Osterloh Falls to Sromova in Final Qualifying Round

American Lilia Osterloh fell just short in her attempt to qualify for the main draw of the 2006 Acura Classic as she lost to Hana Sromova of the Czech Republic, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, before a small crowd on Stadium Court at the La Costa Resort and Spa.
During the one-hour and 47-minute match, Sromova took advantage of Osterloh’s five double faults and converted on all four of her break point opportunities.
As the sun briefly broke through the overcast sky, Sromova served for the match at 5-2 in the third set. Her strategy focused on hitting to Osterloh’s forehand. It paid off as the American committed four straight forehand errors and Sromova impressively served out the match at love.
This is the second time in her career Sromova has qualified for the main draw of the Acura Classic.

• Sromova is ranked 96 in the world.
• Sromova began playing tennis at age 7.
• Sromova quit playing professional tennis in 2003 to become a coach, but returned when she realized she missed playing.
• Sromova is playing in her second career Acura Classic. In 2005, she lost in the second round of the main draw as a qualifier.
• Osterloh is ranked 109 in the world.
• Osterloh was playing in her 7th career Acura Classic. She reached the second round as a qualifier in 2004 before losing to Maria Sharapova.
• Osterloh won the 1997 NCAA singles title as a freshman at Stanford University.
• Osterloh reached the 4th round at Wimbledon in 2000.
• Osterloh represented the United States in the 1999 Pan Am Games in Canada.
• Osterlohn won her first professional singles title in 2005 at the $75,000 USTA Challenger in Pittsburgh.

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