Hamner Punches Ticket to Main Draw
Cary, N.C. – South Carolina women’s tennis junior Sarah Hamner has earned her way into the main draw at the ITA All-American Championships after taking down three opponents in the qualifying draw.
Hamner, the 2021 All-American Singles Champion, is no stranger to the events’ main draw, having been in it to win the title in 2021 and advancing to the round of 16 in 2022. Her 2021 title run began in the qualifying round while in 2022 she was an automatic entry into the main draw.
At this year’s event, Hamner, ranked No. 25 by the ITA, battled through three rounds of qualifying to punch her ticket to the main draw. On Monday, Hamner defeated Colorado State’s Radka Buzkova in straight sets to earn the right to play again Tuesday.
The junior started her Tuesday off with a dominant win, taking down No. 90 Kristina Novak of Oklahoma State 6-1, 6-1 in the second round.
Later on in the third round of action, Hamner faced No. 99 Malaika Rapolu of Texas. The Gamecock was relentless, winning the match in two efficient sets, 6-4, 6-3.
The Fort Collins, Colorado, native is now on a seven-match win streak and has an overall record of 7-1. Of her seven wins, four of them have come over ranked opponents and five of them have been in straight sets.
Hamner will begin action in the main draw on Wednesday where she will be joined by No. 7 Ayana Akli who earned an automatic main draw qualification based on her ranking. Opponents and times for both matches will be announced by the ITA at a later time.
The two will also pair up to play doubles in the main draw beginning on Wednesay. The No. 10 ranked pair of Gamecocks will face No. 19 Mia Kupres and Mary Stoiana of Texas A&M at a time to be announced later.
The main draw will be streamed by Cracked Racquets on its YouTube page. Draws and results will be provided by the ITA here.
For all the latest South Carolina women’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockWTennis).
ITA All-American Championship Results
Qualifying Round 2
(25) Sarah Hamner (SC) def. (90) Kristina Novak (Okla. St.) 6-1, 6-1
Qualifying Round 3
(25) Sarah Hamner (SC) def. (99) Malaika Rapolu (Texas) 6-4, 6-3
