Qualifying: Anderson, Vickery, Di Lorenzo lead five Americans into main draw
Robin Anderson (USA) in action during qualifying. (Photo by Alice Keeney/Credit One Charleston Open)
American Robin Anderson, seeded No.4 in the Credit One Charleston Open qualifying draw, was the highest-ranked played to win her way into the main draw on Sunday.
Robin Anderson couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face.
The American, ranked 172nd in the world and seeded No.4 in the Credit One Charleston Open qualifying draw, claimed her spot in the main draw on Sunday with a 6-3 6-1 win over Carol Zhao of Canada on Court 3.
It’s the biggest event that the 28-year-old Anderson has qualified for in her career.
“I’ve never played at this tournament before so this feels awesome,” a beaming Anderson said after her win. “It’s really exciting. I’m going to try and enjoy it.”
On a packed second day of Family Weekend, Anderson added: “There were a lot more people than I expected. I love how close fans can get to the courts here. It’s nice to have that energy.”
Anderson was the highest seed to advance through qualifying with two wins, joined by American compatriots Sachia Vickery, Francesca Di Lorenzo, Allie Kiick and Sophie Chang.
Gabriela Lee of Romania stopped short the continued comeback of American Coco Vandeweghe, the former world No.9 losing 6-3 6-2.
Qualifying’s top seed Heather Watson also went down, falling 6-4 6-4 on the Althea Gibson Club Court to Ulrikke Eikeri of Norway.
Nadiia Kichenok of Ukraine completed the qualifying line-up, beating Catherine Harrison of the U.S. 6-1, 6-0.
Great Britain’s Watson, ranked as high as world No.38 in 2015, has received a lucky loser spot in the draw after world No.1 Iga Swiatek withdrew from the event.
Three qualifiers will meet seeds in the opening round of main draw play: Chang takes on No.14 Ajla Tomljanovic; Vickery meets fellow American and No.15 seed Amanda Anisimova; and Di Lorenzo will play Zhang Shuai, the No.16 seed.
Main draw action gets underway on Monday.
