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Madrid Open: Who Is Aryna Sabalenka’s Next Opponent? Meet America’s Robin Montgomery, Who Created US Open History as a Junior Player

Published 04/28/2024, 7:57 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

As Aryna Sabalenka prepares to defend her Madrid Open title, she meets a new opponent in the form of Robin Montgomery. With the Australian Open champion set to clash with the 19-year-old, tennis enthusiasts are buzzing with curiosity about the young talent poised to challenge the two-time Grand Slam champion.

The 2004-born American sensation has made remarkable progress in her tennis career and set records as a junior. Montgomery’s career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 143 and her best doubles ranking of No. 119, both achieved on September 11, 2023, attest to her ability and potential on the court. Throughout her career, she has won four doubles titles and three singles titles at ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour events.

 

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In the few days following her 17th birthday celebration, Montgomery made tennis history as a junior player by securing victory in the US Open junior girls’ singles final. Montgomery later extended her winning streak by capturing the US Open junior girls’ doubles title. It was the first time a player had swept both titles at the US Open since 2004, so this double victory was noteworthy.

The 19-year-old’s accomplishment is also historically significant because it makes her the first American player to accomplish such a spectacular clean win at the renowned tournament since Lindsay Davenport in 1992. In addition, she was given a wildcard entry into the Indian Wells qualifying tournament, where she made it to the main draw. Montgomery also earned wildcards for Miami’s qualifying rounds and made waves as a main draw wildcard entry at the Madrid Open.

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The 19-year-old moved on to the third round for the first time at this level of competition, defeating Elina Avanesyan and the 26th seed, Katie Boulter, in outstanding displays of skill and willpower. On the other hand, back in 2021, in an interview, she opened up about her athletic goals that she would like to follow.

When Montgomery revealed her tennis goals 

In an interview with Andscape, while making an entry into the professional world of tennis, Robin Montgomery stated, “Get a lot of matches on the pro tour, and gain some experience. I have goals of winning a Slam and becoming a top-5 player. After seeing what Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez did in reaching the US Open finals, it just goes to show that anything can happen in women’s tennis.” 

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Even though Montgomery respects the accomplishments of Leylah Fernandez and Emma Raducanu, she is unwavering in her resolve to forge her own route and add to the magnificence of women’s tennis. She barely made her professional debut a year before, but she made a big impression at the 2020 US Open when she lost her first-round match to Yulia Putintseva.

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Moreover, what are your thoughts on the world number two-ranked tennis player’s young American opponent? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Pratishtha Prakash

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Pratishtha Prakash, tennis writer and resident analyst at EssentiallySports isn't just a sports journalist; she's a storyteller who found her true calling in tennis content. It is something she seamlessly integrates into both her professional and personal realms. Having professional certifications in content and digital marketing, Pratishtha has made it a habit to hone her skills as a quality journalist.
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Edited by:

Arunima Bhanot