For the third straight year, tennis players from around the country will have a chance to earn wildcard entry into one of the greatest sporting events in the world: the US Open.

Mercer County Tennis Facility in West Windsor, N.J. will again be the site for the US Open National Playoffs Middle States Sectional Qualifying Tournament. The tournament, which runs from June 8-12, is one of 13 taking place around the nation. Winners in the men’s, women’s and mixed-doubles draws will advance to the US Open National Playoffs. 

The US Open National Playoffs men’s and women’s singles champions then earn a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, held the week prior to the US Open. The US Open National Playoffs mixed doubles champions receive a main draw wild card into the 2012 US Open.

Last year, 1,380 players competed in the 2011 US Open National Playoffs, ranging from experienced professionals to recreational players of all talents and walks of life. Professional players included 2001 Australian Open mixed doubles champion Ellis Ferreira and two-time ATP champion Jeff Tarango, while other names of interest included ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, who teamed with six-time US Open champion Chris Evert in mixed doubles.

In the end, former University of Arkansas All-American Blake Strode, who deferred Harvard Law School to pursue a pro tennis career, won the US Open National Playoffs men’s title for a second straight year to earn a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, where he reached the second round (also for a second straight year). Teenager Robin Anderson, who won the Middle States qualifier, took the US Open National Playoffs women’s singles title by prevailing over a series of more experienced opponents. Anderson was a girls’ singles quarterfinalist at the 2010 US Open and now plays for UCLA.

Registration for the event opens March 15. All players must have USTA membership valid through August 27, 2012. Entry is available for players 14 years of age and older.

Even though the tournament is just entering its third year, Middle States is already developing a strong history of success. The last two winners in women’s singles at Middle States qualifier went on to take the US Open National Playoffs title.

Middle States will feature prominent coverage of the event throughout the week. An official press release with more information can be found here.