A year after advancing through the qualifying draw at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Hailey Baptiste is hoping for history to repeat.

The DC native took a first step towards that goal Saturday afternoon with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Aussie Taylah Preston before a supportive home crowd on Stadium Court.

“I’m really happy that I won today,” she said. “I think this year is a little different than the other years I’ve played here. I’m seeded [No.4 in qualifying] and there’s a little bit more pressure and expectations to do well. I’m glad that I was able to come out of the first round and hope to use that momentum into the next one.”

Baptiste, who entered the weekend a career-high World No.92, is now a win away from reaching the main draw for the fourth time. She will next face Aussie Arina Rodionova in the first scheduled match Sunday on Stadium Court at 10:00 a.m.

“This tournament is always going to mean everything to me,” said Baptiste, who grew up within walking distance of the FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.

“It’s the very first professional tournament I ever watched and came to. So, every year, it’s always a super special feeling to be playing here. I’m super happy to be here and I hope to keep winning matches so that I’m here all week.”

Americans Amanda Anisimova, McCartney Kessler and Sachia Vickery were among the other winners in the WTA qualifying draw Saturday.

Anisimova will face Renata Zarazua at 10:00 a.m. Sunday in the first match of the day on John Harris Court.

BELUCCI CAPS OFF MARATHON DAY WITH QUALIFYING WIN

In a remarkable display of stamina and commitment, Italian Mattia Bellucci beat American wild card Tristan Boyer 7-6(6), 6-2 in qualifying on the men's side. Bellucci played late Friday night in the quarterfinals in Atlanta, his match not ending until 1:30 a.m. He was on a flight to Washington less than five hours later and was on court Saturday afternoon just past 4:00 p.m.

Bellucci will cap off his busy weekend Sunday afternoon with another qualifying match against Leandro Riedi.

Elsewhere in ATP qualifying, DC native and JTCC alum Andrew Fenty battled for more than two hours before having to retire against Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki. Fenty took the first set and was up a break in the second before Mochizuki rallied. The 2019 Wimbledon Boys’ champion prevailed 3-6, 7-6(4) with Fenty’s retirement.

Mochizuki will face Elias Ymer in the first match Sunday on Court 4.

American Maxime Cressy cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Tristan Schoolkate. Cressy will next face Aussie Max Polmans.

Polmans rallied from a set down Saturday to beat UVA alum and 2017 NCAA singles champion Thai-Son Kwiatkowski 3-6, 7-5, 6-2. Kwiatkowski, 29, is retiring and was competing in his final ATP event.

Americans Mitchell Krueger and Zachary Svajda also advanced to the final round of qualifying.