Allentown's Own Upset Queen

Varvara Lepchenko, who was born in Uzbekistan but lives in Allentown, Pa., and as a longtime resident of the United States is allowed to represent it on tour, pulled off one of the biggest upset on Day 1 of the French Open.

The 85th-ranked Lepchenko authored the biggest upset of a windy, sunny day short on big names at the only Grand Slam tournament that begins on a Sunday, eliminating 18th-seeded Flavia Pennetta of Italy 6-3, 2-6, 6-3.

She now faces Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who despite being the 34th ranked player in the world entered this year’s tournament as the highest-ranked American woman. Mattek-Sands came back to beat Arantxa Parra Santonja of Spain 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Either Mattek-Sands or Lepchenko -- who arrived in Paris with a 7-11 record this season -- will be the first woman from the United States other than a Williams sister to reach the third round at Roland Garros since 2006.

The two American hopefuls face off sometime later in the week.


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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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