Aug. 18, 2008
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech junior Amanda McDowell has earned a wild card from the United States Tennis Association and will begin play Wednesday in the women’s qualifying singles draw at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.
McDowell opens play Wednesday afternoon against Julie Coin of France. The match is scheduled for court six and will follow three earlier matches on the court.
McDowell, the 2008 NCAA Singles Champion, must win three matches to qualify for the main draw. The qualifying draw consists of 128 women competing for the final 16 spots into the U.S. Open singles draw. She is the first American NCAA Champion to not receive a wild card entry into the main singles draw.
“Amanda is used to dealing with adversity,” head coach Bryan Shelton said. “She is extra motivated to be successful in New York.”
Earlier this month, McDowell earned her first career USTA Pro Circuit singles title at the Heartland Clinic Women’s Classic 10K in St. Joseph, Mo.
Following the tournament, McDowell will return to Atlanta as she begins her junior year as a member of the Georgia Tech tennis team. The Atlanta, Ga., native has garnered numerous accolades over the past year including being named the 2008 ITA National Player of the Year and the 2008 Honda Award winner for tennis.
Draws for the tournament will be available on the U.S. Open website Tuesday.
– RamblinWreck.com –
