Englewood Teen Makes Wimbledon Debut Tuesday

Taylor Townsend squares off against 31st-seeded Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic

Chicago's Taylor Townsend begins her quest for Wimbledon glory Tuesday.

The 18-year-old from Englewood -- who got a wild-card invitation into the field -- will need to be on her game immediately as she squares off against 31st-seeded Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic at 10 a.m.

Townsend burst on the national scene at the French Open last month, winning two matches against seeded opponents and being the youngest player since 2003 to reach that level.

Wimbledon's grass courts may actually be more suited to her old-school serve-and-volley game.

Townsend learned her game at the South Side's XS Tennis program, but now trains with former tennis star Zina Garrison.

She won the girls singles and doubles titles at the 2012 juniors Australian Open and became the first American since 1982 to hold the year-end No. 1 junior ranking.
 

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