|
Housing Story ( Learn how Aptos has housed aspiring professional Tennis players for 20 years ) Wild Cards announced: Donald Young, Jesse Levine, and Alex Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov takes one for the Americans
APTOS, Calif. – The Americans are coming. They are just taking a little longer to develop than the United States Tennis Association had hoped.
Pointing to the recent success of teens on the Challenger circuit, 19-year-old Alex Kuznetsov says he and his pals are building momentum that will ultimately impact how Americans fare in Grand Slams. Kuznetsov clawed his way into the mix of players on the rise by winning the $75,000 Comerica Challenger at Seascape Sports Club on Sunday with a 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory over Japan’s Go Soeda. “We all have talent,’’ Kuznetsov said. “We’re all working hard. Give us some more time.’’ Kuznetsov seized the moment in his first Challenger final to secure the biggest win of his career. Ranked No. 409, Kuznetsov should move into the top 250, which is a significant rise considering he broke his femur in a car accident 14 months ago. “It’s been a long road back for him,’’ said USTA coach David Nainkin, who has worked with Kuznetsov for more than two years. “He played well under pressure.’’ Americans have won five Challenger tournaments since April for unprecedented success, according to Nainkin, who was on his cell phone immediately after the match giving USTA officials the good news. Kuznetsov, who moved from Ukraine to the U.S. when he was 3, becomes the sixth American to win the Comerica Challenger in the last seven years. Great Britain’s Andy Murray won here in 2005 and has climbed to No. 35 in the world since. It was all Kuznetsov in the first set before Soeda, also playing in his first Challenger final, began to settle down to play the steady tennis that got him into the championship match. Soeda, Japan’s highest-ranked player at No. 257, fought off five break points to take a 5-4 second-set lead. He had a set point in the 12th game before Kuznetsov’s penetrating groundstrokes and an ace serve set up the tiebreaker. Like he did in the first set, Kuznetsov overpowered Soeda from the baseline in the tiebreaker to cap a comeback that started three weeks after he broke his leg. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,’’ Kuznetsov said. “This week was totally unexpected. I just want to win a few matches.’’ Kuznetsov pockets the first-place purse of $10,800. Soeda earned $6,360. In doubles, fourth-seeded Prakash Amritraj and Rohan Bopanna defeated third-seeded Americans Rajeev Ram and Todd Widom 3-6, 6-2, 10-6. Bopanna played huge in the third-set super tiebreaker, reeling off three aces and then used a backhanded drop volley for match point. Ram reached the singles finals here last year, falling to Murray, 6-4, 6-3. “Two years, two finals, no titles,’’ Ram said. “We have to do something about that.’’ The next stop on the Challenger circuit is Lexington, Ky. RESULTS Sunday’s results from the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in Aptos, Calif. Singles Final Alex Kuznetsov (USA) def. Go Soeda (JPN) 6-1, 7-6 (4). Doubles Final (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) def. (3) Rajeev Ram (USA)/Todd Widom (USA) 3-6, 6-2, 10-6.
Japan's Soeda reaches first Challenger final in Aptos
APTOS, Calif. – Alex Kuznetsov should feel well rested when he plays in his first Challenger singles final Sunday afternoon at Seascape Sports Club against Japan’s Go Soeda. The 19-year-old Kuznetsov was only on the court for four games in his semifinal match of the $75,000 Comerica Challenger on Saturday before 30-year-old Ivo Heuberger of Switzerland retired with back problems. Heuberger, bothered by a bad back for nearly a decade, also received treatment during his quarterfinal victory over top-seeded Robert Kendrick on Friday. “I’ll take this as good luck,’’ Kuznetsov said. “I’ll take the default.’’ Considering Soeda is coming off a three-week training program in Japan and actually loves the hot weather, Kuznetsov better be prepared to hit a lot of balls. Soeda showed off his improved fitness during a 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over Tobias Clemens of Germany to advance to his first Challenger final. Kuznetsov, who moved from Ukraine to the U.S. when he was 3, will attempt to win back the Comerica title for the Americans. Although Great Britain’s Andy Murray won here in 2005, an American player had captured the singles championship every year since 2000. The last Japanese player to win the Comerica Challenger was Shuzo Matsuoka in 1994. Matsuoka, once ranked as high as No. 46, is now a popular TV commentator in Japan. Soeda is currently the top-ranked player from Japan at No. 257. He says other Japanese players know him, but he is not a celebrity in his country. That could change if the 21-year-old from Kanagawa, Japan, continues to climb up the world rankings. A year ago, the compact Soeda at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds was ranked No. 353 and moved up to 302 by the end of the 2005. His goal is to break 200 this year. “He’s fit right now,’’ said Toshi Sakai, Soeda’s coach. “He’s ready to win.’’ Besides improved fitness, Soeda is also coming out of his shell. “He was very shy,’’ Sakai said. “Now he can fight.’’ Soeda put his foot down against Clemens, the former UCLA star, in the first set after the German had built a 5-3 lead on several backhand errors by his Japanese opponent. Soeda served well enough to hold the ninth game of the match and broke right back to tie things up at 5-all. In the tiebreaker, Soeda bolted to a 5-0 lead, leaving Clemens scrambling from baseline to baseline. Clemens, at 26 and ranked No. 524, had nothing left for the second set. “No mistakes,’’ Soeda said. “I don’t think about making the finals. I’m thinking first round, second round, one point, one point.’’ Like Soeda, Kuznetsov knows his country is in need of a few new stars capable of Grand Slam success. Kuznetsov travels and practices with several American teens hoping to fill the void. “That gives us more motivation to do better,’’ Kuznetsov said. “We have the talent.’’ The Comerica Challenger continues Sunday at 1 p.m. with the doubles final featuring Americans Todd Widom and Rajeev Ram against Prakash Amritraj and Rohan Bopanna of India. The singles final will follow immediately. Kicking off Sunday’s action at 11 a.m. will be the singles final of the 106th annual California Open Women’s Championship. University of California’s Stephanie Kusano, the top seed from Houston, will take Yulia Rivelis of San Francisco, the defending champ. Tickets are $24. Youth 6-12 are admitted for half price and children under 6 are free.
