Kristina kucova blog. Us open 2016.

Kristina Kucova established herself as one of the biggest breakout stars of this summer, but she’s now looking to make the US Open her coming out party at a Grand Slam.

The 26-year-old Slovak is the top seed in this year’s US Open qualifying. Facing off against scrappy American Sachia Vickery on Wednesday, Kucova regrouped after a mid-match surge from her opponent and raced to a 5-0 lead in the final set before moving into the second round, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.

“After the second set, I took a break and just told myself to relax,” said Kucova. “We played once before and it went three sets, so I knew it was going to be a tough match. I’m just really happy that I was able to get through in the end.”