Lea Nilsson Falls Short in 2025 US Open Junior Final Against Vandromme
Lea Nilsson finishes as runner-up in the 2025 US Open junior final after a competitive match against Jeline Vandromme.
Key Points
- • Lea Nilsson reached the US Open junior final for the first time since 2015.
- • Lost to Jeline Vandromme with a score of 7–6, 6–2.
- • Nilsson defeated top-ranked players, including the world number one, to reach the final.
- • A win would have marked a significant milestone for Swedish junior tennis.
Lea Nilsson, a promising 17-year-old tennis talent from Stora Essingen, Stockholm, made history by reaching the final of the 2025 US Open junior tournament, but ultimately fell short against Belgium's Jeline Vandromme. The match, held in Flushing Meadows, showcased Nilsson's impressive skills and determination, though the final score of 7–6, 6–2 reflected her struggles in the second set.
In a thrilling contest, Nilsson initially led the first set, taking a 4–2 advantage. However, the match turned during a tense tiebreak, where Vandromme came out on top. The Belgian junior, who was seeded 14th, intensified her performance in the second set, swiftly establishing a 4–0 lead. Nilsson managed to win only one more game, resulting in a disappointing yet noteworthy defeat for the young Swede.
This achievement is significant as Nilsson is the first Swedish junior to reach the final of a grand slam tournament since 2015, bringing renewed attention to Swedish tennis. Before the final, she recorded a remarkable journey through the tournament, defeating top-ranked junior players, including world number one Julieta Pareja, during her path to the final.
A victory would have marked a historic moment for Swedish tennis, earning the first junior grand slam title since Daniel Berta's win in 2009 and the first for a Swedish female player since Lena Sandin's triumph in 1979 at the French Open.
Despite the loss, Nilsson's performance has inspired many in Sweden and signifies a bright future for her career in tennis.