US Open Qualifier Report

Written by: Staff on 22nd August 2012

Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, DC

US Open Qualifier Report

epa03342007 Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia returns a ball from Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during the women's final match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, DC, USA, 04 August 2012. EPA/SHAWN THEW |

By: Chris From Staten Island – Guest Writer and Fan of 10sBalls.com

Every year the match that always intrigues me the most at the US Open Qualifiers is who is and who gets the #1 seed and this year’s pairing and subsequent match did nothing to disappoint.

After coming out of qualifications and then winning the Citi Open in Washington, DC back in July, Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK #67) found herself in the unenviable position of not getting a draw at Montreal or Cincinnati and having to qualify at the US Open despite her top 100 ranking. Then again, her run at DC where she knocked off the three top seeds even surprised herself. Especially after 18 months of nagging injuries and play less than her talent has shown. So the last she thing she wanted to see was an opponent with a reputation of a giant killer at the US Open.

In Julie Coin (FRA #234) that is exactly whom she drew. For those who remember, back in 2008 at this same US Open she knocked off #1 seed Ana Ivanovic in the 2nd round. It was the first time in over 40 years that a number one seed had exited so early. An upset of historic proportions.

A perfect opening qualie storm.

Right away the third game of the first match set the tone. Coin got the break after numerous deuces and The #1 seed knew despite her stellar play over the last two months which saw her ranking almost cut in half today was going to be a battle.

But even early Magdalena was showing why she is a top 100 player mixing drops, spin and speed changes today’s game require and skills her opponent hasn’t mastered or maybe no longer possesses.

However, the first set ended with no more breaks and Coin holding on to win. A set where both women were equal with winners and errors and found success at the net.

So here was Julie Coin in familiar ground. At the Open and up a set on a #1 seed. The one time All- American from Clemson, the former giant killer was heading into the 2nd set 6 games from recapturing a quieter but just as important victory. She stated before her 2008 victory thoughts of retirement and one would think here in 2012 at 29 years of age she might be facing those same questions. The mojo continued during the second set to a 5-5 draw. And after having two more breaks she was one more away from the upset.

On the other side of the net a determined #1 seed knew in game 21 it was time to battle and despite dropping the first set, 1st serve control problems, a 12 minute 1st game hold, 3 breaks and an opponent pressing the baseline her variety of shot, better conditioning and recent big game history started to pay off. At the same time Coin was matching the 1st serve failures of her opponent and feeling the pressure with an increase in unforced errors and poor decisions at the net. Maybe knowing the second set was a must against the better opponent the pressure got the best of her and she was broken back and found then herself down 6-5 needed to hold serve to force the breaker. And hold serve she couldn’t and with it her hopes of recaturing that Open magic.

With the sets even Rybarikova seemed much more relaxed and confidant breaking Coin early, getting her serve well over 50% and dominating the net. It was clear that Magdalena’s more recent success of pressure tennis and realizing that in order to be successful the game doesn’t change despite the ranking of the opponent across the net the match was easily hers.

I would not be surprised to see Rybarikova roll into the main draw and unfortunatley this may have been the end to a legendary giant killer. But as with all legends that Coin victory in 2008 will never truly be forgotton.

Can’t wait to see what next year’s opening #1 seed draw brings.

Topics: Magdalena Rybarikova, qualifying tennis news, Sports, Tennis News, US Open 2012