Northern Mariana Islands tennis standout Carol Young Suh Lee is headed to the US Open after earning a main-draw singles wild card into the final Grand Slam tournament of the year.
Lee, 24, clinched the women’s US Open Wild Card Challenge after a strong run on the professional circuit, highlighted by qualifying for and winning the WTA 125 tournament in Warsaw, Poland.
She also qualified for and reached the second round of the WTA 250 tournament in Prague during the four-week challenge.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to compete at the US Open,” Lee said.
“Playing in a Grand Slam in New York is very special to me, especially because I represent the Northern Mariana Islands and am also a US citizen.”
The Saipan Community School alumna has represented the Northern Mariana Islands throughout her tennis career, and the US Open wild card marks another milestone in her rise through the professional ranks.
Lee said competing on one of tennis’ biggest stages will give her another opportunity to measure her progress against high-level competition.
“This is another important step in my career. Competing against high-level players at big tournaments gives me valuable experience and shows me where my game is progressing. I also get to have the opportunity to inspire young athletes as well,” she said.
The 2026 US Open Wild Card Challenge began immediately after Wimbledon on 13 July, with a singles main-draw wild card on offer for one American man and one American woman.
The women’s challenge ended on 9 August, with the winner determined by the highest cumulative WTA singles ranking points earned from her best three hard-court results over four weeks.
Lee’s strong finish put her at the top of the race, ahead of Caroline Dolehide, who finished second with 122 points, and Elvina Kalieva, who was third with 120.
Lee is currently training at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida, with coach Artem Smirnov and agent Juandell Brunner.
She said the focus is on maintaining the intensity of her training while making sure she arrives in New York healthy and ready to compete.
As she prepares for the biggest stage in American tennis, Lee also spoke about the Philippines and the rise of Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, whom she said she admires.
“I really admire Alex and what she’s doing. I can relate to her in many ways, especially coming from a smaller place and carrying the support and pride of the people back home with you,” Lee said.
“Seeing where she came from and what she has accomplished is really inspiring to me.”
Lee said she has also been impressed by the passion Filipino fans have brought to Eala’s matches.
“I also think her crowd is amazing. Tennis traditionally has a certain way that fans watch and behave, but her supporters bring so much energy, passion, and culture into the stadium,” Lee said.
“I think it’s great for the sport. It shows how much she means to the Philippines and how tennis can bring people together.”
