Cooper Williams is the top-seeded American boy at the 2023 US Open Junior Championships, which start on Sunday. It is also the 18-year-old’s final opportunity to lift Junior Grand Slam singles silverware, having teamed up with fellow American Learner Tien to win the boys’ doubles at January’s Australian Open. As Cooper prepares to feature under the glare of the Grand Slam spotlight in New York – the city of his birth – he is eager to share his thoughts, hopes and aspirations with itftennis.com.

To say that I am excited for the US Open would be an understatement. This moment is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and unwavering determination.

Playing the US Open is special for every American player, but it holds extra significance for me. I was born in New York City and lived there for 14 years, attending St. Bernard’s School on 98th and 5th Avenue before graduating from Dwight Global on the Upper West Side.

While I am now based in Florida, this beautiful city, this extraordinary tournament, holds a special place in my heart and I am practicing every day with an intensity and purpose befitting the US Open.

It is also with a little sadness that I am preparing to say goodbye to a very successful junior career. 

This year, I am the highest American seed in the boys' draw, which naturally brings its own set of expectations and pressures. However, like Billie Jean King says, ‘pressure is a privilege’, and it is an absolute privilege to compete at this level.

On and off the court, I embrace it. I channel it into every shot, every serve and every volley. I am 100% motivated to go the extra mile, push my limits and my opponents’ abilities, and fight for every point. 

Having not competed much on hard courts since January in Australia, I have dedicated considerable effort over the last few weeks to refreshing and refining my transition game with my coaches.

I am diligently working to improve my speed to the net, constantly looking to capitalise on opportunities to finish points inside the court. Moreover, maintaining and improving a robust serve has been a cornerstone of my game – an aspect that I work on consistently.

I am also spending considerable time working to improve my returns, and transitioning from offence to defence, and back to offence seamlessly.

I look forward to the challenges each opponent presents on court, and hope that my problem-solving skills reflect the time and energy I have committed in every practice.

I am also excited to play this field of competitors as a junior one last time. We have competed against each other for many years now, at events all over the world, so it is fitting for me to see them again in my hometown. 

Cooper and Mexico's Rodrigo Pacheco in 2015

As I sit here reflecting on my path through juniors, my mind is flooded with memories of attending the US Open as a kid nearly every year.

Riding the 7 train to Flushing, walking across the boardwalk, feeling the energy of the crowd, noticing the uniqueness of each court and the general sense of awe as I watched some of the world’s best players in action.

So many US Open moments are etched on my mind. It feels like yesterday that I caught Roger Federer’s wristband after he won one of his many late-night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Now, I find myself in the surreal position of transitioning from spectator to player in the junior singles and doubles draws.

The journey from the stands to the court has been an incredible one, and I am eager to create new memories and perform well, not just for me but for my friends, family, coaches and teachers who have supported me. 

Cooper with Roger Federer's wristband

This year's Grand Slam journey for me has been nothing short of remarkable. From winning the Australian Open boys’ doubles title in January, to a strong showing at Roland Garros (quarter-finals in singles and doubles), followed by an amazing experience at Wimbledon (singles semi-finalist).

While in London, I featured in the ITF’s ‘Day in the Life’ video and, reflecting on that experience, I am reminded of the importance of showcasing the real moments that shape a junior athlete’s life. Behind every match is a story of hard work and sacrifice.

Sharing those moments with the world is a way of giving back to the sport that has given me so much. Last year, I watched Coleman Wong handle the cameras following him with enthusiasm and grace during a similar ITF production. Like Coleman, I had a blast doing it and learned a lot through the experience.

It really has been an incredible summer so far, and it is not over yet. Each step has been testament to the unwavering support of my parents, sisters and coaches. I am competing well, training hard and my eyes are on the prize. Man, to win the US Open would be so special.

Regardless of the result, however, the US Open marks the conclusion of my junior career in terms of Junior Grand Slams and I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter.

Life after this tournament means embarking on a path that includes competing on the Harvard men’s tennis team, where I will balance academics and tennis, both at a collegiate and professional level.

Thanks to the ATP Accelerator Programme, I will have opportunities to compete at Challenger level – an incredible opportunity to learn and get better. I will rely on my current coaches, the incredible Harvard coaches and team members and my fitness trainer Richard Woodroof, who has been instrumental in keeping me sane and fit. 

I am doing my best now to prepare, mentally and physically, for the competition to come, and I’m looking forward to the action getting underway.

US Open – let’s get it done!  

Cooper Williams