Northwestern University Athletics
Grier Will Play in Wimbledon Qualifier This Week
6/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
June 14, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern women's tennis player Cristelle Grier (Surrey, England/Putney), who earned her second Big Ten Player of the Year honor this season and advanced to the NCAA Singles quarterfinal round for the second time in as many years, was one of eight women to receive a bid to play in the Wimbledon 2004 Ladies' Qualifying Singles Championship.
Wimbledon 2004 Ladies' Qualifying Draw in PDF Format
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Grier -- the sixth player in Big Ten history to earn Player of the Year honors twice -- begins qualifying play Tuesday (June 15) against Alexandra Stevenson. Stevenson is the 15th seed in the 96-player Qualifying field; she has played in five Wimbledon championships, advancing to the semifinal round in 1999.
"Earning another wildcard illustatres just how successful Cristelle has been in college," said NU head coach Claire Pollard. "She has a tough draw, but an exciting opportunity, which I know she'll do her best to take advantage of."
Grier returns home for her fourth appearance in the Wimbledon qualifying round -- her house is only a 30-minute drive from the Championships site. She pre-qualified the two years before she arrived at Northwestern, and has merited a wild-card for her play both years with the Wildcats.
Grier finished the 2004 collegiate season with a 40-5 singles record, setting a school record for wins in a season. She also finished 10-0 against Big Ten opponents during the regular season, as well as 20-3 against ranked opponents, and she compiled a 19-match winning streak. Grier also won the ITA National Indoor Doubles Championship with partner Jessica Rush during the fall; the duo advanced to the quarterfinal round at the NCAA Championships last month.
