Qualifying Singles Draw

URBANA, Ill.  – Five current, former, and incoming Illini are set to begin play at the 2018 Fighting Illini Open, a USTA Pro Circuit event held at the Atkins Tennis Center. Qualifying singles play begins on Saturday morning with a former and current Illini participating in the draw. The singles main draw will commence on Tuesday morning, where four players will represent the orange and blue. 

"We are thrilled again to be the host," said Head Coach Brad Dancer. "This event provides a catalyst for the biggest stages in the world. It is ironic that Kevin (Anderson) just finished up his run at Wimbledon because he got his start playing dozens of Futures tournaments in the past. You do not know who may be coming through this weekend, but every star gets their start at the Futures level."

In Saturday's qualifying singles draw, incoming freshman Lucas Horve will make his debut at Atkins as he competes for a spot in the main draw that will begin Tuesday morning.

In the main draw, former Illini and four-time All-Big Ten honoree, Aron Hiltzik, will return to his home collegiate court to compete in the Fighting Illini Open. Rising sophomore, Alex Brown, along with rising juniors Zeke Clark and Aleks Kovacevic will also compete in the singles main draw.

A perfect combination of top-notch tennis and community involvement, the Fighting Illini Open kicks off the Illinois Swing, a three-city USTA circuit tournament series throughout the state of Illinois. Following the Champaign-Urbana Futures, players will make stops in Decatur and Edwardsville. Admission is free for all Fighting Illini Open matches throughout the tournament.

About the USTA Pro Circuit

With more than 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $15,000 to $125,000, 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 39 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 more than $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova, John Isner, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, Victoria Azarenka, and Sam Querrey and are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit. Follow the USTA Pro Circuit at #USTAProCircuit and www.procircuit.usta.com.

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