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Charlottesville Challenger Qualifying Begins Today; Saturday OOP

Posted by Admin on October 25, 2014
Posted in: ATP, ATP Challenger, Charlottesville, USTA, Virginia. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
Kudla Returns to Charlottesville

Kudla Returns to Charlottesville

It’s time for me to turn off Tennis Channel and go watch some live matches again. Tennis returns to the East Coast today, as 16 qualifying matches get underway at the stately Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, Virginia. Many fans will be thrilled to see the return of 2012 champion Denis Kudla, who skipped last year to compete in qualifying at the Paris Masters. Kudla might be the only one who isn’t thrilled to be here, as his ranking has flat-lined since Paris. This would be an opportune time for Kudla and others to ramp it up in time for the ‘Happy’ Slam.

Speaking of champs, defending champ Michael Russell returns to Charlottesville at 36 1/2 years old. Russell’s 2014 highlight was a berth in the semis at Memphis.

Summer Surpriser Sam Groth is also in Charlottesville. Groth dazzled in Newport by reaching his first ATP semifinal this summer before winning his first grand slam match at the US Open six weeks later.

Robby Ginepri will also be in town, looking to snatch another grand slam wild card from an up-and-comer.

I’m looking for the next generation to rise up during this Wild Card Challenge. Kudla, Stefan Kozlov, Dennis Novikov, Rhyne Williams, Chase Buchanan, Eric Quigley, Tennys Sandgren, Noah Rubin and the rest of the youngsters could turn the tables on Ginepri, Odesnik, Russell and Ram this year.

Aside from my American pride, the event will also serve as a timely test for players on the rise like Daniel Taro, Gastao Elias and Liam Broady.

Charlottesville always provides an interesting contrast to me after covering ATP events throughout the summer. It’s Pro Sports without the Pro Paycheck. A main draw entry earns you $520 and players carry their laundry around in their racket bags all week. Some spend their off-time looking to catch a ride to Knoxville, Tennessee, the site of the next challenger and Round 2 venue of the Australian Open Wild Card Challenge. The wild card is the real prize here, not the little trophy and the $7,200 paycheck to the winner. A leg up in the  Wild Card Challenge standings and a chance to play in the main draw in Melbourne motivates them all.

The USTA cheaped out in cancelling the AO Wild Card Playoffs in suburban Atlanta after a six year run. I jinxed it when I said in years past that it was the one thing the USTA did well. I always felt so conflicted complimenting the White Plains Trash, and I don’t have to anymore. The Playoffs always provided a packed house of fans and possessed a charged-up feeling, unlike these challengers, where you can hear a pin drop on center court even after match point. Perhaps the trio of Charlottesville, Knoxville and Champaign will get a small bump in attendance and on-line viewership. The Challengers and the excellent people who organize them and compete in them deserve that. But we all know that’s not going to happen. Thanks, USTA, for cancelling the only event you didn’t run into the ground. It’s now time to drown my sorrows in some quality live tennis in Central Virginia.

 

Charlottesville Facebook Page

CHARLOTTESVILLE MEN’S PRO CHALLENGER – CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, USA
$ 50,000.00
27 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2014

ORDER OF PLAY – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014
COURT 7 start 10:00
Qualifying

First Round
[1] L Lokoli (FRA) vs. B Schnur (CAN)
J Shane (USA) vs. R Bogaerts (BEL)
[WC] J Richmond (USA) vs. A Ritschard (SUI)
L Burton (GBR) vs. [7] S Bangoura (USA)
[2] K King (USA) vs. [WC] H Wiersholm (USA)
[WC] J Cornish (GBR) vs. E Elliott (USA)
A Carter (USA) vs. [WC] R Shane (USA)
J Dadamo (USA) vs. [5] M Giron (USA)
[3] D Nguyen (USA) vs. A Halebian (USA)
N Kryvonos (USA) vs. R Schneider (USA)
S Bader (AUT) vs. E King (USA)
[WC] L Corinteli (USA) vs. [6] J Spir (COL)
[4] M Willis (GBR) vs. N Rubin (USA)
[WC] J Aragone (USA) vs. B Lock (ZIM)
G Ouellette (USA) vs. M Reyes-Varela (MEX)
T Kwiatkowski (USA) vs. [8] F Nielsen (DEN)

