The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
25k Lawrence
Anna Turati advances to singles main draw at ITF Lawrence (Kan.) pro event
11.05.2018 | Women's Tennis
UT junior drops marathon three-set match on Monday but receives ‘lucky loser’ spot into 32-player main draw.
ITF Lawrence Tournament Central
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Junior Anna Turati dropped a hard-fought 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 decision to Ena Shibahara (USA) on Monday in the third and final round of singles qualifying at the ITF (International Tennis Federation) 25k pro circuit event at the Jayhawk Tennis Center. Following Monday's action, Turati received the 'lucky loser' spot and advanced into the tournament's 32-player main draw.
The Turati-Shibahara match lasted two hours and 50 minutes. Shibahara cruised through the opening set with a 6-0 win and jumped out to a 2-0 cushion in the second set. Turati broke Shibahara in the third game and held serve to even the set at 2-2. Trailing 5-4 later in the set, Turati held serve, broke Shibahara and held serve again to close out the set, 7-5, and even the match.
With the score tied 1-1 in the third set, Turati again broke Shibahara and then held serve to take a 3-1 lead. With Turati holding a 4-2 advantage, Shibahara held serve and rallied from a 40-15 deficit in the following game to break Turati and even the set at 4-4. Shibahara held serve again and closed out the victory with a service break of Turati.
Junior Bianca Turati (WTA No. 468) already earned a spot in the tourney's main draw and will begin play alongside twin sister Anna on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
To follow action at the ITF Lawrence tournament, visit the tourney web site. Fans are encouraged to follow UT's official Twitter (@TexasWTN) for results and additional information.
Players Mentioned
