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Hailey Baptiste, Ann Li are first Americans in Madrid Open Round of 16
TL;DR
Hailey Baptiste and Ann Li have made history as the first American women to reach the Round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open. Their performances highlight the growing depth of talent among American women in tennis.
Key points
- Hailey Baptiste and Ann Li reached the Round of 16 at the Madrid Open
- They are the first American women to achieve this feat
- Baptiste dominated her match against Paolini
Hailey BaptisteAnn LiMutua Madrid Open
The depth of talented American women in WTA tennis is astounding, evidenced by the performances of Hailey Baptiste and Ann Li at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday.
Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, and Madison Keys are Grand Slam champions. Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula are Grand Slam finalists. Teenager Iva Jovic is rising in the rankings. It is not often fans are talking about Baptiste and Li.
That is about to change as Baptiste and Li find themselves in the Round of 16.
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World No. 32 Baptiste dominated Paolini
Baptiste, 24, is not a one win wonder. On Saturday, she defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets and recorded an astonishing 14 aces in the process. The Washington, DC native has also beaten Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko this year.
On Monday, she will play Belinda Bencic for the first time.
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World No. 34 Li kept her composure against Swiatek
Li, 25, recorded her first-ever Top 5 win against Iga Swiatek on Saturday. While Swiatek was dealing with an illness, all credit goes to Li for keeping her composure and staying the course against a player who was pushing herself to the physical limit.
There are times when players get distracted if their opponents are struggling physically, but that was not the case for Li who is a native of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
She will face Leylah Fernandez on Monday. Li has beaten Fernandez in both of their previous meetings, including last year in Madrid in the Round of 64.
Q&A
Who are the first American women to reach the Round of 16 at the Madrid Open?
Hailey Baptiste and Ann Li are the first American women to reach the Round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open.
What notable achievements do American women tennis players have at the Madrid Open?
American women like Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, and Madison Keys are Grand Slam champions, showcasing the depth of talent in the sport.
How did Hailey Baptiste perform in her match at the Madrid Open?
Hailey Baptiste dominated her match against Paolini, contributing to her advancement to the Round of 16.