Not Before 12:00 noon
Qualifying – [WC] J Richmond (USA) vs A Ritschard (SUI)
Qualifying – M Willis (GBR) vs N Rubin (USA)

Not Before 15:00
Qualifying – A Carter (USA) vs [WC] R Shane (USA)

Not Before 16:30
On First Available Court – Qualifying – [WC] J Aragone (USA) vs B Lock (ZIM)

COURT 9 start 10:00
Qualifying – L Lokoli (FRA) vs B Schnur (CAN)
Qualifying – D Nguyen (USA) vs A Halebian (USA)

Not Before 12:00 noon
Qualifying – J Dadamo (USA) vs M Giron (USA)
Qualifying – [WC] J Cornish (GBR) vs E Elliott (USA)

Not Before 15:00
Qualifying – [WC] L Corinteli (USA) vs J Spir (COL)

COURT 10 start 10:00
Qualifying – N Kryvonos (USA) vs R Schneider (USA)
Qualifying – G Ouellette (USA) vs M Reyes-Varela (MEX)

Not Before 12:00 noon
Qualifying – L Burton (GBR) vs S Bangoura (USA)
Qualifying – S Bader (AUT) vs E King (USA)

Not Before 15:00
Qualifying – K King (USA) vs [WC] H Wiersholm (USA)

 

—S. Fogleman

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2013 Knoxville Challenger (@KnoxChallenger) Preview, Predictions

Posted by Admin on November 4, 2013
Posted in: ATP, ATP Challenger, USTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

2013 Knoxville Challenger (@KnoxChallenger) Preview, Predictions

kxc_logo_final_long

Most of the Charlottesville Challenger participants and a few additions will make their way a little ways down the road to Rocky Top Tennessee for the Knoxville indoor challenger, a 50k USTA Pro Circuit Event.

Knoxville 2013 Challenger
USTA Pro Circuit/ATP Challenger Tour
Knoxville, TN, USA
November 3-November 10, 2013
Prize Money: $50,000

Top 8 Seeds
1: Tim Smyczek
2: Denis Kudla
3: Jack Sock
4: Michael Russell
5: Donald Young
6: Ryan Harrison
7: Rajeev Ram
8: Alex Kuznetsov

First round matchups to watch:

(3)Jack Sock vs. Peter Polansky

Jack Sock returns to the US to face an in-form Peter Polansky in an interesting battle. Sock last played European indoor events after Asia and has done nothing notable this fall. Polansky, meanwhile, made the final in Charlottesville and continues his good form but after a monumental punch in the gut collapse against Michael Russell in the final, Polansky could be mentally out of things for this one.

(6)Ryan Harrison vs. Rhyne Williams

Rhyne Williams, Tennis Jedi

The first meeting between these two Americans will take place in front of Williams’s home fans in Knoxville and he seems to be in good form after reaching the semis in Charlottesville. Harrison, like Sock, last played European indoors, and did nothing of note after playing Asia with the same result. I think Rhyne will knock him off here.

(4)Michael Russell vs. Jarmere Jenkins

Jarmere Jenkins

Jarmere Jenkins

Russell, the Charlottesville Champion, continues to maintain a top 100 ranking at an advanced age and continues to put together some great grinding tennis. This is a rematch from Charlottlesville and he beat Jenkins in straights but it was a competitive match. Russell puts in a lot of roadwork and Jenkins should be fresher and more experienced, thus it will be interesting to see if he can make inroads this time.

Top Half

Tim Smyczek, coming off an opening round loss in Charlottesville, will face a qualifier with Steve Johnson/Laurent Rochette on deck and one of Sam Groth/JP Smith/Max Neuchrist/Alex Kuznetsov awaiting the quarters of an out of form section. JP Smith is a former Tennessee Volunteer and will have local support.

