Klahn Advances In U.S. Open Tennis Qualifying Round

After getting off to a slow start, Poway's Bradley Klahn rebounded in style to record the first professional singles win of his tennis career at the U.S. Open in New York.

Competing in the first round of the event's qualifying tournament against fellow American and wildcard recipient Tennys Sandgren, Klahn lost the first set after an error-ridden performance in the tiebreaker, but found the range on his serves and passing shots as he ultimately cruised in the final two sets, advancing into the next round with a 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 win.

"To win a match in the pros at any level is a big deal, but to have my first one be at the U.S. Open makes it even more special," said Klahn.

While both players had high first-serve percentages in the opening set of the match, they struggled to produce long rallies and committed numerous unforced errors. They remained on serve to lead into the tiebreaker, but a pair of missed forehands by Klahn sent him down 4-1. Klahn threw in a double fault to end the tiebreaker (7-1) and give Sandgren the first set.

"Tennys was playing well in the beginning, but I think that we were both overwhelmed by the occasion a little bit," said Klahn. "Once that first set ended, I started to feel a little more comfortable with everything and relax more."

Sandgren rushed the net repeatedly throughout the match, but Klahn began to find the range on his passing shots in the second set, rifling a backhand past Sandgren at the net in the opening game to secure the first service break of the match.

"Getting that break of serve away was pretty key in changing the momentum of the match," said Klahn.

Sandgren's flat ground strokes, which barely cleared the net all match, began to find their way into the net as he grew more frustrated. A poorly executed drop shot by Sandgren gave the Poway native another break of serve at 5-2, and he closed out the second set with a forehand up the line.

Feeling the effects of the hot conditions and his opponent's game, Sandgren began to appear visibly fatigued to start the third set, with a double fault down a break point giving Klahn an immediate break of serve to lead 1-0. Klahn broke serve once again midway through the set to go up 4-1, and then closed out the match with a backhand winner on his first match point.

"I just want to stay focused and keep going in this tournament and hopefully qualify for the main draw," said Klahn. "I'm not satisfied with just this match."

Klahn is currently the No. 1 singles player at Stanford University, where he will be entering his senior year. His second-round qualifying match at the U.S. Open is scheduled for Thursday.