a wildcard entry.
Forbes is currently ranked as World No. 1843 in the ATP rankings, while his career-best rank was No. 1769. A good run at the US Open will elevate the young American into the top 1000 of the world rankings. However, the 18-year-old could face top-seeded players in the opening rounds.
Forbes' underdog mentality and good form can propel him into the later stages of the US Open and make a name for himself on the world stage.