Russell/Jenkins will play Ed Corrie or Jose Hernandez, with probably Harrison/Williams waiting in the quarters. Williams may face his best friend and former Tennessee teammate Tennys Sandgren in round 2 if Tennys beats Denys Molchanov.

Bottom Half

Denis Kudla is another American who last played European indoor tennis without making a splash. He will open with Rik De Voest, followed by a qualifier or Jarryd Chaplin, a local UT wild card who hails from Australia. Rajeev Ram, a pair of qualifiers, or Theodoros Angelinos await in the quarters. Angelinos is the highest ranked Greek player and upset Alex Kuznetsov in Charlottesville round 1.

Sock/Polansky will play Austin Krajicek/David Rice in round 2 with Donald Young/Saketh Myneni or Nils Langer/Brandon Fickey awaiting in the quarters. Fickey is another UT wild card and an American. Myneni and Young both made quarters in Charlottesville and are in good form.

Predictions

Semis
Williams d. Smyczek
Young d. Kudla

Final
Williams d. Young

Going with the local fave to take the title but again this Is a hard prediction to make with players who face each other a lot and have good and bad days on tour.

—Steen Kirby, Tennis East Coast

Michael Russell Comes Back From 0-5 3rd Set To Nab @CVilleTennis Crown

Posted by Admin on November 3, 2013
Posted in: ATP, ATP Challenger, Charlottesville, USTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Michael Russell Comes Back From 0-5 3rd Set To Nab @CVilleTennis Crown

Michael Russell, 2013 Charlottesville

It was a thrilling three set finish to an exciting week of tennis at the Boar’s Head Sports Club in Charlottesville as Peter Polansky and Michael Russell took it to the third breaker. Russell came back from down 0-5 in the 3rd set to force a tiebreak which he won at 5 for a 7-5, 2-6, 7-6(5) victory.

Before surviving Polansky in the final, Russell took out J.P. Smith and Tennys Sandgren in straights, Jarmere Jenkins in three and Jesse Levine in retirement.

Peter Polansky, 2013 Charlottesville Finalist

Polansky beat Noah Rubin and Rajeev Ram in straights and Donald Young and Rhyne Williams in three to reach the final. With the points, Polansky will reach a career high ranking tomorrow.

Tim Smyczek, Charlottesville
Singles Top Seed Tim Smyczek, who was upset in the first round, was able to take home a piece of hardware anyway. He and Steve Johnson conquered the doubles title with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Donald Young and Jarmere Jenkins.

Ron Manilla, Charlottesville Tournament Director

Ron Manilla, Charlottesville Tournament Director

I’d like to dub today’s exciting final ‘Manilla’s Thriller’.

Tournament Director Ron Manilla always runs a fantastic tournament, and as he always says, “See you next year!”

—Steve Fogleman, Tennis East Coast

It’s a @PPolansky/@MRussellTennis Final @CVilleTennis

Posted by Admin on November 2, 2013
Posted in: ATP, Charlottesville, USTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

It’s a @PPolansky/@MRussellTennis Final @CVilleTennis

I’m a Peter Polansky fan, but I’m an even bigger Rhyne Williams fan. So it was with mixed feelings that this match was played out in Charlottesville today. With big winners and some unforced errors by both, Polansky prevailed in three sets to advance to tomorrow’s Charlottesville final.

Russell as Iron Man

Russell as Iron Man

Later, Jesse Levine was forced to retire down a set in the second against Michael Russell, denying an All-Canadian final. Levine is a warrior and I can only hope that his abdominal injury heals in time for the Australian Open.

Tomorrow’s final will feature “Muscles” Russell, the man with the most titles on the USTA Pro Circuit against recent maiden title winner Polansky.

Jesse Levine, Charlottesville 2013

It worked out well that tournament organizers scheduled the singles matches to begin after 1:00 p.m., as the exciting Paris Masters semifinals consumed all of the oxygen in the World of Tennis on Saturday morning.

