Sandy or no Sandy, the Charlottesville Men’s Pro Challenger kicks off today at the Boar’s Head Spots Club. Matches begin at 10:00 am. Top qualifying seed Though he’s a Frenchman, Clement Reix is the 2012 US Open National Playoffs champion. He’ll take on Darian King in the final match of the day, who has won two Futures events in Mexico this year. Virginia native Michael Shabaz will battle Eric Quigley this afternoon as well.
The match between young Christian Harrison and UVA’s Jarmere Jenkins will be a closely-watched event. Jenkins will be a big crowd favorite due to Jenkins Cavalier blood lines, but the tricky 18-year-old who made his way to the third round of US Open men’s doubles has learned a thing or two about hostile environments. Harrison also made the semifinals at Lexngton and the Canada F8s earlier this year. When I caught up with Christian Harrison in Newport over the summer, I overheard John Isner call him “Little Harry”, and I’ll always remember him that way, even if he goes on to eclipse his brother and Big John.
Check out today’s Order of Play and the Qualifying Draw.
Assuming the lights stay on, main draw play will begin Monday and the tournament will conclude next weekend. I’ll be on-site from the quarterfinals through the finals.
–S. Fogleman
Tennis Atlantic 