Julieta Pareja has made history at just 16 years old by becoming the youngest female player ever to compete in the main draw of the US Open. The teenager from Carlsbad, California, received a wild card entry into the tournament, breaking a record that had stood since 1979 when Tracy Austin set the previous mark.
Pareja has been one of the most exciting young players in tennis this year. She is currently ranked world number one in juniors and has already made strong impressions on the professional tour. Earlier this year she reached the semifinals of the Bogota Open, becoming the youngest WTA semifinalist since Coco Gauff in 2019. She also had impressive runs at Wimbledon, reaching the finals in both singles and doubles on the junior side.
Her US Open debut is not only a record-breaking moment but also a major step forward in her career. She faced reigning champion Elena Rybakina in the opening round, acknowledging that the match would be a huge challenge but also a chance to learn and grow. Speaking before the tournament, Pareja said she just wanted to enjoy the experience and use it as part of her journey to become the best version of herself.
Coming from a tennis family, with her mother as her coach and her sisters also involved in the sport, Pareja’s rise has felt almost natural. Still, her achievements at such a young age highlight her extraordinary talent and potential. Many see her as one of the future stars of the game, and her US Open debut is another sign that she is ready to take her place on the world stage.
