NEW YORK - Incoming first-year Columbia women's tennis player Kanika Vaidya will begin competition at the U.S. Open Junior Championships Friday at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Vaidya is one of 32 competitors that will take the court as part of the girls qualifying draw beginning Friday at noon. Players that make it through the qualifying tournament will then move on to compete in the 64-player main draw that will run from Sept. 2-9.

Currently ranked 125th on the junior circuit, Vaidya has played to a 10-9 record in singles play this year, giving her a 68-47 career record. Vaidya's most recent junior tournament participation came at the Trofeo Bonfiglio tournament in Millan, Italy where she advanced to the main draw of the tournament after two wins in the qualifying round.

In July, Vaidya competed in a professional-level tournament in New Delhi, India, winning twice in the qualifying draw to advance to the main draw. Taking on Ratnika Batra of India in the round of 32, Vaidya captured a 6-4, 7-5 victory to advance on to the round of 16 where she fell to Ankita Raina.

Fans can follow Vaidya's progress online. An overview of the U.S. Open Junior Championships can be found HERE. The drawsheets for Friday's competition will be posted later this evening.