RESULTS Saturday’s results from the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in Aptos, Calif. Singles Semifinals Go Soeda (JPN) def. Tobias Clemens (GER) 7-6 (4), 6-3; Alex Kuznetsov (USA) def. Ivo Heuberger (SUI) 4-0, retired.
Doubles Semifinals (3) Rajeev Ram (USA)/Todd Widom (USA) def. (1) Sanchai Ratiwatana (THA)/Sonchat Ratiwatana (THA) 6-3, 4-6, 10-3.
Sunday’s schedule Stadium court: At 1 p.m., (3) Rajeev Ram (USA)/Todd Widom (USA) vs. (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND); followed by Go Soeda (JPN) vs. Alex Kuznetsov (USA).
$75,000 Comerica Challenger
Media contact: Holly Woolard Seeds say goodbye at Comerica Challenger
APTOS, Calif. – Last year Andy Murray came out of nowhere to win $75,000 Comerica Challenger and ultimately crack into the upper echelon of professional tennis. It’s anyone’s guess who will emerge as the 2006 champion after all the seeded players were eliminated Friday in the quarterfinals at Seascape Sports Club, including top-seeded Robert Kendrick who was eliminated by Ivo Heuberger of Switzerland 7-6 (7), 6-1. In the 20-year history of the Challenger tournament in Aptos, a No. 1 or No. 2 seed has never won the title. “We all lose,’’ Kendrick said. “I didn’t give up. I just drifted a little.’’ With Kendrick out of the way, the draw is wide open and boasts an international feel that stretches from Europe to Asia. Alex Kuznetsov is the lone American remaining, but even he wasn’t born here, moving from Ukraine when he was 3 years old. Kuznetsov, a 19-year-old from Richboro, Penn., will be making his first appearance in a Challenger semifinal Saturday after pulling out a 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory over fourth-seeded Todd Widom on Friday. Keeping the upset theme alive, Japan’s Go Soeda ousted third-seeded Rajeev Ram 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Ram lost to Murray in last year’s Comerica Challenger final. Soeda’s semifinal opponent will be qualifier Tobias Clemens, who knocked off Jesse Levine 7-6 (4), 6-1. Kuznetsov says his victory over Widom may not be the highlight of his career, but his trip to the semifinals is certainly at the top of his accomplishments. “It’s huge for me,’’ Kuznetsov said. “This is a big summer for me.’’ Kuznetsov, ranked No. 409, is realistic about his chances of duplicating Murray’s mercurial rise to No. 35 in the world. But considering that he broke his leg in a car accident last year and is just now feeling 100 percent, Kuznetsov is anxious to see where he fits in among the United States’ emerging talent. “What Andy did last year is incredible,’’ Kuznetsov said. “I wasn’t anticipating getting to the semifinals this week. I’m really excited.’’ Kuznetsov is definitely on the list of players the USTA is keeping its eyes on. He has been called upon twice to practice with the U.S. Davis Cup team. “Practicing with those guys you have to raise your game,’’ Kuznetsov said. “When Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe calls you, you can’t really say no.’’ Kuznetsov’s run to the semifinals is emblematic of the Challenger circuit’s unpredictability, and he isn’t even the lowest ranked player in Saturday’s semifinals. That dubious distinction belongs to former UCLA star Clemens, who checks in at No. 525. Soeda, Japan’s best player, is No. 257, while Heuberger is at No. 255. The Comerica Challenger continues today and Sunday. Play will begin at 11 a.m. both days. Tickets are $22 Saturday and $24 on Sunday. Youth 6-12 are admitted for half price and children under 6 are free. Tickets purchased at Comerica banking centers are at a 20 percent discount.
RESULTS Friday’s results from the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in Aptos, Calif. Singles Quarterfinals Tobias Clemens (GER) def. Jesse Levine (USA) 7-6 (4), 6-1; Alex Kuznetsov (USA) def. (4) Todd Widom (USA) 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-3; Go Soeda (JPN) def. (3) Rajeev Ram (USA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1; Ivo Heuberger (SUI) def. (1) Robert Kendrick (USA) 7-6 (7), 6-1.
Doubles Second round (3) Rajeev Ram (USA)/Todd Widom (USA) def. Karan Rastogi (IND)/ Go Soeda (JPN) 6-3, 5-7, 10-4. Semifinals (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) def. (2) Jamie Murray (GBR)/Mirko Pehar (USA) 6-3, 6-7 (4), 10-1.
