Kuznetsov Wins 2011 JSM Challenger Singles Title

American Alex Kuznetsov (pictured) has won the 2011 JSM Challenger Singles Title. The unseeded Kuznetsov raced to a fast start and ran way with the match, beating Rik de Voest of South Africa 6-1, 6-3. It is the first win for an unseeded player in Champaign since Jesse Levine won in 2007. Kuznetsov took full advantage of the break point opportunities he earned on de Voest's serve and was able to dictate play from the baseline. The win is Kuznetsov's first Challenger singles title of 2011 and points he earned will boost his ranking and will position him well for entry into the 2012 Australian Open qualifying draw.

De Voest, van der Merwe Earn Doubles Championship

The South African duo of Rik de Voest and Izak van der Merwe earned a hard fought victory over No. 1 seeds, Martin Emmrich and Andreas Siljestrom, to capture the JSM Challenger doubles title. Both teams exhibited brilliant volleying skills in quick volley exchanges at the net. However, in the end, the No. 4 seeds raced out to a quick lead in the match tiebreak and earned the title. It is the second JSM Challenger doubles title for both de Voest and van der Merwe. However it is their first title as teammates. The win was a historic one for de Voest, as it is his 35th career ATP Challenger doubles title, the most all time.

Thank You to our Fans, Volunteers, Patrons, and Sponsors

Tournament organizers would like to thank the many fans, ball runners, ushers, and patrons who make the JSM Challenger possible. We would especially like to thank our tournament sponsors including JSM, Hawthorn Suites, Car-X, the Mettler Center, and the USTA. Without your continued contributions to the JSM Challenger, this event would not be the second longest running men's Challenger on the USTA Pro Circuit. Again, thank you to everyone who makes this tournament possible and we look forward to seeing you again in 2012.

 
 
 

Main Draw Singles - Final
Rik de Voest (RSA)
1
3
-
Alex Kuznetsov (USA) *
6
6
-
 
The match-up for the 2011 JSM Challenger singles final is set: South African, Rik de Voest, against American, Alex Kuznetsov. Both players are vying for their first JSM Challenger singles title. The players have met four times previously with de Voest winning three of the contests. In their last meeting, de Voest won a high percentage of points on his second serve which was critical in him winning the match. However, de Voest has played nearly twice as many sets this week given that he is also in the doubles final. Look for the match to showcase both players' shot-making abilities from the baseline and the player who can make the biggest shot on pressure points to take the title.
 
Check the 'Results' page link above for the latest tournament results.