Special Feature
Halbauer Makes the Most of Opportunity in Macon
by Rick Limpert, 22 December 2014
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17-year old Ellie Halbauer discovered something about her game at the USTA Pro Circuit's 50K, Tennis Classic of Macon event in October, and it is something that all young tennis players would do well to remember.
Ellie Halbauer at the Tennis Classic of Macon
courtesy, Tom Grason
"Sometimes it's easier to play when you are down," said a smiling Halbauer after her 3-6 7-5 6-0 second round victory over fellow American and world No. 252, Asia Muhammad.
Halbauer, a resident of Daniel Island, S.C. and a wildcard entry into the tournament started out the week being ranked in the 700s, but after a 6-4 4-6 6-3 first round win over Swiss player, Conny Perrin and then the Muhammad upset, Halbauer now finds herself ranked No. 625 and moving upward.
Even though Halbauer lost her quarterfinal match against a tough WTA veteran in Petra Martic of Croatia, Halbauer said her week in Macon was filled with positives, including what is currently the best win of her young career.
"This tournament has been really great," admitted Halbauer. "Sometimes you can get a wildcard, and the draw isn't in your favor. I try not to worry about that and just play my game."
And play her game she did.
Halbauer, one of the youngest competitors in the Macon field, demonstrated the poise of the player with years of professional experience, especially when she started making her comeback down 2-5 to Muhammad in the second set by simply keeping the ball in play and relaxing.
"You get loose and (sometimes) can hit the ball wherever you want. I was able to fight back after being down. So many things go through your mind, but sometimes it's easier to play when you are down because you are free and you can just hit the ball wherever you want because it just doesn't matter."
Halbauer said she couldn't remember another instance where she had dropped a first set and was down match points before winning 11 straight games and ultimately the match.