US Open : Longoria wins, and achieves two firsts

Paola Longoria is the first Mexican and at 19 the first teenager and youngest player ever to win the US Open. On Sunday she defeated two time US Open Champion, Cheryl Gudinas Holmes, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7.

In game one, it seemed like it would be otherwise as Gudinas Holmes took the early lead at 6-2. But Longoria kept going, and tied the game at 8. Then she went on to win, 11-8.

Game two was close all the way until late, when Gudinas Holmes pulled away, winning 11-7. In game three, Longoria got the early lead at 6-1, and it was Gudinas Holmes who had to come back. She did, and got to within on at 8-7, but then Longoria finished it off, 11-7.

Early in game four, it looked like there was going to be a tie-breaker needed, as Gudinas Holmes took a 6-0 lead using straight drive serves to Longoria's backhand. But Longoria had other plans, and won 11 of the next 12 points to take the game and match 11-7.

During the match there were pinch shots that were left up by Longoria, but Gudinas Holmes just couldn't get to them today.

As the match went on, Longoria settled into her familiar serving pattern of hitting almost exclusively drive Z serves to the left side - her opponent's backhand, which successfully set up rallies for her.

Gudinas Holmes said afterwards that she thought she "played well, but [Longoria] played better."

Longoria said she was "happy to be the champion."

Women's Singles Pro - Finals: (seeding)

(5) Paola Longoria d. (2) Cheryl Gudinas Holmes, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7

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