NORCROSS, Ga., (Dec. 17, 2010) – No matter the stage, Lauren Davis always seems to come to play.

The 17-year-old from Gates Mills, Ohio, was back to her winning ways on Friday on the first day of the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoff being played at the Racquet Club of the South. She beat a player ranked No. 134 in the world, Jamie Hampton of Auburn, Ala., 7-5, 7-5, to advance to the semifinals and is one step closer to an invite into the main draw of the year’s first Grand Slam.

Davis was coming into the event having won 18 straight ITF junior matches – including the Dunlop Junior Orange Bowl and the Eddie Herr – and 10 consecutive Pro Circuit matches.

Davis was asked after the match if she was able to take any time off after all the recent tournaments. “I took one day off,” she said. “My legs are feeling a little bit tired. All these matches are starting to take a toll. But I think it’s just short term and then we have Christmas break so it will be fine.”

Hampton was just one of several who played Friday who has a local connection to the Atlanta area as she trains at the Olde Towne Athletic Club in nearby Marietta.

On the men’s side, Denis Kudla of Arlington, Va., beat Duluth’s Jordan Cox, 6-4, 6-3, to set up a rematch of this year’s U.S. Open Junior final on Saturday as Kudla will play Jack Sock of Lincoln, Neb. Sock, 18, beat the tournament’s top-seeded player and world-ranked No. 127^th-ranked player Donald Young of Atlanta, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4.

Patrick McEnroe, director of USTA Player Development, liked what he saw during the day. “The role of this event is to make the players earn it, that’s the bottom line,” said McEnroe. “We want to see all our kids do well, but we want them to earn it. I think the kids get better from it. Any time you’ve earned something you feel better about yourself and about the work you’ve put in.”

Said U.S. Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez: “We’ve been spoiled in this country; we’ve always had a superstar on the women’s side,” said Fernandez. “There is a big gap between the Williams sisters and the next group of players. But there is a good group here that should be able to make that push into the Top 100. We have six or seven now but we should be able to have 12 or 15 in the coming years.”

Friday’s Women’s Quarterfinals Results

Krista Hardebeck, Santa Ana, Calif., def. Irina Falconi (3), Jupiter, Fla., 6-4, 3-6, 6-1

CoCo Vandeweghe (1), Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., def. Madison Keys, Boca Raton, Fla., 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

Lauren Davis, Gates Mills, Ohio, def. Jamie Hampton (2), Auburn, Ala., 7-5, 7-5

Beatrice Capra (4), Ellicott City, Md., def. Shelby Rogers, Charleston, S.C., 6-3, 6-2

Friday’s Men’s Quarterfinals Results

Jack Sock, Lincoln, Neb., def. Donald Young (1), Atlanta, Ga., 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4

Denis Kudla, Arlington, Va., def. Jordan Cox (4), Duluth, Ga., 6-4, 6-3

Ryan Harrison (3), Cortez, Fla., def. Michael Shabaz, Fairfax, Va., 7-6 (3), 6-7 (6), 6-4

Rhyne Williams, Knoxville, Tenn., def. Timothy Smyczek (2), Hales Corner, Wisc., 6-4, 6-0 

DAY 2: Saturday’s Schedule

1 p.m. Semifinals (Court 2) 

Krista Hardebeck, Santa Ana, Calif., vs. Lauren Davis, Gates Mills, Ohio

Followed by Jack Sock, Lincoln, Neb., vs. Denis Kudla, Arlington, Va.

1 p.m. Semifinals (Court 7)

CoCo Vandeweghe (1), Rancho Santa Fe., Calif., vs. Beatrice Capra (4), Ellicott City, Md.

Followed by Ryan Harrison (3), Cortez, Fla., vs. Rhyne Williams, Knoxville, Tenn.

DAY 3: Sunday’s Schedule

1 p.m.

Women’s Final; Followed by men’s final

What the players had to say after their matches on Friday

KRISTA HARDEBECK, 16, Santa Ana, Calif.

WTA ranking: 396

“It was a really tough match. In the third set I just told myself to focus and just start over and play like I did in the first set.

“I was actually on my way home from the Orange Bowl and the women’s director of the USTA called me in Dallas and asked me if I could play. It was a little bit last minute but that’s OK. Last minute or not, there are just so many good players here. I don’t really feel a lot of pressure because of that.

“I practiced with Irina (Falconi) and actually hit with her yesterday.”

BEATRICE CAPRA, 18, Ellicott City, Md.

WTA ranking: 225

“I’m so excited to be here. This is actually my first tournament back. This is a big win for me. Mentally to play someone like Shelby who I’m such good friends with was tough.”

On her injury:

“It was actually my first tournament back from the Open and I lost second round. I fell off the curb and sliced my foot on some glass. I had to get stitches and I sprained the whole bottom of my foot. It was awful. It was a freak accident and it’s put me out for two months.

