At the practice court, Natalie is readying herself to leave for Cali on Thursday. Many Thanks to Anne for a buddy pass. We def couldn't be doing all this without all the wonderful help that we are receiving. Maybe one day soon, we can stop begging because some sponsors will fall from the sky. And ...Or....Natalie will be well on her way up the rankings ladder and to the WTAs.
Currently, Nat is fourth out of the main for the FSP Gold River Women's 50K Challenger. She has a really good chance of making the main for she is the second American out. Which means a possible wild card into the main.
The main's makeup of talent ranges from 130th in the world to 441. With the qualifying draw's range being 443 through non ranked. Natalie's highest ranking thus far is her current ranking of 484 in the world.
Following the Gold River tourney, Natalie will meet me in Seattle on July 5th. We will drive over to Yakima, Washington, where she will hopefully participate in their second annual Yakima Regional Hospital 50K Challenger. We loved it there last year and are looking forward to the cherry harvest.
However, the make up of the draws is crazy tough. As of yesterday, Natalie was 31 spots out of the qualifying draw, today she is 24 out. Guess some players are coming back from grass season in England. The main's makeup of talent ranges from 90th in the world to 207th. With the qualifying draw's range being 214 through 344. A vast difference then the draw make up of the Sacramento tourney.
Another bit of interesting info would be that Yakima is the first of three tourneys involved with a US Open Wildcard bid. The American player, that gathers the most main draw ranking points at the three tourneys will secure a wild card. The tournaments are Yakima, Portland and Lexington. Last year, Burdette won the wildcard with her great run at the third tourney in that year's trifecta. BTW...Burdette will be someone you will get to know more, watch for her at the US Open.
As for doubles, Natalie will play with Jackie Cako. You may remember their success last year. Winning the 25K at Rock Hill and the 75K in Phoenix. Not to mention a finals appearance at the Vancouver 100K, their first outing together. Jackie graduated in May and is now free to play with Natalie on a full time basis. Fingers crossed for their future successes!
I have to give a few shout outs....first to Emily Harman for her first 10K doubles title, second to Sanaz Marand for her 25K win in El Paso and her great run at the tourneys before that, Allison Riske who is doing well on the grass courts of England and won her first round of Wimbledon. (yes the opponent stopped match due to injury, but because Allie has done well at tourneys prior to it, she was given a wild card....and.....hey....its her first "W" at "W".....woot!) These three American players are friends of Natalie and def make hers and my tourney travels fun! So Congrats Ladies!
There's the lil yellow ball's update for now, so until it commences.....Love and Blessings...Sherry
