McDonald Wins ACI Title at US Open
September 12, 2015 | Men's Tennis
Flushing, N.Y.—For the second straight year, a Bruin took home the title at the American Collegiate Invitational at the U.S. Open. Following in Marcos Giron's footsteps, UCLA junior Mackenzie McDonald swept Austin Gonzales of Vanderbilt, 6-2, 7-5, in the ACI final on Saturday afternoon at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“It's one of the biggest stages in the world, and it means a lot to get that result here,” said McDonald of the win. “It's really cool that we have this event here now at the Open. The Bruins have taken both titles so far, so hopefully we can continue that tradition.
"I thought I was very mentally focused and ready and calm throughout this event,” added McDonald. “I didn't let the stage or anything get into my head too much. I just focused on the things I could control, and it paid off.”
After cruising through the first set, 6-2, second-seeded McDonald and fourth-seeded Austin traded game for game in the second set. A serving duel, McDonald was 88 percent on first serve points, while Austin was 85 percent. Going down to the wire, the UCLA junior led 6-5 heading into Austin's serve. The game went back and forth, but McDonald broke Austin's serve, taking the set and clinching the title.
“I was really happy with how I served today,” said McDonald. “That's probably the biggest thing I've been working on—I changed some things that are helping me out there. I had a really high serve percentage today as well. On the return, I thought I did okay. I tried to put more pressure on the returns today. I'm really happy with how I played.”
With the win, McDonald earns a main-draw wild card into the 2016 U.S. Open if ranked No. 120 or better by the 2016 U.S. Open entry deadline next summer. Otherwise, he will receive a qualifying wild card. As the ACI champion, the Bruin will also receive wild cards into two USTA Pro Circuit events.
“It takes a good amount of pressure off,” McDonald said of earning the wild cards. “The wild cards are big deals, and I'm extremely excited I can come back and play pros next year.”
American Collegiate Invitational Final
No. 2 Mackenzie McDonald (UCLA) def. (No. 4) Gonzales Austin (Vanderbilt), 6-2, 7-5
Players Mentioned
