June 16, 2007

Loomis, Calif. - Junior Kevin Anderson prevailed in straight sets over former Illini Ryler DeHeart, 6-4, 6-4, today in the semifinals of the USA F12 Futures Tournament in Loomis, Calif. Anderson was able to seal two pivotal breaks in both frames to advance into his fifth final of his career.

Anderson now battles for his first American Futures singles event title of his career at the 2007 Recoating West, Inc. USTA Men's 15,000 Professional Tennis Tournament when he faces No. 5-seeded and 367-ranked Scoville Jenkins of the United States at 10 a.m. (PT) at Stadium Court.

Jenkins comes into the final having downed fellow American Fritz Wolmarans, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, in a thrilling three-set semifinal of his own. An up-and-coming American, Jenkins is having the best results of the season, with his previous best coming at the U.S.A. F6 in Texas on March 5 when he advanced to the semifinals. Jenkins has been in one final since turning pro in 2004 and went on to win that crown in 2006 at the U.S.A. F2 in Kissimmee, Fla., on January 16.

In Anderson's two most recent finals appearances, the Illini junior fell in three sets to higher-ranked opponents. Anderson has won only one previous title on the Futures circuit, that coming in 2004 at the Botswana F1, when he defeated two players ranked in the top 200, including Wesley Whitehouse (USA), 6-7(1), 6-4, 7-6(13) in the finals.

Heading into the contest, the momentum is all on Anderson's racquet as he recently defeated Jenkins in the qualifying draw at Yuba City last weekend, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. There, Anderson advanced all the way into the main draw round of 32 before ending his run.

In other Summer Circuit news, junior Ryan Rowe took care of business at the 2007 Trius Technologies 15,000 USA F13 Futures event in Sacramento, Calif., downing Nicolas Meister of the United States, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. Rowe will face No. 7-seeded Miles Armstrong of Australia in the second round of qualifying tomorrow. Armstrong moved into the second round after defeating Ryan Recht (USA), 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2.

For a full recap of tomorrow's action and results, visit www.fightingillini.com.