Shelby Rogers Makes Winning Return at Dow Tennis Classic

MIDLAND, Michigan, February 4, 2020 – Less than a week ago Shelby Rogers lost to Tatjana Maria in the second round of the WTA 125K Series event in Newport Beach, California. After the loss, Rogers made her way to Midland looking to turn her new year around. Taking to center court for the first featured match of the tournament, Rogers squared off against 20-year-old Kayla Day.

Rogers and Day started off slow, trading breaks, before the 27-year-old was able to find her serve and winning 67% of points on her first serve and firing in six aces.

Being a past doubles champion here in 2016, Rogers has successfully prepared herself as shown in her 6-3, 6-2 win, where she advances to the second round.
 
“I was happy with the way I played tonight,” said Rogers. “Hopefully I can keep it going.”

Earlier in the week, Rogers attended the Player Press Conference where she talked positive attitude after 13-months off the court due to injury. When talking to 16-year-old Midland native, Ellie Coleman, Rogers had one piece of advice.
 
“Really feel like you belong here,” she said. And while Coleman didn't get the win she hoped for, she walks away ready to tackle her spring schedule.

Rogers will battle it out again on Thursday, February 6th as she takes on the winner of Maria Sanchez and Marine Partaud.

Also advancing to R2 were Americans Catherine Harrison, Irina Falconi and Jamie Loeb. In qualifying Maria Mateas, Sofia Shapatava, Shilin Xu, Katie Volynets, Alycia Parks, Gabriela Talaba, Marine Partaud and Maria Sanchez all advanced to the main draw. 

Admission to day session matches (through Friday) at the Dow Tennis Classic are free. Tickets to the evening sessions, semifinals, and finals start at just $10 for juniors (age 6-18) and $15 for adults. Tickets are available by calling the Greater Midland Tennis Center at (989) 631-6151 or by visiting bit.ly/DTC20-Tickets.

The Dow Tennis Classic, a $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit event, will be held at the Greater Midland Tennis Center, February 3-9. Professional athletes from around the world will be competing for $100,000 in prize money, as well as valuable WTA Tour Ranking points. All matches can be seen on Tennis Channel Plus or at procircuit.usta.com.

Story by Gretchen Bennett