By Randy Walker
@TennisPublisher
Kathinka von Deichmann became the first player from the tiny nation of Liechtenstein to reach the main draw in singles at a Grand Slam tournament Friday by advancing through the qualifying rounds at the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Von Deichmann defeated Martina Trevisan of Italy 6-4, 6-3 in the final round of qualifying to join the 128-player women’s singles field at Flushing Meadows and make history for her nation.
“This, I think, means everything for everybody in Liechtenstein,” said von Deichmann of her history-making effort. “We are a really small country, but I am really proud to represent my country.”
Liechtenstein is famous for being small being only 62 square miles, roughly half the area of the New York City borough of Queens, where the U.S. Open is played. It is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north. It’s population is about 37,000 people, which is just less than the number of tennis fans who are on the grounds for a day session at the U.S. Open.
“If you think about that, it’s amazing,” she said of their being more daily fans at the US Open that citizens of her country. ”That’s even more special, I think, coming from such a small country. I’m super proud to represent Liechtenstein. What I have achieved is super cool for everybody in Liechtenstein.”
“This is the first time a person from Liechtenstein has been in a Grand Slam main draw,” she continued. “I hope small kids will look up to me and try to do the same.”
When asked what the tennis scene was like in her country, she laughed, “I’m the only player at the moment.” Liechtenstein has been represented at Grand Slam tournaments by Stephanie Vogt, but only in doubles at all four majors. Vogt lost in the finals of singles qualifying at Wimbledon in 2014 and the French Open in 2013 before retiring from pro tennis two years ago.
Von Deichmann, 24 years old, is ranked No. 166 in the world. She has won 12 ITF Pro Circuit (minor league) tournaments in her career.
Prior to the final round of qualifying, von Deichmann defeated Gail Brodsky of the United States 6-2, 6-4 in the second round and Priscilla Hon of Australia 6-0, 6-3.
