U.S. Open Kicks Off in Flushing Meadows With Qualifying Rounds
The 2012 U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament kicked off Tuesday in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. On the women’s side, seven Americans moved on to the second round, as Brooke Austin, Shelby Rogers, Chi Chi Scholl, Maria Sanchez, Krista Hardebeck, Jessica Pegula and Lauren Davis all survived the first round.
Rogers is hoping to play for the second time in the U.S. Open main draw. She last played at the Open in 2010 at just 18-years of age after winning a wild card entry. Earlier that year, she had won the USTA Girls 18s National Championship title. Pegula advanced to the third round of the main draw last year and hopes to repeat and possibly improve this year at the US Open. Davis, at just 18-years-old, made it to the first round of the main draw by qualifying last year.
Only one American male made it through Day One. Rhyne Williams won in straight sets over Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-3, 6-4.
Unfortunately the other American men playing on the first day did not continue to the second round. Ryan Harrison’s younger brother, Christian Harrison, was defeated by Grega Zemlja of Slovenia in straight sets. Australian Bryden Klein defeated Alexios Halebian, and Karol Beck of Slovakia beat Alex Kuznetsov.
Men and women entering the main draw were also seen practicing on the grounds, preparing for the start of the main draw on Monday. Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Andy Murray, Fernando Verdasco and Gilles Simon were some of the players seen practicing at Flushing Meadows as they prepare for the final Grand Slam event of 2012.
Credit all photos to Kenneth B. Goldberg
