Kirkland Eliminated in Final Qualifying Round

Playing in her first career Acura Classic, Jessica Kirkland of Miami fell to Olga Savchuk of the Ukraine, 6-2, 6-4 on Stadium Court in a final round qualifying match.

Kirkland was treated for a right ankle sprain at 1-1 in the second set. After having her right ankle wrapped by a Sony Ericsson WTA trainer she continued playing. She fought gamely but just fell short of qualifying for the main draw.

Savchuk, who is also playing in her first career Acura Classic, broke Kirkland’s serve as the American was serving to stay in the match at 5-4.

At 30-30, Kirkland’s backhand slice sailed long, giving Savchuk her first match point. On the very next point, Kirkland stroked a crosscourt forehand long to end the match which took one hour and 18 minutes to complete. 

• Savchuk is ranked 102 in the world.
• Savchuk reached the third round of the 2006 Australian Open as a qualifier.
• Savchuk speaks Russian, Ukrainian  and English
• Savchuk enjoy pop and classical music.
• Kirkland is ranked 195 in the world.
• Kirkland has improved her year-end ranking in each of the last four years.
• Kirkland was runner-up at the 2004 US Open junior singles event.
• Kirkland’s off-court activities include table tennis, skiing and water sports.
• Kirkland won the USTA Girls’ 18s Nationals in 2004.

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