Mall Advances to Quarterfinals in U.S. Open Junior Division

Anne Mall of Laguna Niguel defeated Julie Steven of Wichita, Kan., to advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open junior girls’ division in New York.

Mall lost the first two games, then rallied for a 6-2, 6-1 victory.

“We had a half-hour rain delay, so it took me a while to get loose,” Mall said. “I just warmed up and then got comfortable. I really got in a groove and played as well as I can.”

After falling behind, Mall won 10 consecutive games. She dominated Steven with strong passing shots and four service aces.

Mall, who won the Canadian Open junior girls’ title last week, will play 10th-seeded Ai Sugiyami of Japan today. Sugiyami defeated Asa Carlsson of Sweden, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, on Thursday.

“She’s very consistent, so I’ll have to play as well as I did today,” Mall said.

Mall, who is playing in her first U.S. Open juniors championship, upset top-seeded Kristin Godridge of Australia in the first round. She then beat Diana Spadea of Boca Raton, Fla., in the second round.

“Today was a lot easier,” Mall said. “I think I’m getting used to this place.”