Osterloh Overpowers Talented Teenager to Advance in Qualifying

Tour veteran Lilia Osterloh of the United States made the most of a second chance and eliminated Anna Tatishvili, the talented 17-year-old Georgian, 6-3, 7-5, in a first-round Acura Classic qualifying match.

Playing in the last match on Stadium Court, the American jumped out to a 5-2 lead and overcame a late service break to win the first set. Later in the second set, Osterloh served for the match at 5-4.

However, Osterloh wasted the opportunity. At deuce, she double faulted and on break point, she hit a forehand wide to drop serve.

Serving at 5-5, Tatishvili attempted to take the lead in the second set, but was denied when she sent a forehand long on break point, giving Osterloh a 6-5 lead.

Osterloh did not waste her second chance to serve out the match as she served out the game at love and hitting a service winner on match point.

• Osterloh will face Yuliana Fedak of the Ukraine in a second-round qualifying match.
• Osterloh is ranked 106 in the world.
• Osterloh is making her eighth career Acura Classic appearance. She reached the second round of the main draw in 2001 and 2004.
• Osterloh reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and US Open in 2000.
• Osterloh has been ranked as high as 41 in the world (April 2001).
• Osterloh holds a 3-0 career head-to-head record against Tatishvili in main draw matches.
• Tatishvili is ranked 291 in the world.
• Tatishvili is coached by John Evert at the Chris Evert Academy.
• Tatishvili was making her Acura Classic debut.

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