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Eleana Yu created a strong bond with the athletic trainers at the USTA Girls 18 National Championships in San Diego.

Whether it was getting taped before matches, asking for medical timeouts during matches or getting treatment after matches, Yu valued the work they did to help keep her body going.

Singles Champion Eleana Yu
© J. Fred Sidhu

After the fourth-seeded Mason, Ohio native captured the singles title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over No. 17 Valerie Glozman (Bellevue, Washington) at Barnes Tennis Center, the trainers requested a gift and Yu happily complied. She left them a signed pair of her shoes as a souvenir and token of appreciation.

They shared in Yu’s excitement about the 17-year-old blue chip senior earning a wild card into the main draw of the US Open women’s singles.

“It still feels a little surreal to know that I get the opportunity to go to the US Open,” Yu said. “But I am beyond grateful to have the chance to be able to do that. It’s a dream come true.”