Sept. 9, 2011
Vanderbilt freshman Marie Casares advanced today in the junior girls’ doubles at the US Open with partner Valeria Patiuk, defeating Makoto Ninomiya and Risa Ozaki 7-6, 1-6, 1-0 in the first round of play.
“I think for her to endure a two-day rain delay and then she’s had to play outdoors the first day, then wait and play indoors, now outdoors again, it speaks to her adaptability, which is a great thing for a tennis player to have,” said Commodores head coach Geoff Macdonald.
This is Casares’ third Slam event this year, having competed in the junior events at Wimbledon and the French Open before playing at the US Open. She won her first round singles match before being eliminated in the second round by Taylor Townsend, 6-7 and 1-6.
She and Patiuk will play Samantha Crawford and Catherine Harrison, who won their first match by walkover, in round two.
