Northwestern University Athletics
Grier Falls In Wimbledon Qualifying
6/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
June 15, 2004
WIMBLEDON, England - Northwestern's Cristelle Grier knew she would have her hands full in her first-round match at the Wimbledon 2004 Ladies' Qualifying Championship. However, in the end it was her opponent, Alexandra Stevenson, who had her hands full.
Stevenson -- a veteran of five Wimbledons, including a run to the semifinal round in 1999 -- needed all she could muster to earn the win in Tuesday's first round match against Grier. The Northwestern sophomore won the first set, 7-5, but could not put the match away in dropping the second and third sets by twin 6-4 scores.
Stevenson is the 15th seed in this week's 96-player field; the final 12 qualify for the Wimbledon Ladies' Championship, which begins next week at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and is considered the most prestigious tennis event in the world.
This was Grier's fourth appearance at the Wimbledon Qualifying Tournament; last year, following her freshman season at Northwestern, she won a first-round match before falling in the second round.
