9 September 2025 | Tennis Victoria

Wapping up in the early hours of Monday morning, the US Open has once again lit up New York City, bringing the world’s best players together for two jam packed weeks of thrilling tennis. As the final Grand Slam of the 2025 calendar year, the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows, New York was electric, culminating in a celebration of talent, determination, and the global spirit of the game.

While the headlines have been filled with blockbuster matches and international stars, with Sabalenka and Alcaraz ultimately lifting the Women’s and Men’s singles trophies, it’s been particularly exciting for us back home in Victoria to see some of our very own players making their mark on one of the sport’s biggest stages. From rising talents earning their place in the main draw, to seasoned champions showing grit and resilience in the face of challenges, Victorians have made waves at the 2025 US Open.

Four particularly notable stories, among those representing our state at this year’s US Open include:

• Destanee Aiava
• Luke Missen 
• Heath Davidson
• Jin Woodman 

Destanee Aiava: Progress on and off the court

Destanee Aiava continued her impressive journey from the 2025 Australian Open (AO25) by earning her place in the main draw of the US Open through qualifying. While her campaign ended in the first round, her progress since January has been remarkable, both on and off the court, competing in 3 Grand Slams this year. The experience of competing on the Grand Slam stage has not only helped elevate her game, but also as she looks ahead to her next chapter in life, including funding her upcoming wedding. Aiava’s determination and resilience remain a source of pride for Victorian tennis fans. To read more about Destanee’s results from AO25 and her key achievements, click here.

Heath Davidson: Resilience in action

One of the most moving stories of the US Open has been the return of Heath Davidson, our 2023 Tennis Victoria Player of the Year. After taking five months away from the sport to grieve the passing of a family member, Davidson made a stirring comeback in the lead-up to New York, winning an ITF2S title in Maryland, defeating fellow Victorian Jin Woodman in the final. That victory gave him confidence and momentum heading into the US Open, where he continues to demonstrate the grit, positivity, and fighting spirit that have defined his career. 

Jin Woodman: Breakthrough moment

For Jin Woodman, the 2025 US Open has marked a major milestone. After recovering from a serious injury he sustained earlier this year from falling off his day chair and fracturing his femur, Woodman was forced to take some time away from tennis. However, he has returned in style, securing a stunning win on debut in the Quad Singles event. His triumph has been widely celebrated across the tennis community and highlights the strength of Victorian representation in wheelchair tennis. Woodman’s resilience and persistence through setbacks have paved the way for what promises to be an exciting next chapter in his tennis career. Woodman was awarded Most Outstanding Junior Athlete of the Year at the 2024 Tennis Victoria Player Awards. Click here to read more. 

Luke Missen: A new stage for Para Standing

Adding to the excitement, Luke Missen competed in the Be Open Para Standing Invitational (4–6 September), an event designed to showcase the growth and potential of the discipline at the Grand Slam level. Missen, a finalist for the 2024 Tennis Victoria Player Awards for Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability, relished the chance to test his skills in New York against an international field. His involvement reflects the expanding pathways for athletes with disability and provides inspiration for the next generation of players.

Watching these athletes compete on the world stage has been inspiring. Their journeys highlight not only the depth of talent within Victorian tennis, but also the resilience, spirit, and passion that make our community so unique. We are immensely proud of all they have achieved and can’t wait to follow their next steps as they continue to represent the state of Victoria across the globe. With the final Grand Slam of the year complete, our sights now turn with excitement to the Australian Open in 2026. Get excited!