Gabriel Diallo Qualifies for Roland-Garros Main Draw

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Gabriel Diallo, a star for Kentucky men’s tennis from 2019-2022, punched his ticket into the main draw at the 2024 French Open on Thursday, securing a spot in one of professional tennis’ four majors for the first time in his career.

Diallo, currently ranked No. 166 in the ATP Tour rankings, earned his spot through the qualifying draw, winning three, three-set matches to secure a bid to the season’s second major. The 2024 French Open is set to begin this Sunday, May 27, in Paris.

Diallo, a native of Montreal, Canada, defeated a pair of Argentinians in the first two rounds of qualifying, first upending Genaro Alberto Olivieri, 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1, before taking out Marco Trungelliti, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4. Needing one additional victory to secure his place in the championship, Diallo went this distance yet again, coming from a set down to triumph over Alexander Ritschard of Switzerland, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Diallo becomes the first Kentucky men’s tennis product to appear in the main singles draw at a major championship since Jesse Witten played in the French Open and Wimbledon in 2010.

During his time in Lexington, Diallo was a two-time ITA All-American in singles as well as a doubles All-American selection in 2021. He was a two-time All-SEC honoree and helped the Wildcats reach the program’s first ever NCAA tournament final in 2022.