“I think having everyone play for the wild card instead of just giving it to one player is fair. It’s definitely better. It’s a great opportunity. Even if I don’t go to Australia this year it’s a great experience.

“The U.S. Open was a great experience for but I’m definitely trying to put it in the past. I have a lot of big tournaments coming up and I want to stay focused on those tournaments. I don’t want to be a one-time wonder.

“I did not turn pro. If I decide to go to college I will go to Duke. I’m still keeping my education option open.”

IRINA FALCONI, 20, Jupiter, Fla.

WTA ranking: 185

“She had me defending all day. All the credit to her. She had me behind the baseline all match. It was just a great opportunity today for me. I had chances to take the first set and if I would have taken that one I think I could have won the match.

“I’m in qualifying at the Australian Open and just really hoping I can qualify and make a run there. It’s my official rookie year so I want to just keep improving and getting better.

“I’m the second oldest player here so I felt like the veteran. The U.S. has some great young players coming up and most of them are here this weekend. It’s a great chance to see what’s ahead for American tennis.”

“My college experience has really helped me to be where I’m at. It was an unbelievable experience and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.”

LAUREN DAVIS, Gates Mills, Ohio

WTA ranking: 444

“My legs are feeling a little bit tired. All these matches are starting to take a toll. But I think it’s just short term and then we have Christmas break so it will be fine.

“It took me awhile to get used to her (Jamie Hampton) pace. She drills every ball. And it’s indoors so the balls are that much tougher to pick up and the courts are pretty fast.

“I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’m just going for it.”

JAMIE HAMPTON, 20, Auburn, Ala.

WTA ranking: 134

“I served for it in the first set so I definitely had my chances. She’s a tough competitor and has had a bunch of nice wins recently. I haven’t played in over a month because of a stomach injury.

“She runs a lot of balls down. I should have probably come in more. I just haven’t played a match in awhile. Your shot selection suffers a little bit when you haven’t played.

“I’ve definitely going to Australia. I’m going to Auckland first and then we’ll head over to Melbourne.”

SHELBY ROGERS, 18, Daniel Island, S.C.

WTA ranking: 338

“This is my first tournament back after a few months. It’s a great event and great atmosphere. I really had a time out there but I just didn’t have it today. It definitely wasn’t my ‘A’ game.

“I think I was a little too excited actually. Just didn’t have my groove today. She (Capra) played well today and best of luck to her.”

COCO VANDEWEGHE, 19, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

WTA ranking: 116

“It wasn’t a pretty match in any sort of way and she (Keys) started off hot. I knew she wasn’t going to keep up the high level of play and I knew my poor play wouldn’t continue; D-up a little bit, play a little bit of defense and I would be alright.

“I play Tricie Capra next. We’ve played once before right after I won Junior U.S. Open (in 2008) so it was awhile ago. I’m going to Australia either way but it’s a great opportunity to get some great matches in.

“I won it last year but it was a lot tougher. I was dealing with a few things going on, a change of coaches and stuff like that. I didn’t have that great of a year but this year is different because I’ve had some good wins.

“The courts were fast; no wind no sun so the element factor was taken out of it.”

MADISON KEYS, 15, Boca Raton, Fla.

WTA ranking: 485

“I came out playing really well. CoCo was making some mistakes. I got up in the second set and she just turned her game up a notch. I didn’t really have a chance after that. She just served too good today. She played a great match.”

“Everyone here is a great player. Whoever wins this is very fortunate and I hope they do great at the Australian Open. This just makes everyone battle for that wild-card. I love the format and all the players do as well. I’m not going to Australia. I’m going to play an ITF event in Costa Rica.”

JACK SOCK, 18, Lincoln, Neb.

ATP ranking: 872

“I played Donald (Young) here on the same court last year at this event so I kind of knew what to expect. I just knew I had to play my game and play solid and I stuck to my game plan.”

RYAN HARRISON, 18, Cortez, Fla.

ATP Ranking: 173

“It was a pretty good match. I started out really well early. I was familiar with him (Shabaz). He’s won a lot of big college matches over the last four years and he plays with an extreme amount of confidence. I think he’s really proven and I think by the time he’s done he’s going to be one of the guy’s who is really making a pro impact.

“All the guys and girls who have made it to the top have learned to play with pressure. By the time the French Open rolls around I want to be able to get into the main draw. That’s my goal.”

JORDAN COX, 18, Duluth, Ga.

ATP Ranking: 493

“I had a good local crowd out there supporting me which was fun and something I’m not really used to on the road. It was a tough match against Denis (Kudla). It was a tight match and could have gone either way but he just played too good today.”

DENIS KUDLA, 18, Arlington, Va

ATP Ranking: 493

“He gave me an opportunity to break his serve in the first set and I was able to do it, which is hard to do playing indoor tennis.

