21 under 21 to watch in '21: Caty McNally

Baseline is looking ahead to the new year by showcasing 21 players under 21 to watch out for in '21. To make the coveted list, players must be born in 2000 or later.

It was a rollercoaster year full of uncertainty and that may have taken a toll on Caty McNally towards the end of the season. But the 19-year-old came out strong to begin the year, and could do the same in 2021.

In January, she fought her way through the Auckland qualifying draw and did the exact same at the Australian Open. Once in her first Melbourne main draw, she would defeat former US Open champion Samantha Stosur, before falling to Zhang Shuai in the second round.

The Ohio native also found herself in the doubles quarterfinals with Coco Gauff.

She showed up at the next major, too, in New York. where she reached her first-ever Grand Slam third round.

Ranking: No. 121

Age: 19 (November 20, 2001)

What she did in 2020: Qualified and won a round at her Australian Open debut; reached the third round of the US Open.

Instagram: @catymcnally

Skill Highlights: The American has an all-court game and isn't afraid to step into the court and finish points off at the net, a weapon that she's honed by playing so much doubles.

Career Highlights: During her junior career, she reached the 2018 Roland Garros singles final, and won the Roland Garros doubles crown (with Iga Swiatek) and the 2018 US Open title (with Gauff).

In 2019, she won the ITF $100K in Midland, reached the semifinals of the Surbiton ITF, qualified for Wimbledon and appeared in her first WTA semifinal, in Washington.

In doubles, McNally has won two WTA titles (Washington and Luxembourg, both in 2019 with Gauff) and is currently ranked No. 42.