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No Shortcuts: Damm Jr. Grinds Into DC Main Draw
Martin Damm Jr.: The Rising American Tennis Star Making Waves in Washington
By Chloe Wellington-Hunt
Quick Summary: At just 22 years old, American Martin Damm Jr. fought through qualifying to reach the main draw of the prestigious Mubadala DC Open. With a famous tennis dad, a huge win over a top-10 player earlier this year, and a tricky lefty serve, he’s a name you’ll want to remember.
Who Is Martin Damm Jr.?
Martin Damm Jr. is a 22-year-old American professional tennis player currently making a name for himself on the ATP Tour (the top level of men’s tennis). Think of him as a rising star who’s starting to turn heads at the biggest tournaments.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Age: 22
- Nationality: American
- Playing Style: Left-handed, aggressive, big serve, likes to attack first
- Current Goal: Break into the world’s Top 100 rankings
- Next Match: vs. Ben Shelton (No. 2 seed) on Tuesday, July 28 in Washington
The Road to Washington: Qualifying Success
What is "Qualifying"?
Before the main tournament starts, lower-ranked players compete in a mini-tournament called "qualifying." Winning 2-3 matches here earns you a spot in the main draw (the real tournament with prize money and ranking points).
Damm’s Path to the Main Draw
The 2026 Mubadala DC Open is an ATP 500 event—one of the most important tournaments below the four Grand Slams and the Masters 1000s. This year, the men’s draw shrank from 48 to just 32 players, making it even harder to get in.
Damm won two straight qualifying matches:
| Round | Opponent | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Qualifying Match | Kimmer Coppejans (Belgium) | 6-2, 6-0 | Dominant, "easy" win |
| 2nd Qualifying Match | Abdellah Shelbayh (Jordan) | 4-6, 7-5, [10-?] tiebreak | Tough three-set comeback |
IMPORTANT POINT: Qualifying for an ATP 500 with a 32-player draw is a huge achievement on its own. It means Damm is already playing at a high level before the main event even begins.
A Comeback Win Against Shelbayh
The second qualifying match was a battle of nerves and consistency. Here’s how it unfolded:
1. Lost the First Set (4-6)
Shelbayh started stronger. Damm was under pressure.
2. Adjusted His Game
- Channeled his lefty serve (left-handed serves create awkward angles for right-handed opponents)
- Extended rallies—made Shelbayh play more shots, waiting for mistakes
- Stayed composed under pressure
3. Won the Second Set (7-5)
Damm found his rhythm and leveled the match.
4. Clutched the Match Tiebreak
- At 3-2 in the tiebreak, Shelbayh double-faulted (missed both serves)
- This shifted momentum completely to Damm
- The Washington crowd got behind the American, creating a home-court advantage
- Damm closed it out on a return winner—meaning he won the point off Shelbayh’s serve, not his own
Damm on Tiebreaks: "I think it’s 50-50 in tiebreaks. Sometimes you just lose your way… I thought I served well. Fortunately I had some good return points, and I was glad I was able to win it on the return and didn’t have to serve it out."
Tennis Runs in the Family
Martin Damm Jr. isn’t the only player at the DC Open with a famous tennis parent (others include Ben Shelton and Cruz Hewitt). His father, Martin Damm Sr., was a Czech doubles legend.
Dad’s Resumé:
- US Open Men’s Doubles Champion (2006) with Leander Paes
- 40 ATP Titles (mostly in doubles)
- Career-High Doubles Ranking: No. 5 (2007)
- Career-High Singles Ranking: No. 42 (1997)
- Retired in 2011
FUN FACT: Damm Sr. was a top singles player before becoming a doubles specialist. Junior Martin shows similar all-court skills.
Junior Star to Pro Contender
Damm didn’t just appear out of nowhere. He had a stellar junior career:
- Peak ITF Junior Ranking: No. 3 (2021)
- Wimbledon Boys’ Quarterfinals (age 15): Beat Carlos Alcaraz (now a multiple Grand Slam champion) before losing in the semis
- Known for: Lefty serve + aggressive "strike-first" power game
The Plan: Take that junior firepower and adapt it to the pro level—where players are stronger, smarter, and more consistent.
2026 Season So Far: Promise & Opportunity
Damm’s year has been a breakthrough:
| Tournament | Level | Result | Notable Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montpellier (France) | ATP 250 | Semifinals | Beat Hubert Hurkacz (former World No. 6) |
| Wimbledon | Grand Slam | 2nd Round | — |
| DC Open Qualifying | ATP 500 | Qualified for Main Draw | Beat Shelbayh in 3 sets |
Damm’s Mindset: "I want to regroup right now, and yeah, we’ll see where the draw puts me… but obviously every player here is good, so I just continue working on my game and playing better guys [while] getting used to that level."
Translation: He’s not chasing a specific result-result-focused. He’s process-focused—learning how to compete with the best week in, week out.
Why the DC Open Matters (The Big Picture)
The DC Open isn’t just a standalone week. It’s the kickoff to the North American hard-court swing:
- DC Open (ATP 500) ← YOU ARE HERE
- Canadian Open (Masters 1000)
- Cincinnati Open (Masters 1000)
- US Open (Grand Slam)
Doing well here builds momentum, confidence, and ranking points for the biggest summer stretch of the year.
What’s Next? The Ben Shelton Test
Damm’s reward for qualifying? A first-round match against fellow American Ben Shelton, the No. 2 seed and one of the hottest young players in the world.
- Shelton: Big server, athletic, lefty (like Damm!), Grand Slam semifinalist
- Damm: Knows the lefty game inside out, playing with house money, crowd support
This is a "free swing" match. Damm has nothing to lose and everything to gain—experience, exposure, and maybe an upset.
Summary
- Martin Damm Jr., 22, qualified for the DC Open main draw (ATP 500, 32-player draw)
- Beat Shelbayh in a gritty 3-set comeback after losing the first set
- Lefty serve + aggressive game + composure under pressure = his formula
- Tennis royalty dad (Martin Damm Sr., US Open doubles champ, 40 titles)
- Junior star (No. 3, beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon at 15)
- 2026 breakthrough: ATP semifinal in Montpellier (beat Hurkacz), Wimbledon 2R
- Next up: Ben Shelton (No. 2 seed) on July 28
- Goal: Adapt to ATP main-draw level, crack Top 100
Bottom Line: Martin Damm Jr. is a legitimate rising prospect—not just a famous last name. Keep an eye on him this summer.
FAQ
How old is Martin Damm Jr.?
He is 22 years old (born in 2003/2004).
Who is his father?
Martin Damm Sr., a Czech former pro who won the 2006 US Open men’s doubles title, won 40 ATP titles, and reached No. 5 in doubles and No. 42 in singles.
What was his biggest win so far?
Beating Hubert Hurkacz (former World No. 6) en route to the semifinals at Montpellier (ATP 250) in February 2026.
Who does he play next?
Ben Shelton, the No. 2 seed at the DC Open, on Tuesday, July 28.
What’s his playing style?
Left-handed, aggressive baseliner with a big serve who likes to take the ball early and dictate play—a "strike-first" power game.
Why was qualifying for DC Open such a big deal?
The draw was reduced from 48 to 32 players this year, meaning fewer spots available. Qualifying for an ATP 500 with a 32-draw is a significant achievement for a player ranked outside the direct acceptance cutoff.
Follow Martin Damm Jr.’s journey at the Mubadala DC Open and through the North American hard-court swing!
