Tennis Sally's dream match-up
06 Sep 2010
Sally Peers's fairytale run at the US Open has come to an end at the hands of defending champion Kim Clijsters.
Despite falling 6-2 6-1, the Victorian teenager said it was a dream come true to play her childhood idol on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I didn't want it to end. I was having a really, really good time," Peers said.
"It was a dream come true. If there was one of the top players to choose to play, it would have been Kim for sure.
"She's an amazing person and also really nice in the locker room."
The 19-year-old accumulated three qualifying wins this week and secured her first victory in the main draw of a major with a 6-0 6-1 smashing of Aleksandra Wozniak.
Peers had her moments during her second round against Clijsters but was ultimately outclassed.
"Yeah, I think I did okay," Peers said.
"I did think I matched it with her for some of the rallies.
"Obviously she's a class player and was able to hit the corners and expose me.
"It was a real big learning curve. I was playing Kim Clijsters, the defending champion. It's not every day you get to play someone like that.
"So I was just trying to learn as much as I could and I think I got a lot out of it.
"Hopefully I can come out next year and maybe even play centre court at the other grand slams."
Clijsters tipped a bright future for Peers.
"She's a good player," Clijsters said.
"I'm going to be interested in seeing how she does. I'm definitely going to follow up on her.
"Obviously she has a good attitude, she has a good group of people around her that know a lot about tennis."
