AMERICANS RISE TO THE OCCASION AND BOOK QUARTERFINAL SPOTS AT DOW TENNIS CLASSIC

MIDLAND, Mich., February 1, 2018 - Madison Brengle, Jamie Loeb, and Jennifer Brady all booked quarterfinal spots at the Dow Tennis Classic, keeping the hopes for an American champion alive.

In the first match of the day, wildcard and No. 3 seed Madison Brengle defeated Julia Boserup 6-2, 6-2. Brengle made quick work of her fellow American, breaking her five times and closing out the match in just over an hour.

Brengle now faces No. 8 seed Evgeniya Rodina. Rodina defeated qualifier and 2017 semifinalist Katherine Sebov 6-3, 7-5.

Later in the day, No. 2 seed Jennifer Brady defeated Francoise Abanda 6-4, 6-2. After Brady took an early lead in the first set, Abanda was able to find her groove and battle back. But Brady was able to get back into her game, and serve well. The highest-ranked American in the draw was able to fire in seven aces and close out the match, feeling confident and ready for the quarterfinals on Friday.

“I’m really happy to get the win and I am just looking to improve each day and play better,” said Brady.

Brady will now take on another Canadian, Bianca Vanessa Andreescu. Andreescu was leading No. 5 seed Sachia Vickery, 6-1, 1-0, before Vickery was forced to retire.

In the featured night match, Jamie Loeb came out strong against No. 4 seed Sofia Kenin. She made quick work of Kenin, breezing past her 6-3, 6-2.

This is Loeb’s second time competing in Midland and she has matched her 2016 performance of making the quarterfinals. Loeb will now look to continue her run at the title as she faces Carol Zhao. Zhao defeated Irina Maria Bara, 6-2, 6-1.

Also advancing to the quarterfinals were No. 1 seed Mihaela Buzarnescu and Rebecca Peterson. Quarterfinal action at the Dow Tennis Classic gets underway at 10 a.m. Friday.