A local teenager is now among the top-ranked athletes in the world, and at 15-years-old, the Bradenton native came out on top in the French Open last week.

  • Bradenton teen wins title in French Open
  • Whitney Osuigwe won girls' single title
  • Whitney ranked #2 in world

Whitney Osuigwe, 15, who won the girls’ single title, is the first American to take home the title since 1989.

“It was my third set and I was down 2-0 in the third and I thought it was all going wrong but I had to just overcome it and keep on fighting it,” Osuigwe said.

Whitney, coached by her father Desmond at IMG Academy, is now the second ranked junior in the world.

“He knows when to talk about tennis and when not to. So he knows the balance, but he knows me best, more than anybody else can, so it has its advantages,” Osuigwe said.

Whitney turned pro two months ago on her 15th birthday.

She now sticks to a regimented schedule of practices and conditioning.

“Obviously its long hours on and off the court, but I’m not home much. So when I’m not home, I have to know how to take care of myself on the road so I don’t get injured,” she said.

With her first big win under her belt, the sky’s the limit for Whitney.

“Anything’s possible. Fight for what you want and don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible,” Osuigwe said.

Whitney has made leaps in the rankings over the last year. In 2016, she was 111th in the world. Entering the French Open she was 5th, and now she’s number 2.

In ten days Whitney will board a plane for London to compete in the Junior Wimbeldon.