Tim Smyczek, 2013 Charlottesville

Tim Smyczek was upset in the first round of singles way back on Tuesday by Saketh Myneni, but he’ll still play for a title on the event’s final day. Along with teammate Steve Johnson, the tournament’s top ranked player will look for the doubles trophy against Jarmere Jenkins and Donald Young tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. EST.

You can catch all of the action with @MikeCTennis on the mic at the USTA livestream.

Viewers outside the United States are advised that Daylight Saving Time ends in the United States tomorrow.

Viewers inside the United States are advised that it is NOT called ‘Daylight Savings Time’.

Saturday, November 2 – RESULTS

Singles – Semifinals

[3] Michael Russell, United States, d Jesse Levine, Canada, 6-0, 3-1 (Retired)
Peter Polansky, Canada, d [7] Rhyne Williams, United States, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2
Doubles – Semifinals

Jarmere Jenkins, United States / Donald Young, United States, d [2] Austin Krajicek, United States / Tennys Sandgren, United States, 6-4, 5-7, 10-8

Steve Johnson, United States / Tim Smyczek, United States, d David Rice, Great Britain / Sean Thornley, Great Britain, 7-6(6), 6-2

Sunday, November 3 – SCHEDULE

Court 7 – starting at 1 PM

S Johnson (USA) / T Smyczek (USA) vs J Jenkins (USA) / D Young (USA)

[3] M Russell (USA) vs P Polansky (CAN) – Following the Awards Ceremony

—S. Fogleman

Russell, Polansky, Young, Jenkins Advance to Quarterfinals @CVilleTennis; Thursday’s OOP

Posted by Admin on October 30, 2013
Posted in: ATP, ATP Challenger, Charlottesville, USTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Russell, Polansky, Young, Jenkins Advance to Quarterfinals @CVilleTennis; Thursday’s OOP

Charlottesville Facebook Page

Fans at the Charlottesville Men’s Pro Tennis Challengers saw four straight setters on Wednesday. It was lightning-round tennis as the tournament became more streamlined and the singles field was whittled down to 12.

Michael Russell, Charlottesville

Michael Russell started things off with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Tennys Sandgren to advance to the quarters.

Peter Polansky followed up yesterday’s straight sets win with another one today. He dispatched 8 seed Rajeev Ram 7-5, 7-6(4) in what was actually the most competitive match on Wednesday.

Donald Young, Charlottesville

Donald Young had no problem disposing of Cavalier Mitchell Frank, 6-3, 6-4.

Jenkins

Jenkins

Jarmere Jenkins is a quarterfinalist to the delight of the UVa fans, even if it came at the expense of another Wahoo by a 6-2, 7-6 count. Jenkins, whose NCAA trophy maintains its permanent home within the venue, eased past the top Greek and former UVa player Theodoros Angelinos. Angelinos actually hit a ball through the roof in frustration in this match. Jenkins played a sloppy second set against good friend Angelinos.

Tomorrow’s anticipated highlights include the all-Canadian battle of Uncle Jesse Levine and protégé Filip Peliwo.

We’ll also see whether it is Chase Buchanan or India’s #5 player, Saketh Myneni, who will capitalize on the colossal three set wins they achieved yesterday.

Looking ahead to Friday: Donald Young will meet Peter Polansky for a spot in the semis and Michael Russell gets Jarmere Jenkins. Given the recent form of Young and Polansky, I believe that the winner of that match ends up in the Charlottesville final.

