American youngsters, Jesse Levine and Madison Keys, have been handed early Christmas presents from the US Tennis Association (USTA), in the form of wildcard entries to the upcoming Australian Open. The development means that the United States has filled its quota of wildcards of the first Grand Slam of the year.
The States, and also, the French, are allowed to put two wildcard players apiece forward for inclusion in the Aussie Open, as part of a “reciprocal agreement” between the tennis associations of Australia, and the host nations of the French and US Opens. However, wildcards must be fought for by eligible players.
Prior to the start of major tournaments, the USTA hosts a series of play-offs to determine which individuals are worthy of a free pass to the next Grand Slam. The winners, Keys and Levine, defeated Gail Brodsky and Robby Ginepri, respectively, to secure a shot at the Australian Open. Those placing tennis free bets will be wondering if they can cause any upsets.
Keys triumphed 6-3, 6-4 over Brodsky earlier this week. The youngster, who is alleged to have picked up a racquet to pursue an interest in tennis dresses, is famed for her vicious serve, despite being just 16-years-old. She has made collecting wildcards something of a hobby, in recent months; the Illinois-born player attended the 2011 US Open as a wildcard, as well.
Jesse Levine, 24, had the rather more difficult task of dispatching veteran tennis player, Robby Ginepri, in order to claim his wildcard. Levine triumphed 6-0, 6-2, 6-1 to book his place in the Australian Open, which begins on January 16.
The occasion will give Levine, and indeed, Keys, the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most famous faces in tennis, such as the latter player's idol, Roger Federer.
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