Rising American tennis star Robin Montgomery believes she just needs to continue playing fearless as she was proud with the performance she delivered against Cori Gauff.
Montgomery, the 2021 US Open girls’ singles champion, made it past the San Diego Open qualifying event to earn a main draw place at the American WTA 500 tournament.
In a match between two very talented American teens, Gauff defeated Montgomery 6-3 6-3.
āI believe playing fearlessly is how I need to play my game. With my game style I just need to go out there and swing. Canāt give them the opportunity to control the points. Obviously, it didnāt go my way. Coco is extremely fast. Iām proud how I performed,” Montgomery said, per Tennis Majors.
Montgomery on the players she looked up to
Montgomery is a left-handed player and is definitely not afraid to go for her shots.
Growing up, Montgomery looked up to Petra Kvitova and the Williams sisters.
āI really like watching Kvitova because sheās a lefty and I like her demeanor on the court as well. Obviously, Serena and Venus. And then Carlos and Frances are the menās players I like to watch,ā Montgomery said.
In the San Diego first round, Montgomery earned the first break of the match to open a 3-2 lead, before Gauff responded with back-to-back breaks to win the next four games and win the first set.
After winning the first set, Gauff broke Montgomery twice in the second set to complete a two-set win.
Montgomery, who is enjoying a career-high ranking of No 294, is projected to rise to around No 255 next Monday.
“It was an amazing experience. I’m really happy they gave me the opportunity to come through qualifying, and it was really great playing at this level,” Montgomery said after her San Diego debut.