“This is the fifth or sixth time I’ve played Jordan. It’s the same story tomorrow because I play Jack Sock and we’ve played a bunch of times before.

“I want to get into the Top 150, Top 200. It’s going to take a lot of work but I think I can accomplish it. I’m just looking forward to 2011.”

TIM SMYCZEK, 22, Hales Corner, Wisc.

ATP Ranking: 171

“I think it’s a great concept that the USTA has some of the top guys to play off. Rhyne (Williams) just played too consistent and he let me dictate but I just made too many errors.

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game.  It owns and operates the US Open, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open.  In addition, it owns the 90-plus Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games.  USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA, provides financial support for disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities through tennis and education programs.  For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.

Tennis stars Jelena Dokic and Alicia Molik will rekindle a rivalry which has been dormant since their junior days when they meet in the semi-finals of the Australian Open wildcard tournament. Molik and Dokic both battled to win their matches in three sets on day three of the play-offs, with Molik beating Canberra’s Alison Bai 3-6 6-3 6-1 and Dokic outlasting Victorian Tammi Patterson 7-5 2-6 6-3.

Molik, 29, and Dokic, 27, travelled as juniors together but have not met in a senior tour event. “We haven’t played for many years now. I can’t remember the last time,” Molik said. “We’ve practised so many years together and been on so many junior trips together, it’s all a bit of a blur but the junior rivalry will come back out on Saturday, I’m sure. “We always had a pretty healthy rivalry so it should be a really good match.”

Molik recalled Dokic’s stirring run to the Australian Open quarter-finals two years ago, but warned even experienced players could become apprehensive. “She’s a fantastic ball striker, no doubt about that,” Molik said. “Everyone saw her form two years ago in the Australian Open – but there’s a lot up for grabs (and) it’s amazing what nerves can do in a match.”

“We are in for some incredible tennis in January.”

by bahamaderek on Dec.11, 2010, under Australian Open

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Your commitment from Giant Tennis

Andy Roddick has opted to return to the United States Davis Cup team next season after missing the 2010 event. The world number eight said: “I have always said that Davis Cup is something you should commit to for the entire season and not when it is convenient.” The United States and new coach Jim Courier will play at Chile in the first round on 4-6 March on clay in Santiago.

Courier, who replaced Patrick McEnroe, added: “Having Andy commit to the 2011 campaign is huge for our team.” Roddick has an impressive record in Davis Cup singles matches – winning 31 and losing 11 – and has the second best record of all American players behind John McEnroe (41). The 2003 US Open champion, 28, added: “Trying to win the Davis Cup again is a top priority for me in 2011. Nothing compares to the atmosphere of playing a Davis Cup match and representing your country.”

He will be playing under new coach Courier after the former world number one overcame the likes of Todd Martin to get the post left vacant when McEnroe stood down in September.

 Venus is sheduled to play in a warm-up exhibition in Hong Kong in January, which she has done for the past couple of years prior to the Australian Open, but this year there is some doubt about her participation. Sister Serena has already announced that we should not expect to see her on court until late spring. Does late spring mean the end of May? This will coincide with the clay court season, a surface she is not comfortable on, and it is possible that she will stay off the court until the end of June to make a dramatic comeback at the 2011 Wimbledon. After all drama-queen is her self imposed nickname.

Both sisters have issued statements regarding their desire to participate in the 2012 Olympics in London. Serena is supposed to play with Andy Roddick in the mixed doubles, and Venus might play with the aging US stalwart, James Blake. 2012 is a long way off, and the Olympics have some tough qualifying requirements that must be met.

It is my hope that both sisters take the time to reflect on the glory they have brought to the Women’s game over the past 10 years, and that if their health and performances are anything less than 100%, they both gracefully retire. Their status, and the records they have set, will remain for ever, and to have to witness them in sub-par performances because they are out of shape and rusty is not the way their fans will want to remember them.

Kim Clijsters was voted Player of the Year for the second time in her career, having first earned the accolade in 2005. The Belgian, 27, had a terrific 2010 season, highlighted by winning her third US Open. “It’s really nice to win the Player of the Year award just one year after making a comeback and while I didn’t think it would come so quickly, I am thrilled with the news,” Clijsters commented. “To be honored by your fellow players with the Player Service award means so much to me because I believe the social contact with the rest of the players is very important. This year I met a lot of new girls and it was very nice that so many of them had positive reactions to my daughter Jada as well. I want to thank my fellow players and the media who voted for me and I look forward to seeing everyone again in Australia.”

Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta earned Doubles Team of the Year. While the competition in doubles was fierce in 2010, Dulko and Pennetta, who were the No.1-ranked team in the world at year-end, won seven titles, including the WTA Championships – Doha 2010. Earlier in the season, they compiled a 17-match win streak – the longest on the WTA in over three years –