Former Illini, Oliver Wins Thailand Open Doubles Title
October 4, 2004 | Men's Tennis
Oct. 4, 2004
Bangkok, Thailand - The 2000 NCAA Doubles champion is moving up in the world of doubles on the ATP Tour. Graydon Oliver and partner Justin Gimelstob took home the Thailand Open Doubles Championship Sunday afternoon by beating No. 1 player in the world Roger Federer and Yves Allegro 5-7, 6-4, 4-3.
"This tournament hosted one of the strongest doubles fields I have ever participated in," Oliver said. "Justin and I have been playing very well together. This week we really came together as a team and stepped it up when we needed to."
Oliver, who has been regarded as one of the better doubles players in the world, claimed his third ATP doubles title with the win in Thailand on Sunday. A couple weeks ago, Oliver won the China Open in Beijing, again teaming with Gimelstob. Though, his career has been stellar to this point, nothing can compare with the feeling of beating the best player in the world.
"I cannot describe how it feels to beat the number one player in the world. Federer has dominated tennis this year, winning three out of the four grand slams in singles," Oliver said. "I believe this win will stay with me for life."