ORDER OF PLAY – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
COURT 7 start 11:00 AM
[7] R Williams (USA) vs [Q] K King (USA)

Not Before 12:00 noon
D Molchanov (UKR) vs [2] S Devvarman (IND)
S Johnson (USA) / T Smyczek (USA) vs C Ball (AUS) / P Polansky (CAN)

Not Before 3:30 pm
A Kuznetsov (USA) / R Williams (USA) vs [WC] T Angelinos (GRE) / M Shabaz (USA)

Not Before 5:30 pm
S Devvarman (IND) / S Singh (IND) or [WC] M Frank (USA) / M Styslinger (USA) vs [2] A Krajicek (USA) / T Sandgren (USA)
S Myneni (IND) vs C Buchanan (USA)

COURT 9 start 12:00 noon
F Peliwo (CAN) vs J Levine (CAN)

Not Before 3:00 pm
J Levine (CAN) / D Molchanov (UKR) vs J Jenkins (USA) / D Young (USA) – After Appropriate Rest

—S. Fogleman

@BBTAtlantaOpen Day 5: Hewitt Outlasts Williams; Falla, Karlovic Suffer Bogota Hangover; Dodig Dogged Over Berankis; Blake, Russell Advance

Posted by Admin on July 25, 2013
Posted in: Atlanta, ATP, BB&T Atlanta Open. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

BB&TAtlanta Open Day 5: Hewitt Outlasts Williams; Falla, Karlovic Suffer Bogota Hangover; Dodig Dogged Over Berankis; Blake, Russell Advance

Hewitt Wed ATL 2013

Atlanta, July 24, 2013—Lleyton Hewitt outgritted Rhyne Williams 7-6, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the BB&T Atlanta Open. Rusty Hewitt went up early 5-3, but Rhyne would rely on his serve and power baselining to bring him back to 6-all. In the tiebreak, he went up 6-2 but Rusty fought back, as he always does, eventually taking it 8-6. He was helped by a Williams double fault along the way. In the 2nd set, Rhyno didn’t let up though, continuing to remain focused and hammering away. Just like his match yesterday, Hewitt broke in the final game of the match after a bit of hassle and took it 6-4.

I also will point out Rhyne’s much improved on court attitude. After having developed a reputation for self-beratement and broken racquets, he literally made almost no non-tennis ball hitting sounds on court today or in his match against Denis Kudla. He’s remained calm and focused, even when broken or when making a technical mistake. A+ for attitude.

Ivo

Ivo

The Bogota finalists both suffered losses today. Ivo Karlovic was downright sleep-inducing against Matt Ebden. He was broken twice, against all odds, and just couldn’t do it today. Karlo called the trainer, who checked his heartbeat, and he retired at the end of the set to advance the Aussie qualifier to Round 2.

Harrison Post Match

Harrison Post Match

Alejandro Falla played a longer match, but also was upset, losing in 3 sets to Christian Harrison, for Harrison’s first career ATP main draw match win 6-1, 6-7, 6-2. The younger Harrison sprinted out to a strong lead, but the Colombian would play a cleaner, more competitive second set. Midway into that set, however, he called the trainer and got his legs stretched out. The tiebreak and the games proceeding it were incredibly close, with multiple games going to deuce, but the Colombian survived before running out of gas in Set 3 and allowing a fresher Harrison to push his way over the hump.

Harrison carries around a great attitude on and off court, and especially today. He was incredibly courteous interacting with fans and took plenty of time to do so. This seems to be his modus operandi and he is a great up and coming ambassador for the pro game.

Ivan Dodig was dogged against a bipolar Ricardas Berankis 6-1, 6-7, 6-3. Rycka was atrocious in the first set, similar to his start against Zverev the day before, but somehow finished differently and played to his talent level in the 2nd set. He came up with some incredible shots to keep the match alive and take the 2nd set. The problem is that he once again could not maintain that level of play. His typical form would be an amazing moving winner followed by a limp drop shot into the net and a shanked forehand. The passing shots were dynamic between the pair and the match ended on a great volley point/incredible drop shot by Dodig. The Croatian was so pleased with his win after the match that he gave his wristband to a young fan, who was originally just seeking an autograph.

Blake Chats With A Baby

Blake Chats With A Baby

James Blake won in 3 tight sets over Tim Smyczek, who tried being tenacious but just wasn’t quite as good, Blake winning 7-6, 4-6, 7-6. Michael Russell did the same, finishing up a comeback win over Comeback Kid Mardy Fish 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. Fish did not play poorly at all It was just Russell who played extremely well and believe me, they battled. Both of them would have beaten a lot of ATP regulars in their current form today.

