Smyczek Continues Rankings Climb, captures Knoxville Challenger Title
Tim Smyczek
Tim Smyczek took care of Peter Polansky, 6-4, 6-2, to capture his first challenger title of the year in Knoxville yesterday and continue his rise up the rankings. Milwaukee’s Smyczek is now inside the top 80 after starting the year outside the top 120.
Smyczek beat Fritz Wolmarans, his doubles partner Steve Johnson, Alex Kuznetsov and Tennys Sandgren to reach the final. The in-form Canadian Polansky beat Jack Sock, David Rice, Sanam Singh and Takanyi Garanganga to reach his 3rd consecutive final. However, for Polansky, it was also his second straight challenger final defeat. Nevertheless, he also moves to a career-high ranking this week.
—Steen Kirby, Tennis East Coast
