Australian wildcard Dane Sweeny's promising run at the US Open came to an end on 5 September 2026 when he fell to 22nd-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in the third round. The loss eliminated Australia's final singles competitor from the tournament, marking the nation's first absence from the second week since 2021.
Sweeny, ranked 123rd in the world, acknowledged the disappointment of his performance while recognising the significance of his fortnight in New York. The 25-year-old Queenslander had secured a last-minute wildcard entry after two late withdrawals freed up Australia's reciprocal invitation, which was initially awarded to Alexei Popyrin.
"It's been an amazing week, a career-changing week, but I can't help but feel a bit disappointed just with today's performance,"Sweeny said after the match.
"I just wasn't really feeling it, just not really feeling the timing and the rhythm as I have been. Just made a lot of cheap errors and that was quite frustrating."
Sweeny cited a hip injury as a factor in his loss, though he expressed regret that he could not mount a stronger challenge.
"I was OK to lose a match, but I really wanted to test him more and bring a good level so I could make an absolute fight out of it. Win or lose, I wanted to really make him work for the victory at least and I wasn't able to do that."
How did Sweeny reach the third round?
Sweeny's path to the third round included two significant victories that underlined his breakthrough at Flushing Meadows. In his opening match, he defeated Corentin Moutet when his opponent retired after Sweeny had established a commanding position, leading by two sets and 3-0 in the third set. According to ATP tournament coverage, Sweeny then recorded his biggest career win by upsetting 13th seed Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, marking his first back-to-back tour-level victories.
The run represented a watershed moment for a player who had never previously competed in the US Open main draw or qualifying rounds. His maiden appearance at the tournament has already transformed his ranking prospects and financial position.
What are the financial and ranking implications?
Sweeny will depart New York with prize money of $US290,000 ($A402,500), a sum he plans to reinvest directly into his tennis career. According to ATP rankings data, his US Open run has already elevated him to world No. 109 in the live standings, a significant jump from his previous career high of No. 121.
"The financial side of things, that will help with coaching and people you travel with,"Sweeny explained.
"I'm always investing back in my tennis. That's the number one goal, to do all I can to be the best player I can be, so I don't really worry about spending on my tennis."
If Sweeny can maintain a top-100 ranking by the end of the season, he will secure direct entry to the Australian Open for the first time in his career—a milestone that carries particular significance for an Australian competitor.
What does Sweeny say about his future prospects?
Despite the immediate disappointment of his third-round exit, Sweeny expressed optimism about the trajectory his career has taken.
"That's exciting too. But that will take care of itself,"he said when asked about the possibility of cracking the top 100.
"It's hard not to worry about that because we're indoctrinated to want that low number next to our name, but I can just focus on working hard, focus on improving."
"Particularly just staying really kind to myself and trying to enjoy the journey."
Sweeny's breakthrough at the US Open has established him as a player capable of competing at the highest levels of professional tennis. His performances against Moutet and Musetti demonstrated the quality required to challenge seeded opponents, even if his encounter with Darderi did not yield the result he sought.
Key Facts
- Sweeny lost to world No. 22 Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in the third round on 5 September 2026
- His US Open run has elevated him to No. 109 in the ATP rankings, up from a previous career high of No. 121
- He earned $US290,000 ($A402,500) in prize money and achieved his first back-to-back tour-level victories at a grand slam
- Sweeny received his wildcard entry after two late withdrawals freed up Australia's reciprocal invitation
- A top-100 finish by season's end would secure him direct entry to the Australian Open for the first time
