By John C. O'Connell
Bielik, who'll turn 22 in November, lost in straight sets Friday to Justine Henin, 20, of Belgium in 65 minutes of play, 7-5, 6-1.
Even in her loss to the experienced champion, Bielik had impressive stats, with a fastest serve of 115 mph to Henin's 107, a faster average first serve of 106 mph to Henin's 100, and a faster average second service of 85 mph to her opponent's 81. Speed notwithstanding, Henin scored a total of 61 points to Bielik's 46. While Bielik turned professional only on Aug. 23, Henin has been a pro since 1999.
Bielik's selection as one of five American main draw women's singles wild card entries into the 2002 Open Championships was announced Aug. 15 by the United States Tennis Association.
In the 2001-2002 season as a junior at Wake Forest University, Bielik won two of three major singles titles. She lost only 21 games on her way to the Division I women's singles title in May, an NCAA record. The three-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American won the Omni Hotels National Indoor Intercollegiate Championship. Her record last season was 35-2. She was also the college 2002 National Clay Court champion.
Her parents, Josef and Jennifer, her Hewlett High School coach Gail Weintraub, Section VIII tennis coordinator Sunny Fishkind, current and former Hewlett High tennis team players and Five Towns and Valley Stream fans cheered Bielik on at the Flushing tennis center all week, according to published reports. Also watching with hope and praise were Katrina Adams of the USTA's national program, and Perry Atkinson of the Point Sea Racquet Club in Oceanside, where Bielik first played tennis when her family first moved from Hungry.
She was an athlete from day one, her father is quoted as saying. Basketball, soccer, badminton, everything. One day I bought a pair of tennis racquets. I figured I would play with my wife. But [Bea] liked it.
She learned the game quickly, and learned even faster to master it, because Bielik won the Nassau County Championship and the New York State Championship in her senior year at Hewlett High.
Having earned a tennis scholarship to Wake Forest, it wasn't an easy decision to turn pro. Nonetheless, according to published statements, Bielik won't be going back for her senior year. I just felt that I had competed at a high level in college and I had achieved everything there is to achieve. I was just very motivated and dedicated to becoming a professional, Bielik is quoted as saying.
If her strong professional debut performance in Flushing last week is any indication, her friends and supporters in Hewlett High, the Five Towns, Valley Stream and tennis enthusiasts everywhere will soon be seeing more of that dedication turning into victorious straight sets and aces on the world's courts.
