Special to the AmNews
Who, female or male, has what it takes to become the future face of American tennis? And will American female tennis players continue to jump out front over their male counterparts? It appears that this country’s tennis future could be led and dominated by female players, some of whom who are displaying that very possibility.
But are the young players of today ready and willing to make the sacrifices to become world-class players? Could it be Sloane Stephens or perhaps Victoria Duval or Taylor Townsend? What about Tornado Alicia Black? Or Catherine Cartan Bellis, aka CiCi, the 15-year-old native of California who stole the hearts of American tennis fans after winning over 12th seed Dominka Cibulkova and became the youngest woman to win a match the U.S. Open?
Young CiCi was pleased when fans chanted her name and thanked them for boosting her energy. “I love when people watch me,” said CiCi.
CiCi is protecting her amateur status, so she has shunned accepting tournament green. In the event her career doesn’t take off, by refusing to accept money, CiCi will remain an amateur so as to be eligible to play tennis at the collegiate level. Although she lost her second-round match, CiCi had already won the hearts of the fans at the US Open with her infectious baby-like smile and pleasant demeanor.
Sloane Stephens, the second highest ranked American player (21) behind Serena and Venus, was eliminated after her less-than-inspiring 6-0, 6-0 second-round loss to Sweden’s Johanna Larson. Last seen, she was probably on the way back to her Coral Springs, Fla., home. The question now is can she shed the demons that seem to be suffocating her career?