Hannah Klugman keeps the British flag flying at the US Open, as the 14-year-old schoolgirl overcomes extreme temperatures to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Girls’ Singles
Hannah Klugman flies the UK flag at the US Open as the 14-year-old schoolgirl overcomes extreme temperatures to reach the quarterfinals of the Girls’ Singles
- Hannah Klugman booked her place in the quarterfinals of the US Open
- She defeated Japanese third seed Sakaya Ishii in straight sets at Flushing Meadows
- The game was played in extreme temperatures, but Klugman kept her cool
The last British singles player to stand at Flushing Meadows is a 14-year-old Wimbledon schoolgirl, who braved extreme temperatures on Wednesday to make it to the quarter-finals of the junior US Open.
In the scorching heat and humidity, Hannah Klugman knocked out the number three seed, 18-year-old Sakaya Ishii of Japan 6-4 6-1 in a performance of remarkable composure.
While there is a danger of overestimating the potential of someone so young, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the promise of someone already being talked about by the game’s congnoscenti.
Klugman was beaten in the third round at Wimbledon this summer by the same player, but seems to have made progress since then. Her mature courting skills showed clearly against an opponent with extensive experience on the lower levels of the professional circuit.
This week’s conditions in New York simply don’t exist in SW19: “I’ve only played a few times in this heat, I did a practice week in Miami the week before so that definitely prepared me because it was there so hot. said the poised Klugman, about to make a bigger name for himself. “I’m still a bit under the radar, after Wimbledon I got recognized a bit. It’s kind of weird, my friends think it’s really weird.
Hannah Klugman (photo) reached the quarterfinals of the junior US Open on Wednesday
Her last 16 match was played in extreme temperatures, but she came through in straight sets
“Wimbledon is a bit more chaotic for me because I know a lot of people there, there’s more pressure for me, I want to do well because I live there. It’s a little different here, but I still love it.’
Coached by Ben Haran from Reed’s School, his base in Cobham, she is three wins away from returning for the winter season with a junior Grand Slam title in her pocket.
“I still go to Wimbledon High School, I want to stay there as long as I can, it’s nice to have friends outside of tennis,” added Klugman. “It’s getting pretty tough now, but I’ll try to stay as long as possible. I bring my computer and keep in touch with my teachers.
‘I definitely want to pass my final exams at school, but that is still so far ahead. I don’t really feel like continuing my studies, but we’ll see how it goes, for now I want to become a professional.’