In doubles, Guccione/Hewitt got by  Gonzalez/Lipsky 3-6 7-6 10-2, Ram/Skupski  beat Inglot/Moser 6-4 6-4 and Blake/Sock edged Demoliner/Sa 7-5, 7-6, 10-6.

—Steen Kirby

Michael Russell On a Roll @TennisHalloFame @MRussellTennis

Posted by Admin on July 13, 2013
Posted in: ATP, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Michael Russell is 35. And he’s playing the best tennis of his career. He was clearly ebullient about his win yesterday, an upset victory over 3-seed Igor Sijsling, and obviously looking forward to his 2nd career semifinals. His first semis appearance was only 15 months ago in his hometown of Houston at the Clay Court Championships at River Oaks. Which is another great venue by the way, if you’ve never been. Albeit in an irrepressible, sweltering, vast and barren Metropolitan Area, much unlike Newport. But I digress.

After his Challenger victory in Manta, Ecuador, last Saturday and the long commute to New England, you’d think Russell would be beat. But as you can see, he hasn’t lost a step. This press conference occurred less than five minutes after the man walked off the court following a grueling 3-setter in singles. He was out the door and playing a match no more than 8 minutes later with doubles partner Denis Kudla.

The best part was when he mentioned that his wife was in the crowd, but knew when to leave–in the third set.

‘Muscles’ Russell has a big chance to commandeer the day tomorrow, due to the scrubbing of all matches at the tournament today. He and Nico Mahut have been relegated to Court 1 at 10:00 a.m., while the other semi-finalists will simultaneously do battle on Center Court in front of a packed house and a Tennis Channel audience. If Muscles pulls another upset, you’ll see him live on Center Court at 2:00 p.m. going for his first ATP pro title. Good luck to @MRussellTennis! Though I do miss the days of yore with @djmruss.

—S. Fogleman

They Don’t Call It the Hall of Fame For Nothing: 30-Somethings Abound @TennisHalloFame #ATPNewport

Posted by Admin on July 12, 2013
Posted in: ATP, Newport. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
Isner Crashes the 30+ Party

Isner Crashes the 30+ Party

The two tallest players on tour battled it out today at the Hall of Fame Championships. Isner, at 81 inches and 28 years, prevailed over Ivo Karlovic, at 82 inches and 34 years, by a count of 7-6(3), 7-6(3).

Bur this numbers game isn’t about inches.

Isner earns the right to likely face 32-year-old Lleyton Hewitt in the semis tomorrow. That is, unless Hewitt is upset by 34-year-old Jan Hernych. The winner of that half of the draw is bound to face a wily veteran in the final, as 31-year-old Nicolas Mahut and 35-year-old Michael Russell await.

For the third time this season, we are guaranteed at least three players over 30 in the semis of an ATP event after Halle and Den Bosch. According to the ATP, there has never been four 30-somethings in the semis since complete ATP records were kept.

Isner kept Newport out of the history books in that regard and spoiled a perfectly good party at the Pro Tennis Nursing Home.

Muscles Russell Books 2nd Career Semi-Final @TennisHalloFame #ATPNewport

Posted by Admin on July 11, 2013
Posted in: ATP, Newport. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment
Michael Russell, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6

Michael Russell, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6

35-year-old Michael Russell ground out a 7-6 (3), 6-7(6), 7-6(5) win over Igor Sijsling at the Tennis Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, RI in a 2 hour, 40 minute match today. Russell slipped on the slick grass throughout the match, but allowed Sijsling only 3 break points on 12 opportunities. For Russell, it’s his 2nd career ATP semifinal, with the first coming in Houston last year.

Russell was so exhausted after the match that he failed in two attempts to send balls into the stands for fans.

Russell will face the winner of the Nicolas Mahut/Michal Przysiezny match which followed his win. Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday after Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies.

