Hiltzik, Kopinski Capture Doubles Title at Israel F6 Futures
May 12, 2017 | Men's Tennis
Akko, ISRAEL – Former Fighting Illini All-Americans Jared Hiltzik and Tim Kopinski earned the doubles title at the Israel F6 Futures in Akko, Israel on Friday. The doubles title is the first for the Illini duo on the professional circuit.
Hiltzik and Kopinski opened the tournament as the No. 1-overall seed. The round of 16 saw the pair defeat the Israeli duo of Amit Gabreal and Jordan Hasson, 6-4, 6-4. Quarterfinal play produced a straight-set, 6-4, 6-4 victory over the Polish team of Nowak and Wojcik. The former Illini players dominated No. 3 seeds Pulgar-Garcia and Silverman in semifinal play with a 6-1, 6-1 win.
Today's final pitted Hiltzik and Kopinski against No. 4-seeded Connor Farren and Joshua Paris. After a first set tiebreak that the Illini pair took 9-7, a solid 6-1 second set win clinched the match and title for Hiltzik and Kopinski.
The doubles title is the second professional title for Hiltzik this year after winning the USA F12 Futures singles title earlier this year. The title is the second of Kopinski's career after winning the 2014 Champaign Challenger doubles title with current volunteer assistant coach, Ross Guignon.
Brad Dancer's Thoughts
"I am super excited for TK {Tim Kopinski} and J {Jared Hiltzik} for taking the title. TK had been in so many finals but couldn't get over the hump without his buddy, Geezy, so he finally got the {Ross} Guignon monkey off his back. I know they are fired up for next week too."
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