• Ethan Quinn, 21, paid a $2,500 Nobu dinner tab playing “credit-card roulette” with U.S. teammates in Melbourne.
  • The No. 80-ranked American reached his first Australian Open third round, beating Tallon Griekspoor and Hubert Hurkacz.
  • Quinn, a 2023 NCAA champion, has earned more than $220,000 at this Open — easily covering the dinner bill.
  • Team bonding led by Taylor Fritz continues to be a fixture for U.S. men in Australia.

H2: From a costly night out to a breakthrough at Melbourne Park

On the eve of the Australian Open, Ethan Quinn found himself on the short end of a game of “credit-card roulette” at Nobu, left to cover a $2,500 tab for several U.S. players. A week later, the 21-year-old proved the payment was a small price for the opportunity: he advanced to the third round at Melbourne Park for the first time.

Quinn, who turned pro after winning the 2023 NCAA singles title, has climbed the rankings to sit at No. 80. He opened the tournament with a straight-sets win over No. 23 seed Tallon Griekspoor — a player who had beaten Quinn twice last year — then followed with a three-set victory over in-form Hubert Hurkacz to match his best Grand Slam showing to date.

H3: “I’m still trying to make sure that awe moment doesn’t leave”

After beating Hurkacz, Quinn reflected on his progress: “I think each Slam you get to experience something different. First time making third round here. First time winning a Slam match here. … I’m still trying to make sure that awe moment doesn’t leave every time you make a deep run.”

The wins add to the steady rise Quinn has experienced since breaking into the top 200 in 2025. He admitted last year that he needed a “reality check” to understand what it takes to succeed on the pro tour — a reset that appears to be paying off.

H2: U.S. men’s tradition in Melbourne — and friendly ribbing

Quinn’s costly Nobu night was part of a long-standing American get-together in Melbourne, an event Taylor Fritz says began around 2018. “It used to not be so big. But we started doing this,” Fritz said, explaining the group chat and big-table dinners that bring U.S. players together before the tournament.

Fritz and others, including Ben Shelton, Reilly Opelka and Tommy Paul, have made the dinner a tradition. Frances Tiafoe joked about Quinn’s tab: “You’re making money out here, you will be all right,” and added that Quinn “needed to recoup that” after his opening-round win.

H3: Prize money covers the bill — and more

Quinn has earned more than $220,000 at the Australian Open so far, a payday that easily offsets the Nobu bill and underlines the financial lift a deep Slam run can provide for a young player. As Quinn continues through the draw, his blend of college pedigree and recent pro experience positions him as one of the U.S. contingent to watch in Melbourne.

Whether it’s dinner tradition or match wins, Quinn is making his presence felt — and turning a night of bad luck into a career-best result.

Image Referance: https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/ethan-quinn-recoups-pricey-nobu-dinner-bill-with-best-ever-australian-open-run