North Carolina State University Athletics
Two Wolfpack Alums Chase US Open Main Draw Berths
8/21/2026 3:21:00 PM | Men's Tennis
As US Open qualifying begins Monday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, two former NC State men's tennis players will carry the Wolfpack connection onto one of tennis' biggest stages.
Braden Shick and Alexis Galarneau will both compete for a spot in the US Open main draw, bringing two different chapters of NC State tennis to New York.
Having two alumni competing in the same Grand Slam qualifying draw is significant for the program and a reflection of its ability to develop players capable of making the transition from college to professional tennis.
For Shick, the opportunity comes just one year after the conclusion of his NC State career.
The Cary, N.C. native put together a standout career in Raleigh, reaching a career-high No. 16 national singles ranking while competing at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles for the Wolfpack
In doubles, Shick teamed with Fons Von Sambeek to reach No. 5 in the national rankings. Their success made them the 10th and 11th All-Americans in program history.
Since starting his professional career, Shick has quickly made his mark, winning seven professional singles titles, including four ITF M15 titles, two M25 titles and an ATP Challenger title.
Those results have helped Shick reach a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 216. He currently sits at No. 219.
His biggest professional breakthrough came last month at the Cary Tennis Classic, where Shick captured the ATP Challenger title in his hometown.
Now, Shick enters his first US Open qualifying campaign looking to carry that momentum onto one of tennis' biggest stages.
While Shick is entering his first US Open qualifying campaign, Galarneau brings several years of professional experience to the court.
The Laval, Quebec native has reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 153 and currently sits at No. 185.
Galarneau has competed in the qualifying or main draw at all four Grand Slam tournaments this season. He advanced to the third round of the French Open qualifying and now returns to New York, where he has competed in the US Open qualifying in recent years.
For Galarneau, this challenge is familiar. For Shick, it is an opportunity to experience Grand Slam qualifying for the first time.
US Open qualifying runs Monday, Aug. 24, through Thursday, Aug. 27, with 128 men and 128 women each competing across three rounds for one of 16 open spots in their respective main draws.
Qualifying is a pivotal stage for players, with a place in the main draw offering a significant opportunity for ranking, points, prize money and exposure.
Regardless of the outcomes, the presence of two Wolfpack products competing for spots in the same Grand Slam main draw is a testament to the pipeline NC State tennis has built over the years.
Shick and Galarneau represent two different chapters of that pipeline. One is beginning his pro career after an All-American run in Raleigh and the other is a tour veteran continuing to add to his resume. Both, however, share the same Wolfpack roots.
NC State fans will be watching the draw closely this week as both alumni look to punch their tickets to the 2026 US Open main draw.
