University of Tennessee Athletics
Two Lady Vols Earn Qualifying Wildcards to Grand Slams
June 22, 2026 | Women's Tennis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Two athletes with ties to the University of Tennessee women's tennis program have earned qualifying draw wildcards to two of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, following their performances this weekend.
"For any athlete to receive a wildcard into a grand slam means they are doing a lot of things right," Tennessee head coach Alison Ojeda said. "There are multiple reasons someone will receive a wildcard, but at the end of the day, it's an opportunity that everyone wants to be able to take advantage of."
A 2025-26 First Team All-American, Katrina Scott earned a qualifying draw wild card to the US Open by reaching the singles final of the USTA American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs. Scott defeated Ohio State's Luciana Perry, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in the semifinal, earning her spot in the qualifying draw.
"I think this is an amazing opportunity for American players to have the opportunity to play in a major grand slam," Scott said ahead of the playoff. "The USTA has helped support American athletes tremendously and has really helped guide them into the pro tour."
Scott is no stranger to the US Open, having previously competed in the main draw in 2020 as a 16-year-old. She reached the Round of 64 by defeating Natalia Vikhlyantseva, 7-6 (3), 6-2, in the first round.
"Katrina was one of America's best junior players and was a part of the USTA at a young age, so she has received WC's from them in the past," Ojeda said. "This opportunity came from her time here as a college player at Tennessee this spring... Her results earned her this opportunity. She's thrilled to get to go back and we are so excited to get to support her!"
Across the pond, LVFL Esther Adeshina earned a qualifying wildcard to the Championships at Wimbledon. The native of Bracknell, England, earned her bid via an LTA playoff event, securing one of the final spots in the qualifying draw.
"Esther was able to come to college as an amateur athlete, get her undergraduate and graduate degree from Tennessee, and then pursue professional tennis," Ojeda said. "She's earned this opportunity to compete at Wimbledon through lots of hard work and grinding week to week on tour. I love this for her."
"It means a lot to me to be able to play my first slam, especially at Wimbledon," Adeshina said. "I think this milestone just shows how far I've come and all the hard work I have put in on and off the court. Not only my own [hard work], but my coaches and team around me.
"Tennessee Women's Tennis has been an integral part of my development," Adeshina continued. "There is no way I would be here without that program and the coaches that supported me there."
Adeshina will begin her first match at a grand slam on Tuesday, June 23 at 6 a.m. ET, facing Japan's Moyuka Uchijima on court one.
"For any athlete to receive a wildcard into a grand slam means they are doing a lot of things right," Tennessee head coach Alison Ojeda said. "There are multiple reasons someone will receive a wildcard, but at the end of the day, it's an opportunity that everyone wants to be able to take advantage of."
A 2025-26 First Team All-American, Katrina Scott earned a qualifying draw wild card to the US Open by reaching the singles final of the USTA American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs. Scott defeated Ohio State's Luciana Perry, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in the semifinal, earning her spot in the qualifying draw.
"I think this is an amazing opportunity for American players to have the opportunity to play in a major grand slam," Scott said ahead of the playoff. "The USTA has helped support American athletes tremendously and has really helped guide them into the pro tour."
Scott is no stranger to the US Open, having previously competed in the main draw in 2020 as a 16-year-old. She reached the Round of 64 by defeating Natalia Vikhlyantseva, 7-6 (3), 6-2, in the first round.
"Katrina was one of America's best junior players and was a part of the USTA at a young age, so she has received WC's from them in the past," Ojeda said. "This opportunity came from her time here as a college player at Tennessee this spring... Her results earned her this opportunity. She's thrilled to get to go back and we are so excited to get to support her!"
Across the pond, LVFL Esther Adeshina earned a qualifying wildcard to the Championships at Wimbledon. The native of Bracknell, England, earned her bid via an LTA playoff event, securing one of the final spots in the qualifying draw.
"Esther was able to come to college as an amateur athlete, get her undergraduate and graduate degree from Tennessee, and then pursue professional tennis," Ojeda said. "She's earned this opportunity to compete at Wimbledon through lots of hard work and grinding week to week on tour. I love this for her."
"It means a lot to me to be able to play my first slam, especially at Wimbledon," Adeshina said. "I think this milestone just shows how far I've come and all the hard work I have put in on and off the court. Not only my own [hard work], but my coaches and team around me.
"Tennessee Women's Tennis has been an integral part of my development," Adeshina continued. "There is no way I would be here without that program and the coaches that supported me there."
Adeshina will begin her first match at a grand slam on Tuesday, June 23 at 6 a.m. ET, facing Japan's Moyuka Uchijima on court one.
"Whether it's the LTA or the USTA, I am so grateful that both organizations provide opportunities for their countrymen to earn a chance to live out their dreams," Ojeda praised. "And, having grown up in the USTA, I am incredibly thankful that they are working to find ways to help our American student athletes."
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
Friday, March 20
Thursday, March 20
Saturday, May 18
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