Also playing in the tournament is IMG Bollettieri student Heather Watson. The young Brit qualified and will face 10th-seeded Elena Vesnina in the opening round. Watson, the 2009 Junior US Open champ, is also part of Team AEGON, the elite squad of British players. Last week she reached the quarters of an ITF event in Mississippi and this is only her second main draw match on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
“I’m so happy that I was able to qualify for a Premiere event. From my last tournament to yesterday I have played eight matches in eight days and won seven of them so I’m feeling very confident in my game. I’m excited about playing Vesnina. I just want to go out there and do all the right things and just gain more experience against the top players,” said Watson.
Congrats to Michelle for her win and good luck to both girls in their next match!