One of my favorite tournaments is starting Aug. 18 and it's the US Open National Playoffs, held this year on the Yale campus in New Haven, Connec. 16 Men's & Women's Regional Winners will compete for a wild card spot in US Open qualifying in Flushing Meadows, days before the Open. During the next week, I'll profile several of the regional winners.
Eric Quigley won the Midwest Region for the 2nd year in a row, defeating current Miami University of Ohio Women's Tennis assistant coach and former pro, Ricardo Rosas 6-0, 6-1. Quigley is from Pewee Valley, Ky. and plays for Kentucky. The 22-year-old is a three-time All-American and this past season, he finished No. 7 in the nation. Last year, after winning the Midwest region, he lost in the 1st round of the US Open National Playoffs. Quigley has played in numerous futures and challengers the last couple of years. Quigley plays against former top 160 in singles and top 60 in doubles, Nathan Healey in the 1st round.
Here is the Q&A:
1.What are your expectations, considering last year you finished in the top 16?
---My expectations this year is to simply play my game and focus on what I do best, However making the sweet 16 last year will help me this year knowing what to expect going into the tournament this year.
2. What preparations are you making for the championships in New Haven?
---I am playing many tournaments before the championships in new Haven. This will help me be match tough which will be important in the sweet 16 in New Haven!
3. How has your game changed in the past year?
---My serve and movement have really developed in the past year! I have put a lot of emphasis on those 2 aspects of my game. However, I think my overall game is improving constantly.
4. How familiar are you with the other regional champions?
---I glanced through the list of sectional champions and some of the names I am familiar with. I am positive that all the competition in this tournament will be very strong, Just like last year!
5. Do you feel that no matter what the result, how much confidence has this tournament given you?
---Winning my section alone gave me a lot of confidence, being able to win the mid west region 2 years in a row is something that i am proud of!
6. How has playing futures and challengers helped you?
---Playing futures and challengers has really helped me improve my overall game. Playing tough competition has made me mentally stronger! Which will only help for New Haven.
7. What would it be like for you if you won and get to qualify at the US Open?
---To get to be apart of the US Open and be that much closer to the main draw of the US Open is a dream of mine since I was a little kid!..
For more info on the US Open National Playoffs, click here.
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