Rye Resident Advances in U.S. Open Playoffs

For Rye resident Neeladitya Roy, the dream of playing in this year’s U.S. Open tennis championships is still alive.

Roy was one of more than 60 players competing in the mixed doubles draw of the U.S. Open Eastern Sectional Playoffs, in which the winning team advances to a national event for the chance at a main draw wild card into this year’s U.S. Open. Competing with Klara Miklikova, the pair are headed to the quarterfinals today after beating the team of Francesca M. Fanchin  and Larry L. Shiera 7-5, 6-3 on Monday. 

“I haven’t played a tournament in about 12 years, so we’re not really thinking about playing in the Open at this point,” said Roy. “We just want to have fun and see how far we can go.”

Miklikova and Roy met four years ago while teaching tennis at Rye Racquet Club, where they both still work. The working relationship has turned into a close friendship both on and off the court, with the duo competing on the same mixed doubles team for the club.

“Volleying is so important in doubles and he’s unbelievable at the net,” Miklikova said. “I feel like if I can set up the point, he’ll finish it off.”

Roy says that because he played on the men’s tennis team at Concordia College, he had played on the courts at the U.S. Open before, but it was a first time experience for Miklikova. 

“I’ve watched a bunch of top players at the U.S. Open play on the same court that we were on today,” said Miklikova. “You have Arthur Ashe Stadium in the background as well, so it motivates you a little bit more.” 

While Roy’s solid doubles play gives them a chance to advance further, he said that his partner is the biggest asset to the team.

“She serves harder than any other woman I’ve played with, and there are no real weaknesses in her game,” Roy said. “Sometimes it feels like I’m just the prop out there.” 

The U.S. Open National Playoffs are open to any player over the age of 14, and participants can be of any playing level. The winner of each sectional qualifying tournament will advance into a national tournament at Yale University from August 18-22. The winner of the national tournament will receive a wild card into the qualifying draw of the mixed doubles event at the U.S. Open, held from August 23-September 11.

Tournament play will continue until April 22. To follow results from the rest of the event, visit the tournament drawsheet.