Saturday’s schedule Stadium court: At 11 a.m., (3) Rajeev Ram (USA)/Todd Widom (USA) vs. Sanchai Ratiwatana (THA)/Sonchat Ratiwatana (THA); followed by Tobias Clemens (GER) vs. Go Soeda (JPN); Alex Kuznetsov (USA) vs. Ivo Heuberger (SUI).
Kendrick tunes up game with easy win over Pade
APTOS, Calif. – Robert Kendrick is apparently warming up for bigger and better things. Using the $75,000 Comerica Challenger to work on his hardcourt game after a breakthrough summer on grass, Kendrick tuned up his groundstrokes during a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Stanford’s James Pade in second-round action Thursday. “I hope I can be here on Sunday for a change,’’ Kendrick said. “It’s always a great tournament. Kendrick, ranked No. 160 in the world, is making his fourth appearance at Seascape Sports Club. His best finish was a trip to the semifinals in 2004. The 26-year-old Fresno native is getting tons of support everywhere he goes following his narrow five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the second round of Wimbledon. Then last weekend he won his first ATP title with a doubles victory on grass in Newport, R.I., after making the singles quarterfinals earlier in the tournament. “So many people have come up to me and said good job,’’ Kendrick said of his Wimbledon performance on Centre Court. “It feels like a win.” Kendrick advances to Friday’s 5:30 p.m. quarterfinal match against Ivo Heuberger of Switzerland. Heuberger, ranked No. 255, defeated German Simon Stadler 6-4, 6-4. In other second-round matches Thursday, third-seeded Rajeev Ram, a finalist here last year, defeated Jamie Baker of Great Britain 6-3, 6-4. Go Soeda of Japan relied on consistency to turn back 16-year-old Donald Young, 7-5, 6-1. Kendrick thrived in his second trip to Wimbledon, winning the first two sets against Nadal before succumbing 6-7 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5, 6-4. He also played in Wimbledon in 2003, losing in the first round. The only time Kendrick has made the main draw at the U.S. Open was in 2003 when he received a wildcard. Although he could make this year’s main draw via the qualifying tournament, Kendrick is hoping for a wildcard based on his success this summer. “I think I should have a good shot,’’ Kendrick said of a wildcard spot. “It would be great if they go on records.’’ The U.S. Open tournament committee decides which players receive wildcards about 10 days prior to the tournament and typically reserves those passes for up-and-coming teens such as Young or former top-ranked players on the comeback trail. “He’ll get in,’’ Kendrick said as he watched Young’s match Thursday evening. “I chose to go to school.’’ A month after his 16th birthday, Young received a wildcard into the 2005 U.S. Open, but lost in the first round. Mental toughness continues to be the question mark surrounding Young, who turned pro in 2004. The talented left-handed squandered a 40-love lead with two double faults in the 11th game of the match against Soeda and ended up dropping the first set. “I just got down on myself – got negative,’’ Young said. “That hurts. I missed a couple shots and it got away from me.’’ The Comerica Challenger continues today and runs through Sunday. Play will take place at 10 a.m. each weekday, with a featured match set for 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and $24 on Sunday. A pass good for entry Friday through Sunday costs $50. Youth 6-12 are admitted for half price and children under 6 are free. Tickets purchased at Comerica banking centers are at a 20 percent discount.
RESULTS Ivo Heuberger (SUI) def. Simon Stadler (GER) 6-4, 6-4; (1) Robert Kendrick (USA) vs. James Pade (USA) 6-3, 6-3; (3) Rajeev Ram (USA) def. Jamie Baker (GBR) 6-3, 6-4; Go Soeda (JPN) def. Donald Young (USA) 7-5, 6-1.
Doubles (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) def. Alex Kuznetsov (USA)/Horia Tecau (ROM) 6-4, 6-4; (1) Sanchai Ratiwatana (THA)/Sonchat Ratiwatana (THA) def. Brandon Coupe (USA)/James Pade (USA) 6-7 (6), 6-1, 10-6; (2) Jamie Murray (GBR)/Mirko Pehar (USA) def. Nestor Bernabe (USA)/Brad Weston (AUS) 6-1, 7-5. Friday’s schedule Stadium court: At 10 a.m., Jesse Levine (USA) vs. Tobias Clemens (GER); At noon, (4) Todd Widom (USA) vs. Alex Kuznetsov (USA); At 2 p.m., (3) Rajeev Ram (USA) vs. Go Soeda (JPN); At 4 p.m., (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) vs. (2) Jamie Murray (GBR)/Mirko Pehar (USA); At 5:30 p.m., Robert Kendrick (USA) vs. Ivo Heuberger (SUI).
