University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Brady Qualifies for Australian Open
January 13, 2017 | Women's Tennis
LOS ANGELES - Former UCLA women's tennis player Jennifer Brady earned acceptance into one of the biggest tournaments in the world on Friday, as she posted her third qualifying win to gain a spot in the main draw of the Australian Open, which begins on Monday in Melbourne, Australia.
Brady, who was seeded No. 4 in qualifying, won all three of her matches in three sets. She opened up the draw with a 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3 win over Russia's Victoria Kamenskaya. Brady then downed Barbora Stefkova of the Czech Republic, 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-1. She capped her qualifying run on Friday against fellow American Taylor Townsend, who was seeded No. 14. Similar to her match with Stefkova, Brady lost the first set before rallying to take a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Brady, who played two seasons at UCLA in 2014 and 2015 before turning professional, is currently ranked No. 116 in the WTA Tour singles rankings.
Main draw action at the Australian Open begins on Monday. The tournament is one of just four Grand Slam events annually, joining the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. More information about the tournament can be found at www.ausopen.com.
