April 4, 2016
If you’ve watched Vanderbilt senior Frances Altick play tennis, you’ve walked away from the match inspired.
The National Champion plays each of her matches relentlessly, with guts and grit. In her WTA debut at the Volvo Car Open against No. 86 in the world Alison Riske, the Monroe, La. native continued the trend against the pro.
“The whole time I was walking around the site and couldn’t stop smiling,” said Altick. “I don’t think players are supposed to take pictures of other players (laughing), but I was pretty impressed watching Venus (Williams) Angelique Kerber and Eugenie Bouchard hit next to me. Eating lunch next to them in the players’ lounge and sharing a locker room with them was pretty unreal.”
Altick entered the Althea Gibson Club Court Monday afternoon to a standing ovation, as excitement and a small amount of nerves continued to settle in.
“Walking in a definitely had some adrenaline pumping”, said Altick. “I was just trying to soak it all in and enjoy it. The whole experience has been pretty surreal. “I wish I had played better, but she (Alison Riske) played really well and stepped it up when I got close. I’ll definitely learn from playing against her… what it was like and where my weaknesses are. I was frustrated today, but honestly had a blast. It was really fun to hear from my teammates that they were watching and cheering for me from Nashville.”
Riske was the perfect initiate into the world of pro tennis for Altic, as sister, Sarah, was a four-time All-American for the Commodores, playing for Geoff Macdonald from 2000-2003.
Utilizing her strong forehand and both sides of the court, Riske took an early 5-0 lead. The Commodore fought hard and took advantage of several deuce points to take three consecutive games before falling in the first set, 6-3.
Altick opened up the second set holding serve and earning the 1-0 lead. Riske responded taking three games before Altick would take her last game of the match. Riske, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. walked away from the match victorious, 6-3, 6-2. The pro takes on seven-time Grand Slam champion, Venus Williams, tomorrow afternoon.
“I knew what Franny was capable of,” said Risk. “I know that she is a great tennis player and an awesome fighter so it’s not over until it’s over. I was just happy to finish it off. I signed with Vanderbilt in ’09, and she plays there now. I’m excited for her to one day be on tour.”
Altick and Riske share a hug at the net following the match.
Altick receives the first serve of the match.
