HOUSTON, Texas – University of Illinois men's tennis player, Aron Hiltzik, earned a runner-up finish at the USA F31 Futures in Houston, Texas this weekend. The USTA-sanctioned event culminated on Sunday afternoon with the Illini junior falling to fellow-American, Wil Spencer in the final, 6-4, 6-3.
Hiltzik entered the tournament as a wild card and used four wins to advance to his first pro circuit final. Three of the Wilmette, Ill. native's wins came against seeded players, including the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, respectively. Before Sunday, Hiltzik had dropped only one set in the tournament, which came in the first round.
After returning to Champaign, Hiltzik and the Fighting Illini will return to the tennis court next weekend at the ITA Midwest Regional in Columbus, Ohio. The event, hosted by Ohio State University, is a five-day event with berths into the ITA National Indoor Championships at stake.
Full tournament draw
Tournament Results
First Round: [WC] Aron Hiltzik (USA) def. [Q] Evgeny Korolev (RUS) 7-5, 4-6, 7-5
Second Round: [WC] Aron Hiltzik (USA) def. [7] Takanyi Garanganga (ZIM) 6-2, 7-5
Quarterfinal: [WC] Aron Hiltzik (USA) def. [2] Connor Smith (USA) 7-5, 7-6(5)
Semifinal: [WC] Aron Hiltzik (USA) def. [3] Frederik Nielsen (DEN) 7-5, 6-4
Final: Wil Spencer (USA) def. [WC] Aron Hiltzik (USA) 6-4, 6-3
Head Coach Brad Dancer on Hiltzik's run in Houston
"I am incredibly excited for Aron. He's worked so hard and is a very determined young man. We felt after the ITA All-Americans that he needed to "get back on the horse" and he really had to fight through that first round. He showed great resiliency in that match. This was a progression for him, in where he is going. Thanks to all the team members that helped him this week."
About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched its Pro Circuit 36 years ago to provide players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. John Isner, Maria Sharapova, Sam Querrey, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.
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