Rebecca Marino earns first Grand Slam main draw victory at US Open

Vancouver native Rebecca Marino scored the most important victory of her young career on Monday evening as the 19-year-old advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open by defeating Russian Ksenia Pervak 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. The win was her first Grand Slam main draw victory.

Just 48 hours removed from successfully qualifying for the first major main draw of her career, Marino played tough through the New York heat over two hours and 19 minutes. She served 10 aces and won 75 per cent of points on her first serve. She is the first British Columbian to make a Grand Slam main draw since Jana Nejedly advanced through the qualifying stages to reach the third round of the U.S. Open in 2001.

“Obviously this is the biggest victory of my career,” said Marino. “I can enjoy the win tonight but need to get ready for my second round tomorrow. I feel great about my game right now.”

Marino could face World No. 4 Venus Williams on Wednesday should the American legend pass her opening round test. The match will be played on one of the main stadium courts at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre.

Meanwhile, the second 19-year-old Canadian in action on Monday in New York, Milos Raonic (Thornhill, ON), acquitted himself well in his first Grand Slam main draw match against Australia’s Carsten Ball, but ultimately fell 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.

Clearly still bothered by the forearm tendinitis that has hampered her play this summer, Aleksandra Wozniak (Blainville, QC) was eliminated in her opening match against Australian qualifier Sally Peers 6-0, 6-1. Doctors have advised Wozniak to take an extended break to overcome the tendinitis.

Peter Polansky (Thornhill, ON) will begin his U.S. Open campaign on Tuesday after he made it through qualifying to earn a main draw spot. He will take on Juan Monaco of Argentina, the tournament 30th seed.