Thrilling Comeback
Katie Volynets orchestrated a thrilling comeback to secure a hard-fought victory over 17-year-old qualifier Clerive Ngounoue in the first round of the Cymbiotika San Diego Open. The match, held at the Barnes Tennis Center, saw Volynets overcome a one-set deficit to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Qualifier Ngounoue’s Ambition
Clerive Ngounoue, a 17-year-old qualifier, had displayed remarkable determination by winning two qualifying matches over the weekend. She had hoped to earn her first main draw victory in a WTA event.
Volynets’ Championship Pedigree
Katie Volynets, aged 21 and hailing from Walnut Creek, California, boasts an impressive tennis background. She clinched the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championship in 2019, the very same event that Ngounoue triumphed in just last month, also at the Barnes Tennis Center.
Volynets’ Perspective
Reflecting on her victory, Volynets acknowledged her prior championship win, saying, “I thought coming in here that I would have the edge, having won it when I was 17. I know she plays well here, so I’m happy I was able to get through.”
Ngounoue’s Debut in WTA 500 Main Draw
Clerive Ngounoue, a talented right-hander from Washington, made her debut in a WTA 500 main draw after embarking on her professional tennis career.
Ngounoue’s Perspective
Ngounoue recognized the challenge and her opponent’s fighting spirit, saying, “I was expecting a fight, and I knew she’s a fighter. She played really well, but I think I learned a lot of things to take from it.”
Anastasia Potapova’s Victory
In another match, Russia’s Anastasia Potapova secured a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 win over Alycia Parks of the United States. The intense contest was briefly halted due to a 2-hour, 15-minute rain delay when the score was tied at 3-3 in the third set.
Top Seed Ons Jabeur Receives Bye
The tournament’s top seed, Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, who holds the No. 7 ranking, received a first-round bye and will begin her campaign on Wednesday.
Exciting Tuesday Matches
Tuesday will feature more first-round matches, including last year’s semifinalist Danielle Collins facing fellow American Louisa Chirico and Leyla Fernandez of Canada, a 2021 U.S. Open finalist, taking on Brazil’s seventh-seeded Beatrice Haddad Maia. Additionally, former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens will compete against Belgium’s Elise Mertens, who reached the second round of this year’s U.S. Open.