Stanford’s Pade has showdown with Kendrick in Aptos
APTOS, Calif. – James Pade is a smart, young man. So smart, in fact, that he’s returning to Stanford for his senior season instead of making a complete break for professional tennis. Pade has won first-round matches in singles and doubles this week at the $75,000 Comerica Challenger at Seascape Sports Club. He’ll get an ultimate test Thursday at noon when he meets top-seeded Robert Kendrick in a second-round match. Kendrick is coming off a five-set loss to No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal in the second round of Wimbledon and an ATP doubles title last Sunday in Newport, R.I. “I think I have a lot of improving to do,’’ said Pade, who received a wildcard into the Comerica main draw. “It’s a good opportunity. I’m excited about it.’’ Playing in his first Challenger tournament ever and first pro event this year, Pade defeated Juan-Manuel Elizondo of Mexico 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday. In doubles on Wednesday, Pade teamed with Brandon Coupe of Mill Valley, Calif., to defeat Richard Bloomfield of Great Britain and Robert Smeets of Australia 6-4, 6-3. Pade, 6-foot-3, 195-pounds, plans to play pro tournaments throughout the rest of 2006 before returning to Stanford in January. The 22-year-old from Woodside, Calif., helped Stanford reach the NCAA quarterfinals this year, compiling a 28-7 record playing mostly at No. 2 singles. “It’s very exciting to play and build up some points before I turn pro,’’ said Pade, the 2002 Central Coast Section high school champ from Menlo School. “No complaints so far.’’ Sixth-seeded Brian Vahaly, who won here in 2002 and reached a career best No. 64 in the world in 2003, was upset by Jesse Levine 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in second-round action Wednesday. Fourth-seeded Todd Widom pulled out a 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (12) victory over Scott Oudsema. German Tobias Clemens, a qualifier, defeated Lesley Joseph 6-4, 6-3. Alex Kuznetsov beat Michael Yani 6-3, 6-4. Seascape tennis director Rick Kepler and fellow teaching pro Brian Coy put up a fight in the first set before falling to Brad Weston and Nestor Bernabe 7-5, 6-0. Kepler said it’s hard to believe he won the doubles title here 19 years ago. “I was a little disappointed in my play today,’’ Kepler said. “The great thing about tennis is you can practice more and do better the next time.” The Comerica Challenger continues today and runs through Sunday. Play will take place at 10 a.m. each weekday, with a featured match set for 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 Thursday, $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and $24 on Sunday. A pass good for entry Friday through Sunday costs $50. Youth 6-12 are admitted for half price and children under 6 are free. Tickets purchased at Comerica banking centers are at a 20 percent discount. RESULTS
Wednesday’s results from the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in
Aptos, Calif. Tobias Clemens (GER) def. Lesley Joseph (USA) 6-4, 6-3; (4) Todd Widom (USA) def. Scott Oudsema (USA) 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (12); Alex Kuznetsov (USA) def. Michael Yani (USA) 6-3, 6-4; Jesse Levine (USA) def. Brian Vahaly (USA) 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
Doubles Karan Rastogi (IND)/Go Soeda (JPN) def. Patrick Briaud (USA)/Juan-Manuel Elizondo (MEX) 6-2, 6-2; Brandon Coupe (USA)/James Pade (USA) def. Richard Bloomfield (GBR)/Robert Smeets (AUS) 6-4, 6-3; Sanchai Ratiwatana (THA)/Sonchat Ratiwatana (THA) def. Pierre-Ludovic Duclos (CAN)/Lesley Joseph (USA) 6-7 (4), 6-4, 12-10; Nestor Bernabe (USA)/Brad Weston (AUS) def. Brian Cory (USA)/Rick Kepler (USA) 7-5, 6-0; Alex Kuznetsov (USA)/Horia Tecau (ROM) def. Sadik Kadir (AUS)/Phillip King (USA) 6-1, 3-6 12-10. Thursday’s schedule Stadium court: At 10 a.m., Ivo Heuberger (SUI) vs. Simon Stadler (GER); At noon, (1) Robert Kendrick (USA) vs. James Pade (USA); followed by Alex Kuznetsov (USA)/Horia Tecau (ROM) vs. (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND); At 3 p.m., Jamie Baker (GBR) vs. (3) Rajeev Ram (USA); At 5:30 p.m., Donald Young (USA) vs. Go Soeda (JPN). Court 5: At 2:30 p.m., (1) Sanchai Ratiwatana (THA)/Sonchat Ratiwatana (THA) vs. Brandon Coupe (USA)/James Pade (USA); At 4:30 p.m., Nestor Bernabe (USA)/Brad Weston (AUS) vs. (2) Jamie Murray (GBR)/Mirko Pehar (USA).
