Rock Hill Rocks Open Begins First Round Play

Romina Oprandi, 29, of Switzerland makes a high forehand shot Tuesday in the USTA Pro Circuit women’s tennis tournament in Rock Hill, SC.  Oprandi, a baseline player, used a slice backhand and a soft drop shot to defeat hard-hitting Sofya Zhuk of Russia 7-5 6-4 in Round One of the Main Draw of the seventh annual Rock Hill Rocks Open.

Oprandi, ranked 119 in women’s singles, is the top seed in this year’s tournament.  She won the event in 2011, and she is the only singles champion who has returned to compete again in Rock Hill.  Play continues at 9:30 am Wednesday at the Rock Hill Tennis Center. (Photo by Tim Hartis)

The Rock Hill Rocks Open, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, features women tennis players from around the world competing for prize money and ranking points.  Some competitors are ranked within the top 150 players in the world.  Singles and doubles matches are held during daylight hours on the tennis center’s 11 hard, outdoor courts.  All matches are open to the public to watch for free.

The tournament director is Kim Ozmon.  The tennis center is located at 897 Maplewood Lane in Rock Hill.  This lane is located directly off Cherry Road near I-77.  For more information, contact the tennis center at 803-326-3842 or [email protected].

The USTA (United States Tennis Association) Pro Circuit is the pathway to major WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tournaments and the U.S. Open.  There are 40 women’s circuit events in the U.S. in 2015, with prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.