Liina Suurvarik has earned a wild card bid to represent Illinois State against some of the best tennis players in the world at the State Farm Womens Tennis Classic held in Scottsdale, Arizona, from Feb. 22-March 2.
The tournament, held at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess Hotel, will feature some of the top-ranked professional players in the world. Defending champion and No. 1 player Serena Williams, No. 3 Kim Clijsters, No. 8 Lindsay Davenport, and No. 12 Chanda Rubin will all be participating in this years tournament.
Suurvariks outstanding play this year that has helped earned her this wild card bid. The junior from Tallin, Estonia, is ranked No. 93 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association with a record of 20-4. This year, Suuvarik has won the Milwaukee Tennis Classic.
This is not the first year that Suurvarik is competing in the State Farm Womens Tennis Classic. Last year, Suurvarik faced Jill Craydas of the United States in the qualifying round dropping the match 6-4, 6-2.
Suurvarik is anticipating the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world.
Last year when I went I was happy to be involved in the tournament, Suurvarik said. This year if I get a good draw and play well I hope I can win a round or two.
The Redbirds head coach Chris Hoover is excited for Suurvariks opportunity to play against such great players.
It is awesome for Liina to get this chance to play against some of the best players in the world, Hoover said. This will be a great experience for her especially because this is what Liina wants to do after graduation-play professional tennis.
Suurvarik will start play in the tournament Saturday, Feb. 22.
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