Ashley Harkleroad has emerged back on the scene of the women's pro circuit taking a three set victory in the finals of the 2005 Yum! Brands/Pepsi-Cola 50K in Louisville, KY. Harkleroad took a nine month break from tennis after being ranked 40th in the world because of a torn ligament in her right elbow. She entered the tournament as a wild card and earned the championship title with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-0 victory over second seeded Severine Beltrame of France.
"I'm just excited to be out here and enjoying playing tennis," said Harkleroad after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection during tournament play. "This has been a big week for me. I've overcome a lot of obstacles. I thank God because I really thought I was going to be on the floor (sick) for a while. I didn't think I'd be able to get up. But I got up and was able to play well these past two matches."
The 20-year old star from Georgia entered the tournament ranked 155th and is hoping for a wild card entry into the U.S. Open later next month.