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Mallory Burdette has crossed paths with the great Serena Williams. She's said hi.

But I've never had a conversation with her, Burdette said.

As the latest young American to pull a Family Circle Cup upset, the 22-year-old former Stanford All-American gets a dream-come-true shot at the world's top-ranked player today.

Burdette took a deep breath Wednesday after a 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory over No. 15 seed Sabine Lisicki. She pumped her left fist a few times and took a sweet walk across green clay on the Althea Gibson Court for a handshake from the former Family Circle Cup champion.

Burdette upset then-No. 27 Tamira Paszek at Indian Wells last month, but this was just as special, probably more. Lisicki, famed for her power serve, is currently No. 41 but has been ranked as high as No. 12.

Burdette is from Jackson, Ga., approximately 50 miles southeast of Atlanta. Her mother, the former Judy Bernat, grew up in Charleston.

We've had a lot of fun going out to dinner, Burdette said. I just feel very relaxed and comfortable here. That's the same way I was feeling out on the court, and I think it definitely helped me pull through that match. I'm really looking forward to my next round. It will be a great experience to play Serena and see how my game matches up against the best.

Opportunities like this are exactly why Burdette decided last summer to skip her senior year at Stanford. Yes, she is delaying entry to medical school and a career as a psychiatrist.

But win or lose against Serena, Burdette will shoot up the WTA rankings from No. 99.

More here:

Medical school can wait: No. 1 Serena Williams next for rising star Mallory Burdette