University of Tennessee Athletics
FORMER UT TENNIS STAR VILMARIE CASTELLVI WINS $25K ITF TOURNAMENT
October 21, 2003 | Women's Tennis
Oct. 21, 2003
MEXICO CITY, Mexico
Former University of Tennessee tennis standout Vilmarie Castellvi has claimed victory at a $25,000 International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament stop in Mexico City.
Castellvi, who finished the 2003 season ranked No. 1 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, defeated #258 Kildine Chevalier of France, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(4), in the finals to claim the tournament title. Earlier in the event, Castellvi ousted No. 1 seed Nuria Llagostera Vives of Spain, currently rated #143 in the WTA Tour Rankings, 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-3, in the quarterfinals.
The former Lady Vol's other victories in the event came against #305 Gabriela Navratilova of the Czech Republic, 6-1, 7-5 in the semifinals, against #237 Melanie Marois of Canada, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in the Round of 16 and against #340 Petra Russegger of Austria, 6-2, 7-6(0) in the Round of 32.
Castellvi, a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, has been rising rapidly in the WTA Rankings since joining the professional ranks and held a rating of 319th going into the tournament.
