Young Duval is growing in stature

Victoria Duval is growing in more than just stature.

The animated 17-year-old American bowed out of the US Open with a 6-2, 6-3 loss to Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova on Thursday before revealing she was likely to become one of the tallest player on the women's tour.

"I know I have a lot of room to grow," the 1.77-meter Duval said. "I'm still growing right now. My growth plates are still open.

"I'm not sure how that's happening. But I think once my body settles in I'll be able to work a little more on my fitness. I haven't really been able to because of injuries and growing.

"One doctor told me I will be at least six feet (1.83 meters). My grandmother was six-four."

Duval's romance with the US Open ended quickly but the Atlanta-based teenager was inspired by becoming a role model during her whirlwind 48 hours at Flushing Meadows.

Feted as the new darling of American tennis following her opening-round triumph, Duval was unable to replicate the blistering form that disposed of former Open champion Samantha Stosur when she was handed a reality check by Hantuchova in one hour and 12 minutes.

"It was overwhelming," she said of the media attention.

"Obviously winning my first round was quite an achievement. I'm just really proud that I've been able to give myself a good image on the court, and off the court.

"I was touched by all the little kids that came up to me and told me I'm their role model. I think for a 17-year-old, that's pretty cool."

(China Daily 08/31/2013 page16)