2013 @TallyChallenger Tuesday Recap: Kuznetsov and Odesnik Keep Wild Card Race Alive, Jeong Upsets Russell

Posted by Admin on April 30, 2013
Posted in: Tallahasee Challenger, USTA. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

2013 @TallyChallenger Tuesday Recap: Kuznetsov and Odesnik Keep Wild Card Race Alive, Jeong Upsets Russell

 

Kuznetsov apres-match

Kuznetsov apres-match

Alex Kuznetsov and Wayne Odesnik kept the French Open Wild Card race alive for another round as both advanced today in Tallahassee. Kuznetsov looked sluggish at the start against a shot-spotting Jack Sock, but recovered in the 2nd and 3rd sets for a 3-6 6-2 6-3 win. Sock hit the ball well, but his footwork failed him as he was slipping and stumbling on the clay on which he obviously wasn’t used to playing.

Odesnik won a back and forth battle with Denys Molchanov 4-6 6-3 6-4, similar to their previous 3 set match in Sarasota 2 weeks ago. Odesnik is usually quite a rowdy player, but it was Molchanov who provided the spark and spice this time, yelling at himself, and at times, towards his girlfriend sitting in the stands, in Ukrainian, and doing enough physical monologuing to qualify as an announcer for his own match. He may well have found a future career. He also hurled his racquet into the fence after being broken in the 3rd set. Both guys had struggles holding serve at times

Harry the Younger advances Easily

Harry the Younger advances Easily

The Harrison brothers both grabbed wins: Christian the Younger over Steve Johnson 7-6 6-1, in a match with 1 competitive set and then a letdown from Johnson. The air really came out of his game after losing the opening set tiebreak, and similar to Jack Sock, he struggled with his surface footwork and just didn’t look comfortable moving around

Ryan the Elder found himself in a much tighter match with Taro Daniel, 6-3 6-7 7-6. Daniel showed a lot of big game to hang with the number 2 seed and ATP regular, but Harrison just had that little bit of extra skill that put him over the top in the key moments

Suk-Young Jeong upset top seed Michael Russell 7-6 6-3, as his coaching team cheered him on. Both players were hesitant to get overly aggressive, but Russell never seemed comfortable and was totally out of sorts the entire match, exclaiming loudly near the end “it’s so different than last week!”

In other singles action, Frank Dancevic got past Ilija Bozoljac 7-5 6-3, Tim Smyczek scooted past Greg Jones, who struggled on serve, 6-3 7-5,  and Bradley Klahn rolled past Nico Barrientos 6-3 6-2. Mischa Zverev handled Nikolosz Basilashvili 6-4 6-0, Peter Polansky was in a good mood as he finished off Dominic Cotrone 6-2 6-4 and Donald Young struggled a bit with Michael Venus’ serve but Young cracked the code and advanced 7-5 6-4.

Klahn

Klahn

In the night cap, Denis Kudla struggled a bit on serve but held strong from the baseline and beat Somdev Devvarman 7-6 6-4, Devvarman giving away the breaks he did have in the match

The match of the day in terms of ball striking alone would have to be Facundo Arguello’s 7-5 7-6 win over Reid Carleton. Both players dealt with burning sun and scorching heat as a visibly tired Arguello labored away against a gritty Carleton. Both players were throwing missiles at each other and grunting loudly. Arguello is also quite a verbalizer and was snapping at his coach in Spanish after almost every point, during changeovers and everything else. Carleton countered with “c’mons” of his own but just didn’t quite have enough to beat the skilled Argentine

In doubles Rice/Thornley beat Gonzales/Letcher 1-6 6-2 10-6, Jones/Polansky beat Barrientos/Molchanov 6-4 6-7 10-6, C. Harrison/Venus beat Bucaro/Lock 6-3 6-4, Kante/Takura beat Saleh/Santiago 6-4 6-4 and Basilashvili/Melzer beat Reed/Sock 4-6 6-3 10-7.

—Steen Kirby