NEW YORK -- American Brian Baker's rapid climb in the rankings has earned him automatic entry into the U.S. Open.

Ranked 458th at the start of 2012 after more than five years off the tour because of injuries, Baker is now No. 79 after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon as a qualifier.

The U.S. Tennis Association announced Wednesday the top 101 players who earned direct entry into this year's tournament. Missing the cut was 110th-ranked American James Blake. The 32-year-old has won at least one match at the Open in his last 10 appearances, reaching the quarterfinals twice. Blake can still get in through one of the eight wild-card spots awarded by the USTA.

Sixteen additional players will make it through qualifying.