17 Year Old American Ashlyn Krueger Breaks Through to the Indian Wells 2022 Main Draw

After an intriguing Australian Open, we are into an action-packed month of March. The ‘Sunshine Double’ takes place this month as tennis fans around the globe are in for a treat. Further, the qualifying rounds for the women’s singles concluded today, and we have a surprise entry into the main draw of the women’s singles.

American teenager Ashlyn Krueger qualifies for the main draw of Indian Wells 2022

Earlier today, 17-year-old Ashlyn Krueger qualified for the women’s singles main draw. She defeated compatriot Christina McHale 1-6, 6-4, 6-0 to make it to the big stage.

It was an extraordinary comeback by the American teenager after being a set down. McHale began the first set in dominating fashion, giving the young American little opportunities on her serve. Moreover, McHale was solid in return games, creating five break point opportunities on Krueger’s serves. The 29-year-old converted two break points to eventually win the first set 6-1.

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Further, McHale was in for a surprise as Krueger came back strongly in the match. The second set was in stark contrast to the first set as the American teenager found some rhythm on McHale’s serves. She broke her opponent thrice in the second set. Although Krueger was broken twice, she leveled the match by winning the second set 6-4.

The third set was one-way traffic as the 17-year-old continued the momentum in the deciding set. She converted all the three breakpoints that were up on the offer as she completed a bagel in the third set to enter the main draw. Earlier, in the first qualifying round, Krueger had defeated Panna Udvardy of Hungary. She will be up against Yulia Putintseva in the first round.

Krueger’s tennis career

The American teenager had a breakthrough 2021 season. She partnered with Robin Montgomery to win the US Open girls’ doubles title. Further, her consistent run in ITF tournaments earned her a wildcard entry into the main draw of the US Open. However, she went down fighting against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in the first round.

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Further, she was also handed a wildcard entry at last year’s BNP Paribas Open, although she lost in the opening round. She has steadily climbed the WTA ranking charts and is currently ranked 209th in the world. Can she cause a massive upset in Indian Wells?