By Erik Gudris / Thursday, December 19, 2013

 

Though she was a breakout star at this year's US Open, Victoria Duval is looking ahead as she competes at the AO Wildcard Playoffs this weekend.

Photo Credit: Tennis Now

Victoria Duval is looking ahead after a whirlwind summer.

The 18-year-old American, who charmed and captivated the nation after her upset win over Sam Stosur at this year's US Open, is only focused on the present. That includes her participation at this weekend's Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs in Norcross, Georgia. At stake, a coveted main draw wildcard berth into next month's Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, Australia.

Read - AO Wildcard Playoffs Preview

Duval, speaking during a pre-event press conference, acknowledged all of the attention she received in New York. But she stressed that she is focused on the present.

"It helped my confidence, but it was hard at first dealing with all of the media attention," Duval said about her win over Stosur. "But that match is in the back of my head now. 'Cause that's just one match in my career."

With her now trademark squeaky voice and compelling life story that includes growing up in Haiti, Duval became an overnight sensation during the US Open. But since then, the teen has kept her attention on what she needs to do to become a better player. That includes taking advice from tennis legend Billie Jean King. Duval got to know her when she took part in a World Team Tennis event in November, an opportunity that also allowed her to play alongside Andy Roddick and Venus Williams.

For Duval, it was a beneficial experience being able to play with the greats of the sport.

"Yeah it was definitely amazing. It was an honor to be competing with the greats. Billie has really helped me a lot this summer."

When asked what exactly the tennis pioneer had shared with her, Duval said, "Confidence and some stuff that she wants me to keep to myself."

Fair enough.

Duval's willingness to share information, but not everything, suggests a growing maturity. Even though it has only been a few months since Flushing Meadows, Duval looks older and wiser. She even appears a few inches taller, perhaps due to her longer hair. While many fans have enjoyed getting to know Duval, who earlier professed her love for the cartoon program "SpongeBob SquarePants," she herself seems ready to move on and forge a new identity for herself.

Social media, of course, is still a new territory for her. On the question about where she got the Winnie The Pooh image that makes her up her Twitter profile image, Duval could only laugh.

"From my photo gallery," she said wtih a gasp and then laughed. "Unfortunately I have those still."

When asked about her experiences since joining Twitter just after her US Open run, Duval expressed interest but not overall enthusiasm.

"I actually haven't posted anything in so long. I got some pretty fun tweets but I'm not too big on social media so I don't go on there too much. But it was fun getting a Twitter."

While many have enjoyed getting to know Duval and her unique personality, we should also remember that she is growing into herself as a person and a player. No matter what happens this weekend, Duval will be going to Australia as she prepares to compete at the upcoming major. Her breakout win at the US Open definitely put her on the map in terms of players to watch. But 2014 should be a year where Duval continues to make a name for herself, and on her own terms. Even as we fondly remember her extraordinary summer.

For more information about the Australian Open Wildcard Playoff, click here.