Priscilla Hon gets breakthrough win at US Open
Priscilla Hon, born on May 10, 1998, in Brisbane, Australia, is a 27-year-old tennis player who has carved out a respectable career on the professional tennis circuit through determination and resilience. Known for her powerful baseline game and particularly effective on clay courts, Hon has stated that clay is her favorite surface, with her dream being to win at Roland Garros (French Open).
Early Career and Development
Hon began playing tennis at the age of six in Brisbane, Australia, and quickly showed promise in junior competitions. In 2012, she won her first junior title at the Swiss Junior Trophy, followed by three more titles in 2013, including the Oceania Closed Junior Championships. She peaked at No.13 in the junior world rankings in June 2014.
Hon’s transition to professional tennis began with her first ITF title at the $15,000 clay-court event in Mornington in March 2015, and she was awarded a main-draw wildcard into the 2016 Australian Open after winning the U-18 National Championships in December 2015.
I have often seen Hon play in the lower level tournaments in Canberra over the years.
Professional Career Highlights
Hon’s professional career has been marked by steady progress and notable achievements:
WTA Tour Breakthrough : In September 2017, she qualified for the Korea Open and won her first WTA Tour match against Karolína Muchová. She then defeated Arantxa Rus to make the quarterfinals, where she lost to Richèl Hogenkamp.
Grand Slam Success : In May 2019, Hon achieved her first Grand Slam main-draw win by defeating Tímea Babos in three sets at the French Open, before falling to eventual quarterfinalist Madison Keys in the second round. At the 2020 Australian Open, Hon reached the second round for the first time by defeating Kateryna Kozlova.
Career-High Ranking : Hon posted her career-high ranking of No.118 in the week of October 14, 2019.
Fed Cup Representation : In February 2019, Hon represented Australia for the first time in Fed Cup partnering with Ashleigh Barty in doubles. The pair won the deciding rubber (6–4, 7–5) against the U.S. team, resulting in Australia progressing to the semifinal.
Recent Form and 2025 Season
Hon has had a strong start to the 2025 season, winning the Brisbane QTC Tennis International title and following it up with an ITF W75 trophy in Romania, defeating Arianne Hartono in the final. She has extended her finals record to 13-2 and reached six consecutive ITF quarterfinals, with an impressive 18-5 win-loss record as of March 2025.
As of 2025, she continues to compete on both WTA and ITF circuits, maintaining a solid singles ranking of No.142 and amassing over $1.6 million in career prize money.
2025 US Open Campaign
Hon’s 2025 US Open campaign showcased her fighting spirit and improved form. Ranked No.126, Priscilla reached the second round after defeating Nuria Brancaccio 7-5 6-4, Jule Niemeier 6-4 6-3, Hanne Vandewinkel 6-3 6-3 and Leolia Jeanjean 6-3 7-5. Hon started her run from the qualifications while her second-round opponent Liudmila Samsonova is the 20th seed.
Second Round Match Summary: Samsonova vs. Hon
Samsonova and Hon clashed in the second round of the U.S. Open. Hon was looking to move past the second round for the first time in her career.
Samsonova won the first set before Hon powered back to take the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Hon hit 36 winners including 18 aces on the way to her first third round appearance at a Grand Slam tournament.
Hon will next play USA’s Ann Li after she defeated Belinda Bencic the no. 16 seed. A victory for Hon will see her push into the top-100 for the first time.
