Yani and Cecil Compete in U.S. Open

QUEENS, N.Y.-A pair of former Duke University tennis players was in action today in the first round of the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows. Michael Yani and Mallory Cecil both competed in the first round in the men and women's singles draws, respectively.

Cecil was in action first on Court 8 against Italy's Tathiana Garbin. Cecil earned a wild card from the U.S. Tennis Association after winning the 2009 NCAA Individual Singles title. Going up against the 52nd-ranked player in the world in Garbin, Cecil dropped the first-round match 6-0, 6-1.

Recently deciding to pursue a professional career, Cecil helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2009 NCAA title. She posted a 32-4 record after joining the team in January. She finished the year ranked No. 1 in the nation and was named the ITA Player of the Year.

Yani got on the court later in the evening against the No. 22 seed Sam Querrey. The former Blue Devil turned in a great performance as Querrey held on for a straight-set victory, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. The U.S. Open is Yani's second consecutive career grand slam appearance. He most recently competed in the main draw at Wimbledon in June.

Ranked No. 253 in the world, Yani earned a spot in the U.S. Open field through qualifying. He opened qualifying with an upset win in straight sets over the No. 29 seed and 127th-ranked Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France, 6-1, 6-3. Yani moved on to face No. 296 Raven Klaasen of South Africa and fell behind early, losing the first 6-1. He bounced back to win a tiebreaker, 7-6 (6) to force a third and deciding set. The momentum carried on for Yani as he cruised to a 6-2 win and a spot in the main draw for the first time in his career.

-d-u-k-e-

Yani and Cecil Compete in U.S. Open

Players Mentioned

Mallory Cecil

Duke information

Yani and Cecil Compete in U.S. Open

Players Mentioned

Mallory Cecil

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Duke information