Nov. 12, 2006
URBANA, Ill. - University of Illinois Sophomore Marc Spicijaric had his chances, but couldn't convert in a three set loss to 7th seeded Wesley Whitehouse in the second round of qualifying at the USTA Challenger of Champaign-Urbana at the Atkins Tennis Center. Spicijaric also had numerous break points in the third set as Whitehouse dealt with a bout of dizziness, but was unable to finish off the South African veteran.
"I had my chances, but he just came up with some great shots," said the gracious Spicijaric. "It can only give me confidence though. He's beaten a former world #1 in Marat Safin, and I was serving for the match against him. I just have to take advantage of my opportunities, especially against a player of his caliber."
U of I Head Coach Brad Dancer also had a chance to watch his highly touted freshmen play in a Qualifying doubles match. But Billy Heiser and Sasha Kharkevitch struggled after a couple of close line calls, as they fell to the Ohio State duo of Chris Klingemann and Bjorn Munroe, 4-6, 6-0, 10-1. "I got really frustrated after those calls," said Heiser. "Sasha really played well, but I lost it for a bit. They served a little better too, but we could have won that second set."
One of their teammates highlights the beginning of Main Draw play on Monday evening, as Junior Kevin Anderson takes on Todd Widom in a match scheduled to start at approximately 4:30PM. Anderson last year became the first current University of Illinois athlete to win a Main Draw match when Jan-Michael Gambill defaulted in their first set.
"At the end of the day," Anderson says, "it's great just to get that experience, whether it be a final, or a first round. I've got to be ready. I'm going to focus on my game, and go out there and do what I need to do to get a win. It's going to be a good match."
Three members of the 2003 National Champion University of Illinois Men's tennis team spent the day preparing for their opening round matches. Rajeev Ram and Brian Wilson begin their play on Monday, while Amer Delic opens on Tuesday. Ram has one more tournament scheduled after Champaign, but this is a fun one for him to have at the end of the year. "It's sometimes tough to get motivated at the end of the season," he said, "but it's always great to play somewhere comfortable at the end of the year. There's all sorts of extra motivation all around." Ram takes on Jeff Salzenstein at approximately 6:30PM, while Wilson takes on #2 seed Robert Kendrick at 8PM.
In other qualifying play on Sunday, 2nd seed Brendan Evans dominated Chris Wettengel, 6-2, 6-4. Former Iowa Hawkeye Tyler Cleveland also moved on to the qualifying round with a straight set win over Brian Koniecko. Top seed Jamie Baker also advanced with a victory over Tigran Martirosyan. A full draw and order of play are available at www.illinoischallenger.com.
MEDIA NOTE: Mark Philippoussis has not yet arrived in Champaign, but his Tuesday night appearance is still highly anticipated by both tournament officials and fans.
DAY TWO RESULTS:
QUALIFYING SINGLES
2nd Round:
#1 Jamie Baker (GBR) def. Tigran Martirosyan (ARM) 6-3, 6-3
Tim Smyczek (USA) def. #5 Phillip King (USA) 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (5)
#2 Brendan Evans (USA) def. Chris Wettengel (USA) 6-2, 6-4
#7 Wesley Whitehouse (RSA) def. Marc Spicijaric (USA) 2-6, 7-5, 7-3
Steven Moneke (GER) def. Chris Klingemann (USA) 7-5, 6-3
Izak Van Der Merwe (RSA) def. #6 Horia Tecau (ROM) 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-2
#4 Tyler Cleveland (USA) def. Bryan Koniecko (USA) 6-4, 6-4
Nikita Kryvonos (USA) def. Eric Taino (PHI) 6-4, 6-1
QUALIFYING DOUBLES
1st Round:
Chris Klingemann (USA)/Bjorn Munroe (BAH) def. Billy Heiser/Sasha Kharkevitch (USA) 4-6, 6-0, (10-1)
QUOTES:
Marc Spicijaric on the theatrics by his opponent Wesley Whitehouse:
"It's not that bad. I knew it was going to happen before the match started. I don't think I let it get to me that much."
Billy Heiser on what he gained from the week: "I played for two years on the Futures and Challenger circuit, so I'm used to the atmosphere. But it definitely changes it up for the guys on the team. We're focused a lot better. It's good for all of us."
Rajeev Ram on where his game is at after a four month injury: "At the beginning of the year, I was at a different state. I was getting things rolling before the injury. Now I'm finally starting to play up to my ability again. This offseason, I'm going to get set with my conditioning, and hopefully have a good start to 2007."
Highlighted Matches for Monday:
4:30PM - Kevin Anderson vs. Todd Widom
6PM - Brandon Davis/Marc Spicijaric vs. Ilia Bozoljac/Dusan Vemic
6:30PM - Rajeev Ram vs. Jeff Salzenstein
8PM - Brian Wilson vs. No. 2 Robert Kendrick
