Burdette's Memorable U.S. Open Run Ends With Loss To Sharapova

In addition to reaching the U.S. Open third round, Burdette has won two singles titles this summer.

	Appearing as a wildcard in her first career Grand Slam, Burdette caught everyone's attention this week.

Aug. 31, 2012

NEW YORK- Senior Mallory Burdette dropped a 6-1, 6-1 decision to Maria Sharapova on Friday afternoon in the third round of the U.S. Open, concluding a memorable tournament run while essentially fueling a week-long publicity campaign for the Stanford women's tennis program.

Appearing as a wildcard in her first career Grand Slam, Burdette caught everyone's attention following a pair of convincing straight-set victories to open the tournament. Playing in a featured television match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Burdette had quickly become one of the tournament's early fan favorites, profiled on ESPN.com and The Tennis Channel.

After battling a stomach virus since late Thursday night, Burdette was unfortunately not at the top of her game on Friday. However, it may not have mattered against Sharapova, a four-time Grand Slam champion currently also ranked No. 3 in the world.

Instead, Burdette continued what has been a successful summer of competition on the pro circuit, gaining valuable experience while testing her game against the sport's elite players. In just the last three months, Burdette has collected singles crowns at the Hospital Tennis Classic ($10,000 USTA Pro Circuit) and Odlum Brown Vancouver Open ($200,000 USTA Pro Circuit), which earned her the main draw U.S. Open wildcard.

Burdette At 2012 U.S. Open
Main Draw First Round d. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) 6-4, 6-3
Main Draw Second Round: d. Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 6-2, 6-4
Main Draw Second Round: lost to (3) Maria Sharapova (RUS) 6-1, 6-1

Back in July, Burdette picked up her first career WTA victory in the Bank of the West Classic opening round before hanging tough early on against 10th-ranked Marion Bartoli in a 7-5, 6-0 loss.

A two-time NCAA doubles champion, Burdette teamed with junior Nicole Gibbs to win this year's title one season after bringing home the 2011 crown with Hilary Barte. The 2012 NCAA singles runner-up to Gibbs, Burdette has compiled a 104-22 overall singles record in three seasons.

Meanwhile, the Stanford women's tennis program was well represented at this week's U.S. Open, with Gibbs emerging as one of the best young players in the game. Also earning a wildcard into the main draw as the 2012 NCAA singles champion, Gibbs suffered a loss in her first round match on Tuesday but her stock continues to rise after winning the Colorado International ($50,000 ITF Pro Circuit) in July as a qualifier. Earlier this summer, Gibbs experienced the challenge of squaring off against 14-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Burdette and Gibbs were also scheduled to compete against the duo of Serena Williams and Venus Williams on Wednesday in the opening round before Gibbs withdrew from competition.