Export native Luciana Perry playing for berth in U.S. Tennis Open

Luciana Perry has never attended the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in Flushing, N.Y.

But the Export native can earn a trip to play in the prestigious event if she reaches the finals at The American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the USTA national campus in Orlando, Fla.

She is one of four college women players selected to compete for a spot in the Open.

The three-time NCAA Division I All-American singles player from Ohio State, a junior, was selected along with North Carolina’s Reese Brantmeier, Michigan’s Piper Charney and Tennessee’s Katrina Scott.

Brantmeier earned an automatic berth because she reached the NCAA singles finals.

The others named were based on several criteria, including season match record, ITA rankings, ATP/WTA ranking, professional and head-to-head results.

“A committee looked at my credentials and decided which players earned a spot,” said Perry, who will play Scott in the semifinals.

“Katrina played professional. I have never played against her. This is her first year at Tennessee. I have played a lot against Piper. I know her well and we are friends, and I have played once against Reese.”

Perry was the second Buckeye to win three-time All-American honors.

Her father, Craig, grew up in Florida and played tennis at Rollins College before moving to Pittsburgh to teach the sport at a club in Monroeville.

Her mother, Mariana, hails from Argentina and came to the States to play tennis at Duquesne.

Perry attended Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.

She was also an All-American doubles player.

And getting a chance to play in the Open would be a dream come true.

“It would mean a lot to play in the Open,” Perry said. “Ever since I was a little kid I have wanted to play. It is my favorite of the four slams.

“It would mean a lot to go and represent the United States. I want to play at Arthur Ashe.”

Perry said she is an aggressive player who likes to use her power game to her advantage.

“I have to stick to my routines and process,” Perry said. “I play my best when I am having fun.”