Kendrick, Young put on All-American display
APTOS, Calif. – The present and future of American men’s professional tennis was on display Tuesday at the $75,000 Comerica Challenger, featuring top-seeded Robert Kendrick, a proven talent, and 16-year-old Donald Young. Kendrick, 26, advanced to the second round with a victory over fellow American Phillip King 6-3, 4-6, 6-0. Young, a talented African American who already has a clothing contract but no driver’s license, dispatched Robert Smeets of Australia 7-5, 6-3. Kendrick has had quite the summer starting with Wimbledon, where he met second-seeded Rafael Nadal in the second round. Playing on Centre Court, Kendrick won the first two sets before falling to the Wimbledon finalist 6-7 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5, 6-4. Kendrick was the only player in the Wimbledon draw to get sets off Nadal except champion Roger Federer. Just last weekend, Kendrick teamed with Juergen Melzer to win the ATP doubles title in Newport, R.I. Kendrick, a Fresno native ranked No. 160 in the world, is making his fourth appearance at the Comerica Challenger, reaching the semifinals in 2004. “I was obviously tired coming from the East Coast,’’ said Kendrick, who is bothered by a sore right shoulder. “I feel like I’m in Asia. “I’ve got to treat every tournament the same,’’ Kendrick said. “I just have to try to take that next jump.’’ Young, who will turn 17 on Sunday, earned his first pro victory at the Challenger level against Smeets. Anointed as a player to watch due to success at the junior level – he reached the round of 16 in the Wimbledon and French Open junior draws this year -- Young said he needed to prove himself at the next level. “It’s been hard times,’’ Young said of making the transition from junior tennis to the pro ranks. “Wins like this make it worth it. I’m starting to get a little more confidence in pro tournaments.’’ Fifth-seeded Scoville Jenkins, ranked No. 238 in the world, wasn’t as fortunate. The 19-year-old was surprised in the opening round by Go Soeda of Japan, 7-5, 7-5, in a match that seemed destined for third set. Jenkins broke serve in the ninth game of the second set for a 5-4 lead and served for the set only to be broken twice. Jenkins, another talented African American who figures prominently in the future of U.S. tennis, played in the U.S. Open the past two years and reached the Comerica quarterfinals last year. Soeda, ranked No. 257, is Japan’s top player and has a 3-1 record for his country in Davis Cup matches. Simon Stadler, the eighth-seed from Germany, defeated Ronald Agenor 6-3, 6-4 in other first-round action. Agenor, 41, was trying to become the oldest player since Jimmy Connors in June 1995 in Halle, Germany, to win a pro tour match. Connors was 42 years, 9 months old. Great Britain’s Jamie Baker opened his personal U.S. tour with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Robert Yim. Baker, who turns 20 next month, received a wildcard into the 2006 Wimbledon main draw, where he dropped a tough four-set loss to Andreas Seppi in the first round. The Comerica Challenger continues today and runs through Sunday. Play will take place at 10 a.m. each weekday, with a featured match set for 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 Wednesday and Thursday, $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and $24 on Sunday. A pass good for entry Friday through Sunday costs $50. Youth 6-12 are admitted for half price and children under 6 are free. Tickets purchased at Comerica banking centers are at a 20 percent discount. RESULTS Tuesday’s results
from the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in Aptos, Calif. Ivo Heuberger (SUI) def. Pierre-Ludovic Duclos (CAN) 6-4, 7-5; (8) Simon Stadler (GER) def. Ronald Agenor (USA) 6-3, 6-4; Jamie Baker (GBR) def. Robert Yim (USA) 6-1, 7-5; Go Soeda (JPN) def. (5) Scoville Jenkins (USA) 7-5, 7-5; James Pade (USA) def. Juan-Manuel Elizondo (MEX) 6-4, 6-4; Donald Young (USA) def. Robert Smeets (AUS) 7-5, 6-3; (1) Robert Kendrick (USA) def. Phillip King (USA) 6-3, 4-6, 6-0; (6) Brian Vahaly (USA) def. Brad Weston (AUS) 7-5, 6-2. Doubles (4) Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) def. Kevin Kaiser (USA)/Pablo Pires de Almieda (USA) 6-3, 6-2; (3) Rajeev Ram (USA)/Todd Widom (USA) def. Scott Oudsema (USA)/Phillip Simmonds (USA) 7-6 (3), 6-3.
SCHEDULE Stadium Court: At 10 a.m., Patrick Briaud (USA)/Juan-Manuel Elizondo (MEX) vs. Karan Rastogi (IND)/Go Soeda (JPN); followed by Lesley Joseph (USA) vs. Tobias Clemens (GER); Todd Widom (USA) vs. Scott Oudsema (USA); Brian Cory (USA)/Rick Kepler (USA) vs. Nestor Bernabe (USA)/Brad Weston (AUS); Brian Vahaly (USA) vs. Jesse Levine (USA). Court 5: At 11 a.m., Brandon Coupe (USA)/James Pade (USA) vs. Richard Bloomfield (GBR)/Robert Smeets (AUS); followed by Alex Kuznetsov (USA) vs. Michael Yani (USA); Sanchai Ratiwatana (THA)/Sonchat Ratiwatana (THA) vs. Pierre-Ludovic Duclos (CAN)/Lesley Joseph (USA); Alex Kuznetsov (USA)/Horia Tecau (ROM) vs. Sadik Kadir (AUS)/Phillip King (USA). Qualifier surprises No. 2 seed on opening day APTOS, Calif. – Former UCLA standout Tobias Clemens, ranked No. 525 in the world,
rode the momentum of strong play in the qualifying tournament to upset second-seeded
Richard Bloomfield of Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 on opening day of the $75,000 Comerica
Challenger.
Bloomfield, ranked No. 203, was coming off a first-round victory at
Wimbledon, where the wildcard entry defeated Carlos Berlocq. The
22-year-old from Norwich, England, was Also falling in the first round of the weeklong tournament at Seascape Sports Club was No. 7-seeded Phillip Simmonds, who lost to Michael Yani, 7-5, 7-6 (5). Simmonds, a 20-year-old up-and-coming American ranked No. 235 in the world, won a Challenger event earlier this year in Mexico.
