Four Italians Play in US Open Qualifying
Listen to the story
Four Italian tennis players are in action today. They are playing in the qualifying rounds of the US Open. The US Open is a big tennis tournament.
TV coverage starts at 17.40. But rain can change the plan. Rain often stops outdoor tennis matches.
Lucia Bronzetti and Grant did not win their matches. They are now out of the tournament. Stefanini won her match. She moves to the next round.
Cinà is close to reaching the main draw. The main draw means the real tournament. At 21.00, she must beat a player from China named Bu. This is her last match before the main draw.
Vocabulary15 words
- qualifying
- matches you must win before joining the big event
- tournament
- a big sports event with many matches
- main draw
- the real, final part of a tournament
- coverage
- when TV shows an event
- round
- one part of a competition
- out
- no longer playing in the competition
- advance
- to move forward to the next round
- obstacle
- something that stops you
- permitting
- if it is allowed or possible
- action
- playing in a game or match
- live
- happening now, shown at the same time
- weather
- rain, sun, or wind conditions
- beat
- to win against someone
- close
- almost there; near
- final
- last; the end part
Quiz
Answer key
1. Four 2. 17.40 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Four Italian tennis players are in action today. They are playing in the _____ rounds of the US Open. The US Open is a big tennis _____.
TV coverage starts at _____. But rain can change the plan. Rain often stops outdoor tennis matches.
Lucia Bronzetti and Grant did not win their matches. They are now _____ of the tournament. Stefanini won her match. She moves to the next round.
Cinà is close to reaching the _____. The main draw means the real tournament. At _____, she must beat a player from China named Bu. This is her last match before the main draw.