WTEN | SMC Alum Maria Kozyreva to Make US Open Debut in Fourth Career Grand Slam Appearance
9/2/2026 5:25:00 PM | Women's Tennis
QUEENS, N.Y. - Saint Mary's women's tennis alum Maria Kozyreva is set to make her US Open debut on Thursday, competing in the first round of the doubles competition along with partner Makoto Ninomiya.
Kozyreva was a standout five-year Gael from 2018-2022, where she put together some of the best individual campaigns in program history. The Russian finished her collegiate career as a four-time All-WCC recipient as well as a three-time First Team selection as one of the best doubles players in SMC history. Kozyreva, along with teammate Hind Abdelouahid, qualified for the NCAA Doubles Championships in 2019, entering the postseason event as the No. 32 ranked doubles team in the country. Kozyreva finished her career with a combined 44 doubles victories over her five-year career.
As a pro, Kozyreva has put together her best season yet here in 2026. Kozyreva will be making her US Open debut this week but has qualified and competed in the three other Grand Slam events this season; the Australian Open, the French Open and most recently Wimbledon in July. On tour this year, Kozyreva has a 31-17 doubles record and just secured her first ever WTA doubles title after winning the Memphis Classic back on August 20 with partner Maia Lumsden.
The full 2026 US Open schedule and tournament information can be found HERE or at usopen.org.
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"I never had the privilege of coaching Masha myself, but I have had the opportunity to coach against her in years past so I've gotten to see her game and competitiveness up close and personal", said current Gaels head coach Katharina Winterhalter. "Making it as a professional is incredibly difficult and we are so proud of her and everything she's accomplishing. Life on tour is a relentless grind, especially in the early stages, and watching her push through that and earn this kind of success has been genuinely special to see. We're all rooting for her and can't wait to see what's next".
Kozyreva was a standout five-year Gael from 2018-2022, where she put together some of the best individual campaigns in program history. The Russian finished her collegiate career as a four-time All-WCC recipient as well as a three-time First Team selection as one of the best doubles players in SMC history. Kozyreva, along with teammate Hind Abdelouahid, qualified for the NCAA Doubles Championships in 2019, entering the postseason event as the No. 32 ranked doubles team in the country. Kozyreva finished her career with a combined 44 doubles victories over her five-year career.
As a pro, Kozyreva has put together her best season yet here in 2026. Kozyreva will be making her US Open debut this week but has qualified and competed in the three other Grand Slam events this season; the Australian Open, the French Open and most recently Wimbledon in July. On tour this year, Kozyreva has a 31-17 doubles record and just secured her first ever WTA doubles title after winning the Memphis Classic back on August 20 with partner Maia Lumsden.
The full 2026 US Open schedule and tournament information can be found HERE or at usopen.org.
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
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