Third-seeded Rajeev Ram, a finalist here last year, enjoyed his return
trip to Seascape with
“It’s always nice to come back to a place you’ve played well,’’ Ram
said. “Getting
Another player ecstatic to reach the second round this week is
24-year-old Lesley Joseph, “I was losing so much money it was becoming a burden on my family,’’ said the former University of Georgia star. “Just to get started here with a win is a good step in the right direction.’’
Today’s featured match at 5:30 p.m. will pit Americans Robert Kendrick
and Phillip King. Kendrick is coming off an ATP doubles victory with
partner Juergen Melzer in Newport, R.I.,
The tournament continues today and runs through Sunday. Play will take
place at 10 a.m.
Tickets are $16 Monday through Thursday, $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and
$24 on Sunday. A pass good for entry Friday through Sunday costs $50.
Youth 6-12 are admitted for half price RESULTS
Monday’s results from the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in Aptos, Calif. Scott Oudsema (USA) def. Horia Tecau (ROM) 6-1, 7-5; Alex Kuznetsov (USA) def. Michael McClune (USA) 6-3, 6-4; Michael Yani (USA) def. (7) Phillip Simmonds (USA) 7-5, 7-6 (5); Lesley Joseph (USA) def. Karan Rastogi (IND) 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1; (4) Todd Widom (USA) def. Sadik Kadir (AUS) 6-4, 6-2; Tobias Clemens (GER) def. (2) Richard Bloomfield (GBR) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1; (3) Rajeev Ram (USA) def. Rohan Bopanna (IND) 6-4, 6-4; Jesse Levine (USA) def. Prakash Amritraj (IND) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.
Doubles Jamie Murray (GBR)/Mirko Pehar (USA) def. Jordan Kepler (USA)/Kris Klay (USA) 6-1, 6-1.
SCHEDULE Stadium Court: At 10 a.m., Pierre-Ludovic Duclos (CAN) vs. Ivo Heuberger (SUI); followed by Ronald Agenor (USA) vs. Simon Stadler (GER); Not before 2 p.m., Scoville Jenkins (USA) vs. Go Soeda (JPN); followed by Robert Smeets (AUS) vs. Donald Young (USA); Not before 5:30 p.m., Robert Kendrick (USA) vs. Phillip King (USA).
Court 5:
At 11 a.m., Robert Yim (USA) vs. Jamie
Baker (GBR); followed by Juan-Manuel Elizondo (MEX) vs. James Pade
(USA); Not before 1 p.m., Kevin Kaiser (USA)/Pablo Pires de Almieda
vs. Prakash Amritraj (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND); followed by Rajeev Ram
(USA)/Todd Widom (USA) vs. Scott Oudsema (USA)/Phillip Simmonds (USA);
Not before 4:30 p.m., Brian Vahaly (USA) vs. Brad Weston (AUS). Media contact: Holly Woolard
hollywoolard@aol.com or (831) 252-1001
RAJEEV RAM, 2005 FINALIST, HIGHLIGHTS FIRST DAY
Sunday, July 16, 2006 –- Defending tournament finalist Rajeev Ram will play Rohan Bopanna, India’s
highest-ranked tennis player, as the $75,000 Comerica Challenger kicks off its first day of action
Monday at Seascape Sports Club. Ram, the No. 3 seed, plays Bopanna at 5:30 p.m. on Seascape’s
Stadium Court. Ram was edged by Andy Murray in last year’s championship match; Murray has
rocketed up the ATP rankings and is ranked No. 35. Ram is a former NCAA champion from the
University of Illinois who is ranked No. 204. Four players advanced through qualifying to earn
spots in the main draw Sunday: American Robert Yim, Canada’s Pierre-Dudovic Duclos, Germany’s
Tobias Clemens and Australia’s Brad Weston. Weston has retired from touring internationally
and relocated to Aptos; he lives about 1 mile from Seascape Sports Club. He won the Granite
Construction Wildcard Championships on Friday to earn a spot in the Comerica Challenger
qualifying, then won three matches to make the main draw.
Seascape director of tennis Rick Kepler also won Sunday. The 39-year-old Aptos resident
teamed with fellow teaching pro Brian Cory, 40, to win their doubles qualifying match 6-0, 6-2 over
Nicholas Ballou and Landon Browne. Marking its 20th anniversary, the Comerica Challenger
is the longest continually held men’s Challenger on the USTA Pro Circuit. About half of the
players in field will be Americans, and young ones at that. The player list includes Alex Kuznetsov (19),
Scoville Jenkins (19), Scott Oudsema (19), Phillip Simmonds (20) and Ram (22). Wildcard entries
have been extended to Donald Young (16), Michael McClune (16), Jesse Levine (18) and James
Pade (22). The highest-ranked player on the player acceptance list is 26-year-old American.
