SANCHEZ CAPTURES $75,000 ITF SINGLES TITLE

Rookie pro Maria Sanchez continued her stellar season in 2012 by capturing the singles championship at the Coleman Vision $75,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event in Albuquerque, New Mexico last weekend.  Sanchez battled through some tough early rounds before turning up her game in the latter stages of the tournament, as evidenced by the 6-1, 6-1 win in the final over Lauren Davis. 

Sanchez catapulted to No. 149 in the world off the strength of the win.  The former USC star has now ascended over 530 positions in the world rankings since January. 

Sanchez and doubles partner Irina Falconi also reached the doubles final at the Coleman Vision, pushing Sanchez to the brink of a top 100 doubles ranking.  

COHEN FORCES NO. 1 SEED INTO SUBMISSION IN BAKU

http://www.wtatennis.com/news/20120724/seeds-continue-to-fall-in-baku_2256076_2859376

FALCONI BLOGS FOR WORLD TEAM TENNIS

http://video.wtt.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26900

SANCHEZ FEATURED ON ESPN DEPORTES

ESPN Deportes recently chronicled Maria Sanchez's rapid ascent in the world rankings and her quest to compete at the 2012 U.S. Open.  The interview and shoot took place in Los Angeles where Maria was training at her old USC stomping grounds while on break from tournament play:

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/broadband/video/clipDeportes?id=1544379&categoryid=834453&cc=3888 

Falconi Signs With ASICS

ASICS SIGNS FORMER GEORGIA TECH STAR IRINA FALCONI

Irvine, CA (May 14, 2012) – Global sports brand ASICS has announced the signing of professional tennis player Irina Falconi to its burgeoning tennis division.  The deal will make ASICS the exclusive, worldwide apparel and footwear partner of the 22-year old American through 2013.

In her first full season on tour in 2011, Falconi attained a career high of No. 73 in the world and reached the third round of the U.S. Open.  In addition to upsetting No. 14th seeded Dominika Cibulkova in the second round, the result was notable because Falconi was raised in Manhattan and learned to play tennis on municipal New York City courts.

Falconi turned professional following her sophomore season at Georgia Tech, where was the national collegiate player of the year. 

Falconi, who trains and resides in Atlanta, GA, was born in Ecuador and speaks fluent Spanish.  She is currently the highest ranked South-American born player in the world. 

Away from the court, Falconi is renowned for her colorful player blogs.  She is currently a resident blogger on www.wta.com.  

Fans and media can also follow Falconi on Twitter at @irinafalconi.