Varvara Lepchenko, a former top-20 tennis player, recently made a comeback at the U.S. Open after serving a doping ban and not participating in a Grand Slam tournament for over three years. The 38-year-old American, currently ranked 199th, secured her spot in the women’s singles bracket at Flushing Meadows by winning three matches in the qualifying event.

Lepchenko’s return to the Grand Slam spotlight was marked by her opponent retiring from their match in the first set due to illness. Reflecting on her journey back to professional tennis, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, jokingly referring to it as her “second life on tour.”

Following a doping violation in 2021, Lepchenko faced a four-year provisional ban, which was later reduced to 21 months after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Despite the challenges she faced during her suspension, she remained resilient and determined to make a comeback in the sport she loves.

Born in Uzbekistan, Lepchenko moved to the United States, where she eventually became a U.S. citizen in 2011. Throughout her career, she achieved a career-high ranking of No. 19 in 2012 and represented the United States in various international competitions, including the Olympics and the Billie Jean King Cup.

By advancing to the second round of the U.S. Open, Lepchenko is guaranteed a prize of at least $140,000. Looking ahead to her next match against Anastasia Potapova, she remains focused on her passion for tennis and fulfilling her childhood dream, emphasizing that the joy of playing the sport comes before any monetary rewards.

As she continues her journey at the U.S. Open, Lepchenko remains determined to prove her capabilities on the court and showcase her resilience in the face of adversity, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the sport she loves.