Robert Kendrick, who nearly pulled off a huge upset of second-ranked Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon two weeks ago. Kendrick, ranked No. 186, won the first two sets before the Spaniard rallied and ended up in the final against eventual champion Roger Federer. On Sunday, Kendrick and partner Juergen Melzer won the doubles title at the grasscourt ATP tournament in Newport, R.I.; Kendrick was a singles quarterfinalist there earlier this week. Main-draw play begins at Monday and continues through the championship matches in singles and doubles (start times TBA) on Sunday, July 23. Weekday matches will start at 10 a.m. and weekend matches at 11 a.m. Each day will be culminated by a 5:30 p.m. feature match. Tickets are $16 Monday through Thursday during tournament week, $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and $24 Sunday. A Friday-through-Sunday pass is $50. Kids 6-12 are admitted at half price and younger children get in free. Tickets purchased at Comerica banking centers are 20% off. For more information, call (831) 688-1993 or log onto www.seascapesportsclub.com.
$75,000 Comerica Challenger
At Seascape Sports Club, Aptos
Qualifying
Singles Main
draw schedule
Court 5 ACTION STARTS THIS WEEKEND Thursday, July 13, 2006 – Four places are being reserved in the 20th annual $75,000 Comerica Challenger next week for those determined enough — and talented enough — to win three qualifying matches this weekend. Qualifying for the professional men’s tennis tournament starts Saturday morning and continues through Sunday afternoon at Seascape Sports Club, near the cliffs of Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County. The four semifinalists from the 32-player qualifying draw advance to the main draw and have a shot at $75,000 in prize money and points toward their ATP-sanctioned world rankings. The 20th annual Comerica Challenger runs July 17-23 at Seascape. It is the longest continually held men’s Challenger on the USTA Pro Circuit. Last year’s singles champion, Scottish teen Andy Murray, is now ranked No. 36 worldwide. About half of the players in field will be Americans, and young ones at that. The player list (subject to change) includes Scoville Jenkins (19), Scott Oudsema (19), Phillip Simmonds (20) and Rajeev Ram (22). Wildcard entries have been extended to Donald Young (16), Alex Kuznetsov (19), Jesse Levine (18) and James Pade (22). The highest-ranked player on the player acceptance list is 26-year-old American Robert Kendrick, who nearly pulled off a huge upset of second-ranked Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon two weeks ago. Kendrick, ranked No. 186, won the first two sets before the Spaniard rallied and ended up in the final against eventual champion Roger Federer. This week, Kendrick has made it to the quarterfinal round at the grasscourt ATP tournament in Newport, R.I. Main-draw play begins Monday and continues through the championship matches in singles and doubles (start times TBA) on Sunday, July 23. Each weekday during tournament week, matches will start at 10 a.m. and be culminated by a 5:30 p.m. feature match. Tickets are $16 Monday through Thursday during tournament week, $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and $24 Sunday. A Friday-through-Sunday pass is $50. Kids 6-12 are admitted at half price and younger children get in free. Tickets purchased at Comerica banking centers are 20% off. For more information, call (831) 688-1993 or log onto www.seascapesportsclub.com. Pre-tournament media contact: Brent Ainsworth, tnsscribe@aol.com or (415) 307-1443. Tournament week media contact: Holly Woolard, hollywoolard@aol.com or (831) 252-1001.
PRO TENNIS EVENT MARKS 20TH YEAR IN APTOS
Thursday, June 15, 2006 – Seascape
Sports Club in Aptos will celebrate 20 consecutive years of offering
international-caliber professional tennis when the $75,000 Comerica
Challenger gets under way July 17 at the club near the cliffs of
Monterey Bay.
The tournament, the
oldest continually held men’s event on the U.S. Tennis Association Pro
Circuit, has introduced Northern California tennis fans to many young
players who graduated to greatness through the years. Patrick Rafter was
a 20-year-old Australian ranked in the 200s when he visited Seascape in
1993. He won the singles championship at Seascape and eventually won two
U.S. Opens and a No. 1 world ranking.
James Blake, ranked No.
7 by the ATP as of mid-June, made several stops at Seascape on his way
up the rankings. Twins Bob and Mike Bryan played the Comerica Challenger
a handful of times and today are among the top doubles players in the
world and Davis Cup stalwarts. Michael Chang, one of the greatest
American players of the past 50 years, played here twice. Last year’s
singles champion, Scotland’s Andy Murray, is now ranked No. 45.
The action begins at the
2006 Comerica Challenger on July 15-16 with a 32-player qualifying
tournament that will advance four players into the main draw. Viewing is
free for spectators on qualifying weekend. Main-draw play begins July 17
and continues through the Sunday afternoon championship matches in
singles and doubles on July 23. Feature matches will be at 5:30 p.m., or
shortly thereafter, each weekday.
Tickets are $16 Monday
through Thursday during tournament week, $20 Friday, $22 Saturday and
$24 Sunday. A Friday-through-Sunday pass is $50. Kids 6-12 are admitted
at half price and younger children get in free. Groups of 10 or more are
offered 20% discounts, and all tickets purchased at Comerica banking
centers are 20% off. For more information,
call (831) 688-1993 or log onto
www.seascapesportsclub.com. Pre-tournament media
contact: Brent Ainsworth,
tnsscribe@aol.com or (415)
307-1443.
_________________________________________________________________________
$75,000 Comerica Challenger A USTA Pro Circuit Event at Seascape Sports Club, July 9-17
(APTOS, Calif., JULY 17)
– Andy Murray of Dublane, Scotland won the $75,000 Comerica Challenger in
Aptos, Calif., defeating Rajeev Ram of Carmel, Ind. 6-4, 6-3. Murray
recently received international media attention when he made it to the
third round of Wimbledon, advancing further
than any other player from Great Britain in the draw. He played Sunday’s finals with the same intense focus, and well thought out shot-making that spectators in Aptos have been enjoying all week long.
