September 4, 2012
NEW YORK (AFP) - There's a storm brewing at the US Open in the shape of 14-year-old American junior player Tornado Black.
The girl's unusual name was reflected in her debut performance on Monday when she blitzed Ukraine's Alexsandra Korashvili, two years her senior, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the girls singles.
Although born Alicia Black, she has been known as Tornado ever since she was two in recognition of the power with which she hits the tennis ball.
The Black name game has since continued with a 12-year-old sister, who also plays on the US junior circuit, also christened in honour of the elements.
Her name? Tyra Hurricane.