Kirkland Eliminates Stevenson to Advance in Qualifying

In a first-round Acura Classic qualifying match featuring two Americans, Jessica Kirkland of Miami ousted Alexandra Stevenson of San Diego, 6-4, 6-3, on Stadium Court at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

Under overcast skies and slightly humid conditions, Stevenson jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the first set but was unable to maintain the momentum as Kirkland lost only four more points and stormed back to win the next four games and the set.

In the second set, Kirkland used two service breaks to establish a 4-1 lead and went on to close out the match in one-hour and 33 minutes.

Kirkland, who is ranked 195 in the world, will play Olga Savchuk of the Ukraine in the second round of qualifying.   

• Kirkland is making her Acura Classic debut.
• Kirkland has improved her year-end ranking in each of the last four years.
• Kirkland was runner-up at the 2004 US Open junior girl’s singles event.
• Stevenson was making her seventh Acura Classic appearance. She reached the third-round here as a qualifier in 2001 before losing to Martina Hingis.
• Stevenson reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 1999.

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