Professional Tennis Returns to Midland as 2021 Dow Tennis Classic Kicks Off

MIDLAND, Mich. (Nov. 1, 2021) - By: Thomas Cluck

Monday was a special day at the Greater Midland Tennis Center as professional tennis officially returned to Midland for the first time in over 18 months with day one of the Dow Tennis Classic kicking off.

Michigan’s only professional tennis tournament saw a busy day of action to mark its return, the first edition of the event since the pro tennis circuit was abruptly stopped in March of 2020 due to the coronavirus, a milestone day for all involved with the event.

Day one was marked by the number one seed and 2018 champion Madison Brengle of the US headlining play in an intriguing all-American matchup with her countrywoman Asia Muhammad. Brengle, number 71 in the world on the WTA, overcame a tough opening set loss with two strong sets in the second and third to move on 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 and book a spot in the second round where another American awaits, the always tough Sachia Vickery.

Vickery overcame a very talented young opponent, 2021 US Open Girls doubles champion and USTA Girls 18’s singles winner Ashlyn Krueger, in her opening round today as well, advancing 6-4, 7-6.

The American success continued as Katrina Scott, one of the US’ top young players, knocked out the three seed Madison Inglis of Australia in impressive fashion 6-4, 6-4 while Robin Anderson earned a strong victory over the German veteran Tatjana Maria 7-5, 7-5.

Danielle Lao won the other all-American showdown of the day over eighth seed Hailey Baptiste in a battle, moving on 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 while Hanna Chang of the US fell to Japan’s Kurumi Nara 7-6, 6-3.

Day two figures to be an exciting one tomorrow as young American talent will be on full display all day with 2019 champion Caty McNally of Ohio taking on recent US Open Girls doubles finalist Reese Brantmeier of Wisconsin in the night session. The day session sees more exciting US talent as the other half of Brantmeier’s recent US Open junior doubles final Elvina Kalieva faces 2017 junior French Open champion Whitney Osiguwe followed by second seed Misaki Doi’s opening match against the 19 year-old California native Katie Volynets.