Anderson Captures ACI Title at US Open
September 13, 2015 | Women's Tennis
Flushing, N.Y.--Completing the sweep at the American Collegiate Invitational at the U.S. Open, recent graduate Robin Anderson won the second ACI title of the day for the Bruins, as UCLA junior Mackenzie McDonald captured the men's title earlier Saturday afternoon.
Anderson, the 2014-15 ITA National Collegiate Player of the Year, downed former teammate Chanelle Van Nguyen in straights in the women's ACI Final on Saturday evening.
"It means a lot to me," said Anderson of the win. "As a little kid, I always wanted to play at the Open, so any opportunity that I get to play here is amazing."
After Anderson took the first set, 6-4, play was suspended shortly into the second set. The remainder of the match was moved inside, where Anderson also won the second set, 6-4, clinching the title.
"Once we got into the rallies, it was really anybody's game," said Anderson of playing Van Nguyen. "Whoever could dictate in the point early on was usually the person that ended up winning the point. Chanelle was serving really well outside, but I think that once we moved inside I had the advantage with the serve."
"I thought I played pretty well," said Van Nguyen of her performance. "I think it came down to preparation. But I made it to the finals, and I'm really happy about that."
With the win, Anderson 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, she will receive a qualifying wild card. As the ACI champion, the Bruin will also receive wild cards into two USTA Pro Circuit events.
"I'm looking forward to getting better every day and to see how far I can go," said Anderson of her next step. "Hopefully I can play all the Slams--that's one of my goals."
American Collegiate Invitational Final
No. 2 Robin Anderson (UCLA) def. Chanelle Van Nguyen, 6-4, 6-4
