Ashworth Announces Signing of Chen & Lazic

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke women's tennis head coach Jamie Ashworth announced the signing of Kelly Chen and Ema Lazic Thursday morning, with the duo slated to join the Blue Devil squad for the 2017-18 campaign.

“We could not be happier and more excited about the addition of Kelly and Ema to the Duke Tennis family,” Ashworth said. “Both bring a tremendous amount of international experience to our program and both will undoubtedly play extremely significant roles in the future of our program. Their commitment to being the best student-athletes both in the classroom and on the court is something that they each take pride in and will enable both to be assets to the entire Duke community. The pride, passion and love for Duke that they have shown throughout the recruiting process has been incredible and we cannot wait for them to arrive on campus in August and truly immerse themselves into the Duke culture.”

Chen, a top-10 recruit according to TennisRecruiting.net, has seen extensive action in both junior and pro circuit tournaments. The Cerritos, Calif., native earned a variety of singles titles, including at the 2013 South Carolina International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the 2013 Canadian Saville ITF U18 event. Chen also reached the final of the 2015 Pan American ITF Championship and the 2013 Canadian U18 ITF World Ranking Event over her junior career. While competing on the professional circuit, Chen downed Mary Weatherholt in straight sets to win a $10,000 event in Austin, Texas.

In doubles action, Chen wrapped up a championship run at the 2013 Canadian Saville ITF U18 and returned to action days later to reach the doubles final of the Canadian U18 ITF World Ranking Event.

“I believe that Duke will help me achieve my goals on and off the court,” Chen said. “The coaches and the staff there will be able to help me reach the highest level in my game. During my visit, the team gave me a warm welcome and showed me a lot about teamwork. I am also certain that the education at Duke will help me create many opportunities in the near future. Finally, I am very grateful for the amount of support Duke has given me.”

Lazic, a product of Queenswood, London, owns a wealth of experience competing against top competition. In 2015, Lazic claimed the ITF International singles title with a three-set victory over Hana Mraz. Lazic also played into the finals of the doubles competition at the same tournament. Lazic earned the singles title of the Vila Do Conde Junior Tennis Cup as well, defeating Alessia Welti in three sets during the competition in 2014.

In addition to her singles victories at the ITF International and the Vila Do Conde Junior Tennis Cup, Lazic has also made numerous appearances in the title match of other tournaments, including the 2014 Aprhodite Cup, the 2014 Luxembourg Outdoor Junior Open and the San Michel International Junior Tournament in 2014. Lazic has been equally successful in doubles play, claiming the championship at the Estonian Junior Open in 2014, while reaching the doubles title match at the 2015 Hong Kong Open Junior Tennis Championships, the 2015 Copernicus Bowl and the 13th Torneo Internactional Junior de Sanzenzo - Viajes Interrias.

“For me, going to Duke was always one of my dreams,” Lazic said. “Not only does Duke excel in both the academic and athletic sides, it also provides such a strong sense of community that is truly unique. I absolutely can't wait to join the Blue Devil family and help my team leave a mark in Duke's prestigious history.”

Duke's 2016-17 squad is slated to resume competition Friday, Jan. 13, traveling to Las Vegas, Nev., for the UNLV Invitational

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