Alpharetta native Falconi Rolls On In US Open

In just a little over a year, Alpharetta native Irina Falconi has made it to the big time on the pro tennis tour.

Having turned pro in July 2010 after a stellar college career at Georgia Tech, Falconi has risen nearly 500 spots in the rankings since then to her current standing of No. 76. On Wednesday afternoon, Falconi introduced herself to the tennis world with a monumental upset at the US Open, upsetting world No. 14 Dominika Cibulkova on Arthur Ashe Stadium with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory in the second round.

“People always ask what it’s like to play on Arthur Ashe and you just can’t really explain it,” said Falconi. “There are no words. It’s absolutely the best moment of my career so far.”

Down 4-2 in the final set, Falconi used her brand of counterpunching tennis to frustrate Cibulkova, mixing up the pace and depth of her shots to win three consecutive games.

Serving for the match at 5-4, nerves got the better of Falconi as she hit three straight unforced errors to give away the game. However, a pair of well-timed volleys in the next game gave Falconi the one game advantage right back and she made good on her second try at closing things out, flicking an angled forehand passing shot.

After clinching the match, Falconi pulled an American flag out of her bag and waved it in celebration on the center court.

“I’ve so heard much about the media talking about American tennis and really wanted to portray that there’s a huge wave of young players,” said Falconi. “I strongly believe in all that is USA and wanted to represent it.”

In her first 12 months on tour, Falconi produced extremely consistent results by qualifying for all four Grand Slam events, winning rounds at WTA events in Charleston, South Carolina and Brussels, Belgium, and reaching the finals of two USTA Pro Circuit events, the equivalent of the minor leagues in baseball.

This summer, Falconi reached her first WTA semifinal at a tournament in Washington, DC. She credits her rapid rise up the rankings to her coach and trainer, Jeff and Kim Wilson.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better combination,” said Falconi. “Kim helps with my fitness and nutrition, and Jeff takes care of all the tennis. I definitely wouldn’t be here now without them.”

Falconi is scheduled to play Sabine Lisicki of Germany on Friday and is also still alive in the mixed doubles event with fellow American Steve Johnson, having won their first round match on Thursday night. Despite this US Open being the best result of her career, Falconi said she is far from satisfied.

“It’s too soon to celebrate,” said Falconi. “There’s still five more matches left to win the tournament and there’s still mixed. This is definitely a fortnight and it’s not over yet. My team and I are just so excited for what’s to come.”