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Teenager CiCi Bellis is in Stanford this week, but as a WTA professional rather than the college student she had planned on being at this time a year ago.

Bellis had been scheduled to play college tennis for Stanford, but instead decided to turn pro following the U.S. Open.

The 18-year-old is now up to No. 44 in the rankings and is happy with her decision.

"It was going to be great either way, but I think I made the right choice," she told press following her first-round win at the WTA event.

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Bellis, who grew up in the Bay Area, defeated Alize Cornet in the first round in front of a local crowd cheering her on.

"It was amazing," she said. "I had at least 40 people, family and friends, who came.

"It was just so exciting to play at home. It helped me a lot."

CiCi Bellis pleased with decision to forego college, turn pro

CiCi Bellis pleased with decision to forego college, turn pro

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