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Former ‘Bow Andre Ilagan to play in US Open HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A former University of Hawaii tennis star is rapidly rising through the professional ranks. After a decorated career with the UH tennis team, Andre Ilagan, a Farrington High School graduate, went pro and recently advanced to the championship matches of his last two tournaments. Now ranked 210th in the Association of Tennis Professionals — his highest ranking ever — he earned a wild card spot in the US Open. Ilagan is the first former Rainbow Warrior to achieve the feat. “Obviously playing the US Open for the first time, It’s good for the bank account, that’s for sure,” Ilagan said. “It helps me continue my career.” Paychecks aside, Ilagan’s journey to the hallowed grounds at Flushing Meadows was far from easy. He battled through struggles early in his pro career. “My first few years were a bit rough, especially my first year,” Ilagan said. “I started out playing pretty well, I started winning a couple of titles, at the lower events called the ITF Futures Tour, won a couple there, but I was kind of just trying to find myself what my reasons were after I was playing.” It’s a switch in mentality that his coach, fellow former UH player Danny Llarenas, says has paid off for Ilagan. “When things are good, it’s great, and when things are bad, being able to, we always say like, don’t try to control the ocean, surf the waves and so he’s just been a little bit better at surfing the waves,” Llarenas said. Ilagan will have to ride some big waves at the US Open, where his wild card places him in the qualifying draw, needing to win three matches to enter the main draw. Success there would secure him a spot in the tournament he grew up watching. No matter the outcome, Ilagan wants to be a shining example for everyone back home. “Just being proud to, you know, represent the island, the culture, you know, the team and your coaches, you know,” Ilagan said. “I feel like that’s, that’s the biggest thing.” Ilagan will begin play in the qualifying draw on Aug. 23. Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.