Both Ram and Murray received wildcard entries into the draw. Murray received 60 ATP points, and $10,800 in prize money for winning the $75,000 Comerica Challenger. He is also the youngest player to win the tournament in its 19 year history, and the first wildcard contestant ever to win the event. Ram received 42 ATP points and $6360 in prize money.
Ram had his opportunities in
the first set. Serving at 5-4, he had two chances to even the match at
5-5, but Murray kept coming up with big service returns, eventually
winning the set with a down the line uncontested back hand winner.
"I had to work hard to make the right shot, Rajeev was getting to passing shots that nobody else has been getting to. It seemed like he would just stick out his racquet, and the ball would come back,” said Murray.
During the trophy ceremony, both the 18 year-old Murray and 21 year-old Ram were very gracious when thanking the Usta and tournament directors for their wildcard spots. They went out of their way to thank the families who had housed them through out the tournament. Up next for both players is the Indianapolis ATP Tournament where they have again received wildcard entries into the main draw.
In doubles finals, Eric Taino of Los Angeles and Nathan Healey of Australia won the Comerica
Challenger title defeating Noam Okun of Israel and Harel Levy of Israel
7-5, 7-6 (4). Levy and Okun showed veteran soft-touch shot making in a
tight match that could have gone either way. This was Taino’s and
Healey’s first tournament playing together as doubles partners. They
received $4650 for winning the Tournament. Okun and Levy received $2700.
$75,000 Comerica Challenger USTA Pro Circuit Aptos, Calif. Men Singles Finals Sunday Results Andrew Murray, Great Britain, def. Rajeev Ram, Carmel, Ind., 6-4, 6-3.
$75,000 Comerica Challenger Aptos, Calif. Men Doubles Finals Sunday Results
Eric Taino, Los Angeles Calif.,
and Nathan Healey, Australia, def.
For more information: Media contact: Peter Kepler
Tournament phone: (831)
254-4725
Club phone: (831) 688-1993 $75,000 Comerica Challenger
A USTA Pro Circuit Event at Seascape Sports Club, July 9-17
Andy Murray Dazzles Crowd at Comerica Challenger
The 18-year-old
Murray has been dazzling spectators all week long with
spectacular shot-making and calculated ball placement.
Murray started
playing tennis at age three with his four and a half year old
brother Jimmy in Dublane, Scotland. Recently, he captured
hearts at Wimbledon where he made it to the third round, losing
to 2002 Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian in five sets,
6-7 (4-7) 1-6 6-0 6-4 6-1. Nalbandian
is currently ranked No.19 in the world.
Murray
made if further
than any other
“There were not a lot
of people to play back in Scotland, so my brother and I hit all
the time. I started beating him at
The Comerica Challenger finals are also important to Rajeev Ram, the 19 year-old from Carmel, Ind., Ram defeated Noam Okun, of Israel, 6-3, 6-1. Rajeev’s world ranking has improved nearly 300 spots in his first full year on tour. He is now ranked No. 272. Ram plays from every spot on the court with confidence and fluidity.
“This has been a break-through week for me, I feel like I am playing tough tennis here.”
Okun
will play the Comerica Challenger doubles finals with fellow
countryman Harel Levy. They defeated Lukas
Dlouhy of the Czech
Republic and Bjorn Phau of Germany, 7-5, 6-3. Okun was also a
singles semifinalist at Seascape in 2002. The other doubles
finalists are Nathan Healey of Australia and
Eric Taino of Los Angeles.
USTA Pro Circuit Aptos, Calif. Men Singles Semifinals Saturday Results Rajeev Ram, Carmel, Ind., def., Noam Okun, Israel, 6-3, 6-1. Andrew Murray, Great Britain, vs. Bobby Reynolds, Acworth, Ga., 6-4, 6-3.
USTA Pro Circuit Aptos, Calif. Men Doubles Semifinals Saturday Results Eric Taino, Los Angeles, Calif., and Nathan Healey, Australia, def. Lukas Dlouhy, Czech Republic, and Bjorn Phau, Germany, 7-6(5), 6-3., Harel Levy, Israel, and Noam Okun, Israel def. Matias Boeker, Deerfield Beach, Fla., and John Isner, Greensboro, N.C., 6-4, 6-3.
USTA Pro Circuit Aptos, Calif. Men Doubles Finals Sunday Schedule of Play Not Before 1:00 p.m. Eric Taino, Los Angeles, Calif., and Nathan Healey, Australia vs. Harel Levy, Israel, and Noam Okun, Israel, Followed By Andrew Murray, Great Britain vs. Rajeev Ram, Carmel, Ind.
For more information: Media contact: Peter Kepler Tournament phone: (831) 254-4725 Tournament Desk: (831) 688-1919 Club phone: (831) 688-1993 http://seascapesportsclub.com/challenger/default.htm
$75,000 Comerica Challenger
A USTA Pro Circuit Event at Seascape Sports Club, July 9-17
“ I felt great about how I played except for the one time I lost my serve in the first set” said Murray. |
