Rising Jewish Star Kaylan Bigun’s Unforgettable US Open Experience

For 18-year-old tennis sensation Kaylan Bigun, the 2023 US Open was an experience to remember. The French Open juniors champion and former world No. 1 junior had already made waves before his impressive quarterfinal run in the US Open junior boys’ tournament. He spent nearly three weeks at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, competing in both the men’s qualifying tournament and the mixed doubles event.

Bigun received a wild card for the men’s qualifying draw but was edged out in the first round by Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot in a close 7-6, 6-4 match. Partnering with fellow teen standout Iva Jovic in the mixed doubles, the pair won their first-round match against Dayana Yastremska and Max Purcell before falling in the second round to fourth seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Matthew Ebden.

In the juniors, Bigun’s run was nothing short of impressive. He advanced to the quarterfinals with straightforward victories against Andreas Timini of Cyprus, Karim Bennani of Morocco, and fellow American Matthew Forbes, before losing a hard-fought three-set match to Spain’s Rafael Jodar. Despite the loss, Bigun’s resilience on the court shone through.

Reflecting on his US Open debut in the men's qualifying draw, Bigun said, "Playing your first pro US Open, I guess I was a little nervous, but I tried to stay focused on what I could control and how I wanted to play." The chance to play in front of family, including cousins who came to support him, was especially meaningful.

The Los Angeles native grew accustomed to winning in juniors, including his Roland Garros title and a semifinal appearance at the Orange Bowl International Championship. However, the transition to competing against professionals was a new challenge. "I was where I wanted to be... really just enjoying the moment, smiling out there," he added.

In between matches, Kaylan practiced with his twin brother Meecah, a fellow tennis player bound for Princeton, and their father Dmitry. The brothers, who have grown up playing and competing together, have dreams of going pro. "We compete against each other, but we also help each other out on the court," Meecah noted. Kaylan echoed this sentiment, saying, "I love having him around. It’s like your best friend with you wherever you are."

Tennis has been a family affair for the Bigun brothers, with their father introducing them to the sport at a young age. Dmitry, a Ukrainian immigrant and tennis enthusiast, brought them to the courts from the age of one. The twins spent their childhood balancing tennis with homeschooling and competing in tournaments.

Their Jewish and Israeli heritage also plays a big part in their lives. During their time training at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, Maryland, they formed a close connection with Israeli coach Asaf Yamin. The family even spent Jewish holidays with Yamin’s family, helping them feel connected to their roots while away from Los Angeles.

Kaylan and Meecah have fond memories of trips to Israel, where they trained at the Israel Tennis Education Centers in Ramat Hasharon and toured the country. "The food is unbelievable, the people are hospitable, and honestly, it is like one big family over there," Kaylan said. He particularly enjoyed the fresh pomegranate juice and Israel’s world-class hummus.

As Kaylan looks ahead to his tennis career and begins his studies at UCLA, he is excited about what lies ahead. "I am super stoked about heading to UCLA... I am really excited. The coaches are great and the people, so I can’t wait."

With a bright future in both tennis and academics, Bigun’s journey is only just beginning, and his determination and family support will undoubtedly continue to propel him forward.

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