US Open Junior Champ Kayla Day, Di Lorenzo Score Wins in Macon

MACON, Ga. -- Warm temperatures and low humidity brought out the largest crowds of the week on Thursday at Mercer University's LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center, as singles players were trying to earn spots in the quarterfinals and doubles teams spots in the semifinals of the W.L.Amos Sr. Tennis Classic.

Two young Americans continued to shine as Ohio State University player, Francesca Di Lorenzo and reigning U.S. Open juniors champ, Kayla Day, posted big wins.

Day rushed out to a quick lead over No. 1 seed Samantha Crawford. Using her left-handed serve and inside-out forehand, Day frustrated Crawford by disguising her shots and moving into the net. Crawford started connecting the second set, but Day started changing paces, forcing Crawford into even more errors. Day may be just 17, but she plays like a tour veteran. Her ranking is currently No. 268, but it's climbing rapidly.

"It's been awhile since I have seen someone that young and with her composure and clean hitting. I was impressed," stated Eric Hayes, tournament director and head men's and women's tennis coach at Mercer.

Di Lorenzo may have a world ranking of No. 367, and be a student athlete at Ohio State, but she isn't intimidated by the professionals. She routed Chanel Simmonds of South Africa on Thursday, 6-4, 6-2.

"It's fun to do both things, college and pro at the same time," stated Di Lorenzo. "This is a way to test it out, before you commit to becoming a professional."

No. 2 seed, Jennifer Brady, a former standout at UCLA was upset by two-time NCAA singles champion, Danielle Rose Collins who played at Virginia. Collins has now won five matches including three in the qualifying draw.

A pair of former University of Michigan players, Ronit Yurovsky and Emina Bektas both fell in their second round matches. Macon defending singles champion, Rebecca Peterson of Sweden continued her title defense as she downed Bektas. In a battle of former NCAA All-Americans, Jamie Loeb (North Carolina) defeated Danielle Lao 7-5, 6-2.

Friday's matches start at 10 a.m.

Now in its fourth year, the W.L. Amos Sr. Tennis Classic, a USTA Pro Circuit 50K event, brings a 32 player singles draw and 16 doubles teams to Macon with a 32 player qualifying draw the first weekend. It's eight days of professional tennis and the longest running professional women's tennis tournament in the state of Georgia.

As in the past, players come to Macon to play for $50,000 in prize money, valuable WTA ranking points and a spot in the first major of 2017, the Australian Open.

Many players that have played in Macon have spent time in the top-100 in the world and 20 former "Classic" players were in the main draw at the U.S. Open in New York, last month. Play will begin each morning and continue until the slate of matches in singles and doubles is finished for the day.

Thursday's Results:
Jamie LOEB (USA) d Danielle LAO (USA) 7-5 6-2
Francesca DI LORENZO (USA) d Chanel SIMMONDS (RSA) 6-4 6-2
Grace MIN (USA) [4] d Basak ERAYDIN (TUR) 6-2 6-4
Kayla DAY (USA) d Samantha CRAWFORD (USA) [1] 6-3 6-2
Sesil KARATANTCHEVA (BUL) d Ronit YUROVSKY (USA) 6-2 7-5
Rebecca PETERSON (SWE) [3] d Emina BEKTAS (USA) 6-2 6-4
Danielle Rose COLLINS (USA) d Jennifer BRADY (USA) [2] 7-5 7-6(2)
Alize LIM (FRA) d Barbara HAAS (AUT) [6] 6-1 6-3
Sabrina SANTAMARIA (USA) / Keri WONG (USA) d Catherine HARRISON (USA) / Jessica HO (USA) 6-4 4-6 [11-9]
Michaella KRAJICEK (NED) / Taylor TOWNSEND (USA) [1] Sophie CHANG (USA) / Alexandra MUELLER 6- 4 6-1
Samantha CRAWFORD (USA) / Melanie OUDIN (USA) Sanaz MARAND (USA) [3] / Ingrid NEEL (USA) 7-6(6) 3-6 [10-5]
Kristie AHN (USA) / Jamie LOEB (USA) Jan ABAZA (USA) / Alyona SOTNIKOVA (UKR) 6-3 6-3

About the Leroy Peddy Tennis Center
The LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center is the home for Mercer University men's and women's tennis. The facility is located just inside the South campus entrance, nestled among its pine tree lined western perimeter and adjacent to MU's softball stadium and practice fields. The Center features a total of eight courts, aligned in a picturesque bi-level configuration (four courts each on the upper and lower tiers). The lighted venue also has ample parking and seating for fans on either level and a park-like walkway for access between the two sections.

About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. In celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2014, the USTA Pro Circuit provides players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. John Isner, Maria Sharapova, Sam Querrey, Sloane Stephens, Mardy Fish, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.

The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation
The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation is the title sponsor of the tournament

Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation
The mission of the Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation is to raise funds to support tennis programs, especially youth programs in Middle Georgia.

For more information:
On-site PR contact: Rick Limpert (209) 920-7425 or email: Rick.Limpert@gmail.com
Website: www.ustamaconclassic.com
Twitter: @USTAMacon50K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WL-Amos-Sr-Tennis-Classic

Mercer University Athletics

US Open Junior Champ Kayla Day, Di Lorenzo Score Wins in Macon

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